tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78999018059990329142024-02-02T00:01:50.051-08:00GRACIOUS SOUTHERN LIVINGJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.comBlogger646125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-92210325160085983212016-12-07T06:37:00.000-08:002016-12-07T06:37:42.241-08:00State of the Blog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Since I haven't posted anything since September 1st, I wanted to drop in for a little talk about the state of Gracious Southern Living. I don't even know if there's anyone around that will read this (although according to my stats there are some lurkers - LOL)!<br />
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My first post was in December, 2007. So this month I have been blogging 9 years! That's a long time in the blog world, at least I think so. I loved how I found a vehicle for my love of decorating by "meeting" so many other like minded people on line. I had been fairly active on Rate My Space and one day on another RMS post (I think it was Cindy from My Romantic Home) I saw a reference to her blog. When I clicked over I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! I saw her sidebar which featured other blogs and from then on I spent many hours drooling over seeing how other folks that loved to decorate and share their homes. I decided I'd like to try my hand at blogging and thus "Gracious Southern Living" was born.<br />
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My taste has drastically changed over the years. When I first began my blog, my home had red walls, gold accents, greens, chocolate browns, etc. Of course, most everyone else did too. Shabby Chic was taking over a lot of blogs and I loved that look too. So I slowly began changing out my reds, golds, greens, etc. for a more neutral palette. As of today, my home is decorated in cremes and whites, very calming and peaceful (but not Shabby....I think that trend is about over). But it took me many years to get to this point. I've also never shared a full "tour" of my home, which I regret because I do love how it has turned out. I guess I just never thought my photographs turned out "perfect" enough to share. In other words, my pictures didn't do my home justice.<br />
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We recently completed the last two rooms on my list.....my husband's bathroom and one of the guestrooms. They both got planked walls and painted in Dove White. So now my entire house has been updated to my satisfaction.<br />
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When I started my blog my daughters' twins were so little....around 3 years old. Now they are 12 and she has had another baby, a little boy who will be 2 on December 21st. My son has two children, ages 11 and 6. We are so blessed to be close to our grandchildren, who bring us such pleasure and joy.<br />
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My sweet mama is 96 years old! If you've read my blog for any time, you've followed along from us having to move her out of her home to assisted living and now in a nursing home for the past 2 years. She is very happy and well cared for at her nursing home. She is still sharp and loves reading her Kindle, working crossword puzzles and playing bingo. I am fortunate that I am able to spend a lot of time with her.<br />
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I'm not sure when I turned the corner (so to speak) on blogging.
Without getting into specifics, so many long time blogs that I've
followed for years have really changed and not in a
good way. I know some blogs have become dependent on income from
their blog to make a living, but I don't want to go to a blog and be
inudated with ads and sponsored posts. There's just not the
"personal touch" on so many blogs anymore that I enjoyed. Of course,
there are still some blogs I enjoy but they are few and far between. <br />
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Well, this post just isn't coming out like I planned. I don't know what the future of my blog holds....will I ever post again here? I'm certainly not ruling it out. But for the time being, I'm content to just take some time off from the blog.<br />
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I have enjoyed interacting so much with so many of you. Some that comment on a regular basis, and others that just read and never comment....and that's okay too. I have made some wonderful on line friends and still maintain contact with many of those "virtual" friends.<br />
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If you'd like to follow along with me until I determine the future of Gracious Southern Living, I have become fairly active on Instagram. You can follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gracioussouthernliving/" target="_blank">IG here</a>. <br />
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I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Christmas!<br />
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Until we meet again...... <br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-37786209529063644722016-09-01T08:21:00.004-07:002016-09-01T08:21:37.369-07:00Happy 1st of September!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-82326806689253568482016-08-09T11:40:00.001-07:002016-08-09T11:40:34.818-07:00Don't Blink!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Just a few short years ago my daughter's twins started "big school" as they used to call it. Now they are 12! Taylor started middle school yesterday. Her twin brother goes to a private school and he started last Friday. He has a mild form of Aspergers so he goes to a school geared to help him better than the public school he was attending.....he loves it and is doing so well. <br />
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I was browsing through some old photos recently and found these I took when they started school. <br />
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I took these their first day of kindegarten. Yes, I spent the night with them so I could be there to experience their first day #overinvolvedgrandparent!<br />
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Arriving at school</div>
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Finding their desks all ready for them</div>
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Telling mommy goodbye....the hardest part! </div>
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Jackson was sooo excited to be going to "big school" </div>
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Meeting his teacher</div>
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<b>NOTE: At Taylor's 6th grade graduation last May this same teacher walked her up to the platform to receive her diploma. Their kindegarten class was the first kindegarten class of the first day of a new school</b><br />
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I think school is going to be fun!</div>
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Bye mommy = I'm a big boy now!</div>
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NOTE: The little boy in orange shirt reaching out to shake Jackson's hand is the son of a boy that used to date my daughter in high school!<br />
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And here's the one from this morning (taken with her cousin who is one grade ahead)</div>
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Whoa.....who are these girls?!?!! Who told her she could grow up so fast? They both got braces a few weeks ago.<br />
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No photo of Jackson as he didn't want his taken....maybe he'll let me or his mom get one later.<br />
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Time really does fly and I treasure each and every moment I've shared with these sweet "babies". <br />
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Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go dry my tears!<br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-32227694220899444472016-06-28T14:07:00.001-07:002016-06-28T14:07:13.029-07:00Finally Some Answers To My Health Issues!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, if you've read my blog recently you now that I've been sharing about some issues I've had with my left leg/foot since last November. I started out going to my orthopedic surgeon who took a foot x-ray and stated I didn't seem to have a stress fracture and that he didn't see any need for an MRI at the time. I didn't argue with him as I HATE MRI's and thought "he's the doctor and he knows best". I ended up going to him twice, after which he referred me back to my general doctor....from there I went to a neurologist for nerve testing (showing negative results), another trip to my doctor for blood work (normal), and then a vascular surgeon for an ultrasound for deep vein thrombosis testing...negative for that as well. Based on all the tests and doctor visits over a seven month period, according to them I was "normal" but I was getting worse and to the point I could hardly walk. A simple trip to the grocery store put me in excruciating pain and I had to spread out my errands over several days as I simply could not walk comfortably.<br />
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After getting some great suggestions from comments on my blog, I went back to my GP and insisted on an MRI. He knows how claustraphobic I am and said I could take 3 Xanax for my anxiety. Let me tell ya'll, that did the trick! I climbed up on that thing, put a washcloth over my face, requested classical music and my husband sat next to me rubbing my shoulder and talking to me. <br />
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The results are that I have a bulging disk(disc?) at L4-5 and spinal stenosis. I had that same diagnosis several years ago but didn't have this kind of pain. Why didn't someone (doctor) even suspect that and why did it take 7 months and me having to demand an MRI to get to this point? All those co-pays and prescriptions! <br />
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Anyway, I decided to go to my chiropractor who has treated me in the past for this problem before going to the orthopedic. I believe all he'll do is send me for PT and to me that's just a legal form of torture! As of today, I've had three "adjustments" and my chiropractor has given me more information than all those other doctors combined. I do feel some relief and realize I didn't get this way overnight and it won't be a quick fix. One of the issues is a calcium build up around the vertabrae which of course causes the nerve to be compressed and the pain ensues down my leg. I'm going to go this route for at least a month and then maybe will go to the ortho to see what he suggests.<br />
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Thank you all for your comments, concerns, thoughts and prayers! I know they have helped me.<br />
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On a lighter note, this past weekend we celebrated my mom's 96th birthday! What a milestone. She is amazing....reads her Kindle (just ordered her a 2nd one) and is very involved in activities at her nursing home....especially bingo. They call her the bingo queen because she wins a lot! Other than loss of her most of her hearing, she is quite the steel magnolia. Is up to date on the news and follows the current election antics! <br />
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Here's a little collage I made of my kids and grandkids at the birthday party....I can't believe I couldn't find the one with my mama in it! They brought her some ice creme (her favorite) and she wore a Mexican sombrero while they sang Happy Birthday! <br />
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I'm sure most everyone has big plans for the 4th of July weekend. We normally go to my sister's lake place and have a big cookout but this year we're going to our son's house and my sister and her family are going to the mountains.<br />
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Hope you all have a wonderful and safe 4th!<br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-73491294699146056462016-06-13T04:43:00.000-07:002016-06-13T04:43:05.395-07:00Fresh and Fruity Summer Drinks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I don't want you to get the idea I'm a big drinker at all but I occasionally do like a glass of white wine or a "girly" drink as my husband calls them. I only like the fruity drinks, you know the ones that might have a slice of fruit or little umbrella attached.<br />
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During one of our last visits with my son and DIL she made me a drink she called "Hey Girlfriend" and it was so good. I don't like to taste the alcohol at all, just the sweetness. With summer upon us and July 4th coming up, I thought I'd share a couple of my favorite drinks with you all.<br />
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<b>HEY GIRLFRIEND! </b><br />
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="_5yl5">1 shot Malibu Coconut Rum</span></li>
<li><span class="_5yl5"> 1 glass ginger ale</span></li>
<li><span class="_5yl5">2</span><span class="_5yl5"> freshly squeezed limes (or more if desired)</span><span class="_5yl5"> </span></li>
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<span class="_5yl5"> That's it....so easy and soooo good!</span><br />
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<span class="_5yl5"> Here's another recipe I found on a site I follow on Facebook</span><br />
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<span class="_5yl5"><b>OFFICIAL SUMMER POOL DRINK</b></span></div>
