Baxter Says "It's Time For a Break"

Baxter decided that all of us at Crest Avenue needed to take a break and enjoy the long holiday weekend. So he is shutting down the place for a couple days so that we can regroup and recharge our batteries.

"Rappy Rabor Day Reverybody!!"

Baxter Says "It's Time For a Break"

Baxter decided that all of us at Crest Avenue needed to take a break and enjoy the long holiday weekend. So he is shutting down the place for a couple days so that we can regroup and recharge our batteries.

"Rappy Rabor Day Reverybody!!"

A Room Freshener and Sleeping Pill All In One

Does it get any better than that?  I found this really interesting item from Febreze and I had to try it.

Sleep Serenity it is called.  So it helps to freshen the air in the bedroom and and it helps the owner of the bedroom to get some sleep.  What a great product.

It fits very nicely on the base of this lamp on the nightstand.

Or, tucked out of sight behind my Nextbook tablet, which also serves as my alarm clock.  I love this little 7" tablet.  It fits perfectly on my bedside table.  It takes the place of a separate alarm clock, plus I can browse the internet, pay bills, make a blog post and play Candy Crush Saga all without ever leaving the bed, if I choose to do so.  You could easily place the air freshener behind a standard alarm clock if you did not want to see it displayed on the table.  (That cord behind the air freshener is to the phone.  We will talk more about the phones later this week.)  

A Room Freshener and Sleeping Pill All In One

Does it get any better than that?  I found this really interesting item from Febreze and I had to try it.

Sleep Serenity it is called.  So it helps to freshen the air in the bedroom and and it helps the owner of the bedroom to get some sleep.  What a great product.

It fits very nicely on the base of this lamp on the nightstand.

Or, tucked out of sight behind my Nextbook tablet, which also serves as my alarm clock.  I love this little 7" tablet.  It fits perfectly on my bedside table.  It takes the place of a separate alarm clock, plus I can browse the internet, pay bills, make a blog post and play Candy Crush Saga all without ever leaving the bed, if I choose to do so.  You could easily place the air freshener behind a standard alarm clock if you did not want to see it displayed on the table.  (That cord behind the air freshener is to the phone.  We will talk more about the phones later this week.)  

A Blast from the Past

I was on the train last night, going through my messages when I looked up and realized I was on one of the old cars from the early days of the Metro system in Washington.

I don't know who chose this lovely orange and orange color scheme, but it is quite the look.  The subway started running in downtown Washington in the early to mid 70's.  Thinking back to that time, I suppose these colors were very much en vogue.  Not so much today.

One of the side-seats just inside the door.  These seats are reserved for the elderly and disabled.

And finally, as we made our way out of the tunnel at RFK Stadium.  The orange and orange seem even more vibrant in the natural light, of which there was not a lot.  We had overcast skies and a few rain showers last evening and through the night.  Baxter's first steps outside this morning were onto a damp deck which clearly indicated we had rain overnight.  I'll get a picture of the new rail cars and share that with you tomorrow.  They have a whole new color scheme.

A Blast from the Past

I was on the train last night, going through my messages when I looked up and realized I was on one of the old cars from the early days of the Metro system in Washington.

I don't know who chose this lovely orange and orange color scheme, but it is quite the look.  The subway started running in downtown Washington in the early to mid 70's.  Thinking back to that time, I suppose these colors were very much en vogue.  Not so much today.

One of the side-seats just inside the door.  These seats are reserved for the elderly and disabled.

And finally, as we made our way out of the tunnel at RFK Stadium.  The orange and orange seem even more vibrant in the natural light, of which there was not a lot.  We had overcast skies and a few rain showers last evening and through the night.  Baxter's first steps outside this morning were onto a damp deck which clearly indicated we had rain overnight.  I'll get a picture of the new rail cars and share that with you tomorrow.  They have a whole new color scheme.

Ode to Bev (aka Zsa Zsa) Verbeke

My friend Bev was recently in the hospital for some surgery to alleviate pain in your jaw/neck.  I felt inspired to write her a poem, and here it is.

There once was a girl named Zsa Zsa Verbeke,

Who went to the hospital with a pain in her neck.

She checked in on Friday and got into bed,

Woke up some time later, a turban wrapped head.

The doctor said Zsa Zsa, we fixed you right up,

It’s time to have vodka straight from a cup.

Zsa Zsa just laughed and put up her finger,

I must leave here now; I must not even linger.

She threw off the covers, tore open her gown

Look out all you boys, she’s painting the town.

To home she did go, to rest and to ponder,

So grateful she did not awaken “up yonder.”

Now she is fixed and a bright happy gal,

And forever and ever, she’ll be my best pal.

- Juan(ce) Upon a Time 

Here is the dear darling right after her surgery.  A brave gal and close friend.  All will be fine.  She is already back home and at work.

All you need is a diamond brooch in the middle of your turban, Miss Swanson.

Don't worry.  I got permission from her to use the picture before posting it.  I know better than to pull a stunt like that!!!

