John's next chapter ♥

 Hello Lovely Friends! ♥

I posted this on Instagram and Facebook this week, and I wanted to share it here as well.  Because you all have followed John for so long - I started this blog when he was in kindergarten!! - I feel like we are all family. 

Soooo....after one year of community college and a bunch of core requirements under his belt, he's decided to transfer to a state university in the fall as a Music Education major.  Music has been his passion since he was 3 years old, so I couldn't be happier that he's decided to follow his dream and pursue a career in music.  

I must say his year at community college was no less than amazing!  It served its purpose of taking required classes (that all transferred over) while being able to take a step back without pressure to really think about what he wants to do. All for FREE btw! : ) I highly encourage anyone who is not quite sure what their path is after graduation (and let's face it - who does?!) community college is the way the go! He was able to thoroughly think about and research the programs without the pressure of high school finals, activities, and general excitement that year brings.  It went by so fast! He's now able to enter as a second year student at university into a program that he is sooo excited about. 

And honestly, the only reason he's not sticking with the community college is because they do not offer a music program, which is where his heart is truly at.  He'll be able to perform in the orchestra, jazz band ensembles, study music theory, and much more.  It's all finally coming together for him, and we couldn't be more excited to see what this next chapter brings. 

The university is only about 40 minutes from here, so he's decided to commute which a lot of local kids do. He'll not only save money, but this way he can still keep his job at the movie theater (which he loves) and participate in the bands he has with his friends on the weekends. I feel like it's all coming to together for him.

If you could all keep him in your prayers as he enters this next chapter of life, I would truly be grateful.  I honestly believe you don't always need to take the traditional path to get where you need to be in life.  Sometimes it takes time and a little sidestepping and that's perfectly OK ♥

Love you! xx 

Good Monday Morning! ♥

 

Hello Lovely Friends! Good Monday Morning (as I type this it's still morning :). 

I hope you all had a nice weekend.  We were blessed with beautiful weather Saturday and Sunday!  Summer is here and it definitely feels like it! There are fallen rose petals sprinkled all over the lawn but I don't mind a bit.  It looks like confetti ♥

 On Saturday Rob took me out for a nice breakfast and then he went home to watch soccer -which people are completely obsessed with - in the best way possible - around here!:)  While he did that, I went out and about to run some errands.  I checked some things off my list that had been lingering on there for weeks, so I felt productive.  I picked up a new lamp for my bedroom that I had been wanting for ages.  It sounds silly but I was so happy about it.  It's the little things folks, it truly is (see my smile!!). 

On Saturday night John and I saw Toy Story 5.  We loved it!!  I loved seeing it with him as Toy Story has always been a HUGE part of our lives.  John was Woody for Halloween at least 3 times when he was growing up. The whole franchise holds a special place in our hearts.  Needless to say, we loved the movie and the message behind it. 

If you haven't seen it yet, please go soon! ♥

Sunday morning mass was so nice.  I love getting there early to admire the sun shining through the stained-glass windows.  It fills me with peace and it's a great way to start my week. 

 I spent the rest of day home with my Dad, just us.  It was the perfect way to spend Father's day. We made dinner together which was fun. He had bought some delicious steaks from Omaha Steaks that honestly, I was afraid to cook because I didn't want to ruin them.  He's much better at that than I, so he was in charge. My job was the baked potatoes and green beans.  The meal was amazing, and I'm sorry to say I was so excited to eat, I never took a picture. We still have a few more in the freezer so next time I will! For dessert I made a pineapple coconut ambrosia pie.  Don't you just LOVE a no bake pie in the summer? I do!  I saw this recipe in a cookbook I picked up at the library from Joy the Baker.  I love her, so I knew it would be good! It was sweet, but we have big sweet teeth over here, so no complaints from us! It actually reminded me of my favorite DQ blizzard - tropical!  Rob and John can enjoy the pie tonight. 

I felt my mother with me a lot this weekend. Especially when I was out shopping. That would have been something we would have done together and I'm still struggling to get used to being by myself in those situations. I don't think I will ever not feel that void. I felt like she was thinking about me, but instead of being sad, it brought me a strange sense of comfort that she was near...if that makes any sense.  

