October 7, 2008

With all that has happened in the last 18 months, I had to take a temporary “hiatus” from my ceramics/sculpting class. It has not been good for me, either. If I go too long without making time for doing something that allows me to be creative, I become really unsettled, irritable and physically in knots. I really think that everyone needs some outlet to release that “creative energy”.

I’m consciously working on trying not to let worry, anxiety or negative thoughts adversely effect my everyday happiness. It still seems like the only time that I am truly free from worry and thoughts are when I’m doing something that allows me to be creative. When I painted HayHays room this summer, it was actually one of the first creative outlets that I’ve had in months. Even though I was under a lot of pressure to get it done quickly, I still got into that “zone” and it felt good to do something creative again.

So, I decided that when HayHay went back to school; I was starting my weekly sculpting classes again. And I did! I’ve actually been back for five weeks and I already feel better. This box is just a little project that I’m working on today in class. This hasn’t been fired or glazed yet, so maybe next week, I’ll take some photos of the next stage. I’m just playing around trying to “get my juices flowing”

Ceramic Box

Detail on Lid

This is a box that I made a few years ago, similar to the one I’m working on now. I made it to use as an urn for our Chocolate lab, Brownie.

Brownie's Urn

Closeup of Lid

For a long time now, I’ve wanted to start on a series of garden art. I’m interested in an entire “fantasy-like, mystical” theme. I love the artist, Josephine Wall.  She has inspired several of my pieces. Since the holiday season will be approaching soon and things will just get busier than they are already, I’m going to play around with some smaller projects and get my creative juices flowing for now, and then after the first of the year, I want to really focus on a series of outdoor garden sculptures.

~LilSis

October 6, 2008

I’m writing this post this afternoon while HayHay & I are on the plane returning home from our long weekend in Chicago. SirHoney is staying an extra few days to visit. This photo was actually taken on our way to Chicago on Thursday night. I just love being above the clouds on a beautiful night. It’s such a surreal feeling to me.

Above the Clouds!

On every trip to Chicago, we are always “on the go” and don’t have too much downtime. We stay at SirHoneys’ parents house, but the kids are scattered all over the “burbs” so we do alot of driving. Here are the highlights of the weekend.

SirHoney, SirHoneys’ brother, R, BigGuy, and HayHay left for Indiana on Friday morning for a Notre Game football game and “boys weekend”. They attended the Pep Rally on Friday and had the opportunity to take a tour of the stadium and “tailgate” prior to the game. They all had a great time and BigGuy and HayHay could only describe it as a “ridiculously” fun time. Go Irish!

Notre Dame HayHay

While they were having their “boys weekend”; I had some time with the girls and our new grandbaby, LittleOne. He just turned two weeks old today. There’s not much I can say other than he is absolutely beautiful and such a little sweetheart. He’s a calm, really good baby.

We spent Friday afternoon visiting at Meems. Friday night, Meem had her first evening out since having the baby and TallGuy had his first evening alone with LittleOne. Bo, Meem & I went out to a local Italian restaurant and had a great dinner.

Saturday afternoon, myself, Bo, Meem,and LittleOne met MrsBigGuy, LittleGuy#1, and LittleGuy#2 at Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm. The boys were so excited! I want to know how many people have ever watched a Pig Race? Maybe it’s a Midwest thing, because honestly, I didn’t know such a thing existed. (Not even at the Texas State Fair) Here’s proof!

Pig #1

The boys got such a kick out of it! LittleGuy#2 was chosen from the crowd to be a “Pig Rooter” and was told to cheer for #1. Well, #1 lost and LittleGuy#2 was not happy!

LittleGuy#2 cheering for Pig#1

LittleGuy#1 is unbelievably strong for a six year old. He walked over to this pumpkin, grabbed it, says “I wonder how much this pumpkin weighs” and throws it up on the scale. It weighed 19 pounds!

