Happy Birthday!

Today is my birthday! "Baron" and I are starting out on a week long road trip to the east coast. I will post pictures as I can! Have a wonderful week and for everyone that is traveling - safe travels! Happy Saturday and oh yeah...."Happy Birthday" ;-)

A Few Of My Favorite Things!

1. One of my favorite TV Show - House Hunters (it is fun seeing in the different homes!)


2. My favorite Gum - Gumballs in Pink and Green (of course). Ssshhhh.....don't tell my dentist!


3. My favorite bedtime ritual - Warm Bubble Bath!


4. My favorite shore side fixture - Lighthouses!


5. My favorite final four team - The Ohio State University!


Happy Friday!

Ready For Springbreak!

"Baron" and I are off on a road trip next week. I plan to update with pictures as we travel. After my last Florida trip, it was clear that my old traveling companion  - Large Vera Duffel had seen it's better days. So, of course, as any good traveler would do, I purchased a new Large Vera Bradley Duffel for the road trip. It's the new 2012 pattern Priscilla Pink. I saw it and just had to have it! I hope it offers the same happy hours of road trips that its predecessor did! Are you off on any road trips anytime soon? Happy travels and Happy Thursday!

Wisdom On Wednesdays!

Happy Wednesday!

Prayer For My Daughter

I found this "Prayer For My Daughter" written by Tina Fey. I loved it and I think you will too. I sent it to my daughters - realizing that we have already gone through most of it, but the last two paragraphs were still fitting.
Have a wonderful Tuesday!

A Prayer for My Daughter
by Tina Fey

First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, May she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her
When crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels.

(What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.)

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, That she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.

“My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.

Verdict On Vinegar!

Sometime ago I read about using Vinegar as a weed killer. I was skeptical, but I had to try it to find out for myself. We have a lawn service, so I wasn't interested in a large area. I just wanted to try to kill the little weeds that have popped up over the last two warm weeks in the brick sidewalk in the back of our home. Last Friday, I tried an inexpensive brand of Vinegar......and voila......3 days later the weeds are dead. I am so excited that it actually worked.  I feel so "green" about using something so natural! If you have the need for a weed killer - try Vinegar. It really worked for me!
Happy Monday!

Sayings On Sunday!

I hope you have enjoyed a wonderful weekend! Happy Sunday!

Women And Friendships!

All friendships start with various possibilities. Maybe this will be a "new" life-long friend, maybe this will be like a "pretend" sister, maybe we have so many similarities we just can't believe it or maybe this friendship won't go anywhere. I am painfully reminded of one day in March, 13 years ago that my best friend ended our friendship. We met in the 7th grade when we entered the same Junior High School. She was looking for a best friend and so was I. We did everything together - we went through the awkward stage at the same time with braces, we both had crushes on boys that didn't know we were alive. We started to blossom at the same time, which of course made the boys start to notice. We became as we used to say, "beautiful swans"...lol. We had the same difficulties with our Moms, which looking back (and having raised teenage girls) were so minor. We went to different colleges, but our bond was still strong. She met her husband and not long after, I met my husband. I started a family, she had difficulty conceiving. Still we stayed strong and supported one another. Both of our families were transferred to the same southern city. We loved it, we explored our new city together. I had another baby and shortly after she had her first. Eventually we both ended up with two girls. It was magical just like we planned it. My husband and I were transferred to another state, some 14 hours away. Visits were few, but phone calls were constant. We were both stay at home moms with traveling husbands. My husbands career went further, faster than her husband. We just didn't talk about it, our friendship meant so much more than that. Our phone calls consisted of laughing, sharing secrets, decorating ideas, fears and honestly, complaining about our husbands. We would use retail therapy to feel better. Years passed and retail therapy didn't work anymore. My marriage was falling apart. Finally, it came to the point that I needed to "call it". From a place of strength and much soul searching , prayer, counseling and just good old "wringing my hands" - I decided it was time to end my marriage. My husband was thrilled - he moved out of our dream home as quickly as he could. I was strong, I had to be. I had two little girls depending on me. I felt as though I had gone from co-captain to captain of the ship and I had to make this work. I wasn't a crying, whining, "oh poor me" separated woman. I remember her call that morning - her "Hello" was even awkward. She said we needed to talk, (never a good start). She proceeded to tell me that "the divorce" made her uncomfortable and she felt it was best if we didn't talk anymore. I couldn't believe my ears - after all the times I had been there for her, when my "going got tough" she said "good-bye". I was 37 at the time, which means she sent 25 years of friendship down the tube. Incredible - even to this day I am amazed. In the 13 years since that call, I have never heard from her - not once. Sometimes I wonder what I would say if she did call. Today, I would say, thank you for calling, but in the last 13 years I have come to a place where I don't really have a place for you. Or maybe we would laugh and talk like we never missed a beat. I doubt it. Honestly, I have been fortunate to meet wonderful friends in the last 13 years. I wouldn't trade them for anything. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. So maybe that is the reason, perhaps I wouldn't have been open to so many new friendships if I still had her friendship. One friend suggested that maybe she felt threatened because I was going to be single. Ha - 13 years later and remarried for 7 of those years ...I doubt it. In the end she did us both a favor, apparently she wasn't the kind of friend I believed her to be. If you have a good friend - call them today, just to say, "hello". Enjoy your Saturday and your friends!

