Inspired By Spring

I don't know about you, but around here, the weather has been nuts! We were in sunny Florida, for about 2 weeks. And it wasn't very warm. It didn't feel like Florida at all! Then we come home to the South, and it's freezing!

It makes me want Spring and Summer, more than ever! My Bestie and I, we took to Pinterest over the weekend, for a little inspiration. And I have to say this, I was so inspired by the warm weather outfits! Like this one...

This outfit reminds me a lot of Easter. Can you believe, I'm already talking about Easter? I know! This year is flying by! I'm not complaining though. Spring is my favorite season. I adore everything about it! Spring cleaning, the plants blooming, birds chirping, the clothes, fresh food, holidays, and beautiful colors. Oh ya, my birthday is also in Spring! :)

I've actually been looking for something similar to this outfit. I've got a similar cardigan and jewelry. But I'm searching for a dress like this. Oh, and that bag! I'm a sucker for ruffles, bows, and pretty jewelry. Spring can't come fast enough for this gal! ♥  

Colorful Fun :)

Back in September, my Mom got an ad from Old Navy. Being a cardholder, these are regular. And honestly, the best thing to get in your mailbox. Well, besides those ads from Jo-Ann. :)

Almost immediately, my Mom went to Old Navy. She couldn't find this shirt. And might have gotten a little distracted, with other purchases. But my Mom never forgot about this shirt Actually, every single time that we talked, she asked me if I'd found this shirt.

Well, I finally found her shirt. Online! It's taken forever. Mom, I've got you covered, I ordered this shirt for my Mom. She just LOVES the bright colors! And I might have gotten this one for myself. :) I adore the green and blue combo. Around these parts, they are "regular" colors in our wardrobe.

Honestly, I'm kinda wondering if I should go back, and order the orange one for me too! Yes, extra "spare" time, can be a little dangerous. Let's not talk, about the online Christmas shopping, that I also did! ♥

Dreaming Of...

There are certain things, about living in "The South." People talk with thick accents. When you talk about Sundays, you talk about NASCAR. Everyone has a porch. Sweet tea, is the "official" beverage of choice. And ferns are everywhere!!!

I personally, have been dying, to buy a bunch of ferns. Around here, you see these beauties inside and out! I personally, have been dreaming of ferns, hung around our "wrap around porch." The perfect "pop of color" against the white trim of our home.

I can't even explain what it is. But I'm just drawn to these plants. I've priced them out, at a few different nurseries. I've considered hanging them. Or buying plant stands. Even seeking out some gorgeous pots. But in the end, I've decided they NEED to be hung from our porch.

The weather may not be agreeing with me. But come this Spring, and we'll have at least, 2 dozen of these beauties. After all, nothing says "Southern Living," like a porch, bursting with ferns, and pitcher or 2, of "Sweet Tea." Yes, I adore "The South." And my "Southern Gentleman!" ♥

Country Fried Steak

We've been on the road, for roughly 2 weeks straight. It doesn't stress me out. Well, except on the weekends. And honestly, just this past weekend. Because we didn't have our "Home on Wheels." And that means, no cooking. Just eating out. I'm not a big fan. Chalk it up to, my childhood. And almost all our meals, eaten at a restaurant...

So I'm relieved, that we've decided on a "pit stop" at our home. In the Southwest. Which mean, a little cooking. And what's on the menu? How about Gooseberry Patch's Free Recipe of the Week. Country Fried Steak! Sounds yummy to me. :)

Country-Fried Steak
 
1-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. paprika
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
2 lbs. beef cube steak, cut into 8 pieces
1 c. milk
1/4 c. oil
2.6-oz. pkg. country gravy mix, prepared

Combine flour, paprika, salt and pepper; set aside. Dip steak into milk, then into flour mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add steak and cook 5 minutes on each side, or until golden and tender. Top with prepared gravy. Makes 8 servings.



