Hi D! My name is Joanne. I started reading your post several months ago, when I saw one of your bags. Then I began following you to see all your beautiful creations . Loved them!. After that, i loved seeing your daughters' projects and mural. Your whole family has such an artistic talent. Finally, I got really hooked with your home renovations. The work you've done looks beautiful! I was going to reply before, but I thought that would be one more you would have to respond to! Anyway, I've really enjoyed your posts . Thanks for the inspirations with the home renovations ! Enjoy planning your next trip !
Welcome Joanne! I love to hear that you are enjoying my TRs... I truly enjoy writing them, and believe me - I love responding too, so don't let that stop you from speaking up.
I've made so many wonderful friendships here, it's great to have you on board and reading along.
Thanks for all of the compliments too... I feel like I have my hands in everything lately. LOL Trying to find a balance, and prioritizing... It's a little crazy! But I love everything I do, and it's fun to see it come together.
I hope you'll continue to follow along - and continue to reply.
Welcome again!
I saw Allison's post on fb so I knew she was safe, although I didn't hear the news until yesterday morning. Glad all is well and I would have been just as worried.
my suggestion is to paint the chairs different colors - I would probably do four colors myself, but even if you did two and two, it could be a statement.
Glad you are getting back to healthy eating. You will feel better!
I am glad you saw that... It was a rough night for me, I just wanted her out of France... But realistically - it could have happened anywhere, and I have to remember that.
ACK!!! I soooo want to paint the chairs different colors, I think it would be so cute! I am just afraid, if I do that, it will really detract from the China cabinet when I (eventually) get it painted... I am so bad at decisions like this! I think I am painting all of the chairs/bench white, for now... I can always paint over them later... I really want to see how the white looks with the (hopefully) coral China cabinet...
I am working on it and slowly getting there. I keep seeing pictures of me, even from a few months ago, and it's really hard not to get discouraged... It's becoming more and more of a focus for me as the days go on. I just want to go to Disney in Oct, not looking like this.
I plan to ramp up my eating and working out over the next several weeks - and inevitably, everything else will fall into place - I hope. LOL
I don't think it is possible for kids to have any idea of how much we worry until they have kids of their own. Where the heck do they think we get this grey hair from? Honestly!!
True... Very, very, true... I sometimes think that even Josh didn't understand what I was going through. Either that, or he has the ability to be much more calm and rational in situations like that?
It's probably the latter. Regardless- I don't wish those thoughts or feelings on anyone, it was terrible!
SO scary that something like that happened at all, let alone anywhere near your daughter!! I am so glad she was nowhere near...though I did chuckle at her Wisconsin comparison :
LOVE LOVE LOVE the coral for your China cabinet--that fabric is just gorgeous and I think a bright colored piece of furniture will really bring life to a room without much other color.
Yes, LOL, she always has a way of putting things into perspective for me... I am just thankful that she is OK!
I sure hope so... I still haven't talked Josh into it - but I did purchase the coral paint this weekend, so it's a "done deal" for me... LOL I am just waiting for the right moment.
I'm so glad Allison is safe. It's such a scary world these days...so many horrible things happening....so grateful she's ok. My daughters (and my husband) tease me for being a worrier but it's what I do...I can't help it. I know you were beside yourself with worry until you heard from her. So grateful all is well.
Sorry to hear about V and the art school -- that's awful! :-( I don't blame her for not wanting to continue a relationship with them.
I love the paint colors -- that coral would look gorgeous on the hutch.
Thanks for the info on how you estimate food costs for your Disney trips. I think I've got more than enough and, like you, what doesn't get used for food goes into my souvenir budget...and since it's all in Disney gift cards I'll just have to make sure I spend it all. Darn! LOL I honestly don't know when our next trip will be after this...probably not for a few years... That makes me sad, but at the same time I feel like Disney is really pricing out the "average" visitor. So we may give them a few years to get more of the new stuff opened before we go back. I don't know. My husband and younger daughter really want to try something else for our vacations for the next few years, so we shall see. The girls really wanted to do a cruise next summer but some things have come up that I think will make that impossible...so we will just have to wait and see.
I'm still thinking about my wardrobe for the trip next month and if I found a cute royal blue skirt with huge white polka dots (knee length, knit, a-line -- my new favorite thing to wear in the parks after our last two trips) that would be fun if I want to do a Donald themed outfit one day.
