Five Question Friday: 02.02.18

02.02.18

Doing a then and now version of 5Q Friday....

{one} Do you get mani/pedis? If so, how often?

February 2012- manis every 2 weeks/pedis every 4-6 weeks.

February 2018 - haven't had a mani in quite awhile , but planning to get one soon! I get a pedi every month (or no more than 5 weeks). LOVE!!!

{two} What kind of car do you drive?

May 2016 -Peter traded in the Trailblazer for this baby.....

February 2018 - Peter decided to trade the truck in after finding some issues with it that may prove costly in the future. 

He decided to go back to an SUV and we are now the proud owners of a GMC Acadia!!

{three} When was the last time you cried?

July 2013 - Nathan's Graduation- for sure!

February 2018 - I watched "The Shack" a few weeks ago and balled my eyes out! I know there was some controversy about this movie, but it deeply spoke to me and watching this movie made me take a closer look at my faith and gave me a deeper understanding about forgiveness and healing. I highly recommend this movie, especially if you are dealing with a loss or struggling with forgiveness. 

{four} Are you a coffee drinker?

February 2015 - not a big coffee drinker - but love an occasional iced coffee.

February 2018 - well, this certainly has changed! While I still prefer cold beverages over hot ones, I LOVE LOVE my morning cup of coffee with my devotions and I even have a coffee center in my kitchen! 

{five} What's on your birthday wishlist?

March 2012 - a "good" camera was on my wish list....I wanted an SLR camera but debated about starting with a "bridge" camera. I ended up with an Olypus 14 mp 36x Optical Digital Zoom Camera {the bridge camera} which took amazing pictures, but later stepped up to a Canon Rebel!

March 2018 - This year, I will be in Walt Disney World on my birthday!!!!!!!!!

{five} Name 3 things in your fridge right now----->

April 2016 - feta cheese, a fresh fruit cup, and mushrooms.

February 2018 - fresh blueberries, whipping cream, and a bowl of left-over beef & broccoli that I made today.

Hope you will link up and share your answers to my new (revived) post thread.

Five Question Friday! :O)

LINKY PARTY

Five Question Friday 01.19.18

Five Question Friday 01.19.18

(1) Does your tax return go directly into your savings or do you splurge on something?

February 2012 - What tax return - LOL.

{and sadly......}

January 2018 - what tax return ??? LOL

(2) Where is your favorite vacation spot?

March 2012 - If you've read my blog, you know my favorite vacation spot is Disney World! Check out these links for posts about our most rececnt trips!! WDW TRIP 2012 , WDW TRIP 2012 , WDW TRIP 2011-pt 1 , Beach Club Resort , Magic Kingdom 2011 , Animal Kingdom 2011 , Hollywood Studios 2011 , Epcot 2011

January 2018 - Well, it's still DISNEY!!! Trip #10 coming up in March!! 

Previous trips and our resorts: off -property (1987)- couples trip with friends, Coronado Springs (2008) w/Nathan, Caribbean Beach (2010) w/ both boys, Beach Club (2011) just us, Caribbean Beach (2012) w/Nathan, Caribbean Beach (2012) Nathan's Senior Trip, All Star Movies (2014) just us, All Star Music (2015) just us, All Star Music (2016) just us, and this year All Star Music - just us. :O)

(3) What is your favorite type of social media?

April 2013 - Since I don't have Facebook, and have Twitter but don't use it, I'll say BLOGGING!!! :O) :O)

January 2018 - still no Facebook (I creep on Peter's and use his messenger to chat with the kids), still no twitter, still lots of blogging and reading blogs, BUT my new favorite is Instagram - especially IG stories!!! :O)

(4) Do you type on the keyboard the correct way or do you peck like a little chick?

November 2011 - I'm a one-finger typer...but I'm pretty fast!!

January 2018 - I'm still pecking away.....LOLOLOL

(5) Do you prefer cotton, silk, or flannel sheets?

October 2011 - Cotton

January 2018 - Still Cotton :O)

Five Question Friday 01.12.18

For several years, I played along with Five Crooked Halos doing Five Question Friday. It was a fun way to share a little more about yourself and always gave me a blog topic on Fridays.

I first found it in April 2011 and kept up with answering those 5 Q's pretty much every Friday until it fizzled out in 2014. 

I'm bringing 5Q Friday back by digging in the archives PLUS I'll be starting my own linky party that hopefully others will join in for and link up!

Five Question Friday 01.12.18

(1) When was the last time you reconciled your checkbook? 

April 2011 - A few days ago. I use a checkbook and register, but go online every few days to bring it up to date.

January 2011 - I still bring it up to date every few days or at least once a week, however, since the holidays I haven't been as faithful. Yesterday, I brought out my home binder and updated it for 2018 as well as starting a new check register which I'll bring up to date today.

