Hello December! ♥

Well Hello December! ♥

Just because I'm working from home doesn't mean I can't put on a pretty Christmas sweater and have a little fun.  A gift from a special friend that really made my day!  We all need little pick-me-ups these days and this one did it for me.  

  I hope this month brings you peace, love, and joy.  The truth is it's not always easy is it?  I'm well aware of that.  The holidays are not the best times for everyone. Especially these days. I look at where I was this time last year and my circumstances are gravely different.  Life is like that.  I hope by next year I'll be celebrating with friends and family, passing eggnog, and exchanging gifts in the Christmas grab.  

For now I'll continue shopping online and trying to make up new traditions that our family can enjoy while we are housebound.  It's ok.  We are ok.  I'm thankful for this little blog of mine because I can connect with all of you.  This time of year I so enjoy seeing your stories, your homes, and your traditions.  Blogging is and has always been a gift to me ♥

Happy December Friends.  Let's not put too much pressure on ourselves this month.  

Remember.... 

It's so true ♥

 

Have a cozy day! 

Current Favorite Things! ♥

Hello Friends! I hope you all had a nice weekend!

Yesterday I put together this video with some of my current favorite things....beauty, food, and lifestyle!  All links I mention are in the YouTube description. 

I hope you enjoy it! 

Happy Monday everyone! Thanks for visiting and I hope you have a great day! ♥

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

 

 

Bathing suit dilemma ♥

Can I let you in on a little secret about me?

I haven't bought a new bathing suit in eight years!

Mostly because of the horror I endure shopping for one.

This.is.real.life.

Every year I say I will get one.  I browse the stores.  I see something I kind of like. But when it comes time to actually try it on I run from the store screaming.

We are going to Florida next month and prepping for my trip I have accepted the fact that I don't think my haggard old suit can survive another summer. 

I've never really loved that suit.  I remember buying it in haste because it was the only one at that time that fit me.  This was right after John was born and I needed a bathing suit for a mommy/baby swimming class.  He loved it.  Me? What was I thinking?

So what do I do now? Shopping it is!

Here we go again....

I've never been a bathing suit person. I am that lady who always wears shorts and a t-shirt over her suit. Mostly because I have never found a bathing suit I've felt comfortable in.

 Not since I was six and I actually looked cute in one....:)

I love the vintage styles of the 1950's. 

The bottoms ride a bit lower on the legs and cover more upper thigh, which I for one really appreciate!

I also like the halter style tops. Most of them had a sweetheart neckline and are so darn cute I can't even stand it ♥

Is it possible for me to find one of these? Does this style still exist?

I am going bathing suit shopping today and I'm hoping to find a diamond in the rough! Something that I won't feel I have to cover with a t shirt.

My dream is that Liz Taylor will jump out from behind the racks and hand me a vintage baby pink suit with sparkles that's just my size. 

Wouldn't that be perfect....♥

...but I'll probably just end up running and screaming!

Wish me luck!

♥ p.s. all these gorgeous pictures are courtesy of Pinterest ♥

January Photo Challenge Day 18: Cozy ♥

Day 18 is Cozy.  Another easy one.  We woke up this morning to a few inches of snow on the ground and lots of wind = a winter wonderland!  Very pretty but very cold.  My favorite infinity scarf (from Khols) and boots are what's keeping me cozy today....

 

 

 

We are expecting more snow this weekend, so I don't see myself taking this scarf off any time soon! xo

 

Summer love...zucchini bread ♥

 

Hello Friends! ♥

 

Another week gone by!  Summer has been treating us well.  Other than it being unbearably HOT (thank goodness for central air conditioning :) the days have been long and at night we are sleeping like logs!

 

Last week at summer camp John learned all about snakes & reptiles (eek!). This week's theme is nutrition and cooking.  I think I will enjoy hearing about this weeks activities more so than last week.  Although his molded/clay/painted snake was a masterpiece!

Isn't camp fun?!

 

Here are some of my favorite things from the past week.....

 

 

 

 

On Saturday we had friends over for our first BBQ of the summer.  My hubby did all the grilling while I stayed inside the air conditioned house with our guests.  It was SO HOT that day! I really appreciated his help! : )

 

 

 

 

I received a letter from a friend when I really needed it.  There is power in small miracles : )

 

 

 

 

This week brought pink toes, cute shoes, and pretty flowers. 

 

 

 

 

And I discovered all drinks taste better in mason jars, don't you agree?

 

 

 

 

I sat in this room for 5 hours on Thursday serving my civic obligation at jury duty.  All the pending cases ended up settling so they released us after lunch.  Jury duty is a great chance to read three chapters of your current book, as well as catch up on twitter, IG, & Facebook.  I thanked my lucky stars we had Wi-Fi in that little room.

 

 

 

 

I'm discovering the healing power of crystals.  Although I'm just a beginner at this, I can already feel myself connecting to these beautiful stones ♥ This is my first batch I got today at a lovely shop recommended to me by a friend.  I will happily absorb all the positive energy I can get. 

