New Year, New You?

January 18, 2018

On occasion I find that I have hit the bloggers block wall. On these perplexing occasions I will look to see if The Blended Blog has created a questionnaire for me to complete

Woo Hoo!

While it was likely intended for January 1st, I’m going with it today!

1. Resolutions or No Resolutions?

No Resolutions, unless you count the diet that I start every month, which is not really a resolution, but a do-over.

2. Love Snow or No Snow?

I think snow is beautiful, and I’ve seen some lovely snow pictures from bloggers and social media friends.…but I’m not jealous.

Although I would love the opportunity to don a pair of skis and have a brisk run down the Toll Road once again, I am a warm climate woman and tolerate minimal cold but only to wear my jackets and boots.

3. Name a New Place you want to go this year:

I’ve been everywhere I want to go.

But when I asked LB what he thought, reminding him that I am “a history person” he replied, “Gettysburg”. We’ll see what happens.

Stay tuned.

4. Would you rather have a New hair cut or Hair color?

I would rather have hair color… and I have it every 3 months.

While I’ve toyed with the idea of having a cute little bob cut, I’m not brave enough to go there just yet.

5. Name one special thing that you want to do for yourself this year:

If I could embrace entrepreneurship and never commute to an office again… it would be great!

6. Least favorite thing about January?

Leaving home before the sun comes up and arriving back home when it is going down.

7. Most favorite thing about January?

Initially I made the comment that I don’t find anything appealing about January. My Mama called me out by reminding me that she was born in January. That event in itself makes January a significant month. Now that my attention is on January birthdays, I realize that there are many important people in my life who were born this month.

My niece Sydney

My great niece Thea

My uncle John

My Mama’s dear friend Gerry (my friend too)

My Aunt Debbie (Mama’s baby sister)

My sweet LB

My dear friend Wendy

My sweet Mama, born on January 31st

8. When do you take down your Holiday decorations?

I try to leave them up until New Years Day…

You’re Welcome Santa

9. Do you diet in January?

My Life is a series of one diet after another. It is what it is.

10. What area of your home do you want to organize the most?

Probably my closet… and my solution would be to take Stephanie’s old room and transform it into a fabulous closet room, but I don’t know where to put my treadmill. It would not be a welcomed part of this transformation

11. Favorite winter comfort food?

What is a comfort food? Hot Chocolate?

12. Favorite guilty pleasure?

Shopping… I have no other vice. I’ll share my latest shopping excursion in my Friday Favorites.

What’s Up Wednesday

January 3, 2018

Many bloggers are posting about New Year’s Resolutions like “Getting fit in 2018” or, better yet, “Goal Setting for Better Blogging”

however…

I am being random

And with that, I bring you another edition of

What’s Up Wednesday

Here goes…

What We’re Eating This Week

While LB can eat anything he wants, Kim has to watch what she eats or she will pay the price.

(I have fat genetic material in the mix)

While I haven’t made any resolutions, I have been following a diet inspired by Mary Vance. My interpretation of her plan involves starting the day with a cup of warm lemon water (and a dash of cayenne). Then green tea and a bowl of vegetables (leftovers) for breakfast. Lunch is usually a salad with chicken or salmon (and a plethora of little tomatoes). In addition to that, I snack on unsalted mixed nuts all day.

I downloaded her book 3 Weeks to Vitality last year and found that the “diet” works well for me. It is a little stricter than Paleo, but the results are unquestionable. Of course any plan that is adhered to will work, it’s just a matter of finding something you can live with.

What I’m Reminiscing About

Although we’ve set no new fitness goals, I’d like to share LB’s photo story (from 2014) to encourage New Year’s Fitness Resolutions:

When you’ve had too many cookies…And the scale begins to tip…It’s time to hit the treadmill…

It will SO be worth the trip…

What I’m Loving

This picture of Lydia and Thea taken on Christmas morningsitting together in Mema’s chair and enjoying their new tablets.

Priceless

What We’ve Been Up To

Taking care of holiday exchanges/returns. LB’s shoes are too small, my sweater is too big, and believe it or not, I received two air fryers for Christmas. After a discussion with LB about the necessity of air fryers (he’s not a fan) and thorough YouTube research, I made a decision to keep the smaller of the two, for the sake of kitchen real estate.

This weekend I’ll be trying it out by air frying chicken wings!

What I’m Dreading

Driving to work tomorrow.

