Now I really did it :((

[PierreBear]

Aww thank you sweet Scandi! Hugs and hope you have good news for us soon!

Pierrebear WOW! LOVE the newest additions. So happy you have your dream OEC and dream ring.
Nope we didn't buy anything at IKEA but there is a couch I liked there...it would sure save us a lot of $$$ if we bought the sectional and love seat there for our beach house. And it comes in white leather. But we are going to shop around before we decide. How was your weekend?

OK I think we are doing the backsplash like this. A classic pattern. Do you agree? Any advice or suggestions?

Yes Ikea has a lot of options but shop around! Not that there is anything wrong with Ikea but I've found that some of there items don't last as long as other products. However, for their price if it does need replacement, you could just get another one. Take your time shopping and maybe even wait until the reno finishes so you can gauge the size and the color etc easier? I'm not talented in that way so I need to "feel" the space to make a decision. Not sure how @Scandinavian does it as she's got that design eye!!!

I love the backsplash pattern! Yes, I think our contractor offered to do it in 1/2 or 1/3 and we ended up doing something similar to the way it was set up. Just keep in mind about the color of grout you want to do. We opted for a light color to just blend in with the tile so it doesn't draw attention to the eye. Other people prefer to see that separation. Just a different look but no right or wrong! Can't wait to see the final product!!!

 

[missy]

PB we are going with the half way design (and using white grout) and thank you so much for all your feedback and help along the way. (((hugs))).

Quick teaser pics for the rest of you. Hope you enjoy. Lots still to be done but this is the dry set up.

 

[Scandinavian]

@missy, wow! Can't wait for the next pictures of the progress!!!

 

[Scandinavian]

@PierreBear WOW WOW WOW! Is it rude of me to ask you for specs...?

EDIT: oh and I really LOVE that you are going to save it for the 10th anniversary, makes it all the more special!

 

[Scandinavian]

@PierreBear You really are too kind! I'm not great with design but I do love it! Taste is always difficult but I do love that my genes allow me to visualise things in 3D lol. Makes outfit and furniture planning easier

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

Zena is adorable @missy. If she’s anything like Dottie, she will be soooo happy to have a lovely new home and family she’ll settle right in. It took quite a while for her to overcome her fears, but it was just time and patience, no reall problems. Your sweet nieces look like they’re already smitten with her. Our friends always had boxers and they were good steady dogs.

I like the splash back tiles very much, and think it’ll add a subtle relief to the white units.

Boo to having a disturbed night, hope your sleep pattern is back in sync now.

I hope you’re not feeling too ill @Jimmianne you dont need to be feeling bad when you have to travel. Take good care of yourself.

@PierreBear your ring just sits so well on your lovely long elegant fingers, can you please give me the stats again? Yay to having fun in the convertible, I wouldn’t put the roof down on mine until it was at least 20 deg C Glad you had fun with your belated birthday celebrations. Yum to all that lovely steak on the hoof

Hope you had fun meeting up with your DD @junebug17 and catching up with your brother.

Dottie wagged her tail very fast when we went to collect her @CJ2008 but thats as effusive as she gets, she doesnt jump up or lick I think its doing her good being with other dogs, and I know Anne treats her like one of her own. She was even acting like one of the pack, which speaks volumes, as she’s usually the one standing off to the side on her own. How’s Mousey?

I didnt know Marty had been in the army @marcy Did you have to travel, or was he based in one place? I cant say i like ironing, but I have a steam press which does make like essier, especially on large items like bedlinen, and it makes short work of linen.

Hi @Scandinavian - wow you certainly have a lot of snow, the doggies were almost invisible in it

So sorry to hear that shingles have left you with ongoing pain @canuk-gal but glad to hear the botox injections are helping. Hopefully your Mum is continuing to make good progress and is pain-free.

Well, looking at Mr Trumps plans on immigration, looks like we won’t be eligible for a visa if he gets his way


Ooooo, edit to add the kitchen is looking fantastic @missy

 

[PierreBear]

@PierreBear WOW WOW WOW! Is it rude of me to ask you for specs...?

EDIT: oh and I really LOVE that you are going to save it for the 10th anniversary, makes it all the more special!

haha no ya'll aren't rude. This is PS... it's rude of me to post and not describe. Your question actually reminded me that I don't have a copy of the GIA certificate yet so I can share more later if needed. What I know at the moment is that the stone is a color L and it's around 3 CT. It was one of the same two stones that I shared while back that we were considering from OWD. The other one was beautiful too but higher up in color. I couldn't justify the price difference since I did a blind test and actually picked the L color (cheaper one) instead so win win. I was looking for a stone that was 9 mm since I thought that was a good size for my 3.75 finger. It's still a little big and spins but I rather it that way then struggling to put it on. It's set in 18K gold, which is pretty but I wouldn't have mind if the metal was a bit darker or brassier but I think the 18K is a classy look. OWD had to source the elongated french cuts and that's what took the majority of the time waiting was for them to be made. There are 2 on the e-ring (one on each cathedral arm) and 12 on the band. I hope that helps @Scandinavian @Austina but feel free to ask away on more specific questions.

 

[missy]

Sorry to hog this thread but I know I promised pics as they came. There’s another video greg just took which I cannot share here but maybe I’ll share on FB or IG. Anyway here’s the latest pics.
And thank y’all for the lovely comments. @Austina The grey marble backlsplash hopefully will do the trick in adding visual interest to all the white. I’m hoping it adds just the right touch.
@Scandinavian thanks sweetheart. And @PierreBear thank you and I am so thrilled you love your OEC!

