#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛
Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged photo, but Lola just has ZERO boundaries and Clifford is exceptionally patient. 😂
I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s so good for you), so when I saw that a local patisserie has a smoked salmon croissant available (weekends only), I added it to my list of things to seek out. I popped into @chocolatinenj early on Mother’s Day and was rewarded with this deliciousness. Layers of soft flaky croissant dough, tender smoked salmon, light whipped cream, thinly sliced red and green onion slivers and dotted with capers… it was every bit as amazing as you’d imagine it would be. If you’re local, don’t sleep on this one. 😋
Weekend photos in review, the belated edition. 1/ Weekend photos in review, the belated edition.

1/ hit up a few yard sales and snagged this beautiful pasta dish from Italy with my favorite color for a buck, 2/ and one of these printer trays came home with me too, 3/ pre Mother’s Day celebrations with 30 local moms, 4/ finished the weekend supervising furniture assembly
Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd bir Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd birthday. Unfortunately she’s not here to celebrate because she died suddenly at age 49. I think of her often … every Mother’s Day because we spent most of them together since her husband worked weekends … when I discover a new food adventure (we once did a day long donut crawl) … when I’m sharing a special time with my kids knowing that her then-11 year old is growing up without her. Before she passed, I always appreciated every day, but since then, even more so. You never know what the next day can bring, so relish in the sunshine, surprise rainstorms, making wishes over railroad tracks and all the wonderful randomness life can throw your way. Don’t waste a single second, say yes, live on the outskirts of your comfort zone, laugh often, tell people you love them, give eight second hugs, and squeeze every ounce of joy you can out of life. Do it for the people who can’t. ✨
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Currently…

January 31, 2013 · Narrative

Loving … the super cute pup photos in this new dog + photo booth project of photographer Sharon Montrose.

Shopping … from this site for Madeline’s upcoming birthday, and in an effort to finish decorating her bedroom.

Enjoying watching the new season of American Idol with the kids. Some of the back stories during the auditions are heartbreaking. And occasionally make me choke up.

Planning a lot of Valentine-themed festivities coming up … a girls’ night in Pinterest party, our bloggers feast, and what we’ll do the actual day of. Love making this time extra-special for my kids.

Thrilled that Mother Nature has given us a brief respite from the crazy cold. But oh the wind today! I just don’t like the extremes. Too cold. Too hot. No thank you. Give me the middle and I’m a happy girl.

Untitled
*hair style courtesy of Mother Nature today

Working on redoing the color scheme in our living room, dining room, and kitchen. Doing it piece-meal, so it currently looks like I’m color-blind, but can’t wait to see it all together once it’s done.

Reading Donald Miller’s A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. The thought of the ability to edit your past life is an intriguing one. I feel like all those little decisions brought me to where I am today, so I’m not sure I would want to go back and erase them, or modify them. Would you?

Addicted to chapstick. I have a little tube everywhere. When I was in 7th-8th grade, I used to lick my lips something fierce. To the point that I had a chapped ring around them and was teased mercilessly.

Praying for friends, new and old, that are going through challenging times.

Celebrating the moments when we have absolutely nothing to do and can just be. Sometimes nothing makes us happier than an empty calendar and a night to just stay in, change into our pjs early, and enjoy being together. Tonight!

Wondering about the future. Always.

Making albums filled with the kids’ photos through the years. One of my goals was to get everything into albums so they could be more properly enjoyed.

Untitled

Appreciating professionals that take an extra few minutes to talk to children. When we visited the vet yesterday and he found out that Nick loves science, they both love animals, and at least one wants to be a vet, he went out of his way to include them. He let Nick listen to Merry’s heartbeat with his stethoscope and explained heartworm to them, and what it does to dogs, and how to help them.

Carrying my camera again. Ever since I discovered the iphone and its magical camera, my trusty DSLR hasn’t been getting much love. I’ve missed it, and it’s starting to come out again.

Resisting the urge to sometimes tell people exactly what I think. While I give in to the urge more often than not, some situations are just better for biting your tongue and swallowing hard. Mystic was a pro at recognizing those situations, and would often joke about it by asking me if I needed some ice for the tongue that I’m biting.

Preparing for a busy weekend. Two Zumba classes! Two birthday parties that the kids are going to! Monster Truck Show! Friends for dinner on Sunday!

Eating a ridiculous amount of vegetables. Like last night was actually the first night we have had red meat in weeks. Maybe months.

Missing pasta. Haven’t had it, nor have the kids, since our New Years’ Day celebration at my parents house.

Volunteering with a local animal rescue and realizing my heart just might be too big and I can’t save them all.

Trying to close the door on the past, but sometimes it’s easier said than done.

Excited about inspiration I had for a Valentine’s Day card for the kids’ class. Details to come once I’ve finished it (hopefully over the weekend).

And now you … what are you currently all about?

Tomorrow? The recipe that was so good I couldn’t wait for it to cool off … and promptly burned my tongue on.

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, American Idol, Donald Miller, Sharon Montrose

Comments

  1. Christy says

    January 31, 2013 at 9:53 pm

    I am all about making sales (my job), thinking about having a baby or if I should wait (I’m 26), looking to sell my car and buy a Prius, planning a 4th wedding anniversary trip, hoping the in laws love me and include me in more this year and saving more money. Most of all live life more simple, loving and happy. I may need some Xanax.

    Reply
    • Cate says

      February 1, 2013 at 12:44 pm

      I’m all for “simple, loving, and happy!”

