Hey, Y'all,
It's come to my attention that the U.S. has an increasingly addicted population. I'm not referring to prescription drugs, meth, alcohol, tobacco, etc. I'm referring to the way it seems everyone is addicted to any number of substances and/or activities and/or things. Just pick a day that promises to provide the opportunity to hold conversations with a number of different acquaintances. Then be attentive to the number of times you hear, "I'm addicted to...." Or ask someone you know well to note how many times you say, "I'm addicted to...." Then think back to just a few years ago. I can't think of anyone I knew socially who would publicly admit to being addicted to anything.
I'm too lazy to take the time to even copy and paste the criteria for being called addicted. If you're interested, you can check out this link: http://addictions.about.com/od/substancedependence/f/dsmsubdep.htm
Here's my list of addictions:
1. Medium point, gel ink pens with rubber grips
2. My hair is "chemically dependent" to quote the lovely Beverly Young Ellis. In fact it's so chemically dependent on hair color to conceal my unlovely gray hair that I have to do Clairol Root Touch-up just to make it to my monthly retouch appointment.
3. Diet Coke
4. Coffee
5. Toddlers and Tiaras, Glee and The Office. I suspect that I will soon have an addiction to Smash.
6. Bubble gum
7. Lipstick
8. Sequins, bling and glitter
9. Homemade Chex Party Mix {I manage this compulsion by only having it at the holidays.}
10. Elastic waist comfy "lounging" pants (ugly ones at that)
11. My smartphone
12. Facebook
13. Reading
OK, I've come clean with my embarrassing list. What are your addictions?
Tootles, Y'all!
TBelle
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Products Social Worker Part II
Hey, Y'all,
It's been a week since my last post and I have no pictures of a grandbaby to share with you. To take my mind off my agitated anticipation, I'll share some new favorite resources with you.
1. Remington Compact Ceramic Hot Rollers
For most of my adult life I have been on a selective quest for a limited list of beauty resources--the perfect red lipstick, the perfect taupe eyeshadow, something that will give my hair lasting volume (shampoo, conditioner, mousse, gel, something!) and hot rollers that don't leave weird lines in my hair, don't burn my scalp, don't take up half of a suitcase, and don't make loud noises. The search for the first three continues, but I've found some wonderful hot rollers! These Remington Compact Ceramic Hot Rollers were just $15.99 at Walgreens. They have wire hook pins that don't leave a ridge in your hair and left my scalp intact. They heat up in ~2 minutes. Their packaging is so compact that you can pack them in your carry-on bag. And....they really curled my hair and I still had curl the morning afterward! I'm not ready to pitch my Velcro rollers, but these Remi's are so helpful that I'm buying another set this weekend.
It's been a week since my last post and I have no pictures of a grandbaby to share with you. To take my mind off my agitated anticipation, I'll share some new favorite resources with you.
1. Remington Compact Ceramic Hot Rollers
For most of my adult life I have been on a selective quest for a limited list of beauty resources--the perfect red lipstick, the perfect taupe eyeshadow, something that will give my hair lasting volume (shampoo, conditioner, mousse, gel, something!) and hot rollers that don't leave weird lines in my hair, don't burn my scalp, don't take up half of a suitcase, and don't make loud noises. The search for the first three continues, but I've found some wonderful hot rollers! These Remington Compact Ceramic Hot Rollers were just $15.99 at Walgreens. They have wire hook pins that don't leave a ridge in your hair and left my scalp intact. They heat up in ~2 minutes. Their packaging is so compact that you can pack them in your carry-on bag. And....they really curled my hair and I still had curl the morning afterward! I'm not ready to pitch my Velcro rollers, but these Remi's are so helpful that I'm buying another set this weekend. 2. Wet n' Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow
Just because Wet n' Wild products have always been sold in drugstores and had really unattractive packaging and tended to be the cheapest make-up available, many people hold them in very low esteem. Which is unfortunate because WnW makes some beautiful lipsticks and eye shadows and they are so cheap that you can afford to take a walk on the wild side and try some new colors. Their eye shadows have beautiful pigment and blend well. They are very soft so you have to tap off the excess shadow before you apply it. The shadow is shimmery and I go over it with a translucent powder to calm down the shine. I picked up the Silent Treatment palette for $2.99.
