Friday Favorites: Plants that clean the air and more!

Hello there!  Thanks for popping over to visit the blog!  Today I am linking up with Erika from A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea from Momfessionals my favorites include snake plants which are natural air purifiers; 

Snake plants clean the air!

Growing up, my mother always had a plant called "mother-in-law's tongue."  Recently, I found these plants while food shopping:

The tag said they were snake plants!  Upon further research, I learned their nickname is "mother-in-law's tongue."  I bought the plants because I loved the pots they were in.  

Even better, these plants are super air purifiers so I keep them in my bedroom.  Snake plants remove toxins from the air during the night.  In addition, they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.  They are basically living air filter powerhouses!  

Click here to check out a small business that sells these plants on Amazon or check out your local supermarket/greenhouse.  Most importantly, snake plants are really easy to take care of, and the return will improve the air quality in your home!

Two Books to Check Out:

I recently finished Sandwich by Catherine Newman.  

This books takes place on a one week family vacation on Cape Cod.  The main character, Rocky, is in her 50's, and she is "sandwiched" between her adult children and elderly parents.  I felt like Rocky was talking to me during the book.  She feels alternatively happy and heart-broken on the same page.  Rocky feels like a friend.  I especially liked her interactions with her daughter, Willa.   

This next book is delightful and enchanting:

I really loved and enjoyed this book.  The story takes place mostly in Dublin.  The three main characters:  Opaline, Martha and Henry love books and reading.  The characters are lovely and lovable.  I highly recommend this book.  If you want to read more, click on the cover to go to Amazon.

I always wanted a pair of Tretorn sneakers!

I picked up a pair of new sneakers, and I really love them:

I've always wanted a pair of Tretorn sneakers since high school when I played tennis.  Well, I finally got a pair, and they are really comfortable.  I get a lot of compliments on these sneakers for their color and retro looks.

I wish summer could be endless!

Here is one of my favorite pillows that keep on my bed all summer.  

Summer is definitely the season that goes by the quickest!

What's Up Wednesday? Check it out!

Hello there!  Today I am linking up with Shea and Sheaffer for their link-up:

What we are eating

In June, my husband had an esophagectomy.  The procedure is called Ivor Lewis  surgery in which the surgeon removes the tumor from the esophagus but needs to relocate the stomach between the lungs (the esophagus is not elastic, but the small intestine is long enough to reach the stomach's new location).  After the feeding tube which he had for three weeks, my husband advanced from clear liquids, to more substantial liquids like smoothies to bland, small meals.  We eat a lot of rice and mashed potatoes with small pieces of meat.  

What I'm working on

I am currently working on profound cleaning.  This is my term for deep cleaning such as washing windows, curtains, the areas underneath and behind furniture.  

What we've been up to

We have a new granddaughter who was born on July 21, 2024.  Her name is Cecilia Reese (Reese was my maiden name).  She is quite adorable and beautiful:

Cecilia's middle name is Reese which is my maiden name!  

What I'm reminiscing about

Now that I am newly retired, I am actually reminiscing about Back to School and getting my classroom ready.  I always got excited about decorating and cleaning my room; meeting my new students; picking out a new outfit for the first day.  

  

What I'm excited about

I started a new cross stitch for the baby.  I haven't cross stitched for over 30 years due to kids and work.  Now I have time to take up a hobby.

I bought this kit online at Love Crafts.  I really loved the variety and quality of their products. If you want to get 30% off your first purchase, type in my name:  Susan Krevat, when checking out.

What I'm watching

We are watching Lady in the Lake on AppleTV.  

The series is based on a book by Laura Lippman.  Natalie Portman plays Maddie, one of the main characters who is undergoing a huge life transition.  The show takes place in 1960's Baltimore is full of racial and religious tension.

What I'm wearing/shopping for

and

What are my recent Amazon purchases?

I just bought my daughter 3 new pairs of Little Blue House by Hatley sleep shorts and a sleep shirt.  

As always, thank you for checking in and reading the blog!  

A Little Bit of Everything with BIG News!

Hello there!  Thanks for popping by!  Today I'm excited to link up with Erika from A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea from Momfessionals for:

I decided to retire!

On March 1, 2024, my husband was diagnosed with stage 3 gastric/esophageal cancer.  Since then, life has been a whirlwind with scans, chemotherapy, surgery, feeding tube, medication...  The surgery was June 5th so I took the last 2 weeks of school off.  His surgery was at Mass. General in Boston.  The surgeons are very happy with the surgery (click here to read about this complex procedure).  

Matt in December in Puerto Rico. He self-diagnosed with acid reflux.

These past months have been extremely stressful and hopeful.  While in school, I found that my patience dwindled, and my focus was on my husband. Needless to say, when my district offered a $20,000 early retirement incentive, I decided this was the time to retire.  I was planning on retiring in October 2025 when I turn 65.  

Of course, the district reneged their $20,000 incentive which is now $6,750.  However, I am still retiring either way because my husband will continue to need chemotherapy, and other care.

Now that I'm retired, I can focus on my training to become a nurse!

Any day my daughter is having a baby!

My daughter's due date is July 16th which is just about here.  She's having a girl but the name is the big secret and surprise.  She's feeling BIG and ready to have a baby!  

Have you ever seen a lady slipper?

Neither had I until last month when my friend and I spotted this beauty:

Speaking of plants...

I have a small garden that gets direct sun all day all summer.  In addition, we have a large rabbit population.  Consequently, I need drought and rabbit resistant flowers.  Enter the Veronica Speedwell:

Click on the picture to read more about these plants in the Farmers' Almanac

Most importantly, the pollinators LOVE these plants, and they can remain alive with me as their caretaker.  

Last summer, we started a garden as an experiment.  We only planted rabbit resistant plants such as lavender and coreopsis.  Those plants did not come back, but the Veronicas did!  I have even bought a white and a pink Veronica.  I highly recommend these plants if you want plants that are perennials and require little attention.

It is the height of summer here in Massachusetts:  heat and humidity every day which means LOTS of air conditioning time.  That means you can catch up on reading more blogs at: