The Things I Know: ♥

 

The things I know:

I know I need 7 hours of sleep a night to not feel tired during the day. 

I know I feel better when I don't skip lunch and eat 3 meals a day. 

I know my skin loves it when I wash my face at night and moisturize it before bed. 

I know coffee in the morning is essential to my well being and the well being of others around me.

I know as far as friends are concerned quality is way more important than quantity. 

I know, for me, simple living is best. 

I know the power of a comfortable pair of slippers and a soft cardigan.

I know that nothing is permanent and all situations will change at some point - for better or worse.  

I know that carrot cake is a very underrated dessert.  Very delicious too. 

I know that I Love Lucy had made me feel happy since I was 12 years old. 

I know that I like to be alone sometimes. 

I know that it's ok to say no things that I really don't want to do.  

I know I need to please myself before I please others.  

I also know that Paul is the best Beatle, Rose should have saved Jack, and life is too short not to eat dessert.

These are just some of things I know to be true.  For me ♥

Happy Wednesday Friends! 

Keeping it Simple ♥

Hello everyone and happy Monday!  ♥

I hope you all had a nice weekend! Hard to believe there is only one more weekend until Christmas.  I am doing my best to keep up with things without driving myself crazy. 

There was a moment last week where I took a deep breath and realized if things are not the same this year, well....that's OK.  We will survive!  And we are surviving : ) 

Thank you all so much for messaging me and checking in on us during this time.  My mother is doing better (prayers answered!).  She's been moved to a rehab hospital for physical and occupational therapy. Unfortunately she'll be there for a few more weeks, but the important part is she WILL come home.  Our Christmas will be slightly postponed....but again...that's OK! 

To be honest I'm getting used to the idea of a simpler holiday.  Once I allowed myself to do that, I felt better.  I'm focusing on John, friends, family, spending time with people, taking care of myself, and less time on running around, fighting crowds, and spending loads of money.   I saw this on Facebook the other day and it really spoke to me.... 

It's so true! ♥

I hope you all have a wonderful week!  I will be drinking lots of hot chocolate, wrapping a few gifts, enjoying the lights on my Christmas tree, and watching Christmas movies with my family... all with a heart full of gratitude.  

Love you all! xx 

PS. did you know that my mom has the prettiest window sill in the hospital? 

Well, she does ♥

My Biggest Struggle

Tuesday was not a good day for me.   I woke up at 4 o'clock in the morning with that anxious pit in my stomach that I know so well.  It comes and goes in waves.  Tuesday morning it was there in full force.  

What triggered it? Could be anything. Or nothing.  John was not feeling well the day before.  He was running a temperature and I was pretty sure he was going to have to stay home sick on Tuesday.  I was worried about him missing a test.  Was he concerned? No. But I was.  My mom also was not feeling well.  I was hoping she was getting a good nights sleep.  Was she still awake? Should I check? Over the weekend I started thinking about Christmas gifts. Who to buy for and what to buy? Will I have enough time for shopping?  Will they even like what I pick out? The holidays can get stressful that way. Will all the Halloween candy I've been sneaking every night make me fat? Yes, probably. Wish I had a piece right now. 

And so on and so on. And so on...

Stress and anxiety can be brought on by the littlest things.  Little things in my mind that escalate into big things. I am the type of person who worries about everything.  Sometimes I worry so much I make myself ill.  My whole life I've battled stomach aches and headaches as a result of stress.  The good news is now I know that when I'm having a bad moment or a bad day it IS only temporary and it WILL pass.  My Tuesday 4 am experience resulted in many cups of coffee, me pacing around the kitchen for a half hour, consumption of more Halloween candy, and going outside into the freezing cold to take some deep breaths....which actually did help.  John woke up early still not feeling well.  He took the day off from school and I decided to take the day off with him.  I had emotionally drained myself with mindless worries and needed to recharge.  

Unfortunately this is a pattern with me.  I am telling you this because if you also struggle with stress or worries of any kind, just know you are not alone.  It happens to many of us and we all have different ways of coping.  I find comfort in appreciating the little things.  A pair of cozy pajamas, a cup of hot herbal tea with lemon, a steaming hot shower, putting my worries aside and getting lost in a good book or TV show. These ordinary things can take on a whole new meaning if you approach them as therapeutic. Sometimes it takes taking a day off from work and staying home and hibernating before facing the world again.  I find comfort in my family and friends.  Hearing John's laugh, a text from a friend to say hello, watching a Hallmark movie with my mom.  All these things calm my nerves and the wave passes.  

