Must

This week has seemed a little bit longer then normal, but that may be because I had a day that lasted way longer then normal due to time zones. As I push through the jet lag and to try to be a normal human being, this week I am bringing you some articles that I enjoyed reading or just found entertaining to pass the time.

Have a good weekend!

Books are one of my favorite things ever and not that I need an excuse to read, but I definitely need to read a few of these before the movie comes out. I have read 5 of the 14 already and recommend that you at least read Gone Girl. It was one of the best books I read last year that was not a YA novel. Ha! 14 Books to Read Before They Hit the Big Screen, BuzzFeed.

As if I needed yet another reason to reach for the bubbly, but this always good to know. How Bubbly Can Boost Brain Power, Forbes.

WARNING - This link will make you want to go to the Container Store, like now. I have a few items on this list, but I think I spy a few more I need. 12 Products you didn't realize you can't live without, The Average Girls Guide.

In most movies the guy get's the girl, but do you remember all the characters that don't? Well this article has a trip down movie memory lane for you. Guys who don't get the girl, R29.

This article is a great rundown of what happened with Wendy Davis's filibuster. Read and feel good about the fact that no matter what you believe people had their voices heard. It's about time we started getting involved. A Bill is Killed; A Star is Born, Texas Monthly.

The Aunt

I am that aunt. You know the one that let's you eat cake at 6am in the morning and lets (or rather helps) you dress the dog, cat or little brother in ridiculous outfits (not to mention ourselves). I usually have a treasure trove of jewelry that you can pile on, will braid hair six ways to Sunday and will help you concoct the most crazy Popsicle on the planet. All of this is a true story that has been done.

Lately however I have been off my game, but I think that has been true of 90% off my life lately. This summer I am back on it though and need to step up my auntie game, as I am going to see each and every one of my siblings offspring in July/August. The problem is that some of them are getting to the age where they are not as mesmerized by crafts and glitter any more. So I need to get really creative. I have searched high and low for some ideas and here are my top 4, taking into account my nephew (the only boy) is borrowing our laptop to edit videos this summer so it's slightly skewed to girls.

Mani-Pedi Salon

image via Pinterest (I can't find the original source)

I love this idea of placing cotton, toe separators, nail file, lotion and packets of nail polish remover in a jar or box for each girl to use and keep. I then will have each girl be able to pick out their favorite color(s) from my large selection of polish and helping each other out with painting the nails. I might even be able to find nail decals. I am on the hunt!

Water Fight

image via Amazon

So that is just going to have to happen. I think I will have a hose too.

Ice Cream Sandwichs

Image via Cuisipro

I actually have one of these, never used, but I think we need to try this out. Nothing is better than cookies and ice cream on a hot summer day. I think we will use this cookie recipe and lots of sprinkles.

But Let's Make the Ice Cream and Sorbet

Image via King Arthur Flour

Why not do our own. That way we can have healthy and yummy flavors. We can make strawberry sorbet (pictured), peanut butter & banana ice cream with chocolate chunks or honey peach frozen yogurt. Best part is none of these require an ice cream machine!

If you want to try some other fun concoctions, try these recipes from Not Without Salt.

Any other good ideas you have out there for kids ranged 8-13??

What a Lush

It's no secret that I am crazy about Lush products. They smell amazing, leave your skin soft and smooth and don't test on animals. I started out buying the bath bombs and then started trying out all of their lotions, potions and hair cremes, but there is one product I will not ever give up the Ocean Salt Cleanser.

I generally workout 5-6 days a week in some form or capacity (unless I am doing manual labor then I skip the workout, because that kind of work is punishment enough) and as a result I get sweaty. This can lead to some less then desirable issues like bacne (acne of the back). Years ago I struggled trying to figure out why I was breaking out back there and tried every product I could get my hands on. Then I happened to come across a Lush store with the most helpful lady that immediately showed me this cleanser. Ever since then I have used it every single day and as a result have maintained a lovely smooth and non bacne back.

