Welcome to my "Fun Stuff" page. My life is serious enough and I try and involve myself in hobbies and outside activities that bring me joy and happiness. Things I may share include: my favorites, before-and-after photos of projects to beautify the home; my Stitch Fix outfits; fun-facts, and tips I find useful just to get through everyday life!
Helpful Tips I Found Out About in 2015
1. Alas! My husband can use the iphone hands-free! You can change the settings in your phone to allow "Siri" to make phone calls, texts, or emails! All you need is a voice and the ability to get her attention by saying, "Hey Siri!" Iphone needs to be plugged in, however, to operate.
2. One of the perks of being an Amazon Prime Member is the free, two-day shipping. If they ever they fail to make a delivery on-time, give them a call and ask what they can do for you. Often times it's a rebate in the range of $10 or more! Be persistent, sometimes they won't offer unless you insist!
3. At Christmastime, I'm now using our exterior lighting, specifically our fixtures with light bulbs, as an electrical hub to light up Christmas lights outside. Any hardware store sells these little adapters that you can screw into the light bulb socket, and have an instant outlet for other electrical plug-ins. The adapters come with a place for a bulb or you can get one without. It's a great way to hang wreaths around light fixtures without the mess and hassles of extension cords!
4. Turning a wine glass upside down is the best candle holder.
5. Using purple shampoo at least once or twice-a-week is a must for those who color or highlight their hair blond. It helps prevent and treat the brassiness that tends to build up with hair coloring.
6. Getting chrome to look its best has become so frustrating and expensive while buying product after product that just doesn't work to my liking. Nothing really seemed to get chrome looking like it did when I first bought it. I read somewhere that using WD-40 (the oil used for squeaky doors) works perfect. I wasn't ready to take a chance using a product that wasn't intended to clean chrome. However I found that Zep, which interestingly smells like WD-40 works the best on my kitchen appliances.
7. The navigation system in my car doesn't take into account traffic, accidents, or short-cuts. I found an app that has saved me SO much time. It's called Waze. If you need hands-free while driving, use bluetooth with your phone and Waze will verbally tell you directions over the speaker system. Waze will also alert you to cops that may be hiding off the freeway and stop lights that have cameras installed!
8. Best way to hang pictures, especially those with two holes on the back, is to use painter's tape. Turn your picture (or mirror) over and cut the painter's tape to stretch from hole to hole. Peel of the tape and place on wall where you want the picture to hang. You can use a level to adjust the tape to get the correct position. Keep the tape on the wall when drilling or hammering in the nails/screws. Peel off the tape, hang the picture, and voila-a perfectly hung picture!
2. One of the perks of being an Amazon Prime Member is the free, two-day shipping. If they ever they fail to make a delivery on-time, give them a call and ask what they can do for you. Often times it's a rebate in the range of $10 or more! Be persistent, sometimes they won't offer unless you insist!
3. At Christmastime, I'm now using our exterior lighting, specifically our fixtures with light bulbs, as an electrical hub to light up Christmas lights outside. Any hardware store sells these little adapters that you can screw into the light bulb socket, and have an instant outlet for other electrical plug-ins. The adapters come with a place for a bulb or you can get one without. It's a great way to hang wreaths around light fixtures without the mess and hassles of extension cords!
4. Turning a wine glass upside down is the best candle holder.
5. Using purple shampoo at least once or twice-a-week is a must for those who color or highlight their hair blond. It helps prevent and treat the brassiness that tends to build up with hair coloring.
6. Getting chrome to look its best has become so frustrating and expensive while buying product after product that just doesn't work to my liking. Nothing really seemed to get chrome looking like it did when I first bought it. I read somewhere that using WD-40 (the oil used for squeaky doors) works perfect. I wasn't ready to take a chance using a product that wasn't intended to clean chrome. However I found that Zep, which interestingly smells like WD-40 works the best on my kitchen appliances.
