Winter is in the Air

I don't know about you, but around here, the temps are starting to cool down. A lot! I'm starting to get into the Christmas spirit. As in, I want to start decorating, wrapping presents, and baking yummy Christmas goodness!!!

I know. It's barely, early November. I just can't help myself. I adore the cold weather. I live for "Holiday Decorating." Oh, and I just can't wait for all the yummy treats!

Yum! I was just thinking of my favorite hot chocolate. I've been making this, for close to 11 years now. I even remember the first time I made it. I burned my hand. Pretty bad. But boy, I didn't stop making this yummy goodness. It was almost too much, for me to bare. But darn, this is some good stuff!!!

How about a little fun treat. As in some "Baby Santa" gear! I have been wanting to make this, since it was posted. I even have the yarn. Darn, I need to just sit down, and get my "Crochet" on!!!

Yes, I'm totally in the holiday mood. I might even pull out the Christmas music. Is anyone else like me? Or am I the only one, counting down the days, until I can decorate. Putting up my decorations in November. And leaving them up, until late January. Yes, this is really a magical time of year! ♥

What a Good Day!!!

Today was one of those days, that I'm just grateful for. You see, we travel at least 40 weeks a year, for this man's job. Honestly, at times, it's a bit overwhelming.

The weeks usually go like this. Monday we wake up exhausted. It's our ONLY day off. And we usually stay in bed 'til noon. I'm not going to lie, sometimes later. Then we laze about the house. I make a HUGE meal. And we catch up on our favorite TV shows, and movies. Tuesdays we are back to work. I leave the house at 3AM for work. At the hospital. This guy heads into work, around 8AM. We're lucky, to both get home before 10PM. Lucky! Wednesday is usually a repeat. I also have to cram in study time, family time, and a little work (that pays MY bills).

Thursdays are ALWAYS a whirlwind. I leave at the same maddening hour! I get off at noon, sometimes 2PM. Rush home. Quickly pack our bags. And we're leaving on an airplane before dinner time. This is usually the ONLY day, that we eat out. If not, we wouldn't eat!

Fridays usually leave this guy working. Say 7AM to 6PM. Give or take, depending on what he's doing. Saturdays, he works 7AM to 4PM. And Sundays, he's working 7AM to 5PM. Give or take. Some weeks are different. But most are like this.

And on the weekends, I tend to get most of my studying done. Most. I write papers, do research, all that good stuff! And I hangout with this gal. Who also happens to be My Bestie. And get lots of "Q-time" with Baby C!!!

But rarely if ever, do we leave "where our guys work." You see, we stay in some pretty fancy "Homes on Wheels." Also known as "Motor Homes." And we stay in them, all weekend. Hanging out. Cooking. Napping. Things like that.

This week, I was dying to do something fun. Something out of our "Comfort Zone." I wanted to go hiking. And hiking we went!!! I also convinced some other friends of ours to go. We called in lots of sitters, for the kiddos. Let the guys know, they were on their own for meals. All day long! And we headed out.

It was magical!!! The mountains were AMAZING!!! The fresh air, felt so good. And the workout, left my body craving more. We also got to have lots of "Girl Time." With friends, that we don't usually spend this much time with. We laughed. Ate. And just had a good time.

It was something we don't do often. Something I truly wish, we'd do more often. Because, we all do so much for our men. And rarely take the time to "Recharge Our Own Batteries." Today was definitely that kind of day.

And when we got back, our men had cooked us dinner. Got the kiddos cleaned up, and in their PJs. Oh, and our "Homes on Wheels," were still in one piece. Yes, I don't think we could have asked for much more.

Our friends left about 30 minutes ago. I've taken a steaming hot shower. And just sat down. Waiting for this guy, to finish up my little treat...