3. Nivea Touch of Sparkle Body Wash
One of my favorite quotes is, "Glitter makes everything better." Who knew that sparkle would smooth scaly skin? Truthfully, I haven't seen any sparkles. But I have seen smoother skin since I started using this Nivea body wash. So much smoother that I haven't been catching my opaque tights on my crocodile legs! It is a little sensory happy to use this in the shower in the morning.
Hope you find these resources helpful, y'all.
Tootles!
TBelle
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Nanancy
Hey, Y'all,
After many months of increasing expectancy, my "nanancy" is almost to term. Any day now my first grandchild (aka Jelly Bean) will be placed in my welcoming arms. {Please note, I did not say "smothering" or "grasping" or "unyielding" arms. They will be welcoming and I will share him with his parents, his Papa, extended family and other carefully screened people.}
During the past few weeks MH and I have been winding up our grandparently preparations. We successfully completed our Grandparents Class after passing the swaddling and burping skills test and the oral exam covering our understanding of the latest childcare practices, childproofing our home and the fact that the parents are the gatekeepers to the grandchild. I still need to find a frame for our Certificate of Achievement.
After much consideration and vacillation, I have selected my Nana's welcoming ensemble. This was more difficult than you might think. It has to be comfortable and photograph well. Plus it needs to travel well because I'm thinking I need to pack my own hospital bag in case I get the text while I'm at work.
I learned at Grandparents Class that the family is supposed to decorate the mother's door. This information alone was worth the class tuition. I did not want to embarrass the gatekeepers with a naked hospital room door. So I've made a voluminous bow and ordered an "It's a Boy" banner. Hmmm...probably do need to pack a hospital bag big enough to hold the bow, banner and those removable 3M things to hang them.
In the midst of all this dithery preparation I keep thinking about the difference between this time last year and this year. Last year I kept my phone with me at all times in case the hospice nurse or my stepfather called me with news that Mama had taken a turn for the worse. Each morning I woke up with a smothery sense of apprehension over what might happen in the next 24 hours. This year I keep my phone with me at all times in case I get a call or text that the Jelly Bean is about to make his appearance. Each morning I wake up with a bubbly sense of excitement and anticipation of what might happen in the next 24 hours. All day every day I pray without ceasing for God to hold Rachel and the Jelly Bean in his right hand and thank Him for the gift of family and hope and memory.
Hopefully the next post I write will be full of vital statistics and photos of a precious little boy. I'll try to include one of the hospital room door, too!
Love and Tootles,
TBelle
After many months of increasing expectancy, my "nanancy" is almost to term. Any day now my first grandchild (aka Jelly Bean) will be placed in my welcoming arms. {Please note, I did not say "smothering" or "grasping" or "unyielding" arms. They will be welcoming and I will share him with his parents, his Papa, extended family and other carefully screened people.} During the past few weeks MH and I have been winding up our grandparently preparations. We successfully completed our Grandparents Class after passing the swaddling and burping skills test and the oral exam covering our understanding of the latest childcare practices, childproofing our home and the fact that the parents are the gatekeepers to the grandchild. I still need to find a frame for our Certificate of Achievement.
After much consideration and vacillation, I have selected my Nana's welcoming ensemble. This was more difficult than you might think. It has to be comfortable and photograph well. Plus it needs to travel well because I'm thinking I need to pack my own hospital bag in case I get the text while I'm at work.I learned at Grandparents Class that the family is supposed to decorate the mother's door. This information alone was worth the class tuition. I did not want to embarrass the gatekeepers with a naked hospital room door. So I've made a voluminous bow and ordered an "It's a Boy" banner. Hmmm...probably do need to pack a hospital bag big enough to hold the bow, banner and those removable 3M things to hang them.
