Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now -- Part 25

It has been some time since I wrote a Four Faves post -- see the most recent one here: http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/search/label/Four%20Faves -- but the people who read this blog before (literally 3 of you), have asked me to do this again.  Your wish is my command, loyal readers!

Four Faves, reboot style:

1.  I've probably admitted my addiction before, but Garrett's Cheese Popcorn is my kryptonite.  I'm drawn to it like a bee to a flower, like a fly to honey, like e coli to raw room temperature shrimp.  I get their emails and usually, I delete without reading because it's dangerous, but about two weeks ago they had a special on for National Cheese Day and I couldn't resist.  I ordered one can of cheese and one can of Garrett's mix (caramel and cheese mixed) and, well, you can see what happened within a week.  The cheese is long gone and the mix is hidden in my closet to leave the premises soon.  A pox on you, Garrett's!

2.  I watch a lot of reality TV and am an expert in all things Bravo.  Note photo of me with the Bravo guru Andy Cohen and my niece at this year's Chick Lit Luncheon benefitting Community Partners of Dallas.  Such a nice guy!

But my current addiction is 90 Day Fiance on TLC.  I have a friend who also watches and some nights we are keeping the texts ON FIRE as we comment back and forth.  And the franchise doesn't stop there -- They now have a show called Pillow Talk where former and current cast members lie in bed and comment on the evening's episode.  It is hilarious.  Well worth several hours of your time a week -- and yes, you read me right, SEVERAL HOURS...

3.  I ordered this Jin Soon Nail Polish on Amazon after seeing a recommendation somewhere.  I do my own fingernails and am always trying to find one that stays on better.  Light colored nail polish is my favorite (because I can't see the chips and imperfections as much), so I ordered away and hoped the polish would look good.  It does and the best part is it dries SUPER quickly.  I do the bottom coat, 2 coats of color, and a top coat, and I'm not kidding, it seems to be pretty dry in about 10 minutes.  My old polish (Chanel, Essie or OPI) would crease even after hours of drying.  This stuff is a winner!

4.  Traders Joe's Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend is the BOMB.  I was late to the game, but my friend Cynthia told me about using it on avocado toast and it is a revelation.  I've tried it on baked potatoes, mac and cheese -- it would be good on anything.  Don't walk, run to the store and make yourself avocado toast and put an over easy egg atop it tomorrow.  Sprinkle away.  YUM.

What are your faves?

P.S.  I do not know why I cannot get these photos to right themselves.  Enjoy the neck stretch...

An Embarrassing Hodgepodge

1.July 15th is National Give Something Away Day.  What can you give away? Will you?

I recently went through all of my shoes and gave away about 40 pairs to my niece, co-workers, and to the Genesis Women's Shelter Thrift Store.  I know that I have other stuff to "pass along" but I doubt I'll be giving away anything other than a smile and a witty remark today.  Witty remarks tend to occur during our capital campaign leadership team meetings!

2. Do you have a mantra? Please share with the class if you feel comfortable doing so.

When I think of a mantra it makes me think of one to use during meditation.  Mine is always "Thank you, God".

Now if you mean just a quote or saying to live by, one of my favorites is "Money can't buy happiness, but it sure keeps the kids in touch."  My friend Jane had this posted in her kitchen.  Jane died a few years ago and I miss her a lot.  She was a no-BS Texas woman.

3. Who does the grocery shopping in your house? How many times a week do you shop? Do you make a list or pray for inspiration in the produce aisle?

I do the shopping and must have a list.  I usually go on Saturday to Tom Thumb (Safeway to those of you who aren't locals) and go to Whole Foods on Sunday.  My mom and I usually go together and have fun pointing out new finds/sharing a box of peaches or a watermelon.  Sometimes she will even tell the check-out person to put my groceries on her credit card!  #winning

4. Is there a TV show you're embarrassed to say you watch? You're going to tell us what it is, right?

Nothing embarrasses me.  I watch all TV all the time.

Some shows I watch that some people think I should be embarrassed to watch are:  Total Divas, Real Housewives (all of them), Dance Moms, and at this time of the year, Big Brother.  I even sometimes watch the live feed of Big Brother on Showtime After Dark.  Now, I'm really sleepy then, but it's total trash.  On another note, Big Brother host Julie Chen (otherwise known as the Chen-Bot by Andy Cohen) looks absolutely amaze-balls this summer.

My mother and Joe would want me to point out that I also read, have a good job and a bachelor's degree from a 4-year accredited university.  Bite me.

5. A recent article listed fifteen words we should eliminate from our (written) vocabulary in order to sound smarter-

that, went, honestly, absolutely, very, really, amazing, always, never, literally, just, maybe, stuff, things, and irregardless

Of the fifteen, which word is your most overused?

