In my personal simplicity I'm not one to reach for much jewelry as I prepare my way for the door each day. Like most any other young gal, I had my moments back in the day when I did make certain to wear jewelry as well as my makeup too.
These days I've found myself some middle ground. I've makeup & nail polish to apply when the occasion is right & I've jewelry too, for the right moment. A friend recently asked me, when I shared of misplacing (read: dropping, or allowing to slide into disappearance) an earring, if the earrings were nice (read: expensive, or good quality). I responded that these earrings were definitely "nice" in my opinion, especially as they're earrings that I often wear; I keep them at "the ready". I've just a few pairs that I treat as such & I believe each of these select pairs coordinates well with my necklaces & chains. I would consider all of my jewelry to be simple, yet elegant, & definitely "nice".
I never took much to costume jewelry, &, although I very much enjoy their simplicity, I cannot manage much with stud earrings. As the studs poke & cut into my scalp when I have a receiver pressed against my ear. Which, in my work, is quite often. I tend to swing toward those pieces which have the wrap around backs, almost that they don't even need to have backings on them, as well as the pieces that "auto coordinate" with necklaces, etc., yet aren't necessarily designed, or intended as sets. Whenever I've less to match when I'm assembling myself, the better, more confident, & more secure I am.
I'm also aware that I've many pairs of earrings from "back when" that are in earring box which I've carted around to a few housing locations, nearly never lifting the lid to more than glance & remind myself of the exact box contents. It's a box that I should be moving along to the donation center, which I will be, soon.
Ultimately, then, I will have remaining truly that which I need, some simple, yet elegant jewelry pieces, which match one another, yet may stand alone well.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
On Charging My Laptop While in My Car
As
of late I’ve noticed how often I use my laptop on the run. I cart it to &
fro. I’ll be at the library; I’ll be at a franchised retailer or restaurant; maybe a park; I’ll be out. I’m typically out & about. This is when I get the most accomplished. However, my laptop can only be charged
from a wall outlet. I don’t have a car charger, or an adapter, for it.
I’m also the type of person who likes to have enough, maybe even more than enough, of what I typically need to have available. Enter a strong awareness of my remaining battery charge when I’m not plugged in. Also, a higher likelihood of fretting (read: anxiety) that I’ll likely lose too much battery power before accomplishing as I need to, or a task which must be completed by a deadline. Deadlines…eeeeewwww… Scary with the suggestion that the freedoms of a laptop (being able to “move about the cabin”) might actually be limiting. Power, that is, a computer with sufficient charge equals accomplishment & completion.
I’ve investigated the possibility before, & now I’ve revisited the notion. Getting a car adapter seems to be a viable solution. One that will make for greater efficiency & much less stress. I’ve already a USB car charger, so an adapter which includes one, or two spots for USB charging ports is unnecessary for me. I’m much more interested in the quality, the price, whether or not there’s multiple outlets on the adapter, & yes, the color. The price seems reasonable, it has two outlets, & it's a convenient neutral shade.
Now while on-the-go I can connect my laptop while in my vehicle. I have Wi-Fi via my smartphone, so I’ve been able to access the web. Even if I only wish to use MS Office, or any other non-Wi-Fi program, still requires I keep my laptop charged.
I’m also the type of person who likes to have enough, maybe even more than enough, of what I typically need to have available. Enter a strong awareness of my remaining battery charge when I’m not plugged in. Also, a higher likelihood of fretting (read: anxiety) that I’ll likely lose too much battery power before accomplishing as I need to, or a task which must be completed by a deadline. Deadlines…eeeeewwww… Scary with the suggestion that the freedoms of a laptop (being able to “move about the cabin”) might actually be limiting. Power, that is, a computer with sufficient charge equals accomplishment & completion.
