Fantastic Firmoo Glasses

I've worn glasses since second grade, when my teacher finally mentioned to my mom that she had to move me to the front of the room so I could see the chalkboard.  I remember feeling like that first pair was a magical gift - I could finally see!

As I've aged, my eyesight has gotten progressively worse, so in addition to my contacts, I always keep a few pairs of glasses nearby.  In the past they've been ordered from Costco, mostly because it was easy.

From now on I'm purchasing all of my glasses from Firmoo.

Firmoo.com is a global online optical store, with a large selection of reasonably priced frames.  The pair I chose was only $36, which included free single vision prescription lenses.  Bifocals are available for an additional $22.95 more, and progressive lenses are an extra $36.95.  Much more reasonable than Costco or any other retailer I've tried.  Firmoo also carries reading, computer, and prescription sunglasses.

Ordering was a breeze.  With their Virtual Try On System I was able to upload a picture of myself and try different glasses to see which looked best.  I filled in my prescription, chose a size (also easily explained on the ordering page), and that was it.

I was thrilled with the glasses when they arrived, complete with a case and pouch, cleaning cloth and small screwdriver.  They are well made and sturdy, and the prescription is perfect.

And can we talk about how pretty they are?  Hot pink with a tortoiseshell frame  - totally up my alley.  They fit my face just right and are very comfortable.

The only downside was the shipping time.  It took almost a month for the glasses to arrive.  However, I spoke with their customer service representative, and she let me know that they were having trouble with their standard shipping company.  To compensate, Firmoo is currently offering express shipping for only $6.95, so that problem should be solved.

Overall, my experience with Firmoo.com couldn't have been better.  I plan to order a pair of computer glasses from them since I spend most of my day staring at a monitor.  I give Firmoo a highly recommend!

**Disclosure:  I received a free pair of glasses from Firmoo for this review.  However, all opinions are my own**

Sharing Some Gratitude Part Nine

I cannot believe it's the end of February, and time for a look at the things I'm grateful for.  Time really does fly by.

--I'm grateful for the month of "love".  My husband and I have been making a real effort to go on date nights, AND not talk about work the whole time we're out.  He's not much of a Valentine's guy, but today he brought me these roses. I have no idea why but I am not complaining.

--I'm grateful for the weather.  Not trying to make the East Coasters feel bad, but we have honestly had the nicest winter I can remember.  February in Seattle is usually pretty miserable - cold, windy, gray and rainy.  We may pay for it this spring, but I'm loving the warm-ish, sunny days.

--I'm grateful for my new Crock Pot.  The last one was round and very old. I got this one for Christmas, and it has many settings and lots more space. There's a whole board devoted to it on my Pinterest page, and I'm always looking for new recipes.  I made Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta last week and it was a huge hit.

--I'm grateful for Instagram.  It has quickly become my favorite form of social media, and I love seeing everyone's pictures and inspirational quotes every day. If you haven't yet, follow me here.

--I'm grateful for these yayhoo's.  My son has the nicest group of friends. Every one of them is kind and respectful and they have T's back - always. Luckily they don't normally dress like this or I might have to rethink things. This was their "uniform" for the Macho Volleyball Tournament, a long standing Marysville tradition.

I hope you find what you are grateful for this month.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Linking up with Motivation Monday

A Return To Childhood...But I Know Why

Recently I've noticed an odd phenomenon with both of my boys.  They seem to have regressed back to their tween years.  Their attitudes and behavior haven't changed, thankfully.  No pre-teen angst or sulking.  But there's definitely something weird going on....

Exhibit A.  My almost twenty year old son announced this weekend that he wanted a fish aquarium for his room.  Um....okay.  We haven't had a fish in the house for at least ten years.  For us, fish were a "starter" pet before the boys moved on to fire belly toads and hamsters.  I have to say, Fred and the Three Oscars (yes, he named them himself) are kind of calming to watch as they swim around their new home.

It was very hard to get them all to hold still for a picture.

Exhibit B.  Guitar Hero on the Wii, as opposed to the XBox Zombie/Halo games that they've been playing for the last few years.  In recent weeks, T has recruited all of his friends for epic Guitar Hero battles.  I think the guitars had an inch thick layer of dust on them when they were pulled from the game cabinet, but no matter!  Friday nights now sound like jam sessions instead of a war zone.

