Things I Love Thursday // 9.12.19

• Cotton Swabs - Ladies, if you are 45+, you need to hear this: You are likely walking around all day with residue mascara smudged on your eyelids (near the lash line) that you inadvertently placed there while applying your mascara the same way you have been doing since you were twelve years old (or if your parents were paying too close attention, 15 years old). The reason it is a problem now is because our eyelids are a little different than they used to be (just saying). And it's not been a problem before so you're not on the lookout. And you probably can't see the little smudges behind your lashes without taking a careful look up close to the mirror (which you're not doing because you've never had to before). SO... before you snap the lid shut on that last cosmetic and head out for your day, please grab a little cotton swab and take a close peek at your eyelid situation. We may have to lean in close to the mirror these days for a clear view --but we don't have to encourage people to attribute more years to our age than we have earned. 
• Toddlers in Goggles - *giggling*
  
• Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce - I'm posting about a Trader Joe's item nearly every week. (If you don't have a TJ's near you, I'm so sad for you.) I bumped into a friend while shopping and she was enthusiastically in favor of me trying it. Holy cow. It's not just hot, it's tasty. Maybe the fermentation has something to do with it? It's seriously spicy so proceed with caution. We've added it to pasta, scrambled eggs, and sandwiches. It's great with cheese and crackers --or just crackers. You could mix a bit in with macaroni and cheese, add some to mayo or spice up your ketchup for a dipping sauce, punch up your marinade, or just enjoy it by the spoonful. KIDDING. Don't do that. It's very spicy and you may even think it's not for you after the first taste --but you'll soon realize you have to have more.   
  
• Target Dress - If you're a regular reader here, you might think that Target and Trader Joe's (and plants) are my whole life. I promise, I have other interests and activities. Anyhoo... this dress from Target is comfortable, easy, and flattering. When you put it on with a pair of earrings and some sandals --you look like you really made an effort. So easy. I love the brown color --but don't think I can quite pull it off (near my face). The pink is a lovely, soft shade. I went with "Dog Bone" (ivory) and definitely need a slip with it. Also, it's longer on me than it appears on the model in the ad (not shocking --since only I'm 5'6" (don't let my family try to convince you that I'm only 5'5.5" --you're supposed to ROUND UP, people). 
  
• Frozen Avocados - Have you tried these? They're great! Let's be clear, I haven't actually defrosted any to make guacamole --but I love adding some avocado to a smoothie and a few of these frozen wedges are perfect for that. Fresh avocados are a staple around here but they can be so finicky --like, "Sorry, Tammy. I know I was perfectly ripe about an hour ago but..."