My pick for #ThirstyThursday is soda - specifically Boylan's Craft Sodas. I was introduced to this brand at Modern Market (delish). There's some great craft sodas out there - really good flavors and such but there is something different about Boylan's, at least in my opinion. My favorite flavor is the Creme Soda. OH. MY. GOODNESS. I'm probably going to have to make sure that hits my taste buds at some point today.  Do you have a favorite craft soda? 

I found some brief thoughts that, in my opinion, are really good about honesty - speaking in honesty and behaving in honesty. When someone rebuffs honesty (the truth) they are giving evidence to a lack of wisdom in their life. Wisdom is embracing honesty even when it stings personally or when it crumbles a foundational part of your current worldview.  This is a symptom of someone living without wisdom in their life.

It seems like there are 20 ways to tie a tie - there are all these different kinds of knots. Actually, according to a swedish mathematician there are actually 177,147 ways to tie a tie ! That seems a little excessive to me, who could remember all those ways? I'm not going to highlight even a small percentage of those 177,000 plus ways but here, for #TieTuesday, are some of the more common knots for ties.  Click here

Newsflash: #MemorialDayMonday is NOT for hardware store sales, home improvement projects, BBQ's, and camping trips. Don't get me wrong - those things are fine and they are even fine to do on the last Monday of May. But. (You knew that was coming right?) But they shouldn't be why the day is set aside. Here's the real reason why America has a Memorial Day. So fire up the grill, plant those flowers, have a s'more or two. But. But make sure that you take the most time to honor, and to reflect on the reason we have this day marked as a holiday. Let's not forget why we remember.

A few years ago I ran across this brownie recipe that put the squeeze on traditional brownies. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. These citrus version of brownies are incredible. It's getting close to summertime and lighter flavors so I think these are perfect, I hope you think so too! Lemony Lemon Brownies The "Brownie" Batter: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour {suggested: King Arthur All-Purpose Flour} 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt {Sea Salt} 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons lemon zest 2 tablespoons lemon juice Tart Lemon Glaze: 1 rounded cup powdered sugar 4 tablespoon lemon juice 8 teaspoons lemon zest Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease/Spray an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter/cooking spray and set aside. Zest and juice two small/large lemons; set aside. {whatever you have} In the bowl of an electric mixture fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the flour, sugar, salt, and softened but

Once upon a time, before smart phones and an oversaturation of entertainment that isolates more than brings together, people would get together and do things like play board/card games and interact with their heads up rather than down with a blue screen glow illuminating them. Crazy right? *wink* The one exception So for #SaturdaySocial why not plan a get together with friends and ban the screens in favor of some real face time?  I'm not sure I would include Twister... HA! 

Today's fact is surprising...and scary! Ever had to sneeze but held it in because you were in a public setting or you are embarrassed by how your sneezes sound or some other reason? Well you may want to reconsider. WHAT?! Who knew not sneezing could be so dangerous to your health - heck your life?!  Of course, that's the worst case scenario. Here's an article about sneezing that gives us the full picture of the dangers of sneezing.  So maybe you won't die but you could throw out your back, wrench your neck, and generally really injure yourself. Next time you need to sneeze please, for the sake of your health, just do it!

Let's talk sweet tea for today's #ThirstyThursday . I'm not a southerner, I've actually never been south but I love me some sweet tea. My favorite sweet tea's are from Cracker Barrell and Chick-Fil-A. My mouth is watering just thinking about them. I also make a really good mint sweet tea at home. I make a simple syrup with fresh mint leaves (when it is simmering the whole house smells amazing). This tea is lip smacking good. Well, that's enough talking about sweet tea - I'm off to get some! What's your pick for today's #ThirstyThursday ?