A Few Of My Favorite Things!

Favorite Springbreak Read - "The Hillbilly Debutante Cafe" by Kathie Truitt of  "The Hillbilly Debutante Cafe" Blog. Entertaining!



Favorite Sandal - Jack Rogers Navajo in Platinum



Favorite Eyelash Enhancer - 18K Eyelash Curler at Sephora


Favorite Dessert - Key Lime Pie ( Ever since being in Florida - I love it!)



Favorite Elite Eight Mens Basketball Team - The Ohio State University Buckeyes - "Go Bucks"!



Happy Friday!

Outdoor Living

Spring is here and the temperature is unseasonably high. It is, in my opinion, time to get ready for some outdoor living. I love to have friends over for dinner on our patio, or ice tea in my private garden. LOL...private garden is a stretch. It is a work in progress. There is a spot on the side of our property that is protected on two sides by our home. In the fall, I had one of the unprotected sides lined with tall shrubs and the other open side which faces the lake, I had a birch tree planted. All of the news items have grown beautifully. I moved in 2 Adirondack chairs (lime green) with matching foot stools and side table. I am making two pink/white flowered pillows (today, hopefully). I have a pink/white pot for the table, which I will fill when the weather permits - who knows we might still get snow (hush). I am still  putting ideas together....Oh I forgot the clematis that will grow where the bushes are - there is an area with stepping stones...where I have a tall  "thingy" -smile- to grow the clematis. I will let you now how it "grows"...haha .....and I will add pics when it all comes together. Do you have your outdoor living spaces ready? Any ideas to share? Happy Thursday!

Here are some attractive ideas I have run across while looking for additional ideas-

from: cottagehomedecorating.com


from: buildipedia.com

from: trendjogja.com

Wisdom On Wednesday!

I don't know about you, but patience is not my forte'. It is a "work in progress" for me. I think this quote says it all! Happy Wednesday!

Belly Blasting Smoothie

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am NOT really appreciating my growing tummy. I do all the right exercises, I do Pilates and still I struggle. Last summer I was fixated on the "Belly Blasting Smoothie" recipe that I found in a magazine in my Doctor's office. After spending time in Florida and enjoying the fresh fruit smoothies I have decided to start making them at home again. Here is the recipe if you would like to give it a try. I feel like it is a great start for the day! Happy Tuesday!


Blend-
1/4 cup low fat vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup 1% skim milk
1 tsp. peanut butter
1/2 cup berries
1 teaspoon Whey protein
3 ice cubes (crushed)
Whip until smooth and enjoy!

Seven years ago today I married my best friend. I am the luckiest girl in the world because I had a second chance at love and this time I got it right! Neither of us is perfect, we don't pretend to be. But we are loving, forgiving and understanding. I know the percentage of second marriages that end in divorce is high, but I really feel like we will make it. We have been through obstacles so far that could have "ended" us, but we stayed committed. I was single for six years between husbands. I took care of my children, I worked on me, and I made a good life for the three of us. Right, when I said, it didn't matter if I ever met someone - there he was and here he stays. He is a man of conviction, a strong, yet nurturing, step-father and a wonderful provider. I think the difference for us is that we came together out of strength and mutual admiration, rather than need. I am so happy! I wanted just this type of love, I want it for my two daughters, my two nieces and for every woman that desires a marriage relationship. I am so happy that we were married on this date - right on the cusp of spring....right when everything is in "bloom". I hope we will always continue to "bloom" together ;-)

Sayings On Sunday!

