Saturday Shout Outs

Today begins something I've wanted to do for a while and kept forgetting about--I live by the quote "of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most".  I subscribe to or follow many, many blogs (there are some who say too many, but I don't listen).  A lot of these blogs focus on crafts or decorated.  Others are "mommy" blogs and some are like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get.  I read so many wonderful posts and want to share them here with you.  Every Saturday (more or less), I'm going to link up some of the fantabulous posts I've discovered throughout the week.  Hope you enjoy!

Got A Posse?  --- a great view on mothering

How (NOT) to Kill a Bug --- one of the funniest things you'll ever read

Transparent  -- this could have been written by me

Random Dozen

It's that time again--are you ready?

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?  one of the first "dates" my husband ever took me on involved a rifle and an unarmed tree--don't ask.  ETA: This was not on our first date.

2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?  some--others won't admit they know me

3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?  always late--the due date for my birth was late April, my birthday is May 6--I was late in the beginning and I've been late pretty much ever since

4. Are you more of a New York or California type?  if I have to choose, California--warm weather and beaches!

5. Do you have a special ring tone?  only the one in my ears

6. What is your favorite type of chip?  BBQ

7. Best comedy you've ever seen is .... all I can think of are youtube videos

8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"  not a chance--I know my limitations

9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?  eeny, meeny, miney....

10. Are you allergic to anything?  taxes, paying bills, getting off facebook

11. Why is it so hard to change?  because you can't perfect perfection

12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.   I was married at least ten years before I truly opened up my heart and shared it with my husband.  There was always a little part I held back, just in case.  If he left or hurt me, my whole heart wouldn't be broken.  Once I realized he wasn't going anywhere, I lowered my guard and let him in.  Smartest thing I ever did.  

Friends Don't Let Friends....

...use Walmart's Great Value brand of Color Safe Bleach for front loading washers.  This stuff is goopy and so thick, it clogs up my machine.  It's half the price of Clorox 2, but doesn't work as well.  Not worth it--buy the good stuff.


...buy cheap jelly beans at the Dollar Tree--at least the "gourmet" kind. (I'm talking the nameless brand--not the Jelly Belly rejects.)  I consider myself a connoisseur of jelly beans and these are nasty with a capital N!  Not only do they taste bad, their texture is disgusting.  I did not come to this conclusion hastily--it took me half a bag to be certain!


...leave a blog without commenting!  Yes, this means you!

Mantle Makeover

 Finally!  I'm happy with my mantle and am showing it off all over the place!  Linking up here:

Transformation Thursday  

 

somewhat simple

 The DIY Showoff

 

 Metamorphosis Monday

 

Make It For Monday

and

Weekend Wrap Up Party

Just out of curiosity, what do you do the day you're having about 16 people over for dinner?  This is what I do:

I start with this nondescript, all one color fireplace.

 

I have my sweetheart take down the mantel 

(or mantle, as you prefer).

 Since it's windy and cold outside, I sand, prime, and paint the mantel on the kitchen table--yes, the very one we'll be eating around later that evening.

I'm just plain tired of the painting above the mantle, so while the mantle is drying, I brave the elements to do a little spray painting outside.  I picked up this mirror at GW for $4.

 

Is it even possible to take a good picture of a mirror?!

About two hours before everyone arrives, put it all back together.

 

I know what you're thinking--where's the mirror?  After reading Thrifty Decor Chick's advice on painting furniture, I decided to wait to lean the mirror on the mantle.  But I put it up today.  Excuse the bad pictures. I really should take a class or something!

  

 

I remembered seeing just the thing to make it perfect at Blooming in the South and ran right out to the Dollar Tree for my supplies.  This wreath cost me next to nothing.  A dollar for the foam ring and a dollar for a bag of moss.  I already had the ribbon from an after Christmas sale.  It may not be perfect, but I smile every time I look at it!  

Next project:  remove that bookcase next to the fireplace and move the big screen there.  I know it may conflict with the fireplace, but it will open up all kinds of options for furniture placement.  Right now the TV is on the opposite wall.  Any thoughts?

Sunday Favorites

 

Being lazy today and linking up with Chari at Happy to Design.   I'm sharing an oldie but goodie post from the past.  This one is from January of 2009.  Enjoy!  And make sure you visit Chari and some of the ladies linked up!

******

Sorry if that title offended you. That's the only word I could think of to express the way I'm feeling right now!

Apparently, there's a list out there titled "Beverly is old and here's the proof". Let's just take a peek at it. Last year I hit the big 5-0. I recently had a physical and received the ultimate package in the prodding and poking department. I now qualify for those two annual tests which shall remain nameless. To add insult to injury, I found out today that I have high cholesterol. After doing some internet research, I've found the best way to combat this latest news is--drum roll--more exercise and healthier eating habits. Duh!

More exercise isn't that hard. I actually like to work out and sweat. I recently bought a couple of yoga DVDs that I really enjoy. I put on exercise clothes and tennis shoes as soon as I get up to help motivate me. Sometimes that works, sometimes not.

