Fabulous Friday #20: For the LOVE of Polka Dots!

I don't know about you, but I LOVE polka dots. And I mean, I LOVE them! Since I was a small girl. Maybe they remind me of Lucy. And well, she is a favorite of mine too!

But recently, I was going through my closet, changing out my clothes. Do you do that too? Putting away the winter wear. And getting out my summer clothes. My polka dot obsession, is a little out of control. But you know what? They put a smile on my face!

And even if I have a ton of polka dots already, I'm always looking for more. They are just too fun! So here are a few of my new favorites.

This top, is adorable. At $40, it's also a good buy. You could dress this up, or down. Depending on your mood. I would adore wearing this on the weekend, with my favorite jeans. Or pairing it with a pencil skirt or dress pants for work.

And this dress, is so cute! For just under $70, this would be perfect for Spring and Summer. Pair it with a blazer or cardigan, and I can also wear it to work. The fit of this dress, is very flattering as well.

A bit more dramatic, and pricey, is this little number. For $155, this would be cute to wear to a summer, outdoors wedding. Or maybe an outdoor festival. The cut is flattering, for most figures.

If you're not comfortable, with a head to toe, polka dot look...how about this blazer? $23 on eBay! I think this would look just as cute, with a red shirt and jeans. How fun, this piece would be!

For $55, these shoes sing to my heart! They'd be perfect for the weekends. When you just want to be comfy. And also a little stylish.

And I really LOVE these red peep toes. Oh, they are so cute. And add, just the right bit of fun, to my work clothes. No lie. I just ordered a pair. I couldn't resist. At $52, it was just what I needed, to make my day!

While I was at it, I ordered a couple of pairs, of these beauties. How cute! Knee high socks. With polka dots! My love! At $7.50 a pair, it was a good buy. So if you see some crazy lady running, with polka dots socks on, you know it's me. :)

My family knows, all about my polka dot obsession. Everyone always gives me scarves, socks, or other polka dot treasures. My Dad used to laugh at the silliness, that is me and my polka dots. But he also added to the madness. And bought me a few vintage, polka dot dresses.

So there you go. Polka dots, are a fun way to add some whimsy into your wardrobe. They are also classic, and timeless. A polka dot piece, can add fun to a professional wardrobe. And not make you look, like a 5 year old kid. So go try some polka dots. You can always start off small. With a pair of shoes...or even a scarf! ❤

Tasty Tuesday #19: Skillet Cherry Pie

Cherries. Yum! I'm a HUGE fan of cherries. Since I was a baby, my parents have had cherry trees in our backyard. So in early summer, I'd sit next to a tree, and eat straight from the branches. They were ALWAYS the best!

And well, on Sunday we were playing things by ear. My sister wasn't sure, if she would make it to see my Mom or not. Her schedule is jam packed with movie making stuff. And it doesn't always leave, a lot of room for family time.

I'd taken my Mom out to Mother's Day Dinner on Friday. And we'd spent Saturday, planting tons of flowers! We went to Lowe's and bought a ton more. And just hung out, in the backyard. So Sunday, was supposed to be relaxed. After visiting mi Abuelita for a few hours, we headed home.

Since I hadn't heard from my sister. I decided to cook for my Mom. We'd bought a big 'ol ham, earlier in the week. And I decided we'd have ham, mashed potatoes, some veggies, homemade rolls, and salad.

After everything was prepped and cooking, I thought...we need a dessert. But I wanted something fast. And easy. Because it was turning into a movie watching evening. And who wants to do all those dishes? Not me!

So I decided to check out Gooseberry Patch. And their Free Recipe of the Week, was perfection! Skillet Cherry Pie. Oh, and cherry pie...is my Momma's favorite!

