Happy May! What's up for the week? ♥

Hello Lovely Friends! Happy Monday and happy MAY! I have moved my office to the back porch this morning because it's so beautiful out.  It's just me and birds and I couldn't be happier.  My Dad still thinks it's "too chilly" to be out here, but since it's 70 degrees (??!!) I'm just dandy with it! 

We had a very nice weekend that went by too quickly like most weekends do.  On Saturday we had some friends over for a pizza game night, that ended up being more pizza (and Kentucky Derby watching!) than actual game playing, but it was a great time.  I made the pizzas which was super fun. Our friends supplied the apps and desserts.  I didn't get to bed until midnight which hasn't happened in ages! ♥

On Sunday we went to my sister in laws for my niece's 2nd birthday party.  She always does a beautiful job hosting! (She's hosting Mother's Day on Sunday as well!). We had a great time with family! After the party I came home, got into some comfy clothes and took a nice rest before dinner.  I had to get a little self care in there too : )  

** Me after an unusual amount of socializing in one weekend! LOL **

♥

And now here we are on Monday morning already.  I have lots of work to do this week and hopefully if the weather stays cooperative (which I'm hearing it will, for the next few days anyway) I'll be doing it from this spot.  I just made my to-do list for the week.  It includes a dental appointment, a few errands, bills to pay, blah, blah, blah.  Real life stuff that mostly stresses me out. I've been getting so stressed over the littlest things lately.  I must work on that.  So, my plan for the week is one day at a time, one task at a time, and try not to worry about things I can't control (Amen!).

It's May so I'll focus on all the lovely things about Spring.  It's finally time for to make that trip to the nursery with my iced coffee and get some flowers for the front garden.  I'm also thinking about taking a ride to a local farm for strawberry picking on Saturday.  I did it a few years ago and loved it.  If not picking, I'll at least visit the farmers market.  That atmosphere always lifts my spirits. Wish we could all go together ♥

Also lots of walks, water for hydration, good food, and rest. I would like to take at least one walk on the beach this week.  I feel I need to inhale some salty ocean air and it's finally warm enough (although not according to my Dad :) to do that.  

Yup - so happy May, my friends! What's on your weekly agenda? ♥

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I also have few letters to write because some of you reached out to be pen pals! I couldn't be happier and it will certainly be a bright spot in my week.  YAY!  I'm so thankful for this space and the friends I'm connecting with.  It truly means the world to me, so thank you!!!  

I also LOVED reading your comments on my last post ♥

Have a lovely day! I hope the sun is shining on you today!  Talk soon! xo 

This week flew by! ♥

                                                        Hello Friends and happy Friday! ♥

It's a rainy one here today. It's supposed to rain all day today & tomorrow, but we're promised a sunny day Sunday for Mother's Day.  The Lillies of the Valley are in full bloom just in time.  I would always pick a bunch for my mom on Mother's Day.  She loved to put them on her night table so she could smell them while she was in bed.  The smell will always remind me of her and that makes me very happy.  

This week went by so fast! My Dad is doing well.  PT is coming every few days to work with him.  He's still in a lot of discomfort but overall recovering nicely.  I'm in charge of daily meds and ice packs, as well as meals.  He's getting there! ♥

I made this yummy dinner the other night that was a hit with everyone.  Chicken piccata over linguini. It's one of my go-to weeknight dinners.  I hadn't made it in a few weeks, so it tasted extra good. I added fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. My Dad is still traumatized by the food at rehab so anything I cook tastes like a gourmet meal to him! LOL 

It's been a week of catch up for me.  Work, phone calls, and errands.  It suddenly occurred to me that John is graduating in less than a month and we have a party to plan! It's coming up so fast I can hardly believe it.  I'm making lists like crazy and it's really fun.  

I'm so happy for him I could honestly burst ♥

Time really does fly! ♥

In other news I watched an interesting documentary last night that made me SO SAD.  

Blackfish (on Prime) is about the killer whale Tilikum, an Orca, who was held at Sea World and involved in the deaths of three people.  It highlights the consequences of keeping orcas in captivity.  This documentary is so disturbing, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about.  The torture this poor whale went through. And it's still happening. All animals should be able to live freely in their own habitat. I am certain I will never step foot in Sea World ever again.  Please watch this documentary if you haven't already.  