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<li>1 can pineapple juice (46 oz)</li>
<li>2 cups Country Time lemonade mix</li>
<li>2 cups water</li>
<li>2 cans Sprite</li>
<li>1 bottle of Pineapple Coconut Rum</li>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1575328072766620&set=pb.100008683278491.-2207520000.1465681134.&type=3&theater" target="_blank"><span class="_5yl5">via</span></a></div>
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Obviously, this makes more than one drink!<br />
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Another good fruity drink is an Amaretto Sour. My sister and I always order one whenever we're out with our Misters.<br />
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<a href="http://www.10thkitchen.com/2013/02/amaretto-sour/" target="_blank">(via)</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Classic Amaretto Sour Recipe</b></span> </div>
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This delightful combination is among the easiest drinks to make.<br />
<h4>
Ingredients</h4>
<ul>
<li>1 1/2 ounces amaretto liqueur</li>
<li>3 ounces sweet and sour mix</li>
<li>Splash of lemon-lime soda, such as 7 Up or Sprite</li>
<li>Maraschino cherries</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Directions</h4>
<ol>
<li>Combine and shake the liqueur and mix in a cocktail shaker.</li>
</ol>
Pour the contents into a glass and add crushed ice and as many cherries as desired.</div>
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<a href="http://cocktails.lovetoknow.com/amaretto-sour-recipe" target="_blank">(source)</a></div>
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Like I said before, I'm not a big drinker at all, but whenever I do order something one of these would be on my list. In fact, there's a bottle of white wine in my refrigerator now that's been in there over a year! <br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-45329508594676132662016-06-09T14:26:00.003-07:002016-06-09T14:26:43.156-07:00"We Have Fire" and Health Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We saw that note taped to our favorite Chinese restaurant a few years ago and it sure was appropriate for us a couple of weeks ago.<br />
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My husband owns a lawn and landscape business and has more business than he can handle sometimes (which is a good thing, right?) Anyway, Mondays are his "off" days from his City job so he still works on Mondays, just not for "the man". He has 6 yards in and around our home he cuts on Mondays in addition to his other cutting jobs all over town the rest of the week. <br />
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He was cutting our neighbor's yard and I had gone out to open our back gates so he could pull his truck and trailer into the back yard when he finished. As I was going to open the gates, I noticed one side was open, and he was running up the driveway yelling for me to move my car, which was parked on our driveway parking pad. You know how things happen and it seems like it's in slow motion...that's how I felt. I thought I noticed one of his riding mowers on fire at the end of the driveway but it was just a little flame. He was trying to get to the water hose but it wouldn't reach where the mower was. I jumped in my car and moved it to the back yard. About that time I heard a "whooosh" and the mower was engulfed in flames! The gasoline was running down the curb toward his new truck parked there and I was terrified it would catch on fire and explode! I ran in the house and called 911 but the fire seemed to get worse. He was able to move his new truck across the street but there was no containing the fire. Finally, after what seemed to be a looong time, the fire department got here, but in reality it was probably no more than 5 minutes or so. They were able to contain and put out the fire quickly. <br />
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While that was bad enough, what we have experienced with our insurance company has been a nightmare. I'm pretty familiar with how they work as one of the attorneys I worked with was also an insurance adjuster and we represented insurance companies for years. They have a number they are authorized to offer but always start low, hoping you will take the first $$ offered. Without getting into that nightmare, we finally got our "offer" this week and it's a joke! My husband had to go replace the burned out lawnmower the next day and let me tell you, those things aren't cheap at all. It's part of his livelihood so he had to replace it quickly. Thank goodness we had the resources to do that and not have to wait for the joke of what they are offering for "replacement" cost. He has a lot of equipment insured with this company and I believe they will either (a) raise his rates or (2) cancel us but they need not worry, we won't be staying with them after this experience. He has never filed a claim before. Even the adjuster who called us with the replacement cost was surprised his "boss" offered such a low ball figure. We have not agreed to the offer yet and naturally have not signed a release at this time.<br />
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When something happens like this it makes you aware of how quickly things can escalate into a tragedy. Although we lost a mower, things could have turned out a lot worse if we'd lost the truck or our home had caught on fire. <br />
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Now back to my health update. I'm not going to get into the whole story, but try and give a brief synopsis of what's been going on. Back last fall I started having a lot of problems with my left leg and foot. I went to see my orthopaedic in November and he said he couldn't tell what it was. Since then I've been to my regular doctor for blood work, a vascular surgeon for an ultrasound, my neurologist for nerve testing, then back to my ortho and regular doctors two more times. All tests turn out negative and they are at a loss as to what it is. I've been prescribed some pretty powerful pain medications, none of which help. I don't like taking medication at all so since they haven't helped I don't take them. I went back to my regular doctor this week and insisted on him referring me for an MRI which I will have this Friday. I'm am extremely claustraphobic and although it's supposed to be an "open" MRI I've had that before and it's still scary to me. <br />
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My doctor has prescribed an anxiety Rx that I will take, and my husband will be in the room with me talking to me and helping to calm me down. My doctor said he thinks the problem might be with my back so we'll see. If the MRI doesn't show anything, I have no idea what my next step will be. All I know is my leg/foot is getting worse and I'm unable to do things such as housework, shopping, exercising, etc. without being in extreme pain. This has got to stop!<br />
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If you've read this far you get a star today because I know this has been a pretty boring post. But I haven't been around in a while and just wanted to check in with ya'll.<br />
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Hope to be back soon with a little outdoor project I'm hoping get started on soon. <br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-3038920601128276582016-05-27T13:14:00.002-07:002016-05-27T13:14:10.879-07:00Happy Memorial Day weekend!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Never think freedom is "free"! Thanks to all the men and women, past and present, who have put their lives on the line to keep us safe!<br />
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Hope you all have a safe and wonderful weekend!</div>
Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-75203176190712819542016-05-21T09:59:00.000-07:002016-05-21T09:59:56.284-07:00Don't Blink<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Twelve years ago today, at 5:00 a.m. and 5:02 a.m. these two angels came into the world and changed our lives forever. <br />
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A little back story..... the day my daughter was going to find out the sex of the baby, I was supposed to go with her but both my husband and myself had nasty colds so I couldn't go. Her husband was out of town on business and couldn't be there either. We sat at home anxiously awaiting the phone call. Finally the phone rang and she sounded a little upset, asked if I was sitting down and said she was having twins! I really thought she was joking but she finally convinced us she wasn't. She said when the ultrasound technician was checking her, the woman said "I know one of them is a boy"....Shannon said "what do you mean 'one of them'!!! Apparently the doctor suspected she might be having multiples from things he said during his examinations and sent her for an early ultrasound.....we didn't suspect anything since it was her first pregnancy and we thought it was normal to have one that early. Although twins do run in my family, my mom had twins and her grandmother had two sets of twins! <br />
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It wasn't until the 2nd ultrasound a month later we found out the "other one" was a girl!<br />
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3 years old</div>
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We babysat them at a hotel in New Orleans while their momma and daddy attended a wedding there. </div>
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They are fraternal twins, but I think they really look alike here</div>
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School days</div>
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Christmas at Jackson's "other" grandmother's house</div>
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I love this one</div>
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Rare snow day here in Alabama a couple of years ago</div>
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One of Jackson's great-grandmothers has a pool in her yard and he loves to swim!</div>
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One of Jackson's hero's letting him "play" with the big boys</div>
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Growing up way to fast for me</div>
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Jackson and his two best buds</div>
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I took this last winter....Taylor and I had one of our "special days" as she calls them.....movie, Starbucks and lunch out....I treasure those times</div>
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Thank you for indulging me in a little walk down memory lane. </div>
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Happy birthday T&J.....we love you sooooo much!</div>
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-20153940839833503272016-05-07T10:32:00.002-07:002016-05-07T10:32:39.828-07:00Happy Mother's Day weekend!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We will be taking my mom out to dinner tonight with two of her grown "kids", some of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.<br />
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(this was taken a few years ago at my daughter's home....she will be 96 years young on June 22nd!)</div>
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Hope all moms have a wonderful Mother's Day....take time for yourself, indulge in a little pampering and enjoy your day. <br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-4348841088913767752016-04-20T03:18:00.000-07:002016-04-20T03:19:58.363-07:00The Time I Took Viagra and Other Interesting Tidbits<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I think we're all friends here, right? And I hope this isn't TMI for anyone but if it is I apologize in advance!<br />
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So about the Viagra.....a couple of years ago I was at a doctor visit and mentioned that I was having to get up frequently during the night to go "potty". He said he'd give me some samples of an Rx and if it worked, he'd give me the prescription for it. The samples/prescription was Vesicare <br />
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Not long after that I was talking to some people and as "old" folks do, we were comparing our aches and pains and how becoming older was affecting our lives. I said I was taking Viagra for my frequent bathroom visits during the night. No one said anything and the conversation resumed.<br />
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Later on I was telling my husband about it and he said "you didn't really tell them you were taking Viagra did you?" I said well, yes, I did.....then I realized it wasn't Viagra but Vesicare! When I ran out of my "Viagra" I didn't get the prescription for the Vesicare as I couldn't tell it helped but it might be time to give it another chance (LOL).<br />
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ETA: I was going to post a cartoon image of Viagra but when I googled it there were several sites but the one that caught my eye was the "before and after" page....uhhh, I don't think so. <br />
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For some reason, I have a hard time remembering people's names, or call them something other than their real name. I blame it on my BFF Judy. She and her husband are the "king and queen" of calling people by their wrong names so I tell her that has rubbed off on me. We have a friend named Scott but he looks like a "Chris" to me. So I call him Chris and he's in my phone as Chris. It doesn't hurt that he also looks like Toby Keith so every year he sends me a message on my phone that says "Merry Christmas from Toby Keith"!<br />
