Friday Favorites: Max

Just over a year ago when we lost our sweet Oscar dog to canine lymphoma, my heart was so broken - I couldn't imagine ever having another dog.  Ever.  But as we know, time heals all things.  Which explains why I recently, I found myself missing - even craving - the sort of companionship he offered while I worked from home by myself.

Although I still wasn't convinced that I was ready for a new furry friend, I would frequently find myself drawn to the websites for the local shelters.  I sent a few pictures to the Man of the House.  I guess I was dropping hints, but I didn't want to admit it at the time.  And he was picking up those hints. He had actually stopped by the local shelter.

Fast forward to last Friday evening, when he started showing me some postings for puppies he had found on Craig's List.  Almost before I knew what was happening, a couple of quick emails were sent and we had arranged to go see some dachshund puppies the next morning.

Long story, short (well - still kind of long, but shorter than it could have been) - that's how this little guy came to be part of our family!

His name is Max.  He's a smooth-haired dachshund.  And I'm pretty much completely head over heels for him already.  How could I not be?  I mean - look at him!

Isn't he just the cutest?  He only weighs about 3 pounds and he's so teeny tiny!

Although I received several nice things for Christmas - he is by far my favorite gift!



via GIPHY

Friday Favorites: Pens, Planners and Notebooks

I think everyone has their favorite thing.  That they can't get enough of.  That one thing that others may not fully understand.  And that's ok, others don't have to get it.  It just makes them happy. 

For some people it's shoes. Or handbags.  Or some sort of figurines.  Or electronic gadgets.  Or... well, you get the point.

My thing is pens, planners and notebooks.  It's no big secret either.  Which is probably why I received three different kinds of pens for my birthday! From three different people. 😂

I adore a good colorful pen.  Felt tip, ball pint, gel pens.  I love them all!  Who wants to write with a plan ol' black or blue pen unless they have too?  Not this woman!

I also received 3 planners and notebooks on my birthday!

I don't know what it is about planners and notebooks.  But I love them.  I use them for journaling, making lists, keeping track of events, orders and blogging plans.  Obviously, the cuter the better.  But even a good ol' spiral notebook can make me happy.


What's your favorite thing?

Friday Favorites: The Perfect Jeans

Sometimes they seem as elusive as the fountain of youth or the Loch Ness monster.  I'm talking about the perfect pair of jeans.

I spent so many frustrating hours trying on pair of jeans after pair of jeans.  Until the day I finally found my holy grail of jeans - completely by accident.

These are my favorite pair of jeans:

They're from Banana Republic.  Which means that when brand new they were about $100.  Noooo.. I didn't pay that much.  I found mine at the thrift store for about $5.  (Score!)  They fit like a dream.  They hug in the right places and are relaxed in all the right places.  They are broken in to that perfect level of comfort.

I adore these jeans.

Unfortunately, two things happened...

Number one:  I started packing on the pounds and haven't been able to wear them for over a year.  Sad.  But, for some reason I held on to them.  I just couldn't bring myself to part with them.

Now that I am losing the weight with Weight Watchers, I tried them on a couple of weeks ago.  I could get them on.  Not comfortably.  But they were on, and they were zipped.  Almost there.  I'm looking forward to the day I am able to fit into them again.  (Until I lose enough weight that they don't fit again.  This time because they'll be too big.

Second:  I love these fabuloso jeans so much that I had decided that when I reached my goal weight I might just have to treat myself to a brand new pair.  However, when I checked the Banana Republic website they don't seem to have this style anymore.  Extra sad.

Which means that at some point in the not so distant future my search for the new perfect pair of jeans will continue.

Have you found your perfect pair of jeans yet?

Friday Favorites: Weight Watchers

I was sick and tired of complaining about my weight.  I was sick and tired of making half hearted attempts to diet.  Something had to change.

On July 1st of this year, I officially joined Weight Watchers online.  Best.  Decision.  Ever!

In the 6 and a half weeks since I signed up I have lost over 15 pounds.  I still have a long way to go to reach my goal weight, but I am happy with my progress so far.

The program is so much easier than I expected. Most foods I eat are easy to find and track using the app.  And it syncs with my Fitbit to keep track of my activity points.

Nothing is off limits!  I have indulged in a pulled pork dinner, pizza, and even key lime pie.  You just have to manage how you use your allotted points and adjust accordingly if you want to treat yourself to a higher point food.

Weight Watchers is helping me train myself to thing about what I am eating and why. I'm learning to make smarter choices.

