Friday Five for Feet 2.5.2021

Friday five for feet. Are we excited? My heels are always cracked and my feet look terrible on the bottom like an always barefoot sea hag ogre. Until now. I've used some of my stay at home time over the past 10+ freaking months to figure out what the hell works. Here it is for me. There are some $ things on here. This is not a bargain basement list. I am now running a pedicure palace in my home where I am the only customer so I consider this an investment in my business. I got off the ground easy because I've been running a nail salon in my home since I was like 15. Boom. The two amazon links are affiliates. 

1. Foot tub. I've had the massagers, electric, whatever. Not for me. Just give me a roomy enough for water and soaking, like this one. I also keep one outside at the shore to rinse feet off. For inside soaks, I throw a towel under it  so when I pull my feet out to do other steps in this regimen I'm not getting water everywhere.

2. Special soaking mixture for foot tub. Hear me out. Some Dr. Teal's pink himalayan soak, about half a cup of vinegar, a cup of listerine, and a few drops of lavender. It sounds weird, I know, but it works. I sit back and read and let it do its thing. I soak every two weeks. 

3. The dead skin trio. I scrub a dub dub with my trusty pumice stone, then get busy with my cheese grater for feet. You might know this as a foot rasp? I prefer cheese grater for feet because that's what it is. You can use on wet or dry feet. I dry. Resist the urge to go wild with this or you will be walking around on bloody stumps. Go slow and use light pressure. When I'm done with that, I use this little Cala jobby that I found in Homegoods to even things out. I use these as necessary - don't always soak my feet first. 

4. The Bookman 1802 Goats. I got the Walking on Clouds goat milk heel polish and the pure goat milk cuticle serum on my BFF Laura's recommendation. They are excellent. I doused myself in the cuticle serum the first time so use con cuidado. The Sally Hansen cuticle remover followed by this is chef's kiss for cuticles. And cuticle maintenance is important for everyone, not just femmes. I do cuticle maintenance on nails and toes once a week. I will use the serum more often if my cuticles are looking raggedy. I use the heel polish every two weeks when I do the foot soak. 

5. Beauty Counter melting body balm. I got it during a big sale and it was half off praise the lord but honestly will buy it at full price because it works. I will pay for shit that works vs. trying a million less expensive things that don't and added up end up being more than the thing I didn't want to spend money on. If you don't know anyone who sells it I buy through Steph, always have & always will. The only thing that has actually addressed the cracked heels. I've tried every damn foot lotion, straight oils, you name it. I use this every day before I put socks on. When we go back to non-sock times, I will apply before bed. 

I'm happy that I have gotten my feet looking human, and staying that way. I've failed in the maintenance in the past. I'm on top of this shit now.

Happy Friday! What feet products make your list? 

TWTW - settle down because it's extra long

Friday I woke up with that glorious I have many days off ahead feeling. It cannot be captured in words. But my new mug from my niece and nephew does capture it perfectly. I got a pedicure (OPI Call Me Gwen Ever), then we hit the beach for a wonderful beach day. My dad arrived back around dinner, with Debbie pulling in shortly after, and Stephen and Aubrey made a great meal. 

Saturday MFD had arrived super late, so I woke up to him there. We got down to the beach around 10:30 and it was another great beach day with Frank, Amanda, and Eva joining us and a Hulk Hogan sighting. We left around 6, Dad and Carol got Boyar's and Bennie's for dinner, we watched the Flyers lose, and had A La Mode ice cream cake for MFD & Debbie's birthdays. 

Sunday The kids come down every morning to see the dogs and I love it. I also made Gus's special million dollar food and a big bowl of macaroni salad. My Dad and brother set up early at the beach and we had a good compound for a while with many later encroachers. Breakfast sandwiches from the Beach Club, Drew joined us, and it was another perfect beach day. 

Followed by The Driveway Party! In which we sat in the driveway with peoplThere was food and water balloon tosses and fights and billowing smoke and music and drinks and neighbors waving. Old school drive way party. Bring your own chair.

We had dogs wandering and escaping, decorations, Zingo and prizes by hurricane lantern light, roasted marshmallows with the cooling charcoal, and then cigars or face masks. It was a lot of fun. I can usually keep the kids out of photos but not this time LOL. 

