Friday Fav

I've been taking a little R&R this week. Right now I'm staring out a window overlooking a blue pond and pine forest. My biggest accomplishment was teaching my 20yo brother how to bake homemade brownies and chocolate chip cookies.

I don't know about where you live but in TX it's starting to feel like summer.
And for me that means one thing...cold desserts.
Don't these Key Lime Pie Sandwiches look good?

Source: hungry-girl.com via Faith on Pinterest

I just went to see if we had Greek yogurt. Sadly no.
Soon, little treats. Soon.


I have been a HUGE Calvin & Hobbes fan since I was little. My dad used to read them to me at night before bed. I suppose he couldn't take anymore "Princess Petunia and the Happy Flowers" or some other girly nonsense. I don't blame him. 
They're the best.

Source: gocomics.com via Mike on Pinterest

I appreciate Bill Watterson's anti-commercializing right, but oh how I wish I could have a stuffed Hobbes.
Any of you terrific seamstresses out there, feel free to whip up a snugly little tiger for me. :)



Hope you're all having a wonderful Friday. I'll be back next week.

Happy weekend, friends!

Friday Fav

The Nester has been one of my favorites for a while now.
Her popular home-decor blog is full of amazing tips, ideas, and beautiful spaces for owners (and renters) alike.
(The first time I saw her horizontal stripe curtains I almost had an aneurysm {the trend was new then but I still love them.})
Her tag-line: "it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful," is a life-lesson I need to be reminded of often (not just for decorating either.)
Hello "type A." 

She posted this Wednesday.
It's a little different than usual but I absolutely had to share it with you.

Why?
Well...although I've sponsored a girl in Colombia (her name is Vanessa) for 6 years now, this isn't a plug for Compassion.


The truth is:
Life has been extremely difficult for me lately.
Sometimes I feel like I'm churning inside a tornado; unable to distinguish up from down, right from left.
It's easy to lose perspective in places like that.
It's easy to forget the world is bigger than you.
Her post reminded me what gratitude, faith, and hope really look like.
It righted my perspective.
And kinda made me wish I was her bff...but maybe I felt like that before. It's hard to say.
Oh, and now I want to visit Tanzania too. Yeowza, is it beautiful!

This may or may not touch you the way it did me...and that's fine. 
I realize all of us are in different places.

I just needed a gentle reminder to be patient and kind today.
To be generous and understanding and loving. Wherever I am.
We all need it. Some of us even need extra doses every now and then.
So step out of the way and consider someone as more important than yourself.
Life will be richer.
Because really, those are the things that make us full anyway.




source

Random Thought Wednesday

Random Thought 1: 

I can't believe it's May.

May

M.A.Y.

m.a.y.

Nope, still hasn't sunk in.

Random Thought 2:

Peplum.

So feminine. 

So flattering.

So lovely.

Source: anthropologie.com via Lynette on Pinterest

classic.

Source: anthropologie.com via Lacey on Pinterest

Not a color I would usually pick, but this dress is perfect for a summer wedding or outdoor event. 

Source: anthropologie.com via Lacey on Pinterest

Ok, so the bathing suit has nothing to do w/ peplum,
it's also not in my usual color family,
But I absolutely LOVE it.

Am I the only one still thinking it's 2011 out there?
Has anyone actually bought a bathing suit yet? 
Does it freak you out to try them on? It does me. I go in fully armored. 

Potato Peels, A Plunger, and My Favorite Room

I break things.
Mechanical, electrical; fragile things.

I'm visiting my mom and decided to make her dinner tonight (yep, good daughter).
I was cleaning up when I suddenly realized I'd made an error:
Potato peels down the garbage disposal.
Apparently in my mother's kitchen they clog drains by turning into an unyielding dam of goop and starch.
Ha, not in MINE.

An hour and many failed attempts later, I'm standing atop my mother's kitchen counter {straddling the sink} while forcing a ridiculously stiff plunger into a swirling vat of sludge.

The story ends well, friends.
But not before the nasty, particulate-filled water exploded (via the other drain) into my face.
It was a sight.

I needed three specific rooms tonight after this debacle.
Which got me thinking {follow me here}...

Next to kitchens and bathrooms, the single most important room in any house to me is {any guesses?}...

THE LAUNDRY/UTILITY ROOM.

My current space is about the size of a closet.
I can walk in, but no folding, prepping, and/or other utility tasks occur in this tiny place.
I never thought I would care about a space to wash stinky garments.
I mean how much time do you really spend there?

The answer, my friends, is too much.

