Wednesday thoughts...♥

Sometimes I need a pep talk.  Sometimes I need someone to tell me that it's OK.  

Everything will be OK. 

Take one day at a time ♥ 

I think this is something we all struggle with.  Nothing is perfect.  Life is never perfect.  

 I am a worrier.  I always have been. I let things bother me.  I know I shouldn't. 

I make a conscious effort to look for the positives every day.  They are there.  

Even if you don't notice them right away.

Keep looking ♥ 

We must not forget to take care of ourselves.  Whenever I let myself fall to the wayside I feel it in my heart.  

Be strong for yourself so you can be strong for others ♥ 

 I fall victim to all of these things all the time.  

 This helps.  

Positive thinking.  

And faith.  Always faith ♥ 

And just when I thought I couldn't love her anymore, I found this on Pinterest, along with all the others. 

Thank you, sweet Lucy! ♥ 

(she's always been there for me : ) 

I just thought you might need this today.  If you are worried or stressed about something, know that you are not alone.  We are are going through similar experiences.  I'm grateful we have each other.  

Like angels on our shoulders ♥ 

Weekly wrap up ♥

 

 

Good Morning Friends! Happy Sunday morning ♥

 

Well, it's officially summer and it feels like it.  John's last day of school was Tuesday!  Last days of school are always bittersweet for me. As much as I'm happy he's excited and looking forward to summer vacation, I'm always a little sad at the passing of another school year.  Fifth grade is over.  Wow.  The years go by so fast.   

 

Here's a little peek into our past week....

 

 

John noticed this pretty sky on morning.  He actually grabbed my phone and took this picture. Doesn't it look like Heaven is looking down on us? ♥

 

 

 

We celebrated the first day of summer with a drive to the beach.

 

Toes in the sand....

 

 

 

 

And hot dogs for dinner!

 

 

 

 

 

I stopped by my local Toys R Us the other day to say goodbye. 

 

This makes me so sad.

 

 

 

 

The sign out front said it will officially close in 10 days.  Inside was practically empty.

 

I spent many Christmas seasons shopping here.   And I would always take John here to pick out a "treat" of some kind on special occasions.

 

 

 

 

It's the end of an era. 

 

 

 

 

On the bright side, the weather has been so nice we decided to have a picnic one day.

 

 

 

 

 These are the ordinary days I love to remember ♥

 

 

 

 

 And this.  My summer project. 

 

The hardest puzzle known to man (that I found deep in my parent's basement).  It took me hours just to figure out the edges.  It's literally a crowd of people with Elvis somewhere in the mix.  And every other person is wearing a striped shirt! I kid you not!

 

Many nights will be spent on this puzzle, I'm sure. I like the idea of leaving it out on the table for us all to work on as we settle in to the evenings. 

 

I hope it's done by next summer! LOL

 

 

Fashion inspiration: 1950's edition ♥

I interrupt my regular scheduled programing for a bit of fashion inspiration. Mainly because...I need it.  Here's my situation.  If there is one thing I'm most self conscious about, it's my clothes. Which is crazy right, because out of all things to be self conscious about clothes are something I can control.  Something I can choose.  But the thing is, I hate clothes shopping. I really hate it.  Let me loose in a kitchen store and I'm happy as a bee.  But clothes? Help.  I hate trying things on and I always seem to make the wrong choices.  Which I don't realize until....after I've worn the outfit. Ugh. 

I'm ok in the cold weather months.  I can get away with a pair of black dress pants (trousers? do people say slacks anymore?) and a comfy sweater or cardigan.  I'm in heaven.  But come summertime, I'm doomed.  I don't enjoy wearing shorts, only if absolutely necessary. I mostly wear capris and sometimes dresses if I can find one that looks decent on me.  I guess I just don't like the styles these days.  Take me back to the 1950's and I would fit right in.  The problem is you don't see too many poodle skirts at Khols these days.  Such a shame :)

You have to understand that I was born in the 70's, grew up in the 80's, and spent many important fashion years (including my wedding!) in the 90's.  It's been tough.  Those were hard years.  At least for me. Hard, acid wash jean, permed hair in a banana clip, electric blue eyeliner, jelly bracelet years.  Past 1999, forget it.  I really don't know what's going on.  I've been in the dark since them.  Actually, I've been in my pajamas since them.  It's where I'm most comfy. 

I wish I could just go back in time. 

 

 I mean look at this.....

