Weekly Routine

Now that I'm mostly back on track (it took me four hours to clear my desk and pay bills yesterday!), I will share with you my daily focus/weekly routine:

Monday: General Tidying & Weekend Recovery

Tuesday: Focus on Laundry/Ironing as needed (wash rugs, etc)

Wednesday: Personal Day/Desk Day (pay bills, make grocery list, schedule beauty appts)
(This is also the day that my lovely housekeeper comes every other week)

Thursday: Errands/Shopping (Groceries, thrifting)

Friday: Focus on Bedroom/Bath (change sheets, etc)
(Beren is off every other Friday so we try to keep this day open for each other, even if it's just doing "honey-dos" together)

Saturday: Focus on Outdoors (gardening, pool area)

Sunday: REST, Socialize w/Family/Friends, prepare for work week

Now, as I said before, if I keep up on things by doing a little each day, and since I have Josee do the deep cleaning every other Wednesday, there's no need for another heavy cleaning day. The key, again, is for me to keep to the daily routine and the weekly one falls into place. Easier said than done, I know!

How about you all? Do you have a weekly routine that you follow? How does that work for you?

On My Hearth: Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake

Yes, I know that this is typically a Thanksgiving or Christmas dish, but since I'm still using up pantry items and since Yule has been on my mind, why not? Also, I just read an article which states that cranberries fight cancer. Hmm....it's been difficult for Dad and I to keep her appetite up; perhaps a nice warm slice of this cake would help?


Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake

Yields: 12 servings
"This old family recipe is delicious for breakfast on Christmas day, or to eat while watching the parade! Originally submitted to ThanksgivingRecipe.com."

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 (8 ounce) can whole cranberry sauce

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) grease and flour one 9 or 10 inch tube pan.
2. Cream the together the butter and the sugar until light. Add the eggs and stir well.
3. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the flour mixture alternately with the sour cream or yogurt to the butter mixture. Stir in the almond extract and mix only until just combined. Pour 1/3 of the batter into the prepared pan. Swirl 1/2 of the cranberry sauce into the batter. Repeat, ending with the batter on top.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 55 minutes.

Daily Routine

Since I posted about my pursuit of a peaceful home, I've been making a concerted effort to get things under control and achieve that goal. I dusted off my old household notebook and implemented the Morning/Afternoon/Evening routine that worked so well when I followed it before. I haven't been perfect, there have been days when I went to bed with dishes in the sink because I got a better offer (*wink* *wink*) but for the most part I've kept up on things much better. When I work the system, the system works for me, it's as simple as that.

Now, this week I need to get back on track with the weekly schedule, but that's for another day. For now I'm just going to reward myself with a big ol' pat on the back and a fresh cuppa java. *clink* *clink* Cheers to me! (No, there's not Kahlua in my coffee, really there's not!)



Morning Routine

Personal Care (shower, dress, make-up, other necessary beautification)
Pet Care (feed/water/scoop litter/cuddle)
Make bed, tidy bedroom & bath (pick up the lingerie that was tossed onto the floor the night before..oops!)
Prep for dinner if necessary
Tidy kitchen & Living Areas
Quick e-mail check
Off to Work



Afternoon Routine

Gym on the way home from work
Laundry as needed
Update organizer, handle day's mail & paperwork
Spend 30 minutes in Focus Area (more on this later)
Start Dinner


Evening Routine

Beren Care (pre-dinner cocktail and cuddle)
Serve dinner to grateful family
Clean up dinner dishes
Set up morning coffee
Pack lunch
Pet Care (see above)
Tidy living Areas
Personal Care (Brush/floss/Bubble Bath/don sexy lingerie)
Choose fabulous outfit for tomorrow
Take out trash
Read/relax before bed
Beren Care (cuddle, romance, swoon)
Sweet Dreams!

Today's Inspiration: Words of Love

I have always been a pretty verbal person when it comes to expressing emotion, some would say too much so. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve and rarely hide my feelings. If I care for you, I'm not shy about letting you know. With my family and close friends, I often say goodbye with an "I love you", even in e-mail. Since Mom's illness and the recent cancer diagnosis of a good friend (more about that later), I am even more inclined to so. Life is so short, and you never know if this will be the last conversation I have with the person, it might be the last time to tell them how I feel. Three little words that mean so much: I Love You.