LittleGuy#1 weighing pumpkin

We all had a great time! It was LittleOnes’ first outing and he was terrific. All the boys were being so good, so we went out for Mexican food and went back to Bo’s after dinner. Meem and LittleOne stayed with us since TallGuy was at a bachelor party. No doubt he and his friends will be taking a look at the escort münchen directory and getting up to all sorts of trouble! LittleOne managed to get a bellyache and Meem and I were up with him all night. Even though he didn’t feel well, he’s such a sweet little doll.

Sunday afternoon, we all met at SirHoneys’ sisters’ house for a cookout. We got to visit for a few hours, then Bo, HayHay, TallGuy and Meem went to the Statesville Haunted Prison. Apparently, it was very scary! I’m glad that I decided not to go. HayHay said that I wouldn’t have enjoyed it. He said I would have gotten claustrophobic and would have had a panic attack. He’s probably right!

I don’t like scary stuff at all and definitely don’t like violent stuff so I won’t put up any of those photos. Here’s a photo of the checkered room that is supposed to be quite the optical illusion.

Crazy Checkered Room

This morning, we drove to Meems to visit her and LittleOne one last time. BigGuy had picked up LittleGuy#2 from kindergarten and had picked up HayHay from Bo’s so they were at Meems when we arrived. LittleGuy#2 actually rode with SirHoney to drop off HayHay and myself at the airport. He was thrilled that he got to spend time with Papa alone. LittleGuy#1 was still in school.

I had been kidding LittleGuy#2 all weekend telling him that I was bringing him with us back to California. He was so funny on the way to the airport, he said “I love airports. I’m going to order some cookies when I get on the plane.” I guess he really did think that I was taking him to California with me.

Unfortunately, BigT couldn’t join us on this trip because he couldn’t ask for two days off work so he stayed home and took care of TomTom and SarahGirl. I wonder what they did while we were gone?

If only TomTom could talk!

So, that leads me to where I am now; on the plane returning home. I’m always happy to leave for a long weekend, but I’m also very happy to return home to sleep in my own bed.

~LilSis

October 5, 2008

When I was making tonight’s Sunday Supper, it occurred to me that my plate was a lot like the presidential race this year.  There are some similarities on each side, but there is a wide gap in-between the two parties and the two philosophies.  And, yes, I do have an opinion about the race.  A pretty strong opinion I would say, but no, I’m not about to say what that opinion is.  We’d all fight and argue about it, somebody would get mad, and guess what – no one’s opinion would be changed.  So I’ll keep mine to myself.

Back to the supper.  I always enjoy the edamame corn salad that you can get at Whole Foods, because it’s tasty and easy, and pretty healthy.  But it’s a tad too raw-oniony for me, and it just seems silly to pay whatever it costs per pound when it’s only corn and soybeans and a few dressing ingredients.  You can’t put together a dish for less than this little baby costs if you do it yourself.

I was craving the salad today, and decided to try two different variations of it tonight since I had the corn and edamame in the freezer.  One version is Asian-inspired, and one Southwest-inspired.  But, man (or woman) can’t lived on soy and corn alone, so I made a lettuce, tomato and avocado salad to go with it.  In the little political/salad scenario going on in my head, the two edamame corn salads are the democrats and republicans, and the LTA salad is in the gap between them.  Ok, so it’s a little goofy to compare beans and corn to the dems and the reps, but life can get too serious, right?

BigSis Supper October 5

Both of the salads started with sauteed red onion and garlic. The asian variety added toasted sesame oil, olive oil, rice vinegar, lemon juice, garlic chili sauce, and salt, plus cilantro, wasabi powder, and shallot pepper all from Penzey’s.  The southwest version had lemon juice, cider vinegar, olive oil, and salt, with more Penzey’s specialties: shallot pepper, lemon pepper, and  Southwest seasoning.  I have to say both were really good, although I expect they will morph a little bit as they sit overnight.  The flavors will blend, and my lunch experience tomorrow may be a tad different story than my dinner tonight.  I’m slightly fearful that the wasabi powder will rear it’s ugly little green head overnight and come back to bite me in the fanny tomorrow.

