Back to the States/ From My Diaries

Sometimes life changes in an instant. Letting your child grow into an independent adult and leave the house brings new experiences and some mixed emotions. I am a person that keeps myself busy most of the time. That’s how I cope with empty nest syndrome.

Back to the States..

It was the plan since he has a dual citizenship and economically Turkey is going through a hard time. Deciding “the time has come” wasn’t easy either. He moved to Chicago on March 8th. I only can say thanks to the technology that allows me to see him and talk to him over a video call like he is next to me. Seeing his appreciation there over WhatsApp, makes me feel ok for sure. So many people use Telegram as I did before but somehow my phone gets locked when I used it lately. Unlimited internet phone packages and WhatsApp make our life easier and also affordable.

I moved so many times. Between, countries, cities, streets etc. If you ask how many times I have moved, believe me, I don’t remember. I raised a kid in different cultures, languages, educational systems. Only one thing has been steady for the last 15 years, which is this blog and it has been a witness of my son's growth . He will turn 20 next June and we will have left another stage of life behind.

I live in a hot city which has a short winter. But this year even Cesme was cold. Just checked out the weather in Chicago ( can’t stop doing this every morning) -3!! Omg!! We ate breakfast in the garden today for the first time this year. Flowers blooming here, taking a walk today on the shore, reminded me of how much we missed spring and summer. That is not the only thing we all missed for sure. Hanging around without a mask is another one. When I leave a social distance I don’t put it on since there is no requirement, preference so far, except inside the places. We keep rest of the precautions to stay safe and healthy. But, I feel like naked somehow if I don’t use it. Last couple of years in pandemic, brought new habits we can’t rid off, right?

Now, some pictures before Aria left, after landing in Chicago. Because of the time differences, sometimes I struggle. I forgot and called him once and asked, “why are u in bed? Are you sick? I realized when he smiled and said “because it’s 5 am here mom” 😊 I don’t know what I was  thinking.

So, where were we?

Oh, yes.. This blog continues to be witnessing our lives. It doesn’t move anywhere. Here, needs a bit changes, but address is the same and getting older.

Me?

Need to do backbend poses lately since gardening took a lot of my time. Anyways, spending time in the garden makes me feel better so far. My good friend, had a heart attack a couple days ago. I am worried about her. Thank god she is ok now.

Along with my upcoming birthday, I have a book waiting to be read. “Secured Wishes”/ Charity Parkinson.

I’ll sit in the garden, surrounded with plants, colorful flowers and start to read it this week.

Ok, wishing & hoping for a better spring and summer for the world. No more viruses, no pandemic, war, increasing global warming or financial difficulties.. Smartness to use on good heart and health for all over the world.

Stay healthy and happy!

New Year's Eve Pics

    Still setting the table..hungry moments..

                    Started with mom just tasting to see if tey are seasoned properly..Checked! they are:)

                                                      We were together at home!

 

We gave a start to a new year with the foods we like..

We made whatever we wanted to eat..hmmmm..

 

 

 

 delish and comfy!

 

 

and..we enjoyed being together again.

 

 

 

 

Ready a happy and energetic year now!

Wish y'all the same:)

 

 

 

XOXO

Time does fly!

I was putting ornaments on the Christmas tree this morning while having a cup of coffee. Turned on my laptop and thinking of writing a post about The Steam Team and I remembered one of my posts I made for it. It was a year ago. It's Christmas time again but I am in Turkey now!

Guys, time REALLY does fly! Doesn't it?

'Early Morning Accident

I was enjoying having my coffee sitting on the couch and watching my son playing with his lightsaber yesterday...Until he accidentally hit my coffee cup and coffee was spilled on the rug. Lol. I hate stains!! I have a lightweight deep cleaner so why would I worry about, right? Wrong! Because I ran out of cleanser. Ugh!
http://www.thesteamteam.com/austin-restoration-services/smoke-fire.shtml

Enjoy turned into pain:( I grabbed a pack of baby wipes and started to work on removing the stain. Baby wipes always work. Baking soda and vinegar/salt or dish liquid are commonly well known stain removers and when I searched yesterday, I found out that beer is the another solution for stains. Do you know that? It literally lifts it out by pouring a bit of beer right on top and rubbing the beer lightly into the material. Probably this process needs to be repeated a couple of times to remove all traces of the stain. Honestly, I never thought to use beer as a stain remover before. Will keep one of these rug cleaning tips in mind for next time:) '

Click here to read the rest of it

17 years old being together and married for 13 years....

Hubby and I have been wearing our wedding rings since the day we got engaged. They are basic, yellow gold, square with a round cut stone and I love my ring.