July 28, 2008
Heart-Centered Words
Leo Daily Horoscope

You may experience the close bonds of friendship, which could make you feel like expressing your affection toward your loved ones today. Perhaps the kinship that you share with the people in your life might stimulate your desire to share your deepest feelings about the value and places that they have in your life. Speaking from your heart could help you to convey the depth of your love and take your relationships to an even greater level of closeness. While you are with the people you care about today, you might imagine that the words you have for them are coming directly from your heart, and that each word is enveloped in a field of bright, intense love energy. Visualizing your words as coming from this center of sincerity and unconditional love may infuse your messages with the fullness of your caring and tender intentions.

Channeling our words through our hearts allows us to put into our words the true depth of our feelings. Even when we are with people we care about and wish to express the nature of our emotions, it can be difficult for us to find the right words without sounding trite or contrived. Our hearts, however, are a conduit for our pure and complete love for others; when we speak from this energetic center, our words convey our true intentions. By communicating from your heart today, your loved ones will know, appreciate, and understand the real strength of the love behind your friendship.

Monday Menu Planning

We have a few things still in our pantry that I'm working with this week but of course I still need fruit, veggies, etc. I'm certainly becoming an even more creative cook as a result of this budget crunch, LOL!



*Monday - Mexican Bean Pie
*Tuesday - Marinated Chicken Wings
*Wednesday - Zesty Sea Shells
*Thursday - Scalloped Chicken and Potatoes
*Friday - C*O*R*N
*Saturday - Crock Pot Black Bean Chili with corn bread
*Sunday - Grilled Burgers & Hot Dogs

Happiness Is...

a relaxing weekend afternoon...Beren and I took the waverunner out to our favorite location..here's the view from the dock:


My Prince Says, "Hop on, Rapunzel!"
(well, it's not exactly a horse-drawn carriage but it'll do!)


We brought a cooler of snacks to enjoy at a little hidden island



Then pizza and a bit of window shopping downtown


Can you see the little mermaid pic down there? Good thing I didn't have my wallet with me or she'd be mine!





All in all just a lovely summer day!

On My Hearth: An Unseasonal Meal

Since we ended up eating leftovers on Wednesday, I never made the Shortcut Minestrone. So, that will be on the menu for today as it's rainy & dreary outside and not a good day for grilling. It's too hot for soup, I know, but we'll just turn down the a/c and dig in!

I'm actually going to put this in my crockpot, adding cooked pasta at the end. I'm also eliminating the bacon and substituting veggie broth for the beef to make it vegetarian. In addition, I'm going to try some bread sticks from the Domestick Goddess, they sound delicious and perfect since I don't have any yeast in my pantry.

Shortcut Minestrone

INGREDIENTS:
4 bacon strips, diced
1 large onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
4 cups beef broth
1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans,rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2/3 cup uncooked pasta shells
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup frozen cut green beans
grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. In the drippings, saute onion and carrots for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes longer.

2. Stir in spaghetti sauce, broth and beans. Bring to a boil. Add the pasta, brown sugar, basil and oregano. Cook, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Add green beans; cook 5 minutes longer or until heated through. Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired and bacon.

Soft Breadsticks

1 ¼ cups flour
2 tsp sugar
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
⅔ cup milk
3 Tbsp butter or margarine, melted
2 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Combine dry ingredients and gradually add milk to form a soft dough.
Knead gently 3 or 4 times on a floured surface.
Roll out into a rectangle about 10″ x 5″ and cut into 12 sticks.

Put the melted butter into a large baking dish (I use a 13″ x 9″ rectangular glass dish) and turn the breadsticks to coat them with the butter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if you like.

Bake at 450°F for 14 to 18 minutes.
Serve warm.

Cocktails at the Castle

At the risk of sounding like I have a drinking problem, (hiccup!) I long for the days when couples had regular a "cocktail hour" at the end of their day. What a lovely way to segue from work to home. And, ooh, don't even get me started on formal cocktail parties! *swoon* So glamorous!