In the midst of all this dithery preparation I keep thinking about the difference between this time last year and this year. Last year I kept my phone with me at all times in case the hospice nurse or my stepfather called me with news that Mama had taken a turn for the worse. Each morning I woke up with a smothery sense of apprehension over what might happen in the next 24 hours. This year I keep my phone with me at all times in case I get a call or text that the Jelly Bean is about to make his appearance. Each morning I wake up with a bubbly sense of excitement and anticipation of what might happen in the next 24 hours. All day every day I pray without ceasing for God to hold Rachel and the Jelly Bean in his right hand and thank Him for the gift of family and hope and memory.
Hopefully the next post I write will be full of vital statistics and photos of a precious little boy. I'll try to include one of the hospital room door, too!
Love and Tootles,
TBelle
Saturday, January 14, 2012
The House Party Cast of Characters
Hey y'all,
Have you been wondering how this blog came to be called, TBelle's House Party? { Even if you haven't, please pretend like you have.} One of the inspirations was the old Art Linkletter House Party show which probably no one but TBelle remembers. Although I was a little girl when it was on the air, I loved the household tips, interviews, quizzes and watching the celebrities chat it up with Art. Most people remember House Party for the segment, Kids Say the Darndest Things. Sometimes I watched in disbelief that some kid could say something utterly ridiculous. I knew that, given the chance, Art and I would enjoy an intelligent conversation. {You should know that I spent most of my formative years scheming how I could get my parents to get me a gig like Wednesday on the Addams Family or Tabitha on Bewitched.}
Anyway, Art had several BFF's who showed up at the house party regularly. They all knew each other and had so much fun entertaining one another that they really didn't need to have some kid say a darndest thing. {I'll own the fact that I may still have issues about my lack of a TV career. On the other hand, I thankfully have never been the subject of a True Hollywood Story.} Regular viewers knew the regular House Party guests' kids, current spouse, pets, etc. I thought it would be helpful for all of my guests to get acquainted with those near and dear to me who will be mentioned frequently on my blog.
Mysterious Husband (MH)--I have a husband who is cute, funny, kind, insightful, smart, helpful, loving, and violently opposed to having his business discussed on any blog, FB page, talk show interview, etc. He's following the example of Dolly Parton's husband, Carl Dean.
Neal--my son and father of my grandson, Jelly Bean.
Rachel Jane--my daughter-in-law and mother of Jelly Bean.
Pooh--my daughter who follows my MH's suit when it comes to privacy
Quigley--my poodle/Jack Russell/ mini schnauzer mix rescue dog
Midas--my huge Japanese Bobtail cat
Jackson--my large tabby cat
Devan--my average-sized Tonkinese cat
The Cancer Queens--the cast members of Cancer Queens! A Cancer Prevention Musical Revue. We have lots of adventures.
Jules & Buff--my BFF's from high school. We met the first day of school in 1971 in our Home Ec. class at Greencastle High School, Greencastle, IN. We've been friends ever since.
The S & M's--my friends who are the epitome of gracious Southern ladies. We all went to First United Methodist Church together in the '80's. We call ourselves the S & M's because all of our names start with an S or M. We take great delight in seeing the looks on people's faces when we say we're having an S & M party.
Cynthia & Donna--my close friends for the past 10 years.
Candace--my new friend who is a fabulous cook and brilliant and beautiful to boot.
Jenn, Cindy and Jane--these are the friends with whom I get into all sorts of entertaining situations.
Whew, I'm tired of writing and I bet you're tired of reading this. Plus I still have an obscene amount of holiday paraphernalia to pitch or pack away (I'm leaning toward pitching). Take a nap for me!
