Friday, January 29, 2016

Didn't Get My "Do" Yet - Still Looking

Although far from my haircolor, I love this Pixie Style Hairstyle.  The Pixie is for me...now to just narrow it down to a couple, to show a stylist...or to go on when I cut my own hair.  Since I don't have a specific reason to get my hair cut at this time, there is really no rush...so this could take a while.   It's been over 8 years since I've been to a hairstylist and that time, she butchered me.  I mean, where bangs and sides frame the face...she cut my bangs way too short so it looked like a V was chopped into the sides at the temples.  I'd been going to herfor about 2 years when she did that...
 and I just resumed cutting my own hair.  It's cheaper, quicker and easier sometimes.  If I just knew someone who was getting their hair cut in a Pixie style and was going to a shop around me...I might feel more comfortable.


I sort of like this...with the tad longer sides...but it looks like too much hair to me.


I have noticed that alot of Pixie Cuts are combed up from the back, like where a collick would be.  I can't decide if I like that look.  But, I do like this shorter bangs, longer sides, windswept look. 

Another reason for hesitation at going and getting my hair cut, with shorter bangs is I have no eyebrows of my own.  When I was 21 or so, I had a non-cancerous lemon size tumor removed from my thyroid gland, which took a while to even be diagnosed.  During that time - about 6 weeks, I gained 30 pounds, lost my eyebrows and eyelashes and alot of my hair...and lots of unpleasant things from an almost inactive thyroid gland.  While my hair is thick now and my eyelashes have grown back in [not as thick as previously], my eyebrows never grew back in.  I have several stray hairs, but nothing that even comes close to resembling an eyebrow.  I've tried many products over the years to add eyelashes to my face...but some of them make me look ridiculous.  Some aren't so bad and don't look too bad with a longer bang line.  But, I'm getting tired of that look.

Today, I purchased a new Eyebrow Crayon from Maybelline.  It really doesn't look too bad and goes on rather easy too.  Problem with it is, it wipes off easy too.  So, if I accidentally touch my face near my eyebrow, say to scratch an itch...I could be mono-eyebrow.  I wouldn't like that.  I'm going to try something else with it, to see if it works tomorrow.  This is the item I purchased - at Walgreens for $8.49.  Thanks for stopping by!!

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Shopping After Weight Loss & Shopping Review

Some of you may know that since April, I have lost over 65#.  So, none of my old clothes fit me very well, if at all.  And that includes coats for the cold weather.  Most winters in the past, I didn't do much outside...except let the Pups out the door to go potty and wait for them to come back in the house.  But, this year is very different.  I have to take them out every time they go out...and I have to shovel, sweep or snowblow the snow in our courtyard, on the porch, the sidewalks and the driveway and believe me, the fall type jacket I have, doesn't keep me very warm!!  So, again, I went shopping...
on-line at Eddie Bauerafter looking at coats elsewhere and happened upon another Bargain!!  A down coat that is both pretty and functional and covers up everything I need covered up to stay warm.  This beautiful coat was on Sale, too.  It fits just great!  I love it!  These are my thoughts and feelings, I've not been paid in any way to give a positive review of my purchase.


[More photos below, too]  

Women's Slope Side® Down Parka

$229.00$79.60 SALE

Color: Deep Eggplant

Also available in:
Ebony, Dark Loden and Shale


LOW ACTIVITY RATING 35°F.
MODERATE ACTIVITY RATING -25°F


WORLD'S FINEST DOWN®
650 fill Premium Down ensures exceptional warmth and keeps the parka very lightweight. Polyester shell has exclusive StormRepel® durable water-repellent (DWR) finish so water beads on the surface rather than soaking into the fabric. Unique diamond quilting defines the waist to create slimming lines. Snap-off hood with detachable faux-fur ruff provides extra protection.


