Discription

Everything Southern & So Cotton Pickin Cute

Thursday, June 27, 2013

See What You Can Do With Borax and WIN a FREE COUPON

The 20 Mule Team has been pulling it's weight this week.  I always have Borax in my laundry room but this week I put it to work in the rest of the house, including the craft/science room, aka...the kitchen. I thought it would be fun and helpful to share some of the many uses for Borax.  Best of all 3 of you will win a FREE box of Borax!!

DIY Crystal Snowflake Ornaments

Did you know you can make snowflake ornaments or pretty gift wrap decorations?  This is such an easy craft and great to do with children.


Can you believe this was the first time I ever made one?  I'll be posting a tutorial in July so you make your own while dreaming of Christmas and cooler weather.

Now lets talk cleaning tips:

Clean Windows and Mirrors

To get windows and mirrors spotless and streakless, just wash them with a clean sponge dipped in two tablespoons of borax dissolved in three cups of water.

Clear a Clogged Drain

Rather than use a caustic drain cleaner to unclog the clogged bath or kitchen drain, try this using Borax. Use a funnel to pour a ½ cup of borax into the drain, then slowly pour in 2 cups of boiling water. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. Repeat for stubborn clogs.

Rub Out Sink Stains

Get you sinks clean and remove those stubborn stains in your stainless-steel or porcelain sink. Make a paste of one cup of borax and ¼ cup of lemon juice. Using a cloth or sponge, rub it into the stain, then rinse with running warm water. Smile at your superb cleaning skills!

Clean Dirty Showerhead

 

Borax loosened up the hard water deposits that were clogging the small pin holes in the head.

See all the calcium and lime deposites from the hard water.  They're like little pieces of rock and can totally block the flow of water.

Clean

Clean and disinfect your toilet bowl with 1/4 cup of borax.  Just toss in the toilet and scrub after a few minutes.

Remove Mildew From Fabric

To remove mildew from upholstery and other fabrics, soak a sponge in a solution of a ½ cup of borax dissolved in two cups of hot water and rub it into the affected areas. Let it soak in for several hours until the stain disappears, then rinse well.

Rub Out Rug Stains

It's easy to remove stubborn stains from rugs and carpets.  First thoroughly dampen the area, then rub in some borax. After the area dries vacuum or blot it with a solution of equal parts of vinegar and soapy water and allow to dry. Repeat if necessary. 

*Be sure to test on an inconspicuous corner of the rug before applying it to the stain.

I hope you've enjoyed the cleaning tips I've talked about today and try using your Borax Laundry Booster in new ways.

You can connect with 20 Mule Team Borax by visiting them at the following locations:
Where can I get Borax
Facebook
Youtube
~*~*~*~*~*~

Now I bet you're wanting get busy with your own box of 20 Mule Team Borax!
 

Let's see if I can help a few of you out with that.  Are you ready for a giveaway?  That's what I thought.  It's as simple entering on the Rafflecopter below.  Good Luck Y'all!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  Borax provided a free sample of their product so I could review it.  However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Tuesday's Style After 30 - Get Your Red, White and Blue On



I kid you not, the 4th of July is just over a week away! Do you plan what you're going to wear or are you just a fly by your seat kinda gal?  

Well here's some Pinterest Red, White and Blue inspiration to get y'all started.  I adore this pretty patriotic frock!  I think there are so many different belt styles you could add to it.  Patent leather red or navy would be pretty.  Or what about a navy or natural rope belt with a nautical theme latch on the front.
Source: rstyle.me via Tracy on Pinterest

Here's another cute dress that looks so cool and summery.  Add a big blue beaded  necklace or earrings to set the 4th theme.  A belt would work with this one too.


I'm in love with this blue blouse.  The drape is so pretty and would enhance any ones figure.  It looks like it might be a crepe de chine fabric.  With the heat that we have during this time of year I would pair it with white shorts instead, take away the shoes and bangles, and add a red bag.  As far as jewelry, I'd again look for a red bauble necklace or something with stars to complete the holiday theme. Some pretty sandals with a metal starfish design would be the perfect footwear.


Another top that that accentuates your waist and bust line.  You may want to avoid the flare if hips are an issue for you.  It seems to be my problem as of late (well it may be more of a derrière thing).  I adore the simple all American red plaid design on the fabric but with a twist.  It also looks like it's crepe de chine to me. Again I would go with shorts or capris, or for a dressier affair a white pencil skirt would be impressive.  Of course you know what I'm going to say next... Be sure to add that touch of blue, it is all about the day! I'd go with a nature straw bag.  Change the shoes to sandals or a simple heel if your wearing a skirt. 