Exhibit C.  Goldfish crackers.  These were pretty much a food group in our house when the boys were growing up, but I hadn't purchased them in years. On a whim, I grabbed some on my last trip to the store.  It was like I brought home the golden ticket!  Such excitement over crackers.  Guess I don't need to figure out what to get them for birthdays anymore.

Exhibit D, which is the greatest of them all.  C and T are really interested in hanging out with mom and dad.  On Sunday mornings they mosey into the kitchen and ask what the plan is for the day.  What, you mean with us?

I have a thought about all this regression, although I'm sure the boys would deny my theory.  There are precious few months (eighteen, to be exact - yes, I'm counting) left until they both move out and onto the next stage of their lives.  I don't even want to think about it, but they have.  

And although they're excited and ready to get on with it, a part of them is scared and nervous about the journey ahead.  So fish as pets, Guitar Hero, goldfish crackers and hanging out with mom and dad sound pretty good right now.

I'm not complaining.

Create28 With Carrie - Spring Transition

It's the last week of Create28 With Carrie and today I'm focusing on a Spring transition outfit.  

Spring has been on my mind lately, since it feels like we completely skipped winter.  I can't remember another winter season where we didn't have a single snowflake.  Even though the sunshine and warmer temperatures have been nice, I've missed having at least a few snowy days.  I apologize to my friends on the East Coast who have had more than their share!

A boyfriend cardigan and lightweight scarf make perfect transition pieces since they keep you warm without being bulky, and can be removed as the day gets warmer.  The fuschia color brightens up the look, and the floral infinity scarf reminds me spring will really be here soon.

The perfect spring transition footwear?  Toms.  I've decided they are my favorite shoe ever.  Comfortable and cute.  I've got quite a collection going, but I tend to wear these blue ones more than any other - which is obvious by how worn out they're looking.  Darn shopping ban!

Be sure to check out Carrie's blog to see how she styled her Spring transition outfit!

Linking up with Get Your Pretty On, The Pleated Poppy, Not Dead Yet Style, Why I Do Declaire, Fashion Friday

The Day I Got Engaged

I had planned to link up last week with Momfessionals for Show and Tell Tuesday, but then I got a three day migraine and forgot to join them.  But since it's still February, I thought I'd share our love story today.

I think I've mentioned a time or two that my husband and I are high school sweethearts.  We went on our first date in ninth grade.  I think G actually had a crush on one of my best friends, but she already had a boyfriend, and asking me out was the next best thing.  We were only fifteen and neither of us had a driver's license so his mom dropped us off for dinner at a local restaurant.  

Throughout high school we dated off and on - mostly on.  Every once in a while one of us would decide we wanted to date other people, and the usual teenage drama ensued.  My poor parents.  But we always ended up back together, and by the time we were seniors we were pretty inseparable.

We attended the same college for four years, although we never did live together.  My Catholic mama would have had a heart attack!  In May of 1989 we graduated from Washington State University, and being the romantic that I am, I started expecting a proposal any day.

But I waited.  And went to lots of weddings.  And waited.  And watched friends pick out dresses and flowers.  And waited.  I was like Waity Katey, before that became a thing.

We were both living at home with our parents, working full time, and seeing each other as often as we could.  We talked about marriage on occasion, and I figured a proposal had to be coming any time now.  Right?

But I was still waiting.  After the fifth wedding of college friends, I was getting kind of....angry and impatient.  We were adults, and had been dating since we were fifteen.  Obviously we knew each other well.  G said he wanted to get married someday, but I was starting to think that our definitions of someday were different.  In my usual "worst case scenario" fashion, I had talked myself into thinking that he didn't want to marry me at all, but didn't know how to break it off after so much time.  I finally told him that if he didn't see our relationship moving to the next level, we should go our separate ways.  

While I was busy being difficult and ridiculous, he was saving money and researching diamond rings.  G can be a man of few words, so while I was ranting and raving, he was quietly making plans, waiting for just the right time to propose.  Oops. 

In April I planned a special dinner out in Seattle for his 23rd birthday.  G was going to pick me up from work in Bellevue and we would head across the bridge and into the city.  I left the store and headed outside to wait for him.  He finally pulled up in a big stretch limousine.  When he jumped out wearing a suit, I was speechless.

He seemed nervous and a little distant.  Well, this is it, I thought.  He's finally going to break up with me. We stared out the windows as the driver took us into Seattle.  I was waiting for the bad news, and he was about to pass out from anticipation.

