Happy almost Friday! ♥

Hello Lovely Friends! ♥

I'm coming to you this afternoon from the "quad" at John's school. He had an appointment with one of his teachers this morning and I decided to bring my laptop and go along for the ride.  It's a beautiful day and I was dying for a change of scenery.  While I was here, I made a quick appointment with financial aid to answer a few questions I had about summer courses.  I like talking face to face instead of a phone call if possible. It all worked out very well and now I'm just waiting for him to finish up so we can head home for lunch.  I'm sitting at a table outside in the sun, working, getting some lovely fresh air.  Don't get me wrong, I do love being home, but once in a while I need to get out beyond those four walls.  And Rob is home today so my Dad has company.  A few hours away can do wonders if you know what I mean! 

Anyway.... Tomorrow is Friday! YAY!  I had a good week.  I was very productive at work.  I had a zoom meeting this week where I had to actually TALK. Do you know how much I hate that?!  I got through it.  I did get my walk in at the ocean early one morning. It was glorious!  I did my best to eat healthy, drink lots of water, and get my rest in too.  Oh, and I had a dental appointment because I needed a routine cleaning and a filling. Thanks to nova cane it wasn't painful, but even so, I do not consider that as "getting out." And FYI: the noise of that drill is almost as bad as actual pain...eeeek! 

♥

On Saturday Rob is taking me to the nursery to get tomato plants, herbs, and some flowers for the porch.  He doesn't know it yet, but we'll be stopping off at the farmers market too! It's Mother's Day weekend after all, so there can be no complaints : ) 

I'm looking forward to it ♥

We had beautiful sunny weather this week, with a few showers sprinkled in here and there.  I noticed buds on my hydrangeas which is very exciting and my peony is really taking off.  I can't wait for it to bloom.  It's amazing how flowers and sunshine can make me so happy.  I've been working very hard to keep my stresses at bay, so whatever helps...I'll take it! 

I enjoyed the company of this little guy too : ) 

I'm a little obsessed.  As my neighbors are actively scaring them away, I'm discretely trying to make friends, hoping desperately one day one will let me pat him.  So far it's not working...♥

It wasn't a very exiting week in the kitchen, but you know, some weeks are like that.  In fact, last night I made omelets because I didn't feel like doing anything else.  And guess what? They were delicious so sometimes it works out.  We had some left-over veggies in the fridge so the one I made for myself had cheese, spinach, and mushrooms in it.

I'm making up for it tonight with roasted chicken, stuffing, squash, and green beans.  

We are due for a comfort meal over here ♥

I finished a book that I absolutely hated. It was called The Good Daughter by Karen Slaughter.  First, I found it to be very depressing, and then it got very boring. I kept waiting for something good to happen.  Something interesting.  Do you DNF books? I do sometimes, but this time I was really hoping for an incredible twist.  Some kind of payoff for the long boring hours I put into this book. You know what I got? Nada.  It wasn't worth it. Oh well.  Not every thriller is thrilling I guess... I will definitely read Karen Slaughter again. This story just wasn't for me. 

The good news is now I am reading an absolutely CHARMING book.  

I'm LOVING it! ♥ 

This is not the type of book that I would normally pick up, but it came highly recommended to me and I'm so glad I gave it go.  Basically, a woman's life story is told through various letters she's written and received.  I don't want to give it away, just know it's soooo good! Half my weekend will consist of a hot beverage and this book.  I'll be sad when it's over : ) 

We are heading to my sister in laws for brunch on Sunday. I am bringing a dessert but I'm not sure which one.  I'm going back and forth between a custard pie, a trifle, or classic chocolate chip cookies. I'm leaning toward the trifle but it's not in stone.  I'm going to flip through some of my cookbooks tonight before I make my shopping list.  It's still so strange to me to plan for Mother's Day without my mom.  I noticed today that the lilies of the valley are starting to pop up in our front yard. They were her absolute favorite.  I'm going to pick some for her and put them in the kitchen.  

I know she would have loved that ♥

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful end to the week and a beautiful weekend! 

Happy Mother's Day! 