It is expected to dip down to 27° tonight. With the 100% chance of rain today, that will make for dangerous driving conditions on my 40 minute commute to work.

Also, I’m not handling the North Pole weather very well

What I’m Working On

Cleaning out the clutter.

And if I do a little bit every day…

I’ll be finished by next year.

What I’m Excited About

Getting my hair done (because it has been more than three months)! It seems like it takes an act of congress to set up an appointment time that works for everyone involved.

And while I don’t enjoy the actual process, I love the results.

Saying goodbye to my sad roots and silvery sparkles tomorrow night!

What I’m Watching/Reading

Anything in the newly furnished TV room! After making an appearance at a local restaurant on New Year’s Eve, LB and I came home and finally watched a program on the new television. We rang in the new year as the Times Square Ball dropped.

What I’m Listening To

Sometimes LB will send me a text that includes a song… just because.

He sent this one today:

Love Me Do

by The Beatles

What I’m Wearing

On New Year’s Eve I had the opportunity to wear my new WHBM blousewhile we were at Wild Wings Cafe to hear the Party Cartel band.

Today my ensemble included a sweater, vest, coat, gloves, boots, and a warm scarfnot nearly as much fun.

What I’m Doing This Weekend

Taking Elvis to the vet.

He is NOT going to be happy!

The event could have easily been labelled “What I’m Dreading”

What I’m Looking Forward to Next Month

Valentine’s Day happens next month. LB has already made reservations to see “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Alhambra Dinner Theater. What could be more fitting on Valentine’s day than a story of a floral shop associate and his much-loved, melodic plant?

I’m really looking forward to it!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

What’s Up Wednesday

December 13, 2017

Occasionally I will focus on a day of the week and random things that are associated with that day, mostly because I feel like posting something and nothing particular has come to mind. In the past it has mostly been Tuesday. But move over Tuesday, there’s a new day in town!

Today is:

What’s Up Wednesday

And it goes like this:

What We’re Eating This Week

I’ll tell you what we’re eating (one of us anyway). Even as I focus on preparing Christmas Goodies to share, my diet consists of as many vegetables as possible. Whether it is salad, stir fry veggies, cabbage, celery with Dijon mustard or (most important of all)… grape tomatoes!

And then there’s this:And then there’s LB who will remain eternally skinny no matter what he eats.

What I’m Reminiscing About

One of my Favorite Facebook features is “On This Day”

Today my “On This Day” memory was a Christmas picture of my kids taken a long time ago

and it seems like just yesterday.

What I’m Loving

I have stopped everyone to share the video of Lydia performing in her first Ballet Recital. If I knew how to make it post to this site, I’d share it here too! After all… that’s what Glammies do!

What a Precious Tiny Dancer

Here she is with her Mama, getting ready to perform

What We’ve Been Up To

Christmas shopping!

I’ve got my excel spreadsheet for Christmas 2017 setup to remind me (while I’m shopping) what I’ve bought, who it was purchased for, and how much I’ve spent.

What I’m Dreading

I’m not gonna lie, I don’t want to drive to work tomorrow.

I am SO OVER the traffic!

My Mama has always reminded me that “this too shall pass”.

I think about that as I

PASS EVERYONE I CAN

on my way to work!

What I’m Working On

As I mentioned, present buying and candy making. And, of course going to work everyday.

And there’s the weekly East Coast Swing dance class that we (LB, myself, and all four of our left feet) are taking.

No pictures just yet.

What I’m Excited About

Setting up the TV room!

The TV has arrived, the furniture is expected to come this weekend! I’m looking forward to watching movies on the big screen and setting up the Guitar Hero again!

What I’m Watching/Reading

I’m not reading much of anything except other blogs. As far as watching, I am enjoying Fixer Upper, The Kitchen, and the fourth hour of the Today Show with Hoda and Kathie Lee… usually while on the treadmill. This week as I relax in the family room at the end of the day, I’ve been flipping channels looking for the movie Scrooged (with Bill Murray). It would be nice to see some Christmas classics during the holiday season.

What I’m Listening To

Right now I am listening to Christmas music courtesy of Alexa

“Here’s a station you might like”

It works out occasionally, but I will typically have to yell at her to stop!

Right now she is playing

“Santa Claus is Back in Town” by Straight no Chaser

What I’m Wearing

This week I’m wearing something warm everyday. LB likes to document my daily outfits.