And just in case you’re wondering, yes, that whole ding dang plate of food was just for one person! You may have heard that vegetarians eat like birds, so let me dispel that myth right here and now.  We eat!   I ate the whole thing!  My tummy was full to the top, but it was a guilt-free full.  This meal was vegan except for Newman’s Own Caesar Dressing.  It was full of fiber and protein, and a plethora of antioxidants and other goodies for my bod. I eat this way a lot of the time.  I’m not a twig by any means, but I’m not overweight either.  I try to eat for health and energy and fuel most of the time, and don’t worry about a big plate of vittles if it’s good stuff.  Which isn’t to say that I don’t have my crazed Kettle potato chip episodes, because I do!  Life’s about balance, right? Eat well most of the time, and then don’t freak out about your little splurge!

On a serious note, can I just say thank you to Paul Newman for so many wonderful high-quality organic products? And for living a life with a purpose, and apparently without scandal? God bless you, Paul; rest in peace.

~BigSis

October 4, 2008

The battle against cellulite is never-ending, isn’t it?  Since we didn’t get SisMama’s cellulite-free genes, we’ll always be looking for the new best cure for the dimply little problem.

I really did like the FatGirlSlim.  I used it for quite a while.  It smelled nice, the cream soaked into the skin well without leaving any stickiness, and it really did seem to give the appearance of smoother skin, thanks to the caffeine in it.

BTW, why does topical caffeine reduce cellulite and eye puffiness, but eating or drinking caffeine-laced products is thought to make it worse?  I don’t get it.  Anyway, I bought it several times at $25 for a 6 ounce jar, then it went to $27 and I kept buying it.  What’s 2 more dollars in the search for smooth thighs?  But when it went to $29, I was out.  The jar doesn’t last very long, and I had reached my budget threshhold.

I searched around on the reviews on MakeUpAlley, and found recommendations for a couple of products.  Neither was too pricey, so I gave them a whirl.  Loreal’s Sublime Slim is another caffeine-containing product.  It’s more of a gel consistency, and again soaked in well, and did make my skin feel smooth.  At a price point of only around $15, it seemed well worth it.  However, I did get to the point where I wanted to eliminate caffeine from my life for health reasons, so my Sublime Slim had to go.   Bummer.

Next, I tried Weleda’s Birch Cellulite Oil.  It comes in a 3.4 ounce glass bottle, which wouldn’t be my packaging preference since it is an oil and your hands get slippery.  You can usually find it for between $15 and $20.  I have to admit it’s a little hard to get used to at first.  It’s an all natural green oil with a very strong herbal aroma, which comes from birch and rosemary.  You don’t need much of it, maybe a nickel-sized amount, so the bottle lasts a long time.  It does a good job of moisturizing, and I like that it gives your skin a warm feeling when you massage it in.  I’m not sure how much of a tightening effect I see, the jury is still out on that.  I’m using it now, and alternating it with the Forever Spring kit that LilSis talked about.

I like the Forever Spring Body Smoother kit fine, but I’m not sold on it yet.  The soap smells nice and the loofah does what it’s supposed to do – exfoliate, but I have a little bit of a hard time getting much lather from the soap since it’s encased in the loofah.  The Firm-It gel reminds me of an aloe vera gel, it feels nice and cool, but I’m not sure how much smoothing I’m seeing, and it seems a tad stickier that the Sublime Slim gel.  The lotion in the kit seems to be a nice standard body lotion.  The kit costs $38.50, but you can buy the loofah soaps separately.

So.  I’ve eliminated the products that I think are most effective since they containe caffeine.  I’m going to keep using the Weleda Cellulite Oil and the Forever Spring kit since they’re my best options right now.  Maybe something new and cool will come along meanwhile.

~BigSis

October 4, 2008

Okay, let’s be honest… If we’re going to talk about what women, especially “more mature” women in their forties, are concerned about, we have to talk about cellulite. I know it’s the nasty “C” word. It’s a nasty, ugly word! More nasty and ugly than the other “C” word!

