My April Empties

I finished up several skin care and beauty items in April.  Some were old true-blue favorites.  Some were hit or misses.  Let's take a look:

Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil:  This is my go-to for the first part of my skin care routine.  It easily removes all my makeup and doesn't leave my skin feeling oily. This wasn't my first bottle and won't be my last

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum:  Good Molecules Serums are my ride-or-die.  I have tried many other hyaluronic acid  serums, but I always come back to this. 

Loreal Midnight Cream:  The jury is still out on this one. It does feel thick and luxurious when you apply it.  But performance-wise, I'm not sure if it lives up to the hype. I did purchase one more container. After that's gone, I'm not sure if I'll continue using it or not. Also, the fragrance is quite strong, so if you're sensitive to that, you may want to give it a pass.

Laura Geller Original Spackle Primer: I absolutely adore Laura Geller makeup, and this primer is no exception! I have a couple of other great primers in my makeup arsenal, but this is the one I reach for over and over. 100% a repurchase!

Have you tried any of these products?  What were your thoughts?

Making A Simple London Fog

I have always been a coffee kind of girl.  But as I've gotten older hot coffee agrees with me less and less. Last year, at the peak of my stomach problems, I abandoned my morning coffee in favor of a cup of hot tea. 

Most days begin with a cup of Irish Breakfast Tea with milk and honey.  But some days, I feel like doing something a little bit fancier. That's when I will prepare a London Fog for myself.

A London Fog (or tea latte) is typically Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup.  I make mine a little different, but with the same delicious result. 

I start by brewing a cup of Earl Grey tea.  I usually use a decaf Earl Grey because sometimes caffeine can aggravate my reflux. 

I sweeten the tea with some honey.

For the milk and the vanilla flavor, I add unsweetened vanilla almond milk.  

If you're wanting to give it a little something extra (or a caffeine boost) - try making it a Dirty London Fog by adding a shot of espresso!

The London Fog latte is a tasty way to start my morning. Or a delicious treat on a chilly or rainy afternoon.

Have you tried a London Fog?

This Lip Balm Is Making Me Nostalgic

I don't know about you, but I have found that when I go out in public and have to wear a mask - my lips get dry very quickly.  This means that as soon as I get to the car and take the mask off, I am usually looking for some lip balm. 

Waaay back in 2019 (Remember 2019? Seems like a million years ago) I told you all about my favorite lip balm. I shared how much I enjoyed the Smith's Minted Rose lip balm and how it reminded me of the little tins of lip balm that I fell in love with as a little girl.  

Well, let me introduce you to My Favorite Lip Balm: Part Two!  

In my Christmas stocking last Christmas, I found a tin filled with Smith's balms.  The original, my favorite minted rose lip balm, and a strawberry lip balm.  

Y'all...  that strawberry! Oh. My. Goodness.

The first time I lifted the lid off the little round tin, I was mentally transported back to the early '80s and that lip balm I loved back then.  Talk about a blast from the past!  

This stuff is delightful! In fact, it's everything I didn't know I was missing.  The strawberry is just the right amount of strawberry, without being overly sweet or perfumey.  It has all the rich moisture I loved of the minted rose variety.  It's a pale pink color in the tin, but once applied it's clear.  

Am I giving up my first love - the Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm?  NO way!  But the Smith's Strawberry Lip Balm is a lovely addition to the family.  I always have one (or both) on my nightstand and one in my purse. 

By the way, this is not an ad or sponsored post.  I don't receive any compensation of any kind from Smith's or anyone else for this post.  It's just me, sharing something I have discovered that I think you might also like. 

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: Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner

I like the little extra oomph of clean I get from using a toner.  What I don't like is the overly dry feeling I get from many of them.  Or worse, that burning sensation some can cause on my sensitive skin.

I spent years and years searching for the perfect toner for my skin.  I think I finally found it in Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel toner!  

Made with the long time skin care favorites witch hazel, rose water, and aloe vera, Thayer's cleans, tones, and moisturizes your skin.  Without the use of harsh chemicals.  Just lots of natural therapeutic tannins, astringents and antioxidants. 

After washing my face,  I use Thayer's to remove any remaining traces of makeup or oils.  It always leaves my skin feeling so clean and fresh.  And thanks to the soothing aloe and rose water, I never feel too dry after using it.

I used to regularly get cystic acne on my chin, related to hormones.  Since using the Thayer's I rarely experience it now.

Do you have a favorite skin care product?  Or have you tried Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner?  Share in the comments!


Pssst… in case you're curious - those cotton rounds in the pictures are machine washable, reusable and eco-friendly.  And they can be found in my Etsy shop at  https://www.etsy.com/listing/193323871/




Disclaimer:  I have received no compensation for this post.  However, this post may contain affiliate links.  Keep in mind that I may receive commisions 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.  Thayer's is not affiliated with this blog. 

Friday Favorites: Deva Curl

I have written about my love/hate relationship with my curls in the past (HERE).  A few years ago, I decided to finally embrace them.  Just ride the waves.  (Pun intended)  However, I found that I still found them a challenge more often than I wanted to admit.   Probably because I was still using shampoos with sulfates and styling products that contained silicones and all sorts of other ingredients that are not so curl friendly. 

Late last year, that changed when I decided to fully follow the Curly Girl Method.  I'll talk more about the Curly Girl Method some other time and the journey I have been on there.  Today is about a just a few items that have changed my hair for the better!

DevaCurl Low-Poo and One Condition Delight are my new go-to cleanser and conditioner.  These - along with the Wave Maker styling cream - have put the spring back in my curls.  I couldn't believe how much of a different I saw after just one use!  