Tonight I'm going to slip on a LBD and my favorite high heels (see below), dab some Chanel No 5 behind my ears and pretend that I'm a 1950's housewife. Beren will put on some lounge music and I'll shake up these sexy little drinks for us. Oh, honey, I can barely wait until 5 pm!

P.S. This recipe comes from a book Kali bought me a few years ago, Highballs High Heels;what does that say about me that my teenage daughter bought me a drinking book? Hmm.....

P.S.S. I dedicate this drink to my friend Steph who loves shoes just about as much as I do!



Stiletto Cocktail

So, you think a woman's drink is some froufrou frappe sweet enough to melt your molars? Well, sure if you're talking about Gidget bar-hopping in Honolulu. But this classic 50's combo is for another kind of gal altogether; elusive, magnetic, a no-nonsense woman who invites her guest inside for a late-night bourbon and razor-sharp repartee. You won't need to pop a film noir video in the VCR for atmosphere - you're it, baby! Power, culture, femininity, and a hint of danger - all in one glass. Just remember, when you walk across his chest with those spike heels, show no mercy.

1 1/2 cups cracked ice
6 ounces Amaretto
3 ounces good Kentucky bourbon
2 ounces fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar syrup
10 or 12 ice cubes

Garnish:
2 lemon peels

Fill a cocktail shaker with the cracked ice and add the Amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar syrup. Shake vigorously to blend and chill.

Divide the ice cubes between two old-fashioned glasses. Strain half the mixture into each glass. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass, then drop it into the drink to serve. Serves 2


Pssst...update...cocktail hour was fabulous! Kali joined us for a bit, we all looooved the stiletto cocktail, will definitely be making this one again. Lots of fun, a perfect start to the weekend!

On My Hearth: Shrimp Tetrazzini

Shrimp Tetrazzini

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 55 Minutes Ready In: 1 Hour 5 Minutes
Yields: 4 servings

"A rich pasta dish full of shrimp and parmesan cheese."

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
8 ounces shrimp, shelled and deveined
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
1/4 cup sherry
1 (8 ounce) package spaghetti
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:
1. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain well.

2. Over a medium-low heat melt butter in a medium saucepan. Add onion to melted butter and stir until onion is soft. Add shrimp and mushrooms, cook for 5 minutes stirring often. Remove shrimp mixture from saucepan, place in a medium size bowl and set aside.

3. Remove saucepan from heat. Combine flour, mayonnaise, salt, milk, and sherry in the saucepan. Mix well. Return the saucepan to the heat and cook until sauce thickens.

4. Pour sauce into the bowl containing the shrimp mixture. Add the spaghetti to the bowl and mix well.

5. Place all ingredients in a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish (baking pan). Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top of the mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes.

Christmas in July

Since most of the family was together last night, gobbling up pizza over at Mom & Dad's, I took the opportunity to present an idea: How about a frugal, earth-friendly Yule this year? I got their immediate attention so went forth with my suggestions: A $20.00 limit to spend on each person, and the gift must be either handmade by the giver or used/recycled. As all of my children are earth-friendly and avid thrift store shoppers, their little eyes lit up! Really? Yes, I said. It is absolutely ridiculous that we spent thousands of dollars last year to give each other things that we either didn't need or we could buy ourselves! It's just an excuse to have something wrapped under the tree, half the time Beren and I are working off a specific list presented to us by our children, scrambling around trying to find the exact item requested. How silly is that? The girls aren't babies anymore, no need for the must-have toy of the moment! Our youngest is 13, certainly old enough to understand the environmental impact of consumerism on the earth, and our wallets!

I told my parents that they could opt out of this agreement if they'd like, but we would really enjoy having them participate. As I told Mom, I'd much rather have something handmade by her any day.

So, we'll see how this goes, we have 5 months to get our creative juices flowing and come up with the perfect non-commercial gifts for each other! I'd love to hear thoughts & suggestions from you all!

On My Hearth: Veggie Brown Rice Wraps

Because we ended up having take-out pizza with the family last night, I'll make these tonight instead.

Also, I just want to show off the lovely Hearth banner that my amazingly talented daughter Kali designed for me! What do you all think?!