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Talking about my friend Judy and her husband, years and years ago she and her husband had a car for sale they had listed in a local publication that you advertised in for items to buy or sell. Her husband was in insurance and worked at night sometimes. So one night they got a call inquiring about the car for sale. Judy told them she really didn't know a lot about it but to call her husband back to get all the details. When the caller asked when was a good time to call back, she said that they kept "erotic" hours so they would just have to keep calling until they reached him. Of course, she meant "erratic". I don't know if the person ever called back though!<br />
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One year her husband asked me if "Bob" could get him some Auburn-LSU tickets. I said "who's Bob"? He said you know, your son-in-law. I said "his name is Don" to which he replied "I've always called him Bob and he always answers." <br />
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This next little "tidbit" I may have shared before but I love to tell it. My mom and I were traveling to my sister's house to visit for the day a few years ago. She's a huge reader and was always getting books at the local library before she got her Kindle. She asked me to pick up a book for her when we got back home and I asked her what the name of the book was. She said "Killing KFC". I said you mean "Killing JFK" and she very calmly said yes! Guess where we ate lunch that day.....yep, KFC! One time she had a yard sale and sold a wheelbarrow without a wheel! (You can't make this stuff up, right?)<br />
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When my granddaughter was around 3 we were at their house one night having a big Mexican spread. My daughter had put all the fixin's on the table, including a carton of sour creme. Taylor (my granddaughter) looked at it and said "I not like hiney creme mama"! She thought the sour creme looked like the "hiney creme" she used when changing their diapers!<br />
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Whenever we're up on the lake and out on my son's boat, we love to see all the huge McMansions that are usually 2nd homes to some of the elite. My son always calls that "stupid" money (ok, that's not really funny but it kinda is to me).<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/336010822170093240/" target="_blank">(source)</a></div>
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By the way, the above lake property belonged to former CEO of Health South in Birmingham, Al who is now serving time in prison. Greed doesn't pay off! It is amazing to see in person!<br />
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Just one more thing before I go.....(I can hear you breathing a sigh of relief)! My favorite show is back on....Southern Charm! It's trashy and classy, all at the same time. Love me some Southern Charm!<br />
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My friend Katie from Preppy Empty Nester wrote a great piece about her love of this show over on her blog<a href="http://preppyemptynester.blogspot.com/2015/06/southern-charm.html" target="_blank"> here.</a> <br />
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That's all the tidbits I've got for now (you can exhale now)!<br />
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Ya'll have a great week! <br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-12493267715625829502016-04-11T08:17:00.001-07:002016-04-11T08:17:30.810-07:00A Boy's Room In The Making<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When my son and his family moved from Birmingham to Spanish Fort last year, my daughter-in-law immediately asked me to help her decorate their new house. Well, now, you're talking my love language! She has got a great start in the den with the addition of the sectional she ordered. I have to say it is the most comfortable sofa I've ever sat on. It's a gray linen fabric from the Paula Deen line (those of you that don't like PD please don't jump on me!). There are two La-z-Boy leather recliners also. We gifted them a rug (she picked out and ordered) and when we were down after Christmas I bought her a couple of lamps, one a floor lamp and the other a table lamp. So "we've" got a good start and plans to finish out with wall art, pillows and accessories down the road. I'm so sorry I don't have a picture to share but next time I'm down there, I plan on taking some interior shots of the den. Since I don't have a picture of the den right now, how about a few of their backyard?<br />
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The other room she's concentrating on is my little 5 year old grandsons room. His bedroom in Birmingham was just the baby bed converted to a "big big" bed and a changing table. I'm kind of surprised my 10 year old granddaughter hasn't insisted on a room re-do (yet) but seems satisfied with what she has for now....thank goodness!<br />
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I'm very fortunate in that my DIL asks my opinion on her ideas and never seems to get insulted or mad if I am honest with her. Some things are too pricey (she has good taste) and others just aren't to my liking, but in the end it IS her house and her child so that is always in the back of my mind. But I must say, so far she's taken all of my suggestions/ideas and is implementing them in the room. <br />
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The first thing (and only thing done so far) was deciding on a paint color. The room has a chair rail and she wanted contrasting paint above and below the chair rail. At my suggestion, she had the wall above the chair rail painted Kendall Charcoal and below is an off white (I'm not sure the name of that paint color, her painter suggested it). I sent my DIL a photo of Melaine's son's bedroom <a href="http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/" target="_blank">(My Sweet Savannah)</a> and she loved the wall colors which is the inspiration we used for the walls. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2012/03/codys-room-reveal.html" target="_blank">(source)</a></div>
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She is looking for a headboard and nightstands. She will also use a bamboo shade and possibly I'll be making drop cloth drapes, unless I can find something else that I think will work. We are ordering the duvet from Ikea. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEEoJ_7KJX_klelDVBq3rS8EDW88wiwgyetpO4fA4KADnm2S5vWgJtxH8HELh6F3Kb3WOdwnM3FJUrnLj6vo7mEGAndZ4Qk-GMWarrgYlxYqdCrIoeWvtuMsV1DsZhgiRlNu-co_P8wk/s1600/cades+duvet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEEoJ_7KJX_klelDVBq3rS8EDW88wiwgyetpO4fA4KADnm2S5vWgJtxH8HELh6F3Kb3WOdwnM3FJUrnLj6vo7mEGAndZ4Qk-GMWarrgYlxYqdCrIoeWvtuMsV1DsZhgiRlNu-co_P8wk/s640/cades+duvet.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00229998/" target="_blank"> (source)</a></div>
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The closet has a great closet system and built in drawers so there is really no need for a dresser in the room. She wants him to have a little desk and chair and he got a teepee from us last Christmas which takes up a lot more room than I thought it would. There is a playroom upstairs so he doesn't keep many toys in the bedroom. Here is basically what she'd like to do....seems like it would not be too hard to DIY and fairly inexpensive, useful until he needs something more substantial.<br />
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<a href="http://blog.homes.com/2013/04/crafting-for-charity-how-to-create-an-extended-shelf-desk/" target="_blank">(source)</a></div>
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She's been looking at some wall sconces from Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware, but I told her if she had to have them wired to the wall, she'd have to patch those holes if she ever wanted to rearrange the room but she seemed determined to use wall mounted lamps. Last week on one of my numerous trips to Target (LOL) I found two table lamps almost identical to the ones she'd been interested in from PB and RH at a fraction of the price. I face timed her and "convinced" her I thought she'd be better off with two table lamps vs. the hard wired wall ones, and she totally agreed once she saw the lamps. They are nestled in my trunk along with some other goodies to take to her next time I'm down that way in a month or so.</div>
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/crosby-schoolhouse-desk-lamp-ebony-threshold-includes-cfl-bulb/-/A-17303196#prodSlot=medium_1_47" target="_blank"> (source)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/crosby-schoolhouse-desk-lamp-ebony-threshold-includes-cfl-bulb/-/A-17303196#prodSlot=medium_1_47" target="_blank">(source)</a></div>
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Oh, and they were on sale! Yay me!!!</div>
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I think she (we) have a good start on his room, even though it's only been painted. She's taking her time finding what she wants, and trying to keep within a budget. Once she finds a headboard and end tables we can start putting the room together, hopefully by the time I get there in a couple of months. I'll definately be taking photos and sharing them on my blog.</div>
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One last thing....I've been having a lot of trouble with my left leg and foot since last November. I've been to my orthopaedic doctor, a neurologist for nerve damage testing and my general doctor, and so far they can't determine what's going on. I'm going back to my orthopaedic on Tuesday and I'm hoping he can figure it out. It's so aggravating to hear "can't find anything" yet I'm in constant pain. It hinders our traveling and my day to day activities. I just hope we can figure it out and get on the road to recovery.</div>
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Ya'll have a great week and I'd love any good thoughts or prayers you could send my way on Tuesday. </div>
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-54935234367989727992016-02-23T16:57:00.000-08:002016-02-23T16:57:07.650-08:00Focus on Fashion Unfolded by Mandy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I go through what I call "stages" which chiefly revolve around decorating or fashion. Right now I'm in my fashion "stage". I've lost about 20 pounds during the last year which necessitated a new wardrobe (yay!). However, I usually stay true to the style I'm most comfortable with....casual but classic.<br />
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I'm not sure how I found out about Mandy and her Instagram page but boy, am I glad I did! She's one stylish lady that has given me a lot of inspiration about putting outfits together and even branching out beyond my normal comfort zone to try other things.<br />
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Please meet Mandy....the force behind the wildly popular fashion Instagram called Fashion Unfolded by Mandy.<br />
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I just love her hair too! In fact, I recently changed my hairstyle (it was time too) and it's similar to hers, just not quite as short. Since I had my hair cut in a similar style (just last Friday) I get compliments everywhere I go! In fact, on my way home the day I had it cut, the toll booth guy said "darlin', I love your hair"! The next day at a restaurant, the waitress took out her phone to take a picture of it! But I digress......<br />
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Based out of Davenport, Iowa Mandy is a wardrobe stylist who helps women organize their closets. She can help you weed out unwanted and unused clothing and accessories, take you shopping to buy needed items and style you so you look your best using things you have!<br />
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Look how she takes a simple classic black jumpsuit to get all these different looks. You could also do this with a black dress or black top and pants. I have styled black on black with a denim jacket and zebra scarf like Mandy and love this look!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8ZfI3K0Mp-ZDg-TmrBf3-N8ZwRUvbMpDnRF2rT0b9WCpJCsRt4_sJjPFPyyMpAuIvBYR5S_cL6MpkWj4Pf25GAyGGBHsfjC2OCTN5qe7b6OUjJ9dchze6p75RLu3nVtO5YGrH0InVwA/s1600/4d88bd2cbb3a276f3c46127c9b08a32b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8ZfI3K0Mp-ZDg-TmrBf3-N8ZwRUvbMpDnRF2rT0b9WCpJCsRt4_sJjPFPyyMpAuIvBYR5S_cL6MpkWj4Pf25GAyGGBHsfjC2OCTN5qe7b6OUjJ9dchze6p75RLu3nVtO5YGrH0InVwA/s640/4d88bd2cbb3a276f3c46127c9b08a32b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is one of my favorite go-to outfits....so simple yet looks fabulous! And check out the red purse!<br />
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I'd love to find a denim tunic to wear with my black leggings....throw on a scarf and it takes it up a notch.<br />
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Does it get any classier than a great white shirt and jeans? <br />
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I'm looking for a black denim vest to get this look....add some silver jewelry and you can go anywhere</div>
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I've featured the above outfits as they represent how I usually dress so I was happy to see I have a little fashion sense! I love having simple, classic pieces that you can pair with accessories for completely different looks.<br />
