Lucky Seven | Bead Happily Ever After

Be It Ever So Humble

Posted on September 11, 2013 by crystal

Although it’s been a while since Sir Beads and I have been on a trip (darn it!), both of our daughters are traveling for work this month, and that has me thinking about the little things we often miss when we’re away from home.

I came up with enough examples for an installment of Lucky Seven, so here goes! 😀

7 Things I Miss When I Travel Away From Home

1. Water
Water is different everywhere and even if yours at home isn’t perfect – it’s what you are used to! I’ve discovered that when we travel, the water can taste a little odd or leave our hair or skin feeling different after a shower.

2. The Bathroom/Vanity set-up
Most ladies over 40 (ahem!) need a mirror that they can get close to and with good lighting. In hotels, these conditions are hit or miss. Sometimes, acrobatics are required to put on mascara while holding a little purse mirror and leaning towards the sunlight shining through the open drapery of a motel window.

3. A Comfortable Chair
Many accommodations supply only the most utilitarian type of chairs or, in a small room, none at all. If you’d like to read your tour book in the evening, it’s easy to get a crick in your neck as you try to cozy-up to the bed’s headboard!

4. A Cup of Tea
I think I miss this the most. It’s practically impossible to get HOT water in your teacup, away from home. Believe me! I have tried and tried. I love tea when I wake up in the morning but I become a coffee drinker on the road – just to have something hot in my cup.

5. Snack Availability
This one is from Sir Beads! Of course, you can pack snacks or, if you’re feeling rich as Midas, raid the mini bar – but nothing compares to the variety of favorites in your home cupboard or fridge!

6. My Closet
Packing light is preferable while traveling but living out of a suitcase can get old pretty fast. The choices are few and I sometimes find myself wishing I brought just one more pair of shoes or a warmer sweater when the weather unexpectedly turns stormy or cooler.

7. Towels
When traveling, towels are another “hit or miss” proposition. They might be fluffy and luxurious at some places . . . but, just as often, they can seem rough and scratchy! Makes me miss my old, but cuddly, towels at home!

Lest you think I’m just a crabby old traveler – allow me to assure you I really enjoy the fun and adventure of trying new things and visiting new places!

That being said, though, I always LOVE to get back to my own routine and the comforts of home.

I guess I’m like Dorothy in that regard….

As she said: “There’s no place like home.”

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying! 😀

7 Everyday Things That Make Me Smile

Posted on July 17, 2012 by crystal

The temperatures have been soaring and the humidity won’t quit.

Instead of letting the weather make me grumpy, I decided to think of things that make me happy! 😀

So Kids, today’s edition of Lucky Seven (and it’s been a while since we’ve had one!) will feature:

Seven Everyday Things That Make Me Smile

1.) Laughing out loud with Sir Beads
He has a delightful sense of humor and has kept me giggling for over 40 years now.

2.) Finishing the laundry
It doesn’t last very long but oh how I love to see an empty laundry basket!

3.) A new pen
It’s the kid in me, I guess. I just got a multicolored set of ultra fine gel pens (including purple and turquoise!) They are so much FUN to use.

4.) A nice bar of soap
In the last year or so, I’ve come to the conclusion that I want to use a really nice bar of bath soap – not the standard supermarket fare. Right now, it’s Caswell-Massey’s, “Freesia” – so rich and fragrant. I love how it makes my skin feel and I’ve decided I’m worth it! 😉

5.) Something to make
I get so much joy from working on a new project. Whether it’s beading, crochet, sewing, or paper crafts, I’m a happy camper when I’m blissfully working on something pretty.

6.) Finding a great deal!
When I buy something that’s on sale, the thrill is magnified if it rings up with an additional percentage off at the check-out! Now, that’s a smile-maker. 😀

7.) Settling in a comfy chair and cracking open a brand new book (or magazine)
Relaxing, inspiring, and fun – all in one package!

Hey, I’m feeling cooler already! 😀

What makes you smile?

Hugs,

Smile With Me

Posted on October 31, 2011 by crystal

Happy Monday, Kids!