Skillet Cherry Pie

Ingredients:
 
1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 9-inch frozen pie crusts, unbaked
15-oz. can tart cherries, drained
21-oz. can cherry pie filling
1/4 c. sugar
1 T. plus 1/8 t. all-purpose flour
1 to 2 T. milk
Garnish: powdered sugar

Directions:   In a cast-iron skillet, melt butter with brown sugar over medium-low heat. Remove from heat. Place one frozen pie crust in skillet on top of butter mixture; set aside. In a bowl, mix cherries and pie filling; spoon into crust. Mix sugar and flour together in a cup; sprinkle evenly over cherry mixture. Place remaining frozen pie crust upside-down on top of cherry mixture. Brush with milk; cut slits in crust to vent. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour, or until bubbly and crust is golden. Cool; sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serves 8.

Remember I said, it was a last minute decision? Well, I didn't have some of the ingredients. So I'll tell you what I did. I made my own pie crust. It really isn't hard. I just pulled out my favorite recipe, and went to town...making a double crust. And I pretty much, followed the rest of the directions.

Until the end. Because in our home, we believe fresh pie needs something special. Like vanilla ice cream. So I skipped the powdered sugar. In favor of a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And it was delish! We ate ours warm. Yum. I might have to go, have another piece right now. :)

But really, it was a nice recipe. That you can honestly, change up to your tastes. We ALWAYS have frozen fruit. It's one of my staples. But the pie filling, we just lucked out on. My Mom was planning on making a pie for work. But you could change up the fruit. Use fresh, and make your own pie filling. Try a mixture of seasonal fruit. It would all be delish!

Also, because I was using homemade pie crusts, I had a little extra dough. So I pulled out my cookie cutters, to cut some fun shapes. It was incredible! An extra 5 minutes, and I had a beautiful pie. You can do the same, with the store bought stuff. Just cut out your shapes, before adding the top crust. Then with water or a beaten egg, you can add those pieces, to a different area of the pie.

But honestly, this was a fun recipe to try. Super quick. And made a delicious pie. My Mom might have texted pictures of her pie...to all her friends. And I might, just have to make a couple, for later this week. When they are all coming over. To celebrate my Mom's birthday! Happy Tuesday! ❤

Crochet Inspiration #19: Crochet Coasters

It's that time of year already! I've been prepping for all the Growers' Markets. And I was trying to remember what I sold last year. The honest truth is, a ton of coasters. How random. I know! But it was something I couldn't keep up with.

So I decided to look around. For some inspiration. And a little fun. I don't know about you, but I get tired, of the same patterns. And I want to make things that sell, and that are fun for me to create. So here goes...some of the items I found...

 

Last Spring, I ran across this picture. I think I spent 3 or 4 days, trying to hunt down the pattern. I never did. But I figured out a pattern. And I made a ton of these coaster sets. These were HUGE at the Growers' Markets.

 



I'd also come across this picture last Summer. And I liked the simplicity of this design. I never found this pattern either. But I figured something out. It wasn't too difficult. But these were a great sale item too!

I just found this picture. And did a little searching, for a pattern. With no luck. But I'm not sweating it. I think I can figure something out. I really think, these would be fun to make.

And these hearts. For real, they are incredibly cute! I found the pattern here. I think these will be super cute! I just bought a bunch of cotton, in such fun colors. I really can't wait, to get started.

I've had these coasters, on my "To-Do List," since Sarah posted the pattern. I know! It's been over 3 years. And I have all the supplies at home. These would be perfect for the Growers' Markets. And the various Summer Festivals, I keep getting calls about. So fun!

These coasters have a more simple design. And I really like that. Again, I couldn't find a pattern. But these look really easy. I'm sure, I can figure something out!

 

My Mom really likes these coasters. Which means, our buyers will like them too. And I'm happy, that there is a pattern. So I'm going to try, and make a couple of sets.

I'm not sure what to say. A lot of our regular buyers, have sent me this picture. I'm not the biggest fan. But they are. So I'll be making a couple of these too.

These are a bit more my style. But honestly, I never use coasters. I don't own any. I've never thought about them. But I like the simplicity, of these coasters. I think they'd be a good design. No pattern to be found. But simple enough, to try.