It would be my first time doing a theme to match a character and I think it will be fun. Usually I go with white shirts and solid bottoms (navy or black skirt) or else a Disney t-shirt with a skirt....used to be white shirt and khaki shorts.... I could do Minnie or Mickey with my black skirt....but I still haven't been able to come up with a character that I could do with my navy skirt. But the skirts are SO much more comfortable than shorts -- and cooler, too. I also usually change outfits at some point during the afternoon just because I get so hot and sweaty and want to put on fresh clothes after our resort break....so I might be able to do a couple of different themes.... Any suggestions for a character I could do using the navy skirt? I just can't come up with one.
My Mom ordered us an Instant Pot for Christmas and it arrived yesterday...my husband didn't realize it was a Christmas gift so he opened it and used it last night and fell in love with it and refuses to box it back up and save it for Christmas.... One of my concerns with W30 is the amount of time involved in all of the prep....but I found a lot of recipes for the Instant Pot for W30 that look good, so I think I'm going to start adding those into my menu plans for the next few weeks and see how we like them. The more "ready" I feel for this W30, the more successful it will be. One thing I'm nervous about is giving up chewing gum. Chewing gum is an anxiety thing for me...some days I don't chew any at all, but when my stomach is really upset I chew peppermint gum, and when I'm anxious I chew gum. That's going to be a really hard thing to give up. I do love carbonated flavored water so I need to start experimenting with some different flavoring combinations using fruits and vegetables so I can have some of those available.
Are there are any websites that you like for W30 recipes, ingredients, or support?
Exactly - my family teases me about the same thing... I worry too much. Bah-humbug... One day, maybe, they will understand. Until then, I will worry for them.
Thank you - I am so very thankful they are all OK.
Yes, it was a tough blow for her, but we are exploring other options - and hopefully better ones.
Thanks! I purchased the coral paint the other day when Sherwin Williams was having their sale... I still haven't talked Josh into it at all - or even brought it up... I hope to have him on board, as I've already purchased the paint... Can't back out now. LOL
I agree totally... This trip is going to be a tough one... Food prices have gone up, and as you said - Disney has started to price out the average family... Which, I am reading - their numbers are down... Hopefully they continue to go down and Disney re-evaluates their prices, I do really think it's out of hand... People that used to go yearly or more are having to go less or not go at all. I know, it's getting VERY difficult for me to make these trips work financially, and if it wasn't for our Shades of Green option - these graduation trips wouldn't have happened at all. It's very sad to me, we are lucky that we have that option as many don't.
Your outfits sound adorable!!! Especially the blue dotted skirt - I've been looking for one for years and I've yet to find one. For navy, this last trip, I did Chip n' Dale... I thought it was cute - sort of a cruise type theme.
I was having the same issue with navy myself...
That is awesome! And too funny! My thought on the W30, is don't make it any more difficult than it needs to be. So, yes, try out a few new recipes (made in bulk) to keep it interesting and fun... but in all reality... grilled meat, a huge side of grilled/steamed veggies and a plop of ghee on top and your meal is done... The easier you make it on yourself, the easier it will be to stick to it. There are so many recipes and Pinterest ideas out there - but the reality is, there is a LOT of food prep involved as it is, don't make it too hard on yourself.
Good luck with the gum... I gave it up years ago - I couldn't figure out where my headaches were coming from - as it turned out, many of them were due to gum chewing. I am still not sure if it was the chewing motion that caused them or if it was the chemicals in the gum itself - but my headaches have dramatically decreased to almost never after giving up gum. I wish I had some sort of hints for you, but I don't... Maybe ask in the W30 first timers group on FB? They have lots of great ideas.
I do love infusing my water - I go in spurts with it though. My go-to drink of choice for years now is H2-Oh water... It's flavored naturally, and it gives me the carbonation that I like. LaCroix is mostly the same thing.
I just used Pinterest for recipes for the W30... But always double check them... Most all of them, even though they are tagged W30, need to be modified to be compliant... I am guilty of that too - pinning something that could easily be modified to be compliant, but the recipe as written is not.
But again - don't rely on recipes too much, keep it simple as much as possible, it will be easier on you.
Coming out of lurkdom again. I was worried when you were absent but glad to see you were having a good time at the lake! I totally understand you being cautious with not announcing your whereabouts. So glad to hear your daughter was safe and sound! Every mother can relate to your anxiety. Sadly, the world seems to be a scarier place. We need to be smart but at the same time not let it hold us back from pursuing our dreams. Good luck with getting your eating back on track - it's a constant battle for me too. Looking forward to reading more about your October plans!
