It's That Time of Year, Again

Our family was hit with MS when my son-in-law was diagnosed 5+ years ago. Since then I've participated in several annual fundraising events, including the St. Louis MS Walk. It's easy to support efforts being made toward a cure by simply clicking my personal page and making a monetary donation. However, your good thoughts and prayers are just as valuable in my book!

Mike with grandsons, Jonah and Elliott,
on a recent trip to Disney World.

Nail Care

I recently grabbed an online deal on a nail care kit, planning to give my poor nails some pampering after our cold winter. The kit included a number of items, but I was really only interested in the crystal nail file plus the nail and cuticle creams. However, I knew I would also use the polish remover, polish remover pads, and OPI Top/Base coat.

OPI Russian Navy

But I didn't expect to get much use out the four full-size bottles of OPI nail polish also included, and I was right. I tested two of the colors today and neither one was my taste. I ended up just pulling out the little bottle of Mavala Rose I purchased in Paris a year ago. I doubt I'll ever get tired of its soft pink color. What a find!

Since the cost of the kit was much less than the total individual costs of the items I'll use, even without the polishes it was a good deal. And now I have three bottles of OPI polish to donate to the MS garage sale. I'm keeping the blue polish for Halloween :)

Aloha!

Funny how things happen sometimes. For a couple of months now I've been watching PinkSoFoxy YouTube videos, intrigued by her Maui lifestyle. Honestly, just based on her age and channel name, I probably never would have watched any of Christine's videos. But, after several of the craft and organization YouTubers I watch referenced PinkSoFoxy, I decide to take a closer look and I'm glad I did.

Paradise is waiting!

Christine has taught me a lot about living and traveling with less. She's played a big part in my current mission to rid my house and life of things I no longer need or use. And she's also reminded me how beautiful Hawaii is. (We were fortunate to experience it for ourselves nearly 30 years ago when my mother-in-law took her three children and their families on a Hawaiian cruise.)

And, serendipitously, Destination America currently is running a series called Buying Hawaii. After hubby commented on how truly beautiful Hawaii is, not knowing about my YouTube adventures, I suggested we see if a return visit was affordable.

Turns out, with Christine's tips, it is. So, beginning in late May, we will be enjoying nine nights in Maui at this beachfront condo – Zen Hale. We just never know where our experiences, large or small, will take us. Let the countdown begin!

It's Over

Today's the last day of spring break. Wow, that was fast!

I said I was going to do a lot spring cleaning. But there turned out to be little cleaning and much more purging. The pile for our annual MS fundraiser garage sale has been growing daily. And that means our draws and closets continue to become much more manageable.

It's all good and makes me very happy. But I sure wish I had at least one more kid-free week. I haven't even started on the basement purging and there's still all the actually spring cleaning to do.

At this point, all I can do is continue purging and cleaning in between watching the grandsons until the school year ends. I have a feeling this year's spring cleaning is go to actually be summer cleaning!

Spring Break

My son-in-law and daughter are Disney Vacation Club members and often vacation in Disney World. Spring break started last Friday, so they started the drive down after school Thursday. That means I'm kid-free for a week.

I plan to do a lot of spring cleaning, and to continue going through closets and drawers, purging, purging, purging. Not sure why now, but I'm ready to simplify life by getting rid of everything I no longer need or use. In particular, I've been getting rid of a lot of clothes, shoes, and costume jewelry. I now have drawers that are partially empty, and plenty of space on my closet rod. I love it!

I also plan to keep tackling the yard. When you live on a wooded lot, spring and fall cleanups are big jobs. This week alone, we've stuffed 15 tall yard-waste bags with leaves and sticks. And there's still plenty more to do.

But even though my break will be full of chores, there still will be time for fun. Last night, through Amazon Instant Watch, we saw The Book Thief. Although parts were completely unbelievable, I enjoyed it, especially the cute main character who did a great job.

And today is our parish's Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration. After a lunch of corned beef and cabbage, we'll be playing a lot of bingo. Wish me luck!

Happy Birthday, Jonah!

Jonah's so smart, through most of last year, I had to keep reminding myself he was only three. But today Jonah's finally four. Happy birthday, Jonah, always a challenge, but with a smile that melts my heart.

