A Few Things....Lately

Hellooooooooooooooooo!  I finally found my voice again after so many months absent.  I hope each and every one of you are doing well and enjoying Summer?  It's been a whirlwind here and no need to bore you with a recap.  Let's just assume life here around my neck of the woods is fun and hectic at the same time.  I find myself these days waking later than school days, working out, spending time with family, driving kiddoes to practice, tournaments, camps, friends', etc., etc.  I have enjoyed a collection of things over the last couple of weeks and thought I would share them with you, a sort of visual recap if you will.  I in no way received any financial compensation for the following.  My opinion reigns supreme here, yet I wanted to share with you as I think you might like a few of these.  I read a very cool post yesterday that speaks to linking back to brands....here. Suzanne is spot on here!

Hydrangeas on their last legs..er, petals!

New favorite tinted moisturizer, 2 great oil fragrances and the companies give back too(win, win), long lasting eyeshadow for those steamy, Southern days and nights.

New favorite t'shirt from my Sissy, thrift store clutch, new rainboots(would Mary Poppins wear these?), handmade earrings.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your Summer and I hope to join you here again soon! 

Happy Canada Day to all of my Canadian friends and Happy Fourth of July!!

From my heart to yours...

Lovely ladies and gentlemen, all the best to you and yours this weekend!!

http://weheartit.com/entry/101426483

1 Corinthians 13

The Message (MSG)

The Way of Love

13 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.

2 If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.
3-7 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end......

Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Free Style

Do you ever just flat out score a deal for.....FREE??  I mean totally, absolutely free?  I recently was driving my Soccer carpool and decided to drop by a thrift store while the girls were at practice.  Uptown Cheapskate has been in our community for a couple of years and I originally thought they were a little pricey for "traded" or "exchanged" goods.  On this particular morning I decided to give it a go again to see what I might find.  

I tried on a few dresses that I like but once I saw the Dry Clean Only tags I decided to leave them behind.  The item has to really be special for me to take on Dry cleaning.  I factor this in when I am thrifting because it could possibly add up to paying full retail if it's worn frequently.  As I was about to leave the store I noticed a beautiful resin bangle that will be perfect for Maxis in the Spring and Summer months!!  I quickly remembered that I had a credit and I produced it from my wallet and what do you think happened?  Yep, the total I paid was $0!!

 The moral to this story???  It pays to keep checking your favorite thrift and resale shops because you never know what lies in store(really)for you on any given day.  I always keep any discounts, credits or coupons(Goodwill) in my wallet for those spontaneous stops.  When you donate to Goodwill you get a 10% coupon to use toward purchasing.  You can also earn points every time you shop.  It pays to be prepared and to shop resale!!

How about you?

 What have you scored for free or nearly free lately?

Date night: Dream Outfit

As I was putting this post together I realized that I never wear dresses when going out?  I know, shocking huh?  I guess I vaguely remember wearing them in the Spring and Summer months when it's so easy to style a Maxi and have the time of your life.  Yet, during the unpredictable freezing, rainy months you can catch me in layers and boots.  Although my last post would suggest that I have a new favorite dress that can be worn layered with boots!! Hoo-ray!! 

 When I put this set together I thought about how I would love to dress on date night, but don't.  We are in a stage of our lives where date night does not call for a sassy LBD or laser cut heels.  I could totally wear all of these items with a blazer and a great pair of Boyfriend jeans and call it a day/night.  I wanted to push myself out on a limb and dream a bit.  I also kept every thing black, but added a strong red lip!  Again, I am reaching a bit as I would probably never wear all black or a bold red lipstick/gloss.

  Happy Weekend to you all.

  I am linking up with Alison and Lulu today.

Date Night by classicfunk featuring a lip gloss

Orla Kiely dress
$565 - orlakiely.com

Black sandals
$62 - target.com.au

Precis Petite black purse
$80 - debenhams.com

Talbots heart earrings
talbots.com

ALDO ring
aldoshoes.com

Laura Geller lip gloss
beauty.com

Treats

My little Blue Morph/Blimp Man

I am not much of a Halloween fan, but will join in on the fun.  I was going to dress up like one of our all time childhood favorites, Mr. Rogers, but things did not quite work out.  Oh well, I settled for a jewel thief that could not contain herself or her loot!!  I might have to don my Mr. Rogers look another time for you all.  Don't worry about me following through, just stay tuned. 

