"I like to start my notes to you as if we're already in the middle of a conversation."

I'm watching "You've Got Mail".

If you've been following this blog long, you already know what that means!

 

I'm tapping the keys on my laptop a little harder- just so I can hear that soothing "click, tap, tap, click" sound. I have a coffee close by, a candle lit, and a soft blanket cuddling my toes.

 

This Movie always inspires me.

So here are a few photos of different items that completely inspire to write, create, and dream.

Perfume Bottles as Vases- genius, right?! It's feminine & chic- I love it. It's so interesting to me how the best ideas are often the simplest. And then I find myself face palming because I didn't think of it...by myself. :)

 

Using light bulbs for unique light fixtures. I've been trying to get in touch with my creative outlet-buried somewhere deep, deep inside. I'd like to try a light bulb fixture. Maybe above a desk or an armchair?

 

Colorful, domed doors. 

I. Love. Doors.

They're what you see just before entering a home. It gives you a subconscious expectation of what awaits beyond it. 

Someday, I will have a colorful- fantastic door.

 

Simple office spaces.

When I blog, begin a 'novel', edit photos...I like spaces that are bright & natural. Organized & fresh. (I love the desk from "Somethings Gotta Give")

Hot Chocolate at Home

It's been one of those chilly evenings here in Connecticut- and while I've had the itch to drive the 5 minutes to Starbucks, I've resisted- and used some of the odds & ends I had already to add my own touches to a Hot Chocolate {recipe} that I found.

 

You'll Need: (according to my variations)

 

1/4 bag of Milk Chocolate Chips

1/4 c. Whipping Cream

2 c. Milk (I used 1%)

Pinch of Salt

Tsp. of Vanilla Extract

1 Tbsp. (or less) Brown Sugar

 

 

 

Over medium heat- combine milk & cream.

When you see steam- add all of the other ingredients.

Stir thoroughly.

Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

It's honestly delicious.

I find that generally, my homemade hot chocolate (typically milk & Hershey's chocolate only) is way too thin & rich for me.

This had more substance and a milder chocolate flavor.

Perfect!

 

 

A Non-Autumn Post

It's true- I'm attempting to post about something other than Fall, as hard as it is... :)

 

I've decided to share a recipe, a new one that K & I tried last night for the first time.

We like quick, carby foods. I'll be honest about it & put it all out there! :) We like cheese, pasta, bread, potatoes.

 

 

I found a {Recipe} while browsing Foodgawker-  The Caprese Sandwich.

 

You'll Need:

 

Fresh Mozzarella

Fresh Basil

Fresh Tomatoes

Loaf of Rustic Bread (I used a garlic ciabatta loaf)

Olive Oil

 

To Make:

 

Preheat oven to 375.

Brush bread with olive oil

Bake until crispy

Add toppings

Bake again, until cheese is melted

 

Friday brings...

 

 

 

Dear Blog,

I've sort of neglected you this week. Sorry about that.

Life happened.

 

Dear Lost Doggy in the Park,

We hope you've found your way back home now. It's cold out there!

 

Dear Dunkin Donuts Munchkins,

Thanks for making this day slightly more manageable.

 

Dear Fall,

So far, you've not disappointed. It's been pure bliss- if you choose to stay around a little longer than the norm. That'd be cool.

 

Dear Man Who Walks Past My Job Daily,

Why do you hide your trash bag behind the bushes at the library?

Yes.

That's right. I saw you do it.

 

Dear Jeremiah & Gray,

I've gotten your birthday gifts.

That's right, I'm an awesome Nanny! :)

 

Dear Mexican Food Leftovers,

So! Good!

"The Secret to Long, Flowing Locks"

So I went on a picture taking spree a few days ago.

Want to know why??

Because my hair *finally* did something I desperately wanted it to do.

Yes.

 

The. Wave.

I sat through boring tutorials & tried using my own tricks- but nothing took.  I have THE frizziest, thickest hair you've ever seen- and so styling it isn't the easiest.

 

So let me tell you a few secrets.

Because trust me, if I could make this happen- you can too!

I most definitely can't take all of the credit for figuring it out- as I finally found a quick, easy to understand tutorial, which you can watch below.  You can also check out her blog (here)

For me, I didn't put any products in prior. But I did have to semi-straighten my hair to make it more manageable. I just did all of the curling section by section, used the "BIG SEXY HAIR" Spray to finish it off & Voila!  Perfection. 

Friday, We Meet Again....

Front Porch Mums

Dear 007,

Being fed wet food TWICE daily *is* enough. Quit following me around the house like we never feed you! Chubs!

Dear Husband's Place of Work,

Quit holding him 2 and 3 hours late. It's gettin' crazy.

Dear High School French Teacher,

I'm sorry I didn't care about your class.

I'd like to be fluent.

Dear Hairs,

You have been amazing the past few days- keep it up!

Dear Harriet the Spy,

You inspired me to both spy & journal.

Hence the 20 quarter written in journals I still have lying around.

Dear Gluten Free Bread Loaf,

You're only "okay".

Dear IPhone Apps,

You have a fart machine app, really?

Hoorah! Entertainment all day longgg!! :)

Dear Witch Hazel,

You reek.

But you're doin' your job. Gracias.

Rolling in the Deep

 

 

So, you're going about your day as usual.

And then, BAM.

It hits you like a brick.

"Man. I'm so not happy with who I've been lately."

 

This happened to me a few days ago.  That not-so-subtle feeling that you're just not the person you know you should be.

For me, it came in the form of a sinking feeling in my stomach. That guilty feeling.

 

Sometimes, I get so caught up in feeling sorry for myself. Or focusing on negativity. Or competition- that I begin to lose the person that I know I am.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ever have those days?

 

I made an executive decision to get things back the way they need to be.

 

Choosing to make "my" time, God time.

Verbally telling my Husband how amazing he is.

Doing that pile of laundry lurking in the corner.

Revelling in someone else's joy.

Accepting this, that & everything else.

 

 

 

Relief.