Productivity...smile

I'm back in the driver's seat this week with some positive energy (even if the rain rolls in) and plans for change.  Don't know about you, but disorganization makes me cranky.  I don't think clearly, don't feel motivated and worst of all my mind is just cluttered.  So starting last night I'm being deliberate with how my time can be spent getting organized and decluttering my house, my life and my mind.

I have collected so many recipes over the years by friends and through the internet that have seen splatters, spills and general cooking abuse.  They've been randomly shoved into a folder and it always takes me way to much time to find what I'm looking for.  So to kick off my organizing marathon I decided to put them into sheet protectors in a binder and label the sections like a regular recipe book.  Had to draw a cute little cover  for it of course.  This may seem like common sense to most, but in my mish-mash brain it was a serious revelation.

Hope to be posting more of my decluttering excitement soon.  I'm sure you'll be waiting on the edge of your seat.

Happy March!

Monday blues

got a great view of dozens of dolphins this morning by the beach

you don't want to know how I took this photo. really.

 

the view of the hills near our house as the clouds rolled in.

I love the shades of blue we saw this morning. 
They reflect my mood over the past few days though...which I don't love. 
Cloudy with unexpected showers pretty much sums me up,
maybe even some thunder storms blowing through.
Praying for a sunny forecast tomorrow.
For everyone's sake.

Sending you love

from Napa, Californa.

Have a happy love day!

love notes

I recently ordered these little note cards from my friend Jenn over at Ambrosia Girl.  I just love the lace borders and vibrant colors.  She has some great stationery and fun prints in her etsy shop.  If we were ever graced with a little boy, I am certain the car print below would look awesome in his room. 

Have a lovely day!

Supercalifragilistic weekend

Last weekend I gathered up my girls and drove to my in-laws house for our much anticipated outing to the musical~

 The show was nothing short of fantastic.  From the stage props, to the costumes to the talent involved it was such a fun time to experience with the girls & my mum-in-law.  What a wonderful gift it was (thank you mum)!

After our day at the theatre, mr. man and I got a night out sans kids.  We had dinner at Malo and then decided to check out the Griffith Observatory.  The view from the newly remodeled building is spectacular!  Entry to the observatory is free, but we decided to watch a show in the planetarium which did not dissapoint. Since I didn't have my camera on hand (and I'd never do it justice anyway), I found this stunning photo online and had to post it.  I randomly found the photography blog for Della Huff and had to share. 

As great as Saturday was, the fun didn't stop there.  Sunday morning I rose to a hike with my dad-in-law in Griffith Park up to the observatory again.  The air was crisp and clean from the latest rain and the view of  L.A. was phenominal! 

Since I knew I would want to get some photos on the hike I stopped specifically to buy batteries for my camera because they were low.  On my way out of the store I opened the package, took the new batteries out in one hand, the old batteries out in the other and got distracted (this happens so easily with me).  When I realized I didn't know which were old and which were new I put some in and it looked like I guessed right...that is until we got to the amazing view when my camera abruptly said to me "you're not so bright, are ya?"  Did I consider putting the other set of batteries in my pocket?  Of course not.  Consequently, the picture above is the only decent photo that was taken before my camera gave me the bird and went to sleep.

After the two hour hike with my FIL, Bri and I went to see a movie that I had heard about.  To Save A Life is like no other teen movie I've seen.  It's message is powerful and positive unlike most movies that are directed at this age group.  It recognizes and addresses some of the major issues that teens are facing with a rawness that gets your attention and then demonstrates that through thoughtful choices and behavior we can save not only others, but ourselves from the slippery slope that only leads downward.  If you know a teenager who hasn't seen this film, I highly recommend it.  It's not playing everywhere, but you can find the closest showing here.

We finished off the day with the last half of the superbowl and pizza.  Not usually my style, but I enjoyed every minute.

Spending time with family is always a gift.  But THIS weekend was simply magical.

more rain = more hearts

I've found a new joy in hand sewing and

embroidery as the rainy day washes through town.

These mini heart pillows are so fun and easy to make

although I haven't really figured out how I want to use them yet.

Any ideas???

I leave you with the polka dot trio
who jumped, slid, air hockeyed and bickered
to their hearts content this morning
before getting their spotted slickers on for the ride home.

Dog vs Child

and the winner is...



Little M "queen of the dogbed"

♥~ing February

The heart garland on the window is made from Maya's artwork that comes home from school.

The other is a garland that I made out of fabric last valentine's season.

Aren't they so happy?

Oh yes, and Oscar the Couch is still here. 

Turns out he has formed a special place in the hearts of our family after all.

Plus, he's just too comfy.

What's on your table?

Last week our family watched Food Inc, a movie (we ordered from netflix) that had a great impact on me.  Not to say I wasn't already an advocate for organic locally grown foods, but this movie has rocked my nutritional outlook even further.  The saddest thing about it is that not everyone can afford organic local foods, because the major food corporations have made a science out of how to sell nutritionally void, illness inducing, mouthwatering tempations that cost merely pennies.  It really broke my heart to see a glimpse of what the food industry has become and what the american people are (many unkowingly) choosing to eat morning, noon and night. 

The scariest part about it is that it really isn't much of a choice for many.  Those who are barely getting by have to buy what they can afford and they are truly getting what they're paying for, but even worse is the increasing major health problems that just keep growing as the illnesses get doused with more and more medications.  As far as buying any type of meat, the choices for local or organic options are few and far between.  Call me granola, but I like to think that the food I'm eating hasn't been showered with pesticides, genetically altered, pumped with steroids and antibiotics or treated inhumanely.  Maybe I'm being unrealistic, but my hope is that more and more people will make the choice to eat local.  Eat organic.  Choose humanely raised meats.  And in doing so, increase the demand and lower the cost of these foods for all.

Ok, I'm done with my ranting.  If I've lost you somewhere along the way, but you're interested in what spurred this long winded post you can read more at hungry for change or the Center for Food Safety or cspi. 

Princess D

Last weekend we spent some time celebrating little misses sweet friend...princess D. 
I have never seen a child who loves playing dress-up and princess more than she.
So for her fifth birthday we thought we'd present her highness with a crown.
Is she worthy?  Most definitely, she is.

Happy birthday precious D!