Wednesday, June 26, 2024

The Wednesday Hodgepodge




I keep thinking I'm going to be a "regular" here on the Hodgepodge, but it seems I'm more the "hit or miss" participant.  But, I sure do enjoy it when I do join in because Joyce always asks such interesting questions.  One would think she might run out of questions but she just keeps coming up with new ones. Now, lets check out the ones for this edition.


1. What do you think has remained the same about you your whole life? How has your perception of yourself changed over time? 
I don't think I've ever met a stranger. I've always made friends very easily and it has served me well, especially in my growing up years.  We moved 7 times between my 1st grade and senior year.  I never thought too much about it, just jumped in, made new friends and went right on.
Another thing that has remained the same is my LOUD laugh.  If I'm laughing, you will likely hear me before you see me. I'd rather laugh than eat when I'm hungry.  And, I've found that laughter is contagious.  Certainly not a bad thing!

2. What was the first thing you learned how to cook? Do you prefer to cook or bake? 

I started cooking at a fairly young age but cannot remember the first thing I learned to cook.  I do know that I learned early on how to prepare a pot roast and veggies for our Sunday lunch.  There were no crockpots, so I put it in an appropriate pan for the oven and covered it tightly with foil.  It would cook the entire time we were at church and be ready for our lunch when we got home.

I MUCH prefer to bake!  The main thing I bake is cookies.  I LOVE baking cookies and have bazillions of different recipes of assorted cookies.  I probably have 400+ in the freezer right now (more on this in my random thought).

3. What are some of your current priorities in this season of life? Elaborate. 

Make the most of everyday.

Don't fret over things that I have no control over.

Count my blessings and name them one by one.

Live a life that points others to Christ, there truly is no greater priority.

Sure do wish I could say that I'm doing a great job at these but afraid I can't say that.  I am trying and recognize very quickly when I fail.  

4. How much time do you spend on your hair each day or, put another way, what's your hair care routine? I am NOT bragging but I have really good hair.  It's thick and coarse and is not oily, just normal. I wash my hair twice weekly, blow it dry, section it off in small sections and flat iron it.  I'm so thankful for the flat iron, otherwise, I'd walk around looking like a bush was growing out of my head.  It's not curly, just has an abundance of body. I will sometimes touch it up with a flat iron between washings but most days I can just run my fingers through it and go.

Do you get it cut regularly or just whenever the mood strikes? I get it cut and colored every 4 weeks without fail.

Do you go to the same stylist every time? I have had several stylist over the years but I stay with the same stylist for a long time. I definitely do NOT hop around.

Do you tell your stylist everything? Not hardly but we do have very good conversation. I've known her for most of her life so we never lack for something to discuss or talk about.

 Any other beauty treatments you indulge in throughout the year? If getting my nails done counts as a beauty treatment, then yes. I have them done about every 2 1/2 weeks and the same gal has been doing them for over 20 years.

5. What is the most awe-inspiring place you've visited? 


While in Israel, we were taken to a spot overlooking Bethlehem. We were not allowed to actually go into the city, but just viewing it at dusky dark was very awe inspiring for sure. I'll cherish the memory forever.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 


Folks, next Monday, July 1st, this man (Hubby) will celebrate his 50th anniversary as an agent with State Farm Insurance.  Good grief, that's a LONG time! Hard to believe that he opened his office without one policy in the books and built it to what it is today.  It's called a lot of hard work and being blessed with tremendous employees over the years to help him accomplish his goals and dreams.  Of course, the changes that he has seen in insurance over these 50 years could fill a book.  Some good, some, not so good but he survived them all and has enjoyed the benefits of building a successful insurance agency.

His staff and us will host an Open House to celebrate this big occasion on Monday. And, you remember those cookies I mentioned earlier?  Well, they will be served at the Open House. 

Congratulations on a job WELL DONE!



Monday, June 3, 2024

June Prime Purchases



And, here we are, almost half way through 2024. What???? How can it be???  So, perhaps you are already thinking about Christmas presents.  If so, there may be something here that "fits the bill."  Thanks to Tanya for this monthly link up.