I never say irregardless.  It's not a word.  I totally say the rest of them and use them all the time.  I'm actually surprised that totally wasn't on the list.  Of the listed words I probably say very the most, with amazing as a close second.

6. So apparently dying your hair gray (in your youth!) is a thing right now. It's called 'The Granny Hair' trend. Your thoughts? 

My mother has always said that our family members tend to look better as they get older, so I'm looking forward to going gray.  It seems to take a long time in our family.  I have very little gray and have never colored my hair -- of course it is hard to tell on redheads.  My brother has very dark brown hair and barely has any gray.  Not sure what mom is trying to tell us about looking better, but apparently we have some more years to go until we are at our most beautiful.  #winning?

As for young people dying their hair gray for fun, I say do what you want, kids, just be prepared to suffer the consequences of your choices and don't complain about why you are having trouble finding a decent job.

7. A while back Buzz Feed asked members to share the most beautiful sentence they've read in a piece of literature. A hard thing to narrow down, at least for me, but let's try. What's one of the most beautiful sentences you've ever read in a piece of literature?

This is not the most beautiful sentence, but I do love this book:

"Yet we always envy others, comparing our shadows to their sunlit sides." -- Margaret George from The Autobiography of Henry VIII

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The block I live on is a fantastic block -- we have about 45 houses on our block and we get together more often than most.  We have a Christmas progressive dinner, a ladies book club, a block party, etc.  I feel really blessed to have lived there for many years.  Unfortunately, the ring-leader, organizer-extraordinaire, friendliest-mom, call-me-if-you-need-anything neighbor and her family sold their house and are moving to be closer to their sons' schools.  This is going to be a huge loss for the block.  It's really amazing just how much one person can do to make everyone else's lives more enriching.  I truly envy the neighbors on the block where Julie is moving.  They are in for a real gift.

We will miss her.

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 21

Time for another Four Faves, people!

If you missed the most recent one, click here http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2015_01_01_archive.html

It's hard for me to believe that the last Four Faves post was in January.  Frankly, it is not because I don't have any fav things, I think that the reason is more me trying to appear smarter than I really am.  I think that if you read this blog each week that you know that I write about all kinds of things -- serious things like child abuse and opinion things like advice for job seekers, etc.

I also really like to write about my favorite things, but it seems so, well, commercial.

NOTE:  Please know that I do not receive any remuneration from anything I talk about in my posts, except of course, I am paid to work at Community Partners of Dallas.  I'm so glad that the board thinks I'm worth a salary.  My personal creditors are glad too.

Now, on to the Faves!

1. I don't usually start with a TV show -- remember the smart persona I'm attempting to portray -- but damn if I don't still love Bravo's Southern Charm.  Cameran and Shep (pictured on the left) are my favorite cast members, but I'd sit in a hot car with any of them -- I really don't like to sit in hot cars.  
   
2. This stuff is great -- O'Keeffe's Working Hands cream.  Seems like my hands and cuticles just keep getting drier, so I ordered this from Amazon and I love it.  No fragrance -- Joe likes that -- and it isn't too greasy.
   
3. My latest fav thing is something from the queen of fav things -- Oprah.  I ordered this for my sister-in-law Lucy and for myself at Christmas.  It is a wooden box filled with 365 thoughtful quotes.  It was $85:  365 Gathered Truths Box from Cottage Coastal.  I try to post some each week on my Instagram and FaceBook.  This was today's.
   
4. I have a new fav cocktail -- a little vodka with Whole Foods Italian Soda in Pomegranate flavor -- delish!

What are your Four Faves?

Lord, thank you that you have not given me...

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I watch a lot of TV.

Like everyone, I have my favorites and because I do watch a lot, I rarely add in something new because I don't have enough time to keep up with my TV watching already.  I find myself now only watching things I think I might find out about through Twitter before I actually get to see the outcome (The Voice is a good example of this -- I watch it almost live usually) and holding things that I don't have to watch because, well, I don't have anyone to discuss them with (I have to keep up with the office shows such as Scandal because it messes up the lunch conversation if someone says -- NO!  STOP!  I haven't watched last night's episode yet!  And you might know that I hate being the one who brings the discussion to a grinding halt...) or because no one else I know really watches them (such as Drop Dead Diva).

Anyway, all this to say that last night I watched something new for the first time -- although I didn't stray much from my normal -- it is a Bravo show, of course:  The People's Couch.  The premise of the show is that it shows clips of shows and then shows normal people -- a family, some friends, etc. -- reacting to what they are watching.

My favorite thing that was said all night was when the couch people were watching Deadliest Catch.  Deadliest Catch is about these guys that do deep water fishing in Alaska and it really is dangerous.  People die and it is super gross.  Cynthia tried to get me to watch it for a while and I did try a few episodes, but I'm not manly enough to watch it.  My review:  Yuck.