 If I am at a loss for something to make for dinner, or I just want something new for the meal plan - there are tons and tons of yummy recipes available.  I haven't tried one yet that I wouldn't make again! 

Even though I am doing the program entirely online, I am never really alone in this journey!  If I need extra motivation, support or encouragement there are articles I can read on the website or the app. I can reach out to other members with the Connect feature.  I can even chat with a coach online.

I'm having so much success that the Man of the House decided to join also!  He was supportive before, but doing the program together is extra nice.

If you are interested in giving Weight Watchers a try, you can sign up using THIS LINK and we can both get a month for free!  If you do, I hope you find the program to be as simple and successful as I do.

Disclaimer:  I have received no compensation for this post.  However, this post may contain affiliate links.  Keep in mind that I may receive a free month when you click these links and sign up for the program.  Be assured, this does not impact my reviews. All opinions expressed are my own. Your results may differ.  Weight Watcher's International is not affiliated with this blog. 

Friday Favorites: Vacation Mode

One of my very favorite things is a vacation.  How could it not?  Let's be honest - have you ever heard anyone say "I don't really care for going on vacation."?  Probably not.

I enjoy traveling so much.  Whether it's somewhere close such as Gatlinburg, a trip to the beach, or somewhere farther away, like New York... or Tokyo.  And I am all about doing the touristy stuff where ever I go.  The cheesier, the better!

Last year, we took the grand kid and went to Disney World with my sister and her family.  As much as I love Disney, the best part of that trip was taking the grand kid and getting to see him enjoy it for the first time. It was so much fun.  It was also go, go, go for a full week.  From the minute the parks opened in the morning until they closed at night.  In the central Florida heat and rain.  If you've ever been - you know exactly what I'm talking about!

This year, I spent a week on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina with just the Man of the House and the Male Offspring.  It was more of a relaxing type vacation.  Waking up to watch the sunrise over the ocean, lazy days on the beach, eating yummy food at local restaurants and visiting local sites.

We ate far too much at Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks, Skull Creek Boathouse and Bullie's BBQ.  I enjoyed driving down to Harbour Town to explore the village and climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse.  Yes, me - the lady who is terribly afraid of heights. I really did it!  All 114 steps of it!  The views from the top are beautiful. Well worth climbing all those stairs.

We also took a day trip down to Savannah.  There was a LOT of walking involved.  And of course it was H-O-T.  But it was still very nice.  I enjoyed walking and window shopping along River Street.  They were filming scenes for the new season of Ozark (which I've never seen) at the Joe's Crab Shack, but all we saw was a lot of crew and equipment.  We had lunch at Moon River Brewing Company.  Good food, a good beer, but no ghost sightings.  (The place is supposedly haunted)

Sadly, the Man of the House lost his phone on the beach the night before we left.  And within 48 hours of arriving home - mine completely died!  This means that the only pictures we have are the few of mine that were saved to OneDrive.

We've only been home a couple of weeks, but the Man of the House and I are already talking about some trips we're planning for this fall and winter!

What's your favorite vacation destination?  Share in the comments.

Friday Favorites: For Your Sweet Tooth

Are you the kind of person who prefers salty or sweet treats?  I like a good salty, crunchy snack just as much as the next person.  But most of the time, I'm going to choose sweet over a salty.  Especially if there is chocolate involved. 

I recently discovered these Moser Roth Dark Orange Almond bars, and Oh. My. Goodness. 

Dark chocolate?  Yes, please.  Orange flavor.  Absolutely!  Almond bits?  Ok!  Orange and dark chocolate is such a delicious combination.  Just so good.  Are you familiar with those chocolate oranges that you get at Christmas?  The ones you smack on the table to break into bit sized "slices" for eating?  Similar to that - but even better.  And without having to beat it to death before you can enjoy it.  

The package looks like one big bar, but inside you'll find 5 individually wrapped singe-serving bars.  Perfect for a little treat with a cup of coffee in the afternoon.  

https://amzn.to/2W26krD

I found my bars at Aldi.  They carry several varieties of the Moser Roth bars.  All of the ones I have tried are delicious, but this is hands down my favorite.  I may, or may not, have a stash of them hidden away for when I am craving some chocolate.  

What's your favorite treat?



Disclaimer:  I have received no compensation for this post.  However, this post may contain affiliate links.  Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click these links and make purchases.  Be assured, this does not impact my reviews. All opinions expressed are my own. Your results may differ.  Moser Roth is not affiliated with this blog. 

