Current Favorites! Summer Edition ♥

Good Monday morning Friends! ♥

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I don't know about you, but those blessed two days at the end of the week are what I live for.

On Saturday John and I saw Inside Out 2 at the movies and I LOVED it.  It was the best Pixar movie I've seen in a long time.  My heart was in my throat the entire time and that's what I want from a Pixar movie.  They really know how to do that to you, don't they? My eyes welled up so much that at the end of the movie my contact lens popped out of my right eye! Thankfully I was able to put it back in once I dried my tears. LOL

On Sunday we made an impromptu visit to my mother in-laws.  She put out coffee and cookies and we chatted a bit on her cozy 3 season porch.  Here is her tray.  It's it lovely.  So simple and elegant.  From the 25+ years I've known her, I've always admired her knack for presentation.

The candle is lemon to match the napkins.  See what I mean.  It's the little things. 

Always ♥

Anywhoo, this morning I've got my coffee and laptop out on the back deck.  What a relief to finally be outside. The temps have dropped and there is a beautiful breeze out here today.  Last week we had a heatwave.  It was over 100 degrees for 3 days in a row. It wasn't pretty! At least not for me it wasn't.  Even inside in the air conditioning it still felt hot and I was sluggish (i.e. cranky) all week.  This girl is not a hot weather gal.  I've been dreaming about the "ber" months obsessively lately, but I won't get into that right now.  I understand some of you may not be ready yet : ) 

John just brought me breakfast and coffee.  The perks of having a teenager home for the summer.  School is OUT and we couldn't be happier! 

Happy Summer! ♥

                                                

For today's post I wanted to share with you some of my current favorite things.  I guess you could call this the summer edition.  

First up is a beauty item.  I wear Supergood Glow Screen under my makeup 365 days a year.  Because it's summer and sunscreen is on everyone's mind I wanted to mention it.  It's lightweight, not pilly like some sunscreens, is odorless, and if you get the tinted one, it gives you a nice pearly glow.  

I love it.  I never leave home without it ♥

Speaking of makeup here's another beauty item.  I just started using this foundation a few weeks ago and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon.  Maybelline skin tint (comes under the heading "TikTok made me buy it") is wonderful!  I wanted to try a lighter foundation for summertime and this one had rave reviews online. It's light coverage and I feel like my skin can actually breathe under it.  I think it's perfect for everyday wear, even on hot days.  It's definitely as good as high-end brands. 10/10 

Philosophy body wash is a favorite of mine. It's so creamy and lux.  I never go a Fall/Winter without a big bottle of Cinnamon Buns in the shower (IYKYK).  I saw this one at Marshalls a few weeks ago and had to scoop it up.  Coconut Frosting! It smells like a day at the beach. Let's say it's part body wash, part aromatherapy. 

So my friend BJ will laugh at this next one because she heard me go on and on about this one day!  New PJs are my favorite thing in the entire world!  I purchased these two pairs recently from Kohls.  So soft, light, and cozy.  Why get dressed at all?!  

The reason it's funny is because I ordered a shopping cart full of summer clothes online and returned just about everything except the PJs.  I despise shopping because I can never find anything to fit me properly or that I even like.  But PJs, well that's a different story.  I'm pretty certain I own more pajama sets than actual clothing and at this stage of life that's quite alright with me ♥

On to podcasts...I understand this one may not be for everyone, but this discovery to me felt like Christmas day!  Did you know that in 1964 Lucy had a radio program? Neither did I! And I thought I knew everything about Lucy.  Apparently not.  Lucy had a daily 10 minute radio segment where she interviewed some of her famous Hollywood friends.  The best part about it is they talk about normal everyday things, like raising teenagers, fashion, home life, hobbies, vacations, ect.  Sometimes she broadcasts from Desilu Studios in Hollywood and sometimes it's right in her backyard in Beverly Hills. Lucy talks honestly about family which is a side of her that I've never heard before.  Some guests include Debbie Reynolds, Doris Day, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Jane Powell, Ann Southern, Vivian Vance, and Hal King, who was her makeup artist and friend.  He worked for Max Factor and gave "makeup application" tips which I thought was so funny as so many things have changed since 1964!  For example, he suggests that a housewife/mother applies light makeup in the morning before breakfast, so she'll look pretty for her husband as she sends him off to work.  He then suggests that she wash her face and reapply everything (a bit darker) for an afternoon of shopping and lunching with girlfriends.  And yes....we are cleansing and reapply again before hubby comes home for dinner. This time we apply even darker lipstick and eye makeup. Three times a day! Who has that kind of time?  I find this all hysterical and I love it with my whole entire heart! ♥

This podcast is a joy and feels like an actual time capsule.  Lucy is kind, funny, honest, and endearing. I didn't think I could love Lucy anymore that I already do, but you know what....I do! 