QUICK  DRY  HAIR  BRUSH


My hair dresser uses this type of brush when drying my hair.  I watch how quickly she dries it and how well it styles.  I finally ask her on my last visit what the name was and I went straight to Amazon and there it was.  They come 2 to a package and it is a game changer.




ULTRASONIC  JEWELRY  CLEANER


I've been wanting one of these jewelry cleaners for some time and finally ordered one. It works like a charm and your jewels will shine brightly after going through a cycle.



SPACE  SAVING  HANGERS   FOR  CLOSETS


I have a moderate size closet, or at least I think it's moderate.  Some might think it is big.  I do have the pull down rods  which double the hanging  space.  But, I need more hanging room and these are the greatest tools to give more hanging space.  I've never seen anything like them but happened across them while looking for something else.  They are definitely not inexpensive but, for me, they are worth the cost.   If you are looking to increase the hanging space in your closet, you need these.




PASHMINA  SCARVE  OR  SHAWL


I love these as shawls.  I carry one with me every Sunday, no matter the month or the temperature.  It can get so cool in our worship center and I am always prepared with  one of these.  I did not have a white one but I do now.  They are so affordable and are such an attractive wrap and provide just the right amount of warmth.  And, it comes in about 20 colors.



NECK  FAN


I have seen these around folks necks at the ball park in recent years and this year I decided I needed/wanted one.  Well, they are the "cats meow" as some would say. It has 3 speeds and when on the highest speed, it really feels good.  And, it's rechargeable and would be great for working in the yard, walking and any other time you need cooling.

AMAZON


ELECTRIC  WAX  BURNER


This is a most attractive wax burner and I loved that it came in an antique bronze. I am amazed at how well melted wax fills a room with such a nice fragrance.  And, there are a bazillion different melts of all fragrances.  And, when this is not in use, it's an attractive lamp light.



ELECTRIC  WARMING  TRAY  PAD



I have two ovens but there are still rare occasions  that I could use an additional means to keep an item warm.  This is the neatest warming  pad I've ever seen.  It rolls up so it is very easy to store and it is a very nice size.  I can't believe  I haven't had this long before now.



PICKLEBALL  PADDLES  AND  NET


Pickleball has swept the country in recent years and continues to gain in popularity.  Our son and granddaughters love it and play any chance they can.  Our circle drive is a perfect place to play.


And, this portable nets fits across the driveway perfectly.  It comes with a very nice bag but we found that it is really too small and too hard to use.  So, I ordered a larger one.  It is portable but does take a few minutes to set up but, well worth it, if you are going to play a while and it can be left up if rain isn't in the forecast.  



THERMAL  LABEL  MAKER


I'm not going to lie, I love a label maker!  I can find more uses for it.  I use it often in labeling my cookie containers.  I have another Niimbot label maker but this one makes much bigger labels and has the ability to add graphics to the labels as well.  It operates from an app on your smart phone.  I find it a "handy dandy" item to have on hand.


And, that's it for this go around.  Have a great new week !

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

The Wednesday Hodgepodge



I am so thrilled to be participating in the HP today. Joyce always comes up with such thought provoking questions that are fun to answer.  I have gotten so slack in blogging and often think that I'll get back with it.  But, life gets in the way and the weeks turn to months and the months to years.  I have a lot of thoughts and subjects rolling around in my mind for good blog fodder.  So, perhaps I'll surprise you and get back with it.  Time will tell.

1. Growing up, at what age did you think you'd become an adult? At what age did you actually become an adult? 
Oh, my goodness, that was a VERY long time ago but I'm pretty sure I thought I would be an adult when I celebrated my 18th birthday.  I can remember thinking, "if I were only 18."  I was 2 months shy of my 19th birthday when I got married.  Yes, scares me too death to think about that now.  But, thankfully, Hubby was 5 years older and had plenty of patience and I can assure you that I tested it in our early years (and he might say I still do). ~ chuckle~  I probably didn't actually take on an adult mindset until  I became a Mother at the age of 23

