My First Manicure

My First Manicure.....EVER.

What possessed me to do this? I have no clue. BUT... I did it. And I loved it!

The relationship I've had with my nails has always been a strained one....very rarely was I ever able to let them grow. But, I've tried to do better at this....  leaving them alone and just letting them do their own thing. 

I came across a Groupon 1/2 off coupon for a manicure at a local salon ... so I went with it. $15....not bad. Worth it. This one lasted for a good week.

Will I be going back? I do think so. The kicker for me is going to be the cost. $15 isn't a bad deal to spend ever so often for this little pampering.... but $30.Hmmm.... maybe for special occasions only!

January Twenty Fifteen Recap

So... I'm one month into Twenty Fifteen. What has been accomplished thus far? What's been going on? Let's see....

I started the year with big plans to try new recipes. I'd say things are going good with this. I prepared 7 freezer meals - all new recipes. So far we've tried two. We had orange chicken the other night and it wasn't very good. Tonight we tried Cilantro Lime Chicken. It was pretty good. I was a little unsure on how to eat this --- the recipe ended up making quite a bit of the corn, black bean, onion mix --- so, we weren't sure if we were supposed to eat this over rice or wrapped in a tortilla or what. What'd we do? We shredded it a bit and wrapped it up in a tortilla...with rice. It was good. We'll have it again. And, for the most part, I think it's a meal that's good for you. All fresh ingredients....veggies, and chicken.... Other than the freezer meals, we've tried a few other recipes -- kale chips, which are DE-LISH right out of the oven.... but the following day, they've lost their crisp and are a bit soggy. So -- that's a recipe we'll have again.... but with plans to have no leftovers - because they don't keep well.  We also tried ranch pork chops and a few other chicken dishes. Those were all successes. We did have another FAIL - cheeseburger soup. It just wasn't as good as it appeared to be. So... trying new recipes is going well. I got my Pinterest board organized and that helped TREMENDOUSLY!! Em seems somewhat excited - and interested - that we're trying new recipes. I'm glad she's enjoying this new adventure.

My other big plan was to participate in a Reading Challenge that I came across. It's a total of 52 books - to read throughout the year. I chatted with my sis and with a friend of ours, Jen.... and we decided on New Years Eve to do this!! Jen created a facebook page for the challenge. .... and we've actually got a few other folks joining us on this challenge. How am I doing on it so far? I've completed 6 books. And I'm currently in the middle of 4 other ones. I'm impressed that I've been able to stick with this one. I enjoy reading but hardly ever have time, it seems. But - sticking to this challenge, I've had to get creative (audio books) and pay attention to my "free" time and utilize it the best I can.... reading when I'm waiting for class to start, etc... and I've made it a point to go to bed at a decent time so I'll have a few minutes to read before I drift off to sleep. I've found though, that audiobooks at bedtime doesn't work well. I fall asleep and the audiobook continues --- so I have to find my place again the next day.

I chose a "word" for the year --- REDUCE. How's that going? Well.... the ONE thing I wanted to really focus on reducing ...was my commute to work. Of course, when I chose my word -- I didn't make a huge deal about that focus .... because I didn't want folks I work with to know I was looking for something in Conway. BUT --- a great thing happened. A position became available in the Conway office -- and so I jumped on it. I started in the Conway office this week. I'm now driving 3 miles to work....instead of 30. REDUCE, I did!!  This will in turn reduce my spending ... on gas...and on food. I'm close enough now to come home for lunch - which will eliminate the many days I ate out for lunch...which is expensive.   What else have I reduced? I've reduced my soda intake....drinking water during the day at work and I figured out how to make tea, so Em and I have tea in the evenings with dinner. I've reduced my weight ... somehow....  maybe by watching what I eat?? I've reduced my food intake ... not going back for seconds as I used to, not fixing a big plate of food, etc.  I've also reduced my "idle" time. I disconnected my cable tv... which also reduced my spending by $45 a month... but, I'm limited to 4-5 channels, so I don't spend my idle time watching hours of Food Network anymore. If nothing is on tv.... news, BigBang, SharkTank.... then Pandora music is on and I'm busy doing something else or all is quiet and I'm reading (textbooks and books for the reading challenge).

Oh...and one more "thing" I started for this year... was the 52 weeks savings plan. I've been able to stick with this so far. The only problem I have .... is that I don't carry cash on me. So, "saving" the money each week... tucking it away in my piggy bank... has been a bit of a chore, to go to the bank and get the cash... but... they don't call it a challenge for nothing, right?

Spring semester started....we're 3 weeks in. This semester I'm taking online Gender Studies, hybrid (part online and part lab in class) Biology, and also one evening a week of Criminal Justice. So far things are shaping up well. The Gender Studies class is super simple.... reading articles and participating in online discussions. The Criminal Justice class...is....well... so far... a JOKE. I'm not impressed. That's another story for another post. But, let's just say ...it's not stressful or taxing. And then we come to Biology... Ehhh Gads!  I'm covered up with this class. The textbook reading is over my head, the online work (quizzes, powerpoints, lecture notes) are over my head....but I'm muddling through it. The labs in class on Saturday mornings aren't too bad. I'm not overly impressed with my teacher. But... we're only 3 weeks in --- maybe things will smooth out soon!

