It's Always Something

I wish I was really good at something. You know the type of "good" I am talking...er, typing about. The type of good that pours from my soul at every moment in time. The type that cannot be contained, controlled, or compromised.  Something that I was so good at that it consumed every part of my being, energy, and time.  Others would feel this thing that I do so well. They would wonder about it. Talk about it. Share it with other people.  It would be tangible and consume all the senses. This thing would come so naturally from within me, that people would often think it was no work at all. It would appear so effortless, in fact, that others would try to emulate this thing that I do so well.  They will try, but will fail because this thing cannot be replicated. It is so unique and natural that it is impossible to repeat. I want to be special like everyone else.

Something strange has been happening lately. The kiddo and I have made some unspoken strong bond with one another for the past few months. After months and months of attitude from her, she seems to have *gasp* matured a bit.  And with this maturity, she has replaced attitude with communication. I seem to be falling in love with her all over again, which I did not think was even possible. It is the most amazing feeling! I dread the day this may be brutally disrupted by puberty, but for now, I am soaking this all up and memorializing it with this post. I LOVE YOU, BROOKIE BEAR!  

This past weekend was hot, hot, hot... finally.  The kiddo and I spent the entire weekend in flip flops and shorts.  It made going back to work on Monday even more dreaded. Bleh. The nice weather means that Springtime is finally here! Spring makes me think is bright colors, fruity tastes, and light crisp salads. I have always wanted to make lemon bars from scratch, especially since G loves lemon deserts.  Earlier today while waiting for the kiddo at the dentist, I was flipping through magazines and came across this recipe. Tonight, on a whim, I finally decided to stop thinking about it and just did it.  With the help of the kiddo, we were able to make this delicious, yet surprisingly easy recipe. Once the cooled and were chilled, these babies were refreshing and sweet.  Fabulous! I recommend cutting them into small 2"x2" squares- anything bigger is just so much sweetness.  I will definitely be making these again for our dinner guests this spr...

If you are like me, you have a love/hate relationship with grocery shopping.  I love the idea of serving my family healthy home-cooked meals for the week.  I hate doing it all within a strict budget.  The budget constraints and my amateur skills in the kitchen make coming up with creative, healthy, budget-conscious meals a bit difficult for me. Recently, I came across this article that listed the 20 best foods to pick up at the grocery store.  It's an interesting read and I hope you find it useful the next time you are at the grocery store. ( Pinterest ) Here is the list for quick reference: 1. Almonds- Monounsaturated fat, protein, Thiamin, Riboflavin, and Vitamin E 2. Asparagus- Anti-Inflammatory nutrients and folic acid 3. Avocados- Monosaturated fats, Vitamin A, D, E, and K 4. Berries- Vitamins and Antioxidants 5. Bell Peppers- Antioxidants 6. Black Beans- Packed with nutrients 7. Broccoli- Vitamin C and Vitamin K 8. Brussel Sprouts- V...

I just had to post a pic of the hair accessories the kiddo has been working on lately for Entrepreneur Day at school.  If you recall, she was big into making headbands last fall.  Recently, however, she has been branching out into hair clips. St. Patrick's Day was coming up, so she decided to make a bunch of green glittery shamrocks for the school bazaar.  She also made some non-holiday hair accessories. I just love these oversized glittery stars she made. I cannot wait to wear mine!  

So much joy. Happiness. Sunflower filled warm hugs. This moment. Right now. Perfection. So much anger. Frustration. Razor sharp slashing words. This moment. Right now. Torture. Repeat.

Last September we moved into a new place.  The home is in a wonderful area and I just love living here. We are, however, just renting now, and unable to make updates to the home. Not being able to remodel is KILLING me because the house is from the 1970's, and nothing inside has been updated since then. Besides the Brady Bunch look, the worst part of the new place is that it doesn't get much natural light.  In addition to that, our furniture is dark brown, and it looks like we live in a cave. This weekend, I decided I was going to try and lighten up the room by painting some furniture turquoise.  I didn't really ask G prior, so I was a bit nervous that he would be upset when he got home. Before After I just LOVE what the turquoise has done to the room.  The splash of bright colors opens up the room and gives it a more artsy/loft feel.  Thankfully, G loved the final room, otherwise, I would be busy priming and painting instead of t...