Friday, March 27, 2015

Five on Friday: 3.27.14

one \\ So this happened on Tuesday.  And I love it!!  It's probably a smidge more pink that I would have initially wanted but I am pleased with it!  I have been wanting to do a wild color for a long while now.  The last time I got my hair colored I did it a bold red.  I figured since Spring is here, a fun springy color was on the docket!  
two \\ I joined the band wagon and read Big Little Lies last week.  I can see why people really like it and Liane Moriarty!  It was a delicious balance of comedy and suspense.  A creative way of character development and story line progression.  I enjoyed reading it and have just started Three Wishes.  Four chapters in and I am already engrossed!  
three \\ We have had quite a few days that actually feel like spring!  One afternoon this week Winston decided that Elmo need a bath with the hose.  And so, Elmo got soaked.  Lulu was in heaven because she loves anything to do with water!  Somewhere along the way Winston said, "I squirt you, Mommy!" and then my pants were drenched.  We all ended up dripping wet, as should happen when it's a beautiful sunny day and the hose is out!!  Don't turn the hose on if you're not prepared to get wet! 


four \\ I posted a few videos that caught my attention this week!  

five \\ I am looking forward to this weekend because (a) it's the weekend (b) we have some fun things planned including our first trip to the Rice Village Flea Market and (c) our sweet niece's dedication!  And hanging out with these cuties always makes a weekend wonderful!

Can you believe that Easter is just a little over a week away?!  Do you have any family traditions for this holiday?  I need to get some eggs so that we can have fun dying them!

Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope that you are able to take a couple minutes for your self to either read, craft or have a dance break!  


Linking up today with 5 on Friday: DarciAprilChristina + Natasha | Oh Hey, Friday: September Farm + The Farmer's Wife


THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Videos Around the Webs

I came across both of these videos this week.  They both made me smile and I thought since it's Thursday you might need a smile too!

Tom Hanks and James Cordon: Carrer in 8 minutes
Have you seen this delightful video of Tom Hanks and James Cordon acting out scenes from Tom Hanks' movies?  I just love Tom Hanks!

Dancing in the Movies Mashup
Firstly, I can't help but tap my feet, do a shoulder shimmy, and bop my entire body to the beat of Walk the Moon's Shut Up and Dance.  Secondly, this makes me want to hole myself up in my house and watch all of my dancing, romcom movies for days in a row because it makes me so happy!

Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you are
I first heard about this on Grey's Anatomy.  Dr. Amelia Shepard is about to take on a crazy surgery and she references this TED talk on power posing.  I found the talk, listened to it and found myself nodding and agreeing with her on numerous things.  I found myself thinking of meetings I had been in, co-workers I have had and even my own bosses.  I am a believer in the thought that how you think can affect your body so why not the other way around?!  Makes sense to me!  This talk was intriguing to my nerdy social sciences self and I just had to share it!  

What have you seen lately that made you laugh, get your groove on or give you something to think about?

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Show and Tell: Most Embarrassing Moment


Today's prompt for Show and Tell with Andrea at Momfessionals is Most Embarrassing Moment.  I told Benjamin that I was struggling with this prompt.  I know that I have had plenty of embarrassing moments, the problem is I just don't really remember any of them!  I am one of those people that don't embarrass too easily.  I've fallen up stairs, walked around with spills from lunch on my dress, tripped and walked out of my shoes numerous times!  I know that I have probably done and said ill-timed things causing awkward moments.  I am fully aware of my crazy and my awkward.  For better or worse I am confident in it!  So intend of tell a story, I will just share a picture that I came across while doing a little organizing.

There once was a time when I was in a sweet band with my Grammy and brother.  Grammy on the keys, Noah on vocals and I rocked the recorder like no other.  This was at the very start of my thriving recorder playing career!  Fun fact: I still have my recorder and when I come across it I often play a few songs just to prove that I still got it!  

Monday, March 16, 2015

Meal Planning in Reverse.8

I took a weeks break from Meal Planning mostly because we were under the weather the entire week and it was pretty much a "what's in the house to make" sorta week!  We are back this week with some new tries and some old favorites!

Monday
Chili Pasta Bake and a side of veggies
{I decided to use black beans in our dish and also nixed the paprika and used some taco seasonings.  It turned out to have more of a taco feel than a chili feel which was okay with my guys!  Delicious and definitely a keeper!} 

Tuesday
Smothered Chicken and Cheesy Potato Casserole with veggies
{This recipe calls for three rows of sliced potatoes.  I only did two rows and we all thought that it was plenty with that!  I would not recommend this if you are lactose intolerant but if you love cheese + chicken + potatoes, you need to try this out!  It was almost my first time to purchase cheese soup....who else knew that existed?!}

Wednesday
Pizza pork chops, rice and zucchini

Thursday
Mall food court: Chick-fil-a for the boys and Wendy's for me.

