10 on the 10th

 Happy Friday friends!  We have made it to another Friday and I hope it's a good one for you.  Today is a fun topic for 10 on the 10th.......Vacation Travel!

Are you planning on taking a vacation anytime soon?  

Why yes, we have a short vacation coming up soon.  We are going to Cincinnati in a few weeks to go to a Reds baseball game and hope to visit the Art Encounter as well.

Have you recently gone on vacation?

Why yes, we have.  I just spent last week and this week highlighting all about our Western Caribbena cruise!

(Link to most recent cruise post and others posted on blog)

What is your favorite way to travel?

Definitely, cruising is a favorite way to travel!  But, I don't mind flying as long as there is some flexibility with the trip because delays happen.  I feel like the same goes with driving.  I do enjoy a road trip from time to time as well. (**Updating the blog post to also include RV camping and traveling by train are fun too....basically, I will travel most any way it comes!)

If money were no object, where would you go and why?

A few places come to mind.  First, Australia.  It looks like a beautiful country and we have dear friends who live there.  While I am in the area, I would love to go to Bora Bora.  Those pictures look stunning to me.  A little more realistic, I would also like to visit Spain & Portugal and I want to take my girls to Austria for a Sound of Music tour.

Who would be your favorite person to take on vacation?

My husband and my daughters

What do you absolutely have to pack when you go on vacation?

Sunscreen, medicine and snacks are must haves and I do love my packing cubes whether it is a weekend or week long trip.

What are your memories of your all time favorite vacation?

Oh my goodness....this is hard to say.  New York City is my favorite city, so I love all my vacations there.  Disney has always been fun, even a trip to Disneyland a few years ago stands out to me.  As mentioned, I have always enjoyed a cruise.  A paticular favorite was going on a cruise out of New York City with my husband.  It was all of my favorite things and I'll never forget that moment!  I also love London, Paris and Belgium.  Our family spent a month in Belgium and were able to travel to other cities on the weekends when we had free time (we were there for training during the week).  

We lived in Bogota, Colombia for 3 years and were able to travel within Colombia and Peru.  Traveling to Macchu Picchu was amazing and we took a fun family trip to Cartagena, Colombia.  Another memorable trip was a trip to Hong Kong and Singapore that I received free as a travel agent.  My mom went with me on this trip and we visited a cousin who lived there as missionaries. This was back in 1996.  Most recently, I also enjoy a lot of shorter day/weekend trips to areas within a few hours of home.

Where would you never go on vacation and why?

The first place that comes to mind is India due to the crowds. I also am not a big fan of Indian food.

What is the worst thing you've ever experienced on vacation?

When I was single, in my mid-20's, I went to see a friend in Texas for a weekend.  I flew into Dallas from Memphis.  There were such bad thunderstorms, it took us close to 7 hours to fly there.  I could have driven to Dallas in the time it took me to fly. We kept getting re-routed, but finally made it.  My friend and I drove to Austin.  While we were there, the car we had was broken into and we drove back to Dallas with cardboard over the window.  This was eventful, but thanfully, we were safe.

The other quick story that comes to mind was a family vacation to Washington DC in fall of 2013.  The government had its first shutdown in 17 years the week were there, so all Smithsonian and monuments closed within 24 hours after we arrived. We completely had to pivot our plans.

What is the best thing that ever happened to you on vacation?

I married my husband on a trip to Glacier National Park in Montana.  On our 20 year anniversary, we took our daughters there to show them where we got married.

Love travel and so thankful for it!

Linking up with Marsha

10 on the 10th ~ March 2022

Here we are, almost at the end of the week.  I am linking up today for 10 on the 10th Q&A's about Spring.

List your favorite thing about spring.  Which season do you like best?

I love seeing all the flowers in bloom!  Although, fall is my favorite season :).

What puts spring in your step?  What does your favorite pair of shoes look like?  When do you wear them?

A day with sunshine & temperatures between 60-70 always helps a day seem better!  I have shared my favorite pair shoes multiple times on the blog, which are my UGG boots.  But since we are on the theme of spring, I just got this pair and am looking forward to wearing them this season.

Around St. Patrick’s Day we see invitations to ‘kiss me, I’m Irish’ on graphic tees and images everywhere.  Are you Irish?  If not, what would your graphic tee read?  ‘Kiss me, I’m…”

I do have a wee bit of Irish blood.  However, maybe since I would only want to be kissed by my husband, my shirt would read, "Kiss me, I'm your wife."!

What flowers would make up your perfect spring bouquet?  What is your favorite floral fragrance?

I love a stargazer lily, hydrangeas, and tulips.  My favorite scent would be lilies.

Spring cleaning?  A necessary evil or overrated?  What’s your favorite cleaning tip?  Cleaning product?

I would say a necessary evil, however,  I honestly don't do this.  My favorite cleaning tip is just to do a little each day, which is how most of us probably operate.  

Slinkies are coiled spring toys.  Did you ever have a Slinky?  Silly Putty?  What was your favorite toy as a child?

I did have a Slinky, but I didn't live in a house with stairs when I was a kid.  Silly Putty was fun to play with and press into the comic strips.  A few favorite toys as a child were Holly Hobbie toys, barbie dolls, all my albums, especially Donny Osmond, and I had a handheld Merlin when I became a teenager.

When we ‘spring forward’ on March 13, what do you hope to do in that extra daylight?

Hopefully get in some more late afternoon or after dinner walks.

The following colors will be trending for spring soft lilac, canary yellow, hot pink, salted caramel, scarlet, sky blue.  Will you be styling any of these?  Is there a color you will avoid?

Those are all beautiful colors, but I tend to shy away from most anything yellow, unless it is an aceessory.  

What will you be reading this spring?  Do you have a favorite devotional or quiet time routine?

I am reading Gently and Lowly.  I read a devotional in the morning and read my book at night.

Share an inspirational thought or spring quote.  Why does this speak to you?

I read a lot of inspirational thoughts, but this is one from Lisa Whittle:

One of the things that is hard for a lot of us is knowing when to accept the reality of something while holding out belief that God can work a mircale in our lives.

God is in both. He doesn't want us to live our life in a stat of wishing and wondering, while He does want us to trust that He has the power to change anything at any time.  Move forward in both faith and acceptance.  Keep asking God for the miracle, while asking Him to help you live well in the present realities of your life.

Have a great day!

10 on the 10th ~ March 2021

Happy Wednesday!  Linking up today with onceuponatimehappilyeverafter for the 10 on the 10th blog post all about Spring.

The theme is 10 things you Love about Spring.

1.  The weather - I love this current phase of weather where it is a little chilly in the mornings and evenings, but most of the day is temperature in the 60's.  When we lived in South America for 3 years, we didn't have seasons, but it was always spring/fall weather year round.  The temperature never dropped below 60 or was above 70, even though the sun would get intense being closer to the equator. This picture was taken in July 2015 and we were wearing sweaters and boots in Bogota'. 

2.  Clothing - The change in weather brings out a change in clothes.  There is always something exciting about changing the wardrobe a little bit.  It is time to bring out the lightweight cardigans, floral tops, white jeans, and some cute wedges.  With that being said, I would wear my boots year round if I could. Y'all know I also mourn for a quick bit each year when I put away my boots though.

3.  Outdoors - It is nice to be able to go outdoors for a walk, eat outside on the back porch, & spring planting.  Also, having people gather for an outdoor event gets me excited!

4.  Plants - Speaking of spring planting, I love seeing the crocus and daffodils pop up in yards.  I just cut a few flowers yesterday.  I have some other flowers I want to plant, but am waiting until at least April.  I am spending some time this month just to prep my yard with turning over the soil and getting rid of weeds and all the sticks that have fallen to the ground.

5.  Decor - It is fun to decorate with flowers and all the spring/Easter things.  It just brings a bit of joy and happiness in homes.  I do keep my lights above the mantle on a time for every night, so I feel that coziness in the midst of spring decor.  

6.  St. Patrick's Day - It is a fun little holiday to show how lucky we are to have people in our lives.  I decorate for this, then will transition into Easter.  It is always good to hear the story of St. Patrick too. Here is my St. Patrick's decor:

7.  Easter - This is a fun holiday to decorate for, but much more than that.  This holiday is the hope of our Christian faith.  This is what sets us apart.  Jesus was resurrected.  He lives today.  It is always a fun day with family, however that may look.  Last year, it was just the 4 of us with no extended family due to everyone being so careful in our then new covid environment.

8.  Spring cleaning - If we haven't all cleaned out all our drawers and closets by now after the past year, seems like spring is the time to do it.  With the change of wardrobes and weather, it is a little more motivating to go through things and toss them or donate them.  I am trying to do some organizing in our attic while the weather is not too cold or too hot.

9. Travel - Spring makes me think of travel and here's hoping we all get to do a little more of it this year.  Even just little weekend trips are good for the soul. I have a few scheduled and am looking forward to them.  

10.  Inspiration - I feel like after winter, we are inspired and excited for just a new season.  We have made it through winter & feel a sense of motivation and empowerment to tackle new projects, while also relaxing in the new season.

I am thankful for Spring more than ever this 2021!

 

10 on the 10th

Good morning!  Today, I am sharing 10 on the 10th  linking up with Once Upon a Time Happily Ever  After with some questions about Spring

1.  As a child, I don't remember taking spring break trips, but am sure I always enjoyed the week off school.  My family went on a big summer vacation each year, but I don't have specific memories of a spring break trip.  Easter was always a special time as a family.  We would get a new dress and usually a pair of white shoes for Easter Sunday.  We would have an Easter Egg hunt, get a basket with some candy and enjoy Easter with our family.

2.  I would not say I spring clean.  I just try to keep up with every day cleaning and organizing, but no deep cleaning.  

3.  Spring weather in the south is very nice.  It is before the bugs and the heat and people are still excited to work in their yards :).