After I got an email from Bertie, I met Stephen Einhorn's website and got a chance to see their amazing engagement/wedding ring sets. I've been hanging around their lovely website, checking out those gorgeous rings, necklaces, bracelets, charms, earrings but especially wedding rings:) It's really hard to choose one if you have so many wonderful choices. Isn't it?

I had a great time spending my early morning at Stephen Einhorn website. It was a lovely start to my Sunday:)

Here is my favorite!

Jump 4 Engagement & Wedding Ring Set 18 Carat White Gold & Princess Cut Blue Sapphire

A very modern engagement and wedding ring set that is called 'Jump'.

With a 4x4mm princess cut stone set flush into the band.

This ring is simply stunning, unusual, stylish, sophisticated and cool. The matching Jump wedding band sits snugly next to the engagement ring, the tops being flush together.

They handmake those beautiful jewellery designs in their own London workshops, so you can order this set in a variety of precious metals including yellow gold, white gold rose gold or platinum.

Stephen Einhorn -designer jewelry

I'd like to introduce Stephen Einhorn to you guys with his own words: “My design signature is elegant simplicity. I am interested in designs that are totally wearable, including my more flamboyant bespoke pieces. I have worked to create a style that is instantly recognisable and that appeals to someone who appreciates design, style and quality.” - Stephen Einhorn

It's great to discover new places and to share them with you guys!

Enjoy your visit to Stephen Einhorn amazing website!

Do your kids love jumping on the couch?

Food and drink stains such as Gatorade, Kool-Aid, Fruit punch, Candy, syrup, wine..Ugh! Especially the old stains after cleaning come back... If you want your carpet/couch like brand new again, you might need a cleaning service.

Are you looking for an environmentally responsible cleaning service for your upholstery and your carpet? If you're living in Austin-Texas area, I'd like to introduce 'The Steam Team' to you guys! Choose their green service to help environment!

http://www.thesteamteam.com/austin-cleaning-services

They use green chemicals which are 100% biodegradable, non-toxic, safe for pets and humans. Most products are made of all natural ingredients. That is the first thing caught my eyes when I read their site first time.

The Steam Team is one of the experienced carpet cleaning cleaners austin. Residential flooring, upholstery, air ducting, tile, and and they also specialize in restoration, from water extraction to smoke and fire damage restoration.

Kids loves jumping on the couch, don't they? Aria is 9 and still loves it.

I took him out for a trampoline yesterday. It's one of the fun ways to keep kids off the couch and computer...at least a part of the day, lol:)

The fun didn't end so soon!

He also enjoyed driving a race car for kids.

Kids also love havinge their snacks watching tv on the couch, don't they?Or your dog/dogs sleep on it...

The first goal of steamer carpet cleaners Austin is customer satisfaction. They use fabric protection to help resist spills, staining and ultraviolet radiation. They choose the right cleaning method depends on your upholstery type and test on a small area to be absolutely sure that you will be happy with the results.

The Steam Team promises to do everything they can do answering your questions by customer service representative or by the adjuster.

If you are living in Austin area and need a professional cleaning service check out their site.
Hope this could help you:)

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Just wanted to share that shot with you guys!

Love this combination:))It says so many things to me..Summer,happiness,harmony, love,good times...

Ah, onion!

I love preparing vegatables to cook, but not ONION!!!!

more pictures:))))

Hope you all are doing well.

I took those pics with my cell phone, I think it's better than my camera:))

Being on the 10th floor, brings a lovely view here but also the garden is just like heaven.

The beauty of evening in Izmir
Music was coming all the way to home from the cafeterias..

And..he was the one who got the couch and the laptop after that beautiful day!

He has so many new friends

Bowling is just across our street:)

If you visit Izmir, Turkey one day, here is the place that welcomes all tourists with

Turkish Coffee!

-Kemeralti-

His new friends love Aria, and their warm welcome was unforgetable!

Some of his friend's English skills were very impresive.
More pictures are on the way:)

Ahh..we have waited for summer for a long time, right?

Swimming is next, of course.

What else?

Y'all know I love kitchen but I have been busy eating all the delicious food

my sister and my mom made.

I missed to read your blogs. No plan for tonight but visiting my favorite sites!

I already started:))))

Hugs to y'all!

Up In The Air!

After a 10 hour flight to Izmir, the heaven of Turkey!

I thought I would cry after years when I saw my mom and my sisters,
but it didn't happen.

We laughed, giggled until morning that night.

Just like years ago..

Aria loves Izmir.
He has been busy skateboarding, bowling,
taking little trips around, making new friends.
..and of course he got spoiled by family:)

I had a wonderful Mother's Day.
Hope you guys had a great time on Mother's Day!

Thank you!!!

I'd like to thank you all my dear readers, followers, blogger friends for your good support and interest in my blog. Since 2007, my blog has been a big part of my life. I have been enjoying sharing my recipes and experiences of the products I tried, hearing your feedback, introducing websites/companies I found or the companies who found me and wanted me to introduce their sites and products to you, guys.

Exciting days of my life, adventures of being mom and my son's each step in his life last 3 and a half years. Oh, no! I'm not saying goodbye...I will keep doing this..There is something NEW in my life and of course new pictures coming next month!!! Just I want to thank y'all one more time for your support!




Today, I'd like to introduce a hospitality supplies&kitchen equipment company and their products if you are setting up a food and beverage outlet whether it is a café, bar/bistro, take away shop, bakeries, Asian restaurant or pizza shops. I believe you will get everything you need in Commercial Food Machinery which is a leading supplier of commercial kitchen equipment to the hospitality industry across Australia.

What do they offer?

They offer wide range of hospitality supplies for all commercial kitchen needs which includes, catering equipment, cooking equipment, refrigeration, merchandising cabinets, bakery equipment, ware washing, standard and custom stainless steel benching, counter line/bench top equipment and other kitchen equipment products.

I've been playing with my new toy since yesterday:))))
DELL Inspiron M5030

I need a wireless router. Any suggestion?

Coffee Anyone ???

I heard my dad's voice yesterday saying 'Yonca, yap bi kahve de içelim senin elinden'...
It means 'I want to have a cup of coffee you would make'.

He passed away 11 years ago..Turkish coffee was one of his favorite drinks.
It's very strong coffee and we serve it with a glass of water. If any of you tasted it, you would know why we need water after we have it:)
It brings a conversation, friendship, sharing, connection..So it means to us more than having a cup of coffee.. Whenever he said this to me, I knew a sweet talk is coming..Rest in peace dad!

Turkish copper coffee set.
Includes a nickellated copper tray, a porcelain cup and saucer, and a coffee maker with tinned copper inside for usage.

A good coffee maker definitely makes a difference in the taste. Don't you think? Copper is expensive but gives a extraordinary taste to Turkish coffee, so totally worth it.

I love shopping online, searching, and comparing prices. Online shopping is easy shopping also you can find the best deal in minutes instead spending time and gas...

Gift shopping is painful sometimes but I think a fresh bag of their favorite ground would be the best gift for coffee lovers. Always works:) I believe all coffee lovers enjoy, before opening their eyes in the morning smell the aroma of fresh brewed coffee coming from the kitchen and having a cup of their favorite Coffee Specialty Blend

Mmmm...I'm looking at the beans..dark, mysterious, or maybe a little sweet?
What is your favorite?
A well brewed cup of coffee is a work of art

Ahh! My happy morning!!!

Do we look like the folks in Grey's Anatomy?

When I was a kid, whenever people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would say 'I want to be a doctor'. I don't know what kind of doctor I would be if I was, but one thing is certain..My son is not going to be a doctor! He can't even stand to see his own blood.

-Mommy! I'm bleeding!!!(In a panic)
If you see him the first time, you probably think that he is bleeding to death. Ha! Just a little scar, not even worth to put a bandaid on, lol.
Yesterday, he surprised me. I'm shocked. When I saw his loose tooth was ready to go with the tooth fairy. I told him;
-You know what, if you hold it tight and shake it like it's dancing, it would come out easily..Do you wanna try? (I was kidding)
-Oh, no!
-OK, I knew, you're not gonna like the idea. It would be something to remember forever..dancing tooth..dancing tooth.. I believe that would be something you would tell your kids when you become a father, how you pulled out your own tooth yourself. Wouldn't it be?
" Skake, shake..wiggle, wiggle my loose tooth"
-Mmmm..So..you're saying..(he ran into the bathroom, grabbed a cotton and got back to the hallway mirror)
-Dancing tooth..dancing tooth..(he started to sing)
Yep, dancing tooth left us last night and he got 3 dollars from the tooth fairy:)
-I don't believe, I did it myself. It didn't even bleed that much.
He was still in the same mood this morning. He put on a bandanna like a surgery hat and folded another one for me like a nursing scrub hat and said;
-Mom, look at us, we're like the folks on Grey's Anatomy which he used to hate when I watched that show sometimes. He checked himself in the mirror and started to..... dance???

I still don't think he is gonna be a doctor or have a medical job when I saw him looking for a pair of blue jeans and Micheal Jackson printed top instead of some uniforms or scrub clothing to complete his look. But he got used to seeing blood for sure yesterday and now he is brave enough pulling out his own tooth if it involves music and dancing :)

-The opinions I expressed are my own-

A lovely tea set, fall mood and me..

