Kitchen Renovations

Today I’m waiting for a new stove to be delivered. My stove recently broke (after 20 years), so a new one was in order. And of course one thing leads to another.

Would you believe my kitchen was mauve, complete from the countertops to the wallpaper? When we built in the early 80’s, I copied the kitchen in the show home, and it was pink! Recently, we changed the countertop to  a more modern and neutral brown with little specks of other colors. Beautiful! I’m in the process of stripping off the old wallpaper. 

My stove was a color called “almond.” They don’t even make it anymore. There was one stove at the store called “bisque,” but almost all were stainless steel with black tops. And no more drip pans to catch food! Now I’ll have an easy-to-clean flat range top.

But, as I said, one thing leads to another. Now I’ll have to replace the refrigerator and dishwasher so everything matches. *evil grin*

Oops! The truck is here…… 

Cubicle Decor

  I love to sneak peaks to see how my co-workers have decorated their cubicles. Some are functional and impersonal–you’re lucky to see a jumble of papers and a dictionary. Some are filled with personal memorabilia, cartoons, and mysterious objects with meanings known only to the occupants. My friend Melissa has great things from the 40’s, the era she writes about. Another co-worker has Norwegian decor.

As for me, I have the obligatory photos of Dh and daughter, of course. A little lamp for soft lighting.

But I love seasonal and holiday decorations, and now I have the opportunity to go wild! My cubicle is right on the way to the break room, so everybody sees the empty space on my L-shaped desk as they walk by. Today, I went to Hobby Lobby and stocked up on cute seasonal decorations that will make me and my co-workers smile–to be changed monthly. Hobby Lobby has the best, showiest decorations, and they’re not expensive!

This month, it’s still summer, so a flower bouquet is still appropriate. In September, it’ll be a harvest crate that says  ”Welcome–Happy Autumn,” complete with gourds and autumn leaves. October is Halloween, of course–something scary and fun. A cornucopia for Thanksgiving in November. And on into Christmas.

My little home-away-from-home will shine. 

What’s in your office?

13 Wardrobe Basics

I will probably never be on anybody’s “Best Dressed” list. In fact, much of the time it doesn’t matter what I wear because I’m home alone, planted in front of the computer. But here are 13 items I think every woman should have in her wardrobe. When I have these hanging in my closet, I feel confident that I’m ready for anything. Are these your basics, too? 

  1.  A “LITTLE BLACK DRESS”: This was Coco Chanel’s idea. It will take you anywhere, day or evening, to almost any occasion. If you ever want to dress up, this is an elegant no-brainer!

  2. TAUPE HEELS. All the books say that these are the shoes to have. They  go with anything, and they make your legs look impossibly long.

  3. A FLUFFY ROBE. Got to be able to wrap up and get cuddly after a bath on a cold night.

  4. A soft knit WARM-UP SUIT. This is for days when you don’t have to budge from the house. You’ll be warm all day without looking too schleppy if you have to dash for the grocery store. It’s also good for exercising, should you ever get the urge.

  5. A NEUTRAL-COLORED PANT SUIT & BLOUSE. Someday you’ll have to go on a job interview, a meeting, an appointment, or actually go to work! You can’t go wrong in this for looking professional.

  6. A GOOD-QUALITY PURSE: It should be large enough to hold essentials, but not so large that it looks like a suitcase. Pockets are good. Real leather will last.

  7. PEARL EARRINGS. They are classic, flatter your skin, and work with any outfit.

  8. FLIP-FLOPS. A comfortable and fun must-have for summer. My high school students actually wear them year-round.

  9. WELL-FITTING JEANS. The basis for any wardrobe.

  10. A BLACK LEATHER JACKET. This can be your all-around coat. It keeps you warm, it will last, and it even looks sexy!

  11. A FRILLY NIGHTIE. Some nights are just made for romance. Or you might be on vacation! This adds to the fun.

  12. A GOOD SWEATER. This works with the jeans or the pant suit. Keeps you warm and cuddly. Never goes out of style.

  13. A COLLECTION OF T-SHIRTS. They come in all sizes, prices, fabrics, and colors. A woman can never have too many of these.

Have I left anything out? Is there a must-have item you would never be without?

I’ll leave you with this piece of wardrobe advice from Cynthia Heimel– “High-heeled, thin-strapped sandals have been known to drive some men to frenzies, but they’re often men who want to tie you up, so be careful.”  *grin*

 

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Girls’ Night Out

  One of the pleasures of being a woman is having a Girls’ Night Out. Last evening was just such an occasion. Three of us. Mary, Irene, and I. In Irene’s lovely country home. Lots of talk, lots of laughs.

We began by sipping wine on the deck. The Nebraska view was marvelous — horses (including two new foals) frolicking in a lush green pasture, the deepening dusk, the moon scuttling in and out of clouds. We talked about everything–men, the “rule of love” (when you think you can’t have someone, your antennae prick up and the person suddenly seems particularly enticing), the endearing behavior of pets, a frustrating incident with an exploded rhubarb pie, fears and hopes for the future, on and on.

Then we munched popcorn while watching Edward Norton in THE ILLUSIONIST. I hadn’t seen this, and I loved it. Sex and magic in turn-of-the-century Vienna. 

It’s so wonderful to connect with friends and a night out – women only. Girlfriends, I recommend it for whatever ails you.     

