Yearly Archives: 2017

Mouthwatering Truffle Oil

Princess Diana - September 19, 2017 - Food & Drinks

The aroma of truffle oil seriously makes my mouth water. I’m in love with it!

The rich, decadent flavor of the golden oil on my tongue takes me to heaven every time.

A drizzle of truffle oil takes a dish from good to gourmet!

It recently gave my homemade pizza that “Wow!” factor. After it came out of the oven, I drizzled the top with white truffle oil and strawberry fig balsamic reduction.

You should have seen my husband’s face after his first bite. His eyes actually got bigger! The dish really impressed him.

Guardian Bells Good Luck Charms

Queen Darlene - September 14, 2017 - $20 or Less, Birthday, Father's Day, Get Well, Gifts for Him, Graduation, Military/Veterans, Mother's Day, Teacher Gifts, Thank You

I never really believed in a rabbit’s foot for good luck. Think about it… losing a foot wasn’t very good luck for the rabbit.

On the other hand, I always liked the saying, “Find a penny pick it up, for all day long you’ll have good luck.”

After reading about the legend of the tiny Guardian® Bell’s good luck charm, I wanted one for myself. Plus, it has such a sweet ring!

Legend has it that the use of bells as a channel for positive energy dates back to antiquity.

Across cultures, continents and religions, bells have been rung to banish evil spirits.

Share the Good Luck of Guardian Bells

All-in-One Membership to Multiple Fitness Gyms & Studios

Princess Diana - September 12, 2017 - Birthday, Christmas, Experiences, Gifts for Him

Do you know someone who likes or wants variety in their fitness routines or workouts?

I have the perfect gift! Get them a ClassPass or StudioHop all-in-one membership.

With this type of membership, someone can attend a variety of fitness classes at different gyms and studios in their area.

Never Get Bored With Your Fitness Routine

They could pick Yoga on Monday, Cycling on Tuesday, Barre on Wednesday, Boot Camp on Thursday, Pilates on Friday, Rock Climbing on Saturday, and Rowing on Sunday.

Choices and more choices! Many people find it easier to stick to their fitness goals when they have variety in their workouts.

Annual Birthday Adventure

Queen Darlene - September 8, 2017 - Birthday, Experiences, Father's Day, Kids, Mother's Day, Uncategorized

My husband asked,”Are we doing anything for my sister this year?” I replied, “You mean the 2nd Annual Birthday Adventure?”

He smiled. I only had three weeks to come up with an idea.

Last year, I planned a Birthday Adventure with Adult Siblings for Randy and his brother to celebrate their sister’s birthday. It was so much fun Randy wanted to do it again.

Randy and I enjoy taking scenic Route 66 road trips to have breakfast or lunch and then browse through antique and boutique shops in small town America.

Light bulb moment!

Unforgettable Annual Birthday Experience

Plan a Route 66 Birthday Adventure by driving on the Mother Road in a convertible car.

Better yet make it a Mustang convertible! A red one!

My plans were to rent a convertible but in telling friends of the adventure, I was given an opportunity to borrow one! Continue Reading

Thanks A Million

Princess Diana - September 5, 2017 - Thank You

What can you give someone who goes above and beyond to show your deep appreciation?

My oldest son started Pre-K this year, so I’ve started paying a lot more attention to what is going on in our educational system.

I recently watched a video of the Oklahoma City Public Schools superintendent, Aurora Lora, giving her State of the Schools speech to the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.

I was amazed. Despite a bare bones budget, a teacher shortage, and numerous other barriers she faces on a day to day basis, she discussed the many improvements she and her staff have made to provide a better educational experience to students.

She faces an uphill battle, yet she gives it her all because she knows our children deserve better. And I’m so grateful to her.

Novelty Million Dollar Bill

I wrote Aurora a thank you card expressing my gratitude for her leadership and telling her how lucky we are to have her. I ended with “Thanks a million!”

Inside the thank you card, I inserted a million dollar bill. Of course it’s fake, but it looks very real!