2.  What's a favorite item you've bought this year?


This little cherry wood accent table.  Did I need it, NO! Did I want it, YES! This is one of our guest bathrooms and one that company uses and Hubby and I use it if we don't want to go all the way to our bathroom.  I have been in this bathroom a bunch of times and putting an accent table in it has never crossed my mind.  But, a couple of weeks ago I walked in and I thought the bird picture would look so nice with a small table under it.  So, the hunt began.  I found this on Wayfair and it arrived 2 days later and it could not be more perfect.  I have two arrangements being created right now to go on it, one on the top and one on the bottom shelf. It will be complete and I think a nice addition.  And, yes, it is just one more thing that our kids will likely have to add to an estate sale one day.  But, until then, I will enjoy it. ~smile~

3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day...are you a fan? If so, how do you like yours? When was the last time you had a hamburger? Besides the backyard grill, what's your favorite place to go for a burger? 


It's been a couple of weeks and yes, I am a fan.  But, I do not like thick patties and I want them completely done.  I really prefer to eat my own hamburgers as so many places make them so thick.  I like mine with a chipolte mayo, lettuce, onion and dill pickles, NO tomatoes.  I rarely, if ever, eat a hamburger when we go out to eat.

4.  How have your priorities changed over time? 

I think for most, as we age, our priorities change for the better. We realize what is really important and don't sweat the small things nearly as much.  I place more priority on meaningful relationships (family and friends), my own self improvement, my walk with the Lord  and making a positive difference in the lives of others. And, I'm sure I still have more work to do in this area. And, way back when, I'm pretty sure I didn't even have any idea what priority meant and certainly had none. 

5. What's one thing on your June calendar you're really looking forward to? 


In about 3 weeks these 2 "monkeys" and their Momma will be coming for a short visit. Their big brother and Daddy will stay behind to mind the dogs, horses and sheep. They have a super busy summer and the #1 priority at their house is to give Momma all the time she needs to finish up her dissertation.  Yes, she's almost to the end and "if the Lord's willing and the creeks don't rise" she will defend her dissertation towards the end of Oct. And, at that time will be "crowned" with her Doctorate in Math Education.  All in 3 1/2 years.  It has taken the boys and her husbands full support to accomplish such.  Anyway, we look forward to seeing her and the two littles for 2-3 days.  

6. Insert your own random thought here


This guy right here, my sweet Daddy, has kept me hopping in recent months.  As you can tell from the picture, he has no teeth.  That's right, it was decided last summer that the teeth he had left needed to come out.  That took about 4 months and then after some time to heal, we started in on the process of getting dentures.  Good grief, what a process! I've taken him for 4 visits and we have 2 more and he will finally get them.  Now, is he going to wear them, that remains to be seen.  It will be a huge adjustment for him as he hasn't had a full mouth of teeth in many, many years. 

And, he has another Squamous Cell cancer on his left hand.  I say another because he had one last year, on the same hand,  and it was a huge ordeal because it was misdiagnosed for months and he almost lost his little finger.  But, this one just came up and we will begin the removal process in 2 weeks and hopefully it will be a much simpler and quicker process.  Might I add, these Drs. are all 25 miles away, so it takes some time and some of the visits are rather long.

It can be overwhelming to me at times and yes, I am blessed to still have my Daddy but it doesn't mean that his care doesn't get heavy at times.  I have someone who assists me in the overseeing of his day to day care but when it comes to Drs. visits, that needs to be my responsibility. And, trying to work in my own routine Dr. appointments along with his, well, it gets challenging at best.

On a lighter note, as you can see in the above picture, he is on a scooter.  Can I tell you that he has been like a kid with a new toy since getting that.  I really tried to talk him out of it as I feel like his walking is very important to keeping the use of his legs.  He has used a cane and a walker for the past several years and manages just fine with those.  But, he got it in his head that he "needed" a scooter to go down to the dining room.  My bother and I discussed it and decided that he has very few bright spots in his life and if he wanted a scooter that badly then he could have one.  It is truly  the neatest means of transportation for such a reasonable price and far, far better than an electric wheelchair.  It will turn on a dime, it's rechargeable, has some great features and above all, he's so cute on it. ~wink~  I worried, at first, about his very limited vision and how that would work.  But, thankfully, he has managed just fine and tells me daily how much he enjoys it. I made a bargin with him and told him he "had" to walk to one meal a day just for the exercise.  Not sure he's holding up to his end of the bargin but...............