Spa Party

  I’m cleaning and cleaning today, as I’m hosting a Spa Party for a few friends.

I went to one last month at my hairdresser’s, and it was, oh, so fun. The first thing we did was soften our hands with a sugar/oil mixture. Then it was off with our shoes, on with the foot lotion and spa socks. A facial, complete with eye pads — and we all sat back with closed eyes, listening to soothing music, while the spa lady came around and gave us hand massages. By the time I got out of there, I was “limp as a wet dishrag” — one of my mother’s favorite expressions.

I’ll be offering margaritas, chips and dip, and fruit. Lots of work, but then I’ll relax.  Ahhhhhh . . .Spaaaaaaaaaa . . .

A Queen’s Perfume

 What did Marie Antoinette smell like? It’s a mystery, since no whiff of her scent remains from the 18th Century, and it’s almost impossible to really describe what something smells like. But those of you who share my fascination with perfume will be intrigued. I recently read in the newspaper that Francis Kurkdjian has created a perfume that might have been hers, or similar to what she wore.

He began by researching Marie’s surroundings, likes, and dislikes. He scrutinized her bathing habits  and her personality  (she was the first to introduce bathrooms to Versailles). He learned that she favored the flowers of the Trianon garden on the Versailles estate. He scoured ”musty boxes of centuries-old documents warehoused by the French government” to discover her favorite fragrances. He read the historical words of her personal perfumer — “fruity, heavy, flowery.” He used only natural ingredients — no synthetics.

What did he come up with? “A perfume fit for a queen, which he has named “Sillage de la Reine” – “In the Wake of the Queen.” It’s an amber essence of jasmine, orange blossom, tuberose, iris, cedar, and sandalwood.

I wonder if she really smelled anything like this perfume? Our modern noses might, or might not, like her scent. Historical times were smelly and odiferous, and the rich used potent potions to mask these odors. And, of course, every perfume smells different as it warms to the body heat of different skin. 

If you would like to sample a whiff, the perfume sells in an 8.5 ounce, numbered Baccarat crystal flask for $10,500. A smaller crystal phial containing just under one ounce is available for $450. The money will be used to purchase Marie Antoinette’s ornate wooden traveling case from a private collector at a cost of $455,000.

Ah, the romance of fragrance!

And ah, to be a Queen, smelly or otherwise! 

Bare Minerals

Ok, men — tune out. This post is about makeup!

Since everybody liked hearing about my purchase of a Scunci Steamer, I thought I’d tell you about my latest discovery — Bare Minerals makeup.

Have you ever bought anything from a late-night infomercial? I never thought I would, but I was remoting around the channels recently, and there it was! The definitive makeup experience! The women were having such fun “swirling, tapping, and buffing” the lovely colors. I almost hate to admit it — but I broke down and bought the damned stuff. (It’s really not that expensive.)

I’m glad I did! Since it arrived, I’ve been swirling, tapping, and buffing with glee. Bare Minerals is pure foundation that’s so good for your skin, you “can sleep in it.” It has no talc, fragrance, or messy ingredients, but it does have a sunscreen. It feels weightless on, and covers everything from rosacea to zits. The colors are truly awesome. I love it! 

How about a makeup party at the RWA Conference in Dallas? 

It’s the Little Things

I just have to tell you about my newest fascinating purchase — a Scunci Steamer! OMG! I had seen them on TV, but hadn’t bought one until today. You fill it with water, and it steams off any kind of dirt, grime, germs, grease – on practically any surface.

I got it home and went crazy cleaning. My microwave looks like new. My stove shines so bright I have to wear sunglasses when I cook. I’m relishing the thought of using it in every room in the house.

Usually I hate the thought of cleaning. It’s one of my least favorite things, as there are so many more interesting things to do in life. But this is the same as an experience with my daughter the other day. We were driving along, and I waxed enthusiastic – ”I love this new shade of lipgloss!” She looked at me like I was crazy, and I had to explain — “Hey! Sometimes, the stupidest little things can make you happy, if you just let yourself appreciate them!” 

Graduation!

Santa is bringing the best Christmas present this year! My daughter is graduating from the Myotherapy Institute. She spent the last year in school learning to become a massage therapist, and yesterday was her actual last day. It’s been a long expensive year, but I think she enjoyed it. Next come passing her Boards and getting a job. 

     Big sigh of relief. Thanks, Santa!

     I hope you all get just what you want for Christmas.

Santa to Myself

Not to sound like a Scrooge or anything, but Christmas shopping can be such a pain. Dh is impossible to buy for, since he doesn’t want anything (or so he says). My daughter, on the other hand, wants and could use everything! I hate the thought of trudging through stores, hoping to magically come across just the right presents that will delight everybody.

     But I have a cure for the Christmas shopping blues. I buy a present for myself, too, while I’m out. And I refuse to feel guilty about it!   *evil grin*

     There’s always the intriguing book. All the perfumes are out in lovely boxed sets, complete with bath gel, lotion, etc. A new Christmas sweater is always good — when I substitute teach, a picture of a reindeer on my chest keeps the students’ attention focused on me (somewhat). Egg nog and Christmas treats that should be verboten can be sneaked at this time also.  

     Do you shop for yourself at Christmas? I can’t believe I’m the only one. It sure makes the season more HoHoHo!