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# Thoughts, Tips and Tales

Inspiring you to live life to the fullest

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## Posts

- [169 Fun Things to Do Accomplished: My Completed Bucket List](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2022/01/30/my-completed-bucket-list/) - Starting a new year (after two pretty uneventful years during the pandemic) got me thinking about the many fun things to do that I've experienced so far in life - my completed bucket list. I'm working on a fun things to do list for next year now, too, and a rest-of-life bucket list! You might
- [Do Something New Every Day in January: The Challenge](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2022/02/09/do-something-new-every-day-in-january-the-challenge/) - To make January more fun this year, instead of making resolutions I spontaneously challenged myself to do something new every day -- and it was much harder than I thought it'd be! The COVID cases are very high here now and that limits a lot of group/inside activities. But I didn't want to do anything
- [Second Women's Kayaking and Hiking Weekend in Brevard: Wonderful Except for the Near-Death Experience](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/05/23/womens-kayaking-and-hiking-weekend/) - Recently came back from a second women's kayaking and hiking weekend in Brevard, North Carolina, and it was great -- except for the near-death experience... Cindi (who I met on last year's fall kayaking/hiking trip and have been friends with ever since) and I took off on the five-hour road trip Thursday morning and got
- [Flotation Tank Experience: A One-Hour Relaxing Float in a Tub of Buoyant Water](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/08/08/flotation-tank-experience-a-one-hour-relaxating-float-in-a-tub-of-buoyant-water/) - Sensory deprivation tanks were big in the 70s, but who knew they were still around? If you missed out on the experience then (like I did), check out this relaxation technique at a location near you. While the concept remains the same, the main difference today is the name change; apparently the term "sensory deprivation"
- [Polga (Pole Fitness and Yoga) Awesomeness](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/05/trying-polga-pole-fitness-yoga/) - In my quest to continuously try new fitness challenges, I tried a Polga class at Inversions, a local pole fitness center. When I told my friends about it afterwards, everyone initially thought I was going to tell them about Pilates and yoga -- but the class involved yoga and pole dancing! Interesting concept, huh? Couldn't imagine
- [Adventure Awaits: First 90 Days Progress on My Theme for 2019](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2019/04/10/adventure-awaits-first-90-days-progress-on-my-theme-for-2019/) - My one little word for 2019 turned out to be two words -- Adventure Awaits. Since 2018 was a rather challenging year that was not full of fun activities, decided to go for the gusto this year and actively pursue having more fun in 2019. Here's the progress report on my first 90 days. The
- [Rage Room: Relieve Stress, Stop Being a Good Girl](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2019/10/16/rage-room-relieve-stress-stop-being-a-good-girl/) - If you're like me, people have been telling you not to break things and "be a good girl" your whole life. Visiting a rage room allows you to break free of those constraints -- and it's a great stress reliever, too! As soon as I started reading about rage rooms springing up around the U.S.,
- [Adults: 12 Fun Things to Do During Coronavirus Isolation](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2020/03/26/adult-interesting-things-to-do-during-coronavirus-isolation/) - A lot of adults are normally incredibly busy -- so what do we do with all the free time now that we can't leave the house?Check out these fun ideas to pass time in enjoyable ways during coronavirus isolation: 1) Take long walks. If you use a Fitbit, note how many steps each route is
- [Compliment Event Fundraiser: Make Money and Boost Morale](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/10/27/super-fun-compliment-event-fundraiser-make-money-and-boost-morale/) - If you need to raise funds -- and want to boost morale at the same time -- hold a Compliment Event. Set up a makeshift booth (like Lucy in the Peanuts comic strip) constructed with PVC pipe -- or a table with a sign that says "Compliments $1." Charge $1 for customers to walk up
- [20 Things I Learned in My First Month of Caring for Elderly Parents](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/01/16/20-things-i-learned-in-my-first-month-of-caring-for-elderly-parents/) - Caring for elderly parents is not for the faint of heart because you're a novice in uncharted territory. But when things get tough, you definitely have to be grateful you have your parents (!!!) and remember that many other people would give everything they have to have just one more day with their mom and
- [My Surprisingly Nice Solo COVID Christmas](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2020/12/26/my-surprisingly-nice-solo-covid-christmas/) - My 2020 solo COVID Christmas turned out to be relaxing and a much nicer day than I ever anticipated! I think it helped going into it without any specific expectations and with the general goal of making the most of communicating with family members (who usually come to my house every Christmas) in the best
- [How to Make the Coronavirus Lockdown More Pleasant](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2020/03/25/how-to-make-the-coronavirus-lockdown-more-pleasant/) - Yay! Made it through the first week of hunkering down at home for coronavirus prevention!If you ask people who know me, they'll tell you I'm someone who loves to be on the go - out and about all the time. And shopping is one of my favorite activities. A fun day for me is to
- [Norwegian Cruise Line: Pros and Cons](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/06/05/norwegian-cruise-line-pros-and-cons/) - I'm an enthusiastic cruiser who's taken about 20 cruises on four major cruise lines (Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Carnival) in my lifetime. A friend and I recently completed my first Norwegian cruise on the Norwegian Spirit and compiled a list of Norwegian Cruise Line pros and cons (good and bad features). Good things about
- [Holland America Cruise Line: Pros and Cons](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2020/02/25/holland-america-cruise-line-pros-and-cons/) - I’m an enthusiastic cruiser who’s taken about 20 cruises on four major cruise lines (Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Carnival). A friend and I recently completed my first Holland America cruise on the Zuiderdam and compiled a list of Holland America Cruise Line pros and cons (good and bad features). Good Things about Holland America
- [Self Checkout at Stores: Pros and Cons](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2020/01/21/self-checkout-at-stores-pros-and-cons/) - More and more stores near where I live are installing self checkout aisles -- including grocery stores, discount stores like Walmart, and drugstores. What are the pros and cons of self checkout to the customer? Good things about self checkout: You finish quicker than if you'd stood in line and gone to a cashier. And
- [A Tribute to My Amazing Dad](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2020/01/14/a-tribute-to-my-amazing-dad/) - I’ve always been a daddy’s girl and I’ll admit it. (Maybe every girl is.) My dear dad passed away in November at age 94, and this "tribute to my amazing dad" was the eulogy I gave at his celebration of life. *** My dad was born on and grew up on a small farm in
- [My One Word for 2020 is One Phrase](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2020/01/04/my-one-word-for-2020/) - My one word for 2020 is one phrase this year, combining two pretty different goals, which I believe do not have to be mutually exclusive... It's: Persevere but find joy. The reason for the choice is... I'm the caretaker for my beautiful 92-year-old mother who has Alzheimers and multiple disabilities. My dad passed away a
- [Hurricane Evacuation with Elderly Parents to Hotel Hell](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2019/09/17/hurricane-evacuation-with-elderly-parents-to-hotel-hell/) - During September 2019, monster Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas and took a path up the East Coast, threatening the Charleston, South Carolina, area where I live and where my 92- and 94-year-old parents live in an independent living community. Little did I know it would result in a hurricane evacuation with elderly parents to Hotel
- [Visiting Russia on a Baltic Cruise](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2019/07/09/visiting-russia-on-a-baltic-cruise/) - One place I never thought I'd go was Russia -- but I spent two days in St. Petersburg on a recent Baltic cruise. And it wasn't anything like I imagined. For starters, it snowed there in May! Well into spring when the Regal Princess docked in St. Petersburg, it snow flurried all day. On top
- [Amazing Copenhagen on a Baltic Cruise](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2019/05/28/copenhagen-on-a-princess-cruise/) - My friend and I took a two-week trip to the Baltic in May on the Regal Princess, and this was the first time it ever snowed on a cruise! Copenhagen was amazing, Russia was COLD -- and, as always, it was a fun adventure. We flew to Copenhagen -- and arrived with all our luggage
- [Goat Yoga is Great: Unique Fitness Fun on a Farm](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2019/03/19/goat-yoga-is-great-unique-fitness-fun-on-a-farm/) - Have you heard about goat yoga? It's a health and fitness "thing" now that's gaining popularity all over the country, and it sounded so unusual I just had to try it! I'll admit in the past I thought yoga in general was pretty dull, until I checked out some of the more unique variations on
- [Do a Body Composition Test, See How Much Fat and Muscle You Have](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2019/02/12/do-a-body-composition-test-see-how-much-fat-and-muscle-you-have/) - I had the chance to get a free body composition test at work and the results provided an eye-opening opportunity to see exactly how much fat, water and lean tissue I have -- plus an indicator of metabolic rate. Several years ago, I contacted the local medical university wellness center about getting a body composition
- [My One Word for 2015 is Actually Two Words](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/14/my-one-word-for-2015-is-actually-two-words/) - Have been fascinated by reading various blog posts over the years where people write about choosing their "one word" for the year such as enjoy, improve, flow, create or relax. It's basically their mantra for 365 days, and a goal to focus on that year. It's a word that provides guidance and gives them strength.
- [My One Word for 2018, Paired with Three Related Words](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/01/01/my-one-word-for-2018-paired-with-three-related-words/) - Many people choose a personal word of the year to focus on for 365 days instead of making New Years resolutions. I've been doing that for the past few years and think it's a winning idea. This year, though, one word isn't quite enough. My one word for 2018 is **Family** paired with three related
- [My One Word for 2017](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/01/05/my-one-word-for-2017/) - Life goes fast (and, I swear, it speeds up as you get older) and sometime we forget to stop and enjoy the good moments when they occur. So... my one word for 2017 is Savor (synonyms: to appreciate fully, enjoy immensely, relish, cherish, revel in, celebrate, delight in, treasure). I want to consciously stop
- [How to Find the Perfect One Word for 2017](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/01/06/how-to-find-the-perfect-one-little-word-for-2017/) - Picking a guiding focus word (one word or one little word) for the year is pretty popular right now -- and it's a great way to hone in on a particular personal goal. To get ideas for your "one word" for the year, check these resources: --The 247 choices from my blog post last year
- [My One Word for 2019 is Actually Two Words](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2019/01/08/my-one-word/) - Once again, my "one word" for the new year is actually two words... and I'm a little late finding exactly the right thing. But that's OK!While searching the Web for ideas for a vision board class I took (have never done one and it sounded a little "out there"), the words just hit me and
- [Tin Grin: 7 Tips for Getting Braces Over 50](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/11/20/7-tips-for-getting-braces-over-50/) - I had braces when I was a teenager, but back then orthodontists didn't tell you to wear a retainer regularly. Over the years my teeth got crooked again, and it really bothered me. So I got braces over 50 for the second time! Here are some tips. Braces are expensive (about $6,000 in my case),
- [World Kindness Day and Random Acts of Kindness I've Received in the Past Month](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/11/13/world-kindness-day-and-random-acts-of-kindness-ive-received-in-the-past-month/) - World Kindness Day is celebrated November 13, and to commemorate that day I want to pass along the much-appreciated random acts of kindness that people in my world have done for me in the past month. 1-- I took my car to the shop because it had been decelerating -- especially when I took right
- [Things We Love About You: No-Cost Birthday Gift is Heartwarming](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/10/23/things-we-love-about-you-no-cost-birthday-gift-is-heartwarming/) - Years ago, I had an idea for a coworker -- and friend's -- birthday gift. (Probably read it somewhere and have totally forgotten the source.) It cost nothing, it's very positive and uplifting, one or more than one person can create it, and the giver(s) feel as good about it as the recipient does.The idea
- [What to Pack When You Evacuate](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/12/what-to-pack-when-you-evacuate/) - As someone who lost everything in Hurricane Hugo in 1989, here's what I learned (the hard way) about what to pack when you evacuate. You can buy new clothes, shoes, furniture and household goods if a disaster strikes. But you can't replace ... 1) Your pets. If there's a mass evacuation, hotels will take them. (Unfortunately,
- [90th Birthday Party Gift and Decoration Ideas](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/07/28/90th-birthday-party-gift-and-decoration-ideas/) - What a blessing to celebrate a 90th birthday! When a friend or relative reaches the big 9 - 0, here are some party and gift ideas for the special day: Decorations 1) Cut out a 9 and a zero on a light piece of cardboard. Find various photos of events during the birthday person's life, scan them,
- [Major Elder Care Challenge: Accompanying Hearing-Impaired Parents to Medical Appointments](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/07/10/major-elder-care-challenge-accompanying-hearing-impaired-parents-to-medical-appointments/) - I am so blessed to have two parents in their nineties who live in an independent living retirement community nearby (with a lot of help from me). My biggest elder care challenge -- as a single person with a demanding full-time job-- is accompanying my profoundly hearing-impaired parents to medical visits. When I moved them
- [Hurricane #2 -- Living 4 Miles Inland for a Category 1 Hurricane vs. Living on a Barrier Island for a Category 4 Hurricane](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/10/25/hurricane-2-living-4-miles-inland-for-a-category-1-hurricane-vs-living-barrier-island-for-a-category-4-hurricane/) - During my 30 years living in Charleston, South Carolina (ranked the #1 travel destination in the world!), I evacuated for a hurricane that made landfall 20 miles up the coast from my house twice. Though both occurrences were nerve-wracking, the second hurricane was much different from -- and easier than -- the first. Hurricane Hugo
- [Hurricane Hugo: I Lost Everything 25 Years Ago - Part 1](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/22/hurricane-hugo-lost-everything-25-years-ago-today/) - On Sept. 21-22, 1989, Hurricane Hugo -- a Category 4 storm with 135 mph sustained winds -- devastated Charleston, S.C., and my family lost everything. We lived a block from the beach in an inexpensive three-room apartment at ground level on Sullivan's Island, after our move from "up North" about four years earlier. When the
- [I Lost Everything in Hurricane Hugo 25 Years Ago - The Aftermath](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/23/hurricane-hugo-lost-everything-hurricane-hugo-25-years-ago-conclusion/) - I began the tale of Hurricane Hugo and how it destroyed all my family's possessions yesterday. Here's what happened after that. Since we were only allowed a few hours on the island, we packed our trash bags -- mine contained renter's insurance info and other paperwork from the file cabinet (still intact but waterlogged) --
- [An Adventure: Hurricane Evacuation with Elderly Parents](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/10/02/an-adventure-hurricane-evacuation-with-elderly-parents/) - Hurricane Florence was a threat to Charleston, S.C., where I live -- and where my 91- and 93-year-old parents' retirement center is -- so when the South Carolina governor issued a mandatory evacuation in September 2018, we had to head inland. I lost everything I owned 29 years before in Hurricane Hugo, so I didn't
- [15 Ways to Find Good Books to Read](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/08/28/15-ways-to-find-good-books-to-read/) - If you're an avid reader, there's nothing worse than to finish a book and not have another one waiting. Check out 15 ways to find good books to read. When you're in Target, check the "Club Picks" shelf and take photos of books you want to read. Order them from a library or buy them.
- [First Acupuncture Experience: It Didn't Hurt](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/08/07/first-acupuncture-experience-it-didnt-hurt/) - I've always been curious about acupuncture and have friends who swear it cures about everything you can think of. So when a new franchise acupuncture place opened nearby and offered a free first acupuncture session, I jumped at the chance.Modern Acupuncture was just what its name implied. The "office" part was sleek and modern with
- [Buy Unassembled Furniture and Pay Someone to Assemble the Furniture via Handy.com](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/07/24/pay-someone-to-assemble-furniture/) - Several months ago, my parents needed a new dresser in their apartment in the retirement community where they live. They didn't want to pay big bucks - but I didn't want them to use a raggedy dresser from a thrift store-- and we found the perfect solution. I bought them a high quality wood dresser
- [A Unique Workout: High Intensity Adult Trampoline Exercise Class](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/06/14/unique-workout-high-intensity-adult-trampoline-class/) - A huge indoor trampoline center near my house (Sky Zone) geared mostly to children, offers high intensity adult trampoline exercise classes. My friend Cheryl talked me into going because she knows I'm always on the lookout for unique workout challenges. What an experience! We arrived Saturday morning not knowing quite what to expect. First, they
- [Fun New Fitness Activity: Disc Golfing with Frisbees](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/03/02/fun-new-fitness-activity-disc-golfing-with-frisbees/) - If you can walk and throw a frisbee, you can take part in one of the latest fitness activities -- disc (frisbee) golfing! There's probably a course or two in your area -- and this type of golf doesn't require expensive equipment or costly greens fees, so it's a sport the whole family can enjoy.
- [Meetup Groups: A Great Way to Pursue Hobbies and Meet New People](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/15/meetup-groups-great-way-pursue-hobbies-meet-new-people/) - Have you heard about Meetup groups? Local groups are created online at www.meetup.com and are made up of people who are interested in specific activities. Meetups groups exist across the country. There are 235 Meetup groups in the greater Charleston, S.C. area (and there may be more in your area). Local groups feature dancing, yoga,
- [Big Talk Meetup Group: Great Opportunity to Discuss Deep Subjects](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/07/03/big-talk-meetup-group-great-opportunity-to-discuss-deep-subjects/) - Do you ever have the urge to discuss the meaning of life? Or delve into deep subjects like friendship, love, kindness, the best things in life, etc., and there just isn't anyone to talk to? In my town, a Big Talk Meetup group was created for just that purpose; it's open to people of all
- [19 Ways to Reduce Anxiety](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/06/26/19-ways-to-reduce-anxiety/) - I'm a definite Type A personality and have had anxiety -- the most common mental illness in the U.S. -- since my 20s; my particular symptom is a tingling or aching from my left shoulder down my arm. Fortunately, people around me don't know when I have it and I don't generally get it very
- [Stretching for Health and Fitness -- the Latest Trend](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/06/19/stretching-for-health-and-fitness/) - Stretching for health and fitness is the latest trend -- and businesses are springing up everywhere to help athletes – and nonathletes – understand the importance of stretching. Besides improving health and fitness and reducing the risk of injury, stretching feels good! It’s a great way to warm up muscles before vigorous exercise, cool down
- [Bid on Room Upgrades on Norwegian Cruise Line; You Might Win Big](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/01/23/bid-on-room-upgrades-on-norwegian-cruise-line/) - Did you know that passengers can bid on room upgrades on Norwegian cruise line? I got the opportunity to bid for a room upgrade on an upcoming trip and "won" a balcony cabin for a crazy low price.My friend Merry Ellen and I have a fabulous European cruise planned in 2018, and the itinerary is
- [Beautiful Barcelona](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/05/15/beautiful-barcelona/) - Beautiful Barcelona is one of the coolest places on the planet! The architecture is stunning - and the buildings and parks created by famed artist Antoni Gaudi are fun and funky, too. My first trip to Barcelona to embark on a Mediterranean cruise was disappointing. A missed plane connection resulted in me screeching up to
- [Norwegian Cruise to Spain and Africa: Day One](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/03/20/norwegian-cruise-to-spain-and-africa-day-one/) - My friend and travel buddy Merry Ellen and I found a cruise itinerary of a lifetime -- a 10-night cruise to Spain and Africa. The trip went along the coast of Spain, stopped at the Canary Islands and visited Morocco, Africa, too. The cruise was on Norwegian Cruise Lines, which we'd never used in our
- [Rock of Gibraltar -- A Fun Shore Excursion on a Mediterranean Cruise](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/04/24/rock-of-gibraltar-a-fun-shore-excursion-mediterranean-cruise/) - Most people have heard of the Rock of Gibraltar -- but if you're like me, you have no idea what it really is or where it's located. I got to tour Gibraltar, located off the coast of Spain -- and see the Rock -- on a shore excursion from a Norwegian cruise to North Africa
- [Riding Camels in Tangier, Africa, on a Norwegian Mediterranean Cruise](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/04/10/riding-camels-in-tangier-africa-on-a-norwegian-mediterranean-cruise-shore-excursion/) - Never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd be riding camels in Tangier, Africa, on a Norwegian Mediterranean cruise that included stops in Morocco at Casablanca and Tangier -- but that's just what I did! This fabulous cruise was originally scheduled to start and end in Barcelona, Spain, and stop in several Mediterranean ports in
- [Casablanca Shore Excursion on Norwegian Mediterranean Cruise](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/03/27/casablanca-shore-excursion-on-norwegian-mediterranean-cruise/) - Norwegian seems to be the only mainstream cruise line with a port of call in Casablanca, Morocco, in northern Africa on a Mediterranean cruise, which is why we picked that cruise for our 2018 travel adventure. Who wouldn't want to go on a Casablanca shore excursion to see sights you've only read about and seen
- [Finding Female Friends Online: Don't Laugh -- it Works!](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/18/finding-new-female-friends-online-dont-laugh-it-works/) - During certain stages of life, you may look around and realize that the number of girlfriends you hang out with has dwindled over the years. Some moved away, some have lives that are so incredibly busy there's virtually no time to get together, some may travel constantly and some have significant others that they spent
- [Workplace Solution: A Foolproof Way to Remember CAC or ID Badge](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/02/13/foolproof-way-to-remember-cac-or-id-badge/) - If you work for a government agency or high-tech business that uses a badge ID or CAC (common access card) for admittance to the premises/military base, and/or for building access and computer access, you understand how important it is to remember to take it with you everywhere. And you need a foolproof way to remember
- [Bargain Gardening: 12 Ways to Save Money on Flower Gardens and Gardening Supplies](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/04/05/bargain-gardening-12-ways-to-save-money-on-flower-gardens-and-gardening-supplies/) - Planting flowers and enjoying their colorful blossoms during the spring and summer is something a lot of people love. But it can be expensive. Bargain gardening is the way to go. Here are 12 ways to save money on flower gardens and cut the cost of gardening supplies. Buy packets of seeds at the dollar
- [Making New Friends as an Empty Nester Can Be Awkward](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/10/04/making-new-friends-as-an-empty-nester-can-be-awkward/) - Nobody ever told me that once you pass 50, a lot of your best friends get super-busy and it's almost impossible to get together. This was supposed to be the time of life when people are finished raising kids and have plenty of time to have fun and hang out. Right? But it hasn't worked
- [Brrrr: How To Stay Warm at Work in the Winter](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/01/30/how-to-stay-warm-at-work-in-the-winter/) - If you have a desk job and work for an organization -- like I do -- that keeps indoor temperatures hovering in the frigid zone (68 degrees or less) in the winter, while prohibiting space heaters, here are some tips for how to stay warm at work.One single item won't do the trick, but try
- [Watch What You Ask For: Sleeping Overnight in an Airport is NOT Glamorous or Fun](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2018/01/09/sleeping-overnight-in-an-airport-is-not-glamorous-or-fun/) - Growing up in a small town, I was fascinated by lots of things and wanted the opportunity to experience them all; one of them was sleeping overnight in an airport. Another was using crutches (see how that turned out). You can see now that something may’ve been "off" with my thinking. What can I say?
