I LOVE it! Perfect for you and looks great with the rest of the area.
I don't think so. I keep my Americana stuff up pretty much from Memorial day all the way through Labor Day.
Thanks!
I was thinking it would be OK too... I am hoping to get out there today and work with it a little bit.
I'm glad to hear your Target day went well.
The China cabinet looks great and I think it fits your kitchen/dining space.
Looks like Allison is having fun in Europe.
Thank you! I am happy to see it all coming together.
She is having a lot of fun - and happy to be "home" again.
I love your display on top of the china hutch! I think it's absolutely fine to keep an Americana display on your porch all summer -- Memorial Day through Labor Day is perfect for that.
My debit card.....so once we realized it was missing and probably had been thrown away (believe me, we searched everywhere multiple times for it....), we called the bank and they cancelled it (and we verified that there had been no activity on it since the last time I used it the day before) and I had to request a new one. It takes 7-10 days for the new card to arrive so I'm hoping it gets here today. It's such a hassle....because once it arrives I have to change all of my online stuff that's tied to my debit card (like
Amazon and some of my monthly subscriptions). Frustrating. But it's my own fault for being careless and somehow throwing it away.
Allison is having so much fun! But there is no way on earth I would have gone spelunking and gone in that cave or on those stairs! I'm a chicken!
How much money do you plan for food each day while your at Disney? I'm having a hard time with that for this trip. We're only doing two TS meals -- one at Disney Springs and then BOG -- so I've already looked at those and figured out what we will probably eat, but who knows until we actually eat that night what we'll order...so I can estimate those...and Alyssa and I often split CS meals, but it's hard estimating.
In an effort to start prepping for our W30, we've started trying some recipes from the W30 book and making some food substitutions. I think my spiralizer is going to get a work out when we do our W30 because we love pasta and that's going to be hard to give up. But we've already tried substituting spiralized zucchini and parsnips and liked those, so hopefully we'll manage. I also decided to give up Coke (again....I've done that so many times....)....yesterday was day 1 and I had a bit of a headache but some Ibuprofen and plenty of water helped with that. We shall see how it goes...I shouldn't be drinking caffeine for various medical reasons and I've gone off of it for as long as three years before....but I have an "all or nothing" personality and once I start drinking it again I drink way too much. So I figured I'd go ahead and cut that out now so it's one less adjustment I have to make when we start our W30. I've also started cooking with ghee instead of regular butter. The more adjustments I can make up front the better off I'll be -- my body doesn't tend to react well to sudden changes.
Thanks! I am hoping to head outside this afternoon and mess with some of the Americana stuff - hopefully I can get it set up a little bit?
I am glad you were able to get your debit card all figured out - hopefully you have it in hand now and it's a non-issue.
Hahaha... She seemed to enjoy it - for the most part... I know she did not enjoy the stairs at all though - can't say I blame her, I wouldn't have enjoyed that part either.
It honestly depends... I plan out each day individually... So, the TS meals - I physically go in and "order" what I think we will eat, then add tax and tip... I usually come out pretty close. With CS meals - I usually figure about $12 per person per meal - That covers an entree and a drink - and I only drink water, which is free - so that works out about right for us. Snacks - I budget about $10 per person per day... That covers it usually. Then I bring with a buffer of about $100 just in case... If I don't use it by the last day or 2, then that goes into my souvie budget.
Giving up soda is soooo hard - I feel your pain. Thankfully - that is one thing I've never put back into my diet after I gave it up 4 years ago... Once in a great while - maybe twice per year, I will have a soda, but it's pretty rare and I find that it's just to sweet for me... Usually - my weakness is root beer... my other weakness is regular Coke... But like I said - that is super rare.
W30 is tough - it really is... There are so many rules and they are STRICT... but it's only 30 days. I wanted to "officically" start last week and it just didn't happen. But I have been super mindful about what I am putting into my body and also eliminating snacking - and limiting it to fruits and veggies only... That seems to be helping me a lot so far. I do intend to dive into a full W30 very soon though - I need it. Prepping yourself ahead of time is a great idea - I encourage anyone to do it if they can.
Yes with your new decor and your little town i think it would be perfect!!!
Allison is really having an adventure isn't she!!! I love it all and a wee bit jealous of all the awesome stuff!! except canoeing i don't want to do that... LOL!
she will be home in a blink of an eye! well for her anyway...
Still waiting on you to show up on my doorstep!
Awesome! I am hoping to get out there today to set some of it up.
She is... She is having so much fun and it's so neat to see what she sees. She had a blast canoeing with Brian - I got to hear all about it yesterday.
It can't be soon enough for me - I think I aged about 50 years yesterday...
Packing up as we speak... I wish.
I think it would been ok to have an Americana display up for the summer. In fact, the neighbor across the street from me does that. Your display looks really good. My only concern is that the sewing machine might be too heavy for the top of the china cabinet.
