June 9, 2011

Today, the temperature is 40 degrees lower than it has been all week. Also, we had a wicked storm. I'm thinking that's why I have been suffering from a killer migraine today. Needless to say, I have laid low all day. I did take M#1 to her old friend's house, who lives about 45 minutes SW from us. The girls are going to a Chicago Sox game tomorrow and she is going to stay w her friend until Sat. We brought Lily w us, bc M#1's friend has a 4 yr old beagle named Princess. It's always fun to bring Lily around other dogs, especially other beagles. Princess really seemed to really enjoy Lily's visit, because she started crying as we were pulling out of the driveway. Too sweet!

Dress-Thrifted
Top-Target
Shoes-Target

2 friends meeting for the 1st time.

Princess watching us leaving barking, "Come back!"
Here are some things that are making me smile today:

1. I have the travel bug so bad. I would love to go snorkling here ^

2. I think this is a heavenly idea. I can keep all my files stored away in something that isn't so industrial looking.

3. What cute band-aids!

4. This is so true. I need to keep this by my bed and look at it before I get out of bed every morning.

5. The Real Housewives of OC- The reunion shown is this Sunday. Yikes!

5. Rock Mafia "The Big Bang"

I leave you all with this:
 "In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins…not through strength but by perseverance." -- H. Jackson Brown

Keep Smiling!

June 8, 2011

I did not take a pic of what I was wearing today. I wore a Chicago Cubs t-shirt, black skirt and black flats. I went to stay with my Dad today. While he was resting, I was able to work out, work on some laundry and play some mean rounds of Uno w M#2. M#1 is with her friends and boyfriend right now and M#2 is painting at the kitchen table w one of her friends, another M!, who is spending the night.

Tomorrow, I hope to get a pic of what I am wearing. But right now, here are some things that are making me smile today:

1.Being alone is not the same as being lonely. Too many women think it's the same thing. Not me :)

2. Is this cottage the cutest thing? It's in TN and can be rented. It sits on a lake. What a nice place to spend a long summer weekend w family and/or friends.

3. It's not the couch I like, it's the painting. I can see this in a bachelor pad.

4. I want the table and chair for my dining room. I can do without anything else in that room.

5. Dr Drew on HLN. I love watching his show, which I am watching as I am blogging. The episode I am watching he is discussing the Casey Anthony trail. Not a smiley topic, but he makes me smile. He has a big heart and is passionate about what he does. I also believe he is extremely intelligient and I respect his opinion.

6. Mo Money, Mo Problems- makes me wanna dance!!!!

 I leave you with this:
Banish the word struggle from your attitude and vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration. We are the ones we have been waiting for.

June 7, 2011

I went to the interview today. It went well. I have a 2nd interview on Friday! I took the girls to Panera Bread for lunch. I love their baguettes. I could just have a drink and a small baguette and be as happy as can be...many, many smiles! The girls went swimming after lunch and I was going to take my puppy for a walk, but instead we took a nap together. Since being unemployed, I have gotten used to taking a nap around 2pm everyday. I have to get out of that habit!

Top-Charlotte Russe
Dress-Old Navy
Shoes-Macys

Here are the things that make me smile today:

1. A plaque M#2 made in Art class that she got to bring home to me at the end of her school year. Such pretty colors.

2. Not that I want it to be winter, but any picture of Wrigley Field makes me happy. I have to get to a game soon!

3. What a pretty painting. It would be cute in my kitchen, but I'm trying to change the colors so this pic wouldn't match very long. Still like it.

4. Wish I had her eyes and sweet singing voice. Also, love the outfit, especially the clutch.

And remember: Just do it!!!!

June 6, 2011

Ran a lot of errands today and played limo driver for my kids. Back when I was in school, I had to create a mission statement on how I wanted to live my life...guidelines that were important for me to follow. This morning, I woke up and decided to concentrate on pursuing my professional goals, especially after the debacle with the other direction I was trying to go. Funny thing is, my professional goals pursued me! I got a call to interview for a position at a prestigious hospital, doing what I have gone to school for, what I did in my previous position and something that will allow me to provide a good life for my girls, give us stability and allow me to continually grow in a professional capacity. I did not submit my resume for this job. They found me! Good sign, right. I have an interview on the 7th. This makes me smile!

Earrings and Necklace: Kmart
Top-Target
Watch-Forever 21
Skirt-Gifted
Shoes-Ann Taylor

June 4, 2011

Today I went and picked up my goodies from Thriftique. As I was driving home, my friend Joy called and asked me if I wanted to go to a tent sale for Wilton. I guess it's a big deal because you get many great deals. Oh! And I finally took a pic of what I am wearing today. So, let's start with that:

1st, I wanted to show everyone my nails. I got something new done to them. I have glittered tips. It actually is a subtle look.

