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...

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...

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...

Funky Friday ~ National Margarita Day!

Today is National Margarita Day! 

The margarita ~ a most delicious cocktail made of tequila, Triple Sec or Cointreau (my personal fav), and fresh lime juice, has been around since the early 1940s.

There are many legends of who actually came up with the recipe, but no one person has been credited as the true margarita mixologist.  One thing we do know is the margarita is one of the most popular drinks of all time!  I've been known to throw back many different versions of the drink, and I will say it's all in the tequila.  The better the tequila, the better the margarita.  I prefer silver tequila and believe me...Patron is worth the money!  Whatever your tequila preference, make sure it is 100% Agave tequila.

My favorite way to consume it is the 'Margatini'.  

2 ounces Patron

2 ounces Cointreau

Freshly squeezed lime juice

Mix all ingredients in shaker with lots of ice and pour into chilled martini glass.  

ENJOY!

Delicious, huh?  And it's Friday ~ the perfect day to celebrate National Margarita Day!  Head out for a Margarita Happy Hour or invite some friends over, mix 'em up a few Margatini's and get the weekend started off in a most delicious way!!!

Until next time....

Funky Friday ~ My Grammy Picks!

A few months ago I wrote about 25 Things to get to know me better. Well, Sunday night is Grammy night, and it reminded me of an important detail I left out about myself.

26. There is always music playing in my head.

Think about the times when you hear a catchy tune on your way to work, and it plays over and over in your head all day. Drives you crazy, right? That's what it's like for me all. day. long. And if I'm really stressed out, in my dreams as well.

It could be anything. A commercial jingle, a tune from The Sound of Music, the Dirty Dancing soundtrack, a Top 40 hit, or something silly my kids made up. But everything that comes through my ears throughout the day reminds me of a song, and then it plays over and over until it gets kicked out of my head by another phrase that reminds me of another song.

I never thought this was odd. I guess I just assumed everybody had this thing going on, until one day when Theresa and Andrea and I were on a cruise about four years ago. We were laying out on the Lido Deck reading quietly and sipping cocktails when Theresa suddenly said to me, "What are you doing?"

Me: "Reading, why?"
Theresa: "No, I mean, what are you doing with your toes?"
Me: "Nothing, what do you mean?"
Theresa: "What do you mean, nothing? You're bending them, like this..."

It was then that I realized that my toes were bending, for lack of a better word, to a beat. I don't remember what song my head was playing at the time, but I told them about it. "Oh, that's just (insert song)." I thought they would understand, but little did I know I was totally alone in this quirky habit.

Theresa: "Well, just stop."
Me: "I can't just stop."
My brain: "I just can't stop loving you! And if I stop, then tell me just what will I do..."

We continued on reading, but by then it was really bugging her.

Theresa: "Stop!"
My brain: "Stop! In the name of love..."
Me: "Alright, alright, but it just happens, I swear!"
My brain: "And I swear, by the moon and the stars in the sky, I'll be there..."

You get the idea. It's not only a problem with my toes, but also my thumbs. I'm weird. I know. But to put a positive spin on it, I really love music, so I guess it's better than hearing voices or spontaneously screaming obscenities. So, in honor of my funky little habit, here are some of my picks for the 2013 Grammy Awards on Sunday night.

Record of the Year
» The Black Keys - "Lonely Boy"
» Kelly Clarkson - "Stronger"
» Fun. feat. Janelle Monae - "We Are Young"
» Gotye feat. Kimbra - "Somebody That I Used to Know"
» Frank Ocean - "Thinkin Bout You"
» Taylor Swift - "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"

This is a really close one for me, with "We Are Young" coming in a close 2nd, but in the end I am a sucker for an awesome bass line, that can really get my thumbs and toes going in an offbeat sort of way, so Gotye wins this battle.

Song of the Year
» Ed Sheeran - "The A Team"
» Miguel - "Adorn"
» Carly Rae Jepsen - "Call Me Maybe"
» Kelly Clarkson - "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"
» Fun. - "We Are Young"

 I know "Call Me Maybe" was all the rage, and if I were 16 I swear I would have made 28 videos featuring myself lip-syncing that song, but "We Are Young" just strikes me as an anthem for this generation, and I think it has staying power.

 Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
» Florence and the Machine - "Shake It Out"
» Fun. - "We Are Young"
» Gotye feat. Kimbra - "Somebody That I Used to Know"
» LMFAO - "Sexy and I Know It"
» Maroon 5 - "Payphone"

Oh, Adam, how I hate to vote against you, but how can you argue with LMFAO? The way those guys make fun songs without taking themselves too seriously cracks me up. They probably won't win, because the Grammy's tend to go to more serious artists, but it would be fun if they did.

Best Rock Performance
» Alabama Shakes - "Hold On"
» The Black Keys - "Lonely Boy"
» Coldplay - "Charlie Brown"
» Mumford & Sons - "I Will Wait"
» Bruce Springsteen - "We Take Care of Our Own"

Who does not love this song??? And I am not a banjo thumping, knee slappin' gal, but this tune gets me going!!!

