Category: odds and ends

odds and ends

September

September

Hello September! I’ve been waiting for you.

Before I throw my arms open to you, though, I do have to take a minute and raise my hand in one last farewell to June, July and August.  They showed up out of nowhere and hunkered down for what seemed like the duration.

While they were here, we had a pretty remarkable time. We definitely did the most.  We used up all of our sunscreen and our bug spray.  The bubble solution is all but gone and most of the bubble wands are bent or cracked.  The chalk has been worn down to nubs and everyone has surprisingly outgrown their bicycles.  The bathing suits are faded and pilled from overuse.  The jump ropes are frayed.  The camp trunks have been de-gunked and de-junked, wrapped for storage until next summer.  The flip-flops are barely flipping.  We’ve grilled out, we’ve chilled out. We’ve eaten ice cream until our brains froze. We ate Funnel Cake at Busch Gardens and then went on Verbolten and almost saw that funnel cake again.  We saw family. We saw friends.

If I could pull these memories from my head, like a spool of film, I’d run it through a projector and set this montage of our greatest summer hits to “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors  or something, because it’s really all kinds of incredible.

June, July and August — I owe you an apology.  I was really dreading your arrival. I didn’t know what I was going to do with you, but when I realized you’d take care of yourselves, we ended up having the best time.  I’m sorry I misjudged you.  I think, maybe, I’m going to miss you. . . .

But now it’s September, so. . . don’t let the door hit you on the way out!

gif source

September! My friend!

Never mind the fact that my birthday is in a week, but September it’s SO good to see you!  You like the starting line for the final push towards the end of the year.   Truly, you are the gateway into fall. And I love fall. I mean, lurve it. Trees changing colors, football, pumpkin everything, boots, vests, a little chill in the air!  All of my favorite things. *squeee*

Ahhh, September, so glad to see you.

 

 

 

 

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IN: odds and ends ON: September 1, 2015 TAGS: , , BY: Hilary
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hair odds and ends

Odds and Ends

Odds and Ends

I am exhausted!  With back-to-school, birthdays, and building up to fall (my most favorite time of year), I have been whirling like a dervish.  Would you believe that all of my week-ends in October are already full? October has 5 weeks this year and every Saturday and Sunday for that month is already spoken for. How did this happen? I can my hair getting straight from the stress.  Time to turn to a few odds and ends to help bring things back to neutral.

1. My good friend, Beverly, who always sends me the best links on everything from  African American culture, natural hair and who I need to speak to about getting “Maggie Sinclair” into the hands of every school age child in Manhattan, sent me this link about London based photographer Michelle Marshall.  Marshall has done a photo study on the “beautiful diversity of redheads of color”.  These photos have me swooning, they are absolutely stunning.  Learn more about the variety of MC1R via these captivating portraits.

2. So, I’m reading this Allure magazine at the gym today, the one with Salma Hayek on the cover, and I cam across this in-depth article about George Michael’s “Freedom! 90” video.   Starring the top 5 supermodels of the 90’s — Linda Evangelista,Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, and Tatjana Patitz —  this arty video showcased these ladies lip-synching to George Michael’s rock and roll anthem about freedom.  I can clearly remember watching this video on rotation on MTV for two reasons. One, I was huge George Michael fan from his Wham! days. Two, this was a George Michael song and a George Michael video, but George Michael wasn’t even in it!  Cutting and avant guard for the time. And speaking of “the time”,  I definitely did a double take when I re-read the headline — The 25th Anniversary of George Michael’s “Freedom” Video. 25th? Seriously?

3. Who can relate to this?

www.eatdrink-andbemary.com

Every. Single. Time

Fear not! There is hope for us all!  Have you heard about Liquid Palaisade by Kiesque? It’s like painters tape for your nails. Of course, you can always go Thrifty Chick and use scotch tape, but let’s be fancy.  I’m definitely going to check this out.

4. I was all up in that Allure magazine while I put in some work on the treadmill today.  You’ll be thanking me for it after you take a look at the Instagram feed of natural hair blogger, ShineStruck. Not only does is this naturalista rocking some serious curls, she offers great product reviews and step by step instructions on how to get her look.  With so many natural bloggers out there, it’s hard to know which ones are worth checking out.  What convinced me was the notation in Allure that accompanied some of ShineStruck’s images: “She responds to nearly every curl question and comment posted on her photos”.  Such a simple action garners so much appreciation and respect.  Looking forward to checking out her YouTube channel as well!