These owls, caught my Mom's eye. They are adorable. Again, no pattern. Believe me. I searched. And searched. Then searched some more. I think I went down the Pinterest Black Hole...for 2 days. With no luck!

This monkeys, are equally as cute. And fun! Again, no pattern. Pinterest was killing me...for a few days. But I got the idea. And I'm sure, I can come up with something.

And then I thought, I'm going to be at a Growers' Market. Or two. Maybe even three. So I thought sunflowers would be nice. I know, this girl, would love a set! I should try them out.

Like I said before, coasters aren't my thing. Not personally. For this organizing, OCD, cleaning addict...I just can't imagine rings on the table. But coasters? Not my thing. But I'm not stupid. I see the need for and want for them. So I'll be making a few sets. ❤

Fabulous Friday #19: Planting Some Memories

Sunday is Mother's Day. How many of you are panicking? Right at this minute. Thinking, I need to go find my Mom a present. Hey, I've been thinking about it for weeks. You see, my Mom isn't your normal mom. She doesn't like getting boxes of chocolate, Edible Arrangements, flowers, balloons, that sort of thing. In fact, my Dad knew perfectly, how to treat my Mom.

We didn't buy her flower arrangements. No way! We'd buy her potted flowers. Or rose bushes. Something for the yard. My Mom spends a lot of time, crocheting. And sewing. In the winter. But once the weather starts warming up, and there is more daylight in the evening...she is in the yard. Pretty much, from Spring to Fall, my Mom is outside.

Last year, we spent most of the Summer outside. I'm not lying! After my Dad's passing, our friends came and cleaned our yard. And after my Dad's services, we pretty much spent all of our free time, outside. I'd begin with painting all of our outdoors stuff. We'd continue to clean the yard. My Mom would plant. We started a garden. And would eat most of our meals, outdoors.

It stayed that way, all Summer long. I'd get up in the morning, water the grass. Play with our dog. Make breakfast, and take it outside. My Mom would wake up, we'd eat. And then, get our hands dirty. Having a nice yard, is a lot of work! And at the time, it was very therapeutic.

Actually, I've always found yard work therapeutic. When I got my home, I'd spend hours and hours outside. Where my Mom is the Queen of Flowers, I was the Gardening Queen. And last year, our yard, really saw those benefits.

So when I was thinking about a Mother's Day gift, I was thinking of something for the yard. Since we no longer have a business, we have a TON of empty land! And every single time, I'm washing dishes, I'm reminded of it. Our backyard was split into, the Business Side. And the Fun Side. These days, it's more like the Gorgeous and Green side...and all that dirt.

My Mom had always remarked, about the Flower Gardens that I'd planted at my home. About 3 years, into living in my home, I bought these big Flower Garden packages. They come with all these bare roots, and bulbs. I planted them...some according to the enclosed diagrams...and others by my own taste.

I figured, that is what I'd get my Mom. Almost 4 months ago, I ordered this set. Because my Mom adores hummingbirds. She has about 6 feeders, in the backyard. And we get nearly 100 hummingbirds a year! So I placed the order. And it arrived yesterday. :)

I'll be doing a lot of planting today and tomorrow. And no, I'm not "out of the woods," to speak. I'm still heading out, and in need of some gifts. My Mom's birthday is on Thursday. And I wanted to get her a sentimental gift, for Mother's Day.

But if you are interested in something similar, let me help you out a bit. The set I ordered for my Mom was $130. It's meant for full sun. All the plants are small. Or bareroots. But they are all ready for planting.

I on the other hand, was looking for shade plants. When I ordered mine, years ago. Trying to replace the dying grass, under my gigantic pecan trees. They no longer have the set I ordered. But this one is interesting. At $160.

This set of ferns and hostas, would be amazing! Especially at $120. Could you imagine, how pretty your yard could look? When they are fully grown, it would be gorgeous. And from experience, I know these bad boys continue growing. Every year. Bigger and more beautiful! They are perfect for the shaded parts of your yard!