Unless he has to leave the house before me, LB will walk with me out to the garage each morning and snap a picture of me as I’m walking to my car.I’m usually in a bad mood, but he will always put a smile on my face

If for some reason LB is away, I will occasionally try to capture the OOTD myselfit isn’t as easy as it looks!

What I’m Doing this Weekend

Well there’s this concert featuring the Trans-Siberian Orchestra… that should be pretty awesome!

What I’m Looking Forward to Next Month

LB’s birthday is next month… AND I have that day off! WOO HOO!

What Else is New?

I think that pretty much sums it all up!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

Christmas Candy Crush

December 12, 2017

This

Candy Crush

has nothing to do with the sweet adventure of Tiffi and Mr. Toffee through the wonderful Candy Kingdom. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

My candy crush involves an activity I love… creating my annual assortment of Christmas treats. Typically I will include about five kinds of goodies, mostly candies, and will without fail involve divinity, dark chocolate fudge and sugar cookies.

I expected to begin on Saturday.

This was my plan:

For my first installment, I attempted to make

Peanut Butter Pinwheels

They are supposed to look like this

Sadly, the consistency of what was supposed to be “like pie crust dough”, was not. (Love how LB catches every moment)

It baffled me because I am accustomed to having success with this recipe.

Although I may appear to not have a clue, I have made peanut butter pinwheels in the past with no trouble at all. LB suggested that I start over. Being stubborn as I typically am, I wasn’t about to throw 2 pounds of confectioner’s sugar away, so I improvised. Since the ingredients are basically the same ingredients used to make Buckeyes,
each “pinwheel” was lovingly rolled into a little peanut butter ball and placed on a cookie sheet in the refrigerator.

These are currently being stored in the freezer, until I have time to dip them in chocolate.

Although that turned into a royal pain, I am confident it will turn out to be a tasty treat.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is making

Divinity

My Mema Reid taught me how to make divinity many years ago.

That time with her and her recipe will forever be in my memory.

However it would be wonderful if I had it in her own handwriting, like this recipeIsn’t that sweet?

Mema’s Divinity recipe is similar to Paula Deen’s recipe.

Mema was of the mind that it is impossible to make divinity on a rainy day and/or without a helper.

For the past few years Amanda has been my helper.

She recently asked when we were going to get together for divinity making, but due to our schedules, this will be my last entry into the assortment, and just barely in time for Christmas.
The sugar cookies will also have to be scheduled for late in the holiday season, as I will be needing Stephanie to help with the frosting/decorating.

LB is looking forward to that day, as he is the official beater licker.

My recipe for

Dark Chocolate Fudge

is the easiest recipe for fudge that I’ve come across yet. Thanks to Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk and a little book of recipes that I found in 1988.

It is so easy, as a matter of fact, I’m going to make it right now.

Done!

For the rest of my collection of goodies, I’ll be making

Magic Cookie Bars

(also an eagle brand recipe found years ago)

because Wendy mentioned that she likes these (not that she’ll actually eat any).

and last but not least

Rum Balls

because they smell good.

Now that I have a definite Christmas Goodie Plan…

time to embrace the fat kid within!

Holiday Favorites

December 8, 2017

I love it when the Blended Blog posts a questionnaire!

Here’s a fun one about Holiday Favorites:

1. Real or Fake Tree?

Fake. Fake. Fake.

I have three of them!

No pics yet… the Christmas décor doesn’t come out until AFTER Amanda’s birthday (December 9th).

2. Favorite Christmas Cookie?

I LOVE these!These are officially on my Christmas Wish List!

3. Home on Christmas Morning or Travel?

NEVER have I had to travel to be with family at Christmas. My kids come to my house early on Christmas morning. After we exchange gifts at my house, we all walk next door to my Mama’s house. We will meet there with my sister and her family. Most of the time my Grandpa will join us. I am very blessed.

4. Clear or Colored Lights?

BOTH! With 3 trees, I can enjoy the white lights on 2 of my trees, and colored lights on the other.

5. Send Christmas Cards?

Sometimes… if I remember.

6. Favorite Christmas Present Received?

Every gift I receive is appreciated and enjoyed.

However there is one that comes to mind more quickly than any other…

Elvis.

You can barely see him hiding in the Christmas tree (yes, my tree is purple).

He was introduced in this post.

7. Favorite Christmas Present Given?

Along with Elvis, Aymie was introduced in this post.

It was a pleasure to hand the little fur-ball over to Stephanie on Christmas morning.

There is nothing better than getting a little black kitten for Christmas!

