She left the suds in the bucket and the clothes hanging out on the line.....

Ya'll.  When I met my husband THAT NIGHT I told him "I can cook anything but I'm a terrible housewife."

Almost ten years later and I'm still in that dinghy of a boat, singing my little own tune which might or might not be a Spice Girls song.

My point is, I might MIGHT have finally mastered this laundry game.  Don't hold your breath though.  I haven't shrunk anything or dyed a whole mess of whites Peep Pink in over a year...

First off, know when it comes to this jazz I'm CHEAP.  I don't buy bougie fancy crap.  I buy what we need and use all.  of.  it.  So if I'm taking the time to write about it, it's worth your dollar dollar bills, ya'll.  (Anyone remember that song?  Anyone?  No, just me?  Okurrr...)

I have found over the years it doesn't matter if you buy expensive Tide or Members Mark (Sams) laundry soap, as long as you buy the liquid kind, ya stuff will be clean.  (Tide Pods never dissolved completely and I used them up so fast).  Same for fabric softener.  Any smell will do, from the creepy Bear brand to whatever Sams or Costco has on sale at the time.  Oh an dryer sheets!  I buy cheapo Aldi brand and they work great!  (I also run those bad boys through my daughter's hair when the frizz sets in.  That ish is magic!)

I throw in vinegar whenever I do towels or underwear/socks.  I never measure.  I just dump.  Like maybe a cup?  Maybe 2?  I don't know.  It's Russian roulette but stuff comes out fresh and never sour!

Shout Color Catcher's are a godsend for when I am washing a load of Husby's work stuff because I forget he has white undershirts in there and these guys keep them from looking frumpy.

Shout is a main staple in my house basically for anything hahaha!  I use it as carpet cleaner and spot treatment on decorative stuff like pillows also.  If something is really gross I'll dump a cup (or 2?) in a big ol bowl with water and let the yucky stuff soak over night.  Or two nights.  #YOLO

Oxi Clean White Revive is something I would recommend for anyone who is scared of bleach.  I use bleach in almost all of my white loads but some of the kids' white clothes have designs/logos that will get messed up from bleach.  These little doodads work super well!  On big loads I do have to use two but I bought this first pack over a month ago in my monthly Subscribe and Save order from Amazon (another blog post another time, I promise), and I still haven't used the entire package. 

I hope this inspires/helps/bores? some of you out there in the world. wide. webs.  It's POURING rain here in Tulsa and my big ol scary dogs are hiding in my closet til it subsides.  Life is RUFF.  HA! 

What have you dyed pink lately?
XOXO Summer

2019 in a teeny tiny peanut shell

Can you believe it's been over a year since I've blogged last?  Anyone still out there?  (ECHOOOOOOOOO-OOOOO-OOOO)

The past year has been a whirlwind of....well...madness.  I finally packed up my 'teaching trunk' for good and I'm a better person for it.  It was hard to say goodbye but the future is BRIGHT, ya'll.  Let me tell you!

I'm still a Realtor for an ah-mazing real estate company local to Tulsa.  Real estate is like a roller coaster.  You love it and there's parts that make you go WHEEEE! and parts that make you turn green.  Mostly WHEEEE's though...  It also keeps me out of driving a minivan because let's be honest, I'm not about that life. 

If you had told me I'd find an amazing job which I LOVED in payroll and HR that I'm decently good at I'd laugh at you.  So I guess I'm laughing.  One of my dearest friends from high school (how was that SIXTEEN years ago?!  OY!) got me talking to the right people and now I'm surrounded by happiness, laughs, payroll and a job where I can snuggle Elmo -- yes he's still alive by the literal Grace of God-- every. day.  I'm telling ya'll, life is GOOD.

Elmo is still around.  He turns 18 in February.  He is on thyroid medicine and has a nasty, gross tumor under his chin but he's still eating and going potty outside so he's still kickin.  The newest change for him is that he loves his pet taxi we bought him.  It's like his play fort.  Turns out we shoulda bought him one years ago.  Who knew?  Every night after he eats he jumps up over Ruger's crate and climbs 'in bed'.  Bless him.

