Friday, July 31, 2020

Friday Favorites

Knit By God's Hand: Friday Favorites
(Click Pic for Link)


Favorite Coffee Magic


black and gray HyperChiller



This takes coffee & chills it down instantly in 60 seconds for iced coffee without making it watery from ice!
WHATTTTTTTTT????
You can use this for any drink you create - I'm thinking tea as well!!!!
This just may have made the world a better place


Favorite Doggie Helper



We have one that folds out to let water our into a tray - but I like this has a button that lets water out & doesnt leak. Easier to throw in a bag or carry with you without it sloshing around

Favorite Kitchen Gadget Set

the magnetic storage stand and five utensils

I love the way this stores up!!!
there's magnets involved here to hold it all together!


Favorite Seasoning

reviewer hand holding clear bottle labeled "Trader Joe's everything but the bagel"


OK... I know everyone & their grandma have tried & loved this
...everyone but me...
because I dont live near a Trader Joe's
But I found it online & finally can enjoy all the seasoning goodness.
Excited to try it on everything!

Favorite Boob Helper

Nicole Nguyen wearing black elastic band on top of a blue sports bra

The things girls have to deal with ....
& the things that are created for us!!!!
This keeps the girls from moving around while doing exercises or running - anything that requires a lot of jumping!  What a genius creation!!!


Favorite Foot Help

feet with bands over the middle

If we're gonna band up the boobs - let's band up the feet too.
I've used these before for plantar facitis & they've really helped me.
Foot compression really helps a lot of issues.

Favorite Shirt

Model in the sleeveless white blouse

I'm seeing a lot of these sorts of shirts everywhere & really like the drop sleeves & the light & airy look of it. & they have them at Walmart so cheap! Its worth the price to just try it out.

Favorite Ice Tray

The ice mold, which makes hexagonal shaped ice

Favorite Funnies

Afternoon Funny Meme Dump 31 Pics

Afternoon Funny Meme Dump 31 Pics

After Dark Funny Meme Dump 36 Pics

After Dark Funny Meme Dump 36 Pics


After Dark Funny Meme Dump 36 Pics


Afternoon Funny Meme Dump 31 Pics

After Dark Funny Meme Dump 36 Pics


After Dark Funny Meme Dump 36 Pics

After Dark Funny Meme Dump 36 Pics

Afternoon Funny Meme Dump 32 Pics

Afternoon Funny Meme Dump 32 Pics

Afternoon Funny Meme Dump 32 Pics

Afternoon Funny Meme Dump 32 Pics

... when the hubs finds the cupcakes I was hiding in the cabinet

Little Fires Everywhere GIF by HULU

... the dogs any time we leave the house

You Need To Calm Down The Man GIF by Taylor Swift

... me looking at my bank account & seeing all the online shopping I've been doing while at home

Mitt Romney GIF by GIPHY News


... me at 4:30pm

Andy Samberg Dancing GIF by HULU

Happy Weekend Y'all!!!




Thursday, July 30, 2020

Thankful Thursday #276

Knit By God's Hand: Lots of surviving.... packing, ER visits ...

This week I am Thankful for:


Baby Shower
One of my adorable HSM sisters is pregnant with her first baby.  Some of the other leaders hosted a baby shower for her & we all got to join in via ZOOM.  What a crazy time.  We ordered gifts & sent to her home & the hostesses got the gifts & wrapped them all & then we all got to log in & even played games on ZOOM & got to see all the fun goodies that this loved baby got to receive.  If you can't see people in person, you can still love on them from afar & I'm glad to be able to love on my friend Emily & little baby Lincoln.



Flowers
I talked about this on Monday - but still  loving seeing the flowers outside my window - the reminders of my daddy!

Shirt
I love my new shirt that makes me smile in thinking of my dad & just that my friend saw it & immediately thought of me.  So much love wrapped up in one shirt.