5. I’m giving the 21 Day Fix another go. I’m on day 3 of week 2, what is that Day 10? Is it getting easier? Am I getting better? Maybe I’ve just adjusted to the routine.  Whatever the case, this was me today. . .

(source: pinterest)

Whoever made this must have done it after Leg Fix, I’m convinced.

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IN: hair odds and ends ON: August 26, 2015 TAGS: , , , , , BY: Hilary
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odds and ends

Odds and Ends

Odds and Ends

I can see the finish line! Summer is all but a memory. The first day of school is next Monday and we are all ready for that routine.

Last week, The Hubs and I took the girls to Busch Gardens and we did every ride that they were tall enough to ride.  10am to 5pm, almost a whole work day, traipsing around and around, waiting in lines.  I introduced the girls to the magic that is funnel cake. They rode Escape From Pompeii, C with her eyes closed the whole time and M with her hands in the air.  The Hubs was afraid we would be ready to leave by 1 or 2pm, but it’s been a while since he’s done the amusement park thing.  We were back in the car by 5:10, and that’s only because we had to meet my parents at 5:30.

Today, when I suggested we go to the pool and wring out every last bit of fun, M said she didn’t want to.  Didn’t want to go to the pool? Wow. I figured we have a handful of trips left before the whole thing shuts down after Labor Day. Guess not.

Not sure what else is going to be on the schedule for the next few days.  I’m trying not to cave, but there may be some movies running back-to-back tomorrow or the next day. There are a bunch of odds and ends that I’ve already taken care of with respect to Back to School prep, but inevitably, something additional will pop up and require my attention.

Speaking of odds and ends, here are a few things that I’ve been enjoying this week.

1. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I am in love, love, love with this YouTube Channel called “The French Whisperer”.  You all know that I am a francophile at heart. I truly must have been French in a previous life.  So, you can imagine my glee about reading an article in O Magazine that mentions “Hunky-Sounding Guys Explaining Things”, in particular, the “relaxation master” the French Whisperer.  On this channel, this gentleman discusses all manner of academic topics ranging from myths and history to black holes and exoplanets.  This is all at once hilarious, sensual and relaxing. I just listened to a lecture on the myth of mermaids.  I don’t know if I need a cigarette, a nap or to blot my eyes from laughing.  It reminds me of The Merovignian from The Matrix when he talk about cursing in French.

2. The Time Traveler’s Wife for like the billionth time, and I do mean the book.  I’ve had this impossibly long wait for some other titles to become available from the library waiting list. I tried not to buy anything either, because the minute I do, a book becomes available.  I was a bibliophile without a book! I might as well have been lost in a desert.  So, I reached for one of my all time favorites, falling in love with Henry and Clare,  finding something new in Niffenegger’s luxurious prose.   Clocking in at 546, it’s not for the faint of heart, nor is it for those who prefer linear boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, boy and girl get married sort of stories.  This ain’t “The Notebook”.  What it is is just an inventive, deliciously written love story bursting with references to art, literature, music and oh, time travel.

3. What to Pack for the Beach. The Hubs and I missed out on vacation this summer (and notice I said vacation, not a family trip), but we are looking to make a get-away at the end of September to celebrate our birthdays.  He’s having a milestone birthday on the 29th and while I was ready to invite a cast of thousands to a Pinter-iffic themed party, he surprised me by saying he’d rather just go away and relax.  Um, I can be packed in ready in like 15 minutes.  I’ve been scouring the Internet — really just Pinterest — for some ideas on how to pack for a long week-end.  I’ve talked about capsule wardrobes before and how I’m trying to make that part of my life.  I can now add capsule packing to the list.  I’ve tried a 7×7 challenge and it ended up being a 7×7 with like 5 extra pieces.  This time, I’m committed to sticking with the guidelines.  Truly, I plan on being in a bathing suit or pajamas the majority of the time, so really, what else do I need?