@canuk-gal how’s your mom doing today? One of the reasons I’m sharing here is you are the only one whose email I don’t have and I didn’t want to leave you out. Thanks for looking at my pics You can see the new floors here.

 

[CJ2008]

missy I am in love with this kitchen!

I'll be back later to say hi to everyone

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Missy that is quite the kitchen transformation! White light!

Thank you for your kind inquiry after my Mom. She is tired but doing well. Healing well. My sister has her activities scheduled (so she won't "forget" to do her exercises).

cheers--Sharon

 

[Sunstorm]

@Jimmianne I am sorry to hear you feel overwhelmed. I too cannot wait for winter to be over, this was a very stressful winter for me. What business you are doing if I may ask? I could almost meet you there. I will be in Antwerp this weekend but do not think that we are going to Paris this weekend. We want to but maybe in the spring. We are close enough but do not want to go just Sunday but stay a few days when we can. Now is not the time BF has to work like crazy.

@marcy I get what you mean about mattresses we both started suffering from BF´s and have to replace soon I am afraid and his bed there is the best I have ever slept in and the bedroom too, just the atmosphere. I missed it about Marty going into the gym business if I understand it correctly. I want to say tell me more about it but I am sure you have here many times. How have things been for you at work? Any new bling lately?

Sharon how is your momma now?

Junie I hope DH is on his way to recovery. I am finally better but took my two weeks to beat the flu, hundreds spent on all kinds of immune stimulants, teas, vitamins, antibiotics, whatever. Takes so much time and patience.

@PierreBear wow, your ring! You are indeed very fortunate but to keep it from you for an entire year? I could not stand that. I would have to wear it out right away! I am terrible at patience, I mean even if you cannot wear it out, could you just like stare at it every day? Loupe it? Play around with it? Take pi? Lol I would manipulate BF to make sure I get my hands on it ASAP or rather get it on my hands lol.

I have a link to my site in my profile @PierreBear, still simple, I work custom, handwork by my dearest friend my goldsmith, he is one of a kind with his passion and skill and experience to me and a very honest person. Plus I am a gemologist and a diamond specialist and do a bit of everything. Diamonds are my favorite by far. I love designing. I work for myself and I also cooperate with a store. I also wholesale, supply jewelers, wholesalers, etc. in my area. Working with BF, we met through business and it was quite an adventure and quite unprecedented the way it happened but so far we beat the odds, just two people meet and you know it. No matter what happens I know what love is now and that puts me at ease. That and doing something I am the most passionate about makes me a very happy person. I loved animal rescue as a passion too but sadly that was too heartbreaking to me.

Ouch @missy dear, so sorry those antifungals are so heavy on your system but should help. Just make sure to protect your stomach and take probiotics. I think this is a good idea to try this though. I feel that it will help eventually. You will all kill me but the only thing that helped me was bleach. I applied it straight on the areas for like three days a couple of times a day and boom it was gone but this is something that animal rescue people told me they do to kill fungus and not for the faint at heart. Again please do not scream at me.

Today my coworker got all jealous, again, she is hard because she feels less than me and made a bit nasty remarks about my BF putting doubts in my head. Like do not spoil men etc. I think I know exactly how to treat my BF after three years and I know how much he loves me and what he has gone through last August. To think all of a sudden that we could lose him and for him to have to think he will lose me because of his illness and then really hard times at work basically questioning his survival in every sense of the word was not easy. Well, I got scolded about wanting to buy him a Bond No.9. perfume. Sure it is expensive but I got it 50 % off and it is V-Day after all. She told me he is the one supposed to give me something, I am sure he will but to me this is just money and I am not giving to get something, I am giving because I love giving. And besides he has given me a lot too but I do not measure it in money and he wants to take me on vacay if things continue fine. I just think he deserves a bit of pampering now. What do you girls think? Is it really like bad to give because I am a girl? I do not often give him something expensive.

Tomorrow I am going off on my trip. I hope I will be able to catch up with you all. Until then you enjoy and share and will be happy to join again.

 

[canuk-gal]

@Jimmianne I am sorry to hear you feel overwhelmed. I too cannot wait for winter to be over, this was a very stressful winter for me. What business you are doing if I may ask? I could almost meet you there. I will be in Antwerp this weekend but do not think that we are going to Paris this weekend. We want to but maybe in the spring. We are close enough but do not want to go just Sunday but stay a few days when we can. Now is not the time BF has to work like crazy.

@marcy I get what you mean about mattresses we both started suffering from BF´s and have to replace soon I am afraid and his bed there is the best I have ever slept in and the bedroom too, just the atmosphere. I missed it about Marty going into the gym business if I understand it correctly. I want to say tell me more about it but I am sure you have here many times. How have things been for you at work? Any new bling lately?

Sharon how is your momma now?

Junie I hope DH is on his way to recovery. I am finally better but took my two weeks to beat the flu, hundreds spent on all kinds of immune stimulants, teas, vitamins, antibiotics, whatever. Takes so much time and patience.

@PierreBear wow, your ring! You are indeed very fortunate but to keep it from you for an entire year? I could not stand that. I would have to wear it out right away! I am terrible at patience, I mean even if you cannot wear it out, could you just like stare at it every day? Loupe it? Play around with it? Take pi? Lol I would manipulate BF to make sure I get my hands on it ASAP or rather get it on my hands lol.