Feeling The Pain

I've come to the realization that, if I workout everyday, I'm always going to be a little sore. Especially if I keep mixing up my workouts such as weights and aerobics one day and the stationary bike the next. It's not a debilitating soreness by any means, just something to get used to.

But I plan to keep going at my current pace as long as possible because I know I'm getting stronger. Yesterday I walked the gym track for 15 minutes before the hour-long circuit class. Then, after lunch, I did yard work for nearly two hours. I was exhausted by the time hubby got home from work, but it felt so good.

This morning, Jonah and I took a short walk and then did close to two hours of yard work. I'm now taking a break while Jonah naps, but plan to do more yard cleanup this afternoon. Gotta "make hay while the sun shines." It's currently in the 70s but we're supposed to get a dusting of snow tonight. Crazy!

Switched At Birth

Many times throughout my life I've been at odds with one or more of my siblings or parents. And I can't remember a time I ever felt extremely close to any one of them. When I hear about or see siblings who are also friends, or an adult who eagerly spends time with their mother or father, I'm amazed. Truth is, when it comes to my family, I often feel I must have been switched at birth.

I know my feeling of disconnect is why I'm such a fan of Harry Potter. Even at 62, I'm still dreaming of a Hagrid showing up one day and telling me, "Your a wizard, Dianne!"

Success!

It took half a dozen tries but I finally found a comfortable swimsuit. Yahoo!

Lands End has been my go-to for swimwear ever since I found they carry suits for the well-endowed older woman. In the past I've bought their "slender" line, but I no longer want to be squeezed into a suit. So I took advantage of recent sales to try several other styles and sizes, and finally found one that's comfortable and looks good. (At least as good as it's going to get!)

I love that Lands End ships free and I can just take returns to my local Sears store. For that matter, I just love online shopping. I mean, who doesn't prefer to try on swimsuits in the comfort of their own home?

Just wanted to share because I really feel I've accomplished something. Have a great day!

Feeling Like A Slug

We're back to frigid temperatures and it seems everything is covered with a sheet of ice. It's so unsafe outside, again, Snow Day #10 was called.

If you've followed my blog for any length of time, you know I love staying home. All the snow, ice, and extreme cold temperatures we've had this winter haven't bothered me in the least. For me, it's all just a good excuse to not go out, giving me more time for my many hobbies. That is that's how I used to feel.

Even though I ride my recumbent bike 45-60 minutes on most days I can't get out, I'm starting to feel like a slug when I stay home. When the weather and my schedule allow, I've been enjoying a circuit-training class at the gym on Mondays and Fridays, and I'm beginning to feel stronger. Even with little consistency, I'm amazed at how much easier it is for me now to climb stairs, and walk longer and faster. I'm feeling so good I'm antsy to do more.

One thought is to take advantage of the many walking trails in our county parks. My hope is to even do some hiking on the days I watch Jonah, who loves being outside and active. While I'd be nervous walking with Jonah near a street, I think a park trail might workout nicely.

I'm also eager to start cleaning up the yard, another activity I can do with Jonah. We live on a wooded lot so our yard currently is full of dead leaves and branches of all sizes knocked down by snow and strong winter winds. It's a mess, but no different right now from anyone else's yard.

Yes, I do believe even I'm now tired of winter. Unfortunately, however, it's only March 3, which means winter could continue for at least 3-4 more weeks. I'm just hoping April doesn't bring weeks of rain!

Seven Out of Nine

This year we managed to see seven of the nine 2014 Academy Award movie nominees before The Oscars show. Never before have we gotten that close to seeing all the nominees. I think it will make watching The Oscars tomorrow night a lot more fun.

Today we saw The Wolf of Wall Street, three hours of Leonardo DiCaprio. Yes, it was that long and, yes, DiCaprio seemed to be on screen most of the time. But the three hours passed quickly, and DiCaprio did a great job. He really has matured into a fine actor.

Nevertheless, The Wolf of Wall Street, in my opinion, is no competition for Dallas Buyers Club. But I won't be surprised if the award goes to 12 Years a Slave. I haven't see it, yet, but that subject matter often gets the sympathy vote.

With another snow storm headed our way, Sunday night should be ideal for bundling up in front of the fireplace and watching The Oscars. And my avocados should be perfectly ripe by then for a little guacamole and chips refreshment. Now if I can just get hubby to make a run in his 4-wheel-drive truck for one of those bagged frozen Margaritas. . .