4. Christian Louboutin Allegra.  That’s what else I need.  As soon as I get the greenlight from the doc that I can sport some heels again, I know what I’ll be trying to make my own. I probably should have started saving back in April.  Oh well, #shoegoals.

5. And speaking of goals, I’m kind of proud of myself for the way I’ve been making little changes and being kinder to my body.  Remember how I said I talk so much trash about my bod behind my back? How I compare myself to others? I still do it, don’t get me wrong, but in way smaller increments than before.  If, for instance, I catch myself about to say something negative, I just say “Stop it!” either in my head or out loud.  The out loud makes for some interesting glances when I’m by myself in a public place.  I’m feeling better about myself and how I relate to myself.  I’m determined to keep this good thing going.

What’s been putting a smile on your face this week? Tell me about it in the comments!

No really, please comment. I think my comment moderation is busted.

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IN: odds and ends ON: August 19, 2015 TAGS: BY: Hilary
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odds and ends

Odds and Ends

Odds and Ends
curl friends, naturalistas, natural, pool, summer, friends, sista-friends

Sometimes, you gotta jump right in.

Like I said on Monday, I’ve kind of been in hibernation the past two weeks since Snap, Crackle and Pop were away at camp.  Since the littlest of my warriors three came home a few days ago, I’ve had to get back into a routine of sorts.  No better way to do that than jumping in right in.

My plan for Monday was to get up at 5am, a 30 minute fitness DVD, have a shake and be ready for when V came down at her usual time of 7am.  I was way into my June Cleaver routine, with her breakfast laid out, my coffee ready to be poured so she and I could have some quality time before packing it up to go to the gym.

Tickety-tock, the hands went around and around the clock, with no movement from upstairs.  7am. Nothing. 7:30am. Nothing. 8am. Not a sound. Truthfully, I started to worry that she might have gotten sick or fallen out of her bed or something.  Typical #momproblems — any other time you would give your right arm for your little yokels to stay in bed.  The one time you need them up and out, they’re suddenly Rip Van Winkle.  At 8:15, I went up to her room and got in the bed with her.  She didn’t even crack her eyes open to see what the disturbance in the force was.

Well, far be it from me to look a gift horse in the mouth. I went downstairs and had my coffee, sans interruption, and almost forgot that I wasn’t home alone.  Almost.

Here a few odds and ends to get you through your Hump Day!

1. Winnetu Resort

We’re bi-annual Vineyarders who would have graduated to annual status this year, but sadly, we won’t be making the trek up for a variety of reasons.  Let’s just blame it on the boot and keep it moving.    In the meantime, I torture console myself by looking at the picturesque images Winnetu Resort puts up on social media.  Last summer, we drove by the property on our way to Katama Beach and I’ve been IG stalking them ever since. The phrase “I want to go to there” has never been more apropos.

2. Marley Bun Tutorial

During my “staycation”, I made some appointments to get some “landscaping” done (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) as well as an appointment to get my hair done. I did a no heat challenge back in January and even though that challenge has been over for a while, I still haven’t put any heat on my hair. I made an appointment to get my hair blown out, but as the date drew near, I cancelled it.  Why? You know, I really dig my curls and I was afraid if I blew it out, the curl pattern would be all “Bye Felecia”, leaving me with a wonky ‘do when I tried to go back to curly.  Plus, the last few times I tried to switch up my hair game (crochet braids, weave [yeah, I did it]), it was not the best look.  I need something that’s a temporary style that doesn’t have the potential to harm my hair.  Seeing as I can’t master perm rod set, the This Marley Bun might be the trick.  And can I say to my naturalistas, if you don’t know Naptural85, do yourself a favor and get on it.

3. Pinch of Yum Arugula Salad with Grapes and Black Pepper Vinaigrette

Along with hitting up the gym, I’m back in the kitchen trying to make healthy food choices.  It blows.  I really want to have wine and cupcakes.  Like a good Cabernet and a moist cupcake with buttercream frosting topped with bacon *drool*.  Instead, I’m being a good little bunny and having carrots and hummus. Not quite the same thing, but it’s the Cab and cupcakes that have torn apart the star-crossed lovers that are the button and the buttonhole of my pants, so you gotta do what you gotta do.  Last night, I made the bomb dinner — marinated flank steak with arugula salad with grapes and black pepper vinaigrette.  I almost broke both my arms — one patting myself on the back and one shoveling the food into my face.

