Well, that happened fast, didn't it?
Wasn't it just January?
Weren't we just discussing our non-resolution, resolutions? Contemplating better habits and making lists for a brand new start in a brand new year.
What we wanted more of and were going to do less of...
And now here we are five months in.
On the brink of summer, surrounded by May flowers and gearing up for Mother's Day, which is just a week away.
Of course, I've already received my Mother's Day gifts and they were THE BEST.
I mean there's just no way to top a prepaid cow and a two week visit from my first born...who, incidentally, made me a mother during this magical month.
Seriously, what more could a mom want?
In between sneezes and allergy pills, I have managed to spend a little time in my yard planning and prepping for warmer weather.
The fish have come out of hibernation and they are bigger and better than ever. Can you believe they're just ordinary goldfish?
And believe it or not, opened the pool. My waterview has returned, which is another reason to love May.
In 2022, I bought new cushions for my old Lazy Boy wicker set and they were...well, they were just ok.
I didn't want to spend money to have custom ones made, so I went the bargain route and let's just say they turned out to be a total waste of money.
They get great reviews, the fabric looks nice and if the cushions are too soft, at least I can just restuff them. I hope.
I'll keep you posted.
Moving around to the front yard, I need to work on curb appeal. My house is currently frowning.
There's nothing on the door, and frankly, there hasn't been since Christmas. I mean honestly, what kind of self respecting DIY blogger lets her front door go bare for that long.
It's disgraceful.
It's not as if I don't have a huge stash to choose from, either. I have at least one for every month of the year, prepped and ready to go.
Thankfully, I have a project in the works to remedy that. I hope it turns out the way I expect it to...but...lately I've been the queen of crafty mistakes. So no promises.
I also have a really cool project for the inside of my house to reveal. It's one that I've been working on for a while. Ok...my husband's been working on it for a while. I've just been the director of the show.
It's an upgrade I've dreamt about for years. I hope to wrap it up this weekend and while I don't want to give too much away, I will say it involves a lot of glass. And my bathroom.
I can't wait to share!
In other news...
I'm having a beauty dilemma.
When you have allergies, rosacea, and those dreaded wrinkles, finding new products that truly work is not easy. Suggestions are welcomed!
In the meantime, I've started doing face yoga. It feels nice, but I'm not sure it's really doing anything. Anyone else try it?
Oh, and I'm addicted to the NYT games...I still play Wordle and do the Mini Crossword puzzle every day.
 |
| One year, on my birthday, the word of the day was BIRTH! |
It's not easy, but I enjoy it. I think it keeps my brain working and when I win, it makes me feel like I'm not actually losing my mind...after I can't remember why I walked into a room.
I think it's like face yoga, seems like a good idea, but not sure it's really helping. 😉
Lastly, this May marks the 44th year since my dad passed away. You would think that after more than four decades that date wouldn't hit me as hard as it did in the early years.
But that is just not so.
It doesn't matter where I am or what I'm doing, at some point during the day, I remember and I'm gutted all over again.
Proof that time doesn't necessarily heal all wounds, I think it just deadens some of the pain.
And you know what?
So do those pet store goldfish.
The colorful flowers.
Mother's Day visits.
Moo.
😌
What are your plans for the month?
Happy May, Friends!
Wow your fish look great! I can't believe it's May either. I have been busy creating this week and updating posts like crazy. I can't believe how clean the pool is so soon. My husband dies Wordle and Connections too. I have been using Elf cosmetics and it's amazing. Happy May
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindy! We do love those little fish. May is a fun month to create things. The sunshine and warm weather are so energizing! I'll have to give ELF a look...my kids use a lot of their products and love them!
DeleteI also suffer from rosacea and a good resource is the rosacea.org website. They just began to give their seal of approval on makeup products. I’ve used Laura Gellar baked balance face powder with great results ! Also went back to using Clinique products for eyeliner and shadow. CeraVe face cleanser and lotion have worked for me. I know what you mean Kim -it’s frustrating and a journey to find what works.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the website and your other tips! I'll have to check it out. My dermatologist has been no help...just tells me to try things to see what works. Ugh. I have a drawer full of Cera Ve samples I need to try. Right now I'm using the last bits of my old Clinique cream. Apparently, the replacement is not great so I've been hesitant to try it.
DeleteI love your cow! The fish look great too.
ReplyDeleteDon't you hate when they just stop making something? I've been dealing with that with a hair product. Aaaagh!
I have a few computer games I do every day too. It's fun and it can't hurt, right?
Happy May!
Yes! I get it, the availability of their base ingredients change, etc, but for the most part, I think all these changes are unnecessary. I hope you find a new hair product...so frustrating! Here's to computer games! A little harmless fun for sure!! Happy May!
DeleteI have heard that pain somehow stores memory and that when triggered by events, dates, etc it returns even though the event, source is no longer actually happening. I’m sorry you lost your dad so very young.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words and yes, I've heard that, too. The brain certainly is a mystery.
DeleteI understand the longing for that missed parent. It really never goes away. He must have passed away when you were quite young. I’m so sorry. I wish I had some makeup recommendations, but I am having to change all of mine because the matte foundation just ages me. Same for the powder I was using. And concealer! Ugh! I’m experimenting and haven’t found my must-have yet. But, yay for open pools and goldfish in ponds! Love those fishies! ♥️
ReplyDeleteSounds like you know that longing from experience, Mandy, I'm sorry. I agree with your comments about foundation, same here. Funny, I used to wear a ton of makeup...liquid and powder foundations, etc. when I was in high school and college. Then as I got older I abandoned it all except concealer, mascara and a good lipstick. Of course I didn't need it all when I was younger and my skin was smooth and perfect. Now that I'm (much) older and could use some help, it's hard to find brands that look good. Hahaha. Irony at its best!!