Chambray is always in fashion and it's the official all American go to.  We American's love our denim. The bag is perfect but the shoes and earring have to go.  I'll let you have your way with those. My ideas would be seashells such as starfish again or possibly sand dollars or even a nautical look with an anchor or rope design.


I can't get away with the jacket here.  I mean when the fireworks are going off it's still in the 80's here.  But this would be great for any of you with cooler evenings. Love the snappy sandals.


Okay before you think I've lost my mind and decide to tell me about it, yes I know it's not Memorial Day.  Just go with me people - we're looking for a red, white and blue theme.  This blouse is more in keeping with my weather.  It looks like it's effortless and comfortable to wear.  The blouse is loose and the shorts aren't too short.  If I was going to carry a clutch bag I would chose a woven natural linen or straw. Add blue using different jewelry, sandals or even a tie in your hair.


I'm not sure about the belt with this top at least not in Patent leather.  Maybe it's because the belt looks hiked up so high too.  I'm petite at 5'3, so I'd have to hem this. But this top certainly has drape and a pleasing look.  I love this style on someone like my mom who was 5'9" tall.  (My son's 6'2" and yes I've got height envy). The earrings are a little too orange. Pair this with grasshoppers or deck shoes instead. Let's switch the pants to capris or shorts and call it done.


Chambray with red and white plus a nautical theme.  Need I say more?  Well we will have to find a longer pair of shorts.

Source: polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

This last outfit is all about the dress and belt.  Love them!!  The shoes are okay and I like the bag alot just not with this dress.  The bow and glasses must go unless you're dressing your 6 year old and then please don't give her these glasses.  Remember how I said a belt would go great with the first dress.  I didn't even realize it until now but this was totally the belt I was describing!  Serendipity!!


There you go with my picks for an All American Girl outfit.  If you put one together I'd love you to share so I can pin it.

By the way - Did you enter my Olay giveaway.  After all the sun you'll get on the 4th you'll be happy to win this!!  Just click HERE to enter or see the button on my sidebar.

Whatever you wear this 4th of July just make it fun and be safe.
Hugs Y'all...
Tracy ♥

There's a New Angel in Heaven

A New Angel named Cherish Perrywinkle.  Cherish was 8 years old when she faced a monster.  She will never go through anything like that again.  I know she feels no fear and knows nothing of the ugliness that she experienced now that she is being held in the loving arms of our Father.  I pray for her 2 sweet and innocent sisters who are only 3 and 5 years old.  I pray for both the mother, father and step-parents who are left to live out this nightmare here on earth.
I don't normally write articles like this.  I try to keep things light here.  But for the last three days I haven't been able to get anything done.  I think that the angry comments to the family has been really upsetting for me.  I can kind of understand their anger but yet I can't believe that there's not more compassion out there when someone is going through something like this.  As a Christian and just a human being I can't give up on humanity.  I understand there are monster's out there but can't the ones who do feel anger for the monster empathize with the victims.  Until you walk in their shoes can you really throw words of stone at them? 

I feel so depressed and upset and finally last night I realized that this story had effected me more than I thought.  I hope somehow this will not only help me get past these feelings but also help someone else, even if it just reminds someone that you can never warn your young ones too much or watch over them too much.
Cherish Perrywinkle was abducted at a local Walmart here in Jacksonville, Florida on Friday night.  I woke up early Saturday morning to see the Amber alert on facebook.  Neil turned on the news to see what was going on.  Police had arrested Donald James Smith, a 56 year old registered sex offender, who was just released from jail on May 31st.  That's right less than 1 month ago.  Within minutes of watching the story unfold, a member of the Jacksonville sheriffs office announced that Cherish's body had been found.  Killed, how could it be?  When we were hearing the story and saw that he was captured alone, we had a sinking feeling that it was not going to turn out good.   This officer was visibly shaken as he wiped tears from his eyes.  Neil and I sat dumbfounded, sick to our stomachs and tears coming from our eyes.  How could this happen.

All because of Donald James Smith this sweet smile will never be seen again.  How does a monster look into those innocent eyes and do unthinkable acts to a child like this and then take their life. The coward left her body behind a church.  Can he not imagine what he would feel like if someone did this to his 80 year old mother that he lives with?
Memorials and outraged came pouring in.  First comments on facebook were awful things said to the mother of this missing child.  When I heard the story first begin, my first though was what was this mother thinking, how could she do that.  Still when something like this happens I  can only feel sympathy for the mother.  She has to live with what happened and I wouldn't wish that on anyone ever. 