So, they showed this grotesque clip from Deadliest Catch and the mom of one of the Couch families said this:  "Lord, thank you that you have not given me the gift of fishing."  Other than agreeing wholeheartedly with her and laughing out loud, she also got me thinking.

For what other gifts am I thankful that God didn't give me?

1. Psychic Ability -- I really don't want to know what you think about me or what your dear departed want you to know.
2. Numbers Ability -- While I'm sure that there are good things to this, the i-phone has made it unnecessary to remember numbers anymore.  Yay for me!

There are many others -- the gift of car repair, roof repair, plumbing repair -- I'm scared and/or grossed out by those.

But the main thing I am grateful for is that God did give me the gift of working for Community Partners of Dallas.  The gift of working with wonderful co-workers, volunteers, and board members.  The gift of helping kids and caseworkers.

P.S.  Of course, I also wish that God would give me the gift of being on The People's Couch.  I think Cynthia and I would kill it.

Stay Away from Pigs

My new favorite quote that seems to come in handy way more than I want it to...

I learned long ago never to wrestle with a pig.  You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it.

 -- George Bernard Shaw

Back away, pigs, just back away... 

Hope you're having a great Wednesday!

NOTE:  I'm sure you're wondering where I found my new favorite quote...  Lisa Vanderpump on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, of course.

You Can Quote Me

“What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.”

― Thomas Paine, The American Crisis

If you are a regular reader of my blog  -- and there are literally TENS of you -- you already know that I love a good quote.  I'd like to say that I am an avid scholar of Paine and history and have always known this one, but of course I heard it on Top Chef Masters last season.  The winner Doug Keane said it in the last episode and I looked that sucker up lickety-split.

NOTE:  To all of you who are judging me right now -- I agree with you.

It seemed fitting for a Thanksgiving post.  

I'm thankful for those who founded this country.  For those who still keep it safe. 

I'm also thankful for those who keep children safe.  And for those who do a kind thing for those who keep children safe...

Yesterday one of our donors at Community Partners of Dallas called Joanna with a surprise for one of our hard-working Dallas County CPS caseworkers.  You see, the donor and husband were not going to be able to use their 2 great seats to see the Dallas Cowboys for the big Thanksgiving game, so they decided to pass them along to us.  We sent out an email and within 1 hour had 87 people who wanted the tickets.  When Joanna called the lottery drawing winner, the caseworker almost started crying.  She is a huge fan of the Cowboys and had never been to a game. 

Do I have a great job or what?

Now, you may think it's funny that I started this post about obtaining something cheap and am ending it with someone winning a free prize, but believe me, that caseworker works hard everyday protecting children.  And I bet she'll never forget the game.

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 3

Time for another list of my Four Favs, people!  If you missed any of my other lists, here's the link to Part 2:  http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2012/07/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html

Everyday, I thank God that I live in this great city.  Dallas really is a fabulous place to live and work and we have so many wonderful places to enjoy -- delicious food, fabulous entertainment, beautiful foliage and architecture -- and almost every spot in town is air conditioned!  Keeping cool in Dallas really is a must at this time of year, so here goes on my coolest Four Favs:

1. What is better on a hot day than staying in air conditioned comfort with a good book?  My favorite so far this summer is Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides.  I didn't read it when it came out because I didn't think I'd like the story of an intersex person who starts living life as a woman and ends up living as a man, but my friend Stephanie recommended it highly, so I gave it a try.  It is a great book that traces the history of a family through multiple generations.  Won the Pulitzer.  500+ pages, but definitely worth it.
2. Dreyers Fruit Bars are my latest obsession.  The coconut one makes my heart pound, but I also love the acai blueberry.  OMG -- they are ridiculously good!
3. If you know me, you know that I love reality TV and especially the Bravo shows.  Andy Cohen is the host of Watch What Happens Live and I always tune in for his interviews with reality stars and real stars (of course, I own my very own Bravo "Mazel" t-shirt too -- yes, I'm "one of those").  Anyway, the other night Andy got to interview his biggest real star yet -- Meryl Streep (wow!) -- and he served her a "Fresquila" -- tequila and Fresca over ice.  Easiest cocktail ever and absolutely delish -- and oh so low cal.  Love it!  NOTE:  I use Patron for this -- cheap tequila is not my friend, nor should it be yours.
4. If you haven't been to the Wisteria Dallas Store over by Love Field -- go.  I took my mom over there last weekend just for something to do in air conditioned fun and we both loved it.  The entire store (it's in a warehouse -- I love a warehouse of any type) is set up like small rooms and they really just have beautiful things.  In the rear of the store, there are lots of bargains too.  Here's the address and details:  Wisteria Dallas, 6500 Cedar Springs.  Open Monday-Saturday: 10-6

What are your four favs?