Monday Crying time, everyone was packing up and going home. I woke up so exhausted I was basically stationary for a few hours. The dogs were tired too. I put together my SUYB post and stayed out of the cleaning and packing way. The kids were down to see the dogs. Dad and Aubrey hung blinds and Aubrey put together a bed frame that is giving me heart eye emoji storage in the house that I currently do not have. MFD fished most of the day, and I lay around reading and actually took a nap. We went to the North End for more fishing, reading, and sunset. 

As far as long weekends go, this one was pretty perfect. I had a great weekend with family and framily, and more than the long weekend with Dad and Carol, Stephen, Aubrey, and the kids. My heart is always full after and I'm always sad to see them go. 

How was yours? 

Thursday Thoughts: Consider this the Hint of the Century

1. The world feels right again in some aspect, at least. I liked the campy fictionalized reunion of the cast years later. I wasn’t expecting the show to pick up where it left off so for me this was a good compromise of them referencing the show and just being back together. LET ME HAVE THIS. Also I will never be over Luke Perry’s death. 

2. Fresh to death. I love to spend a lunch hour relaxing with a book while getting a pedicure. It doesn’t happen often anymore but I love it. My feet were trash. I am perpetually barefoot at the shore and sand and sea destroy the feet even more. 

3. When you're holding John Bender while wearing John Bender and drinking out of a Breakfast Club mug. Dorks R Us, founding member. 

4. My first Dropps subscription order arrived. I got the laundry detergent pods in clean scent and fabric softener pods. It's not as good smelly as I like, but I have to sacrifice some shit for the good of the environment. They do a good job of cleaning (I had ordered the sample pack previously), no waste packaging, the pod encasement dissolves in the laundry, cruelty free. If you decide to go for it and use my link, you get $10 off a subscription. 

5. I'm thankful for the tremendous body of work Toni Morrison left behind.

6. This speaks to me. Come to my house and see my weird things.

7. Currently reading. Show Us Your Books is Tuesday.

8. Some things for your consideration: Malcom Jenkin's post regarding the Galveston mounted police leading a black man on a leash behind them; this series of tweets from Ericka Hart presented on Instagram on the ways white supremacy devalues human life (click the arrows to read them all); this series of tweets by Ijeoma Oluo presented on Instagram on the violent patterns of white supremacy (click the arrows to read them all). Our mass shooting issue can't be separated from our country's white supremacy issue. They are fueling each other and both must be addressed with urgency. Seeing mass murderers apprehended without a scratch after they've killed over 20 people and injured over 25 like in El Paso just adds salt to the wound when black men are killed for selling loose cigarettes, or gunned down in their family's yard with a cell phone in their hand. I see one zillion comments from people desperate to cling to the system that has white at the top by default, people who have never considered being anything other than white. It is up to us to break this and help build systems that are even and equitable for everyone.

9. Reminder:

10. Ecards:

That'll do for today.

What appears after the hyphen in Thursday Thoughts is a song lyric to whatever I'm listening to when I start to write the post. This week is Losing My Religion by REM in homage to Dylan and Brenda's breakup song

Thursday Thoughts - Same as the wind blows

1. Sometimes I have to walk past my dining room table and say FUCK IT! I'll do it tomorrow. This is a combination of stuff that came home from the shore, stuff that needs to go to the shore, stuff that was bought and needs to be returned, mail I went through, work bag, and empty clothes bag.

2. Have I mentioned how terrible pugs are with heat? Exhibit Geege.

3. Happy birthday to one of my BFFs today! Michelle is someone I'd call to help me bury a body and I'd expect the same call from her. Then we'd go out for Mexican after. I trust her implicitly, with anything and everything. Love you so much Michelle, have the best birthday!

4. Stamp options rock right now.

5. Do you guys wear Athleta? Pieces cost one million dollars each but good lord it is worth every blessed penny. It's comfortable and doesn't look like you're walking around town wearing a schlumpy bag of dicks. The metro line at least, of which I have shorts, capris, and skorts. Be honest. My description has enticed you, hasn't it?