I’ve investigated the possibility before, & now I’ve revisited the notion. Getting a car adapter seems to be a viable solution. One that will make for greater efficiency & much less stress. I’ve already a USB car charger, so an adapter which includes one, or two spots for USB charging ports is unnecessary for me. I’m much more interested in the quality, the price, whether or not there’s multiple outlets on the adapter, & yes, the color. The price seems reasonable, it has two outlets, & it's a convenient neutral shade.
Now while on-the-go I can connect my laptop while in my vehicle. I have Wi-Fi via my smartphone, so I’ve been able to access the web. Even if I only wish to use MS Office, or any other non-Wi-Fi program, still requires I keep my laptop charged.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
The Convenience of the Power Strip
Power strips have come a long way over the decades. Way back when there were only a few outlets on each & those outlets were often so close together that they weren't always useable since the items being plugged in would be larger & take up too much space. More versions were added to the market so that products could all fit together without wasting space. Also, power strips moved into modern times; they updated for three-prong usage. Eventually surge protectors came along. These days USB connectors are available, & power strips have taken on a whole different look; a whole new angle. They aren't just strips, they're towers too.
Some of the brilliance of a power strip is that in a location where there's typically not a wall outlet, or definitely not enough of them, plugging in a power strip can solve the situation with ease. Cord lengths come in long lengths now in so that they can trail around a room for any user's need, no matter where they are, & they can move & shift with great ease - very much unlike a wall outlet where measuring & cutting & wiring are also necessary.
Another great thing about power strips is their cost savings. By this I'm not referring to the time & money saved by not installing more wall outlets, I'm referring to the power strip's on/off switch. Turning off that switch when the strip is plugged into the wall, yet none of its outlets are being used (even if items are plugged into the strip) saves on energy & electricity.
Bedside lamp not turned on? Turn off the power strip. Laptop not being used? Turn off the power strip. Smartphone completely charged? Turn off the power strip. You've finished ironing the pile of clean clothes? Turn off the power strip. Electric toothbrush no longer blinking that it has a low battery? Turn off the power strip. Curling iron & hair dryer finished being used for the day? Turn off the power strip.
Have power strips on hand; you never know when they'll come in handy. They come in a variety of shapes & sizes, as well as colors (black to blend in with your electronics, green for holiday decorating, many versions of neutral shades), & remember to turn them off to conserve energy & keep a few more dollars in your bank account.
Some of the brilliance of a power strip is that in a location where there's typically not a wall outlet, or definitely not enough of them, plugging in a power strip can solve the situation with ease. Cord lengths come in long lengths now in so that they can trail around a room for any user's need, no matter where they are, & they can move & shift with great ease - very much unlike a wall outlet where measuring & cutting & wiring are also necessary.
Another great thing about power strips is their cost savings. By this I'm not referring to the time & money saved by not installing more wall outlets, I'm referring to the power strip's on/off switch. Turning off that switch when the strip is plugged into the wall, yet none of its outlets are being used (even if items are plugged into the strip) saves on energy & electricity.
Bedside lamp not turned on? Turn off the power strip. Laptop not being used? Turn off the power strip. Smartphone completely charged? Turn off the power strip. You've finished ironing the pile of clean clothes? Turn off the power strip. Electric toothbrush no longer blinking that it has a low battery? Turn off the power strip. Curling iron & hair dryer finished being used for the day? Turn off the power strip.
Have power strips on hand; you never know when they'll come in handy. They come in a variety of shapes & sizes, as well as colors (black to blend in with your electronics, green for holiday decorating, many versions of neutral shades), & remember to turn them off to conserve energy & keep a few more dollars in your bank account.
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Discovering Options in Duct Tape
A stereotype of men might be that they say, "Anything can be fixed with duct tape." Manufacturer's definitely know of the hype placed on this invention & the creations that have come from the variations (& their demand!) ever since.
There are solid color options:
Patterned duct tape:
& then some more patterned duct tape:
Numerous solids & a few patterns:
& duct tape is even available in sheets now too.
Something that began as a boring, bland neutral shaded solid color, suddenly has transpired to many other options & levels of creativity.
