and i'm ever changing

Wine Tasting at Work, NO!

Publix always has a wine tasting event. We happen to be working while it's going on. It's funny because they tell us all the time to taste the cheese, different meats and such so that we can recommend to our customers. Yet when it comes to the wine, forget it. We aren't so lucky. Our specific location offers a beautiful wine department where the host is always on loud speaker getting everyone to come over to taste the wine. Mind you, she's a psycho road rage woman who was behind me at a light one morning while going into work, spun her tires to get past me to rush into the parking lot because she thought she was gonna beat me there and get in sooner than I or something. Needless to say, I followed behind her; parking right beside her getting out to let her know I worked there as well and called her out on her road rage just by giving her the eye. Perhaps she's sneaking drinks?! But It's probably the best store to shop at because everyone leaves happy with their wine and cheese. And yes, these two departments are bumped right next to our deli. It's rather awesome. Except when you get rich drunks who actually come in and talk to you forever with their nasty breath. And some are assholes. But funny assholes. And it makes the day that much more interesting. Not to mention the crazy shit that goes on behind the scenes. I'm telling you, if i could video this place of work---i'd be the most watched reality show on television. Hmmm.....maybe i'll get a hidden cam and place on my glasses?! eh, no?!

Allergy, Asthma Relief for our Children

Since living in SW FL for four years, our girls have extremely horrible asthma and allergies this time of year. It's beyond horrible. The coughing spells Hannah has especially at night are heart breaking, sleepless and uncomfortable. Not only for her but all of us. We live in a small condo. The girls have shared bedrooms and they are tiny. We weren't sure if we were gonna purchase here in FL but now we are. We'll be searching for new homes this summer.

Every year she gets put back on Singular, Nasonex, Proventil, Switched to Flovent, Tried the Nasal Cleaning System, Advair, and Allegra. Which btw, bother me to the core. I dislike giving my children any medicine, steroids in particular. Not to mention all the otc meds we've tried. None do their job. It's a waste of money. If your child suffers from severe allergies, asthma, then you know they do not help at all.

Doctors have never been clear telling us exactly what is wrong with the girls, just print the scripts out and pump them with huge amounts of meds. I'm never happy about this. It drives me insane. I do notice that the singular works wonders but in order for them to get back in her system, they need to be on them several months before the season kicks in otherwise it takes weeks for any signs of improvement. That's the only one I give them now. With sudafed at night. Along with their multi-vitamin gummies.

The advair disqus is the most ridiculous thing. I could never seem to get a puff in her without it running out before she even inhaled. And after reading some side effects that didn't make me happy, she was off before I got another refill.

I'll be honest. I don't go into their room much other than to bring their hamper in and steal some of M's perfume before I go to work. But I don't spend as much time as they do in there. They read in there, watch tv and sleep obviously, so they are affected more than Bryan and I. There is something about really small rooms near the front of the house here in FL. They tend to get more muggy, even with the ceiling fan on, on top of the air conditioner. But I went to put their clothes away {mind you, the girls usually put their stuff away} and was in there for not even 5 minutes before I felt nausea and stuffed. I said this is ridiculous. I had to leave the room immediately. Told Bry we had to get something in there to make it less claustrophobic. The humidifier wasn't working and the fan was making it worse.

The day we both had off from work last week, we went and did some shopping. The first thing on the list was to get a de-humidifier. After looking at Home Depot, we decided the options weren't great and headed to Lowe's to find a variety of high quality purifiers. I read the box and was like, "this is exactly what they need." the GermGuardian was the one that stood out. it's a hepa 3 in 1 air purifier that cleans the air, eliminates germs, odors, kills bacteria and reduces the allergy, asthma symptoms.