Welcome back... I feel badly for dropping off the face of the earth like that, I know it's unusual for me, but it seems to be happening more often lately - as I am trying to figure out how to get my schedule back to normal.
Yes - it was a terrible night for sure... I am just so thankful for modern technology, as I would still be a frantic mess with out it.
Thanks... I am working it back into my life - slowly and deliberately... I struggle a lot with perfection - I always have - so, it's always my goal to not be 100% perfect, yet to make progress - it's a tough balance. I am moving in the right direction, so that's what I am trying to concentrate on... Hopefully progress will happen naturally?
Me too... I worked on them yesterday morning for a while... V and I are really starting to get excited about it.
Hey there! Glad all is awell. just glad i keep up with facebook. Otherwise i would be lost with everything going on in your life.
Hope you had a great weekend.
Love ya!
Hahaha... Me too! I think I am lost living my life sometimes... But I think we can all relate to that.
I hope you had a great weekend too!
Miss you!
I'm so glad that Allison and family are safely home. It doesn't matter how safe they actually are, we will still worry more than we need to about our kids. Heck, I had a bad dream last night and I am overly worried about my husband today.
I feel like I need to go to JoAnn's now too! My dad repainted both of the girls' rooms for me over 4th of July so now I am trying to finish decorating them. I'm not sure what I'd use the chalk paint for, but I'm sure I could come up with something. I know you'll end up doing something great with your supplies.
I love all of the paint colors. We have a few rooms left to paint in our house and I'm eyeing your color samples for a couple of rooms.
I haven't ventured to Aldi's yet, we've only had one in the area for a few months. I need to give it a try. I'm doing slightly better with food which is the harder part for me, but I did manage to go to yoga Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. I feel so much better when I make the time for yoga, I'm going to try my best to keep up 3 classes a week. I had my husband pick up some berries for me yesterday - I'm giving naturally flavored water another go. Plain water is too boring for me but pretty much anything else you can drink is too full of chemicals. I've tried La Croix and some other similar options but they just don't taste good to me.
OMG - Allison is so beautiful in that picture! Maybe we can Skype when she gets home and she can teach me to do my makeup!
I have a crazy busy week. My husband is travelling for work, I have one potentially sick kid home with my mom today, I have a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment, and an air conditioning maintenance appointment. Best of all, I have 2 interviews tomorrow!
Hope you have a great day!
Isn't that the truth? I feel like, as a mom, I will always worry. I hate dreams like that- I have them occasionally too, and they just make a person feel so unsettled. I hope all went well.
Yes - you should check out your Joann's, it was a pretty good sale. Most people use chalk paint to paint furniture... So, if you have anything you want painted - this is a good time to do it.
You need to make a point to go to Aldis yet this summer - soon - because right now, they have such good deals on my favorite fruits and veggies... Well, fruits - LOL... Berries are so cheap and so delicious right now. I buy tons of them, bring them home, wash them up and throw them in a bowl... They make great snacking!
Yes - try again with flavored water... Even just squeezing a lemon slice or two into regular water is enough for me - I really can't do plain water unless it's while I am working out. I don't like the taste of LaCroix either, I prefer H2-Oh water, but I do think that's a regional brand, I've never seen it in other places.
But I never go with out it at home, and I love that it's in 20oz bottles, because I can just put the cover back on and put it in the fridge if I don't want it all at once.
Great job keeping up with yoga - that's one thing I've not tried yet.
Yikes - your week sounds a lot like mine! Phew! Good luck with your interviews today - I know you will rock them!
Hey D!! I'm back on the DIS! I actually started a PTR too! I'm going back to catch up on yours now! Can't wait to follow along again!
Welcome back Casey! It's great to see you here, I hope you are well? I'll try to locate your PTR - woohoo - however, I am running late today, so I will have to try for later or tomorrow.
So, tell me, when are you going and where are you staying????
So glad that Allison and the family is safe. I have been so out of touch with things lately please forgive me. Allison looks beautiful in her pictures. She looks like she is having the best time.
Sorry to hear about V's art school closing and that they treated her poorly. Something better will come along for her and it will have so much more to offer.
I'm game to be your travel partner. When you get the bug for another trip; let me know.
I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers for mom. She is doing better. We did go back to the doctor and he was pleased with her numbers. However, something is still going on and we just don't know what yet. She was then referred to another specialist for more tests and they will work together. She is not thrilled with more bloodwork etc., but we have to do what is best. We have now as family started making changes to our diets. Not that it was terrible, but it could be improved. Mom is having a hard time with it; as she is the real fussy one. I've been doing my research.
