Mother's Day

Yesterday was my Mother's Day!  I got to spend time with my Son and his Wife and my Grandson Sawyer too.  He is growing like a weed and is as cute as ever.  We went for Breakfast at the Lumber Inn in Delafield...the food was great BTW!   I had the Energy Omelet - egg white, spinach, broccoli and chicken with a slice of Cantaloupe, Honeydew and Watermelon.  And just before we left the restaurant, I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers in a large, heavy, clear glass container and a box of candy!  WOW!!  What a wonderful day!

What a Find!!

Oh my Goodness...Look what I found! 

First, let me say, I love Carly's. They're pretty, comfortable and come in some gorgeous fabrics. For instance, the Carly I bought the second I saw it! It wasn't going to get away from me. I even ordered a Lace Shirley [cover-up] to wear over this and other items I have.

I Did It!

A month or so ago, I made the decision to begin looking for a new apartment, since my lease is up the end of June.  I knew this time, in order to make a move, I needed a first floor apartment that was less expensive than my current apartment.  I knew that that would be difficult to do - find a less expensive apartment...in the Milwaukee area.  

Fast forward...I contacted a former Landlord who I had rented 4 places from and worked for before moving out of state in 2002.  He had several places for rent....but one was a perfect fit.  First floor, private entrance, appliances, assigned parking, air conditioning...all very important requirements.  And if I wanted, a job came with it.  He was looking for an Apartment Manager and knew he could count on me to do it properly.  I agreed.  He reduced my rent and is taking care of the utilities [except phone and cable] in lieu of directly paying me.  That works out so good for me.

Yesterday, we got together and I signed my lease.  I'll be moving on June 1st [or there about].  I'll actually be in my new apartment BEFORE I celebrate being back home in Wisconsin a year on June 6th!!

I'm feeling grateful...happy and blessed. 

Sawyer Celebrated

His 1st Birthday a bit over a week ago.  I can't believe he's one already!  He's so precious.

His mom is obviously reading a card to him, but he has his eyes on something going on, rather than on the card.  He loves watching everyone!

He knows he'll be eating some of his Birthday cake with whales soon...and look at his dimples when he smiles thinking of it.

Can you tell he is loving the cake?  He sure did!

Happy Birthday Sawyer....

Love Grandma

Karaoke

Who likes to go to or sing at Karaoke?

I do!!

From sometime in the early 90's through 2004, I had my weekly "haunts" that I frequented to sing and visit with friends.  I loved it.  It was a place to go after work [I worked until 9pm, sometimes later].  At that time I sang alot of songs by Reba McEntire.  That was when she sang higher than she does now.  I felt most comfortable singing slow songs...but, managed a few fast songs in there too.  I did duets with other singers...and even dated one for a while.  I had my own Karaoke CD's too.  Those are CD's with just background music with some back-up vocals and the songs sung by other singers for learning.

Fast forward to 2005, when I moved to Michigan to marry.  I moved there in April.  From then on until I moved back to Milwaukee in June 2018, I never enjoyed another Karaoke night.

Why?

My husband and I never or seldom went out at night after we were married.  Although as my fiance, he did accompany me to my Karaoke nights when he visited me in Wisconsin...and we both enjoyed them.

Since being back in Wisconsin, I have been going out for Karaoke night.  My favorite is the one on Friday night.  It's near by...it's on Friday night...it's a fun group...it's in a Mexican Restaurant/Bar, where I used to tend bar back in the day.  Although it's changed hands since that time...I still "know" the place.  Quite a few of the usual Karaoke singers I knew back in 2005 still come out to sing at this show.

After NOT singing Karaoke in 13 years, I was a bit nervous getting back into it.  After having Bell's Palsy, I was left with a slight hearing problem and thought it might interfere with being able to hear myself sing.  I worked with the Karaoke operator and in no time, I was doing just fine.  During the summer and fall, I would attend every week. I had gotten to know so many of the regular singers, it was fun!  But, when winter hit and it hit hard this year, as well as many other reasons, I've not been there since the week before New Years' Eve.  But, I will be going back.

I don't sing many of Reba McEntire's songs anymore...unless it's an oldie of hers.  My song list contains over 20 songs, by a handful of varying artists I've learned...and sing well.  I love getting up on stage and singing, especially when I sing some of my more meaningful [to me] songs.  The audience [or part of it] quiets and suddenly people are looking at me and listening...it's such a high!!

What do you do that you love to do?  And are you good at it?  Do you really enjoy it?  We all need an outlet and Karaoke does it for me.

Update on Me This Time

Since I recently did Updates on my 3 PuppyKids, Jasper, Rosie and Angel [they went to their new forever homes at least a year ago now and I got updates from all 3 moms], I thought it was time for me to update you on what I'm doing.

I've been getting along fine in Milwaukee.  I even have a great little job, selling Paparazzi $5 jewelry and doing FB live shows.

But, I am once again on the move, as they say?!?

I have given a great deal of thought to where I am living and some of the things I don't like about the apartment, the complex, the maintenance and management and figured it was time for me to begin apartment hunting.

