Although we had a lovely Christmas, I had a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit. Every year it seems to come earlier and earlier, and by Christmas I feel like if I hear one more rendition of Dominick the Donkey I’m gonna wrap my stocking around my neck and call it a day.
Things have been relatively quiet in blog land. I think this is a weird time of year. We’re overloaded with pretty pictures about holiday tables and decorations, but we’re not quite ready to wrap our brains around hard core projects. It’s hard to decide what to write about, so I thought I’d fill you in on what’s been going on lately.
Let me tell you what Fisherman got me for Christmas. Have you heard about FitBit? Some of you know I’m trying to lose a bit of weight (maybe 10-15 lbs). The fitbit is a wrist band that you sync to your computer and it logs in your activity. The goal is to take 10,000 steps a day. I’m up to something like 6. Yup, I’m rockin’ it.
Check it out here
I also got a GoPro camera. Have you heard of it? We saw it on Dateline a few weeks ago. Turns out the creator is super young and now super rich as a result of this cool product. It’s a camera/video camera that you can take along when you’re doing all sorts of activities such as skiing, biking, snow boarding, surfing, etc. I’m going to use it when I go bungee jumping next week.
Just kidding. More than likely I’ll use it to show you how to fold a napkin. That’s about as adventurous as I get.
Check it out here
I’m tech challenged, so I spent the better part of this weekend trying to figure it out. It’s going to be a loooooong learning curve, I can tell you that. In fact, I’m going to try to make it over to Best Buy today so they can help me with a thing or two. I’m on a first name basis over there, and I’m sure it’s just my imagination, but they all seem to have an eye condition. Their eyes seem to continually role. Not sure what that’s about.
Edited to add: I made it to Best Buy and boy, what a waste of time that was! The guy in the camera department couldn’t even get the ‘back door’ off. Let me ‘splain. The camera is housed in a plastic case that is waterproof. You can buy different back pieces if you want, which Fisherman did. We were having a hard time getting another ‘back door’ on yesterday. It looked like it didn’t fit. Well, it turns out they sold him the wrong attachments. I’m going to have to go back when someone else is there who knows what they’re talking about.
A few weeks ago I was the lucky recipient of some freebies from someone that was clearing out her large, beautiful home. I can’t begin to tell you how much she was getting rid of. I’m talking new makeup, clothing, household items…you name it.
These pictures represent just the tip of the iceberg. This tablecloth is actually my favorite. It didn’t photograph well, but it’s a beautiful light mint green color, and it has such a soft hand and is very delicate looking.
I can pretty much open up a ribbon store now.
Do you remember the cute little dresser I got a couple of months ago? Well, I started to paint it a few weeks ago and this is what happened after removing some Frog Tape:
I know what you’re thinking. This is exactly what is NOT supposed to happen with Frog Tape. I think the tape is overall a good product. I’ve used it before on a rug and was impressed with how clean the lines were, but this time, it removed all the layers of paint, including the original paint that came with the dresser. That’s four layers in all. I tried to sand it but since it was down to the bare wood it wasn’t going to become smooth unless I sanded everything off so I just used paint stripper. To be continued…
Have you ever made homemade mozzarella? Last week a friend hosted a mozzarella making party which she does every year. I will share that with you in a day or two.
The weight loss is coming along slowly, but coming along. I didn’t lose any weight this week, but considering it’s the holidays I’m ok with that. We’re organizing our pantry at the cabin, so hopefully I can show you that in a week or two. Then it’s on to the storage room in the basement and my closet.
It’s New Year’s, and this year will be one filled with changes (hopefully all good). I’ll be turning 60 in a couple of weeks, our daughter is getting married in June (oh, I got my dress!) and we’re hoping for one other big change I can’t share now but hope to soon.
What are your plans for New Year’s? Do you make resolutions? Whatever you wish for, I hope all your dreams come true!
Julie says
Hi Doreen, thanks so much for the visit and thanks for the belated birthday wish! Each day since Christmas has been a celebration for me and it was so nice. Wishing you all the happiness for your special birthday. How exciting to have your daughter getting married too! So many things to look forward to! Happy New Year and here’s to us Cappy’s! Cheers!
Hugs, Julie
Emily says
Hi Doreen, I know a lot of peoples canβt wait to take down decorations at Christmas. I leave mine up a little longer. Lucky you to get all those pretty ribbons, I love ribbon! Love your tablecloth and Iβm sure the color is amazing. I had no idea frog take could damage, I sure hope you can repair the dresser you are working on. I will have to go check out the camera you have, sounds complicated but I bet once you get familiar with it your photos will be fabulous. Now Iβm going to check out the fitbit tidbit you told us about!
Wishing you a wonderful and Happy New Year……….
~Emily
The French Hutch
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
That cameras sounds so interesting!β¦I want to wish you a very happy and healthy New Year!!! Congrats on the upcoming wedding!