Tootles,
TBelle
Have you been wondering how this blog came to be called, TBelle's House Party? { Even if you haven't, please pretend like you have.} One of the inspirations was the old Art Linkletter House Party show which probably no one but TBelle remembers. Although I was a little girl when it was on the air, I loved the household tips, interviews, quizzes and watching the celebrities chat it up with Art. Most people remember House Party for the segment, Kids Say the Darndest Things. Sometimes I watched in disbelief that some kid could say something utterly ridiculous. I knew that, given the chance, Art and I would enjoy an intelligent conversation. {You should know that I spent most of my formative years scheming how I could get my parents to get me a gig like Wednesday on the Addams Family or Tabitha on Bewitched.}
Anyway, Art had several BFF's who showed up at the house party regularly. They all knew each other and had so much fun entertaining one another that they really didn't need to have some kid say a darndest thing. {I'll own the fact that I may still have issues about my lack of a TV career. On the other hand, I thankfully have never been the subject of a True Hollywood Story.} Regular viewers knew the regular House Party guests' kids, current spouse, pets, etc. I thought it would be helpful for all of my guests to get acquainted with those near and dear to me who will be mentioned frequently on my blog.
Mysterious Husband (MH)--I have a husband who is cute, funny, kind, insightful, smart, helpful, loving, and violently opposed to having his business discussed on any blog, FB page, talk show interview, etc. He's following the example of Dolly Parton's husband, Carl Dean.
Neal--my son and father of my grandson, Jelly Bean.
Rachel Jane--my daughter-in-law and mother of Jelly Bean.
Pooh--my daughter who follows my MH's suit when it comes to privacy
Quigley--my poodle/Jack Russell/ mini schnauzer mix rescue dog
Midas--my huge Japanese Bobtail cat
Jackson--my large tabby cat
Devan--my average-sized Tonkinese cat
The Cancer Queens--the cast members of Cancer Queens! A Cancer Prevention Musical Revue. We have lots of adventures.
Jules & Buff--my BFF's from high school. We met the first day of school in 1971 in our Home Ec. class at Greencastle High School, Greencastle, IN. We've been friends ever since.
The S & M's--my friends who are the epitome of gracious Southern ladies. We all went to First United Methodist Church together in the '80's. We call ourselves the S & M's because all of our names start with an S or M. We take great delight in seeing the looks on people's faces when we say we're having an S & M party.
Cynthia & Donna--my close friends for the past 10 years.
Candace--my new friend who is a fabulous cook and brilliant and beautiful to boot.
Jenn, Cindy and Jane--these are the friends with whom I get into all sorts of entertaining situations.
Whew, I'm tired of writing and I bet you're tired of reading this. Plus I still have an obscene amount of holiday paraphernalia to pitch or pack away (I'm leaning toward pitching). Take a nap for me!
Tootles,
TBelle
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Products Social Worker
Although I no longer practice traditional social work, I will always be a social worker. I get a thrill every time I have the opportunity to hook people up with resources. My friends will tell you that I love to share resources that can help empower you to feel better about your appearance and your home. In other words, I love to tell my friends about my favorite products. In the spirit of social work, I am an equal opportunity product girl. I don't care if the product comes from Dollar General or Nordstrom's. I do tend to skew toward relatively low-priced cosmetics and skin care items because, in real life, TBelle wants to spend her golden years in a house rather than in a single-wide in one of her kids' backyards.
Here are a couple of my current favorites:
Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller
I love this stuff because it feels good, does a good job of concealing my sickly looking circles and doesn't settle in my "fine lines." Bottom line, it keeps me looking less like death warmed over. You can pick this product up at Target, Walgreens, Krogers, etc. Garnier is big on coupons so keep an eye out (ha, ha) for one for this product.