Anyway, now all of a sudden, it's Monday and we're off and running with a new week. It's a short one for me because we are heading up to Maine for the weekend. I'm excited for a break and a change of scenery for a few days. I think my soul needs it.  This time Friday I will be drinking coffee and reading a book on my hotel balcony overlooking the ocean in Ogunquit, Maine.  I can feel the stress leaving my body already.....♥

Wishing you the most happy day (even if it is Monday!...lol).  Try to celebrate the small joys.  It really does help ♥

Talk soon! Byeeee! xo 

Some things I know ♥

  Here are some things I know ♥

Having my first cup of coffee in bed while watching an episode of I Love Lucy is the best way to start my day.  

♥

When it comes to fashion (or my lack there of :) I'm at the point in my life where I will choose comfort over trends.  I always regret it when I don't.  I never regret being comfortable. However, if we still lived in a time when every outfit (men's and women's) required a matching hat, I might feel differently. 

♥

Nora Ephron taught me the power of white twinkle lights strung around a kitchen window. 

 I will never go without.  

♥

Wallpaper is highly underrated.  Why did we stop wallpapering? Especially flowered wallpaper.  I still remember the pink flowered wallpaper from my childhood bedroom and how much I loved it.  

♥

Sprinkling parsley on any dish instantly elevates it.  The same goes for dusting powdered sugar on any dessert.  It also hides imperfections (not that you have any....but I always do! :) 

♥

I will never go to sleep without removing my makeup, cleansing, and moisturizing my face.  I learned my lesson.  I cannot tell you the number of times I've dragged my half-asleep self into the bathroom to do this. It's so worth it.  

♥

I don't snorkel, scuba dive, or parasail.  You will never see me swimming with fish, diving to the bottom of ocean, or flying high above it.  It's just not my cup of tea.  But have fun! I will happily sit on the beach under an umbrella and watch.  

♥

Nothing will ever compare to the golden age of Hollywood.  All we knew is what we read in movie magazines.  It was exciting and the actors and actresses were soooo glamours. They had class. Stars like Clark Gable, Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner, and Carey Grant were unreachable.  They were like aliens for another planet. Now everything is constantly in our faces, the good and the bad, and (speaking for myself) I'm trying to get away from it. It's too much.  Just watch the Oscars.  Sadly, it's not the same.  

♥

Books are my happy place.  As are old fashioned candy stores (the ones that give you a little brown bag to put your candy in), afternoon teas, and people with gardens - I'll talk to you all day. 

♥

Lastly....and I am firm on this one....

Tuesdays are much better than Mondays! ♥

And those, dear friends, are some things I know. 

Love you! 

xoxoxo 

Happy Tuesday - catching up from the weekend! ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

Here I am this morning meandering around my front yard in my pj's, coffee in hand, checking on the flowers.  Please tell me I'm not the only one that does this.  My neighbors probably get a good little chuckle from time to time seeing me in my ugly, mismatched jammies, but surprisingly it doesn't bother me too much.  My only rule is I never make eye contact. I wanted to step out check out the roses this morning. They are loving the sunshine.  Usually, I keep my morning coffee drinking to the seclusion of my back porch, but today I ventured out front. It was worth it to see the roses.  Plus this morning Rob was out there doing yard work so he was my buffer zone :) 

We had a very nice weekend.  Saturday we went to my nephew's graduation.  

It was beautiful day! ♥

It's so hard to believe these kids are all grown up! I get misty just thinking about it. 

We had a fun day with family celebrating. It got hot in the afternoon and by the end of the day, we were beat. 

As expected, by Sunday my social battery was drained, so we kept it low key.  I did get my post mass breakfast that I was hoping for and after a quick trip to the library to return some books, Rob took me out for an ice cream. The first of the season. 

YUM! ♥

We also watched a great movie called Song Sung Blue.  Have you seen it?  It was excellent.  Kate Hudson was actually amazing in this film.  I believe she was nominated for an Academy Award.  

I can see why! ♥

Have tissues handy because you will cry. I was not expecting it at all! 

It's also a true story which makes it even more emotional : ) 

♥

In other news, yesterday I tried overnight oats for the first time! 

I went for raspberry almond.

 

I'm not quite sure what I was expecting but it was delicious! I really liked it.  I'm going to have fun trying different flavors, but this one with fresh raspberries was really yummy! 