People get mad when it's said that she made a mistake.  Yes, she did.  Yes, she knows it and is suffering for it.  Yes, it is the ultimate mistake that can't be fixed.  The painful words people lash out at this woman can't be fixed either.  Save your anger for the monster who cunningly committed this act.  He is a predator who has spent more than 40 years honing his hideous craft. Pedophiles build their life around offending, and over time, become very skilled at concealing their crimes.  I know you and I say 'I would never be so stupid' but are we the one's to judge the victims for what has happened?  Can we really be harder and the mother than she is being on herself?  Maybe people think I'm too soft but I've lost loved ones and for a long time I didn't want to be left here on earth without them.  This family, especially this mother has unimaginable suffering to come.
Just that same morning Cherish's father, Billy James Jarreau who lived out of state, was scheduled to pick up his precious daughter at the airport for his summer visit with her.  I can't imagine the pain.  

The van above was what the pedophile was driving.  Creepy.   Psychologists say this is often seen in cases like this.  Vans provide the perfect vehicle for a pedophile to commit the crime of rape and to transfer a body.

Dear friends please speak with you children and grandchildren once again about being safe.  It's so sad that we have to discuss these things when our children are at their most innocent but it is unavoidable and necessary these days.  Just two weeks ago while shopping with my 10 and 12 year old grandchildren, I stopped in the middle of  the store and made them take a moment to listen to me.  I said "You do know if anyone ever tired to get you to leave a store you don't.  If they forcibly try to remove you from a public place, you kick, scream and holler.  Never leave with them, I don't care what they say.  If they say they will kill your family, this is a lie that's just being told to get you to cooperate.  Never ever believe what they tell you and never be quiet!!!"
 
Here are updates from the story I got off our local news website.