Best Rap Song
» Nas - "Daughters"
» Wale feat. Miguel - "Lotus Flower Bomb"
» Kanye West Featuring Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz - "Mercy"
» Drake feat. Lil' Wayne - "The Motto"
» Jay-Z & Kanye West - "N---as In Paris"
» Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa Featuring Bruno Mars - "Young, Wild & Free"

No questions. Best song. Wanna get pumped up? Play it.

Best New Artist
» The Alabama Shakes
» Fun.
» Hunter Hayes
» The Lumineers
» Frank Ocean

One of my fav songs this year is "Hey Ho" by the Lumineers, but since they only really have one hit so far, my vote goes to Fun., who has proved that they can produce multiple hits with the kind of songs that really get your toes moving.

I guess we'll see on Sunday! Enjoy the performances and the dresses, and rest assured that I won't be watching with Theresa, so my thumbs can freely bop to the beat. ("To the beat of the rhythm of the night, dance until the morning light. Forget about the worries of your mind, you can leave them all behind..."

Funky Friday ~ Brief History of the Bikini!

It's that time of year that most of us dread...shopping for a winter getaway swimsuit!  Recently, I was searching the racks of tankini's, (passing by all the teeny, tiny bikinis with a quick thought of 'some of these are so small!'), and it got me to thinking.  What would people of years ago think of how time has changed the sizes and styles of the bikini!  And how it has changed!  Come along with me as I give you a glimpse into the revolution of the bikini.

Who would have thought that the bikini went back as far as 300 AD!  This mosaic  from Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily, Italy shows women looked great in bikinis even then!

Here is a photo of French engineer Louis Reard who is credited with designing the bikini in 1946. He decided to name his creation the bikini, after the nuclear testing the US military had just completed at Bikini Atoll.  He was hoping it would be as 'explosive' as that test!

Bridget Bardot is widely credited with the popularity of the bikini.  He she is at the Cannes Film Festival at the ripe old age of 18!  In my opinion, the age that the tummy looks best!

1960 This popular song reaches #1 spot on the Billboard hot 100!  Can you name it?

1962 - Ursula Andress emerges from the Caribbean as 'Honey Rider' in the James Bond Flick, Dr. No.

1964 - Sports Illustrated debuts it's first Swimsuit Issue.  The story behind it is the editor at the time was having a difficult time finding a decent sporting event to write about so he asked his fashion reporter to fill some space, including the cover.  The rest is history!

1966 - Raquel Welch wears a fur bikini in the film, 'One Million Years BC.  Years later she was quoted as saying she never wanted to wear it.  For the life of me...I can't understand why!  She looks gorgeous!

1983 - Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in 'Return of the Jedi'.  She referred to it as 'the titanium thing'.

1997 - Miss America contestants were allowed to wear 2 piece swimsuits during the swimsuit competition.  It was the first time since they had been banned from the competition in 1947.

2002 - Another James Bond stunner emerges from the Caribbean.  Halle Berry looks amazing as Giacinta "Jinx" Johnson.

There you have it!  I'd post a pic of some of the more recent versions of the bikini but since this is a family friendly site, I'll let you go research those on your own!  My moral of the story (blog) is, not all of us are bikini ready and some of us never will be!  Be courteous to others around you.  Bikini's are NOT one size fits all!  Wear it only if it fits!

Until next time...

Funky Friday ~ How some of the MTS Family spent the Holidays!

T.G.I.F.!!!  I don't mind that so much as I do 'Happy Friday'!  For some reason, my 'Happy Friday' isn't so happy when someone says that to me.  It then turns into 'Crabby Friday'.  Now that I've given you one of my deep, dark secrets, let's move on before I really digress...

It's been so crazy busy here and last week as you know I was enjoying Ixtapa so I didn't have the opportunity to share some of our family photos with all of you!  I sent an email out to our 'Escape Artists' asking them to share some of their Holiday photos with us.  I think it's so fun to see their personalities and the faces of their families who wait patiently, especially this time of the year, until Mommy finishes her tasks for the day!  A few of them are a bit blurry - the downside of cell photos - but I think their smiles still show through!  Enjoy!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed that little 'peek' into our lives!  Have a great weekend!

Until next time...

Funky Friday ~ A December Reflection ~

Today is my oldest son's 12th birthday, and represents the end of the usual December scramble in our family. With three birthdays and Christmas all in one month, trying to fit it all in while making each person feel special and celebrated is no small task. I know I should love it, but truthfully I'm relieved it's coming to an end ~ which is kind of sad.

Last night my 10 and 8 year old were getting into their seemingly daily argument and I had to intervene. They share a room, a love of competition, and a need to get under each other's skin. I tried to explain to them that I know deep down they would do anything for each other, and they agreed if someone was coming after their brother they would...well, we really don't need to get into details, do we?

 

Here are the culprits, enjoying an ice cold root beer after a baseball game.