I would be remiss if I did not mention all the help provided by her sisters, Eva and Magda.  Actually they like to go by Gail and June these days.  I don't know what is going on there!!!  Thank you Gail and June for looking out for Zsa Zsa.  What would we do without you!!

Ode to Bev (aka Zsa Zsa) Verbeke

My friend Bev was recently in the hospital for some surgery to alleviate pain in your jaw/neck.  I felt inspired to write her a poem, and here it is.

There once was a girl named Zsa Zsa Verbeke,

Who went to the hospital with a pain in her neck.

She checked in on Friday and got into bed,

Woke up some time later, a turban wrapped head.

The doctor said Zsa Zsa, we fixed you right up,

It’s time to have vodka straight from a cup.

Zsa Zsa just laughed and put up her finger,

I must leave here now; I must not even linger.

She threw off the covers, tore open her gown

Look out all you boys, she’s painting the town.

To home she did go, to rest and to ponder,

So grateful she did not awaken “up yonder.”

Now she is fixed and a bright happy gal,

And forever and ever, she’ll be my best pal.

- Juan(ce) Upon a Time 

Here is the dear darling right after her surgery.  A brave gal and close friend.  All will be fine.  She is already back home and at work.

All you need is a diamond brooch in the middle of your turban, Miss Swanson.

Don't worry.  I got permission from her to use the picture before posting it.  I know better than to pull a stunt like that!!!

I would be remiss if I did not mention all the help provided by her sisters, Eva and Magda.  Actually they like to go by Gail and June these days.  I don't know what is going on there!!!  Thank you Gail and June for looking out for Zsa Zsa.  What would we do without you!!

Method Daily Shower Cleaner

While we are talking about keeping things tidy and uncluttered in the bath, I thought I would share with you a new product I found from Method.

This is an interesting product in that it does not require any rinsing or wiping after you apply it.  After your shower, simply spray all the wet surfaces of your shower area and it does the rest.  It helps to keep the shower clean in between scrubbings.  I mean, eventually, you are going to have to clean the shower and/or bathtub and tile or enclosure again.  We all know that.  But this little product will help cut down on the frequency of such cleanings.

This bottle found its way, tucked in a corner that is easily reached at the end of the shower.  The yellow tag states "This Beauty is a Beast."  Cute.  I bought the Ylang Ylang scent which is really refreshing.  It smells like Hawaii.  That's the best way I can describe it.  I have ever only been on Maui, so I guess I should say it smells like Maui.  A wonderful scent.  I scrubbed the shower and then started using this.  I would say I have been using it for about a week and things are still looking pretty clean.  I'm going to see how long I can go before I feel I need to do another thorough cleaning.  I'll let you know when that time comes.

Method Daily Shower Cleaner

While we are talking about keeping things tidy and uncluttered in the bath, I thought I would share with you a new product I found from Method.

This is an interesting product in that it does not require any rinsing or wiping after you apply it.  After your shower, simply spray all the wet surfaces of your shower area and it does the rest.  It helps to keep the shower clean in between scrubbings.  I mean, eventually, you are going to have to clean the shower and/or bathtub and tile or enclosure again.  We all know that.  But this little product will help cut down on the frequency of such cleanings.

This bottle found its way, tucked in a corner that is easily reached at the end of the shower.  The yellow tag states "This Beauty is a Beast."  Cute.  I bought the Ylang Ylang scent which is really refreshing.  It smells like Hawaii.  That's the best way I can describe it.  I have ever only been on Maui, so I guess I should say it smells like Maui.  A wonderful scent.  I scrubbed the shower and then started using this.  I would say I have been using it for about a week and things are still looking pretty clean.  I'm going to see how long I can go before I feel I need to do another thorough cleaning.  I'll let you know when that time comes.

What To Do With the Shampoo

When I find my favorite shampoo and conditioner are on sale, I buy it.

Such was the case recently when I found these two large bottles of Vidal Sassoon Shampoo and Conditioner.  I have been a fan since the days it can in the brown bottles back in the 70's and 80's.

That Retro Look of Vidal Sassoon products from the 70's/80's

I have never found a shampoo and conditioner that smelled as good as Vidal Sassoon or that does a better job cleaning and conditioning my hair.

The only problem with buying the large red and white bottles that they sell today is that they are too big to fit easily on the rack in my shower.  So what do you do when this happens?

Little squeeze bottles.  I bought these two little squeeze bottles and I filled one with shampoo and one with conditioner.  You can see here that they need to be refilled.

These fit perfectly on the teak trays in the shower area next to the bottle of body soap.  It is easy to see when they are getting low.  You just fill them up, put the big red and white bottles of shampoo and conditioner away and you are ready to wash and condition your hair.  This helps keep the shower area less cluttered.  A simple fix.  And inexpensive too!

What To Do With the Shampoo

When I find my favorite shampoo and conditioner are on sale, I buy it.

Such was the case recently when I found these two large bottles of Vidal Sassoon Shampoo and Conditioner.  I have been a fan since the days it can in the brown bottles back in the 70's and 80's.

