Happy Birthday.....to me

This is my birthday weekend.  All I have planned is a couple of naps and a lot of snacking. I may even have a full strength coca-cola.....not diet....not caffeine free.   Keeping it simple. 

But you guys know I always like to give away something on my birthday. 

I am really trying to support some locally owned businesses.....they need it ..... I know everyone needs it, but it is something about your personal family relying on selling the items in your shoppe that feels urgent and pressing. I was going to select my favorite locally owned store, but since you guys live all over I thought it best for the winners to select one in their own home town.

So two of you will win a $25 gift card to a local business of your choice. 

Here's how you can win.....

1) subscribe to the blog (if you already subscribe, you are entered)
2) shout out your favorite local store in the comments here
3) go to my Instagram post and shout out your favorite locally owned store in the comments there

I will randomly select the winner on Sunday (My birthday) at noon CST and announce it here on Monday.

Have a great weekend!  I certainly plan to!

Essential Oils

For years I have been around people who carry their essential oils in the purse.  People who offer me a dab of this for a headache or a dab of that for an energy boost.  I always thought is was interesting, but never really took time to understand it.  But, hey, I have had a lot of time over the last few months and someone I really trusted offered me the opportunity to try them out and learn.

So I received my first oils and we have been diffusing away.  The initial kit I ordered has these oils

We immediately got started with a bright citrusy mix of lime, tangerine and lemon in the kitchen

It really was energizing and lovely.

We have more coming and I am reading all I can to understand the uses and what to diffuse for what.

I'll keep you posted on our progress.

See you back on Friday.

Memorial Day - Retail

All the retailers are climbing out of the quarantine hole....they are trying to make a comeback and I am cheering them on.  Many are having great sales this weekend.  Whether you are staying in or venturing out.....here's a few things to get the retail juices flowing

Gap is having 50% off everything with code WARM.  Maybe you'd like this little number

Tiered T-Shirt Dress

Target has quite a few things to offer including sandals are buy one get one free

Winona Sandal

Jenny Slides

Mark and Graham has many items 20% off with code SUMMER including

Fringe Stripe Tote

Anthropologie is having 50% off sale items

Poe Layered Necklace

Have a wonderful weekend.

I will see you back here on Wednesday.

Spring Flowers

I have been wanting to get to the nursery and pick out some plants for the front steps.  I called a few about doing a curbside pickup, but they asked me ridiculous questions like what plants I wanted......apparently red, pretty, blooming are not actual kinds of plants.  Details...details.  I don't know the names of many plants.  I just walk through, see what I like, read the care tag and make a decision. So the nice lady suggested I come at the opening hour. She said there's hardly anyone here.  She suggested I would be the only one or one of a few customers who come at that time.


Literally, I was in and out in 15 minutes.

My little great nephew got to come over last week and he really enjoyed wearing his uncles hat and getting the planting done.

We are all spending more time at home.....let's make them as lovely as we can.

I have a few other projects going that I can't wait to update you on.

Hope the week is going well for you. See you back on Friday.

Peloton

At the beginning of the quarantine everyone started doing two things.....baking bread AND ordering Pelotons.  We jumped on both of those trains.  Let me tell you if you are going to bake bread, you'd better figure out a way to exercise.

When we first ordered our bike they estimated it might be August when we received it......it came the next week.  They normally come in, get it connected to the internet and make sure all the set up is done for you.  With all the restrictions in place they pulled up to our house, grabbed it out of the back of a truck and set it on our front porch.  No worries, we have children....built in tech support.

Peloton

The girls had it up and running within 20 minutes. We all have our own profile so the bike keeps up with who is riding, our favorite instructors and what progress we are making

They offer all kinds of packages the most basic being the bike, set-up and a 1 year warranty.  You should choose your package based on how many people in your home will be riding and how many pairs of shoes you will need.  The shoes clip into the pedals so you are going to need them.

