by Debbee | Jul 17, 2020 | My Favorite Things, Shop
Hello all, I sure hope you are doing okay during these trying times. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite skin, hair and other beauty basics that I use regularly, if not daily.
Many of these hygiene care items have broad appeal, and are used by men and women of all ages. In fact, several are also used by my hubby and adult sons. I like not having to clutter a bathroom vanity or shower with different personal care products for every member of the family.
Since age factors into skin care, many of the beauty basics I use may appeal more to women 40 or 50 and over. Of course, everyone is different in terms of their skin tone, so I’m avoiding most cosmetics.
I’ve also excluded products that should be first discussed with your physician; like prescription drugs, over the counter medications and even vitamins.
Sure would appreciate feedback and input on your favorite beauty basics in the comment section. Why are they your favs?
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by Debbee | Jul 7, 2020 | Ecuador, Travel
Finishing up my Galapagos trip series, with our final day’s heartwarming wildlife encounter. Since I’m pretty much stuck at home during the virus case surge, I thought it would be therapeutic to virtual travel together.
For our final excursion we headed to Mosquera, one of the smallest islands in the archipelago. Located between North Seymour and Baltra Islands, we had basically circled back from where we started our Galapagos trip five days earlier.
Mosquera is a reef of rocks and coral (the result of a volcanic uprising), with a beautiful, white sand beach. Most importantly, the inlet is home to a large colony of sea lions.
Before we even got out of the pangas (motorized, hard-bottom raft), we could see them clustered in small groups across the sand, vegetation and rocks. And as we waded onto shore for a wet-footed landing, several playful sea lions frolicked around us. Talk about a welcoming committee!
We spent a wondrous couple of hours on the small inlet, while trying to maintain an appropriate distance from the more curious sea lions.
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by Debbee | Jul 3, 2020 | Fourth of July, Holidays
This will be a very quiet and low-key Fourth of July at the Buzz house — for obvious reasons. It’s caused me to reflect on the first Independence Day. And, to honor the memory of our family’s Patriot ancestors.
Originally, I had hoped our sons would come home for a couple of weeks at the start of the holiday. We’d planned to setup offices in each of their old bedrooms. Instead, I’m crossing fingers and toes they’ll be able to come home later this summer.
So, we invited my brother-in-law and his wife to come up from Virginia. But, with the dramatic increase in cases, we’ve pushed the visit back. After all, it’s not like there will be fireworks, an outdoor concert, or any community festivities. Sistah B and her family are also postpoing a trip to see friends. So, we’ll reassess in a couple of weeks. Life on pause.
That’s when I starting thinking about how hard and frightening life was during the Revolutionary War. And, I’m remembering the sacrifices made for the freedoms we all enjoy today. Even if it’s muted and isolated, I’m still celebrating Independence Day.
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by Debbee | Jun 25, 2020 | Decorations, Planters, Projects
As part of this month’s craft blog hop, I’m sharing two DIY ideas that incorporate a vintage teacup — or two.
First, is a fun project to embellish a planter or garden. The second, is a quaint way to decorate a chandelier. It’s also great for displaying a vintage teacup collection. Or, as party decor for a tea or Alice in Wonderland Theme Party, as I did.
Both are simple to do, and are more assembly than crafts which require special skills, materials or tools.
In all, I’ve included a total of nine different garden, home and party decor ideas. Each incorporates, or is inspired by, a vintage teacup.
Any of these crafts could also make a lovely birthday, holiday or Mother’s Day gift. Perhaps you even have some pieces of grandmother’s or a great aunt’s china, or vintage teacup collection? Maybe some are chipped, cracked, stained, or missing a matching saucer? Consider repurposing them into a gift for daughters, nieces or other family members and friends!
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by Debbee | Jun 20, 2020 | Events, My Favorite Things, Parties
Today, I’m revisiting my Unbirthday Birthday, Alice in Wonderland theme event, celebrated on the outdoor covered porch and pergola.
In the Alice in Wonderland, Unbirthday Party Reveal, I told you about the terrible electrical storms we had the night before. It wasn’t until 11 AM the morning of the party, that I felt confident enough about the weather to move forward setting the tables up outside.
Previously, I’ve shared the “in case of rain,” or “Plan Bee” tables to seat 17.
