This Little Light

Candlesticks don't have to go on the table. They are great for bathrooms, bedrooms, and desks. All alone or in a bunch, they add an extra special ambiance to your home. This one reflects in a mirror and gives off a great glow to my whole bathroom. Start experimenting, it's the perfect time of year for tons of candles. Or, if you're like me, the tons of candles law applies for all 365.

Davis Wholesale Florist

A great and undiscovered floral warehouse is right here in Huntsville, Davis Wholesale Florist. Their selection is excellent, affordable, and unique. Had anyone seen a pincushion flower? Not me, but I sure bought one. This place is great! Besides loads of flowers, it has all sorts of canisters, ribbon, and supplies needed for events. No need for pre-arranged flowers anymore. Go here and make your own! I love it! 

Davis Wholesale Florist

1101 Putman Drive (right across street from UAH main entrance)

Huntsville, AL 35816

Also in Birmingham:

3601 S. 5th Ave

Birmingham, AL 35222

WEBSITE

Ozetta Obsessed

I have been thinking about how much I love cold weather all day long. Surprised? I think not. Cold weather makes me think of my favorite wardrobe staples. Thus, I want to do an update on a blog from a year ago. HERE. The first Etsy shop that I discussed was Ozetta, all sorts of handmade knit pieces. I do get sentimental about clothing, attaching a memory to an object, can't be helped in my opinion. I have some of my best fall and winter memories wrapped up in the two cowls that I own. I just love her talent! She has more quality pieces than I've seen in high end department stores. How great to support someone's craft? LOVE!
 You can sign up on her email list HERE. She sends out email promotions when she has sales in her Etsy shop. This is the time that I buy. Last year, I even gave most of my family Ozetta pieces. Now there's an idea I can get behind, again. Multiple style options, multiple colors, and machine washable. I love my fashion people, and it doesn't get much better than this.

Salsa

Some of THE best salsa I've ever had. Available at Sam's. See how much I'm dreaming and posting about food lately? I want all the things I can't have. This stuff hurts but, it's made the worth it list. 

Lovin' Lemon

This stuff is SO good. The pink is my favorite. Available in the cold section next to orange juice. That is, if I haven't bought it all.

Fiesta Roasted Corn Dip

Lately, I've been having trouble with food. Since my surgery, I cannot get back on my regular diet. I eat fruits, veggies, cheese, and bread. That's about it. Not the worst thing in the world, as its been a great diet! I've been exploring recipes to try to mix up my choices. The truth is, I have to get in the mood to eat something. If I want food, I want it. If I don't, I don't. It's a weird way to live. I know things will get better, but if you know me, you know I can normally pack in some food! One recipe that has been wonderful is this Fiesta Corn Dip. I've gotten used to modifying recipes, at least for now. I toned down the spice in this one. I think this recipe is GREAT for football parties, especially! Roll Tide Roll! I have enjoyed it so much. Dr. K and Billy loved it, too!

Ingredients:
6 ears of corn (Sam's has THE best)
1 large can black beans rinsed and drain
1 bell pepper chopped (I used orange)
1 bunch green onions chopped
1/2 large onion chopped (depending on how much onion you like)
Large spoonful of light sour cream
1 block 1/3 fat Philly cream cheese
2 heads fresh chopped garlic
dash of cumin
S and P

Recipe Note: I aimed for a more veggie than cream cheese/sour cream ratio.


Directions:
1. Rub corn with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast in oven on 400 until golden. Allow cream cheese to soften in large bowl while corn is cooking. Chop veggies now, too.
2. Cut corn off cob with knife, carefully!
3. Mix all ingredients above, no need to wait for corn to be cold. Once its warm to the touch is fine. Modify ingredients and spices as you wish. Some people might not like the more mild I-just-had-my-gallbladder-removed-version.
4. At first, I worried that this dip would wind up soggy the next day, but it didn't happen. Mark this down as a convenient make before guests arrive dish. I like mine chilled. When I can stand the pain of a fried item, I love Tostitos Lime chips. Holy moly, THE best. Otherwise, baked Tostitos just have to do. Enjoy!