- [Some of My Favorite Products and Services](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/20/some-of-my-favorite-products/) - A lot of people write extended rants on their blogs about products or services that they find to be less than satisfactory. I've had my share of those unfortunate experiences, and have been tempted more than once to create an "I Hate XX" blog. When I calmed down I realized doing that would just spin
- [See Unlimited Movies at the Theater for $10 a Month with Movie Pass](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/11/21/see-unlimited-movies-at-theater-for-10-dollars-a-month-with-movie-pass/) - Love going to the movies but you're reluctant to pay theater prices and just wait til the movies are on DVD? Now you can see unlimited movies -- the latest releases -- for just $10 a month with Movie Pass. A librarian friend told me about Movie Pass where she and her husband each pay
- [29 Unique and Interesting Library Activities: Way More than Books](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/10/31/29-unique-and-interesting-library-activities/) - Libraries have really evolved! They're no longer austere public buildings filled with rows upon rows of books and librarians who whisper "Shhh!" Today's libraries are community centers that offer unique and interesting programs and services for every member of the family. Here's a list of some of the fun and interesting library activities offered at
- [How to Use Uber Without a Smart Phone and Use Uber with Vision Loss and Other Disabilities](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/10/17/how-to-use-uber-without-a-smart-phone-use-uber-with-vision-loss-and-other-disabilities-great-for-seniors-others/) - A member of my family, J, is legally blind and can't drive. She can't call an Uber or Lyft driver to get around, either, because driver services require passengers to use a smart phone to schedule rides and contact the driver with questions or problems via text. And she can't see the text. We recently
- [The Ugly Side of Blogging](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/30/the-mean-side-of-blogging/) - Blogging is usually a lot of fun. You can write just about anything you want -- from your heart, your head, or your funny bone. And the whole world is out there; you never know who will read your posts. Will the message cheer them up? Will it make them laugh? Will it inspire them
- [Online Dating Horror Story #2: Way Too Hairy](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/02/online-dating-horror-story-2-way-too-hairy/) - One of my most memorable - and bizarre - online dating stories was also one of my first attempts to meet a nice man after my divorce. I met J for lunch one day and we had a very nice conversation. He told me that he had been a local radio personality. Because he was
- [Online Dating Horror Story #3: Thunder and Lightning](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/04/online-dating-horror-story-3-lightning-strikes/) - Years ago, I met a man from an online dating site at a fast-food restaurant for a Coke. It turned out to be me listening to an hour-and-a-half monologue. (That happens a lot and I'm too mannerly -- or dumb -- to just get up and leave. Guess I feel sorry for the guys, even
- [Online Dating Horror Story #4: A Deli Emergency](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/05/online-dating-horror-story-4-a-deli-emergency/) - I once met a man from an online dating site for a Coke at a local restaurant. His profile said he was an engineer -- and I envisioned a well-educated professional. Since I was married to, and normally date, blue-collar guys, I was kind of excited. When my "date" began his monologue, he told me
- [Paper Bag Speed Dating -- Would You Do It?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/15/new-trend-paper-bag-speed-dating/) - A hot new trend in dating, which began in England, is a variation on speed dating -- where an equal number of men and women come to an event and are each paired off with a person of the opposite sex and given a short amount of time to talk and get to know each
- [Online Dating: Dealbreakers](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/16/online-dating-dealbreakers/) - Everybody's different, but we all have some situations that are dealbreakers when meeting and evaluating a potential boyfriend or girlfriend in person after we've connected with him or her online. While we can -- and should -- be forgiving about some traits or characteristics (because, after all, none of us are perfect), others are just
- [Bad Boss #1: Mr. Charming](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/18/bad-boss-1-mr-charming/) - Everyone has had at least one "boss from hell" during their working life, haven't they? When my son was young and I'd just bought my first house as a divorced mom, I got laid off and landed a part-time job as a computer instructor, which I really liked, when a friend told me about an acquaintance
- [Gotta Love Recycling](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/15/gotta-love-recycling/) - Isn't the idea of taking something no longer wanted and turning it into something new fascinating? It's kind of like magic. I've been into recycling for about 20 years, but the beauty of the concept was never clearer than the time I took a tour and saw how recycled tires were converted into carpeting for
- [Breakup Advice to Make you Laugh](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/26/breakup-advice/) - Save
- [The Joys of Joining a Book Club](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/27/the-joy-of-being-in-a-book-club/) - Millions of people love to read - and, for the most part, it's a solitary activity. Reading is relaxing, it's educational and you can do it almost anywhere (even while exercising on a treadmill -- see my previous blog post). The plot and characters of a good book can stay in your head for days.
- [10 Reasons to Keep a Sentence-a-Day Five Year Journal](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/21/10-reasons-to-keep-a-sentence-a-day-five-year-journal/) - Many of us kept diaries as teenagers and enjoy looking back on our record of the things we did and the friends we had -- and laughing about how we've changed. Today, our lives are busy and there's no time to indulge in detailed recordings. The perfect solution to keep a record of memories is a sentence-a-day
- [Fitbit Fitness Fun](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/22/fitbit-fitness-fun/) - I've always heard the advice that walking 10,000 steps every day is really good for your health. Although I've worked out at least three times a week for more than 30 years (Body Pump, Zumba, treadmill, etc.), I'm a writer and sit at a computer all day at work. (And until I bought a stand-up workstation
- [Zip It Drain Cleaner - a Product to Love](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/26/zip-it-drain-cleaner-a-product-to-love/) - When you find a product at the right price that really does the job - you've just gotta spread the word. If your sink or bathtub is not draining properly, this low-tech gizmo - which costs about $3 - really does the trick. In less than five minutes, you can use it to pull out
- [Great Fundraising Idea: Community Yard Sale](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/27/great-fundraising-idea/) - Plugins 1 If you have a favorite charity or group (school, church or club) you'd like to support financially, a great fundraising idea is a group yard sale on a Saturday morning. I've coordinated at least four of them for different groups over the years - and like to call them Mega Yard Sales
- [Nicest Things People Have Ever Done for Me](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/28/nicest-things-people-have-ever-done-for-me/) - Looking back over my life, I've been blessed with a wonderful family and great friends. A list of some of the nicest things people have ever done for me follows (not necessarily in this order): The owner of the Stride Rite shoe store in my small town growing up promised to give me a beautiful
- [Three Good Things -- a New Twist on a Gratitude Journal](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/31/three-good-things-a-new-twist-on-a-gratitude-journal/) - I wholeheartedly embrace the importance of being grateful for what you have and believe it's important to think about your blessings often. That's why the idea of keeping a gratitude journal appeals to me. (I also do a sentence-a-day journal entry and a Victory Log entry every day, too.) I've tried several times to keep one over
- [Things That Drive Me Crazy](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/01/things-that-drive-me-crazy/) - Everybody has pet peeves, and I'm no exception. Here are a few of the things that drive me crazy: 1) Fast food workers who don't say "thank you" 2) Fast food workers who don't speak at all. (And on the other hand, overly chatty servers aren't that great, either.) 3) Drivers who don't give a
- [Reminder Techniques:  Which are the Best?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/02/ways-to-remember-to-do-things-which-are-the-best/) - Life is busy and you've got lots of things to remember to do every day. Some of them are critical. There are many ways to prompt yourself to remember the most important tasks (besides the old-fashioned method of tying a string around your finger); see the list below with my personal favorites marked. 1) Trust your
- [Why I ♥ Yard Sales](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/04/why-i-love-yard-sales/) - I started going to yard sales many years ago, before Hurricane Hugo blew through South Carolina. For years afterwards, very few people had yard sales because many families lost everything or had extensive water and wind damage to attics and other areas used to store no-longer-needed items. My family lost all our possessions (and our renter's insurance
- [Truth is Stranger than Fiction (People Do the Weirdest Things!)](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/07/truth-is-stranger-than-fiction-people-do-the-weirdest-things/) - One of my joys in life is reading and hearing true stories about strange things people do. These aren't the everyday accounts about people who makes the news for winning a flapjack-eating contest or committing a minor crime. I love the truly wacky stories ... the weirder the better... the kinds of tales that make you
- [What Makes Summer Sweet?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/08/what-makes-summer-sweet/) - 1) The smell of freshly mown grass 2) Wearing pink shoes 3) Legs looking tan and healthy (done instantly with skin bronzer) 4) Colorful flower gardens 5) Walks on the beach 6) Wearing skirts and going barelegged (that cool air flow) 7) Savoring June 21 -- the longest day of the year 8) Clothing in
- [Clean Shirt or Bust (Bib) -- My Slightly Eccentric Solution to Keep Clothes Clean While Eating Breakfast in the Car on the Way to Work](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/16/clean-shirt-or-bust-bib-my-slightly-eccentric-solution-to-keep-clothes-clean-while-eating-breakfast-in-the-car-on-the-way-to-work/) - Like many people, I'm into multi-tasking and like to sleep until the last possible minute before heading to work each day. The perfect solution is to toast a bagel with peanut butter and fix a large Crystal Lite drink with ice, and enjoy these in the car on the 20-minute drive to work. It works
- [Victory Log: List Today's Accomplishments & Feel Good About Them](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/19/victory-log-list-everything-youve-accomplished-today/) - Did you ever have a day when you thought "I didn't get anything done today!"? Taking two minutes to do the following activity will change your mind every time! A terrific way to end your day is to take two or three minutes right before going to sleep to list in a notebook all the
- [Eyebrow Threading Experience: Give It a Try](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/10/03/eyebrow-threading-experience/) - Did you know there's an alternate method to get clean, sleek eyebrows without plucking or waxing? It's eyebrow threading. Years ago, my former boyfriend and I went a Mid-Eastern festival where we saw a woman demonstrating eyebrow threading on a volunteer from the crowd. Using very thin cotton thread (that looked about the size of
- [7 Things You May Not Know about Fitbit](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/19/xx-things-may-not-know-fitbit/) - Fitbits are so helpful in providing motivation to be more active! I've been using one for more than two years now and discovered some interesting Fitbit facts you may not know. If you push a grocery cart or walk on a treadmill and hold the bar, the Fitbit won't count all of your steps. Your
- [Edible Fruit Bouquets: They're Easy to Make and Fun to Eat](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/26/edible-fruit-bouquets-theyre-easy-make/) - Anyone who knows me will tell you I'm not into cooking. However, I am fascinated with creating fun things with fruit. I took the plunge when I hosted my son's wedding several years ago and carved watermelon baskets (filled with fruit) for the mid-August reception (which came out well). So this year when I was
- [Make a  Handy Calendar Pocket for Next Year's Appointments (5-Minute DIY)](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/02/02/make-handy-calendar-pocket-next-years-appointments-5-minute-diy/) - If you're like me, many times during the year your doctors, hair dressers or other professionals give you a card for a follow-up appointment in the next calendar year. What do you do with it? In the past, I resorted to taping the cards on the sides and bottom of the December calendar page --
- [The Old Lady Hobble: When You Sit for a Long Time, Then Walk](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/02/09/the-old-lady-hobble-when-you-sit-for-a-long-time-then-walk/) - After sitting for an extended time, when you get up, do you do the old lady hobble for the first few steps? Almost everyone grudgingly accepts that they'll get gray hair, put on some weight or wear bifocals when they age... But who thought it'd be a problem to simply stand up and walk? In
- [9 Things People Dislike about Cruises](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/02/16/things-people-dislike-cruises/) - I'm a real fan of cruise vacations -- and love the fact that you can relax around the pool or participate in numerous ship activities and shore excursions. They feed you all the time and even turn down the covers at night! However, there are a few no-so-fun things -- and here are 9 things
- [Joining the Uber Craze: My First Uber Experience](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/02/23/joining-the-uber-craze-my-first-uber-experience/) - Everybody's heard of Uber -- the service that matches drivers and passengers, but I don't know anyone over 40 who's ever used it to go anywhere. My son and daughter-in-law live in a college town, use it often and love it. I got the scoop about how to use it from them and decided to
- [Are Bloggers Narcissists?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/03/02/are-bloggers-narcissists/) - My biggest fan (my mom) has tried to get several of her friends to read my blog over the past two years. She says they all say something like, "I don't want to read about what someone had for lunch." They think people with blogs are self-absorbed egotists who write about minutiae like what color
- [Celebrating Spring in the South with Green Snow](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/03/06/celebrating-spring-in-the-south-with-green-snow/) - March 21 is the first official day of spring -- and while Northerners are still getting the white stuff, we're celebrating spring in the South with -- green snow! Every year about this time, a thick layer of green pollen covers the earth for about a week. (It was a surprise when I moved here
- [Alexa's Cool New Feature: Get Fitbit Stats on Amazon Echo](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/03/22/fitbit-stats-amazon-echo/) - Have an Amazon Echo? Have a Fitbit fitness tracker? Now you can set them up to "talk" to each other. One of the most recent tricks Alexa (the Siri-like speaker on the Amazon Echo digital assistant) can do is give you info about health and fitness stats stored in your Fitbit. No need to pause
- [Thrift Store Treasures #8](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/03/24/thrift-store-treasures-2/) - There's nothing like wearing bright spring colors again after a long winter, is there? In several thrift store trips this month, I stocked up on some warm-weather clothes and was ready for the first warm days. My treasures included: An aqua cotton and Lycra skirt -- $2.99 (estimated retail $30) Three colorful blazers -- one
- [Vacuum Storage Bags Shrink Bulky Items](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/04/12/vacuum-storage-bags-shrink-bulky-items/) - If you’re like me, you’ve seen vacuum storage bags for years and wondered whether they’d work. Could they really smoosh items like pillows and blankets to save space when you store them? My friend got some of the bags at Walmart recently when she was packing things and organizing her house to put it on
- [Brave Women Go Places Alone](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/04/19/brave-women-go-places-alone/) - Women like to go places and do things with other women because they enjoy each other's company. (And men have always joked that women even go to the restroom together at social events.) And, of course, women enjoy going out with men, too. But if there’s nobody available to attend an event or take part
- [Celebrity Equinox Review: 14 Cool Features](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/05/19/celebrity-equinox-review/) - Just came back from a 10-night solo cruise to the Mediterranean on the Celebrity Equinox -- and it was great. This ship, which holds about 2,800 passengers, is comfortable and lovely. The thing I'd read about and wanted to see first on the Equinox was the grassy lawn on the top deck -- the Lawn
- [Weight Watchers Now: Wow!](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/06/02/weight-watchers-now-wow/) - The last (and only) time I was a Weight Watchers member was 14 years ago when they offered a program at work. Got down to my goal and became a lifetime member. But somehow over the years, the weight slowly crept back. I was crazy enough to take my measurements recently (yikes!), and, believe me,
- [Childhood Activities Adults Still Love](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/06/10/childhood-activities-adults-still-love/) - Come on, admit it. There are some things from your childhood you still love. It's OK; psychologists have found that play is good for adults as well as children. About 20 years ago, I co-authored a book called Kids on the Go: Great Places to Take Kids in the Charleston Area -- and have to
- [10 Good Things in 10 Days](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/06/30/10-good-things-10-days/) - When I think about it, things have been going pretty well lately. Here are 10 good things that happened in the last 10 days.1) Got to leave work an hour early on Friday, missing a big storm and extending my relaxing evening. 2) Two people wrote me an email at work one day and said
- [Mediterranean Cruise: Lost Luggage Second Year in a Row](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/07/05/mediterranean-cruise-lost-luggage-second-year-row/) - There's apparently some jinx preventing my suitcase and me from traveling to Europe together...Last year was my first trip to Europe since high school, and I took a Mediterranean cruise on Celebrity cruise lines. My luggage got lost and didn't make it to Europe before the ship sailed. The ship's concierge was very, very helpful
- [5 Reasons Not to Buy a Car with Black Fabric Interior](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/07/07/5-reasons-not-buy-car-black-fabric-interior/) - Here are 5 reasons not to buy a car with black fabric interior. But first, a little background. I had a grueling experience buying my current car -- and learned a lot of things the hard way. However, the payoff was that the price after rebates was only $500 more than I paid in 2003
- [Super Easy Way to Clean a Grungy Tub and Make it Sparkle](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/07/26/clean-grungy-tub/) - If you have a bathtub or two that looks grimy and dull, try this easy DIY solution to clean a grungy tub and make it sparkle! When I bought my house, it was two years old and the only turnoff was that the bathtub in the master bedroom didn't look very clean. I scrubbed it
- [A Beautiful Adventure at Bulls Island, SC](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/09/26/beautiful-adventure-bulls-island-s-c/) - Visiting Bulls Island -- a pristine, unspoiled island in the Charleston, S.C. area -- is an amazing way to spend a day and an adventure you won't forget. It's a great place for walking, sunbathing, collecting shells, photography and visiting the hauntingly beautiful Boneyard Beach. When I took my first trip to Bulls shortly after Tropical
- [Traveling Solo: Why I Love Princess Cruise Lines](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/15/traveling-solo-why-love-princess-cruise-lines/) - I've gone on about 15 week-long cruises to date -- and absolutely love them. There's no more carefree way to travel. In fact, I just returned from a seven-day cruise to the Caribbean on the new Regal Princess a few hours ago! Went on a number of cruises with my parents, my sister and my
- [Tall Tower Contest -- a Fun Fundraising Event or Team-Building Challenge](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/09/18/tall-tower-contest-a-fun-fundraising-event-or-team-building-challenge/) - If you're looking for a team-building event or a fun fundraising event that costs nothing to put on and is a blast for both children and adults, try a Tall Tower contest. I've done it with adults in a work environment several times and it's exciting for the participants and the audience alike. Promoting the
- [Bored with Life? The Ultimate Boredom Buster Guide will Energize You](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/08/02/bored-with-life-ultimate-adult-boredom-buster-guide/) - "I'm bored." How many times did you whine those words as a kid? When I did, my mom would run through a list of possibilities. Ride your bike, take a walk, play tennis, read a book.... If I didn't latch on to one of those ideas, she finally said, "Well, you can help me do
- [James Patterson Bookshots: What's Up with the New Mini Books?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/08/09/james-patterson-bookshots/) - Did you know James Patterson holds the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers? If you're a diehard James Patterson fan, like I am, you may be interested in -- and surprised by -- the format of his most recent books. *This post contains affiliate links to Amazon.com, which means that
- [Attention Walmart Shoppers -- Watch Out for Crashing Car Doors](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/08/16/attention-walmart-shoppers-watch-crashing-car-doors/) - A lot of jokes have been made about offensive customers in Walmart stores; numerous videos and websites are devoted to the subject. But nobody talks about things that go on in the parking lot. Recently, I came out of Walmart, got in my car, started the engine and was ready to drive away when I
- [Embarrassing Mistakes: #6 in a Series](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/08/30/embarrassing-mistakes-6-series/) - Every time I write a blog post about embarrassing mistakes I've made, I think I've captured them all. But no, somehow there are always more... They're extremely embarrassing at the time, but they usually make me laugh for a long time afterwards, proving that this quote is true: Blessed are those who can laugh at
- [Protect Yourself from Online Dating Scammers By Using Google Image Search](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/09/13/dating-protect-yourself-from-online-dating-scammers/) - Online dating for women over 50 is, unfortunately, a mine field because scam artists abound.Before you approach a man on Match.com or respond to a message, take a good look at the photo. Scammer Clues If your first impression is "He's good looking," check again. Does he almost look like a movie star? Next, look
- [TT&T Friday Favorites - Sept. 16](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/09/16/ttt-friday-favorites-sept-16/) - I pilfered this idea, and admit it... One of my favorite bloggers (Jillee from One Good Thing by Jillee) writes an occasional post very similar to this, and I thought it'd be a fun way to discuss memorable things I come across during the week that don't merit an individual blog post. What I'm Amused
- [Check Out New Amazon Prints -- Inexpensive Prints AND Free Shipping](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/09/23/check-new-amazon-prints-prime-members-get-50-free-prints-free-shipping/) - If you have Amazon Prime and love it as much as I do, check out Amazon Prints for photo printing. Amazon Prints was introduced in early September 2016, and I use it all the time and like it. Everyday prices are great -- $.09 for 4 x 6 prints, $.58 for 5 x 7 prints,
- [Lovin' October: 6 Reasons Why October is the Best Month](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/10/03/october-best-month/) - If I had to pick a favorite month, it would be October. The days finally get cooler here in South Carolina after the long, hot summer and the comfortable weather is invigorating. The heat and humidity that sapped your energy during the summer and made you scramble from one air conditioned building to another slowly
- [The First Thing to Replace After Divorce, Separation or Breakup](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/11/08/first-thing-replace-after-divorce-separation-breakup/) - The days and weeks after a divorce, separation or breakup with a long-time lover can be filled with sadness. Many things you see, do and hear will bring back painful memories and stir up feelings. The one thing to replace after divorce, separation or breakup, for peace of mind and a quicker return to the
- [Behind the Scenes: Life of a Corporate Blogger](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/11/16/behind-scenes-corporate-blogger/) - I’m definitely into blogging, which is a good thing because I’m a writer who works in public relations and manages the communications blog for a large, international company during the day (a corporate blogger) – and am also a lifestyle blogger during non-work hours. Most businesses have created and maintain a corporate website to provide
- [What Clothes are Totally "You"? Here's My Current Fave](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/12/13/clothes-that-are-totally-you/) - In the latest issue of "O" magazine, the editors asked readers to write and describe the clothing item that's totally "you" -- which got me thinking, because it's an intriguing question... I've always loved clothes, and have had a lot of favorites during different phases of my life, but here's what immediately popped into mind
- [10 Best Life Hacks of 2016](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/12/28/best-life-hacks/) - Everyone loves to discover tricks and tips that make life easier. Here are the 10 best life hacks of 2016: To water a live Christmas tree without lying on the floor and crawling through the branches to pour into the tree stand, simply take the cardboard core from an empty wrapping paper roll, insert one
- [2017 Life Goals](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/01/02/2017-new-years-resolutions/) - A new year and a fresh start! Here are my 2017 life goals (New Year's resolutions): 1) Learn Spanish. Am excited to be taking a 14-night cruise around South America with my friend this year and we're both trying to learn as much Spanish as we can before we go. (At least she took Spanish
- [Cat Lovers Unite: Funny Cat Sayings](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/01/10/cat-lovers-unite/) - Saw this on a plaque recently and thought it was very funny -- in a dark way... And this message on a greeting card was good, too. In honor of my sweet Siamese cats Whiskers and Mittens: remembering the good times! Save Save Save Save Save Save Save
- [12 Inexpensive Ways to Learn a Foreign Language](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/01/12/inexpensive-ways-learn-foreign-language/) - I'm scheduled to take a trip-of-a-lifetime cruise this year and am intent on finding inexpensive ways to learn a foreign language before I go. My goal is to learn as much Spanish as possible beforehand sailing around South America - and to continue to learn more afterwards. Being a thrifty student, I want to stick
- [A Tribute to Amazing Women, Fabulous Females in My Life](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/01/18/a-tribute-to-amazing-women-fabulous-females-in-my-life/) - I have the honor of knowing a number of amazing women. They're not TV stars, supermodels or national celebrities, but each one has my respect and admiration for a life well lived and for being a fabulous female and an inspiring role model. My sister J had a brain tumor 20 years ago, and, despite
- [Never Lose Your Keys Again with Tile Mate](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/01/27/never-lose-your-keys-again-with-tile-mate/) - If you're like me, every five or ten years, you lose your key ring and everything on it -- and it always happens at an inopportune time. Downside to losing your keys It's frustrating -- not too many things make you feel like a bigger dummy! It's expensive -- since many cars now (including mine)
- [South America Cruise Buenos Aires Shore Excursion](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/02/23/south-america-cruise-buenos-aires/) - When we arrived in South America, we took a bus from the airport to the cruise ship docked in the terminal in Buenos Aires to begin our adventure. Buenos Aires port The port was certainly different from any one I'd ever been in on a previous cruise! It was a "working" port, filled with huge