There are solid color options:
Patterned duct tape:
& then some more patterned duct tape:
Numerous solids & a few patterns:
& duct tape is even available in sheets now too.
Something that began as a boring, bland neutral shaded solid color, suddenly has transpired to many other options & levels of creativity.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Birthday Ball Caps
There was a time when my brother’s birthday would roll
around each year that I’d get him a new hat, a new ball cap. It was for several
years, just long enough that this became my “thing”. Getting him a new ball cap
became my thing. It began because one year his hat was so busted that the brim
of it was shattered & peeling away. That particular year I gave him another
of the exact same ball cap. Well, sort of; they were both University of Notre Dame ball caps. One year I gave him socks. Oh wait, that was a Christmas gift.
It was intended to be a joke as I sometimes bummed a pair of socks from his
drawer, so I got him a few pairs that I also might borrow, though I don’t think
I ever actually did borrow the ones which I’d gifted him.
Time worn on & I’d get him things related to woodworking (a project book, perhaps) or some sort of cookbook as he does well with food prep & making meals. There’s a book by Julia Child which he enjoyed so much that he especially thanked me for it. He also remarked, to the family in general, about some information, or techniques, she’d included in her work. It was something about the proper way to manage a particular food dish. When I asked him what it was, he responded simply, “time”. That Julia had written about the importance of spending time, & letting the food take its time to cook, in order to cook properly, & get the best result for the particular dish she was presenting. The flavor would be at its best as all would be brought together in the best possible way, as it was meant to be.
Nowadays a simple text message indicating that I remembered it’s his special day (though all my family members know I’m the one who’s least likely to not remember a birthday), that I’m thinking of him, & that I hope it’s a great day spending time with those family & friends which are near as well as good times.
Time worn on & I’d get him things related to woodworking (a project book, perhaps) or some sort of cookbook as he does well with food prep & making meals. There’s a book by Julia Child which he enjoyed so much that he especially thanked me for it. He also remarked, to the family in general, about some information, or techniques, she’d included in her work. It was something about the proper way to manage a particular food dish. When I asked him what it was, he responded simply, “time”. That Julia had written about the importance of spending time, & letting the food take its time to cook, in order to cook properly, & get the best result for the particular dish she was presenting. The flavor would be at its best as all would be brought together in the best possible way, as it was meant to be.
Nowadays a simple text message indicating that I remembered it’s his special day (though all my family members know I’m the one who’s least likely to not remember a birthday), that I’m thinking of him, & that I hope it’s a great day spending time with those family & friends which are near as well as good times.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Considering Coat Racks
On a day like today, where grabbing a light jacket, sweatshirt, or sweater seemed most fitting (another pun! 😕😌), I reconsider a purchase I'd like to have, which I know I'd use, yet it's not been a realistic thing for me to have - at least not right now.
A coat rack... There's a simple elegance to such a thing, & for just the right person, & just the right lifestyle, it can be just the most appropriate thing.
I've something where I've mounted/tossed my assortment of light sweaters (the kind that are three quarter length sleeves with no buttons), a bunch of sweatshirts (because when heading out for a brisk walk or run, one always comes in handy), & an "official" raincoat or two.
I'd be good at using a coat rack. I would still pile my loot, just less over more pegs, or hooks as I suppose that they'd be.
A simple coat rack seems complicated. I'd want something that doesn't take up much room; I don't want it to be too bulky. It would need to have plenty of hooks, yet be reasonably priced. Space for umbrellas & the like at its base would be convenient, yet considered just a plus. Likewise with a built-in shoe rack. ...And shoe racks can create bulk (read: width). I'd also definitely want a free-standing coat rack. As much as floor space is of the essence, so is the versatility of moving the rack with great ease, as well as not leaving any markings (read: nail marks/holes) on the wall.
I like this one for its nod to nature (I'm an outdoorsy gal who enjoys camping), yet I only see six pegs, & I'd like for there to be a few more for the effort of having a coat rack - both cost & space.