I gotta tell you the seat just about took me out.  I didn't think I was going to be able to handle it so we also ordered

Zacro Gel Seat

The extra padding definitely helped.  They also recommended you put a mat under the bike to protect the flooring so we also ordered this

Floor Mat

I road like this for about a week but I needed some additional padding and my family was kind enough to get me some padded bike shorts for Mother's Day

Canari Padded Bike Shorts

If I can advise one thing.....GET THE PADDED SHORTS!!!!!!

Ok, now let me tell you about the ride.  You all already know.  I don't like exercise.  I don't feel energized or motivated from it.  I have never experienced that adrenaline surge nor ever gotten into the zone.  But I know it is good for me so just like broccoli.....I have it in my life.

Here's what I like about the Peloton experience

1) It is quiet, very quiet.  So we all can pretty much ride at any time without disturbing anyone else in the house.

2) It is very convenient.  Really, there's no excuse.  It is RIGHT there.

3) Variety - there are live classes, there are on demand classes, there are tons of different exercise lengths to choose anything from 10 minutes to 90 minutes.  Plus there are scenic rides.  I really love the scenic rides.  You can choose national parks, all parts of the world, bike trails, street rides, you name it.  I have taken a ride in Australia and China and several US National Parks.

4) Community - You can always see who is doing the class or ride you are also doing.  I don't know why but it somehow helps to know others are there with you, pushing through, getting it done.

5) Not just cycling - there are also other classes you can take, stretching, arms, yoga, core and other strength classes.  I have tried a couple of three of those and like them too.

When you are doing something you don't really love it helps to have variety.  So far it is at least holding my attention. And I am riding quite a bit more than even I anticipated I would.

This class almost took me out

This is Alex and he doesn't play around.  He's one of the kid's favorites and that should have been my warning that he was going to be tough.

Hopefully I can keep it up.

Have a wonderful week!!!!

Retail Success

I have been ordering a lot of things on line....a whole lot.  Today I want to share a few things that have proven very successful for me.  And who knows maybe you could use them too

When we first started this stay at home thing I think it was literally 2 weeks straight before I left the house.  I was inside, blinds closed, excelling at quarantine.  Hey, I'm a pretty much all or nothing kind of person.  So I totally quarantined.  My family got out and did some walks around the neighborhood. I did not.

So this is not that unusual from my normal life.  I am far from being an outdoor girl.  But at least I got  little sunshine through the car window and while walking across a parking lot.  My husband kept trying to encourage me to go outside......yeah, I'm good in here, but thanks.

He started in on me about my Vitamin D.....well he had a point so I started taking these

Daily Vitamin D

I know it is not as good as the real thing, but it is a start.  Since the first two weeks I have gotten out a little more, but I am still taking the supplement.....

and then, I was seeing myself on Zoom and Microsoft Teams and I was borderline translucent.  I thought I was probably scaring people so I ordered this

Tan-Luxe

This is one that you mix a few drops in with your normal moisturizer.  I got the medium/dark for the body.  They also make one for the face, but I started with this one.  I love it.  The smell is very minor, dare I say, even pleasant and it works.  I saw immediate results and if I ever wear a dress in public again, I am ready.

So I know many of you are missing your regular nail appointments.  I don't do regular nail appointments, but I really needed to get my feet ready for a sandal.  I saw this stuff and thought it sounded wonderful.  

Farmhouse Fresh Pedi Sampler

This is a little sample kit of their best pedi products.  You get the Honey Heel Glaze^® (foot serum made with sweet Texas honey), lightweight Honey Lavender Sea Salt Scrub, and Honey-Chai Steeped Milk Lotion^® (a gorgeous, spiced-milk infusion of organic coconut milk and sultry cardamom).

Y'all, I am now officially obsessed with that Honey Heel Glaze.  I can't describe it.  It is wonderful.  I really like all the products, but I am for sure ordering a full size of the Honey Heel Glaze. Although, the little sample pot will last me quite a while.  Go ahead and treat your feet.

I am also treating myself to this right now

Coconut Cream Shea Butter Bar

My hands were taking a beating with all the hand washing.  I am loving the way this soap leaves my hands feeling....clean but not dried out.  Game changer.

So there are just a few things that are making these days a little more tolerable. Take care of yourself!

Have a great weekend.