By Wednesday John was back to school feeling better and so was I.  In the back of my mind all my worries are still swirling around.  They are never really gone, but I've pushed them aside for now.  It will be OK.  I will get it all done.  I will find ways to take time for myself.  I will appreciate the little things.  John can make up his test. My mom is doing fine.  She didn't sleep great but she had a nap the next afternoon.  Christmas will come whether I finish my shopping or not.  I've always managed to get it all done and I will this year too.  As for the Halloween candy....well, I should probably lay off the Kit Kat's.

Today I had to run a quick errand at Whole Foods.  I had only a few minutes because from there I was picking John up at school.  As usual I was running late and time was tight. It was very busy and all the customers had seemingly overflowing shopping carts.  I was literally buying one thing.  Oh no.  I'm going to be late picking up John.  Why did I try to squeeze this errand in?...was all that was going through my mind.  Just then a very nice man (who had a full cart!) let me go in front of him.  I was so happy.  He had no idea what a relief that was for me. Little acts of kindness like that can mean to world to someone.  I try to remember that as I go through my days.  Maybe I can help someone like that man helped me today.  He relived my stress and reminded me that there are still nice people in the world.  

If you struggle with worries like I do just remember the wave will pass. You will find something good in your day.  Even if its just something small.  

It will help you get through it. 

Let yourself recharge and tomorrow will be a better day!  

XO 

Would You Believe...?

Happy Labor Day Everyone! I hope you all enjoyed a nice day off!

For today's post I am taking an idea from my dear friend Billie Jo (visit her lovely blog here).  She did a post on her blog last week titled "Would You Believe" where she listed some surprising facts about herself.  I love reading these kinds of posts getting to know people better and seeing how we relate, so I thought I would give it shot. I don't think she would mind if I stole her idea.... so here goes...

Would you believe....?

-Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.  I also really love grilled cheese sandwiches. 

-I know every single episode of The Waltons and have the biggest crush on Richard Thomas who played John Boy.  I just love him so much!

-Given the chance to vacation anywhere in the world I would choose Disney World.  (Ok, maybe this one is not that surprising)  My dream job was always playing Snow White in a Disney Parade.  It was a sad day when I realized now I'm too old...: (

-I have never read any of the Harry Potter books or seen any of the movies.

-I do not like driving and am a terrible driver (I will admit it, but don't tell my husband I admitted it :)  The worst is parking.  You can always tell my car in a parking lot because I have a hard time keeping it straight.

-I am obsessed with game shows from the 70's.  My favorites are Match Game, Password, and Family Feud.

-If I start reading a book and can't get into it I will return it to the library, unfinished.  No Shame.

-Any chance I can, I will use paper plates because I hate washing dishes.

-I will NEVER leave the house without make on.  Period.

-I eat cereal every night before I go to bed (sometimes in bed).

-I love award shows and cry at acceptance speeches.  The Oscars are my favorite.

-I used to decorate cakes and at one time thought about starting my own cake business.

-I'm not a good swimmer and small boats freak me out a bit.  I love going to the beach but never go in the water.  Only up to my knees if it's really hot. I never dunk under water.

-I don't enjoy any sports.  Being from Boston this is practically a sin.  I will root for the Patriots and Red Sox because they are our home teams but honestly, I couldn't tell you the difference between a touch down and a home run.  While Rob is watching Football on Sundays I'll be in my room watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel. That is my kind of sport.

-My favorite concert I've ever been to was Tony Bennett.  I was probably the youngest one there and it didn't even matter.  When he sang Fly Me To the Moon it was magical.  

-I am left handed.

-I am an excellent card shuffler.  It's my secret talent. 

Would you believe all this? Well, it's true! 

Have a wonderful week everyone! 

xoxo 

I'm 45 Today!

Hello Friends! Today I turned 45 years old! Wow.  

This is me this morning, sitting in my car right before going to work.  Yes, when you are an adult you have to work on your birthday. I know.  Luckily it was a good day and I had a cupcake for breakfast (a positive perk of being an adult :) so overall it wasn't that bad.  