The whole reason I bring this up is that it is summer time so bikini's, tank tops, back showing dresses/tops are all around and if you struggle with this at all, give it a shot. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Must

Well looks like we are cutting our trip a little short and will be heading back to the US a little early next week. The good news is that I get to see my parents one last time before they move up to Oregon, but unfortunately my time here in the Netherlands is just way to short. I plan on making the most out of the days we have left, celebrating the BF's (and his twin sisters birthday) this weekend and maybe event getting out and capturing some great summer photos.

Here is your must list for the week. Have a fantastic weekend.

Where Pay Phones Go to die

Image via the Hairpin

It’s amazing to think about all the little things that the next few generations will never know or understand. VHS (soon the DVD), cassette tapes, wonder bread (good riddance) and pay phones to name just a few. With the last one a photographer stumbled across the grave yard full of old pay phones and took some cool photos of yet another institution gone to the wayside in advancement of technology. If you want to reminisce even more, check out these technology ads from the 80's!

G&T

Image via theKitchn

I enjoy a good gin and tonic, but the tonic is sometime just a bit too tonic for me so I usually just have gin and soda water, via my SodaStream. After reading this little article and recipe, I have the perfect mixture. I have no idea why I didn't think of it.

Shots Anyone?

Image via a Beautiful Mess

OK, so I know that Jello shots are not exactly welcome at parties with 30+ year olds, but I think I may have to make an exception to these Mojito Jello Shots done by the ladies over at a Beautiful Mess. They are so cute and can be done with or without alcohol, so fun for the whole family, right? I think they would make a great refreshing afternoon snack!

Linda Rodin

Image via Daily Candy

Please let me be this cool when I am 65. This is a quickie slide show with advice and tips from Linda Rodin, stylist and totally worth a gander. I love her responses to the questions.

It's Summertime

Image via Piperlime

Buy a dress and feel cool and breezy. Piperlime has a sale and this maxi dress by Michael Stars is at the top of my list. For $75 how can you resist?

Turbulence

I woke up on Monday in a foul mood and had to get out the door to the airport for our three week trip to NL. This of course did not make for the most fun morning, but somehow I survived. Then we get to the airport only to find out that I had been moved from a seat next to the BF to across the aisle. Truly this is not a big deal, but I like to invade his space while traveling to maximize my comfort. Due to the class section we were in the only option we had at this point was to ask whoever was sitting next to him if they would mind switching aisle seats with me.

When the gentleman in question arrived I politely asked if he would mind taking my equally comparable seat in the same seat section. He said no. I asked if there was a particular reason for this so that perhaps I could solve this another way. He didn't really have a reason and was kind of a douche about it so I informed him, "That's totally cool and I am sure you won't mind me being all up in your business then during the flight." Seriously these were my exact words.

And that is how you get your way on a 10 hour flight. I do feel a little bad, but I am over it.

In shopping news I bought the Dior Lip Addict Duo duty free and it's pretty amazing.

Image via Amazon

It can be purchased on your next KLM or Delta Intercontinental flight or at Amazon.

Bubbles

I love champagne, cava, prosecco and sparking wine. If there is a celebration to be had the Veuve (which is one of my favs under $40) must come out. It may be followed by a slightly less expensive version, but the first glass is the only one that matters anyway, right?

The other day I had a friend ask me if I had a champagne cork. For those of you that don't know what this is, it seals the bottle to keep the bubbles for an extended amount of time. I of course have one, but can you guess the amount of time it has been used overnight? About 2 and that's only because we left the house to continue the party elsewhere. Seriously who saves the most delicious drink on earth for tomorrow? Just writing this makes me want to pop another cork!

With summer here and people coming over with things to celebrate, not only should you keep a chilled bottle of bubbles in the fridge, but I have gathered a few of my favorite accessories to go with your bubbles of choice.