Veggie Brown Rice Wraps

Submitted by: Lisa Sullivan
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes Ready In: 20 Minutes
Yields: 6 servings

"Salsa gives a bit of zip to the brown rice and bean filling in the meatless tortilla wraps Lisa Sullivan shares from St. Marys, Ohio."

INGREDIENTS:
1 medium red or green bell pepper, diced
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 (8 inch) flour tortillas, warmed
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat
Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup salsa

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large nonstick skillet, saute the red pepper, mushrooms and garlic in oil until tender. Add the rice, beans, corn, green onions, cumin, pepper and salt. Cook and stir for 4-6 minutes or until heated through.
2. Spoon 3/4 cup onto each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese; drizzle with salsa. Fold sides of tortilla over filling; serve immediately.

La Loba at Peace

Though I can still hear the faint scratching and distant howls, I believe I've managed to escape the worst for now.

Combining advice from all of you along with my own instincts, I didn't completely succumb to the darkness; instead I spent the afternoon and evening with intentional self-nurturing. First, an afternoon float in the pool, allowed the hot sun and fresh air to work it's magic. Then, a nap with a sweet purring kitten. Got up and tidied my house while chatting with a good friend. Cleared the dining room table and set it. Lit fresh candles and turned on Andrea Bocelli. Loudly. Poured a glass of wine and prepared dinner. When Beren called to say he was on the way home, I popped dinner in the oven and took my wine outside to enjoy while waiting for him. We had dinner, cleaned up the kitchen, and then when he sat down to watch tv I unearthed my long-lost yarn basket and started crocheting an afghan. Beren was shocked, had never seen me crochet, LOL, but I realized that I can't simply sit and watch inane tv with him night after night, yet I don't want to leave him there alone either. Needlework is the perfect solution. I can do my thing while still being with him, and now & then I enjoy a minute or two of whatever he's watching. At 10 pm we turned off the tv and read for a while, then off to bed. Perfect. I went to sleep feeling relaxed and fulfilled having done the things that nourish me body & soul, and this morning I feel much more equipped to handle the day and whatever gets thrown at me. I'm up, bed made, curtains open, ready for work. As I type I'm listening to a stunning piece of opera recommended by a musical friend...achingly beautiful.

"Filling the well" is what several of my friends call it..you simply can't give to others if your own well is empty. I need to remember that, and take the time to care for myself so that I can continue to be there for others who need me right now.

Thank you, my friends, for being there for me, for "listening" and holding my hand as I struggle with the dark times. I am feeling quite blessed this morning, and the wolves are simply singing...

Wolf at the Door

Now, you know that I love wolves and certainly wouldn't mind one showing up on my doorstep, but there's no other expression that applies. For as long as I can remember I have suffered depression, years before I knew there was a term for it or that I could do something about it. I tried therapy and various medications, and they worked for a time, but the monster was, and is, always there, lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce at any given moment. This usually happens when I'm exhausted, worn down, stressed out. It preys on my weakness, snatches me up and carries me away when I'm too exhausted to fight it. Like now.

I've been trying hard to stay strong, resisting the urge to give in to the demons that call me, refusing to pull the shades in my bedroom and retreat to the comfort of my cool white sheets. But it's so hard. Just too hard. I can't bear to go to Mom's another day, watching her struggle to breathe, to walk, to eat. I am not strong enough to sit with her and smile and make mindless chitchat while looking into her distant eyes, trying not to notice her thinning hair and skeletal frame. It's devastating, it's wrenching, it's just too much to ask anyone to bear. No one should go though this - not me, not my children, not my father, and certainly, most importantly, not my Mother.

There are days when I am positive and upbeat, expecting the very best and believing that somehow all will be well. Then there are those when I'm furious, when I rant and wail and curse the gods or whomever allowed this insidious disease to exist. Those are the good days, actually, the ones where if nothing else I feel alive, I feel some emotion at all. Then there are days like today, when all is bleak and black and the only thing I feel is quiet desperation. These are the days when I hear the wolf scratching at the door, howling, teeth bared..these are the days when I want to give in and just go with him down into those familiar dark places of my soul. Because surely the nothingness of depression must better than this.

