Hi friends! April is a month that I have a love/hate relationship with. It’s my birthday month, so there’s a feeling of excitement and fun. But then April is also filled with all the pollen. I hate that part of it. But this post is not about current hates. Here’s what I have been loving this month. Get ready for a very photo-heavy post.
Continue reading “Currently Loving- April 2019”Tag: Birthday
Currently Loving- May 2017
Happy Memorial Day, everyone!
I can’t believe that May is almost over! But if that means anything, it means that summer vacation has officially begun.
So, obviously, summer is one of my favorite things about May. Teachers work hard during the nine months we are in school, and when May 25th rolled around for me, I sure was happy to welcome some “me time”.
I’ve got some projects already on the agenda for summer. First is to make and hang my curtains for the living room. I played around with them the other day just to see how I felt about them. I think I’m gonna like it! 
That’s right! Some leopard print curtains are possibly making their grand entrance to the living room. I won’t know how I’ll like them until I get them up there, but I think that if I don’t like them in the living room, they just might work perfectly in the bedroom.
Then- I’m still working on how I want them to hang (inside the window as a make-shift roman shade or outside the window as a valence), but I’m hoping to get the kitchen curtains done too! I talked about it a bit here in my kitchen post a bit, and here’s the fabric I’ll be using. 
I also hope to fix this painting. I still think it needs something.
Another thing I’m planning to do is finish the, oh, FIVE books I’ve started reading at once. I’m shaking my head at myself as I type. I usually knock out a lot of books in the summer. Last summer was pretty awesome in the book department with some of my favorites being The Nightingale, Me Before You, and Baby Proof. Here’s hoping I finish the five I’m currently reading plus a few more!
A few products I’ve been into lately are dry shampoo and self tanner. Now, it’s not that I’ve just recently in my life discovered these things, it’s just that I would like to share that I’ve found some pretty good options at a great price point.
Dry Shampoo from Dove 
I have used both of these and like both of them a lot. I have very oily skin and an oily scalp, so growing up, I had to wash my hair every single day. Had I known about dry shampoo in college……I don’t even want to talk about it. My life would have been so much easier. I usually wash my hair one morning and style it, then I spray in the dry shampoo before I go to bed (when my hair tends to get the oiliest). The next day I only need a few more spritzes when I’m styling my hair. I can usually go two to three days without washing my hair when using the dry shampoo. This stuff is only around $5-$6 at Walmart, so it definitely doesn’t break the bank.
Jergens Self Tanner
I’m as pasty white and pale as they come. I just am. I’ve always been told to just embrace it, but it’s one of those things that annoys me about myself, so I use sunless tanner. Now most people know Jergens for their self tanning lotion. And when they first came out with the lotion, it was a gradual building thing, so you had to use it several days to build up a color. But this mousse stuff is great!
While I was living in Louisiana I was introduced to my still-favorite self tanner by St. Tropez.
I had never used a mousse before, and the formula is SO GOOD. But at $42 a bottle and a $7 mitt to apply it, I always felt guilty about spending so much money on it. I use it a lot in the summer, so I went through it kind of quickly. Then one night it was on QVC and THAT I did not feel bad about! 🙂 But that has been used up, of course, so I was on the look out for something a little easier on the pocketbook. That’s when I found this post by Cassie from Hi Sugarplum. I decided at around $13 a bottle (most mousses aren’t much cheaper than that), I knew I wanted to try it. Then one day I was walking down the clearance aisle at Walmart and found these for $2! 
It makes the application so much easier and also keeps your palms from staining. I am very happy with the Jergens mousse, even though the St. Tropez is still my favorite. I don’t feel orange unless I really over apply the tanner (three coats in three days- I don’t recommend that). And it lasts! I last tanned on Monday, and I still have a nice glow today (Sunday).
Some Netflix shows I’ve binge watched this month have been:
13 Reasons Why– Holy heavy stuff! I knew there was a lot of controversy around this show, but someone I worked with told me it was actually really good. I decided to give it a try as I put my students’ scrapbooks together, and I couldn’t stop watching. It’s based off of the book by the same title, but I had never been interested in reading the book. It was a very well-acted show. It was a show full of heavy, intense, graphic content. When it was over, I couldn’t stop talking about it to Paul. Critics said that it glorified suicide. I absolutely did not get that vibe. I did, however, immediately say that I’m not sure I would want my teenager to watch it. Certainly not without my viewing it before they did and maybe even only watching it together. It had several teachable moments, but it was very, very heavy. I keep saying that word. I can’t think of a better one to describe it, though. It was hard to get caught up in it and only think about high school and that age-range. But in all honesty, adults and young children have suicidal thoughts that go unnoticed or ignored. I think if I had to come away with something so heavy in concept and content, I would say that it taught me to be more aware. More aware of the people around me-friends or not. You never know what people are going through, but mostly because you never ask and they don’t tell. Ask. Be a friend. Help them if they need it. Being there for someone can mean so much to someone. Even if it’s a text at the end of the day to see how they’re doing. Just care and be kind to people.