Dreams
I had another dream of my dad this past week.  I honestly woke  up laughing from laughing with him in my dream.  It was again one of those that felt like he was really near.  Have you ever woke up laughing from your dream? its the best feeling. I was making fun of his clothes - he was wearing things he would NEVER wear ... but he was laughing too.  It was really like a visit. It makes me feel so near when he shows up in my dreams.  & its funny how the dreams always are consistent.  Like the conversations we have had get pulled into the next dream.  It gives me comfort in feeling like I really did see him.  Call me crazy - I'm fine with that.

Tennis game
I have missed seeing my niece play some tennis & was so glad to see her in a tournament & work her racket magic.

Texas Roadhouse To-Go
There has only been like 2 things I've missed eating out & getting.  One is Texas Roadhouse's side salad. They really are the best. I blame the croutons.  We havent ate it since March & I went ahead & ordered to go. I was so happy to see how they're handling their to-go orders. You text them when you get there & they let you know when your order is ready to come in & get it.  I appreciate that so much.  .... I can pretty much bet I'm not going in a place to eat for the rest of 2020. I'm not comfortable with it & dont see it getting better for awhile.... so I'm super grateful for places that make it feel safe for people like me.

Mask Wearers
They made it mandatory in Indiana now for masks.  Our county actually had it mandated a few days before the whole state.  So now, Kentucky AND Indiana are both mask mandated states. & of COURSE there are still people that refuse..... I can't y'all... these people exhaust me.  So if you are doing what is asked of  you for the health of others, I am GRATEFUL FOR YOU!!!!

Heart Love GIF by Jef Caine


Tell me something good in your week



You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Click here to enter

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

What's Up Wednesday {July 2020 Edition}


, What’s Up Wednesday {06.24.20}

What We're Eating This Week
We have been eating the heck out of these babies.
I've been making them with veggie burgers... & using left overs to warm up with breakfast the next day.  I find them in Target in the refrigerated section.  They're not frozen so they cook up really fast. They also make them with potato chunks  - DELISH!

Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns - 20oz - image 1 of 2

What I'm Reminiscing About
My little Bruno.  
Saturday would have been his 20th birthday.

But we'll still celebrate because it'll be our Zoe's 15th Birthday!!!

What I'm Loving
I'm so loving these long bobby pins
They are REALLY long...
but they work so well for me to hold my messy buns in place.



My hair is pretty thick & wound up, little bobby pins dont get into the center of my buns - so these have been great for me!


What We've Been Up To
Nothing exciting.
Still bunch of the same since March - staying home a lot...
taking care of dogs & horses, sewing masks & doing yard work.

Calm down. I know - its a lot of excitement.


What I'm Dreading
Going back to work in the office.
Have no idea when that's going to happen - but I'm already dreading it.
Not because of anything with work or my job - just dreading losing the sleep.


What I'm Working On
Looking up how to make some kimonos & some skirts.
I know I'm gonna have some 5th grader looking stuff to start off with - but gotta start somewhere.


What I'm Excited About
School Supplies are out everywhere.
Give me all the new pens & notebooks!!!

Supplies for Your Kindergarten Class | Jeep memes, Jeep wrangler ...


What I'm Watching / Reading
Reading - Head Over Heels - the Book of the Month I chose

Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein

Watching - ALL THE THINGS
Right now - I've actually watching The Last Dance which Ricky finds really funny since I'm not a sports fan (only Tennis) - but I always did like Michael Jordan.  It's been  really interesting actually.

Sports docs like The Last Dance Michael Jordan documentary


What I'm Listening To
I've been trying out some Meditation things with my new Google Mini that I just put in the bedroom.
Trying to use them to relax & go to sleep.  It's working really well too!


What I'm Wearing
Let's be honest - we're lucky I'm wearing anything presentable on most days.


What I'm doing this Weekend
Hopefully getting to spend some time outside & reading!
I THINK we're getting a break in the heat! Fingers crossed!