Yes, this sounds delicious! And oh so easy. So easy, I'm thinking that we need to have yummy mashed potatoes, some veggies, and maybe even fresh baked bread. And you know, with this man and me, a cobbler and ice cream, are also a "MUST!" I can't wait to get into the kitchen! ♥

Icy Day Cowl

There have been 2 things, running through my head lately. It's getting cold. As in, I need a jacket, and scarf cold. And the Craft Fair, that my Mom and I are selling at, is less than a month away. Two things, that are putting me into "high gear."

I took a little time, yesterday, to search for some patterns. That would help in both of these areas. What did I come up with? A cute cowl.

I honestly adore this. Not necessarily in these colors. But I adore this cowl! I've started one for me. In grey. And I'm finding, that it's simple. As in, I can make a few of these, for the upcoming Craft Fair. Maybe in some more "Festive Colors." I might just spend my evening crocheting. And maybe watching a few movies, with My Love. ♥

Seafood Stew

It's been ridiculously cold around here. Lots of traveling. Lots of different temps. Lots of chaos. Makes me think of Christmas. I know. But it's the truth. And last week, I found myself in one of my favorite places. Barnes and Noble. With my friend, Vi.

We're foodies. Through, and through. We met years ago, in college. Studying nutrition. There is an unbreakable bond there. And well, have I mentioned our love of food? That means, we spent most of 2 hours, browsing through the cookbooks. And eventually, I made a purchase.

Like I said, it's been chilly. Makes you want to curl up, with a big 'ol bowl of soup. That is exactly what was on this man's mind. Especially after he read this week's Gooseberry Patch, Recipe of the Week. Yes, My Guy checks out these recipes too. And in fact, e-mailed this one to me. Let's just keep that between you and me! ;)

Seafood Stew

2-1/2 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. long-cooking rice, uncooked
2 t. chili powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
14-1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
2-1/4 c. green, red and yellow peppers, thinly sliced
1/2 c. onion, thinly sliced
1/2-lb. fillet orange roughy, cut into bite-size pieces
1/4 lb. frozen cooked medium shrimp, thawed
3/4 c. orange juice concentrate

In a saucepan over high heat, bring broth to a boil. Add rice, chili powder and garlic. Stir well; return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until rice is tender. Add tomatoes, peppers and onion. Cover; cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender. Add fish, shrimp and orange juice. Cover; simmer over low heat for 2 to 4 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork and shrimp are heated through. Serves 4.



Funny how I bought this book. and I just skimmed over this recipe. Not paying too much attention. But this guy, he got me interested in this recipe. In fact, right this minute, I have a pot of this simmering away. I can't wait until dinner! Heck, I NEED to go through this cookbook some more. Everything sounds so yummy! ♥

Winter is in the Air

I don't know about you, but around here, the temps are starting to cool down. A lot! I'm starting to get into the Christmas spirit. As in, I want to start decorating, wrapping presents, and baking yummy Christmas goodness!!!

I know. It's barely, early November. I just can't help myself. I adore the cold weather. I live for "Holiday Decorating." Oh, and I just can't wait for all the yummy treats!

Yum! I was just thinking of my favorite hot chocolate. I've been making this, for close to 11 years now. I even remember the first time I made it. I burned my hand. Pretty bad. But boy, I didn't stop making this yummy goodness. It was almost too much, for me to bare. But darn, this is some good stuff!!!

How about a little fun treat. As in some "Baby Santa" gear! I have been wanting to make this, since it was posted. I even have the yarn. Darn, I need to just sit down, and get my "Crochet" on!!!

Yes, I'm totally in the holiday mood. I might even pull out the Christmas music. Is anyone else like me? Or am I the only one, counting down the days, until I can decorate. Putting up my decorations in November. And leaving them up, until late January. Yes, this is really a magical time of year! ♥

A Loft Space

This guy's mom has a pretty amazing home. I'll admit it, I was lucky enough, to do the interior design. It's what, in my opinion, "bonded" the 2 of us. Really bonded us. We worked on the entire home, together. Start to finish. Over a year. It was one of my favorite projects!

These days, her grand babies, are spending much more time with grandma. So grandma decided it's time to make a few changes. To her lovely home. Changes that will allow the girls, to have a space of their own.