I have a link to my site in my profile @PierreBear, still simple, I work custom, handwork by my dearest friend my goldsmith, he is one of a kind with his passion and skill and experience to me and a very honest person. Plus I am a gemologist and a diamond specialist and do a bit of everything. Diamonds are my favorite by far. I love designing. I work for myself and I also cooperate with a store. I also wholesale, supply jewelers, wholesalers, etc. in my area. Working with BF, we met through business and it was quite an adventure and quite unprecedented the way it happened but so far we beat the odds, just two people meet and you know it. No matter what happens I know what love is now and that puts me at ease. That and doing something I am the most passionate about makes me a very happy person. I loved animal rescue as a passion too but sadly that was too heartbreaking to me.

Ouch @missy dear, so sorry those antifungals are so heavy on your system but should help. Just make sure to protect your stomach and take probiotics. I think this is a good idea to try this though. I feel that it will help eventually. You will all kill me but the only thing that helped me was bleach. I applied it straight on the areas for like three days a couple of times a day and boom it was gone but this is something that animal rescue people told me they do to kill fungus and not for the faint at heart. Again please do not scream at me.

Today my coworker got all jealous, again, she is hard because she feels less than me and made a bit nasty remarks about my BF putting doubts in my head. Like do not spoil men etc. I think I know exactly how to treat my BF after three years and I know how much he loves me and what he has gone through last August. To think all of a sudden that we could lose him and for him to have to think he will lose me because of his illness and then really hard times at work basically questioning his survival in every sense of the word was not easy. Well, I got scolded about wanting to buy him a Bond No.9. perfume. Sure it is expensive but I got it 50 % off and it is V-Day after all. She told me he is the one supposed to give me something, I am sure he will but to me this is just money and I am not giving to get something, I am giving because I love giving. And besides he has given me a lot too but I do not measure it in money and he wants to take me on vacay if things continue fine. I just think he deserves a bit of pampering now. What do you girls think? Is it really like bad to give because I am a girl? I do not often give him something expensive.

Tomorrow I am going off on my trip. I hope I will be able to catch up with you all. Until then you enjoy and share and will be happy to join again.

Sunstorm--your colleague sounds like a bit of a drag. You should have told her you bought him TWO bottles since they were 50% off. Not that you need a reason or need to explain. And Bond is such a great line--great choice!

Travel safe!

cheers--Sharon

 

[Sunstorm]

Sharon thanks! She always tried to ruin things for me out of jealousy. I know she likes me but she is such a bitter person. She feels I am better, she feels insecure, she knows I have my own business but hey I choose to work nights, whatever and I am loving it. She has a family, she should not be jealous. What I made I did it all myself. Everyone has the right and the option to do it. I am not happy that I happened to not be lucky enough to have kids. That is my only regret but I got over that. I am a very positive person and that is how I always prevailed.

I love perfume, if I could do it I would do perfume and jewelry/diamonds together. For a long time I was hanging out on basenotes doing blind sniffs, great times. Then due to the new laws no perfume swapping was allowed between Europe and the US. I am a die hard fan of Le Labo. My BF does not spend on himself for those things but he surprised me so many times in such a nice way with Le Labo and made my birthdays such an experience. It was not about the money. When I turned 40 every day he gave me a different gift, starting from smaller, something spiritual and beautiful for my home first, a loupe engraved with my initials and then hiding Le Labo in the bed when I showered. Sure he gave me some diamonds from his father´s collection, it is not the value, it meant something else. He also gave me his mom´s Dior scarves, not his daughter me. When we had a fight once I remember we did not talk for days, during that time he went to Paris and bought me a bottle of Le Labo. I know he loves me much more than any woman he has ever loved. That´s enough for me. He has been hurt before and had a very rough time recently and he does not deserve this from me? Ok, perhaps this is why my colleague has an unhappy marriage. I know that this feels right to me.

What is nice in Bond No.9. for girls? They still have some left 50 % off and I will also get a voucher after what I dropped there today on make up, skin care, etc.

 

[canuk-gal]

Sharon thanks! She always tried to ruin things for me out of jealousy. I know she likes me but she is such a bitter person. She feels I am better, she feels insecure, she knows I have my own business but hey I choose to work nights, whatever and I am loving it. She has a family, she should not be jealous. What I made I did it all myself. Everyone has the right and the option to do it. I am not happy that I happened to not be lucky enough to have kids. That is my only regret but I got over that. I am a very positive person and that is how I always prevailed.

I love perfume, if I could do it I would do perfume and jewelry/diamonds together. For a long time I was hanging out on basenotes doing blind sniffs, great times. Then due to the new laws no perfume swapping was allowed between Europe and the US. I am a die hard fan of Le Labo. My BF does not spend on himself for those things but he surprised me so many times in such a nice way with Le Labo and made my birthdays such an experience. It was not about the money. When I turned 40 every day he gave me a different gift, starting from smaller, something spiritual and beautiful for my home first, a loupe engraved with my initials and then hiding Le Labo in the bed when I showered. Sure he gave me some diamonds from his father´s collection, it is not the value, it meant something else. He also gave me his mom´s Dior scarves, not his daughter me. When we had a fight once I remember we did not talk for days, during that time he went to Paris and bought me a bottle of Le Labo. I know he loves me much more than any woman he has ever loved. That´s enough for me. He has been hurt before and had a very rough time recently and he does not deserve this from me? Ok, perhaps this is why my colleague has an unhappy marriage. I know that this feels right to me.

What is nice in Bond No.9. for girls? They still have some left 50 % off and I will also get a voucher after what I dropped there today on make up, skin care, etc.

Love Le Labo! (I have Rose 31 oil and Tubereuse 40)

cheers--Sharon

 

[Sunstorm]

Both BF and me have Rose 31. I am a die hard fan of Ylang 49, somehow so me, broke my last bottle, at least it was only a small one. Dying to get another. Also own The Noir, really nice, similar in vibe to Rose 31 I think.

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDIs!