What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month
I'm getting some time off work.
I kept waiting to take off for when we got back in the office just to not make it a big deal for someone to cover for me.... well, we're not heading into August & we're still at home & haven't taken one day off yet.  So I finally got some time scheduled off.  Not doing anything - The Hubs cant even take that full week off either.  Probably staying at home reading - but I'm good with that.
At least it'll be a stress free week.


What Else is New
Watching to see how everyone is handling all the school situations.
Crazy how each county is doing something different - even when they're right next to each other.

I feel so bad for parents - & school board members - & teachers.
So many decisions to make - all the pressure on all of it.

My County is doing a Hybrid thing - part in person / part at home - all depends on your last name when you go in.
Louisville is doing the first 6 weeks online.
The county over is giving parents the choice.
What a mess.

This video made me laugh.. hope it gives all you parents a smile in the stress



Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Random Thoughts

Knit By God's Hand: Random Thoughts....



... Someone tell me why I feel so protective  over Dr. Anthony Faucci?  I'll let someone talk bad about me but when you start making fun of Dr. Faucci & what he says about science & the virus... these there am fighting words!

These Dr. Fauci Memes Won't Cure Coronavirus, but They Will Make ...



... I'm looking into starting to learn to sew some clothes. & by clothes,  I mean the most basic of easiest clothes you can possibly make. I'm going to try & make some kimonos. Mainly because I bought one the other day & held it out & was like - this has like no parts to it whatsoever  Wish me luck.  Start small & learn along the way, right?


.... I was on a kick of watching Glee since I've been working from home.  This whole thing with Naya River... - it has just made me so sad. I love her voice & her version of the Adele song has ALWAYS been my favorite on my playlist.    This poor cast has been through a lot, haven't they?





... I've watched more Keeping up with the Kardashians since being home than my whole life.  I've determined Khloe is my favorite.   She seems the most normal & level headed. If those are words that can used for a Kardashian.

... did you hear about Garmin & the hack that happened to them.  I live by my Garmin watch & even have a page in my planner that is dedicated to tracking all the activity - steps - Heart rate - sleeping - all the info!! & then  there was a notice the system was down. It was a few days later & STILL down. Turns out - they were hacked & held for ransom for $10 MILLION DOLLARS!!! Isnt that crazy??? Who are these people that do this?  Horrible, awful, evil people.  & if they can do that to Garmin, a company that you know has top security in their software - how easily can people get to normal every day people.  .... technology is amazing, but man, it has its drawbacks.

... Why... WHY did they get rid of Tom Bergeron from Dancing with the Stars & replace him with Tyra Banks? I love  me some Tyra - dont get me wrong. But Tom is what made the show so fun. He could handle any situation with humor.  & he's been on it since the start - how do you just shake it all up like that? I know the show has been going downhill but its because their voting system is a JOKE. The last few years, the best dancer has NOT won because of the stupid system. They tried to fix it - still didnt work. I dont know why they think changing the host is going to save the show.
.... by the way, does any one but me & Nathalie (my dancing sister) watch this anymore?


Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews Joke About How Quickly 'DWTS ...

... I still can not believe I have been working from home for the past 4 months.  It really is mixing my brain up though on what day it is. I have woken up countless times & thinking, Ahh - its Saturday. Nope - its only been a Thursday or even worse, a Tuesday - so far away from Saturday.  When I have to go back in the office, its going to REALLY mess me up.

... does anyone else get overwhelmed with all the shows on Netflix?  They bring out such good things & then I add them all on My List.... & then end up going back to watching shows I've already seen before. Grey's Anatomy, i'm looking at you.

Image - 733528] | Netflix | Know Your Meme

Tell me a random thought going through your head right now :)

Monday, July 27, 2020

The weekend that was all about my dad checking in for his birthday

Hello Monday!