Yes, I do realize that I just moved in here last June - the end of the month.  But there are enough negative things that make a search and move necessary.  I've been making a list of things to check on and look for in my new apartment.  Since I'm going to be 70 this year, I thought it might be a good thing to check into some 55 and over apartments, with elevators, underground parking and a few other things.  I want this next place to be something I will stay at long term.

Did you know that in 1988 I fell and hurt myself when I was selling cars and trucks at Braeger Chevrolet, one of the largest Car businesses around?  I really tore up my right knee, had 8 surgeries over 4 years on it and endured months of physical therapy.  I ended up needing to use a cane and walked with a limp.  My surgeon told me in the mid 1990's that by 2000 I would need a knee replacement.  I found a physical therapist who had first hand knowledge of torn up knees, as she fell skiing and tore up both of hers and designed her own therapy and recovered and went back to skiing.  I saw her a few times a week for several months.  To make a long story short...

It's 2019, and I do not walk with a limp nor do I use a cane.  I did not have a knee replacement either.  I have my good old born with leg!!  And I seldom have any pain at all.  With that said, I want to remain that way...and want to be on the first floor of an apartment without an elevator. 

I also want to move further north and west of Milwaukee.

This past weekend, I did my homework, scouring the internet for apartments, making notes, adding to my WANT list and getting ready to make phone calls, and scheduling appointments.  Now I need to weather to cooperate.  Some of these place are an hour and a half away from where I live now.  My main objective is to get a more affordable apartment, since I am still living on a very small income.  Either that or stay with the amount I currently pay and have some amenities...and that's not possible in the Milwaukee area or even the surrounding counties.  But, that's OK...I'm ready to do this.

I will be taking a break from blogging while I scoot around looking at apartments.  My goal is to be out of here no later than the end of June and that is only 18 weeks away.  I hope I can find something sooner than that, even if I pay a penalty to break my lease.  I'm just not feeling it here.  So, if you don't see me around for a while, that's what I'll be doing.

Wish me luck...and God's speed!!

LulaRoe

In fall I finally went to a LulaRoe event at a home in Oak Creek.  The clothing was nice, but I was skeptical,so only purchased a cardigan.  It was months later, when I shopped LulaRoe again, this time purchasing a special Irma [a top] to wear for New Year's Eve.  Unfortunately, I didn't go anywhere for New Year's Eve.  Then after the first of the year, I began shopping LulaRoe again...picking up pieces that worked co-ordinated, making outfits.

Yesterday, for a Live Paparazzi show, I wore my first LulaRoe!!  Here are my first 2 Selfies in my LulaRoe.

This one...Snow Leopard Carly [dress], Caroline Cardigan and Leggings

For this one, I only changed my Jewelry and Cardigan 

Is it easier to compare them when they are side by side?  Here I am...side by side.

I am so happy with LulaRoe!  It's comfy and when wearing layers, you stay warm and you are able to removed a layer if you become too warm.  And these pieces look feminine and yet can be toned down too! The best part, with some trial and error finding  your correct size...you can shop 24/7 right from the comfort of your own home.

***You don't necessarily need a LulaRoe Stylist/Consultant near you...simply go to FaceBook and in their search line put Lularoe live now...and click on any at the top of the list that have a red LIVE sign on their show...so you can comment to them***

I live in Wisconsin and do have someone near me who does it part time, but I also have Lularoe people in California, New Jersey, Tennessee and Arizona where I can shop and see the variety that each one has and order.

What do you think?  Do you wear LulaRoe?

Food Stamps or SNAP

Imagine how difficult it would be if your food budget for the month was 1/2 of what it is now?  How good would you eat?  Could you make that smaller amount of money work for you, your family?  Well that's what most individual or families get in SNAP benefits.,,half, or more of what their budget used to be for food.SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities. SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net. The Food and Nutrition Service works with State agencies, nutrition educators, and neighborhood and faith-based organizations to ensure that those eligible for nutrition assistance can make informed decisions about applying for the program and can access benefits. FNS also works with State partners and the retail community to improve program administration and ensure program integrity.

When my ex-husband and I were together, before he retired our budget for food was about $80-$100 a week.  When he left, my food budget dropped to $60 a week and that was difficult to maintain.  

What kind of food budget do you have?  For how many people?

For the past year and a few months, I've been receiving SNAP since I am on a very low, fixed income.  My food budget is now just under $170 for the entire month.  It's nearly impossible to exist on that small budget.  But that's what I receive.  I do not qualify for any other benefits at this time, although my income is quite low.  I am glad I have that amount...and I'm glad that there is only me.

Are you aware that because of the Government Shut-Down, thousands of individuals and families will lose their SNAP benefits completely in February?

Do You realize that this could suddenly and easily happen to you?

You could...

*Lose your job and remain out of work for some time

*Get injured and not be able to work

*Your spouse could be in a nursing home or assisted living due to Alzheimer's, like mine.  All of his retirement income, including social security goes toward that, no questions asked.  Even though we were divorced in 2018, I get no support or financial help from his large income.  Going into a "home", your income goes to them...not a spouse or ex.  I even had to sell my house and move into a tiny apartment and re-home my 3 PuppyKids.  I can barely make ends meet.

