Random Things Archives - Page 8 of 11

Categories: Decorating, Healthy Living, Random Things

A Halloween Popcorn Bar

When my nieces mentioned that they wanted to have a Halloween party, I was excited. I love a party! With it being the end of the month, I had stay within a very small budget. Unfortunately, I have to be all about the “cheap” these days.

While perusing Pinterest for Halloween goodies, a picture of a popcorn bar popped up. My hot chocolate bar is a hit during the holidays, so I knew a popcorn bar would be perfect for the occasion.

While at the dollar store, I picked up a few dollar bags of different candy, peanuts, and Goldfish. I placed each of them in a glass with a spoon. I popped a ginormous bowl of popcorn.

That’s all! It was just that easy.

We filled our bags with popcorn, added our toppings, and munched away as we watched our movie.

After the movie, we took pictures with our Halloween photo props. I purchased the props on Amazon. I included a few items from past Halloweens, such a witch hat, devil horns, and feather boas to the mix (everyone loves a boa, right?!) To make the backdrop, I purchased a 72″ black curtain panel for less than ten dollars and a skinny curtain rod from Walmart. I hung it at the end of the balcony using Command hooks that wouldn’t damage the paint on my wall. Walmart also had the pumpkin garland. I tied the garland to the ends of the rod.

Once we’d had our fill of pictures, we played “Pin the Tail on Smokey.” A couple of years ago, I made a giant Smokey backdrop and tails. I had them laminated so they’d last a while. Painter’s tape held them securely to the wall. To make the game more challenging since the girls are older, we started at the bottom and climbed the stairs blindfolded. I can breathe now that no one fell down the stairs! We took videos of each other and watched them afterwards using the apple tv. Smokey even enjoyed the activities.

A party doesn’t have to be anything elaborate or time consuming. With a little creativity and planning, a fun time can be had on a very small budget. We shared lots of laughs, spent quality time together, and took lots of pictures. I’m sure, in years to come, we will have a ball looking back at the videos. Life is what you make it. Make it fantastic!

Categories: Random Things

8 Ways to Get into the Halloween Spirit….Now!

I love everything about fall.

Remember an older post, Hello Fall? I just love the excitement of a new season! The cozy sweaters, the changing of the leaves, and the crisp air are a welcome change from summer.

I was born to celebrate every single holiday and Halloween is no exception. With less than a week left until the big day, here are 8 ways to get into the Halloween spirit…..

1. Decorate

As soon as October approaches,even before the weather turns cooler, I decorate. My normally neutral-colored house transforms into an explosion of fall colors. Most of my things I’ve collected through the years. TJ Maxx and Michael’s always have festive items that are inexpensive. Even something as simple as a pumpkin or a fall coffee mug seems so festive!

2. Carve a Pumpkin

It’s been forever since I carved a pumpkin….but I did it this year! Although messy, it’s so rewarding. Carving pumpkins brings back so many childhood memories. I’ve recently walked out into my yard barefooted, at night, just to sneak a peek at that glowing pumpkin face! And for some reason unbeknownst to me, I save the pumpkin seeds and then forget to roast them.Every. Single. Time.

3.Wear Orange and Black

The entire week before Halloween, I bring out the orange and black. It’s the only time it’s acceptable to overdose on those two colors together. It’s also the only time to wear bones or a spider bracelet without looking completely freaky.

4.Listen to Halloween Music

The couple of weeks before the big day, I blast Halloween music constantly. The Halloween Party station on Pandora is my absolute favorite. And every time Thriller comes on…(never mind; I’ll never admit to dancing like a zombie.)

5.Binge-Watch Scary Movies

Halloween is the only time of year that I don’t mind having the pants scared off me. There are so many favorite scary movies to cram into one month! I love the newer movies as well as the older ones. Just make sure to watch the scary movies when you have company; not when you are home alone.

6.Indulge in Scary Treats

The amount of candy I want to eat during October is the thing that’s the scariest. Make sure to read my post about Candy Hangovers. Even with the mountains of sweet treats, at least for a couple of days, don’t worry about the calories. Live it up! Halloween is for baking tacky cupcakes with black and orange sprinkles and for making hot dog mummies. If inspiration is needed, Pinterest is full of fun ideas for Halloween goodies.

7.Reminisce about the Old Trick-or-Treating Days

As you know, I document everything. Thankfully, my mom did the same when took pictures of past Halloweens. It’s so fun to look back at the homemade costumes of the old days. Just one picture can bring back so many memories. Here’s a post I wrote last year about remembering Halloween. Make sure to take pictures!