And if you're missing your mom like I am, just know you're not alone ♥♥♥

Update - I'm home now.  John and I had a fun morning together.  The ride to the school is about 40 minutes, and honestly - it was the best part ♥ 

After lunch, I finished the rest of my work for the day, got a load of laundry going, and now I'm about to put that roast chicken I mentioned in the oven.  He's stuffed with lemons and onions just like Julia Child taught me. I can't wait to crawl into bed tonight with my book!

Byeeeee!! Xx 

Currently: Happy Friday! ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

Happy Friday and I can officially say "Happy Summer!" 

The season has arrived in full force with heat and humidity. The trees are so full we can hardly see the river from the back porch.  It's nice and shady and very quiet, which I love. I can't wait until all these leaves turn yellow and orange, but for now we can admire all the green. I like to watch the birds flying from tree to tree. 

It's like their playground : ) 

John has half days from now until Tuesday, his last day, for final exams.  The end of the school year always makes me a little emotional. On one hand I'm happy he gets a break and will be home for the summer.  On the other hand, advancing to another grade just means another year has passed.  Has he really already completed his first year of high school? 3 more to go.  Only 3. 

I'm full of happy/sad/happy/sad all the time : ) 

Anyway, aside from my emotional rollercoaster ride it was a busy ordinary week.  

Here are my roses blooming and a few highlights...♥

A new coffee café opened in my town (called The Merry Café) a few months go and I finally tried it.  

Fantastic! ♥

It's the cutest shop with the nicest workers.  I can see myself becoming a regular! 

( FYI - I also did my nails with Red Aspen Nails and they look so nice. The color is ballet slipper : )

I got an iced Almond Joy (by recommendation) and an apple cider donut (because if I see one on the menu I have to have it).  

YUM! ♥

This week I finished The Death of Mrs. Westaway.  OMG it was so good! I could not put this mystery/thriller down!  By far my favorite book I've read this year so far. 

I'm going to work my way through all of Ruth Ware's books this summer.  

I just started One By One.  It takes place in a ski lodge in the French Alp and is giving me winter vibes like you wouldn't believe. I love books that take place in the snow for some reason :)

On Monday we celebrated Father's Day and an early birthday celebration for my mom.  She turns 80 on July 4th and both my sister and I will be on vacation.  We decided to have an early party because the day doesn't matter, just as long as we are together.  And there's a cake... which there was! 

I made Susan Branch's Lemon Coconut Cake.  It's the best! ♥

It's worth the extra effort to make the lemon filling and marshmallow frosting.  There is love in every step.  Perfect for special occasions! ♥

(recipe here)

 

80 years young!  ♥

A cup of tea and her family around the table is all she asks. 

The 4th of July has always been two holidays for us.  The birth of our country and the birth of my mom, with fireworks just for her! I promised her a home baked blueberry pie when I get back from vacation.  And since I've already made John promise to go blueberry picking with me, I know it will be a good one!

Have a wonderful summer weekend my friends! 

♥

Make sure to take some time just for you! 

xoxo 

PS - Movie update.. Downton Abbey was outstanding! I loved it and saw it twice in theaters. I would see it again if you invited me  :)  Lightyear was good.  Not what I expected but I still enjoyed it. This weekend we are seeing Elvis.  As an Elvis lover I don't have high expectations, but I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised. Fingers crossed!!! 

Weekly Wrap Up ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Friday!

Joni Mitchell once sang "I wish I had a river to skate away on...."  I think we've all felt that way this week, haven't we?  Looking out my back porch, it's certainly temping.  As if things couldn't have gotten any more stressful, this week happened.  Come on 2021....you just started.  

We need you to do better for us ♥

 As part of my new years goals I am actively trying to bring more cozy into my home.  Never a better time to feel the comforts of home, am I right?  I got this blanket as a Christmas gift from a dear friend and I love it.  It's like she read my mind : ) 

Plaid makes me smile 😊

If you happen to follow me on Instagram forgive my repetitiveness because I've been gushing over this diffuser all week.  It was a Christmas present to me from ME.  I've always wanted one.  I liked the pretty design on this one and the light changes colors which is nice.  

I'm a newbie at the whole essential oils thing but I'm learning fast.  The scent fills my bedroom and is so nice.  I've been putting it on at night while I'm getting ready for bed and by the time I hit the pillow the aromatherapy has kicked in : ) 

I'm starting with this oil.  It's a lavender blend.  It is supposed to promote calmness, ease anxiety, and help sleeping.  It's light - not overpowering at all.  I really love it.  The diffuser has a timer on it so I set it before I go to bed and it will automatically shut itself off after I fall asleep. 