4. Simply Balanced Sparking Water

Seeing as I’ve given up alcohol for the foreeable future (no more drinking my calories), I had to find another flavorful beverage to add to my rotation.  This is one of the better sparkling waters that I’ve found.

5. Lavender Recipes

So, this summer, I started a little herb garden and tried my hand at keeping some perennials (or are they annuals) alive.  Success with the former, not so much with the latter, but hey, new skill set.  I’ve enjoyed tending my little plots of dirt. I’ve got two kinds of mint, parsley, cilantro, basil, rosemary and lavender.  Amazingly, I’ve used pretty much all of the herbs.  My fresh salsa tastes that much better knowing the cilantro in it came from my own garden.  The basil that I needed for the Arugula salad? Came from my garden! That detox water I’ve been drinking? You know where the mint came from? Yuuuuup.  I picked my own rosemary for the Epicurious marinade I did earlier in the season.  The one thing I haven’t figured out how to use just yet is the lavender. When I put the herbs in the dirt at the beginning of the summer, I thought for sure I’d be sniping those fragile buds and stirring them into cookie batter or muffin mix.  I’m not sure I have enough to even garnish a glass of iced tea!  Not quite a #greenthumbfail, but I need to read up on the care and keeping of lavender, and then branch out to cooking with it.  Still, I love a good recipe, so please share if you’ve got one.

What odds and ends have you bookmarked lately?

Tell me about them in the comments!

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IN: odds and ends ON: August 5, 2015 TAGS: , , , , , BY: Hilary
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odds and ends

Odds and Ends

Odds and Ends
wednesday

image via

It’s Wednesday, my good people!  This is definitely the day of middles: Middle of the day, middle of the week, middle of the month. . .middle of the summer! July 15th, can you believe it? When the girls got out of school on the 4th of June, the summer stretched out before us, a long lonely highway with ribbons of heat shimmering in the distance.

Here is is the mid-point and while some of us have already done their major summer traveling, others are gearing up for their getaways.  Over here at Camp Dixon, we’ve done everything from a tour of the White House, mid-day Minion movies, arts and crafts, the zoo, and the Botanical Gardens.

Seeing as I have completely blown my wad earlier this season, It’s a good thing our second act of summer activities includes Camp Grandma for V, Camp Alleghany for M and C, and Camp The-Kids-Are-Away for me.  I’ve got to get three little people packed for three weeks away from home, all within the next few days.  Oh, who am I kidding? Y’all know those jokers have been packed, labeled, and the bags by the door since the first of the month! I need to tuck a few odds and ends into their trunks and totes: letters from Mom reminding them to wear clean underwear everyday (seriously, this is a thing), a few of their favorite snacks and comics, and an extra lovey, you know, just in case. And as a reward for all my hard work, because these kiddos are packed like they’re hitting the Oregon Trail, a few odds and ends to put a smile on my face.

1. So when the kids are away, what’s a mom to do? Probably clean out my closet. Again.

2. And I’ve got some location work to do for an upcoming shoot near my alma mater.

3. It’s not going to be all work, though.  I’ll be hitting the movies again. I’ve already checked off Jurassic World (thumbs up) and Magic Mike XXL (two thumbs up).  If you’ve seen MMXXL, do yourself a a favor and read this recap to relive it all in all of it’s hilarious glory. #spoileralert

4. Speaking of movies, my Netflix queue is painfully thin. My brother recommended I check out this show called Sens8.  I watched the first episode and was like, “What. The. Entire. F*ck did I just watch”? I want my hour back.  No, really.

5. Instead of watching that weird show, I could have used that time looking for some white jeans for my wardrobe capsule.  I tried to try some on a few weeks ago, but you know that boot I’m rocking? Yeah, it kind of makes dressing and undressing a laborious process that involves more sitting and standing than a high holy service at church.  Even if I won’t be wearing the jeans any time soon, at least I have some style ideas for when the time comes.

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IN: odds and ends ON: July 15, 2015 TAGS: , , , , , BY: Hilary
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odds and ends

Odds and Ends

Odds and Ends
popsicles, artwork, tumblr

What’s Your Flavor?