I was thinking about how there was a time in my life when I was in my 30's that I truly dreaded my birthday.  Really.  I hated it.  I hated the thought of another passing year and being another year older.  Now, at 45, I see how silly that was.  First of all no matter what we do, the years are going to pass.  As much as we try to slow them down, it's gonna happen. So rather than dreading it, embrace it. Enjoy the journey because we never know what's around the corner.  Secondly, I realized what a gift each and every year is.  So many people have been deprived of the gift of life.  Too soon.  So celebrate your birthday.  I woke up this morning happy to be alive. Hug your loved ones.  Reach out to your friends and say hello. Make them laugh. They don't care if you have gray hairs or lines on your forehead.  It happens.  And I"m ok with it.  

My birthday festivities actually started on Sunday.  We had a lovely beach day with my in laws.  My mother in law brought her famous homemade pizza to the beach to celebrate me and my sister in law, whose birthday is a week before mine.  We had a great afternoon!  On Monday night my Dad made my all time favorite meal - turkey with all the fixings. YUM! Who makes a turkey dinner in the dead of summer? My family, that's who!  And I love them for it. 

Tonight, my actual birthday, Rob and John took me out for a delicious boiled lobster dinner.  (Clearly my birthday is revolving around food.) I LOVE lobster and for the last few years it's been a tradition to get it on my birthday.   I've been looking forward to it all year! It was so good! I was in up to my elbows!  I had the plastic bib on and everything! Well, if I'm only gonna get something once a year I'm going to enjoy it! LOL  

After dinner we went to our favorite place for ice cream and a nice long walk.  It was a beautiful summer night and we had fun! 

Enjoying my beach day and practicing self care :)

Making my birthday wishes! 

Today's breakfast.  Yes I did. 

Felt so blessed for family and friends who reached out and wished me a happy birthday! 

(thank you everyone!! : ) 

My birthday treat! 

So that's 45.  Food, family, friends.  That's all I need.  And a little ice cream with rainbow sprinkles! 

How do you feel about birthdays? Love them? Hate them?  I used to hate them but now I love them.  

It's much better this way. 

Now it's time to crawl in bed, watch a Hallmark movie, and get a good night sleep.  People my age need their beauty rest...or maybe I just love sleeping! 

Have a great day friends!  Count your blessings today!  You are one of mine! xoox 

Current Favorite Beauty Products ♥

Hello Friends! 

I haven't done a beauty post in a while so today I thought we could take a peek into my vanity and I'll share with you a few products that I'm currently loving.  

As I grow older I am more and more conscious of taking care of my skin.  Cleansing and moisturizing are as important to me as putting on lipstick and mascara - two things I have never gone a day without doing since 8th grade.  I enjoy pampering my skin because I know it's good for me.  The same way I make time to take a 10 minute walk during the day or practice a daily mediation. 

Self care is important. 

You are worth it! ♥

I picked out just a few things to show you.  Nothing is unique or expensive.

That's the beauty of it! 

There was a time in my life when I loathed washing my face at night.  I really hated it.  I would be half asleep and think to myself "I should really go wash my face". 99% of the time I would roll over and go to sleep, never making my way to the bathroom.  Nowadays I would never even consider skipping, no matter how tired I am.  I wear a full face of makeup every day and I love the feeling of taking it all off.  It's like kicking off your boots after a long day.  It feels so good.  Cleansing nightly allows your skin to breath and rejuvenate itself.  

My favorite makeup removing wipes are Aveeno Ultra Calming Wipes.  They take everything off.  Even the toughest mascara and eyeliner.  They are so soothing! After wiping off my makeup my skin feels like it's already moisturized.  I've used makeup wipes in the past that have dried out my skin.  These are the complete opposite.  When they say "ultra calming" they really mean it.  My skin feels clean, soft, and smooth.   

I just started using toner again last year after a long hiatus!  I think I stopped because I didn't want another step in my beauty routine. Until I came across this facial mist from Thayers.   I simply "mist" it on my bare face before I apply my moisturizer.  It only takes a few seconds for it to soak into my skin (no need for any cotton balls!).  It's so refreshing! Especially after I get out of the shower.  The formula has aloe vera in it which is very soothing and healing to the skin.  Toners give an extra boost to cleansing, balance PH levels, and control acne.  I also love this rose petal scent! 

Eye creams can be very expensive.  I always dread when I have to purchase a new one because I know it's gonna cost some dollars.  With that being said, eye cream is not something I would ever cut out of my routine.  My eye area is the bain of my existence!  I have been blessed (and I use that term loosely) with permanent dark circles.  I could sleep for 48 hours and feel like a million bucks....take a peek in the mirror and I would STILL have dark circles! Really?! Why?!  In addition to that "blessing" now that I'm getting older, the fine lines and wrinkles that I've heard about my whole life have come to the party!  Welcome! I've been expecting you! Have you met my crows feet? They're here too!  