Our Bass Babes are doing well.  They are both in 2nd grade and in the same. class.  (Yup, I'm THAT mom this year but don't worry, their teacher is pretty much amazing and perfect and patient and has a sense of humor so we're blessed).  Bee has struggled this year more than I've liked and it's a hard pill to swallow.  Sometimes a mama has to watch her baby bird fail a few times for them to learn and oh my lanta it's GUT WRENCHING.  Turtle is adjusting well but this poor boy needs to branch out socially!  He is so shy just like his daddy!

I'm still cooking and eating and doing all the things in the kitchen.  One struggle I have experienced this year is having my right thyroid removed and dealing with (minor) weight gain since my VSG in 2017.  I'm blessed to be able to not have to take any thyroid medication and I am still looking good but I know I can't eat graham crackers and icing as a snack anymore- HA!

I have lots of new ideas and themes and things to write about!  I can't wait to share it with yall!  PLEASE PLEASE let me know if you want me to share anything?

Husby made dinner and I'm taking COMPLETE advantage of the fact.  He's been on a roll lately.

Bee is screaming in the hallway because her younger brother DROPPED her in the hallway from a botched piggy back ride.  Can I hide in the bathroom?!





peace.  love.  i hate daylight savings.
-Summer

Lather, Rinse, Pray, Repeat.

It's two days til my surgery and unbeknownst to me, a shadow has been looming over me.  Today it made its' grand appearance.  In my shower. 

I kept telling myself in these past few days that "I've had surgery before and everything has been fine.  Doctors are smarter than me and they know what they're doing.  I didn't freak out like this when I had my gall bladder taken out (come to find out there's waaaaaaaay more to that surgery than my vsg!) so why freak out now?!"  All that positive self talk jazz.

Tonight I kissed my children goodnight for the last time for (at least ) 4 days and went to my hot, waiting shower.  And I fell apart.  I cried and I cried and I cried and I sobbed and I prayed and I prayed and I prayed. 

Then my entire life in this house all made sense.  It was less than 6 years ago I found God again and he made my world right side up.  And in this shower I have prayed my hardest I have ever prayed for anything-- just me, God and hot water washing away tears.  Tears for....  Lost jobs.  Lost babies.  Lost (almost) marriages.  Finding God.  Answered prayers.  Losing Caddy.  Unexpected blessings.  Happy surprises.  Saved marriages.  Pitiful medical diagnosis.  Promising solutions...This shower is my prayer room.  In this steamy, wet rectangle of tile I have poured my heart and soul out into prayer over and over until my lips knew every syllable of every word of what I begged God for.  And he answered every. single. one.  Sometimes not exactly as I had planned but such is life.  This is God's road map.  We are just the exit signs.  Sometimes there's detours. 

In this shower tonight I was so so so scared that something would happen to me during my surgery and recovery.  Turtle clung to me for dear life when I kissed him and sang him his bedtime song.  Bee asked me if I didn't come back who would take her to school in August or sing her 'angels'.  OH.  MY.  GOSH.  That is heavy stuff.  And in that shower I prayed NOT that God would get me through this week, but that he would take care of the hearts of my sweet, innocent children should something go south.  

A wave of emotion washed over me again and I about drowned on tears and water drops, realizing 6 short years ago my grandmother left us to be with Jesus and I was NOT prepared for it.  I was filled with warmth and I knew she was with me.  Was she telling me I was going to be ok?  Are the kids going to be ok?  "WHAT IS GOING TO BE OK?" I cried through the soap and shampoo.  Grandmother always told me Doughty women are strong.  She's right.  That's all the confirmation I needed that everything is going to work out. God will provide for us the best way he knows how to and no matter what storm comes HE will get us through.  She loved and lost so much in her life and yet she died with a smile on her face.  I can only pray the Good Lord grants me that same grace.