- [I Am the Woman I Am Today Because My Mother...](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/02/28/i-am-the-woman-i-am-today-because-my-mother/) - Always made me return the shopping cart to the store. She said only lazy people left them in the parking lot (horrors). Made my sister and me get out of the car on the main road several times to pick up debris so other cars wouldn't be damaged by it (it was a small town,
- [South America Cruise: Adventures in Punta Del Este, Uruguay](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/03/07/south-america-cruise-punta-del-este-uruguay/) - If you're like me, you've never heard of Punta Del Este, Uruguay. (It's very close to Buenos Aires, Argentina.) I went there on a cruise around South America, and discovered it's a very cool place. Here's my story: On the third day of our cruise, my friend Merry Ellen and I took a shore excursion
- [South American Cruise: Penguin Rookery at Punta Tombo National Reserve, Argentina](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/03/14/south-american-cruise-penguins/) - Visiting a penguin rookery is an amazing adventure!The closest I've ever come to seeing a live penguin is looking at a photo in a book, so I jumped at the chance to visit a penguin colony on a shore excursion during a cruise around South America. To get there, we took a three-hour bus trip
- [South America Cruise: A Day in the Falkland Islands](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/03/21/falkland-islands/) - Before my South America cruise, I'd never heard of the Falkland Islands -- a remote group of 700+ islands off the tip of South America -- but a day exploring Stanley, the capital on the largest island, was really fun. The cruise ship anchored offshore and we took a tender to the largest island --
- [How to Get a 5 Percent Discount Every Day at 3 Popular Stores](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/03/23/three-stores-with-a-5-percent-discount-every-day/) - Many stores have occasional sales, but these three stores are unique because they give you 5 percent off the purchase price of everything you buy every day. And those 5 percent discounts add up over the course of a year! Check out the following stores: Target. Their prices are low to begin with, but on
- [The Know-It-All: A Book Review](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/04/04/know-it-all-a-book-review/) - The Know-It-All was so good! It's the quirky-but-true story of A.J. Jacobs, a 35ish New York City magazine editor who undertakes a one-year odyssey to read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica so he can become the "smartest person in the world." When I was growing up, my family had a white leather-bound World Book encyclopedia set
- [Amazon Echo Look: The Follow-Up to Amazon Echo and Amazon Dot](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/04/29/amazon-look-the-follow-up-to-amazon-echo-and-amazon-dot/) - If you own and use an Amazon Echo or an Amazon Dot like I do, you're probably pretty impressed with the things Alexa can do. And now Amazon is introducing a follow-up product that sounds intriguing.The new Amazon Echo Look hands-free camera and style assistant appeals to the inner worrier in all of us. It's
- [Beware of Thin-Soled Sandals: What to Do When You Get Blisters on the Balls of Your Feet](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/05/16/what-to-do-when-you-get-blisters-on-balls-of-feet/) - There are so many cute sandals! But before you buy the next pair, keep this in mind: sandals with ultra-thin soles can result in days of misery! While they're comfy enough for a meal at a restaurant, the movies or a day of sitting at a sedentary job, sandals with no padding in the sole
- [Fitbit Charge 2 Review: Vastly Superior to Fitbit Charge HR](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/05/30/how-fitbit-charge-2-differs-from-fitbit-charge-hr/) - My Fitbit Charge HR got waterlogged recently (don't turn upside down in a kayak while wearing it) and quit working, so I had to buy a new fitness tracker. Another Charge HR wasn't an option -- since it's being discontinued -- so I chose a Fitbit Charge 2 to replace it. The following Fitbit Charge
- [16 Helpful Tips for a Broken Leg, Broken Foot or Broken Ankle](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/06/13/16-helpful-tips-for-broken-foot-or-broken-leg/) - If you have a broken ankle, broken leg or broken foot, chances are it's a new experience -- and you can use some helpful tips to make life as easy as possible during your recovery. Here are some things I discovered (the hard way) when I broke my right foot shortly after my son left
- [Super Fun Fundraiser: Container Garden Contest and Silent Auction](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/06/27/super-fun-fundraiser-container-garden-contest-and-silent-auction/) - A container garden contest and silent auction is a unique and fun fundraiser that can produce big results; I coordinated this event in my workplace at a government agency and it was an incredible hit. A lot of people -- both men and women -- enjoy gardening. And even more people don't have green thumbs
- [Super Fun Fundraising: Make Money with a 2017 Eclipse Fundraiser](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/07/04/super-fun-fundraising-make-money-with-the-2017-eclipse-fundraiser/) - Who would have ever thought that a natural phenomenon would be the source of so many super-fun fundraising possibilities...? And the opportunity for an eclipse fundraiser doesn't come along very often, either! Promoting items related to the upcoming Great American Eclipse of 2017 (Aug. 21) can be a tremendous money-maker for your group or organization,
- [9 MORE Super Fun Fundraising Ideas to Raise Big Bucks](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/07/11/10-more-super-fun-fundraising-ideas/) - If you want to raise funds for a charitable cause, employee services association at work, or any other reason, sometimes it's hard to hit on a winning idea. Here are 9 MORE Super Fun Fundraising Ideas to supplement my original post of 16 Super Fun Fundraising Ideas. 1) Hold an indoor yard sale and give
- [Escape Room: A Unique and Interesting Adventure with Friends](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/07/18/escape-room-a-unique-interesting-adventure-with-friends/) - Escape rooms (also known as escape games) have been springing up everywhere. If you've never heard of them or experienced one, keep reading... The idea behind escape rooms is for people (who know each other or random strangers) to participate in a physical group event where they solve clues to escape from a room in
- [Having an Eclipse Party? Head to Target for Fun Supplies](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/08/15/eclipse-party-target-supplies/) - The 2017 Great American Eclipse is a great opportunity for a party. For eclipse-y food, costumes and supplies, head to Target for some great ideas. (This is not a sponsored post; I just love Target!) Spent a fun couple of hours in Target today looking for supplies for our Space Fashion Show & Eclipse Costume
- [Thrift Store Treasures #9 -- Great Bargain Finds](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/06/06/thrift-store-treasures-9/) - The pace of my thrift store shopping has slowed a little, but my excitement about thrift store treasures will never diminish! Here are some bargain finds I bought in the last few months: A Rio Beach SPF 50 Sun Screening 6 ft. Beach Umbrella -- new and in the bag with tags — $4.49 (estimated
- [Thrift Store Treasures #10](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/09/12/thrift-store-treasures-10/) - My most recent thrift store treasures include a lot of fun casual tops and a cute shower curtain.My favorite clothing brand from the local Belks department store is Ruby Road -- because the clothes are colorful and cute, but not too ("look at me") wild. The clothing line is high quality and fashionable, but it's
- [3 Things Thursday: Exuberant, Uplifted and ... Lonely in a Crowd](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/08/31/3-things-thursday-exuberant-uplifted-and-lonely-in-a-crowd/) - I know these three things don't seem to go together... but last Wednesday night -- and quite a few Wednesdays before that -- I felt all these emotions during the course of an hour. Have you ever been lonely in a crowd? I'm a big Zumba fan, and the class I always attend is on
- [Decluttering Continued: An Inexpensive Way to Organize Outdoor Flags](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/08/29/inexpensive-way-to-organize-outdoor-flags/) - For years, I've been a fan of large outdoor flags that festoon the house and wave gaily from a pole on the front porch. But I needed an inexpensive way to organize the outdoor flags. When you buy flags for every season or holiday, they serve as giant exterior decorations. You can also use them
- [The #1 Packing Tip You Need to Know](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/22/number-one-packing-tip-you-need-to-know/) - The primary question to ask yourself before you begin packing is: What are the things that, if I forget them, could make me miserable or ruin my trip? Items vary for everyone -- but if you think in terms of what you won't be able to purchase or obtain easily, inexpensively or at all -- on the road,
- [Why I Love Solo Cruising](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/07/06/solo-cruising-featured-in-emerald-solo-cruisers-guide/) - I got hooked on cruises about 20 years ago, and have gone on about 15 or 20 of them since then. In my opinion, it's the only way to travel! I started cruising with family, friends and a boyfriend, and, after a breakup with the cruising boyfriend, ended up traveling alone once. After that, I
- [No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: Best of Intentions Can Backfire Big-Time](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/08/01/no-good-deed-goes-unpunished-best-intentions-can-backfire-big-time/) - Ever hear the saying "No good deed goes unpunished"? I didn't understand what it meant til I was in my 40s, but that's when I discovered that doing things out of the goodness of your heart to help someone doesn't always end well! The best intentions occasionally backfire big-time. Some examples of things that happened
- [Hotel Rooms: You Get What You Pay For](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/07/25/hotel-rooms-you-get-what-you-pay-for/) - When staying at hotels while traveling, getting a good room depends a little on luck, but typically, I've found that with hotel rooms you get what you pay for. This was driven home by a recent experience at the hotel from hell -- where thinking about my "bargain priced" hotel room still makes me shudder.
- [Aerial Adventure Park: A Unique and Exciting Fitness Experience](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/11/05/aerial-adventure-park-a-unique-and-exciting-fitness-experience/) - A trip to an aerial adventure park is something everyone should try! As you perform each of the above-ground challenges, your emotions range from slightly scared to euphoric. It's an exhilarating experience to put your body to the test and find that you can do more than you think you can! The adventure park my
- [Sixteen Super Fun Fundraising Ideas](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/02/sixteen-superfun-fundraising-ideas/) - If you have a work-related charity drive and want to sponsor activities to raise funds, improve morale and entertain employees, here are some ideas. We've held these events where I work, and I volunteered to run most of them. They were all fun! **NEW - BONUS** Super-Fun Eclipse Fundraiser; see details **NEW** Compliment Event.
- [Super Fun Fundraising Idea Inspired by "The Donald"](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/09/25/super-fun-fundraising-idea-inspired-by-the-donald/) - You can host a unique and amusing fundraising event to benefit your favorite charity -- by cashing in on the notoriety of "The Donald." Simply hold a Trump Impersonation contest. Invite big-haired Trump look-alikes to present a bodacious 30-second "campaign speech" about why audience members should support your charity, and let the judges decide which
- [Weird Excuses for Being Late to and from Work](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/27/weird-excuses-late-work/) - You hear about people making crazy excuses for things (like "the dog ate my homework") but here are a few bona fide reasons I've been late to work and getting home from work. 1) On my first day at work on my current job, a wild boar escaped from a vehicle transporting it on the
- [Decluttering and Organizing the Refrigerator: An Amazing Transformation](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/06/20/decluttering-organizing-refrigerator-amazing-transformation/) - As part of my home decluttering project (OK, it was my 2016 New Year's resolution, but who says it can't continue in 2017?) I recently took my frig from chaos to calm. Decluttering and organizing the refrigerator resulted in an amazing transformation. The freezer looked good because I decluttered that with organizer bins, but the
- [Confessions of an Adult Learning to Swim](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/09/confessions-of-an-adult-learning-to-swim/) - I had a rather depressing milestone birthday this year and around the same time, a friend asked if I'd like to participate in a women's empowerment mini-triathlon in September with her. It sounded like an intriguing idea - just what I needed this year to prove to myself I'm not yet "over the hill." The
- [South American Souvenirs](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/04/25/souvenirs-from-south-america/) - South American souvenirs are different from things you'd pick up in the Caribbean islands or in Europe. For one thing, there were fewer shopping opportunities than on other trips I've taken. The area in and around the Patagonia is wide open country, with ranches and very few commercial centers. And I had no idea what
- [Weird Vacation Incidents on My South America Cruise](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/04/18/weird-incidents-on-my-south-america-cruise/) - Whenever I travel with Merry Ellen, we have weird experiences ("adventures" as we like to call them).On a trip-of-a-lifetime 14-night cruise around South America, the following things happened and we're still laughing about them. The incidents started with the shop in the Buenos Aires airport (below). International travel usually involves time changes, but where do
- [South American Cruise: Ushuaia, Argentina -- the End of the World](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/04/11/south-american-cruise-ushuaia-argentina-the-end-of-the-world/) - If you occasionally have a bad day and want to take off for the "end of the earth," Ushuaia, Argentina, is the place for you. It's the last city on the southernmost tip of the South American continent, followed only by water and the continent of Antarctica. On my cruise around South America, the shore
- [Kindness Counts: Make the World a Better Place](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/03/28/kindness-counts-make-world-better-place/) - Kindness counts. One day shortly after I arrived at work, a little voice inside my head said, "So how are you going to make the world a better place today?" It was a novel idea at the time and I had no idea what prompted it. But it made sense, and it resounded with me.
- [Crown Princess Review: South America Cruise](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/02/21/crown-princess-review/) - Took a once-in-a-lifetime 14-night cruise around South America on the Crown Princess -- and it was fabulous! Here's a review of the ship: The ship's decor is beautiful. The design has a heavy Italian influence with lots of gold. I'd guess that the average age of guests on this particular cruise was 70-75 and I
- [Blown Away by January 21st Women's March on Washington](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/01/21/blown-away-by-january-21st-womens-march-on-washington-and-cities-around-the-world/) - Millions of women (and men and children) around the world joined in the Women's March today -- Jan. 21, 2017 -- in solidarity to stand up for women's rights and to send a powerful message to recently sworn-in President Donald Trump and all other men who belittle, insult and degrade women by their attitudes, their
- [Get Through Crises Without Going Crazy: Meet with Your Own Personal Board of Directors](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/03/10/get-through-crises-without-going-crazy-meet-with-your-own-personal-board-of-directors/) - In the business world, organizations are required to have an official board of directors to provide direction and direct business strategy. And individuals can create an informal board of directors to get advice and feedback on challenging life situations, too! For many years I've considered my family and best girlfriends to be my sounding boards
- [My 2016 Word of the Year -- and 247 Ideas for Yours](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/05/2016-word-year/) - It's not in the Microsoft Word dictionary, but in my book -- it's a real word, and a real thing. And I'm gonna do it to my house, my car, my workspace, my body (hopefully) and my life in 2016! My word of the year for 2016 is DECLUTTER. Synonyms: Dejunk, tidy, pare down, remove
- [Mixed Results on 2016 Life Goals](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2017/01/03/mixed-results-2016-life-goals/) - Think I did somewhat better on my 2016 life goals (resolutions) than the ones from the year before... Had big plans to declutter every room in the house -- one area a week. Well, that lasted about three months and then I "fell off the wagon." But... I did declutter the garage (a major accomplishment),
- [Super Simple: How to Make a Pine Christmas Wreath in 45 Minutes](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/09/how-to-make-pine-christmas-wreath/) - If you'd asked me years ago, I would've told you making a pine Christmas wreath must be really hard, and I could never do that. But then I bought a Martha Stewart wreath-making book, read how to do it and everything changed. (See the blog post later this week about my annual wreath-making parties.) It's
- [Hotel Antics: Cringe-Worthy Travel Trouble](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/11/29/hotel-antics-cringe-worthy-travel-trouble/) - In magazines and on TV, people take trips and relax in peace and quiet in their well-appointed, spacious hotel rooms with all the comforts imaginable. They come and go, full of smiles, on interesting outings and loving visits to family members. Unfortunately, some of my hotel experiences have been the polar opposite. #1 - My
- [Two Great Holiday Bargains Thru Nov. 28, 2016  -- from Amazon and Target](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/11/27/holiday-bargains-amazon-and-target/) - Nothing better than getting holiday bargains! Here are a couple great ones. 1) Most Target purchases are 15% off Sun., Nov. 27 and Mon., Nov. 28,2016, including some grocery items. I shopped there Sunday evening and saved $10! The discount applies in stores and online at target.com, too. Plus, Target offers free shipping (no minimum
- [18 Fun Family Christmas Activities](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/12/22/fun-family-christmas-activities/) - Here are 18 fun holiday activities to entertain everyone and keep things lively. Buy, borrow or rent a karaoke machine and take turns belting out tunes Give everyone colored pens or crayons and color in coloring books (adult coloring books are a big trend right now and you can download pages to color at no
- [How to Host a Fun Girlfriends Wreath Making Party](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/10/host-fun-girlfriends-wreath-making-party/) - Nearly every year for the last 15 or so, I've held a wreath making party for my girlfriends. Some years, I have two parties with two different groups of women because they're so much fun. Everyone always seem to enjoy them, too. Making a pine Christmas wreath is super simple (see my recent blog post
- [Amazon Echo: An Awesome Gift](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/11/19/amazon-echo-an-awesome-gift/) - It's just a slim black cylinder, but -- oh, the things the Amazon Echo can do! I own one and love it! The Echo is a very cool gift for anyone - from grammar schooler to nonagenarian. It's fun -- and functional -- for everyone, and makes a great family gift. The Echo would also
- [What's Up with the Pinterest Poop Pictures? Cut it Out!](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/11/04/whats-up-with-pinterest-poop-pictures-cut-it-out/) - In my opinion, one of the simple pleasures in life is taking some time to relax and scroll through the Pinterest website to enjoy great photography and read entertaining articles. I don't have a clue how Pinterest feeds work to determine what appears on people's screens -- I just know it's based on a complex
- [Decluttering the Freezer and Organizing with Storage Bins](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/11/01/decluttering-freezer-organizing-with-storage-bins/) - My freezer was a jumbled mess! And it was the only part of my kitchen I hadn't decluttered as part of my 2016 decluttering project. I had no idea how to organize a freezer, either -- but browsing Pinterest photos and articles saved the day. The first step was to buy some plastic containers
- [Please Don't Hug or Kiss Me at Work - It's Called Sexual Harassment](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/05/please-dont-hug-or-kiss-me-at-work-its-called-sexual-harassment/) - I've never been big on hugging. Especially people I don't know very, very well. My girlfriends always kid me about it. You'd think avoiding unwanted touching would be something a person could easily avoid. Well, it's a lot like my theory that dogs can sense when someone doesn't like them, and they sniff and pester
- [Twenty of the Best Bargains of My Life](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/06/best-bargains-of-my-life-part-1/) - I've always been an avid shopper - starting at the age of ten. My mom and sister and I would go to the big department stores in downtown Pittsburgh and split up and meet in a few hours. The stores were close together, but in between them, I discovered a used book store. What a
- [Fitbit Fun -- Ten Months Later](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/11/06/fitbit-fun-ten-months-later/) - Got a Fitbit Force fitness tracker for Christmas 2013 (although it was backordered and didn't arrive til late January 2014) and I can truly say I've loved it. It's helped me greatly increase my activity level! I've worn it 24/7 for ten months now, and it's been eye-opening to see how much -- and how little --
- [Things NOT to Sell at a Yard Sale](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/21/things-not-to-sell-at-a-yard-sale/) - I've been to hundreds of yard sales over the years and have held more than 20 yard sales, too -- and realize that there are just some things nobody wants to buy! Check the list below for things NOT to sell at a yard sale: 1) Used underpants. Ick. Saw a bunch of women's undies
- [25 Adult Advent Calendar Gift Ideas](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/11/19/adult-advent-calendar-gift-ideas/) - Advent calendars have been used to mark the days until Christmas for thousands of years. Today, they've become a fun way for kids and adults alike to count down the days in December -- and they offer you a chance to add to the holiday excitement by providing loved ones with a small daily treat leading up
- [Memories of Holiday Mishaps](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/03/memories-holiday-mishaps/) - Merry mayhem! Seems like every Christmas, there's a little snafu ... and usually you can laugh about it later. Here are a few of my holiday adventures. 1) Years ago, a cylindrical, glass deodorant container rolled off a nearby shelf and was flushed down the toilet in the single bathroom of our small apartment on
- [Fall Fun at a Women's Adventure Weekend in Brevard, North Carolina](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/10/20/fall-fun-womens-adventure-weekend-brevard-north-carolina/) - Ever since I moved South, have wanted to "go to the mountains" in the fall like so many other Southerners do. This year I finally did -- and had a fabulous time. Departed from home on Friday morning with four women in my walking Meetup group, including the leader, Rita. We carpooled to Brevard, North
- [22 More Adult Advent Calendar Gift Ideas](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/10/13/more-adult-advent-calendar-gift-ideas/) - Adult advent calendars are fun to put together and can be a big hit for grown-ups of all ages. Who wouldn't want to open a different present every day for the first 25 days of December? Here are 21 more low-cost adult advent calendar gift ideas. Also, check out the first 25 items described in
- [A Great Way to Make Safe Craigslist Sales Transactions](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/09/27/make-safe-craigslist-sales-transactions/) - Did you ever want to buy or sell something on Craigslist or through websites such as Ebay or Facebook swap pages, but were concerned about safety while making the transaction? A few years ago, a man in my area listed bargain furniture on Craigslist -- and sexually assaulted a woman who came to his house
- [Unforgettable for All the Wrong Reasons - #1 in a Series of Embarrassing Mistakes](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/24/unforgettable-wrong-reasons-series-of-embarrassing-mistakes/) - Everybody "makes mistakes" occasionally. (When my son was small and did something wrong, he'd say "Oopsie..." in his cute little boy voice.) Six of my dumbest moves are listed below. (Some things happened many years ago, but I still shake my head and sort of blush thinking about them...) 1) While walking quickly through a
- [Is Your Glass Half Full -- of Iced Coffee?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/09/06/is-your-glass-half-full-of-iced-coffee/) - A man named Alexander Forouzesh recently brought a lawsuit against Starbucks because the baristas there filled his iced coffee cup half full of ice, essentially giving him only half a cup of cold coffee. While I do see the need for ice in iced coffee (!), I agree with and understand his displeasure at getting
- [Record Child's Holiday Experiences in a Christmas Memories Book](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/08/how-to-document-holiday-experience-in-christmas-memories-book/) - Christmas is for children -- and it's a time when memories are made that are treasured for a lifetime. And there's an easy way to document your child's holiday experiences with gifts, grandparents, good food and more. Simply buy or make a Christmas Memories Book. Each year, spend half an hour after the holidays summarizing
- [Highs and Lows of July and August 2016](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/09/01/highs-lows-july-august-2016/) - It's been a few months since I published the highs and lows of life, so here's a catcher-upper. Highs --Took a 4 day road trip to visit my son in grad school and his wife. We had a nice dinner out. Left the next morning to visit my friend Joy who moved last year and
- [How to Add a Low-Cost Reading Rack to a Treadmill to Make Walking More Fun](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/25/how-to-add-a-reading-rack-to-a-treadmill/) - I routinely walk on a treadmill at least twice a week - both at home and in the gym, and as an avid multi-tasker, I always read while walking. It's great, because if you're reading a good book the time goes by very quickly! (I know some people can't do this because it makes them
- [Feel Good About Yourself: List Two Hundred Accomplishments](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/03/feel-good-about-yourself-list-two-hundred-accomplishments/) - During a period of low self-esteem years ago, I read an article that suggested everyone should compile a list of two hundred accomplishments to date. The author guaranteed it would be a confidence-builder and a mood enhancer. My immediate reaction was that there was no way I had 200 achievements to list. But when I
- [Stand-Up Computer Desks: Great Way to Get Healthier While Using the Computer](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/08/23/stand-up-computer-desks/) - Have you heard? Sitting is the new smoking. Doctors and scientists are encouraging people to get out of their chairs and be more active during the day, even if they work in an office environment. That's a great reason to look into using a stand-up computer desk. I've been using them at home and at
- [16 Ways to Save Money on Cruises](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/05/26/save-money-cruises/) - If you're frugal all year long (like me) so you can indulge in a cruise or two, you want to be sure your hard-earned cash goes as far as possible! Here are some suggestions to save money on cruises: Save money on airport parking by having an Uber driver take you to the airport to
- [Mediterranean Cruise to Malta](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/06/07/mediterranean-cruise-malta/) - If you're like me, you may have vaguely heard of Malta but don't really know where it is or much about it. That's why it was fun to spend a day there on a Mediterranean cruise to Malta! The boat docked at Valletta and I took a Grand Malta Highlights shore excursion, trying to visit
- [12 Reasons Cruises are Better than Land Vacations](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/06/28/12-reasons-cruises-are-better-than-land-vacations/) - Cruising is awesome -- and, in my opinion, cruises are better than land vacations any day. Here's why: Cruising is easy. Just pack your bags, get to the ship, and let the crew take care of everything else for the rest of your vacation. No driving, no navigating, no worries. You get to stay in
- [Find Lost Fitbit, Get a Free Fitbit Replacement](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/07/19/find-lost-fitbit-get-a-free-fitbit-replacement/) - One evening, I went to get a massage and took off my Fitbit. I put it in my purse, and saw it glowing in the pocket when I picked it up to go, but by the time I got home and decided to put it on, it had disappeared. Looked everywhere and couldn't find it.
