The girl who couldn’t stop cleaning..

Something happens in the spring. I don’t know if it is nature’s natural course or if it is just me. Every year when the temperatures start to heat up I feel the instinctive urge to tidy up my nest. Sounds silly huh? I feel silly, but it is still true. On date nights, I beg my hubby to take me to Lowes to walk down the paint aisles.  I find myself sneaking into the garage after dinner to dust off my garden pots and I can already envision my new garden (victory garden #3).  Seeing the sun on a daily basis makes me clean…weird.

Mr. Snail on the other hand knows that I can and will work from dusk till dawn so he enforces the mandatory “relax time”. At first, I would begrudgingly put my feet up on the recliner and “try” to relax. I would humph an pumph and work myself into a tizzy. That’s when Mr. Snail took things to the next level. We went out to date night and he took me to Barnes and Nobles. We walked around for an hour. I didn’t realize he was gone. I was too busy smelling the new books (I really love the smell of new books). He came back and said he was tired and wanted to go home. No worries, I was on cloud nine having smelled about 100 books in span of an hour.

That all changed when we got home and he pulled out a bag with something in it. He beckoned me to the recliner and asked me to please sit down and relax (pout starting to form) that’s when he handed me some magazines.

Mr. Snail is a genius I tell you. I was as happy as a lizard laying in the sun! I think I sat there and looked at those magazines for two hours. By the way these are great magazines if you are into photography. They give great tips on shooting in the light and the articles are short and sweet.

As all good things must come to an end so must this one. The next day, I told him I was relaxing (thinking he wouldn’t be home for another hour) and he caught me read handed baking granola bars!

>shock face<

Caught red handed I was but as all girls know you turn on that adorable “how can you resist me smile” and hand him a freshly made granola bar and that day is saved.If you are interested in the granola bar recipe I used click here.

Best Lemon Bar Recipe

Hey friends,

Do you want the recipe for the best lemon bars I have ever baked?

Really?

Are you sure?

Once you eat these lemon bars I am sure no other lemon bar will compare. (Well…then again I’m not sure everyone is different.

Alright here is the link to the yummiest lemon bars you ever tasted.

Have a great Monday

My favorite love story (ours)

Mr. Snail and myself had grew up together. I was that spicy child that everyone thanks their lucky stars they didn’t have. I like to think that I was bursting at the seams with life! Mr. Snail on the other hand was more quiet and enjoyable. Needless to say that our circles of friends didn’t intersect until our early twenties.

My friends (unskilled cupids) would mention him in conversation but I really wasn’t interested in him. To be frank, I was far more interested in late night baseball games, saving the world, and reading books. Oh to be a teen again! We helped out in the same ministry at church so I soon found myself laughing with him playing late night games of UNO. (Little did I know, he strategically volunteered there to get to know me. So sneaky)

We really were becoming quite chummy.

While the foundation of our sweet little friendship was under way, God had bigger fish to fry (so sneaky!). It just so happened that around that time a dear friend of mine was moving away. I was crestfallen. We decided to throw her a luxurious party (because I’m fancy like that) at Denny’s at 2 AM (we were trying to be posh). I called Mr. Snail and extended the invitation 20 minutes before the party was to start. He showed up (I really didn’t notice…already missing my friend) and low and behold the only seat open was the chair next to me.

Well……Well…..Well

We ended up talking the whole three hours about hiking, music and God (those are the topics I remember most vividly).

I was really beginning to like this guy.

He walked me to my car and asked if I worked the next day. I thought it was kinda nosey to ask that but “oh well”. We said good night and I gave him a high five.

The next day…

He shows up to my work with flowers. He opened the door for me and said “Will you be my girlfriend?”. Mind you, we were just starting to become friends so my response was a lackadaisical “sure sounds fun!”.

I went to work and he went home. I would like to tell you that I was level headed and calm but that wouldn’t be the truth.

Through our dating years and into our married years we have found on numerous occasions that we are distinctly opposite. Mr. Snail being of a quieter spirit and myself being a bit rambunctious. In the end, despite our differences we have one common factor: We are best friends and that’s all that matters in this love story.

A Lazy Weekend

So I truly think that California’s weather is bipolar. Friday, I was outside BBQ in shorts and over the weekend. I was huddled under a fuzzy blanket sipping cold tea and listening to Pride and Prejudice (you know it is “cold” when I run to Pride and Prejudice).In other news California is an awesome state but a little quirky at times….probably why we get along so well.

As I briefly mentioned, I was reading Pride and Prejudice. I have watched the movies (different versions) several hundred times but have yet to read the books (disgraceful). Since I promised myself that I would read at least 5 classics before I turned 29 I figured it wasn’t too early to start. The books was splendid and I enjoyed being swept off my feet by Mr. Darcy and his pride. The language used throughout the book was so elegant and the descriptions of the fine balls ( I sound like Lydia) were just enchanting. Can you tell how enraptured I am by this book?

I have decided to read all of my classics through Librivox. Librivox is a site that offers audio formats of various classics. These classics are then brought to life by various volunteers who read the book aloud. Librivox has an app too so if you have an iphone or ipod you can enjoy classics on the go. It really is  a handy website.