(2) Are you a shower or long bath kind of person?

This hasn't changed at all over the past 7 years.....I take a bubble bath EVERY night!! 

(and while we are talking about baths....one of my favorite products is Neutrogena Rainbath)

(3) Do you wake up before your alarm, with your alarm, or after snoozing several times?

April 2011 - I'd like to say I get up as soon as the alarm goes off, but I don't. DH gets up...tells me to wake up, he gets dressed....tells me to wake up....feeds the cat and brushes his teeth.....tells me to wake up.....finally, I get up:(... but I'm definitely not the morning person he is!!

January 2018 - I think this is one of the biggest changes I've made

 since then. First, Peter now commutes to work 2 weeks out of each month then home the other 2, so when he's home there is no need to alarm the clock. Secondly, a few summers ago, I became a morning person and absolutely love getting up early, before the day gets chaotic! So, to answer the question, I wake up naturally between 5:30 and 6:00 without the alarm. :O)

(4) When was the last time you bought a new comforter for your bed?

May 2011 - About 2 years ago. It's a really pretty set from the Martha Stewart line- the colors are mocha & light jade.  (here's a pic right before the bedroom makeover in 2014)

January 2018 - I switched to this white duvet after we did the little makeover in our bedroom.

I love the crisp white and adding pops of color. I'm still using the yellow and grey but have plans to update our bedroom soon!

(5) Where do you hide things when visitors pop over or do you let them see the real deal?

November 2011 - This one's easy.....I just "hide" stuff in our bedroom and close the door. Shhhh...don't tell anyone! LOL

January 2018 - I'd still say our bedroom, although I've mellowed a bit over the years and try to keep things real.....a messy house is real life...most all of us don't have magazine perfect homes all the time! LOL

(And you do know nobody ever "pops over" when it's looking perfect! LOL--NEVER)

Hope you will link up and share your answers to my new (revived) post thread 

Five Question Friday!! :O)

14 Week Organization Challenge: The Dining Room

 

2016 Home Organization 101:
Week 3 - The Dining Room

 

 

I am following along with A Bowl Full of Lemons for week three of the organizing challenge. Last week, we focused on the pantry. Since I don't have a designated pantry, last week's challenge took very little time to complete, so I went back to week one (the kitchen) and finished the checklist.

 

Week #3 focused on the dining room. Since we have an eat-in kitchen, the dining room was easy to get organized.

 

I washed the placemats, wiped down the chairs and table, and scrubbed the floor. I did buy a new boxwood at Marshall's for the centerpice. :O)

 

I need to try to get a clearer picture,

this one taken with iPad...not the best!

 

 

On to week #4....The Launch Pad

Sunday Stealing: Carry A Tune Meme

Carry A Tune Meme

Do you own a tablet of any kind?
Kindle Fire and an Ipad. 

What’s something people always assume about you that isn’t true?
That I'm not a procrastinator.

On a scale of 1-10, how much do elevators scare you?
0...I don't mind them at all.

When you’re upset, do you vent to people or do you keep to yourself?
I usually vent to Peter or Mom!

Have you ever watched a meteor shower?
No

Do you tend to put things off until the last minute?
That's funny...yep, all the time!

 
How do you react to random strangers suddenly trying to make conversation with you?
Depends on the person, but normally, I don't talk to random strangers.

Do you have a lucky number?
Not really

Would you go out to dinner with Oprah?
Yes, I would. :O)

Did you ever play sports?
Again, that's funny!

Do you feel guilty if you throw food away?
I sometimes do feel guilty. 

Do you think you could make it as a baker? 
I love to cook and would prefer being a chef, as I don't really love baking.  

Are you one of those people who are wearing scarves with everything?
I do like scarves, but don't wear them all the time.

Have you ever been in a castle?
Does Cinderella's castle count?

When you were little, did you ever play with Playdoh?
I did...that barbershop where it looked like the hair was growing was cool!

Would you rather write a mystery or love story?
Love story.


Do you hate it when people smoke around you?
YES!

How are you wearing your hair right now?
Pulled up in a clip.

When’s the last time you were sick?
I had a cold before Thanksgiving.

Would you rather have OJ or milk with your breakfast?
I like both, but drink milk more often.

What were you doing thirty minutes ago?
Watching the Super Bowl.

Do you own any school related clothing articles?
TCS t-shirts & sweatshirt.

Would you rather call people or have them call you?
Call them.

Can you carry a tune?
And again...funny!


Who was the last person who unexpectedly texted you?
?

Who do you text the most?
The children.