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I recently had a chance to ask Mandy a few questions and wanted to share with you a little about her.<br />
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1. When you can't think of anything to wear, what's your go to outfit?<br />
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<b>As of right now, I would say it's a pair of distressed slim boyfriend jeans, a pair of heels or booties, a long sweater/jacket/vest layered over a basic t-shirt or tank. I also throw on a long necklace or scarf to balance it all out.</b><br />
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2. What's the one wardrobe essential you can't live without?<br />
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<b> A structured blazer! Love, love love!! A fitted blazer just looks so polished and put together. I love pairing my blazers with boyfriend or flare jeans.</b><br />
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3. What would you say is your favorite fashion piece at the moment?<br />
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<b> That's a tough one. I have so many right now! If I had to pick one, it would be my long black leather vest from Vince. It's a fabulous layering piece and adds interest to any outfit!</b><br />
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4. Where do you get your fashion inspiration?<br />
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<b> Being from the Midwest, I have always drawn inspiration from magazines and looks I have seen on television. However, one of my favorite hobbies is to go shopping! Not always to purchase items, but to see what the latest trends are. This would be my main source of inspiration! Of course social media too....Instagram!!</b><br />
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5. Have you always been interested in fashion?<br />
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<b> Yes! Growing up in a small town in Iowa, my exposure to fashion was limited to say the least. Despite this, I was particular about how I looked even from a very early age. Fashion magazines and television were my resources as I found my personal style. I learned to put together stylish outfits by using the clothes and accessories that I had, taught myself how to do my makeup, and even cut off my long hair myself to prepare for the new school year!</b><br />
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6. Where do you live and tell a little about yourself.<br />
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<b>I live in the Quad Cities, which is on the Iowa/Illinois border and my business is located in Davenport, Iowa. We have all heard the expression, "If you love what you are doing, you never work a day in your life!" This certainly has become true for me as I have decided to turn my love of fashion and great style into a business. My name is Mandy Wiebenga, and I am the founder and owner of <i>Fashion Unfolded by Mandy</i>. </b><br />
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<b>My husband and I have been married 21 years and we own a landscaping company in the Quad Cities along with some rental property.</b><br />
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<b>I enjoy traveling, shopping, working out and entertaining friends and family!</b><br />
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I appreciate Mandy sharing a little about herself with me. My only complaint is she doesn't live close enough for me to get some help with my wardrobe! Maybe one day she can do some kind of Skype or come into our homes via computer to help!<br />
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You can find Mandy on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fashion_unfolded_by_mandy/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Fashion-Unfolded-by-Mandy-1580945038784699/" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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I hope you visit Mandy....I know you'll love her style as much as I do!<br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-46488436687947899182016-02-15T10:33:00.001-08:002016-02-15T10:33:38.419-08:00Annie Get Your Gun...and other random musings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What a week last week was! If you read my blog you will recall I asked for prayers for a precious family whose daughter had taken her life on Super Bowl Sunday. She was a friend of my 11 year old granddaughter, they had played tee ball and softball together for several years. The memorial was held this past weekend at the high school. There are just no words to describe something this horrendous....I still can't take it in. <br />
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I started having a stomach bug that Sunday night and into Monday. Then on Tuesday my daughter called saying she and the baby were home sick. I went to her house and she was literally lying on the floor burning up! I took her to an Urgent Care as the doctor couldn't work her in until Thursday! I knew she couldn't wait that long. Oh, and did I mention the baby had been diagnosed with the flu on Monday!? She did not test positive for flu or strep but the doctor put her on Tamiflu and an antibiotic anyway. I went to her house Tuesday through Thursday and by then she was much, much better. But I forgot how much work a little 13 month old baby is....he's constantly on the move! I had to run to the store to get some groceries for her as she had not had a chance to go. Thankfully her husband has not been sick (yet)!<br />
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My husband and I had planned on going out of town on Friday then onto our son's house for the weekend but I got up Friday morning with major headache and sore throat. I got my doctor to call me in a prescription and I stayed in bed all weekend.<br />
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Yeah, it's been fun around here but I think we're all on the road to recovery, finally!<br />
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This may be a touchy subject for some of you and I don't want to post anything that will bring about conflict or disagreements. I'm talking about gun ownership. For years my husband has wanted me to get a small one for protection. I'm terrified of guns and don't even like to look at them. But some things have happened to me recently that have me giving consideration to owning one.<br />
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About a month ago I was at one of our local malls. I had picked something up I'd ordered and was just browsing on my way out to my car. All of a sudden I heard a man yelling very loud the word "B_____________" (fill in the blank). He yelled it several times and I thought maybe a couple was having a big argument in the store. When I turned to see what was going on I saw this huge guy yelling at the security cop! The guy was taking clothes off the racks and throwing them at security....he even threw the metal rack at the security man! I was scared to death! I hightailed it out and as soon as I got in my car I called the police who said they had someone either there or on the way (I was so shook up I couldn't remember what they said). I later found out the guy had been banned from coming to the mall but he came anyway.<br />
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The very next day I was in a drug store and heard a woman yelling! She didn't curse but she was telling the pharmacist she was "tired of it" and just generally making a fool of herself. When she went to check out she had a small package of toilet paper and was yelling at the manager that if he wouldn't take her coupon that wasn't "the end of it".....I really don't know what she was talking about but when I checked out the manager said she didn't want to follow rules. I guess with this happening the day after the mall incident, it brought home to me how vulnerable we are when we are out and about going about our day and something like this can happen anywhere and any time.<br />
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Now I know neither one of these incidents is extremely bad but they were (and are) upsetting to me. I now am having second thoughts on having something to protect myself in the event I find myself in a precarious situation. I don't even know if I could use a gun. I do know that if I go that route, I plan on taking a course in the proper use of handling a weapon and defending myself.<br />
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Do any of you have a gun? Did you take a course and do you feel that helped? <br />
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I don't want this post to evolve into a political discussion....I will just delete those comments as I have found you can't argue politics or religion with anyone. I simply want to know how you would go about defending yourself if you are even in a situation that you would need to.<br />
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On a different note, I hope anyone in the path of the severe weather headed your way stays safe and warm. I think we are only supposed to get some pretty heavy rains. Spring can't get here soon enough for me!<br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-88728963476278451012016-02-08T09:27:00.003-08:002016-02-08T09:27:54.728-08:00Prayer Request<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had a post ready to go this morning but last night we got some devastating news right in the middle of watching the Super Bowl at my daughter's home. A precious 14 year old girl, who had played on my granddaughter's softball team, unexpectedly took her own life. At this point, no one knows why and I can't even imagine what her family is going through. They were a very close family who doted on and loved their two girls. <br />
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Please keep this precious family in your prayers. <br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-78509850401535652762016-01-06T18:13:00.002-08:002016-01-06T18:13:44.723-08:00I'm On Instagram!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You'd think since I can't post regularly on this blog I wouldn't have time to get on any social media but I am really enjoying following some great accounts on Instagram. A year or so ago my granddaughter set me up on Instagram but I never did much with it (you 'll see some of my earlier feeble attempts!). I still don't post a lot on it but I'm hoping to post more often as it doesn't take as much time as my blog and gives instant 'gratification'!<br />
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Here are a few photos I've posted: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeuYm19hyphenhyphenzktNpNeUMTg6AcaHowqLHvcbT8tcsj8obo0KOvpfOrz8C96y5p9OWFPULvppm-VLhC_c90GbpiM3ZmJOCh1hBJu3Qot6n1Oq0eWHM0EBJnWhLTjGdP25ue6icRdLk8P_aOU/s1600/b2b923444d27e2629c28944e4b6dcb02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeuYm19hyphenhyphenzktNpNeUMTg6AcaHowqLHvcbT8tcsj8obo0KOvpfOrz8C96y5p9OWFPULvppm-VLhC_c90GbpiM3ZmJOCh1hBJu3Qot6n1Oq0eWHM0EBJnWhLTjGdP25ue6icRdLk8P_aOU/s640/b2b923444d27e2629c28944e4b6dcb02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fall den</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPZtuBjBe01dGPNyl_kw7e9R17R5Es510E8w6QEhLEQBv31AHTNimzRY2Pxyhjnjfa2yhuhE-AGwRAEagaV4N_KnaMbIgUbsxeN-RzuUiPx6vHneqOer11JwpvGKraNFbZ0skYxFXPps/s1600/4ab6a85d92b034a0695437d5528deb9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPZtuBjBe01dGPNyl_kw7e9R17R5Es510E8w6QEhLEQBv31AHTNimzRY2Pxyhjnjfa2yhuhE-AGwRAEagaV4N_KnaMbIgUbsxeN-RzuUiPx6vHneqOer11JwpvGKraNFbZ0skYxFXPps/s640/4ab6a85d92b034a0695437d5528deb9a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Son's backyard</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIKHXAKejNMp5KelstTQ6QYoxQ_ltEqlNJuqi0mg-xcyBZgNygkA-VbMibuzNhXiHEIHWjOYs_UJJRTjqO5pYWsWHv6zDBQlrmi5x7BC0Tv3WVVaWBGqjWWXN1H28rUDnlTEfyoXPgCI/s1600/53fb78a8fbc960fd8ad60ee6fff2ad3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIKHXAKejNMp5KelstTQ6QYoxQ_ltEqlNJuqi0mg-xcyBZgNygkA-VbMibuzNhXiHEIHWjOYs_UJJRTjqO5pYWsWHv6zDBQlrmi5x7BC0Tv3WVVaWBGqjWWXN1H28rUDnlTEfyoXPgCI/s640/53fb78a8fbc960fd8ad60ee6fff2ad3a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lake neighbors</div>
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Grandson (in swing) and my sister's grandson (they are 1 year apart)</div>
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Starbucks with granddaughter</div>
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I'd love for you to follow me on Instagram....you can find me <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gracioussouthernliving/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-84174478695446041142016-01-03T14:31:00.001-08:002016-01-03T14:31:50.305-08:00Favorite Things - Beauty Edition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I hope everyone had a happy New Year! We went out for Mexican, then home to watch the Alabama-Michigan game. My son-in-law is a huge Alabama fan so needless to say, he's a happy camper. So happy in fact that he and their next door neighbor immediately bought their tickets to Glendale, Arizona for the National Championship game.<br />
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We went to their house on New Year's Day for lunch....my daughter and I served ham, black eye peas, mashed potatoes, english peas, potato salad, two kinds of corn bread, and sliced onion. The baby (who turned 1 on December 21st) is now on table food and I had a ball feeding him. He loved the ham, mashed potatoes and english peas!<br />
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Now it's back to healthier eating!<br />
