Funky Friday ~ What's in the Box!

2 of my favorite things...Surprises and Products!

Recently I signed up with a couple different companies to try out their monthly subscription boxes.  Ever heard of them?  There are quite a few out there and on just about any product you can think of.  Beauty products, products for the home, garden boxes, wine sampling...the list is endless - which is NOT good if you are like me - it can get addicting!  At any rate, one of the subscriptions I signed up for is POPSUGAR MUST HAVE.  I've gotten 2 different boxes now and I must say I've been delighted with the contents of the boxes.  It's $35/month and each month a box is shipped to you with full sized products for you to try and hopefully enjoy.  The general idea is most likely it's products that you might not buy yourself and therefore not yet know what you're missing and I like that!  Another thing that attracted me to POPSUGAR MUST HAVE, is that because the products are full sized, if you receive something that is not your personal style, or to your liking, you can give it as a gift or share it with a friend!  Comes in handy for those last minute hostess gifts!  So far I've received the March and April boxes and here's a few photos of what I received.  

Again, you have no idea what you're going to receive so it's really exciting when you get home from work and a package is waiting for you!  The suspense continues when you open the box to hot pink tissue paper hiding what's inside!

 Unwrap the tissue and 'VOILA'!  It's full of goodies!!

It's kind of hard to tell from that photo so here's a little better photo of what I received.  

(Check out the specifics on the March POPSUGAR MUST HAVE)

 I had so much fun inspecting everything and honestly the only product I wasn't crazy about were the nail polish colors.  How lucky for me them that I have 2 teenage girls at home who thought the colors would be perfect for them!  I wasn't really sure about the necklace either.  I mean, it wouldn't have been something that I would've given a second look in a store but several days later I decided to wear it and I really liked it!!  What do you think?  For more info on each of the specific items, check

Given that I really liked my first box, I was even more excited to see what my April box would bring.  One thing I forgot to mention is they send you an email letting you know your box is on it's way.  The thought is never far from my busy little mind that in the next few days, when I get home, another 'surprise' will be waiting for me!

Although my display photo doesn't do the contents much justice, I again was pleasantly surprised by what I received.  

(Check out the specifics on the April POPSUGAR MUST HAVE)

I loved the Shashi nugget bracelet and as someone who has mostly silver jewelry, I liked that the nuggets were gold to match my new necklace from the March box!  I also liked the Kai fragrance and I would've never bought it for myself!  The 'green' garment bag will definitely come in handy.  The fact that it's a four-in-one reusable bag and eco-friendly will make both my life and the world a better place!

I also signed up for the MUST HAVE Summer edition which was just shipped so I'll be sure to share that with you when I receive it and I'm sure my May box will be on its way shortly.  So much to look forward to!!  Have a great weekend everyone!

Until next time...

W.A.T.W. ~ LAX is the place to be!

It's tough to make it through the LAX airport without a celebrity sighting. Several years ago while traveling through LAX with my husband and 2 youngest girls, they were on alert for big stars. Think Britney Spears (I know, big star? Britney Spears? - Remember, this was several years ago before the head shaving incident)! At any rate, while waiting to go through security I noticed Rob Lowe  standing next to us, patiently waiting as we were. I whispered to my girls that he was a 'movie star'. They figured I was teasing them and did not believe me. As  much as I tried to convince them he was big, they weren't buying it. I turned to him and told him I was trying to tell them who he was and could he help me by telling them just how big of a star he was! He laughed and thanked all of us for the blow to his ego (btw - he was a little guy in person, although super handsome in a beautiful sort of way). Since they didn't care much about him and I'm not one to get autographs (what are you going to do with it?) we went on our way. Once on the plane and situated in our seats, I pulled out my People magazine only to open it up to a photo of Rob Lowe himself! He was staring at the time in the very short lived series Dr. Vegas so was seemingly newsworthy. I very happily used that as a 'teachable moment:' Listen to your Mother! She knows what she's talking about!! Although they still weren't overly impressed, they settled back in their seat content that they did have a celebrity sighting after all!

Here's a few celebrity shots of who was making their way through LAX in the last week!

Jessica Alba

Jessica Simpson, Eric Johnson and daughter Maxwell

Kate Bosworth and Michael Polish

 

Kristin Cavallari with son Camden

Miranda Kerr

Reese Witherspoon

I'm only sorry I couldn't include a photo with me and my celebrity sighting but I've never felt right about asking celebs for photos. I think it's time I get over that! Who would you most like to see on your next airport adventure?

Until next time...

Funky Friday ~ Your Nose Will Thank You!

It's supposed to be spring!  I should be looking out my windows and seeing something like this!

There should be a bounce in my step and a smile on my face and I should be feeling light and airy!

Instead - I crab.

And I wait for better days ahead.

And I find other things to be grateful for!