Monday, May 6, 2024

May - Prime Purchases




And, here we are, in the month of May.  We, here in NE Louisiana, are glad to see April go.  It rained, rained and rained some more and we are weary of it.  We do hope it leaves us with gorgeous blooming flowers bursting forth soon.  In the meantime, let's check out my Prime Purchases.


CASUAL  OR  DRESSY  CARDIGAN


Ladies, this is the best looking cardigan!  If you've hung around here very long then you know I am attracted to pearl embellishments on sweaters.  This is such a cute cardigan and can be dressed up or down.  It's not a heavy sweater and perfect for spring.



SKECHERS


These are called the Martha Stewart Bobs and they are so cute and comfortable.  I have a narrow foot and these only come in a medium width, so I put an insole and a heel pad in to help with the fit. I love the elevated sole a whole lot and they come in a natural color that I also got.




V-NECK  COTTON  SWEATER


I am a fan of lightweight sweaters in the spring and this one "fits the bill." Yes, I'm cold natured and I'd much rather be a tad warm than a tad cool.  It is well made and fits well.  It comes in about 10 different colors, made of 100% cotton and very affordable.  Go grab you one!




LEATHER  HOBO STYLE  HANDBAG



 Yes, I do love handbags, in case you have not noticed that.  And, I like ones that easily hold all my "stuff" and this one fits the bill.  It's leather, good price point and comes in 6 colors.  It is a requirement for me that all my handbags have an outside pocket and this one does.  As I've said before, I have a small shopping purse that stays in my vehicle as I do not carry a heavy handbag on my shoulder anymore.  





 FLIP  UNO  GAME



I'm betting most of you reading this have played Uno but have you played Uno flip?  Well, if you haven't then you need to.  Our daughter taught us to play while we were there a few weeks ago and we had so much fun.  It should almost be called "frustration" as it can certainly be frustrating while playing but that's part of the fun.



FLAT TOP  MAKEUP  BRUSH

Flat top brushes are my new favorite makeup brushes.  They come in various sizes but this is the one I use most.  I use this to put the neutral colored eyeshadow all over my eyelid before applying any color.  It works great!  I also have a much larger version for my loose powder application.




OLIVE  LEAF  VINE  GARLAND


I have taken a liking to olive leaf vine and this one is so realistic.  I ordered the set of two and am using them on our mantle with the automatic twinkle lights intertwined.  I have them set to come on at dusk and I love the ambiance it gives to the room.



GAZING  BALL  AND  STAND


I love gazing balls and enjoy using them in a few of our flower beds.  This is my newest one and it is so pretty, especially when the sun hits it.



This is the stand I ordered to place it on.  You can get stands of various heights.  I usually place them a bit under the dirt for stability and all 4 of the ones we have survive the often strong winds we have here on "the hill."  They comes in all sorts of colors and patterns and, for me, are a nice touch.



ELECTRIC  FLOSSER



Who knew there was a battery operated flosser!  Not me, at least not until the other day when my dentist's hygienist told me about this one.  I ordered it immediately and I loved it the minute I used it.  I hate flossing and anything I can do to improve it, makes me happy.  Flossing is so important and this little gadget is making it a tad bit more enjoyable for me.




OUTDOOR  FOLDING  CHAIRS


We needed some new chairs to carry to the ballpark.  We had ones with the woven webbing and it was about worn out.  I wasn't even sure those were made anymore as everyone now has the mumbo jumbo chairs with rockers, lift out drink holders and all the bells and whistles.  Well, those only weight about 25+ pounds and we aren't into carrying that much weight and we aren't into pulling a wagon either.  So, while looking to replace our chairs I ran across these.  AND, they have a shoulder strap that works like a charm and they weigh a mere 7 pounds.  They did have the webbed chairs with straps as well but I like these with the solid seat and back better.  And, they are cute as can be and as we know, cute is always an added bonus. ~chuckle~



AURA  CARVER  DIGITAL  FRAME


I've had a Nix digital frame for about 10 years and was very happy with it but it had about served it's purpose. And digital frames have come a LONG ways in the last 10 years.  So, a couple of weeks I did my research and the Aura is one of the most highly rated digital frames.  I immediately went to Amazon to see if they carried it, and, of course, they did.  It might have taken me 5 minutes to set it up and now I send photos to it thru the Aura app on my phone.  And, the pictures are beautiful when they come across the frame.  I couldn't be happier.  It has way more bells and whistles than my older one.