Cindy Eikenberg says
Doreen, I just always enjoy reading your posts and thank you for starting my day/ending my year with smiles and laughter. You just such a hoot! Ok, if we get together, we can totally open a gigantic ribbon store, so maybe we should think about that for 2014! π I can’t wait to see the mozzarella making party and how much do I love THAT creative idea? Congratulations on your daughter’s upcoming June wedding! I had so much fun with my son’s June wedding in 2012 and will enjoy hearing about your daughter’s – it’s such a happy and fun time! I am a no-resolutions lady – too much pressure and I never, ever keep them. I go with dreams and aspirations, instead. It sounds good, at least! π Wishing you a very wonderful and happy New Year!!
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
this post was HYSTERICAL!!!
I did not think it could get any funnier than “wrap my stocking around my neck ” but you just kept it up. Thanks for all the laughs this morning.
As to Christmas…it was fine china and nice tablecloths etc here but New Years Dinner…with even more people than were here at Christmas…is gonna be paper plates, plastic forks, and I might just leave the mashed potatoes right in the stainless steel pot! :0)
Poppy says
Doreen,
You are just TOO funny! If it takes this silence in blogland for your comedic prowess to make an appearance, then may we hear only pin drops all year long! π
I know exactly what you mean about the rolling eye ‘reflex’…Can’t they find some gadget in that big tech store to remedy this ‘movement malfunction’? So disrespectful, especially to lovely ladies like us!;-)
A couple of Christmases ago, while visiting Canada, I happened to mention that a pedometer sounded like a lot of fun, seeing how many steps one walks a day. Well, my brother-in-law ended up getting me one, and I am totally embarrassed to admit that I haven’t used it once, as I cannot find it. Kinda like a chicken/egg causality dilemma: did I subconsciously plant it somewhere and then consciously forget about it, so as not to be faced with actually using it? I know one thing: walking in circles trying to find it will make up for all the steps I never got round to taking in the first place!
Congrats on the weight loss and finding a dress! If you’re not gaining, then you’re good, I say! Doreen, you do NOT look like you will be entering your sixth decade! Your pretty face is blessed with great olive skin.
Now, what could this other big change be? I have a hunch, and it starts with ‘h’.
I’m so very grateful to have connected with you this year. Thanks for being such a sweet friend!
Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy 2014; all the very best!
xo
Poppy
Lavender Dreams says
That GoPro sounds very neat. It would be fun to have at the beach or when we hike. We must have birthdays close together. Mine is in Jan, too! Happy New Year my friend! I’m going to enjoy visiting you more now that you’re in my favs! Thanks for helping me! Sweet hugs!
Elaine says
Happy New Year to you to Doreen! loved this little potpourri post, a little about everything. by blog too has been somewhat abandoned these last couple of weeks see you next year! Elaine P.S. Still not getting how to link up to your thursday social, I’m tech challenged also loL!
Jane says
Hi Doreen! I really love the neat gifts you received! I got a new laptop from hubby a few weeks ago and I have yet to fire it up. The thought (and challenge) of getting everything running like a smooth machine is deterring me! As far as the camera goes…you know you can Google just about anything. My stove once went on the fritz on a Saturday night and I swear, I typed in the symptoms and got some answers!!
I wish you all the best in the coming year. You have so much to look forward to! I’m hoping to drop a few pounds here and there (much more than you have to I might add!). And that wedding is going to be here before you know it. I’m glad you got the dress!!
Happy New Year! π
XO,
Jane
Angela says
Happy New Year, dear friend! Hope all your dreams come true!~~Ang
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Wow, Santa had some really nice gifts for you this year! Be careful when folding your napkins, you could twist a wrist! Happy New Year!
Cecilia says
Doreen, thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts. It was a strange year for me; filled with challenges but also great blessings. I hope you have a wonderful New Years Day and a wonderful year ahead.
Hugs,
Cecilia
Karen says
Hi Doreen, It sounds like you got a nice haul, I know what you mean about opening a ribbon store lol. Don’t you hate it when the tape ruins a project? that stuff is supposed to make life easier not harder. Good luck with your new camera, I’m sure it will be smooth sailing in no time at all. Have a wonderful New Year.
Amy @ StowandTellU says
My son has been in from Georgia and is staying with us, so we have been enjoying spending time together cooking, watching movies and stuff like that. Also have him helping me with the ongoing kitchen / basement projects. It looks like you have some exciting things to come for 2014, both on the blog and off. So glad to have connected with you in 2013 and look forward to hanging out with you in 2014 as well – Amy
Andi says
Wait. You’re NOT going bungee jumping? Loser. You’ve got enough ribbon to make your own bungee cord. Just do it!!!
Happy New Year!
xoxo
-andi
Doreen says
I used to go bungee jumping, but it was hard on my ankles. I have to preserve them for my pole dancing gig.
Happy New Year to you too crazy lady! (And that’s why I luv ya’)