Friday Favorites: Welcome Back!

Happy Friday!!

If you've been around the blog for a while, you may remember that in the past I attempted a Friday Favorites/Friday Finds series.  Back then, I would share a few items I had discovered - on line or in person.  But to be perfectly honest, it got to be a bit much for me to come up with 3 to 5 items each week that I really wanted to share.

However, I feel ready to bring it back...

This time, I'll only be talking about one item per week.  I plan on sharing anything from products to recipes, books to movies.  It may be an old favorite - something I've been using for a while and love.  Or it may be a new discovery I'm enjoying.  From time to time, it might even be something I have tried that hasn't worked out for me. A not-so-favorite.

I hope you'll stop by to see what I'm talking about each Friday.

The sharing begins next week - the first Friday in May!

It's Friday... right?

I feel as if it has been both the longest week and the shortest week all at the same time.  I can't explain why it feels that way.  It's not as if anything especially drastic, or terrible, or exciting has happened.  It's just been one of those weeks.

I went and had my flu shot yesterday.  So... yay, me!  Today I'm feeling a little tired and headachy.  And  my arm is sore.  You know, typical post-flu-shot type stuff.

I'm going to take a moment and complain just a little.  I am pretty much sick and tired of this heat.  It's almost October.  I'm ready for some sweater weather already!  However the temperatures this week have been in the 80s.  Thanks global warming.  : /

Fortunately, that is all supposed to change.  Tomorrow is only supposed to be in the low 70s and gorgeous.  With overnight lows in the 40s and  highs in the 60s on Sunday.  Yippee!!

I hope each of you has a wonderful weekend. See you in October!!

Friday Favorites: In The Summertime

It's summertime and the livin' is... well,  really freaking hot!!  Anything approaching 80 degrees is too hot for this gal.  90 and above days make me feel pretty much like this...

Wicked Witch GIF from Melting GIFs

And that makes me very grateful for being able to stay inside with the air conditioning running and hide from the heat!

I really shouldn't complain.  I know other parts of the country have had it much worse than we have here.  My sister sent me a picture from her car the other day showing the outside temp as 105 degrees.  YIKES!!

Despite the summer heatwaves, there are still plenty of things about the season to enjoy.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Seasonal Summer Fruit:  Oh, how I love all the fresh, flavorful fruit of summertime!  The watermelon, the peaches, the cherries and all the various berries make my mouth and tummy so very happy!  I think I could probably survive on fresh fruit and ice cream during these warm weather months and be very content doing it.

Summer dresses:  Let's be honest.  I love a dress any time of year - but, especially during the summer months.  They're so easy, breezy and comfortable to wear.

Summer Vacations:  A vacation is another one of those things that you can enjoy any time of year.  But there's something special about the summer vacation.  I especially enjoy a get away where I can relax next to a natural body of water and do nothing all day long.

What are your favorite things about the summertime?

Friday Favorites: Cause I"m Random Like That

I couldn't decide on a theme for this edition of Friday Favorites.  The items I had in mind to share with all of you were just too diverse.  And since it's been a couple of weeks since I shared some favorites with you, so I didn't want to skip again.  Which is why this week's list is going to seem kind of all over the place.  Let's be honest here...  some days are just like that - a little of this and a little of that.  In fact, most of my days are kind of like that.

OxiClean White Revive:

I wasn't sure what to expect the first time I used it.  To be honest, I wasn't expecting much more than my regular OxiClean delivers.  Then I went to remove the load from the washer and BAM!!!   My whites haven't been this white since they were brand new.  (btw... there's a printable coupon for $1 off on the product website right now)



Talenti Coffee Chocolate Chip Gelato:

Coffee. Chocolate Chip.  Gelato.  Um... Yes! Please!  The container I bought of this stuff is hidden so far back in the freezer.  Not just because I might hurt anyone else in the family who tries to eat it, but so I don't see it and want to eat the entire thing every time I open the freezer.  I think I've found my new go-to PMS comfort food!


The Jersey Swing Dress:

These dresses from Old Navy are my new summer uniform!  I have the sleeveless version in black and orange, and the short sleeve in black and white stripe. (I wish I had the foresight to have bought it in several more colors)  They are SO comfy, and can easily be dressed up or down as needed for different occasions.  They've been on sale for a while, and many sizes and colors are selling out fast.  So, if you want one - you better hurry!!

Have you made any great discoveries recently?