Can you all believe August is at the end of this week. AUGUST.  I honestly am just mind blown. I saw a tweet that said something like 2020 has been both the fastest year mixed in with the LONGEST year of our lives.  Isnt that true!

Anyone else seen any Christmas stuff out?  Yep - I have.  Saw some at Hobby Lobby & some at Sam's Club.  Can anyone even imagine how Christmas + COVID are going to mix?  I think it'll be more a mix of Hallowene + COVID. A much better combo.  ... saying that, I do get pretty excited about seeing Halloween decorations out. All the pumpkins & leaves.  I even saw THIS in Sam's Club this weekend.  The first sighting of Pumpkin Spice goodies.



Ricky was like - NO MA'AM - we will NOT be getting pumpkin stuff yet.

Joke's on him - I dont like pumpkin flavored coffees.... I'm about coffee CREAMERS! HA!

So Friday, it was one of those heart tug days. It was my daddy's birthday.  He would have been 76 years old. Which to me, even with him passing just weeks away from his 74th birthday - he never struck me as someone in their 70's - he was truly a kid at heart & proof that age is just a number.

I did have a little cry - of sadness & also of joy - because I'm sitting at my desk at home working & I look out my window that i see every single day for 9+ hrs a day... & I see new flowers.  FLOWERS.  Coming up the bush outside my window.



OK...let me stop here & tell you a little story.  My dad created a covered wagon that was over a ramp to his front porch & he had wired under the lining & wanted so badly to have flowers going up the wire so it would just be full of flowers when you walked up it.  He never got it to work.... but he would have a flower or two bloom each year but it would just never creep up the wire.

So when I looked out my window on his birthday & saw THIS flower - it just made me cry.  THIS is the same kind of flower he was trying to grow. If not the same, very similar.  & I have no idea where these flowers came from.  If it's a weed - I dont even care - it still popped up the perfect time for me & I just know it was a little gift from my dad.  I tend to get these little reminders from my dad on the most perfect days - Father's Days - birthdays - days that I just need little nudges that he's OK.

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!

My niece was playing in a tennis tournament Friday & Saturday & I was going to try & make it down to see her when I got off work - but I would have just made it at the tail end of her game so I just planned on going on Saturday.... & spent my Friday with dad's horses.  I kept singing "Happy Birthday" in the barn with the horses & Cochese just gave me his look like 'Just feed me woman" - & Baby of course was all about it & jumping around & then scooted her butt up to me to rub it.  That's how you celebrate a birthday.  I gave them extra peppermint & told them that I know they miss their daddy too & we all just know sugar helps get you through.



Saturday, I woke up with some sort of sore on the roof of my mouth & my sinuses hurting me so bad.  Every time I spent too much time in the barn, I tend to have some sort of sinus thing happening. Me & Hay - we dont mix.  It always leaves me itchy too. We're just not ever going to be friends.

I popped some Alleve though & headed out to watch Sophia play.  With COVID canceling her first year of tennis games for her high school, I was excited to see the racket back in her hand.

She ended up winning the first game - but it was the LONGEST game.  All the other games had ended - like a LONG time ended ago - but she & this young man she was playing was in a tie breaker match & it just kept going back & forth - back & forth.  She ended up pulling it out - but that only left her 45 minutes till her next match - where everyone else was getting over an hour - hour & a half to rest.  Bless her heart.

Plus - it was HOT!!! HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT!!!!!  I remember playing tennis in the heat & humidity of summer & it always just wore me DOWN.

Her 2nd match of the day - do you know she had yet ANOTHER game that had to go into a tie breaker & it was stretched out too.  At least she was equally matched.  AND - she won that one too. After all the struggle - I'm glad she came out of the day winning.