Whew! The heat has been intense. All of the popsicles were gobbled up before the kids headed off to camp on Sunday. Here it is Wednesday and I am popsicle-less.  How did that happen?  How is it Wednesday already?! What is going on around here? A few mid-week odds and ends, that’s what.

1. Given the current boot situation, I think this is as close to the beach as I’m going to get this summer. *le sigh*

2. After stalling out several times over the week-end, my poor truck is getting repaired.  Since two thirds of my crew are at camp, I didn’t have to get a mini van from the rental company (Enterprise, you’re the real MVP).  I’ve been tooling around in this and I might not give it back.

3. I’ve been itching to do something craft-tastic lately, but have been coming up empty on ideas.  As luck would have it, Buzzfeed DIY sent 33 Gorgeous DIY Projects to Decorate Your Grown-Up Apartment right to my inbox! It’s such an ask and you shall receive moment, I’m seriously thinking I need to ask a little bigger, you know what I mean? Of the 33 ideas, this one looks will be perfect in the kitchen. V and I cleared out the paint chip aisle at Lowe’s like we were on Supermarket Sweep.

4. And speaking of stuff to hang on the walls. . .um, I need this, like, immediately!

5. Summer is a great time for cook-outs, clambakes, and generally any excuse to get together with friends and family over food.  I’d really like to try a picnic party: just invite folks over with blankets and baskets and just sit in the grass and catch up.  You know, like this.  Of course, given the heat index, the bugs, and the inevitable kiddie meltdowns, this may just have to happen in my imagination.

What odds and ends did I miss?  Share them with me in the comments!

 

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IN: odds and ends ON: June 24, 2015 TAGS: , , , BY: Hilary
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odds and ends

You Wouldn’t Like Me When I’m Angry

I am so angry right now that I’m about to burst into flames. I didn’t realize how upset I really am about it until it dawned on me that I was actually grinding my teeth. Seriously! I thought that was the kind of thing people only did in books and cartoons. I had the unfortunate experience of having an interaction with a “friend” who likes nothing more than to crack jokes about what a fair skinned Black person I am. Yes, pick your jaw up off the floor — there is such a thing as fair skinned Black people. Shock of all shocks! I’m still the same shade of brown that I was when I was born, ‘lo those 30 years ago. And,yes! I am the same shade of brown that I was when I first met this person 10 years ago. Nothing has changed, except perhaps my tolerance of their ignorance which has all but quadrupled. It wasn’t funny the first time. It damn sure isn’t funny now.

From Whence the Anger Came. . .
1. Why does this person feels the need to make such comments?
2. Why does this person makes these comments despite my having said quite plainly that it’s not funny and I don’t like it?

Let me be perfectly clear here. . .I DON’T LIKE IT!


3. Why do I actually take a defensive stance when I know I am going to interact with this person and actually arm myself with witty replies and rejoinders in the hopes that something will crack through and get the comments to stop?
4. Why did I think that we are (at least I am) adults? I left high school in 1996 and left all this juvenile, ignorant BS on in the Senior Lounge.

There is a level of disrespect there that is galling to me. Sure, maybe in the beginning I joked about it, probably because I didn’t know what else to do. You know how when you’re caught off guard, you can’t do anything but kind of “heh, heh, heh” and keep it moving? I figured that after a while this person would grow up and it would stop. Then I figured when it happened, I’d handle it by ignoring it, which didn’t work. I tried to handle it by turning it back on them — didn’t work. And then I tried to embarrass them for saying such ignorant and juvenile things and that didn’t work. What’s left? Just punch them dead in the face? Mmmmm, so tempting. I have visions of the next time we are around each other, DH has to physically restrain me as I just land blow after highly scathing verbal blows.

*sigh* I don’t really want to have to stoop to that level. I’m a lady. Moreover, it would get really ugly, really quickly and more than likely cause ill will between our overlapping social circle. I now know what a seething rage is and yet, I feel completely and totally deflated at the same time.

I read on Gnostic Notes that, “When you give away your power to someone, that person has power over you. Anyone that can make or break your day has power over you. Anyone that can make you sad, mad or glad has power over you.”

I am reclaiming my power .
I refuse to be disrespected.

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IN: odds and ends ON: April 27, 2009 TAGS: BY: Hilary
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