Suddenly G turned to me and started talking about our relationship - where we had been, what we had gone through.  I was barely listening.  All I could think about was how this was really the end - after eight years he was breaking up with me in the back of a limousine on his birthday.  

When he asked me to marry him and pulled the ring from his pocket, I was completely stunned and unprepared.  A moment earlier I had been planning what to say about our inevitable break up.  The poor guy had been hoping for an immediate yes, so he just stared at me, wondering why I wasn't answering.

I eventually came to my senses and said yes.  G had planned to propose at the restaurant, but he was so nervous he couldn't contain himself.  There are no pictures or video footage, but I can assure you that the love and excitement we felt that day was worth the year of waiting. 

Our engagement photo, taken by my brother

It's been almost 25 years since he proposed, and I'm still so thankful that I said yes.  My husband is the kindest, most loyal man, and he would do anything for me or our boys.

Plus he loves me even though I'm a crazy person who thinks my wedding proposal is a goodbye speech.  Who would rent a limousine to break up with someone?  Only I would go there.  Apparently I should be writing bad romance novels instead of this blog...

All Glammed Up Take Two

Remember way back on Friday when I wrote that I never watch the actual Academy Awards ceremony?  I decided to go ahead and give it a try this year, and it wasn't too bad.  It helped that I was able to DVR the show and fast forward through all the boring parts.  Plus, I think Neil Patrick Harris is adorable, and while he's no Ellen, he did a pretty good job.

I discovered a few new movies to put on my Netflix, and overall I found the acceptance speeches that I watched to be heartfelt and to the point.  I love that JK Simmons won for best supporting actor - I think he's so talented and underrated.  My boys said, "Hey, that's the guy from the insurance commercials".  Sigh.

My favorite part of the whole show was Julie Andrews.  Is there anyone more beautiful, elegant and lovely in all of Hollywood than Julie Andrews? 

In honor of the 50th anniversary of The Sound of Music, Lady Gaga sang a medley of songs from the film.  I have to admit, I was a little concerned about that choice.  But she gave a beautiful performance, and it was the best I've ever heard her sing.

It's a good thing I enjoyed the ceremony, because I found the red carpet to be very ho hum, and there wasn't a single dress that wowed me.  Meryl Streep looked lovely in her three piece ensemble by Lanvin, and Rosamund Pike in Givenchy and Lupita Nyong'o in Calvin Klein Collection were my favorite looks.

I wonder how my Aunt's party in Las Vegas is going?  I bet they're having a lot more fun than the attendees at the Academy Awards!

All Glammed Up And No Place To Go

The Style Me Bloggers are back today sharing our glamorous Oscar looks - hair, makeup and gowns.  I have two things to say about this subject:

-I am many things, but nobody has ever called me glamorous.  Cute, maybe - but glamorous, no.  If I was ever invited to the Academy Awards, some poor stylist would have their work cut out for them.

-Up until Wednesday, I didn't realize the Oscar's were this weekend.  I very rarely watch the actual show since I usually haven't seen any of the movies that are nominated.  I do, however, always catch the red carpet to see the gorgeous gowns the stars are wearing.

Every year, my aunt and her friends head to Las Vegas for Oscar weekend. They rent a huge suite, wear over the top dresses from the thrift store, and have a big party.  I asked her to send me a picture from last year, but apparently photos aren't allowed!  Maybe I'll plan something like that one of these days.

In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite Oscar looks from years past.

Vivien Leigh won the Best Actress Oscar in 1939 for Gone With The Wind. Her silk Irene Gibbons floral print gown was soft and flowy, and the exact opposite of the restrictive costumes she had to wear during filming.

Ahhh...Grace Kelly.  She looked beautiful in everything, but I really love this satin Edith Head gown she wore to the Oscars in 1955.

The sixties were all about Elizabeth Taylor, but my favorite look is this yellow, spaghetti strap sheath dress that Julie Andrews wore in 1964.  Her hair, makeup and accessories are perfect. 

I'm passing right through the 70's, because it's my least favorite fashion decade.  How about Cher in Bob Mackie's sheer gown in 1988?  If I had a body like hers, I'd show it off too.  Well, probably not, but it's fun to think about.

Helen Hunt wore this beautiful satin column dress by Tom Ford for Gucci when she won the Oscar in 1998 for As Good As It Gets.  Such a pretty color and I love the wrap.