We headed home to start this baby before the girls got home. We cleaned the entire room. Carpet cleaned their floor and set this on the stand. Immediately, we smelled FRESH AIR. I kid you not, this thing was working magic. For the first week, we noticed Hannah's cough subsided. We continue the singular at night with the sudafed but that's just because we're in the first stages of the "Curing" if you will. I'm not one to be satisfied this quickly with a product but I have to tell you parents that if your child or even you suffer from allergy symptoms, even asthma, then you definitely need to invest in a great purifier. This one was $158 at Lowes and worth every penny.  We've already seen a difference and although it may not cure her, it's helped tremendously and she's sleeping through the night now.

if you just make me believe

hannah had mentioned a week back that santa wasn't real to her classmates. and. boy. did that go smoothly. big sis and her are nosy little gals. they finally catched on after all these years that dad is santa. in our defense, there really is no room to hide anything in this rinky dink condo, spare me the space now would ya. i think we've even returned gifts quite a bit due to them knowing! but although they know the truth, they still say "Santa" this and "Santa" that. They still want to go see him and believe that he is real! So i took her to eat breakfast with Santa and she walked up to him knowing in the back of her mind that this man could be pretend but still held hope that he was someone real, someone special, someone who cared about all the little kids in the world. She forgot about dad and remembered that Santa was the man who made all these toys in Target.

But Santa isn't about making toys. He's bigger than that. I think we all know in our hearts what the meaning of Santa really is but don't quite comprehend the true meaning and then my friend shared this link on FB and I simply stated, YES! this is the true meaning of Santa.

i don't think any of us will ever stop believing. in hope, dreams, memories shared, in love, peace and happiness. Santa is def. powerful. xoxo

Oh Christmas Tree, you bring me such comfort!

We allowed Hannah to decorate our entire tree on Thanksgiving Day. She did such a good job that I didn't change a thing. We usually all decorate together but there was something so beautiful about her doing it alone. I laid there that exact night on the couch right in front of it with the warmth of the lights glistening upon me. I dozed off in a snugly blanket and didn't want to move. I wanted to lay there forever.

Our tree stays lit whenever we are home and even sometimes when we leave. A lit Christmas Tree means hope, love, joy and dreams. To me; it's warm, comforting, pure magic!

I don't remember very many Christmas Tree moments when i was a girl! But I do remember all the moments we cherish with our girls each and every year because although the home is different, the meaning is still the same and those moments are warm, true and what life is all about ♥hopes and dreams♥

Linking up here and here.

Book Fair, Paper Art

i took hannah to her book fair and shot some photos....we love books and even more, i enjoy photographing. she picked out some good ones for the winter break but as i was having so much fun on the new picsart app, i came across this unique paper effect and combined all the book fair photos into it. i love it! to see the original, go here. may become my background for something here!

these are just some photos that i took and shared this on my favorite picplz. and then i did some in picnik too because i just can't figure out the grid thingy on photoshop still! anyone? help!

how was your weekend? did it include some reading!!

Sit by the Fireplace with me.......

i took these photos at work. the bakery makes one hellofa gingerbread house! and you might as well snug right by the fireplace because that's how homey the atmosphere here is. i also found another great app for my photos. i used picsart to create this lovely card. the only downfall is that it takes a long time to do things like this on your phone. but i like the effects that it offers.

i have a few days off and i'm hoping to get the little shopping that i need to get done, done. the problem we have, is that we like to shop afterwards because the deals are so much better! if anyone would like to send me some coffee, feel free....that's the only thing i need to stock up on! hehe.

what's on your wishlist?

Happy Holidays: a voice that made me cry

I'm super blessed to have such a huge family. My nana and papa had 10 beautiful children and out of them came so many more children that I can no longer keep up with. Although many of us venture off and live far away {thank you world for being so large}, I hold a special place in my heart for each of them, think of them often and wish we could be near. Especially this time of year. I remember my aunt told me once that you form new families. She's right, you create new family elsewhere but it's still not the same. I've seen photos of my cousins growing up right before my very eyes. Each are beautiful and makes us proud.

This is my pretty cousin Erika singing. I remember when she was born. Her mother is my beautiful aunt. Her voice just made me cry. I knew that if my heart was filled with this much joy, proudness and love from hearing her, her mother must be feeling triple that. Erika Morgan Pichette, you are so beautiful, talented, loving and blessed. Keep singing, keep shining and filling people's hearts with joy gorgeous lady! I love you so very much. xoxo

Garden Step Nightstand

I'm trying really hard to get the hang of Pinterest a little more. Like all things, I try to give it a shot. Afterall, twitter used to be a dreadful experience and now i love sharing on there. While playing, I stumbled upon this garden step nightstand and thought, "How Pretty, Unique and Rugged." I like old rustic furniture. I'm not sure about the linking thing because I like to link to proper credit and I found this link that led to something I'm not quite sure of that led me to this link and I'm pretty sure I'm reliving the love for design. Anyways, it's cute eh?!