Junebug, hurry up Macan! I was emailing our salesman almost weekly asking for the shipping notice and info. I do have many funny squirrel story memories. I hope Marty finds a way to do some coach training; I know he’d love to have his own gym but sadly you have to have money to make money and I sure don’t see how he gets there from here. I think going with a gym is a good place to start. I hope DH is doing better today. I am glad I passed on that bracelet; I want to get down to Denver sometime soon and buy something. As for my employees; I kind of decided today I am done worrying about their bad attitudes, I’m worn out of it. They only succeed in making themselves look bad. Glad to hear it’s warming up there. I hope you had a nice time catching up with your DD and your brother. Is he more comfortable in his new place now that he’s been there a while?

CJ, that’s great you are getting a replacement battery for your laptop. Hopefully that fixed it right up. One of my Sony’s reached a point where it wouldn’t hold a charge for more than about 30 minutes. Such a pain. Speaking of pains as I mentioned to Junebug; my employees are really wearing me out. I just don’t get how people can be okay with poor work ethics and not accept responsibility for their own actions. That is pretty foreign to me. I definitely have no intention of admitting to damaging my car unless I have to; I don’t want to hear that lecture. We watched “Only the Brave” Saturday night. It was pretty good.

Missy, oh no that one of your meds kept you awake. What a short night! Good deal you let that guy have it for calling so late. I had one at 7:15 this morning. It was the old “you are being sued by the IRS”. Too bad Marty wasn’t here - I could hand him the phone and say “it’s for you!” Thanks for keeping the Porsche bump quiet; I’m not admitting to anything unless I have to on that. I definitely want to have money to go jewelry shopping. My niece wants us to come tour Johnson Space Center in Houston (she works there) so I was already thinking ooh we could do that and go shopping at Whiteflash. Maybe next year I can work that in for a vacation. The song “WInter Kills” doesn’t not sound familiar. I’ll have to find it and listen to it. Your nieces look very happy taking home that sweet pup to love. I hope all of your new medicine helps. Your kitchen is looking fabulous. I love the size of your island; I can see all sort of cooking and baking going on in your gorgeous new kitchen. I think that back splash will look fabulous with your cabinets.

Jimmianne, I sure hope you are feeling better tonight. Big hugs to you! I think starting a business like you said takes a lot of time and work. I hope your French teacher does well with her online business.

Hi Scandi!

PierreBear, I know what you mean about hacking gets more sophisticated all the time. I always pay in cash at a restaurant because I don’t want them disappearing with my credit or debit card. I’d probably never notice a reader someone stuck on a credit card machine. Marty uses Apple Pay; I’ve never set it up. Sadly our guest bedrooms have queen sized beds and we have a California King. I am ready to get a new mattress but Marty always wants to shop around. Marty’s sister lives in Colorado so she goes to a gym down there. She signed up with the same online coach that Marty uses. She wanted to hire Marty but he didn’t want to charge his sister and felt it was better for her to use the other guy. He helped get her started and she works out with him when she comes to visit. What is on the menu for cooking class this week? Happy Birthday to Mr. PB. How fun to go cruising. I do see long horns around here but that one seems small for his size of horns; it might but be the angle. No you don’t see that everyday. I wouldn’t want to make him mad. Your ring is looking gorgeous. I would be crying and whining to keep wearing it. You are tougher than me lady. Thanks for the specs again on your ring. The ring turned out fabulous.

Austina, I am sure Dottie was thrilled to see you when you picked her up. Mom and Dad are back, yay! Marty was in the Air Force then stopped here to visit his grandparents on his way home to Maryland. He ended up staying here, met me and the rest is history. He joined the Army Guard to establish residency here for college. He never ended up going to school since he was supporting a wife with a jewelry habit. i think I could do okay with a steamer but I never was good at ironing.

Sharon, I am glad to hear your mom is doing well and your sister is keeping her on track with her therapy.

Sunstorm, Marty started doing strength training over 2 years ago but wasn’t getting the results he wanted on his own. He tried to find a coach locally but they were pretty awful. He ended up starting with an online coach and has done well with that. He has competed a few times at their meets. He likes it so much he wants to do coaching but has struggled to find any clients. He rented a small place and moved his equipment there but his only customers are 2 friends who pay him a token amount to use his gym. He is not renewing his lease and hoping to start training people at a local gym. I do not have any new bling; we sold our RV in the fall that set us back a lot of money then I opted for an iPhone X for Chrstmas. My birthday is in sight and I want BLING for it. I’m having new bling withdrawal. I am glad to hear your BF makes you so happy. Ignore your co-worker. It’s none of her business if you want to buy your BF a nice present and I see nothing wrong with it. You should do what you feel is right. Have a nice time on your trip.

Thank you for the kind words for my pictures. The trees were still frosty this morning plus had a fresh coat of snow; I was sad I had to go to work instead of play with my camera.

Funny story - Marty’s mattress at his hotel is really hard and his shoulders still fell asleep. The AC was clunking all night too. I told him to ask for another room. Regardless, I still want a new mattress.

I tried to finish a book this weekend but still have about an hour to go. We watched that movie Only the Brave on Saturday night. We both liked it. We went out for lunch on Saturday for our Valentine’s dinner. Marty headed to LA yesterday.

Have a fabulous day.
Marcy

 

[Scandinavian]

Morning girls!

I have finally been to the gym again, felt good to get started on looking like Barbie again, LOL. Amazing how fast not exercising can ruin your body and its performance! Anyway, I really need these workouts with a PT because I can feel how much they help for avoiding neck and back pain from sitting in front of the computer for too many hours every day. @missy, I wish I had your diligence for working out every morning!! I’m just so lazy, sigh… That is where the PT comes in! He calls me if I forget to schedule enough workouts, hehehe.

