Trisha's Southern Kitchen, take a bow...

I was making breakfast this morning, watching Trisha’s Southern Kitchen and her college age nephew and his friends were on the show.  She cooked for them and of course they loved what she made and were just wolfing it down.

One of the guys said that in his family when someone makes something really good to eat, the rest of the family tells them to “take a bow.”  I like that, what a great family tradition and it shows appreciation.

However, even though LC was watching the show with me, he didn’t tell me to take a bow for his sausage, eggs and toast.  Hmmmm, so I’m thinking he’s either just taking his breakfast for granted, or it wasn’t that good.  But I do think this is such a good idea, it’s those simple things, ladies.

Are you reading this LC? Hello!!!!!  

Men, Schmen!!!

Abby's a member of the horsey set...

With every age, grandchildren are a delight, and none more so than last weekend when Abby competed in her first horse show.   She was simply amazing, this little girl on this huge horse.  She was so excited, no fear, no nervous tummy, she just wanted to “do it."

Here’s her day in pictures, Mom and Dad were so proud of her and Grammie and P-Pa were front row center, cheering her on...

Little brother, Ben, giving her a big hug before we left for the show...

Her trainer from Windswept Farm, where she takes riding lessons, giving her instructions.

Not only do the horses have to be prepped, so do the riders.  They’re gathering her hair up into a show bun.

She looks darling, with her netting and sparkly barrette.

It’s time to attach her number and finish getting her ready.

All of the ladies from Windswept Farm love Miss A.  She has lots of help with the gloves.

It’s almost showtime, her trainer is giving her a leg up.

She’s checking her tack and making a few necessary adjustments to the stirrups for those short little legs.

And she’s off...

She controlled her horse so well, she was the youngest rider in the competition, riding without a lead line. You could just see the excitement in her face.  She walked, trotted, reversed her horse, it’s so shocking to see this little granddaughter do all of this.  When she came into the arena,  she came in at a gallop and Grammie’s heart was in her throat!

The judging is over and she is proud of placing.  She did so well, she’s only five years old.

This is our favorite photographer, the amazingly talented Adam Brennan, who volunteered to come and take pictures of her debut.  His photographs are below, the man has an amazing eye, and he had a wonderful little subject to work with.

 And finally, here’s a small video of her as she leaves the practice area for the arena...

 

 

 It was such a special day, and I count my blessings that I live close enough to be able to share in the memories…  You’re just the best, Abby Leigh!  Grammie is so proud of you...

 

Decor Steals Holstein Cow Head...

Okay, all you cow lovers, here’s my cow, Clover’s cousin on Decor Steals today.  She’s pricier than Clover, and larger, in fact she’s just huge! Half of the inventory is sold already, I must not be the only crazy cow lady out there.

In case your interested, here’s the click

Rembrandt Mouthwash, my find of the week...

Fluoride Mouthwash Designed for Superior Whitening

Deeply whitens & restores enamel

Try the first Whitening mouthwash on the market that actively restores and strengthens tooth enamel while visibly whitening teeth. Rembrandt® Deeply White™ + Peroxide Whitening Mouthwash is formulated with a rapid-release liquid peroxide that begins working on contact and has a fresh minty taste.

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I’ve been looking for a new mouthwash, so I went to Google for advice and this was the number one favorite.  I bought it, I like it, I feel the need to share.  

Reviews were excellent, it really does whiten your teeth.  And it makes sense, because you swish this around in your mouth for one minute, yes one full minute.  Then you can’t eat or drink for thirty minutes after you use it.

Now this isn’t for the faint of heart, the longer you leave this in your mouth the more it stings, and a minute is a long time to be swishing this around your teeth.  But think about it, it has peroxide, a minute is going to give it time to activate and get in all the crevices, it’s a good thing.  Of course when you spit it out, you’re foaming like a rabid dog, but it’s peroxide people, it’s going to foam.  And the taste, not bad, it’s minty, fresh, I’m thinking this is a winner.

It’s a bit pricey, I bought it at Walgreens for $9, but it really does whiten your teeth.

It can be hard to find and Amazon was selling it in multi-packs, so that was out because I didn’t want three bottles if I didn’t like it, so I went to Walgreen’s website, did a store locator for it to see which stores in my area had it in stock, before I started on a mission to track it down.

It’s so worth the money, It’s a great find, and you know I always share the good stuff.  ~ Jan

Setting Goals

I’ve never been one for New Year’s Resolutions. It’s just has never worked for me, but maybe there are alternatives.  My buddy, Ang, is setting a short term goal, she’s giving up seven foods for a month, coffee, tea, pizza, things she really likes, think of it as kind of a mini cleanse.

I’m making progress as well.  A couple of weeks ago, I decided to drastically cut my calories, even though I eat low carb, I need to shake it up a bit, so I’m eating 1000 calories daily through March 1st.  I’m determined to do this, it’s brutal, but it’s a sense of accomplishment to know that I’ve made the commitment and am sticking to it. I’m realistic, this isn’t sustainable long term, but it is doable for a few weeks.  

I realize I need extra calcium, but can’t remember to take it, I set a daily alarm on my phone as a reminder.  Just simple things, but sometimes I just don’t see beyond what’s in front of my face, and I’m really trying to make my life run smoother.  My short term memory is just kaput, as is most of my friends, so I'm really trying to implement workarounds so that I don’t forget.  Everybody says “make a list” and that’s a great idea, but not practical for everything. 

I’m on a mission to look for new goals, some of them just for one day.  Who knows, maybe some just for one hour.  I’m thinking that if I divide things I want to accomplish into small blocks of time instead of looking at the broader picture it will be more attainable.

So today, I’m setting a timer for fifteen minutes, I’m going to work on straightening my closet. Do I want to, of course not, I but I’m doing it.

So think about this ladies, it’s a good time of the year to accomplish some mini goals for yourself.  Maybe it’s something pleasurable, like sitting down and planning your spring garden, or starting some seeds like my friend Holly did.  Or maybe you’ve been putting off a doctor’s appointment, like I have been, I really need a visit to the optometrist for an eye exam, I’m going to just do it instead of procrastinating about it.

And that’s what’s happening in my world this morning,  and if I can plant a seed in just one of you, it’s worth the effort to blog about it. 

Make it a good day, ladies, I’m heading to the closet.  ~ Jan