Eye creams are essential in my world.  I've found that using eye creams religiously day and night really help keeping the party under control.  I have yet to find a miracle worker, but any little bit helps.  Lately I've been using Garnier Skin Active Ultra-Lift.  It's super moisturizing and soaks into the area very nicely.  I notice my concealer (also essential!) glides on easily and does not crease when I apply it over the eye cream.  This is my first experience with Garnier skin care  and so far I am very pleased.  I normally use Ponds or Oil of Olay - both of which I love too! 

   

And speaking of Garnier, another new product I've recently gotten into is this Garnier Fructis High Shine Finish for my hair. 

In case you don't already know I am a child of the 80's. Since then I've never been able to get away from having poofy hair and using too much hair spray!  As much as I've tried (so hard have I tried!! ) I just can't shake it.  I'll always have a poof and I'll always use hair spray.  When you use as much product as I do, your hair tends to get dull.  That and the fact that I color my hair, blow dry it, and use a curling iron daily.  No wonder it's dull and dry.  I'm literally frying it on a daily basis.  Something I really should do something about, but that's a topic for another day. 

Anyway, my hair has lost it's shine!  The only time it's shiny is right after I color it, and that shine only lasts about 2 weeks and then it starts to get dull and grayish looking.  Bheh.  My hairstylist suggested a few products for me to try out to "get my shine back".  The first one I'm trying is this one from Garnier Fructis.  I am LOVING it!! It has argon oil in it but does not leave my hair oily.  I mist it on dry hair and lightly smooth it over with my hands. I feel like it's bringing my dry, dull hair back to life!  It puts just the right amount of moisture back into my hair (the moisture that my hairdryer and curling iron have sucked out) and leaves me with a nice shine. Plus it smells like a salon and that's always nice!  

I can't go without mentioning my favorite make up product at the moment and that is the Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner. 

I. Love. This. 

I wear eyeliner on my top lid everyday and trust me I've tried all of them.  What I'm looking for is an eyeliner that glides on easily, is not runny, and has staying power.  This one has it all!  The tip is like a felt marker.  It glides on like butter and stays all day.  Literally, the best! 

Whenever Bath and Body Works has a sale on these mini 1 oz hand lotions I always take advantage of it and stock up on new scents.  It gives me the opportunity to try out different ones without having to invest in a whole bottle.  I figure if I don't like it I could always give it away to someone. 

Side note: that has never happened : ) 

My most recent purchase was Sparkling Limoncello!  Let's just say I'm in it for the whole bottle! I wish this were a drink so I could sip my life away! It's the sweetest lemon, sugary scent you have ever smelled!  So nice for spring and summer!  I strongly believe in aroma therapy and lemon is an invigorating scent.  I love putting this lotion on in the morning.  It gets me going and makes my day just a little bit sweeter.  Also it helps that B&BW lotions are super moisturizing!  I just bought a lemon hand soap for my bathroom as well.  I'm pretty much obsessed with everything they make : ) 

And those are my current favorite beauty products!  I hope you enjoyed!  If you have any favorites that you would like to share I would love to hear about them!  ♥

Have a great day, friends! xoox

Someday I will miss this...♥

 I feel like it was only yesterday that my living room was filled with baby toys scattered all over the floor. Squishy animals and a tickle me Elmo.  I can remember so clearly what it felt like to hold a little bald bundle of joy in my arms.  Soon it became Thomas trains and Arthur books. I would trip over plastic train tracks (all.the.time.) and spend hours looking for a random lost train that accidentally got kicked under the couch. And then it was on to cars.  Buckets and buckets of cars.  Everywhere. 

With kids, everything comes in stages.  And I feel like the older they get, the faster time goes by.  I miss the days when I pushed a baby carriage, and if I could do it over again there is no question I would.  Diapers and all! I wouldn’t mind one single bit watching endless episodes of Caillou or the Wiggles.  (Yup, we had a BIG Wiggles phase : )    

The cars still remain, but now they are more “on display” as collectibles rather than playthings.  All the same I’m glad they are still there.  After every stage passes I feel a sadness that it’s over.  One day these cars will be gone all together, and honestly, I’m not ready for that yet.  I love going into John’s room and seeing toys.  I always tell him to stay a kid for as long as possible.  Being a grown up is overrated.