My weekend plans include things around the house on Saturday and then meeting up with my friend Julie for lunch.  Our kids have known each other since kindergarten so it's an emotional time for both of us! : ) 

On Sunday we are heading to my sister in laws for brunch and them I'm hoping for some R&R in the afternoon.  

And of course coffee, coffee, coffee! ♥

Have a great weekend, friends! ♥

Talk to you soon! xoxo 

Currently: A Few Favorite Things ♥

Hello Lovely Friends! ♥

Happy Friday! It's been a long and busy week.  I'm SO happy to have made it to Friday aaaand....it's a long weekend! Yay!  We don't have anything planned which as you know, are my favorite plans of all!  All I do know is were are having hot dogs at some point this weekend and I want to pick up blueberries at the farmers market to make cobbler. Otherwise all I want is R&R.  And iced coffee.  There will be iced coffee too : ) 

Aren't these lilacs gorgeous!!  The smell is intoxicating! 

We wait all spring for this French lilac bush to bloom in our front yard.  My mother and I get so excited!  Yesterday I went out there and clipped two beautiful bunches.  One for me and one for her.  Mine didn't last 24 hours. And her's quickly followed.  You know why? Allergies!  We were all sneezing!  John was in a literal frenzy.  Sadly I had to remove them for the house.  The smell was almost overpowering! So from now own we have to admire them from outside, which is totally fine because every time we open the door we get a slight whiff, and that's just enough.  

♥

Lilacs are one of my favorite things about Spring that I'm currently loving (from afar : ).  

Here are a few more current favorites... ♥

Fresh herbs! ♥

 It's time to start planting and herbs are always the first plant we get. Specifically basil.  

Nothing beats cooking with fresh basil. This will last all summer! I can't wait to tear the leaves and add them to sauce, pasta, pizza, and more.  Love the fresh smell too! 

I said I would, and I did!  And it was good!  

We are in sourdough Heaven!  I'm obsessed : ) 

This was for last weekend.  I'll be making another loaf on Sunday! 

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Two new beauty products I'm currently loving are Burt's Bees Facial Oil and Olay Vitamin C and Peptide moisturizer!  

I use morning and night.  My skin feels smooth and hydrated!  These will take me right into summer as well. The oil is light and has all natural ingredients.  It absorbs beautifully.  I normally use the Olay Regenerist moisturizer but for summer I thought I'd switch to the Vitamin C one.  It's brightening and makes my skin look and feel so nice!  

♥

Emma! Oh Emma!  Believe it or not, this is the first time I've ever read Jane Austen. She's been on my bucket list for a long time and I thought the spring would be a good time to enter my "classics era".  I'm loving it so far.  I didn't expect it to be as witty and funny and it is.  I've laughed out loud a few times already! 

I got a much needed haircut.  I wanted to go much shorter but chickened out at the last minute.  I think it was a good decision though. I'll shorten it gradually so it's not so drastic.  I'm happy with this length.  I also gave myself a color to cover the grays!  I feel like a new person! 

♥

 

The three of us have been binging this show together! Arrested Development on Netflix.  It's so clever and funny!  

Highly recommend! ♥

I picked up this cute little summer sweater on sale at Loft today.  I love the lightweight material and fuchsia color!  I'm going to wear it with Khaki pants to my nieces graduation next weekend. She's Valedictorian of her class.  Very exciting! John will be playing in the band during the graduation as well.  After the ceremony we'll be going to a party at my sister in laws.  It will be a fun day!  Praying for good weather! ♥

Wishing you a wonderful, safe, and happy Memorial Day!!!  I hope you find some peace, quiet, and coziness this weekend, whatever you may be doing!  

Enjoy yourself!  

xoxoxo 

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Yesterday was a good day...♥

Yesterday was a good day to get fruity drinks, pack sandwiches, and go on an impromptu picnic.

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It was a good day to eat lunch with a view ♥

It was a good day to enjoy some sunshine and ocean air  ♥

It was a good day to put avocado in my turkey & cheese sandwich.  

(and why does it always taste better eaten outside?) 

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It was a good day to go for a nice walk on a brick path ♥

Yep, yesterday was a good day.  

I hope you had a good day too! 