Two Alice in Wonderland Tables would have been arranged in the kitchen and family room. While, bad weather would also necessitate the Absolutely Mad, Summer Tea Party Table bee-ing set in the dining room.
But, up until now, I’ve only shared glimpses of the actual alfresco celebration that took place on the deck. Put on your party hat and come join us outside!
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by Debbee | Jun 16, 2020 | Ecuador, Travel
When I left you in Galapagos Islands Cruise: Nature Wonderland, we had just finished a second full day of snorkeling, and both wet and dry foot landings. Today, we continue the Galapagos vacation, exploring more islands, bays, and beaches.
But, as incredible as it was to see the various volcanic landscapes and lava formations, it was the close encounters with wildlife that made the Galapagos vacation such a marvelous adventure.
There were countless species of birds and marine life, including; pelicans, crabs, sharks, rays, iguanas, lizards, fur seals, and sea lions.
Today, I’m sharing some of the amazing creatures we saw from the panga motorized raft, kayak, and while either on foot or snorkeling. I was hard-pressed to narrow down my photographs to just this sampling!
Continue the virtual Galapagos vacation with me, and you’ll get to see close-ups of famous indigenous species like the giant tortoise and blue-footed booby.
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by Debbee | Jun 7, 2020 | Favors, My Favorite Things, Parties
Coming around to another birthday, with found memories of my milestone Unbirthday Party. Today, I’m sharing each Wonderland party favor the Queen of Hearts bestowed on her guests.
While reviewing vacations photos to create last week’s, Galapagos Islands Cruise, I was surprised to discover unpublished pictures from the theme My Favorite Things Party. Just shows how badly I’ve needed to get my pictures organized, lol!
In my defense, there were probably upwards of a thousand photographs from the party crafts, decorations, food, tables, games, and gift exchange. Many were taken by family and friends who shared them months later.
At some point, I also figured you might be “overdosing” on Wonderland? I moved on to holiday and seasonal posts, forgetting all about the three remaining Unbirthday party topics.
So, back down the rabbit hole we go! With the world beginning to open up, and larger groups allowed to congregate, people will host celebrations like birthdays and showers again. I’m hoping you’ll find some inspiration from these Wonderland party favors, even for gatherings with tea or gardening themes.
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by Debbee | May 30, 2020 | Ecuador, Travel
While being mostly homebound, one of my projects has been to go through and organize past vacation photos. I’ve finally just finished editing hundreds of pictures taken during an amazing Galapagos Islands cruise.
The five-day cruise was the grand finale of a three-week, bucket list trip to South America. We started in Peru, first Touring Lima and the Sacred Valley, and it’s Ingenious Inca Legacy. My dream-come-true was Exploring Magnificent Machu Picchu.
Although I had been looking forward to the Galapagos Islands cruise, it far exceeded my expectations. It felt like being a part of a National Geographic or Jacques Cousteau documentary!
Lying six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, the volcanic islands of the Galapagos are famous for a wealth of unique plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. It is also one of the few places without an indigenous population.Today, the source of Darwin’s theory of evolution remains a priceless living laboratory.
Travel with me to a part of the planet that is as God created it. A pristine world where a Galapagos Islands cruise is like traveling back in time. A reminder of the beauty in this world. Nature perseveres and so will we.
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by Debbee | May 19, 2020 | Decorations, Graduation, Keepsakes, Parties
One of my great pleasures was making high school senior recognition, prom and graduation party decorations for my sons.
Breaks my heart thinking of this year’s grads and their families. But, it’s inspiring seeing so many students, parents, teachers and administrators finding unique ways to celebrate and make graduation special.
Today, I’ll show you how to make a tabletop graduation party decoration using photographs. Although I made mine primarily as centerpieces, they also look great on a mantle, buffet or accent table.
Using pictures of the graduate personalizes the decorations. After the party, they also make wonderful keepsakes for the grad, mom and dad, and grandparents.
Even if you can’t host a big blowout this year, you might be able to have a more modest sized gathering of family and friends later this summer. And, party or no party, the photo stand ups create a festive environment in the home. If you must social distance from your grandchild or other favorite grad, consider making one as a gift. Then drop it at their front door, or send it off in the mail as a special surprise.
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