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.  

Friday Flashback {Italy}

I figured the market was cornered today on Easter plans, recipes, thoughts, etc so I'd take this opportunity to be completely random.

Welcome.

***

I don't share heavy personal things here by design.
This little space of virtual highway is dedicated to things that make me smile, but today is different.

I briefly mentioned the situation with my grandpa here. But after a successful surgery and recovery period we got news that this month's scan revealed new fast-growing tumors. Obviously this is a difficult time for our family. We thought the worst was over but now it seems we're gearing up for another fight.
I hate cancer.

This serves as another reminder of how precious life is...and why I joined the NMDP.
Today is a treasure.

***

Picnik's days are numbered. There's no denying it now.
(Weeping. Wailing.)
 I've been on a mission to organize and edit some old photos before the magic disappears forever.

In 2008, we went on a 12 day trip to Italy & Greece.
Yes, it was a dream.

Here are a few of the pics I took...back when I had a camera.
(and yes, I took them all)

Close up of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence

Took this shot of Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo, a hill overlooking the city.

Yea. I know.

The Vatican Museums.

You think you're really going for the Sistine Chapel but you're treated with enchanting corridors like this along the way.

You look up a lot in that place.

Neck exercises and Aleeve recommended.

I took this photo on a water taxi in Venice (which is btw, my second favorite city ever.)

It is a magical, magical place.

***

Happy Good Friday friends!

Enjoy your weekend and remember what it all means.

xoxo

Cookies...and surprises

Blogging is awesome. If you don't know that, you should.
Bloggers are even more awesome.
Scientific fact.

 

Kelly is one of my awesome blog friends. She and her husband-of-the-year Andy and her cute-as-can-be son Weston are going to be a family of four. 
Little Girl is coming soon!

Kelly is unbelievably talented, funny, and sweet so I was thrilled to participate in her virtual baby shower today.

I knew immediately I wanted to whip up a delicious cookie recipe, so I grabbed some eggs and butter and got to work.

***
I pause to share a very important lesson with you.
Much like the important parenting lessons Kelly and Andy will embark upon w/ two little ones (Ha, like I know.)
The point: Ingredient freshness is key. Do not underestimate this baking point.
Yours truly did and the results now lie at the bottom of a trash can.
(FYI - if organic un-salted butter is on sale, check the date. There's probably a reason.)


I didn't bake these amazing cookies but Heather Baird {Sprinkle Bakes} did, and she's way cooler than I am anyway.
Plus, I mean can these be more perfect?
Pink, sparkly, strawberry & milk goodness.
I think not.

Cookies are my favorite.
Always.

Not cake.
Not ice cream.
Not candy.
Not pie.

No.
Give me cookies.


source



Strawberry Milk Whoopie Pies
Recipe via Sprinkle Bakes

Yield: 30-40 whoopie pie shells Make the shells: 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 8 tbsp. white vegetable shortening room temperature 3/4 cup powdered strawberry milk drink mix - such as Nesquick brand. 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 whole egg 1 egg white 1 cup heavy cream 2 tbsp milk 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp white vinegar 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper 3. In a bowl whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder, set aside. 4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine vegetable shortening, strawberry milk powder and brown sugar. Mix until crumbly. 5. Add the egg and egg white, to the mixture and beat well, then add the heavy cream; mix until smooth. 6. In a small condiment cup, combine milk, baking soda and vinegar. Stir well, mixture will foam. 7. Pour baking soda mixture into the batter first and then pour flour mixture in on top. Mix on low speed until thick and combined. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl and mix again until well combined. 8. Transfer mixture to a piping bag or a large zip-top sandwich bag with the corner snipped off. 9. Pipe batter into heaped 2" rounds widely spaced on the baking sheet - about 6 cakes to a pan. 10. Bake for 7-10 minutes. Be careful not to over bake. Cakes are done when they just start to turn golden around the edges. Fill the shells: 3 cups confectioners' sugar 1 cup unsalted butter - softened. 1 tsp. vanilla extract. 1. Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. 2. Beat on low speed until just combined, then whip at high speed until light and fluffy. Note: Sweetened whipped cream is also a very good filling for these pies. Decorate the shells : 2 tbsp. milk Confectioner's sugar Sprinkles 1. Pour milk into a small bowl. 2. Add confectioners' sugar a tablespoon at a time while whisking constantly until thickened to piping consistency. 3. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a plain piping tip. I used Wilton #4. 4. Pour sprinkles on a plate and dip decorated cake top in the sprinkles, brushing the excess away - or sprinkle nonpareils over tops of cakes, letting the excess fall in the plate.

If you wanna see what some of the other bloggers brought to the party then head on over to Skye {neathering our fest} or Erin's {his and hers} blog for the complete list. Thanks again ladies for doing such a great job of putting this together.

Congrats Kelly, Andy, and Weston!
Much love and best wishes for your soon-to-be family of four!!

Three cheers for (other people's) babies.
And cookies. Always cookies. :)








source

Inspiration Monday

I don't drink coffee.
Will you still be my friend?

My caffeine-less form is dragging a bit this morning. I need a little visual jolt.
A little inspiration if you will.

Source: southernliving.com via Faith on Pinterest

This might just be my new favorite way to imbibe. I'm already feeling inspired.

Source: riflepaperco.com via Faith on Pinterest

Beautiful stationary makes me want to cry.
Now if someone could teach me how NOT to ruin such loveliness w/ my hen-scratch.
I'd be ever-so grateful.

Source: surlatable.com via Faith on Pinterest

To the non-baker this may be just a silicone mat...but oh, oh, to me this is a thing of beauty, of possibilities, of the "what could be."

Source: homedecorators.com via Faith on Pinterest

Simple, classic. LOVE.

Source: 9gag.com via Faith on Pinterest

Makes me either want to learn how to use a real camera (not my phone) OR go to the beach.
I'm not sure.

Source: sprinklebakes.com via Faith on Pinterest

I'm obsessed with Sprinkle Bakes.
How beautiful are these simple edible-flower lollis?!

Source: smallshopstudio.com via Faith on Pinterest

I must have mint denim (and blush...note: NOT green and pink...silly designers. that would be too bourgeois.)
I can't handle the louder colors, but these soft hues, oh yes.

Source: sweettoothsweetlife.com via Faith on Pinterest

I really want to crawl back in bed but I'm inspired to get my workout on.
Actually I did this workout the other day (remember broken toe = no cardio) and LOVED it.
My shoulders were burning so good. Just in time for tank-top season.

Happy Monday!

Anyone else having a hard time getting up and going this morning?

What inspires you on days you wake in a funk?

Any non-coffee drinkers out there or am I the only soul on the planet?