Monday Menu Planning

I'm still working mainly from what I have on hand in pantry & freezer, it's amazing how much I had stocked away and how many meals I can make from it! This past Saturday night I made a big C*O*R*N dinner, served the family a smorgasbord of dishes from tacos to fried shrimp. They thought it was fun being able to create their own menu and it sure cleaned out the fridge!

So, here's my menu for the week, but I have to ask you guys - do you want me to still give the recipes day by day or are links here good enough for you? Or does it matter? *grin* Let me know, I can go either way!

Now, this week is a bit heavy on pasta, I know, but that's what I have an abundance of and everyone loves it anyway.

*Monday - Baked Spaghetti (I'll be using veggie crumbles instead of the beef)
Tuesday - Veggie Brown Rice Wraps
*Wednesday - Shortcut Minestrone
*Thursday - Shrimp Tetrazzini
*Friday - Soup & Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
*Saturday - Take-out Pizza or Dinner Out
*Sunday - Grilled burgers and hot dogs

Happiness Is...Summer at the Castle

I don't know if I've mentioned it here before, but we have an "open house" just about every Sunday during the summer. All of our friends & family know that they can drop by at any point during the afternoon and, weather permitting, they'll find us poolside. Beren's grilling, I'm whipping up side dishes in the kitchen, drinks are flowing, music is blasting...just overall a relaxing good time. Some Sundays we have a full house, others it's just us. Yesterday we were joined by my pseudo-brother, Arthur, who zipped over on two wheels, and Beren's two girls who were with us for the weekend. Afterward we headed to the beach for a snack, met Kali and Kevin there as well as my out-of-town Auntie.




Jezebel would really like to join the fun....

...and Jackson, too!


My favorite Auntie!

What a lovely day, can't wait for next Sunday!

On My Hearth: Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Beren likes to make big breakfasts on the weekends, especially when his girls are here. He normally whips up eggs & bacon, though, and we happen to be short in the egg department this week so I took over this week. This chocolate chip pancake recipe was frugal since I had all of the ingredients on hand and was a nice treat for his sweet-loving girls!



Easy Chocolate Chip Pancakes

2 cups Baking Mix (I use Bisquick)
1 cup Milk (I use 2 percent)
2 Eggs (I use Large)
Sugar
Vanilla
Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat an electric griddle or large skillet on medium heat. It does not have to be hot for this recipe, and you’ll want some cooking spray too.

Follow the directions on the baking mix package to make the pancake batter. Add sugar and vanilla to taste, which is optional. Don’t stir the batter too much, it’s okay if there are still a few lumps of dry mix in it. You want it to be thick enough to hold together in the skillet, but not so thick that the pancakes don’t cook in the middle. It should pour from the spoon but not be runny. Too thick? Add a bit more milk. Too thin? Stir in a bit more dry mix and then readjust the sugar and vanilla to taste.

When the batter is the consistency you like, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top and stir in gently. Not enough? Stir in more! Once it’s just the way you like, drip a bit into the griddle or skillet. If it immediately turns brown, the griddle is too hot, turn it down. I find that pancakes turn out fluffier and more tender if they are cooked on lower heat.

Use a small ladle or spoon to form the pancakes on the griddle. Smaller is easier to flip. Once the edges are set and bubbles are popping up on the top, use a pancake turner to flip them over. It will just take a minute to set the other side. Serve with syrup, or powdered sugar, or whatever toppings you like. Makes 8 to 10 depending on size.

Thrifty Thursday (a day late)

Dad took my Mom for some more tests this afternoon, leaving my Ohio Aunt all alone for a few hours. So, I saved my thrifting for today and toted her along with me. She is truly the Thrift Shop Queen, says that up home the only thing she doesn't buy from thrift stores is undergarments and nighties! We had a nice time, a little reprieve for her from the caretaking of Mom, and I got some good bargains:

*Two vintage Pyrex bowls and one Fire King pie plate for Kali

*One vase for my dining room table, the colors are perfect!

*A wicker basket that I plan to use for bread & rolls

*10 brightly-colored cloth napkins, they look brand new!

*3 Hawaiian-type shirts for Beren, one of them a Pierre Cardin!

Grand total: $27.00. Not bad, huh?

