Track star and Ivy-League freshman student Madison Holleran, age 19, had been a

Track star and Ivy-League freshman student Madison Holleran, age 19, had been a

In which I am tortured...

     It's 1478. "As you refuse to convert, you will be tortured. Send her to the BASEMENT." Our hapless prisoner is lead to a dark room where other victims are waiting and told to climb onto a machine, where her feet are attached to pedals by straps and it is requested she sit on a small metal seat the side of a postage stamp. She waits in the dark, when the head torturer arrives and tells our victims to begin pedaling. Trying to frantically find a comfortable position on the tiny seat, as her tender buttocks are beginning to numb she obeys. "Well, I can handle this, even if it is a bit awkward", she thinks. Then our leader shouts "JUMP!" and at once the other prisoners begin rapidly pedaling while standing for a few seconds and down again on the horrible seat. The pain is intense and the heavy breathing is audible. "If you are doing this correctly, I will see bodies in the aisles when I'm done!" the torturer shouts. (actual quote). Then we are told we must "run", so we stand on our devices and pedal, oh, do we pedal for 2 minutes, while she counts down the time....40 seconds, 30...20...sweet Jesus....10 and then sit. Oh, the seat feels better than a feather bed. How she could sit here for hours and just pedal...so nice, so nice...and then "JUMP! We are done with the easy stuff, let's go to work!" 
     "I confess!!!" our prisoner shouts. "To ANYTHING....Everything!!! Just make it stop...."  She is led from the room, sobbing, weak, and shaking. "See you next week!" The lead Inquisitor calls joyfully from the back of the room. THE SPIN CLASS 2015 - by Carolyn Di Leo

New product

I was chosen to try Truly Radiant Rejuvenating Toothpaste, Spinbrush and Mouthwash.   I received these products free of charge.  Smiley is the website to go for the best offers.
I enjoyed the bright freshness of both toothpaste and mouthwash, but best of all is the spinbrush.  No batteries required or annoying buzz, just gently moves on its own, giving you a nicer feel.  The brush will definitely be on my shopping list from now on!
     Give these a try!

Project for Paws: Generous Donation from Isle of Dogs

     Lili is a young friend of mine, that does amazing work for animal charities.  Go over and check out her blog: Project for Paws: Generous Donation from Isle of Dogs:

 

Tried a new product!

I received a free product for the purpose of my review. Opinions are 100% my own.   To be honest, we recently switched to butter, because of the fake ingredients in most spreads.  I was happy to see that ICBINB made their products with more natural ingredients.  The taste is as good as ever and we will be using it again.

A New Challenge

     My family are all performing in a local theater's production of Fiddler on the Roof.  My hubby is the lead, Tevye, my oldest is Chava, my next oldest DAUGHTER is playing a boy, (she's thrilled with the part), and my son is the beggar.  I do not act.  I prefer to be anonymous in most things.  There is an old saying, "A lady should be in the papers only 3 times in her life, birth, marriage, death."  I tend to subscribe to that.  However, it does fall to me to host a cast party and also one more party, which brings me to my latest challenge.
     The last night of the play, my husband and I decided that it would be nice to have those friends of ours who purchased tickets for that showing to join us back at the house for food and cocktails.  Now, I love that idea, but originally it appeared to only be two other families.  Now, it appears to be most of the people we know in town!  I am very used to hosting big gatherings, don't get me wrong, but as you know, I tend to have a bit more time to organize it.

     Here's my first challenge: Since I will be at the last showing, I will have to have all my dishes prepared and ready to serve at once.  My husband thinks it best if we just order pizza to save time. That is a good idea and brings me to...
     Challenge two:  I have NO clue how many are coming.  I sent out invites, but so many people decide to go to the theater at a moment's notice, so I don't really have a good head count.  I always worry about not having enough food.  Usually, there is more than enough, but this time, I just can't figure it.
     Challenge three: Since we are hosting a cast party only two weeks from now, much of my party budget is already taken.  Creativity will be the name of the game.  I'm thinking fill 'em up on cheap appetizers before pizza, and cookies for dessert.  Hope no one will be disappointed that it is not my usual feast!
     All will turn out, I am sure.  I just have to work it!

An Etiquette Review

     May I take this opportunity to remind my lovely readers of something quite important?  It is simply this: when receiving an invitation out for lunch or dinner, it is not appropriate to ask to bring an extra guest along.  This happened to my daughter recently and it put her in quite a difficult position.
     You must understand that YOU are asked to be the guest and the person inviting you will be paying for you.  It is a bit rude to expect your host to pay for your guest also.  Now, of course, if you mention that you will be paying for the additional guest, I give you a very reluctant nod, however, it still puts your host in a very awkward position and, most likely, that said host will wind up paying for both parties.

     Please understand that meals out can be expensive and should be thought of as a special treat for you. Perhaps, the event is meant as a "thank you" for past favors, If not, however, one should try to reciprocate at a later date, either with a home cooked meal or a return engagement out.
    I do so hate to lecture you with such trivial matters, but it had been brought to my attention that young ladies of college age may not be aware of such things and so, I take you all to task now.  To have a gracious lifestyle, please try to behave graciously.