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I've shared some of my favorite beauty products in the past and wanted to update it. You may see some of my favorites I've previously mentioned but that's because I really love them and use them all the time.<br />
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For years I used Merle Norman makeup. I used to buy it here in town but the owner moved so I had to go about 20 miles to find another Merle Norman store. Sometimes it wasn't convenient for me to go that far so I experimented with other foundations. The one I'm using now is probably my favorite of all other brands I've tried. <br />
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L'Oreal True Match. It gives pretty decent coverage and is a great match to my skin. I wear "warm".<br />
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I apply it with a sponge I get at Target. It's the <a href="http://www.target.com/p/sonia-kashuk-foundation-sponges/-/A-16945012" target="_blank">Sonia Kashuk foundation spong</a>e....two come in a package for around $5.79!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKLpgSpNvASBy7yFpfBiNy3J7R1ZjKAa0raodQdEX0mv5mNsE4vTmodfkk5lkHYmPXXxbxPubORegsVsTOzFcO6KtpcQzh4jXGluK4a65OgTYMGCXYhM2IlhqbTS0XDx8AwP0uVeeXB8/s1600/makeup+foundation+sponges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKLpgSpNvASBy7yFpfBiNy3J7R1ZjKAa0raodQdEX0mv5mNsE4vTmodfkk5lkHYmPXXxbxPubORegsVsTOzFcO6KtpcQzh4jXGluK4a65OgTYMGCXYhM2IlhqbTS0XDx8AwP0uVeeXB8/s320/makeup+foundation+sponges.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I set my makeup with a <a href="http://www.hsn.com/products/ybf-neutralizing-pressed-powder/6184524" target="_blank">neutralizing powder</a> I discovered a few years ago on one of the home shopping networks. It also helps with redness on the face.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CdJg02Qz0kIpYQQavAQ-WWLFT6JYzKLoIcOzNK5vyfhI-bJ1qmSBAcWtHM3HmSQqtbaTfa42517m-G228myM7ji80oFfuAnYhpvapa_kAwVP2xYrRYFK_FhVfSEAjE6zMPmkJBoyhWA/s1600/makeup+ybf+neutralizing+powder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CdJg02Qz0kIpYQQavAQ-WWLFT6JYzKLoIcOzNK5vyfhI-bJ1qmSBAcWtHM3HmSQqtbaTfa42517m-G228myM7ji80oFfuAnYhpvapa_kAwVP2xYrRYFK_FhVfSEAjE6zMPmkJBoyhWA/s320/makeup+ybf+neutralizing+powder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't have a huge makeup routine but I like to stick with one that is tried and true and these are the products I use every day. <br />
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I also use <a href="http://www.merlenorman.com/WebForms/Product.aspx?84" target="_blank"> Merle Norman lasting cheek color </a>in Dusty Rose.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd86O0c0MWiDNMhEppJu09BMbSxTfKSC_eCkiWQGsRDu_0NE6TrFF3297puMnKLpE2UPXAmX4stnCoUDkf5bI5fo1EIUKjXYrOZRl84JXsd-Y1hHqjFTAKzggb2sMwgnkHYnj6-h_ny8/s1600/makeup+dusty+rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd86O0c0MWiDNMhEppJu09BMbSxTfKSC_eCkiWQGsRDu_0NE6TrFF3297puMnKLpE2UPXAmX4stnCoUDkf5bI5fo1EIUKjXYrOZRl84JXsd-Y1hHqjFTAKzggb2sMwgnkHYnj6-h_ny8/s320/makeup+dusty+rose.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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Since I'm getting to a "certain age" my usual full eyebrows have started thinning. I don't have to have my hairdresser pluck them anymore! I don't like to have a harsh drawn on eyebrow so when I found this little eyebrow pencil it quickly became part of my makeup arsenal.</div>
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<a href="http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/milani-easy-brow-automatic-pencil/ID=prod6114784-product" target="_blank">Milini Easy Brow in Natural Taupe</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdo_WmWaDPeDBHVmEFscTXHjLT2hnuYA8P88p_nX_Pcs8Q6xnYdspPtTyxfdmH2iC9bbCO6k8FmonQirK2eh-Doh_ezUXp5z4WgUfJFN8Qw_ILC57mJ3nM20zSKjR_XNdqinAT6kgpE8/s1600/makeup+milani+easy+brow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdo_WmWaDPeDBHVmEFscTXHjLT2hnuYA8P88p_nX_Pcs8Q6xnYdspPtTyxfdmH2iC9bbCO6k8FmonQirK2eh-Doh_ezUXp5z4WgUfJFN8Qw_ILC57mJ3nM20zSKjR_XNdqinAT6kgpE8/s400/makeup+milani+easy+brow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also like to use a little <a href="http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/products/makeup/face/makeup-primer/magic-lumi-primer-magic-lumi-light-infusing-primer.aspx" target="_blank">illuminator</a> around different areas of my face......down my nose, across the forehead and to highlight areas of my eyes. I found <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/94083079690894430/" target="_blank">this chart</a> on Pinterest on how to use illuminator and it really helps know where to place it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknTFvuIvx89FyQWIJk6EaauPul-rFquXKxJqZ92kDtsIs2IlgRRIj7dIcM0g8ymrWJe5qXZ_rMxmX2_nFmVTA1VnqQs80OYH0ZphWtvtWW5fCzslw3sZncXmBTkMjczCIykGa0jPMFb0/s1600/makeup+loreal+infusing+primer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknTFvuIvx89FyQWIJk6EaauPul-rFquXKxJqZ92kDtsIs2IlgRRIj7dIcM0g8ymrWJe5qXZ_rMxmX2_nFmVTA1VnqQs80OYH0ZphWtvtWW5fCzslw3sZncXmBTkMjczCIykGa0jPMFb0/s1600/makeup+loreal+infusing+primer.jpg" /></a></div>
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Before I put on my makeup I use<a href="http://www.amazon.com/St-Ives-Timeless-Collagen-Moisturizer/dp/B000UVZU1S/?qid=1327212099&ref=sr_1_1&ie=UTF8&sr=8-1" target="_blank"> this moisturizer.</a> It lasts forever and I really like it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweZdSIRPD3nnQZmb9UcwsKgORi_Mu71i9wqVDl9DUAXCFsIoLf_Y9EV4VqjsjAQwMKz1uPbPnyaFagGxsyK5ZwTkpDOMog4fIcIZjJqURfVu4mbFW3TqoOQk1ti9eHAVw5tEfeTAv1IU/s1600/makeup+st+ives+moisturizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweZdSIRPD3nnQZmb9UcwsKgORi_Mu71i9wqVDl9DUAXCFsIoLf_Y9EV4VqjsjAQwMKz1uPbPnyaFagGxsyK5ZwTkpDOMog4fIcIZjJqURfVu4mbFW3TqoOQk1ti9eHAVw5tEfeTAv1IU/s1600/makeup+st+ives+moisturizer.jpg" /></a></div>
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To remove my makeup at night I use <a href="http://www.target.com/p/up-up-makeup-remover-cleansing-towelettes-30-ct/-/A-12220962" target="_blank">these wet cleansing towelettes</a> I get at Target.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXm8io5lIW9HcNnyF-RUEMKjN6PjPJr_qdhbGH9O3EnWy92FbzsuirpKuKukCTrHoPOH_PasdwQuAiqKPFuEiDkMPejvOxsSLLQqB8iEikFh14A_6u8yfMUUYLoZlUu36SBhDH6CBt-c/s1600/makeup+wet+cleansing+towelettes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXm8io5lIW9HcNnyF-RUEMKjN6PjPJr_qdhbGH9O3EnWy92FbzsuirpKuKukCTrHoPOH_PasdwQuAiqKPFuEiDkMPejvOxsSLLQqB8iEikFh14A_6u8yfMUUYLoZlUu36SBhDH6CBt-c/s320/makeup+wet+cleansing+towelettes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also use baby oil to remove my eye makeup. I rarely wear mascara anymore so taking off my eye makeup is easy. <br />
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I've shared this product before but I thought it was worth mentioning again. It's their Moroccan Infusion Dry Body Oil. I squirt this on my legs
and arms for a little healthy glow. I also will squirt on some of the
L'Oreal Magic Lumi on my shoulders and down my arms with the Dry Body
Oil....makes your skin gorgeous! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5QL1wCuLWaBLzEbpI4BpwjTRspd8FUTvvWfMReZOe4Besu-MXz5m-6MKy7f7qaFMMhOo55EbvhbRh4AmIviV_J6fafdc9W6bvkXq6VN0dS_NY4dffvF7pbLe7EKA_YXqDtEEYT0MH4E/s1600/makeup+dry+body+oil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5QL1wCuLWaBLzEbpI4BpwjTRspd8FUTvvWfMReZOe4Besu-MXz5m-6MKy7f7qaFMMhOo55EbvhbRh4AmIviV_J6fafdc9W6bvkXq6VN0dS_NY4dffvF7pbLe7EKA_YXqDtEEYT0MH4E/s1600/makeup+dry+body+oil.JPG" /></a></div>
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I know it's wintertime and we're not thinking of looking tan right now, but it can't hurt to get a jump on a little color! I have a couple of products that I've used that give a good, natural looking tan without being orange or streaky. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y-bbv_Q1wcha09TGcfhM1XsBD1hd-UgpCSB2sA8_OfjbSsTFZK8wQuhmn2t3tnekEeLS8BizmMWI1HEClzniA7lh2U8T7mCHkUxe5fSGsC4yO_eWmEJsn6IXu5eAIrhOhuchZ9Q0kc0/s1600/makeup+famous+daves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y-bbv_Q1wcha09TGcfhM1XsBD1hd-UgpCSB2sA8_OfjbSsTFZK8wQuhmn2t3tnekEeLS8BizmMWI1HEClzniA7lh2U8T7mCHkUxe5fSGsC4yO_eWmEJsn6IXu5eAIrhOhuchZ9Q0kc0/s1600/makeup+famous+daves.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daves-Tanner-Moisture-Included-Testimonials/dp/B002C6H84Q?SubscriptionId=AKIAIKBZ7IH7LXTW3ARA&&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B002C6H84Q&tag=wwwbookcompar-20&ascsubtag=5689970548308f2754b30b81" target="_blank">Famous Dave's Self Tanning</a> lotion is a good self tanner. I always apply all my self tanners with a mitt that I buy at Ulta. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIzJoBSW4PuCwPMxpHJTtcnPgc5iDiIhX_Xu39FAgHUh8DM29vOEiCYVZ7x-4ni2z9ZOf_T2fi04bdc-hWzDYoO_ZN38nPz-NZ3sPHo4TrFHftakT4YctNi5a8lgDERQJVVXIQzUwHiM/s1600/makeup+jergens+instant+sun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIzJoBSW4PuCwPMxpHJTtcnPgc5iDiIhX_Xu39FAgHUh8DM29vOEiCYVZ7x-4ni2z9ZOf_T2fi04bdc-hWzDYoO_ZN38nPz-NZ3sPHo4TrFHftakT4YctNi5a8lgDERQJVVXIQzUwHiM/s1600/makeup+jergens+instant+sun.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=178333/Natural-Glow-Instant-Sun-%28Deep-Bronze%29-Sunless-Tanning-Mousse/Jergens/Self-Tanners" target="_blank">Jergens Natural glow instant sun.</a> Right now this is my favorite of the two products. I put a little moisturizer on my feet and then work my way up from my feet to my upper thigh area. I don't have to use anything on my arms since they tan pretty easily....my legs not so much so I need all the help I can get on tanning my legs. I NEVER use tanning beds at all (I have in the past but I know they are terrible for anyone to use).<br />
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A have a friend whose daughter has a little spray tan business in their media room. I used her for the first time last summer for the 4th of July at the lake and it was the most natural looking spray tan I've ever received.....it lasted about 7 days too! I'll get more spray tans from her this summer and found out the "tan" won't come off in a salt water pool which is what my son has. <br />
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As far as my hair products, I don't use a lot. My favorite hairspray is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kenra-Professional-Spray-No-Percent/dp/B000YACKO0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451855236&sr=8-1&keywords=kenra+hair+spray" target="_blank">Kenra Professional Volume Spray. </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Pg3GDpH3KitTr5R4hEFOBvW2sb8xpPirYm68CmEWH6GlbQYQPO90egK8BEXQ-e7BVPWfhGioybK4ttld4LPWb379oWGvLdePZy64idfpH98fc_-t7HK3HbxEkHzKpG12jhNgR-DUgC8/s1600/makeup+kenra+hairspray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Pg3GDpH3KitTr5R4hEFOBvW2sb8xpPirYm68CmEWH6GlbQYQPO90egK8BEXQ-e7BVPWfhGioybK4ttld4LPWb379oWGvLdePZy64idfpH98fc_-t7HK3HbxEkHzKpG12jhNgR-DUgC8/s320/makeup+kenra+hairspray.jpg" width="76" /></a></div>
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Sometime back I shared how I was looking for a new hairdresser. You can read the original post <a href="http://gracioussouthernliving.blogspot.com/2015/07/breaking-up-is-hard-to-do.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Basically, I was looking to change hairdressers after using the same one for a number of years. When I wrote that post, I had just found someone I liked a lot but since I was "looking" I had another girl I wanted to try out before making a commitment to someone. I liked the 2nd person better than the first one I changed to and she charges a little less too! Believe it or not, I have one other person I'm considering for a haicut (not color) since a good friend of mine uses her and I know she can cut my hair in the style I want. I just don't want to commit to one person like I did before until I'm sure I'm going to be happy!<br />
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A few years ago I wrote a <a href="http://gracioussouthernliving.blogspot.com/2013/05/whats-that-smell.html" target="_blank">post</a> asking for suggestions on perfume. For years I wore Beautiful by Estee Lauder but unfortunately my body chemistry doesn't work with that scent any longer. I got some great suggestions but so far I haven't found anything that "speaks" to me. I'm still looking and would love any suggestions you might have.<br />
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Well, I guess that about wraps up some of my favorite beautify products/tips. I'd love to know if you try any of them and how you like them. Also, please let me know your favorite products, I always love hearing your recommendations.<br />
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Have you put your Christmas decorations away? We got ours down and put away and my husband put away the floodlights today. It feels good to have my house back in order!<br />
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Have a great week! <br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-6391267110840660342015-12-31T06:56:00.001-08:002015-12-31T06:56:50.766-08:00Happy New Year and A Year In Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, 2015 is almost in the books and it has been a good year. There have been some times that I wasn't real happy about but I can honestly say "it was a very good year."<br />