Everything is perfect, yet looks effortless.  The dresses, the pumps, the gloves! The matching purses and pearl earrings!  I need this in my life ♥

I'll take one of each! A look for every day of the week ♥

 

So cute, right?

 

And this! I'm swooning!

 

And look at the prices! Wow!

 

If I had one of these pretty dresses to pick from maybe I wouldn't be so fashion impaired. 

 

Oh well. I'll stick to my GAP neutrals, which I do love, but don't ask me to stray from that because that's when things go wrong.  I'll be trolling vintage/thrift shops this summer in hopes of finding my perfect outfit.  It's got to be out there somewhere! ♥ 

 

Thank you to Pinterset for all of these pictures.  Whenever I'm in need of inspiration of any kind, I find it there!!!  Next up, hairstyles of the 1950's.  My hair is a whole other emergency! LOL

 

 

Weekly wrap up ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

 

I hope you are all having a nice weekend.  The temps are rising here on the east coast. Its going to hit close to 90 degrees today.  Yup. Summer is here!

 

Here are a few random pictures to wrap up my week. 

 

I took this photo in our front yard this morning, while I was drinking my coffee.  I really wish I had a front porch to sit on so I wouldn't have to walk through the yard in my jammies : )  

 

Someday... it's been on my bucket list for 20 years ♥

 

 

 

 We saw Incredibles 2 this weekend.  It was awesome! I may have like it better than the first one.  Such a fun movie!!

 

 

 

 

In case you ever wondered, this is what it looks like to go to the movies with John.

Every time. #reallife

 

 

 

 

I got to wander aimlessly around a book store this week, which happens to be my favorite hobby ♥ 

 

 

 

And I accidentally discovered the cutest thrift store right down the street from me.  I don't know why I don't visit shops like this more often.  I saw so many cute things! I almost bought a dress for $16 but didn't have time to try it on.  I'll definitely be back!

 

 

 

 

 

Guys! I won a giveaway! A Lucy giveaway!  I won this Lucy DVD from one of my favorite YouTube accounts "Ricknineg".  It's two colorized Lucy episodes. 

Lucy & Superman and LA at Last. 

 

LA at Last is the classic Hollywood episode where Lucy meets Bill Holden (and accidently lights her nose on fire!:)  It's so crazy to see in color, because we are so used to black and white.  I really love it.  You can see just how red her hair really way!  ♥

 

"colorized for kids of all ages".... that's me!

 

 

 

 

 One night mid week John and I took a ride down to the beach to catch the sunset. 

 

 

My absolute favorite time at the beach.  No heat. No crowds.  Just calm. Peace.  Waves.  Love.

 

 

Found some treasures.

 

 

 

 

And made some wishes.

 

 

 

 

The best ♥

 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend! We still have one day left!

 

Yay!

 

 See you next week! xo

Fruit salsa with cinnamon sugar pita chips ♥

Hello Everyone! It's summer! 

Well, not technically but in our minds we are already there.  John has less than a week of school left until he's officially on summer break and (lets be real) he's already checked out! In a good way! Fun days, movies, games, and one more field trip, before their end of the year mass on Tuesday and then..... VACATION! 

To us summer means we slow-the-heck-down.  Ahhhh.....

No more schedules, early mornings rushing out of the house, quick dinners because we have homework to tend to, and tests to study for... It all goes away for a little while and we can just sit and be ♥ 

Blissful ~

I'll still be working of course, but at a more relaxed schedule (thank you to my boss : ).  There will be plenty of time to catch the ice cream man for an afternoon treat, or take a sunset walk on the beach.  Our favorite!

Now, what are eating this summer? Well, plenty!  But to get us started I wanted to share this quick little fruit delight.  I first made this a few summers ago and we absolutely loved it.  Now I make it every season!  It's the best when the fruit is ripe and delicious!  

This recipe will give Taco Tuesday a whole new meaning.  Especially if you prefer the sweet to the savory. 

You can use any fruit that you want, but here is how I like to make it:

1 apple - cored and diced (I left the skin on)

1 pint (2 cups) strawberries, sliced 

3 kiwis, peeled and diced 

1/2 cup mango or pineapple chunks (I used mango) 

1 tablespoon lime juice

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

In a large bowl combine chopped fruit, lime juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  Stir to combine.  Cover and chill in refrigerator at least 20 minutes.  I left mine overnight.  

For the pita chips - preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Cut pita rounds (I used whole wheat ones) into triangles.  Arrange in a single layer on a foil lined cookie sheet.  Brush each triangle with a little olive oil.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and bake for 5 minutes.  Let cool.