DeleteDon't dread the wrinkles! They are coming and you may as well make peace with it and love the face the see in the mirror. (: Speaking of that, I ordered myself some new Oly products as my L'Oreal ones were almost used up. I am very low maintenance, but I do love me some self care. Your kitchen view reminds me that I want to find a pool to visit this summer. Happy Mother's Day in advance!
ReplyDeleteOh they're here, Gina!! Haha!! And you're right, there's no escape...especially in my case. I'm not one to do lasers or fillers or surgery...I'm terrified of getting a tooth filled, so yes, I need to make peace with them right now!! I hope you find a pool to visit this year, swimming is my self care! So relaxing! Happy Mother's Day in advance to you, too, my friend.
DeleteGood morning, sweet girl! There is so much in this post, I love it! I need a new cushion for my grandmother's metal recliner (one of the old ones on wheels from the 40s). I had the original cushions but "someone" threw them out and normal ones don't fit. I have one that is OK but I really need a cushion made that fits! $$$.
ReplyDeleteI have never really worn much make up but I started using Purcell makeup. It's a small tube but lasts FOREVER and I don't look like I have make up on. It is white coming out of the tube and color corrects to your skin tone. It doesn't cake, etc. A dab the size of a pencil eraser does my whole face and I dab it on and then sweep it on with a brush. If you have a brown spot, etc. you just dab a little bit extra on there with your finger and tap it a few times and it blends in. I never wore any type of 'liquid/cream" makeup before this. Strangest stuff ever. lol Two of my friends are now using it and love it, too. I tried Laura Geller, too, but I am not crazy about it and it doesn't really have coverage.
I miss my dad after all these years, too. He died May 20th and I was only 21 when he passed. The 20th is always a hard day for me because I never got to say good-bye. xo Diana
OGOSH- I just realized I wrote the wrong name of that makeup! lol. It is PERBELLE ! NOT Purcell. I was looking at the water thing John uses and that is Purcell. DUH! Some days I really AM blonde! xo xo xo
DeleteThanks!! I just checked out the website...interesting! I might give this one a try!!
DeleteI didn't get to say goodbye either and it's been a regret all my life. It's a tough one to make peace with...💔
DeleteAs far as those cushions go, I wish I had the energy to try to make new ones. I'm sure it'd still be pricey, but not nearly what it would cost for a pro to do it. I just wouldn't even know where to start with the welting and the outdoor foam and the tufting...ugh. I'm sure you have made cushions before and I know you could make one for your grandmother's recliner, but what a job!!
And as far as the makeup goes, as I commented to Mandy, I used to wear a ton when I had fresh new skin and the makeup just glowed on my face, now, when I need it, I don't wear it and when I do, I look like an old leather chair. Mother Nature has a wicked sense of humor, doesn't she? 😉
What a lovely read. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy auntie and I do Wordle, Globle and Connections every day and then what's app across our results. It was a fun thing we started to keep in touch early 2021 when we still had lockdowns and restricted visits and we've kept it up ever since. Some days we just send across the scores and some days it's a bit eventful so we have a little discussion. Connections is my favourite but also the most likely to create discussion, as brits we find it very american sometimes!
I'd highly recommend the gorgeous face products from Husk and Seed but they are a UK company and I don't know if they sell overseas. Liz Earle is another lovely brand, I've used their face wash for 20 years.
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI love May and it looks like you are getting a lot of beautiful things out including opening that gorgeous pool. I love summer with not having to wear makeup just tinted moisturizer. Have a great week. Hope you will see the girls this coming weekend. Hugs. Kris
Thanks Kris!! That pool is my favorite. We don’t get to use it as much as I’d like, since our season is very short here. So when it gets opened, I really do get excited!! 😊
DeleteHello friend, or should I call you the "director of the show". I laughed at that. My husband has never called me that.. BOSSY... is usually my name. Ha Ha!! I will have to try having him call me "director of the show".. looking forward to the upcoming reveals.
ReplyDeleteDo a make up post when you find your new favorites. :-)
Carla
Kim,
ReplyDeleteYou have been busy...I need to bring up all my garden and porch decor from the storage shed....I will be going through it all and doing some purging of older items...Without Joe to haul everything for me, I have to make some changes....Looking forward to seeing those red umbrellas...I know how you feel about your Dad...Mine died suddenly 37 years ago and I did not get to say Good Bye which is why I am so very grateful that my sons got to say Good Bye to Joe...That was such a Blessing for all of us....
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Oh my, there's so much happening on your side of the world, Kim. Where do I start? I'm so sorry your heart is sore from missing your Dad and that your allergies are having a ball. The only thing I suffer from is gigantic sneezes when I eat food with MSGs, so I can only imagine what it must be like. Good thing your oldest is there to give you all the cuddles you need <3
ReplyDeleteSending love and Happy Mother's Day from down here in South Africa
I agree, I do not think we ever get over the loss of a loved one, the hurt goes on and on. Your father was a very handsome man Kim. We seem to have all of the things in life we do not necessarily like in life in common. I also have rosacea, and I am also going through trying new make-up because they have discontinued mine. So frustrating, once you figure out what works for you, they stop making it. I have something coming in the mail this weekend so I will let you know if it works or not. Fingers crossed! Hope you enjoyed your Mother's Day! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMy dear dad has been gone since 1986, Kim. Not as long as your dad,but I understand. On a happy note, your pool and fish pond look wonderful. I had to buy new cushions for my outdoor set and I really love them. Some critters got into my old set even though I had them covered and ripped into the stuffing. It’s a battle around here!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a happy week. ❤️