Maybe there are a few lucky women that don’t have to worry about this issue, but I’m not one of them. It’s in the genes; on D’s side of the family; not from SisMama.  Unfortunately, this is yet another thing that Big Sis and I have in common.  For years, we have both been trying to find ways to prevent and/or diminish the scary “orange peel” or even worse, “cottage cheese” thighs!

Listen up you “twenty-somethings” and “thirty-somethings”! If you don’t have it already, do everything in your power to prevent it.  When I was in my late thirties, I was actually in the best (Ephedra enhanced) physical condition of my life.  I had several friends who were over forty at the time that kept telling me, “You just wait til you turn forty.  Everything gets harder.  You have to eat less and workout more.” And, guess what? They were right!

I run, I do yoga, I ride my bike and I rarely have one day where I don’t do some form of exercise. I also drink lots of water, which is good; but I also consume some alcoholic beverages, which is bad for cellulite. Wouldn’t you know it?

I haven’t wasted much money on a bunch of creams, lotions, and potions because I knew deep down that they wouldn’t produce the results as advertised. A couple of years ago, BigSis turned me on to the Fat Girl Slim products from Bliss. I did love Fat Girl Slim but I finally realized that the caffeine in the products was in fact responsible for my worsening insomnia. So, I gave all my jars to Big Sis. I also liked the serious seaweed cellulite soap. A single bar is $14.00 and a three pack is normally $42, but is on sale right now for $38.00.

Years ago, I used a product that SisMama had purchased as a gift for me. I recently bought it again and I really like it. I might actually be noticing a difference in the tightness of my skin. Or it could just be that I don’t have my glasses on when I examine my thighs. The product is from Forever Spring. I bought this Body Smoother Set for $38.50. It comes with a Loofah Algae Soap, Firm It Gel, Body Cream, a Body File and a Pumice Stone.  The Loofah Algae Soap is actually my favorite item from the set.  You can purchase the Loofah Algae Soap separately for $14.00 for a twin pack. I’ll definitely buy more of the soaps.

In my never ending quest to fight the battle of the cellulite, I’ve actually decided that I may need to start doing some of my work standing up at the laptop instead of sitting on my fanny!

Any words of wisdom, BigSis? I know you were going to give these products a try. What did you think? Or have you discovered any new fancy miracle products that you can share?

~LilSis

October 3, 2008

Aloha! Oh how I wish I had a magic genie right now! I would close my eyes, make a wish and hope to open my eyes and find myself in Maui. In my wish, it would be 5:00 a.m. and we would be starting the day out on our balcony watching the whales play. From there, we would go for a wonderful brunch, then to the beach for the day, then walk to Hula Grill for dinner and music, watch the sunset, and finally, walk back to our room for a good night’s sleep.  A girl can dream, right?

BigSis posted some awesome photos from our previous vacations! I know we’ll be talking more about Maui in the near future. We both love it so much. I would love to talk about some of our favorite local eating places and my favorite local artists.

I don’t know what it is about Maui that is so magical, but it is a place like none other. It’s almost as if once you get off the plane there; something says to you “It’s time to slow down, enjoy life; enjoy who you’re with, and enjoy the stunning scenery.” SirHoney and I talk about retiring there someday. Who knows, some dreams do come true. Unfortunately, it’s time for me to get back to reality.

~LilSis

October 3, 2008

We’ve been to Maui together twice now, and it’s without a doubt our favorite vacation destination! We love it! We would recommend it to anyone and if you’re thinking about going, you should definitely take a look at https://www.kaikanani.com/ and look into the boat tours then offer. We could talk about what we adore about Maui for days, but for now we’ll give you a list of our 10 favorite things about Maui, plus one to grow on!