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As I reflect back over 2015, I'd like to share a few thoughts. We started out (well really it started on 12/21/14) with our newest addition to the family....our 5th grandchild and 3rd grandson.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ioIhmt1guJ2l4vVOoOp1EMA33tbRNTxrBT9qAYfRdbj3sa4uIfgrw5FAIjTD70U7yGQiE7o0TiewU4nvIXoL5xD9Z9EFS2fN3Ca0EtmbX1YqIDxKLCm98GwVHIMV7DuRTIMWm2-CW6w/s1600/IMG_9204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ioIhmt1guJ2l4vVOoOp1EMA33tbRNTxrBT9qAYfRdbj3sa4uIfgrw5FAIjTD70U7yGQiE7o0TiewU4nvIXoL5xD9Z9EFS2fN3Ca0EtmbX1YqIDxKLCm98GwVHIMV7DuRTIMWm2-CW6w/s400/IMG_9204.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Weighing in a 9 lb. 4 oz. he was a big boy! His big sister (shown above) has become his 2nd momma....she has been such a big help to her momma. </div>
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And a year later at our family Christmas get together at the lake</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdi0PYIPzyAlO9K5Z8z2R-75u_o_wMpCuGt_SYlagZEjUjrDUBJ7wNY83g2_HmEuAahXZjo9_QBfHxuVwVxd_kPuBO-paZdGtDrE4TFzijig5xqvf7vu0pvRXVbIn5qTUOEHm6a6p89g/s1600/Ryder+Christmas+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdi0PYIPzyAlO9K5Z8z2R-75u_o_wMpCuGt_SYlagZEjUjrDUBJ7wNY83g2_HmEuAahXZjo9_QBfHxuVwVxd_kPuBO-paZdGtDrE4TFzijig5xqvf7vu0pvRXVbIn5qTUOEHm6a6p89g/s640/Ryder+Christmas+2015.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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January saw some good news and bad news: Our son got a huge promotion but it meant they would be living further away from us. For the past 10+ years they have lived in Birmingham which was only a little over an hour away but they would now be living about 3 hours away. Of course, it could be a lot worse, like a plane ride away as he reminds me, but still....not as easy to visit like before. They found a gorgeous home in a wonderful neighborhood with the perfect back yard...and the beach about 30 minutes away too!</div>
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This is the view from the 2nd den (yes they have 2!) the gazebo is fully fitted out with a great sound system and TV.....perfect for watching the kids in the pool and enjoying time outside .</div>
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My granddaughter said they will just have a stay-cation at their home....they have everything right in their own backyard!</div>
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February I had some fairly major surgery and the next few months were spent getting back on my feet. </div>
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Early spring an old friend from school and I started putting the finishing touches on our class reunion that was to be held in May. I won't say how many years but it's been a while! I attended a very small private school and we only had about 25 in our graduating class. I think 3 are deceased, some didn't attend the reunion, but the ones that did had a great time. We combined our class with the class below us and the class above us so we had about 100 people there. I know that sounds insane when some schools graduate upwards of 500 students that that wasn't the case for us.</div>
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That's me on the end in black and white....my friend that I worked on the reunion with is also in black and white! It was a good thing we had name badges....that's all I'm going to say! Funny coincidence....one of the guys is a local dentist that my daughter goes to!</div>
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Not much exciting happened during the summer. We spent some time at the lake but most of our time was at home. I spend a lot of time at my mom's nursing home with her, they play bingo 3 times a week and she wants me to play too. Since she's been at the nursing home, a little over a year now, I've got to know a lot of the residents and they seem to expect me there too! I help some of the residents that don't see well, don't hear well, and some that just don't have the capacity anymore to know their numbers and/or letters. It's very humbling to me and honestly I can say they do more for me than I could ever do for them. When she's not playing bingo, we sit outside on the huge porch or in the "living room" as momma calls it and she shares about old times and people that have passed in and out of her life. She will be 96 in June and I treasure every single moment with her. But don't let her age fool you....she is very much in the present and knows exactly what is going on! In fact, when I have my monthly meeting with her social worker and/or nurse, they just laugh and say sign the sheet of paper showing she has nothing wrong with her that needs attention.</div>
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Of course, fall bring football season. I can't say it was our best year but I love my Auburn Tigers!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBP1jOsMo677YRaHVCBLTJCXoAqn3NL4DNdG8S-p1sDlP9bRJ5Tv10mv6XwSh4_weZ2uaD2cXbgQD4mDoq2jZMKPqe15COkCk0yZGbBhMRzJKveH5feoPE0IAJgT1c_yKBHMgMe6sOtMM/s1600/auburn+southern+belle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBP1jOsMo677YRaHVCBLTJCXoAqn3NL4DNdG8S-p1sDlP9bRJ5Tv10mv6XwSh4_weZ2uaD2cXbgQD4mDoq2jZMKPqe15COkCk0yZGbBhMRzJKveH5feoPE0IAJgT1c_yKBHMgMe6sOtMM/s640/auburn+southern+belle.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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Soon enough it was Thanksgiving. My ex-mother in law passed away the day before Thanksgiving. There is a long story of our relationship but its not worth going into. Suffice it to say that I made my peace with her a while back and last summer at the twins' birthday party my former husband brought her. Strangely enough she spent most of the day with me talking and recalling old times! I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to her funeral but I really felt like I needed to go. I saw some folks I hadn't seen in 30 years and it was closure for me with some of them that welcomed me with hugs and open arms. Our divorce was very nasty (thankfully my ex and I get along great now) so I didn't know what to expect but I'm glad I went. My ex recently told me he was glad I came.</div>
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We had our annual family Christmas get together at the lake. </div>
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My grandson (in white and red) and my sister's grandson in red shirt and jeans....can you believe these two are a year apart? My sister's grandson will be 2 on January 4th and Ryder was 1 on December 21st! But they had a big time playing....this summer they will have a lot of fun at the lake!</div>
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This wasn't at the lake but at Ryder's birthday party....he is a carbon copy of his daddy!</div>
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We had a low key Christmas. Christmas Day my sister and her husband met my husband and I at the nursing home to spend time with our mom. Then we 4 went to Waffle House for supper! How classy can you get (LOL)! They're going back to Hawaii in October and invited us to go but we don't have Hawaii on our bucket list.....we haven't made up our minds whether or not we'll go. We usually take a tropical vacation in February since my husband owns a landscape business and it's hard for him to get away from spring to winter....thus we go somewhere warm in the dead of winter! </div>
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Yesterday my granddaughter Taylor and I had one of our "special days" together.....I'll take all I can get since she's 11 going on 15 and the time will get here soon enough that it's not "cool" to hang with Mimi! We went to a movie then Starbucks for hot chocolate. She had a gift card I had given her and she wanted to use it to buy her own drink. She had another gift card to Zaxby's so she wanted to go there and get lunch. I offered to buy her hot chocolate and lunch but she wanted to use her cards. After I took her back to her mom's office, she told me she had one of the best days ever. Now that my friends is priceless!</div>
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Well, I can't believe there were no decorating posts mentioned. Maybe that's because nothing much got done. I shared earlier this fall that the hall bathroom and one guestroom were getting done.....that's still on hold as I'm undecided on bathroom paint color and waiting on our handyman to put up a plank wall in the guest room. I really hope both of those projects get done soon!</div>
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As 2015 draws to a close, I realize how blessed and thankful I am. I have a wonderful husband, good kids who have great spouses and kids, and my 95 year old mom. I have everything I need (my husband says I don't have everything I "want" - LOL) but really, I count my blessings every day. </div>
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I also want to than everyone that visits my blog, although this year I have blogged much, much less than in the almost 8 years I've blogged! I can't promise that 2016 will be better but I hope I can get back to blogging on a more regular basis.</div>
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Hope you all have a safe and happy New Year!</div>
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-91556085077224617582015-12-24T10:14:00.001-08:002015-12-24T10:14:14.587-08:00It's A Christmas Miracle!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yes, it's a miracle that I'm getting a post up at last! I got a new laptop back in September and have had nothing but problems with it ever since......a large part of the reason I haven't been able to blog.<br />
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I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!<br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-53452481308982276892015-11-25T17:36:00.002-08:002015-11-25T17:36:39.528-08:00Happy Thanksgiving 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hope you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving Day with your family, friends and loved ones! <br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-19234890613253583292015-10-31T05:49:00.001-07:002015-10-31T05:49:41.065-07:00A Few Fall Touches Around the House<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I love fall! I think it's one of the most gorgeous times of the year. Of course, I will probably say that about Spring too! I don't go "all out" with any of my seasonal decorating anymore but use pretty much the same things every year now. I used to be a "more is more" kinda girl but each year I find the "less is more" philosophy works better for me now.<br />
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With that being said, I'm happy to share some fall touches around my house. We'll start in the sunroom. I don't know why I don't share this room, because it's one of my favorite rooms in the house. It has been a "holding zone" for holdovers from my mom's house when we moved her to assisted living, then from assisted living to a nursing home. But I'm slowing working my way through either storing or disposing of them.<br />
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I ordered this colorful, soft throw from Amazon of all places. The pillow is from <a href="https://society6.com/product/pumpkin-patch-watercolor_pillow?isrc=src.list-hue.1-srt.popular#25=193&18=126" target="_blank">Society 6</a> she has some beautiful things in her Etsy shop. I have my eye on several items for the upcoming holiday season. When the throw arrived, I loved how it looked with the pillow.<br />
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Can we talk a minute about my thrift store wicker trunk? It was priced at $25 (which I would have gladly paid) but asked the shop owner if she'd take $20 and to my surprise she did! Right now it's storing extra throw pillows and a blanket. It was in near perfect condition and had no musty smell. I really wanted to use it and the end of our sofa in the den for a place to put a drink or remote control but according to my husband it was too big (and it really was) so I put it here in the sunroom for a coffee table. I love it in here!<br />
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A few years ago I decided to paint a faux pumpkin turquoise since I use that as an accent color in a couple of rooms in the house. It got a lot of attention! Here in the sunroom I just put it on the distressed little table next to the leather chair.</div>
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My daughter was telling me she heard that if you put a turquoise pumpkin outside your door for trick or treaters it will let the parents/kids know that you are handing out non-food treats in recognition of food allergies. <a href="http://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project#.VjS2dGt8e-c" target="_blank">Here's</a> an interesting article about it. Good to know.</div>
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I've been busy working on cleaning up areas outside....pressure washing mainly. Our deck is in sad shape and my husband wants to tear it out and replace it but I don't know when that will happen. So I just pressure washed the patio outside the sunroom and a small area outside the laundry room. I'm hoping Thanksgiving day will be nice and sunny so some of us can eat outside....you just never know here in the South what it's going to do this time of the year. So I'm trying to keep it simple outside with just a few things.</div>
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I spray painted an old urn I had flat black and set it on top of this old capital (capitol?).....I used a berry wreath and a white spray painted faux pumpkin. I love how easy this was. </div>
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(I should have pressure washed the capital....it's been outside for over 20 years and it needs a "bath"!)</div>