Anne with an E– Okay, let’s lighten things up, shall we? Anne with an E is based on Anne of Green Gables. I did not read this book or the series when I was younger, but as an adult I’ve heard so many people say how wonderful the books were and how great Anne is. I read that this series is a grittier version of the book and previous series and movie. I have never seen those either, so this is my first encounter with Anne Shirley. And she is absolutely delightful! I love the way they talk, and I love how strong she is. It is very women-positive and girl power. Just because you’re a girl doesn’t mean you can’t do anything you want to do. It’s a wonderful story, and I hope they continue with more seasons.
Girlboss– This show got horrible reviews, but I thought the character of Sophia seemed spunky, and she started an internet business, so I was interested. It’s inspired by the book, #Girlboss, and the life of it’s author, Sophie Amoruso. I bought the book at a thrift store not too long ago, but haven’t read it yet. So, the series seemed like a fun way to get introduced to the Girlboss world. It was just that-fun. It wasn’t fantastic, but I enjoyed it. She’s a tough chick that doesn’t take any crap from anybody and works her tail off to achieve her goals. That was my takeaway from the show- work hard and it’ll pay off.
Okay, one last favorite.
I am a long-time lover of HGTV and especially Fixer Upper, but when this one came on the map, I knew I wanted to give it a go. I’ll be honest and say I thought it was going to be a worse version of Chip and Jo, because how does it get better than those two? But, y’all, I am so glad I did! I think these two are such a sweet couple, and dang is he a talented wood worker. I need a piece of furniture built by Ben and a painting by Erin ASAP! I don’t think I share exactly the same style as Erin when it comes to interior design, but that’s what makes the world go ’round, right? She has a great eye and sees things I could never see. She talked about a green roof with green trim on one house they did a few episodes ago, and I thought, ew! And then the reveal happened, and it was one of my favorites. That’s talent, y’all. I know most people are watching this already, but I just wanted to give it a shout out. If you’re not, check out HGTV on Tuesday nights at 9:00. And DVR those old episodes to see what else they’ve done. You won’t be disappointed!
Oh wait! I know I said that was the last one, but just one more! Paul turned 30 this month!!! He didn’t really want too much by way of birthday parties or huge celebrations or anything, but I couldn’t let his birthday happen without making his feel a bit special, so I woke up extra early and blew up 30 balloons to cover the living room floor. I hung streamers on the bedroom door frame so that when he opened the door when he woke up, he’d get a surprise. I baked him brownies for breakfast, and I put a 30 pack of beer in the fridge with more balloons. He sent me this Snap Chat after he woke up. 
Happy 30th again, babe! I love you, and you were totally worth the almost passing out from blowing up 30 balloons. 🙂
Thanks for sticking around with me and this long post. I’ve had lots of favorite things about the month of May. Here’s hoping you had a marvelous May and that June is even better!
Currently Loving- April 2017
April has been a fun month. For starters, it’s my birthday month. I am not really a huge birthday celebrator. I tend to play the “birthday card” when it’s convenient for me. (Can we have pizza for dinner? Will you bring me a glass of wine? – Basically when I need something and feel too lazy to do it myself, I ask Paul to do it.) 🙂 But I never want a big party, and I don’t care what people give me. I don’t need presents. Like my dad has always said, it’s just another day. I still have to get up and go to work more often than not and go about my daily business. However, I am very blessed and have people in my life who love me and made me feel very special. I turned 31 and had a fabulous birthday weekend spent with family, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. All I wanted was cheese dip, tacos, and fruit pizza. And I’ll be danged if I didn’t get it!
I even got peanut M&Ms from one student and a pair of earrings from another. How sweet were they? I even got two birthday dinners. (Tacos were lunch.) My family cooked for us on Saturday night a scrumptious dinner and that awesome fruit pizza. Then on Sunday, I got steak, a baked potato, and a chocolate pie. I felt very spoiled and very full. It truly was a great weekend. Thank you to my wonderful families and to my husband for always making me feel special not just on my birthday but everyday.
Switching gears to products- A few things I’m loving lately in the realm of beauty products is a new company I’ve discovered called Beauty Counter. Beauty Counter is a safer beauty company that doesn’t use harsh chemicals that are found in virtually all of our cosmetics and skin care. I am slowly (very slowly) but surely making the switch to these safer products, and so far, I’m in love. I purchased the Charcoal Bar for washing my face. I use it both in the morning when I wake up and at night. Some nights, if I’m extra lazy, I use it to remove my makeup and cleanse my face. But most nights I use coconut oil to remove my makeup and then wash with the Charcoal Bar.
When I bought the bar, I heard wonderful things about this Charcoal Mask. Now, it’s not like the scary charcoal masks you’ve seen all over Facebook that pull the blackheads out of your face and make you cry in the removal process, but it is a cleansing, detoxifying, smoothing mask that leaves my face (every single time) feeling smoother and softer than I’ve ever felt it. I have extremely oily skin, and I believe these two products were some of the best ones for my skin type in this company’s line of skin care.