5:30: Family friends began gathering early Saturday to be with Cherish Perrywinkle's mother, Reyne Perrywinkle, at her one-story Northside home on Alan Avenue in a working class neighborhood just west of Interstate 95 and Lem Turner Road.
Richard Harvey and Perrywinkle embraced in a tear-filled hug about noon on the porch. They’ve been friends for about three years and he described her as a protective mother.
“I was telling her it’s going to be alright, that God never makes a mistake,” said Harvey, 51. “She was drying her tears and drying my tears. We finally let go.”
Harvey said Perrywinkle drifted in and out of apparent shock during the afternoon.
“She talked for a little while and said things like, ‘I know she’s dead, but I still feel like she’s going to be walking through the door any minute now,’” Harvey said. “And she wasn’t.”
Patrick Williams, 41, said he met up with Perrywinkle’s boyfriend, Aaron Pearson, about 1 a.m. and took him up to the Walmart to check on the police investigation. Williams left Pearson, who is not the girl’s father, at the scene a short time later.
“Me and my wife prayed,” Williams, 41, said of his return home. “After I got done praying, I didn’t have a good feeling.”
Among those who consoled Cherish’s mother were Ann Dugger, executive director of the Justice Coalition victim rights group, and Kathy Pannell, the Sheriff’s Office victim’s advocate.
Dugger trembled as she described caring for the mother she described as broken.
“When you’ve got an innocent, helpless child and their life has been taken out from under them, murdered … it’s so evil,” Dugger said. “It’s the hardest thing you’ve ever been through in your life.”
Dugger said Perrywinkle asked for her privacy, but would possibly make a statement at another time.
Harvey and Williams described Cherish as a happy-go-luck girl with a bright smile and kind heart.
“She had the most beautiful eyes,” Harvey said.
“She was always a little lady,” Williams said.
5:10 p.m.: Donald J. Smith lives in a comfortable Southside house on Segovia Avenue his mother has owned for decades, in a neighborhood where people knew of his arrest history.
Neighbor Kevin Shivar, who has a 16-year-old daughter said: “We don’t need people like that in this neighborhood.”
Smith had been a painting contractor and handyman, neighbors said. They said Smith at one point spent hours regularly maintaining the yard.
“Had you not known anything, you would have thought he was neighbor of the year,” said a neighbor who would not give his name but said he had decided to be a “buddy” to Smith after earlier concerns about whether he was involved in area burglaries. “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer,” the neighbor said.
He said Smith had feared he faced a long prison sentence after facing charges in 2009 that involved attempted child abuse and attempting to impersonate a government employee.
The neighbor said he was shocked when the felony case ended in 2012 with plea-bargained guilty pleas to charges that carried only a year behind bars.
The neighbor said Smith had been nearly invisible since returning home a few weeks ago.
Smith has been divorced for some years and has a son in his early or mid-20s, who had been spent some time around the house with Smith’s mother, who is in her 80s, the neighbor said.
No one answered the door when a reporter went to the house Saturday.
4:15: Cherish Perrywinkle loved the color pink, watching Disney movies, being in water and going to school.
That description of the 8-year-old girl, who was abducted Friday from a Walmart and later killed, appears in court documents about a custody dispute between Cherish's parents, who were not married.
The dispute ended in 2010 when Duval County Judge Linda McCallum granted shared responsibility between Reyne Perrywinkle and Billy Jarreau, but with the mother keeping primary custody.
Cherish is further described as enjoying cartoons, having tea parties and playing with dolls, games and Play-Doh. She attended Chaffee Trail Elementary School.
Her mother read to her nightly and often bought things for Cherish and two stepsisters rather than herself, the mother's boyfriend said.
Cherish moved with her mother and her mother's boyfriend from small home to small home and spent at least some time as an infant living with her mother in a homeless shelter, the records show.
Cherish had several stepsiblings, including two stepsisters from the mother and boyfriend.
The mother could not be reached to comment. The father declined to comment when reached at a neighbor's home in Campo, Calif., near San Diego.
3 p.m.: The man charged in the killing of 8-year-old Cherish Perrywinkle had just been released from jail May 31.
Police said they made contact Friday morning with Donald James Smith, 56, who is a registered sex offender, at the home on Segovia Avenue, where he is registered. It was a routine address verification, according to Detective Mike Williams.
Smith lived within walking distance from Dupont Middle School. Police said there was no restriction on him living that close to a school because he was a registered sexual offender, not sexual predator.
Cherish was reported as being abducted Friday night from the Walmart on Lem Turner Road. Her body was found Saturday morning in a wooded area off Broward Road.
Williams said Cherish's mother met Smith at a Dollar General on Edgewood Avenue West about 7 p.m. Friday. Two younger children, 4 and 5 years old, were also there and remain in the mother's custody.
Smith offered to buy food and clothes for Perrywinkle's family at the nearby Walmart, Williams said. The family was in the Walmart for a couple of hours, he said.
The mother agreed to let Cherish go with Smith to the McDonald's inside the Walmart. The two did not return and the mother called police.
Williams said Smith was "compliant" when pulled over on Interstate 95, but has refused to answer questions.
Within a short period of the stop, police received a call about a suspicious van in the 2100 block of Broward Road. Police began searching a wooded area there with K-9 units and found the victim's body.
Williams praised the citizen who called in the tip for "stepping up."
"That suspicious vehicle call really shortened this investigation for us," Williams said. "It got us where we needed to be a lot quicker than maybe we could have on our own."
He said Perrywinkle's mother is doing "as good as can be expected."
Police said they don't know of any accomplices, but they are looking for another vehicle.
2:45 p.m.: Police have scheduled a 3 p.m. press conference about the death of 8-year-old Cherish Perrywinkle.
No one answered the door at a home where Perrywinkle was listed as living in 2010. The home may have been vacant. And neighbors said they didn't know the family.
12:04 p.m.: Police are focusing a lot of attention at a creek near Highlands Baptist Church. Officers were putting down what appeared to be a sheet of plastic near the creek.
Linda Karshirsky, who lives near the church, said that at about 8:45 a.m. or 9 a.m., her husband saw a light blue truck parked on a bridge over the creek. No one was in the truck and he reported what he saw to police, his wife said. It's not clear if the truck is related to the police investigation.
A fire department ladder truck is parked in the street at the bridge, over the creek.
11:18 a.m.: Linda Kashirsky and her husband returned Saturday morning to their house near Highlands Baptist Church on Broward Road to see investigators searching for evidence.
“I’m just devastated for the parents of that child," Kashirsky said. "It’s so, so sad. I got goosebumps when I heard. I just want to cry.”
The couple had just moved a half a block from the church two weeks ago, so they said they're not very familiar with the neighborhood.
Deborah Howell, a longtime resident of the area, also lives near the church.
“We’re a very, very close-knit neighborhood," Howell said. "As soon as I saw the police, we all started calling each other. I cannot believe this has happened.”
Another neighbor, Charlotte Dupree, said she was shocked and upset to hear what might have happened in her community.
"We were all in our houses watching the Amber Alert, and the child was down there dead,” Dupree said.
Neighbors describe the area near the church as including a two-story vacant house and a creek where people go crabbing. It's not clear yet exactly where police are focusing their attention since the area is blocked off.
10:56 a.m.: Police were on Broward Road near Highlands Baptist Church Saturday morning. Two women who said they are friends of the victim's family are weeping at the scene now. They declined to comment to the media or provide their names. A news conference is scheduled for 3 p.m.
10:46 a.m.: The abduction and killing are reminiscent of the 2009 abduction and slaying of 7-year-old Somer Thompson while walking home from school in her Orange Park neighborhood. Police found Somer’s body in a Georgia landfill and later arrested Jarred Harrell, who pleaded guilty in the case in 2012 and was sentenced to life in prison.
Diena Thompson, Somer’s mother, became a national champion for children’s and victim’s rights after her daughter’s death. Thompson said she first learned about Saturday’s tragedy about 6 a.m. after turning on the news.
“I’m sickened,” Thompson told The Times-Union in a telephone interview. “Her [the mother’s] nightmare has just begun.”
10:23 a.m.: The body of an 8-year-old girl who went missing Friday night has been found at a church off Broward Road.
Cherish Lily Perrywinkle's body was found a little before 10 a.m. Saturday. Police wouldn't idenify the name of the church.
The sexual offender suspected of abducting her was taken into custody by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office a little after 9 a.m.
Perrywinkle was reported missing about 11 p.m. Friday by her mother at the Walmart Supercenter at 12100 Lem Turner Road.
Police spokesman Shannon Hartley said during a 9:30 a.m. news conference that Donald James Smith, 56, was in custody after officers surrounded a white van on southbound Interstate 95 near the Interstate 10 split. Hartley didn't know if Smith was armed when taken into custody. He has several previous arrests involving lewd behavior with children.
The Sheriff's Office released two grainy photos of a second vehicle being sought. Hartley said police want to find the vehicle and the person driving it. The quality of the photos (one of which is attached to the story) are so poor police haven't been able to give details such as the make and model.
"Obviously having Mr. Smith in custody is a huge break for us," Hartley said.
Sgt. Lonnie Mills of the Sheriff’s Office said earlier that Cherish was taken by a man who had befriended the girl's mother at the store and said he was taking the girl to the store’s McDonald’s located at the front for a snack.
Police searched the area with helicopters and ground units but found no immediate trace of the man or the girl.
Smith was reportedly driving a 1998 white Dodge van, Florida plates BCBK32, Mills said. The vehicle has a 2-inch dark pinstripe down its sides, two large windows on the driver’s side, one large window and double doors on the passenger side and double doors on the back.
Smith, whose registered address is 2495 Segovia Ave., was last arrested in 2009 where he was accused of impersonating a Department of Children and Services officer and making obscene and threatening calls to a 9-year-old girl.
The arrest report said he had called a 12-year-old boy on his cellphone asking to speak to his sister, whom he knew by name. The boy gave him his mother's cellphone. The man called her saying he was with DCF conducting an investigation regarding her daughter.
The girl was visiting grandparents, so he called them and spoke with the daughter for about 20 minutes. He had asked questions about whether she wore a bra and what her privates looked like. Then he told the grandmother the child's father and grandfather were suspected of molesting her and that if she told anyone of their conversation she could go to jail.
He demanded she bring the girl to a McDonald's so he could examine her. She did so, but went inside instead of waiting in the parking lot as instructed. The man did not appear. The mother later gave police the man's phone number and traced it to Smith.
Smith also served prison time for attempted kidnapping and lewd and lascivious assault on children. The first time he attempted to lure a 13-year-old girl into his van and chased her as she ran away. The second time involved Smith trying to lure two girls into his van with pornographic magazines, according to Times-Union archives.