4. I don't have a great green thumb, but I do enjoy working in the yard and planting flowers.  I do okay, but am no expert.

5. I am not a windows open person and really never have been.  If I am inside and it is hot, I would prefer the AC.  My favorite is this time of the year where we can go most days with heat or AC.

6.  Like most holidays, I do enjoy decorating for spring.  I will probably bring out my spring decorations the end of March so I can keep my St. Patrick's Day decor up this month.

7. It is rare that I wear a swimsuit or shorts, even in the summer.  I should still get ready, but basically, I always need to eat healthier, but the goal isn't necessarily for summer weather.

8. I keep my current season's clothes in my closet for the most part and keep some off season clothes in our guest bedroom closet.  I do have a few things that overlap through both seasons.

9. My go to spring uniform is a t-shirt/top with jeans.  I sure miss my boots in the spring and summer.

10. I do enjoy a nice walk on a pretty day and a walk to our neighborhood lake.  We even enjoyed the pretty weekend weather and took our canoe out on the lake on Sunday!

Happy Tuesday!

10th on the 10th ~ April 2019

Happy Wednesday!  It's been a minute since I have blogged.  I will be honest, working full time and trying to work on a homeschoolers high school graduation, college prep, another one in school, being a wife and keeping things going around home keep me busy to where I just don't get to blogging as much some weeks.   But, I am jumping back in today with this link up. 

Today I am linking up with The Bolin Bunch for 10 on the 10th.  This months topic is 10 household tips.

1.  Open mail every day.

Otherwise, we all know what happens......it piles up and seems overwhelming versus just opening up one piece at a time, or throwing the trash away.

2.  Run dishwasher every night.

Don't we all love a clean sink/kitchen/dishes when we wake up in the morning?

3.  Robot vacuum cleaner.

I purchased ours last year during the Black Friday sales and have no regrets.  It helps so much to keep our floors clean and saves me so much time as a working mom.

4.  Wipe down kitchen counter tops.

I try to do this every day, or at least every other day.....if we don't cook or we are all out of the house for most of the day, I may skip that day.

5.  Put up shoes, blankets in basket, any clean clothes from sofa.

Sometimes our living area collects these things, but I like to have them put away at the end of the day.  We are past the stage of toys in our home (except for a few in a our guest room if we have kids over), so basically, our living area stays pretty clean.

6. Meal prep.

I am preaching to myself here.  I want easy, healthy meal prep that is a variety.  That is sometimes hard for me to accomplish.  When I do meal prep and plan, I feel much more organized in other areas because I am thinking, "at least I have dinner planned!"

7.  Have a place for everything, especially papers.

This goes back to number one and also to my next answer.  Somehow households collect so much stuff and having a place for everything eventually helps to eliminate stuff.  We moved back to the USA 2 1/2 years ago with very little.  Now we have filled up a home.  My husband says it doesn't matter have much space you have, you will fill it, and that is true.  So, wouldn't it be nice to have an empty drawer or cabinet or at least one that is not too cluttered?  Having a place for things is essential.

8.  Drawer organizers.

Whether it is a sock drawer, junk drawer, make up drawer or a kitchen drawer, any little organizers are so helpful to keep things looking neat and to have a place for everything.  It also makes things easier to find, especially if you are asking someone to look for something in a drawer.

9.  Pick up grocery service.

I have only used our pick up grocery service a handful of times, but sometimes, that $5 fee is just so worth the convenience.  There are times I like to look and touch my produce or meat, but sometimes, I just let that control go and need someone else to do this for me.   

10.  Online shopping.

I think we all are fans of this.  Ideally, free shipping is the best way to go, but sometimes with the hassle of going to a store or one that is not nearby, even paying for shipping is worth the cost.  The service I use the most is Amazon Prime and Target.  This helps with so many little, random things we need.

January: 10 on the 10th

Here is another new link up for me this year that looks fun.  This month is 10 random facts to share about me...

1.  I have been a homeschool mom for 11 years.

2.  I returned to work full time after a 13 year break last January.

3.  I lived in Bogota, Colombia for 3 years as a missionary.

4.  I got married after a 3 week engagement in Glacier National Park, Montana. (Side note...we had known each other as friends for 3 1/2 years and never really dated.) This year will mark our 21st anniversary.  We took a family trip there last year to show our girls where we got married.  You can see some pictures here.

5. My summer job in college was a tour guide at Graceland (and as I've mentioned before on this blog, my first concert was Elvis).  My husband and I renewed our vows at a chapel there on our 10 year anniversary.

6.  I grew up in a Christian family and became a believer when I was 8 years old.  I am thankful a relationship with Jesus has always been a part of my life.

7.  New York City is my favorite city in the USA.

8.  My family lived in Brussels for a month and traveled in Europe on the weekends.

9.  I bought my first house when I was single at the age of 24.

10.  I started this blog 7 years ago tomorrow...Jan. 11, 2012 and shared some of my health story on that very first post.