Kiwi Neutral Shoe Polish

Here's a blast from the past product that I LOVE! This revives my boots every season. Boots? Who am I kidding? Every shoe I own! I highly recommend the neutral shade, as it's great for all tones. Buff it on with a cloth, allow to dry, and you're kicks are as good as new! When people ask you where you got those five year old boots, you'll be thrilled! I know I am!  

Super Steamer

Several weeks ago, I snagged this steamer at TJ Maxx. I HATE ironing, so this seemed like a wise investment. I do not know how I ever lived without it. It makes getting ready a million times faster. I just hang up the garment, give it a few strokes of steam, and I'm out the door. I haven't had any problems with it whatsoever, except for my obsession over steaming things for pleasure. Why is this task relaxing? I have no earthly idea. It's also great to sanitize your home. You better believe I'm wheeling this thing around, faster than Mario Andretti at an Indy car race.

THE Best V-Neck

Who doesn't want a v-neck thats colorful and comfortable? It's that time of year when layers are FREAKIN' ADORABLE! This shirt is perfect for men and women. V-neck, a good look for all! I LOVE mine and they're made in the USA! I take a large in these. If you know me, that can help you compare. A final note, I wish my website model man would look a little happier. After all, he is wearing one of the best shirts I've ever owned.

HERE TO SHOP

Type in v-neck to shop other selections.

Musical Review

I had the great opportunity to see 2Cellos and Elton John in concert last night. Man, worth every penny! We all know Elton John, but we might not know of 2Cellos. I don't even have the words to describe their music. Wow! Peaceful, serene, and memorable come to mind. This music would be so great for house guests, studying, stores, offices, weddings, slideshows, endless options! I appreciate REAL musical talent. If you do too, you'll love them.

Ye Olde Switcheroo

 IT"S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! Time for me to remind you to swap the closet. Yes, that means take everything spring and summer out and put every fall and winter thing in. Closets are much more fun when they're in season. Looking back, I've written about this a few times. See how good I am at reminders? Who wants to dig through shorts and tanks for a velvet blazer? No fun on a busy morning. It takes me about an hour, but it's finished for now, at least until March. Hallelujah! Now I can get on to other things. I place the most convenient things for the season at the easiest location. Tights all together. Cardigans all together. Nothing is out of its own category. I store the other seasonal items in containers under the bed or in my closet. Safe from air and such. This includes shoes and bags, nothing is left out. It makes me feel like I'm opening a whole new wardrobe. I see those things I haven't seen in awhile and it's fabulous. I fold most things on shelves, much easier! Organization, one of life's simple pleasures.

Reflect and Repose Equals Reinvent

It's 9/11. A day that brings pain to us in so many ways. Still, it is a day every year I try to remind myself of these three r's. It's often hard to look back on life and think of why we are where we are. First, we need to reflect, even when it is hard on our confidence. People have hurt us and we've hurt them. We need to tell ourselves we are wrong, and admit it. We need to tell others when they've wronged us. Awkward, but often necessary. Everyday I have to tell myself a million times that I am wrong and it is such a shot to my pride! I'm literally down for the count at 7:08 p.m. with the mere thought of it. I don't want to reflect on my mistakes, or other's, but it's not all about what I want.

Next, we need to repose. Isn't it weird how after a tragedy hits the news, it hurts us, and then we act like it never existed? This "forgetting" is necessary for human survival, still, it pangs us to realize we've forgotten some important moment of life. Driving to work this morning, it hurt me to realize it was 9/11 and I in my morning coffee rush had forgotten it's significance. We have to repose, i.e. rest or relax. We need that pause. Stop Faith, coffee can wait. We need that moment of justification. We need the simple things. We don't have to forget. We just need to remember how good we've got it.