Julia Roberts looked beautiful in 2001 in this velvet and satin Valentino dress from his vintage collection.

My very favorite Oscar dress was worn last year by Cate Blanchett.  Her Armani Prive nude gown was stunning.  It was sprinkled with swarovski crystal appliques, and she sparkled every time she moved.  The silhouette was perfect for her, and I loved the sheer cap sleeves.

I can't wait to see what the stars wear this Sunday.  Could somebody let me know who wins the awards?

Be sure to check out the other Style Me Bloggers today, and link up with us below!

Shoes to Shiraz | Two Teens and their Mama | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | R Squared 

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | Family Love Inspiration Education  

The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | The Blondissima | Positively Learning | Quilty Joy Joy

 Daily Style Finds | Sheila's Potpourri | Puppies and Pretties | She thought She Could 
 Foxy's Domestic Side | Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After | Sprinkled Just Right

An InLinkz Link-up

3/10 Of A Second

We don't always get what we want, no matter how hard we might work for it. That's life.

Sometimes we miss the thing we're striving for by a lot.  And sometimes it's only by 3/10 of a second.

My son T learned that lesson this weekend at his district swim meet.  His 200 medley relay team took fifth place, losing to the fourth place team by 3/10 of a second.  It was so close we couldn't tell who got there first until we looked at the scoreboard.

Fifth place in a district our size is a great accomplishment, no doubt about that. But the first through fourth place teams are headed to the State meet this weekend.  T missed swimming at State by 3/10 of a second.

I don't know if being that close makes it better, or worse.

Now let's add insult to injury.  The other relay team for his school, the 4 x 100, took third place at district's and is swimming this weekend at State. T's coach replaced him on that relay two weeks ago, because she wanted him to focus on his backstroke in the 200 medley.  So T will be going to the State meet - as an alternate.  Unless one of his teammates gets sick or hurt, he'll be watching from the sidelines.

Ever since cross country ended, T has been swimming three hours a day, six days a week.  He practiced throughout winter break, and gained 25 pounds of muscle.  It will be another month until he stops smelling like chlorine.  

In the end, his goal eluded him by 3/10 of a second.  As a parent, it was heartbreaking to watch, and I may have shed a tear as I saw him realize how close he had come.

But here's the great thing about this kid.  He's so much more resilient than his mama.  He was disappointed, and maybe even a little angry.  He sat by himself in the stands for awhile, thinking about the race and how he could have gone a little faster.  We left him alone.

Thirty minutes later he was back down at the pool, cheering loudly for the 4 x 100 team, and jumping for joy when they got third place.  To be honest, his father and I were still brooding.  But T's resilient - and awesome.

As a parent, it's hard to watch your child work so hard for something and fall just short.  We teach our kids that they can do anything they want if they put in the hard work and do their best.  But sometimes it's just not enough.  It's that "life" thing again.

However, this kid isn't going to let it get him down.  He's already looking forward to next year, and even if he never competes at the State level, he's happy for the experiences he's had.  He's ready for track season to start, where he'll drop those 25 pounds of muscle and become a long distance running machine.  Sure he's disappointed, but to heck with 3/10 of a second - he'll get it next year.

And once again, as has happened so often on my journey through parenthood, the student becomes the teacher, and I learn more about being a better person from my children.  You don't always get what you want - but sometimes, you get a whole lot more.

Create28 With Carrie - Jackets and Vests

Still following along in week three with Carrie for Create28.  Today it's all about jackets and vests.  

Next to sweaters, vests are my favorite clothing item.  They keep you warm and cozy in the winter, and are a perfect transition piece during fall and spring.  I tend to prefer something not too puffy, since I already have plenty of my own padding up top to work with!  Eddie Bauer is my favorite place to buy down vests, and most of their outerwear is on sale right now.

I have a large selection of lightweight, blazer type jackets that are also great transition pieces.  I've had my military jacket for so long, I can't remember where it came from.  I tried this one on at Old Navy last weekend and really liked the fabric and the fit.  The drawstrings at the waist and hem gave it a nice touch.

Be sure to come back on Friday when the Style Me Bloggers will be linking up and sharing our hair, makeup and outfit picks for the Oscars. I've actually seen two nominated movies this year - American Sniper (sad, but well done) and The Grand Budapest Hotel (excellent) - so maybe I'll actually watch the show instead of the red carpet!