(*Obviously, you can really use any pita chips you like. If I'm using store bought, I love Stacy!*)

Leftover salsa is  yummy stirred into plain yogurt, on top of ice cream, on top of pancakes, or just dump it all into the blender and make a smoothie! So many possibilities!

YUM! 

The season is here friends! Let's celebrate by sleeping in.  Did I say that? Well, it's what I most look forward to! LOL

Happy Wednesday! xo

Weekly wrap up ♥

Good Morning Everyone!  It's Sunday morning and a beautiful day! ♥

 

I'm late posting my weekly wrap up this week, but hey, better late than never : )

 

We've had a good weekend so far.  My parents are having a new roof put on so yesterday it was noisy here.  Rob was working and John and I decided to escape for the day.

 

Long car rides, snapchat filters, and McDonald's vanilla shakes can be fun!

 

 

 

 

Here are a few random pictures from this past week.

 

 

 

 

Last nights dinner.  Pasta, olive oil, tomatoes & garlic.  So gooood!  Rob prefers traditional marinara sauce but I love it this way!  I'll have leftovers for lunch during the week!

 

 

 

 

  One of my neighbors has the most beautiful roses growing in her front yard.  When we take our nightly after dinner walks (trying to be good about that!:) I stop and smell the roses. 

 I'm obsessed with them ♥

 

 

 

 

I tried out some new eye shadows this week.  I like experimenting with different colors. This is an Estee Lauder palate that I got as a free gift when I purchased some perfume a while back. 

 Isn't it pretty?

 I'll be doing a makeup post soon!

 

 

 

 

I've been putting lemon slices in my water bottle.  I take this to work with my everyday.  I love the lemon flavor!  (note to self: keep hydrated!)

 

 

 

 

 

John (and the school band) had the opportunity to visit the State House in Boston this week on a field trip.  Unfortunately I couldn't go but Rob was able to. My sister in law, who works at the State House, was also there and sent me this picture.  I love it!

 

 

 

 

 

They did a performance on the staircase and then after lunch they got to tour the building. 

 I'm jealous.  I've never been there!

 

 

 

 

 

The future! LOL

 

 

 

 

And just like that the week is over.  John has one more week of school left and then he's officially on summer vacation!  I will be working a new schedule starting the end of the month which will allow me to work half days and be home with him more.  I'm so happy about it!!! 

 

 

 

I hope you are all having a lovely Sunday!

 

Enjoy your day! ♥

 

xoxoxo

 

Focaccia bread with rosemary & garlic ♥

I am addicted to three things in life: coffee, chocolate, & bread.  Offer me any of them at any given moment and I will give you and enthusiastic "yes please!".  It's just a fact.  I've accepted it. 

Today I'm going to talk about bread because yesterday I went a little overboard.  I made focaccia bread for the first time. 

I'm not going to mention how many pieces of this  I ate because that would be embarrassing.  

Oh man, and with bathing suit season right around the corner....I'm in trouble! 

Warm, garlicy, salty, focaccia right from the oven...how could I not?  

The recipe was simple!  Wanna see..... 

Full disclaimer:  I used store bought pizza dough from the grocery store bakery.  I took it out of the fridge about an hour before I started so it could come to room temperature and puff up! 

If you have time to make a homemade dough go for it!  I have always had good luck with this one for my pizza so I thought I would give it a try.  It was a major time saver : ) 

Spread the dough onto a greased baking pan. 

I used a pizza pan brushed with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Brush the top of the dough with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. 

Sprinkle with your seasonings. 

2 crushed garlic cloves

1 tablespoon coarse (kosher) salt

1 teaspoon of dried rosemary (or if you have fresh rosemary use 2 tablespoons)

**Careful on the salt. If you don't want your bread too salty use a little less.  Up to you : ) **

The fun part...with your fingertips, make little divots all around the dough. 

Poke...poke...poke! 

Cover with a kitchen towel and set in a warm place for 45-60 minutes to rise. 

After it gets all nice and puffy (and happy!) put in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.  

The aroma alone will put you in a coma.  As if the smell of baking bread isn't amazing enough, add garlic and rosemary and.....WOW ♥ 

You are waiting the longest 30 minutes of your life.....

Take it out of the oven, slice it up, and enjoy!!! 

If you are John you will lather it up with butter.  If you are ME, you'll be dipping in some good extra virgin olive oil!

This bread is really delicious and I hope you try it ♥