Friday
Leftovers Night!

Saturday
Benjamin and I: Wedding of The Season

Sunday
Lunch: PF Chang's
Dinner: Cereal for all!

We had a busy Saturday but a great Saturday and Sunday was right on par with a good start to the week.  We hope that you feel rested and are ready to tackle another week!

Friday, March 13, 2015

Five on Friday: 3.12.15

one \\ Winston was able to go back to school this week!  He was set on carrying his own backpack into school each morning.  And wearing his mittens.  According to him, "Wear mittens keep me warm!"  I just love how he gets these little ideas.  And of course I am happy to make sure that I can do what I can to make sure he has mittens.  To keep him warm of course!
two \\ This is currently one of our favorite night time books.  I love this book for a few reasons.  One being that Winston means joyful stone and this book was a gift from my parents on the day he was born.  Secondly, the book is made up rocks that look like letters of the alphabet and coordinating words!  Winston loves anything to do with rocks right now and this book is no exception.  It is sweet to hear his little voice "read" along each night.  
three \\  I shared about our version of getting ready for Go Texan Day, a day that kicks off the Houston Rodeo season!
four \\  Our weekend is a little more scheduled with a trip to the saw mill, book club, family visits, friends in for lunch, attending what we call "the wedding of the season" and church meetings.  While I am glad that we can fit so much in, I love that on Friday night we have nothing planned which means a fun, family movie night with Winston and once he is in bed Benjamin and I can watch the newest Blacklist and Nashville episodes!  Anyone else sucked into those shows and their story lines?
five \\  How cute are these inflatables from Shop the Manor?  There are three different animals: duck, swan and flamingo.  Winston informed me that he likes the ducky and I like the 'mingo.  Wouldn't they make the cutest beach props for a family photo shoot?  Which one would you get?  

Linking up today with 5 on Friday: DarciAprilChristina + Natasha | Oh Hey, Friday: September Farm + The Farmer's Wife


THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Go Texan Day!

It's Rodeo time here in Houston.  Which translates to the first Friday of Rodeo season being Go Texan Day!  Most everyone around here dresses up in their best western get-ups and goes proudly about their day.  You see folks dressed up in their fancy pearl snap shirts, best Wranglers and their favorite books.  There are large buckles, the occasional bolo tie and hats.  Lots and lots of cowboy hats.

Our family is quite the anomaly.  The only person who even owns cowboy boots is Winston and he grew out of them so he couldn't even wear them on Go Texan Day!  Three days before Go Texan Day, Benjamin purchased a pearl snap shirt off of Amazon since the office dresses up for it most every year!  

Winston's school brought in a petting zoo in conjunction with Go Texan Day.  The day was super cold but it did not dampen the excitement of the kiddos in his class!  Not a single one of them was frightened of the animals.  They all enjoyed chasing them into a corner so that they could pet or brush them.
I promise there is a western shirt beneath that jacket!  
After hanging out with the kiddos, I had lunch with Benjamin and the girls from the office.  They were all dressed in their support of Go Texan Day as well!
It is a rare occasion that Benjamin and I get pictures taken together but on this day, we made it happen.  I mean, how could I pass up the chance to get a picture with my man in pearl snaps?
And that's it folks.  That is about as Texan as we get.  Well, dressed that is.  Benjamin was born in this great state and lived here most of his life {sans a few years he was in Atlanta}.  It wasn't until I was four that we moved in Houston, but it has been home for most of my life after that {sans a few years we lived overseas}.  Our son was born here and so was our fur baby.  The state of Texas and the city of Houston have treated us well.  We both graduated high school here. I went to college in Houston and Benjamin in multiple Texas cities.  We are grateful that we get to be in such a great area!      We will more than likely live here for most of the remainder of our days.  A long time ago I was not okay with that.  Years ago I always thought after I graduated college I would be off to live my adventure in a different place.  But now.  Now I know that this is where I am supposed to be and my heart is content with that!

Happy Rodeo Season Houston!

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Happy Birthday Na-No!

Today is my brother's birthday.  I can remember quite a few events around this special day twenty eight years ago.  We lived in New Jersey.  My Grandma Von and Pappy Jim had come to visit.  I went to the hospital and took a class on how to be a big sister that involved learning how to give a baby doll a bath.  I got a button.  I got a Barbie.  I got my Puffy.  I got a brother.  