Linking up with Get Your Pretty On, The Pleated Poppy, Not Dead Yet Style, Why I Do Declaire, Fashion Friday

Migraines - Take Two

The not so great weekend has now transitioned into a migraine.  The post I was working on for today isn't going to happen, so instead I'm re-running something from last year about new treatments for migraine headaches. Wish I had some botox right now...

I have suffered from migraines since I was a teenager.  They run in my family -  last year my sister had a six week migraine that finally ended when she was admitted to the hospital and given IV medication.  These headaches can be caused by lack of sleep, stress, flashing lights, or certain foods. Mine seem to be related to my period, and have gotten worse since I've entered perimenopause. Dr. G told me that the fluctuation of estrogen is to blame.  The good news is that many women get better or actually stop having migraines once they enter menopause - a light at the end of the tunnel!

My estrogen is fluctuating and apparently that's not going to change for a while.  What can I do about the migraines?  If I catch mine when it is just beginning, a combination of advil, tylenol and caffeine will often take the edge off, but the headache doesn't completely go away.  I have tried various prescription medications and none of them really work, plus they leave me with awful side effects.

However, there is good news to report!  Two treatments have been approved by the FDA and are expected to be great alternatives for those with chronic migraines, defined as those who have headaches 14 or more days per month.  

BOTOX.  This has already been in use for chronic migraine sufferers. Injections are given around the head and neck area every 12 weeks to help prevent migraines from starting. My friend has had this done and says it works well for her - she is only getting one or two headaches a month and feels like she can function normally for the first time in years. Plus, her forehead has never looked so smooth!

Injection Points

THE CEFALY DEVICE.  This is so brand new, it's not even available in the United States yet, but patients will be able it get it by prescription soon.  The Cefaly device is a "crown" that is worn on the forehead once a day for 20 minutes.  It works by stimulating a nerve that results in less migraines.  Users in Canada have reported great success with Cefaly. I like the idea of this treatment - I think all women should get to wear a crown every day!

She looks very Zen, doesn't she?

Hopefuly one of these new treatments will help if you suffer from menopausal migraines. There is enough to worry about during this time of life - headaches shouldn't be one of them.

Linking up with Elegance And Mommyhood

How About A Sunset

What a weekend.  And not in a good way.

It was emotionally draining and disappointing.  Nothing tragic happened, and we're all okay.  I'm just glad it's over, to be honest.

I won't bore you with the details.

Instead, how about a sunset?  I took these pictures of the sun going down behind the Olympic Mountains from my deck last night.

I promise to be back tomorrow in a much better mood.

Valentine's Day Wishes

Happy Valentine's Day!

No romantic dinner or movie for us - parenthood calls.  We'll be watching day two of T's district swim meet.  His 200 medley relay team is hoping to make it to State.  They did well on Friday and advanced to the finals.  Wish him luck!

Books to Read - Born To Run

I do not run long distances - and as far as I'm concerned, anything over 200 meters is long.  My younger son T, however, loves to run, and he regularly logs eight to ten miles a day.  Last year he started having trouble with foot pain, and his running coach suggested I read Born To Run.

I'm so glad I did.

This non-fiction book is a page turner, even if you've never run a mile in your life.  Christopher McDougall is a vivid, wonderful storyteller, and he weaves an interesting, true tale with science and anthropological research.

It all began when the author, himself an avid runner, started having aches and pains.  His doctor told him that long distance running wasn't natural and that human bodies weren't made for the pressure put on the feet and knees.  He suggested that McDougall should probably stop.

Instead, McDougall tracked down the Tarahumara Indian Tribe of Mexico's Copper Canyons.  For centuries they have practiced techniques that allow them to run hundreds of miles without rest - blissfully.  Known for their excellent health and serene nature, the Tarahumara Indians run barefoot or with the cheapest, flattest soles possible.

The book then leads you on a journey that explores why we were born to run. The human foot is a true marvel of engineering that has been robbed of its ability to do what it was designed to do by modern running shoes.  Our ancestors used persistence hunting - chasing something down until it collapsed from exhaustion.  Fascinating stuff that was all new to me.

McDougall also delves into the world of ultra marathoning - running 50 or 100 miles in grueling conditions - and introduces the reader to some of the unique characters involved in the sport.

This all culminates with an ultra race through Tarahumara country, which pits the tribe against an oddball group of American ultramarathoners, and McDougall himself.