I got a little "stressed"  as I had to scramble to get ready for the little pumpkins to stop by.  Our neighborhood has been deemed  the "place" to be and things get started around 5.  So when I was still working on my pasta sauce, the bell rang!! What??  The bagpiped parade of costumes is over already? Yes,  you read correctly.  My neighbor is a graduate of the military college here and every year he leads our procession of costumed cuties around the neighborhood by bagpipes!!  He is truly amazing and is always a hit!!  The parade seemed to end early this year since we did not attend. I thought I had more time to finish dinner, dress and help my kids get ready??  My husband was on his way in from a business trip and I was going it alone for the moment.  I quickly gave out candy to this sweet little fairy and ran back in to complete dinner, etc.  I wanted my kids to have a hearty meal to help absorb all the candy they would eat throughout the night. 

 Everyone was dressed and ready to go and of course I did not get a group photo??  What?  How did this happen??  Well, my youngest daughter was going with a group of friends, my son was waiting on my husband to come home and my oldest was going with friends in a different direction and I stayed behind to pass out candy.  Whew, I get a bit overwhelmed when things start to get out of my control, especially when I thought I had a handle on it all.  Anyway, it all worked out and candy was given, accepted and eaten!! I may or may not have eaten 3 or more pieces of candy as I prepared this post.

  How about you and your family??

 How did things go for you??

 Happy November!!

 Wow, can you believe it??

A sweet little devil(this is as far as she would go regarding a costume)

A not so inconspicuous jewel thief and a creepy doll who lost her props

Somewhere Over the Rainbow...Trendy Thursday

I don't know if it is a national craze or just a little "thing" going on in my little quaint, beach town??  I feel like I have a case of deja' vu 3 times over.  I have seen the Silly Bandz hysteria, the Braided Bungee Cord Bracelet phenomenon and now the Rainbow Loom madness has fallen upon us like torrential rain.  They are everywhere and on every child's wrist, including my own.  I have seen parents, siblings, teachers, principals, well, the whole community wearing these colorful "bands".  They are at every stop light, on every corner, on every soccer field, every playground and classroom.  The kits contain every thing you need to get started and you can purchase additional colors and fasteners separately.  Be warned before you go running off with a coupon for here and there, the stores do not offer or accept any discounts on this product!!!!

  So, what's a mom to do when her son comes home and asks for his very own bracelet kit?  I ran out and bought him one that he will have to earn back for jobs done around the house and good behavior at school.  He is a few days in to earning his kit and boy, is he eager to get his hands on it.  He has been very diligent with completing his regular every day/week chores and tackling some extras here and there.  The possibilities are endless in regards to what you can make with this kit.  I have seen moms sporting rings and soccer girls with headbands and ponytail holders!! I think a ring might suit me?  What do you think?  Do you have a kit in your craft room?  Has the craze, trend, fad taken over your town?  If not, stay tuned as I am sure it is coming to your town next.

***This is not a paid endorsement or product review, simply my personal experience and opinions.***

My little "Recycler" repurposed this egg crate for his bands!!  LOVE him!!

His arm candy/the fishtail effect

Tender Tuesday

How sweet is this?  It came home in the hands of the sweetest little Mr. ever.  It was in a sealed envelope addressed to me!!  I read it every day and it warms my heart, over and over again!!  He owes me nothing in return.

Happy Tuesday!

Handcrafted

Hi there,

I did not mean for it to take so long to get back to you.  I have had every intention on writing for days, weeks now and just have been so busy living life.  The kids started school, music lessons, Soccer, running, bible study started, volunteering at said schools, etc., etc.  So needless to say, it has been a challenge getting back to this space to share with you all.  I don't know about any of you, but I struggle to make a decision about what to do next! Do you know what I mean?  I guess I struggle with priorities.  I know that I need to make sure my wife and mom hats fit properly and therefore, the blogger hat sometimes does not fit well.  I still find time to browse and comment on many of your lovely blogs and marvel at how you all can keep it going.  So, it is like anything we do for fun, hobbies, outlets, etc., it is here when we can do it.  So, with this being said, this is not the first and won't be the last time that an unexpected hiatus is taken.  Now, where were we??