I hope that you'll each hug your children and grandchildren a little tighter and a little longer today.  Please take a moment and pray for this precious child and her family.

With a heavy heart...
Tracy ♥


Friday, June 21, 2013

Let Suddenly Salad Help Make Your 4th of July a Blast

Disclosure:  The information has been provided by #General Mills through #MyBlogSpark.  All opinions are my own.

One of the first things that comes to mind when talking about the 4th of July is food.  There's always a cookout or other celebration that includes food on that day.  Being the chief cook in my house means I prepare all the side dishes for cookouts too.  The last thing I want to do is work hard on a holiday.  So I'll be working smart instead.

That's where Suddenly Salad comes in.  By using quick and easy stir-ins, Suddenly Salad can be whatever you make.  Such as a simple side dish like this Greek Tossed Pasta Salad:

See the recipe HERE.

Or the star of the backyard BBQ like this Red, White and Blue Salad:

See the recipe HERE.

Or even a crowd pleasing main course like this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Salad:

See the recipe HERE.

With seven delicious flavors, there's a Suddenly Salad mix for everyone and for any occasion.  So keep beat the heat of the kitchen by following the simple instructions on a box of Suddenly Salad.  You can even visit their website at SuddenlySalad.com for more delicious recipes.

SS_lineup

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Did they really say that? Something For You To Laugh At

I just had to share this.  I came across it on facebook. I haven't laughed this hard in such a long time!
HOW DO COURT RECORDERS KEEP STRAIGHT FACES????
These are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while the exchanges were taking place.

ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, 'Where am I, Cathy?'
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!
_______________________________
ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Are you sexually active?
WITNESS: No, I just lie there.
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: What is your date of birth?
WITNESS: July 18th.
ATTORNEY: What year?
WITNESS: Every year.
_____________________________________
ATTORNEY: How old is your son, the one living with you?
WITNESS: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can't remember which.
ATTORNEY: How long has he lived with you?
WITNESS: Forty-five years.
_________________________________
ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget..
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
___________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
____________________________________

ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the 20-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: He's 20, much like your IQ.
___________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Are you shitting me?
_________________________________________
ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Getting laid
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: She had three children , right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
WITNESS: Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney?
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death..
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?
WITNESS: Take a guess.
___________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
WITNESS: Unless the Circus was in town I'm going with male.
_____________________________________
ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
______________________________________
ATTORNEY: Doctor , how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?
WITNESS: All of them. The live ones put up too much of a fight.
_________________________________________
ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral...
_________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 PM
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: If not, he was by the time I finished.
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Are you qualified to ask that question?

______________________________________
And last:

ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No..
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.


Did you laugh?  I hope so.
Hugs...Tracy

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Olay Regenerist Review & Giveaway

Where does beauty start?  Inside.  That's a truth that can't be denied.  If you're not happy or not a nice person, it shows!  

Beyond that what is the first step to putting your best face forward?  Is it makeup and dressing yourself in gorgeous clothes?  No.  Just as your diet effects how your clothes look on you, the condition of your skin effects how that makeup will look.  That's where we begin, taking care of our skin and keeping it as healthy as possible.  

Olay is one of the most recognizable brands in the world and they want to help you out with that.  Keep reading to see how you can win one for yourself.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and it will tell all your secrets without saying a word.  It can even tell a few lies on you.  It will giveaway your age in a heartbeat.  Perhaps it's telling people that you are older then you really are and that you haven't be taking care of it.  It can be revengeful that way.  

Maybe you're good to your skin and it wants to brag and even tell little white lies because it loves you so much that it's says "Oh' she's so much younger then what her drivers license says".  Yeah, that's the relationship I want with my skin!!
Olay and Walmart are giving me the chance to review the two of the Regenerist products for myself.  They even included an Olay flash drive.  How did they know I needed that?  I have to admit I'm really jealous that the winner will get to try the Regenerating Cream Cleanser and I didn't.  Maybe I'll get to do that review next.

My Review

For: Regenerates skin's youthful look. Reduce fine lines & wrinkles. Olay Regenerist offers products that incorporate other anti-aging ingredients such as vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, green tea extract, allantoin, and glycerin.
Size: Cream 1.7 oz, Micro Sculpting + Lash Serum Duo Cream .34 oz, Serum .17 oz
Price: Cream $23.67, Micro Sculpting + Lash Serum Duo $22.44 online at Walmart

What I think:

Moisturizer is a must for my skin but I always worry that it will be too heavy or greasy which will lead to breakouts.  Yep,  lucky me I still get them.  I was pleasantly surprised with Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream.  No breakouts at all and even after wearing it all day my skin doesn't feel the least bit oily.  I have noticed a definite difference with my skins texture.  It's smooth and soft and the fine lines surrounding my eyes and face are improved.  Over all my skin looks genuinely better.

The Micro Sculpting Eye Cream + Lash Serum Duo is a real winner.  It's the eye cream that I can really brag about.  I can see less puffiness and fine lines as well as brighter skin around my eyes.  I've been disturbed by how dark the skin around my eyes have gotten over the last few years and was totally surprised that I could see a difference so quickly.  As for the lash serum, I will say that my almost invisible eyelashes do feel softer and perhaps healthier because of it but I haven't actually notice that they are any thicker.  This could just be something that takes a little more time.  I will continue to use it and watch for improvements.

All-In-All, I'm very HAPPY with how these products have reacted with my skin and would recommend it to anyone.  To find out which products are right for you, you can visit this link: Try a personalized skin care consultation. 


Here's some more information about Regenerist:

Olay Regenerist offers advanced appearance correcting anti aging skin care products that help regenerate skin’s surface appearance. Formulated with an exclusive Olay amino-peptide and B3 complex, Regenerist offers products that incorporate other anti aging ingredients such as vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, green tea extract, allantoin and glycerin. Regenerist offers anti aging products that help regenerate skin surface appearance and strengthen its moisture barrier.

You can learn more about Olay Regenerist here:

Of course whenever I review a product I like to get one to giveaway to one Cotton Pickin Cute reader too. Thanks to Olay that's just what we're going to do.  This is what the winner will receive:

       Cleanse, exfoliate to detoxify and moisturize skin for the beautifully         regenerated look of a mini-professional treatment.
  • Our formula has our most concentrated amino-peptide complex and hydrates to lift, firm and micro-sculpt your look for younger-looking skin around the eyes, jawline and neck. 

To enter just use the simple Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or need any help, just leave me a comment. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck Y'all !! 