Born To Run is entertaining, educational, and inspiring.  I found myself smiling as I finished the last page.  If you enjoy long distance running, this book will reinforce why. And if you're like me, it's a unique glimpse into the world that produces this kind of joy. 

I still don't get it, but T sure does.

Random Acts Of Kindness For Teens

Last week the Style Me Bloggers wrote about Random Acts of Kindness, and I shared one of the things I do quietly and anonymously to show kindness to members of our military.

One of the commenters on that post mentioned wanting to help their daughter practice random acts of kindness.  It got me thinking - have I been so quiet and anonymous with my acts that I've missed teaching my own kids?

I've had this quote framed in my bedroom since C and T were little, and I look at it every day.  It is so important to me that my boys grow into men with kind, beautiful hearts.  

Children, especially teenagers, are prone to think only about themselves. They are really good at receiving kindness from the adults in their lives. It's up to us to teach them to become more mindful about doing their own acts of kindness - not for their personal gain, but to help them grow those beautiful hearts.

I came up with some ideas for teenagers to practice random acts of kindness.  I would love to hear other suggestions in the comments.

• Shovel an elderly neighbor's driveway when it snows, or bring their garbage out to the curb on collection day
• Call your grandmother just to say hello
• Donate your old cell phones.  Log onto Cell Phones For Soldiers to see all the ways to help
• Say good morning to your teachers, administrators, and bus drivers
• Invite a kid who is being picked on to have lunch with you
• Offer to walk your neighbor's dog or mow their lawn - for free
• Hold the door for someone
• Donate a tweet at Justcoz. org
• Drop off old books to a children's hospital
• Hug your mother

I'll be sharing all of these with my boys.  Especially that last one.

Create28 With Carrie - Bright Colors

I'm still following along with Carrie of A Lovely Little Wardrobe and her Create28 challenge.  It's also day 41 of shopping my closet.  I haven't purchased a single item of clothing for 41 days - which is definitely a record for me.  I'm sure I'll end up buying a few things for spring, but for now I'm enjoying wearing pieces that haven't seen the light of day for awhile!

Today was create a bright colors look. With Valentine's Day almost here, I thought this red cardigan would be appropriate, and I like to wear red and pink together.  During the winter I tend to gravitate towards darker colors, so it was fun to put on such a bright outfit.

I'm also wearing my Wit & Wisdom denim, which have become my favorite pair of jeans I've ever owned.  Thankfully I purchased them in December before my shopping ban.  They are flattering, comfortable, and so soft, thanks to 18% rayon.  With just the right amount of skinny, they somehow don't stretch out like my other jeans.  I love them so much I've been wearing them several times a week.  Some reviews suggest ordering one size down, but I bought my regular size and have been very happy.

If you'd like to follow along with Carrie's Create28 outfits, be sure to head over to her blog and join us. 

Linking up with Get Your Pretty On, The Pleated Poppy, Not Dead Yet Style, Why I Do Declaire, Fashion Friday

The Shelter Pet Project

My friend Elizabeth is one of the most beautiful people I've ever met - inside and out.  She's kind, friendly and loyal to her human family and friends.  But it's her love for animals, especially older dogs and cats, that is truly amazing.

She fosters unwanted senior dogs, giving them a loving place to live out their final months.  She has been known to crawl into blackberry bushes to rescue a crying, abandoned cat.  She goes to the local animal shelter every week, where she bathes senior dogs, evaluates them, and then works with local rescue groups to find them a forever home.  Every year she puts on Scrub A Mutt to raise funds for her non profit, Save A Mutt.

Elizabeth has never met a dog or cat that she didn't love.  And trust me, they all love her back.  Her mission is to help as many homeless animals as she can, but I know she feels like it's never enough.  She shared with me that some days she has to remind herself "I can't save them all."

There is something that we can do to help, in our own way.  

Get true, unconditional, fierce, unforgettable love through shelter pet adoption.

Each year approximately 3-4 million pets are adopted from shelter and rescue groups, but 2.4 million healthy and treatable pets still need our help to find a home.  This post is on behalf of The Shelter Pet Project, a collaborative effort between The Humane Society of the United States, Maddie's Fund, and the Ad Council.

The goal of The Shelter Pet Project is to make shelters and rescue groups the first place people turn when looking to get a new pet.

Actress Bellamy Young, who plays First Lady Mellie Grant on NBC's "Scandal", in partnership with The Shelter Pet Project, stars in a new online video featuring her adopted dog Bean and adopted cat Sadie.

