Favorite Things - Keds and Clarks Flip Flops

At the end of summer 2006 (yes, I remember the date. I'm weird with dates) I found a pair of Keds flip flops on clearance for $5. As it turns out, these were the most comfortable flip flops EVER. The sole was that of a tennis shoe, though not too bulky, and offered nice support. More support than most fashion flip flops, anyhow. They were perfect for just about any occasion. After discovering how comfortable this first pair was I went in search of another. And then another. Unfortunately, I was never able to find this shoe in the stores and ended up buying them (for way more than $5!) from semi obscure shoe websites. I would have done anything for these shoes! Unfortunately, my recent online quests have come up dry. I think Keds has stopped making this style. BOO! eBay had nothing in my size either. This left a large hole in my summer wardrobe. The last two pair I purchased were starting to show their age. With a weekend trip on the horizon with a lot of walking expected I was pretty sure these Keds wouldn't make it. So, off I went in the hopes of finding a new perfect flip flop. I ended up with the pair of Clarks (a brand I swore I would never buy, but their styles have improved considerably over the last year or two) pictured below. They were about $40 which is usually more than I would pay for flip flops, but they felt like they would be a winner from the start. I wore them around the house for a few days in preparation for the trip. As it turns out, THESE might be the most comfortable pair of flip flops I've ever owned! Now, I've only owned them for a few weeks so I can't comment on wear and tear but being that they are a well respected brand I would assume they will survive one summer and hopefully more. One feature I particularly like about the shoe is the velcro strap. Often, flip flops stretch out and no longer stay on your foot the way they were intended. I think this velcro will help as I can tighten it as needed. Another perk is that that footbed of the Clarks shoe is made of a waterproof material so I can water the plants outside and not worry about wrecking/dirtying the footbed. I could probably even hose them off if I needed to.  So, if you're in the market for a new pair of comfy flip flops, go out and get a pair of these (I got mine as DSW Shoes and have seen a similar style (no velcro) at Boston Store). I know I will be stocking up this season so I don't have to scour the internet for the next five years!

Keds Havana Thong

Available for a few years in various colors/patterns.

My shoe of the past.

Clarks Seymour Dive Flip Flop

Also available in black, white, and navy

My shoe of the present.

Girls Weekend Getaway - San Antonio, Texas

Memorial Day weekend I took an annual girls trip with my mom and sister.  This years destination of choice was San Antonio, Texas.  We stayed at the Embassy Suites Riverwalk.  It was the perfect place for us; two bedrooms with a total of three beds, a living area, balcony, and a small kitchenette area with a small refrigerator.  There was a free breakfast which included scrambled eggs, potatoes, the best bacon ever, pancakes, made to order eggs, yogurt, fruit and cereals.  Each evening there was a two hour manager’s reception with snacks and free wine, beer, sangria, margaritas, and rum punch.  These two perks made the reasonable hotel rate even more worth it!  It also saved us some cash on food and drinks.

San Antonio is known for it’s Riverwalk.  You can stroll along it for hours checking out various restaurants, bars, hotels and a few shops.  Or you can just have a seat and people watch!  We took a water taxi up the river to visit Pearl Brewery on Saturday, the day of the Farmer’s Market.  The taxi was a great way to see the Riverwalk from another perspective and allowed us to rest our feet.  I have to say, Milwaukee's Riverwalk doesn't even compare!  I was really impressed with the architecture and landscaping of San Antonio's Riverwalk.  The fact that there is no guard rail to protect walkers (drunk or not) makes it even more interesting

We also visited Sea World of San Antonio.  As a kid, I made a ‘bucket list’ as a school project.  On this list was a goal to visit all four Sea Worlds (I wonder how many middle schoolers wrote THAT one down?).  I have already been to the Orlando and Ohio locations and can now check off San Antonio as well.  Though the Texas park is smaller we still enjoyed our day there watching whales, dolphins, and sea lions perform.  We also lucked out because their new water park had just opened which I think kept the lines for the few roller coasters at a two minute wait!  I still love me a good roller coaster.

We took a double decker bus tour which hit various sites like the Alamo and HemisFair park, build to host the World's Fair in 1968. We also visited the Mexican Market where I enjoyed a gordita from a street vendor.  We did a lot of walking!  At the moment I am participating in a work walking challenge.  According to the pedometer I wore I logged 52,127 steps from Friday through Monday. 