100% polyester

StormRepel® DWR finish so water doesn't soak in
650 fill Premium Down for lightweight warmth
Snap-off hood with detachable faux-fur ruff
Fleece-lined collar keeps your neck warm
Microfleece-lined storm cuffs seal out the cold
Three zip pockets—two exterior, one interior
Detachable belt
Average length; Reg. 32"; Petite 31"; Tall 33.5"; Plus 35.5"
Machine wash
Imported
FIT
Classic: Our most universal fit. Not too slim, not too relaxed on body. Designed to fit over midweight layers.


NOTE: Temperature ratings are based on a controlled laboratory test, using low and moderate activity levels. Also consider: your sensitivity to cold and wind-chill; time of exposure; activity level; and use of layering.


Eggplant





Dark Loden




Ebony

Shale

Friday, January 22, 2016

The Best and Softest Flannel Sheets Shopping Review

And what a Bargain they were!!

I needed some warm sheets and the Flannel ones I had, didn't fit my newer mattress very well, the mattress was too thick...nearly 17" high.  With the cold nights, I wanted to climb into a warm, cozy and soothing bed.  I already had a wonderful pillow and a fluffy blanket...so I went shopping, on-line of course.

I found these Micro-Sheets at JCPenny!  Look...
at the colors...certainly a rainbow of colors.

Micro Flannel Solid Sheet Set
The thermal design of this sheet set keeps you warm and cozy while its Micro Flannel construction promises luxurious comfort.
  • energy-saving fast-drying features
  • easy care brushed fabric
  • no shrinkage or pilling—always a perfect fit and finish
  • smooth, wrinkle-free convenience from the dryer to your bed
  • available in a variety of inviting colors
  • fits mattresses up to 14" deep for Twin and Twin XL, 16" deep for Full, and 18" deep for Queen and King
Set includes
  • flat sheet
  • fitted sheet
  • pillowcase(s)

Twin and Twin XL sets include one standard pillowcase. Full and Queen sets include two standard pillowcases. King set includes two king pillowcases.
Polyester. Washable. Imported.
Micro Flannel® is a registered trademark of Shavel Home Products/patent pending.

The Price?
Originally...$125.00
Sale Price was...$61.99
Coupon Code NEW4YOU makes the final price...$49.59 
Honestly, I love these sheets, and I have not received anything to say that...it's how I really feel, so if you need or want flannel sheets, these are definitely the ones to get!!  I got 2 sets in Ivory, washed them and they came out of the dryer as soft as can be.  I'm very happy with these sheets.  I'm ordering another set it one of the Blue shades.
Oh...and shipping on an order of $99 is FREE...or you can have a $25 minimum order shipped FREE to the store nearest you for pick-up!

Thursday, January 21, 2016

I Need a New "Do"...

Since I've been looking for a different way to cut and style my hair, I thought I'd share some Hairstyles I've found.  I've almost always had very short hair.  I feel I look best with that sort of cut.  Over the next several weeks [or more?], I will show you a variety of styles that I like.  I guarantee you there will be nothing outrageous - as a matter of fact, the pictures I choose will more than likely have several things in common with one another.  The color of the hair doesn't always reflect my "color".

Today I have a couple of Short Hairstyles - #1...This one is OK.


2.  I like short, cut around the ears [yes, even in winter], with wisps of bangs.  I need height on top and softness all over.  I don't want a hairstyle that looks to angled or too masculine.


3.  This looks attractive on her too.


4.  This is very nice...I like a little fullness to the sides...especially in the sideburn area.  Glasses wreak havoc with skinny little sideburns.  They tend to get flattened and then they curl up!  Awful!  I know, because it's happened to me.


5.  Nice...but not for my hair.  I have a bit of curl/wave and thick hair.

I'd have to say #2 and #4 are my favorites...in Very short Hairstyles.

How about you.  Do you wear your hair short or long...or somewhere in between?  Is your hair curly, wavy or straight?

I'll be back with more styles next week...and maybe even some new colors!!