I'm sorry that you're so unhappy with Target. They have to ask us before they can move us at our store. Most of us like working at our store. The assistant managers are all very nice. The store manager is still learning. There a few people I don't like working with. You get more that I got for 10 years. I got a certificate and a pin. We do get quarterly bonuses, though.
It looks like Allison is having great time travelling.
Have a great day
Liz
Thanks! I hope to get out there this afternoon and mess with setting it up a little bit.
Well, the top of my China cabinet is solid wood - I always thought that top piece was just trim and then it dipped down up there... but it's actually one solid piece of wood laying across the top - so I don't think there is any danger of it falling through. Thanks for the reminder to be careful though.
Yes - it's frustrating... I find my unhappiness level greatly increases right around Tuesday night... LOL Once I get through my shift on Wednesday, I am OK with them again until Tuesday. LOL
Allison is having a wonderful time... She is very much enjoying the time she gets to spend with BMTL... We are all very jealous and cannot wait for our turns!
Thanks Liz - same to you!
I love the display on top of the china cabinet! What do you think of it now that you have it done?
I think an American display is always appropriate, it's the Navy brat in me
I'd definitely say it's fitting from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
I don't associate a trip to France with caves, I think it's awesome that she is having experiences beyond the typical tourist.
Hope you have a great day!
Thanks! I like it - I still feel like that whole area is missing something - and I think it's because I don't have the actual China cabinet that I want there yet... Once I find it and get it painted - then I think I will reevaluate.
Awesome! That is kind of what I was thinking too... I hope to get out there this afternoon and try to set some of it up.
Hahhaa - me neither... I agree - I think it's so cool! And totally out of the ordinary for touristy stuff.
Thanks - same to you!
You are so right about nutrient deficient foods, they are everywhere! Over the holiday I always get a bit sloppy with my eating too, and always feel like garbage afterward! It's just so easy to slip back into that cycle, for 34 years I ate basically unhealthy cheap foods, but for a little over a year I have switched my lifestyle as best I can. You are really inspirational and I think when we admit we make mistakes we know we are still growing and learning, you cannot change a lifetime of programming so easily. I am sure you know all this, but it's nice to find a kindred spirit! If you're on myfitnesspal, I am kbarrett562000.
Your hutch is goregous! Love it!
I say do the Americana display , I love themed displays and like someone else mentioned we still have labor day coming up!
That Allison, she is glowing, you can tell she is having the time of her life! What an amazing experience with family to boot!
I agree - it was way too easy... I did, very much, enjoy the whole "laziness" factor while we were remodeling... Quick easy meals with very little prep work involved... Yet they weren't satisfying and I was always hungry... Sigh... But back to meal prep here and good for me foods with good for me snacking. I really wanted to jump into a W30 this last week - but it just wasn't in the cards for me... I think I need to go back to reality and start off slow again. So, after my reality check - I decided just to concentrate on eating whole food and only snacking on healthy stuff - no processed stuff... That worked out well for me. This week - I will work on something else again... Eventually I want to work up to a bit more of a calorie intake restriction and journaling... After all - I still want to take off this size I gained, but I want to do it in a healthy and mindful way.
Endless battle...
You can also find me on MFP... I have not logged in in months - but I do plan to get back on there with in the next week or two and concentrate on my journaling again. Same name there for me as here.
Thank you - we are actually trying to find a family member to take it, so I can buy one that I can paint... This one was once Josh's grandparent's and I wouldn't feel right painting it... So, hopefully one of his family members wants it soon, along with the dining room table set that matches, as we do NOT have the room to store all of this furniture.
I am hoping to get out there today to set up some of my Americana stuff... I need to work upstairs for a while though.
She is having an amazing time, I have a feeling it will be very hard for her to come home... She has only been there for a few weeks and I can already tell that she has bonded greatly with all of them.
Oh forgot to ask, how is V's art classes?
Well, I have not mentioned anything here yet... But sadly - she found out a few weeks ago that the art college she was accepted to is closing. It was a devastating blow to her. They stopped doing the Saturday classes completely and to be honest - they have treated her very poorly since the announcement... They offered to transfer her to one of their other art schools around the nation, but due to how they have treated her locally - I do not think she wishes to continue a relationship with them? So, right now, we've started the hunt again for another college - we have a few in mind...
At least we have that experience in our pocket and kind of know what to expect and what we are looking for.
I love seeing pictures of your kitchen. It is just so bright and I really love all the white. I think the display on top of the china cabinet looks very nice, and it's easy to change if you get tired of it. I agree with everyone else that I think you can leave your American display up all summer. I think it's patriotic.
My husband had been up at the lake with all the rain. The water came up to the bottom of the dock. There is a dam in Crosslake and he said all the locks are open so that should lower it pretty quickly. Anytime boats go by though the wakes splash over the dock. We'll be back up next week and I hope it has gone down by then. The grandkids are coming up for a few days so I'm looking forward to it.