Eating healthier. That's a problem. I'm pretty picky. What I should be eating is lots of veggies and fruits, whole grains, and beans. I hate beans--except green beans and sugar snap peas. I especially hate legumes--navy beans, pintos, etc. Yuck! I can stomach them sometimes if I put enough ketchup on them. Most fruits are okay, but vegetables are another story. The ones I prefer aren't the ones I should eat (read starchy).

Worst of all--cut down on refined sugar! That makes up most of my diet!

Okay, I'm done. That'll be my rant for the week. I have a poem I found in high school that applies to just about every aspect of life (both large and small) and this is no exception.

I can't go on.
I mean I can't go on.
I really can't go on.
I swear I can't go on.

So I guess I'll get up
and go on.

Random Dozen, Olympic Style

 

It's Hump Day!  And time once again for Random Dozen at 2nd Cup of Coffee.  I love reading these questions and the answers!  These ladies are a hoot!  Hope you'll join in.

Here goes nothing...

1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be?

Figure skating--considering I can't even roller skate, I don't think that's even a remote possibility.  Not to mention the fact that I get dizzy just turning my head sometimes.  But the grace and beauty of this sport astounds me.

2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?

Mark Spitz swimming, Mary Lou Retton's gymnastics

3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?

not hardly--unless the Wii counts

4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?

sitting at the computer in my pajamas

5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?

not much unfortunately

6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?

very much so, though I don't seem capable of doing it anymore--can't stay awake late enough to be able to sleep late, too

7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)

no to both questions--and hope I never have to

8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.

Italy.  We lived there courtesy of Uncle Sam for our first 3 years of marriage.  Would love to go back (and have plans to later this spring!)

9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?

not intentionally

10. What is the last book you read?

Honestly can't say.  I tend to read several books at once.  Some I finish, some I don't.  Right now I'm reading The Happiness Makeover and Mom Is Always Right (may have to give copies of this one to the kiddies!).

11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random??

Have you ever had your palm read?

No, but I've been tempted several times.

12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?

Love Chicken Harvest soup at O'Charleys, along with their luscious rolls!

Now I Know How Those Gremlins Felt!

Remember that 80s movie "Gremlins" and how the guy demolished one by putting it in the microwave?  That's the feeling I've been having several times a night lately!  Like I'm being cooked from the inside out.  This 'perimenopause' is for the birds!  Here's how my nights have been going:  bed about 10pm, watch a couple of episodes of "Golden Girls"--love that Sophia!--finally fall asleep around 11.  Wake up about an hour later feeling like a lit match head.  Throw all the covers off and eventually go back to sleep.  Anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes later, wake up freezing and pull covers back up.  Repeat every hour or so till time to get up.  AARRGGHH!!  Not fun!

And from what I understand, it's not gonna end anytime soon.  So we won't even talk about the depression, mood swings, and weight gain! I think Archie Bunker has the right idea!

It's a little long, but make sure you watch the last couple of minutes if nothing else!
Is it getting hot in here or is it just me?

Second Cup of Coffee Linkup

Linking up with Linda today, because it's been a while since I shared some of my deep dark secrets with you and I know you're probably feeling withdrawal.  So here's more useless information for your viewing pleasure...

1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?  Maybe a little grumpy--though I usually just get real quiet and keep to myself

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?  Yea!  Hubby won't have to battle the crazy high schoolers on his way to work!

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?  I wish I enjoyed cooking more--or at all

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?  Does putting on my Frederick's of Hollywood heels and a red nightie count?

5. What song is on your mind today?  Songs don't usually run through my head during the day, but nighttime is a different story.  Almost every time I wake up during the night, the same song is in my head.  Well, it's a different song on different nights, but the same song the same night.  What?

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?  Love, love, love old movies!  The clothes!  The men!  Today's movies are no comparison.

7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.  On a scale of 1-10, probably a 0.  I wear my heart on my sleeve and take everything personally.

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)  His sweet face.  The fact that he was (and still is) a huge flirt didn't hurt.

9. When was the last time your heart raced?  Can't tell you that. ;-)

10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?  Afternoon parties with homemade cookies and cupcakes, making a mailbox to receive valentines

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?  Love Whitman Samplers

12. Red or pink?  Red, baby!

What I Wish I'd Known Thirty Years Ago....

This is a little long, but oh so worth it.  I wish I could have read this when my kids were babies.  Watching it may help you young mothers avoid feeling some of the regret I have now.

Oh, if any of you want to get this book for me,
my birthday is May 6!
;-)

So Sad to Say Goodbye

Made a rare trip to the mall today--I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've been in the past couple of years.  This visit was prompted by several emails I received from Kirkland's.  Guess what I found there?  Nothing!  The store has evidently closed--and I missed it!  My stomach hurts to think about all the great sales I missed.  Guess I'll pay more attention 
to my email from now on!