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The pumpkin isn't that glaring white....I didn't notice how bright it looked until I downloaded these photos....it must have been the glare from the sun. Kinda ghostly looking!!</div>
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Last year I saw these pillows on another blog (don't remember which one) where you spray painted your design on burlap. I got a leaf and pumpkin felt thingies at the Dollar Tree. I just placed them down on my burlap and sprayed all around them with orange spray paint. Then my sewing machine broke and I didn't finish making them until this past fall when I decided to get the machine fixed. </div>
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In the den I always do the same thing on my mantel....I didn't replace anything but worked around what stays up there year round. That way I don't have to remember where I put the things I removed or how it looked (LOL)! I just added the fall garland and the burlap "Fall" banner I made a few years ago and some white twinkle lights. </div>
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As far as the galvanized bucket, I just used some things I pulled out of my fall bins that I didn't know what to do with. (BTW, I have waaaay too much fall stuff, don't use but about 1/3rd of it....I keep telling myself I'm going to edit and get rid of the majority of it but so far I haven't done that). So before packing it all back up I decided to use some "leftovers" in the bucket. I placed a cardboard box in the bottom to elevate everything and just wrapped the garlands around the outside, then filled in with the two pumpkins and some other branches and things. I love how it turned out!</div>
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On the coffee table I used a candle ring on top of an urn and added a silver pumpkin. I added a little orange pumpkin too....I like how the orange and turquoise look together. You can see how I made over this old wooden tray <a href="http://gracioussouthernliving.blogspot.com/2015/07/burlap-lined-tray.html" target="_blank">here </a>by adding the typewriter burlap fabric. (Please ignore the fan in the next room....it's still hot here people!)</div>
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On the sideboard behind the sofa I just used a boxwood wreath with a ceremic pumpkin..</div>
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Next time I'll share the kitchen and dining room. </div>
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Hope everyone has a safe Halloween and DON'T FORGET TO TURN BACK YOUR CLOCKS TONIGHT!</div>
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-73374085221707299162015-10-21T03:35:00.000-07:002015-10-21T03:35:13.286-07:00A Hodgepodge of Stuff!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello? Anyone still out there? I think it's pretty obvious that this blog is way down the list of priorities at this season of my life. I won't bore you with the same old excuses, suffice it to say that I spend a lot of time with my 95 year old mom at her nursing home, as well as family here and out of town. I have good intentions to post more often, just doesn't seem to happen.<br />
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Moving on.....last January my son received an awesome job promotion but he had to take it right away. It was with his same company but it meant moving from Birmingham (which was a little over a hour away from our home) to the Daphne/Spanish Fort area, about 3 hours away! BUT he could not pass up the opportunity so they moved. Let me state here that I couldn't be any more proud of him. He works hard and deserves all the accolades he's getting. They bought a beautiful home with wonderful landscaping and a pool! Plus they are only about 45 minutes from the beach....doesn't get any better than that now does it?<br />
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Here are a few photos I took back in August when we went down for our grandchildrens' joint birthdays. They are 5 years and 5 days apart so so far, my DIL has just had a joint birthday party for them. I imagine that will quickly come to an end soon as my granddaughter will be 11 next summer and won't want her little brother "bothering the big girls"....at least that's what she told me!<br />
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Here's my little grandson "posing" in front of his baby picture. He's so silly!<br />
(#hurryuptakingmypicture #fakesmile #iwanttogoplay!)</div>
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Their backyard is spectacular! The house belonged to a doctor and they had extensive landscaping put in as they hosted a backyard wedding. This is looking out from inside toward the gazebo. It has a TV, ceiling fan, and a sound system....we really loved sitting out here at night and watching the kids swim.<br />
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My daughter in law has done a great job getting the house unpacked and set up. She and I are working on ideas for the den and my grandson's room. My son has put her on a "budget" but I think that will have to change (LOL)! But I have to give my daughter in law credit, she's really trying to stick with it, within reason. We'll see how that turns out! We're planning on giving them a housewarming gift so that can hopefully get her started on her vision.<br />
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We are hosting Thanksgiving here at our house this year and my husband knows I want to re-do his bathroom before then. I'm going back and forth on the wall color....something white but not stark white. I'd love to have plank walls in there but that ain't happening! So I'm going to use beadboard wallpaper instead. Basically, I want a farmhouse feel to it. It's been the same color for almost 10 years now, which is a miracle! Here are some of my inspiration photos from my Pinterest board:<br />
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<a href="http://Rustic Bathroom via Brian Vanden Brink" target="_blank">(source)</a><br />
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What's not to love about this bathroom (above). If I could start from scratch, I'd try and duplicate this room....love the sink!</div>
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<a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2013/03/farmhouse-bathroom.html" target="_blank">(source)</a><br />
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This bathroom belongs to my sweet friend Diana at Our Vintage Home Love. She is crazy talented. </div>
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<a href="http://indulgy.com/;jsessionid=54E402DA6B2D38E33DE6C289ABC1A4E0#/search/white%20and%20grey%20slate%20bathroom/page/1" target="_blank">(source)</a><br />
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The vanity in the bathroom is wood stained with a marble top. It's pretty scratched up so I plan on painting it a pretty gray.....something similar to this one.</div>
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<a href="http://indulgy.com/;jsessionid=54E402DA6B2D38E33DE6C289ABC1A4E0#/search/white%20and%20grey%20slate%20bathroom/page/1" target="_blank">(source)</a></div>
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I think out of all the photos I have pinned, this one is my favorite. See those plank walls? Love! She gives the paint colors and I've got samples of them. My bathroom mirror is almost identical to this one. I even ordered the same light fixture. But then the question is what to do about the vanity? If I paint the beadboard wall white and the other 3 walls in the light gray, what do I do about the vanity? I don't want it to be the same color as the gray wall. Do I paint it a darker gray or what? I have two different "shower" curtains to consider. I don't use shower curtains, but full length curtains as that gives me more of a choice and the length I like. I have a pretty gray linen and a solid white....not sure which one I'll use.<br />
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The other room on my to do list is my daughter's old bedroom. I <i>will </i>get a plank wall in there....behind the bed. I've ordered a gray upholstered headboard and the whole room will be a pretty white color. Again, using whites and grays in there to tie in with the bathroom which is right next to the bedroom.<br />
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The other night my husband surprised me by saying he'd talked with our handy man and asked him to come by as soon as he could so that he could start work on the guest room. He wants me to show the guy what I want so that we can get started on the planks. I don't expect to have both rooms done by Thanksgiving but I'm so happy that it will get done sooner than later. At least the bathroom will be done....fingers crossed!<br />
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Well, that about wraps it up for now. Oh, one more thing. If you read my blog you know that my daughter has 11 year old boy/girl twins. Then last December they had a little "surprise"....another little boy! We're having such a good time having another little baby in the family. He's getting so big and is just about to walk.<br />
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This is one of my favorite pictures of Taylor and her baby brother taken at the hospital after he was born....she is such a good little helper</div>
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And now 10 months later.....</div>
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#ilovemybrother #ilovebeingabigsister #ilookjustlikemydaddy</div>
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Hope you all have a wonderful week! </div>
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-76171648493519191202015-09-30T18:41:00.000-07:002015-10-01T04:45:42.900-07:00Prayers for Elijah<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I try and keep this blog a happy place but there's something on my heart I need to share. I recently found out little 10 year old Elijah Aschbrenner was diagnosed with <span data-reactid=".16.0.$content">Epitheliod Sarcoma cancer in May 2014. </span> I don't pretend to know or understand what that is but there is no good cancer.<br />
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This precious young man is the son of a girl my son knew and dated in high school. His mama was one of my "favorite" girlfriends my son dated but their relationship never progressed beyond friendship.<br />
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There is a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prayersforelijah?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page devoted to little Elijah and if you have the time please visit it and offer your prayerful support for this sweet boy and his family. I also understand that his story was featured on the Today show this week (I think Monday) and that Cam Newton, my favorite Auburn quarterback (now playing for the Carolina Panthers) made a special visit to Elijah.<br />
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Please remember this precious family in your thoughts and prayers. <br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-871401527759391032015-09-29T14:22:00.000-07:002015-09-29T14:22:54.434-07:00Computer Problems<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, it's been a while since my last post. My computer died and I had to get a new one. I had to get all my photos from the old computer transferred to the new one, plus I'm still trying to learn how to use Windows 10. <br />
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Going through some of my old photos, I found this picture from a few years ago of our twin grandchildren....hard to believe they are 11 years old now! <br />
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I have done a project or two and will be sharing that along with my fall decorating soon. Please don't give up on me yet! <br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-34847062516081102702015-08-20T06:01:00.001-07:002015-08-20T06:01:47.961-07:00Crazy about Clothes - A Walk Down Memory Lane<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, half the month of August is gone and I, for one, am anxious for fall and all the lovely things it brings....especially cooler temps! Here in Alabama we won't really get that until mid-October!<br />
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Today I'm going back in time and talk to ya'll a little bit about my obsession with clothes. Yes, I LOVE all things decorating but I have a love for clothes too! I think I can attribute it to the fact that my mama made most of our clothing growing up. She was an expert seamstress and we always had lots of pretty things. HOWEVER, when you are "coming of age" in the 60's (just dated myself there) and you see all the latest styles from London, you don't want your mama making your clothes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW0jbqXKiBXMCWOr7m2qfFT4eQPdwuJPydd9H_Tt1woKRQkkZnxh7bEJnAjTZhWUfxb9kexl4BCDC9IhGMMcF_PAT5pCNk5bPNHZR36o2MlH0pCklqsKs6oFn3KjSr2PIv7aSFtDPHzI/s1600/twiggy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW0jbqXKiBXMCWOr7m2qfFT4eQPdwuJPydd9H_Tt1woKRQkkZnxh7bEJnAjTZhWUfxb9kexl4BCDC9IhGMMcF_PAT5pCNk5bPNHZR36o2MlH0pCklqsKs6oFn3KjSr2PIv7aSFtDPHzI/s400/twiggy.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=twiggy+in+the+60s&ei=UTF-8&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-001" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(source)</span></a></div>