 

In the summertime I like to have cottage cheese or yogurt with fruit for breakfast.  This is a nice alternative - and from what I'm reading, the health-conscious people say it's full of protein!  It was surprisingly very filling too. 

♥

This week is already shaping up to be a busy one.  Lots of work meetings and such, and on Wednesday morning I'm going for round two of my shingles shot. That's adulthood for you! Fun! 

So what's for dinner tonight?  I'm dancing a jig this morning because I know just a few feet away from me in the fridge are LEFTOVERS! My favorite meal! Last night I made garlic chicken with roasted rosemary potatoes and summer squash.  I made extra on purpose which was a great decision.  

Having a night off from cooking, as much as I love it, is a simple pleasure I've come to really appreciate ♥

The other day I made a quick trip to Fresh Market and treated myself to some amazing produce, bread, and herbs.  It really does make a difference in cooking.  Do you have a Fresh Market near you?  I only discovered it last year and I'm obsessed with it. I like it much better than Whole Foods. 

John is away on a little vacation to Cape Cod with some friends this week, so the house is especially quiet. I'm off to pour a cup of coffee, put on another episode of I Love Lucy for background noise while I get some work done.  It's going to be a hot one today (maybe hitting 90 this afternoon) so the kitchen will be kept cool and maybe we'll have BLT's for lunch. 

 It's starting to really feel like summer ♥

Have a great day, friends!  xx 

June is off to a good start ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Friday! ♥

We have arrived at the end of a beautiful week here in New England and so far, June has not disappointed me.  After a rainy and stormy Memorial Day weekend, the sun is making up for lost time.  

I've been having my coffee on the porch this past week, watching the birds, with the sweet smell of lilacs in the air.  I can't help but think about the bitter cold winter we had and how I thought it would never end.  So much snow!! And now here we are.  This is why I love the changing seasons.  

There is always something to look forward to.  

I need to come back out here with my clippers later this afternoon and snip some of these before it's too late.  Unfortunately, the season is short.  Blink and you'll miss it! 

This week was a busy one, but I did make sure to get outside and enjoy nature as much as I could.  I've been walking every night after dinner.  Right after I do the dishes, before I've had a chance to even sit down (because if I do...forget it...it aint happening :).  I live at the top of a hill so if you walk in my neighborhood, it's a workout - which I guess is the whole point since it's the only real exercise I get.  

I really like that time of day to walk. I believe it's called twilight so naturally...  It's nice and cool because the sun is setting and it seems all my neighbors are busy doing their dinner dishes or watering their plants or walking their dogs.  It's a cozy time.  And you know me, if I'm going to "work out" it has to have a cozy aspect to it! Lately I've been listening to music (mostly 80's pop) because that gives me a pep in my step up the long hill to my house.  If I go around twice it takes me about 20 minutes and it's a solid mile.  I'll take that.  Then it's back home for my nightly cereal and chocolate chips. I know, it doesn't seem right, but I am who I am : ) 

Tomorrow we will be attending my nephew Anthony's high school graduation.  

Last year was John and now it's Anthony's turn.  

These two have been best buds forever! ♥

John has always had a special relationship with his cousins.  With him being and only child, they have always been more like siblings to him.  

Julia, Sophia, and Anthony.  Such great kids and I'm so grateful for them! 

They've always supported each other! 

And love to spend time together! 

Tomorrow we'll celebrate Anthony! He's the last of the cousins to graduate. 

How time has flown! ♥

The forecast is expected to be warm and sunny (not too hot, but better than that...no rain :) 

Sunday will be my day to relax.  My social battery will no doubt be drained by then.  Rob and I will go to an early mass and hopefully out to breakfast.  He doesn't know it yet, but that's the plan! lol

The rest of day I would like to sit on the porch, sip iced coffee, and do some reading....at least for a little while anyway. I can already picture it in my head and I can't wait.  

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend too! ♥

Happy June! xx

Some relatable fun on a Monday! ♥

 Good morning friends and happy June 1st!  We have arrived! And while I'm not a huge fan of Mondays, since today is officially JUNE I'm going to give it a pass : )

I'm coming off a very nice and restful weekend, so I'm taking my Monday tasks in stride this morning.  It's not even noon and I've already put out at least 3 fires at home, had a work zoom call, and spilled an entire cup of precious coffee off my bedside table.  What a mess. But that's how it goes sometimes.  On a brighter note, it's nice and sunny today, my peonies are opening, and basil plants are looking (and smelling) delightful. I've decided to appreciate the little things today, and the smell of fresh basil is one of them. 