I like this one because there's plenty of hooks & places for shoes too, yet it's over 2' wide, & I'd like to keep the one I'd get to much less than that if possible.
I like this one because it has many hooks, as well as slots for umbrellas, yet it's floor width is more than a foot & a half. It's price is also a few dollars more than I need to spend - comparatively speaking.
So the ones I've sitting in my shopping cart to ponder & consider further are:
This one comes with a 14" base. That's a sweet, narrow, not-a-space-taker-upper-at-all width. It's a few more dollar than is pleasing, yet with its many hooks & a circular space for umbrellas to collect in the midway section, as well as that base size, the extra buck or two might just be a score. 15 hooks in total.
This one is, by far, the lowest costing of those which I've not only eyed-up, but also added to my cart. It's base width is just shy of 20", & it lacks an umbrella area. 11 hooks in total.
So, here we are on such a day when a light jacket could be a great accessory, & here we are with a couple of adequate coat racks to consider. Each has its own positive points, as well as concerns to make a buyer wrinkle their nose.
With each of the above, that is, with all five, I mentioned umbrella areas where they're included, yet I quite despise umbrellas. I've a few, of varying sizes & shapes, for absolutely necessary, or when someone's with me & expects that I might have one with which to "rescue" them...(I keep a small, modest sized one in my vehicle).
I'm that person that is using an umbrella, & as is often the case, there's wind (wind & rain like to hang out with one another), in so that, as I'm attempting to walk along with dignity (possibly with a brisk pace), I've finding great difficulty in keeping my umbrella at bay & tame. I'm putting a lot of effort into that umbrella; the holding, the carrying, the actually-keeping-my-things-dry part. It would be the umbrella I'm struggling with that would flip as they do for the unfortunate in the movies. I find it's simply not worth it & I keep light rain jackets around. These jackets with hoods, & oftentimes pockets. I meander around hands-free while keeping my person, including my head, dry. This pleases me. So would a coat rack. One might be in my future. Time will tell.
A coat rack... There's a simple elegance to such a thing, & for just the right person, & just the right lifestyle, it can be just the most appropriate thing.
I've something where I've mounted/tossed my assortment of light sweaters (the kind that are three quarter length sleeves with no buttons), a bunch of sweatshirts (because when heading out for a brisk walk or run, one always comes in handy), & an "official" raincoat or two.
I'd be good at using a coat rack. I would still pile my loot, just less over more pegs, or hooks as I suppose that they'd be.
A simple coat rack seems complicated. I'd want something that doesn't take up much room; I don't want it to be too bulky. It would need to have plenty of hooks, yet be reasonably priced. Space for umbrellas & the like at its base would be convenient, yet considered just a plus. Likewise with a built-in shoe rack. ...And shoe racks can create bulk (read: width). I'd also definitely want a free-standing coat rack. As much as floor space is of the essence, so is the versatility of moving the rack with great ease, as well as not leaving any markings (read: nail marks/holes) on the wall.
I like this one for its nod to nature (I'm an outdoorsy gal who enjoys camping), yet I only see six pegs, & I'd like for there to be a few more for the effort of having a coat rack - both cost & space.
I like this one because there's plenty of hooks & places for shoes too, yet it's over 2' wide, & I'd like to keep the one I'd get to much less than that if possible.
I like this one because it has many hooks, as well as slots for umbrellas, yet it's floor width is more than a foot & a half. It's price is also a few dollars more than I need to spend - comparatively speaking.
So the ones I've sitting in my shopping cart to ponder & consider further are:
This one comes with a 14" base. That's a sweet, narrow, not-a-space-taker-upper-at-all width. It's a few more dollar than is pleasing, yet with its many hooks & a circular space for umbrellas to collect in the midway section, as well as that base size, the extra buck or two might just be a score. 15 hooks in total.