If you are more interested in the edibles, here is a perfect collection. For $35. It would be a nice little gift, for your Mom or Grandma. I know a few friends, who wouldn't mind getting this from their hubbys. Honestly, it is nice to go outside, and pick fresh veggies.

And if veggies seem like too much work, an herb garden would be perfect! For $32 you get just enough freshness, to add to your garden. And cooking!

Honestly, it doesn't have to be anything super crazy. Or HUGE. You can go to your local nursery, or super store, and pick up a couple of plants. Or flowers. And go make some memories with your mom. I know my Mom, appreciates things like this, much more than a bouquet of roses.

It's crazy how we can go out into the yard, and she'll tell me stories. About the trees my Dad and her planted, when I was just a baby. About the rose bushes, he gave her over the years. And the tons of flowers, we planted together. Try a new tradition this year. And see where it takes you! ❤

Wishful Wednesday #18: Laundry Rooms

As crazy as this sounds, I dream about Laundry Rooms. Probably because, one of my favorite household chores, is doing laundry. I like the way the laundry soap smells. I enjoy fluffing and folding. I adore organizing. Color coding, is a must! Getting things clean, just makes me feel better.

 

I once, held up a building site, because I wasn't happy with the laundry room. No lie! You can ask, this guy. He thought I was nuts! But if we were going to do it. It was going to happen the right way. And so, I made sure, all our needs were met.

 

These days, I just want a pretty space, to do laundry. I'm living with my Momma. Who knows, for how long. She still needs me. And my life, is apparently, still on hold. For who knows, how long. And I have this need, to nest. And make things perfect. And pretty.

 

All of a sudden, our laundry room, is super tiny. Well, it's always has been. But lately, it feels worse! And I need a pretty space. Something that is organized. And light. Something, that makes me smile.

 

Which is not our current situation. Currently, I want to run away. Every single time, I look in there, it depresses me. And although most of the pictures I'm going to show you, are a far cry...from what I can achieve. I can still dream. You know, in case I decide to make the permanent move...back to my hometown...

 

First of all, I adore the storage, under the counter. Because honestly, it's like sorting your laundry daily. And it's out of site. I also like this counter space. Perfect for folding!

I've ALWAYS wanted a sink, in the laundry room. Do you know how many clothes, I hand wash. And the bathroom sink, just isn't the place to do it. I want a sink...

I LOVE this light and airy feel! Oh, it would be amazing! We have one small window. Around noon, we get the most light. But I do like, the counter again. More...the space underneath. Those bins pull out, and it's another way to sort and store dirty laundry.

Wouldn't this be perfect? An indoor hanging area. For all those items that need to be hung to dry. Come on, my family can't be the only one...that still hangs clothes. Either they freeze in the winter. Or smell like smoke, because one of our neighbors, is burning weeds outside.

Oh, and I adore the open shelving. It would be perfect, to store toilet paper, paper towels, and the likes. Currently, I try and hide everything in a closet. Or a cabinet. I like this idea.

And to have a place, to hang everything up. Perfection! I once had a Mud Room. And a Laundry Room. It was the life! I liked having a place, to hang my gym bag. Or kick off my shoes. It made, the rest of the house work. I miss that!

My Mom and I, have been talking about shelves like this. For over a year now. Her Laundry Room, is about this size. Maybe a foot wider. And it's a square shaped room. But it's a small laundry room. And it needs to be more functional. I hate having to chase pups in there. Only to run into bottles of laundry soap...

This whole system looks AMAZING! I really adore it. A place for everything. And most of the items, are well hidden in some sort of basket. Bonus, that there's room for cleaning supplies. Currently, ours are stored in the hot water heater closet. Not the best!

This would be the dream. Am I the only weirdo that likes to do laundry? I mean really, it's more like LOVE!!! Just a few short years ago...a certain Mr. would find me in the Laundry Room. All the time! We had a rather large Laundry Room. With a comfy couch. It was my hangout. Fresh, light, and so inviting!