I know someone who has a good reputation in his industry. He's well-known by many and because of his years of experience in the industry he is in, the reputation he has is one that has him on the board of one organization and he gets sent many gifts at Christmastime and many people/companies give him special accommodations. One might look at this reputation he has and equate it to a good character. And one would be wrong.  Character and reputation are not the same. This man's character is lacking in kindness, grace, diversity, equality, and general humanity. He has crafted a reputation based on lies - things that he most likely wishes were true about himself and knows are not. See, he has a chance to improve his character - to perhaps bring it into alignment with his reputation but his lack of character is seen even more clearly in the fact that he doesn't want to improve, he believes people should adjust to him and cater to him.  When it comes to the

For #TieTuesday I thought it would be fun to look at other ways neckties can be used. They are for more than just wearing, or they can be worn in some very different ways.   Googling things we can make out of neckties will provide you a plethora of ideas. Here's just one set of ideas.  That stuffed snake is super cute! I love the above idea of the teddy bear - it would be so special to make one out of multiple generations of ties from a family - if possible to get a tie from each male from as many generations back as one could. So get your creative juices flowing and see what you can come up on this #TieTuesday!

Sometimes our life needs a makeover and it takes courage to see that and act on it. How do we know if our life is needing a makeover? Here are 5 signs according to mindbodygreen.   A life makeover might require a career change, relationship changes, I think sometimes it even prompts a move - from one state (or country!) to another. Only you can know what your life needs by way of a makeover. Usually makeovers take steps, which of course requires patience. Here's a few steps to get you thinking.   Take the opportunity today to honestly evaluate your life and if it needs a makeover in any one area or many. You know what? It's okay if your life could use a makeover, that's part of the seasons we go through!

My sweet choice for this sunday is one of my favorites - I truly can't get enough of it. The ingredients may seem a bit odd to you but TRUST ME. Frozen Pistachio Delight                                                                                                                                   42 Ritz crackers, crushed ½ cup sugar ¼ cup shredded coconut 1 stick butter, melted 2 small packages pistachio pudding mix 1 ½ cup milk 1 quart softened vanilla ice cream Cool Whip Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Make the crust by mixing the crushed crackers with the sugar, coconut, and melted butter.  Press into a 9x13 pan. Mix together the pudding, milk, and ice cream.  Pour over the crust and allow to freeze.  Before serving spread the Cool Whip on top and sprinkle with the nuts, if using. *mouth watering*

   I think today is a great one for a Wine & Cheese party with friends.  This doesn't have to be an expensive social - you can do it "on the cheap" and it can be delicious! Here's some tips: How to Host A Wine and Cheese Party 10 Awesome Red Wines Under $20 10 Awesome White Wines Under $20 Don't *you* think a Wine & Cheese party is a great #SaturdaySocial ? I certainly do! *wink* 

I am fascinated by the brain. It is one of the most interesting things around. So the fun fact for this friday is about the brain. And actually it's not one fact - it's several because I couldn't choose just one! Brains are fascinating! Check this out: So interesting right?! Curious about more brain knowledge? Here's 10 more interesting facts , number one on this list is truly amazing...and ironic! 

My friend, John, introduced me to La Croix and then I introduced it to my husband and we became obsessed. It's basically seltzer water but for some reason I like it better than some flavored seltzers I've had. Maybe it is less carbonated? I don't know but whatever the reason I love La Croix the best. There are variety of flavors, I'm not sure I could even pick a favorite because there are so many good ones. What are your thoughts about seltzer waters? Yay or nay? Do you have a favorite?

When you know yourself truly then you acknowledge all the parts of yourself - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Knowing and acknowledging all the parts of yourself is the birthplace of wisdom and living a life of wisdom.  Getting to Know Yourself, What You Like, and What You Want in Life Know Yourself? 6 Specific Ways to Know Who You Are The Importance of Knowing Yourself

#TieTuesday isn't just for guys - girls can wear ties too! Here's 16 creative ways for girls to wear a tie. My friend, Jason, consistently does #TieTuesday and posts on his social media sites. He has great ties - and great taste - and I always look forward to seeing what he wears each tuesday.   So get creative and get your tie on today! 

When I hear the word makeover I immediately think of external fixes, renovations, and enhancements. But then I immediately correct my thinking to what I really do think makeovers need to be about to be successful. Makeovers, by and large, are an internal work. How we are in our souls will show on our faces and bodies, be heard in our words, and seen in our actions. So today, for #MakeoverMonday, practice some self-care because if you are like me, it's been too long. Need a nudge about self-care ideas? Try something on this list.