That Retro Look of Vidal Sassoon products from the 70's/80's

I have never found a shampoo and conditioner that smelled as good as Vidal Sassoon or that does a better job cleaning and conditioning my hair.

The only problem with buying the large red and white bottles that they sell today is that they are too big to fit easily on the rack in my shower.  So what do you do when this happens?

Little squeeze bottles.  I bought these two little squeeze bottles and I filled one with shampoo and one with conditioner.  You can see here that they need to be refilled.

These fit perfectly on the teak trays in the shower area next to the bottle of body soap.  It is easy to see when they are getting low.  You just fill them up, put the big red and white bottles of shampoo and conditioner away and you are ready to wash and condition your hair.  This helps keep the shower area less cluttered.  A simple fix.  And inexpensive too!

A Gift Bag

There are countless ways to present gifts to friends and family.  They don't always have to be boxed and wrapped and adorned with a bow.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with presenting your gift like this, if you are feeling a little creative or if you are strapped for time, there are other ways to prepare your gift.  One of those ways is to use a bag.

I found this cute little bag at Whole Foods.  This would be a good bag to send to someone who is maybe going through a difficult time in their life or someone who is recovering from an illness.  You would be surprised what kind of impact something like this can have on someone who is suffering through hard times. A good and positive message and one we should all live by.

Fill the bag with things you know the recipient will really like or add some whimsical things that you think might bring a smile to their face.  You see in this one I have put in a troll doll along with some other items. Many of you will remember the troll dolls from the 70's.  This is a miniature troll doll.  The contents do not have to be super expensive, unless you want it to be.  I mean, if you want to drop in a tennis bracelet next to the troll doll, I doubt there will be many people who will object to receiving that!!!  It's all up to you.  It's the thought that counts.  Just knowing that someone cares can make all the difference in a persons life.

A Gift Bag

There are countless ways to present gifts to friends and family.  They don't always have to be boxed and wrapped and adorned with a bow.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with presenting your gift like this, if you are feeling a little creative or if you are strapped for time, there are other ways to prepare your gift.  One of those ways is to use a bag.

I found this cute little bag at Whole Foods.  This would be a good bag to send to someone who is maybe going through a difficult time in their life or someone who is recovering from an illness.  You would be surprised what kind of impact something like this can have on someone who is suffering through hard times. A good and positive message and one we should all live by.

Fill the bag with things you know the recipient will really like or add some whimsical things that you think might bring a smile to their face.  You see in this one I have put in a troll doll along with some other items. Many of you will remember the troll dolls from the 70's.  This is a miniature troll doll.  The contents do not have to be super expensive, unless you want it to be.  I mean, if you want to drop in a tennis bracelet next to the troll doll, I doubt there will be many people who will object to receiving that!!!  It's all up to you.  It's the thought that counts.  Just knowing that someone cares can make all the difference in a persons life.

Little Containers, All In a Row

We recently talked about decorating some of the little plastic condiment containers and then filling them with goodies for friends and family.

Today, we are going to bump that idea up a notch.  We spent some time over the past week and put together these fanciful containers.  Remember, these are those small condiment cups that you can buy at Sam's Club for very little money.  You get something like 2,000 of them in a box.  So there are plenty available to experiment with and to use for party after party.  Here are some ideas we came up with.

The Rose Bowl

The Silver and White Bowl

The Champagne Ring

The Pearl Chiffon Bowl

And last, but not least

The Crystal & Pearl Pink Passion Bowl

All you need is a few bags of your choice of decorative flowers or anything that suits you and a hot glue gun and you are set and ready to go.  Once you have done a few of them, it goes quickly.  A really cute idea.  I have done trays of these and set them on the entry table by the front door for everyone leaving the party to take with them on their way home.  Fill them with whatever you like.  Sort of like the days of Studio 54. When the club closed there were huge trays of candy for everyone to enjoy on their way out.  This is just done with a little more panache.  An update on the Studio 54 theme!!

Little Containers, All In a Row

We recently talked about decorating some of the little plastic condiment containers and then filling them with goodies for friends and family.

Today, we are going to bump that idea up a notch.  We spent some time over the past week and put together these fanciful containers.  Remember, these are those small condiment cups that you can buy at Sam's Club for very little money.  You get something like 2,000 of them in a box.  So there are plenty available to experiment with and to use for party after party.  Here are some ideas we came up with.

The Rose Bowl

The Silver and White Bowl

The Champagne Ring

The Pearl Chiffon Bowl

And last, but not least

The Crystal & Pearl Pink Passion Bowl

All you need is a few bags of your choice of decorative flowers or anything that suits you and a hot glue gun and you are set and ready to go.  Once you have done a few of them, it goes quickly.  A really cute idea.  I have done trays of these and set them on the entry table by the front door for everyone leaving the party to take with them on their way home.  Fill them with whatever you like.  Sort of like the days of Studio 54. When the club closed there were huge trays of candy for everyone to enjoy on their way out.  This is just done with a little more panache.  An update on the Studio 54 theme!!