And really, I can't say anything bad...about this space! I like the décor, the layout, and the storage. It just looks so functional. My little sink and all! Really, this inspires me, to throw everything out of my Mom's Laundry Room. And start all over...

I also adore this idea. A nice table. Functional cabinets. To store all those large pieces...that we don't use all the time. You know the ones. When you are entertaining. That is also a big problem for us. Too many large pots, serving platters, and the such. I guess that's just part of being from a large family. But this would be a nice solution.

So many great ideas. Honestly, it makes me want to start all over. In my Mom's house. She is in major need of storage. And functionality. And just making the space, look pretty. It's been a while folks. We still have walkers, shower bars, and other items that we needed for my Dad...all over the house. Tucked between the washer and dryer. Hidden behind the couch. It's time, to make the space for my Mom...

Oh, and this picture. It takes my heart. I adore that chandelier. It wasn't long ago, that my Dad and I, were hanging one in my Laundry Room. Back home. You see, he bought me a chandelier for my Dining Room. Later on, I'd find a more perfect version...and we'd move the other one...to the Laundry Room. Because no girl, can have too many chandeliers. At least in my book.

I think a Laundry Room should be functional. And beautiful. And a place, that you are happy to walk into. That's probably why, I don't mind doing household chores. I try and make all the spaces, beautiful. It puts a smile on your face. It doesn't have to be fancy. Maybe a fun color of paint. One wall, with a fun detail. A cute light fixture. Something. Anything at all. Remember, you only live once! ❤

Tasty Tuesday #18: Grilled Salmon Salad

I don't know about you, but I LOVE to eat salmon. Really, any type of seafood. I'm silly like that. When I first moved away, for college, I learned about a whole new way to eat. Fresh seafood, lots of fruits, and tons of veggies. It really changed my life.

Over the last few years, I've sorted lost my ways. In lots and lots of situations. But mostly the food. My Dad was really stuck in his ways. Had what he liked to eat. And pretty much stuck to it. My Mom is a little more adventurous. But really, not much.

But recently, I've been craving that more simple style of eating. Fresh, clean, and simple. I've been searching out more and more recipes. Experimenting more, in the kitchen. And let's face it, the warmer weather, makes me want to eat lighter.

So when I saw this week's Gooseberry Patch Recipe of the Week, I was so excited! Did I mention, I'm trying to shed a few pounds? I'll get more into that later. But honestly, this recipe sounds so yummy! Something I can eat, a few times a week. With maybe a few tweaks...

GRILLED SALMON SALAD

Ingredients:

10 to 12 oz. salmon fillet 1/2 c. lime juice pepper to taste 4 c. spinach, torn 1 c. sweetened dried cranberries 1 c. crumbled blue cheese 1 c. sugared walnuts 1 tomato, sliced vinaigrette or blue cheese , salad dressing to taste.   Directions: Dip salmon in lime juice on both sides; sprinkle with pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until fish flakes easily. Divide remaining ingredients except salad dressing among salad plates. Slice salmon; place over salads. Drizzle with desired amount of salad dressing. Serves 2.

 


So I made this on Sunday. The weather around here, was horrible. It felt more like snow, than Spring. My Mom and I, actually went to the Growers' Markets. Both on Saturday, and on Sunday. So I had tons of fresh produce to play with.

Let me start off with saying this, get to know your fish guy. All grocery stores, and meat markets have them. When I spotted this recipe on Sunday, I called my favorite butcher. And asked for some fresh salmon. I usually order 4 fillets a week. So they had some on hand.

Next, I'm super lucky. In terms, that there is so much fresh produce out there. Right now! I bought a couple of bags of fresh baby spinach. And a couple of bags of mixed greens. So my salad, had a mixture of the two. I also used some fresh blue cheese. But opted to go with roasted walnuts. And about 1/2 cup of dried cherries. I was also lucky enough, to find some gorgeous heirloom tomatoes.