I sat there in the shower repeating prayer after prayer, God slowly lifting the nasty fog free from my face and allowing me to see rationally.  As I toweled off I felt 400% better knowing God had heard me.  Thank God for that shower!

As I was getting dressed I could only imagine what 'Come to Jesus' meeting I'll have next in my prayer room but I know no matter what the Father Above has my back!  

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not me dismayed, for I am your God. 
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you wiht my righteous right hand.

Where is your prayer room?
XOXO Summer

Long sleeves and skinned knees

If y'all know me personally you would know my struggle with my weight has been in existence since I was. Oh. Eight. And I'm 5'0. Being fun sized has its' perks. And its' pits. Right now I'm dealing with the latter.

The highlight of my year was LOSING 65% of my hair and being diagnosed with PCOS. (Google it. I'm not explaining that hot mess ....). That was when I had had enough. Enough weight watchers points. Enough cussing at my scale like it's the scales' fault I've ballooned. Tired of being embarrassed to be seen in public next to a healthy, fit husband.  I've dusted the proverbial sh*t off my pants and have chosen to rise above feeling sorry for myself.  Skinned knees and hurt fat feelings no more!

Enter 'vertical SLEEVE gastrectomy'.  It sounds weird.  But it's genius.  I have had the blessing of supportive family, friends, and health care professionals.  I have found an ah-mazing doctor in Dallas who will do the surgery.  Next Thursday, I will be put under general anesthesia and 75% of my stomach will be laparoscopic-ally removed and I will be free of my 'fat girl inhibitions'.  NO, this is not my easy way out.  I will still have to maintain a high protein, low carb life style with enough water to sink the Titanic but I will be healthier, thinner, and happier.  (I will also have to be 500% more active but the new treadmill I got for an early birthday present from the Parentals will help me get my life in gear!)

I'm excited to see what the future holds for me and my little family.  I will continue to LOVE my job being a Tulsa Realtor. I'll just be a little (or a LOT) lighter!

Please pray for me, this is the first time I will ever have elective surgery and it's a bit unnerving.  Also, please pray for the dear Hubs.  I've only been able to have protein shakes, water, and a small piece of chicken everyday for the past week and will continue that way until my surgery next Thursday.  I've been less than pleasant!

Sorry for what I said when I was hungry,
XOXO Summer

 2009 After another fun round of WW!

I was at my 'goal weight' and running 3 miles a day!  125 pounds!

 Christmas 2016

 Spring 2017

 Fall 2016

I'm ready for a new me!

Wordless Wednesday

  

Nothing says Happy Birthday like personalized soap, y'all. 

Scrub a dub dub. 

XOXO Summer

Zink Park

There's a park in the heart of Tulsa's Brookside area that not a lot of people are familiar with. Bestie Dragon and I play tennis there a lot but I never knew it's secrets until Bestie Red took us beyond the tree line. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you...... ZINK PARK!

Beyond the tacky jungle gym and courts lies this secret garden oasis. 

 

 

 

That's crystal clear water y'all!

 http://www.tulsalibrary.org/tos/zink-park

What have you explored today? 

XOXO Summer

 

Spaghetti-OH!

I'm all about simple. And cheap. And delicious. I've finally perfected the 15 minute spaghetti. 

 

*We mostly shop at Aldi for our groceries. Our entire meal cost us $7.50 to make. For everyone! 

Here's what you need: 

-A package of ground turkey or beef. 

- Envelope of Italian dressing seasoning 

- Pasta (we LOVE this brown rice pasta! It's denser than regular pasta but has much better flavor and isn't slimy like regular cooked pasta)

-Jar of marinara sauce 

-2 Bouillon cubes (if you want, I toss them into boiling water for pasta. I literally use whatever flavor I have on hand. 

 

1.  Boil water and cubes. Add pasta when water is boiling. It only takes 9 minutes. Also add olive oil as needed and stir. Pasta will stick of you don't. I always chew on a piece to know if it's done because appearance doesn't really change. 