8. Stockings or No Stockings?

YES STOCKINGS! Got to have the stockings!

9. Christmas PJ’s?

Nope.

Did it once, looked like an idiot in my pink reindeer onesie.

Then a picture appeared on FACEBOOK!

10. Favorite Christmas Carol?

All of the carols are beautiful to me.

Recently I heard 98° sing in at Christmas concert. I left that concert with their new Christmas CD. From that CD is their rendition of Mary Did You Know.

It is absolutely lovely.

11. Favorite Holiday Tradition?

There are two.

One is an old tradition; one is a new tradition.

It is tradition to meet with my family at Mama’s house for breakfast (English muffins with sausage and Velveeta) and gift exchange on Christmas morning.

LB and I have made a new tradition of seeing the Alhambra Christmas show every year. We have seen White Christmas, A Christmas Story, and the fabulous story of Scrooge… A Christmas Carol… multiple times.

12. Early Shopper or Last Minute?

Both. I started on Black Friday and will likely still be shopping for something on Christmas Eve.

13. Favorite Christmas Movie or Show?

It’s A Wonderful Life

My Daddy introduced me to this movie years ago. I absolutely LOVE it!

14. Favorite Holiday Beverage?

All of them!

Here is a good Egg Nog recipe.

15. Cookies and Milk for Santa?

Of course!

A well fed Santa, is a happy Santa!

Nights of Lights

November 29, 2017

LB and I headed to St. Augustine yesterday afternoon in hope of seeing the city lit up with holiday lights later that evening. As I’ve mentioned time and time again, St. Augustine is a favorite place I frequently visit. Beginning November 18th and continuing through January 31st it is an especially lovely place to visit.

The 24th Annual

Nights of Lights

dazzles the city of St. Augustine as approximately three million lights adorn the Plaza de la Constitucion and other areas of the historic district.

However, until the sun goes down, it is nice to find something to do to pass the time.

Did someone say SHOPPING?

If I have already passed the St. Augustine Premium Outlet, the shops on Saint George Street are my next choice. There aren’t as many stores to chose from, but H.W. Davis Clothing and Shoes never disappoints. Recently a few other shops have become worth exploring as well.

On this particular trip, there was less shopping, and more sightseeing. I discovered a couple of buildings under construction in the Saint George street vicinity that are likely new restaurants or shops coming to the area. In addition, I discovered a few places that may not be new, but are new to me. For example the

Colonial Oaks Music Park

a rustic performance and event venue complete with a stage and picnic tables. There is an oak, as the name suggests, in the center of the park. Its branches are spread over the picnic tables offering shade in the summer and a place to hang lanterns and lights.

Obviously there is no one on stage, but it looks to be a nice place to relax and enjoy a band or a show. I’m sure LB and I will be back.

Once the sun set, it was time to check out the holiday display.

The Plaza de la ConstitucionFlagler CollegeThe Discoverer of Florida…

Juan Ponce de Leon landed near this spot 1513. This festive fellow…And a photo op in Santa’s sleigh…

Nights of Lights is a great opportunity to grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the dazzling display with someone you love.

Thank you for the holiday cheer LB!

I’m looking forward to another Christmas season with you (on your left arm).

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

An Eventful Thanksgiving Weekend

November 27, 2017

It may have started slowly, but it turned out to be an eventful Thanksgiving weekend.

When I left the office on Wednesday night, I drove straight home, closed the door behind me, and didn’t go out again until

Black Friday

Since there were plenty of leftovers from my Sunday before Thanksgiving Dinner, which we had been enjoying ALL week, we stayed in on Thanksgiving Day. After 48 hours, cabin fever had set in and we were ready to get out of the house.

I could barely stand the light.

LB and I went to Whiskey Jax Beaches location to hear Sidewalk 65 and enjoy something besides turkey and dressing.

Shrimpmas Saturday

In September 2017, due to hurricane Irma, the 12th annual Shrimp & Grits Festival was cancelled. In an effort to bring the festival to their community before year end, Jekyll Island merged the Shrimp & Grits Festival and the Tree Lighting celebration into a new, two-day event they called Merry Shrimpmas. On Saturday afternoon, LB and I packed up and headed to the Golden Isles to spend the remainder of our weekend.

And it was cool enough to wear my new furry vest!

We arrived at the airport just before sunset then set out to walk the 1.5 miles to the festival. My FitBit loved it! We ended the day with 22,745 steps.