But I started to tell them that they really only have to put up with each other full-time for about eight more years, then they ~ GULP ~ eight more years??? So, wait, Matthew will only be around here for six more years? And Michael for eight? And George for ten? Then I will just have one at home? For only five more after that??? Wasn't I just holding them in my arms? Eight more years? Why didn't someone tell me this would be so short? So I only have six more Decembers with them all in the house?

The relief that had washed over me moments ago with December coming to an end has now turned into panic. I have come to love this organized chaos that we call home, and I can't imagine it without any one of them! I know, I know, the birthdays and celebrations will continue. They'll come home from college (and may even move back in for periods of time after that), but these years of us all being together are moving too fast. As my mom says, we are living the best time of our family life right now, when we can lock the doors at night and know that our kids are tucked safely in bed.

I'm just not ready yet. When someone mentions 1992 I feel like it was just five years ago, not 20. Eight years is nothing, and the busier we get, the faster it goes. 

Family photo from Christina's wedding a few years ago. They clean up nice, don't they?

So what does this have to do with travel? Nothing, and everything. I travel a lot, but the last time my family all got on a plane together was nine years ago, and I only had two kids. It's just so expensive for a family to travel, so we haven't. But we will. This year, I'm making it a priority. I'm saving for it. I'm working towards it. I will not let these few years slip by without our family enjoying each other in a destination that's new and different, to take us out of our routines and daily annoyances, to really leave it all behind and just get silly.

So I'm telling you to travel as a family. And I know times are tough. And I know it would be nice to get a newer car this year and that the roof needs repairing. I know travel is seen as a luxury and not a necessity. I know it falls to the bottom of the priority list because it has on mine, too. But I regret that. I could have made coffee at home every day and not gotten a $4.89 latte. We could have eaten out one less time each week and put that money away. Eventually that stuff does add up, and even if it means going somewhere once every two or three years, it's better than not at all.

I've been to a lot of places. I know all the fanciest resorts to take your kids where you'll all be entertained every minute of the day, and if you have the money for that then that is simply excellent. Go for it! They are truly amazing experiences. But if you don't, and you've been setting aside $50 each paycheck until you have enough saved, I also know of some more modest places that offer wonderful family experiences because I have been to them, checking them out for you, and someday soon, for me and my family too.

So, travel. Move it up the list. Set your goal and work towards it. Don't let these few years that you still have your kids' attention pass you by. Before you know it they will have careers, families, and responsibilities of their own, and it will be more and more difficult for you all to get together. Now is the time. Carpe diem. Do something you'll never forget, and will never regret. See the world together.

 Give the kids a pool and some slides and they are happy! Who wouldn't be?

Have a wonderful and blessed New Year!

Funky Friday ~ More Holiday DIY

Have I mentioned I LOVE this time of year??  For the most part I'm usually a day late and a dollar short, so the frantic crowds and last minute hustle and bustle of this week never bothers me at all.   My house is perfectly disorganized and cluttered with things I've seen on Pinterest or my favorite blogs.  I fall in love with them and decide I'm going to make them for myself or one of my cherished friends.  It's a constant frustration for my husband whose daily task is trying to organize my piles in different corners of the house by asking me what he should do with this or that - something or other.  My answer is always a 'Oh, leave that.  I'm going to get to that this week.'  And he does.  And I don't.

So.  Although the crafts are purchased, and the piles in the corners remain, I've decided to save them all for a rainy day and display them next year.  BUT - so all is not lost - I'm sharing a few of my favorites with you.  Maybe you are one of those I aspire to be and have all of your shopping done, cookies baked and presents wrapped and you're wondering what you should do with these last few days before Christmas.  Or maybe you're hosting a get together and are looking for a few simple ideas that will 'wow' your guests.  These should do the trick.

I love this Black and White Christmas Tree from The Inspired Room

The Nesting Place is one of my fav blogs to follow.  She has such cool ideas like this Anthropologie inspired wreath!

I also love these Snow Lantern / Terrariums by The Nester

Love this Wintery Pearl Wreath by Classy Clutter

Another of my favorite blogs is Centsational Girl.  She makes shopping in your own home appealing! Love how she decorates with vessels and vignettes and loving her Holiday Home Tour!

These DIY candle holders from Thifty Decor Chick?  Adorable, inexpensive and beautiful!

And sometimes, when life is crazy busy, it's easier to have someone else do the work for you.  I LOVE this idea for an advent calendar!   The options of what you could put in the little grain sacks are endless and how fun!  Check out Dreamy Whites.  Both their shop and their blog are full of inspiration.

Finally, I can't finish a Holiday post without throwing a little 'beauty' into it.  Another one of my favorite blogs is The Small Things Blog. It's definitely a daily read.  I've never met Kate but somehow, after following her via her blog and instagram, I feel like I know her!  Her hair tutorials are easy to follow and doably awesome!  This one is perfect for the Holidays!

My 'friend' Kate with a perfect Holiday Hair Tutorial!

Here's wishing you and yours the most wonderful and holy Holiday Season filled with incredible love and joy!  

Until next time...