Stay Cool!

P.S.  My #FundraisingFriday gift is going to Junior Achievement in honor of my friend Linda Schoelkopf who is retiring after many years of service to JA.  Congrats, Linda!

Are you a procrastinator? The advice I needed to stop it and get going!

I am not normally much of a procrastinator.  I make my bed every day.  My clothes are hung up.  If I need to change a light bulb, I do it.  My work projects are usually done on time or early.

I must give the credit for this to my mom.  If you happen to mention that you could use a new pair of black flats, she is in your driveway to go to Nordstrom about 5 minutes later.  If you move (and I used to about every 2 years – I flipped houses for about 15 years) mom will not only come over and buy the movers lunch, she will not let you go to bed with any closed boxes (I got pretty good at hiding a few as the clock approached midnight…).

You may have noticed the word normally in my first sentence today.  Since I am home recovering from my surgery, this has changed.

I brought home one big-ish project to complete for CPD.  I have felt well enough to do it for about a week, but instead I look at the project each morning and go back in the den and turn on the TV – hey, there are Hoarders and Interventions to watch, people – or open my book for book club (Cleopatra) and before I know it another day goes by.

Yesterday morning I was talking to one of my very wise friends on the phone and we were talking about my surgery, God, social media, the future of the world -- you know, just some light topics for comic fodder.  We were about to hang up and Dave asked me if I had anything else going on, so I explained the dreaded project and how I wasn’t doing it.  Dave said, “Well, I always say that if you want something done, give it to someone who’s busy.”

So, thanks, Dave.  The project is done, along with some extra stuff.  Now <yawn> back to Million Dollar Decorators and then a nap.

I'm Still Mad at the Jerk on Hell's Kitchen.

Those of you who know me well know that I love reality TV.  I watch Project Runway, Top Chef, all the Real Housewives, Flipping Out, Jersey Shore, Little People Big World, The Apprentice, and more.  And yes, it is slightly embarrasing to admit that this is a short list of the shows that I watch.  It makes me think of Howard Stern's movie Private Parts, when the station management (who hated Howard's broadcasts) was talking to the ratings guy who was telling them the results of the listener survey that said something like listeners who loved Howard listened for an unheard of 68 minutes.  When asked why they listened so long, the listeners said that they "wanted to see what he would say next".  The ratings guy then revealed that the listeners who hated Howard listened for 90 minutes and their most common reason for listening was "I want to see what he's going to say next". 

I both love and hate reality TV.  I enjoy the break from my real life to look into the produced and edited lives of others. 

Russell, heretofore (and everafter) known as the Jerk, is one of the current "chef-testants" on Hell's Kitchen, hosted by Master Chef Gordon Ramsay on FOX.  The other night the gang of misfit chefs looking to work for Ramsay was tasked with throwing a Prom Party for kids from Beverly Hills High.  Of course, when the school was announced I had a twinge of "oh, I bet those kids will be bratty and demanding" and held my breath. 

The teens weren't bratty.  They were perfectly nice (at least what was shown on the screen) and other than having more advanced palates than many of their peers, were normal teens.

What has kept me thinking about this show was the treatment that the teens endured from the Jerk.  He belittled them in words, actions, and eye rolls when he was asked to put up decorations.  He treated the teens with such disdain that the restaurant manager finally had to step in to remind the Jerk that these kids were CLIENTS.

I was graduated from Highland Park High School, so I will admit that maybe I am somewhat biased, but let me tell you about the teens I know who go to schools like HPHS, ESD, St. Marks, Greenhill, etc.  The teens who help us at Community Partners of Dallas from these schools may drive over here in a Lexus or Mercedes, but they are kind and generous and really care about helping others.  These teens will spend hours and hours on the floor in our warehouse counting school supplies or sweeping the floor.  One of our THANKs (CPD's teen board) members has volunteered more than 700 hours with us to help abused and neglected children in our community. 

The teens I know are super kids and are very deserving of respect.

You better give it to them, because they'll run this world one day.  I think it will be a better world.

First Blog Post (Original, aren't I?)

I have been thinking about starting a blog for some time now, but just never pulled the trigger.  I don't think that I am profound enough, or funny enough, or simply interested enough to write one.  Luckily for you readers (Who at this point is only me anyway -- even my friend Joe of 30 years told me that he wouldn't read my blog, and he reads blogs, so what's up with that?), I actually have a job that will provide me with material...some sad, some interesting, and some humor, so why not?  I'm an American and don't we all think that we are special and worthy?

Thanks for starting this adventure with me.  I'll talk about the kids we serve at Community Partners of Dallas, the amazing women who I get to work with, and try to provide you with info that will both inform and inspire -- about our kids, CPS, non-profits, volunteering. 

And I'll throw in some Real Housewives and Dog the Bounty Hunter too.