Football, movies, birthdays, weekend with girlfriends, oh my

First of all my Tennessee Titans are now 12-1. In this time of everyday bad news it is good to have some distractions that make me smile and this is one. I have been a fan no matter how the season has gone but it is definitely more fun to have a winning team.
Second I kind of played hooky today from work and went to the movies. Okay I actually wasn't quite feeling up to par but probably could have toughed it out but decided that I needed a day. I did a little decorating which perked me up and then made my way to see Four Christmases since it had been #1 at the box office the past two weekends and I love both Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn. I like the movie (didn't love it) but it was worth the matinee. I think I figured out part of the problem. There were a lot of funny things in the movie but it didn't have a laugh track and there were only two other people in the theater so you didn't really get the energy from other people.
Third I spent part of the past weekend on a girlfriends getaway at a state park. We had a hoot talking, walking, eating and playing games. One of the funniest things was when one of the girls gave everyone one of these lips. We all had a great time having our pictures made
while wearing these lips. Who knew something so simple could be such fun.
Fourth I just had a birthday a week ago. I truly can't believe I am on into my 50's I truly don't feel any older than 35 (o.k. maybe 40). I don't mind the birthdays except they are just a reminder that I better get busy because I have a lot left to do in this life.

I love beauty products!

I love makeup, all of the pots, glosses, brushes, etc. I know I got this gene from my dear Mother. Each month she received this mystery box of beauty products which was just like Christmas not knowing what would be in the box. I have a sister who did not get this gene and rarely uses anything but maybe some lipgloss. I love the whole process of priming and lining, etc. Needless to say I have a lot of products and am always on the lookout for more. The following website is one of my favorite places to read about beauty products.

http://www.blogdorfgoodman.blogspot.com/ I have never been steered wrong on any of the products I bought as a result of her website. My latest acquisition as a result of her website is the Mac Dazzleglass. My dilemma is that I bought Baby Sparks and Miss Dynamite; one for me and one for a friend for Christmas and I can't decide which one I want the most. I needed another lipgloss like I needed another hole in my head but I love beauty products!

50 is the new 20 in my mind

Wow I've been away from blog for awhile and the past two months have been a blur. It has been filled with football and band competitions as well as my day job. And while it was all good it has been truly exhausting.
The last competition was yesterday and just so happened to be at my university Alma Mater. Even though the campus is probably twice as big since my four years there a few years back (alright maybe it was more than a few)I went right back in my mind to that time. I could so picture myself during that time and even though I had a great four years I couldn't help but wish I knew then what I do now. But then it would have been a different experience and who knows maybe not as good as the not knowing.
Even though the campus looked much different as I was walking past some familiar buildings and places on campus, my mind started it's little movie projector of events that took place in those locations. I remember this woman who spoke at a conference who said that you should experience as much of life as you can while you're young so that when you are on up in years you will have these great memories.
I do have a lot of memories but expect that I am going to add many more in this 50 something life. Oh and I almost forgot the younger son's band got first place. They were awesome!

It doesn't take much to make me happy although my husband would probably beg to differ. This weekend, even though I had to work at my son's first football game of the season as the ticket salesperson and had to go into work for a few hours this afternoon ,I have had many blessings and even those things were blessings in their own way. I am reading a great book by Jane Green called The Beach House. I am not finished but it is one of those books you can't wait to read what happens next. I also picked up the new Paula Deen magazine and since fall is my favorite time of year this issue really perked me up with all of the great recipes for the cooler weather. And last but not least found some great deals on shoes and dresses with nothing costing more than 19.97. I am still lusting after two pair of shoes at Payless (one is pictured on this page).

And I still have one more day to go but a lot on my agenda. Hope your weekend is a great one.Also remember our neighbors on the Gulf Coast in your prayers this week.

Red Hot 50 Somethings

Last week was a red letter week for us 50 somethings with the picture of Helen Mirren in a bikini and then gorgeous Meryl Streep in Mama Mia. I read that Helen Mirren says she doesn't do anything to stay in shape and doesn't diet which if true is disgusting since I have to exercise regularly or would be as big as a house. I sure hope we see more of these two as well as some other great women who aren't in their 20's and don't wear a size 0.

Lemonade Stands

I was out walking in my neighborhood yesterday and came across some children and their lemonade stand. Unfortunately I didn't take money with me on my walk so had to keep walking but I thought about the lemonade stand all the way home and how blessed I am to have a neighborhood where children still have lemonade stands. As soon as I got home I got a pocketful of money and drove right back over to the stand. They were so excited because they said that in an hour no one had stopped their cars to buy their lemonade. And to make it even better these little girls were not selling the lemonade to make money for themselves but for a charity. So if you see a lemonade stand stop and make a child's day.

