2016 in Review

So 2016, just wasn't a good year. Not for me. Not for my family. It may have been, just as bad as 2015. But I'm going to update you. On that craziness, that is 2016. Hoping to leave all that in the past. I'll put at least, three things that happened every month. Some months, will be much more...

January

1. My sweet pup and I, rang in the New Year together. Nice and quiet. Lots of phone calls, poured in...right after midnight.

2. It turned out to be a really tough month. Just my Mom and I, trying to get used to life without my Dad. 10 months after his passing, we really struggled.  

3. My Fun Mail for Kids Project, became a success! Tons of mail going out to the littles. This month, just really pushed things over the edge.

4. I filed paperwork, to return to work. Full time. In 6 months time. I had good intentions. That just didn't pan out.

February

1. I started having really tough talks, with this Guy. We're the best of friends. And truly want the best for one another. But this, was the beginning of the end...of US. Tough...but oh so necessary.

2. I started to notice little things about my Mom. She was more tired. Losing weight. Just not "with it."

3. I really noticed, that I began to look forward to my twice weekly lunch dates. With my Mom. We'd been doing this since August. But in February, I really started to look forward to them. Once in a while, I'd take the pups too. There are so many GREAT Dog Parks nearby. And after we'd eat, we'd take the pups to play.

4. We celebrated my Dad's first birthday in Heaven. IT. WAS. TOUGH!!! My Mom and I decorated his grave, had a mass for him, met with family...and friends. Ate breakfast together. And then, my Mom and I, cooked a HUGE meal for dinner. It was a tough day...

March

1. Our rescue pup, turned 2. And we had her a party. I know! I probably need some kids. But it was a fun day.

2. I turned a year older. No big deal. Or adventures. My Mom and I went to breakfast. And I enjoyed a low-key day. Just chilaxing.

3. We also faced my Dad's one year anniversary. Of his passing. Completely difficult! Just a day, before my birthday. We had a mass for him. A balloon release. And went to have breakfast at his favorite place. But it was a tough day. A beautiful day...but tough day.

4. It was an emotional month. Tough. In every single way, you can imagine. Somehow, we made it to the end.

April

1. My Mom really started to slow down. I knew something was wrong. But I just couldn't put my finger on it. And she refused to go to the doctor. Ugh!

2. We prepared for our 2nd Annual Fundraiser. Craziness all around! I swear, it almost didn't happen. But at the last minute, everything fell into place. And it was a success!

3. We went on a pilgrimage with the women in our family. Spiritually, it was just what we needed. Also, we enjoyed having a grown up sleepover. With some of my favorite ladies. And our little pups. Watching movies, laughing, and snacking.

4. Had another tough conversation with this Guy. On what should have been our anniversary. And knew, we both just needed to walk away. Clean break. Still friends. Wishing the best for each other. All that good stuff.

5. Also on that day, my grandma turned 86. And we helped her celebrate. With a fun dinner, and cake. A few family members, some staff from her nursing home, and some friends. It was all about making memories.

6. I'd also end up in the ER. With back issues. Then spend a few weeks, dealing with side effects from the shots I was given. It was horrible! I felt like I was 90 years old!

May

1. I surprised my Mom, with a little Birthday BBQ. Just us, and our pups. It was a lot of fun!

2. Celebrated a ton of new graduates! My family and friends. It was a BIG deal.

3. My family, including my Mom, headed to Colorado. They had a blast! I stayed home, hanging out with our pups. And dabbling, in going back to work full time. It was a nice break.

4. I campaigned away. For one of our neighbors. It was a blast! Wish I could have spent more time doing it. And I really wish he would have won. But I really enjoyed meeting so many new people.

5. I'd help this guy, pick out a ring. Now that he knew, I couldn't move forward. He was ready to move on. And I was so happy for him. In 2 months, he'd pop the question. By year's end, they'd be married.

June

1. My Mom went to California. With some family...on vacation. 2 weeks on the beach! What a life! Except, she got hurt...while they were out there. This would plague her for months. And lead to some life changing news.

2. I'd start selling at 2 local Growers' Markets. Man, I missed my buddies. Crazy how I only knew them for a short time, and I missed them so much. The laughter picked right up. And I met a cute, new 18 month old buddy!

3. I'd get some much needed time with my friends. Just relaxing. Taking in a concert, some movies, and lots of late night dinners. My bestie for life...and our friends from the hospital.

4. Crap had started with our mail being stolen. We'd had issues after my Dad's passing. But it really became a problem from April-June. Which lead to a whole issue...and having to see the Post Master. And changing our phone numbers, and all that good crap...

July

1. We'd start selling at another Grower's Market. Like 2 just wasn't enough. But honestly, this would quickly become my favorite market. The people were so amazing! I truly can't wait until July, when we return.

2. We were slowly adjusting to being a family of 2. With 2 pups. But we began to separate things. As I was still planning on moving. Boxes would be packed. We'd start to separate our dogs, on outings. We were planning...

3. We'd also spend the 4th of July...quietly, at home. It was like all these celebrations were just too much. And we needed time away from everyone. But it was good for us. And we still managed to enjoy hotdogs and hamburgers.

4. I'd also start a new business adventure. Completely inspired by my pup. And it would keep me quite busy!

5. We'd celebrate our friend's 85th Birthday. Such a blessing to have him in our lives. And to know his family. The entire day, was such a blessing.

August

1. My Mom would return to work. And I'd start slowing down at the Growers' Markets. Rotating which one I'd go to, each week. My Mom was just in so much pain. And so incredibly tired. I needed to be home, to help her out.