- [Fitbit Charge Review (New Fitbit Product to Replace Fitbit Force)](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/05/fitbit-charge-review-new-product-replace-fitbit-force-november-2014/) - I'm a die-hard Fitbit enthusiast, and used the original Fitbit Force for ten months until it fell apart and I regretfully returned it under the company's product recall. However, after getting in the groove of tracking steps every day and finally reaching the point where I'd average 10,000 steps a day, I couldn't stand not wearing
- [Don't Lose Your Fitbit! A Fabulous Fitbit Accessory to Keep the Clasp from Opening](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/03/05/fabulous-fitbit-accessory-to-keep-the-clasp-from-opening/) - If you love your Fitbit -- like I do -- but worry about it coming unhooked and falling off your wrist, fret no more. A fabulous Fitbit accessory to keep the clasp from opening and the device from falling off is available. *This post contains an affiliate link to Amazon.com, which means that if you click on
- [Fitbit Fun: 22 Months Later](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/10/22/fitbit-22-months-later/) - Fitbits are getting more and more popular -- and everyone knows at least one person who has one. I've been using a Fitbit for 22 months now -- a Fitbit Force for a year and Fitbit Charge for 10 months -- and still love it. Fitbit Benefits The best thing about tracking your steps with
- [Fitbling: A Fun Fitbit Accessory](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/12/fitbling-fun-fitbit-accessory/) - Love using a Fitbit -- and have had one on my arm day and night for more than two years. The only problem is -- it looks pretty plain and functional (even the wrist-slimming, ever-popular black). That's why when I read about Fitbling and saw photos of it, I was sold! Fitbling is bling that
- [Weird Solo Travel Experiences](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/07/12/solo-travel-weird-experiences/) - They say traveling is an adventure, and that's definitely true. These weird solo travel experiences occurred on a recent cruise to the Mediterranean. The first adventure took place when I got to the airline check-in counter and the agent told me my suitcase weighed 61 lbs. -- a whopping 11 lbs. over the limit. I
- [See the USA and Create a Map of All The Places You've Been](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/06/23/see-the-usa-create-map-of-places-youve-been/) - The next time you're sitting around with family and friends, pull up this website for an entertaining activity and a great conversation starter. It's fun and it doesn't cost a cent! Put this address in your browser and ask the other person to name all the states he or she has visited. The answers may
- [Mediterranean Cruise to the Greek Islands and Venice... Off to a Bumpy Start](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/08/19/mediterranean-cruise-to-greek-islands-and-venice-off-to-bumpy-start/) - One of my most fun friends, M, and I went on a "cruise-of-a-lifetime" trip to the Mediterranean this month. And we laughed all the way through Italy, Montenegro (who knew that was a country?) and Greece. I checked my jumbo suitcase with my best cruise clothes through to Venice, boarded a plane in Charleston, S.C.,
- [Mediterranean Cruise -- An Adventure in Montenegro](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/08/20/mediterranean-cruise-an-adventure-in-montenegro/) - A trip to the Mediterranean has been at the top of my travel wish list for years, and I recently returned from a great seven-night Mediterranean cruise with an extra night in Venice at the end. Am now madly in love with both Italy and Greece; they're both so charming! You always see the photos
- [Mediterranean Cruise: A Day in Santorini, Greece, Climbing a Volcano and Exploring a Mountaintop Village](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/08/24/mediterranean-cruise-a-day-in-santorini-the-gorgeous-greek-island/) - When the ship dropped anchor in the Aegean Sea off the island of Santorini on the fourth day of our Mediterranean cruise, we had a fantastic view of charming white-washed buildings on the mountain top -- and the surrounding deep blue water. We were surprised, though, that the houses weren't built all the way up
- [Mediterranean Cruise: A Day at the Beach in Katakolon, Greece](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/08/25/mediterranean-cruise-a-day-at-the-beach-in-katakolon-greece/) - By the last day ashore of our Mediterranean cruise, we were pretty tired from the all-day shore excursions in the preceding days and decided to go to the beach at the port of Katakolon. (The port is also near Olympia, the site of ancient Greek Olympic games, but we'd already seen the site of the
- [Mediterranean Cruise: Touring Athens](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/08/31/mediterranean-cruise-touring-athens/) - On the fifth day of our Mediterranean cruise, the ship docked in Pireaus, a port about seven miles from Athens. We had 12 hours to spend there and didn't want to waste a minute! We met our tour guide for the shore excursion early and went by bus to the Acropolis, which is the big hill where
- [Mediterranean Cruise: Fabulous Venice](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/09/03/mediterranean-cruise-fabulous-venice/) - At the end of our Mediterranean cruise, my friend M and I got off the ship and stayed an extra night in Venice before returning to the U.S. (We didn't want to just fly in, get on the ship, get off the ship and fly home without seeing the sights!) We took a water bus,
- [Mediterranean Cruise: The $847 Hotel Room](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/09/10/mediterranean-cruise-the-847-hotel-room/) - Have you ever stayed at a hotel that costs $847 a night? It sounds like something a rock star would do, doesn't it? My vacation fund is zeroed out, but here's my experience at a European luxury hotel. At the end of a seven-night Mediterranean cruise, my friend M and I wanted to spend
- [Mediterranean Cruise: Weird Incidents](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/09/15/mediterranean-cruise-weird-incidents/) - Am almost ready to wrap up the series of blog posts about my recent Mediterranean cruise. But there were too many weird incidents to not mention them... My luggage was lost - forever. Not at the end of the trip, but at the beginning. Ten days wearing the same two outfits. Both my friend M
- [Mediterranean Cruise: Souvenirs from Italy and Greece](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/09/17/mediterranean-cruise-souvenirs-from-italy-and-greece/) - Shopping in Greece and Italy was so much fun on my Mediterranean cruise! The shops had so many great souvenirs -- and at reasonable prices, too. Italy is famous for leather goods, and I couldn't resist getting a black leather tote bag -- something I've always wanted. (Had to drag it around with me all
- [Mediterranean Cruise: Palma de Majorca](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/05/24/mediterranean-cruise-palma-de-majorca/) - If you're up for a tour of Western Europe from a lovely, floating hotel, try a 10-night Mediterranean cruise like I took -- to Palma de Majorca, Corsica, Malta, Sicily, Naples, Rome, Florence and Pisa. It was wonderful! Before signing up for this cruise, though, I had to look up Malta, Corsica and Palma de
- [Mediterranean Cruise: Amalfi Coast and Capri](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/06/21/mediterranean-cruise-amalfi-coast-capri/) - After taking a shore excursion along the Amalfi Coast while docked at Naples, Italy, during a Mediterranean cruise, I decided that one of my new favorite locations in the world is the island of Capri. The description of the 10-hour day trip portrayed it as "breathtaking landscapes of Amalfi Coast and Capri, Italy's glamorous seaside
- [Decluttering Kitchen Cabinets: ALL of Them at Once](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/04/07/decluttering-kitchen-cabinets/) - I vowed to declutter my entire house during 2016 and even picked "declutter" as my 2016 word of the year. Have done pretty well so far -- and my biggest accomplishments to date have been decluttering the entire garage (which was a horrible mess) and cleaning and organizing the kitchen pantry and the linen closet
- [Highs and Lows of May](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/06/01/highs-lows-may/) - Highs Went on a solo 10-night Mediterranean cruise! It was wonderful! Just love the houses in Italy stacked on the mountainsides, and my favorite place was the island of Capri (pictured below). Still had the "vacation glow" a week after going back to work -- that's a record! My parents came to visit and --
- [Life Hacks and a Laugh: Three Things I'm Loving Lately - Handy Tank Top Hangers, Suitcase Connector, Fit B****](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/05/17/life-hacks-and-a-laugh-three-things-im-loving-lately-handy-tank-top-hangers-suitcase-connector-fitbit/) - During the past week or so, three things really struck me. 1) I love my FitBit, but sometimes it can be annoying when you check it out and find you're not anywhere near your goal. A guy at my exercise class told me the other night that he calls his device his Fit Bitch --
- [Finally Finished Decluttering Kitchen Cabinets: What an Accomplishment!](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/04/26/decluttering-kitchen-cabinets-2/) - Several weeks ago, I took every single thing out of most of my kitchen cabinets. Piles of dishes, containers, mixing bowls, cookbooks, plates and napkins, serving dishes, ice buckets, vases, light bulbs, coolers, dish towels, aprons and more covered my kitchen and computer room floor. It was pretty overwhelming. I felt like I had to
- [Highs and Lows of March](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/03/31/highs-lows-march/) - Nothing momentous happened in March, but nothing bad did, either! Highs I finished decluttering both the garage and the kitchen counter -- which were both huge jobs! And they both look so much better! Signed up for another cruise to the Mediterranean -- to different places from last year's cruise. That's really something fun to
- [Decluttering the Kitchen Counter -- Weeks 11 and 12 of 52](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/03/29/decluttering-the-kitchen-counter-weeks-11-and-12-of-52/) - The stacks of paperwork and general chaos on my kitchen counter has been driving me crazy for a while now! Although most of the papers are jam-packed in containers, you can see there's a lot of them -- as well as quite a few other miscellaneous things -- and it looks super messy. And it's
- [FlyLady's Simple Tips to Help You Become a Neater Housekeeper Really Work](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/11/18/flyladys-simple-tips-to-help-you-become-a-neater-housekeeper-really-work/) - If you'd really like to be a better housekeeper -- but are overwhelmed and don't know where to begin -- go to www.flylady.net, look over the website and sign up for free reminders. Then take the plunge and adopt a few simple but basic FlyLady routines -- one at a time -- and prepare to
- [Decluttering the Garage: Weeks 9 and 10 of 52](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/03/15/decluttering-the-garage-weeks-9-and-10-of-52/) - Confession: I've never cleared out my garage -- and have lived in this house a long time. When my son was growing up, I tried to close my eyes to the jumble every night when I parked the car inside. (After all, kids -- and moms -- accumulate a lot of stuff.) And not worry
- [Decluttering the Bathroom -- Week 8 of 52](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/03/04/decluttering-the-bathroom/) - My first floor half bath gets a lot of use, but I haven't cleaned out the cabinet for many years. And since I had sinus surgery last year-- to stay healthy, I have to use a saline spray made with distilled water once or twice every day. Unfortunately, I can't remember to do it unless
- [Thrift Store Adventures Save Big Bucks and Count as Retail Therapy, Too](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/10/retail-therapy/) - Does shopping at thrift stores count as retail therapy? :) Heck, yes! Where else can you can save money and have an adventure at the same time? Make every trip extra exciting by taking along a friend, splitting up to shop and try clothes on, then meeting later to share a laugh while showing each
- [Highs and Lows of February](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/03/01/highs-and-lows-of-february-2/) - February flew by! Highs 1) Had my very first Uber experience. It was quick and easy, although I learned a few things the hard way! 2) The house next door (where the neighbors from hell previously lived for about eight years) is for sale - yay! My fingers are crossed to get some nice people
- [Thrift Store Treasures #6](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/06/18/thrift-store-treasures-6-2/) - It was 98 degrees this week with a heat index of 105, so I scored some "hot" bargains. Half were thrift store treasures and the others were bought at yard sales. 1) Aqua straight-leg Not Your Daughters Jeans (NYDJ) jeans for $2.99 (they sell for about $110 each -- and they're my absolute favorites) 2) Black
- [Thrift Store Treasures #5](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/21/thrift-store-treasures-5/) - Spent $7 recently to score the following thrift store treasures: 5 large plastic flowerpots in bright jewel tones (purple, red, yellow and green) If I’d bought the same items at full price, they would’ve cost $25 (5 x $4.98 each). This one purchase saved $18 -- and I'd been yearning for them every single time I
- [Thrift Store Treasures #3](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/14/thrift-store-treasures-3/) - Had some good luck at thrift stores the first two weekends of October! It's nice to pick up a few fall things before going up to the attic and dragging out all my winter clothes. The items I was found were: A pair of forest green Gloria Vanderbilt jeans - $3.99 A long-sleeved Talbot shirt
- [Thrift Store Treasures #1](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/14/thrift-store-finds-1/) - Thought I'd start a regular feature about the great things I find at thrift stores - starting with today's treasures. For $17.09, I got the following items at Goodwill: 1) Two, brand new-in-the-original-package round silver towel bars (to replace the old-fashioned square-ish ones on my bathroom wall) -- $3.93 each ($3.93 x 2 = $7.86).
- [Top 20 Thrift Store Shopping Tips](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/06/16/thrift-store-shopping-tips/) - Here are 20 great thrift store shopping tips: 1) Concentrate your efforts at thrift stores located in affluent areas. Donations are often higher quality there because people who earn more tend to buy more expensive clothes and household items (and donate them). But check stores everywhere; you never know where a gem will turn up!
- [Facebook's New Emoticons:  Do More Than Just "Like" a Post](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/02/26/facebooks-new-emotion-buttons-do-more-than-just-like-a-post/) - Using Facebook is a great way to keep up with friends and relatives. Millions of people around the globe check their Facebook page daily and share the latest happenings in their lives with the people who are near and dear to them. Since the primary purpose of Facebook is to interact with people, the site's
- [Domestic Decluttering : Week 7 of 52 -- Decluttering Pots and Pans](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/02/25/domestic-decluttering-week-7-of-52-decluttering-pots-and-pans/) - Boy, it's been years since I looked through my pots and pans/overflow utensil cabinet! Took everything out and spread it on a towel on the floor. How did all the stuff in the photo above fit inside? I keep utensils in this drawer that I need, but aren't used every day. Had a lot of
- [Decluttering and Departmentalizing -- Week 6 of 52 -- Decluttering Jewelry](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/02/18/decluttering-jewelry/) - I LOVE jewelry -- and have a lot of it. So decluttering jewelry in an overflowing armoire -- plus a jewelry box I've had since college -- was a real project. Several years ago, my dear friend Joy made me about 20 pairs of various colored earrings and gave them to me on a large
- [Regal Princess Review: Top 20 Amenities](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/03/regal-princess-review-top-twenty-amenities/) - The Regal Princess -- the newest ship in the Princess line -- is my favorite cruise ship ever. Maybe it's just me, but the decor on most of the cruise ships I can afford seems sort of tacky. There are way too many Greek goddess statues and garish paintings for my taste. But the Regal
- [Cruisin' Solo and Lovin' It: My First Guest Blog Post](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/04/cruisin-solo/) - I wrote my first guest blog post -- about the great time I have going on cruises alone. It was published Sun., July 3 on Too Timid and Squeamish, an inspiring and amusing blog that I read often. Check it out and let me know what you think! Related blog posts: Traveling Solo: Why I Love
- [Vacationing on Your Own: Pleasures and Perils of Solo Travel](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/08/12/pleasures-perils-solo-travel/) - I'm into solo traveling -- go on a lot of cruises and other getaways (like scrapbooking weekends, BlogHer conferences and visits to friends) alone and really enjoy it. While there are lots of advantages to vacationing alone, there are also a few disadvantages. Pleasures 1) You vacation where, when and how you want. 2) You come and
- [Ode to Lost Luggage](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/09/08/ode-to-my-lost-luggage/) - Sept. 7 Dear Big Black Suitcase: I haven't laid eyes on you since Aug. 1 when I left home at 3 a.m. for a "cruise-of-a-lifetime" to the Mediterranean and handed you over to the United airlines rep at the Charleston airport. You may be a beat-up, generic suitcase like so many others, but you mean
- [Wild and Wacky Valentine's Day Events Around the U.S.: Don't Stay Home Feb. 14 and Have a Pity Party](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/02/12/wild-and-wacky-valentines-day-events/) - One of the reasons I love the Charleston area is because there are always so many unique and interesting things to do. Valentine's Day/weekend is no exception. Take a look at some of these wild and wacky Valentine's Day events for singles, couples or anyone. Nobody has to stay home and have a pity party!
- [Decluttering Detail: Week 5 of 52 -- Decluttering the Linen Closet](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/02/11/decluttering-detail-week-5-decluttering-the-linen-closet/) - My linen closet has never been cleaned out. And it got to the point that the door wouldn't stay shut all the time. When it did and you opened it, either paper towels or rolls of toilet paper fell on your head. To declutter it -- first, I took everything out: the extra paper supplies,
- [I Adore the Dollar Store](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/01/i-adore-the-dollar-store/) - If you like shopping, there's almost nowhere you can have as much fun with a few dollars in your pocket as the dollar store. You've just got to love a place where every item is a dollar or less! It's a particularly good place to take young children for a treat. Imagine how you'd feel
- [Decluttering the Pantry: Week 4 of 52 Decluttering Adventures](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/02/04/decluttering-the-pantry-week-4-of-52/) - I feel blessed to have a pantry: a little closet right in the kitchen to fill with food -- and a door that closes to hide it all. It's great until the contents start to overflow ... For years, I've stored both food and table linens in the pantry, until the tablecloths, placemats and napkins
- [Highs and Lows of January](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/02/03/highs-and-lows-of-january/) - January is always a looonnnggg and boring and broke month... although the second half went pretty fast. Highs Went on a fun 4-mile nature walk with the local Meetup Walking Group I like so much on a beautiful 66 degree Sunday. The path got very muddy in places, so we had to walk in the
- [Decluttering Debrief: Week 3 of 52 -- Decluttering Under the Kitchen Sink](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/28/decluttering-debrief-week-3-52-decluttering-kitchen-sink/) - You know the old saying "everything but the kitchen sink"? Well, that's about what you can find underneath one. For Week 3 of my 52-week declutter adventure, I pulled a hodgepodge of cabinet, floor, wall, and surface cleansers, scrubbers, dust/cleaning rags, dishwash detergent, air fresheners, bug killers and other stuff from beneath the sink. Way
- [Decluttering  Debut: The First in a Series of 52 Dejunking Adventures](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/14/declutter-debut-first-series-dejunking-adventures/) - A couple weeks ago, I boldly announced that my word for 2016 is DECLUTTER. My #1 life goal this year is to declutter my entire house and garage: 1,500 square feet of space on two floors. I've lived in the same house for 20 years and have never, ever done this before (too busy working
- [Dumb Mistakes -- Part 2](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/20/dumb-mistakes-part-2/) - My previous blog post -- Unforgettable for All the Wrong Reasons -- described some of my most glaring mistakes -- away from work. However, upon further reflection, I realize I've made some blunders in the proximity of work, too. 1) When I pulled out from the side street to the main road after work one
- [Cringe-Worthy Household Mistakes -- and Lessons I Learned the Hard Way](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/30/household-mistakes-learned-hard-way/) - Everyone does dumb things, right? Over the years, I've learned lessons the hard way from these harmful household experiences. 1) Not cleaning the bottom of the stove right after a lot of food ran over the edge of the baking sheet and spilled over. The next time I used the oven, smoke billowed through the
- [Decluttering Declared: Week 2 of 52 -- Dejunking the Junk Drawer](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/21/decluttering-declared-week-2-52/) - The decluttering project for week 2 of 52 was the junk drawer under the microwave. (Actually, it's junk drawer #1 of 2 there.) I was forced to tackle this project mainly because the backs of both of the junk drawers (and the silverware drawer, too) break apart from the drawer and items inside fall through
- [Amazon Prime on Sale Through Jan. 17: One Year Membership $73 (Instead of $99) for New Members!](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/15/amazon-prime-on-sale-through-jan-17-one-year-membership-73-for-new-members/) - I've really, really been wanting to get Amazon Prime for a while, but the $99 price put me off. Kept thinking... if only they would put it on sale -- and they did! *This post contains affiliate links to Amazon.com, which means that if you click on a product link and buy a product, I
- [Zumba is Exhilarating!](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/10/zumba-is-exhilarating/) - If you haven't tried a Zumba class, you should! It's so enjoyable, you'll forget you're exercising. I'm not much of a dancer, and the only dance I ever learned was the cha cha in junior high. Luckily, many of the Zumba sequences are based on that type of step -- as well as other moves
- [2016 Life Goals](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/07/2016-life-goals/) - I wrote in the last blog post about the mixed results from my 2015 life goals and decided maybe there were too many and my plan was a little too ambitious. So, this year my goal is to concentrate on trying to improve fewer things! Here they are. Declutter one section of the house every
- [Mixed 2015 Life Goals Results: Some Wins, Some Dismal Failures](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/06/8779/) - Had great expectations last year in creating my 2015 life goals -- and I accomplished enough of them to feel pretty good about it. Here are the results -- some achievements and... some dismal failures... Financial ✅ Earn or save enough money to pay for smart phones and monthly service for my son, daughter-in-law, and
- [This is SO Wrong! Dec. 26](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/02/wrong-dec-26/) - Got this in the mail the day after Christmas...! What a buzzkill!
- [This is SO Wrong! Dec. 31 (New Year's Eve)](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/04/wrong-dec-31/) - Saw this in the grocery store on Dec. 31 (New Year's Eve) ... ! And they're on sale already!
- [100 Simple Secrets of Happy People: A Book Review](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/11/10/100-simple-secrets-of-happy-people-a-book-review/) - I'm a happiness junkie. Although I've always been a pretty happy and optimist person, just can't resist reading books about happiness. Who wouldn't want to feel just a little better if they could? *This post contains affiliate links to Amazon.com, which means that if you click on a product link and buy a product, I
- [Have a Sweet '16!](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/01/have-a-sweet-16/) - Happy New Year from Thoughts, Tips and Tales (www.thoughtstipsandtales.com)!