      Reply
  2. Sarah W. Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says

    February 1, 2013 at 12:17 am

    Love. And joy. And trying to embrace the little moments that used to just pass me by. Oh, and creating new opportunities for myself.
    Sarah W. Caron (Sarah’s Cucina Bella) recently posted..Cheese and Tomato Pizza with Garlic Bread Crust

    Reply
    • Cate says

      February 1, 2013 at 12:57 pm

      Love. Joy. Happens to be the exact two words I’m debating between for a (small) tattoo. Perfect things to keep on your radar.

      Reply
  3. Joanne says

    February 1, 2013 at 7:38 am

    I love this! A little window into your life and frame of mind.

    Right now I’m about trying to grow in all ways (except horizontally). And really working on myself.
    Joanne recently posted..Recipe: Pain de Campagne and Braised Mixed Greens and Garlicky Beans on Toast {eat.live.be}

    Reply
    • Cate says

      February 1, 2013 at 12:56 pm

      I think that’s a great goal. Can’t wait for our get-together next month!

      Reply
  4. paula says

    February 1, 2013 at 8:02 am

    Currently I’m all about trying to appreciate my life even though I’m in a giant rut that I can’t seem to climb out of no matter what I try. I’m going to start using ditto marks in my diary. I feel so guilty for not being satisfied when everywhere I turn these days, I see people facing the real devastation of a loss of a loved one.

    Reply
    • Cate says

      February 1, 2013 at 12:55 pm

      Ruts are not always a bad thing. There is a lot of comfort to be had in something that stays the same. So says a person who, generally speaking, isn’t a huge fan of change. :)

      Reply
  5. paula says

    February 1, 2013 at 8:09 am

    Oh, and last weekend I started organizing my big bin of photographs so I can put them into albums too. What kind of albums are you using? I’m not a fan of the look of the slip-in plastic sleeves. I’m wondering if I should start scrapbooking – nothing fancy but I need a safe way to put photos of different sizes in an album. I had to empty one of those sticky-type albums that was turning brown. Three vacations and my nephew’s first couple of years all undone (and I only had two photo albums – the rest of my pictures are all running loose). Wherever I put these pictures needs to be permanent.

    Reply
    • Cate says

      February 1, 2013 at 12:46 pm

      It took me forever to decide on how to get the kids’ photos into albums, given they were all different sizes, and I was including other non-photo items as well. Trying to get a post together on it next week with more details, but I am using a 12×12 album, 12×12 sheet protectors (for the most part), and 12×12 pieces of card stock to affix the pictures and assorted other items to.

      Reply
  6. Paula Ann says

    February 1, 2013 at 10:07 am

    Right now I’m all about getting my kitchen remodeled. We’ve been in our 1920’s bungalow nearly a year now and my kitchen is smaller than some people’s closets! The cabinets are original to the house, read: old and ugly, and the rest was probably redone in the 1950s. We’re relocating the basement stairs to knock out the wall between the tiny kitchen and the enclosed back porch to open it up. The best part? The hubs is doing all the work himself. Let’s hope we’re still speaking when the kitchen is finished. You and I have a similar trait, I tend to say what I think regardless of the consequences! ;)

    Reply
    • Cate says

      February 1, 2013 at 12:47 pm

      Sounds like a huge, but awesome, project!

      Reply
  7. Meg says

    February 1, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    Right now, I’m all about wedding planning — but am trying to remember that I’m moving toward a new life and a marriage instead of just a giant, expensive ol’ party. Spending quiet time with my guy reminds me why we’re on this journey in the first place — and that’s what matters.

    And I totally feel you on missing pasta! Since committing to a healthy lifestyle a month ago, I’m on a popular weight loss program and am struggling to stay away from those pesky, delicious carbohydrates. As someone who lived off spaghetti for a while, it’s hard to grab a piece of grilled chicken instead — but I’m working on it. I’m a happy, sometimes hungry work in progress.
    Meg recently posted..Getting ready to save the date

    Reply

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#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛

Pinterest

#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛
Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged photo, but Lola just has ZERO boundaries and Clifford is exceptionally patient. 😂
I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s so good for you), so when I saw that a local patisserie has a smoked salmon croissant available (weekends only), I added it to my list of things to seek out. I popped into @chocolatinenj early on Mother’s Day and was rewarded with this deliciousness. Layers of soft flaky croissant dough, tender smoked salmon, light whipped cream, thinly sliced red and green onion slivers and dotted with capers… it was every bit as amazing as you’d imagine it would be. If you’re local, don’t sleep on this one. 😋
Weekend photos in review, the belated edition. 1/ Weekend photos in review, the belated edition.

1/ hit up a few yard sales and snagged this beautiful pasta dish from Italy with my favorite color for a buck, 2/ and one of these printer trays came home with me too, 3/ pre Mother’s Day celebrations with 30 local moms, 4/ finished the weekend supervising furniture assembly
Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd bir Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd birthday. Unfortunately she’s not here to celebrate because she died suddenly at age 49. I think of her often … every Mother’s Day because we spent most of them together since her husband worked weekends … when I discover a new food adventure (we once did a day long donut crawl) … when I’m sharing a special time with my kids knowing that her then-11 year old is growing up without her. Before she passed, I always appreciated every day, but since then, even more so. You never know what the next day can bring, so relish in the sunshine, surprise rainstorms, making wishes over railroad tracks and all the wonderful randomness life can throw your way. Don’t waste a single second, say yes, live on the outskirts of your comfort zone, laugh often, tell people you love them, give eight second hugs, and squeeze every ounce of joy you can out of life. Do it for the people who can’t. ✨

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