Friday Favorites: Keep Cool

Happy Friday, y'all! The weather this week has been quite warm here.  Much too warm for early May!  I'm looking for a nice cool down this weekend.  In the meantime, all this heat has had me thinking about summer.

I am all about a cute, breezy dress during the summer.  And this week I became a teeny bit obsessed with this Mossimo Multicolor Stripe Trapeze Halter Dress .  It looks a little shorter than I personally like, but as this model is probably several inches taller than myself - it might be just right.  I feel it might be worth a trip to Target for a try on.  Sadly, it looks like my local store is already sold out.  ☹

Since I'm already on the topic of dresses, this Red Heirloom Maxi Dress from World Market is another one that I found and became infatuated with.  I love the bold color.  And the longer length of a maxi dress.

During the warmer summer months I like lighter, quick meals.  Spaghetti Squash with Mushrooms and Parmesan by Pickled Plum has quickly become a favorite.  It's gluten free.  Healthy.  And tasty.  In fact. it's so good -  I forgot to take picture before eating all of it! 

Except for waiting for the squash to cook. it's a fast meal.  (and I'm thinking about trying  some options I've seen for either microwaving the squash or cooking it in the crockpot).  Next time I make it, I'll use less thyme and more garlic.  And perhaps toss in some broccoli or green peas.

And then there's this...

The Starbuck's Midnight Mint Mocha Frappuccino.  Dark chocolate.  Mint.  Imagine someone took a Thin Mint cookie and magically turned it into a yummy cold coffee beverage. Yeh... that.  Yum!

Have a great weekend y'all!!

Friday Favorites: The Premiere

I thought it would be fun to start using Fridays to share a few of the fun, interesting, bizarre, and funny things I come across in my day to day life each week.  Enjoy!

BEE HAPPY:  I saw this Bee Happy Doormat from World Market in an email this week - and you can "bee-lieve" it will be living on my front porch soon!

worldmarket.com

Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer:  I started reading this book by Priscilla Shirer this week.  I'm very excited about using it to help give my prayer life a much needed jump start.

Fervent at BarnesandNoble.com

liveGfree Angel Food Cake mix:  After concluding last year that some problems he was having were likely related to a gluten sensitivity, the Man of the House has been gluten free.  I have been craving some strawberry shortcake.  But it didn't seem right to enjoy it when the Man of the House couldn't have the shortcake portion of the dessert.  This will make it possible for all of us to indulge in that sweet treat... without the gluten induced side effects.

Favorite Finds Friday: Spring Essentials

Welcome to another Favorite Finds Friday!  Spring has been in full swing for a couple of months, but if spring where you are us anything like spring here - that means some rather erratic weather.  Even in the middle of May we can get some cool mornings.  With blazing hot afternoons.  And back to chilly for the evening. All this back and forth can make dressing more than a little complicated at times.

Despite that, there are a few items I consider my "Spring Essentials"...

Scarves:  I know what you're thinking...  "Scarves?  I thought she was talking about Spring essentials.  Not winter!"  Scarves, for Spring?  Uh... YES!  I love a good scarf year 'round.  Especially with a cute sweater or tunic and boots during autumn.  But once the weather turns warmer, I put away the knit scarves for lighter and brighter materials.

Scarves are perfect for adding a not-too-heavy layer on those cooler days when you need a little extra to keep the chill off.  Plus they can add a fun something special to a tshirt dress or a simple shorts and top combo.

Fun Nail Polish:  After wearing darker shades for winter (think navy, deep grey, and rich wines), or being downright neglected because they're hidden away inside my boots - my toes are ready to come out and play!

This means a wardrobe change to fun, bright colors.  Bring on the corals, the teals, and the bright pinks!

Dresses & Skirts:  I find pants a challenge any time of year.  It's difficult to find a comfortable, well fitting pair of pants.   Which is why I lean heavily on skirts and dresses once the weather warms up. (And I no longer have to worry about a winter wind finding it's way up my skirt...  brrr!)

Easy.  Cool.  And comfy.  That has Spring into Summer written all over it!

Speaking of being comfy pants challenged - I am crazy curious about the pants at Betabrand.com .  They have these Crop Dress Pant Yoga Pants which look perfect for Spring and Summer.  I am dying to try!  If I could look dressed, while having the comfort of yoga pants... yes, PLEASE!!  Check 'em out for yourself!  And while you're there, have a peek at some of BetaBrand's suggestions for Spring Essentials:

What are your Spring Essentials?  Share in the comments!