Have a wonderful day!
Thank you - I totally understand... It's so hard keeping up anywhere, especially when life needs us.
Thank you = I hope so... It was a rough blow for her, but she has talent and I am sure she will find something worthy of that.
Awesome! LOL - I always have a bug for another trip... It's just finding the $$ to do so. It's not looking promising for me over the next few years, however... We have V's trip here in Oct and that looks like it will be my last one for quite some time... I have her Europe airfare to pay for right after that... And then Josh and I are planning our turn for Europe- we are going to try for 5 weeks in 2018, if he can save up that much vacation time.
So, we'll see...
Thank you for the update on your mom... My continued prayers go out to her and to all of you... I am happy to hear that there is progress, and I am also happy to heat that they are continuing to look for the root cause, I hope you have answers soon.
It's so hard to change food intake and a way of life, but sometimes our health warrants it and makes it more of a priority. I hope this is an easy transition for you all, I am sure you will all feel better in no time!
Please keep me updated!
Hey there D - finally - all caught up again. If it weren't for FB what would I do? I am so glad Allison and family are safe. I have been so down lately with what all has been going on here and abroad. Very troubled times we live in. You can't help but worry D! So glad you get to Skype and "see" Allison. Tyler is only 3 hours away and I really miss him. He is so busy with his new school and the house and everything else I hear from him about once a week.
So sorry to hear about V and art school. I did not know that had happened. I am sure more doors will open for her, she is so talented. Like you say, she at least got some experience out of it. It really stinks though how they handled the situation.
Good for you on your attitude and moving forward with eating well. I really need to quit the snacking. I get "stuck" on a certain snack food and am so hungry when I get home from work. Lately, for a few months now actually, I crave pita chips and hummus. Not a bad thing but definitely not a good thing.
Kudos for your $50 "bonus" at Target for 10 years! My benefits at work are really crummy. I have been there 28 years and I still get only 2 paid weeks of vacation and no paid sick leave. I have to tell myself its better than nothing but I always seem to end up taking a day or 2 or 3 unpaid. Life is too short not to have vacations and days off for various issues. I really feel like you could earn what you make at Target at your home business really easily, and it gives you much more pleasure. Like I tell my sons, write out the pros and cons and dwell on what makes you the best you, if that makes sense.
I cannot believe the Mom and V trip is coming up so soon! So exciting. I cannot wait for the big reveal on V's bag. Hope you find decent airfare soon.
Maybe one of these days we can coordinate a WDW trip D - I would love to go! You know my pain with a hubby that really could care less if WDW existed or not. We have our road trip coming up late September. I still haven't planned all of it out. I get pretty obsessive on our road trips and what all I can cram in a week. It will be just me and DH this time around; no kiddos for the first time ever. I love my DH, but its a little sad. We always had an annual family vacay every year.
I am lurking along here and on FB D! I love to see your updates and Allison's adventures. As always, hugs and prayers.
Hahaha... I know the feeling - sometimes it's so much easier to keep up on FB... However, there is a lot I don't post there - or sometimes I don't post here... It totally depends on who I want to know things.
LOL Or where I need to vent.
It definitely makes life easier being able to "see" her... I know she is feeling home sick too, and a little lonely - it's hard for her to be away from us, and not know many people. I worry about that a lot. Hopefully she will find her groove soon. Myrthe's brother and his girl friend are here in the States right now... When they get back, Kim is off of work for several weeks, so she has plans to spend some time with Allison - that will really help her a lot, I think... Just to have someone near her own age, who knows people and is familiar with the area, to hang out with. We had them over for dinner the other night and she is such a nice girl - I think Allison will really enjoy spending time with her.
Yes - it was so tough for her... I didn't announce it anywhere really, as we are still trying to work through it and come up with some options. Hopefully we are able to find something soon, as I don't want her to lose sight of her dream.
I am definitely trying to move forward with me eating well and working out... I have to admit, my working out has been pretty lazy lately... I am still doing it - but my heart isn't in it. I try to tell myself that 90% of my body comp is due to my diet, but I still feel better when I am getting a good work out.
Totally makes sense and very insightful. I could easily make up what I make at Target by working at home that 1 day per week... but I guess it's the whole "job safety" thing, and having something to fall back on if my business doesn't go well - I can always bump my hours at Target back up... But, it's been 6 years now... I am feeling pretty secure in my business... We'll see...