2. I'd continue to get things in order. For my move. But had a nagging feeling...that it wasn't going to happen. Sometimes, you just know things. There's no reasoning behind it.

3. It had been 4 months, since our whole mail issue had started. And nothing was resolved. Our mail was still going missing. And I'd also been locked out of certain Google accounts, Facebook, and some other things. Ugh!

 

 

 September

1. The pain was just too much for my Mom. And just after the holiday, we'd end up in the ER. My Mom would be diagnosed with leukemia. Our world would be rocked. And we wouldn't tell anyone...for months.

2. My Mom would not return back to work. She'd stay home. And an entirely new chapter, would begin. It was nuts! And she was in so much pain. All. The. TIME!

3. I'd send in some new FMLA paperwork. And talk to my supervisors. Yes, I'll be out of work for a while. How long? I have no clue.

4. My Mom would begin the important documents...Wills, Power of Attorney, DNR. All the stuff, that comes along with cancer. And I knew, I was exactly where I was meant to be. I would be her caregiver.

October

1. We'd get a second confirmation, that it is leukemia. We'd meet our oncologists. And I'd be drowning in paperwork. Spend hours and hours, on the phone with insurance companies. And spend more time, than you can think...on my knees praying.

2. A new routine would begin. My Mom slept a lot. Our pups and I, learned a new routine. Not much eating was happening. The house, suddenly needed to be cleaned from top to bottom. Because what else could I do with my time?

3. Our Growers' Market Family knew what was going on. And my sister. And my bestie. But no one else. My Mom just wasn't ready to talk about it. It was tough. A hard thing to shoulder. But I would do it, for her. Because she needed it.

4. We prepared for a local Dia de los Muertos Parade. Spent lots of hours, making decorations. Lots of family time. Lots of sewing. And there was getting all those skull crafts made. Oh, and an alter. It was a busy time.

5. On his birthday, this guy would call me. Unsure of his own future. With his soon-to-be bride. I think he was looking for reassurance. Oh, and he wanted to make sure, I hadn't made a mistake. Did I want to try this again? Finally, I spilled the beans. I told him about my Mom. As much as I love him, I love her. And I NEED to be here. Right here. And he totally understood. But I wasn't sure, that he was 100% ready, to move forward. I'd spend a good part, of the next 2 1/2 months, talking him into his nuptials.

6. I'd also postpone a planned fundraiser for our foundation. It was just too much to think about. With my Mom being sick, I just couldn't imagine it.

7. My puppy would turn 1. Yes, there would be a party. Just a small one. Princess Party, for my little Princess. My Mom was not feeling well. But we celebrated that little princess, like she was Princess Charlotte! Wow!

November

1. After a very quiet Halloween, my Mom would be in a crazy amount of pain. We'd end up in the ER. Again. But this time, I'd have to call family for help. And on the way to the ER, my Mom would finally tell her sisters. It was a shocker! From that point on, people slowly started to find out.

2. We'd do that entire Dia de los Muertos event. It was so much fun. But completely exhausting! It almost didn't happen. In less than a week's time, our family would cancel and reschedule it...5 times!

3. Sometime after the event, we'd decide to plan a fundraiser for my Mom. We weren't sure of details. But in less than 4 hours, the entire thing was planned. People were volunteering. The menu was planned. Decorations ordered. Tickets printed. Items donated for a raffle.

4. After the fundraiser was planned, we'd talk to my Mom. And finally, we'd let people know, she has cancer. It was a hard thing to do. And it would lead me, down another new path.

5. We'd plan on spending Thanksgiving at a few people's homes. In the end, we stayed with family. Because my grandma needed us. And the time. Thanksgiving seemed so emotional this year. Like this possibly, could be the last, with all these people. I was emotionally drained, by the time we got home...late that night.

December

1. I was exhausted! By the time December 1st rolled around, we'd done so many Craft Fairs, and shows...that I was just tired. Our stock was down. And I just wanted to rest. So many festivals were inviting us. And I just didn't have time, inventory, or energy. But we still managed 2-3 shows a weekend. It was nuts!

2. Our fundraising efforts were also in full swing. My family was selling tickets, left and right. Boxes of things, started arriving on our doorsteps. It was amazing to see all the love, for my Mom...pour in. We also learned real quick, who was going to be by our sides. Through this new journey.

3. We'd somehow, have a fundraiser. And 2 raffles. During December. It was nuts! Oh, and some online stuff too.

4. We'd also manage to squeeze in some Holiday Cheer. We went to 2 Tree Lightings, had dinner with family and friends a few times, attended our Family's Ornament Party, had lunch with some of my Mom's old students, enjoyed Christmas with friends, decorated my Dad's grave on Christmas Eve, spent a couple of hours with my brother and sister, hung lights, put up a tree, went shopping with family, and I spent some time in the ER again. This stupid back issue!

5. After months and months, my Mom was finally cleared for insurance. Stupid Obamacare. I HATE it! And I'd spend the last week of the year, calling doctors. Trying to set my Mom up, with appointments that she should have had...almost 4 months ago. But I'm hopeful.

It was a crazy year! So much has changed in the last 12 months. And so much, has stayed the same. I'm praying that 2017, is a much better year. That brings blessings. Always my Mom to heal. And get stronger. And also, allow us the time to process our grief. That's been the hardest part of this past year! Goodbye 2016. And all your problems. Hello 2017! And all your blessings. ❤

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! ❤