If you own a diffuser, what oil scents do you diffuse?  

I'm looking forward to trying different ones. 

First read of the year!  I've always wanted to read this!!  Come to find out I've been living a Hygee lifestyle my whole life.  This little book just validated it.  I've found my people....lol

Honestly, I'm loving it and it has some great ideas ♥

This week also garnered some major comfort food.

~Yum ~ 

My friend Kimmi gifted me with a delicious organic tea that taste just like a creamy cup of caramel nut coffee!  I kid you not!  It has all the health benefits of tea, but taste like coffee.  (No it doesn't taste like dandelions....don't worry.)  I've been having a cup every afternoon and it's something I truly enjoy. 

Update: the plants are doing well.   

We are 8 days into the new year and I've haven't killed any yet so that's progress.  I currently have 3 plants that need to be repotted.  This week I am going to get some potting soil and give it a try.  Say a prayer (not for me, for the plants!).  I don't have a green thumb, but I'm trying to be better : ) 

I don't venture out of the house too much these days, but thankfully my hair salon has very strict safety measures in place so I do feel safe getting my hair done.  I'm trying to keep up with it just in case they shut down completely.  

Whew! Feeling much better 💖

My plan for this evening.... it's been a long week!  Tonight's take out will be from our favorite Italian place down the street because I'm craving their meatball sub.  It's nothing fancy, just something about it that hits the spot. 

Also I have to ask.... have any of you been watching Cobra Kai on Netflix?  It's so bad it's good!  If you don't know what I'm talking about, then check it out.  If not purely for 80's nostalgia.  It's the binge I needed this week. 

Yes, its what you think it is.... 30 years later! 

I have plans to do some baking this weekend and I want to make a big pot of soup for the week as well.  I downloaded a notes app on my phone and I've been keeping track of what I buy at the market when I food shop.  It helps me plan out my meals for the week and once I make something I can check it off the list.  I'm loving it because this way I can remember everything I bought and nothing goes to waste.  Just another little step at getting myself organized.  

Now it's time for me to get some "work" work done so I can get on with my Friday plans (see above!).  

Have a peaceful weekend my friends.  Stay safe and I'll be back here on Monday! xo 

Wrapping Up Another Week & Weekend Plans ♥

Hello Friends! 

I thought you'd like to see my parent's Christmas tree.  We got it decorated this week.  It's one of my favorite Christmas traditions because the ornaments hold so many memories. 

I think she came out pretty good this year ♥

 I can't believe it's Friday already.  My work has been busy so the days have flown by.  I'm alone most of the day tap-tapping away on my computer.  I love listening to podcasts while I work and occasionally glancing out the window or stepping out on the back porch for a breath of air. 

I love fresh winter air.  There's nothing like it ♥

 

My Dad's homemade chicken soup makes for a delicious lunch ♥ 

It's gotten quite cold here and we've been putting our hot chocolate bar to good use.  I don't know why I've never done this before.  Somehow having a "hot chocolate station" makes it just a bit more special. 

We are having fun with toppings :)

♥

        

I received this book as a gift last year and it has so many cozy comfort food recipes in it.  I didn't have much time last winter to experiment with it, but I do now.  There is a potato soup in here that has my name on it.  Planning it for next week.

My weekend plans include wrapping presents, planning our Christmas menu, and watching this movie.  If you've never seen The Bishop's Wife then stop everything and go watch it.  It's wonderful and as corny as I am and that's why I love it. I wish our world had more Carey Grant's in it.  It would be a better place, don't you think? 

Have a Merry Weekend Friends!  Christmas is coming and I'm already dreaming of 2021!

Better days ahead! ♥

Wrapping up the week ♥

Hello Friends! As I type this post it's Sunday morning and I am propped up in my bed, cozy under a blanket, and pillows all around me.  I'm on my second cup of coffee. It seems to be working it's caffeine magic enough for me to write this post : ) 

I can see the sun is shining.  Yesterday we had torrential rain!  A good portion of our state got snow, but not us.  Just rain and wind.  John and I went out in the morning to do a few quick errands and we got soaked. It was OK though, because it made the peppermint mocha I got at Dunkin Donuts taste that much better.  