1. Hula Grill on Ka’anapali Beach

2. Life-size checkers games, with coconuts for the game pieces, at Kaanapali Beach Hotel

3. Black Beach

4. Lava fields

5. Sunsets

6. Walks along the golden sands

7. Golf courses

8. Red Beach

9. Local charm

10. Pa’ia

11. Spectacular ocean views

~BigSis

October 2, 2008

Great stash, BigSis! Just a quick response to your question.  I must admit that I couldn’t get my entire drawer in the photo. I think it cut off a row in the front and the back, so a good “guestimate” is that I have just shy of 50 of these lovely little compacts.

I’ve got a new favorite MAC lip gloss and a slimshine lipstick that I’ll have to share with you soon.

~LilSis

October 2, 2008

Hey, LilSis!  How many of those little babies do you have?  I think you’re WAY ahead of me!  I counted only a mere 40 precious little pots and 2 palettes.

Here’s the photo of my MAC stash.
Alas.  I’m sorry to say that the bathroom in my condo doesn’t permit me to dedicate a whole drawer to my MAC stash.  Can you believe it?  Boo hoo.  It’s a tragedy of epic proportions.  But we make do with what we have…

My newest purchase and latest love is “Bold and Brazen”.  MAC  describes it as frosty light copper with a Starflash finish.  Even the description makes me happy!  And can I tell you how great it looks with blue eyes?!  LilSis, you need this one!  MAC says “Bold and Brazen” is often purchased with “Go”, which is a frosted bronze in the Starflash finish, and “Glamour Check” which is a frosty reddish brown with Starflash.  If you get those two (which I don’t have), then you’ll see that “Go” is often purchased with “Grand Entrance”, a frosty neutral peach beige with Starflash, and “Dreammaker”, a frosty yellow gold with Starflash.  Can you see how the addiction begins?  One leads to another to another to another…

Honestly, I’ve wasted SO much money on drugstore brands that it’s ridiculous.  They don’t stay on, their color selection is skimpy, and frequently the color fades and changes before it disappears into the night (or noon) completely.  Spend around $15 on a MAC eye shadow, and you know it’s going to be your buddy until the pan’s empty.  And then, guess what?  Save up 6 empty containers, and you get a free lipstick!  Can you do that at the local Wally-mart cosmetic department?  Heck, no!  Do yourself a favor, and try just one MAC eyeshadow.  If you’re uncertain about which one to start with, just ask one of the incredible makeup artists at the MAC counter or store, and they’ll steer you to the right choice.  We promise, you’ll be a MAC addict and eyeshadow snob, just like we are!  Let us know how your first MAC experience goes!

~BigSis

October 2, 2008

Our MAC Eyeshadow Fetish. This is one of the fun things that Big Sis and I have in common. We are both obsessed with our MAC Eyeshadow! Who can blame us, though? We’ve both tried dozens of other brands and these shadows not only have fabulous colors, but they really do stay on until you take them off.  On the rare occasion that my head hits the pillow before removing my makeup; the next morning it actually looks like I just put it on.

Whenever I go to Dallas for a visit, usually our first evening out goes like this:  Big Sis picks me up from the airport and we head straight to  Mia’s, our favorite Mexican restaurant. We have a great meal usually consisting of chips, salsa, guacamole, tostados, and tacos. Then we’re off to our favorite department store to get our “fix” for more MAC shadows.

I’m going to try to list a few of my favorite shades, even though I love them all.  The ones I use every day are Cork for my brows and Vanilla for highlighter under my brows.  Some of my all time favorite daily shades are Gleam, Antiqued, Paradisco, Expensive Pink, Swish, and All That Glitters.  My latest purchases are Moons Reflection, a mid-tone blue with white/blue reflects, Pandamonium, a frosty gun metal with white pearl, and Grand Entrance, a frosty neutral peach beige.  The colors just almost make me salivate.

Here’s a photo of my MAC shadow drawer.

Big Sis, let’s see a photo of your MAC drawer. I’m positive it will be more perfectly organized than mine, but that’s okay. Some of mine are sorted more by “used most often” versus by “shade”. I haven’t seen your new bathroom since you moved into your new condo, so I hope your little MAC pots have a drawer of their very own.

~LilSis