First we had to decide on a room. Well, Mrs. J has a beautiful loft space. And after much thought, we've decided to move her "reading room," to a lower level. Then make the loft area, a space for the girls. Great ideas.

I asked Mrs. J, to look for some inspiration. I had an idea. The girls had an idea. But this is Mrs. J's home. I want her to have a space that she can enjoy. Even when the girls aren't there. And what did Mrs. J fall in love with? The same picture that I'd saved to my computer. :)

People it was something, that just made me happy. With a few splashes of color, I knew this would be perfect for the girls. Heck, as they get older, we can change the accent colors. And Little W, can also enjoy this space.

We've slowly been tackling this. With all that's been going on, in this man's life, it's been slower than expected. But we picked out the wood flooring. And the wood for the one accent wall. We didn't want to feel like we were in a "tree." That's not with this remodel was all about. So we decided on one wood wall.

For the ceiling, we're going with something a bit different. A paper technique. So that will have to wait a bit. Until all the other "heavy work" is done. After taking a look last night, we're right on schedule!

The floors are installed. A window seat has been built. The trim is painted and installed. The walls are painted. Heck, in just 2 weeks, we've got a fully functioning bathroom!!! OK, I'm getting excited. :)

This week, we're focusing on the fun stuff. Like that ceiling. Oh, I can't wait! I'm also waiting to hear back, from the carpenter. Who is building us beds. That are so fun! And when they are not being used as beds, can easily be transformed, into comfy couches.

This is just one of those really fun projects. One that I'm happy to be a part of. The room has an "outdoor" feel to it. With tons of light. A very spacious feeling. To me, it feels a bit like, living in a glamorous tree house. With a bit of sparkle, that only girls can appreciate. Something I would have adored, when I was little. ♥

Mix and Match for Fall

One of my absolute, favorite things about Fall, are the colors. The rich colors. The mix of textures. Oh, I could just go on and on, for days. Instead, I was searching through Polyvore last night. Passing some time, before calling a friend.

What did I find? Well, lots of things. But there was one board, that completely stuck out to me. I don't know what it was. But I adored it. What do you think?

Mostly, I like the colors. The variety of colors. But more than anything, I like the idea of mixing textures. Of mixing, and matching pieces, from different seasons. For example, that dress might be from Spring or Summer. Those shoes, and that ring, are definitely Summer pieces. But that jacket, and the makeup, scream Fall and Winter to me.

That's the thing I love about Fall. You can mix and match so much. To get that perfect look. OK, I'm not in love with these shoes. But I like the color. Maybe I'd pair this outfit, with a similarly colored clutch. Perhaps find a pair of coral and pink earrings. And a turquoise blue ring. Taking these colors, but using them in a slightly, different way.

Quite in fact, this little picture, has inspired me. I'm sort of challenged by it. And now, I'm dying to dig through my closet. To see what I can pair together. What pieces would go well. As we transition from Summer, to Fall. ♥

60 Days...and a Little Wishing...

Just a little while ago, I got off the phone. With a good friend of mine. One that I hadn't talked to, in way too long!!! Say over a month...too long. If we're being honest here, it's almost been 2 years, since we've seen one another.

This is the same friend, that I used to meet for lunch...oh, 4 times a week. We'd literally spend 5 hours chatting. Meet up for lunch, that would take us well into dinner. That friend. One of my friends, that I'm desperately missing right now.

The funny thing that stuck in my brain...was Christmas. Don't panic or anything. But it's only 60 days until Christmas. I know!!! Where has the time gone? And my friend, she wants to know...just what I want. Um, even I was stumped by that question.

For the most part, I'm super easy to shop for! Buy me a scarf, and I'm your BFF. Get me some candles, I'm over the moon. A pair of chandelier earrings, I might just jump up and down.