Noah.  Other than my parents, he has been the other constant human in my life.  We have been on great adventures.  We have shared bathrooms.  We have lived just a little piece of carpet away from each other for years.  He stood for me at my wedding because he has seen me at my best and my worst.  
I love him with the fierce love of a sister who is overwhelmingly proud of her little brother.  This year Noah became a Father.  And he is killing it!  He serves his family faithfully each day by working so that Salem can stay at home with Sweet P.  He just adores both of his girls and you can see it in the way he looks at them.  
He is a fantastic uncle with Winston and a great friend to Benjamin.  He loves his family and his friends with a big heart.  I see him doing "adult" things like taking care of his yard, growing a little garden, leading his family by being active in their church.
He is a businessman.  Working during the day, wheeling and dealing.  Making that green cizash.  But he is still the same goofy, fun loving, cheeky spirit that I know and love.  I think I'd be disappointed if some year we didn't have at least one picture of Noah making a crazy face while we try to get a Christmas card photo for the parents!  
Winston calls him Na-No and it just fits.  He is my friend, he is my personal comedian, he is my brother.  I can't imagine life without him.  Happy Birthday, Noah!!  We love you!

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. 
Proverbs 16:20

Friday, March 6, 2015

Five on Friday: 3.06.15

one \\ This week The Sickness has plagued our house.  All of us, including the dog, have been fighting off the crud.  Little stayed home from church and school all of this week.  We hunkered down inside really only going outside to let Lulu potty.  Mainly cause we were sick but also because Houston has been experiencing some crazy weather {I'm looking at you 80 degree Wednesday to 35 degree Thursday!}.  I have washed towels and sheets almost every day.  I think we have gone through about 4 boxes of tissues and two bottles of Nyquil.  Man, I love Nyquil.  We have a very low key weekend {read: no plans} and are hoping to get lots of rest so that we are ready to take on the next week!
two \\ Tuesday was National Pankcake Day!  My husband loves pancakes.  I would say that they are his favorite breakfast food.  Maybe, maybe even his favorite food!  He has a very precise way in which he eats his pancakes and loves them drenched in Aunt Jemima's Butter Lite Syrup.  He is a pancake purist.  No chocolate chips in his pancakes.  Which is okay, that just leaves more for Baby and me!  
three \\ I shared our Craft Room on Momfessionals Show and Tell this week.  What other link ups do you participate in? 

four \\  I am super excited to set up my new planner!!  I was the winner of a giveaway from My Pinwheel Paper and Inkwell Press.  I chose the flexible layout which leaves the day by day breakdown more open for notes {and doodles!}.  I am itching to get all of my fun colored pens out and start filling it up!

five \\ We made rainbows!  Well... at least the first one turned out looking like a rainbow.  The second one {the top one} I call "Rainbow Deconstructed."  As Winston was gluing cotton balls onto the second one like a madman it hit me, no matter if my life is in a moment of chaos or turmoil, of happiness and joy, of near perfection in walking with Him, or a period of searching God's promises are always there and can always be relied on.  

Friends, I wish each of you a wonderful weekend with the hopes of warmer Spring weather around the corner!  I don't know about you but I am ready for some flowers and sunshine!

Linking up today with 5 on Friday: DarciAprilChristina + Natasha | Oh Hey, Friday: September Farm + The Farmer's Wife


THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Goals Recap: February 2015

Where the heck did February go?!  It hit me a few nights ago when hubby and I were calling truce on Pinch Punch because we were both under the weather that a new month was only one sleep away!  Here we go on the recap:

Social
Went to dinner with another couple
Emceed Valentine's Day Newly Wed Game

Benjamin & Me
We had a date lunch on a Tuesday to Chuy's!
Family
Took Valentine's Day pictures
Went to see the Beatles statues and the gorilla art around town.
Winston
February crafts including lots of stickers and painting!

House Projects
Framed the master bathroom mirror

Personal
Started doing stretches in the mornings
Started taking vitamins.  Gummy ones of course!  
Created a new calendar with birthdays and anniversaries for all sides of the family!  Each Christmas we give calendars to our grandparents and parents.  For years I have had a wonky paper system of making sure every person was included.  After last year {and the plethora of babies that were born on my side of the family!} I decided enough is enough.  We have technology for this sort of thing!  And so, a new calendar was created.  I know that it will make the entire calendar process simpler this year!