Dress/Watch: Forever 21
Shoes: Charlotte Russe.

Sale at Wilton

Some of the goodies I got. M#2 is having her 12th bday next weekend and M#1 wants to make cupcakes for her. The cupcake holders are super cute. They are ruffled around the edges. You can see better in the next pic.

I found this great paper, which I have an idea for something that will look really cute in my home. You will see this again. I hope my idea works out.

I desperately needed a new can opener. I also found a lettuce crisper. Yay! No more throwing away lettuce heads.  Total cost for all goodies $25. Not bad.

Here are my goodies from Thriftique:

The total of this shopping trip was $42.

Now, here are some other things that made me smile today:

1. The Kiss

2. This is what I am bringing to my next cookout.

3. I would LOVE a flower shelf like this hanging from my balcony.

4. Pippa Middleton. I WANT her figure!!! The 1st outfit makes me smile. The (Double Denim)in the middle....not so much.
**I did not make the lime cilantro rice tonight. Both girls are gone tonight, so I'll shoot for tomorrow.

**I did watch that Joan Rivers documentary. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. At 75, this woman has more energy than I do at the age of 37. But, I understand why. She lives her life doing what she is passionate about. I am not working at a job I am passionate about and watching Joan work so hard after all these years because she is living who she is- a performer. She has instilled some renewed hope in me that I will find a job that allows me to live my passions everyday. This is something I will definately be reflecting on tomorrow morning at church.

Finally, I leave you with this:
"Men. You can't live with them. You don't have to."
- Seen on a t-shirt

But, what if I want to ? :)


June 3, 2011

Today has been a quiet day. It's M#1's last day of school. She was home by noon. M#2 has school on Monday and then her summer break will begin. My latest career move has been a bust, so I will be home with the girls while I try to look for another job. I am also going to look for a part-time job, as well. I can bring in some extra money and maybe I can get in the door of a company that will hire me full-time. A good friend of mine had a cook out today and invited me, but I didn't go. I should have gone, but the summer is young and I will have more chances. I just have had a lot of thinking to do about my future and my father's health (he's at the Mayo clinic). I don't want to write about too many serious things, but all my thoughts have led to a positive plan and I found out my Dad's course of action, as far as his health is not as envasive as originally thought. So, I smile. Tomorrow is a new day and I am choosing to make it a great one. I plan on working out and then going to the thrift shop to pick up some items I had on hold. I will take pics of my findings and post. There are many clothing and home items I want to sell, and I can bring them to this shop to sell on consignment or I can post on E-bay. I wonder what route would be the most profitable one. If anyone has any advice to give, please share.

Tonight, I am going to watch my latest Netflix delivery- Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work. No it's not a stand-up routine of her's. It's a documentary about her. I will have to write about it tomorrow and let everyone know how it was.

So, here's what makes me smile today:

1. Lime Cilantro Rice-I will  be making this tomorrow as a side for dinner. Want the recipe? Here you go:
Servings: 4 • Size: 3/4 cup
Calories: 201.0 • Fat: 3.4 • Carbs: 37.4 • Fiber: 0 • Protein: 4.0 g

• 1 cup extra long grain rice or basmati rice
• 1/2 lime, juice of
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
• 3 tsp vegetable oil

In a small heavy pot, add rice, water, 1 tsp oil and salt. Boil on high until most of the water evaporates. When the water just skims the top of the rice, reduce to low and cover about 15 minutes. Shut off flame and keep covered an additional 5 minute.

In a medium bowl, combine chopped cilantro, lime juice, rice and remaining oil and toss until completely mixed.

2. The place before I lived before the condo had some limestone as you walked up to my front door. I tried to buy a few pieces of limestone here and there, in the hopes of making my walkway look like this.

3. This is the attitude I choose to adopt as I move on in my career path.

4. The Morning Glorys on the house are so beautiful. I could see myself sitting on that bench, soaking in the blessings surrounding me.

5.
Dj Sir Charles. Makes me want to go downtown clubbing.

June 2, 2011

I really need some things that make me smile today. Let's see...

1. Oh, yeah. James McAvoy is definately one of my dream men. <Heavy sigh!>

2. One day, when I get my own backyard, I want to have the girls come over and have a evening of dinner, wine and girl talk.

3. Amore Pacific from Sephora: These products use Asian botanicals to create products that promote overall wellness and healthy skin. This package has a rejuvenating creme, serum, eye treatment gel and treatment enzyme peel. The main aspect about these products that make me smile is the fact that Amore Pacific does not test ingredients or products on animals.

4. This black lace dress is soooo pretty. Me, likey.