8.Indulge in a Spirit or Two

Indulge in a spirit…the festive cocktail kind. A few years back, I made the best Candy Corn Martini. It’s still a favorite! This year, we indulged in blood-red cocktails with spiders while carving pumpkins. The kids enjoyed strawberry daiquiri mock-tails with tons of whipped cream. Yum!

I love this Apothic Dark, too. The bottle looks spooky!

Life is what you make it. Take advantage of every opportunity to celebrate everything!

Happy Halloween, ‘yall!

Categories: Decorating, Healthy Living, Random Things, Saving Money, Singledom

7 Ways to Lower Your Utility Bill

When I was married, I obviously thought that money grew on trees. It wasn’t that I had much money; I just spent it carelessly. I took for granted that I’d always have extra money coming in if I were to ever get in a bind. In hind sight, I should have been much more money conscious. I nearly had a heart attack when my first round of monthly bills came in the mail. I knew immediately that the best strategy was to lower the largest bill…my utility bill.

After only a month of changes, I was able to cut my utility bill in half. On the energy report that my electric company sends out, I’m now almost at energy-efficient status. Yay, me! Why hadn’t I done this before?

Here are seven ways to lower your utility bill…

1. Install a Programmable Thermostat

One of my awesome friends gifted me with a programmable thermostat when I separated. Best gift ever! I am able to program my thermostat to a more energy efficient temperature before I wake in the mornings and when I’m gone. I’ve easily gotten used to a higher temperature in the summer and a lower temp in the winter. I think it’s really cool, too, that I can control the thermostat from my recliner with the use of an app on my phone.

2. Install Timers

Using timers is a very simple way to lower your utility bill. First, I installed a water heater timer. No longer do I have to run my water heater constantly. Now, it only runs for a couple of hours in the morning and a couple of hours at night. To keep the water hot longer, I bought an inexpensive water heater blanket to insulate it. I was worried about cold showers, but I’ve had no problem at all…and I am the queen of long showers.

I also bought a couple of cheap timers for my lamps. If I get home after dark, I don’t have to fumble to turn on lights. Also, as a single girl, a few lights make me feel more secure. Not having to remember to turn them off is very convenient!

I’ve had a timer on my pool pump since the pool was installed, but I’ve never used it. This year, I put my timer to good use. I limited the amount of time my pool pump ran. I even ran the pump on low the entire summer. While this probably wouldn’t be recommended by a pool professional, it worked fine for me. We just kept an eye to make sure the chemicals were balanced.

3. Purchased Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

I’ve changed over all of the bulbs in my lamps and most of my overhead bulbs to LED lights. The LEDs are more energy efficient and they last for years, which is more convenient. The only bulbs I haven’t replaced are the ones in the chandeliers. Hopefully, they will make prettier bulbs soon. I just can’t bring myself do the half-white bulbs. At least, not yet.

4. Reduced Outside Lighting

I have outside accent lighting on the front of my home. It makes me feel secure when I’m home alone. Rather than having them on from dusk to dawn, I’ve set the timer so that they are on only for a few hours. For my other outside lighting, I use motion-activated lighting.

5. Limit Washing Machine Use

Instead of running several small loads, I only wash clothes when I have a full load. For myself, I usually wash one gigantic load a week. Unless I really need it, I usually wash in tap water, instead of hot. Warning….you may need to buy more underwear and towels. And, by the way, only wash clothes during the off-peak hours.

6. Limit Dishwasher Use

When I was married, I’d run my dishwasher nearly every day. Now, I place all my utensils, glasses, and greasy items in the dishwater. I wash my plates and bowls by hand, because they are quick and easy to wash. So far, I’ve been able to run my dishwasher only once or twice a week. I use the energy efficient setting on my dishwasher, as well as the air-dry feature. Don’t skimp on the quality of the detergent. A good detergent makes your glasses sparkle. I learned the hard way that not all detergent is the same. Once again, run your dishwasher during the off-peak hours.

7. Unplug Appliances On Standby

I’ve read that plugged-in appliances use more energy on standby than you’d think. I now unplug all chargers, my laptop, and my printer. I even unplug the upstairs television and speakers when I’m not actively using them. It’s not that much of a pain. It only takes a second to plug and unplug.

As a single girl, I’m still discovering that I have a lot to learn. There’s nothing like the feeling of accomplishment from lowering a bill! Making those seven changes brought out the thrifty diva side that I never knew existed. The more money I can save on utilities, the more I have to spend on clothes and shoes. Those are the fun things on which to spend money!

I’d love for you to share your tips for saving on your utility bill !