All and all I enjoyed my time there and would definitely go back for another visit.  Except maybe I'd choose March or April when it’s not so hot yet.  There’s plenty more to do:  Zoo, Schlitterbahn waterpark, Six Flags, wineries and more.

I don't have any photos edited yet, but to prove that we were there here are my sister and mom in front of the Alamo.

Project MCP - May

I wasn’t too excited about this month’s Project MCP themes and I knew they would be more of a challenge for me than past months.  However, I really wanted to submit them because for each submission I was entered into a drawing to win a lens!  The first week’s theme was a total bust.  I didn’t submit anything for ‘Neighborhood’!  The following week we had to submit a photo showing sun flare.  I had a hard time trying to do this purposely.  I thought it would be easy, but it wasn’t.  The third week the theme was ‘Friends’.  I could have easily gone the route of taking a picture of Gilbert and Mike but figured I shouldn’t since more than likely Gilbert would be my subject for the following week.  Instead, I chose a picture I happened to take of my niece and nephew.  The photo is definitely not award winning, but it’s cute.  And I’m happy that they both cooperated with me to take it.  During week four we had to take a picture showing motion blur.  I knew I could get this with Gilbert running around the yard.  However, I was on my own with no help (try juggling a ball, treats, AND the camera!).  I wasn’t particularly happy with the outcome but was rushed to submit something before my vacation.  Upon coming home from my vacation I decided to submit another photo for the motion blur theme; one I took at Sea World.  And low and behold, this one got featured on the Project MCP blog!  There was a fifth ‘bonus’ week this month and the assignment was to show the first shot (I took this to mean no test shots and no editing).  Again, I chose a photo from my trip to San Antonio.  Though I like the photo as is, I think a little editing helps make it better.  It turns out that I didn’t win the lens, but having a photo featured on the blog is pretty cool nonetheless!  I’m excited about June’s assignments; I already have some ideas and I think this month will be less hectic around the house, opening up more time for photography.

May Week 2:  Sun Flare

This didn't turn out as dark when I edited it but for some reason it is appearing darker on the internet.

May Week 3:  Nephew and Niece

I particularly like her missing tooth and the scar on his forehead from recent stitches.

May Week 4:  Motion Blur #1

Gilbert and his ball...that he only retrieves for treats.

May Week 4:  Motion Blur #2

Shamu at Sea World San Antonio

May Week 5:  One Click

Peaches at the Farmer's Market at Pearl Brewery in San Antonio, Texas

The edited version of the above photo

Which one do you like better?

*Click on the photos if you'd like to see them larger*

   

Mint Update

After using the Mint automatic floor sweeper (aka Max in our house) for a few weeks I am happy to report that he has met my expectations and been worth the money.  Here are some observations and tips on my experiences in case anyone thinks they may be in the market for this handy device:

• Our house is approximately 1200 square feet of all laminate flooring.  I use Max about twice a week.  We have one dog that sheds and rarely have dog hair tumble weeds floating around the house anymore.
• I purchased the 2 hour turbo charger (otherwise it’s a 4 hour charge).  The 2 hour charge isn’t exactly necessary, but if you want to sweep and mop soon after the 2 hour charge it is nice to have.  I can sweep the whole house and mop a room or two on one charge.
• I’ve found that Max runs more efficiently if you confine him to certain rooms (close doors, block off exits).  Our main rooms are all in one big circle and he seems to just roam around aimlessly if you don’t contain him.  If he’s left for long enough I’m sure he gets everything clean, but I can’t stand to watch him be so inefficient.
• Because of the above, it’s best to deploy it while you are home.  It only takes 10-15 minutes to complete a small sized bedroom and then you need to move it to the next room.
• Mint sells additional microfiber towels but I purchased some other towels that were much cheaper.  They work just fine.  I would recommend getting extra towels if you plan on using it more than once a week and your house is all hard surfaced floors.  This way you can use up a bunch of towels and then wash them every two weeks or so.
• I was unsure of the mopping capabilities at first, but am quite impressed with it now.  For everyday dirt it works wonderfully with minimal streaking.  I mostly just use water but have also tried a water/vinegar mix.  However, after a few weeks I think the floor could use a Swiffer mop to look it's best and tackle the stubborn spots.
• Max cleans under the furniture that he can physically fit under (one bed, dressers, tables, chairs, microwave cart).  I don’t typically vacuum under some of these pieces on a regular basis so it’s a nice bonus to know that there are rarely any dust bunnies under the bed.
• We still have to pull out the vacuum to get under the couches and to vacuum the various rugs.  I do this once a week and it takes less then 10 minutes.
• The dog isn’t fazed at all by Max.  Well, I think he gets more annoyed with him because Max forces him to get his lazy butt off the ground!
• Max rarely gets ‘lost’.  I have had to retrieve him once or twice from locations where he couldn’t find his way out of.  This was more of an issue before we started confining him to one room at a time.
• Since purchasing Max I have now had time to clean such things like the ceiling fans/fixtures and spot paint the bedroom doors and the trim in hallway.  Once all that piddly stuff is complete I can just sit on my butt and watch tv!

