Waiting for sunshine

I know I should be used to this after so many years, but winter seems to be taking forever to end. The snow covered cars, the lack of sun, and the freezing temperatures are all becoming a bit too much to take. Even my kids, who love the snow, are getting sick and tired of having to bundle up every time they walk out the door.  I'm missing the days when I can wake up to sunshine in the morning.

To help pass the time, I've started spring cleaning a little early this year; moving the patio furniture to the front of the shed, going through the winter clothes, finding the spring decorations in the attic. When spring finally does arrive, I'll be ready!

New Year's "Resolutions"

Hello, all. I know I promised that I would be posting more frequently but, again, I've let myself become overwhelmed with my busy, day-to-day life. I know its a little late for this, but there are a few changes I'd like to make in this new year. I'm not calling these changes resolutions but, rather, just a few things I'd like to start doing more of in 2014.

#1 Get back into yoga

Being fit and healthy has always been something I strive for but, lately, things have been so hectic that I've let myself slide. On top of the physical benefits, exercise has always been a way for me to relax my mind and relieve stress. Yoga is a great way to do both, and can also be done without a gym or any expensive equipment. Yoga was a part of my daily routine until I became a mother, but with a little effort I know I can start again!

#2 Get cooking!

I know this is terrible, but my husband and I have not made the time to cook for our family consistently. More often than not we're buying pre-made meals from the grocery store which, while better than most fast-food, is still not the best for our health. We're both trying to take turns picking a day of the week to cook. With so many great Pinterest pages, there shouldn't be a shortage of recipes to choose from!

#3 Keep a journal

With so much going on, it can be hard to stop and reflect on things as they happen. I feel like so many happy memories just slip by without any record, and this is something I want to change. I am open to sharing a lot on this blog but, there are some thoughts that are better served by a physical book. I've purchased a journal and am making it a goal to write in it at least once a day. I have no restrictions on topic, but plan to use it as a tool for reflection.

                                         

Back in the Swing of Things

I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted! I have been allowing myself to become distracted by one thing or another but, am making it a goal to keep this blog up to date! I've been so busy lately, taking classes, raising a family, and all the while trying to keep up with each of the hobbies that I love. As the year comes to a close, I need to remember how to slow down and just enjoy the little things in my life. I think this blog will be a good place to reflect and realize how lucky I am!    

Stay Tuned!

It's Looking Like A DIY Weekend!

The hubs would probably tell me that I should finish one of my many "in progress" projects before tackling anything new, but Pinterest definitely got the best of me this week and I have a few fun projects that I'm going to tackle over the weekend!

His & Her Sharpie Mugs

This is such a cute idea and I can't believe how easy it is! I'm planning to pick up some mugs and maybe even some dishes from the dollar store to experiment with.

Credit: http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2012/06/his-her-sharpie-mug-diy.html

DIY Workout Shirt
If you're at all like me, you probably have more than a few extra shirts laying around that could be used for a project like this. The best part is that if the scissors decide to not cooperate, I'll have plenty of new dust rags to use :)

Credit: http://rabbitfoodformybunnyteeth.com/diy-workout-shirt/

Tea Lights and Coffee Beans
Not only do these look great, but apparently the heat from the candle makes the coffee beans smell amazing.

Credit: media-cache-ec9.pinterest.com

These projects should keep me busy for a few days...are you doing anything crafty this weekend?

love,
Emma

Happy Birthday America!

I'm looking forward to spending a nice long weekend relaxing with the Hubs (and Jackson of course) celebrating the birth of our nation. I'm excited to see some fireworks and have no doubt that there will be S'mores involved as well :)

I hope that everyone has a fun and safe holiday!

love,
Emma

Searching for inspiration...

While trying to come up with an idea for my latest blog post (and having a serious case of writer's block at the same time!) I realized that my search for inspiration could pull double-duty. I started jotting down things that inspire me and here is some of what got me motivated to start writing:

• The Hubs - This one is pretty obvious, he supports me in everything that I do and truly is my best friend. I have a habit of over-thinking things and more times than I can count, he has reminded me that sometimes by focusing on a few small things, the bigger picture becomes clearer.

• Family and Friends - Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to be surrounded by so many interesting and caring people. Each of them has a unique perspective on life and when I sit back and think about it, any one of them could give me enough inspiration to write for days!

This list might not be very long, but it covers the things that are most important to me and it was all that I needed to get motivated! So who or what inspires you?

love,

Emma

New Blogging Buddy

As I'm getting my feet wet in this whole blogging thing, I've managed to make some great connections with fellow bloggers that come from many different walks of life. Rachel from My Wholesome Home is one such blogger and I thought it would be nice to share her story.

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Hey! My name is Rachel. I blog over at My Wholesome Home  (http://www.mywholesomehome.com) where I document my journey to a healthier body, mind, and spirit for my home and family. I also write about my daily life and being a military family.

The key to healthier body living for me came in January. My hubby and I watched Hungry for Change (http://www.hungryforchange.tv/), a documentary that talks about what is in the food we eat. We almost immediately switched to all organic foods. It's a bit spendier, but worth the flavor and health benefits. I post recipes every week and I'm loving trying old favorites with organic ingredients.

I am just beginning to like cooking, so using organic ingredients helps. The flavor makes each meal so much better! I find that I don't have to use as much milk, butter, salt, or pepper for seasonings because the food itself is so tasty.

My hubby is currently deployed, so, I'm taking the opportunity to try lots of new recipes and perfect them without his judgmental “eeeeew” and then refusing to try it again. (Which has definitely happened!) 

So that's me in a nutshell. Trying to live healthier and blogging about it. 

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I really enjoy reading Rachel's blog and encourage you to check it out as well!

love,

Emma