2.  Brown meat with Italian seasoning. When it's browned add marinara and let simmer while pasta is cooking. 

3.  Toss strained pasta in olive oil. (It will stick. Seriously.)

4.  You're done. You're welcome. 

Peace. Love. Pasta. 

XOXO Summer 

All Aboard Ollie's Station!

Here in the South we pride ourselves in local, family owned restaurants. The chicken fried steaks are bigger and the sweet teas are sweeter. It's just a fact of life. 

If y'all ever make it to Tulsa, Oklahoma, boot scoot on over to the West side and visit Ollie's. 

 

 

 

We had the breakfast buffet but they also have a full service lunch menu also. Adults can reasonably eat for under $10 and kids under $6. 

We're members of the 'clean plate, seconds please' club. 

 

 

If the atmosphere alone doesn't send you to your happy place, these pies sure as heck will. 

 

Thank you, Ollies, for making my week!  It was delicious!

Check out their website here: http://www.olliesstation.com/

#eatallthefoods

XOXO Summer 

Friday Five

Y'all! It's been soooo long! This is a 'beauty edition' so if makeup isn't your thing I won't shed a tear at you waiting for the next post. 

1.  Arbonne makeup primer. Oh-Em-Gee. It makes your face feel super smooth and fills in those scary facial lines I don't have the guts to Botox out. Yet.  (Ordered from Arbonne, my best friend sells it. Link: https://www.arbonne.com/Pws/LaciMyers/ICE/repagreement.aspx?FlowType=ICE) 

 

2.  The SPF in this is legit. Husby took us to an Air Show last weekend and I slathered my face in it. Ironically I didn't get it right up to my hair line and I burned on the top 1/4" of my forehead. But everywhere else is golden tan.  (Walmart special right there). 

3.  Stila  Stay All Day foundation has changed my life! I have super oily skin and this is the right amount of coverage without feeling gross. Also if I need MORE coverage I have found I can do several layers if you will.....I feel like I'm blogging about icing. 😂 (Thank you to the sweet makeup guru at Ulta for helping me find my shade!)

 

4.  Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal 24 hr Eyeshadow lasts all. day. I have two colors and I can blend them into a custom shade and it glides on with my finger. Once I apply it the cream sets in a matter of seconds. It's awesome!  (Both purchased at the Walmarts)

 

5.  It's a long story but I had a full blown sew in weave earlier this year. My stylist recommended this spray for my 'hair'. I found it in the ethnic section of a beauty supply store and I don't know if you can get it at Walmart but Amazon sells it. This stuff works wonders! I have my own natural hair now and I still use it every day. Prepare yourself. Your hair won't move a bit when it sets. I use it daily in Bee's hair and it stands up to most crazy active school days. Best part? It washes out with one shampoo. Can I get an amen?

 

It's Memorial Day weekend! I'll be showing houses all weekend and trying not to melt in this god forsaken Oklahoma heat. What are your plans?

XOXO

Summer

Shrink Wrapped

GUYS! My life has been forever changed. I went through my closet this weekend and GOD BLESS my sweet Husby. He was quite a trooper helping me zip and squeeze into clothes my naive self thought still fit. I mean straight up stuffing sausage in a casing. I digress. I took every. single. piece. of clothing out my side of the shamelessly small space and loaded it on our bed. It was a mountain. Mt. Everest looked like a pea compared to it. I sorted til my little t rex arms couldn't take it anymore. And I had bigger piles than I started with. Sadly I chose to do this WITH my husband in the room so guess who 'doesn't need any more clothes' for a while? 🙄

I stared down the pile. It stared down me. (Is that grammatically correct?!)  Fast forward four hours later I discover these gems at Walmart! 

 

Guys. I crammed about everything I owned in TWO BAGS. IT WAS MAGICAL. Seal the bag.  Use the vacuum to suck out air. BOOM. 

 

Once I realized the capacity I had I dug deep in the hall closet for any and everything I could suck the air out of. 

 

Even Husby got involved! 

 

I only wish you had heard the squeals I made. Happy sucking my friends! 

What will you shrink wrap today?

xoxo Summer