Cutting the Garlic Mustard

A few weeks ago I noticed that the ‘woods’ along our property line were really overgrown with weeds.  This area is full of various trees, shrubs, and plants; some healthy and some not so healthy.  When we moved in almost four years ago the area was already overgrown and we didn’t really do much to it since then.  We liked the natural look (to an extent) but mostly liked the privacy it gave us from the neighbors and the busy street behind us.  We knew at some point we would have to do something about it as many of the trees were growing into the power lines and just generally looked bad.  The super infestation of weeds prompted us to think about a HUGE landscaping project. 

We discovered that the weeds that are taking over are garlic mustard; an invasive plant that out competes native plants.  Garlic mustard has a two year life cycle.  In the first year the plants are small and low to the ground.  In the second year they are much larger, flower, and produce many, many seeds.  This year is the second year for our crop.  We realized we needed to get busy and try and pull out all of these weeds before they go to seed or else we’ll have bigger problems in the years to come.  What a pain in the butt!  It’s nearly impossible to maneuver under and around the pine trees without poking an eye out.  I carried a tick into the house after pulling the weeds.  Gross!  And we’ve discovered how many dead, leafless branches there are and how much larger our lot could be if these ‘woods’ weren’t there.  It really seemed like a huge undertaking.

We contemplated hiring someone to clear cut this area, get a fence, and plant grass and some new bushes.  However, we've already made a huge dent in the area ourselves.  We pulled and weed whacked the weeds
(disposing of them in the regular garbage so as not to spread the seeds in the cities compost), trimmed up many of the dead branches and cut down some spindley trees.  Next we will apply some weed killer to kill any garlic mustard we missed as well as any other weeds that are there.  Then hopefully we can clean out the remaining leaves, pinecones, and other brush.  It will never be a completely manicured area, but it's a lot cheaper than hiring someone to clear cut.  Plus, I was feeling guilty about tearing down all the bird hideouts and homes!

 

This is what the plant looks like after we tried killing it with some weed killer!

The dirt area was filled with garlic mustard.

Trimming the dead branches of the pine trees.

Thick with garlic mustard.

This whole area was covered with it!  And who knew we had more land back there?

 

Favorite Things – Preen Garden Weed Preventer

Does it seem like weeds sprout from your garden only days after your last weeding?  That’s how I felt, until I bought Preen Garden Weed Preventer.  Preen is advertised to keep weeds at bay for up to three months.  Three months!  I was so sick of trying to weed all of our flower gardens and trying to keep that viney creeping Charlie at bay that I decided to give it a shot.  Now, first things first; Preen is not a weed killer.  If you already have weeds in your garden it’s not going to kill those.  You need to get down and dirty and pull those babies out yourself.  Once all the weeds are gone you can sprinkle the Preen granules one top of the mulch and then rake them into the mulch or give them a quick shower with the hose.  I like to apply it before it rains.  ‘Cause I’m lazy like that.  I applied Preen in May of last year and didn’t notice an increase in weeds until August (at which time I chose not to reapply because it seemed too late in the season to waste money on weed killing).  It’s not a miracle drug for gardens though.  I still saw weeds in June and July; just not nearly as many as usual (c’mon, don’t be THAT lazy!  Gardening IS a good workout you know.).  I have already applied Preen to all of our mulched beds this spring.  That March heat wave didn’t just cause the flowers to bloom early.  I did this in early April and I’m expecting to have to reapply in June/July.  Preen makes lawn weed control and organic vegetable garden versions too. 