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Random Monday chatter: Are you my people? ♥

 Hello Friends! Happy May! ♥

Can you believe it's May 1st?!  This year is flying by so quickly it's scary.  John (happily) mentioned to me this morning that he gets out of school next month.  Summer is just around the corner! No, I'm not decorating for the 4th of July yet if that's what you're thinking,  but at this rate it will be here before we know it : ) 

For now I'll try to enjoy spring while it lasts.  I snapped the picture below of our hydrangea bush this morning.  It's all buds and I can hardly wait for it to open.  Spring is about being patient, isn't it? Waiting for signs of life after winter, and now waiting for all those little flowers to pop.  It's kind of exciting when you think about it.  

I had this thought the other day that I would like to press flowers this spring. One from every blooming bush and tree we have in the yard.  I can save them and put them in cards and letters throughout the year.  I don't think I've ever received a card with a pressed flower in it.  It's something I've only read about in books or seen in movies, but it's a very charming concept, don't you think? I saw on Pintrest (i.e my happy place) that some people mat and frame them.  How adorable.  I think I've stumbled upon a new hobby.  And guess what? It doesn't cost a cent.

All I have to do is wait.... ♥

 

Pressing flowers feels like an old fashioned vintagey thing to do.  Maybe that's why I like the idea of it so much. Like wearing a flower crown or a corsage.  It's a lost art, like so many things from the past are.  I think what it boils down to is just trying to be thoughtful, intentional, and romanticize everything possible. I always say it's the little things in life.  I've been trying to incorporate more thoughtful activities into my lifestyle.  For example, sending hand written thank you cards instead of texts.  I had gotten away from this for a long time, but now I'm bringing it back!  I also love the idea of sending flowers as a gift.  Its such an underrated thing to do these days.  And who doesn't love to receive flowers? I know I do.  Another example is cooking from scratch.  Yes it takes longer but I get so much joy creating things in the kitchen. Not everything works, but that's how I've learnt. Just yesterday I had an unfortunate incident with overnight French toast. It happens.  On the flip side, I just started yet another sourdough starter this week.  My last one didn't make it (r.i.p.) so I'm trying again.  I'll have my perfect loaf one of these days. sigh.  It takes a long time, but I do enjoy the process. And I love wearing aprons : )

It's all quite cozy.  And I've always felt the coziest people are the happiest people.  We are the ones who wrap ourselves up in blankets at night with tea and a word game or good movie on TV.  We light candles, listen to old music, talk about our days, press flowers, write in journals, read blogs, and make sourdough bread (or know someone that does...or at least tries). We pick pumpkins in the fall and go out for pancakes.  We miss the holidays after Christmas and we can't wait for September when the pumpkin spice arrives at Dunkin Donuts.  We watch scary movies and have to have a little something sweet before bed. 90% of the time we wear clothes that could be mistaken for pajamas and we are perfectly fine with that. If you are relating to any of this...you are my people and I love you : ) 

I hope you are all having a great Monday! My tea is getting cold and it's almost time to start thinking about dinner.  

Thanks for stopping by today! It means so much that you do! Xx 

PS - here is a link to one of my favorite posts I've ever written (back in 2014!) about flowers....what each one means, ect.  Very helpful in you are thinking of sending someone a bouquet this spring :)

The Language of Flowers 

May ♥

Happy May 1st! 

It's been raining for what feels like weeks with only little pockets of sun here and there.  The ground is constantly wet and the flowers dewy. Happily, it's not as cold and only slightly chilly in the morning.  I've ditched my heavy coat for a light sweater so I know things are-a-changing! : ) 

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It's the month of Mother's Day and Memorial Day and John has begun the countdown to the last day of school (which is June 14th).  I'm starting to think about summer plans, and barbeques, and visiting friends.  I'm happy we've come through the cold winter with blooming colors and warmer days are right around the corner. 

Happy first day of a new month, friends!

♥

I hope the sun is shining on you today and you smell sweet flowers wherever you go! xoxo 

Springtime at the office ♥

 

The office park where I work is surrounded by trees.  Normally I'm rushing around too fast to even notice them.  In the morning I'm surely preoccupied with NOT spilling my coffee as I am making a mad dash for the elevator...probably thinking about John as I just dropped him off at school or wondering if I remembered to take that chicken out of the freezer for dinner. 