Taken

i like to stop, get out of the car and lead myself right into the sunset most days. this is a huge body of water at the beginning of our community where the sun sets so magically each and every night. the most beautiful birds, fish, turtles and gators play here! i feel at such peace when i'm here. this is the best time of year to enjoy the water, the weather is cozy and the nights are just perfect.

happy weekend loves, take some time to get taken into the sunset

Shrimp Salad Circus

a personal note from Vic:

                              "Immediately upon arrival, i get an at home feeling----a shrimp salad welcome! I love her tutorials and freebies. I'm such a busy body, so it's nice to get a step by step when needed, {especially beauty tips} have you seen her nail tutorials? hello, shrimpsauce!"

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These simple, sweet features are for my special readers as a huge thank you for sharing your lives and enjoying mine here on These Hazel Eyes! I'd love to share yours as well, head here for details and check out more friends. xoxo

King Papa Continued......

Seriously Papa.....Slow Down! This is one from another litter. He's got a sister that I'm waiting patiently on seeing, she has really fluffy hair, so stay tuned!

Update: look, don't hold your bridges; here is the sister with fluff!

Truly Lovely Newlywed

a personal note from Vic:

                          "One of the things I love about Kassi is her craftiness! I'm not a crafty person so whenever I read her blogs and see a tutorial craft post, I envy! She's also a beautiful lady and I've truly enjoyed her." And might I add, her wedding was absolutely breath taking and unique.

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These features are simple and sweet thank you posts that I offer my special readers. I'd love to highlight you, head here for details.

Spinach Dip and 34° Crispbread

i've always wanted to try spinach dip but was afraid i wasn't going to like but i am loving these crispbread cracker type things that the cheese guy at my work got me hooked on. he's always bringing me samples and these were perfect for all kinds of snacks. and then this pretty lady inspired me to just go get some to make but i wanted to try the store bought first and i am totally gonna try making my own dip now. do you like or have you tried spinach dip? yum.

a Love Like This

Happy Weekend, Don't get Burned

You know that job! That job that treats me so well? it's scarred me up pretty bad. This is just one territory marking. I've never had bruises, aches and pains like these before.

And the weirdest thing about it-----{ I L-O-V-E it! } the job that is.....i still look forward to working each day! if i don't kill myself, i should be a multi-millionaire by the time i'm one hundred eighty nine. i said i wanted to learn each station at least once; that's the last time i'm doing chicken.

And it's the first time I've had an entire weekend off. Super excited about sharing some more fam time and getting some holiday shopping done for my babes. Oh. And if catching up on sleep is even possible, we'd like to snug for just a weee bit.

How about y'all, any plans? Who's doing more online shopping this year? I think i want to tackle that! And what is your favorite perfume---i need new ones:

So far I've had Dolce & Gabbana, J'Adore Dior, DKNY be delicious, All the Cliniques, Tommy Girl, Curious, and probably more but i can't think.....i just want some new ones. I smelled Burberry Weekend on a gal and want that one but would love to know what y'all love, please share! Happy Weekend, and don't get burned {either by something hot, your job in general or your kids!}

Good Morning December

I finally tasted the winter here this morning! December has arrived, marking it's territory here in SW FL. We took the tree out on Thanksgiving Day, Hannah decorated it all by herself. She did quite an amazing job and it just made her day! We leave it lit all the time. Gazing at our tree is better than any tv show on. Something about this time of year just makes me feel cozy, warm and in place. The air smells fresh here, which is something I enjoy only a few short months out the year; so despite the awful allergies, I love this time of year.

I haven't had any run ins with the golfers since. I think something like that happens out of the blue and it's just an experience in life. People are crazy but overall life is filled with Beautiful, Heart Warming People and I'm so lucky to be living this life! Let's embrace and live life to the absolute fullest. Warm wishes this December and always. xoxo