Favorite Finds Friday: A little of this, and a little of that...

Welcome to another Friday y'all!

This week really has been a total blur.  I don't think i have taken more than a few minutes at a time to look up from my yarn and crochet hook!  Because of that there was no time to plan an actual theme for this week.  As a result, you are being treated to a fun little hodge podge of things I came across in my inbox throughout the week.  

homedepot.com

I just love this succulents wreath tutorial I found in an email from  this week!  Will I ever get around to actually making it?  Probably not...  

lionbrand.com

This mug would make a fun little gift for your favorite. crocheter or knitter slash coffee lover,  wouldn't it?   All I know for sure I'd that it made me laugh!

stellacarakasi.com

I saw this sweater featured by another blogger earlier this week; and I just love everything about it - from the lightweight knit to the asymmetrical lines.  Gorgeous!

recyclart.org

I am always fascinated when I find cool glass insulators in antique stores, but I never know what in the world I would do with them.  Until now!  Something like this would be so pretty for my mantel.  I may need to pick some up the next time I find myself in an antique shop.

Next week we'll talk about some last minute ideas for Mother's Day.  

What interesting things have you seen this week?

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

My Favorite Finds Friday: Spring Cleaning

It's April.  Which means it's time for those 2 little words which strike up a deep sense of dread in my very soul.  No,  I don't mean 'tax season'...  I'm talking about Spring Cleaning (duh duh duuuuuuh... *shudder*)

And what better way to get prepared than by spending some time browsing the interwebs for tips, tricks, and hacks to make Spring Cleaning easier.  AmIright?

Here are some of the little gems I came across and have utilized in my own (half-hearted) attempts at getting the home clean and organized.

cleanmyspace.com

If you have a question about when or how to clean just about anything - I am pretty sure cleanmyspace.com has an answer for you!  Her Ultimate Spring Cleaning Guide is no exception.  Detailed cleaning lists for each room, tips on getting started, and general cleaning tips are right here in one handy source!

budgetdumpster.com

It's called the Ridiculously Thorough Guide to Decluttering Your Home and that is pretty accurate!

Ruth over at Living Well, Spending Less has her own pretty thorough guide to Spring cleaning your kitchen.  She breaks everything down, area by area until your kitchen is sparkly, decluttered, and organized.  Which will leave you with time to sit down and enjoy her new book: Unstuffed

kidtokid.com

Once your Spring cleaning is completed, a consistent cleaning schedule can help keep it that way.  I have about 6 different versions pinned to my Cleaning and Organization board on Pinterest; but this one from KidtoKid is one of my favorites.

Have you done your Spring cleaning yet?  What are some of your favorite tips and tricks?

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

"Look What I Found" Friday - First Edition

It occurred to me recently how much I enjoy all those blog posts where the blogster shares things they found online over the past week, or month, or whatever.  Whether it's fashion, home decor, fun things to do, office supplies, or life hacks - I love seeing what others are finding.  Saves me a little bit of time on Pinterest.  (Who am I kidding?  I still lose too much time on Pinterest. Probably when I tried to pin something I saw on one of those blog posts and then got distracted by a 'related pin'.  Or two.  Or a thousand...)

And suddenly I realized: why am I not doing this?  I see lots of interesting stuff online.  (I may have already mentioned how I frequently occasionally get caught in the time warp known as Pinterest) I should totally be sharing these things with the rest of the world!

So here it is:  Welcome to my first ever installment of "Look What I Found" Friday!

scppapergoodsandgift.etsy.com

How CUTE is this mug?  Personalized with your name and your own coffee (or tea) order.  Mine would say "Coffee  Slightly Sweet  Almond Milk Creamer"  What would yours say?

worldmarket.com

I saw this kaftan top in an email World Market sent, and I am a smitten kitten!  Loose, flowy, and oh-so-comfy looking.  And right now it's on sale for 30% off.  I might have to make this one mine.

And then there's this little gem.  I don't think I'm overstating to call this a game - changer:



If y'all haven't paid a visit to this lovely lady at Fifty, Not Frumpy - you should! She graciously shares her tips on lifestyle, health, and fashion for those if us who are, um... no longer in our 20's or 30's.  I've learned a lot from her; but this is my favorite.  No more shoulder nipple in my cardigans!  Yes!!  My sweaters and myself both felt this was too good NOT to pass along.
And those, my friends, are a few of the goodies I found this week.  Have a great weekend!

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups