GREETINGS SUPERB READERS (!)
FROM CHERYL CLARSON
Presenting 5 for FRIDAY’s read this October 6.
We had a crazy storm that blew through here Wednesday night. Not just “a” storm but the threat of a possible tornado in the area.
Felt a little like a white knuckle ride — as the tornado sirens were heard loudly in the night – warnings of take cover sort of thing – this is not a test. YIKES!
My wonderful neighbors = friends had me in their thoughts. Texting or calling — “get in the bathroom,” “make sure you have your running shoes on and your purse close … in case …” “Are you okay?”
“Copy.” “Copy.” “Yes.” were my responses via text.
My little freeloaders (aka cats) were less than impressed with the lock-down time in the bathroom — but they’re over it now. They have short-term memories. Ha!
Torrential rain, crazy wind, etc …
Long story short – tornado blew over our part of the world with no damage and went whipping away somewhere else. Hopefully back up in the sky where it started!
Today’s line-up is packed full of happy:
Beginning with STEPHANIE’S CHIC ON THE CHEAP column!
PLANNING AHEAD:
Ready to get kinda dressed-up-for-some Halloween playfulness (yes, as grown-ups who still have a little kid at heart bouncing around – saying – let’s have a little fun)?
Steph’s column is for you, me and all!
And, yep, you guessed it, Stephanie’s tips are cool, inexpensive and tried-and-true!
Steph is giving us head’s up NOW to be race-ready for ((incoming)) Halloween .
Thanks, Steph!
QUICK QUESTION – What’s the most valuable thing I’ve learned in life? Quick answer – words from my Grandma Miller, “Love, love, love and forgive, forgive, forgive.” Yours?
Recipe for Autumn Acorn Baked Squash On The Side is one my mom made often for supper this time of year. It’s a snap to make and delicious with beef from the grill, baked ham or pan-fried pork chops or chicken.
Oh Look! More Things to be Happy About is a delightful list. Pretty sure your mind will probably think of more. Let us know in the comments!
5 handpicked songs on today’s playlist are uplifting. Hope you have a little time to chill and listen.
As always, Daymaker Reader’s, we are super grateful for your time to give us a read + share + comments. Big high 5’s to all of ya!
STEPHANIE’S
CHIC ON THE CHEAP
TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN DRESS-UP FUN
It’s Fall Y’all!
First week of October and time for me to start thinking about a Halloween outfit. I have 2 events where I need to be in “costume.”
The first one is where I work in a hair salon. Starting at 4 pm on a given date – all the local kiddos gather in the downtown area and businesses host an after-school trick-or-treat event.
The other is is an annual Halloween event that my dear friend, Deb, hosts. It’s a big deal; a lot of people attend and there’s always a costume contest. I usually put together a pretty elaborate costume — but this year I want to tone it down – but still feel festive.
I’ve decided to wear some fun Halloween printed pants with a black top + a black lace scarf and a pair of cute skull cameo earrings!
If you have an event where you you need a Halloween outfit and want to keep it casual, comfy and affordable — I highly recommend you check out this online shopping website called TEMU! (( CLICK here to find TEMU.com ))
I have ordered products from this website at least a dozen times. The items I’ve received have been good quality and the prices are down-right cheap. Guilt free shopping LOL. I’ve found that the clothes are true to size, but if in doubt, order a size larger.
There are literally hundreds of Halloween themed clothes: from tops to leggings to sweat pants to wide legged pants to jumpers to skirts. ((see pics #2, #3, #4 below)) of the themes I found that I thought were really FUN!
In pic with 2 items ((pic #1)) the black top and the red, black and white skull decorated pants – those are what I ordered.
There is a $15 minimum order to get free shipping. The pants were around $9. So, of course, I had to reach my minimum so I also ordered the loose black top.
Since the pants are tight at the top and around the thighs and flared at the bottom … I matched them with a loose top. That way for contrast.
Example: Loose pants with a tight top or tight pants with a loose top.
Speaking of the tight pants I ordered … they are made of rayon and polyester that will be thin and clingy and will show all my flaws. So … I will camouflage this issue by wearing thick black leotards under my pants.
Leotards are not as firming as girdles (now known by modern day name “SPANX”) but they do smooth out that cellulite and help control that jiggle-in-your-wiggle and are way more comfortable.
If you decide to check out this site for Halloween goodies, I recommend you place your order this week because delivery can take up to 10 days for your order(s) to arrive.
This is a Chinese company but they have 2 warehouses in the United States so your order will arrive within 10 days.
You can go to TEMU.com ((click here)) and place your order directly from the company or you can also download the Temu App.
I, personally, order from TEMU.com. They do accept PayPal, which I always use.
Additionally, they are excellent in sending updates and tracking information on your orders.
AND!! They also have fun Halloween items for men too!
BTW
I only spent $19.77 on both items I ordered! I will certainly wear that black top a lot and keep the pants for future Halloween events!
Have fun shopping on the cheap!
~ Have a question for Stephanie? Simply put your question in this episode’s Comments
QUICK QUESTION
WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE THING YOU’VE LEARNED IN LIFE?
OH LOOK!
MORE THINGS TO BE HAPPY ABOUT!
- Neighbors who are friends, too
- Watching birds outside finding the birdseed put out for them
- Feeling the sun on your face as you walk
- Seeing a small child and waving to them and their little hand waves back
- A freshly mopped or vacuumed floor
- Having a great hair day
- Hearing your favorite song on the radio and singing along – loudly like a rock star
- Getting work done and having fun in the process
- Relaxing with a good book
- The first sighting of an orange leaf in Autumn
- Waking up every morning
- Being inside when it’s raining
- Hearing someone say, “I’m proud of you”
- Epic sunsets/sunrises
- Good friends and fond memories
- Having time to yourself
- That “Friday feeling”
- Putting on a brand new pair of socks
- Waking up without an alarm
- Oreos + a glass of milk
- Finding a penny heads-up
- Wine + cheese and crackers
- Making someone else smile or laugh
- Being really good at something
- Being at peace with just you
- Laughing super hard at something you’re reading or visiting an old memory
AUTUMN ACORN SQUASH ON THE SIDE
As I wrote in my greetings message – my mom made this for supper and it’s so delicious. I’m getting ready to start making it [often] now that it’s the season for it! As my mom always says, “You can’t go wrong with baked winter squash.”
HERE’S HOW WE MAKE IT:
- 2 – 3 acorn squash cut in half, seeds removed via soup spoon and discard the seeds
Acorn squash looks like this (( CLICK here ))
PREHEAT OVEN TO 350*
LINE A COOKIE SHEET WITH ALUMINUM FOIL
Put squash halves – cut side down on foil lined cookie sheet. Add about a half an inch of water to bottom of pan.
BAKE SQUASH, UNCOVERED, FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES
WHILE SQUASH IS BAKING MIX TOGETHER IN A SMALL BOWL:
- 1 stick of butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
AFTER THE 45 MINUTES OF BAKING CAREFULLY REMOVE SQUASH FROM OVEN AND FLIP THE HALVES OVER. WITH A FORK GENTLY “FLUFF” THE SQUASH MEAT IN THE HALVES.
NOW SPOON IN THE BUTTER, SUGAR, CINNAMON MIX FROM RESERVED BOWL — EQUALLY.
POP ALL BACK IN THE OVEN AND BAKE FOR ANOTHER 25 MINUTES – UNTIL FILLING IS HOT.
SERVE.
~ Hippie Cowboy recipe box
Great Playlist as always!
Glad you enjoyed!
Fantastic artwork!!!
Best advice? Not sure if it’s THE best but a friend once told me “sarcasm doesn’t become you.” Made me think before speaking.
Love Steph’s Halloween costume ideas. My recent bow to the holiday has been a pair of skeleton earrings that I bought many years ago in the checkout line of a drug store. Always feel slightly wicked when I wear them. But Stephanie’s ideas have sparked my imagination and I’m going to peruse the TEMU site for something fun.
Happy weekend!
Hi Carol –
I have so much fun finding and purchasing the artwork! I could get lost looking through and choosing selections. Kinda like looking through the Sears catalog (toy section of course – ha) as we did when we were kids at Christmas time.
“Sarcasm doesn’t become you” is really good. True words.
Thanks so much for sharing your comments. Makes my day. Have a grand weekend!