April Book Review

Welcome to the April Book Review.  I read quite a variety of books this month.  I am certain you can find one or two.....or maybe four that you might also enjoy.

First up,



The Chocolatier by Jan Moran
Celina's husband mysteriously dies.  She reaches out to his family from whom he has long been estranged.  Celina will uncover so many things about his family, about herself, about life and the future she could never have planned.  This is a great story and it all centers around the most delicious chocolate factory.  Not only will you enjoy the story you may find yourself drooling over all the yumminess described.

and then

Amy Snow by Tracy Rees.
Aurelia finds a naked baby in the snow.  She takes the baby to her home where her parents agree to let the baby stay but as a servant.  Aurelia, however, always treats her as a little sister and a friend. Upon Aurelia's death at the early age of 23 she leaves the baby, Amy Snow, an inheritance and an adventure of a lifetime.

next up....buckle in for



The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.

Ok, now this one has some super hard subject matter.  It would qualify in the rated R category I am pretty sure.  About 80% of the story is not graphic and gory.  It is well written.  You definitely get engaged with the characters right away.  But there are a few scenes you might turn the pages quickly.
Mikael Blomkvist is a journalist who gets convicted of libel and faces prison time.  He gets hired by the Vander family to uncover some family secrets.  Mikael enlists the help of Lisbeth Salander who has a past beyond comprehension but is a brilliant researcher.  The story unfolds in ways you could never guess.  There are two more books in this series....and yes, I am off to book two.

lastly




Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins.

Emma's mother dies and she is taken in by her Grandmother Genevieve.  All goes well until Emma becomes pregnant her senior year and Genevieve kicks her out.  Now Genevieve is ill and has called Emma home.  They will both come to understand where they made wrong assumptions and how differently life looks when you see it from another person's viewpoint.  A very nice, fun, family drama.  I enjoyed this one quite a bit.


Several of you have joined the Audible bandwagon.  If you want to listen to one of these, I would highly recommend The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Happy Reading!

May Gift Idea Posts

Do you have a need for a good gift idea this month.....well here are a few ideas for you



Remember you can always see the past month's gift guides by clicking on "gifts" on the right hand side of this page.

If you need a gift for the Beauty Lover try the Colleen Rothschild Discovery Kit.

Discovery Kit

This kit as my favorite cleansing balm, moisturizer and face oil.  It is like a little spa treatment every single day.  It is a wonderful way to try a variety of products plus they are perfect sizes for travel.

Now if you need a Home gift

Personalized Address Stamp

There are so many differently styles to choose from......this is a great family gift and will certainly be used time and time again.

If you need a gift for a Man this month

Leather Luggage Tag

Here are a couple of game ideas for the Kids

Moose in my House

This game is rated for ages 6 and up and has a little strategy with a lot of fun.

or

Qwirkle

This one is also rated ages 6 and up. It takes about 45 minutes to complete a game once you get the hang of it.

And for a special Gal Pal in your life

Spongelle

No need to pack a bath puff and shower gel.  This has it all built in and you get up to 14 showers with this one.  That should cover a quick beach trip or weekend getaway.

Combine that with 

Packing Cubes

So many are itching for a little getaway when the world opens up again......your friends will appreciate being ready with these nice gifts.

There you are, friends, hopefully something there helps you out.

Have a wonderful week.  I will be back on Wednesday with this month's book review. See you then.

Kitchen Dreams

I have been cooking three meals a day which means I've been bonding with my kitchen and we may be having a little tiff.  There are things I love about it and things I want to change.

I am not sure what my cabinet color is, but I am pretty sure I am stuck with it.  I mean the whole idea of painting my cabinets makes my tummy hurt.  Although I would not necessarily be opposed to hiring someone to paint them, but even that thought is a bit much.

If money, time, or convenience were not a factor I would like to

redo the floors
redo the layout
get a double oven
change out the cabinet color
new countertops
new backsplash
and paint

ok, a total makeover.  None of that is going to happen. But what could I make happen?