14 Week Organization Challenge: The Pantry

 

2016 Home Organization 101:
Week 2 - The Pantry

 

 

I am following along with A Bowl Full of Lemons for week two of the organizing challenge. Last week, we started in the kitchen and I did most of the to-do list. I finished the cabinets and countertop, and cleaned out and organized the fridge/freezer. I didn't clean the stove, as I just ran the self-clean in the oven right after the holidays. I still need to clean the dishwasher. I don't have a pantry, only a pantry cabinet and a cabinet that holds all canned/packaged foods. As part of the kitchen challenge, I did the pantry cabinet, so I only had this cabinet to organize. I also cleaned out and organized the cabinet that holds spices/baking products/etc. Bins, baskets, and jars were recommended for keeping the pantry neat and organized, so I added some labeled bins here.

 

before

 

 

 

 

after

 

 

Much better!!

 

14 Week Organizing Challenge: The Kitchen

2016 Home Organization 101: Week 1 - The Kitchen

 

I am following along with A Bowl Full of Lemons for a 14 Week Organizing Challenge.

 

Week #1 starts in the kitchen and here is the checklist: 

 

Today, I did half of the cabinets and drawers, taking everything out, culling over, grouping like things together, and putting back. Clean and organized! 

I love my label maker for organizing projects.

 

Here are a few before/after pictures.

There was way too much junk in this cabinet (and pretty much all the cabinets/drawers)....

after....

 

Drawer #1

 

and now, organized....

 

 

I keep most of my office supplies in my desk drawer, but keep these things handy in a kitchen drawer, since I use most every day.

 

Drawer # 2 - holds foil, ziploc bags, etc., tea towels, dish rags, pot holders & trivets. This drawer just needed to be tidied up and I made a list of things I need/low on.

 

Drawer #3 - this drawer holds everything I need for the budget/bill paying.

 

It also holds my savings jars. Remember the money challenges I started last January???

 

I'm almost halfway with the dime challenge (1 full water bottle=$100)

 

I failed again at the 52 Week Money Challenge. I get about half way, then end up taking the cash for something! We are trying it again, but this time, I put Peter in charge and we are doing it this way....

 

 

I did finish this one though....

 

 

and have started again this year!

 

Tomorrow, I will hopefully finish the rest of the cabinets/drawers, and move on to the countertops.

 

It seems like a lot to do in just one week, but even if I don't complete the entire list, at least I am on the right track to getting organized!!

5 on friday: cleaning tips

 

Cleaning Tips & Tricks

(1) Daily Cleaning

Using a timer is my best trick for keeping on top of daily cleaning. I spend less than an hour a day on cleaning, but have finally found the secret to keeping the house clean & tidy!

I set the timer for 10 minutes per room and get going!!

I normally start in the laundry room, starting a load of clothes, folding and putting away any clothes from the dryer. I Swiffer vacuum the floor, shake the rug, and Glass Plus both doors (as needed). One day a week, I mop the floor.

Move on to the kitchen, I unpack/pack the dishwasher, Swiffer vacuum the floor, shake rugs, and take out something for dinner. One day a week, I mop the floor. I wipe down the counters daily as I do the dishes.

Next, the bedrooms (usually just ours since Nathan is gone 2 weeks out of the month). Daily=make bed, once a week=change sheets, vacuum, and dust.

For the living room, daily=Swiffer vacuum wood floor and straighten up, once a week=vacuum area rug, scrub floor, and dust.

For the front room, daily=straighten up, once a week=vacuum and dust.

Bathroom: daily= wipe down with Lysol wipes, once a week=clean!!

This absolutely works for me, especially since starting back to work. I hate coming home to a messy house and this is a quick & easy way to keep the house clean and tidy!

 

(2) Spring Cleaning

I found the best way to Spring Clean the house this year: Clean One Wall a Day. It took me several weeks to finish the entire house, but it seemed less overwhelming and it allowed me plenty of time to do other things with my day.

I only cleaned one wall a day. That's it. Of course, that meant that I spent about a week in each room.

Ex. I started in our bedroom.
Wall #1 / day 1 - wipe down wall, wash window, clean blind, air curtains, clean out nightstand.
Wall #2 / day 2 - wash all bedding and remake bed, wipe down wall, clean out second nightstand.
Wall #3 /day 3 - closet (clean out and organize), wipe down wall, organize dresser.

Wall #4 /day 4  - wipe down wall, organize file bench, and clean out armoire.

On Friday /day 5, I cleaned the ceiling fan and vacuumed the floor.

I spent no more than an hour or two a day cleaning and the rest of the house wasn't a mess like it usually is while I'm Spring Cleaning, plus I had time to other (more fun) things with my day!

I started after our vacation in February and finished the whole house and attic before starting back to work. Doing one wall a day made Spring Cleaning seem less overwhelming and I did a really thorough job without spending all day cleaning.