I HATE folding on beds, couches, or chairs. Inevitably a piece of clothing falls on the dog-hair laden floor. (Listen, I fight the good fight but w two labs I'm always at a disadvantage.)
I HATE not having enough space to store or organize things.
Plus, I have felt for years that I needed a utility sink.
Yes, I do. 

My heart goes pitter-patter for rooms like these

Source: thewrightfampics.blogspot.com via Diana on Pinterest

Source: msimondesign.blogspot.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Source: hollymathisinteriors.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: heidiclaire.blogspot.com via Cortney on Pinterest

Source: decorpad.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Caroline on Pinterest

Know what I just realized?

These are 99% white.

Hmm...

I really do like color and print.

And wood, wood is good. 

But am I crazy to think white is still good for a laundry room?

Perhaps, but I stand beside it proudly. 

Ever have garbage disposal woes?
What are your favorite household rooms? 
Anyone else a laundry room nut like me?

Meep Meep.

Remember my excitement last summer for the fall premiere of New Girl?

I loved it at first but then things started to get weird.
It's been sorta hit-or-miss. 

Writers, seriously, what happened?

I was close to giving up on the show (Ok, to be honest I haven't had the time to watch in a while), but then saw the preview for this week's season finale:

I laughed. 

A lot.

And now I'm excited to watch again. 

Don't let me down Zooey.

Anyone else watch this show? 

What do you think?

Friday Favs

It's Friday folks.
I think everyone's blood pressure just went down a few points.
I know mine did.
I got a massage last night and think I'm finally comfortable enough with the whole experience to actually relax.
D and I got a couples massage so he was in the room which definitely helps.
I think four people is less awkward than two.

Favorite idea: Pancake cups. Oh the possibilities!

Source: Uploaded by user via Jessica on Pinterest

Favorite pet photo: This cracks me up.

Source: theanimalblog.tumblr.com via Ania on Pinterest

Favorite reminder: So I guess this means that cookie for breakfast was a bad idea? Sigh

Source: motivationintohabit.tumblr.com via Katy on Pinterest

Fav funny: Anyone see this bit on Ellen? Cracks me up!! The world's worst Glamour Shots.

Source: thechive.com via Alex on Pinterest

Fav kitchen: Seriously. Those windows. That wood. Those trees.

Source: prettyspace.tumblr.com via Faith on Pinterest

Fav dreamy spot: Who wouldn't wanna swim there?

Source: travelandleisure.com via Joanna on Pinterest

Fav color combo: Navy and White. LOVE

Source: remodelista.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Fav problem-solver: Baguette cutting board.

Source: realsimple.com via Real on Pinterest

Fav organization: Love the simplicity and colors

Source: deliciouslyorganized.blogspot.com via Glitter on Pinterest

Fav sandwich: Spinach & Artichoke Grilled Cheese!

Source: acouplecooks.com via Glitter on Pinterest

Fav dessert: Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches. I'm noticing a sandwich trend here.

Source: passthesushi.com via Glitter on Pinterest

Fav outfit: simple, charming, lovely.

Source: thistimetomorrow-krystal.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

Happy Friday, friends!!
Have a wonderful weekend.

Rough Days

I needed this today.

Source: theologigal.wordpress.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Why didn't I think of that?

I can't tell you how many hours I've spent, laser levels I've broken, or reckless holes I've put into walls before today.

This changes everything.

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

Hanging pictures will longer be the bane of my existance.

Vlogging and A Challenge

I've been wanting to try a video blog (vlog) for a while now.
So, like any well-prepared blogger I got in my pj's, turned off all the lights, and practiced my internet voice.

Good news.
I crashed my computer so none of it matters anyway.

Everything was going fine until I hit "save".
The screen went blue. A sure sign of disaster.
1 minute and 34 seconds of what was sure to revolutionize the blogging world was suddenly gone forever.

So I reboot and make the wise decision to try again.

Yep.
2 blue screens in the span of 15 minutes.
I'm surprised my computer even started after the 2nd time

The decision was then made to put vlogging on the back-burner for now.

What I have for you instead is something I signed up for last week...

Source: toneitup.com via Katrina & Karena on Pinterest

The 2nd Annual Bikini Series from Tone It Up!

Source: toneitup.com via Katrina & Karena on Pinterest

I'm so excited already. I LOVE the Tone It Up girls and have seen major changes in my body over the past few months following their FREE workouts, blog, challenges, recipes, nutrition tips, etc.