Yes, that would be an "Orange Soda Float." A new LOVE of mine! Perhaps I can also convince him to give me a massage. And maybe watch some sappy movie. Because this man's girlfriend, is in a pretty good mood tonight. And is hoping for an early night. Yes, our Friday was pretty wonderful! How was yours? ♥

Watermelon Lemonade

Yesterday, this guy and I, landed in the desert. We raced to find a cool place, to just be. Ate a yummy dinner at PF Chang's. And headed to my home to pick up a few things. 105 degrees outside. Like 130 degrees in my home! Let's just say, it was a quick "in and out" sort of trip.

And because I'm "Under the Weather," this week, we headed home. Almost as soon as I found my PJs, favorite slippers, and a good book. Hello refrigerated air. I LOVE you! In a way, that if we ever had to split our assets, I'd fight for that beautiful machine! Our home, went from triple digits, to 68 glorious degrees, in minutes! :)

But we still needed something to quench our thirst. We had a pretty exciting adventure at my home last night. What was supposed to be 5 minutes, took 2 hours. And when we drove the 10 minutes, to our new "Ranch," well all I could think was, I need something ice cold. And a glorious bath!

My Guy had made an earlier run to the store. Picked us up a few essentials. And then told me about this recipe. Yes, this guy, checks out Gooseberry Patch, from time to time. And all that was on his mind, was this week's Recipe of the Week. Hello watermelon goodness!!!



Watermelon Lemonade

4 c. watermelon, chopped
1 c. sugar
1-1/2 c. lemon juice
6 c. cold water

Place watermelon in a blender; process until smooth and set aside. In a large pitcher, combine sugar and lemon juice; stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in water. Add watermelon; mix well. Serve very cold; stir well before serving. Makes 8-10 servings.



Let me just say a few things. One, this recipe is super easy! Yes, this man, made it from beginning to end. All I did, was change into some comfy PJs, and meet him on our back patio. Literally, in less than 5 minutes, we had a pitcher of watermelon goodness! Secondly, it says 8-10 servings. The 2 of us, polished off a pitcher, in no time! Lastly, this was perfect, over ice, in a fun cocktail glass. With a super fun straw, and watermelon slice as a garnish. It was love!

Oh, and if you adore an Agua Fresca, this is your drink! I'm actually excited to try it again tonight. With Miss Kimbo and Miss Thea, who will be staying with me. Since this guy, had to leave at 2AM. To make it to work on time. But when I try this today, I'm going to use lime juice, instead of lemon. Should be AMAZING!!! Between, instead of sugar, we used Splenda. And only 1/3 cup. ♥

Surviving the Desert Heat

We left "Wine Country" this morning. Headed straight for the desert. And the minute we landed, the heat slapped us in the face. High noon. The desert. The heat. And all I wanted to do, was find the nearest place with AC!!!

It made me think of the ways, I've survived this heat. Next month, it will be 11 years since I moved, to the desert. With no AC. The temps soared above 100. For days and days at a time! Then for the next few years, I've learned how to "Survive Summer in the Desert." Someone was recently asking me, about this...

And since I'm going to be spending a big chunk of time, in the desert this Summer, I needed to revisit my "Survival Guide." These tips, are great for anyone spending time in the sun. And heat. No matter if it's the desert, or the beach. :)



First, up a good lip balm. I've tried a ton! But year after year, I've come back to Blistex Deep Renewal. Not only is this good for Summer, but all year long! It keeps my regularly dry lips, completely moistorized. Plus, it has 15 SPF. Hello?!?!?! Perfect for Summer!!!



Well, I'm pale as can be. If you see me, it's hard to believe that I'm Hispanic. My entire family, is dark. And they get those glorious tans, all Summer long! Me? Not so much! Neutrogena's Healthy Defense has been my BFF for years! Yup, I've tried expensive products. But this little guy, works wonders!!!

Not only do I use this moisturizer for Summer, I use it all year long! All year!!! SPF 50 is my BFF. I'm telling you, this is perfection in a tube. It's light, but provides protection all day. I have oily skin, and have an issue with most moisturizers and sunblocks. But not with Healthy Defense. I LOVE Neutrogena!!!



Like I said, I've got very pale skin. I can go from "Snow White," to "Red Lobster" is 5 minutes! Growing up in the Southwest, was difficult at times. Even in the shade, I'd burn up. Then spend the next week or 2, nursing a horrible sunburn!