Finally, we have to reinvent. When I teach etiquette, I honestly get tired of people telling me they cannot wear this or do that anymore. "I'm too old for this." Are you alive? Yes. Then you're not too old. You're never too old to reinvent what needs reinvention. Relationship? House? Wardrobe? Make-up? Cooking skills? On and on and on? If we really want change, we will find a way. Our lives are too short for the can and not long enough for the will.

Rit Makes All Things New

Do you have a garment or home item that has somehow been ruined? Solution? Rit dye. I am obsessed with this stuff and I want to use it all the time. A friend let me in on it and I am so thankful. You can get it at a lot of typical stores, but Hobby Lobby has it with a 40% off coupon that can be printed off their site. This rounds out your total to $1.50. I dyed two pillowcases and this sweatshirt the perfect shade of light teal. Plus, had I needed it, I plenty left over for other projects. Make note: time to ruin more things.

You can follow the package directions to suit your needs. I used the hot water method in the tall pot. You also need to add a little bit of dish soap and salt, as the package says. This is too easy, too simple, too fun, and too cheap not to try. I'm a dye hard fan.

Easy on the Eyes

Do you need that liquid eyeliner? That eyeliner pencil? That gel stick? No. All you need is a cheap dark eyeshadow of your choice and a one time purchased eye liner brush. Lightly dampen the brush, dab it into the powder and you've got a great lightweight liner. It doesn't cake, stays on in the heat, and doesn't make you feel like you've just chopped ten onions. You can make tiny wings at each corner easier than you can write your own name. It's cheap, it's fast, it's about to be fall! Have a great weekend!

Dollar Tree Mesh Bags

If you have no idea what this is, bless your heart. Get up from the computer, get your car keys, and go to the Dollar Tree. They are waiting there for you. Not my all time favorite stop in the world, but fabulous for a few key items. I am DEDICATED to washing my clothes in these mesh bags. They help clothes last longer, prevent stretching, and keep items with button/hooks separated. Laundry is a delicate task. It should be treated as one. It also happens to be my favorite chore, so I can talk it up. If I'm going to spend so much time washing, folding, ironing, and steaming, you better believe I'm going to make it worth my while. A mere $1 investment can make a huge improvement in the care of your wardrobe. These come in all shapes and sizes to fit your needs. If I've said it once, I've said it a million times, "There are some bandwagons you just need to hop on."

P.S. Other great finds THERE

Lavender Love

Many of you know my obsession with lavender. After my surgery, I became obsessed, and I mean obsessed with Aveeno Lavender Stress Relief Body Wash. I'm not all about labels, but this one has tested one of my most stressful experiences to date. I totally recommend it for you or a gift for a new mom, bride, anyone who needs that little pick me up! Heaven in a bottle!

Reading Up: Happy at Home

Several blogs ago, you read about the SPEND OUT. I'm thrilled that Gretchen Rubin is out with a new book, Happy at Home. It came out today, and I cannot wait to snatch it. Of course, I'll be back to talk about it when finished. If you aren't familiar with her work, please check out the above blog and corresponding links. How ironic that this book is called Happy at Home? This is something I had to get very used to the past couple of weeks. I don't think I've ever been more thankful to get back in my routine. Hope you guys have a great Tuesday. Catch up on those leisure reads. Take time to make time. Enjoy!

Get Well Smoothie

I'm back! A lot to catch up on this week, whew! I've got so much to type. Still, a quick blend for today:
Frozen Mango
Frozen Blueberries
Frozen Blackberries
Frozen Raspberries
Low-Fat Vanilla Yogurt
Skim Milk

Blend all with blender. I have eaten so much of this over the past few weeks. I'm talking multiple Sam's bags full of fruit. More fruit takes more milk. I dump in a few spoonfuls of yogurt for a little sweetness. Plain and simple, eating at its best.