Nowadays we watch YouTube videos and laugh a lot.  It’s not the same as playing trains but it’s just as good.  I keep reminding myself to slow down and cherish this stage before it ends and we are on to something else.  Making memories is the most precious gift I can give him. 

I can’t go back in time, but I sure can look forward to the future ♥

 

 

♥

 

 

Museum of Fine Arts: going solo ♥

There are two types of people in this world.  Museum people and non-museum people.  I am a museum person.  I love them.  I especially love them on rainy Sunday afternoons.  By myself. 

I don't mind going places alone.  When I was in my twenties I would never have attempted such things.  Now that I'm older it truly doesn't bother me at all.  I enjoy the quietness and not having to talk.  I don't mean for that to sound strange, but I spend so much of my day talking and trying to please other people,  sometimes I crave that alone time. 

This past Sunday,  Rob and John were having a special father/son day so I took the opportunity to go into Boston to the Museum of Fine Arts.  Boston if full of so many wonderful museums. 

This one is my favorite. 

I spent 4 hours at the museum on Sunday.  Here is just a small sample of some of things I saw...

This weekend the MFA was having their annual Art in Bloom exhibit.  Garden clubs from around the state are assigned a piece of artwork and they make their "interpretation" of it out of flowers.  It's always interesting to see what peoples visions are.  This was the icing on the cake. 

I picked a good day to go!

Whenever I go to a museum I always gravitate to the things I love most.  The familiar.  And if I experience something new along the way then so be it. 

My first stop is the impressions room in the Art of Europe section. 

There was a very well dressed couple posing in front of this painting, coping the pose.

 I snapped this picture just as they left. 

Did I also mention that I love people watching "museum people"? 

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Dance at Bougival, 1883

Claude Monet ♥

Water Lilies, 1907

The Water Lily Pond, 1900

Vincent van Gogh ♥

Ravine, 1889

After I've checked the "must sees" off my list I can relax and start exploring. I love history and reading about how other people lived in different time eras.  Seeing artifacts in real life pulls me into the experience of it. 

This is a 17th century bed. I feel like I've read about this bed in a book.  Maybe every historical novel I've ever read. 

How they lived....

The tableware of a 16th century French king. 

I get lost in halls like this.  I'm one of those annoying people who stop and read everything.

*plus I paid the extra $5 for the headset and had a guided tour : )

Rooms like this make me swoon. 

Imagine those sculptures were made all my hand. No machines.  Incredible.

I stopped to refuel with a coffee and a chocolate hazelnut croissant ♥

Coffee with a view ♥

Silver from the German royal court in 1747.

 Here are some of the flower arrangements that were scattered through the galleries.  Sorry if my photos aren't that great.  There were big crowds around them and I only had seconds to snap a picture.

This one was submitted by my town, Weymouth. 

It was also (by sheer coincidence) my favorite!

On display were three original Tiffany windows, 1886-1889.

Aren't they beautiful?

And a Tiffany lamp, 1910 ♥

I spent a big chunk of my day in the Art of America section.  John has been learning about the American Revolution in Social Studies this year, so the events are very fresh in my head. 

I told him all about the things I saw.  He wasn't impressed.  I didn't imagine he would be : ) 

Gilbert Stuart

Washington at Dorchester Heights, 1806

Some of the painting are massive in size.  They must have taken ages to complete.

Colonial chairs from Boston homes.

For all my tea loving friends.....♥

This portrait of Ann Tyng was painted by John Singleton Copley in 1756.  I adore her pink tea set. 

I think we have more in common with historical people than we realize ♥

Beautiful furniture that looks like something you would find in your grandmother's house.  I remember mine had a secretary desk similar to this one.  These pieces were made in Newport Rhode Island in the mid 1700's.  I wonder what filled those drawers back then. No doubt something embroidered and lovely.

Instruments from the 1600's.  They haven't changed all that much : )

A harpsichord from Paris, 1736.  I'm dreaming of the beautiful chamber music played in French palaces, while the ladies dance for the King. 

Clearly I've seen too many period movies....:)

I've only scratched the surface, but you get the idea.  If you ever travel to Boston I highly recommend taking an afternoon to visit here.  I promise you won't regret it!

That night my legs were tired from all the walking, but it was worth every step.  I left with new knowledge and insight into many things.  I enjoyed my day very much ♥