Disclosure: The information and gift pack were provided by Olay.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Those Moments That Mean The Most

Today's post is a catch-up post.  I never shared how special my birthday was this year (way back in April).  It was the first year that I was ever able to spend my birthday with my grandchildren.  I like looking at the picture of half eaten birthday cake because it reminds me of the beauty of having family to enjoy it with.  These are things that mean so much.
A surprise I never could have expected.  My grandson Zach, who has the most sensitive heart wanted to serenade me with a special song on the viola.  Oh' how I love this child with his special heart!
A birthday gift of earring sent from my sweet, sweet friend Julie @ Mamawj's Moment Away.
She made them just for me and I love her so much for being so thoughtful.  She's a talented gal with a love of crafting.  You can visit her HERE.

As you grow older you come to realize that the special memories you have came from the everyday moments of your life.  I hope you're not walking around this week with your eyes wide shut.  You don't want to miss them.

OX's...Tracy


How Would You Like to a Win Jack the Giant Slayer Combo Pack

Are the kids bored already?  Well I've got a giveaway to share that might help out.  You'll probably enjoy it just as much as they do.
Over at Mamawj's Moment Away, Julie's giving you the chance to win a Jack the Giant Slayer Combo Pack (blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet).  Sounds great so hurry over and enter now so you don't forget because it will be ending on July 5th.  To enter just click HERE.


While you're there checkout the Kernel Seasonings Popcorn Post too.


So many great flavors for that popcorn you know you're going to eat with the movie.
Good Luck Y'all...
Tracy

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Ivory 2-IN-1 Hair and Body Wash Review

Since I'm a member of Influenster, I was given the opportunity to review this product.  Influenster is a free -to-join community of invited trendsetters who live to give opinions of products and experiences. Influenster creates links between brands and members to reward participation and influence future products. If you love trying out new stuff you can check out Influenster HERE

I have a confession to make.  I've been cheating.  That's right, I've been spending time in the shower with someone new.
I was told they'd take care of all my needs.  Oh' get your mind out of the gutter!  It's a dirty place to be.  But if you are dirty or just need your daily shower, I have someone new to introduce you to.  I'd like you to meet Ivory.  Oh' you say you've heard of Ivory.  Well I bet you haven't heard of this one.  This is the new Ivory.  Let me tell you a little more about it.  

This Ivory likes to boast about something that's pretty unique.  This is Ivory 2-In-1 Hair and Body Wash and it's called that for a reason.  Let me give you the product highlights straight from Proctor and Gamble.

With it's dual action formula, Ivory 2-IN-1 cleans head to toe while leaving hair conditioned.  Say goodbye to the 3-step hassle of applying shampoo, conditioner and then body wash - Ivory Hair and Body Simplifies the showering experience, making it perfect for the whole family.
  • Total body cleanser that leaves hair clean (down to the roots) and conditioned
  • Free of dyes and heavy perfumes
  • Saves shower space with one bottle
  • 33% MORE vs. the leading 2-IN-1 brand (24oz vs. 18oz), without breaking the bank!
  • Not watered down - doesn't easily seep through hands or into eyes
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So What do I think?

Just one bottle to do it all?  I had my doubts but was willing to give it a try.  
  • Ivory 2-IN-1 Hair and Body smells wonderful.  Not like the old Ivory at all.  Shhh - don't tell anyone but I never liked old Ivory's smell.  This is totally different.  It smells fresh and clean.  I know my two favorite words, but it's true.  It doesn't have a fruity tuttie smell. I like to take my shower before bed and nothing is better than a clean lite scent and a fresh set of sheets to make you sleep good.  Ahhh....
  • It's got great cleaning action and didn't leave me feeling like I had an oily film on me while at the same time it didn't leave me feeling dry.
  • It saves space in the shower if you use it for your hair as well as body.
  • I think it's great for kids because they only have one product to use. My grandkids loved it, saying it saved time.
  • It's a great value. You can find Ivory 2-in-1 Hair & Body Wash at  Walmart, Target, or Drugstore.com for only $3.50 for 24 oz.
  • I liked using this as a body wash.  It was even great for shaving my legs.  I'm sure it's because of the conditioning properties.  Like I said I love the smell and it got me really clean.
  • For my hair, it cleaned better than I expected.  I could tell it had conditioner in it because I didn't have to fight with tangles but it wasn't completely tangle free.  My hair wasn't as dry as I expected from a 2-In-1 product.
Would I buy it again?

Yes, but there's a second part to this answer.  
  • I would buy it to use as only a body wash for me.  Being um-um...older, I feel like my hair needs a little extra care.  Well that and the fact that my hair has received a little help in the color dept. for more than a few years.  Plus the hubby liked it.  He usually just uses plain soap while I like a body wash.  Finally I can get rid of the melting soap, that I hate cleaning up.
  • I would definitely buy it for the kids.  It cuts down on clutter in the shower and the kids loved it.  Win-Win!
If you'd like to know more you can visit Ivory on facebook HERE or twitter HERE.
 