Being only semi-environmentally conscious, I have never bothered to look at the chemicals in this product.  I know I should care about the Earth and the potential for contaminating ground water sources and all that hooha.  But.  I don’t.  I recycle and I don’t flush over the counter drugs.  That’s how I save the Earth and that’s good enough for me. If you do care, go and read the fine print and decide for yourself.  I do make sure that the granules have been well soaked and wait a few days before letting the dog munch on the mulch.  So far, he’s still alive and hasn't grown a third ear on his butt or anything crazy like that!

As with most weed preventers, this stuff isn’t cheap.  But, I think it’s worth it.  Both times I’ve purchased it I got it on sale for about half off.  This year I bought a 13lb bag for $10 (normally $20) at Stein’s.  That took care of all of our mulched beds (we have many, including a large circular butterfly garden) and we still have almost half a bag left.  It’s a great deal for not having to spend the hot and humid summer on my knees pulling out dandelions and creeping Charlie.  I’d much rather sit on my deck with a margarita while something else does the work for me.  ‘Cause, I’m lazy like that.

Is Your Nose Clean?

So, this post might fall into the ‘too much information’ category but I’m going to share it anyway.  If you are someone who suffers from allergies or sinus issues this might be your solution; or at least a ticket to feeling a little bit better.  It might even help with the common cold.  It brings new meaning to the phrase that my childhood neighbor’s dad always said to me when I rang their doorbell; “You can come in if your nose is clean!"  I never really knew what that meant, but maybe this was what he was referring to.

About 7-8 years ago I somehow developed seasonal allergies.  Every fall for two or three years I’d start sneezing, get a runny nose, itchy eyes, and be stuffed up.  It lasted for a few weeks so I figured it must have been some sort of pollen.  Most over the counter drugs helped with the sneezing and runny nose, but I had terrible post nasal drip that no drugs could help.  This was something I always sort of had issues with no matter what the season but it became worse with the allergies (my sister always made fun of me because drinking milk made me phlegm-y).  It was so bad that I would get a sore throat from it and I had enough of it.  I consulted Dr. Google and read all about neti pots and decided to give it a try.  I went to Walgreens and ended up buying a saline rinse bottle, which is a similar concept.  The point of the rinse is to eliminate all the impurities you breathe in before your body notices them (your body sneezes and causes a runny nose to get rid of the allergens).  You’re just avoiding the allergic reaction to begin with.  It's preventative medicine.



Now, how does this contraption work, you ask?  It may look/sound a little odd, but it’s pretty simple.  Basically, you fill the bottle/pot with warm water (they recommend sterilizing the water or using distilled, but I never have…I used to test that water afterall!) and add a packet of salt.  You tilt your head down towards the sink, stick the nozzle in your nostril, and lightly squeeze.  The warm water will travel from one side and drain out the other side.  Then you switch sides and repeat, lightly blowing your nose in between.  It feels a little odd at first, especially if you are one to plug your nose when you go underwater.  At this point, it reminds me of my vacations to the ocean; snorkelling with the fishies!  Depending what’s living up there, it can sometimes be surprising at what comes out!  Especially if you are sick or were working in the garden.  Ewww, gross, I know!

I’ve been using the rinse for a good 6 years now and I love it! (I realize that makes me sound like a total nerd with a pocket protector)  I rarely use OTC allergy medicines anymore (to be fair, I think those allergies have subsided quite a bit on their own…maybe my apartment was near a tree I was allergic to.).  Whenever I feel like my post nasal drip is ‘acting up’ I use the saline rinse and it’s fixed!  They recommend using it once daily, but I typically only use it when I feel the need; every two weeks and maybe more if I have a cold.  It’s helpful for the common cold if you can’t seem to get your nose unstuffed.  It helps to loosen up all that mucous so that you can blow your nose. I would proceed with caution if you are super plugged up though….the water sometimes can't get anywhere and will just come back out the same nostril it’s put into.

So, there is my TMI post for you.  If you haven’t cleaned out your nose the all natural way, I highly recommend giving it a squirt.  You might save yourself from spending a boatload on all of those OTC drugs.

The neti pot was even featured on Oprah by Dr. Oz.  So, it's got to be good!

Dr. Oz on the net pot