Quote for the day!

By our silence we let other define us.

Sex and my city

I was one of the many who saw the Sex and the City movie opening weekend. I loved it from beginning to end and can't wait for another one. I just heard it was 1998 when the show first debuted. I loved that this was a movie that had four gorgeous women who are not in their 20's. It made me really miss the show and new episodes. I just read in our local paper that Nicole Kidman also went to see Sex and the City in Nashville on Saturday but she was at a different theater. Speaking of Nicole I also saw her handsome husband a week ago in downtown Nashville. There was a lot of activity around the Hermitage Hotel where I spotted him so wondered if he was making a video. I love that they can live in this town and not have papparazzi constantly following them.

So You Think You Can Dance

I absolutely love this show but I can't believe the characters that actually turn up to audition. I thought Mia and Mary were going to bust a gut laughing so much during the first night of auditions. The guy, Sex, was back and in rare form. They do seem to have a lot of fun though. I loved the winner from last year, Sabra, but heard her interviewed this week on a local radio show and let's just say she did not come across as the sharpest tool in the toolbox. I am just hopihg it was really early where she was and she wasn't thinking clearly.
Speaking of reality tv, I was thrilled that David Cook won American Idol. He was my favorite from day 1 and can't wait to buy his music.

Chocolate!

I love English chick lit and The Chocolate Lovers Club is a very funny book. If you liked the Bridget Jones books, you will like this one. Just a word of warning though, if you like chocolate it will definitely give you a craving. I didn't realize until a few years ago, when a friend was trying to find a friend of hers who is from Ireland a particular kind of chocolate, that there is a whole world of chocolate that I have not discovered. I try to stick to dark chocolate since I can sort of justify it as healthy and good for me. In the book there is a description of a Green & Blacks chocolate that had me drooling.

lovely dresses

I love shopping at Anthropologie and wish I could afford all of their clothes but usually just head to the sale room. There is something very warm and soothing about the store and the clothes. I love the detail on the clothing, it all seems a little retro. They also have some great and unique house things as well. Even if I don't buy a thing the atmosphere puts me in a better mood.

Belated Easter post

Meant to get this posted yesterday but just didn't. I made this Coconut Cake using the recipe in Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook. The middle layer came out a little wonky but it tastes great.



Also wishing you Easter blessings everyday.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The Quickie

I just finished this recent release from James Patterson. I have to say that I have read and enjoyed most all of James Patterson's books and this one was no exception. I could easily see this book being made into a movie and Julia Roberts playing the main character. I have found that for me his books are quick reads because of his writing and because I can't wait to find out what comes next. I have a long weekend coming up so look forward to more reading, gardening, decorating, etc. There are never enough hours in a day for work, family and hobbies.

Four Letter Words

I got this movie from the library and watched it over the weekend. I am certainly not a saint but I couldn't believe the number of times they said the four letter word that rhymes with yuck. I was thinking that it would be nice if there were a device that would take those words out of movies but after thinking about this movie there would have been no other dialog because every character used the word over and over. We have a whole dictionary full of words and I just wondered why the writers couldn't have come up with a few different words. It got me to thinking, when did it become commonplace to use bad language all the time? Maybe I am just old school but I think we can get an idea across without using words that offend.

Snowfall at Willow Lake

I love the Lakeshore series by Susan Wiggs. I am reading her latest "Snowfall at Willow Lake" and it is so good to catch up with the characters from her previous books. You just feel like you know these people and can't wait to find out what happens with them next. I love reading about the Sky River Bakery in the books, I can just smell the bakery smells.

Books!

I just finished the new Sue Grafton book, T is for Trespass. I have always looked forward to a new alphabet book from Sue Grafton but I was a little disappointed in this one. It seemed darker than the others with less humor and bordering on creepy. Hopefully U will be better.
I just got my new cookbook,Sticky,Gooey,Messy, Chewy which I had first seen on the blog www.acottageindustry.typepad.com. I immediately skimmed through the recipes thinking about what I wanted to make first. With St.Patrick's day coming up soon I will probably make something to take to work so it won't be at home where it will be too tempting. I have a feeling my guys may have something to say about that though.

Last but not least wanted to give a shout out to www.chicklitchicks.com, a great place to see chick lit book reviews, etc.

Thought for the day

I have been at a conference this week and heard a couple of great thoughts yesterday and just wanted to share.

Acknowledge the obstacle but don't give it power!

Do something everyday to prepare for your passion!



I am trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up so these statements really resonated with me.

