Summer Lovin

It's been a little chilly this week (60's to low 70's) and I'm so ready for the summer-type weather to come back.  I got a little spoiled when it was mid to high 80's for a few weeks. 

***Note:  I want to slap myself for thinking 60's is "cold" after the winter we endured!***

I'm enjoying this spring/summer time and have been trying to make the most of every day by spending as much time outdoors as possible.

We are loving having the convertible....but, I think Lainey is still enjoying it more than we are.

In addition to loving the convertible...I am also loving Jamberry nail wraps.  My sister just became a consultant and I AM ADDICTED!!!  Here are some of the wraps I've tried so far....

This style is obsolete, but I loved the look.
Yellow and Gray are probably my most favorite color combo

"Venus"

Icy Rose Polka

Another "Icy Rose Polka"

White Chevron over turquoise polish

Morning Dew

My sister and I share all of our wraps so at this pace, I've got about 25 other styles to try.  

Have you tried Jamberry?

Low Rider

Hubby and I recently purchased my grandparents car from them.  I have put so many miles on my current vehicle in the past 2 years from all the trips taking Lainey to the orthopedic specialist, rehab, chiropractor, massage therapist, etc.  This doesn't even count my daily commute to work and back.  I was looking for a vehicle to drive over the summer so that I could give my current vehicle a rest.

My grandparents (actually, just my grandma since my grandpa has passed) had a 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible with only 30,000 miles that had not been driven in almost 3 years.

It needed some work, but we knew it would be worth it in the long run.  So far we have purchased a new alternator, battery, tires, spark plugs, serpentine belt & pulley, an oil change, freon for air conditioner, and a few small items.

It's pretty much received more attention and care than my car has in all the years I have driven it.  The only good part, is that now I can take the time to do a tune up on that car too.

The interior still smells new, but the exterior needed some serious scrubbing.  There was 3 years worth of dust, cobwebs, and dead bugs that needed to be washed away.

Here is a picture of the roof showing all the grime before cleaning (left) and after cleaning (right)

And here is a picture of the entire car after a nice bath....

My nephew could not grasp the concept of the "convertible" and no matter how many times we tried to describe it to him, we finally put the top down and let him experience it for himself. 

On Sunday, hubby and I decided to take the dogs for a ride.  I'm pretty sure Lainey thought she was the coolest dog around.

Now if only I could get used to sitting so low to the ground.  I drove my Pacifica today and felt like I was in a monster truck. 

Negative Nancy

I know I've been MIA for a while now!  It's been hard to visit this place and even attempt to write anything, because all I seem to be feeling lately is negative.


I even went as far as making some New Years Resolutions to help with my attitude and I have failed miserably at those too.

1. Stop Complaining:  Even about the weather. 
   It's a bad habit that I got into last year and I'm not even sure why, but I can't seem to stop!  I have a great life and I'm thankful, but that doesn't stop me from complaining about...the good...the bad...the ugly....all of it!
2. Stop comparing my life/marriage to others:
   In order for me to be content in even the most mundane things, this is a must.  I want to re-learn how to embrace the blessings I have and stop taking everything for granted.
3. Take time for me:
   I have to take control of my own happiness.  Take time to do the things I enjoy.  Make more date nights with my amazing husband.  Spend some much needed time with girlfriends.  Be more intentional with my time.
4. Watch less TV:
   In order to accomplish #3 I really need to pull myself away from the boob-tube.  Unfortunately, when I have only a few hours a week to relax, this is my go-to.  I think in some way...by watching all of the drama on shows like Real Housewives, it makes me feel like my life isn't so bad after all.

Maybe after this horrific winter ends, I can come back and feel more rejuvenated and a little less grumpy.  Until then....I will probably continue to complain about all of this gosh darn snow (an inch per hour expected later today)....Ughhh