Anyway, it rained most of the weekend, hence the "restful" comment.  It was the perfect weather to recharge my batteries and that's exactly what I did. I read my book, watched a movie with Rob, and did a lot of loafing under a cozy blanket. Basically the "to-do" list got tossed out the window.

That's what rainy weekends are for, right?!  

The week ahead is busy and I knew I would need it.  I did a lot of mindless scrolling from my couch as well.  Again, that's how it goes sometimes and we must give ourselves some grace.  I didn't do the housework that I should have, but I did find some very relatable fun on Pinterest that I must share with you.

Can you relate? 🩷

YUP.

We did manage to go out for a bite to eat on Saturday because I was in no mood for cooking.  It was a nice meal until I went to get out of the booth and I audibly gasped because of a pain I think it was my knee. Or it could have been my back... I blamed the rain just like my Dad does when he has a mystery pain. What is happening?!  

I could only laugh at myself at that point :) 

Happy new week everyone!  I'm off to revisit that "to-do" list and start checking things off! 💗

Have a great day! xx 

Memorial Day, zucchini muffins, melt in your mouth chicken, and a bunch of other random things! Happy Monday! ♥

 Hello Friends! Happy Monday and happy Memorial Day!  ♥

I hope you all had a nice weekend and for all who celebrate - are enjoying this Monday holiday.  I'm currently having a lazy morning, sipping my coffee slowly and intentionally.  Unfortunately, there will be no cookouts or outdoor celebrations in my neck of the woods today because it's pouring rain.  Everything is a washout this morning. Thankfully, we didn't have anything major planned anyway.  Just a quiet day a home, resting, recharging, and remembering.  Our town parade got moved inside one of our municipal buildings.  I'm not quite sure how that will work but John will report back later.  He was meeting up with some friends to check it out.  I'm happy at home, dry, and will probably be in pjs all day. 

That's my idea of a day off : ) 

Yesterday I made a batch of zucchini muffins with these two beauties I picked up at the grocery store.  

Yay for zucchini season! ♥

It's one of my favorites (any which way!) 

They came out yummy!  I had two (heated in the toaster oven with butter) for breakfast. 

Here is the recipe I used.  

I would like to add chocolate chips next time! ♥

On Saturday night some friends invited Rob and I out to dinner at a local winery.  As you probably know we are "out to breakfast" people.  We love getting up early and going out for coffee and breakfast - but sometimes we do go out after dark! LOL  

We had a really fun time! The place was very cool and I even splurged on a glass of wine which I don't normally drink (but when in Rome, I guess :).  

It was delicious, as was the homemade pizza! ♥

We finished the evening with espresso and then went to another place for dessert. 

If you know anything about my husband this behavior is practically unheard of, but I think he's softening in his old(er) age! 

Anyway.....♥

...back around the house the peonies aren't minding the rain at all.  They will be blooming any day now. I can't wait.  One of the best parts of the spring and summer is being your own florist.  There's always something that can be cut and brought indoors to enjoy.  I love having a vase of flowers in the kitchen or on my bedside table.  Even a budvase on the windowsill in the bathroom makes me smile.  It's the little things. 

Before I sign off for today I wanted to quickly share this chicken recipe that promised you last week! It's so good and makes a very easy weeknight meal.  I've made it a few times now and everytime it's a winner ♥

It's called melt in your mouth chicken.  

I didn't name it, the internet did ... but it really does melt in your mouth : ) 

All you need is: 

1lb boneless skinless chicken breasts

2/3 cup mayo

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp dried parsley

1/2 tsp pepper 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix mayo, parm cheese, and all seasonings in a bowl.

Coat chicken breasts on both sides.

Bake uncovered in a shallow baking dish for 45 -50 minutes.

Mix, coat, bake, enjoy!  ♥

The mayo and the parm cheese combined make the creamiest sauce.  It's really delicious!  

If your plans to grill today are a washout then maybe think about this dish.  You won't regret it! 

Have a lovely day, my friends!  I'm going to spend the day reading, writing a few letters, and we'll see what else.  I'll be around visiting your blogs to say hello too! 

Happy official start to summer! We made it! ♥

Bye! xo