The Glassware

Image via Hillside House

I have several different types of champagne glassware, but while I was in New Orleans I decided I wanted a plain set of vintage coupe champagne glasses to add to my bar collection (apparently I had forgotten about the fancy decorative ones I had already, but you can never have to many ways to drink champagne) and went searching the internet. On Etsy I came across the Hillside House and her lovely items. The above glasses are the one that I ended up getting and they arrived in perfect condition (along with a few other purchases!). I immediately opened a bottle of champagne and tried out the glass. It worked! Yay!

The Chiller

Image via Amazon

You can not be expected to actually go back to the fridge to refill your glass, but you want to keep the bubbles cold and this Waring Pro PC100 wine chiller has you covered. If it's ability to keeping the precise temperature for 33 different varietals of wine doesn't grab you then perhaps it's portability will. If that doesn't float your boat, try this. It's cheap and easy and what I currently use. It just needs to be thrown back in the freezer.

The Food

Strawberries and champagne are a natural pairing. It just works. I once had a bartender serve me champagne and strawberries with just a small bit of black pepper over them. It's unreal how the flavors truly mingle with the pepper added. Give it a try you might be surprised at how yummy it is.

The Saver

Image via Crate and Barrel

If you must, this is the one I recommend.


What's your favorite way to drink bubbles?

Must

I have been lusting after so much jewelry lately that it has been ridiculous. I love jewelry, but the problem is that I buy it, wear it for a few days and then go back to wearing my usually gold or silver plain earrings and small necklaces. So I have given myself a challenge. I am to wear a new pair of earrings each and everyday for a month. If I can extend that to necklaces I will, but seriously let's just tackle one thing at a time.

These are my current favorites!

Happy Friday and a super happy Father's Day.


Drag Queen

image via Daily Mail

Most of my friends know better then to bring up the kings and queens of England, because if they do they find themselves needing to grab a drink and settle in for the entire history. Most people don't care about the details of this, but I find it fascinating. That is why this article intrigues me so. There have been speculations that Queen Elizabeth had affairs throughout her reign as queen and quite possible gave birth to one or two illegitimate children, but this article is a whole new ball of wax suggesting that she could have possibly been a boy/man. There is only one way to find out the truth, but do we really need to know?

DIY Bakers Twine

I love using bakers twine to add to gifts or homemade food items, but the cost for the cute little striped ones is outrageous when you consider it is TWINE. So this little handy dandy tutorial allows you to make your own colors in any amount you want.

Wine List Help

Ever get to a restaurant and handed the wine list and then you are so overwhelmed that you don't even know where to start? This article has some super handy tips that you can use to make things a little easier on you.

As a side note I used to do these fabulous corporate wine weekends in Napa and I was able to meet some wonderful people who gave great advice about this. One in particular, the Wine Dominatrix our sommelier, suggested that when you are ordering wine at a business dinner and don't want to come out and say I can't go over $50 (or whatever your budget is), you should point out two separate wines as options to them within your budget. That is a pretty clear signal to the sommelier where your budget lies and they can help point you in the right direction.

Just Smile

image via Buzzfeed and weruletheinternet

It's impossible to not smile and laugh at these 60 happiest dogs on the internet. This will be your zen today and keep you focused on the fact that is is Friday!!

SALE

If you have known me more then 5 minutes then I am pretty sure you know that I love J.Crew. They have had some spectacular items the last few years that has brought me back after years of just so-so. Currently they are having a super fantastic Summer Sale and I suggest you check it out. Most items are summer/vacation wear that will fit perfectly in your suitcase. Get on it.

Somewhere in the Vaseline

This is a particularly funny name for an incredibly useful product (and one of my favorite STP songs). I stumbled on to it's many uses when I discovered that when I work out hard, my feet are sweaty and really don't like to be that way. I tried all sorts of OTC things to combat this, but it wasn't until after a lot of searching on the internet I came across the suggestion that if you apply Vaseline to your feet before bed and cover with socks, by morning you will have soft and happy feet. I tried it and it really works! Like really, really, totally worked. So well in fact that I now do it 2-3 times a week just to keep my feet soft and supple.