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When my daddy was in the military and we lived on base my mama and her best friend took up sewing for their girls. Mama and Mrs. "D" wanted the best sewing machine available at the time....which for them was a Pfaff. Even back then they cost quite a bit but somehow mama convinced my daddy it was worth it and so he broke down and bought her one....it served her through 3 girls and 2 granddaughters and others she sewed for until it finally quit.....all in all she had that sewing machine about 40 years! I'd say she got her money's worth, wouldn't you?<br />
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Okay, back the the clothes story. I don't think the "homemade" clothes bothered me much until my junior and senior years in high school. I had a good friend <a href="http://gracioussouthernliving.blogspot.com/2015/07/jalapeno-pinwheels-and-class-reunions.html" target="_blank">(in fact the one that I worked with on our recent class reunion)</a> that NEVER wore the same outfit twice all during high school! Now that's a feat! I also remember going to another friend's house just before school started for our senior year to see her new back-to-school outfits. One that I remember was a gorgeous plaid skirt with matching sweater. Back then we'd wear that kind of outfit with knee socks and loafers. Another friend, who's mother sewed professionaly, had traveled to Mexico during that summer and I remember she told me she lost 13 dresses coming back to the United States! 13! Wow...her mom had really been busy sewing!<br />
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Then during my senior year I met some girls from another school that I became friendly with. There was one girl who's daddy was a big time lawyer in her town. I used to go to her house to get ready for our Friday night dates and her closet was full of new things with tags still on them! That really impressed my little 17 year old self and I wanted to fill my closet with the same thing! (Shallow I know but at 17 I didn't think anything was wrong with that).<br />
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So, the summer before I was a senior, I "worked" for my daddy. That is to say, he basically paid me to show up a few hours each day to answer the phone. I saved a good bit of my paychecks that summer in anticipation of buying myself a new wardrobe for my senior year. My mom's best friend was a Jackie Kennedy type....she dressed very well and had great taste.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMem7vv5Azep6KK65Pwecpllnvj3GZTO0Q_Pvsuy65-BzQ1RT6kGO9kjmRWFeGJvbatOKeaz33esJPapVyUT0niutfoMLDgyahftfa7ZvLt7FtUSy5nBdDURra7U2zz2YFdaZs18TzPnA/s1600/jackie+kennedy%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMem7vv5Azep6KK65Pwecpllnvj3GZTO0Q_Pvsuy65-BzQ1RT6kGO9kjmRWFeGJvbatOKeaz33esJPapVyUT0niutfoMLDgyahftfa7ZvLt7FtUSy5nBdDURra7U2zz2YFdaZs18TzPnA/s400/jackie+kennedy%25232.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
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Back in those days, when you shopped at certain stores, there were chairs and/or sofas for others to sit on while you tried on clothes and the clerks brought things to you in the dressing room. You could even take things home "on approval" and bring back anything you didn't keep. Anyway, I asked my mom's friend to go shopping with me for my back to school clothes. <br />
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Let me stop here and say during that time we dressed quite a bit more "formally" if you will than today's students. In fact, it wasn't until the year after I graduated that students were allowed to wear pants (not jeans) to school. So what you bought was a lot different from today's attire.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDECf_SGWk-eAjIFRb21yU9fyXHi5tE0RybhEp_jkM_2yQptJDgo56L4K6bjSuUwDhj7RMMkK8-XmSA38IkLxS7xJlE3jF1JCEMQma3-Fjgq7mVux7J8vCnDh1jY_fsF_PlXvm75oC38/s1600/60s+clothes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDECf_SGWk-eAjIFRb21yU9fyXHi5tE0RybhEp_jkM_2yQptJDgo56L4K6bjSuUwDhj7RMMkK8-XmSA38IkLxS7xJlE3jF1JCEMQma3-Fjgq7mVux7J8vCnDh1jY_fsF_PlXvm75oC38/s400/60s+clothes.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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So Mrs. "M" and I took off on a shopping spree that netted me what I thought was the "coolest" wardrobe. Oh my, what an experience that was.....I was in heaven! I can't remember all I bought but one thing was a "coat dress"....who remembers those? It was an A line dress (almost identical to the creme one above) with a matching coat. Another one was a cute little burgundy "swing" dress with large white collar and cuffs....I was stylin' ya'll! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHRcSUc_06EtV_Bp0WTVg3186q-e6mCCLzSHxyIh2C-KT5kJn_bK8XM6k_S6XG9HPPdQLcFDz8z5ArQ-uqq3AEhDMeKbgEImHWsq9MQ5tdmJ0qx_9LqS2JIEzQdn5YcAaQk-6iXb8n10/s1600/swing+dress.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHRcSUc_06EtV_Bp0WTVg3186q-e6mCCLzSHxyIh2C-KT5kJn_bK8XM6k_S6XG9HPPdQLcFDz8z5ArQ-uqq3AEhDMeKbgEImHWsq9MQ5tdmJ0qx_9LqS2JIEzQdn5YcAaQk-6iXb8n10/s400/swing+dress.jpeg" width="312" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lyst.com/clothing/glamorous-swing-shirt-dress-with-contrast-collar-and-cuff-blackwhitetrim/" target="_blank"> (<span style="font-size: x-small;">source)</span></a></div>
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Oh, and short, yes, they were short! I bet I got 5-6 outfits that day. Then, to top it off, my daddy gave me my very own credit card to my favorite store! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjT8EAh_B39p16qpjGOibfW5C9g9OS61T26JvWrn8Y2puQ3P8T5erp4iYhuYQsA28fmh1RMwbfmPzpabh8stNA3JRoswAYaPxMOJYXzTmUBKSL35geZS0IhFWIPszPqZYDXtdcxAuSisc/s1600/gayfers+cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjT8EAh_B39p16qpjGOibfW5C9g9OS61T26JvWrn8Y2puQ3P8T5erp4iYhuYQsA28fmh1RMwbfmPzpabh8stNA3JRoswAYaPxMOJYXzTmUBKSL35geZS0IhFWIPszPqZYDXtdcxAuSisc/s320/gayfers+cc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://departmentstoremuseum.blogspot.com/2010/11/charge-cards.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(source)</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT A VALID CREDIT CARD!</b></span></div>
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Of course, all the charges were reviewed when the bill came in and I got put on "credit card restriction" more than once. I didn't go hog-wild but I did use it from time to time.<br />
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But the best part came during homecoming and prom season. Every year my mama had made my homecoming "formal" and prom dresses. That year I talked my daddy into buying me my first "store bought" formals. The homecoming dress was a gorgeous white lace number that I loved. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4r0YRvllNfda43I6JYQlbheNtGj188RGFH1xC4b925XLkVQSh8ZtSe5vtOMu5dueBEuC8w_iqTjRX3fEPpisjjEwXalRXVQl-h7Bx_FtUFCt0rASNXags-x8ob5OuAbmjIluQsrE-VJs/s1600/prom+dress%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4r0YRvllNfda43I6JYQlbheNtGj188RGFH1xC4b925XLkVQSh8ZtSe5vtOMu5dueBEuC8w_iqTjRX3fEPpisjjEwXalRXVQl-h7Bx_FtUFCt0rASNXags-x8ob5OuAbmjIluQsrE-VJs/s320/prom+dress%25231.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/101020101/blue-and-white-lace-1960-gown?ref=market" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(source)</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8ROass9GsLM_StsKeanSVF-zf3YOjOI2FRGvMqCzC4Dz7jiy8m-B8_el9iENz2CGIVVgBdtEV1ZDcnED7lPzOrRmnOT6-mhoq-P59C1MhP07fGxFqjay2njp0HAfyY9Of50WBxRiYNA/s1600/prom+dress%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8ROass9GsLM_StsKeanSVF-zf3YOjOI2FRGvMqCzC4Dz7jiy8m-B8_el9iENz2CGIVVgBdtEV1ZDcnED7lPzOrRmnOT6-mhoq-P59C1MhP07fGxFqjay2njp0HAfyY9Of50WBxRiYNA/s640/prom+dress%25232.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>
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We wore long white gloves and matching heels. Man, I thought I was "the bomb" back then.<br />
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For prom I wore a knee length dress in a pretty soft aqua shade that had "streamers" (instead of the fringe like below). I wore it to my prom and again at another school with the boy I was dating then, who was crowned prom King! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6kAAG6FK4s56nTOXYFgIvpRLJXRw7RcEyuAvIY8viOHhXfPT3pAs1CwdtwQtdmtHIvqPTczvRkDLx4tfNXWw_QBpw-t_iCeys1DByEcPuoUOyx6fSaI6E52VMb5znPh7-HN3uWSiUxI/s1600/flapper+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6kAAG6FK4s56nTOXYFgIvpRLJXRw7RcEyuAvIY8viOHhXfPT3pAs1CwdtwQtdmtHIvqPTczvRkDLx4tfNXWw_QBpw-t_iCeys1DByEcPuoUOyx6fSaI6E52VMb5znPh7-HN3uWSiUxI/s320/flapper+dress.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
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Oh, a funny story about prom night. Sometimes we would wear hairpieces or "falls" to enhance your hairstyle. The night of my prom I had my hair pulled back on the sides and added a little piece to the crown that was curls....cute. A bunch of us were in someone's parents' stationwagon (classy I know) and one of the guys thought it would be cute to pull off my hairpiece! Luckily he gave it right back and I just put it back on my head! Good times I tell ya!<br />
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To this day I love to see clothes hanging up in my closet with tags. Guess I never got over that obsession. Right now if I go to my closet I have a few things with tags still on them (sorry not sorry)!<br />
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I bet some of you have a few "tagged" items in your closets too!<br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899901805999032914.post-65291287495006127162015-07-29T12:11:00.001-07:002015-07-29T12:11:12.752-07:00Date Night <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We don't usually do a "date night" as in getting dressed up and going out but due to my husband's schedule we either pick up some and bring it home or run through a drive thru (not the best alternatives but it is what it is!).<br />
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So when Bonefish Grill contacted me offering a gift card to check out their newly remodeled location, I was excited and quickly accepted their offer.<br />
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Reservations were made for us (I don't think reservations are usually required but it was nice to have them so we didn't have to wait in a long line).
Just as soon as I gave our last names, the hostess immediately knew who I was and took us to our table. Our waiter quickly took our drink order and went over the menu with us....pointing out several choices we might be interested in. We decided on an appetizer of raw oysters and when they were brought out, they were not served with crackers or horseradish. When we inquired about crackers, we were told that "corporate" did not authorize crackers! That was a little odd, I've never had oysters without crackers but we made do.<br />
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I ordered a talapia dish with ceasar salad and steamed broccoli. My husband ate most of my salad and declared it the best ceasar salad he'd ever had. I thought it was good too. He ordered a steak with steamed vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes.
My dinner was very good and there was quite a lot of it....I couldn't finish all of it at all, although the hubs made a "happy plate"!<br />
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We decided to go "all out" and order dessert too. I got the creme brulee and he ordered the doughnuts which were three warm croissant-type doughnuts, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and served with sea salt caramel and chocolate sauce.....he ate all of that too!<br />
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All in all we really enjoyed our dinner and will definately go back to Bonefish. We had not eaten there in quite some time but it will go back on our regular rotation when we want a nice sit down dinner.<br />
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The only "con" I will say is that our waiter was a little overly enthusiastic and eagar. I'm not a fan of a waiter hovering over the table and constantly trying to engage you in conversation while you are trying to eat. Checking back with us one time (two at the most) to see if everything was okay and refilling our glasses is fine with me but this guy kept coming back and kept coming back. I know he meant well but it was a little annoying, but that's just me.<br />
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Right now Bonefish Grill is offering $10 off your meal good through August 3rd. <a href="https://www.bonefishgrill.com/specials/10-off-gift" target="_blank">Here's the link </a>to the coupon which you can either print off or take a screen shot of and show to your waiter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6WDHNfhADQmUOJcMMSuvpnxj_OU4xFln5IyaiaM0kGOEV3ii4dzy9BNpXwMtc1NXgRq5NAlZY40i-j4FsEz7_yr0RGZZqTQJQyZZQHq7xrNVYl5QCMk3rUq-NwC7nXBwsMTw9Sy_B9A/s1600/bonefish+offer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6WDHNfhADQmUOJcMMSuvpnxj_OU4xFln5IyaiaM0kGOEV3ii4dzy9BNpXwMtc1NXgRq5NAlZY40i-j4FsEz7_yr0RGZZqTQJQyZZQHq7xrNVYl5QCMk3rUq-NwC7nXBwsMTw9Sy_B9A/s320/bonefish+offer.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(image only...go to the link to print your coupon)</span></div>
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If you have never eaten at Bonefish Grill I would recommend you giving it a try. We enjoyed our visit and will definately go back.<br />
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Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083048394782111088noreply@blogger.com4