So... I'm feeling like this year is off to a good start. I'm organized... I'm paying attention to my spending...and my eating... and ready for a good productive year. I came across a quote the other day.... and it sums up my thoughts for this year. Happy Twenty Fifteen!!

Arkansas Travels Bucket List

So - I snagged this -- from TieDye Travels. Blog... http://www.tiedyetravels.com/2014/12/arkansas-bucket-list.html (mainly because it's a good list so I wanted to save it somewhere handy)

I think it's a great basic list for Arkansas. Only one thing on this list that I've done - and I've lived in Arkansas my whole life (37 years) the rest listed, sad to say, are things I haven't. I'll add my thoughts to each number - in red. ...and if I happen to mark any of these trips off my Arkansas Travels Bucket List, I'll be sure and share my thoughts and adventures!

The Arkansas Bucket List - 8 Must-Take Trips for 2015.

Everyone has something they've always wanted to do.  These days, that collection of daring acts and adventures is often called a "bucket list" (things to do before you kick the bucket) -- and it usually includes a good deal of places people want to go, see and do in their lifetime.

When I talk about places I go here in Arkansas, there's usually a person in the crowd who mentions they've always wanted to go there, or eat something I had there.  Rather than wait for my next adventure, here's a suggested list of things that should be on your Arkansas bucket list.

1. Dig for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park.  The only place in the world where you can pay a small fee and go search a big field for diamonds to your heart's content.  There have been some pretty big diamonds found at the park, but most folks go away without a large specimen to take home.  Still, it's fun and it's a good story for later. Click here for park information.
TO DO -- never done this and always wanted to!

2.  Float the Buffalo National River. The very first national river, this free-flowing stream cuts through the heart of the Ozarks, and when the water is high enough to float (spring to early summer and fall), it's a wet path to glorious views.  There are outfitters all along the river, so you don't even need to own your own canoe.  Find one to book, here or here.
DONE - been there, done that...even tried it a second time, but failed. I suppose I'll gladly go again - IF - someone is in the canoe with me that is stronger than me.

3. Ride a motorcycle through curvy, mountainous terrain.  The Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains sport great two-lane blacktop for challenging riding.  The Arkansas Dragon (Highway 123), Push Mountain Road and Talimena Scenic Byway are all really great scenic runs. Check out some great routes, here.

TO DO...if someone has a motorcycle and wants a nervous passenger, sure!

 4.  Make a culinary pilgrimage.  While many of the places I talk about at Tie Dye Travels are great unknown diners and barbecue joints, there are a few that have obtained national renown and even presidential visits, including AQ Chicken House in Springdale, McClard's Bar-B-Que in Hot Springs, Jones Barbecue Diner in Marianna and Rhoda's Famous Hot Tamales in Lake Village.
TO DO! This will take some planning... but sounds yummy to me!

5.  Ride the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad in the fall. The excursion train through the Boston Mountains takes passengers from Van Buren to Springdale and back, and in autumn the colors are glorious.  It's a pretty cool ride even when it's not autumn. Book your excursion here,

TO DO! I didn't even know this was a possibility here in Arkansas!

6. See where Johnny Cash was raised.  Head to Dyess to visit the town where the Man in Black grew up.  Visit a museum that talks about the Dyess colony and then ride out for a tour of the Cash family home, restored to the era when Cash was a boy. Learn more about the home, here.

TO DO! Hasn't this recently been restored? I'm not a huge fan of Johnny Cash.. but, history is history, right?

 7.  Walk in the steps of the Little Rock Nine.  Visit the Central High School National Historic Site in downtown Little Rock.  Learn about desegregation efforts in the 1950s and take a tour of the high school itself, where you'll hear tales of the nine brave black students who attended and the turmoil they experienced. Find information about the visitors center, here.

TO DO! Shame on me for not having this already checked of my list!

8.  See the elk at Ponca.  These majestic beasts come out to feed in fields at Boxley Valley and along the upper Buffalo early in the morning and late in the afternoon.  Viewing the elk has become very popular for folks who head out into the Ozarks.  Get educated on elk at the Ponca Elk Education Center.

TO DO! Nature at it's finest!

 Have an item you think should be here?  Leave your suggestion in the comments.

 

Looks like I've got a few things on my TO DO list when it comes to seeing and doing in Arkansas. I would say one more thing that should be on here --- is Crystal Bridges Art Museum. It's a must see! We've been twice and each time I enjoyed it. It's a pretty big deal...at least to the art lover in me!

New Year, New Challenges!