Where to begin! The last weeks have been just so busy! The children have skiing practice Tuesday and Thursday each week (cross country skiing) and Mondays are ballet for DD and Taekwondo for DS, and then they both have Taekwondo on Wednesdays. So the schedule is a bit hard to manage during skiing season, LOL. But my parents are angels and help out a lot with the whole driving children thing, so that really saves the day! In the weekends we try to head for the mountain so the dogs can get some serious exercise too, our oldest needs to get her strength back after the two surgeries. She is 100% well again, it just takes time to get her back into picture perfect condition so she will be up for running 8-hour days again! The puppy is getting big! He is almost as tall as her now, you have to look close to see the difference in height, although he is of course not as muscular yet! But he will get there, he looks like he will be super fit by fall! We plan a few serious competitions for him in September, that is why I stress his training so much, LOL. National competition for “youngsters” (younger than 2 years) is once a year, so he will only have one shot at it because of when he is born (spring).

I have tried to read along, but I’m worried that I might have missed something important! PLEASE tell me if I have. I really care about you all, so I would really like to know.

@Jimmianne, hope you are feeling better today? Did I read that you are leaving for France soon? That sounds nice! Maybe not spring there yet, but in a few weeks I would guess that spring is starting to appear there! How is your DD? Please give all my love to Issy, I always feel happy when I see a picture of her, pure joy and love in her eyes.

@marcy, How is work? And Marty? And his work? Have you heard anything more yet? I think the plan with the local gym sound much better as a starting point, hope it is a success! I guess the times for setting up such things might be difficult because so many are trying to do the same thing, health and fitness is a big thing these days, at least here. I see that the gym I go to (very upscale one, so kind of expensive, which probably is either good or bad for business depending on the times LOL) have started to do more advertising on Instagram and FB. Guessing that means that they need more clients.

@missy, I don’t know what to say! The kitchen is looking more and more amazing every time I see new pictures of it! I especially love the Thassos with the dark oak floors! Such a lovely combo!! I miss you, wish I could come to see you soon. How is Greg’s work coming along? A bit less stressful now I hope? And the contractors? Will you survive them? LOL. My only tip is to try to focus on the end result. As long as it looks good before it is finished, that is all that counts. Everybody knows that beauty is only skin deep, right???? LOL.

This whole surgery stupidity has kind of messed up my plans for spring, because I’m so far behind on everything. And the house still not being finished sure does not help! And to top it all off, my “niece” (not really, I don’t have any siblings) has to have surgery to correct her spine, she is suffering from scoliosis. So I really want to be there for her and her mother though this difficult time for them. Apparently it is a big surgery, with quite a long recovery, 1 week in hospital and 3 months home from school. I dread it already, and it is not even my child! But it just sounds so very painful.

@PierreBear, I do so love both your new rings! Can’t believe how good the L colour looks and how wonderfully blingy the yellow gold is against the diamond! Just amazing and lovely! Not that surprised though, Missy and Adam knows their oldcuts! I still can’t believe how good the studs are that they helped me find! But more importantly, it sounds like your DH is super happy too, since he is making you wait so that he can give you the ring on your 10th anniversary! That is so romantic!!

@CJ2008, how is Mousy? And you? And your DH? Hope you are well!

@Austina, I have been living the cruise life through you! The pictures are amazing, and the one of you and your DH was just so nice!! You look like a perfect match couple who are (still, guessing its been a few years?) very much in love! Gotta love love!

@junebug, I’m dying for your car to get here. Ehhhh… to you I mean… Hm…. Please take pictures! It is so exiting! Yuhuuuu!

@Sunstorm, That co-worker of yours sounds a bit crazy… Here, it is normal to buy something for each other, not just from guy to girl. Seriously not nice to make you feel like that! Just tell her that you have made such a lot of money lately that you simply don’t know what to do with it, so you are trying to up your spending habits!

That reminds me, tomorrow is Valentines! Any good plans? I’m pestering all the guys I work with to do something romantic for their wives/girlfriends. Its just nice to be appreciated a little extra, don’t you think?

Please forgive everything I have forgotten! Wishing you all a wonderful day!

 

[missy]

Good morning girls!

Junie how did yesterday's visit go? How are you feeling? How is your dh feeling?

Sharon so glad your mom is doing well and that you and your sister are making sure she keeps to her PT routine.

Austina aww Dottie is the sweetest and I sure hope Zena and the cats can get along or at least live peacefully side by side. We grew up with boxers and they can be quite energetic and effusive and I have gotten knocked over more than once haha. Let's just say my family's forte is not in training their fur babies lol. Dottie sounds very well behaved and that is a credit to you guys.

OMG Boo to Trump!!!
I hope he doesn't affect your ability to come and live here! Keeping good thoughts he cannot and won't be able to accomplish this. We would sponsor you Austina just so you know.


Marcy, sorry Marty had a challenging night with the AC clunking away and a hard mattress. At least he is in sunny LA. Gee I wish you could have joined him to get a break from your winter wonderland. Thank you for all your lovely comments on our kitchen reno. So funny you said it's a large island. I didn't think so when we were planning it but it was the best we could do given the small kitchen at the beach. I have yet to see it in person and I just hope there is enough space around it to move and work. Greg said yes but I will be the judge of that.

I am glad you and Marty got to celebrate Valentine's Day this weekend since he won't be there tomorrow. Greg and I generally celebrate not on the actual holiday to avoid crowds etc though this year looks like we are probably going out on the actual holiday. I scheduled our cleaning person here tomorrow and she is coming in the afternoon which makes it an all day affair as she probably won't be done cleaning till 7PM so Greg is hoping to get home early tomorrow so we can go out and avoid the later crowds.