Monday, January 18, 2016

My New La-Z-Boy Sofa and Shopping Review

As promised, here is my NEW La-Z-Boy Sofa and My Shopping Review.  Since I've been an Interior Designer by trade, most of my life, I tend to decorate with pieces from the BEST Manufacturers, purchased from the BEST stores in town...or even on-line.  I've done this forever!  So, when I decided I wanted a Reclining Sofa - with only 2 seats [big enough for me and my 3 little PuppyKids to sit on]...I of course, headed out to La-Z-Boy in Toledo, on Monroe Street.  I have made many purchases there in the nearly 11 years I've lived here in Michigan.  When I first moved
into this house, I purchased a Reclining Sofa and...
2 Recliners, with co-ordinating Fabric for the Great Room.  Several years later, I sold them, which gave me a good portion of the money needed to purchase another Reclining Sofa and 2 Recliners in co-ordinating fabric...which again were La-Z-Boy.  I owned a La-Z-Boy sleeper for a while, but found it terribly uncomfortable, with cushions flattening within the first 2 weeks...exchanged it for a Reclining Sofa for the Den.

All in all, I have purchased all of my upholstered furniture from La-Z-Boy [except one armless chair you'll see in this post].  4 Sofas [reclining and that sleeper] and 6 recliners.   I still have a reclining sofa and 2 recliners in my Great Room...2 recliners in my Sitting Room and now, my NEW [5th] Reclining Sofa in my Den. 


I selected the fabric [from about 50 that were available], which is very durable and in a very nice toast color, which goes with my curtains and carpeting...and painted the walls a much better color from Sherwin Williams.  I had that all done well before the sofa was finished being made for me.  It's very comfortable.

I have the manual footrest...no power for me.  Just more stuff to go wrong.  But, this is the Reclining Sofa I purchased.  It's the Niagara - a full size 2-cushion Sofa.  The fabric is called Lambskin and the color is Walnut...you will see the color in another photo.  This photo shows all the details of the sofa.
However, it did arrive with a couple of problems.  The armrest on the right side was very lumpy and there was a cut in the fabric on the right side of the footrest.  The cushion on that same side was not level with the other side, the fabric in the corner had been attached too tightly.  So, I got to find out how their new "COMFORT CARE" department handled things.

This is my Sofa in my Den.  I don't have the entire room decorated yet, so if it looks empty, it is.  Hopefully, I will find more things to put in here than what I already have.


I called them right after delivery, which wasn't the smoothest.  I had gotten a phone call from one of the guys, asking for directions to my house, but I could barely hear him or understand him. When the truck that brought my sofa rumbled [quite loudly] down the street, having no La-Z-Boy markings on it and stopping right in the middle of the street...with 2 guys who got out, looking more like thugs than deliverymen...I was shocked!  They weren't the type of person I would invite into my home.  I thought, perhaps this wasn't my sofa at all!  Then after looking inside their truck and seeing my sofa, I thought OK...be fast.  But they acted as though they didn't speak English at all.  I finally got it across to them that they needed to move their truck, to allow vehicles to get around them, if they needed to.  They also didn't listen to me when I told them they needed to remove the backs of the sofa, to get it up my sidewalk, up my porch and into the door.  They tried it their way and found that they needed to remove the backs after all.  So, back to the truck they went.

I just led them to the room [the Den] where the sofa would go and pointed to where it should be placed and then stood and watched them.  After they put the backs on they walked out of the room and handed me the form to sign for the delivery.  They also gave me a questionnaire about how the delivery went, that I was supposed to fill out THEN, which asked questions about the delivery crew.  I told them no, shook my head and showed them the door.

I called my salesperson, who I have dealt with for most of my purchases and she told me that the guys speak English...and couldn't believe I'd had problems with them.  I was surprised by her attitude.  She's also the one who told me I'd have to deal with Comfort Care for the problems with the upholstery.  She mentioned that I'd better plan on spending some time getting through to them.  Hmmmm.


Here is the armless chair I mentioned earlier...in the corner across from the reclining sofa...it came from another furniture store in town, when I first moved into this house.  I love it.  That doorway is from the Den [former Guest Bedroom] into the attached Bathroom.  Outside of a few things on the wall, I am still searching for the rest of the items I want in the Den.