I had been using curly girl approved products that can be found at many drugstores, and was getting good results, but I was ready to try something else.  DevaCurl was created by Denis DaSilva and Lorraine Massey.  Lorraine is also known as the author of Curly Girl: The Handbook.  So, I decided to give them a try!

The Low Poo Delight takes some getting used to if you've been using a sulfate shampoo because it's, well... low poo.  Meaning, it's low lathering.  But it still does an amazing job of getting my hair clean without leaving it feeling stripped.  The One Condition Delight gives my hair plenty of slip and conditions well, without weighing down my curls.

My favorite may be the Wave Maker.  I used to love the Not Your Mothers Kinky Moves curling cream, but alas - it is loaded with silicones.  Now, FINALLY, I have found a new favorite! 

Since switching to the DevaCurl products, I'm getting a little better definition.  And I'm seeing a difference in the volume also.  And best of all, if I protect my curls while I sleep, I am now able to get at least a full 3 days from one wash day instead of needing to wash every other day.

I'm hoping that the glycerin in the Wave Maker doesn't become an issue as the humidity levels increase during the summer.  I've had some issues with frizz using products that have glycerin in the top few ingredients.  So... fingers crossed.  

Do you have a favorite line of hair products?

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.  However, this does not impact my reviews. All opinions expressed are my own. Your results may differ.  Deva Curl is not affiliated with this blog.

Friday Favorites: My Favorite Lip Balm

Welcome to the first edition of the NEW Friday Favorites!  I am so excited to share some of my favorite items, new finds, delicious recipes, and other things too good to keep to myself. There might even be some "not-so-favorite" items tossed into the mix from time to time.


If you're like me,  you are rarely without some lip balm.  My passion started waaaay back in the day with little tins of flavored lip balm and increased once I discovered Lip Smackers.  It only grew from there, although my preferences have matured a bit since then. Over the years I have gone through oh-so-many tubes!

My current favorite is the Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm

I found this lip balm before Christmas when I was reading articles and blog posts for stocking stuffer ideas for members of my family.  I thought it sounded interesting, so I added it to my own wish list.

And I am so glad I did!!

This balm makes my lips feel so soft and moisturized.  Just a little bit goes a long way.  The smell is amazing!  It's minty enough to be refreshing but not overwhelming.  I hesitated a little over the "rose" part, but it's not really very rose-y.

While it appears pink in the container, it goes on mostly clear with just the barest hint of color.

I like that the little tin fits so easily into my purse, even if I'm carrying a smaller handbag.  And it reminds me of those little tins of lip balm that I loved all those years ago.  My one and only complaint about it would be that the lid can be a little difficult to get off sometimes, especially if my hands are wet or I have just applied lotion.

Over all, I'm in love with the Smith's lip balm.  In fact, I'm already thinking about how soon I might need to order more!

Do you have a favorite lip balm?




Disclaimer:  I have received no compensation for this post.  However, this post may contain affiliate links.  Keep in mind that I may receive commisions 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.  Smith's 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!

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: Spice Things Up!

Happy first Friday of Summer 2017!!  Which means it's time for things to heat up.  In honor of that, I'm highlighting a few of my favorite spicy things today. Despite the fact that I prefer things a little more mild.

1.  Pacqui Tortilla Chips

"Pacqui" is the Aztec word meaning "to be happy".  And these chips certainly do make me happy!! No GMOs, no MSG, no gluten, and no trans-fats.  The entire family likes the nacho cheese.   The Man of the House enjoys the Ghost Pepper variety.  (and is eagerly awaiting the return of the Carolina Reaper One Chip Challenge)  While I'm crazy for the Cool Salsa Verde.  Yum!



2. Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack

This is my very favorite chicken restaurant here in town.  I stick to the plain, but the Man of the House has conquered their XXhot.  🔥  And the sides are extra yummy.  Especially the fried okra and pimento cheese grits!



3.  Good Earth Sweet and Spicy Tea

A blend of cinnamon and sweet orange gives this tea the perfect blend of... well, sweetness and spice.  I was introduced to this by my youngest sister and it is one of my two favorite teas.  It's available in black tea or green.  Both are delicious.  (also available in regular or decaffeinated)



Do you like things spicy, or more on the mild side?

Friday Favorites: Good Taste

Yesterday I made chili for dinner.  Which seems like an odd choice for June.  I usually reserve it more as a cold weather meal.  But, for some reason, when I made the menu for last week it just seemed like a good idea to have chili one night.  And wouldn't you know it - by dinner time the weather was cool and rainy.  A perfect chili night!

The lesson?  Always listen to that little voice inside. It knows what it's talking about!

Besides the yummy chili, a few other tasty things crossed my path this week:

Um... have y'all tried these?  Because - Oh. My. Goodness.  They are so, so yummy.  I finally found an M&M to replace the great void left when I could no longer enjoy the peanut ones.  If you like M&M's and caramel - go get a pack.  Like, right NOW!  The only problem I have with them?  They don't perform well on ice cream.  The caramel freezes up and gets too hard to chew. Otherwise... yum!

Earlier this week I tried this recipe from Moms With Crockpots.  It is so simple to make, but tastes like you spend hours over a hot stove.  The mushroom gravy turned out better than I imagined it would.  We enjoyed it served over brown rice with some green beans on the side.  And I am sure it will become part of my regular recipe rotation!

I wouldn't suggest eating this one, even though it is made from edible/food items.  Though, I guess it could be called "food for your skin".  I found this on Pinterest, but unfortunately the link indicated in the pin takes you to a skin care product company and I can find no reference to the masque on their website.  But regardless of that - I have tried this a few times and I am so happy with it!  My skin feels so clean and soft after I use the treatment.


Have you discovered any tasty treats recently?  Share in the comments!