I'm using this challenge as motivation to rev up my exercise and health habits.
And with my penchant for sugar and baked goods, we all can admit this isn't a bad idea.

I'm not trying to get a body like "fill in the blank" or even a specific weight or size.
I just want to continue to challenge my body and my mind to be (and stay) healthy.
And healthy isn't a number.

The challenge is 8 weeks long so if you're looking for some motivation, encouragement, or help regarding healthy eating and exercise, I'd encourage you to give it a shot.
It's totally do-able.
And trust me, it's not rigid or impractical either.
They have cocktails and dessert.

It's more about learning about how nutrition and fitness work hand in hand in order to enjoy life more fully.
And I'm all over that.

We're almost one week in and I'm feeling great and drinking lots (and LOTS) of water.
I would just like to take this moment to say -  drinking this much water is 1. hard but 2. SO beneficial. My skin is radiant and has never been softer. I'm not kidding.


It's not too late to sign up if you're interested.
And remember, it's free.
Can't hurt, right?

Disclaimer: No compensation. They don't know me. Just wanted to let you know what I'm doing and see if you might want to join in too.

Austin Getaway

Last weekend we took a little impromptu trip down to Austin.

The weather wasn't super cooperative (overcast and threat of thunderstorms the whole time) but it was still a nice break from the norm.

A few highlights for your viewing delight:

(oh! I FINALLY got a new camera {cheap, not dslr...or whatever you fancy-pants use.})

Exciting stuff.

I'm still dreaming about this lemon cream cheese perfection.

You guys know I love my pastries.

There's a little Czech bakery at a gas station just off the highway that is a MUST-STOP.

I know, you think I'm nuts.

D did too.

I told him it would be worth it.

It was.

D's now looking into shipping possibilites for their outrageously good kolaches (and jalapeno cheese bread - he ate a whole loaf in one day.)

{Shout out Czech Stop Bakery in West, TX}

We got a half-a-dozen kolaches on our way down.

We wanted to stop for a refill on our way back home but time wouldn't allow.

Boo.

Like how I watermarked this photo?

I know someone is going to want to steal this little visual snack.

Just before we got into Austin we saw a sign for the Inner Space Cavern.

We decided to see what all the hype was about.

And creep out little children...

It was pretty amazing actually.

We took the shortest tour but there was so much more to see.

For any interested:

The cave boasts 98% humidity w a temp about 73 F.

It was surprisingly comfortable.

My hair took a walk on the wild side though.

Ha. When doesn't it?

We stayed at Lakeway Resort and Spa on Lake Travis, just outside of Austin in the Texas Hill Country.

It was a beautiful resort with so many amenities and things to do.

Our view was beautiful.

I was majorly bummed that the pool was too cold to enjoy though...darn the weather.

I had plans of spending quite a bit of time in the adults-only pool w the swim up bar.

I consoled myself by settling for the normal one instead. ;)

Free happy-hour helped too.

Funny story (but not really):

So we were getting ready to go to bed Saturday night.

Freshly showered, teeth-sparkly, jammies on; sleepy eyes.

Suddenly I notice a black jumping speck on the white duvet.

What?!!

I'm paralyzed.

D captures/smashes the jumping thing.

We both stare in disbelief.

A flea?!!

I gasp.

Within 10 seconds two more come bounding out of their bed-linen hiding places.

I freak out.

Jumping, shaking, running; flailing.

D calls the front desk.

We pack up.

They apologize.

We're given a new room.

We check the new beds.

I take another shower.

Crawl in bed at 1:30am.

Not relaxed.

Can't sleep.

Mind is playing games: I feel things. crawling. on. me.

Twas a long night.

Apparently, the resort allows pets up to 30lbs inside the rooms. 

I guess the hotel guests before us had flea-biten muts curled up under the covers.

Great for them I guess, the pets that is. 

Terrible for us.

Don't they wash sheets between guests?!!

Ugh. Still gives me shivers.

The hotel comped our dinner, valet parking, and the difference in price b/t our room and the new one.

And they should have.

Fleas are a no-go.

Sorry, but it's true.

Sunday (after eating our leftover kolaches) we went to explore Austin.

D had never been to the Texas State Capital.

Scaredy-cat Faith made it up to the 4th floor and looked over.

(I have the picture to prove it, Mother.)

On our way home we ate at The Salt Lick in Round Rock.

I'd seen it on the Food Network and my expectations were high.

We were unfortunately disappointed.

The meat was great...

But the bbq sauce and the sides were less than stellar (in my opinion)

and I hated the seating.

I have a very firm rule about BBQ and it revolves around the sauce.