This one is, by far, the lowest costing of those which I've not only eyed-up, but also added to my cart. It's base width is just shy of 20", & it lacks an umbrella area. 11 hooks in total.
So, here we are on such a day when a light jacket could be a great accessory, & here we are with a couple of adequate coat racks to consider. Each has its own positive points, as well as concerns to make a buyer wrinkle their nose.
With each of the above, that is, with all five, I mentioned umbrella areas where they're included, yet I quite despise umbrellas. I've a few, of varying sizes & shapes, for absolutely necessary, or when someone's with me & expects that I might have one with which to "rescue" them...(I keep a small, modest sized one in my vehicle).
I'm that person that is using an umbrella, & as is often the case, there's wind (wind & rain like to hang out with one another), in so that, as I'm attempting to walk along with dignity (possibly with a brisk pace), I've finding great difficulty in keeping my umbrella at bay & tame. I'm putting a lot of effort into that umbrella; the holding, the carrying, the actually-keeping-my-things-dry part. It would be the umbrella I'm struggling with that would flip as they do for the unfortunate in the movies. I find it's simply not worth it & I keep light rain jackets around. These jackets with hoods, & oftentimes pockets. I meander around hands-free while keeping my person, including my head, dry. This pleases me. So would a coat rack. One might be in my future. Time will tell.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
For the Love of Blue, Beverage Edition
Basically I stick to two main beverages. Water, & hot tea...I toss in wine on occasion too.
I drink *A LOT* of water. I simply cannot emphasize this enough. I've both of these bottles (green is my second favorite color 😉).
This bottle simply has a blue lid, yet it's 32 ounce size makes for 12 more ounces than the other water bottles I've come to use daily. Sometimes it helps to have a few more ounces on hand & only travel with one bottle (entering a building for a meeting, spending time with a friend). This bottle provides that extra ounce (no pun intended!) of convenience. This is a 2-pack; I've only one of these bottles.
These also look really nice. Clear base with a green lid & blue snap cover. These are also 32 ounces a piece; a nice variation.
Rounding out my current water bottle collection of four water bottles would be one of these 20 ounce chug bottles. It's only difference, for me, from the one above is the extra 12 ounces. It works for me because it's different from the other three bottles, so I know which bottle I'm getting when I grab for one.
Having three 20 ounce bottles works well because their height is flush with the inside lid of my soft side cooler, &, along with a small snack, I can fit my water bottles in my cooler & still get it zipped up which means I'm not driving around - or walking around - with my cooler flopping about. The confidence leaves room to concentrate on other, more important things.
I received one of these as a gift. It's great, not only because it is blue, but also because the mug's inside isn't white (or another light shaded color). With the mug's interior being so dark, tea steins are irrelevant & unconsidered. The mug is 15 ounces, which means it'll take that much longer to run out of tea (before needing to refill!) than with an ordinary 8 ounce mug. Also, the mouth of the mug is slightly wider than a custom mug making drinking from it that much simpler & more relaxing - as drinking tea should be.
I drink *A LOT* of water. I simply cannot emphasize this enough. I've both of these bottles (green is my second favorite color 😉).
This bottle simply has a blue lid, yet it's 32 ounce size makes for 12 more ounces than the other water bottles I've come to use daily. Sometimes it helps to have a few more ounces on hand & only travel with one bottle (entering a building for a meeting, spending time with a friend). This bottle provides that extra ounce (no pun intended!) of convenience. This is a 2-pack; I've only one of these bottles.
These also look really nice. Clear base with a green lid & blue snap cover. These are also 32 ounces a piece; a nice variation.
Rounding out my current water bottle collection of four water bottles would be one of these 20 ounce chug bottles. It's only difference, for me, from the one above is the extra 12 ounces. It works for me because it's different from the other three bottles, so I know which bottle I'm getting when I grab for one.