Here's a look at the overall kitchen

and another view

and here is where I think my real trouble spot is.  This raised bar area

I kind of want to take it down to the same height as the counters and make one big flat counter area that we could still sit at

like this inspiration photo

photo credit: Studio McGee

But part of it overlaps into the greatroom....so I can't figure out how to make that work.

I am officially open for any ideas.  I really want lighter countertops that are more uniform in color.  A simpler, cleaner look. Also, should I loose some upper cabinet doors? should I get glass in some of the doors? 

Give me any ideas and advice you have.....if your kitchen is what I am looking for send me a picture and the name of your contractor ;)

Have a wonderful weekend.  See you back on Monday!

Plants....that I can keep alive

I am not the best plant mom.  I try, but I forget about them.....until I walk by and crunch a petal or leaf underfoot....and then I think, oh I need to water these plants.  So I have invested in some that don't require that much attention.  Ok, they require no attention.

Afloral.com has some really nice looking faux flowers.

Check out this fern I ordered from them

Mine is the Boston Fern.  It is actually an indoor/outdoor plant.  It is treated to be safe from UV rays.  This particular one is not the site right now but here's a similar one if you are interested.

I also grabbed two of these Wysteria

I think they look pretty good in this tall vase.

I also bought 3 Eucalptus Sprays

they fit nicely into this large vase on the other side of the fireplace.

And, of course, I got a few peonies and hydrangea and made this arrangement

I needed a little spring spiff up and these florals did just the trick.....and they won't need any watering.

I think they may just survive around here,

Worship - May Focus

Welcome to May and our focus on Worship

Our verse for this month is

Printable

I don't know about you, but I pretty much pray everywhere and anywhere.  I used to do a lot of praying while driving.  I have been missing that prayer time.  But I have been making up for it in the shower, while cooking, brushing my teeth.....wherever something comes to mind or I get a text requesting prayer from a friend.  But I gotta tell you, there is nothing like when I am kneeling before the Lord.  It is a whole different feel, a whole different experience.

Treat yourself to some time kneeling before the Lord.  It will be a treat for you and Him.

Oh and remember I am selecting a winner for a Worship bracelet from the blog subscribers each month.

This month's winner is juana......@yahoo.com

I will be getting your bracelet to you as soon as possible.

Have a wonderful worshipful week!

Welcome May!

Poor April.  I am afraid people have not enjoyed April so much. She's had a tough go of it.  So hopefully May will have a better run.

Are you looking forward to anything in May?

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner......who's not looking forward to a little chips and salsa

Mother's Day.....celebrate yourself or some awesome mom you know. 

End of Semesters....I know a lot of kids are bummed about the delayed/postponed graduation ceremonies, but I bet they will still be happy to have exams done and grades complete

Memorial Day......which many consider the start of summer

The first week of this whole stay at home thing was looonnnggg and I thought how long can we do this?  Well as long as it takes apparently.  We've been very strict about the whole thing.  I've only been to the grocery store about every two weeks or so.  We have gotten in the car and just taken a little drive.....just for a change of scenery.

So here's what I have found I miss from the old normal:

Professional Hair Appointments - oh me, oh my, I am missing that

Browsing - I enjoy a good stroll through a store.  I don't have to even have anything in particular to look for....I've just always enjoyed looking around

Leisurely Groceries - I looked forward to getting my fountain drink, listening to my audio book, and taking my time in the grocery store.  I have not had a fountain drink in six weeks.  It is impossible to drink one through a mask

People - friends, co-workers, church members.....I am even missing a few strangers at this point

Clothes - I am pretty sure a shirt with actual buttons reached out and tapped me on the shoulder when I passed through the closet the other day

Church - I have to say the churches are doing a really good job with the virtual services, but I still miss the going and being in the midst of everyone

Here's what I am not missing

Busyness - my goodness we packed a lot into a week, into every day.  I would never have believed we could actually stop it all and everything would still be ok.  Discovering that I should never have been so busy.

Traffic - I gotta say not sitting in long lines of traffic has been nice, very nice.

Umbrellas - I have not needed one in weeks.  Now when it rains I just enjoy the soothing rhythm of the showers

Hang in there, friends.  Shake off the bad and grab tightly to the good.