Yes - it's approaching so quickly now... I am really starting to get nervous that I don't have airfare yet. I am starting to stalk it several times per day now... As soon as it goes below my budgeted number, it's mine. LOL Just praying it does...
Yes - I totally understand... We are much the same Carol!
It's tough, when what we love to do, isn't our spouses idea of fun... I hope you have a great time on your vacation... It's going to be so different for you, ith out the boys... We are approaching that time in our lives too, as next summer, our lake trip will be our first with out the girls in almost 20 years... Times are a-changin' and I don't think I am going to like it...
But who knows? Maybe I will? Hopefully we can plan to meet up in Disney one day - that would be so fun!
Thank you Carol - sending out hugs and prayers to you too! Take care my friend!
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I am trying to take time to get caught up here this morning too... I am trying to get back into my "normal" schedule, but I am having a hard time with that - it seems like it's been chaotic for too long and I am having a hard time finding my groove.... I am getting there though, but please bear with me.
We had a wonderful Sunday... Myrthe's parents are still here, also her brother and his girlfriend are here now too... So, we had them over for dinner on Sunday night. It was a lot of fun! We've spent a lot of time with Jerle (pronounced Year-la) over the years, so it was great catching up with him and meeting his new girlfriend. She is very nice, as well, and has the summer off at home - so when she returns, she has plans to spend some time with Allison, showing her around and just hanging out with her... So, I thought it was a good idea for her to meet us and see where Allison grew up. It was a great evening and just a delightful time! Sorry - no pictures.
I was able to get so much work done yesterday - it felt good, my work schedule seems to be right on time, and that's good.
I have a big project I am working on, and I plan to be mostly finished with that over this coming weekend. Then things will settle down a little bit with work, but they will ramp up again very soon, as I prepare for our own trip and hopefully making a few new items for us.
I have yet to get out on the front porch to get my Americana stuff set up... I am still hoping to do that.
But... I did get 2 of the 4 chairs for the farmhouse table sanded... I still have not decided if I am going to sand/paint the other two... I ordered the bench the other day, so the other 2 chairs will only get used if we have company - otherwise, they are full-time residents in the girls' rooms under their desks. We'll see how ambitious I am... I really didn't enjoy sanding the chairs enough to subject myself to doing 2 more.
But here's a look at the farmhouse table anyways... With 4 of our old dining chairs (which I am keeping here until the others are painted and ready) and 2 of the chairs I intend to paint. You can also see, in this picture, how the China cabinet looks with it - IMO - I definitely need one that's painted... This part of the room looks pretty dull right now.
Victoria went to Valleyfair this weekend with her BFF.... They had a great time! She is staying very busy this summer with her job and just spending time with friends.
Then, there's Allison... I didn't share this story here yet, and I am not sure I was going to... But the night she returned from France, she posted this photo on Snapchat... This photo just says so much with out saying much at all. The night before this, I had been up most of the night, terrified for her... Here she is, tucked safely into bed, with the stuffie we packed in her luggage...
And the story to go with the picture... When Josh left for Iraq, back in 2004, the girls and I found a small stuffie to send with him... We purchased a collar and we all made little notes to attach to the collar, I laminated them and we packed it into his luggage. The introduction note attached to "Rufus Jr.'s" collar read... "Hi! My name is Rufus jr. I am here to protect you and keep you company on your journey. When you are missing your family, know that they chose me to go in their place and to comfort you when they can't. Each one of them smothered me with hugs and kisses to pass along to you when you need them most. Please take good care of me, and know that your girls love you. Love, Rufus Jr." . Josh carried Rufus Jr. through out Iraq and he now resides on my nightstand.
Rufus Jr...
12 years later, as another member of my family leaves to go around the world on their own journey... We sent her off with her own "Rufus Jr." - this time, just named "Junior"...
So, the photo above, speaks volumes to me, and right to my heart... She was home, she was safe, and she was surrounded by those who love her most. I cried relief when I saw that picture. My baby girl was safe. There are no words.
Anyways... Time to dry my tears this morning, and get to work on living life...
I plan to work out in just a minute here - heavy lifting is back in my routine this morning.
Then I will be working upstairs all day.
I have a meeting tonight.
That's about all! I hope you all have a wonderful day! Sending Pixie Dust out to all of you!
D~
Not too bad. I am not exactly sure what I am going to do with it yet - I've never worked with chalk paint before, but I'd love to try it out.