6. From the never say never category: I have always been all I will never do my own toes, I hate it and I refuse. Cut to me dialing that shit back. I've realized I might need to give up getting pedicures for the summer at least. I know, I know, the time to get them IS in the summer. But I get one, I go to the shore, and it's destroyed in five minutes from the sand/sun/water/walking barefoot. It's basically like flushing $40 down the drain. I freaking hate doing my own toes but I'm going to give it a go. I do my own nails so it's not like I don't have the stuff.

7. Check these out:
Seth Abramson's twitter thread on what happens if trump attempts to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller, and Rick Wilson's twitter thread on similar
Eric Garland's twitter thread on what's gone on and The Resistance, which made me laugh and cry
How a major crisis could redraw the political map overnight video or article - really important in light of the shooting at the congressional baseball game practice field yesterday. I sincerely hope that was not our Reichstag Fire.

8. My eyes are on an Attorney General who can't recall a damn thing - do we want someone like that in charge of the Justice Department? - and Senators working in secrecy on a healthcare bill. Why so secretive, Senators? Show us the bill.

9. There's still time! I am still hosting a KEEP Collective fundraiser for 350.org - an organization working in more than 180 countries to keep carbon in the ground, help build a low-carbon economy, and pressuring the government to limit emissions. If you'd like the link to peruse with no pressure to buy, it's in the comments below. If you'd like to be added to the FB group, please let me know. This photo is some of my favorite keep stuff - bracelets and charms shown here, interchangeable and you can essentially wear something new daily. They also have necklaces and keychains. 50% of commissions will be donated to 350.org. If you'd like to peruse, click here to shop my link.  A few of my personal totems from Keep: 

10. E-card of the week. 

Your thoughts? 

Thursday Thoughts: this song has no title just words and a tune

1. Today there is a pop up art installation at Dilworth Plaza highlighting the plight of homeless youth in this city. The proprietor of the Streets Dept blog is teaming up with Covenant House for this event, titled "Am I Cut Out?" Please check it out between 9-4 if you're going to be in Center City. I'll be sharing some images on Instagram when I get over there. From Streets Dept:

2. I do not operate on fear, nor do I live in fear of many things. So I'm serious when I say I am alarmed at the chatter from Trump supporters of voter intimidation at polling places. I'm also concerned about what Trump might incite supporters to do if he does not win this election. In last night's debate he did not say he would concede if he loses. Please remember that much of the world - the world Americans look down upon, mind you - has bloody battles over elections because one side says it's rigged and will not concede. This republic has always been more civilized and enjoyed a peaceful transition of power even when half has not liked the outcome. I fear the basest of his followers have been properly amped up, stoked, and fed a steady diet of conspiracy theories and that these people will act in a dangerous manner if their chosen candidate does not win. Words *do* have power...and in this case, words and ideas have the power to incite riot and civil unrest nationwide. Trump is engaging in sedition. There is a line and he's over it. God help all of us, because I fear it's too late to rein it in even if he was inclined to, which I don't think he is. In other news, there are so many more people who wear tinfoil hats and cover the windows with newspaper than I thought there were...everything is a fucking conspiracy these days. Newsflash! Just because you're losing doesn't mean the system is rigged. Jesus Christ.

3. When I was born, the triplets were seven. My mom's youngest siblings are 13 years younger than her and seven years older than me. Today is their birthday. My life is totally interwoven with theirs and I'm glad for it.

4. I never had a cousin I was thick as thieves with, and I never had a sister...only those I've chosen for myself. Lori has really fulfilled so many roles for me. I'm eternally grateful to have her in my life. I have never had to look far for support, encouragement, or friendship.

5. I find myself very jiggly right now. Less time at the shore = less activity. I need to get it moving again. Back to zumba more regularly.

6. It's time for the best apple of all apples: the honey crisp apple. My afternoon snack at work just increased exponentially in awesomeness.

7. I've been going to Central Nails on 16th & Chestnut for pedicures for the entire eight years I've been working here. They've gotten a little sloppy, rushed, and dirty. Tuesday I was walking past Young's on 16th between Sansom & Walnut and went in. I found a new BFF in Felicia and I'm going there from now on. Plus I like the pedicure basins. Is that weird? Toes are Essie's Warm & Toasty Turtleneck.