So, please take a minute and think about that.  We're not bad people.  We are not lazy or stupid.  Life happens...and it isn't always nice.

If you have the means to help a Food Pantry or to set one up at your Church...or to help someone you know who is having a difficult time on SNAP, do it.  It's so rewarding.  I used to help our Food Pantry at Church.  I used to give restaurant Gift Certificates to people I'd see who needed food.  It always felt good...and God directed me to those who needed it most.  He will do it for you, too!

And...Pray for us.  Pray for all of us.  Pray this Government Shut-down ends soon.

Thank you for reading this.

Turkey Club Roll-Up

This Recipe is so easy and the Wrap Tastes So Good!  I don't miss the bread at all.

BEST TURKEY CLUB ROLL-UP

www.Delish.com

You can watch the video for this Here

INGREDIENTS

4 slices deli turkey

2 tsp. mayo

2 slices cheddar, halved or quartered

1/2 c. shredded or chopped lettuce

1/2 tomato, sliced

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 avocado, sliced

4 slices cooked bacon

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

On a clean work surface, place two slices deli turkey and spread a thin layer of mayo on top. Top with 1 slice cheddar, half of the lettuce, tomato, red onion and avocado, and 2 slices bacon. Season generously with salt and pepper.  Roll up and secure with toothpick, then repeat with remaining ingredients.

Top 10 Posts - Blast From the Past - 2014

Thanks for joining me.  I've been reminiscing about Christmases Past - when I decorated, had parties, baked goodies, had dogs and did Top Posts of the Year posts.  What better way to refresh your memories of me - Jan - since my long absence from blogging began about a year ago [8 posts total for all of 2018!].  Now I'm back to stay, complete with a new Blog Name and Address.  Please follow and I will follow you!  Happy New Year!

In no particular order, the tour begins with: 

Gail Claridge Designs Home Tour

Interior designer Gail Claridge was born with a passion for design. Always interested in collectables and antiques, she has used her imagination, attention to...
detail, and design abilities to turn her personal residences into jewel boxes.   The rooms all have so much detail and I love the colors.

Pocket Pies

These Pies are so easy to make.  Besides having their own personal pie, everyone 

gets a crispy top and bottom crust, which is something most pie eaters LOVE! 

Display Window
I love how my Display Window has taken shape.  It's in my Office, in the top part of the Armoire {doors have been removed} and when the Glass French Doors to the office are open almost all the way, it looks exactly like this from just outside the office...from my Living Room/Great Room.

Flashback Friday - A Baby

A Baby Boy Was Born.  On April 6, 1970, at 11:41 am this precious 

child entered our lives.  We Named Our Son, Stephen Craig. 

Home Tour - Old West End, Toledo Ohio

Tillinghast-Murray-Willys Mansion

 2210 Robinwood Avenue Toledo, Wisconsin

It is located in the Old West End of Toledo, Ohio

I ♥ Shopping Shaped Expressions Etsy Shop

I shopped and shopped and then...I found their lovely shop.  They have

the cutest collage frames, in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colors, even 

unpainted, so that you can finish however you would like.  It worked 

for me and solved all my problems with different sized paintings!

FlashBack Friday - Ralph Hermann

He was born 100 years ago - quite the FlashBack!  Now, what do I know about 

Ralph Hermann?  Why would I know anything about Ralph Hermann?  What 

did he do?  Do you know what he was famous for?   Well, let me tell you...

I'm At the End of My Rope and Feeling Sad

I just want some peace and quiet and a soft place to land.  I don't want to deal with all 

nonsense and arguments...and all the difficulties.  It's too hard.  I just want it to end.  

It isn't good for my health.

I ♥ Shopping - Celestina Marie Designs

Welcome Friends to my etsy shoppe sharing decorative design painting, vintage accents and hand created decor. My name is Celestina Marie, friends call me Celeste. My boutique is located here on Etsy and I have been a designer for over 30 years.

My House at Christmas - Circa 2007

Two big trees...and lots of other pretty things.  I even decorated our Bedroom and Den 

(no pictures) with trees and wreaths and pretty things.  I even decorated the front 

porch and yard...in 2007.  

Have a Blessed Week...

Sawyer, My Grandson

Merry Christmas Sawyer!!  You're such a good and happy little boy.  Those dimples of yours are just adorable!  I can't believe that you were born over 9 months ago already.  I still lived in Michigan when you arrived and I was so anxious to meet you!  My first grand baby!  Grandma loves you so much.

You look like you're really enjoying getting to know Mickey.  You'll spend lots of hours playing with him and learning just who he is.  Have fun.

I wish I knew what you were thinking in this photo...your package unwrapped and that incredible dimpled grin!  You got alot of really nice toys and things that will keep you busy!

I can't wait to see you again!!  Maybe when daddy brings my present, you and mommy can come along!

Hugs to all of you...and Happy New Year!!

Love,
Mom, Grandma, Jan, Kittie ♥♥♥