In Pursuit of a Peaceful Home

Life at the castle is a bit unsettled at the moment, dear friends. With so many activities going in the past few months, Kali & Lily's graduations, Bambi's birthday, Kali's wedding and pre-event festivities..and then, of course, Mom's illness..well, it's taken it's toll on our home, on our lives, on our spirits. I'm behind on everything, from laundry to grocery shopping, just don't have the energy to do it all. Regular mealtimes have fallen by the wayside, even though I am cooking several nights a week we're rarely eating dinner together. Beren's been putting in longer hours as have I, and the girls' work schedules are all over the map so I never know when to plan dinner.

Overwhelmed and out of control, I talked to my friend Jersey because she always gives the best advice! *smile* She suggested a routine, a schedule, and gave me a couple of websites to peruse. This one especially resonated with me as it focused on ritual & routine in a very Zen-like manner. One of the most important components is a morning and bedtime "calming routine." Morning & Bedtime routines, I had those once-upon-a-time when I followed the S*H*E homemaking system (Jersey, remember that's how you and I met, on the SHE boards!). It worked very well; my life was more orderly and there was a nice marking point to begin and end my day. Once I got divorced though, the proverbial hell broke loose and my lifestyle changed dramatically. No excuse, though, it's been 4 years, things have calmed down tremendously in personal/professional areas, it's time to now focus on what is truly important: my home and family.

So, this week I'm going to focus on taking back some control of my life. A couple of things are already in place - Beren and I have a morning ritual together where we wake at the same time and have our first cup of coffee together before work. I have also started menu planning which is great for getting the food on the table but it doesn't help if there's no one here to eat it. So, an established dinnertime is needed, even if it's just two of us dining together. The nighttime will be harder, everyone stays up later than me and I tend to push myself even though I'm tired and should head to bed, I just don't want to miss anything. *grin* I'm suffering as a result, though, am tired and drained and that doesn't do my family any good either.

Tell me, do you all have a schedule and routine that you follow on a daily/weekly basis? If so, how does that work for you? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Happiness Is...

A BIG wonderful, happy package in the mail!! oh, my goodness, I am so excited! You see, the fabulous Cat over at The Vintage Housewife did a drawing for some incredible vintage goodies, and I won!! What a sweet thing to come home to!

She gave me so many lovely vintage treasures, here's a pic of me wearing two of them, feeling quite the little pin-up!

Thank you so much, dear Cat, you have truly made my day and put a smile on this kitten's face.

Ladies Who Lunch

It's a busy time at work, Quarterlies are due, so I'm working more hours than usual. I don't mind since I really like to be busy and I do get a real sense of fulfillment from my current job. I love my co-workers, we have a lot of laughs and since we are a small company, it truly is like a family. Oh, and another good reason for the increased hours - I need the extra cash for an upcoming vacation but more about that later..wink..

You know, as much as I enjoyed being home full time in my "prior life," I admit that working, even part time, gives a sense of order and structure to my life. Without that, I find myself meandering through my days, puttering around and letting the hours slip away from me. I appreciate my home more since I'm in it less, and I find that getting up and going to the office gives me more energy, gets my body and brain moving!

Anyway, since I am usually home by 1 pm I rarely have occasion to pack a lunch so it's a real treat when I get to do so. Most of the ladies at my office grab fast food or a quick sandwich, but I'm on a budget so I'll be "brown bagging" it today. I prefer it that way, especially since I get to pack my pretty little Bento box like this...



and tuck it into this fun little tote bag...



Along with a glass of homemade iced tea, doesn't this just beat Burger King any day?!

So, off to work for this little gal...see you later!

Happiness Is...

*picking fresh basil from my garden for a little afternoon snack: Wasa light crisp crackers topped with Laughing Cow Light cheese, tomato slices, a sprinkling of sea salt and basil...delicious!


*a computer "assistant" who helps me write my blog!

*a lunchtime visit with my Aunt who is here from Ohio. She's one of my favorite shopping companions so I can't wait to hit the thrift stores with her!



*a huge surprise when my dear old friend arrived at my doorstep with his entire family! N and I have been friends for many years, since our Junior year of high school, yet his military career has taken him far away from me. *sniff* I hadn't seen him in 10 years, hadn't even met two of his children, so it was a wonderful evening indeed!