John had 3 DVD's due at the library and I wanted to recheck a book I'm reading.  We are lucky that our library is still open, although the way things are going I'm afraid it's days are numbered.  I finished all my Christmas shopping yesterday also! Wooo-hoo!!! Most of it was done online (thank you AMAZON!) but there were a few small items that I had to go to Target for.  We were quick - in and out - and I'm so glad it's done.  Now all I have to do is wrap and ship a few things.  Packages are starting to arrive at my doorstep and what a feeling that is!  How lucky are we to have online shopping.  Our grandmothers would never have imagined it! 

A few things from my week that have brought me joy...♥

This book is sooooo good! Lately I've been so tired that if I try to read at night I fall asleep, so I'm trying to make time during the day to read.  20 minutes here, 15 minutes there.  I love it.  I'm always wanting more.  

Putting my hot chocolate station to good use.  Melty marshmallows are the best. 

This lotion is divine!  I have it by my computer while I'm working.  I'm applying it all day to my extremely DRY hands.  The scent is Christmas in a bottle. 

Here's a pro tip.  If you are too lazy to make a crust for your chicken pot pie, use Pillsbury Grands!  

Cut each one into quarters and layer them on top.  Cook at 375 for 15-20 minutes.  

YUM! ♥

Did you see the moon this week?  

She was a beauty~ 

Me forcing him to take a selfie.  I'm smiling under my mask.  I guarantee he was not. LOL 

Christmas baking has begun! On Friday I whipped up a batch of raspberry thumbprint cookies.  They are one of my favorite holiday treats.  I have a video on my YouTube channel that I made last year of me making them if you want to check it out.  They are very easy to make! 

A perfect little tea cookie ♥

And speaking of tea, my new obsession is  Twining's Winter Spice.  

Every night ♥♥

If I ever get out of this warm bed I'm going to make another batch of thumbprints and maybe some sugar cookies.  I have a busy work week ahead so I'll need some extra reinforcements....if you know what I mean!  It's ok, the diet doesn't start until January. 

 I need more coffee and I see a pile of laundry that needs to be done.  I have so much to do but no motivation to do it. Just 5 more minutes....♥

Have a cozy Sunday everyone!  xoxo 

A Quiet Weekend ♥

 

Hello Friends!  I was about to say Happy Monday because it feels like Monday....but yay.... it's Tuesday (i.e. one day closer to Friday...and that's how my brain works).  

Thank you all for the nice comments about my weekend plans.  We are definitely all feeling the effects of the pandemic.  The bright side of my weekend was I had no shortage of hot beverages (thanks to my husband) and we got in some relaxing family time.  Hot soup and biscuits comforted me as did cozy nights on the couch with a candle and favorite blanket.  

John and I made it out see a movie on Saturday which was fun.  The theater was completely empty (which was good for us!) but made me wonder if the movies is on the road to closure like so many other places around here.  We saw War With Grandpa which I loved!  John was a bit horrified because he's used to Robert De Niro in more "edgy gangster "roles but I found him very charming as a grandpa.  It was a lighthearted family movie and just what we needed this weekend.  

On Sunday we quietly celebrated our 22nd anniversary with fish sandwiches from our favorite local fish place.  Well, I had the fish sandwich and the boys had burgers.  Their loss.  It was delicious.  The weather was cold and damp and I commented it felt more like November than October.  I'm not mad at it though.  The colder and darker it is, the more my twinkly lights glow and create warmth through the room.  I love it.  I don't think I'll ever take them down. 

Yesterday was a holiday so no work for me! : )  It was rainy and we all decided to have a lazy day.  I had tea and a nap which was delightful.  (Why are naps and tea so much better on rainy days?)  

It wasn't what I planned, but overall not a bad weekend.  The foliage is beautiful and my Dad got us a big pumpkin and mum for the front door which made me smile.  I'm back to work today and happy to start a new week.  I just had oatmeal and coffee (my go-to breakfast these days) and I'm about to start my day. 

I hope you all had a nice weekend too! Let's see what this week brings.  Crossing my fingers for good things to come!! XO ♥