Revlon Lip Butter When people ask me what I would want with me if I were stranded on a desert island, I always say lipstick (among other things). Note: Never let someone tell you that you can only have one thing when you are stranded on a desert island. It's hypothetical, people! Anyway, if someone asked me today I would say Revlon Lip Butter. It has a luscious texture, lovely pigment, no remarkable odor or taste, and good lasting power--particularly for such a moisturizing product. All of the colors are pretty. I have three and especially love Cherry Tart. It's an easy-to-wear red and I like the name. I have only found these at Walgreens.
I don't want to overwhelm y'all with too many products so we'll stop with two today.
Tootles, Y'all!
Here are a couple of my current favorites:
Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller
I love this stuff because it feels good, does a good job of concealing my sickly looking circles and doesn't settle in my "fine lines." Bottom line, it keeps me looking less like death warmed over. You can pick this product up at Target, Walgreens, Krogers, etc. Garnier is big on coupons so keep an eye out (ha, ha) for one for this product.
Revlon Lip Butter When people ask me what I would want with me if I were stranded on a desert island, I always say lipstick (among other things). Note: Never let someone tell you that you can only have one thing when you are stranded on a desert island. It's hypothetical, people! Anyway, if someone asked me today I would say Revlon Lip Butter. It has a luscious texture, lovely pigment, no remarkable odor or taste, and good lasting power--particularly for such a moisturizing product. All of the colors are pretty. I have three and especially love Cherry Tart. It's an easy-to-wear red and I like the name. I have only found these at Walgreens.
I don't want to overwhelm y'all with too many products so we'll stop with two today.
Tootles, Y'all!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Mama-isms
Yesterday would have been my mother's 77th birthday. It was yet another achingly painful link in the chain of firsts we've endured since Mama passed March 12, 2011. I'm trained as a clinical social worker and can tell you all about stages of grief and the developmental tasks of "later adulthood" which include developing a perspective on death (I would say it is inevitable). Everyone knows that the first year of birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries after the death of someone you care about is going to be "difficult." So I was prepared to be tearful all day as I remembered my mother's life and the life lessons she taught me. You can imagine how surprising it was when the first thing that entered my mind when I awoke yesterday morning was one of Mama's aphorisms. Another one popped up while I was putting on the coffee pot. And the warm steam in my shower seemed to loosen up an avalanche of memories of Mama's nuggets of insight.
As a tribute to Mama, I would like to share some of her words of wisdom. You need to know that Mama was raised in Appalachia--Southwestern Virginia and her mother was from Nova Scotia. I'll be glad to explain certain phrases if they make no sense to you.
"Be your own sweet self." Always offered when I was worried about fitting in with my peer group of the moment. Works well in any life situation.
"He/she wouldn't give you air in a jug." Describing a selfish person.
"God gave you a backbone; now use it!" Said to anyone who was leaning on a counter or woodwork. I have discovered that standing up straight really does help one's back!
"He/she/they don't have a pot to pee in." This term can be used to describe people who are having hard times and need help from others.
"I wish I could buy him/her/them for what they're worth and sell them for what they think they're worth." Used when someone thinks they're smarter than most other people and makes sure all know it.
"Home again, home again, jiggety-jog!" Said as you pull in the driveway or garage after a tiring day of shopping or traveling. This phrase has the power to make you feel safe and blessed to have a home.
"Hells Bells!!!" Only acceptable form of profanity allowed in our home. Use very infrequently so that it does not lose its power and it must be followed by, "excuse my French."
"You better change your attitude." My parents' minimalist approach to cognitive behavioral therapy. Most useful when said to disrespectful or complaining children as parting words when they are being dropped off at school or after-school activities. I must say that I've known many work colleagues whose parents apparently did not know this useful phrase.
"Act like you've got some couth!" Use your manners and good sense.
"Tootles!" An endearing way to end phone calls and voice mails. I still have the last voice mail Mama left me. It was the last time she told me "tootles!"
If you still have your Mama, tell her you love her. If you are a Mama, make some happy memories with your children.
Tootles, y'all!