Me, my brother, SIL & my other niece sat in the shade the whole time - & honestly, it wasn't that bad for us. But there was another match happening 2 courts down from Sophia & I nudged my brother & was like - something is wrong with that guy.  In this tournament, there were matches of every age.  This particular one had a young teenage boy with a man - he looked like he was probably in his mid 20's.  I thought, that poor kid is gonna get slammed.  But this man was just NOT right.  He could hardly lift his feet & he was struggling to pick up a ball or walk from one side of the court to the other.  It was bad.  I told my brother, this kid just needs to barely knock the ball over the net, because this poor man wasn't even  attempting to run to get the ball - get this game over with fast.... the kid did this & the game was soon over.... but he was walking off the court & we just kept watching because I thought for sure he was going to go down any second.  ..... needless to say, we turn around a few minutes & he was laying in the grass & they took his shirt off of him & was pouring water on him.  He had a wife & little daughter with him but I guess the wife had the little girl over on the playground to keep her occupied so they hadnt seen his match & how much he was struggling.  They ended up having to call an ambulance & they had to take him to the hospital.  The heat was NO JOKE.  It  made me even more amazed how Sophia played these super long games in this heat.

It always amazes me the conditions that they continue to have sports in.  It can get pretty dangerous.

I ended up getting home after running & picking up some more elastic for mask making & I guess from just SITTING in the heat - IN SHADE - it finally hit me. I was exhausted.  I came home & made some coffee & worked on a baby blanket I'm making.... & turned on the new show on Netflix - Fear City.....



... & then I took a little snooze. Which we all know - I HATE naps. If I nap, you KNOW I'm barely hanging on because I will do anything NOT to nap.

Fear City is out today on Netflix-How many episodes are there ...

This show was crazy.  Everything Mafia just is intriguing to me. Call it the Italian in me.  What a time in the 80's where they were going after the 5 Mafia Bosses.  It's got some GRAPHIC pics in this if you're sensitive to that sort of thing.

My Saturday ended with a friend who came over to give me a gift.  She had told me that she found something that was just created for me & that she knew she had to get it for me.  I was so anxious to see what she meant.... & she said she had ordered this forever ago hoping it would be in for the 4th of July.... If you're new around these parts, this is what my dad used to do to his horse for the 4th...

Image may contain: horse, grass, sky, outdoor and nature


& when dad passed away, my brother carried on the tradition.


Image may contain: tree, horse, sky, outdoor and nature

So she said it didnt get here in time, but then she saw it was my dad's birthday & that was an EVEN BETTER timing for this to come to me.  So here we are again - just the little reminders of my dad at the perfect time.

She found this shirt.... I mean - come on - it IS pretty perfect.



Denise drove it over & it just made me smile & choke up a little & I just knew my dad would have loved this so much.  I had to send a pic of it to my brother.  He wasn't able to paint Cochese this year because he was in the hospital recovering from his surgery that week.... & honestly, COVID cut off all the 4th of July celebrations anyways too.

I said I know this shirt is going to be inspiration for 2021 for Cochese.... It  may be Baby's first year of being painted too.

Sunday - it was a day of running around & getting stuff done. I did church from home first - but I needed to go to Sam's Club -& Pet Smart & then go pick up my groceries -ONLY to get told they were behind & it would be 3 hours before it was ready.  I told them to forget it - I'd come tomorrow to get the groceries.  My car was loaded down anyways.

& of course, we had the most important stop of the day.... a trip to the Homemade Pie Kitchen.... because did you remember what I said earlier - sugar helps get you through.  This was just a 'get me through 2020 push' - I think we are ALL needing those kind of pushes lately.



The rest of Sunday was back at my sewing machine.  I cranked out over 20 masks.  A girl on a mission.  I had sold out of so many different ones & needed to put some back in my Etsy store.  I've learned anything Collegiate & Disney, they are sellers.  Ricky agrees with the Collegiate stuff - I am on Team Disney. We complete each other.

So how was your weekend?

Are you all still the throws of summer heat?

Have you seen any Halloween or Christmas stuff out yet?

What's the best gift someone gave you that was just made FOR YOU?

Social Media World

Come Follow Me