Then I found Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer, SPF 100. Every single day, I use this! There is no funky "Sunblock" scent. Just the clean smell of Neutrogena's products. It dries almost immediately. Not leaving any greasy feeling. Perfect!!!



But for those of us, that like to tackle outdoor fun, or even just exercise...Bull Frog Sport is what you NEED! Back in high school, I was a cheerleader. Literally, we lived outdoors almost all year! In the Southwest, that could mean trouble. But when I found this "Bad Boy," I was "Over the Moon!" Because it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. :)

First of all, this sunblock is water and sweat proof. Believe me, I've tested it many times! It should be no shock, that I run a lot. I also enjoy hiking. Since I was 14 years old, I've used this. And every single time that I have, I've NEVER been burnt! EVER!!! Not even, while doing a crazy yard cleaning marathon! It even works on your "Hair Crack." If you've ever braided your hair in the summer, with a part, you know what I mean. To me, that's the worst sunburn you could ever have!!!



Another secret among Southwesterners, is we change up our deordorant. When those HOT months roll around, we pick up a stonger deordorant. After years and years, of trying everything that is sold...Dove's Clinical Protection is my "go-to."

There are a variety of scents. All very light and fresh. This deordorant keeps you fresh and dry. Believe me, when I say this. There are some days, in the SW when you just sit there, and sweat. For no other reason, then it's 105 degrees. And your body is trying to cool down. You sit there, doing NOTHING, but sweating like NUTS! Let me tell you, this works miracles! :)



And we must protect our eyes! Have you ever gotten sunburn in your eyes? I have. And let me tell you, it's PAINFUL!!! Your eyes just hurt. Eyedrops sting. Closing your eyes burns. Having them open, hurts. So go out and buy yourself some good sunglasses. That protect against UVA and UVB rays. That's so important!!! Critical actually.

Honestly, I've found some really good pairs, and stylish, for around $10. But look for the UVA/UVB sticker. You'd be surprised, that some of those really expensive sunglasses, don't have both UVA/UVB protection. Ya, spending $100+ doesn't guarantee good protection. Just be aware. Funny thing is, I've found some adorable, chic, and fun sunglasses at the "Hunting Store." For $5. With UVA/UVB protection. Just look around. I know some of my friends have found them at Target, the Dollar Tree, or even the bookstore. :)



And a big 'ol floppy hat, is your best friend! Whether you're laying out by the pool, tackling your garden, or just relaxing...this is a MUST! It keeps the sun off your delicate skin, cools you down, and adds a little style. I have one, that my Grandma bought me, almost 10 years ago. I wear it all the time. And I think she spent $10 on it. Oh, and I just seen some cute ones, for under $10 at Wal-Mart.



Water, water, and more water. It's beyond essential!!! I prefer cucumber water. I also bring out the lemon, lime, or orange water in the Summer. Just take some fruit, or cucumbers, and thinly slice them up. Add them to a pitcher of water. And enjoy!!! I think people forget to drink lots of water. Honestly, I drink almost 2 gallons of water a day. It's so important to be hydrated!!!



And ice. I can't say enough about this stuff!!! Sometimes, I even make ice out of lemonade. Or throw in some fruit. It adds lots of fun, and flavor, to your favorite drinks. But honestly, at all times,I've got 25+ lbs of ice in my freezer. :)

There you go. A few things that have helped me, to survive the Summer heat! I also do things like sticking my body sprays and Fix+, in the refrigerator. Helps to refresh with something cool, in the middle of the afternoon. I also place a clean pillowcase in the freezer every morning. Then at night, I slip it over my pillow. So nice to lay on something cool, when the temperatures are lucky to dip into the 70s as a low!

If you have any tips, tricks, or favorite Summertime products, I'd LOVE to hear about them. Or even, your favorite Summertime recipes. Heck, anything fun about Summer! I've got a few months of heat ahead. And I need some new things, to help me get through our 100+ temps! ♥