Good rules to live by! Enjoy your Sunday!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Being home is so nice. The weather in Ohio is beautiful today. I am so excited about the tulip's coming up, the grass turning green and the "aqua shade" being placed in the lake behind us. No big plans to celebrate St Patty's Day, we will stay close to home. We, in our area, have in the past few months witnessed several fatal accidents of drunk drivers going the wrong way on the Interstate...just awful! Please be careful and drink responsibly! On a happy note - Enjoy your Saturday and stay safe!

Back From The Beach!

Usually on Friday's I do my "Few Of My Favorite Things" post, so I will share some of my favorite things from the trip! Happy Friday!


Favorite Time of Day - Sunset on the beach

Favorite Breakfast - Fresh Strawberry Smoothie (on the beach)


Favorite Food - All the FRESH seafood - lobster, shrimp, grouper - just delicious


Favorite Place - Gulfront Cabanna (all day - everyday!)

Favorite Destination - Home

Off To The Beach....

The time has come, the bags are packed and I am so excited. I am off to the beach with Daughter #1 to spend her college senior spring break. What an honor for me! I am not taking my laptop, so I won't be sharing any details until I return. Have a great week! I am sure hoping too! Happy Early Spring!

A Few Of My Favorite Things.....

This Friday's Five -

Favorite New Receipe - Aunt Louisa's Lemon Meringue Pie ( I made it and it taste just like hers!Yea!)


Favorite "Rib" Restaurant - Rib City, Naples, Florida


Favorite Daily Read (One of Many)- Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach


Favorite Comrade In The Fight Against "Hot Flashes" - Bliss Cream by Leilani


Favorite Spring Afternoon Activity - Shopping For Antiques

Which Cover-Up to Choose?

I am off to the beach soon and I need a new swimsuit cover-up. Now that I am a "mature" woman, I am not sure what style to choose. Which would you pick? Enjoy your Thursday!

The standard terry cloth cover-up?


The Tunic Cover-up



The Sarong Stand-by


Which would you pick?

Wisdom On Wednesday!

It is a proven fact that laughter can make you feel better. I love a good laugh. I love to make friends laugh. Nothing changes a mood, breaks ice or enhances group dynamics better than laughter! I appreciate friends who make me laugh and I like to return the favor. Happy Wednesday and I hope you enjoy some laughter today.

Shopping When Stressed....

Retail Therapy - I love it! As scary as it is to admit it, I do think there is something calming when I do a "little" shopping when all else seems out of control. Not to mention that when you get home and change your mind you can return the item/items. Clearly, it is more productive to go for a walk or run, meditate or pray when you feel stressed....but gosh, every once and a while.....a little "shopping while stressed" is just what we need! It is better than eating some high calorie treat and then feeling guilty...right? What do you do to calm down when stressed?

New Eyebrow Discovery!

For those of you in your 40-50's you probably understand the challenge of aging eyebrows. I do "color upkeep" with my Esthetician every 8 weeks. Guess what I found - maybe this isn't news to some, but was news to me - Mens Beard and Mustache Color Kits. This color is specifically for the course hard to color gray facial hair. I tried it and have received "brow"compliments from my harshest critics, my daughters. Now, I also drive 45 miles to have the a technician "thread" them, so it is probably a combination of both the shape and the color. But I am thrilled. If you find yourself in the same predicament - try this product. I did and I am thrilled! Happy Monday!

Daughter's Weekend Is Over...

Well, our Mother/Daughter weekend is over now. I have arrived at home and each of the girls have returned to their colleges. It was such a wonderful time together. The quote above is so very true! We shopped, we ate, we laughed, we "burst out" laughing, we shared memories and hopes for the future. I sure do love and miss my girls! I hope you all enjoyed your weekend too!

Daughter's Weekend!

I am posting this early, as I will be traveling tomorrow. I am going to meet both daughter's #1 and #2. We will spend the weekend - visiting, shopping, eating and "catching up" with each other. Enjoy a wonderful weekend and I look forward to catching up on Monday!

A Few Of My Favorite Things!

Here are a few of my favorite things - Happy Friday Friends!!!

My Favorite Asian Dish - Dim Sum


My Favorite Bravo Star - Bethenny


My Favorite Water Activity - Sailing


My Favorite Item - Anything Monogrammed


My Favorite Earrings - South American Emerald