WATCHING THINGS GROW: What this grown-up has been doing lately

With all of the initial rain and subsequent heatwaves, it seems I have the jungle garden in June that I don't usually see until August. By then, I've had enough and am good and ready for sweatah weathah, and nights that are "nice for sleeping" because as anyone in Delaware knows...IT'S NOT THE HEAT, IT'S THE HUMIDITY. 

Given my change in circumstances, I'm spending a lot of "quality time" at home and hence, watching things grow. 

Also, I wanted to save some money on veges and decided to make a real attempt at a salad garden. Well, I had (had) a great assortment of lettuce, but try as I might, it's near done and my tomatoes and peppers have yet to ripen. 

I feel like a farmer, watching the skies and testing the air to how it affects all of the plants. I could tell right away it wasn't going to be a great year for my hydrangeas. One bush isn't blooming, and the others are blooming small. I checked around town, most other bushes are in the same boat. Except those dark, dark purple ones, they seem to be doing great.

So here I sit, checking the plants, seeing how they fare.  I even went so far as to promise I would make a go of "fancy" types. I have some heirloom green grape tomatoes, black krims and lilac peppers. I also have an overgrown wineberry bush, planted a couple of years ago by some thoughtful bird in a natural bird manner. I've yet to eat more than a couple because they eat them before they are completely ripe. But, they planted them, they can eat them, I suppose. 

The lavender and roses have bloomed and been trimmed and hopefully, since it was so early in the season for them, will see a rebloom. The lilies come and go, and the black-eyed susans show their faces, the hydrangeas wilt in the heat like southern belles. The veges edge closer to ripening and the herbs to harvest.  

Watching the garden grow, that's how this grown-up intends to spend a good part of this summer.

Next up; a preview of my little town as it prepares to triple it's numbers for it's number one holiday of the year...Delaware City Day.

Looking good as a GrownUp!

And saving a boatload of cash at the same time.

Since I've entered the realm of the financially reduced (otherwise known as downsized), I've been all about trying to find ways to save a little cash. While it's nice that my gainfully employed son occasionally picks up the tab, finding ways to knock back expenditures has become a mission.

Enter the local saving clubs, like Living Social and Groupon. These sites, while not offering a lot in the way of saving on necessities, do help when it comes to those little extras. I want to offer this example of a recent experience with Groupon...

I purchased 3 laser hair removal treatments using a Groupon deal from Juventas Aesthetic located at 325 E. Main Street in Newark. They offer a number of aesthetic treatments, from laser to botox and other fillers as well. My deal was for 3 treatments for $99. Yes, 99 bucks. I had a friend who did this when the process was first offered at a cost of, are you ready? $900. That kind of price take kept me plucking and waxing for years. When I saw this deal offered, I couldn't pass it up.

The office was a little hard to find at first (it's in the First Aid ER building next to the Co-op) on the second floor (Suite 204). The staff is friendly and efficient. I never had to wait long in the waiting room. The doctor does real medical procedures as well, so if you are expecting a spa-like experience, this isn't it. Laser treatments are actually produced by the staff, (The doctor does any sort of injection treatments though) who does a thorough job of explaining the procedure. (A side note; if you are considering this, the laser does NOT kill white or blonde hair, just darker hair.) It's quick and simple (about 5-10 minutes) but a warning...it does hurt. Not a lot, I'd classify it as moderately uncomfortable. I had my upper lip done, (the bane of my existence since I'm like, 10) and while it didn't hurt that area, I was surprised that it hurt my TEETH. The good news is that it is instantly temporary. As soon as the "zap" is done, so is the hurt. It did make my eyes water.  The side effects can include some temporary redness, itching and possible peeling. I had none of that. None. I'd check the rear-view mirror on my way home and was pleased to see...NOTHING.

No red, no burn or itch, and best of all, no hair. No more plucking, no more waxing. I wish I had had an offer like this years ago, I would have avoided a lot of pain and some permanent skin damage.

I heard a rumor that another offer of some sort will be available in the Fall, so keep your eyes open. I am.

Here is a link to Juventas, if you want to check them out...

Juventas Aesthetic Center

On the same note, I did just see a very similar offer just today (jump quick) on Living Social if you are in the N. Wilmo area; here is your link.

Living Social Beauty Deal