Do you all remember the fantastic green leather tote that I shared a few posts ago?  I promised I would touch base with you later on it?  Well, about a year ago a dear friend visited my family.  She and her family moved abroad years ago for her husband's work.  We loved to live vicariously through their lives as they bounced around all over Africa with their children.  They were home last year visiting family and stopped by as they were taking their children to summer camps near our home.  My friend walked into my home and I immediately fell head over heels for her stylish tote bag!! I have an obsession   affinity for large tote bags.

 We hugged and made small talk and caught up on all of their travels, kids' lives, hubby's fascinating work, etc., etc. and all I wanted to know about was where did she get such a gorgeous bag.  She informed me that she found this lovely budding artisan in Cairo, who is a mom just like us with a dream/vision to create and sell handcrafted leather bags!! She sources her own leather, dyes, etc.  I was so impressed with this that I had to have one for myself.  So, I made my heart's desire known to my friend and my husband.  I had to budget for this bag and it is worth every penny.  I stepped out of my comfort zone and chose a color I would have normally not chosen and I could not be more pleased  with it.  The photos really do not capture the rich, suppleness of the leather and its vivid shade of green. It came in a rainbow of colors!! It was so difficult to choose.  It will be a treasure that I will keep forever and ever.  I wish there was an Etsy shop and other ways to reorder since my dear friend has since moved home to the States and will not be returning to Africa.

Zara Tote

 I know I probably sound a bit "extra", but I got another bag to wear around so as to not ruin my green bag.  This bag is from Zara and it has been a great every day bag that I can wear rain or shine! I know that I can only have a few tote bags and have been donating here and there as I added these to my collection.  So, there you have it.  What do you think??  Handcrafted is the best right?

Tasty Tuesday-RECIPE UPDATE

Happy Thursday to you all!! I just wanted to clarify the recipe for those interested from my last post.  I actually put the link within a sentence and it might be hard to decipher.  So, for those hankering to try this savory recipe, please feel free to visit Food Network for the recipe.  This recipe has been pinned 285 times for those of you on Pinterest!! Fun stuff!!

 I have to warn you that it does call for a store bought pie crust, however, feel free to make your own.  I don't always have the time to  make  a homemade crust, but I would love to try one some time.  I also fudge the recipe and used what I had on hand, hence the absence of yellow tomatoes.

Happy baking and have a wonderful day! Bon Appetit!!

Ingredients
Flour, for dusting work surface
1 (9-inch) ready-made refrigerated rolled pie crust
2 large yellow tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 red tomato, sliced 1/4-inch thick
8 ounces mozzarella, sliced
1/4 cup chiffonade basil leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Sprinkle flour on a work surface. Roll out pie dough to form a 10-inch circle and place on baking sheet. Overlap and alternate the different tomatoes and mozzarella slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 3-inch border. Scatter the basil leaves on top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and red pepper flakes. Fold the uncovered edges of the dough inward over the filling to create a pleated crust. Brush edges and top of pie with olive oil.

Place in the oven and bake for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven to a cutting board. Slice and serve.



Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/ginas-summer-tomato-pie-recipe/index.html?oc=linkback

Tasty Tuesday

Well, if you have been wondering where I have been in a week or so?  Wonder no longer!!  Last week was the first full week of school and it was a whirlwind of Open House nights, etc.  We made it through gracefully, yet leaving no time for blogging or computer time save for school/sports/activities related emails!!

The kids are loving their classes, schedules and teachers this year.  They are settling in to a nice routine so far.  The girls who are in 6th and 8th grades respectively, have already had quizzes and projects.  My 2nd grader has enjoyed a nice and easy start to school.

I have been running around a bit during the day on  errands, volunteering at school, etc, and a quick and nutritious lunch is always in order.  I enjoyed a few easy, yummy recipes over the summer and thought I would drag a few through the start of school.

