I Just Don't Get It

After hitting the post office today, I decided to spend some of my birthday cash four doors down at Starbucks. I got a 12 ounce Caramel Brulee Latte and, honestly, I was unimpressed.

This was only the second time in my entire life I've had a Starbucks coffee creation. What am I missing, people? The prices are outrageous (I spent $4.05 on something that wasn't anywhere near as good as the much cheaper cappuccino at Quik Trip) and it isn't what I'd call exceptionally tasty. Sure, it was hot, which is nice on a chilly day, but the flavor was only OK. It's got to be more of an atmosphere thing. Though that doesn't explain all the people who get expensive brew to go.

I have to confess: Starbucks holds no power over me. It's gas station cappuccino all the way for this girl.

Tuesday Tipday: Bathing Beauties

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More than anything right now I need baths. Some of this is just my natural predisposition to want to soak in a hot tub when it's cold outside. But since I've been having a host of issues with my knees and lower back and tailbone which include the occasional shooting pain, I can tell you for a fact that it's also because of that.

I can't feel like I'm being healed by the water if I'm standing in the shower. Not to mention that standing is not so great for my back. Or my knees. Or my desire to luxuriate in a warm liquid cloud as I read magazines and sip Kool-Aid. Trust me, it's kinda hard to do that in the shower.

Now, I'm all for fancy bath potions. There are innumerable softening bombs, beads, bubbles and oils on the market and I'm proud to say that I've tried many of them. But, it's not necessary to blow your mortgage money to have a sumptuous bathing experience.

Here are my ingredients for a splendiferous soak. Mix and match as needed.

For the Bathing Beauty

1) Reading material. Any book or magazine that you love needs to be beside the tub. Simple as that.

2) Unless, of course, you've got writing to do. In that case a journal and your best pen will set you right.

3) Your beverage of choice. Yes, I really have had Kool-Aid while I was in the bathtub. Why is that so odd?

4) Something to make the water soothe all those aching muscles and troubled thoughts. Try: milk (even the powdered kind or stuff from a can work) for skin softening, epsom salt for body aches, vanilla or almond extract for a pleasing scent and essential oils for soothing the mind.

5) If you're like me the feet need some extra attention. Don't forget a foot scrubber.

6) Music for the mood. I've been taking my phone into the room to play some tunes from my Pandora app, but a solid CD on repeat that can be heard from the bathroom will also do nicely.

7) Candles for serenity. Doesn't it help to stare into a flickering flame? Yes. Yes, it does.

I know you feel better just thinking about this, right? Well, that's what I'm here for.

Music Monday: Christmas Time? Already?

Hello lovelies! Are we all as ready for Christmas as we want to be? I, for one, am not. I'm really not feeling the spirit this year. HUBS and I did all our shopping in one fell swoop back in July, but I have yet to wrap anything or put up an iota of decorations. I've failed to listen to any of my favorite Christmas music or watch any significant amount of holiday cartoonage.

What's up with me?

Even the fact that a group of carolers hit the ghetto to serenade our neighbors last night (about a half hour before we had to call the police to report hearing gun shots, by the by) didn't do much to brighten my blah mood. I don't even know if PT wants to cook this year or not. I told her it didn't matter either, way, which is true, yet I now find myself wondering if cooking the usual Christmas meal would help get me in the mood.

Maybe some songs can help out right now...





Wait...





Something's...



Happening...



Yes! It's working! Woooooooooo!!

How do you get in a holiday mood?


*If you're wondering what's up with the sweet potato, HUBS' folks grew it and gave it to us at Thanksgiving. That thing was like a new baby...but bigger!