Glass, Metal, and Chicken Piccata

Most recent project was a new (to me) dining room table.  Manny's old one was just hideous and I was looking on Facebook Marketplace for a metal/glass one to go with the rest of my decor.  And I found one - for $25!

Ran over on my lunch break to pick it up from a three-story house!  Ugh. Thankfully the husband and wife were able to help me lug the heavy chairs, table, and the weighty glass to the rig and fit it all in.

Manny (at first not so happy to part with his table) tore his down and we packed it in the garage, although my secret wish was to drown it in gas and strike a match. We then unloaded the new table. Only downside was the acorn/pine cone print  on the seats. Dug through my fabric stash and found a large gold tablecloth that fit the bill especially since the table had gold accents.

Manny unscrewed the seats, I ripped off the cloth and stapled the new fabric, and Manny screwed them on. Really turned out fabulous! Today hit up Joann's for 80% off flowers, brought them home and stuck in one of my painted vases.  First in perfectly with my metal and glass end and coffee tables.

The stepping contest at work is now over but my walking workouts have continued. Last Sunday walked 4.5 miles and ended the day with over 10,000 steps!  Didn't win the contest but still walking as I've lost ten pounds!  With the weather so warm we've been visiting Willow Grove frequently so swimming in the river has been another active outlet.

Recently put together a family canvas for Manny's daughter Monica's birthday. We met up with her at her daughter's soccer game in Kalama last Friday and she loved it. Nothing makes me feel better than to make someone smile.

Pleased to report that my workload has become more manageable - haven't worked Saturday or Sunday for a couple of weeks now.  Currently in a jubilant mood due to the blue skies and 80 degree temperatures. Summer is my favorite season!!  Go outside in the morning to feed the Blue Jay's peanuts, replenish the bird feeders, and add some critter food to the tree for mama, papa, and baby squirrel.  Our front yard is becoming a nature reserve!!

Was watching Beat Bobby Flay and one of the contestant's signature dish was Chicken Piccata. Hmmm, had never made this before so figured now was the time! Found via Pinterest Giada DeLaurentis' recipe, picked up capers and olive salad for inclusion, then whipped it up. Tasted fabulous!!

Okay, okay Monday you are right around the corner! Keep your pants on and I'll deal with you tomorrow!!  Have a great week my divas!

Boo to Bloom

When I was a child, I was a tomboy. Spent my time fishing, riding horses, swimming, and playing with garter snakes and dead mice.  In middle school my favorite outfit was bib overalls and tennis shoes. I did not discover the sheer joy of fashion and makeup until my later years in high school.

Perhaps for this reason, I'm bothered by the following advertisement for children's cosmetics.  True Bloom makeup line is being marketed to young girls - toddlers even as shown in the pictures below of a 3 to 4 year old.

Why would girls under five and those in elementary school need makeup? We're talking blush, eye shadow, and lip gloss.  There's plenty of time for that when they are older.  

Up to the age of six is when a person is imprinted with core beliefs and experiences that shape them as a person. So when boys are being told they are tough and can rule the world just as they are, girls are being told they need greasepaint to be acceptable and their original selves are not good enough. 

On one hand, there's playful face painting and dressing up in your mom's heels.  But this is not your mom's red lipstick - these are full -fledged makeup kits aimed at vulnerable young girls. And I don't like it!

Vacation One for the Books!

Busy vacation week!  Weather is fabulous, including a 90 degree day, which meant several trips to Willow Grove.

Ended up having to buy two tires for the rig as the front driver-side tire was so bald it made Telly Savalas jealous!  Dropped the SUV off to Walmart for tires and oil change then we walked to Pancake House for breakfast. Pancake House is a favorite among the locals; they offer tasty, reasonably- priced food and the staff are always friendly.  Manny enjoyed  the hot cocoa!

Took my time off to see the optometrist for my annual exam. Boom! Eyes are getting better so my contact prescription went from 150 to 125. Also fit in my annual mammogram. Boom! All clear!!

Thursday we cruised to Cannon Beach to have lunch with Jay, Linda, and Luna.  Sat outside in the sun at Wayfayer's and the food was fantastic. Started things off with a cold brew martini then had clam chowder along with a salad of roasted beets, pickled salmon, and herbed cheese.  Linda gifted me an earring and necklace set - so lovely I couldn't resist putting them on and wearing them the rest of the day!

After lunch, Manny and I headed to Seaside to wander the Promenade and people watch. Stopped for a drink at Shilo then continued our window shopping.

Downtown done we stopped first at Nike as I needed a new pair of fresh walking shoes.  Surprisingly, found nothing.  Went on to Rack Room and picked up two pairs of New Balance buy one get one half off sale. Score! Wore my first new pair for a long walk yesterday and they passed the comfy, cushy test.

Bubbles!

Twinning!

Friday stocked up on groceries and decided to make Bobby Flay's pickled red onions, which he seems to make on every gosh darn episode of Beat Bobby Flay.  Vinegar, sugar, lime juice and grenadine mixed with red onion turned out a yummy accompaniment to just about anything. Ended up making a creamy cucumber and pickled onion salad which had a nice bite.

Also on Friday babysat Jordan and Candy's precious cat Luna, or Lulu as she is also known. Eazy peezy watching her!

Went on a longer walk yesterday and crossed over both Kelso bridges. Had to stop and take a photo of the amazing reflection of the larger bridge on the Cowlitz River. Isn't that incredible?!

Sis Julie sent me a pic of cactus painted rocks and it inspired me so that I whipped up a batch today.

Tomorrow is Monday which means the end of my vacation. 😪  Not looking forward to a million emails and project backlog!!  Regardless, let's all have a great week!!

Cart, Color, Crow, and Courgettes

Manny and I celebrated the 4th with Arlene and Luna in Castle Rock. Gorgeous, sunny day, great lunch, spent time in the river, and even took a tour riding in Arlene's golf cart!

Manny hanging on for dear life

Posing in the glorious garden

Hi Luna!

The three amigos

Sister love ❤️ 

Made vegan brownies for Luna using applesauce, dark cocoa and no eggs or butter - even topped it with freeze-dried figs and oranges bought from the Farmer's Market. Surprisingly, they turned out yummy - much better than I expected. 

Here's a video of Arlene cart cruising.

Arlene sent us home with zucchini so I stuffed a couple for dinner then whipped up two loaves of zucchini bread along with banana muffins.

We've been supplying the Blue Jay's lately with peanuts.  We sprinkle some right by our outside chairs - those birds are fearless when it comes to grabbing shells right by our feet.

There have also been a few more visitors to the house in search of goodies, including George the fat crow and a cute little squirrel.

I've been continuing on my step challenge, making good progress.  On Sunday I took a long walk (over 10,000 steps!) going over both bridges and up a very steep hill.  As I finished over the second bridge, what did I run into but a werewolf perched high in a tree.  Pretty weird. And someone made quite the effort to get a roaring monster so elevated.

Last week had an appointment with Abbie, my hair expert. Toying with the idea of going grey but decided I needed a little more oomph. She added in very light highlights, keeping a good portion of the gray so it would blend. She also weaved in a few purplish pink strands which is just enough sass.

Been on a Watergate kick lately. Watched All The President's Men again then moved on to The White House Plumbers on Max and finished it all binging Gaslit on Starz with Julia Roberts as Martha Mitchell along with Sean Penn as John Mitchell (absolutely incredible makeup job!)

That is Sean Penn on the left believe it or not!

Starting last Friday, I'm on vacation - woo hoo! Scheduled my eye exam for today and my mammogram for Thursday to get those out of the way.  We are definitely going to stay at the beach!! I need some sea therapy!!!