Thank you Universe ♥

 

 

 

 

I've been enjoying decorating little corners of my home with flowers and creating mini vignettes like this one.  One of the best thing about summer is that you can be your own florist.  Just step outside with the clippers and it's all yours! ♥

 

 

 

 

And here is the highlight of the week.....zucchinis!

 

 

 

 

When friends with gardens bring me zucchinis, I break out the grater and make zucchini nut bread!

 

Only a few days ago Susan Branch posted her recipe for zucchini bread on her blog.  I was dying to try it, so first thing Sunday morning I got grating.

 

Her recipe calls for 2 cups grated raw zucchini, which ended up being on large zucchini.

 

 

 

 

I have to admit, the grating is half the fun (very therapeutic!).  Just watch your fingers!

 

 

 

After it was grated I wrapped the zucchini in paper towels and pressed it in a small colander to get the water out. 

 

Here is Susan's recipe that I followed:

 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

 

3 eggs, beaten

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

2 cups grated, raw, unpeeled zucchini

2 cups flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup chopped nuts (I used walnuts)

 

 

 

 

Mix together eggs, sugar, & oil.  Beat well.  Stir in zucchini. 

In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, soda, & cinnamon.

Stir into batter along with vanilla and nuts. 

Mix well. 

 

 

 

 

Pour into two greased 8x4 loaf pans.

Bake 60 minutes, until knife in the center comes out clean.

Cool completely before turning out.

 

 

 

My friend Lisa (who gave me these beauties!) sent me a few other zucchini recipes to try:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/moms-zucchini-bread/detail.aspx  

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2014/07/three-cheese-zucchini-stuffed-lasagna.html#_a5y_p=2001723    

http://www.recipegirl.com/2014/04/24/zucchini-pizza-crust/

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/zucchini-parmesan-crisps-recipe.html?soc=sharingpinterest    

 

 

 

 

 

According to her hubby, the zucchini stuffed lasagna is really good! I have to try that one. Also the zucchini pizza crust sounds delicious.  I'm looking forward to making these recipes!

 

Thanks Lisa & Dave for sharing!

 

 

 

 

 I hope you are having a great week so far!

 

Stay cool and enjoy these summer days! ♥

 

Xx

 

 

Strawberries & cream scones and some Summer favorites ♥

Hello from sunny Massachusetts! It feels so good to step outside on a Sunday morning and see these beautiful peonies looking up at me. We had coffee together this morning.  It was nice ♥

 

So far June has been busy.  We went to a surprise anniversary party Friday night, saw friends for dinner on Saturday, and this week I am catching up with my best friend who is visiting from Ohio.  We are getting in some quality girl talk at our favorite coffee shop tomorrow and I can't wait.  It's also the last week (i.e. the FUN week) of school for John. After Friday he'll no longer be a second grader. Eeek!  I can hardly believe it!

 

 A lot of excitement around here this month : )

 

 

 

 

Since Summertime is here I thought it would be fun to give you a weekly update of some of my summer favorites - things I am currently loving about the season.  I'll try to change it up every week for you and I would also love to hear about your favorites too. 

 

 

Here's my new summer bag.  I got it at Target for $15! I don't know who makes it because there is no label on it.  I love it because it's big and can fit everything I need inside.  I've finally accepted that I just cannot carry a small purse.  As cute as they are I need to carry my life with me wherever I go.  This one is big enough to fit my day planner/journal, which I cannot leave home without.  Plus I love the flower pattern.  It's so pretty for the season. 

 

 

 

A perfect summer lipstick is Bare Minerals Moxie in Raise the Bar.  I got mine at Ulta for $18.  Since cutting my hair short I like to do a more bolder lip color.  The Bare Minerals goes on so smooth and lasts a long time! I actually love the Bare Minerals line and have been using their foundation for years.

 

 

 

Last week I whipped up a batch of these strawberries and cream scones. They are topped with sugar and cinnamon and will make your mouth water.  I got the recipe from Taste of Home. One of my all time favorite websites for easy, old fashioned recipes. 

 

Strawberries are everywhere right now.  I've been buying them every week for smoothies and to pack in lunches.  This scone recipe came together in minutes and the results were yummy! There is nothing like a sweet scone with my morning coffee ♥♥♥

 

 

Here's how to make them:

 

2 cups flour

1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar, divided

2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

3/4 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

2/3 cup half & half cream

1 cup coarsely chopped fresh strawberries

1 egg lightly beaten

 

In a large bowl combine flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, lemon peel, salt and cinnamon.

Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cream just until moistened.

Knead in strawberries.  (I used a potato masher to gently mash them in).
 

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. (*tip- flouring your hands will help the dough from sticking to you*) Pat into an 8 inch circle. Cut into 8 wedges and place on a baking sheet - greased or lined with parchment paper.  Brush with egg and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.  Bake at 425 degrees  for 9 - 12 minutes. 

Enjoy!!!

This week I downloaded Echosmith's Bright on my IPOD. I'm in love with this song, listening it to in on repeat forever! If you are obsessed with the moon & stars like I am, you are probably loving it too!

I hope you are all having a relaxing Sunday.  I'm off to make a big Italian dinner tonight for the family. With extra red wine for my hubby and extra garlic bread for me! Xx


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