She was right!  I called COMFORT CARE for service and waited nearly 20 minutes to talk to someone, who put me on hold, to leave a message for someone else.  I called back and waited another 15 minutes and asked if I leave a message, how long will it be until I get a response.  I was told within 5 or 6 hours.  Ok, so I left a message.

One of the 2 servicemen I've had out to take care of other La-Z-Boy furniture things for me, called and set up an appointment to come out and check everything out.  He was on time, nice as ever and didn't take long to take photos and write up what he was going to do.  He gave me a few week time span for the NEW right half of my sofa to come in and then said he'd call to come out and put it on.  He did just that.  When the piece came in [within the time promised], he called and set a time for the following week.  Again, he was on time...friendly and talkative, polite and got down to business putting the new piece on.  He let me know when he was finished [less than 30 minutes] and asked me to check it out.  Everything was fine.

While he was here, I told him about the problems I had with delivery...and he said I would be getting a survey on-line to fill out.  Good, I thought.  A couple weeks after delivery, I got that survey, took the time to answer all their questions and when I was about to send it, I was asked if I'd like a call-back to discuss the problems I'd had.  I checked YES and supplied the info they needed and Sent the message.

A month later, when I didn't hear anything, I left a message on the corporate and local Facebook pages for La-Z-Boy.  Corporate replied within 2 hours, saying that they were sorry about the problems I had and would forward the message on to the store manager...and instruct him to contact me.  Another month went by and I contacted corporate and let them know I hadn't heard anything.  They promised to reach out to the store manager and distribution department and have them BOTH contact me.   It's been nearly 3 months since my sofa was delivered.  The only thing I've heard is a short comment on one Facebook page [La-Z-Boy] from the Manager Matt, for me to call him.

I sent that message to corporate on Friday and haven't heard anything.  I give up.

One thing I do know...besides the problem I had with delivery and the way my sofa arrived, in not the best condition, they have made alot of changes in the way the sofa is made...and how they handle service requests.  On the corporate Facebook page, there are hundreds of other people complaining about delivery, furniture, service and Comfort Care.  And I haven't seen a response on any of them from anyone.  I guess corporate contacts each one individually, if they do at all.

 I told corporate that I will:

1.  NEVER AGAIN purchase another piece of furniture or anything from La-Z-Boy
2.  NEVER AGAIN recommend La-Z-Boy to anyone.

***Other than that, at the moment, 3 months into having the new Reclining Sofa in my Den, I am pleased with it.***

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Blueberry Bread Pudding - My Recipe

Bread Pudding has always been one of my favorite Desserts.  When I decided to make a Bread Pudding that didn't "break" {get watery after baking}, I put my love of lemon and blueberries into it and came up with this wonderfully moist and luscious Bread Pudding.  Then I added a Lemon Anglaise Sauce to it...oh my!  Out of this world.  Great for any night of the week or for Guests to dinner.  It makes a delightful dessert for Tea, also.  Today, I'm...
making this Recipe and baking it in 12-Cups of 2 Large Muffin Pans...for individual servings.   I will just assemble the same way I would if I were doing it in a large pan.  Bread cubes in the greased cups...blueberries, lemon rind over the top of them.  Then Cream Cheese pieces...topped with remaining bread cubes, blueberries and lemon rind.  Then the Milk Mixture.  Let set 20 minutes and then bake at 325° 30-45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.  This recipe will yield 10-12 Large Muffin Size servings.  



Bread Pudding
6c Egg Bread cubes
2c Fresh Blueberries, divided, save 1/2c for serving
8 large Eggs, well beaten
3T grated Lemon zest
11/2c Sugar
1/2c dark Brown Sugar
1/2c salted Butter, melted
2c Whole Milk
3c Heavy Cream
3t Cinnamon
4t Vanilla

Lemon Anglaise Sauce
1/2c reserved Blueberries
1t lemon zest
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cups whipping cream
1 container YoPlait Lemon Creme Pie Yogurt

Trim crusts off bread and cut into 1” cubes. Arrange half of the bread cubes in a greased 13x9 pan. Scatter two thirds each of the blueberries and lemon rind over the top of the bread cubes. Add the cubed Cream Cheese pieces, then top with the remaining bread cubes, blueberries and lemon rind.  