Like Puffs with Vicks!

I discovered them a couple of years ago and fell in love.  Vicks says "If your nose could talk, it would tell you it wants this".  Well, my nose and even my kids are addicted!  And it makes me feel great to know that there's a touch of me in every tissue!  And then they were discontinued and I was crushed.  

About 6 months ago, in the height of cold and flu season, there they were on the shelf again!  We were thrilled and the stock ups began.  Not only are they some of the softest tissues out there, but for allergy sufferers, being able to inhale that great sent of Vicks after a solid nose blowing, is so great!  (I know, I'm weird - but it's the little things, right?)  And we all like to put our best face forward and according to Puffs, their facial tissues have Air-Fluffed™ pillows for 40% more cushiony thickness so we can do just that!

One very important thing to note about these wonderful tissues.  You do NOT want to have them handy while watching a sappy movie or use them to wipe your kids tears.  The sent of the Vicks will burn your eyes and while temporary it does not feel good.

Thankfully they're not that much more expensive than regular Puffs.  Maybe .01 cent per tissue and they're not available just anywhere.  I have seen them at CVS and Walmart.  You also can get them in bulk at Amazon.com.  Better yet, subscribe through Amazon to have them auto-shipped every 1-6 months and save even more!

Since it looks like we're in for a dreary weekend, the outdoor work will have to wait for better days ahead.  That's not the worst thing since I just saw this photo on TotallyTarget.  I love that site because it not only shares with me how to get the best bang for my buck at Target stores, it also shares all sorts of other savings opportunities with me!  Check them out!  Anyway, a whole end cap full of Puffs with Vicks on clearance! For 74 cents a box!  I guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend!

So - that's it!  Give them a try and let me know what you think.  Or better yet, if you're at Target and happen upon an end cap filled with my fav tissues, send me a note and I'll be on my way!!

Until next time...

Where the heck have I been!?!?!

Oh my gosh!!  I can't believe it's been over a month since I blogged!  One of the most frustrating things about blogging is finding the time to post!  I have my calendar and notebook full of things I want to share but life has been so crazy busy!  We all know that sometimes the things you love to do are the things that take a back seat to the things you have to do!

Although...don't get out your violin quite yet!  I have been doing lots of the things that I love to do.  And to be totally honest, it's 2 of my favorite things to do...traveling and spending time with my family!  Below is sort of a photo montage of how I've been spending the last several weeks!

The later part of the winter months (scratch that - looking out my window it's apparent that winter is still going on!)  The later part of the first quarter was pretty full with Marissa's dance competitions.  They made it to State so we had lots of fun celebrating her senior year of dance!

I know I'm prejudiced but I think she has the most beautiful smile!

Her team photo taken by one of her coaches, Suzanne Thompson, who also does amazing photography!

Marissa and I at the team banquet along with one of her best friends, Rachel, and her 

mom Nancy. Nancy just happens to be one of my favorite people and lucky for us, 

both our girls are headed to University of Minnesota, Duluth in the fall so we will

 continue to have lots of fun together - (we're already planning our road trips 

to check on our girls!)

Next stop Riviera Maya Mexico and the Barcelo Colonial and Tropical Resort for a super fun and safe spring break for a group of seniors from Eagan High School.  Watch for a blog in the next few weeks where I'll share more details about the trip.  Needless to say we had a blast!  

The girls with their matching tanks - compliments of Midwest Travel Service!

As much fun as Mark looks like he's having...he was NOT the only guy!  That was our

last day and the rest of the guys had either left the day before or earlier flights that day!

My girls Lexie and Marissa - adorable!!

What's better than a family photo in the Caribbean Sea?  Not much! (except a photo that

also includes Kyle, Christina and Blake!)

I love iPhone's except for taking photos! They never seem to come out very clear.

My life is so much more blessed now that it includes my grandson!  Christina has been so busy working with bridal couples, assisting them with their Destination Weddings and Honeymoons so I've been hanging out with Blake!  We also celebrated his first birthday with lots of family and friends.

My favorite way to spend the day!

The birthday boy!

The 'Hungry Little Caterpiller' table of sweets!

For more photos of his special day, check out Christina's blog!

An amazing group of ladies - it's no wonder they're cousins!

Maria's been doing her fair share of traveling as well.  The best part of that for me is her kids usually stay with us!  Hectic? YES!  Love it?  YES! YES!

Hanging out at Old Chicago

Another travel adventure happened a few weeks ago.  My Mom and I sailed the Carnival Splendor to the Island of Bermuda.  I had never been to Bermuda before and I loved it!  So much beauty and history!  Another blog post waiting to be shared!

It was SO cool to sail past Lady Liberty!

The color of the ocean in Bermuda was like nothing I've ever seen before - so pretty!

We had the BEST time together and lots of champagne!!