What book are you reading? I am always interested in suggestions. I love just getting caught up and involved in a good book where the time just flies by. Hope work is going well for you and that your coworker are behaving.

CJ thank you! How is your week going? How are your sweet fur babies? Hugs to them and a special hug and kiss to sweet Mousey.

Sunstorm ugh your coworker sounds like a mean girl and not so nice person. Jealousy is not a positive emotion. Sorry you have to deal with her awful behavior and I know you have a strong sense of self so will not allow her to manipulate you. And of course I will not yell at you. I appreciate you sharing wha works for you. Well the 3 day course of oral antifungal meds that David prescribed did absolutely NOTHING for me. I am back to thinking what the heck is my diagnosis. How can I begin to fight this if I don't have the correct diagnosis. David acted like this would take care of it. But it didn't. And all the prescribed topicals are only irritating the skin and maybe worsening it. At this point I cannot tell as it always hurts over the eyebrow.

Have a wonderful trip sweet Sunstorm and a very happy Valentine's Day to you and your sweetheart. (((Hugs))).

Scandi you have quite the busy schedule and I am glad to see you still make time for matchmaking or at least improving the romantic life of colleagues. You go girl haha. I think that is an important part of good relationships. Still treating others with kindness, respect and yes romance because it shows you care.

Thanks so much for all our kind comments re the reno. Greg is glad we are closer to being done vs beginning. Though our carpenter is sick today so not sure how long he will be out for...but hopefully the backsplash guy will still do the backsplash this week. And we will see what happens from here. Greg is very much enjoying his teaching this semester at the law school and he has a friend coming in this week to sit in on class because he is going to be assisting Greg at another class and he wants to see it in action before he is due to teach a class with Greg. Work is chugging along for him and thankfully so far everything has been going smoothly.

Aww sorry your schedule got messed up and don't worry. First things first. Take care of yourself and your surgery and your "nieces" surgery and your friends will understand. Sending lots of good thoughts for your "niece" for a successful surgery and recovery. I am sorry your house reno/building has been so ongoing and I know that there is an end in sight and it will be the most fabulous home ever.


Jimmianne how are you feeling this AM? Sending you more gentle hugs and good thoughts.

PierreBear so do you have any new thoughts about your new ER and WB? You have a dream set and a dream dh. So happy for you! All your hard work paid off.

Happy Valentine's Day Eve girls. (((HUGS))).

 

[PierreBear]

Hello NIRDI ladies! Cooking class yesterday but I forgot to take pictures. We made some potatoes that were fried and some potatoes that were done on the stove topped and finished in the oven. Potatoes gnocchi was the most interesting one to me but in the end I rather it tasted like pasta instead. Potatoes, potatoes, potatoes. Not that exciting to me but the instructor mentioned that non-organic potatoes are sprayed with a pesticide that prevents it from sprouting “eyes” that grow new potatoes. He literally nicknamed it a “death” spray as the chemicals prevents it from reproducing. Really scared me… do ya’ll buy organic fruits, vegetables, meats, etc? I might have even asked ya’ll already but I have this constant battle. I suppose we can afford it but I’m having a hard time justifying the cost when I can’t taste the difference and I’m not sure if we have studies that show the impact. I’ve committed to buying organic bananas (they spray chemical to ripen them per the chef) and salads but perhaps that should also continue to apples and other fruits etc?! OK sorry for the scare but I thought I would just share what I learned. Hope ya’ll have a lovely day!

@missy – hog away on the pictures… your white kitchen is just stunning. How can one dare to cook there and dirty it up?!

@Sunstorm – how fun that you enjoy designing and get to work with people you enjoy being with…. Well with exception to the coworker you mentioned. @canuk-gal had the best response on buying 2 bottles. Hahahahaha… ohhh you crack me up! Never heard of Le Labo before. I’ll have to check it out next time just out of curiosity. I only have one bottle of perfume at a time and it lasts me for years… I’m pretty sure I shouldn’t have it on hand for so long as the chemicals probably change. Oh well, I feel girly when I spray it and actually did it yesterday night after my cooking class since it was too late to shower and my hair smelled like we were cooking potatoes all evening which we did.

@marcy – How wonderful that ya’ll already celebrated Valentines day together. But ironic that Marty got a mattress that was too firm. When ya’ll start shopping for a mattress, you will find the perfect on since you already know the too soft/hard threshold. Happy early birthday to you and may you get some new bling. We can tell Marty to hide it under the new mattress!

@Scandinavian – How neat that your kids cross country ski. I’ve been watching as much of it as I can during the Olympics and I think that sport is just amazing. Looks so challenging! Glad you are back at the gym again after your surgery. Do you cross country ski as well?

Oh you mentioned Valentines day. I ignorantly thought it was just a US made up holiday but didn’t realize that others would be celebrating around the world. What are you doing with DH/family? On the actual Vday, I usually ask my single girl friends if they want to come over for a casual meal. Two girls said yes so we are going to watch Olympics and have dinner together. I think Vday is a bit silly but I try to do the reverse thing where I take DH out for something like pizza or some other “man’s meal” that I secretly enjoy just as much. I tell him him that Vday and his birthday are days I’ll spoil him since all the other days of the year he tries to spoil me. Hahaha…

 

[missy]

Hahaha @PierreBear I think we will be A OK. Greg never backed away from dirtying a kitchen up and believe me the way he cooks he cleans just as well. Yeah I got lucky. And anyway with the quartz I am hoping it will stay in good shape no matter what spills on the surface. One of the reasons we ultimately decided on the quartz material. You might remember I wanted Marble and was going back and forth between the choices. But it came down to what was available and I couldn't get the Snow White marble slabs I wanted from Italy in sufficient size and I couldn't get the Thassos marble here and I don't love veining that comes with most marble. Only the Snow white and Thassos had the look I wanted and after much deliberation we decided quartz suited our needs and aesthetic too. I am hoping with the backsplash it will all come together beautifully.