But my friend was looking for something more specific. I thought, and thought. Then I remembered what I had told this guy, just the other day. Anything from Stella & Dot, makes me happy! Heck, I sold it for years. Cause you know, someone had to pay for medical school. :)

I thought I'd make it even easier for my friends. Pick out a few favorites. And you know, get them started. Because, Christmas is just 60 days away. I'm not panicking yet. Are you? So let's get started...

First up, Serenity Stone Drops. In jade please. :) $49 for the pair. And I'd just love them so! You know me and my earrings.

Keeping with earring theme, how about these Charlize Teardrop Earrings. Priced at $34. I just adore the various shades of blue. :)

Next, well there are 2 things in this picture. The Soar Necklace, for $59. Yes, this is my favorite of the bunch. But don't forget about the Tree of Life Necklace. For $69. Another darling!

I'd adore the Chelsea Necklace. In gold. For $59. Isn't it just lovely? You could layer it with other necklaces. Or wear it alone.

One of the mot gorgeous necklaces that I've seen, and amazing values, is the Glint Flower CZ Necklace. $39 for years of happiness! Don't you think???

Another simple necklace that I just adore, is the Aura Coin Drop Necklace. Come on, it's gorgeous! And just $49. Even I'm tempted to buy this one. Because I could see myself wearing it, every single single day!!!

Another favorite of mine, is this Serenity Small Stone Pendent. It reminds me of my birthstone. And is just $49. Honestly, this necklace would make a nice "every day" necklace too. :)

Something a little more understated, Odette Infinity Necklace. For $39. I just adore the mix "of colors."

Along those same lines, is the Together Forever Necklace. For $59. I adore the mix of metals. The different sizes, also makes this necklace interesting. Oh, I think I'm in love!!!

But really, we NEED to talk about the Infinity Charm Necklace. A little pricey at $79. But it is adorable!!!

The last necklace, that I'll be talking about is, the With Love Necklace. For $69. I like it's simplicity. But amazing meaning. This is high on my list!!!

How about a a few bracelets? Over the last few months, I've really fallen in love with bracelets. Any kind really. But here are a few of my favorites. :)

How about something for $19? This Courage Bracelet is one of my favorites. I just adore the style. And the little charm.

The Hope Bracelet is one of my favorites. Really it is! It's $32. But my favorite quality, is the rose gold! I've been a fan of rose gold, since I was a wee one!!!

The Elizabeth Bracelet is just plain fun!!! With a little bit of sass. For $29. Don't you just love it too? I do!

I can't help but be a fan of the Luna Wrap Bracelet. For $89. I think this would be a nice piece to own. Something that goes with a lot of other jewelry. But the real star here, is the Sole Bracelet. For $39. I don't know what it is, I just adore it!!!

Don't think I'm a spoiled brat. Or that I'm begging my friend for anything. She asked me a question. And it got me thinking. Of a few things, that I would welcome into my life.

But in reality, I'd adore a scarf from Wal-Mart, or a pair of earrings from Target. Heck, a nice lunch would be nice too! Although, if this Mr. is reading...these earrings, this necklace, or this one, or this one, or even this bracelet...they'd love living with us too!!! ♥

Movie Date Night

Since we got the good news yesterday, we've been going 100 MPH!!! Lots of things, that had been previously, "Put on the Back Burner," well have to get done. ASAP!!! So we're are busy again. I know. Life really never does stop.

My Guy, worked for a few hours today. Getting back "Into the Groove of Things." You know, until we start traveling tomorrow. I've been running around. Picking up things that we need, heading to the store, just making sure we'll have everything that we could possibly need.

But tonight, we decided to take it easy. Head to the "Lake House." Order in some food, from our favorite Japanese resturant. And watch a few good movies. Starting with The Help. One of my favorites. And surprisingly, one of My Guy's favorites too! Just don't tell anyone. ;)

We also watched The Secret Life of Bees. I'd never seen it. Neither had he. But we'd had it, in our collection, for a few years now. I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but it was still sealed! I know...

Honestly, it was such a good movie. Super cute. Dakota Fanning, and Queen Latifah make the entire movie! How come I don't remember this movie? Like I never remember hearing about it. But somehow, we had it. :) Now I want to read the book. The books are always better, than the movies. Don't you think?

I don't know if this man shared my same love. Of this movie. He did fall asleep. But I'm thinking, that had more to do with him going back to work. It's been over 2 weeks, since he'd worked. So I'm OK with his napping. In fact, I finished 2 presents I was making. :) A crochet blanket. And a baby set. I even got about halfway, with a scarf and hat set.

We ended our movie watching with Cast Away. And I even got some packing down. As this guy, and our fur babies are now, fast asleep. We really enjoyed this quiet night at home. Very unusual for us. But something that we both, enjoyed so much! I think we need to do this more. You know, without one of us being hurt or sick. Just make a new "Movie Date Night." ♥

Call the Midwife

It's unusual, and honestly weird, that we haven't traveled for a few weeks. Well, for work anyway. But it's given us a little more time to connect with the TV. I haven't decided if that's a good thing, or a bad thing. :)

One of my new favorite shows, has to be Call the Midwife. Have you seen it? It's on PBS. And honestly, I'm hooked! Partly because of their accents, partly because of the "time period," but mostly for the storylines!!!

I've got to give it to PBS, they've been coming up with some great shows lately! I'm also digging, Upstairs Downstairs. And of course Downton Abbey. ♥

A Few of My Favorite Things

A few days ago, My Guy and I headed to my parents' cabin. My Mom had asked me to go and "winterize" the place. Because, they just couldn't get out there. Being that this guy is taking a little break from work right now, totally played into this plan.

We headed to Albertson's for a few necessities. And then across the street, to Walgreen's. You know, before heading to the mountains. Where the nearest store, is over an hour away. We needed to stock up, on a few things. Nothing too nuts. As we were only going to be there, for 2 days.

But that didn't seem to bother, little 'ol me. :) First of all, I'm pretty sure, I bought out these little guys. My favorite candy. That I can't find anywhere else...

Why are they my favorite? I don't know. Probably because these are my favorite flavors. And I don't have to eat lemon candies. That I just don't like.

Oh, and I couldn't resist the "Beauty Section." Where I bought my new favorite nail polish. L'Oreal's "Eiffel For You." It looks pretty purple, or lavender, in this picture. But in reality, it's more of a grey color. A great neutral for Fall.

Oh, and of course my favorite purchase!!! Gooseberry Patch's Halloween magazine. It's loaded with tons of fun ideas for Halloween. Not just food people! Decorating ideas. And little gifts too! The price was a little high. But with a nice coupon, I only paid $4!!!

Yes, I've spent the last few days trying new recipes. Dreaming of all the things, I'm going to make this month. Writing out lists of supplies, I'll need. Oh, and enjoying my candy. Seriously people, why can't I find it at other stores? ♥

Dreaming in Red...

Lately, I've been dreaming of rich, and romantic colors. Mostly, of red, purple, and blue. Not together. But as a base, for certain rooms. We are quite the "Fans of Color," around this home!

My bedroom, in my own home, is a deep purple. It's so incredibly rich. With a "Moroccan theme." And I adore it! Between the accessories, my favorite color, and all the linens...it makes me miss home. Just thinking of my room.

I took to Pinterest. To see what other people were cooking up. And I came across a lot of nice spaces. I just feel like, we need a room in our home, like this. I mean, this guy, has the most amazing "Poker Room." Painted a deep, burnt orange. So why can't I have a "Red Reading Room?"

I'm using this picture as inspiration. I actually ventured out the other day, and found a beautiful desk. Just perfect for this space. With some incredible lanterns, candles, and accessories. They just need to be cleaned up.

As far as a comfy chair, and sofa...we just ordered them. I found a style that I like. But had to have it ordered, in the color, and fabric, that I LOVE!!! Oh, and the same company, is re-upholstering an amazing chair I found. For the desk. :)

I've also set out, to find the perfect rug. And curtains. I guess I could sew the curtains. But I'm honestly, not "feeling it" right now. Never fear. I will be doing a tad bit of sewing. In the form of pillows. And possibly a throw.

Even that was quite a story. I'd been eyeing this fabric. But at $50+ a yard, was not going to buy it. I'd look at it. Think about. Run around, look at pillows. Price everything. Try to figure out, what was the best "Bang for My Buck." Ultimately, this guy had enough of my indecisiveness.

Rather, he knows me. And knows that if he doesn't buy the fabric, I'll continue like this...quite possibly, forever. So he ordered a "boat load" of fabric. I almost died, when I got home one day. And all this lush fabric, was waiting for me.

Speaking of, I might just find someone to make those drapes for me. I'm 100% positive, we have more than enough fabric. I just don't like making window treatments. I don't know why. I just don't like it.

But there you go. My next little project. Like I need one. Right? We already have a library. But there's this perfect little room, that was begging for some love. And I just had to go help her out. Besides, the lighting is perfect! And the views are breathtaking. It's the most perfect place, to read, write, and just "be."

People always ask me, "What do you do without little ones?" This my friends, is what "child-less couples" do. They work on their homes. They redecorate. They become DIY champs! Who knows, one day, we might repaint one of these rooms, to be a nursery. One day. Until then...well, I've got a "Red Baby" to tackle! ♥

What a Good Day!!!

Today was one of those days, that I'm just grateful for. You see, we travel at least 40 weeks a year, for this man's job. Honestly, at times, it's a bit overwhelming.

The weeks usually go like this. Monday we wake up exhausted. It's our ONLY day off. And we usually stay in bed 'til noon. I'm not going to lie, sometimes later. Then we laze about the house. I make a HUGE meal. And we catch up on our favorite TV shows, and movies. Tuesdays we are back to work. I leave the house at 3AM for work. At the hospital. This guy heads into work, around 8AM. We're lucky, to both get home before 10PM. Lucky! Wednesday is usually a repeat. I also have to cram in study time, family time, and a little work (that pays MY bills).

Thursdays are ALWAYS a whirlwind. I leave at the same maddening hour! I get off at noon, sometimes 2PM. Rush home. Quickly pack our bags. And we're leaving on an airplane before dinner time. This is usually the ONLY day, that we eat out. If not, we wouldn't eat!

Fridays usually leave this guy working. Say 7AM to 6PM. Give or take, depending on what he's doing. Saturdays, he works 7AM to 4PM. And Sundays, he's working 7AM to 5PM. Give or take. Some weeks are different. But most are like this.

And on the weekends, I tend to get most of my studying done. Most. I write papers, do research, all that good stuff! And I hangout with this gal. Who also happens to be My Bestie. And get lots of "Q-time" with Baby C!!!

But rarely if ever, do we leave "where our guys work." You see, we stay in some pretty fancy "Homes on Wheels." Also known as "Motor Homes." And we stay in them, all weekend. Hanging out. Cooking. Napping. Things like that.

This week, I was dying to do something fun. Something out of our "Comfort Zone." I wanted to go hiking. And hiking we went!!! I also convinced some other friends of ours to go. We called in lots of sitters, for the kiddos. Let the guys know, they were on their own for meals. All day long! And we headed out.

It was magical!!! The mountains were AMAZING!!! The fresh air, felt so good. And the workout, left my body craving more. We also got to have lots of "Girl Time." With friends, that we don't usually spend this much time with. We laughed. Ate. And just had a good time.

It was something we don't do often. Something I truly wish, we'd do more often. Because, we all do so much for our men. And rarely take the time to "Recharge Our Own Batteries." Today was definitely that kind of day.

And when we got back, our men had cooked us dinner. Got the kiddos cleaned up, and in their PJs. Oh, and our "Homes on Wheels," were still in one piece. Yes, I don't think we could have asked for much more.

Our friends left about 30 minutes ago. I've taken a steaming hot shower. And just sat down. Waiting for this guy, to finish up my little treat...



Yes, that would be an "Orange Soda Float." A new LOVE of mine! Perhaps I can also convince him to give me a massage. And maybe watch some sappy movie. Because this man's girlfriend, is in a pretty good mood tonight. And is hoping for an early night. Yes, our Friday was pretty wonderful! How was yours? ♥

My Little Secret

Apparently, I've been holding out on you. And you. And you too! I totally forgot to blog about this. And recently, my friend Annie, reminded me of it!

You see, about a year and a half ago, I went to Walgreen's. I went to transfer my Dad's prescriptions there. We were having some issues with the pharmacy, he had been using. While I waited for his prescriptions, I went to look through the makeup. Particularly, the nail polish. Revlon's was on a BOGO. And I had a coupon!!!

Well, I totally got caught up, in searching for other things, and was startled when my name was called. So I quickly picked up 2 nail polish colors. Liked the colors, but didn't notice anything else.



After getting everything home to my parents, I headed to the hotel, where I was staying. Exhausted! I quickly polished my nails, hung my hands over the edge of the bed. And went to sleep.

The next morning, I smelled raspberries. But couldn't figure it out. The color was Raspberry Rapture. I got ready, and as I was putting on my makeup, I smelled it again. That day, I must have asked 10 people, if my nail polish smelled like raspberries.

That night, I polished a second coat. And this guy asked if my nail polish smelled like raspberries. Yes, that's what it was. I LOVED the color, the slight scent, and the price. With my coupon, I actually made $1 on every bottle. Um, I went back, and bought all of them!

I thought I had blogged about these polishes. But when I met Annie recently, I realized I hadn't. I don't even know what we were talking about. Or how we got on the subject, of my nail polish. But I told Annie about my little discovery.

She told me it wasn't on my blog. And we searched and searched. Sure enough, nowhere to be found! So I started writing. And over the next 2 days, I was talking to everyone about these nail polishes. Including my Mom. Who LOVES to do her nails! I'm pretty sure, I just sold Revlon at least 20 bottles!!! Funny how that happens. I guess it's better to share with you all late, than never at all. Now let me think of what else, I've missed telling you about... ♥

Decisions...

This has been the roughest Summer, I've had in a long while! I know I put on a brave face. I smile at everything. Tell people everything is roses. But it's been tough! So much so, I debated not taking classes this semester. I'm just worn out. Between my health, trying to help my parents, and our constant traveling...I'm barely above water.

To be honest, I really didn't want to go back to school either. I'm just "Burnt the Heck Out!" And tired. Exhausted! Yes, it's exhaustion at this point.

I started doing all the paperwork, to take a semester off. Yes, at this point of my program, I have to ask for permission, to take time off. Had the envelopes addressed. All that stuff. Then on my way to the Post Office, I made a quick stop. And I found these...



Yes! And so much more! And it got me thinking about school again. How I can suck it up. I can do this. I have just enough money, to cover my down payments, books, supplies, insurance for my internships, and all that good stuff.

I decided to do this again. I figure, if it's too much, I have until the end of September to withdraw. If my health doesn't get better. If my parents need me. If I'm spread too thin. I've got around 6 weeks, to make this decision.

And for me, maybe it was the school supplies that encouraged me. Maybe it's what I needed. Just that little push. You know, to get me motivated again. Because honestly, this "defeat," is not part of my character. I'm just praying for another good semester. Because sometimes, being a "Grown Up," is really hard work. ♥

Perfection in a Suitcase!

The one thing you should know about My Guy and I is, we're hilarious! We have a funky style. And we are always looking for fun items. Things that are "outside the box." And just different.

This could be why, our homes are taking forever to finish up! We want unique pieces. But also pieces that are inviting, and comfortable. Do you know what I mean? This has meant, ordering lots of things. And I swear to you, every single time I get on Pinterest, there is trouble. Because, then we want a million more things, for our homes...

We're getting close to being finished. Close. But there are still some key pieces missing. Things that just make our space, well "ours!" And like I said, I troll Pinterest, blogs, any place I can think of, for inspiration. That's where I found this chair!!!