I didn't get a lot of clearance at Target but did get 8 packs of napkins and some sunscreen. My daughter had coupons, so with the gift card deal they were free! We kept seeing it everywhere and she hopes to find more when it goes 90% off because then she will make money on it. The kids have summer passes to a local water park so they go through a ton of sunscreen. It was funny because she kept saying there was stuff she'd buy at 90% off, but not 70%. She is a real bargain hunter.
Thank you - I am still so surprised at how much I love it. For so many years I've totally hated our house and everything about it... It's still shocking for me to walk in and love it.
I hope to get outside this afternoon and set up some of the Americana stuff. Hopefully it stays nice - I have not even looked at the weather yet.
WOW!!! Ottertail is soooo low right now... Many boats are chained 20 ft off of the docks because the water is so low, people can't get them into the lifts.
Oooh awesome deals at Target!
for you! I love to bargain hunt - but I am not nearly that good.
Wow, Allison's adventures are just amazing!! Thanks for keeping us posted on all the awesomeness!!
I totally understand your Target feelings! Rob (my DH) has finally had enough, just shy of 10 years and worked his last day a week ago. It seemed like he enjoyed his time there A LOT more 10 years ago...policies and people in charge have changed SO much.
I am working our Sidewalk Sale at Hallmark this week, which is like a sidewalk sale on crack really!!! We take up almost a block and a half with all of our merchandise and have to lug it in and out every day/night. I'm on day 3, so I'm behind on everything, but we're halfway through--ends on Sunday!!! Hopefully I can make it....and when I get that pay check it goes straight to Disney Fairy Tale Weddings!!
Yes - she is having a marvelous time! I love seeing this trip through her eyes... Just doing the average every day things are fascinating and fun for her.
Wow!!! I am surprised he didn't stay for his $50 GC - LOL I figure, I've worked there this long, I might as well get that. LOL Good luck to him and I totally understand - things have changed so much, and not for the better.
OOOH - that sounds like a great sale! I don't think we have any here locally?
Good luck - and congrats on earning more $$ towards your trip! Exciting!
Just checking in. I've been reading along, just live has been super insane.
So glad Allison is having a time of her life. Love all her adventures, and the fact you get to "see her". Thank goodness for technology.
The pictures of your lake vacation looks wonderful. The pups look like they really enjoyed themselves. So excited to hear that you are almost down to double digits.
If you ever want a travel buddy I'm game. I joke that now my daughter is off to college I have no one to travel with.
Sorry to hear that you are re-thinking your target day. Sometimes a change is always good. See how things go until after your trip.
Do glad the bank was looking out for you, but I can totally understand how embarrassing it was to use the card.
Asking for prayers, wishes, fingers crossed. About two weeks ago I almost lost my mom unexpectedly. She became so sick and she was so stubborn about going to the doctor. Finally, (because I can just be just as stubborn and forceful) my father and I dragged her to the doctor just in time to save her. If she waited one more day like she wanted she wouldn't be here today. She is finally home recovering, and her doctors are running more tests. Just one number is so far out of where it should be, even he can't figure out exactly why. We are taking one step at a time. We are just so thankful that she was so healthy and has never had any issues or was on any medications. My mom did say to me if it wasn't for me she wouldn't be here today.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day!
Yes - it's wonderful to be able to see her and communicate with her - and now that she is back at BMTL's house with data - it's so much easier to communicate with her. I missed her greatly while she was in France.
The dogs had a blast at the lake - I almost feel terrible for bringing them home - as they are totally different dogs there and enjoy the freedom that we just cannot give them at home.
I would be happy to be your travel buddy - we should talk more about that. I have this last trip with V in October, then I have to save to send her to Europe next summer... Then Josh and I will be going over the summer of 2018... I'd love a small trip to WDW in between summer 2017 & 2018 - just to get my fix.
I did reply to this part yesterday... So, I am just leaving it here. Oh Lynee!!! How terrifying! I cannot imagine. I am so thankful for you that you had the courage and insight to get your mom to a doctor... She is so very lucky to have you! Continued prayers for her, please keep me updated.
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I will come back later this afternoon to do some of the replies above, please bear with me today - as I had a rough night last night.
There was a terrorist attack in Nice, France last night... I knew Allison was near there - but I wasn't sure how close... It took me several minutes to get her location loaded on a map and determine her proximity to Nice... During that time - well, let's just say that this momma lost it completely.
In my opinion - she was too close for comfort... But far enough away to be safe - as long as they didn't alter their plans and they were where they were supposed to be. After a few hours of anxious worry & crying, I managed to calm myself down. I don't wish it on anyone.
I sent several messages around the world to different people... As I suspected, everyone was sleeping - as they should have been... At 2:30 this morning, I finally received a message that they were all safe.
I ask for your continued prayers for Allison on this journey... As much as I want her to see and discover new places - our world is not a safe place, and things are scary right now.
Thank you to all of you who messaged me last night - I really appreciate your care and concern for Allison and my family.
D~
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