Haha sorry for the long winded explanation.

And YES I always buy organic fruits and veggies with the one exception being bananas. I didn't think they need to be organic and I don't like the taste of organic bananas. They seem a different consistency somehow. THough now I am thinking based on what you wrote why is that if the regular bananas don't get the pesticides inside them and they are safe to eat why do the organic bananas taste differently? Hmmmm So now off to research that issue further. Please share any other info you have on non organic bananas not being safe. Thank you.

YUMMM to potatoes and potatoes gnocchi. Next time take pics please if you can. I love drooling over bling pics, reno pics and yes of course food pics. Glad you are enjoying cooking class.

 

[MarionC]

Stop stop stop!!!
Ok you guys I’m not kidding.
This speed of light posting...
really???
Lol

Scandi, so good to hear you are getting back to being Barbie : )
It feels so much better when we can do the workout.

I cancelled my trip. So relieved ! I will go in March instead. The airline was great. I got a full credit for a future flight and no cancellation fees.
Now to relax and look at bling.
I thought my fever was the flu, but no, I think...
Tada!
It’s diamond fever again.

Happy day, beautiful NIRDIs!

 

[Sunstorm]

Oh I am so sorry to hear that Missy. Yikes that hurts me to hear about this. I am sure you feel you are at your wit´s end. I get weird spots too sometimes, awful red flaky spots on my face but I normally make them go away with something that works for me. I will also ask my mom since she really is an amazing derm. She has cured stuff no one else could but of course she cannot see you, so that makes it harder. I just want to help though. You can always send me privately pix and what you have tried so far, I know mostly but would be good to have to talk it over with her. If you do not want to send pix of it, of course I understand that too.

Thank you all girls for the nice comments. Well, my colleague at the store is jealous because yeah she does know I have my own business and yeah of course she sees new stuff on me and I love shopping but I do not have a child and she does and of course also a child costs a lot but I could be jealous of her too and I am not. Besides, I tried to involve her in doing business and will continue to do so as otherwise she is a good person, just has a temper and is a bit unstable.

@PierreBear it is fine to keep fumes. I have vintage ones from decades ago. You will know if a perfume spoils because it will smell rancid, otherwise residue and a slight change is to be expected after many years but should remain fine kept in a cold, dark place. Le Labo is amazing. But because it is prepared on site for you and much less synthetic, it does not keep forever. They do put one year on the bottles but that is not true though. Some I have had for 5-6 years, just used up the last drops in the bottle. Best not to buy used though on the net because then you may have issues with that.

Ok now the travelling madness begins. Finishing packing, taking the train to my home country, then changing luggages, flying out tomorrow. I hate this part and one time I packed everything but being in a hurry I forgot to take clothes. Fortunately this time I have stuff at my BF´s but still have to concentrate on having the important stuff with me. One time when I travelled to a fair with quite a bit of jewelry and watching the scanner concentrating since I had to have some in my handbag, I lost my passport at the airport. I thought I would go crazy but I have finally found it fallen behind a chair I was sitting on. So... some stress off once I am gone today and then tomorrow. I am a frequent traveler but still I gotta use my brain. I like travelling a lot but I do not like flying even though I had time to get used to it. Once there, all good. Wishing you girls a great week and if I can I will check in, next week at the latest. Boy by then I will have missed a lot again.

 

[MarionC]

Bon Voyage, Sunstorm!

 

[PierreBear]

Hahaha @PierreBear I think we will be A OK. Greg never backed away from dirtying a kitchen up and believe me the way he cooks he cleans just as well. Yeah I got lucky. And anyway with the quartz I am hoping it will stay in good shape no matter what spills on the surface. One of the reasons we ultimately decided on the quartz material. You might remember I wanted Marble and was going back and forth between the choices. But it came down to what was available and I couldn't get the Snow White marble slabs I wanted from Italy in sufficient size and I couldn't get the Thassos marble here and I don't love veining that comes with most marble. Only the Snow white and Thassos had the look I wanted and after much deliberation we decided quartz suited our needs and aesthetic too. I am hoping with the backsplash it will all come together beautifully.

Haha sorry for the long winded explanation.

And YES I always buy organic fruits and veggies with the one exception being bananas. I didn't think they need to be organic and I don't like the taste of organic bananas. They seem a different consistency somehow. THough now I am thinking based on what you wrote why is that if the regular bananas don't get the pesticides inside them and they are safe to eat why do the organic bananas taste differently? Hmmmm So now off to research that issue further. Please share any other info you have on non organic bananas not being safe. Thank you.

YUMMM to potatoes and potatoes gnocchi. Next time take pics please if you can. I love drooling over bling pics, reno pics and yes of course food pics. Glad you are enjoying cooking class.

Hi friend! Cleaning while you cook is the way to do it for sure. Yes, I recall the challenge between marble and quartz and think your choice turned out beautifully. We have gray quartz for almost 10 years now and it still looks brand new.