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re doing something.” ~ Neil Gaiman

1. Write a handwritten note and post it to someone you haven’t been in touch with for a while.
2. Make someone a Birthday or celebration cake.
3. Volunteer for the day, a local dog shelter, home for the elderly or at a soup kitchen for the homeless.
4. Take a bus or train to a town, village or city that you’ve never visited. Just go to the station and get on the next one that comes in.
5. Learn meditation, yoga, Pilates or something new that you’ve never tried.
6. Make a scrapbook, print out photographs, emails and attach keepsakes.
7. Go to an outdoor weekend music festival. And sleep under the stars.
8. Learn to play a musical instrument.
9. Spend a whole day in bed watching movies, reading books and snuggling with a loved one.
10. Look up your family tree and find out what you can learn about your ancestors.
11. Sign up for a local community class, learn something new and meet other people who live in your area at the same time.
12. Forgive someone who has hurt you. And maybe let them know.
13. Plant seeds and grow something in a window box or the garden. If possible start a small vegetable garden.
14. Compliment a stranger, it will possibly make their day.
15. Read an old classic. Choose one that’s always caught your attention and be patient if you don’t get into it straight away.
16. Start your own or join a book club.
17. Go to a museum, the cinema or a restaurant alone. Enjoy your own company.
18. Bake cookies and share them at work, when visiting friends or give them to a neighbour that may be on their own.
19. Make your own birthday, anniversary, valentines or celebration cards.
20. Go mountain climbing, hiking, or a long forest walk.
21. Eat lunch outdoors, pack a picnic in a hamper, sit by a lake, the sea, go to a local park or lay out a blanket in the garden.
22. Roller skate. Hire or buy a pair and have fun while toning up.
23. Let someone else order for you in a restaurant. Or cook something you would never normally try.
24. Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while and make plans to visit.
25. For a period of time, a week, a month or all year, only shop locally. Purchase free-range, ethical and fair-trade goods, buy from independent retailers, at farmer’s markets and give handcrafted creations as presents.
26. Invent your own cocktail, purchase your favourite ingredients and try out something new. Adorn it with umbrellas, fancy stirrers and edible glitter.
27. Play a board game with friends or family. Scrabble, Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit sadly get forgotten due to technology. They are timeless classics and a great way to spend quality time together.
28. Swap the car for a bike for the day. So much more can be absorbed when cycling, plus it’s great exercise.
29. Attend an open mic night. Great entertainment and can be the perfect way to meet new people too.
30. Donate to charity, whether it’s clothes you no longer wear, blankets to the local dog shelter or a sack of carrots to donkeys in India. There are charities everywhere grateful for anything. Even if it’s a $1 donation—it all helps.
31. Make homemade bread. It’s very simple and completely delicious.
32. Switch off all phones, laptops and technology devices. Find different ways to communicate with those close to us and spend quality time with yourself or with others.
33. Have a major clear out. De-clutter, if it’s not pretty, useful or it hasn’t been used in the last 6 months, be ruthless, let it go.
34. Write out a will, a little morbid to think about but it will give you great peace of mind.
35. Take all old books and magazines to a local waiting room, for others to read. Write a note in the front of a book and leave in a public place for others to take on and enjoy and then they can do the same when they’ve finished.
36. Take your camera with you for a whole day and capture everything and anything that takes your interest.
37. Attend a food or wine tasting festival. Most cities hold these events and they are usually free to attend and a great way to try new tastes.
38. Hold a mini movie festival at home. Invite your best friends, tell them to bring a movie they love and spend a whole afternoon and evening together curled up chatting, eating and drinking and sharing old favourites.
39. Organise a clean up with neighbours. Choose a particular hot spot that has turned into an eyesore and get a few people involved to help out. It won’t take long, will be enjoyable working together and you’ll be amazed at the difference a few hours teamwork can make.
40. Get a few friends together and take a ball to the park. Play soccer, rounders, cricket or basketball and ask everyone to bring something to add to a small outdoor snack/picnic afterwards.
41. Make your own soup—nothing tastes better. Especially if you add your homemade bread.
42. Learn a new language, especially if it’s of a country you plan to visit.
43. Go for a swim (if you don’t already.) Or try a brand new water-based activity, water/jet skiing, surfing, canoeing, sailing, kayaking.
44. Skip! It’s free, burns a heap of calories and can be done anywhere.
45. Take a road trip—pack a few necessities, take a map and set out on adventure with no set destination. Explore and investigate different places along the way.
46. Camp out—choose a time when the weather is good, take a barbeque set and sleeping bags and a portable radio. Relax with nature and leave all technology behind.
47. Read the community newsletter or noticeboards. Find out what’s going on locally and get involved in a new activity.
48. Try a new look—choose a new hairstyle or try wearing clothes that you like but wouldn’t normally wear.
49. Write a list of everything we appreciate. Sometimes things can go unnoticed and it’s a great way of becoming more aware and then passing on the gratitude.
50. Watch a sunset, sunrise or both. Find a spot with a good view and settle down with a friend or loved one and enjoy.
51. Write down your life plan. It doesn’t have to be specific, or even achievable. Just a guide for all the things you would like to do and then you can tick and cross off the ones that you want to work towards.
52. Take time out to let those around you know they are loved. Call up, write letters, visit and send the message out strong and clear to those that are most important to you.

 

I will be blogging about THIS as well. This will be the main "meat" of this blog... I do believe.