7. The navigation system in my car doesn't take into account traffic, accidents, or short-cuts. I found an app that has saved me SO much time. It's called Waze. If you need hands-free while driving, use bluetooth with your phone and Waze will verbally tell you directions over the speaker system. Waze will also alert you to cops that may be hiding off the freeway and stop lights that have cameras installed!
8. Best way to hang pictures, especially those with two holes on the back, is to use painter's tape. Turn your picture (or mirror) over and cut the painter's tape to stretch from hole to hole. Peel of the tape and place on wall where you want the picture to hang. You can use a level to adjust the tape to get the correct position. Keep the tape on the wall when drilling or hammering in the nails/screws. Peel off the tape, hang the picture, and voila-a perfectly hung picture!
Stitch Fix...What is it? Why you gotta have it!
Due to our circumstances, I don't always have the time, opportunity, or money to spend shopping for clothes.
I have been told many times, that the best way to care for someone else is to make sure you also take care of yourself. Be good to yourself so that you can be good to others. I've tried my best to take advantage of that advice.
Eight months ago a friend, who knows about our situation, recommended that I try this wonderful clothes program called "Stitch Fix." It sounded interesting and seemed like the perfect solution in order for me to add clothes closet, and have fun at the same time. I can honestly say it was one of the best things I did for myself, and continue to do from time-to-time.
To get started I filled out a style profile which included information about my body type, clothes preferences, and budget. It only took about 15 minutes. I paid $20 upfront, but if you decide to purchase any item, that money is credited back towards your purchase. Every fix comes with a combination of 5 items (clothing/accessories), hand picked by a stylist tailor-made for your style. You keep what you want, and return anything you don't. If you decide to return any item, an envelope with pre-paid postage is enclosed with each Fix. The thing I love is that there is no pressure to buy. If you choose to buy one, two, all or none, the choice is YOURS! You can chose to order a "Fix" anytime of the year and can do it as many times as you want.
For more information on this program click here: Stitch Fix
I have been told many times, that the best way to care for someone else is to make sure you also take care of yourself. Be good to yourself so that you can be good to others. I've tried my best to take advantage of that advice.
Eight months ago a friend, who knows about our situation, recommended that I try this wonderful clothes program called "Stitch Fix." It sounded interesting and seemed like the perfect solution in order for me to add clothes closet, and have fun at the same time. I can honestly say it was one of the best things I did for myself, and continue to do from time-to-time.
To get started I filled out a style profile which included information about my body type, clothes preferences, and budget. It only took about 15 minutes. I paid $20 upfront, but if you decide to purchase any item, that money is credited back towards your purchase. Every fix comes with a combination of 5 items (clothing/accessories), hand picked by a stylist tailor-made for your style. You keep what you want, and return anything you don't. If you decide to return any item, an envelope with pre-paid postage is enclosed with each Fix. The thing I love is that there is no pressure to buy. If you choose to buy one, two, all or none, the choice is YOURS! You can chose to order a "Fix" anytime of the year and can do it as many times as you want.
For more information on this program click here: Stitch Fix
Kitchen Decoration 8-8-14
I was tired of looking at the fruit basket that was stationed at the end of our center island in the kitchen, and decided to put something a little more unique in its place. The fruit basket was starting to look junky with rotting bananas and was collecting an array of miscellaneous items including the extra fortune cookies from our many visits to Panda Express. (I never understood why they give us 10 cookies when we only have 4 people in our family).
I bought the glass vase at Pier 1 (yes, definitely one of my favorite stores), and the thing I love about it is that you can put anything inside the stem portion of the vase. Since Fall/Harvest is approaching I decided to fill the stem with acorns and mini pine cones. When Christmas rolls around I might switch out with dried cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and chestnuts.
I picked a sage-color candle to go with the Fall theme, and chose a circular, yellow-frame to add some extra color and balance. I have thousands of pictures, but loved having a picture with the dog in it, and picked this picture to add even more color to the project (The color of Jenelle's dress is baby blue).
I placed the frame, glass vase, and silk dahlia flower inside a burgundy serving tray. I scattered the extra nuts and pine cones as well as some round, clear and red beads at the bottom of the tray.