Since I can’t hand you a piece of Halloween candy through the computer screen, how about another kind of treat – like a smile or maybe even a giggle or two? 😉

We haven’t had a Lucky Seven for AGES!

Today’s edition features “paraprosdokians“! My sister sent them – she’s often looking for something I might turn into a blog post. Thanks, Nancy!)

Hope they brighten your day. 😀

Seven “Paraprosdokians”

1. The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

2. How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire.

3. You don’t need a parachute to skydive, but you do need one to skydive again.

4. Hospitality is making your guests feel like they’re at home, even if you wish they were.

5. Some cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go.

6. “I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn’t it.” Groucho Marx

7. If I agreed with you we’d both be wrong.

Which one do you like best?

Hugs,

Lucky 7 March Edition

Posted on March 2, 2011 by crystal

Let’s face it – March can be a dreary month.

It’s far enough away from December that the holiday festivities are just a fuzzy memory.

It can be cold and grey, and let’s not forget windy.

But if this seems like a negative post . . . no way!!! 🙂

For this edition of Lucky Seven I have:

7 Things To Love About March.

1. Spring arrives in March.
We all deserve a lovely spring after the winter we are experiencing.

2. The Crocuses bloom –
sometimes through the snow! Ours are purple and you know how I feel about purple. 😉

3. Hot Cross Buns
Whether you like them or not (I do, but wouldn’t mind if the candied fruits were omitted.), they’re a sure sign that March has arrived.

4. St Patrick’s Day
I’m part Irish and I was literally raised on my grandmother’s Irish bread. (story and recipe here) I’ve already stocked up on ingredients to make a lot of it this month!

5. My oldest daughter is a March baby.
It’s the month I became a mom. 🙂

6. March is the perfect time for adding a touch of spring to the front door.
I’m going to use this wreath for Spring 2011!

7. Daylight Savings Time begins in March
(March 13th to be exact for the U.S. and Canada) and who doesn’t love more hours of daylight!!!

What do you love about March?

Hugs,

7 Beauty Essentials

Posted on February 7, 2011 by crystal

I must admit; I’ve always been a tad on the “high maintenance” side. 😉 It’s not so much that I buy a lot of expensive things – it’s more that I love all of the frou-frou and accoutrements that go along with being a woman!

Although I am easing up a bit in recent years, for most of my life I wouldn’t think of venturing out to the grocery store (let alone the places you’d expect to see a girl gussied up) without my hair fixed, full makeup, and jewelry.

These days, I’m busier than ever it seems, so I’ve begun to simplify my everyday “girly” routine. While doing so, I’ve found myself wondering exactly which items would be impossible for me to ever give up . . .

For this week’s Lucky Seven, I have my choices for:

7 Absolutely Essential Beauty Items:

1. A Rich Hand Cream
I use a moderately priced hand lotion most of the time but a few times a week, I like to use a very rich hand cream. My favorite is L’Occitane en Provence. It’s a splurge but since I don’t use it every day, it lasts quite a while! The fragrance is gorgeous and it leaves my hands (and cuticles) feeling super soft.

2. Body Lotion
What good are soft hands if your elbows and heels are rough? I love to use lotion right after a shower.

3. Blistex
I’ve tried ChapStick and all kinds of lip balms but, for me, nothing works as well or feels as good as Blistex. In winter, my lips chap easily whether I’m outside or indoors, so I keep a tube in my purse and one on the nightstand.

4. Cologne
A mild, softly-scented cologne offers a double benefit. When you wear it, you’re not only giving pleasure to others, but you’re also experiencing a little aromatherapy for yourself! 🙂

5. Mascara
It’s amazing how a bit of mascara puts the sparkle in your eyes. It really is the workhorse of the eye makeup category.

6. Lipstick
It’s a rare woman who could give up her lipstick. That touch of color wakes up your whole face. Actually, lipstick can serve as two beauty essentials – in a pinch, you can blend a little to blush your cheeks!

7. Earrings
To paraphrase the American Express commercial….

“I don’t leave home without them!” (Never!) 😉

In fact, I wear earrings at home, too. What can I say? I’m addicted to bling. 😉

C‘mon now, please tell us which beauty items you consider essential!

Hugs,