Gifts from Vichy

Yesterday I received some wonderful presents from my mom and sisters. I love every single item.

I'm spoiled.

Hanging from the rail are a couple of figure-flattering shirts, paired with a colorful crocheted scarf (thank you, mom), and a gorgeous silk scarf. On the far right is a tie for my husband, who is definitely a tie collector.
On top of the rail is Vichy facial cleanser. I tried it out last night, and it leaves my skin wonderfully soft and clean. Then there are some Vichy mineral mints (Vichy is known for their mineral water baths and spas). And of course, I got some luscious mohair yarn in my favorite cool colors. Thank you so much for the great gifts. I'm enjoying them thoroughly.

Welcome home, mom!

So happy to have mom back, even though my heart won't be in its right place until my sisters return.

Mom and dad - the cutest couple I know <3

Mom had a good trip, but her luggage was left behind in Chicago. I'm just glad she made it home safe.

I love my parents

Look at the smiles on their faces. It was beyond sweet to witness my parents' happy reunion.

Incidentally, I also received a post card from my sisters in the mail today. Thank you girls! You know this one is going up on my cubicle wall. Miss you terribly!

Blind hem

The hem on one of the legs on my favorite pair of dress pants loosened in the wash. I noticed too late this morning, so I used safety pins to keep it hemmed throughout the day. It wasn't the best solution. I could totally feel the weight of the safety pins pulling down one leg. Plus, you could totally tell I had safety pins on. I'd get a flashing glimpse of the tiny needles when I walked. I know, my life is so dramatic.

Booh!

I decided I'd try to do the blind hem myself. I had a brief lesson on this a year or so ago, but I had to reference the internet for a refresher.

It's really not hard once you get a hang of it.

I was successful. The stitching could have been a bit less sloppy, but you couldn't see it because it's a blind hem. See for yourself.

A week ago, my hubby paid $75 to hem five of his dress pants. I don't think he'll have to do that again. I got skills!

The nightly routine

My mornings are so frantic, I decided to create an evening checklist to keep me on track. And I'm so nice, I'm willing to share my now frantic evening routine in 10 steps.

1. Pick out an outfit for work.
2. Charge my phone and my iPod.
3. Pack clean workout clothes.
4. Pack lunch & snacks (for tomorrow, I got a butter lettuce salad topped with lemon zest tuna and oil/vinegar, plus various healthy snacks)
5. Prep ingredients for breakfast (egg & wedge of Laughing Cow cheese on a Thin Bagel)

Tomorrow's breakfast and lunch

6. Check my purse for the essentials (work badge, car keys, phone)
7. Make sure my daily regimen of medicines and supplements is filled for the entire week.

Various thyroid medications and supplements to keep me functioning

8. Cleanse, tone, & moisturize face; brush & floss teeth; get into jammies.
9. Set the alarm, and then read or watch TV & knit until I get sleepy.
10. Kiss my hubby and my puppy good night, and then hopefully get 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

How about you? Do you have a nightly routine? Or am I the only freak who has a list of pre-bedtime activities?

Cuteness galore

Firstly, let me show you what I found yesterday when I walked into our office where my husband normally studies. Well, he wasn't studying. He was taking a nap, and he wasn't alone. 

I caught him sleeping with someone else

Can we get an "awwww"?

I love my boys. They are too cute. But sometimes a gal needs some girl time. Given my favorite girls are in France, I hung out with an old college friend, who totally spoiled me with a wonderful dinner and great company.

The gracious hostess

Food, wine, and great company