Who isn't full of 'S' and 'P'?

The unearthing continues at my parents house.  I found these yesterday....and yes to clarify, they are Salt and Pepper shakers.  They were shoved back in the corner of a very tall cupboard.  I'm sure my mom thought they were absolutely atrocious but worth a chuckle of some sort (hence her keeping them for over 35 years).  I'm trying to think of an occasion where you would actually pass this to somebody during a meal. But truly, is there any occasion that outhouses on the dinner table are appropriate?

Only Nuns Change Habits Overnight

I am 100% guilty of choosing books by their covers.  They are all so pretty and wonderfully marketed.  So when I walked past this book at the library, how could I not pick it up and check it out solely on its title.  It made me laugh and I hoped the contents would be just as witty and self helping as it promised

While she's no Steven Covey, I was very impressed by author Karen Linamen and her personable approach and insight to how we can make our lives better.   It's light, it's fluffy and it made me laugh.  It was just what I was looking for.  Categorize it as self help chic-lit and you can't be disappointed.  I can't wait to read her other books entitled Due to rising energy costs, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off and Sometimes I wake up grumpy....and othertimes I let him sleep in.      

Red Rocker of Love

I love this! And I'm selling this and I am really sad about this.  But I need to feed my child.  It's in excellent condition and did I mention it's a rocking chair.  A double wide rocker!  It's vintage and chic, so let's call it the Red Rocker of Love.  Maybe that's why I'm selling it because it makes me feel lonely.  Any volunteers?  To rock with me so I wouldn't have to part with this. 

How much do you think its worth?

Sacrifice required dedication

It has gotten out of control, become a daily indulgence....okay hourly indulgence, and I need to gain back my independence. All from a little bean from who knows where. And I'm not talking green, garbanzo, or even coffee. You Guessed it. CACAO BABY! (Said like Lightning McQueen of Course).

The new year brought new goals for lifestyle change. After six months of recouping on the couch I found myself out of shape, mentally soft and physically obtuse.  I needed desperately to 'right the wrongs' and focus intensely on what I knew would make me feel better about myself and my life.  First was and still is, to get back in shape.  Exercise is always a priority and guilt overwhelms me when I don't.  A long road for a much atrophied body but my sites are set on a triathlon in June. I can do it! Second was and still is, to lose weight.....again.  Granted not as much as the baby weight but still a daunting task at my ripe old age. It seems a weekend of detox just doesn't cut it any more. But, I can do it! Third is to eat well, to energize my mind and body and to focus on the nutrients of life.  I will do it!  But haven't been willing to sacrifice, until now.

Herein lies the problem.  None of this can be done when you're addicted to Chocolate. Mood booster, comforter and friend.  It seems that spoonfuls of Nutella (with a little peanut butter mixed in) can go along way in a crisis.  So can handfuls of Lindt truffles eaten like popcorn. It's everywhere, it's calling and it has taken over and clouded every aspect of my life.  I can't have the energy to exercise, I won't be able to lose weight properly, and won't feel clear headed if not eating right.

I completely understand and am aware that the problem is not chocolate.  The problem is me.  I wish I could revel in just one but it always is uncontrolled portion size.  I have an issue and I need my agency back immediately.  It must start with chocolate and the sacrifice and dedication with giving it up. It's hard, especially the first few days, but its completely worth it.  I've done it before and can do it again.  So I bid farewell with much fondness.

Good Bye Chocolate!  I love you and I'll see you again in a month. When you don't lead me by the hand as much as you do now. 

(and if I were really dedicated it would be longer than a month)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Last week while cutting and pasting my traditional homemade Valentines, my Zoom decided that he had no interest whatsoever in helping. He's only three and it was no surprise that he went off to play with his legos. I decided to forgo his crafty paper valentine and concentrate on making conversation heart cookies. After all, there had to be delicious benefits of teaching the ABC's of Love. HUG ME, CUTIE, BE MINE!

Imagine my delight while walking through the Lego Store and finding the following Lego set. A definite marketing ploy for moms.  I could still make my son a Valentine and have another extraordinary learning opportunity. And this time I'm sure he'll be ecstatic about it. 

Lego, I love you! At least until I step on one of you in the middle of the night.

Move Over Chaquita

I love Twig and Thistle.  It is one of the sites I surf on a regular basis and I absolutely love these stickers.   Not necessarily for valentines day but for any day, anytime of the year, at least for that special someone.  What a great way to make your children smile when you pack fruit in their lunch.  You know they'll be sporting it around on their shirts.....or maybe even pass it on to someone else to share the joy.  They could only be better if they were scratch and sniff!

And did I mention they are downloadable and free so you can completely appreciate their goodness.  Give someone fruit today and show them how you care.  I would definitely be giving them to that 'Berry' special person.

Vintage Find of the Day

My grandmothers coats have been unearthed from the abyss.  Their musty aroma takes me straight back to years of sitting on the church pew next to her with her coat draped over me.  It seems they were vintage even 30 years ago.   The green and blue Pendleton is my favorite. 

Soon to be posted on Ebay or Etsy. There is a plethora in the collection-

A Project Unparalleled

I got the voice mail....and yes it was a voice mail. 

My dad is getting married.  Let me repeat.  My dad is getting married.  And if you know me you might remember that my mom just passed away six months ago.  Some of us (raising both my hands and waving tenaciously now) think that this may be too soon.  However my dad is 73 and apparently this is what old men do.  The wheels have been set in motion and I'm trying so very hard to keep my heart from breaking.  Losing two parents in one year is just enough to break me.

However in the spirit of service I've offered to clean out his house in preparation for the new woman (and did I mention she will be cooking in my moms kitchen).  My parents have been in the same house for 35 years and they haven't thrown away anything ever, emphasis on ever.  Enter Dori, with amply time since I'm unemployed.  This is an undertaking unparalleled in my life history.  How do you sort, divide, and put sentiments aside while years of your own memories overwhelm me in my childhood home?  This house/home has been a safe haven for years as I've come and gone with all my life problems.  Do I keep the bowling trophies or toss them aside? And it's not just bowling trophies.  It's musical instruments, crystal decanters, knickknacks galore and Beethoven's bust.

Here is a picture of my brothers organization as he started before I arrived.  Holy Hannah Banana!