- [2016  Motto](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/01/my-new-motto-live-with-a-vengeance/) - The older you get, the more you realize you need to grasp every opportunity to make the most of your life. Dr. Christiane Northrup writes in "Goddesses Never Age: The Secret Prescription for Radiance, Vitality and Well-Being, "... love life, try new things and savor your experiences." I think that's great advice, so my new
- [Highs and Lows of December](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/12/31/highs-lows-december-2/) - December's one of the most fun months -- family visits, Christmas activities and more. Highs A nice Christmas with my son and daughter-in-law and my parents. Seven days off work. Balmy weather during the entire Christmas week -- 81 degrees one day, upper 70s the others. Finally got a settlement for luggage lost on my
- [Books I've Read and Enjoyed in 2015](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/12/30/books-ive-read-enjoyed-2015/) - When you discover a writer you love who produces a great book series (22 so far), it makes reading 54 books in a year easy to do! Hands down, my favorite series during 2015 featured Stephanie Plum, an intrepid bounty hunter with two boyfriends, a sleazy boss, a wacky grandma and a wild and crazy
- [Holiday Observation #2](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/12/26/wry-holiday-observation-2/) - But sometimes you get lucky -- and they love it! Holiday blog posts: Unique Adult Stocking Stuffer Ideas Adult Advent Calendar Gift Ideas More Adult Advent Gift Ideas Good Year-Around Gift-Giving Advice Amazon Echo: An Awesome Gift Fond Family Memories: A Low-Cost, Heartwarming Gift for Parents You Can Make Someone You Love the Best Gift
- [Find Out What Unusual and Weird Holiday It Is and Celebrate It](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/12/29/find-out-what-weird-holiday-it-is-and-celebrate-it/) - Everyone's heard of weird holidays like Houseplant Appreciation Day (Jan. 10), right? A website's available where you can look up these unusual days -- which range from serious to silly. Knowing what designated "day" it is can be useful for bloggers (providing unique subjects to write about), teachers (provoking interesting ideas for focused classroom studies),
- [Free Drinks at Target Through Dec. 24](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/12/21/target-free-drinks-through-dec-24/) - If you have a Target RedCard (credit or debit card), you can stop in their cafe every day between now and Christmas for a refreshing small drink (with unlimited refills). See the details here. (Offer is limited to one per Red Card holder each day.) Wish I'd known about that sooner, since I often stop
- [70 Unique Adult Stocking Stuffer Ideas](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/18/unique-adult-stocking-stuffer-ideas/) - Here are some inexpensive, useful and unique adult stocking stuffer ideas: Post-it pads Mini-bottles of liquor Zip-it drain cleaner A roll of quarters (for laundromats, car washes, etc.) Christmas ornament USB wall charger Computer connector cable Sunless tanning lotion Mini umbrella Media card Notebooks Goo Gone or packet of Shout wipes Sentence-a-day five-year journal Gift
- [Thoughts Mothers Have During Christmas Decorating](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/12/17/thoughts-mothers-have-during-christmas-decorating/) - I bet a lot of women have the same mental conversations I do during Christmas decorating... "Gees, do we have a lot of containers of Christmas stuff!" (as you haul the stuff from the attic) "Remember what we were doing when we bought that ornament?" (as you hang the first ornament and nostalgia kicks in)
- [A Fun Holiday Motto](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/12/15/until-further-notice/) - This is a great motto for the holidays! Why not? It's the time of year for family, fun, gifts and giving. Relax and enjoy it! You might even want to print this graphic and place it in a prominent place in your home. Holiday blog posts: Unique Adult Stocking Stuffer Ideas Adult Advent Calendar Gift
- [Yikes! When Did Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties Start?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/01/ugly-christmas-sweater-parties/) - I've always loved decorated Christmas sweaters, vests and t-shirts, and have worn them during the holidays for years. Every year on Black Friday, I happily rise before the sun comes up, dress in a festive top, arrive at the mall and get in the holiday spirit that day. Many of the other shoppers are wearing
- [Money Saving Christmas Gift Idea #2 - Zip it Drain Cleaner](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/11/26/money-saving-christmas-gift-idea-2-zip-it-drain-cleaner/) - When you find a product at the right price that really does the job - you've just gotta spread the word. If your sink or bathtub is not draining properly, the Zip it Drain Cleaner -- a low-tech gizmo that costs about $3 -- really does the trick. It's available on amazon.com and at big-box home
- [Holiday Observation #1](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/12/11/wry-holiday-observation-1/) - Happy holidays to everyone! Holiday blog posts: Unique Adult Stocking Stuffer Ideas Adult Advent Calendar Gift Ideas More Adult Advent Gift Ideas Good Year-Around Gift-Giving Advice Amazon Echo: An Awesome Gift Fond Family Memories: A Low-Cost, Heartwarming Gift for Parents You Can Make Someone You Love the Best Gift Ever — at No Cost Inexpensive
- [All I Want for Christmas is ... a Butt Lift?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/12/10/want-christmas-butt-lift/) - Just saw the weirdest Christmas gift idea ever ... a Brazilian Butt Lift. Yep. It was advertised in our local newspaper recently. A butt lift is not on my Christmas list (perhaps it should be...) -- but the whole idea brings some questions to mind: What IS a Brazilian butt lift? What would you think
- [If You Have Arthritic Fingers, You CAN Wear a Ring Again](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/12/09/arthritic-fingers-can-wear-ring/) - I've had arthritic fingers since my 40s and haven't worn a ring for years.In fact, the last ring I wore had to be surgically cut from my fingers because it wouldn't go over the knobby knuckle! The other day I looked at my hands and thought sadly, "Guess I'll never wear a ring again the
- [Anti Monkey Butt Powder: A Weird but Fun Gift](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/12/08/anti-monkey-butt-a-weird-fun-inexpensive-gift/) - This weird and wacky gift might be perfect for your brother or a fun-loving friend. And it only costs about $8. Monkey Butt anti-friction powder "leaves you dry and comfortable," according to the ad. And its off-the-wall name and goofy illustration will surely give the gift recipient a laugh. *This post contains affiliate links
- [Highs and Lows of November](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/12/02/highs-and-lows-of-november/) - November was a good month! Highs My son and his wife and their dog came for a nice, long Thanksgiving visit. They went to the grocery store when they got here, got ingredients for side dishes and cooked five types of wonderful go-with-turkey food! It's the first time I've ever seen my son cook --
- [Fond Family Memories: A No-Cost Heartwarming Gift for Parents](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/12/01/no-cost-heartwarming-gift-for-parents/) - If your parents are at the point in life where they don't need any more "things" for Christmas or you just want to give them a meaningful gift -- create a one-of-a-kind "Fond Family Memories" jar." Get a mason jar for $1 at a craft store, find a canister or tin at a thrift store
- [Money-Saving Gift Idea #1 -- Extend Your Beauty Cosmetic Tool -- Only $2.99](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/09/28/money-saving-gift-idea-extend-your-beauty-cosmetic-tool/) - Studies show that about 20 percent of the contents of health and beauty products remain in containers when users toss them -- usually because they can't get any more to come out! The Extend Your Beauty cosmetic tool is a unique and practical money-saving gift idea for people who like to get their money's worth.
- [Dating a Man Who Earns Less Than You Do](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/11/24/dating-a-man-who-earns-less-than-you-do/) - What are the pitfalls of dating a man who makes significantly less money than you do? I'm definitely not a mega-bucks earner, but I earned more than twice what my previous boyfriend did. And although it wasn't the biggest deal in the world, it occasionally created some awkward situations -- at least in my mind.
- [11 Easy Ways to Express Gratitude](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/11/23/11-easy-ways-to-express-gratitude/) - Studies show that people who express gratitude have a happier life than those who don't -- so take a few minutes to consider one of the methods below to give thanks for the things you have. Taking a couple minutes a day to count your blessings will definitely lift your spirits! Create a list of
- [I've (Finally!) Been Invited to Buy a New Amazon Echo](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/13/ive-invited-buy-new-amazon-echo/) - In early November 2014, I wrote a blog post after reading about the cool new Amazon Echo digital household assistant, raving about what a great Christmas gift it would be. Well... that didn't work out because you had to be "invited" to buy it -- and at long last (and, of course, after Christmas), my official
- [20 Things You Can Do with Amazon Echo, the Cool Digital Assistant and Music Player](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/11/17/20-things-you-can-do-with-amazon-echo-the-cool-digital-assistant-and-music-player/) - The Amazon Echo is an amazing personal assistant and music player. Simply plug the slim black cylinder into a wall socket, and it runs on your wireless Internet. The things it can do are mind-boggling! I've had one for about five months and love it. Think of the Echo as a super-Siri (the built-in personal
- [Beauty of an Eclectic Christmas Tree](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/25/beauty-of-an-eclectic-christmas-tree/) - Every year, I skim through Christmas magazines and admire the elegant, tastefully decorated trees in them. "Someday," I think, "I'll have a gorgeous tree with matching bulbs and ornaments just like that." But then December comes and I pull the crates of ornaments from the attic. Unwrapping each carefully packed item brings back fond thoughts
- [Aerial Yoga: A Fun and Uplifting Experience](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/07/13/aerial-yoga-a-fun-and-uplifting-experience/) - For a truly unique fitness experience, try an aerial yoga class -- stretching and posing using long fabric slings suspended from the ceiling as supports. Five other women and I (the only newbie) started a session at nearby Aerial Fit by getting inside and lying in a six-foot-wide fabric "cocoon" several feet above the ground. (They're
- [Online Dating Scams: Scammers are Ruining Over-50 Online Dating!](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/11/12/online-dating-scams-scammers-are-ruining-over-50-online-dating/) - I've been doing online dating for about 15 years -- and met two men online that I had long, happy relationships with. But now... online dating has changed. In years past, when you got an email from a nice-looking man, it was a good thing. If he lived somewhere in a 25-mile radius, could put
- [Highs and Lows of October](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/11/03/highs-and-lows-of-october/) - October has been an incredibly action-packed month! Highs I put on a Compliment Event fundraiser at work that turned out to be incredibly successful. Employees paid for about 250 compliments to be delivered to coworkers -- and the things they wrote were so heartwarming! It was a real morale booster. The wild and crazy Compliment
- [The Incredible Power of Words](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/10/29/incredible-power-of-words/) - Words have always fascinated and entranced me. I guess that's why I wanted to be a writer when I was a kid, and after years spent doing other things, I finally became one -- and love it. Getting paid to play with words all day is my idea of fun. I love the fact that
- [More Embarrassing Stories -- #4 in What Seems to be a Series...](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/23/embarrassing-stories/) - Do I have more embarrassing experiences than the average person? Or does everyone else just know enough to keep quiet about their misadventures? Here are some more dumb moves, in what seems to be a series of blog posts... 1) One day, I came out of (of course) the thrift store, and found a magnet
- [Seven Ways I Saved Money in September](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/10/06/seven-ways-i-saved-money-in-august/) - Just when you think you've saved all the money you can, you come across something else. This month I: 1. Ordered prescriptions through a mail-order pharmacy (offered by my insurance at work) instead of getting them filled at the local drugstore. Wished I started doing this years ago, because it saves a bundle. 2. Bought
- [Embarrassing Mistakes -- #5 in What Seems to be a Series](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/10/20/embarrassing-mistakes-5-in-what-seems-to-be-a-series/) - Two extremely dumb things happened to me this month. One Saturday, I woke up early to get to a scrapbook crop to meet friends, but needed to do some errands first. I drove down the street, turned the corner and saw a yard sale on the right side of the road, which reminded me I'd
- [An Inspiring Thought about Life](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/10/21/inspiring-and-comforting-thought-about-the-future/) - It's encouraging -- and comforting -- to realize that our greatest accomplishment or act of kindness may be yet to come. No matter how much we mess up today, there's always a chance to redeem ourselves tomorrow! ————————————————————————————————————————————— Subscribe to Blog via Email Enter your email address below to subscribe to this blog. Click "confirm"
- [Feeling Off Kilter...and Easy Ways to Get Back in Balance](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/10/15/feeling-off-kilter-and-easy-ways-to-get-back-in-balance/) - Did you ever feel like your life is off kilter? Everything is going fine, but suddenly you don't feel like you normally do. Types of Activities that Throw Us for a Loop Certain life events (even good things!) can throw us for a loop -- and they don't have to be life-or-death situations. Some examples
- [How to Save Money on Dry Cleaning](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/10/08/how-to-save-money-on-dry-cleaning/) - What's the best way to launder dry-clean-only clothes at the lowest price? Commercial Dry Cleaners Many people's first choice is a commercial dry cleaners. You can point out spots and ask dry cleaners to pay special attention to those areas -- whether it's ring-around-the-collar or a red wine stain. It helps if you know what
- [Make a Customized Gift Everyone Can Use for $1 -- in Less Than 15 Minutes](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/09/22/make-a-customized-gift-everyone-can-use-for-a-dollar-in-less-than-fifteen-minutes/) - In less than 15 minutes -- with only a computer and printer -- you can make a super-low-cost customized gift for friends and family. It'll save them time and make their life easier. Everyone who sends mail through the U.S. Post Office needs to address envelopes and packages -- and include return addresses on them,
- [Bloggers: Use Your Power for Good](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/14/bloggers-use-your-power-for-good-not-evil/) - Wasn't it Glinda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz who said, "Dorothy, use your power for good, not evil?" Blogs have power, and they're the ideal place to inspire readers and lift them up. Blogs give you an opportunity to express your love and appreciation for family and friends, and to publicly acknowledge
- [Dilemma: Old Flames in Family Photos](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/19/dilemma-old-flames-in-photos/) - Significant others come and go throughout life, occasionally creating a problem with special event photos that include them. You want to display the cherished photo, but you don't want to gaze at the face of the ex who broke your heart or got on your last nerve. If you plan ahead before important family photos
- [Online Dating Horror Story #1: Don't Be Cruel...](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/19/online-dating-horror-story-1-dont-be-cruel/) - I've been divorced a long time and have done online dating for about 12 years. Had two great five-year relationships (met them both on match.com), but before and in-between them, online dating seemed like the only viable way to find "the man of my dreams" -- since I don't feel comfortable in bars (and refuse
- [Online Dating Horror Story #5: First Date with a Doctor and His Son at a Swimming Pool](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/03/19/online-dating-horror-story-first-date-with-a-doctor-and-his-son-at-a-swimming-poiol/) - Years ago, I corresponded with a local doctor I met online. That sounds promising, right? To check him out before meeting, I asked a friend who worked at the medical university where the doc graduated to see if she could find out anything about him. Everyone in my office crowded around the fax machine as it
- [Online Dating Horror Story #6: A Walk on the Beach Goes Terribly Wrong](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/07/online-dating-horror-story-6-a-walk-on-the-beach-turns-bad/) - A drink at a beach bar and a moonlit walk on the beach. Sounds like an ideal first date, doesn't it? Met a guy from my town online years ago -- and we met for a first date at a well-known bar near the local beach. We sat and had one drink, then he suggested
- [Online Dating Horror Story #7: You Live WHERE?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/07/07/online-dating-horror-story-you-live-where/) - A number of years ago, I started writing to a man from an online dating site. He seemed nice and we arranged to meet. During the few "getting-to-know-you" emails that we exchanged before that, I asked what part of town he lived in (since the metropolitan area here is pretty large, and someone in the
- [Highs and Lows of September](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/10/01/highs-lows-september-2/) - September's been a lot better month than August was because there are way more highs than lows this time! Highs My blog hit count reached more than 100,000 Mon., Sept. 27 -- just one year and four months after starting it! Still amazes me. (And thank you to everyone who reads it.) Volunteered (again, after
- [Dating a Much Younger Man](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/09/29/dating-a-much-younger-man/) - Aren't you always amazed how many men date much younger women? Women don't seem to "rob the cradle" nearly as much. When I was about 46, I went out with B, a 27-year-old man. And I never regretted dating a much younger man. Met B on an online dating site and was surprised he wanted
- [15 Bucket List / Lifetime Goals Achieved So Far: The Dream vs. the Reality](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/10/bucket-list-lifetime-goals-achieved-so-far/) - When you're a child and a 20-something, you dream of doing many things during your life. Although you don't formally label it a bucket list -- or a lifetime goal -- that's what it is. What childhood and early adult dreams have you accomplished so far? How did they work out? Some great bucket list resources
- [Thrift Store Treasures #7](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/09/24/thrift-store-treasures-7/) - Here are some great finds I came across during the last month in local thrift stores: Polka-dotted camera case $2.99 (estimated retail $10) An Old Navy light-weight cotton knit cardigan -- $3.99 (estimated retail $20) Merona printed cardigan sweater - $3.99 (sold at Target for $20) Black and white blazer -- by Croft&Borrow - $3.99 (estimated
- [Good Year-Around Gift-Giving Advice](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/22/good-gift-giving-advice-mom/) - When I was in my early 20s and at my first real job, I wanted to buy a Christmas gift for my boss. She was a classy, conservative older woman. When I asked my mom for ideas, she gave me great advice that I continue to use to this day: Buy a high-end "smaller"
- [December Daily -- a Fun Way to Document the Holidays](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/11/17/december-daily-fun-way-document-holidays/) - A great way to record precious memories and capture the best of December is to create a December Daily scrapbook. You can set up album pages with background paper in November and create a tentative list of some of the holiday activities and decorations you want to capture ahead of time. You can also get
- [Fun Christmas Gifts and Activities](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/17/fun-christmas-gifts-and-activities/) - Opening Christmas gifts is inherently a fun activity. But my sister and I learned how to make Christmas extra-fun from the master. Every year when we were growing up, my normally practical mom bought a Christmas gift for someone (usually my dad) that was not functional -- and slightly wacky -- and it entertained us
- [Highs and Lows of August](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/09/01/highs-and-lows-of-august/) - August has been a roller-coaster month of real highs and lows! Highs 1) Went on a seven-night Mediterranean cruise to the Greek Islands with my friend -- and it was fantastic! We visited Venice, Montenegro, Santorinti (Greece), Katakolon (Greece) and Athens. (See blog posts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 for details.) 2) The cruise
- [Move Without Breaking a Sweat: An Insanely Helpful Moving Tip](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/19/insanely-helpful-moving-tip/) - Excited to move, but have a limited budget and dread the back-breaking work of carrying heavy boxes and furniture out of your old place and into your new home? Your worries are over. Do the best you can to save money by getting free boxes from retail stores, packing your worldly possessions yourself and renting a UHaul
- [Create a Happiness Jar -- and Enrich Your Life in Less Than A Minute a Day](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/29/happiness-jar-less-than-minute-a-day-can-improve-your-life/) - Most of us receive numerous blessings, but we don't stop very often to appreciate -- or even notice -- them. Part of being a happy person includes recognizing the good things that happen every day and being grateful for them. Some people keep gratitude journals, but I've always found that overwhelming. Seems like you need to
- [43 Money-Saving Tips](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/08/21/43-money-saving-tips/) - Here are some money-saving tips I practice; hope you'll be able to benefit from some of them! Install a programmable thermostat and raise the temperature for air conditioning while you're gone or sleeping Install a well and use it to water the lawn. The water is free -- and you get paid back for the
- [Carpal Tunnel Surgery](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/06/carpal-tunnel-surgery/) - If you or someone you know will be undergoing carpal tunnel surgery in the future, you may benefit from seeing photos and reading information about my recent surgery so you know what to expect. (A family member who lives in another state also had this surgery within the last year, and so did a local
- [Sinus Surgery: What to Expect](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/03/25/sinus-surgery-what-to-expect/) - Never even knew what sinus problems were when I lived up North, but after moving to beautiful South Carolina, chronic sinus infections have plagued me for more than 20 years. (Yikes!!!) Got tested for allergies about a year and a half ago and found out I was allergic to just about everything (including dogs, cats
- [How to Prepare For and Endure a Massive Traffic Jam](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/05/21/prepare-for-and-survive-massive-traffic-jams/) - You never know when you'll come upon an unexpected -- and massive -- traffic jam. It once took me more than four hours to get home from work -- a trip that normally takes 25 minutes at most -- and I've never forgotten how miserable it was: alone in the car, inching it along the
- [Yoga Doesn't Have to Be Dull: Amazingly Unique Yoga Classes](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/07/27/unique-yoga-classes-i-enjoy/) - I've tried yoga time and time again, and although I know it's good for you and has health benefits, performing the poses in typical yoga classes just doesn't grab me. Can't get excited about it because it's just toooooo slooowwww and there's not enough action. I've discovered that the solution is yoga with a twist! Unique,
- [Seven Ways I Saved Money in July](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/07/29/seven-ways-i-saved-money-in-june/) - Like every thrifty shopper, I'm always on the lookout for new and different ways to cut costs. Here are seven ways I saved money in July: Invested in a great water bottle ($10 plus shipping), so I can stop buying so much bottled water. Saved money on electricity by using my programmable thermostat to keep
- [Highs and Lows of July](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/07/30/highs-and-lows-of-july/) - The beginning of July wasn't super-exciting, but it got more interesting in the second half -- at the beginning of my "vacation season!" Highs 1) Took a trip to New York City (haven't been there for more than 25 years!) and attended my first BlogHer blogging conference. Wrote several blogs posts about it, too (#1,
- [Nothing Makes You Feel Better than a BODY PUMP Workout](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/23/nothing-makes-you-feel-better-than-a-body-pump-workout/) - OK, the title "NOTHING Makes You Feel Better than a BODY PUMP™ Workout" may've been a tiny bit misleading - because I can actually think of one thing that feels better... But the feeling you have after you've lifted weights for an hour in a BODY PUMP™ class and worked all your major muscles is simply
- [Exotic Chair Dancing: Not Your Grandma's Exercise Routine](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/23/chair-dancing-not-grandmas-exercise-routine/) - I took my first chair dancing class at Inversions, a local pole fitness studio, tonight. And am almost at a loss for words to describe it. Let's just say it's not grandma sitting on a straight-backed chair watching a nice lady on TV and extending her arms up and down to get in a little activity.
- [Dragon Boating: A Unique and Fun Team Sport](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/12/dragon-boating-a-unique-and-fun-team-sport/) - Dragon boating is a unique, fun sport. I recently registered with the Charleston Paddle Club meet-up group and joined some members of the local dragon boat team for an hour-long morning practice session on the Ashley River. (Members compete in regional events, and their practice sessions are open to novices.) Several people gave me pointers,
- [Ping Pong: Not Ready for the Olympics](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/26/ping-pong-not-ready-for-the-olympics/) - During September 2014, I published a post called Boost Happiness: Bring Back Fun Activities that Fell Along with Wayside. One of the things I always enjoyed and wanted to take up again was ping pong. Now, most people with that goal who haven't picked up a paddle in 10 years would find a table in
- [Walking Clubs: Great Way to Exercise, Enjoy the Outdoors, Meet New People](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/23/walking-clubs-great-way-exercise-enjoy-outdoors-meet-new-people/) - One of my favorite activities is enjoying a vigorous walk with the local walking club. A Charleston-area woman who's an avid walker had a genius idea when she organized an online walking Meetup group. It's open to the public for a $5 annual membership fee. She hosts frequent walks, which are publicized to members via
- [Captioned Phones: A Life Changer for Hearing-Impaired Individuals](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/27/captioned-phone-life-changer-hearing-impaired-individuals/) - One of my family members is hearing-impaired, and the best gift I ever got her was a CapTel captioned phone. That device was a lifesaver, because otherwise we could never have a phone conversation. Buying the phone online was a snap. It's very reasonably priced at $75, and the customer service people are the best
- [Unique Ways to Communicate with Hearing Impaired Individuals](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/06/08/unique-ways-to-communicate-with-hearing-impaired-individuals/) - One of my relatives is hearing-impaired. She doesn't read lips or use sign language, but we always want to include her in our conversations and our lives. We write frequent emails, and when we call, she uses a Captel captioned phone -- which works wonderfully since it prints the conversation. Then she can read it and
- [Best Advice Ever for Dressing with Class](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/03/30/bestr-advice-ever-for-dressing-with-class/) - You can't go wrong with the advice my mom gave me as a teenager regarding clothes: "Pick clothes that are simple but elegant." Unadorned clothes -- with one or two nice pieces of jewelry -- look tasteful. They look expensive. They look classy. (Think about the elegant look of Grace Kelley or Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.)