(3) Homemade Reusable Dryer Sheets

LINK

 

 

OR

 

LINK

 

I really want to try these. What a great way to save money!

 

(4) Remove Grease Spots
 

Use Dawn and a toothbrush before throwing in the washer to get grease spots off of your clothes.

 

 

I also read that chalk works, but haven't tried it.

 

(5) Meyers Products

 

I have been thinking about trying Meyers products, but not convinced I want to spend the $$. Where is the best place to buy them?

 

Saturday 9: American Pie

Saturday 9: American Pie (1971)


Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In the lyrics, Don McLean refers to having once been a paper boy. When you were a kid, what job or household chores did you do for spending money?

 

I babysat and delivered newspapers - I always had a job of some sort. I always got an allowance but don't remember doing my chores (doing the dishes and cleaning my room) for money.



2) Them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye. What's the last drink you ordered? 

 

Diet Coke.



3) He drove to the levee but it was dry. When is the last time it rained where you are?

 

All last week!!

4) When McLean was working on the song, he wrote the lyrics out in long hand. It took him 16 pages of lined notebook paper. Today it's a laptop/smartphone/tablet world, and Sam can't remember the last time she hand wrote anything longer than a sign on her front door that read, "Bell broken. Plz knock." What about you? What's the last thing you wrote with pen or pencil?

 

Just now, in my reservation book.



5) McLean's most recent CD is called "Addicted to Black," in reference to Olivia in The Twelfth Night. Quick! Without looking it up, name another character from Shakespeare.

 

Romeo & Juliet



6) Don was born in New Rochelle, New York, which was named one of The Best Walking Cities in America by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). What about your neighborhood? Is it easily walkable?

 

Definitely!!

7) In 1971, the year this song was popular, Walt Disney World officially opened. Have you ever been to DisneyLand or Disney World?

 

I've been to Walt Disney World 8 times, my most recent visit in February 2015.

We LOVE Disney!!

8) Also in 1971, Mattel introduced Malibu Barbie. This doll was a "sun-loving California girl" and had a distinct tan. Have you ever used a tanning bed?

 

I have in the past, but it's probably been 3 years or more since I was last in one.



9) American Pie is also the name of a 1999 movie. Have you seen it?

 

No.

Saturday 9: Hawaii Five-O

 

Saturday 9: Hawaii Five-O (1969)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This is the theme from the TV show that originally ran from 1968 to 1980 and is on now again with a new cast. Were you/are you a fan?

 

I used to watch all the time, but I don't faithfully watch the current show. Peter and Nathan love it and own all the seasons.

source

 

2) On both shows, Five-O is an elite police task force led by Det. Lt. Steve McGarrett. Who is your favorite TV cop?

Peter watches them all: Blue Bloods, Chicago P.D......I'm not into tv as much, but my most recent favorites were Flashpoint and Rookie Blue.

source

 

source

3) On both shows, the part of Danny "Danno" Williams was played by a second generation performer. (James MacArthur was the son of Broadway legend Helen Hayes; Scott Caan is the son of movie actor James Caan.) If you followed one of your parents into their chosen profession, what would you be doing?

My Dad was a teacher for over 30 years, so I'll say teacher! :O)
 

4) Both shows are filmed in Hawaii, the boyhood home of President Obama. Have any of our 44 Presidents hailed from your state?

Of course there have, I'm from Virginia!! Eight U.S. presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were born in Virginia and most of their homes can be visited today.

Click HERE to read more.

Monticello

 

5) Kona coffee is made from beans cultivated on the Big Island of Hawaii. Are you a big coffee drinker?

 

Not really. I do, however, enjoy iced coffee.

Get'n Grounded

 

6) This week's song was written by the late Morton Stevens. In addition to composing for TV shows, he was the musical director for a group of entertainers known in the 60s as "The Rat Pack." Can you name any "Rat Pack" members?

 

Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin (I'll have to Google the rest!)

7) This week's featured band, The Ventures, began when Don Wilson purchased a used car from Bob Bogle. During negotiations, they discovered a shared passion for playing guitar. Did you buy your current ride new or used? Did the negotiations go smoothly?

 

We bought a used 2007 Chevy Trailblazer in 2008, and yes, things went smoothly.

8) The year this song was popular, 1969, is when Donald and Doris Fisher opened a San Francisco clothing store called The Gap. Today there are more than 3,200 Gap locations. Do you shop at The Gap or gap.com?

Yes, to both.

 

9) Random question: What's on your Saturday to-do list?

On this rainy Saturday, after quite a busy week, my to-do list was very short.....a quick house tidy, make dinner, and then RELAX!!!

source