That wraps up this months Prime Purchases.  Perhaps something peeked your interest either for yourself or for a gift.

Have a wonderful new week!!!


Monday, April 1, 2024

April Prime Purchases



April 1st, and time for another edition of Prime Purchases.  My thanks to Tanya at The Other Side of the Road for hosting this fun link up each month.  I have a hodgepodge of items this month so enjoy and perhaps you'll see something that you need or want.

SKINNY  ACRYLIC  TUMBLERS



I had used my double walled tumblers for long enough.  The rubber seals wouldn't stay in and I decided it was time for some new tumblers.  Well, I saw these and decided they would work very well for my nutritional tea that I drink everyday.  They are skinny, easy to hold and keep my tea cold while I drink it.  And, need I say, they are so cute! And, I ordered my name and initials from Etsy to decorate them.  They would also make great gifts as there are 8 to a box.



CUTE  AND  COLORFUL  MUGS  AND  DESSERT  PLATES






I succumbed to the temptation, yes, I did! Aren't these just the cutest? No, I did not need them for sure but I couldn't resist.  I love dessert plates and mugs and these are just so happy looking. I will say that the dessert plates are smaller than some but plenty big enough for any dessert I will be serving.


AMAZON  and  AMAZON


STUDDED  JEAN  JACKET


This is such a cute jacket.  I thought it might be a bit gaudy but it really isn't.  There are no embellishments on the back of it and it looks really cute with white jeans.  It's just a fun jacket!



DECORATIVE  TASSELS


I love decorative tassels.  I like to use them on drawer knobs, door knobs or lamp knobs.  These are so well made and come in several colors.  And, there's lots and lots of others throughout Amazon, different lengths and different colors, depends on your preference.



CONTAINERS  WITH  LIDS


I'm pretty sure I have listed these before but I use these containers ALL THE TIME!  They are just so handy to have and if I take something to someone in them, they do not need to worry about returning it.  They are great for freezing and storage too.

AMAZON


PLAYTEX  HANDSAVER  GLOVES


I started not to include these but decided that there might be someone out there that doesn't know how wonderful these are.  I have been wearing these gloves or something similar, all my adult life.  My mother always wore gloves washing dishes and I just thought that was what you did, so I've been through lots and lots of pairs of gloves and I love these.  AND, you get 6 pair and the price is fantastic. 


BAKERY  EMULSION



A friend gave us a little mini pound cake that she had made a couple of weeks ago.  I make a really good Almond Pound cake but this cake was REALLY good too.  I seemed to sense that there was something just a tad different in hers, so I ask her about it.  She said it had a tiny bit of Bakery Emulsion in it.  Well, not sure where I've been, but I've never heard of such but I now own a bottle and I will be using it in my cakes from here on.  It only takes 1/2 teaspoon and, from what I read, any more than that can ruin the taste.  I can't believe 1/2 teaspoon makes such a difference but I promise it does.  I'm thinking I may try it in my next batch of cookies as well.


ERASEABLE  GEL  PENS


These are the BEST, especially if you are using them on a calendar.  Yes, we still keep an old fashioned wall calendar for our appointments.~smile~  And, I love a neat calendar and do not like to mark or white out anything.  So, I found these little jewels a couple of years ago and they solve the problem.  If I need to change anything on my calendar I just erase it and it does a great job.  No mess!  I only use them for my calendar but you can certainly use them for all your writing if you desire.



SEMI - CIRCLE  DOOR  MAT


We use this type of mat at our back door going out to the porch.  They are so attractive, so good for wiping feet and I love the half moon shape of these.  They hold up extremely well, especially if they are sheltered from the elements.  They are very heavy and that keeps them in place.  I give these 5 stars..


And, there you have it, my Prime finds for April. Wishing you a happy April Fool's Day and hoping no one fools you too badly today.  Have a great new week!