- [The Secret of How to Get Others to Like You](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/06/09/the-secret-of-how-to-get-others-to-like-you/) - When financial wizard Warren Buffet was asked how to get others to like you, he gave some great advice. He said, "Look at people around you and see whom you like and dislike. Figure out the characteristics of those you like and develop them in yourself, and what you don't like in others, get
- [Treat Your Kids to a Ride on Huge, Automated Stuffed Animals at the Mall](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/07/23/treat-your-kids-to-a-ride-on-huge-automated-stuffed-animals-at-the-mall/) - I went shopping recently and saw the wackiest thing! People (mostly kids - but some adults with children) were riding up and down the main aisles on huge automated stuffed animals at the mall! They'd rented them from a kiosk near the food court and indoor children's playground -- where a zoo-full of animals were
- [Taking a Photo a Day is a Fun Way to Document Life](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/23/141/) - I’ve been an avid scrapbooker for more than ten years and during the past few years documenting life by taking a photo a day has become extremely popular in the scrapbooking world. It can be done instead of traditional scrapbooking or in addition to it. Known by several different names -- Project 365, Photo a Day, Project
- [Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Testing the Water](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/24/stand-up-paddleboarding-testing-the-water/) - In the coastal area where I live, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become very popular. You can sit outdoors on a sunny afternoon at a number of restaurants in the tourist district and watch people standing on flat surfaces that resemble surfboards paddling on a scenic creek toward the harbor. Some of them even bring along their dog,
- [My Bucket List](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/09/1146/) - Was reading today about "bucket lists" and found a lot of great resources online with ideas of things to include on your "lifetime goal" list. Check this compilation of bucket lists at http://bucketlistjourney.net/2011/07/45-inspiring-bucket-lists-that-i-stalk. Here are some items on my bucket list: 1) Take a road trip across the U.S. 2) Try archery 3) Visit every
- [Singing Christmas Trees: Sappy but Mesmerizing](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/12/singing-christmas-trees-sappy-mesmerizing/) - Have you ever seen Singing Christmas Trees by local churches or choral groups? I'm from a small town up north (where there was no such thing) and saw invitations to these events for years after we moved to the Charleston, South Carolina, area. Just couldn't imagine what they were. How could trees sing? Finally, one year I got
- [Boost Happiness: Bring Back Fun Activities that Fell Along the Wayside](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/08/boost-happiness-bring-back-fun-activities-fell-along-wayside/) - Realized recently that there are quite a few activities I adore but rarely make time to do. It's time to pump up the happiness quotient and bring on more joy! My neglected "fun things to do" list is below -- and I vow to find ways to do them more often! 1) Play ping pong
- [What it Costs to Attend A BlogHer Conference](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/07/19/what-it-costs-to-attend-a-blogher-conference/) - Have you been dying to attend the annual BlogHer conference but the financial outlay is holding you back? Since I'm super frugal and just got back from BlogHer15 in New York City (my first blogging conference -- yay!), thought I'd provide a breakdown of what it cost me. (Spoiler alert: The experience was worth
- [Nine Reasons Why BlogHer15 was Outstanding](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/07/20/nine-reasons-why-blogher15-was-outstanding/) - Just got home from BlogHer15 in New York City -- the biggest annual women's blogging conference in the industry. It was my first conference, and I was really impressed with the quality of the event and all the planning and thought that went into it. Here are nine reasons why the conference was first class:
- [An Over-50 Blogger's Perspective on BlogHer15](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/07/21/an-over-50-bloggers-perspective-of-blogher15/) - BlogHer15 was an incredible experience and I'm glad I went. However, I did feel like I was surrounded by my son's grad school peers -- bright, talented, enthusiastic young women, for sure-- but nevertheless, nowhere near my stage of life. Everyone I met was cordial and pleasant, but it became clearer and clearer to me --
- [Eight Great Reasons to Visit Charleston, South Carolina](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/07/15/best-reasons-visit-charleston-south-carolina/) - I think Charleston, South Carolina, is the garden spot of the earth. And apparently a lot of people agree. For the third year in a row, Travel and Leisure magazine has named Charleston the top travel destination in the U.S. and Canada -- and the #2 spot to visit in the world! Although the magazine cites Charleston's gourmet restaurants and upscale
- [12 Ways Drones Are Being Used: Are They Marvelous? Maleficent? Or Somewhere in the Middle?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/07/14/twelve-ways-drones-are-being-used-are-they-marvelous-maleficent-or-somewhere-in-the-middle/) - Drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) -- most equipped with cameras and/or video capabilities, and various sensors -- fascinate me. They're already being used in lots of unique ways, and the potential for future use grows all the time. Here's an overview: Current Uses 1) Commercial photography 2) Traffic surveillance, reporting and control 3) Military action in unsafe
- [Easy Ways to Save Money](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/14/easy-ways-to-save-money/) - Saving money doesn't have to be hard, and it doesn't require a major sacrifice. Try some of the following techniques: 1) Save all the coins you get as change from purchases. Put them in envelopes and deposit them in your savings account every so often. (My bank lets me deposit it in the night drop
- [The Only Recipe You'll Ever See Here: Low Calorie Yogurt Pie](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/20/the-only-recipe-youll-ever-see-here-low-calorie-yogurt-pie/) - I'm really never been into cooking or recipes at all. (The only exception is baking Christmas cookies.) But I found this super-easy, healthy and low-cal dessert that can be made using only one hand! (My left hand is heavily bandaged from carpal tunnel surgery July 16 and I'm not supposed to lift more than one
- [Make an Inexpensive Christmas Gift for Less Than $5](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/23/make-an-inexpensive-christmas-gift-less-than-5-dollars/) - Most stores sell pre-packaged Christmas-time-blooming bulbs, such as narcissi (known as paperwhites), in a flower pot. Prices range from $8 - $20, and they make a nice gift. However, you can make the same thing for your friends and family for less than $5 . Simply go to a local nursery and buy individual "forced" bulbs that
- [A Free Mother's Day Gift for Mom and a Mother's Day Reminder Sign for You](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/05/07/free-mothers-day-gift-for-mom/) - Here's a reminder for Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10. You can make this sign for yourself, and a poster for mom's Mother's Day gift in a flash -- and at no cost. Just go to this site: http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/. Type the words in the five boxes provided (it's OK to type more than one
- [Dressing for Summer's Sweltering Days](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/11/dressing-summers-sweltering-days/) - When the heat index is 110, and the first breath of fresh air in the morning makes you gasp and feel like you stepped into a 400 degree oven -- it's time to pull out all the stops in dressing for sizzling weather. Here are some tips I've picked up while living in the steamy South:
- [Highs and Lows of June](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/07/02/highs-and-lows-of-june/) - Wow - is it ever hot this month! The heat index has been between 105 and 112 nearly every day -- yikes. Highs -My son, daughter-in-law and their cute little dog came home to visit for a few days. -Went out to town to celebrate my dad's 90th birthday with my mom, sister and brother-in-law. First
- [Best Purchase of the Year -- Flylady Water Bottle](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/06/29/best-purchase-of-the-year-flylady-water-bottle/) - In a quest to save money, go green and stop buying bottled water (which is something I swore I'd never do...but somehow got hooked on), I've tried a bunch of different water bottles. Each one had a flaw. It failed to keep the water cold, made the water taste plastic-y, contained BPA, sweated or dripped. Couldn't
- [Summer "Keep Calm" Message and Ways to Beat the Heat](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/06/30/summer-keep-calm-message-and-ways-to-beat-the-heat/) - When it's 98 degrees outside with a heat index between 105 - 112 like it is in Charleston this week, the message above really applies! To learn how to make your own easy, customized "Keep Calm" messages at no cost, see my blog post -- and check out the posts below for ways to beat
- [Easiest Recipe on Earth -- Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Butter and Cinnamon](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/06/25/easiest-recipe-earth/) - In 2014, I wrote a blog post that included a low-cal blueberry Cool Whip Lite pie recipe, with the brash declaration that it was "the only recipe you'll ever see on my blog" (since I'm really, really not into cooking). Never say never. Since then, I've developed a craving for steak and cinnamon butter sweet
- [The Secret to Success: Best Workplace Advice](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/06/23/best-workplace-advice/) - After years of soul-sucking jobs when I was newly divorced (after being an at-home mom for four years) and my son was young, I was hired by a defense contractor as a writer for a government agency. The salary wasn't great, but the benefits were good and there was potential to get hired as a
- [The Jetsons' Gadgets and Gizmos are Here and the Future is Now!](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/06/22/jetsons-gadgets-gizmos-here-future-is-now/) - One of my favorite bloggers, Tamara Rockwood at the Platypus Directive, recently published a tongue-in-cheek post lamenting that many of Joan Jetsons' labor-saving devices (from the TV show The Jetsons that ran from 1962 - 1980) haven't come to fruition -- and she could sure use them. However, after thinking about it for a while, I
- [Playing with Dolls at Work: A Wacky Workplace Morale Booster](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/03/09/playing-with-dolls-at-work-a-wacky-workplace-morale-booster-playing-dolls-work/) - For about eight years, I worked in one big room with the most wonderful group of people ever. It was like one big family -- and a real blessing after ten years of bad jobs. We all worked hard, so we decided to liven up the workplace. We ordered a package of silly-looking, three inches
- [Best Work Advice Ever](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/06/11/best-work-advice-ever-1/) - I'm a writer at a large organization, and create high-visibility documents distributed to thousands of people around the world on a variety of subjects -- many of which I know nothing about, starting out. The former chief of staff at work gave me a fantastic piece of advice several years ago that helps with my
- [Top 10 Reasons to Love Teleworking](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/03/12/top-10-reasons-to-love-teleworking/) - I'm able to telework on my job and haven't done it much to this point since I was afraid of missing something exciting in the workplace. Once I started working a day a week at home, though, I couldn't get enough! You can log in to the work network, access your files, read and answer
- [How to Find Your Car after You Park It](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/06/15/how-to-find-your-car-after-you-park-it/) - If you have a nondescript car like my Sylvia (a silver Nissan) -- you could probably use some tips to find it in parking lots, on city streets, at the mall -- and especially at Disney World. :) If you have a clicker to sound the horn or a panic button, that's the easiest thing to use.
- [Four Ways I Saved Money in May](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/05/28/seven-ways-i-saved-money-in-may/) - Most thrifty shoppers are always on the lookout to discover new ways to spend less. Here are four ways I saved money this month. 1) Took advantage of multiple Kohl's coupons and discounts. Bought six five-piece place settings of Fiesta ware for a total of $104! Used $20 in Kohl's cash (earned from a previous
- [Save Money by Doing Your Own Pest Control](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/16/save-money-by-doing-your-own-pest-control/) - For many years, I paid an exterminator $75 a quarter to come to my house and spray outside it -- and inside the garage -- to prevent unwanted bugs, especially cockroaches (an ick factor when living in the South). I could barely afford it, but after I saw a cockroach (did you know some of them fly?) in
- [Seven Ways I Saved Money in April](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/28/five-ways-i-saved-money-in-april/) - Like many people, I try to be frugal every day of the year -- and here are some ways I saved money in April: 1) Got a renewal notice from HGTV magazine that seemed very high. Love reading it, but didn't want to pay that much, so I went to the Hearst publishing website to try
- [Do-it-Yourself Cooling Towels for Summer's Hottest Days](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/03/do-it-yourself-cooling-towels-for-summers-hottest-days/) - Need a way to cool down while exercising or doing yard work on 90-degree days? My thoughtful Zumba instructor showed me how to make a do-it-yourself cooling towel that feels absolutely heavenly. (And better yet - she provides them during summer classes.) Buy a pack of thin washcloths from a discount store. Wash and dry
- [Top 5 Most Annoying Sounds](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/06/04/my-top-5-most-annoying-sounds/) - Everyone has sounds that drive them crazy. Here are the noises that send me over the edge: 1) Sniffling/Snorting (instead of blowing your nose). In my experience, men do this way more than women do (maybe because they don't carry Kleenexes?) and it drives me INSANE to hear it! 2) Fingernails scratching on a chalkboard
- [Simple but Powerful Relief for Arthritis Pain in Your Fingers](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/06/02/simple-powerful-relief-for-arthritis-pain-in-your-fingers/) - If you have arthritis in your fingers, you know that at times they can really hurt. And surprisingly enough, on other days, you're pain-free. (It's a genetic "gift" that I've had arthritis in my hands and the accompanying knobby fingers from a relatively young age.) When one or more fingers hurt, simply wrap the joints fairly
- [Highs and Lows of May](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/06/01/highs-and-lows-of-may/) - What a month! Highs 1) My parents came to visit for my mom's birthday and Mother's Day, like they do every year. We had a nice visit the evening they arrived, but I got a call at work the next day ... (See Lows below.) 2) Got an award at work for my fundraising efforts in
- [Five Ways to Get the Most from a Doctor Visit](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/05/27/xx-ways-to-get-the-most-from-a-doctor-visit/) - The next time you visit the doctor, remember you're only going to get 10 minutes or so of his or her time. To make the most of every minute, it helps to do the following things: 1. Bring a list of all your prescriptions and dosages of each, so the nurse can update your records
- [Favorite Blog Posts on Other Blogs #2](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/05/26/favorite-blog-posts-on-other-blogss/) - Part of the fun of being a blogger is constantly reading other people's blogs, to see what they're writing about -- and get ideas, inspiration and laughs from them. Here are some of the best blog posts I've come across lately: Face Palm Friday is inspired! (And I didn't even know what a face palm was
- [Decorating Your Home with Extremely Low Cost Framed Prints - Part #2](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/06/decorating-your-home-with-extremely-low-cost-framed-prints-part-2/) - To expand on my previous blog post about tips for large framed prints, it's also easy to decorate inexpensively with collections of small framed prints if you buy beautiful greeting cards or post cards and encase them in frames from the dollar store or a discount store. (They do have frames that don't look cheesy!)
- [How to Decorate Your Home with Extremely Low-Cost Framed Prints](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/05/how-to-get-extremely-low-cost-framed-prints/) - The cheapest way to hang nice-looking framed prints in your home is to buy them at a yard sale or thrift store. I was able to get the three prints in my living room, which have similar frames (gold wood) and styles, as well as the four prints in my bedroom (which also complement each
- [Funny Friends: Laughter is the Best Medicine](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/22/funny-friends-laughter-is-the-best-medicine/) - I've done more laughing in the past 2 1/2 days that I have in the whole last year. My best old friend (we met 24 years ago) drove from Virginia and has been visiting for three days. She just rode away in her cute convertible with a smile on her face and we both had
- [What I Learned about Blogging in the First Year](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/05/18/learned-about-blogging-first-year/) - Yippee! It's my one-year blogiversary! I can say two things for sure about blogging: (1) It completely changes the way you look at the world -- and (2) I'm hooked on it. If you write a lifestyle blog, like I do, everything you and other people do and say -- and everything you read and
- [Saving Money: It's Great, but Where Do We Draw the Line?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/05/14/saving-money-its-great-but-where-do-we-draw-the-line/) - Saving money is wonderful. I don't mind buying (and thoroughly washing) clothes and other items at garage sales and thrift stores so I can go on a cruise (or two) every year. Buying gently used items is a great way to try new styles and experiment with different household decor -- and if you don't like
- [Saving Money: Why Do We Love It So Much?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/05/11/saving-money-why-we-love-to-do-it-part-1/) - Almost everyone loves to save money. What makes it so satisfying? I think bargain-hunting is such a boost because: 1) It's a challenge. 2) It makes us feel good -- like we "got one over" on "the man" (retail establishments, whose owners wouldn't hesitate to gauge us). 3) It makes us feel savvy and fiscally
- [Highs and Lows of April](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/05/05/highs-and-lows-of-april/) - Spring is finally here! Highs 1) Made a reservation for a cruise to Venice and the Greek Islands this summer with a fun friend. Can't wait -- we'll have a blast! 2) Had a birthday. Every year, I set up any cards or gifts in a little birthday "shrine" on the kitchen counter. When the
- [One for the Money: A Book Review](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/05/04/one-for-the-money-a-book-review/) - One for the Money by Janet Evanovich is fast-moving, exciting, suspenseful -- and laugh-out-loud funny, too. Sassy Stephanie Plum loses her job as a lingerie buyer and ends up working for her uncle Vinnie as --what else? -- a bounty hunter. Never mind that she has no idea what she's doing. And that she had a
- [A Fun Library Event: Tiny Tim Birthday Party](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/27/fun-library-event-tiny-tim-birthday-party/) - Do you remember the old song "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" and the, um, unique entertainer-- Tiny Tim (real name Herbert Khaury) -- who made it famous in the '60s? The tall (6'6"), gaunt guy with long, curly black hair, a painted white face, black eye liner -- and a falsetto voice? He married "Miss Vicki"
- [April Firsts](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/30/april-firsts/) - Some"first-ever" events this month included: 1) Wearing stilettos. Wow. How do women walk in them without twisting an ankle? (To find out what made me take the plunge, see photos on my featured blog post on www.babyboomercafe.com.) 2) Cooking 5-ingredients-or-less dinners in the crockpot, using a plastic crockpot liner for effortless cleanup. The dinners turned out
- [Thrift Store Treasures #4](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/11/03/thrift-store-treasures/) - Spent about $34 last weekend and bought the following thrift store treasures: 1) 3 pairs of identical leather slingback shoes ($5.99 each) in beige, blue and black (like new) 2) A pair of bright blue leather shoes ($4.99) - great condition 3) Two distressed wooden frames ($1.99 each) 4) A pair of Adidas athletic shorts with pockets
- [Entertaining News Briefs that Don’t Involve Murder or Mayhem (March 19-April 19, 2015)](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/20/entertaining-news-briefs-that-dont-involve-murder-or-mayhem-march-19-31-2015/) - More interesting and entertaining non-violent news briefs! 1) A movement's in motion to remove Andrew Jackson's photo from the $20 bill and replace his face with a woman's! The "Women on 20s" website displays biographies of 15 high-achieving women and invites visitors to vote for a female face to put in Jackson's place. 2) Treadmill
- [NOT a Happy Camper](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/21/college-camping-adventure/) - During my freshman year of college at a small, very conservative college in Pennsylvania, I went out a few times with J. I wasn't physically attracted to him at all and was actually kind of repelled - but I didn't know many people and he was OK to hang out with. Unbeknownst to me, after
- [Thrift Store Treasures #2: Bare Traps Sandals -- Love Them!](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/29/thrift-store-treasures-2-bare-traps-sandals/) - **This is not a sponsored blog post. I just love these shoes!** Have wanted to buy a pair of Bare Traps shoes for years, but they were always more than I wanted to spend, even on sale. They're kind of funky looking -- but cute -- flats - with rounded toes. Just the kind of
- [Cute  Halloween Window Decorations for Only $1](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/28/cute-halloween-window-decorations-only-1/) - Love the cute Halloween window decorations from the dollar store that should make children smile instead of scream when they walk up to the house on Halloween to get candy! Other money-saving blog posts: How to Get the Best Price Ever on Cottonelle TP Save Money by Doing Your Own Pest Control Easy Ways to
- [You Can Make Someone You Love The Best Gift Ever -- at No Cost](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/20/best-gift-ever/) - For my birthday, my son and his wife gave me a one-of-a-kind typed book, printed on pretty paper and tied with ribbon. It was titled “Things We Love about Diane.” It listed personality traits, things I’d taught my son and done for and with him as he grew up, and things I’d helped both of
- [Where to Get the Best Price Possible on Cottonelle TP](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/09/best-price-ever-cottonelle/) - Several years ago, I made the switch from Charmin to Cottonelle after a friend mentioned how much she liked it. I love it (well, as much as you can love TP)! But the price varies dramatically from store to store. Twelve-Roll Best Price Surprisingly enough, the best price I've found for 12 rolls of this
- [The Alchemist: A Book Review](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/14/the-alchemist-a-book-review/) - My book club picked The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho for this month's discussion because several people had seen articles saying that it was a book everyone should read. I'd never heard of it before -- and neither did most of the other members. After reading it, all I can say is: two thumbs down. Mercifully,
- [Mothers: Please Get Off the Phone and Talk to Your Children](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/13/mothers-please-get-off-the-phone-and-talk-to-your-children/) - It breaks my heart to see women chatting, texting and surfing the web on their phones in the grocery store, restaurants and other places while their children appear to be ignored. Boston University School of Medicine researchers found in a recent study that a mother's use of mobile devices during meals and daily life can
- [Stand-up Computer Desks: Take a Load off your Seat](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/24/stand-up-computer-desks-take-a-load-off-your-seat/) - Scientific studies have found that long periods of inactivity can cause physical problems for people, even if they exercise daily. While sitting at a desk for hours on end working diligently can increase chances of getting a promotion -- it can also increase chances of developing heart disease. Too much sitting can result in the
- [Take a Load Off Your Seat #2: Adjustable Stand-Up and DIY-Cycling Computer Desks](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/01/take-load-seat-2-adjustable-stand-computer-desks-diy-cycling-computer-desks/) - A while back, I wrote a blog post about stand-up computer desks and how using one could help improve your health, since many people sit way too much. I've used a stand-up computer setup at home for several years. Recently, I was able to get an adjustable stand-up desk at work. It's really convenient because
- [An Embarrassing Childhood Story](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/29/an-embarrassing-childhood-story/) - When I was about 8 years old and my sister was about 5, we went to a children's running (race) event in my small town at the ball fields behind the community center. It was the first time we'd ever done anything like that and there were lots of participants and several hundred parents in
- [In a Rut](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/29/in-a-rut/) - I find myself doing the same things over and over and over -- think it's part habit, part laziness... For example, I've: Stopped at the same fast-food restaurant every day on the way home from work to get a Diet Coke with light ice for 15 years. Eaten the same breakfast and lunch for at
- [Thank a Teacher Who Changed Your Life; You'll Never Regret It](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/03/04/thank-a-teacher/) - We've all had at least one teacher who's made a major difference in our lives. The most wonderful teacher I ever had was my junior high English teacher, Mrs. Alberti. She was a dynamic, warm women who: Insisted we speak properly Drilled verb tenses into our heads Diagrammed sentences with a passion And she instilled
- [Cars that Crack Me Up](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/09/cars-that-crack-me-up/) - Ever see vehicles that make you laugh? These are some of my favorites. I know Smart cars are supposed to be energy efficient, but they just look silly to me. I always expect the door to open and a bunch of clowns to tumble out, like in the old circus acts! What's up with the six-inch
- [Attend Church and get Free Admission to Historic Sites](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/08/attend-church-get-free-admission-to-historic-site/) - I hope nobody thinks this is sacrilegious, but there's an occasional way to attend church and save money on admission to local tourist attractions at the same time if you live in Charleston, S.C. The same type thing may apply to sites in your area, too. On Easter, a local church holds services at several
- [Hilarious Online Dating Website Photos and Messages](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/17/hilarious-online-dating-photos-and-messages/) - I had carpal tunnel surgery yesterday and haven't perfected typing with one hand... so, take a look at these goofy photos and write-ups captured from online dating sites at BuzzFeed. They'll crack you up! And if you're married, they'll make you really grateful for the partner you have. *** Other dating posts: Online Dating Horror
- [An Easter Aha Moment](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/06/an-easter-aha-moment/) - Loved the lines from a prayer I heard for the first time on Easter Sunday. It asks for forgiveness for "the hurts I've caused others, and the good I've left undone." What a simple but worthwhile life goal... to be aware of the good you've left undone -- the kind words you didn't say, the
- [Amazon Kicks Off Amazing One-Hour Delivery in Two New Cities! Drones Next?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/03/amazon-one-hour-delivery-in-two-cities-drones-next/) - Don't ya just hate to order things online and have to wait til they arrive? Have always loved how Amazon ships things so fast -- and their $35 "free shipping" threshold is good (liked it better when it was $25, though). Now, the company's expanded ONE-HOUR delivery in New York City to designated zip codes in two other
- [Highs and Lows of March](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/02/highs-and-lows-of-march/) - Wow - March (and winter) are finally over. Yay! Good things 1) Had sinus surgery and it was virtually pain-free. Amazing! And my wonderful friend J took me to the surgery and helped me afterwards. 2) My son and daughter-in-law and favorite dog came home to visit for a few days. 3) Went to a
- [A Great Way to Look at Birthdays](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/04/01/great-way-to-look-at-birthdays/) - Today's my birthday! "Some say age ain't nothing but a number. We say it's so much more -- that each year brings distinct pleasures and grueling challenges, unique thrills and soul-shaking epiphanies, and a fresh chance, always, to wrest more joy from your life." Isn't this a positive -- and realistic -- way to
- [Thrift Store Treasures: What I Did NOT Buy](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/11/thrift-store-treasures-did-not-buy/) - Thrift stores have some fantastic buys, ya can't deny that. But they also have some weird stuff. The shirt pictured above is one I saw in our local Goodwill recently. WHO would buy that??? And WHO would wear that??? It was so bizarre that I had to take a photo before making my purchases... Related
- [The Sisterhood of Thrift Store Shoppers](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/20/sisterhood-of-thrift-store-shoppers/) - Nearly every Friday after work I swing by the best thrift store in town before going home. It's only about two miles away. Tonight's trip was really fun; everyone in the store wanted to chat. The first woman was sitting on the windowsill where I was, too (trying on shoes), and she asked if the
- [John Mellencamp Live](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/03/27/john-mellencamp-live/) - Tonight was one of the best nights in recent memory: got to see John Mellencamp (formerly John Cougar Mellencamp) -- one of my all-time favorite singers -- live in concert. My friend from work had free tickets -- and our seats were center stage, about 20 rows back. What a show he put on! (He's
- [Entertaining News Briefs that Don’t Involve Murder or Mayhem (March 8 - 18, 2015)](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/03/20/entertaining-news-briefs-that-dont-involve-murder-or-mayhem-march-8-18-2015/) - Not all the news is bad! Here are some interesting and entertaining news briefs from the first half of March. Cartoonist Matt Groening, founder of The Simpsons, named some of the characters after members of his own family -- including Homer and Marge, who were his parents. (NY Times News Service) South Carolina U.S. Senator
- [Internet Dating Scams](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/07/internet-dating-scams/) - Let me tell you about a common online dating scam. It happened to me and it could happen to you... This really good-looking man wrote me and poured on the flattery. Endlessly. Seriously, it was just ridiculous. (Red flag) He said he was so taken with me that he "removed his profile" right then. (Red
- [Easy Pegboard Earring Holder](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/26/easy-pegboard-earring-holder/) - If your jewelry box is overflowing with earrings and you'd love to display them so it's easy to pick out a pair every day, here's a quick and inexpensive earring holder that costs less than $7. Get a piece of pegboard and cut it to the size of the space on your wall (a closet
- [Highs and Lows of February](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/03/03/highs-lows-february/) - Wow - this time of year is a killer, isn't it? Spring can't come soon enough! Highs 1) Despite the mostly-dismal weather, there's hope. The row of trees down the street burst out in pink blossoms a few weeks ago, even though we had a couple hard frosts after that and they're looking kind of
- [Two Tough Situations that Everyone Should Experience to Develop Compassion and Build Empathy](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/03/02/two-situations-everyone-experience-build-empathy/) - Stuff happens. It's a fact of life. But some "bad" things that happen to us make us better -- and help us develop compassion and build empathy. The two big learning experiences that I think everyone should have, if only for a short time, are to: 1) Use crutches and a wheelchair 2) Work as
- [Excited to Go to BlogHer 2015 Conference in NYC](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/27/excited-to-go-to-july-blogher-2015-conference-in-nyc/) - Just made reservations for my first bloggers conference -- the big one. Yep, it's the BlogHer 2015 conference in New York City -- held at the Midtown Manhattan Hilton. This is going to be a real adventure-- just me and 5,000 other women who also love to blog! Blogging is big in my life. I
- [Valuable Life Lessons My Parents Taught Me](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/26/life-lessons-my-parents-taught-me/) - I'm blessed to have wonderful parents who are sharp, active and involved in life. As octogenarians (and all the years before that), they've been truly inspirational! The lessons my parents taught me through words and actions were right on the mark -- and I've tried to pass their wisdom along to my son, too. Their advice: 1)
- [Sports and Hobbies: How Many Can You Squeeze into a Lifetime? 79 So Far...](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/25/sports-and-hobbies-how-many-can-you-squeeze-into-a-lifetime/) - Recently wrote a blog post about the many crafts I've done through the years and realized I've also gone through an extreme number of non-craft hobby "phases," too. Here's a list of sports and hobbies I've done so far: 1) Writing 2) Blogging 3) Gardening 4) Pole dancing / fitness 5) Stand-up paddleboarding 6) Kayaking
- [Craft Mania: How Many Crafts Can You Do in a Lifetime? 30 So Far...](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/24/craft-mania-how-many-crafts-can-you-do-in-a-lifetime/) - A lot of women find joy in do-it-yourself crafts... and I'm one of them. So many crafts, so little time! Maybe craft mania started from being a Camp Fire Girl in the 60s and learning a new activity at every meeting (my mom was the troop leader and I remember her scrambling for unique craft
- [Silly Words that Make Me Giggle and Grin](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/17/silly-words-that-make-me-giggle-and-grin/) - Maybe you never truly grow up. Can't help it, but there are certain words that make me giggle and grin... Dillydally Cockapoo Brouhaha Hullabaloo Chi chi Boondoggle Caboodle Munchkin Canoodle Fou-fou Lollapalooza Goofy Discombobulated Conundrum Lollygagging Cockamamie Titillate Dongle Crumb cruncher Shenanigans Cattywompus Titmouse Wackadoodle What words crack you up?
- [ANYTHING but the Middle Seat of an Airplane](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/10/middle-seat-of-an-airplane/) - Is there anything worse than sitting in the middle seat of an airplane? When you've been forced to do it, have you ever had two people of normal size sit next to you on both sides? Does anyone enjoy having the thighs, hips and shoulder of a total stranger smashed up against them for hours? Or an elbow
- [Participate In, Attend Listen to Your Mother Show to Celebrate Motherhood](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/18/listen-to-your-mother-show-to-celebrate-motherhood/) - Who doesn't have a funny, irreverent, insightful or touching tale to tell about their own mom or their experience being a mother? A unique way to share a great narrative -- and celebrate and validate motherhood -- is to take part in the Listen to Your Mother program that's being held for the fifth year
- [Warning: Premorse Sometimes Precedes Remorse](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/19/premorse-sometimes-precedespremorse/) - Have you heard the newly-coined word premorse? It's pre-emptive remorse -- when you realize you're going to have remorse before you even commit an act, but you go through with it anyway. Unfortunately, I have premorse more often that I'd like to admit... But that doesn't stop me from continuing to do things I later
- [Memories of Good Times with Tom (We Met, We Laughed, We Acted Like Third-Graders)](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/16/good-times-tom/) - Did you ever have a partner who really "got" you? Who knew pretty much everything about you and was your best friend ever? Who made everything fun? And, on top of that, he could make you laugh until your stomach hurt? Time and time again? Tom was probably the great love of my life, and
- [What's Up with the Pantone Color of the Year -- Marsala?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/11/pantone-color-year-marsala/) - Every year, the Pantone Color Institute picks a representative color of the year. For 2015, it's marsala. Previous colors of the year were Radiant Orchid, a deep tropical purple (2014); Emerald Green (2013); and Tangerine Tango (2012). Those I understood. But what color is marsala? Why does it sound like a food? (Marsala, marshmallow) Turns out it's a
- [How to Find Ideas for Blog Posts](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/05/how-to-find-ideas-for-blog-posts/) - Once you start a blog, you're always looking for interesting topics to write about... Keep a notebook handy at all times and use the "how to find ideas for blog posts" list below to generate content: 1) Listen to people's conversations and notice things that interest them and stories they tell (Move Without Breaking a Sweat:
- [Highs and Lows of January](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/04/highs-and-lows-january/) - January was unique this year! I celebrated Christmas and entered the 21st century. Here’s a recap. Good things 1) My family celebrated Christmas at my house starting Jan. 1 for a week. We'd never done Christmas in January before, but it's the only way we could coordinate everyone's schedules! Opened presents Jan. 2 and it
- [Ten Reasons Why I Love Scrapbooking](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/02/ten-reasons-why-i-love-scrapbooking/) - Scrapbooking is my favorite hands-on hobby. Here's why I love it: (1) While creating pages with photos and journaling -- and adding embellishments, you take time to recall the details about good times. It basically lets you relive life's happy moments. (2) It allows you to look at life differently. There are a million ways to
- [Roundabouts: The Perfect Solution to Relieve Traffic Congestion](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/28/roundabouts-perfect-solution-to-relieve-traffic-congestion/) - The city planners in my town (population: 75,000 -- and the ninth fastest growing city in the U.S.) love to construct traffic circles, or roundabouts. They refer to them as "traffic calmers." We have at least 16 roundabouts, with more planned. They really do keep traffic moving faster than traffic lights do - and statistics
- [Who's That Knocking on my Door?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/03/someones-knocking-on-my-door/) - About 15 years ago, my sister, J, a single, professional woman in her 30s, lived in a lovely, gated condo community in Florida. One evening she was home alone and heard voices outside her front door. She walked up to the second floor and peered through the window blinds to see what it was. Several
- [Coffee Virgin: Diet Coke and Wyler's Light Rock My World](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/30/coffee-virgin-diet-coke-and-wylers-light-rock-my-world/) - I've never drunk a cup of coffee. Ever. My mom once told me I wasn't not old enough and it would stunt my growth -- and I believed her. Instead, my drinks of choice are Diet Coke and raspberry Wyler's Light. Diet Cokes -- especially the highly carbonated ones from a fountain -- are such a
- [Starting a Mothers Group Transformed My Life](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/20/starting-mothers-group-transformed-my-life/) - Starting a local mothers group was one of the best things I ever did. After I had a baby, I quit my full-time job as a bank manager and abruptly become an at-home mom. As a former career woman and fairly new resident of the area, I had no friends who were mothers -- and my
- [Massages - One of the Joys of Life](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/21/massages-one-of-the-joys-of-life/) - Chances are you could use some stress relief and relaxation. If you have a partner, you could ask him or her to rub your shoulders, neck, back, feet or other point where your body holds stress. While that's fine, in my experience it isn't all that relaxing, because you keep thinking things like, "He's getting
- [Pass-Around-the-Office Internet Funnies](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/21/pass-around-office-internet-funnies/) - If you haven't seen these yet, hope you enjoy! I don't need anger management. I need people to stop pissing me off! Old age is coming at a really bad time! The biggest lie I tell myself is ... "I don't need to write that down, I'll remember it." I don't have gray hair. I
- [Make a Quick, Cheerful Spring Wreath to Chase Away Winter Blues](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/08/make-quick-adorable-spring-wreath-chase-away-winter-blues/) - Had enough of winter? Whip up this cheerful spring wreath in less than half an hour to brighten your mood and remind you that warm weather is just ahead. Before you know it you'll be strolling through the garden and smelling the roses. You need the items below; most may be available at your local
- [The Art Forger: A Book Review](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/16/art-forger-book-review/) - *This post contains an affiliate link to Amazon.com, which means that if you click on the product link and buy a product, I will receive compensation." ----------- If you enjoy mysteries and human interest stories written in a conversational style, you'll like The Art Forger: A Novel by B. A. Shapiro -- even if you (like
- [Amazon Echo -- the Coolest Christmas Gift of 2014](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/11/12/amazon-echo-coolest-christmas-gift-2014/) - --- **Update Jan. 13, 2015: I registered to be "invited" to buy the Echo in early November and, for two months, when I checked my account on Amazon, it said this: Thank you for your request. If selected, you will receive an e-mail with an invitation to purchase in the coming weeks. In January, I
- [2015 Life Goals (Not Resolutions)](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/09/2015-life-goals-not-resolutions/) - Read a thought-provoking editorial in the Jan. 1 issue of Bottom Line Personal magazine (which I love because it has such great tips). The author, Karen Larson, suggests doing away with the term "bucket list" (because it's too death-evoking) and using what Chris Guillebeau, author of The Happiness of Pursuit, calls a "life list" instead.
- [Other Bloggers' Great Blog Posts #2](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/07/bloggers-great-blog-posts-2/) - When They Come Home - a touching story (how true it is, too!) about how a mom feels when her child grows up and comes home to "visit" 101 Things in 1,000 Days - a 3-minute video about my blogger buddy Marcy's interesting adventures trying 101 new things in 1,001 days. It's inspirational! 10 Really
- [2014 Year in Review](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/01/07/2014-year-in-review/) - Here's my 2014 year in review: 1) Am still single and searching. Have had a few "first Internet dates" this year (and enough time has passed that I can now laugh about them!) They weren't horrible enough to be described in detail in a separate bad dates blog post, so that's a plus. One date
- [Blog Stats for Thoughts, Tips and Tales during 2014](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/31/blog-stats-2014/) - Just received some statistics about my blog during 2014. Very interesting... What do you think?
- [Highs and Lows of December](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/30/highs-lows-december/) - It's time for a new year - amazing! December was really unique this year. Here’s a recap. Good things 1) Went on a week-long Carribbean cruise on Princess Cruise Lines and had a great time. Did so many fun and physically active activities (Zumba, line dancing classes, stand-up paddleboarding) that I had to go back to work
- [Christmas Jumbo Wiggly Eyes: Cute Holiday Decoration Adds Pizzazz](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/24/cute-holiday-decoration/) - A package of two Christmas Jumbo Wiggly Eyes (sold at big box craft stores for less than $5) makes Christmas just a little more fun. Place the eyes in the branches of your Christmas tree -- and add a jaunty Santa hat on the top -- to give it personality, or make a sign for
- [Favorite Childhood Christmas Memories](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/22/favorite-childhood-christmas-memories/) - My favorite childhood Christmas memories include: Playing “Christmas” with my sister for weeks before and after the big day. This included pretending that Santa was arriving with piles of (make-believe) presents for us, opening the pretend gifts, oohing and aahing over them, etc. (No, we didn't pretend to write thank-you notes...) The Hollywood setting during Christmas morning gift
- [Inexpensive Christmas Gift for Women who have Everything](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/19/inexpensive-christmas-gift-for-women-who-have-everything/) - Shower Queen sequined caps are unique, inexpensive Christmas gifts for women who have everything. Their hair will stay dry and they'll look like movie stars during a quick shower. This glitzy bathing accessory is available for only $5.99 at Tuesday Morning. While buying this present for friends and family members (who are probably praying they are not the
- [Favorite Blog Posts #1](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/16/favorite-blog-posts/) - Reading other people's blogs is one of my favorite pastimes. (So many blogs, so little time...) Here are some posts I really enjoyed. Check 'em out! Letter from Summer Camp A Boy and his Penis Things that Make you Ask Why? Part 8 Your Friday Laugh - Schrodinger's Cat Executive Decision Maker and Other Finds
- [The Joy of Blinging Out with Christmas Jewelry](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/11/christmas-jewelry/) - Just can't resist buying cute Christmas jewelry to wear every year. Normally a conservative dresser, I break out the bling December 1. Bells, bows, reindeer, Christmas trees and Santas dangle from my ears -- putting me (and hopefully, those around me) in a holiday mood all month. Although there are other types of Christmas jewelry, I'm not a person
- [Highs and Lows of November](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/02/highs-lows-november/) - Can't believe it's December -- and the holidays are coming right up. November flew by! Here's a recap. Good things 1) Did my first webcam phone call ever -- very cool! I could see my son, his wife, and their dog while we talked over the computer for free. When I was a kid, everyone
- [Awesome Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Clothes and Accessories](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/12/04/awesome-ugly-christmas-sweater-parties-2/) - If you're going to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party this year (and they're becoming more and more popular - for both sexes), a good idea to save money is to start with a basic red or green sweater and add lots of bling and jingle bells to it yourself. A tutorial on "how to make
- [Celebrating Ten Thousand Blog Hits in Six Months](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/11/24/celebrating-ten-thousand-hits-six-months/) - Gee, I guess the title said it all, right? Anyway, I'm thrilled to have gotten more than 10,000 (!!!) hits on Thoughts, Tips and Tales in a little over six months since its inception (six months and six days, to be exact). Thanks so much to everyone who's read the blog posts and to everyone
- [Use Unpleasant Credit Card and Earn a Free Cruise ](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/11/20/use-unpleasant-credit-card-unfun-events-earn-free-cruise/) - A friend recently told me about how, over the years, she and her husband charged all the things that were particularly distasteful - pap tests, plumbers' bills, tires for the car, etc. - on a credit card offered by Carnival Cruise Lines. They called it their unpleasant credit card. Eventually, they earned enough rewards for
- [News Updates about Christmas Shopping Bargains](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/11/18/news-updates-christmas-shopping-bargains/) - Everybody wants to save money when buying holiday gifts, right? Did you know that... Walmart is abandoning the one-day-only "Black Friday" sales and will offer its best deals over a five-day period beginning the last week of November this year? Target offers free shipping on all items ordered using the Target credit card? (You also
- [It's a Small World](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/11/13/small-world/) - Isn't it amazing sometimes how people you know show up in the strangest places? Here are some examples: 1) Years ago, we got a new minister at church; he seemed to have a great sense of humor and he introduced himself, his wife and his two children. They had just moved to the area from
- [Cryotherapy: Freezin' for all the Right Reasons](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/11/04/cryotherapy-freezin-for-all-the-right-reasons/) - Just read that South Carolina’s first and only whole body cryotherapy studio -- Chill Out Charleston -- opened recently. Treatments are advertised to help with losing weight and inches, cellulite, psoriasis, sleepless nights, chronic fatigue, depression, low libido, pain and arthritis. Since I saw the ad the day after Halloween, visions of cryogenically frozen heads
- [ 2014 Nissan Sentra Review](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/11/10/2014-nissan-sentra-review/) - Have owned 4 Nissans now - two bought from the dealer, and two bought used - and they've proven to be reliable, long-lasting cars. Here's my review of the new 2014 Sentra I bought about a month ago -- comparing it to the 2003 Nissan Sentra I sold at the same time (and drove for 11
- [Highs and Lows of October](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/31/highs-lows-october/) - Can't believe it's almost November - and the holiday season. October was one of the busiest months ever! Good things 1) Had the best massage of my life. OMG. 2) Went to a fun and relaxing weekend scrapbook retreat, right in town -- and made 46 scrapbook pages! 3) Went to Myrtle Beach and got
- [Appreciating the Little Happy Moments](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/29/little-happy-moments/) - Did you ever do some simple thing and then realize, "Wow. That was really nice." A couple of little happy moments I've had lately were: 1) Coming home from work early and sitting on the front porch reading for an hour in the sunlight and fall weather. Really heavenly after months of 99 degree, high-humidity
- [Weird News: Toys R Us Sold Breaking Bad Dolls with Bags of Meth](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/23/toysrus-sold-breaking-bad-dolls-with-meth/) - I rarely watch TV, but Breaking Bad was the best TV series I've ever seen in my life. The story about Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns into a meth dealer, had me spellbound. I especially enjoyed his love/hate relationship with his partner, Jesse Pinkman, and Walter's transformation during the series. Of
- [Easiest Leaf Raking Ever: Use a Jumbo Dustpan](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/26/easiest-leaf-raking-ever-use-jumbo-dustpan/) - For many years, I was on a quest to find the easiest possible way to rake leaves in my yard -- bought and tried numerous tools and used different methods along the way. I tried raking leaves onto a tarp and dumping the tarp into the container; no go. Tried sucking leaves up with a
- [Things I've Learned This Week](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/15/things-ive-learned-week/) - 1) That my new car's side-view mirrors do fold in (if only I'd known that earlier...) 2) That a website called Nextdoor is a free and private social network for people living in specific neighborhoods. Locate your neighborhood, join at no cost and get emergency notifications, crime alerts, details for community events and services, notices
- [Quote to Remember](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/16/quote-remember/) - "It is not good for all our wishes to be filled; through sickness we recognize the value of health; through evil, the value of good; through hunger, the value of food; through exertion, the value of rest." ---Dorothy Canfield Fisher, American author and essayist (1879-1958)
- [Paul Revere May be Gone, but the Music Lives On](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/10/paul-revere-passes-on/) - Paul Revere, leader of the good old ‘70s rock ’n’ roll band Paul Revere and the Raiders, died last weekend. Wow. I remember the Raiders' wacky Colonial outfits with the three-cornered hats, and their smiling faces. We used to groove along with them on the TV show “Where the Action Is.” Their music was uplifting
- [Super Thrifty -- But These are the Things I'm Willing to Splurge On](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/09/super-thrifty-things-im-willing-splurge/) - Even the thriftiest person has some indulgence they're willing to spend their hard-earned money on. It might be a small thing like Starbucks coffee, a special lipstick or a hobby item. Or something bigger. I come from a frugal family -- which is a good thing -- and I pinch pennies and try to get
- [The Lamest Newspaper Feature Ever](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/13/lamest-newspaper-feature-ever/) - The primary newspaper for the Charleston, South Carolina area publishes what seems to me to be the absolute dumbest weekly feature ever. In the food section, they run a column called Daily Digest (subtitled "what one local ate over the course of a day") where the journalist picks an area resident, publishes that person's photo
- [Public Restrooms: Way Too Many Ways to "Go" and Wash your Hands Afterwards](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/06/public-restrooms-14-ways-go-wash-hands-afterwards/) - Wow - public restroom facilities have changed over the past ten years! Back in the day, you went to the bathroom, pushed down the handle on a do-it-yourself flush toilet when you finished and pumped soap from a dispenser built into the sink unit. Then you turned on a faucet by the handles, washed your
- [Swearing in Blog Posts Doesn't Make you Look like a Rebel -- It Makes You Look Trashy](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/30/swearing-blog-posts-doesnt-make-look-like-rebel-makes-look-trashy/) - Bloggers, if you use swear words in public posts -- especially the f-word, c-word, or g-d-word -- or even "freakin'" -- when we all know what you're thinking -- I beg you to reconsider. Someday, I think you'll be sorry you chose to express yourself that way. You may feel that taking advantage of your freedom to
- [Highs and Lows of September](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/03/highs-lows-september/) - September's been sort of a crazy, busy month. And it sure went by fast! Good things 1) Have been spending a lot of time at work planning and coordinating about 14 different Combined Federal Campaign (annual government charity drive) fundraising events for this year's campaign. Have never done it before, but got tired of writing articles for
- [Books I've Read and Enjoyed in 2014](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/25/books-ive-read-last-six-months/) - I absolutely love to read, and have also been taking a photo every day for more than four years to capture images of people, events and things in my life as part of the 365 Project. So it seemed a natural decision to photograph the cover of every book I've read. It's surprising to see how
- [Great Marketing Idea: Spell Words using a Human Alphabet!](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/17/great-marketing-idea-spell-words-using-human-alphabet/) - When a corporate restructure began at my workplace -- to become a "competency aligned organization (CAO)" -- my job was to create an educational campaign to teach thousands of employees around the world what CAO was and how it affected them. I made a series of informational posters and sent them to designated people in
- [Winner in the "Name my New Car" Contest](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/10/01/winner-in-the-name-my-new-car-contest-contest/) - Last week, I offered a $10 Amazon gift card to the person who submitted the best name for my new silver car. Thanks to everyone who entered my first blog contest -- you had some great ideas and it was a fun experience! It was hard to pick a winner, but (drum roll, please) the
- [The Most Horrible Car Buying Experience Ever -- Conclusion](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/19/horrible-car-buying-experience-ever-conclusion/) - As detailed on yesterday's blog post, I bought a new car recently and had the most horrible car buying experience ever. When I brought the new car home, I parked it in the driveway thinking I might want to go somewhere that afternoon. About 5:00, I drove it into the garage that I've parked in
- [The Most Horrible Car Buying Experience Ever ](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/18/most-horrible-car-buying-experience-ever/) - After driving Goldie (my previous car) for 11 years, it was time to get a newer model for long-distance travel -- even though she still ran like a champ. Many people enjoy -- or at least look forward to -- buying a new vehicle, but I had a truly unbelievable car-buying ordeal from start to