When I get tired of this arrangement, or at the change of the seasons, I can switch out the picture, the flower, the candle, and the vase filler!
I bought the glass vase at Pier 1 (yes, definitely one of my favorite stores), and the thing I love about it is that you can put anything inside the stem portion of the vase. Since Fall/Harvest is approaching I decided to fill the stem with acorns and mini pine cones. When Christmas rolls around I might switch out with dried cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and chestnuts.
I picked a sage-color candle to go with the Fall theme, and chose a circular, yellow-frame to add some extra color and balance. I have thousands of pictures, but loved having a picture with the dog in it, and picked this picture to add even more color to the project (The color of Jenelle's dress is baby blue).
I placed the frame, glass vase, and silk dahlia flower inside a burgundy serving tray. I scattered the extra nuts and pine cones as well as some round, clear and red beads at the bottom of the tray.
When I get tired of this arrangement, or at the change of the seasons, I can switch out the picture, the flower, the candle, and the vase filler!
Favorite places I Have Visited:
1. Venice, Italy: Top of the list. The thing I found most fascinating about this city is that there are no cars! I loved the water canals. Early in the morning,while we were still sleeping with the windows open, we could hear the gondoliers singing while they paddled through the water. The alleys were very narrow, and you could easily get lost in this romantic city! Loved it!
2. Interlaken, Switzerland. The most majestic, and beautiful lake & village I have ever seen, located in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. The train ride to get there is even more breath-taking.
3. Boston, Massachusets: This city reminds me a lot of San Francisco, but the people are quite different. I love the sass! My brother Randy went to Dental School at Tufts, and my trip to visit him was the best trip I took when I was in my '20s. There is a lot of history, great restaurants, and fun bars to see. I haven't been there in the winter, which is probably a good thing, as it might have fallen off of my list!
4. Lake Tahoe/Donner Summit: We plan to move here someday if possible. If you love to ski, swim, hike, or smell pine trees, this place has it all. If you ever get the chance to visit Donner Summit in the summer, take the time to walk through the train sheds. My favorite ski resorts are Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley. Favorite restaurants on The Lake: Sunnyside, West Shore Cafe, and Garwoods. Best golf: Coyote Moon in Truckee. Favorite Beach: Sand Harbor.
5. Sedona, Arizona: I can't even describe the intrigue of this city whose main attraction is red sandstone formations. Hiking, golfing, and spa are the things to do is this town that encourages it's residents and guests to turn their lights off at 9:00 pm to lower light pollution, and allow the enjoyment of the thousands of stars that can be seen by the naked eye. When we went to Sedona, we then drove 90 minutes to The Grand Canyon: another amazing landmark that should be on everyone's bucket list.
6. San Francisco, California: I was born here, and had the pleasure to live here in my 20's. Originally Vaughn and I were going to get married at Grace Cathedral, but changed venue to get married at my parent's house. I still enjoy driving down Lombard Street, the crookedest street in the world, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, riding the cable cars, and catching some air on the hills (rarely happens). My favorite restaurant is Johnny Foley's Irish Pub on O'Farrell.
6. San Francisco, California: I was born here, and had the pleasure to live here in my 20's. Originally Vaughn and I were going to get married at Grace Cathedral, but changed venue to get married at my parent's house. I still enjoy driving down Lombard Street, the crookedest street in the world, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, riding the cable cars, and catching some air on the hills (rarely happens). My favorite restaurant is Johnny Foley's Irish Pub on O'Farrell.
7. St. Anton, Austria: One-of-a-kind ski town that has skiing, ice skating, 2 mile sledding (at night...so cool), and curling. It was the first time I went deep powder skiing with a guide and had to wear avalanche gear. I was so scared, but proud of myself when it was all over. The Apres' ski (drinking in the bars after skiing) was out of this world. Every bar we went to, the Austrians loved to sing "Country Roads" by John Denver.