So there you have it.  Go get a bottle for yourself and let me know what you think.









Disclosure:  I received the complimentary Ivory 2-In-1 Hair and Body from Influenster to assist in my review.  As always all opinions are my own.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

My High Wire Act Won't Be Hitting The Road

My weekend was full of death defying adventures like this one where I conquer my fear of heights.
Fear - ha!  I laugh in the face of fear....
 Heights?  No height is too high.
Oh' who am I kidding.  I actually got nauseous for the first time ever when I was up there.  This really may be my last year of doing this.  There were so many oak leaves and a few branches up there.  And buckets of  Spanish moss!  It really piles up in the valleys of the roof.  I also found a couple of soft spots on the porch roof  that are going to need to be patched asap! 

Where I'm standing in the last picture is on top of the new addition we added a couple of years ago.  It's a lot higher as you can see than the original roof.  A couple of angles on the roof have a really sharp pitch.  I was shaky enough to have to sit down and even thought about coming down.  But I didn't.  I pressed on and got the whole thing done.  It took about 2 hours but it's done hopefully for at least 6 months.

I have no idea what that translucent whitish blur is on the left side of the picture.  It's not on the wall.  Do you suppose it's the spirit of my guardian angel?  I'm sure it's a blurp in the pic.  I still like the thought of a guardian angel though.

A couple of weekends ago I was on top of the grape vine giving it a way too late trim.  We never did get a freeze this year and it was already out of control so I crossed my fingers and hoped it wouldn't bleed to death.  I'm happy to say it didn't and there are lots of grapes already starting to grow.  Not that I'll get a one of them.  The birds think I grow them just for them.
This whole side of the yard needed trimming up.  I got a lot of it done but forgot to take the after photos.
In the photo above you can see just how much of the plants I've cleared out on the right side of the picture as well as the grape vine it's self.  And yep, that's right I cropped my big butt out of the pic.  I hope they're right and that it's really true that the camera does add 10 lbs (or 20).  I should pin the original photo to the fridge as incentive.

We did have some fun this weekend.  We spent some time over at our new neighbors Jennifer and Marks house.  They're so nice and we have so much in common.  It's like we've been friends forever.  Actually I couldn't believe how much alike Jen and I are and how much we have in common, and Neil and Mark get along great too.  They're making a lot of changes to their house and I'm looking forward to watching the progress.  

What did y'all do this past weekend?  Chores or fun stuff?  Maybe it was a mix of both.

Hugs Y'all...
Tracy



Tuesdays Style After 30 - How To Wear Pink and Look Strong

Pink is one of those iffy colors, especially after 40.  You don't want to look like you're trying too hard to look 26.  You definitely don't want to look like the soft squishy grandmother that smells like sweet powder and wears pink.  So I'm showing some summer style's that rock after 30, 40 and even 50.  I'm loving this paisley top!!!  No little girl or old grandma here.

Who said you can't wear a white tee shirt anymore.  This form fitting tee, ruched at the side is totally feminine and puts a little class into a casual style.  It gives you some shape to your body which is something that takes a more discerning eye as you age mature.  If it's cool or a more profession atmosphere the jacket works perfectly.  I love the bold scarf for a punch of color and the shoes are just the right pink, not to girly and a little bit sassy.

Source: polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

You might have to unroll the hem of these shorts to make it work but this blouse says you can where me anywhere and still be comfortable in the hot summer.  Those pearls, sandals and glasses make you look like a million bucks!


You can never go wrong with a simple sheath dress.  It's always a classic.  If  your petite like I am, a sheath is a must for your wardrobe.  It lengthens your silhouette.  When I was young it gave me a more mature look other dresses always made me look so young, but yet it isn't matronly so it's the perfect dress for midlife too.


Source: shopbop.com via Tracy on Pinterest

Are you looking for a dress to wear to that outdoor wedding?  This is it!  I just hope you don't take all eyes off the bride.  This dress is everything chic is supposed to be.  The cinched/ruched waistline is really going to show your curves in just the right places and help camouflage the ones you need to hide.  Indoor wedding, no problem.  Got you covered with this sparkly white/silver jacket.  Sparkly accessories mixed with summer sandals and a textured clutch keep you looking elegant even in the summertime.

So what do you think?  Can you wear pink at any age?  Do you have pink in your wardrobe?  No wimpy pink here.  I really need a gift card shopping spree!!

Let me know what you're wanting in your closet.  I love to hear from you.
♥ Tracy