There are so many products I’d like to try. They can be pricey, but they have nice incentives and a little goes a long way with all of their products. My consultant said she was on month 3 or something of the one bar of soap. That’s a long time for daily use of a bar of soap. I’ve had mine for about a month and have so much left. Also, I haven’t even put a dent in the mask. It’s going to last a while for sure.
I ordered their sunscreen this week during their special they were running for the best sellers. (I think it ended, but it’s worth popping over to see if it’s still going on.) Did y’all know about all the harmful chemicals in sunscreen? Whoa!
Because I ordered during the sale, I am receiving a full sized mascara with the purchase of my sunscreen. I can’t wait to use it!
If you are reading this and want to place an order, my consultant is a friend from Louisiana, and she is wonderful! She would love to help you. Her website is found here. She can also be found on Facebook. Feel free to message her for more details and info. Or if you want to know more from me about how my products are working out, let me know and I’ll hook you up with Kelly.
April, well actually March, brought on a serious battle with my allergies. I haven’t lived in Alabama for 8 years, so I’ve gotten used to the changing of seasons in Louisiana. Y’all, when I tell you I couldn’t breathe for two months, I’m not kidding. I take a daily allergy pill and have for several years now, but nothing, and I mean nothing, was stopping this! I even did the Netty Pot. (Perhaps the most unpleasant thing I’ve ever endured.) I’ve been known to be a little stubborn, so I finally went to see Dr. Slagley. He fixed me right up with a shot (miracle working stuff right there) and all the other meds I needed to get well. And within two days I could breathe through my nose again. I have thanked God so much for that since I’ve been able to do it. I will never take it for granted again. Thank you, Dr. Slagley. I’m sure I was the 1,000th patient of yours that came in with these same symptoms, but I’m well now.
Say hello to the countdown to summer. I’m so stoked! One of the perks of being a teacher is definitely having summers off. That doesn’t mean we don’t work hard during the school year. We totally earn our break. I do love the kids and will miss them, but this teacher loves her summers.
It was my first year being able to attend Putting on the Ritz, and I’m so happy I was able to. Putting on the Ritz is a local production featuring all local talent from top to bottom, on stage and behind the scenes, directors, costume designers, choreographers, everything. The talent here is just wonderful. There are so many talented children too. One little red head, in particular was stealing the show with his stellar dance moves. This year’s theme was An Evening of Pure Imagination and had a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme for many of the numbers. Other acts were tributes to those gone on before us like David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, and Merle Haggard to name a few, The Beatles, there was a fun Vogue number, and even a performance by the youth featuring the song from Trolls, “I Will Get Back Up Again” (I love that song 🙂 ). Maybe my favorite one was Tom Jones. Those sparkly pants and wig! So fun! Mr. Tommy did an amazing job, and I laughed a lot.
My father-in-law was in a quintet with some very talented musicians doing the tribute and sang Merle Haggard’s, “Mama Tried” wonderfully.
There were two other performers that truly blew me away with their talent and that’s Joseph Longmire and LaTonya Johnson. Holy cow, y’all! I hope they are in the Putting on the Ritz for many years to come. He has such a smooth voice, and the boy can dance! And LaTonya is a powerhouse. She sang “You Don’t Own Me” and that’s the dang truth. Don’t nobody own her! She proved that when she belted at the end of the song. I was so into their performances that I didn’t get any video or pictures of them, but trust me, they are fabulous.
All of the people involved in getting this thing put together deserve so much praise. I mean, this was so fun to see local people come out to just have a good time and enjoy other local people putting their talent out there at our very own Ritz Theater. If you have never been, next year is a must. My first year was great!
Easter was this month. I always enjoy Easter. I was able to go to church with my parents. Paul is always working on Easter, it seems. When will golf courses learn to close on Easter Sundays? If you can close for Jesus’ birth, you can close for Jesus’ resurrection. Anyway…….I quite enjoyed the day with my parents and the day before we had our Easter celebration with Paul’s family. We dyed eggs and hid them for the children and ate a very yummy dinner. I’m so enjoying being able to spend this time with family. I’ve missed it these past 8 years. It’s so good to be home.
Our community has suffered a tremendous loss therefore making April one of the worst months of many people’s lives. But one of my other April favorites is the way our town, community, schools, churches, etc have come together to rally around a family and a group of teenagers that lost a friend and loved one much too soon. I’m not sure how I would have reacted if I had been in their shoes at such a young and impressionable age, but I know that there has been such an outpouring of love from them to each other and for them from the community. It’s still very early in the stages of grief for these young people and for this family, but I know that because they are such a close bunch, they will get through this. And they’ll get through it together. Their bond will forever be strong and deep-rooted. I hope they carry that with them for the rest of their lives and look back on the happy memories of their friend. I know the pain is indescribable, but I’m thankful for the people of this community who come together to take care of their own. It’s truly inspiring and a testament to how special this person was. Though I didn’t know him or his family personally, I’ll be praying for them and his friends, and I ask that if you’re reading this, you’ll say a prayer for them too.
On a happy note, spring is a time for new things. April brought lots of new things to my life. Every month seems new to me in this old/new town of mine. I look forward to what May has to bring, and I wish you a happy May as well.