And oh, I want one. For our library. How fun would that be? To put next to a window. And get lost in a good book. Oh my goodness! Hello!!! I even have the perfect suitcase. So I called up Joe, to see if he could help a girl out. And he said yes!!! Now I'm just wondering, when I can sit in my new chair? Can you tell how happy I am? ♥

Unexpected...

You should know something about me. Growing up, we had cable. 100+ channels. We were cool. Because it was the 1980s. And most of my friends, didn't have cable. When I moved out, I NEVER got cable. I couldn't afford it. There I said it. I was a college student, quickly becoming a medical student. Who was supporting herself. Did I mention? I didn't just move out of my parents' home. I moved 3+ hours away. And bought a house!

So I NEVER got caught up in the Hallmark or Lifetime movies. Maybe I should have. But I just didn't have the time. Or the money. Yes, I've dated men who had cable/satellite/digit. Heck, we've got 300+ channels now. And honestly, there is little time to watch TV, now when I've got a few hundred channels to watch. When I do watch TV, it's usually on the computer. Yup, I catch up on my shows, weeks later. Lame, but true.

Another thing you should know is, we are movie people. Big time! We travel A LOT!!! And with that, we have very unpredictable schedules. We honestly end up in places, that sometimes don't even have cellphone reception. Places where our internet connections, are similar to the ones we had in 1988. Yup!

Therefore, we watch a lot of movies. Always have a few good ones, on hand. And a few new titles. But Friday night, this guy totally shocked me! You see, we're in the middle of nowhere. But by some miracle, we have cable. And our friends, who usually come over for dinner, decided to stay in. So we were on our own. And this guy, had the idea to watch a movie on the Hallmark channel! I know!!!

I quickly whipped up some snacks, soaked in the sound of pouring rain outside, and settled in for a long snuggle with my favorite guy! It's probably the longest amount of time, we'll have all weekend, to just "be together." And that movie we watched was..."The Engagement Ring."



Such a cute movie! A somewhat "Italian version" of Romeo and Juliet. It had some history, of 2 families, who had once been friends. But a misunderstanding, made the 2 families fight for decades. Now, a younger generation is involved, and falling in love. As the "real story," from decades ago, works it's way out.

Really, this is such a cute movie! One that I'm glad, My Guy suggested. Who knew? Usually, I save these types of movies, for nights when I'm crafting with my Mom. It was definitely a nice change of pace for us. Something we're definitely going to have to do again. :)

I'm sure, this guy will agree to it. As long as I don't make him, watch something too sappy. And we ended our night, talking about what we're going to do, when we get home. Home...I miss you! So much. We miss you!!! And I can't wait to crawl into our HUGE and comfy bed again!!! ♥

Golden Macaroni & Cheese

I don't know about you. But I LOVE me some mac 'n cheese!!! Seriously, you'd think I was 3 years old. :) I try not to make it too often. Because I'd be the 400 lb woman!

I have 1 recipe, that I turn to every single time, I'm craving mac 'n cheese. 1 recipe, that is my absolute favorite. Never fails me. And is just perfect! But I also like to try new recipes. Look for a little twist on my mac 'n cheese.

When I opened up Gooseberry Patch's Free Recipe of the Week, my smile couldn't have been any bigger! This was a perfect match, with our BBQ chicken last night. You definitely need to try this recipe!



Golden Macaroni & Cheese

10-3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 c. milk
1/2 t. mustard
1/8 t. pepper
3 c. elbow macaroni, cooked
2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1 c. French fried onions

Blend soup, milk, mustard and pepper in a lightly greased 1-1/2 quart casserole dish. Stir in macaroni and 1-1/2 cups cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and onions; bake 10 additional minutes. Serves 4.



Let's just say, this guy was a little unsure of the recipe. While he watched me put it together. But when we dug into the pan, he was all smiles. So was this guy. Who finished off the pan. :)

This is definitely different from the norm for me. About the only things that were similar, were the macaroni, milk, and cheese. But I have to say this, all the flavors worked well together. Made it interesting, without overwhelming. It was delicious. And you can bet on it, I printed out this recipe. And added to our "Favorites!" ♥