As a tribute to Mama, I would like to share some of her words of wisdom. You need to know that Mama was raised in Appalachia--Southwestern Virginia and her mother was from Nova Scotia. I'll be glad to explain certain phrases if they make no sense to you.
"Be your own sweet self." Always offered when I was worried about fitting in with my peer group of the moment. Works well in any life situation.
"He/she wouldn't give you air in a jug." Describing a selfish person.
"God gave you a backbone; now use it!" Said to anyone who was leaning on a counter or woodwork. I have discovered that standing up straight really does help one's back!
"He/she/they don't have a pot to pee in." This term can be used to describe people who are having hard times and need help from others.
"I wish I could buy him/her/them for what they're worth and sell them for what they think they're worth." Used when someone thinks they're smarter than most other people and makes sure all know it.
"Home again, home again, jiggety-jog!" Said as you pull in the driveway or garage after a tiring day of shopping or traveling. This phrase has the power to make you feel safe and blessed to have a home.
"Hells Bells!!!" Only acceptable form of profanity allowed in our home. Use very infrequently so that it does not lose its power and it must be followed by, "excuse my French."
"You better change your attitude." My parents' minimalist approach to cognitive behavioral therapy. Most useful when said to disrespectful or complaining children as parting words when they are being dropped off at school or after-school activities. I must say that I've known many work colleagues whose parents apparently did not know this useful phrase.
"Act like you've got some couth!" Use your manners and good sense.
"Tootles!" An endearing way to end phone calls and voice mails. I still have the last voice mail Mama left me. It was the last time she told me "tootles!"
If you still have your Mama, tell her you love her. If you are a Mama, make some happy memories with your children.
Tootles, y'all!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Welcome to My House Party
Hey, Y'all! After weeks of preparing, it's time for my house party to begin. Of course I'm still not really ready. But I decided if I waited until every little detail of this blog suited me, I'd never have any company. So...I'm sure I'll be decorating and redecorating while we're visiting.
Even though today is New Year's Day my house still looks like Christmas. This is because I got my decorations up unusually late and couldn't bear the thought of stripping the house of all of its festive finery before today. And, in the interest of full disclosure, I am quite lazy. I dread painstakingly wrapping up every ornament and struggling once again to pack things up so that I'll know where they are in 11 months. But, as much as I dislike "undecorating" from Christmas, I love the sense of calm I experience in my house after all the overstimulating holiday finery has been removed to storage. There are open spaces again and a lighter energy seems to flow through the house. It occurred to me while I was sitting in church today that it is fitting that we start a new year after ending the previous year in a fair frenzy of holiday expectations, decorations, celebrations and sometimes the disappointment that the actual holiday wasn't like the commercials on TV. By the time I get to New Year's Eve I'm ready to carefully save the memories of special experiences in the preceding year, put the bad memories out with the trash and create an open space within me to welcome the possibilities of a new year offers me. I hope you'll stop by my house party often and we'll enjoy 2012 together!
Love, TBelle
Even though today is New Year's Day my house still looks like Christmas. This is because I got my decorations up unusually late and couldn't bear the thought of stripping the house of all of its festive finery before today. And, in the interest of full disclosure, I am quite lazy. I dread painstakingly wrapping up every ornament and struggling once again to pack things up so that I'll know where they are in 11 months. But, as much as I dislike "undecorating" from Christmas, I love the sense of calm I experience in my house after all the overstimulating holiday finery has been removed to storage. There are open spaces again and a lighter energy seems to flow through the house. It occurred to me while I was sitting in church today that it is fitting that we start a new year after ending the previous year in a fair frenzy of holiday expectations, decorations, celebrations and sometimes the disappointment that the actual holiday wasn't like the commercials on TV. By the time I get to New Year's Eve I'm ready to carefully save the memories of special experiences in the preceding year, put the bad memories out with the trash and create an open space within me to welcome the possibilities of a new year offers me. I hope you'll stop by my house party often and we'll enjoy 2012 together!
Love, TBelle
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Nanancy