Her video helps break down misconceptions surrounding shelter pets and spreads the word that pets in shelters are wonderful and loveable.



Visit The Shelter Project.org where you can "meet" shelter pets through an interactive experience, search for a dog or cat from a local shelter or rescue group, read adoption success stories, and learn valuable information about pet adoption.

My friend Elizabeth can't save them all.  But we can help.

Be Brave And Let Your Kids Fly

Literally.

One of C's best friends recently got his pilot's license.  He's studying to one day captain large jets, but for now, this is what he flies.

He invited my son to go up with him on Sunday.  In this little plane.

I'm a mother with serious anxiety issues. But C and his friend are almost 20, and honestly, what good reason could I give for saying no?  Well, except for the crashing part.  My son didn't think that was a valid concern, so off they went.

While they were gone I busied myself with laundry, grocery shopping and reading.  I tried not to picture them up there. Until C texted me to say "go out in front of the house, you will see us to the east." And sure enough, there they were, a tiny little dot. 

He took lots of pictures.

Being the good boy he is, C texted me again to say they had landed safely. And I could finally breathe.  They came home and we all had spaghetti for dinner, just like any other Sunday night.

I'm working hard on letting the boys go.  I know the time is coming when they will spread their wings and fly.

But I didn't think it would be so literal.

Happy Belated World Nutella Day

World Nutella Day was actually on Thursday.  I'm ashamed to admit that I almost missed it, since the delicious combination of hazelnuts and chocolate is one of my favorite foods.

You can't go wrong with Nutella, and I've been known to eat it straight out of the jar.  But my very favorite snack is a homemade waffle with Nutella spread and lots of fresh fruit.  Honestly, it's a little slice of heaven.  Try it.

Because she's smart like that, the wonderful Diane wrote a great post about Nutella on the actual day.  Apparently it even has healing powers.  Be sure to  check out her blog - she writes the best stories!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Random Acts Of Kindness

The Style Me Bloggers are back today with a wonderful link up.  There was lots of discussion towards the end of last year about doing some non-style related topics, so here we are.  I think this is a great one, and I hope you'll visit everybody today and see how they practice random acts of kindness.

Nothing makes us more human than being kind.  Quietly being kind to someone, with no wish for anything in return, is the best form of kindness.

Everett, Washington, the neighboring city to the south of us, is home to Naval Station Everett.  Since 1994 it has been the base for two aircraft carriers and many support ships, and at any given time there are about 6,000 sailors stationed here.  

We often encounter soldiers in the restaurants and stores around this Navy town, and without exception we have found them to be polite and courteous. Whenever possible, my husband and I quietly pay for their meal.  Nobody ever knows it was us, which is how we want it to be.  

To me, war itself is a stupid invention.  But I would never confuse government with the military individuals whose job it is to wage that war to provide for our well being. These brave men and women keep us safe from those who would destroy us if they could, and there is nothing I can ever do to repay them.  The best I can do is buy them dinner every once in a while. That's my random act of kindness.

This leads me into another topic that I have wanted to write about:   American Sniper, and all of the controversy surrounding the movie.  If you haven't seen it, you should.

American Sniper tells the story of Chris Kyle, a real life Iraq war veteran and sharpshooter.  After multiple tours of duty, he returned to America where he was shot and killed two years ago by a veteran with post traumatic stress disorder.

This is what I think about this well done movie.  American Sniper is neither an anti-war nor pro-war film.  It isn't about the rightness or wrongness of war.  It's about people - soldiers and their families back home.  It addresses the extraordinary psychological and personal sacrifices that every soldier and their family goes through when fighting a war or being deployed.  Nobody is perfect, but the work these men and women do are the reason we are free.  And for that they deserve our respect and thanks. The End.

Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry wrote a great post about this subject a few weeks ago.  Her husband is currently deployed in the Air Force, so she has first hand perspective, and it's well written and to the point.


Be sure to visit the other Style Me Bloggers, and link up with us below!

Shoes to Shiraz | Two Teens and their Mama | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | R Squared 

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | Family Love Inspiration Education  

The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | The Blondissima | Positively Learning | Quilty Joy Joy

 Daily Style Finds | Sheila's Potpourri | Puppies and Pretties | She thought She Could 
 Foxy's Domestic Side | Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After | Sprinkled Just Right

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