After doing this for a few weeks I remembered my grandmother always had a jar of it lying around the house, so I decided to see what other magic things vaseline can do. There are so many uses and tricks you can use this stuff for that this could be a super long post, but to keep it short here are some of my favorites:

Removes watermarks on wood
Someone forgot to use a coaster and now Aunt Margie's table has watermarks! Just apply some vaseline, wait overnight and in the morning gently wipe away. Aunt Margie will never know.

Leather Jacket Care
Leather jackets can loose their luster over time, but by applying just a little vaseline, rubbing it in and removing any excess with a towel you can bring it back to life in no time.

Stop lids from sticking!
I can never reopen my nail polish bottles without almost losing a tooth. If I just apply a little vaseline on the rim of the bottle I can keep my teeth. Yay!

Smell better longer
Keep your favorite perfume going all day or night by dabbing just a little bit of vaseline on your pulse points, followed by your favorite scent. The vaseline helps the scent stay around longer.

Remove a stuck ring
The other day I did a lot of work involving using the tips of my finger to get some lights connected (we had to make 500 of them) and my fingers were so swollen by bedtime I couldn't remove my ring. I applied just a tad of vaseline and it came right off.

Clean looking DIY manicures
So your left hand is looking so good, but then you move to your right hand and all of a sudden your nail polish is all over your cuticles. Or is that just me? Prevent this craziness by placing vaseline along the sides and base of your nails and apply your polish. Once your manicure is dry remove the vaseline and extra polish in one swipe.

Make plucking your eyebrows easier
Just apply a little vaseline to your eyebrows and the skin will soften allowing for easier removal. Also since we are talking about the eye area, I have read that applying a very little bit to your eyelashes it can help get them to grow. Not sure if I believe that one, but it's worth a try.

Stubborn make up remover
Hard to remove make up is no challenge for vaseline. Just apply to the area and wipe clean.

Lastly, there seem to be mixed reviews on using it on your face, but I have tried it and like the results. I don't do it often, but in a pinch or when my skin is beyond dry I reach for it and have much softer skin.

Any great uses for it that you think is worth adding to the list?

Don't Call it a Comeback

Remember when your mother told you if you can't say anything nice you shouldn't say anything at all? Well that has been my feelings the past month or so. It was like I was living in a place that for every positive thing that happened, two crappy items appeared. I starting noticing it in my writing and and realized that perhaps some time off was in order. So I did it and while things may still not be peachy keen with sugar on top, they are drastically better. Plus I really missed rambling about all the crazy stuff I come across. So hopefully you missed me a little too and we can get back on track with the rambles. So here is what you missed during the intermission:

Pants are roomy, but I have fat feet
Went to New Orleans for about two weeks and just got back yesterday. I ate like it was going out of style, but walked so much of the convention center I actually lost weight. I also would like to say my feet HURT. I got a massage yesterday and have a pedicure scheduled today so hopefully my feet will get back to normal ASAP. Here I am at Hustler:

Obsessed with
Nuance Salma Hayek products have sprung up all over my house! Creamy cleanser, shampoo & conditioner, texturizing sea salt spray and make up remover are all fantastic items. I keep buying more just to see if they are as fantastic as the last. The price point is great and it's at CVS, so convenient! I have yet to find something I don't like. Salma has a heavy hand in the creation of the products as it is all based on her grandmothers recipes. You can read some information about it here. Totally worth a try.

Wish I was here
You may have read about the kickstarter campaign that Zach Braff started. I am actually a really big fan of his work and decided to become a backer and am really looking forward to behind the scenes updates. I since then have become a total kickstarter addict and have had to stop myself from backing every food idea on the site. So far that has only worked 50% of the time.

Discovered the Beautiful Creatures Series
I didn't leave the house for a few days. It was cheesy, fun and an easy read when I needed to get my mind off of things. Apparently there is a movie, but I don't remember hearing anything about it. It has Jeremy Irons and Emma Thompson in it. I might need to check it out.

I bought this
I thought it was cute.

Glad to be hitting the interwebs again!!