8. I had dinner with Jen, my oldest friend last night. We've been friends for 36 years. Time flies. Long time friends are one of my truest joys in life and Jen is my longest time friend.

9. Reminder.

10.  E-card of the week: Remember when the world worked like this?

TWTW-Last one of the birthday month

Last week was a busy one and I slacked off on my hausfrauing. I typically do a few tasks each weeknight so I don't have to clean on weekends, but this was a special case. Friday night I set the house to rights - two loads of laundry put away, two more done, fridge emptied and cleaned, dishwasher run and put away, kitchen cleaned and mopped, two bathrooms cleaned, house picked up, scarves/winter gear/pajamas purged, and car loaded up with crap to be donated. I didn't sit down all night and I was okay with that. I hate going into a weekend with the house in disarray.

Gus says, "We'll keep these scarves, mother. The rest of the shit can go."

Saturday morning I was out like a shout - filled the car up with gas, dropped books at the library, hit the gym for my 40, back home to shower and then back out to drop stuff off at Goodwill and get a treat yo'self pedicure (OPI Cha-Ching Cherry). I picked up veggies while my toes were drying. I know there are others of you out there who parade around with your feet like that after a pedicure. Raise your hands and show yourselves.

The afternoon found me at All Fired Up in Collingswood, NJ, to meet up with my friends Marla of Luck Fupus and Brie of A Breezy Life for some ceramics painting and dinner. I painted a coffee mug (are you surprised?) and required assistance from Brie after I fucked it up. Marla also needed her artsy influence so out of the three of us Brie is the painting queen. They treated me to Tortilla Press and got me a cute bag of gifts to boot. I'm lucky to call The Sisters Wexler friends. See you next month ladies!

Comcast got Das Boot Saturday night. More on that tomorrow.

Sunday morning I figured out how to stream YouTube and did my weights workout through the TV...behind the times, I know. After that french press coffee was on the agenda, as was lounging with the dogs.

Weekly food prep: scrambled eggs with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, green onions, and Havarti dill cheese for breakfasts; baby carrots and Granny Smith apples for snacks; and salads for lunch - I make them the night before so only one made Sunday. Dinners: baked burgers with spinach and goat cheese over a bed of lettuce, mashed sweet potatoes, mashed cauliflower, steamed veggies, and oven baked ribs (this pic is pre-baking, click here to see them out of the oven). 

Other weekend things:

-I finished the second season of The Fall. Jamie Dornan and Gillian Flynn are excellent. If you haven't watched this show, check it out!
-MFD is super busy work-wise, which is awesome for many reasons. I don't see him much, and when I do he's on the phone. LOL. No complaints though because I love my alone time. If you're looking to buy or sell in PA or NJ, get in touch with him!

Today is going to be a good day - when I left work on Friday everything got filed and I dealt with everything in my email inbox so I'm starting fresh this morning, Comcast cable boxes are being returned (more on that tomorrow), and tonight I have a 50 minute massage and a peppermint scalp massage. Monday, you'll do. You'll do.

Linking up with Biana at B Loved Boston for Weekending

What May Means to Me

Time to plant herbs, annuals, and some tomatoes

Professional pedis

Cinco de Derby Day Relay For Life fundraiser party.

Flyers playoffs

Sunshine

Transitioning to the summer quilt

Mother's Day

Birthdays in the family - Geege, Rich, Tracy

Strawberries in season

Unbelievable coupon I got in the mail yesterday from Bottom Dollar - every week in May, $10 off when you spend $20. Seriously? I'm in.

Mom & Rich's new inground pool will be ready. If you need me this summer, I'll be lounging in Levittown with this lady.

Relay For Life of South Philadelphia - in need of more teams and a DJ or sound system. Help!

A grill & chill at the DiCostanzo/Sannelli house

Bringing my summer clothes out

Kit Kat D's second birthday party (and her mom's birthday too)

Memorial Day weekend Doyle family events: Nicole & Patrick's wedding and a pool party at Col & John's

While strolling through the park one day/
In the merry merry month of May/
I was taken by surprise/
By a pair of roguish eyes/
I was scared but I didn't run away,