- [Enter the Contest to Name my New Car; Win a $10 Amazon Gift Card](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/24/contest-to-name-my-new-car-win-amazon-gift-card/) - I always name my cars, and my new 2014 "bright silver" Nissan Sentra (pictured above and written about previously in the worst new car buying experience ever) needs a cute handle. Please submit ideas! I'll announce the winner next week and email a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate to the person who suggests the best name
- [Confess: How Did You Get Your Name?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/16/confess-how-you-got-your-name/) - I was formerly a corporate trainer and once led a group event at work using the following theme as an icebreaker: Tell us how you got your name. We went around the room and nearly everyone had an entertaining tale to tell about how their parents picked their names. Some were romantic and some were
- [Doesn't Everyone Name Their Car?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/01/doesnt-everyone-name-car/) - I always name my cars; doesn't everyone? After all, you spend a lot of time together. When I was a kid, my parents referred to the family cars by color. For example, they'd say, "We're taking the "white car" today (versus taking the "blue car")." How unimaginative! I've given every one of my cars an exciting
- [Antenna Balls: Finding Your Vehicle in a Crowded Parking Lot](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/03/finding-car-crowded-parking-lot/) - Have you ever walked frantically around a large parking lot looking for your car? If so, you've gotta love antenna balls! They come in all shapes, sizes and designs -- from Mickey Mouse to happy faces. You just push them onto the end of your car's antenna (if you have one on your vehicle) and
- [Highs and Lows of August](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/02/highs-lows-august/) - Here’s a recap of the good, bad and weird things that happened during August: Good 1) Bought a new car - after 11 years! (You'll hear more about that - the car's very nice but the car-buying experience was unbelievable.) 2) Took a road trip (in the new car) over Labor Day weekend to visit
- [Mishaps and Fun on a Charleston Walking Tour](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/09/mishaps-fun-on-charleston-walking-tour/) - **This is not a sponsored blog post; I just really like this book! M, one of my best friends, wrote a fabulous walking tour book of historic Charleston, S.C. called Charleston from a Kid's-Eye View: The interactive walking tour book for the young and young-at-heart. It's intended for children, but is just as entertaining for
- [Please Don't Hug or Kiss Me at Work - Version 1, Silly Stories](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/09/04/please-dont-hug-kiss-work-version-1/) - I've never been big on hugging or kissing anyone but my son or the man in my life. My girlfriends all tease me about my "problem" - especially after I revealed that one time the minister told everyone to hug their neighbor at church and I purposely put my hands in both pockets, smiled at
- [Rant #2: An Open Letter to All Retail Employees and Managers](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/28/rant-open-letter-retail-employees-managers/) - When has the phrase "Have a good one" uttered mindlessly by a lackadaisical employee at the end of a retail transaction become the standard? What ever happened to thanking the customer for patronizing the establishment and spending money there? With all the choices of restaurants, retail stores and other businesses today, employees should remember that
- [Rant #1: Bad Customer Service Epidemic](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/27/bad-customer-service-epidemic/) - I've often been annoyed and amazed at the following situation (and similar instances at other retail establishments): You approach a fast-food restaurant drive-through (other than Chik-fil-A; their employees really are polite). The employee says, "Welcome to XX (their establishment)" or something similar, and then you place your order. Normally, they'll simply announce the price and
- [Cool Graphics Tool for Bloggers and Others](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/15/cool-graphics-tool-bloggers-everyone/) - Came across a great graphics website today. You know the "Keep Calm and Carry on" signs that you see on Pinterest and everywhere? And the takeoffs on them? ("Keep Calm and Kayak On," etc.) You can create your own unique "Keep Calm" signs in less than a minute -- and at no cost --using the Keep
- [Returning to Work after Vacation to an Empty Mailbox](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/21/returning-work-vacation-empty-mailbox/) - How would you like to return from vacation to an empty mailbox at work? It sometimes takes me an entire week after my return to go through all my accumulated email messages -- and by about noon the first day back, the vacation glow is definitely gone. The August issue of GovExec magazine (www.govexec.com) reported that
- [Celebrating 5,000+ Blog Hits in the First Three Months](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/18/celebrating-5000-hits-since-may-15/) - Thanks for joining me today to celebrate exceeding 5,000+ blog hits on Thoughts, Tips and Tales in the first three months! I truly appreciate everyone who's visited the site, read posts, left comments and "liked" specific messages. Personal blogging is definitely addictive! If you enjoy the site and haven't signed up to have each new
- [Singing the Blues - to Lighten Up and Relieve Stress](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/18/singing-the-blues/) - Loretta LaRoche, author of "Ten Simple Truths That Lead to an Amazing Life: Life is Short - Wear Your Party Pants"says one of her favorite ways to get people to see how they're distorting things and get a handle on their stress is to give them unconventional ways to articulate the things that bug them.
- ["I'm Baaaaacccckkk!" -- Being Grateful](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/18/im-baaaaacccckkk/) - Loretta LaRoche, author of "Ten Simple Truths That Lead to an Amazing Life: Life is Short - Wear Your Party Pants" writes about spending too much time using our hopes for the future as a way to take us away from the realities of the present. She suggests a simple exercise to do when you
- [Charleston Area Bloggers Meeting Thurs., Aug. 21](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/13/charleston-area-bloggers-meeting-thurs-aug-21/) - If you live in the Charleston, S.C., area and want to get together to share tips and network with other area bloggers, please plan to attend the kickoff Charleston-Area Bloggers meeting Thurs., Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. at Publix cafe in Queensboro Shopping Center in Mt. Pleasant. Please contact me at blogqueendiane@comcast.net for more info and
- [Ten Unique Southern Expressions](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/13/unique-southern-expressions/) - When I lived "Up North" everybody knew that Southerns always said "Y'all" instead of "You all" and dropped the letter "g" on the end of lots of words. My sister and I used to pretend to be Southern belles (Scarlet O'Hara wanna-bes), fluttering our hands and whispering "Y'all hush now!" to each other. (Our grandma
- [Stand-Up Paddleboarding -- The Easy Way](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/08/stand-paddleboarding-easier-way/) - I wrote a post recently about the stand-up paddleboarding class I took this summer and how, although my legs quivered the whole time, I finally was able to paddle for an hour without plunging into the water. My friend C's dad, Mr. D., who has always been an amazing extreme athlete (a bungee-jumping, rafting-in-the-rapids, jumping-out-of-an-airplane type of
- [Wild Hair](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/10/wild-hare-hair/) - This woman was standing in front of me in line at the thrift store yesterday. (My friend J and I hit five thrift stores in a row and found some good buys!) She was about 5'2" and her hair actually touched the floor. It was truly amazing, and I had to sneak a photo. Wonder
- [Mother-Daughter Mini-Me Photos](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/09/mother-daughter-mini-photos/) - Aren't these great mother-daughter photos?
- [The Great Adventure: Writing My First Book](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/22/writing-my-first-book/) - A little over 20 years ago when my son was a toddler, I had a brainstorm: write a book about great places to take kids in the area. I was an at-home mom, no product like that existed locally and I knew tons of fun things to do and places to go. Several months before,
- [Featured on Another Blog, but Sort of Embarrassed...](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/08/06/featured-another-blog-sort-embarrassed/) - Yesterday I was a featured blogger on the In the Next 30 Days blog at http://inthenext30days.net/bloggers-day-5-blog-queen-diane-thoughts-tips-tales/, which was very cool! But I'm kind of embarrassed because it sounded like Anna, who very kindly wrote the blog post to feature me, might have thought I was being egotistical to use the screen name "blogqueendiane." The only
- [The High and Low List for June 2014](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/29/the-high-and-low-list-for-june-2014/) - Here's a recap of the good, bad and ugly things that've happened in my life during June: GOOD 1.Had the first blog post I ever submitted to BlogHer published, listing me as a Featured Writer. It's gotten 550 hits there so far. 2. My best old friend came for a visit and we laughed til
- [Weird News in Local Newspaper This Week](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/31/weird-local-news-week/) - I absolutely love reading the newspaper in our metropolitan area. This week a couple articles (and follow-up articles on each two days later) cracked me up. 1) A man bought gas at midnight at a local gas station. Two male customers saw that he had several hundred-dollar bills in his wallet and one of them
- [The Highs and Lows of July](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/30/the-high-and-low-list-for-july/) - Here's a recap of the good, bad and ugly things that've happened in my life during July: GOOD 1) My son, his wife and their adorable dog (isn't he the cutest puppy ever?) came to visit for a nice, long weekend. They moved out of town a year ago and I only get to see
- [Rip It/Clip It to Show Love](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/23/rip-itclip-show-love/) - In my family, we rip or clip newspaper or magazine articles of potential interest and mail them to each other to show we’re thinking of the other person and that we care. My mom and dad have been sending me articles for years. When they still lived in my hometown, mom would clip news about
- [The Best Jeans Ever – I LOVE “Not Your Daughter’s Jeans”](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/20/best-jeans-ever-love-daughters-jeans/) - After many years of searching for the elusive "perfect pair of jeans," I've finally found them. Had seen ads for "Not Your Daughter's Jeans" in various women's magazines over the years, but had never seen them in a local store or known anyone who owned a pair. Then, by magic, I was at my favorite
- [Moving to New Blog  Location](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/27/moving-new-blog-location/) - I'm moved the blog from www.thoughtstipsandtales.wordpress.com to a self-hosted site at www.thoughtstipsandtales.com and bought the Thoughts, Tips and Tales domain name, so in the future my blog posts will be available at: http://www.thoughtstipsandtales.com. Please join me there!
- [Scaling Blogging Back a Little](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/25/scaling-back-little/) - Creating posts on a personal blog has been great fun so far! However, after blogging 75 straight days in a row... I need to scale back a little. So, I'll be posting three times a week (maybe more - who knows?) from Monday-Friday in the future. Please continue reading and commenting -- I love it!
- [Lingerie Poll](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/13/lingerie-poll/) - After discovering at my last book club meeting that I was the only member who still wears a slip (we obviously veered away from a discussion of the book when this came up), I decided it's time to take a poll to see if I'm hopelessly out of date. (Didn't your mother tell you when
- [Wonder Why?](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/12/dont-you-wonder-why/) - Everyone thinks about certain things in life and speculates why they're done. Here are some of the things I wonder about (you'll notice none of them are deep or terribly important...). If you know the reasons behind any of them, feel free to comment! 1) Why do all women's magazines fill the back of every
- [Why I Love Personal Blogging](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/11/why-i-love-personal-blogging/) - My full-time job involves running a corporate communications blog that provides work-related information to employees around the world, and I enjoy it. But writing a personal blog is a lot more entertaining! The reasons I enjoy personal blogging are: 1) You get to write about things that interest you. 2) You can be creative in
- [Cherished Childhood Friends Provide a Reason to Keep Blogging](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/08/cherished-childhood-friends-provide-a-reason-to-keep-blogging/) - I got the most unexpected and sweet email message last night from R, a childhood friend. Some background: R and her family lived in a house across the alley from my family’s house all the years I did, from the age of about two through college. She’s a year younger than I am and, along
- [Something to Think About for Monday](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/07/07/something-to-think-about-for-monday/) - It's true, isn't it?
- [2014  World's Ugliest Dog Winners](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/28/2014-worlds-ugliest-dog-winners/) - You already know that I am hooked on news stories about the weird things people do. Along those same lines... Each year about this time, I look forward with anticipation to seeing a photo of the winner of the year's Ugliest Dog contest. The 2014 winners' photos and life stories are available at http://www.ibtimes.com/2014s-worlds-ugliest-dog-winner-meet-peanut-runners-pictures-1608238. Check it
- [Sorry to Seem Like a Bragger... but Just Had My First Blogging Achievement](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/17/sorry-to-seem-like-a-bragger-but-just-had-my-first-blogging-achievement/) - I started this personal blog a little more than a month ago primarily for fun, since I write business-related articles at work all day. Figured that deciding what to write on a blog post every day and gathering graphics to go along with it would give me something entertaining to think about and do. Today
- [Follow-up to Why I Love Weird News Stories: How Weird News Teaches us Great Storytelling | The Red Pen of Doom](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/16/follow-up-to-why-i-love-weird-news-stories-how-weird-news-teaches-us-great-storytelling-the-red-pen-of-doom/) - A while back, I wrote a post about my love affair with weird news stories and the strange things people do. Right after that, I read the hilarious blog post below explaining why people love weird stories. It's right on the mark! ----- Every day, there are real stories in the morning newspaper that make
- [Cell Phone Luddite: An Occasional TracFone User Explains Why She Doesn't Want a Smart Phone](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/13/cell-phone-luddite-confessions-of-a-tracfone-user/) - Nearly everyone in the civilized world aged 12 and above has a high-tech smart phone these days. (Government programs give away better phones than I have to low-income people.) But I'm not a convert yet, and I'll tell you why: 1. I'm very frugal. My TracFone costs $99 a year and 3,200+ minutes have carried
- [First 30 Days of Lifestyle Blogging ](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/12/first-30-days-of-lifestyle-blogging-vs-work-blogging/) - Wow -- I've written and published one Thoughts, Tips and Tales blog post a day for the first 30 days in a row! And managed to get 1,165 hits (not too bad for a first stab at a personal blog ??). Although my mom does subscribe to get a daily email update, I swear she
- [Can't Cure a Magazine Junkie](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/06/11/cant-cure-a-magazine-junkie/) - I've had a wicked addiction to magazines since first grade. It started with Highlights for Children in elementary school, and progressed to Tiger Beat (ooh, those cute long-haired musician boys), Young Miss, Teen and Seventeen (oh so cool). The old favorites that my mom read, Family Circle and Woman's Day, made me feel grown-up as a married
- [A Puzzling Birthday Experience](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/30/a-puzzling-birthday-experience/) - I've always been a big birthday person and love to celebrate birthdays of coworkers, friends and family, as well as my own. And I'm also really into chocolate. So one year when my son was about eight, I went to the local Publix and ordered myself a chocolate birthday cake. (I still think they make
- [Best Summer Camp Ever](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/25/best-summer-camp-ever/) - Can you believe it? Saw this huge sign on the sidewalk in front of a store in a shopping center near my house the other day. Where were camps like this when I was a kid? THIS is where I want to go this summer, instead of to work!! But then I'd have to walk
- [Hodgepodge Wednesday](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/24/155/) - OK, I'm trying something new and exciting - Hodgepodge Wednesday from a blog by Joyce Daley called From This Side of the Pond. Here are my answers to her questions. Feel free to comment! ----------------- 1. Under what circumstances do you do your best thinking? Definitely while driving the car. The problem is writing the ideas
- [Simple Life Goal](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2014/05/20/simple-life-goal/) - "The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege." - Charles Kuralt This quote, I believe, provides a basic goal for most people's lives: to gain and sustain the love of family and the admiration of friends. If you post this quote somewere visible and look at it

## Pages

- [Guest Posts/Featured](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/guest-postsfeatured/) - Places my blog was featured: Association for Long Term Care Planning website March 21, 2018: Family Caregiving -- Coping with Emotional and Financial Toll (I'm the "Diane" mentioned in the Build Up Your Self-Esteem section. It links to my blog post "20 Things I Learned in the First Month of Caring for Elderly Parents.") Over
- [<b>All Blog Posts to Date</b>](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/blog-posts-date/) - Fitbit Charge 2 Review: Vastly Superior to Fitbit Charge HR Second Women’s Kayaking and Hiking Weekend in Brevard: Wonderful Except for the Near-Death Experience Beware of Thin-Soled Sandals: What to Do When You Get Blisters on the Balls of Your Feet Amazon Echo Look: The Follow-up to Amazon Echo and Amazon Dot South American Souvenirs
- [<b>About</b>](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/about/) - Have you ever felt like sitting down to talk with a friend and nobody is available? Pretty unsatisfying, huh? Reading a “lifestyle” blog can be like indulging in a good conversation. It connects you with another human being who has the same types of joys and problems as you do. Reading a funny post, getting
- [Books Read in 2014-2016](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/books-read-2014/) - (Did you know James Patterson holds the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers? As you'll see, I really like his books...they're entertaining and quick reads.) 2014 Books I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou 8th Confession (Women's Murder Club) by James Patterson 5th Horseman (Women's Murder Club)
- [Blog Parties](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/blog-parties/) - I post my favorite blog posts at the following blog parties: Monday Inspiration Monday -- http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com Monday Madness -- http://howtogetorganizedathome.com Bloggers Brags Weekly Pinterest Party Tuesday Turn it Up Tuesday -- www.epicmommyadventures.com Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

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- [easiest leaf raking](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/easiest-leaf-raking/)
- [what not to sell at a yard sale](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/what-not-to-sell-at-a-yard-sale/)
- [Halloween decorations](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/halloween-decorations/)
- [learned the hard way](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/learned-the-hard-way/)
- [thrift store treasures](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/thrift-store-treasures/)
- [appreciating life](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/appreciating-life/)
- [fitness tracker review](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/fitness-tracker-review/)
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- [small world](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/small-world/)
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- [family holidays](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/family-holidays/)
- [december daily prompts](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/december-daily-prompts-2/)
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- [holiday observations](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/holiday-observations/)
- [Christmas gift idea](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/christmas-gift-idea/)
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- [Fitbit Charge](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/fitbit-charge/)
- [Fitbit Force](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/fitbit-force/)
- [body pump](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/body-pump-2/)
- [boob-eez](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/boob-eez/)
- [nissan sentra](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/nissan-sentra/)
- [inexpensive Christmas gift](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/inexpensive-christmas-gift/)
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- [why i love scrapbooking](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/why-i-love-scrapbooking/)
- [thoughtstipsandtales polga](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/thoughtstipsandtales-polga/)
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- [ugly Christmas sweater party](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/ugly-christmas-sweater-party/)
- [how to make a pine Christmas wreath](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/how-to-make-a-pine-christmas-wreath/)
- [how to make a wreath](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/how-to-make-a-wreath/)
- [instructions for a pine Christmas wreath](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/instructions-for-a-pine-christmas-wreath/)
- [girlfriends Christmas party](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/girlfriends-christmas-party/)
- [wreath](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/wreath/)
- [solo vacations](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/solo-vacations/)
- [the Happiness Project one sentence journal](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/the-happiness-project-one-sentence-journal-2/)
- [princess cruise](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/princess-cruise/)
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- [Christmas fun](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/christmas-fun/)
- [the clapper](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/the-clapper/)
- [chicken limbo](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/chicken-limbo/)
- [favorite childhood Christmas memories](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/favorite-childhood-christmas-memories/)
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- [holiday observation](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/holiday-observation/)
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- [diy Christmas gift](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/diy-christmas-gift/)
- [do it yourself Christmas gift](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/do-it-yourself-christmas-gift/)
- [gift for less than $5](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/gift-for-less-than-5/)
- [cute Christmas decoration](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/cute-christmas-decoration/)
- [wiggly eyes](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/wiggly-eyes/)
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- [Christmas decoration](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/christmas-decoration/)
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- [eclectic Christmas tree](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/eclectic-christmas-tree/)
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- [2000 accomplishments](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/2000-accomplishments/)
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- [packing tips](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/packing-tips/)
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- [interview fiascos](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/interview-fiascos/)
- [table tennis](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/table-tennis/)
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- [favorite drinks](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/favorite-drinks/)
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- [traffic calmers](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/traffic-calmers/)
- [captioned phone](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/captioned-phone/)
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- [how to be happy](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/how-to-be-happy/)
- [happiness](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/happiness/)
- [relieve traffic congestion](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/relieve-traffic-congestion/)
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- [cruising solo](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/cruising-solo/)
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- [TP](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/tp/)
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- [weird gifts](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/weird-gifts/)
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- [Katakolon Greece](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/katakolon-greece/)
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- [carnival ideas](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/carnival-ideas/)
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- [most expensive hotel](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/most-expensive-hotel/)
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- [Hotel Principe](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/hotel-principe/)
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- [souvenirs](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/souvenirs/)
- [DIY gift](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/diy-gift/)
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- [old boyfriend](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/old-boyfriend/)
- [photos of old flames](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/photos-of-old-flames/)
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- [secrets of happy people](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/secrets-of-happy-people/)
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- [online dating dangers](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/online-dating-dangers/)
- [housekeeping](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/housekeeping/)
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- [things you can do with amazon echo](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/things-you-can-do-with-amazon-echo/)
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- [dating a man who earns less](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/dating-a-man-who-earns-less/)
- [when one partner makes more than the other](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/when-one-partner-makes-more-than-the-other/)
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- [expressing gratitude](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/expressing-gratitude/)
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- [books I've read](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/books-ive-read/)
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- [gift idea](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/gift-idea/)
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- [appointments](https://thoughtstipsandtales.com/tag/appointments/)