Things You Learn at the Dentist

Yesterday I went to the dentist, and I learned a few things:

1) It's not as scary as I once believed.

2) I grind my teeth at night (and that's why I always wake up with headaches, not because I'm hungover from drinking in my sleep, as I first suspected).

3) Apparently teeth grinding is caused by stress. So, now I'm stressed out.

4) Having your teeth cleaned feels nice (and makes you happy when the hygenist tells you your teeth are nice and clean)

5) Going to the dentist is very expensive... especially when you cracked one of your teeth on some whole-grain wheat bread and have to get a crown.

6) Not every dentist will drill on you before you're numb (so far, my new dentist is the only one and that's why I used to hate the dentist).

7) Spider bites on your cheek the week before you go to the dentist will scare you into believing you have something terribly wrong with your teeth, when really, your cheek and jaw are just swollen to twice their size from the spider bite. (see photo)

8) You don't have to hate eating ice cream because of overly-sensitive teeth. Ask your dentist about super-duper flouride "gel." (the FDA won't even classify it as toothpaste, it's so good).

9) Apparently some dentists can give free fancy Sonicare toothbrushes (one per family) to patients. I got one, and it's awesome. I can't wait to brush my teeth again.

10) The question left unanswered:

Image via.

The Problem with Flat Screen TVs

Kevin is mad (that's probably why he lays behind the TV and glares at us from underneath it).

Comic via Mashable.

Peach Mojito

I'm a mojito lover. They're simple, and great mixed with a variety of flavors. Here's a recipe for a refreshing peach mojito.

4 mint leaves

2-3 lime wedges

2-3 T simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water dissolved)

1 1/2 fl. oz. white rum

1/2 fl. oz. peach schnapps

1 C Ice

Club soda

In a medium glass, muddle mint, lime and syrup. Add ice, rum and schnapps. Fill glass with club soda and enjoy!

For a tropical twist, substitute coconut rum for the white rum and schnapps.

Welcome.

If you come visit us, this is now what you'll see at our front door. Since our wedding, I've known I wanted to use some of the iron decorations we used as wedding decor to decorate our small outdoor areas. Well, it's a year later and I've finally done it. Here are some photos of our newly redecorated front porch (It's tiny, I know).

I was particularly excited about the welcome mat I found at Target that matched my existing bird, turquoise, purple and green color scheme. I'm so happy the $12 dollar rug could tie it all together.

The iron yard stands and wreath were purchased at Hobby Lobby (when iron was 50 percent off), then painted, used in our wedding and now adorn our stoop. The planter was a thrift store find, and the plants were bought on sale at the end of last season. Total re-do, including the cost of the re-used iron, was about $45.

Stay tuned for the back patio. It too is tiny, but at least it's cute and inviting. :)

Thrifty Thursday -- Target REDcard

I’ve written about how much I love Target before, but if you can believe it, they have another reason for me to love them.

If you’ve been to Target in the last six months or so, they’ve probably asked you if you want to sign up for their REDcard. I always say no to store cards, but this one is different. You have the option for it to be a debit card that comes straight out of your checking account (no credit!), and you get 5 percent off your purchase every time you use it! That’s $5 you get to keep for every $100 you spend!

It seems like I’m at Target a lot (I am), and if I spend $50 there each month, that’s a $30 savings in a year! It’s like having a coupon every time I go in … and I love coupons.

Bonus: it’s easy to sign up for! Just take in a blank check (it took me for. ev. er. to remember one), they’ll run it through a machine, give you a temporary card, and your real card comes in the mail around a week later. Then, let the savings begin!

The card has other benefits, including free shipping from Target.com, 1 percent donation to an area school of your choice, pharmacy rewards and more.

Want one? Head to Target (with a blank check) or visit Target.com.

Visiting Home

Recently I took a few days off from work to visit my parents at their farm in Iowa. I got in some quality time with mom and the resident cats and dogs, which always are welcoming.

We spent a day celebrating my birthday (more like trying to get over the fact that I’m 25 now… when did I get so old?). Anyway, it was a great day that included hour-long massages; lunch and wine at La Buvette , my favorite little place in Omaha’s Old Market; shopping; and more wine (of course).

Another day was spent lounging in an unlikely place – a horse tank. It’s not very often that I say I hung out all day in a horse tank, but that’s exactly what mom and I did.

We used it as our personal pool-for-two and put our lawn chairs, umbrella, and patio table right in it. We even used a calf bucket as our cooler and hung it from the side. Mom deemed it her “redneck pool.” Pretty fitting, I’d say.



Our frog friend. He lived on the umbrella for the day.



This year mom planted a gorgeous garden, and when I was there, the veggies were sprouting up everywhere. I’m still trying to get through the four grocery bags of food and herbs she sent home with me. Here are some photos of the garden (and the sweet cats and dogs).



Momma cat, Callie, with her twins, Pinky and Brain




Woody roaming the garden




The amazing cabbage patch




Bailey taking a break from a strenuous game of fetch




Woody, the dog and Mister, the cat.




Peppers




Mister




Mister and Pumpkin Head (she has an orange face)




Green tomatoes




Pumpkin Head resting in the shade under the tomato plants




A view of the garden




Baby corn (and some sort of malformed ear of corn)




The cabbage was so pretty.




The bag of herbs mom sent home with me



I love getting to visit home, and don't get to do it enough. I already can’t wait to go back.