At night all I can think about is getting home (and into my pj's) so I'm like a streak of lightening across that parking lot!  There's no time to be observant of my surroundings when I have two hungry boys waiting for me. 

 

(all these scenarios are 100% true :)

 

But once Spring arrives the trees comes alive and can no longer be ignored.   

You couldn't miss them even if you tried. 

 

Green leaves blend in....but once they turn pink its a whole different story.

 

 

 

 

The other day at lunch time I stepped outside to get a breath of fresh air and make a phone call when I was struck with this sight....

 

Flower confetti!!! 

 

It was everywhere! It was a windy day so it was blowing in the breeze.  It truly looked like it was raining flowers!

 

The sight of it reminded me of a wedding. 

 

♥ Happiness ♥

 

 

 

 

Nature really is a thing of beauty, isn't it? A true miracle.

 

It's a miracle that an ordinary office park can look this pretty in May. 

 

I must learn to be more observant. This is literally the parking lot. 

I guess beauty can be found almost anywhere : )

 

 

 

 

I love Spring!

 

Weekly wrap up ♥

 

Hello and happy Saturday!  Don't you just love Saturdays? Of course you do! 

 

And today is extra sweet because it's the first Saturday of May!  I finally got around to putting all my Easter decorations away, which was a bit sad, but the good thing is that next up is Memorial Day and summer! It's coming....I can feel it.   

 

In one short month John will be out of school and summer vacation begins.  How I long for the leisurely days and nights of summer.  No tight schedule to keep, no rushing around, and best of all...no homework! Yay! 

 

Not that I am wishing May away at all.  Our first week of the month was lovely. 

 

Here are a few random pictures of my world this week ♥

 

 

 

 

 

The beginning of the week was filled with lots of sunshine! The temperatures hit the 80's!

 

 

 

 

 

All of those April showers have paid off. 

 

Hello May flowers!

 

 

I had my first lilac sighting at the grocery store.  I couldn't resist sticking my nose in this bouquet and taking a big whiffff! 

 

Makes me smile just thinking about it!

Toward the end of the week it got cooler and today we had heavy rain. 

 

I'm hoping our tulips survived. 

It was so warm last Saturday I got my car washed. Free of charge! Only cost me an ice cream :)

This is the place where John takes drum lessons on Saturdays.  I like to wander around while I wait for him and regret never taking up an instrument. 

I really wish I could play the piano~

 

This wall of guitars fascinates me! One ones on the top row are super expensive! $$$

We ate some yummy food this week. Like caprese salad! Guess who ate all the mozzarella?  I really shouldn't have it in the house.  Too dangerous.

And brownies of course! Because, you know, we never have any sweets in the house....echem....

Some fresh fruit to balance out the brownies ♥

Thursday night was  breakfast dinner. My favorite! Powdered sugar makes anything look fancy, don't you think?

 

And while we're on the subject of yummy things, I have to tell you to please run to Dunkin Donuts and try their blackberry ice tea!!!! Oh wow, it's amazing!!!!!  Definitely going to be my summer go-to drink!

 

 

I did a little clothes shopping and gave myself a spring pedicure.  Yup, the sandals are out and my toes have come out of winter hibernation.  Feels like summer is right around the corner!

I met a friend for a coffee date and some girl talk.  Ordered a delicious fried egg sandwich that I ate so fast I forgot to take a picture of it.  The English muffin was grilled and it was delicious!

May the fourth be with you! Ok, I had too! I love Star Wars (always have!).  Thursday night  I watched Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back.  The original movies bring back memories of my childhood. Star Wars was one of the first movies I watched on HBO when my family got cable in the 80's.  This was big deal, folks.  Before that we had three stations.  And no remote.   

 

 

You know it's spring cleaning season when you find that your husband has cleaned all the area rugs in the house and put them on the deck to air out. 

 

That was a good day ♥

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile at work I have company at my desk (on loan from John : )

 

These guys make me happy ♥  

 

 

Well, that's about it for now.  I'm off to the grocery store. What should I make for dinner tonight? I'm thinking burgers but we'll see what looks good when I get there. Something easy because tonight I'm catching up on the last few episodes of The Feud and I can't wait!  Have you watched this show?

It's really good!  

 

I hope you are having a great weekend in your part of the world! xo