So interesting that bananas were the only product you didn't buy organic. I personally can't taste the difference. Just the ripeness of the bananas affect my taste buds. The instructor shared in class that with non-organic bananas they spray a chemical on the bananas to assist with ripening the bananas. As we have experienced, bananas have a certain shelf life of ripeness and we start to see physical indications of it turning from green to yellow and then with the brown spots. I think I remember him saying that they put the bananas on the trucks and spray so by the time it gets to the distribution/grocery stores it's in the "ideal" condition and ready for sale. Not sure how much truth there is to it but it's what was shared in class and I couldn't get it out of my mind. At least at the stores where I shop, the price point between organic and non-organic isn't very material so I never minded grabbing the organic for this product. Strawberries on the other hand... I think I've seen it almost twice as expensive?! Hope this helps! Have a great day!

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

Glad you enjoyed the photos @Scandinavian , you certainly are a busy bee! How great that your parents can help ferry the children to all their activities, they’re real snow babies! Please don’t over do it at the gym. Sorry there’s still no news on your surgery, and that you now have the extra worry of your nearly niece.

Colin and I have been together forever, 40 years in April when we met, and next Christmas, 40 years married

Glad you were able to rearrange your trip @Jimmianne , and I hope you’re feeling better with each passing day. Good news that the airline let you change your flight.

Your co-worker sounds rather nasty and insecure, what business is it of hers how you spend your money @Sunstorm ? You and your OH sound like a great match and it’s lovely that you’ve found each other. Have a good trip.

Thanks for the info @PierreBear I thought your ring was around the 3ct mark, it looks huge on your lovely slim fingers, and I’d never guess it’s an L.
I don’t specifically seek out organic, but do buy good quality and wash everything well.

Dottie wasn’t brought up around cats, but Tom (her other sitter) has 2, and she hasn’t bothered about them at all @missy so hopefully Zena will realise she has to share her home and humans.

Seems Trump wants to stop citizens from bringing their parents to the US, so that would effectively cut off our eligibility for a visa, despite us being totally self supporting and tax payers. I don’t think there are other ways for us to qualify, but thank you for always being so considerate and willing to help.

Greg is a real treasure, I wish I could get Colin to clean up, but he just doesn’t see the messes he leaves behind

I’m sure there are mattresses you can buy that are different each side so that you can choose how firm or soft you want it @marcy , sounds like it’d be ideal for you and Marty. Awww that’s nice that you went out at the w/e to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We don’t bother anymore, especially as we’ve just been effectively eating out for 2 weeks.

Continuing to send good thoughts to you and your Mum @canuk-gal

I went to Pilates this morning, I’m sure to ache tomorrow

We popped into Costco this afternoon, I tried on a 2ct solitaire and it looked so small on my finger, I told Colin I’m going to need something a lot bigger Oh the trials and tribulations of having big fingers

Miserable, wet and cold here, roll on spring!

 

[junebug17]

Hi girls - I'm a little under the weather, upset stomach and headache, but slowly feeling better and I should be feeling much better by tomorrow.

Missy, great story about both boxers and it's wonderful they've both found good homes. Hopefully the kitties will get used to Zena, it might take a little time but I'm feeling pretty confident it's going to work out and they'll adjust. Love the pics. Thanks for asking about dh, he's back to normal and is in London now on business.

I absolutely love the kitchen! I know it's been a big hassle but omg it is just beautiful. The brick wall looks SO nice against the new cabinets. Love the floor, I wish we had dark floors in SC. I love the classic pattern of the tiles, I can't wait to see them installed. It's going to look so awesome.

PB, we'll probably sell the car I'm driving now. We had a very good experience with Carmax so will probably use them again. I'm feeling kind of upset about giving up my old car, I really like it. But it has a lot of miles on it and dh feels it's time. Dh's celebration sounds like a lot of fun, glad you both had a good time. Love the pic of the bull, very cool. Thanks for the pics of your ring, it is SO gorgeous, it's perfect! The yg looks amazing on your hand I usually don't buy organic products but I don't know, maybe I should lol.

Sharon, so happy to see the good update on your mother - and it's great your sister is keeping her honest with her exercise.

Sunstorm, I hope you can ignore your friend, she is totally wrong and should not be making those comments to you. It's none of her business who you buy presents for, or how much you spend. Absolutely nothing wrong with buying your boyfriend a nice present. Hope you have a fabulous time on your trip.

Marcy, a trip to Houson and a visit to Whiteflash sounds great and would be so much fun. I like the idea of not worrying about your employees and just letting them handle the consequences of their actions. I totally support you getting some bling for your birthday.

Scandi, glad to hear you're working with a PT again. My ds has a desk job and I worry that he isn't active enough. I sympathize, I'm lazy too and it's very hard to get motivated to exercise. It's so nice your parents can help out with the children, I know how hectic things can get. I am so sorry to hear about your niece's upcoming surgery and I am sending positive thoughts everything goes well. Hugs to you, I know it's stressful when there are several things going on.

Jimmianne, I'm glad the pressure is off and you don't have to rush off to France so quickly. Now you have more time to prepare. Hope you're feeling better and yes, bling shopping sounds like a good idea.

Had a nice time seeing my brother, he seemed to enjoy having company - he has done some work on his little kitchen, cosmetic stuff, he did a great job and I'll post a pic soon. He seems to be adjusting ok and seems a bit more positive. Also good to see dd for a bit.

Ok, I better sign off, was feeling a bit better but not doing so well now...have a good day everyone.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Healing vibes across the miles Miss JunebUg!!

cheers--Sharon

 

[Austina]

So sorry to hear your feeling poorly @junebug17 take good care, and I hope you’ll soon be back to good health xxx

 

[missy]

@junebug17 so sorry you aren't feeling well dear Junie. Sending healing hugs to you.

 

[canuk-gal]

big breaths folks!