Vintage Golf Throw Blanket & More

Queen Darlene - August 31, 2017 - Birthday, Business, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Him, Retirement

When my friend Jeff invited me to his birthday/retirement party, I knew immediately what gift to give–anything golf related! He loves the game!

Other friends were giving him golf shirts and golf balls, but I was on a mission to find something a little different.

Cool Golf Gifts

If you Google golf accessories, endless items will pop up. I have saved you some time by putting together a curated list of some pretty unique and cool gift ideas.

My favorite is a Vintage Golf Tapestry Throw Blanket Made in the USA. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know I favor Made in the USA products! Continue Reading

Funny Books for Parents With a Sense of Humor

Princess Diana - August 29, 2017 - $20 or Less, Baby Shower, Father's Day, Mother's Day

I’m a parent with a twisted sense of humor, and I’m not the only one.

I think it’s actually healthy because I’m able to laugh at things that normally would drive someone crazy!

A sense of humor (twisted or not) will get you through the highlights and pitfalls of parenthood. For example, I have a child in diapers so every day is full of shits and giggles. Literally.

My friend Beth and I bond over our twisted sense of humor. I’m so excited she’s pregnant with her first baby!

When it came time to pick out her baby shower gifts, I knew what book I just had to give her!

Hilarious Books for Parents

It’s called Go the F**k to Sleep by Adam Mansbach and Ricardo Cortés.

Sleep deprivation was one of the hardest things I dealt with as a new mom. When your baby just won’t go to bed, you do start to think, “For the love of God, go the f**k to sleep!”

Gratitude Journal | Record Life’s Blessings

Princess Diana - August 25, 2017 - $20 or Less, Birthday, Christmas, Gifts for Me, Graduation, Thank You

They say an attitude of gratitude can change your life. Now research backs that up.

Positive psychology research has found a link between gratitude and greater happiness.

According to Harvard Health Publications, “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

Couldn’t we all benefit from more of those things?

Although our lives may not be perfect, we all have blessings we can count. Now, take it one step further because writing down our blessings can increase our level of happiness!

Gratitude Journal

Gratitude Journals make it easy for people to reflect upon and record what they are thankful for every day.

They help people focus on what they have instead of what they don’t have, which leads to a daily attitude of gratitude.
Continue Reading

Oklahoma Shaped Grass Doormat

Queen Darlene - August 17, 2017 - Anniversary, Birthday, Business, Congratulations, Housewarming

Friends, Bryan and Janiece Vest, and my husband and I celebrate our anniversaries within a couple of weeks of each other in the month of July. This year is our 46th wedding anniversary!

Randy and I enjoy exploring the state of Oklahoma for “mom and pop” restaurants. The food reminds us of “grandma’s cookin!”

Bryan and Janiece gave us an Oklahoma Shaped Grass Doormat to commemorate our travel adventures.

Such a thoughtful gift! And… it’s made in Oklahoma! We love that! Continue Reading

Cozy Fleece Photo Blanket

Princess Diana - August 15, 2017 - Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas, Family, Father's Day, Get Well, Going Away, Graduation, Housewarming, Kids, Mother's Day, Retirement, Teacher Gifts, Valentine's Day, Wedding

Years ago, my sister, Julia, and her family moved to the East coast away from her parents and siblings.

It’s tough living far apart from family, but especially hard when someone has young children. Finding child care is harder, and holidays can be a bit more lonely.

My sister though experienced tremendous luck! She found an older woman in her neighborhood who ran a small in-home day care. “Miss Pat” has cared for my sister’s three daughters for 14 years now, and they have a very special bond with her.

She loves those girls like her own granddaughters, and they love her like a grandmother.

“Miss Pat” and her husband “Mister Pete” have become family.

Custom Photo Blanket

For Miss Pat’s birthday this year, my sister gave her a custom fleece photo blanket with a beautiful collage of her three daughters and Miss Pat.

The photos printed really well and show how much the girls have grown up since Miss Pat has known them. So many cherished memories gathered all in one place!

Miss Pat can literally wrap the girls around her any time, day or night! Continue Reading