I absolutely love a quick easy meal for lunch don't you?  This happens to be one of my favorite meals for a light and filling lunch.  I always add a salad and maybe some fruit if I need a little extra and I am good to go!

Yummo!! Mine is not as pretty as Gina's!!

Love Lately......

Via WeHeartIt

I am so glad you all are so understanding and supportive.  I have really been trying to get my act together to post and have not been successful.  Oh well, here goes.  I have been pondering on a few things that I am really keen on these days.  No, not anything fancy, just some odds and ends so to speak.  For example:

These lovely bracelets(with my initials).  Why can't I post a photo??? Any way, please go to the site and ooh and aah...they are so simple, yet so chic.  They range in price, but most are so affordable that you could treat yourself to one or two or you get it!!  I already have my faves picked out and on the ready for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, my birthday, our anniversary and Christmas.  I know, so sad.  Check them out and you will understand.

My new InkJoy pens-Walmart, Belgian Chocolate from my sweet neighbor, Latest issues of Southern Living
and Real Simple

I have a few fetishes/favorites as we all do, but PENS.....are a crutch for me!! I have always been a kid about my writing instruments.  They can be high end or low end, it does not matter.  I just need a smooth, rich ink flow and life is GOLDEN!!  These pens will put a smile on your face...just sayin'.

  My neighbor is the best!! She recently went to Belgium for work and brought me and a few other neighbors back some beautiful Belgian chocolate, shaped like seashells!! How gorgeous and yes, they taste as gorgeous as they look!  Sorry kids, chocolate is for Mommy!!!

  SouthernLiving and RealSimple are my latest reads!! I should call them looks, because who can read them all before the next issue arrives?? LOL

I recently went to a wonderful conference at church and it was so amazing....I left feeling like royalty.  I wish I had more on this for you, but it really was a personal thing.  I would have to pour you a cuppa and just share with you face to face.

Bustin' a move in his shoe/boot!

My little Big man recently had a run in or down shall I say with a door frame.  He and his sisters were sliding down the stairs in sleeping bags and he rammed his little toe in the door frame!  Yes, I told him/them to stop and the last ride is when it happened.  OUCH!!  So, we ended up taking him to Urgent Care after he complained and limped for 2 days!! Thankfully, the x-rays revealed that he did not break his toe/foot.  Praise God!!  He wore a really cool shoe/boot for a week.  He had a hard time with it at first and then he came to the realization all on his own, that God allows things to happen to us so that we learn to trust Him to help/heal us.  What?  The wisdom of a 7 year old!!  He is all better and still blazing fast. 

So, this is all for now.........

How Lovely

 I am not good at keeping great resources and information to myself.  I gotta share!! So, please take note of the following.   I am pretty sure I will be adding some of these items to my wishlists.  Check them out for yourselves and be INSPIRED!

 http://www.aphrochicshop.com/

 http://swaggernewyork.com/swagger-thrift-shop/

 http://www.spool72.com/

http://www.organicbeautytalk.com/

OK, I guess I am bragging, but the creator of the above is my FRIEND...check her site OUT!!

http://www.radiantcosmetics.org/






 http://shop.indegoafrica.org/

http://www.lalamagic.com/

 

2011ish and 2012 in Review

A Look Back.....Thank you for reading the Chronicles.  I hope you join me next year!!;)

1) Girls at Charlestowne Landing 2) All of us at the DC Zoo in June 3)Kiddies at Menchie's

 

Before my first Half Marathon

After my first Half Marathon

Kendall's 10th birthday

Jaryn's 12th birthday

First day of school for Kendall and Jeremiah

Daddy and Jaryn-first day of school

Us-Antigua/Devil's Bridge

Devil's Bridge/Antigua

Last Day of our 15th/His 40th celebration-vacation

Jeremiah at Cypress Gardens

On the trail at Cypress Gardens

Swamp at Cypress Gardens

Scooby and his kids

Jeremiah's 7th birthday

Sidewalk Chalk artist

Scooby Doo

Merry CHRISTmas!!

 We have enjoyed a wonderful 2012 with highs and lows, yet we know that the best is yet to come!! 2013 we welcome you!! 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord.  "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." 

This is our prayer for you and your family!!