Another of my favorite things about  - what's supposed to be  - this time of year is SOFTBALL!  I love sunny days watching Lexie do her thing!  Tournament weekends - even better!  Although most of her high school games this spring have been cancelled due to the nasty weather, we have the whole summer ahead of us and many tournaments!  Here's to better weather ahead!

First game of the season (and the first double)!

In this case, I saved the worst for last!  I bartend at the Twins games and my bar is outside.  It has been a miserable start to the season with many layers and frozen fingers!

 - WINTER - GET OUT OF HERE!!!

Selfie of my in the ladies room warming my fingers under the dryer!

I might look happy - but really I'm miserable!

As busy and crazy as my life has been, I am so grateful for each and every part of it!  However, it's time to get back to a more balanced lifestyle.  Here's to a spring/summer of sunshine, good-times and lots of blogging!!!

Until next time...

Funky Friday ~ I Love my Mom!

My Mom is the best!  I know, everyone thinks that - I mean at least those of us that have great Moms. But mine truly is, and for a number of reasons.  The number of reasons actually, is so long that I could do a Funky Friday blog ... about all the things that are great about her ... every Friday ...  for a couple of years!  And maybe I will.  But today I wanted to tell you about one of my favorite things about her.

She communicates by mail!!!

I know!  Isn't that crazy??  And it's not just Birthday or Anniversary cards.  It's the actual old-fashioned, send a note because 'I'm thinking of you' or 'I'm proud of you' communication.  I'm so lucky.  My kids are so lucky.  Even my co-workers are lucky!  Every once in a while we'll get something in the mail from Judith.  We can tell it's from her before we even see the return address.  She's a professional calligrapher so it's not just addressed - it's designed.  Here's an example of one of our treasures:

Once we're past the envelope, what's inside is usually pretty thoughtful as well.  A newspaper article or printing on a topic she thinks might interest us.  Something travel related.  Something that relates to the location of our office.  Something related to someone we may know, or have heard about.  The list is endless. 

One of my favorite things to get from her is a comic.  You see, I don't read the comics.  I don't think they're funny.  But she does read them.  Daily.  And she thinks they're funny!  The funny thing is, when she sends one to me, I THINK IT'S FUNNY!  And it makes me happy to know that she's thinking of me.  And it makes me happy she knows it will make me laugh. 

Here is the one we received at the office today.  

It's funny, right?  And yes - it's true!  And SO typical of my Mom.  Both the conversation Lizzie is having with her Mom, the fact that she thought about me, and she knew I would appreciate it!  I especially love the smile face and exclamation point she added.  Brings forth another smile.  I love you Mom and call me anytime!!

Until next time...

W.A.T.W. ~ Celebrity Beach Bodies

As I sit here doing some online swimsuit browsing for my upcoming family spring break trip to Mexico, I somewhat wish I was a celebrity and could visit a spa for a few of the 'treatments' I'm sure the celebrities must get to ensure their bodies look their best for their beach vacations!  (I'm convinced it MUST be the treatments and not a good 'ol, well-balanced diet and a little bit of exercise - who lives like that!)

Although it's a little late in the day for a blog, it is Wednesday, and I am a fan of our W.A.T.W. posts.  So. Here's a few celebrity beach pics featuring the latest hot spots of the stars.  Thank goodness I haven't gone on my trip yet...I wouldn't want to have to post a photo of myself and have to compete with any of these photos!

I would love to vacation with these three women!  I love them all!  Although I must say Drew and Reese are darn brave to vacation with that body of Cameron's.  The three friends were attending a fitness retreat at the Amansala Resort in Tulum - doesn't sound like much of a vacation to me!

Reese Witherspoon / Cameron Diaz / Drew Barrymore

Hawaii is always a popular destination for the stars!

Jessica Simpson & Eric Johnson / Ashley Simpson & Bronx

Ashley Tisdale / Giulina Rancic / Lea Michele & Cory Monteith

Cabo seems to be another favorite celebrity vacation hot spot! 

Jennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux / Jessica Alba / Leeann Rimes & Eddie Cibrian

You can't go wrong with a Caribbean beach and St. Bart's seems to be on the radar of these celebrities!

Ryan Seacrest & Julianne Hough / Channing & Jenna Dewan Tatum

Jon Bon Jovi / Kate Moss

(This one's for you Maria!)

Of course, most of us 'normal' folk usually get only one week of vacation (if we even get that!).  Long vacations are not hard to come by for our celebrity friends.  A trip to Australia is 'no worries!'

Hugh Jackman / Bethanny Frankel

10 days from today I'll be on the beaches of Mexico in the beautiful Riviera Maya.  Although I don't have time to make it to the spa, a few more days of eating a half of an apple and a few leaves of lettuce and I'll be about as beach ready as I'll ever be!!

Until next time...