8. Monaco: We went to The French Riviera on our honeymoon (and later again with our children and my family), and fell in love with Monaco and how clean and organized this principality is. The colors of the buildings are pleasing to the eye and the views to the sea are quite stunning. The best part was our visit to Monte Carlo. We didn't win, but were treated like royalty.
10. Bavaria, Southern Germany: Some of the most beautiful landscape in the world. The Oktoberfest in Munich was the funnest event I have ever attended. Neuschwanstein-the castle that The Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland was modeled after-is so fascinating and a must-see. The cities that are scattered throughout this region in Southern Germany are quaint and you will still find ladies who wear dirndls and men who wear lederhosen. Favorite foods to eat: Sauerbraten (German pot roast), and Kaiserchmarrn (a shredded pancake dessert that is great eaten with berries).
11. Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat, French Riviera: Almost any town on the French Riviera has its appeal. Located in Southern France, on the Mediterranean Sea, this small town is loaded with charm and appeal. Another town not too far away worthy of a visit is Eze. Here you will find many street-side cafes and photo opportunities.
8. Monaco: We went to The French Riviera on our honeymoon (and later again with our children and my family), and fell in love with Monaco and how clean and organized this principality is. The colors of the buildings are pleasing to the eye and the views to the sea are quite stunning. The best part was our visit to Monte Carlo. We didn't win, but were treated like royalty.
10. Bavaria, Southern Germany: Some of the most beautiful landscape in the world. The Oktoberfest in Munich was the funnest event I have ever attended. Neuschwanstein-the castle that The Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland was modeled after-is so fascinating and a must-see. The cities that are scattered throughout this region in Southern Germany are quaint and you will still find ladies who wear dirndls and men who wear lederhosen. Favorite foods to eat: Sauerbraten (German pot roast), and Kaiserchmarrn (a shredded pancake dessert that is great eaten with berries).
11. Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat, French Riviera: Almost any town on the French Riviera has its appeal. Located in Southern France, on the Mediterranean Sea, this small town is loaded with charm and appeal. Another town not too far away worthy of a visit is Eze. Here you will find many street-side cafes and photo opportunities.
11. Disneyland, Anaheim, California:
For those that know me, this truly is my happiest place on Earth. I love this place, always have, always will. There was a time when rides were not unlimited, and you savored each ride as you likely would only go on it once during your stay. Back then my 5 "E" ticket rides were: Matterhorn, Pirates of Caribbean, Haunted House, It's a Small World, and Jungle Cruise (My Dad's idea, not mine. I would have rather gone on Matterhorn twice). I can't wait to go back,and hopefully Vaughn will be able to go on some of the rides.
Some of My Favorite Things...
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Ten Things You May Not Know About MeI used to perform with a Bay Area Bavarian dance group for 10 years. I can polka anywhere, anytime. I got a hole-in-one at Oakhurst Country Club on the 3rd hole on April 10, 2008! I ran a marathon on December of 2004 in Sacramento, California. My run time was 4 hours and 20 minutes. I like '80s rap. We're talking L.L. Cool J, Erik B Rakim, and Pete Rock & CL Smooth. I used to work as a Clown at Western Appliance handing out balloons to customers. I know it's terrible, but about every 3 weeks or so I get a Big Mac Attack that HAS to be satisfied! I have a savant thing with birthdays. I could fill up an entire year's calendar with the birthdays of people I know or know about. If you tell me your birthday once, I’ll remember it forever. I’ll probably remember your children’s birthdays and your anniversary too! I was on the snow ski team for UC San Diego, competing in Slalom and Giant Slalom events.. I got to be a San Francisco, 49er's cheerleader for a day. Before the team had cheerleaders, Song Girls (cheerleaders with pom-poms) from The Bay Area's High Schools were chosen to fill-in at games. It was the game that The 49er's won the Western Division Championship prior to their first trip to The Superbowl. At half-time I got to escort former 49'er, RC Owens, out to the field! My nickname is Neecee Duck. "Neecee" is a common nickname for Denise and when I was in High School I dressed up as Daisy Duck, hence the name: Neecee Duck. You can call me "Neecee Duck" whenever you like! |
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