Plus the golden age of Hollywood fascinates me, and I wish it was still like that.  There was an elegance about it. Times have certainly changed.  

♥

Susan Branch once said that the best part of spring and summer is getting to be your own florist.  

She's right!  I've been taking advantage of the blooming flowers to cheer up the house.  

It's been making me happy all week.  At least the flowers don't mind the weather.  

I'd also like to offer a tip I read in a book once.  On super hot days put your moisturizers, body lotions, eye creams, and body mists in the fridge. It's the best feeling after a hot shower or just being hot in general to be able to put cold cream on your face and body.  If you hate the heat like I do, this is a live saver. You're welcome! ♥

What are some of your current summer favorites? I'd love to know! 

I hope you are staying cool.  The summer is only just starting.  We've got a long way to go!

Have a wonderful day, friends!  I'm making a yummy cake tonight that I can't wait to share with you later this week. It has berries and marcapone cheese in it.  You're going to love it.

Talk soon! ♥

Also this.... it doesn't happen very often but when it does....bliss!!!

Can you relate? 

XOXO ♥

Current Favorite things! ♥

Hello Friends and happy Monday! ♥

 I hope you all had a great week and a restful weekend.

 I had a long to-do list of chores to get done around the house this weekend and guess what? None of it got done. My heart wasn't in it and that's ok.  That's how it goes sometimes.  Taking John to the movies was more appealing than washing the bathroom floor.  I have no regrets.  So I'm starting this week off still looking at Valentines Day decorations (because they didn't get put away) and a mound of laundry that's going in the wash as soon as I finish this post.  It will all get done.  Eventually : ) 

 I was thinking about what to post today and I had a thought that I haven't done a current favorites post in a while.  

So without further adieu here are 10 of my current favorite things:

 1. Homemade pasta ♥

Recently I've started making my own pasta.  It's so much easier than people think and tastes so much better than store bought.  All you need are eggs, flour, salt and a little time.  I have a stand alone "crank" pasta maker, not an attachment to my stand mixer.

It takes very little time to mix up the dough and crank it through the machine.  Something about that last step where the dough is cut into spaghetti is so satisfying!  My love language is feeding my family and this method certainly fills my heart with joy!  Here is a the basic pasta recipe I've been following.  I think I'm ready to move on to raviolis! 

(link to recipe)

2. Walking ♥

The weather has been unseasonably warm here.  Here we are in February and last week it was 60 degrees!  I'm not sure what's going on...  I've been taking advantage of the warm days and trying to get out for walks when I can. It's still chilly, but no where near where it usually is in February.  I like to walk this beach that's near me.  I'm not a fan of exercise but knowing I get an ocean view motives me to get out of the house.  I always feel better when I get home. I'll put on a podcast or my current audio book and walk for 30 minutes.  It ends up being a lovely experience.  

(and before you ask, there are plenty of other walkers there like me so it's completely safe:) 

 

3. Neutrogena eye cream ♥

Taking good care of my skin has always been a priority for me.  I have very dry, sensitive skin and I break out easily.  Because of that, I have a morning and evening skin care routine that I follow religiously (or try to anyway:).  Over the past year I have noticed a lot of changes to my skin.  The natural process of aging is happening and that's ok.  My eye area is a particular concern of mine.  I have dark circles that even the strongest Columbian coffee can't fix.  Also crows feet and fine lines.  We all have them.  It's just life.  Keeping my skin moisturized is vital.  I use an exfoliating cleanser, face serum, eye cream, and moisturizer. I would like to do a whole post on skin care sometime, but for now I need to tell you about this eye cream.  Because I love it. It's transformed my eye area and makes the makeup around my eyes look so much better.  I use it twice a day.  Definitely a holy grail beauty product for me.  

Love Love Love! 

Trader Joes Flowers ♥

I think everyone already knows this by now, but just incase you don't - if you have a Trader Joes near you, you must stop in for a dose of spring! They have the best selection of cut flowers at the best prices!  I stopped in on Saturday to get blueberries (for Sunday pancakes :) and I couldn't resist coming home with some beautiful carnations (see picture above).  They have so many beautiful bouquets to pick from.  Note to self: I think I'll go every week. 

PS here's a picture of the pancakes I grilled in my cast iron pan (another favorite thing).  

SO YUMMY! 

4. Evening Tea ♥

I've mention before how much I love my afternoon tea time.  Lately I've been pushing it to later in the evening.  It's wonderful to wind down with a cup of tea, especially on a winter's night.  I'm also trying to have my herbal teas without sugar.  So far so good : ) 

Here's the one I'm currently loving from Bigelow ♥

I have an idea to do a future blog post on my favorite teas and favorite coffees so stay tuned for that : ) 

5. Twice Bake Potatoes ♥

Just like with the pasta, I'm learning to try things that I have always assumed to be too difficult.  Especially with recipes, just because there may be a few more steps than I'm normally used to, I can manage it.  For our Valentines Day dinner John requested twice baked potatoes.  He'd had them once in a restaurant and loved them.  I gave them a go, and guess what?! I did it and they were delicious! A big hit for all of us!  I will definitely make them again.  Here's the recipe I used (I left out the bacon)

(link to recipe)

6. Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul ♥

So what have you been watching?  I just finished watching the entire series of Breaking Bad and it's prequel Better Call Saul.  AMAZING!!! Both had me on the edge of my seat.  For a certified lover of Hallmark movies this was big stretch for me and do you know what? I couldn't get enough of this world. I can't decided which series I loved best because they were both so good.  The acting is phenomenal!  Both are available on Netflix! Highly recommend! 

 

7. Chicken Piccada ♥

One of the easiest recipes I know and still one of our favorites.  I've been making this alot this winter and we haven't gotten sick of it yet.  If you use the thin chicken breasts you won't need a knife to cut them! 30 minutes is all it takes.  It's my go to recipe for when I have no idea what to make.  In fact, it's what's for dinner tonight! LOL 

(blog post with recipe linked here)

8. The Body Shop Boost Hand Lotion ♥

I purchased this hand cream for myself at Christmastime.  My hands get SO DRY and cracked that sometimes they actually hurt.  I've been using this hand lotion at night (it's on my nightstand so I remember) and it's helped so much!!  I rub it on my cuticles and in the morning my hands feel soft and pain free!!! Whatever is left on my hands I will rub onto my heels as well.  Heavenly!  

The citrus scent is also very nice :) 

9. I Love Lucy on Pluto TV ♥

Pluto TV now as an I Love Lucy channel (under classic TV).  Finally!!! 

Now I can watch my favorite show anytime I want, 24 hours a day!  Whenever I need a little Lucy, she's there for me.  It's been my favorite show since I was 12 years old.  I love it so so much.  

10. This quote which has stuck with me this past week...

#quoteoftheweek

It's so true! Thanks for the reminder, Your Majesty ♥  

And there you have it! 10 current favorite things.  

What are some of yours? 

Have a wonderful week, friends! Thanks for stopping by today! 

Stay cozy!! xoxoxo 

Happy Birthday Lucy ♥

Happy Birthday to Lucille Ball!  Today marks what would have been Lucy's 108th birthday!  Lucy is an icon and if you visited my blog before you've probably read my ramblings on how much I adore her. 

I've loved her ever since I first saw I Love Lucy when I was 9 years old and I still love it just as much (maybe more) to this day!  Lucy and I are old friends.  She's been with me through thick and thin.  Always there to make me laugh (some times cry).  I watch I Love Lucy everyday and no matter how many times I've seen Lucy ballet dance, or stuff chocolates down her shirt, or put 13 cakes of yeast into 1 loaf of bread I laugh...because it's still funny!  Lucy is comforting to me.  She makes me feel good. 

I think she would have liked that ♥

Lucy is my inspiration.  She's my role model.  She was a beautiful, smart, funny, professional, and a self sufficient woman.  She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. Also, I might note that her biggest success came after the age of forty! So there's that too! 

Today I would just like to say Happy Birthday in Heaven to my favorite red head!  So many people love you, but only I know just how much you have meant to me. 

 

Tonight many AMC movie theaters across the country are having a special viewing of 5 colorized I Love Lucy episodes in honor of Lucy's birthday.  It just so happens my local theater is one of them! I'm so excited to see Lucy on the big screen, in color! 

♥

In her words....

"One of the things I  learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged.  Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself."   -Lucille Ball ♥

My favorite Lucy post  I wrote last year that sums up my feelings perfectly....(A Word on Lucy) 

Hope you are all having a wonderful day! 

Have a piece of cake and blow a kiss up to Lucy today. We need more of her in this world ♥

xoxoxox

I Love Lucy Christmas episode...in color!

Hello Everyone and happy Friday! We've come to the end of the first week in December.  How are your holiday preparations coming along? I spent all day yesterday shopping and this morning I'm wrapping ♥  This afternoon John and I are going to see the Grinch which we are very excited about! Our days have been busy, but definitely fun and festive!  The month is whipping by.... : )

 

 

For today's post I thought I would do something different!  As many of you know I absolutely LOVE Lucille Ball and I Love Lucy! For as long as I can remember it's been my favorite show and holds a very special place in my heart ♥

 

Every December CBS treats us and airs the Christmas episode.  This episode is not usually shown in syndication (hence not in the reruns) so I always get a little bit excited to see it because its a rarity.  I don't remember exactly when, but somewhere along the road they (whoever "they" are) started colorizing certain episodes.  The Christmas episode was the first one to be colorized. 

 

As charming as the black and white is, I must admit I do love seeing it in color.

You can really get a sense of the 1950's décor, clothes, and hairstyles! 

 

 

 

The I Love Lucy Christmas episode first aired on December 24th, 1956. 

 

 

 

Gathering around the tree (and what a tree!:) to decorate it and reminisce as all friends do ♥

Don't you just love Ethel's dress and pearls? So 1950's!!! 

 

A kiss under the mistletoe  ♥

The ornaments remind me of my grandmother's glass ornaments that I have hanging on my tree.  

 

I also love the wreath hanging in the window ♥

Lucy was know for being kooky and zainy, but she was indeed a beautiful lady! 

 

I just adore her red hair! Her makeup is perfect too!

 

Click here for a clip of Lucy singing jingle bells....it's my favorite part of the episode ♥  

 

I'm not sure what I love more about this picture.  Little Ricky's Lionel train set or the pine cone centerpiece on the coffee table...lol  ♥

This year the special airs on Friday December 14th at 8pm.  I'll be watching ♥

Merry Christmas from The Ricardo's and The Mertz's!

 

 

 

 

 

So which do you prefer? Black & white or color. 

 

For me it's a tie ♥

 

 

 

 

And just for fun here is a real life Christmas photo of Desi and Lucy with their children Lucille and Desi Jr (known later for his epic appearance on the Brady Bunch!!! - at least to me it was epic: )

 

 

I hope you enjoyed this blast from the past and it got you in a Christmassy mood!  I'm off to make cocoa and wrap presents!

 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!  

 

xoxoxo

 

P.S

 

Lucy and I go way back. 

For more of my thoughts on Lucy and why I love her so much you can click (here) and (here)  

A Word on Lucy ♥

I Love Lucy!

 

♥

 

My favorite TV of all time is I Love Lucy.  I'm sure I've mentioned it before.  I've loved Lucy since I was 9 years old and I still love her.  I watch I Love Lucy every day and laugh, smile, cry...just as if I had never seen it before. 

 

There is one particular episode where Lucy learns how to play golf that is so funny I literally belly laugh....even though I've seen it a million times!  Just thinking about it makes me start chuckling....: )

 

Lucky for me Lucy has been in reruns for my entire life! I've always been able to find her somewhere and make here a part of my day.  I currently watch I Love Lucy on The Hallmark Channel every morning from 5am-8am.  I watch the first 2 episodes while I have my coffee and the rest play in the background while we get ready for work and school ♥

 

 

 

 

 

The "classic" shows are the best, don't you agree?

 

 I wanted to jump into my TV and live back then.  I still do!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The I Love Lucy show aired from 1950 - 1957 and was definitely my gateway into loving the 1950's.  I fell in love with the clothes, makeup, and hairstyles of the times.

 

 

 

 

 Lucy was a flawless beauty! 

 

Definitely my style icon ♥

 

 

.

 

 

In real life Lucy was a serious woman. 

 

She was a real woman.

 

She was a perfectionist.  She was a wife and a mother.  She had insecurities. She did not have a perfect marriage. She never graduated high school. She was a business woman and the first woman to ever own and run her own TV studio.  She was a pioneer for woman in comedy.

 

Lucy once said "I'm not funny, what I am is brave".

 

She was ♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Did you know that Lucy was 40 years old when I Love Lucy premiered? 

 

She was age 40 and 42 when her children were born. 

 

Yes, she was!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lucy and Desi were married for 20 years before divorcing in 1960. 

(I'm still not over it)

 

 

They maintained a loving relationship until Desi died in 1986.

 

 

 

 

 

Lucy will never know the countless hours of laughter and joy she has given me. 

 

She helped shape my childhood and view of the world. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one was on this morning! Lucy meets Bill Holden.

Remember the Hollywood episodes?  

 

 

 

"I've got an idea!"

 

 

 

 

I always cry during this scene ♥

 "We're having a baby, my baby and me!"

 

 

 

 

 Friends forever!

 

 

 

 

"Do you pop out at parties? Are you unpoopular?"

 

 

 

 

 

Lucy passed away in April of 1989.  I was 15 years old. I still have the newspaper clippings tucked away in my scrapbook. 

 

 

What was your favorite TV show as a child? Is it still your favorite today? 

And can you say Vitameatavegamin without laughing? I can't ♥

 

 

Thank you Lucy! We love you~

 

xo

 

 

"I Love Lucy was never just a title"  - Desi Arnaz