There were a few things that didn't get done like: Take Winston to buy flowers to plant in his flower box.  But that's mainly because the weather has been nasty.  Now that March is here and Spring is on its way, we will get that one knocked out!  

Anything special on your to do list for March?  Anything you are super proud that you completed in February?  Anyone else's mind blown that a quarter of the year is almost gone?!  

See how I've been doing this year:

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Show and Tell Tuesday: Favorite Room in the House

I came across Momfessionals Show and Tell Tuesdays.  I have missed the first ones of the year but thought today would be a good time to jump in!  

Today's Show and Tell is Favorite Room in the House.  As I sit down to think about which room is my favorite, I find myself debating over this room or that.  However today I have chosen to share our craft room.  I picked this room because of the fun that I have there and the memories that are being created there!  When we built the house we chose to add this room to the floor plan.  We had accumulated quite a bit of crafting things over the years and we wanted a place where Winston and I could be creative together.  It's a long room with three windows giving it a lot of natural light.

This room is special to me because it is where Winston knows he can color, paint, play with Play-Doh and stickers, glue, imagine and create almost anything.  Last Christmas we did every single one of our Truth in the Tinsel lessons in the room.  We are doing our Lent projects in this room.  He is not only learning how to express himself through creativity but he is learning that God loves him here.  My heart loves to hear him yell, "Craft room!" as he takes off running into this space that is ours.

While the house was being built, we created a Pinterest board for the new house and started pinning like crazy!  One of the pins was a dot wall created by Oh Happy Day.  We knew that the craft room would be the perfect place for a wall like this!

Last summer we decided it was time to tackle this project.  Benjamin helped me create the dot grid and create the dot outlines.  Then the painting was left to me!
Painting the dots was the perfect activity for me to do during nap times.  It took me about 20 minutes a color.  I used a rounded brush, lots of colors and two stepping stools.  It was fun and satisfying to see the wall come together color by color!  You can read all about how we created our dot wall.
We purchased this desk for Benjamin when he was in Dental school.  It is long and wide perfect for almost any project.  In this house we have a study so it was only fitting that it found its place in our craft room!  It holds my Silhouette, our pom-poms jars and all projects that we are in the middle of working on!
My desk is not normally this clean.  In fact, most days it looks something like this...
I try to clean it off at the end of every weekend.  It helps having everything in its place at the start of the week so that we can continue to create without too much hassle of looking for this or that.

The wall just opposite of the dot wall is completely covered in cork.  We wanted a spot where Winston could display his works of art and little creations.  During one of our dreaming sessions, Benjamin said, "We could make the entire wall cork!"  And so we did!  I will tell you it took four adults and one little person to adhere the cork to the wall.  We ordered a bulk roll of cork and the glue we used is the same adhesive to lay hardwood floors.  So... there is no way that stuff is coming down.  And I'm okay with that!  
Winston enjoys making, stamping, gluing, or painting artwork to put on our board.  He will come home from school and depending what it is he has made for craft he will tell me, "On the wall!"  Up we go, we get a push pin and either he hangs it himself or points to where he wants it to stay.  We have rotated quite a bit of our artwork around to make spots for new creations.  However, he is very particular about what stays and goes!
All of our craft supplies are housed in some Elfa shelving units we purchased years ago.  Elfa never goes out of style and can always be used! We have everything from paints to pipe cleaners to sticky foam to stamps to wrapping paper accessories to blank canvases waiting to become something unique!
Winston and I made the pom-pom letters together!  I picked a font, hubby cut them out of foam board, I spray painted them yellow and then together Winston and I glued the pom-pons on.  It was a quick and easy way to add some color to the wall.

Across from the Elfa shelving is Winston's very own desk.  We had seen the super cute drawing desk at Container Store and thought it would be perfect for him to call his own.  Then we remembered we had two small shelving units and with the purchase of some roller racks and wood we could could make our own for a fraction of the cost!
We allow Winston to keep whatever he would like in the drawers.  Currently there are tons of stickers, construction paper, markers, letter stamps and crayons.  It's a perfect space for him to create or to play with Play-Doh or even the trains make it in here every once in a while! 
I love this room because of the special times that Winston and I have together in there.  Benjamin gets in on the crafty action too from time to time, but it mostly is our little space.  We have so much fun getting messy, painting our hands, laughing and learning together.   I cherish the time we spend in there and look forward to seeing what other projects we do together as the years go by!

What is your favorite room in your house?  I'd love to know!

For other little sneak peaks around the house:

Back to Top