Having three 20 ounce bottles works well because their height is flush with the inside lid of my soft side cooler, &, along with a small snack, I can fit my water bottles in my cooler & still get it zipped up which means I'm not driving around - or walking around - with my cooler flopping about. The confidence leaves room to concentrate on other, more important things.
I received one of these as a gift. It's great, not only because it is blue, but also because the mug's inside isn't white (or another light shaded color). With the mug's interior being so dark, tea steins are irrelevant & unconsidered. The mug is 15 ounces, which means it'll take that much longer to run out of tea (before needing to refill!) than with an ordinary 8 ounce mug. Also, the mouth of the mug is slightly wider than a custom mug making drinking from it that much simpler & more relaxing - as drinking tea should be.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
For the Love of Blue
So,
I adore the color blue. I simply
cannot find a shade of blue I find unpleasing to the eye. It’s an easy go-to
color for me for just about every. single. thing. A few examples...
Clothing:
Skirts in navy, blue, & turquoise. These are a pleasant soft cotton making them dressy as well as casual & ideal for most occasions...
Shoes...
Wearing a blue top, sweater, or jacket with a neutral colored bottom...A simple pair of blue shoes will pull the outfit together.
Or, shoes with a little sparkle...Especially if the event is a bit more fancy or the top or bottom have a bit more class.
Around the House:
Reusable shopping tote bags (which happen to be enormously & conveniently oversized with two different sized straps for ease & usability)...
A trio of 5x7 blue wood picture frames. A great way to accent a main floor room, especially if a couch or love seat happens to have a blue throw decorating its back & blue pillows are tucked inside each arm rest.
In the Kitchen:
KitchenAid Mixer in varying shades of blue (listed in order of my preferences - greatest to least)...
Blue Willow
Blue Steel
Cobalt Blue
Twilight Blue
French Blue
Crystal Blue
& Ocean Drive
(which is a gentle color blend leaning more on the turquoise side of the color spectrum)
Spatulas...
This spatula's wooden handle is good for the wrist. It's crisp, defined edges are efficient when cleaning batter out of a bowl. I like how it gets the batter pulled well from both sides. It's straight, flat top is best for breaking up clumps of food in the skillet.
I'm a fan of these spatulas because there is no section where the handle meets the top making it easier to clean & easier to keep food from the crevasses, as no crevasses exist.
Wearing blue & working with utensils & appliance which are blue is inspiring & encouraging; a quick boost of energy, a hug or a pat on the back...& these blue items are only a beginning...
Skirts in navy, blue, & turquoise. These are a pleasant soft cotton making them dressy as well as casual & ideal for most occasions...
Shoes...
Wearing a blue top, sweater, or jacket with a neutral colored bottom...A simple pair of blue shoes will pull the outfit together.
Or, shoes with a little sparkle...Especially if the event is a bit more fancy or the top or bottom have a bit more class.
Around the House:
Reusable shopping tote bags (which happen to be enormously & conveniently oversized with two different sized straps for ease & usability)...
A trio of 5x7 blue wood picture frames. A great way to accent a main floor room, especially if a couch or love seat happens to have a blue throw decorating its back & blue pillows are tucked inside each arm rest.
In the Kitchen:
KitchenAid Mixer in varying shades of blue (listed in order of my preferences - greatest to least)...
Blue Willow
Blue Steel
Cobalt Blue
Twilight Blue
French Blue
Crystal Blue
& Ocean Drive (which is a gentle color blend leaning more on the turquoise side of the color spectrum)
Spatulas...
This spatula's wooden handle is good for the wrist. It's crisp, defined edges are efficient when cleaning batter out of a bowl. I like how it gets the batter pulled well from both sides. It's straight, flat top is best for breaking up clumps of food in the skillet.
I'm a fan of these spatulas because there is no section where the handle meets the top making it easier to clean & easier to keep food from the crevasses, as no crevasses exist.
Wearing blue & working with utensils & appliance which are blue is inspiring & encouraging; a quick boost of energy, a hug or a pat on the back...& these blue items are only a beginning...
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