Many of you who regularly join me here in the Middle-Aged Cheap Seats (bless you, by the way), have come to know me as Kimba: King Salmon Slayer, Estate Sale Junkie, sometimes writes books. What you may not know is that I also have a day-job working in public policy. Image provided courtesy of morgueFile, http://mrg.bz/Lli5uc For the first 44 years of my life, I was a “rules girl.” I traveled a common baby boomer path, from high school classroom to college lecture hall to … [Read more...]
Dollars to Doughnuts
I have come to love February. Not because of Valentine’s Day and certainly not for the weather. My fondness for this second month of the year has evolved per my family’s involvement in charitable fundraising. My admiration for February began several years ago with my son Jimmy’s participation in THON. Each February–this year it’s February 20 thru 22–something magical happens at Penn State. Thousands of students stay awake and on their feet for 46 hours straight; all united in working … [Read more...]
Do They Really Throw Chicken Bones?
I’m a southern gal. Born and raised in the South. My mama’s family is from the South. My entire life to date has been lived in the South. However, I recently attended an event that despite my southern pedigree and upbringing had me feeling like a Yankee in King Earnhardt's court. I experienced my first NASCAR race. The National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing–NASCAR–is the governing body over one of the most profitable enterprises in the U.S. Since its beginnings back in 1947, NASCAR … [Read more...]
Midlife Swagger: We All Deserve An Anthem
The State of the Union address happened this week. As I watched President Obama it occurred to me that part of the swagger, in addition to being one of the most powerful people in the world, is that he has a theme song. Interestingly, they didn’t play Hail to the Chief as he walked into the House chamber–guess they figured all eyes were already on him. Hail to the Chief – A Brief History There’s some fun history behind Hail to the Chief. First Lady Sarah Childress Polk is most often … [Read more...]
A Quotable Woman
September is a magical month. As the transition from summer to fall begins, I find myself appreciating any lingering warm days, knowing that cooler temps are on their way. September brings festivals that celebrate pumpkins and mums, apples and wine (for a few tips regarding those wine festivals you can check out Don't Be the Drunk Girl). What’s not to love?! Image provided courtesy of www.gratisography.com I recently discovered another reason why we should all love this month: … [Read more...]
One Gal’s Trash
My mama raised me right. In our house, nothing ever went to waste. Leftover bacon grease was saved in a can on the kitchen counter. Aluminum foil was reused until it disintegrated. My lil’ brother and I often joke that Mom can spot the sales rack in a store faster than green grass through a goose (I cleaned that one up a bit for you Mom). But it’s not just good common sense instilled from Mom. My thriftiness can be traced to all sides of my gene pool. A couple of years ago my Dad introduced … [Read more...]
Steals, Deals, and Splurges
A few weeks ago I asked my Club Fifty gal pals to help me choose a new mascara for my increasingly skimpy eyelashes. As a result, many of you also forwarded your recommendations for additional products that are must haves for anyone, but especially those of us in our fifth decade and beyond. This got me to thinking: What products would I recommend, from thrifty to expensive - but worth every penny? photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/benmcleod/991447665/">Ben … [Read more...]
Who Ya Callin’ a Girly Girl?!
Back in 2005, I shocked the majority of my gal pals by announcing that I would be heading to Alaska to go… wait for it… salmon fishing. This crazy southern Irish gal is a bit of a weird hybrid: love pretty pedicures, but will also happily get downright muddy in the garden. I’ll rabidly watch a college football game, followed by my favorite DIY show on HGTV. I am as comfortable wearing a frilly dress as I am relaxing in torn jeans and a sweatshirt. However, fishing?! A little … [Read more...]
I’m Walking On Sunshine
Summertime! Having come of age in Florida, I didn’t truly appreciate the importance and beauty of a cloudless bright sunny day until I moved north to Virginia. In Florida, except in January, every day is cheery and sunshiny. Now I know that for the rest of the country, these summer months are provided by the Universe to help us forget about shoveling snow and heating bills. I’ve been a bit lax when it comes to my personal summer prepping. Just this week I finally got around to a cute short … [Read more...]
Who Ya Callin’ Skimpy?
One of the truths about turning fifty is that our bodies evolve. Some changes we can - the Universe willing - control with exercise, diet and getting enough sleep. But, the reality is that it is very difficult to control, at least in my experience, the changes to our hair. I’m not just talking about the hair on my head: I’ve addressed that issue with a shorter cut and highlights. I am, however, currently quite concerned about the hair on my face. I was blessed with my Nana’s eyebrows … [Read more...]