If it's bad, the place is a bust.

And that's just what happened.

The sauce tasted overwhelmingly of sweet mustard and didn't have the typical color of a red-based sauce.

Which it isn't, clearly.

That wouldn't have bothered me much (the color)...I just didn't like the sugary mustard taste.

D said it tasted like maple syrup and the yellow stuff.

It overpowered the meat instead of complimenting it.

We even asked if they had another sauce.

They brought a spicy version of the same sauce.

Wah wah.

Again, just my opinion.

Plus I was disappointed there were only 3 sides, none of which I like:

Potato salad

cole slaw

baked beans

And if you're thinking it's just my bizarre buds, D isn't picky.

He took one bite of his potato salad and didn't touch it again.

Cole slaw was for decoration.

Beans were ok. He ate those.

I will say, however, that the sauce on the beans was good.

I actually dipped my meat in that instead of the bbq sauce.

It was better.

I talk about food way too much.

Hahaha.

I think it's lunchtime.

***

Any fun plans for the weekend?

Ever find something unexpected in your hotel room?

What are your favorite short-distance getaways?

Guest Post (His and Hers)

Today I'm over at one of my favorite blogs.
I was so honored when sweet, funny Erin from His and Hers asked me to guest post during her vacation.
I'm talking vacation and dessert there today. My two favorite topics.
I made a mouth-watering Strawberry-Raspberry Slab Pie for the occassion too.

Make sure you stop by and say hi!
Have a wonderful Tuesday friends. :)

Girl Talk

Pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea (or coffee), and let's chat shall we?

It's girl-talk time.

Today's topic: Bras. 

Source: victoriassecret.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

I've long had problems finding the right fit, shape, size, durability, etc.

(I am not generously nor minimally endowed, tall, disproportionate, or otherwise challenging to fit.)

Today I'm fed up.

It all started when my $50 VS bra straps started shredding elastic strings.

Yes, I follow the care instructions.

Someone pulled one yesterday thinking they were removing a stray hair. The tell-tale zipping sound embarrassed us both.

No, friend. That's just my bra. Falling apart.

Just release the string and let's forget all about this.

If I spend $50 on an undergarment the thing better be near invincible.

Especially considering I've not even had this one for a year.

Am I too cheap?

Is it so much to ask that my daily delicates not disintegrate so soon?

I've bought cheaper (Target) and had worse and quicker developing problems (re: wire in ribcage) but this is ridiculous.

What's a girl to do?

Clearly I must be missing something.

My mother either failed me at some point or I lack something in the female genome that codes for undergarment wisdom.

Where do you buy bras?

Do you have problems like me?

Do you handwash yours (please say no)?

Is there any other place in the world to buy good bras or is VS the only one?

Help.

Signed,

 The Stringy-Strap Girl

Friday Fave

I am having what I like to call a quarter-life crisis.
Almost one year ago I left my "dream" job and (for the first time in my life) set out without any plan, direction, or clue.

Yes, it was as terrifying as it sounds.
No, I'm not adventurous.
Taking a walk on the wild-side usually involves ordering my burger with pepper jack instead of cheddar.

I figured that I'd have it together by now.
I was wrong.
I don't.

Source: etsy.com via Faith on Pinterest

Wonder what that little bit of reality has to do w/ these cookies?
Nothing. Nope.
Not a thing.

They're just beautiful and make me smile and I love them.
See, I'm totally trying to embrace this "I don't have a clue" thing.
I'm running w/ it.

Happy Friday friends.
Oh - if you have any suggestions about what I should do with the rest of my life, let me know!

Martha Stewart's Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

I haven't been sleeping well lately.

If I don't get my hours I'm this....

Yes, I'm Nemo's dad. 

Or a grumpy gills...whatever. 

(I don't wanna hear it you sleep-mutants who proudly rule the world with a blink and a cat nap.)

Old girl needs 8-9 solid hours.

I'm like an infant.

So I was driving around Tuesday running some errands in my foul, sleep-deprived mood when a thought landed squarely in my lap:

BAKE.

That was it.

Message received loud and clear.

Recipe via Martha Stewart

I cut the recipe in half b/c I thought it sounded too big.

Plus, anytime a recipe lists the size of the baking sheet I tend to ignore it and "experiment."

Oh - I also used mini chocolate chips. Because I like them better.

These turned out delicious though.

And, (if I might make a suggestion) are THE PERFECT dunking cookie.

Mmmm hmmm.

I love cookie bars.

They turn a bad day around.

End of story.