Alexa and the Echo Show

 Okay, I've wanted one since I got to play with the one my folks have, but it was a want, so I did wait until there was a pretty significant sale.

Alexa has been in my kitchen for a few days now, and my Spotify playlist is running a lot of the time, without having to interrupt it anytime something happens on my phone. This is a big plus for me, and means I can do fun things like video baking clips with the background music instead of just sharing screenshots.

 I also set a hilarious alarm, just to laugh at it in the morning.  Grand Tour: Season 2

I can ask questions and get information, though she was definitely off when it came to the air quality the other day (actual rating, 88, Alexa's information, 44). 

Not a need, but definitely a fun and interesting addition to the house.

Lemon Sugar Cookies July 2024

                                                 

 I've made these before, but I never video, except for maybe a bit of the mixer, so it's a new experience for me! I was having way too much fun making videos, so I understand if it's overkill :).

 

It's a well loved and worn paper recipe :).  The original can be found at  Lemons and Zest . I did double it, so if it looks like I'm using more than the measurements say, that's why.  I do use the amount of flour listed, but add 2 Tbs (each batch, so 4 this time) for high altitude. I also use a whole egg instead of just the yolk.

The Cast of Characters:

Dry Ingredients in their very own bowl. 

 

Combined the butter and sugar and mixed until light and fluffy.

Add Lemon Zest, Eggs, and Vanilla

And I lost track of videos, so there is either one twice right above me, or there will be one repeated right now. For some reason I'm only seeing the previews and not the actual video. 

I keep my plastic wrap in the freezer to help it be easier to handle.

I wrapped the dough in plastic and set it in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to work with when I rolled the cookies.

                                                     Needed a cup of tea to go with my baking :).

or two....

                            Preheat the oven...

   

 

 

Vacuum sealing the bags reminded me of this mystery I read recently. 

Hair by Jamie @ Jones-in for Color in Casper, WY

 I know, it has been so long since I posted! I just haven't made blogging a routine, even when I think of cool things, it goes in the idea folder. I have limited time and resources, and I'm focusing on other priorities.

That said, I definitely wanted to write this one, because it's a review of a local business, and isn't just about getting my ideas down in "print", but celebrating the success of an entrepreneur and making sure other people know to go there!

It had been a very long time since I had been to a salon. If you ever see my Facebook, you might notice that my hair is regularly of the "stuck in a light socket" variety, and even with a bunch of stuff in it to weight it down, tends to just frizz out around my head.  

                                                       

On Monday, I had an appointment, my first at this salon, and with this stylist. I explained that I like my grey color, I feel like it's a badge I've earned, but the insane frizz drives me crazy and I just want to figure out a way to not look like I'm electrified. She made some suggestions to brighten and deepen the color and hopefully control the frizz, and away we went! 

I will tell you right now, Jamie Durand-Jones is amazing! I have had people straighten my hair before, most hairstylists do, just to make sure the cut is even. It usually looks not at all like me and not great. This looked great. No frizz, not heavy and mucky with piles of product to hold it, just soft, straight hair. My hair feels light, and it's soft.

When I got home from the salon!

When my hair has been straightened, it never holds. Usually it's escaped back into wild springs by that afternoon.  I took a photo the next day, and it looked salon worthy. I have never had my hair look that good on the second day. I forgot to take a photo on the third day, it still looked just as good and non-frizzed! 

The Next Day!

The next day I washed it and put nothing in it, not even curl cream or hair serum, because I wanted to see what it would do.

Thursday (3rd Full Day after)

Wet hair in the morning - left to air dry with no product at all

                                                            

                                                                        After airdrying

I did have to pull it up today (Friday), because I was baking, but it wasn't frizzy and icky at all. It still looks great, I am comfortable wearing it down, and it is light. I am so happy with my hair and thrilled with Jamie at Jones-in for Color in Casper, Wyoming!!!!

Baking Friday

Also Friday, just down because I was finished baking.

Preview Halloween 2023 - Updated with Halloween Photos!!!!!

 This year will be fun! I wrote this blog post in July, and had already been hard at work collecting costume items!

Yes, we're going as Young Carl and Ellie!

I have a short sleeve button down with flowers, and I found these overalls on Amazon.

The yellow button down and bow tie were at Kohl's

   

Still on the list: 

 or 

UPDATE: THE FINAL PRODUCT!!!

Here we are, complete with our very own Dug!

By the way, this photo of Paul as Carl won first prize for photography at the County Fair :).