In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, butter, vanilla, cinnamon and sugar. Pour over bread mixture. Allow to set for 20 minutes. {can be covered with saran wrap and refrigerated for up to 24 hours at this point}  Preheat oven to 325°. Bake uncovered in the center of the oven for 60-90 minutes or until tested done when knife inserted in center comes out clean. Serve warm or cold…or microwave for 30-45 seconds to re-warm it.

Combine the berries, zest and sugar and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Whip cream cream to stiff peaks. Top the individual serving of Bread Pudding with a heaping Tablespoon {or more} of the Lemon Crème Pie Yogurt with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Then top with some of the refrigerated Blueberries. Oh, my…it’s so good. Serve. Chill remaining Bread Pudding.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Danish Anyone? Easy 20 Minute Recipe

Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Danish
1 sheet of puff pastry, unthawed
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 tbsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2-3 tbsp. sugar...
1 1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
1 tbsp. lemon zest
1 egg, whisked
3 tbsp. water
powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions:  makes 6
1. Preheat oven to 400F degrees. Lay out a sheet of parchment paper big enough to fit the puff pastry sheet with a few inches to spare on each side. Lightly flour the parchment paper and roll puff pastry into a rectangle. Cut lengthwise once and then 2 times width wise creating 6 equal pieces.
2. With a knife, score the border of each puff pastry.  Use a fork to make a couple pricks into the dough leaving about an inch border, as shown in the photo. This helps keep the middle of the pastry from rising.
3. In a bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and lemon juice.  Spoon about 2-3 heaping tbsp. of mixture in the middle of each piece of dough and spread around evenly, making sure there is a good 1inch border around it. Evenly distribute the blueberries on each piece of dough lightly pressing down so they stay.
4. Transfer the parchment sheet with the pastries onto a cookie sheet.  In a small dish, whisk together the egg and water making an egg wash.  Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the mixture, this allows the edges to get golden and crispy.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking. Remove from baking sheet and cook on a wire rack. Top with lemon zest and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Serve warm or room temperature.
From Brittany at Say YesBlog

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Silver & Gold - Post from One Year Ago

I loved this post from exactly ONE YEAR ago [January 3, 2014]...so I decided to re-post it today.  I hope you enjoy it along with me.  As I was Visiting many of you, looking at Holiday Tablescapes, I saw such beauty!  From decorations, centerpieces, candles, dishes, silver, crystal...it was all so marvelous and so sparkling!  It got me going on-line to snoop - or shop!  No, I didn't purchase anything...
but I did find several silver plate as well as stainless steel sets of Flatware.

  
I'd love to know what set you would choose for yourself...they are numbered, in the comments, just tell me which one you prefer.  You can tell me why, if you want to...that would be nice.  I'll tell you later on, which one is my top selection. 

This year, I've absolutely been smitten with beautiful Flatware - especially anything GOLD!  It's so warm and beautiful.  I think if I get any new Flatware it will be Gold Plated.  It will go with all of my beautiful Old Country Roses China and 2 other patterns of China that I have that have gold detail on them.  

















Aren't they beautiful?  They're so different, that's what attracted me to all of them.  My favorite is Set #6, PADOVA and has been since I first saw it.  Now it's not available anywhere!  SOLD OUT!

Set #3B Amalfi or #5B Botticelli, Yellow Gold Plate would be my 2nd choice.  I love the details and the gold.

So, now tell me, do you prefer Stainless Steel, Silver Plate or Gold Plate?
Which set is your Favorite?

If your favorite isn't shown here, put the name of it in the comments and leave a link to it for me.  I'd love to see it. 

Friday, January 1, 2016

Ring In 2016

Queue the Music...Turn down the Lights... Grab a glass of Champagne or Sparkling Cider...Here’s a toast to the future, a toast to the past, and a toast to our friends, far and near.   May the future be pleasant, the past a bright dream.  May our friends remain faithful and dear.
Happy New Year...♥