When school started I wasn't ready to fall yet. I started to getting in the Fall mood since the trees leaves started turning orange and red and I can actually smell the season in the air.

Isn't it beautiful?

Yesterday, my friend Eileen came over and brought that gorgeous tea set to me. Darling white porcelain tea set with gold trim. I poured myself a cup of hot tea instead of an iced tea... it was a good way to welcome fall:)

This picture was taken yesterday.

I'd like to thank three of my blogger friends for those wonderful awards they passed me during the summer and will share with y'all guys.

'Life is Good Award' from my dear friend Betty @CUT&DRY


'I'm Going Places" Award from dear Susan @Susan Fobes' Family Formula. I'm suppose to tell you where I will be in ten years. So, in ten years I'll be a 52 years old mother of 18 years old son. OhMy, feels strange now:) Hopelly I'll be healthy and happy and financially in better condition:)



The last one is, The Fabulous Sugar Doll Award from dear Maria@ Personalized Sketches&Sentiments

and I'm suppose to tell you 7 things about me;

*'A good bye' is always painful for me even though I'm going to say 'hello' again.

*My son wants a baby brother and almost everyday he keeps complaining that he doesn't have.

*I cry easily.

*My old jean fit again!

*We have a goldfish in a bowl on our bathroom counter and his name is Leo. This is our second fish. It was a September day we bought the first one and I named him 'fall'. He lived 2 years in that bowl and died on a September day. Sometimes we still call the new goldfish 'Fall'.

*I lost my sunglasses again!

*I use the word 'wonderful' very often and you probably noticed that!

I've been blogging since 2007 December. My blog is almost 3 years old. It feels really great when you met lots of wonderful blogger friends and getting to know them better all this time..You guys became a part of my life and your visits, your comments inspired me to keep blogging.
Love y'all!

Cheers to friendship!

Wasn't it just yesterday?

He's going to 3rd grade !!!

Shopping for children shoes online

One of the biggest milestones for a child is when they can finally tie their own shoelaces. I don't really remember when and how I learned to tie my own shoes but I remember my son when he learned how to do it himself. He was in first grade. I should have shown him earlier but I guess it was the easier way for a first time mom to use 'no tie shoes' when he started kindergarten:) He made only one bunny ear at first. After a few day of practice, finally the bunny got 2 ears:) How fun it was!!
Kids grow so fast. Yesterday, I had a back ache. He heard me say 'ouch' when I was tying my sneakers and asked me;
-Do you need help with that, mom?
Ha! Funny!Then he reminded me those bunny ears days. The bunny runs around the tree then jumps into a hole....
I still don't know when he turned 8? Time does fly!
His first word, first steps, first time when he tied his shoes himself, his first time riding a bike with out training wheels, his first jump of the diving board..
I remember he was working on whistling in the mirror last winter:)
Sometimes he sees other kids riding their bikes with no hands. Yesterday, he asked me if he can give it a try? There is an empty area.. I took him there, and told him to put his helmet on and to keep straight. You should see his face when he did it. Maybe it's a small thing but I knew how important it was for him.
Anyway...
We're checking out kids shoes online together now. When it comes to choose his shoes, he reminds me that he is not a little kid anymore:) That's true! I better accept that!
The best way to find a variety of styles, brands and colors of children shoes, and to compare quality and prices is by shopping from online retailers.

If you decide to buy shoes for your kids online, you'll find good advices and helpful videos on Start-rite

How to measure your child's feet and fit their shoes?



Whenever we need to buy a new pair of shoes for him, we look for a bigger size. As long as if there is no hole in his shoes in a month. I don't remember any hole in my shoes when I was a child. Boys! Now I know..It is possible:)

Is that all??? Thank God!!!

Summer break is just around the corner and my son's birthday is coming up.



We saw this bike on CSN Stores and loved it. He is so excited, can't even wait to hop on it and ride around. I have been reading about CSN Stores on other blogs I visited. And I'm impressed when I checked out their websites. They have 200+ stores. You can find everything you need...From cookware to toys, outdoor sitting groups to sofas.
I was on computer desk and checking out these wonderful websites when he was waiting for bus this morning. The bus stopped to pick up Aria and bus driver was looking at me. Aria said 'he wants to talk to you mom'. When I was walking to the bus honestly I though that he sang in the bus again and this time his voice was more loud then the driver could have tolerated. Because he does this sometime when he is in the bathroom. He said that there is a new student which is Turkish in the bus and can't speak English. He just wanted me to translate that my son would assist him to the office. Lol...Is that all? :-) Thank god, the reason wasn't any complaining about him.
I'm glad I don't need to think about a punishment instead of choosing a birthday present for him :-)
Pictures coming soon :-D