In terms of salad dressing, I opted to go a cleaner route. I squeezed a lime onto the greens and tomatoes. And sprinkled with a little S&P. Simple. It's the way I like to eat salads. I'm not much of a fan, of salad dressing.

There you go. Oh, and I let my salmon sit in the lime juice, for about 10 minutes. Then I added the S&P. And baked it in the oven. It was a cold day. And it just sounded like the thing to do. I baked it, on a cookie sheet, at 350*F. Covered with foil. For about 12-15 minutes.

It was super yummy! My Mom actually really enjoys salmon. Probably because I make it a lot. She told me, she expected this salad, at least once a week! It was a delicious meal! Even if it was only 43*F outside. It was yummy! But I can see this being a regular dinner, come the warmer months.

Also, don't be afraid to experiment a bit. Try a different green, cheese, or tomato. There is so much fun, and delicious food out there. I do this a lot with my Mom. I use a recipe that she enjoys, and change up an ingredient or two. It helps you be a little more adventurous in your eating. And you get to learn so much, about your food! Happy Tuesday! ❤

Crochet Inspiration #18: Dragonfly Blanket

There is an endless flow of babies...in our family. And among my friends. There is no need, for me to have any. My family does a GREAT job, of multiplying. My friends, have the cutest kiddos. And with all these babies, comes lots and lots of Baby Showers. And presents. And new things to create.

And sometimes, you just get bored, with the same old patterns. So lots of times, when I'm pulling up patient records...I'm also browsing Pinterest for some inspiration. Or a new pattern to try out.

 

Recently, I found this blanket. And fell in love, with the design! The link, takes you to the blog, of the crocheter. Not the pattern. After some digging, I found that pattern. I may or may not...have already started one of these blankets...

And while I was digging around this blog, I might have come across this little guy. And it was love at first sight! The designer of this guy, can be found here.

 

Although this little fellow, is labeled a misfit, I like him. He's just quirky. And would make a perfect gift, for my owl loving Momma. Or a new baby girl, who is on her way.

So many fun things! The Dragonfly Blanket, might just be a new favorite of mine. Like I said. I might have started one...or already finished three! Right at this moment, I am starting another. And will probably have it at my side, all day long!

You see, my pups are going to be at the vet today. It's time to get them spayed. And I will be a total wreck! So I might get another one of these cute blankets, finished. What else, can a Puppy Momma do? ❤

Music Monday #18: Thy Will

I heard this song, a week or two ago. And it just made me think. I sat at the top of the hill, early in the morning. Watching the sunrise. And just listened. There was something about this song, that just called to me. The music. The lyrics. Hillary's voice.

The last few years, have been something else. At times, just unbearable. And at other times, I've felt so raw. So exposed. This song, just reminds me...of how vulnerable we can be. And how we can carry all of this with us.

But through it all, no matter what...we MUST trust in God. He will carry us, through it all. The pain, the hurt, the loneliness. I know, the tough days, are not all behind me. But there are some truly AMAZING days, in front of me. And I need to remember, to trust in God.


As hard as life can be, we can't lose our faith. Our paths, are difficult at times. And at times, I HATE so much about life. But life, is truly a miracle. Because of our Lord. And his love for us.

I pray every single day. For my family. And my friends. For myself. Lately, it's been a lot for myself. And my struggles. I get on my knees, and pray. That I can hear, see, and feel God's plans for me. That he has a plan for me. Maybe it will include a husband, children, and love. Maybe it includes more pain and hurt.

Whatever it is, he will walk along side me. And when it becomes too much to bare, he will carry me. I know this, first hand. Because I know, it was God that has gotten me through the last 6 years. On the toughest days, I turned to God. And asked for his help, his love, and his compassion. For myself. My Dad. My family. My friends. And my enemies.

I am so amazed by God and his love for me. We are so very blessed. Even on the worst of days, we have the most amazing love...that we could ever ask for! God will guide us. And help us, through the darkest of days. I know this. And this song, is just a reminder, of all the love...that God has for us. ❤