weekend update....i need to live in a bubble

im still alive.  happy belated st. patricks day! 

its usually my favorite holiday, but i spent my day at home and sick....same goes for the rest of the weekend.  if i haven't already mentioned it i am allergic to pretty much everything outdoors and quite a few things indoors.  springtime has come, painted houston yellow and assaulted my sinuses, thus causing the worst hay-fever ive had in a while.  anyone else get painful vision altering sinus pressure? when it gets really bad i get dizzy, nauseated , shaky and of course crazy headaches.  all around awful. 

when allergy meds dont cut it here are a few of my tricks for coping.

• my neti pot - it closely resembles Aladdin's lamp, but instead of a genie its filled with distilled water and sterile saline (salt).  you pour it in one nostril and it comes out the other along with all the junk clogging your sinus'.  this really helps relieve my sinus pressure.  this is not the solution for everyone, do your research and talk to your doctor.
• "gin-gins" or ginger chews - my mom introduced me to these.  they are exactly what they sound like, chewy nuggets of ginger candy.  ginger is known for its stomach soothing abilities.  its a very strong flavor...it took me a while to get use to it, but its my go-to when my stomach is upset because of my allergies
• peppermint oil - this is my go-to for just about anytime im not feeling great.  peppermint oil is inexpensive and can be found in your local health foods store (whole foods) in a tiny bottle.  dont be fooled by the size....a little goes along way (ive been using the same bottle for over a year and its not even halfway gone).  it releases this wonderful and powerful tingling sensation.  i usually rub it behind my ears and along the back of my neck.  STAY AWAY FROM YOUR EYES!! if you even get the fumes near your eyes they will burn and turn you into a crying baby.
• the good 'ole ice/heat pack - i have quite a few homemade rice packs that i keep in the freezer (they can also be thrown in the microwave if you want heat).  see this post on how to make one.  i usually put one on the back of my neck and on my face.  i know i look crazy and im sure my husband rolls his eyes at me, but hey whatever works
• otc pain killers - i wont share the brands or dosage but im sure you know your body and what your body can handle.  again it goes without saying consult your doctor before taking anything new.
• sleep - sounds like a no brainer, but when all else fails i go to bed.  whether your body is being assaulted by pollen or germs a little extra sleep never goes awry.  it gives your body a chance to rest and restore.

enough of my allergy talk.  sorry for the long silence.  the next few weeks are shaping up to be busy as usual.  hope your weekend went well!

paint by numbers collection

this morning over on Kaylah's blog, The Dainty Squid, she shared her vintage paint-by-number collection so i thought i would post up a pic (not a great one...sorry) so y'all could see my collection.  I've been collecting for a couple of years via thrifting, gifts and ebay.  i have them all hung on one big section of wall in my living/dinning room from floor to ceiling.  every time i add a new one the arrangement has to change.  its like playing a giant game of tetris.  i love all of them!  each one has its own bit of character or story.  ill get some better pictures taken one of these days.

do you have a vintage paint-by-number collection or another kind of collection you want to share? leave me a link and ill pop over and check it out.



now playing:tuesday - The Cranberries!!!

The Cranberries

Squeeeee....the Cranberries release a new album today, "Roses."  This is the first album in 10 years from my favorite Irish band! Can you believe it has been 10 years since their last album? Geez i feel old.

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i haven't spent as much time with this album as id like to before writing about it (only heard it all the way through a couple times) but it only came out today.  it sounds great!  it is the classic expected Cranberries sound, just new material to memorize and imitate in the car at full volume.  this album has 12 new songs and 2 live versions of "Linger" and "Zombie" recorded from a show in Madrid (i bought the deluxe version)

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this band will always bring back memories of middle school, watching clueless, and blaring my Cranberries tapes on my walkman while sitting by the pool.
i definately recommend you go have a listen on the iTunes and buy this album.  if for no other reason than to show your Cranberries fan pride...."hey thanks for making an album 10 years later and not giving up on rockin out."

any suggestions for now playing:tuesday? leave me a comment if there is somthing you think i should listen to!

now playing:tuesday - Gardens & Villa

today i want to share with you the music stylings of

Gardens & Villa

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their music is very hipster....think along the lines of mgmt, local natives, and perhaps alittle miike snow.  their sound is very mellow yet upbeat.  its good background music for doing stuff around the house.

i definately recommend you hop on over to the itunes and check them out!

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any new bands you want me to check out?  leave me a comment!



Style Crush: Mara Hoffman

while i was surfing through my usual blog-roll i saw a post on one of my favs, Honestly WTF, that blew my mind i had to share.  Today they featured the amazing swimwear collection of Mara Hoffman.  Her patterns and color combination are beautiful.  Here are a few of the pics that blew my mind.

isnt that model gorgeous? i wish i had the body to pull off those suits...and the money to buy them.  i am in love with that swimsuit coverup and the sandals.....perhaps alittle inspired DIY will be in order?

all images are from the Mara Hoffman website