Town Square Tours

Imagine a majestic courthouse with the clock tower chiming its bell above. Now slowly look left to right and notice the slow laid-back pace of the towns people frolicking along the sidewalks that surround, each with bags in hand as they enter and leave the small mom-and-pop shops on the town square. 

It's the setting of many Hallmark movies, right?  These places do exist across the United States!  My husband and I have vowed to visit as many as we can here in our home state of Arkansas. And maybe some day we can venture into other states. 

I am going to try to blog each of our adventures so you all can share in the charm of these sometimes forgotten jewels.

And please let me know if you have suggestions for our future trips.

Happy Trails,

Jessica

Every Step of the Way

I guess every mother has some special way of loving their children. For years now I have used the same saying to tell my kids I love them and always will. It's the way I end every note and all birthday cards.  Recently my daughter graduated from college and I was sure to remind her that I had loved her "every step of the way" and will love her for all the future steps.

I think they each know I'll love them every step of the way!!!

If you are interested in the downloadable svg you can find it here in my Etsy shop.

The Best Food Storage Containers

Rubbermaid EasyFindLids Food Storage Containers with SilverShield Antimicrobial Product Protection

Not all food storage containers are the same.  

This is hands down my favorite for short storage. These containers are made of hard clear plastic and have suction closing lids with fold-over snap locks.

The lids close so effortlessly and really seal the food in. No leaks ever!

To top it all off they are easy to store themselves with their easy to find lids.

Podcast Additions: Missing Richard Simmons

Podcast Title: Missing Richard Simmons
Genre: Investigative Journalism
Host: Dan Taberski
Producer:
Rating: This podcast is meant for those inquisitive minds.
Star Rating: 4 stars

I grew up in the 80's and 90's and often saw the eccentric Richard Simmon's on the tube promoting his work out videos. He always grabbed your attention with his bold, loud personality and that big hair. He seemed fun and full of life. If I were into working out in those days he would have likely been first on my list for aerobic videos. 

It wasn't until I stumbled upon this podcast that I realized he had fallen out of the public's eye. I started the first episode just simply out of curiosity. However, I found myself hooked. How could a personality that clearly fed on the public just walk away? 

The podcast, Missing Richard Simmons, is only 6 episodes long so it is a fairly quick listen and quite encapsulating. Dan dives into where and what Simmons has been doing since his exit but despite his investigation there is still a lot of mystery. 

The podcast is an Apple production so there are limitations as to where you can find the podcast. I listened to it using the podcast app on my iPhone but you can also find it online here. 

If you listen I would love to hear your opinion.

Happy listening,

Jessie

Podcast Addictions are my opinions on some of the podcasts to which I listen or have listened. I am in no way incentivized for these posts so you can be sure they are my true opinions.

Friday's Frets - Fire Ants

 HOW TO FIGHT FIRE ANTS

Last week I was complaining about chiggers this week it is the other little creature I encounter regularly that is causing me pain. FIRE ANTS! Their name is perfectly fitting as it feels like your skin is on fire when they release their venom.

These little guys are viscous. This year they have overtaken our yard. Ant hills everywhere! We have to be cautious about letting our granddaughter outside because when they bite they leave a stinging sensation that lasts for hours if not days. 

THIS IS HOW WE GOT RID OF THE FIRE ANTS IN OUR YARD.

In this war the weapon I have found to be most effective is Advion Fire Ant Bait. You sprinkle it on the mound and they will run to the top to get it and take it back inside. Within a few days no more fire ants.  Sounds mean but I must protect the ones I love and staying inside just to avoid nasty creature is no fair. I would also advice a good granular spread for the entire yard perimeter as well. 

This post does contain affiliate links. I may be compensated for purchase. However, I would not recommend a product I do not believe in.

 fret

  [fret] (noun): an irritated state of mind; annoyance; vexation.

Friday's Frets are my little rants about something that annoys me, most often without reason. We all have them, those little peeves that you may or may not notice.