I just received the gift I won from I'MNotObessed.com. It was the t-shirt and the set of 4 ecofriendly shopping bags. How cool was this prize? The t-shirt is great and is a shirt to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina. They have some other cool t-shirts supporting other causes. Speaking of the shirt, it feels great and fits to a t. Check out their website at www.consciencetees.com, you won't be sorry.
The girl is not me, I can only wish I looked that good 20 years ago. I also love the website I'mnotobessed.com. She reports on celebrity gossip and fashion but only in a good way. I believe she is of the school that if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all. Something we all need more of these days.

This picture is in the current issue of
Victoria and I just love the eyeshadow on the model. Unfortunately she is wearing a Christian Dior
palette and I have spent far too much on makeup this
past month so had to try and recreate the look using
a less expensive product. I found a bronze shadow from
Maybelline along with a pinkish shade I already have
in a Pop Sugar palette. I am still playing with the look and will attempt to post a picture if and when I get it right.

Detours

I just got the new CD from Sheryl Crow, Detours. I love the CD and love Sheryl Crow. How cool would it be to hang out with Sheryl Crow? I can't decide my favorite song on the CD but there are several with very poignant lyrics. Wyatt is blessed to have her as his mom. Oh and did I mention that she now has a home here in Music City.

http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/

Just discovered another new blog and the Garden Goose has a Victorian Valentine Giveaway you will want to enter.

A new friend

I found the coolest blog/website through the Victoria magazine forums. The picture of the angel wings is from the site which is www.acottageindustry.typepad.com. Just reading the blog and looking at the pictures has inspired me to get busy at my own home. I love to discover new blogs, it's like making a new friend who has all these great ideas.

What do you do?

I came across a dilemma today. When do you or do you ever say something to a complete stranger about a very suspicious looking mole? I was at the gym today after Zumba class (more on that later) and I saw a woman's back and she had a huge ( I mean like as big as the size of a pickle) mole in the middle of her back. As someone who has had skin cancers, I am uberconscious of funny looking moles. I had never seen the woman before and was on the way out when I saw her back but left there thinking what does one do.
Back to Zumba which is a really fun class with a lot of dance moves. The 45 minutes passes so fast and even me with my occasional achy breaky back feels energized afterwards.

I was so sad to hear about Heath Ledger this afternoon. I don't know his situation but just hate that he didn't get some help if that is what he needed. I pray that this be a wakeup call for some others who are in need of substance abuse and/or mental health treatment.

I don't usually comment on The View but I happened to be watching today since I was off for Martin Luther King Day and was annoyed by Elizabeth's attitude. The women were discussing Monica Lewinsky and Barbara was saying that she thought that people ought to give her a second chance instead of continuing to judge her for what happened ten years ago. She went on to say that she(Monica) had recently gotten her Master's degree and had been unable to find a job. Elizabeth said she has to pay for her poor choices,etc. I have usually always erred on the side of Elizabeth during previous disagreements but I just wondered if Monica had had an affair with a Republican ten years ago would she be more willing to give her a second chance. Something about her manner today just put a bad taste in my mouth.

Kinerase moisturizer

I was sent some samples of Kinerase moisturizer by Glam.com and I must say I this is a really good moisturizer. I have tried some of their other products but not this one. I get so confused by all of the different moisturizers and skin products these days. I know it would be simpler if I just found one product line and stuck with it but there all always new ones to try that make promises of younger looking skin, fewer wrinkles, etc. I saw the Housewives of Orange County today and it was the episode where some of the housewives went to the botox party. I have not completely ruled out ever trying Botox but never want to look like I have on a mask. If anyone has any can't live without products, please let me know.

The Sleeping Beauty Proposal

I just got finished with Sarah Strohmeyer's book "The Sleeping Beauty Proposal" and it was so funny. It was one of those books you don't want to put down and then are sad when you've finished reading. I am now excited to read some of her other books. In her acknowledgements she also referenced some other authors that I'm excited to check out also. I always love finding new (to me) authors and a whole new selection of books. It's like Christmas all over again.

Great ballet flats

I saw these great flats at Target and decided I better scoop them up even though spring is months away. I am not over winter yet but knew they would all be gone by spring.
Speaking of spring the weather here has been like spring which is not a good thing since it is January and is supposed to be cold. We rarely get snow but at least with cold weather there is the possibility.

Baby for Nicole and Keith

I was so excited to read that Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are expecting a baby. I just wish them the best and pray that she has a wonderful pregnancy with a healthy baby at the end.

Dorothy Hamill has breast cancer

I was so sorry to see that Dorothy Hamill is battling breast cancer. I have always admired her and think she skates like a dream. She also never seems to age. I will certainly send prayers up for her.

On another skating note, Scott Hamilton lives right outside Nashville now. I went to the National Figure Skating Championship in Cincinnati in 1979 (I think) and saw him skate for the first time. I think it was one of his first National events.