Categories: Healthy Living, Random Things, The Single Life

The Divorce Ring

“What exactly is a divorce ring?” I’ve been asked that question several times. I suppose there isn’t anything actually labeled as a ‘divorce ring’. Really, it’s just something I made up. Maybe I’ll start a new trend.

So, here’s the story behind my divorce ring….

I’d already had the diamond from my previous marriage. Trying to make the more economical choice, we decided to recycle the diamond. Before my ex proposed, he surprised me by having it reset in a band that he chose himself. As difficult as it is to say anything nice about my ex (I’m working on not being bitter!) , I admit that he had fantastic taste when it came to choosing gifts. Be it jewelry or clothes, he always nailed it. As soon as I saw the ring, I immediately fell in love with it. I took the the ring, as well as my vows, very seriously. Through the seven years, I’d always worn my diamond with pride, because it represented an eternal bond. For me, it was always more than a pretty ring.

I cried the day I took off my wedding ring. Every morning, as I dressed for work, I’d see the ring sitting on a shelf in my closet and I’d be instantly reminded of the betrayal. I’d think of the girl (girl is so not the word I want to use…) that had broken up both marriages and I’d feel angry for the loss of the life I thought I’d had. I couldn’t escape the idea that my life had been completely changed by someone I had trusted. For a while, I put it away, out of sight. Rather than let a beautiful ring sit in a drawer, I decided to trade it.

At first, trading it seemed a little overindulgent. The more responsible choice would have been to sell it and put the money into my savings. I could have even applied it towards my house loan. But, so far, I’m managing my bills. I really didn’t want to give up my sparkling diamonds. I definitely didn’t want to wait a thousand years for a man to buy a ring for me. Sometimes, logic aside, you have to do what feels right.

So I did it!

After a few weeks of searching, I said yes to a ring of my very own. Although I cried the morning I traded it, I knew that I was ready to leave yet another thing from my marriage behind. So that night, I celebrated with one of my best friends. She’s been through this this entire experience with me, her loyalty never wavering. We laughed, drank wine, and celebrated another milestone in this journey. And I felt blessed for all of the good things in my life.

I love the slightly vintage look of this new ring. It’s something that will be timeless. It’s as bold as the new person I have become. It represents my new life, with a world of possibilities. It symbolizes my independence. It reminds me that I’m allowed to be true to myself and that I’m allowed to make my own choices. When I look at my new divorce ring, I’m happy… maybe even a little proud. I’m proud that I’m a survivor. I’m proud that I can manage on my own and that I can still have nice things. With this beautiful new sparkly diamond ring, I’m embracing this beautiful new life.

Categories: Healthy Living, Random Things, The Single Life

I Think I Like Being Single

Seven years ago, as I stood at the altar, I remember thinking that it was the best day of my life. I was marrying the man of my dreams; the man with which I’d grow old. Two months ago, I was thrown into this newly-single life. I’ll be the first to admit that it was scary. Really, I was terrified. This single thing has definitely been a learning experience. I’ve learned to budget. I’ve learned how to drain the pool. I’ve learned how to handle a temperamental sewage system that hates the rain. And the list goes on… Although I didn’t chose this single life, I made the decision to embrace the whole “fresh start” challenge. New beginnings, right? I’ve been sad to the point that I’ve cried myself to sleep and I still feel angry. I’m angry that the same girl broke up both marriages. How did that even happen? I’m angry about the betrayal. Needless to say, I won’t be getting over that any time soon…. As I’ve crossed the sea ever-changing emotions, I’ve settled into a happiness that I haven’t felt in a very long time. This new independence feels pretty darned good!

Here are the things I love about being single….

I can sleep in the middle of the bed.

I can park in the middle of the garage.

I never have to turn on the television, except to watch BRAVO.

I can sing Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer” and Adele’s “Hello” at the top of my lungs without anyone overhearing me.

I can finally incorporate pink into my living room.

I can take hour-long hot showers.

I can play the piano at midnight….loudly.

I can have only wine for dinner if I choose, without being questioned.

I can have movie nights with my girlfriends without prior approval.

I can have the entire closet to myself, with my things neatly folded.

I can have more cat babies, if I chose to do so.

I can pay my own bills, without having to ask for any help.

I can sleep with three cozy blankets on my bed without anyone complaining.

I can organize my newly decorated pantry, with only healthy foods, in neat rows.

I can live in my house, on my land, with my things, surrounded by my family. And, I never have to worry about anyone taking those things away from me….ever.

When anyone asks me how I’m doing, I tell them that I’m good. And I am really good.

You know, I think I like being single.