Even though I promised myself that I would read at least 5 classics it truly is a challenge for me. I don’t necessary enjoy reading classics. I get distracted very easily and can’t get motivated to read the darn book. Sad but true. Therefore, I find it an extraordinary help that Librivox provides audio books that are in the public domain for people like me (who like to cook their dinner and read a book).

In other news, since the book was longer than I expected I had some extra time to create in my craft room. Since valentine’s day is tomorrow I knew that making valentines was on the top of my list. As I sat there contemplating all the ways to complicate a valentine…I came to the conclusion that simple can be elegant. Maybe it was Elizabeth Benet describing Mr. Darcy’s pride maybe it was  pure genius. We may never know.

Have a great day.

10 Things to do on Valentine’s Day: Single Edition

I am not single but when I was I remember dreading Valentine’s day. GRRRR…..was my response to anything lovey dovey. I felt like saying all you couples out there should banana split your way back home. It’s true, that’s how I felt. I am sure there are a few of you out there that are giving me a virtual high five right now. I am giving you one right back.

But….

No need to be too upset you see you can have a splendid Valentine’s day too. Here are my tips to an awesome Valentines day.

1. Get dressed up and invite a bunch of friends to go with you

2. Cosmic bowling on a school night (no kids, no cares, no worries)

3. Light Candles, Grab a book (or something you enjoy doing) and  make yourself a homemade dinner

4. Spa night!!

5. Take your parents or someone you love flowers or something special at their work

6. Build a photo booth and invite all your friends over to take some crazy pictures

7. Pizza Potluck. You supply the pizza dough and everyone else brings toppings

8. Buy new makeup (if you are into that) nail polish and a curling iron and just glam it up

9.  Girls Getaway (Just plan it and go)

10. Movie Marathon

Things to Remember…

1. It’s only one day and then everything pink and red will be on clearance at Target

2. Everything is over priced on that day anyway

3. You are awesome just the way you are. So show the world that incredible smile and be attractive by your inner beauty

4. Wear the heels if you are daring enough. I am not…because I fall every time. Every time.

5. Don’t compare yourself to others. The grass may appear greener on the other side but that may not be the case

6. Some couples may look at all the fun you are having and wish they were you!!!

Have a blast!

10 Cheap Dates

I am going to make this short and sweet. Don’t worry single folks, I have a post for you tomorrow.

1.  Go on a hike. Take a picnic lunch or dinner and enjoy the out doors

2. Go roller skating.

3. Car Karaoke! Turn up the tunes and you have an audience of two. Very fun.

4. Drive in movies with frozen pizza (cook it first though)

5. Board Game Picnic (enough said)

6. Cook dinner together.

7. Make something together. (napkins, a table, etc.)

8. Get fancy (both of you) and then go eat at a fast food place. All eyes on you!

9. Build a photo booth and take goofy pictures

10.  Take a community class together like ceramics ( this will ensure other dates without having to even ask!)

Back to the Basics

Trash to Treasure

Hey Everyone,

I know it has been a while and I am sorry for that. I have to be honest. I haven’t been reading nor have I been visiting my craft room.

*insert gasp*

I have however been shopping thrift store and looking for the ever so elusive yard sale signs. Just as luck would have it I was driving home the other day and I spotted a yard sale sign. I browsed around (nothing is my thrilling then shopping through other people’s junk) and decided there was nothing I wanted. Mr. Snail on the other hand had found something that caught his eye. A very old (very ugly) side table. Apparently, while I was “shopping” he had asked the yard sale attendee how much the side table cost.

He came over very discreetly and mentioned that the table was only 5 bucks. He thought this was a great idea. Myself on the other hand hated the ugly thing.  ”Fine.” I retorted very tartly.

We ended up taking the side table home.

The next day as I was browsing alone (I am a fast learner) at the thrift store I came across a very vintage looking side table. It wasn’t the color I necessarily wanted but I figured I could paint it. I bought that beauty for 10 bucks and was happy as a clam.

A few days later (now you know why I wasn’t in my craft room…I had bigger fish to fry) as I was sanding this table down to its original beauty an idea struck me. Why not sand them both down and then repaint them both. I love those light bulb moments.

As you may have already guessed. I sanded them both done to their “younger years” and I decided to paint one and stain the other. I felt so proud walking into Lowes and declaring that I needed sand paper and wood stain. It’s silly but I felt like “I am woman. Hear me roar.” Ok….that really is silly.

The finished products were awesome. I mean for 15 bucks you really can’t beat that. Or could you? Off to the thrift store.

This one is the piece I found at the thrift store.

This is the piece Mr. Snail found at the yard sale. I have to admit this is one of my favorite pieces because we use this as my cookbook stash.

I believe this is the first one to be crossed off my 28 Before 29 list

Gungor Live!

So for my birthday my mom bought me tickets to see Micheal Gungor  perform live. I was thrilled to say the least. Micheal Gungor is a part of a band called Gungor. He and his wife are exceptional.  Their songs are so unique and meaningful. Can you tell I am really into this band?

Luckily for me we (hubby and I) got amazing seats in the center aisle and very close to the front. It helped that I had my newly bought zoom lens. The evening was magical with music cascading all around the room. I closed my eyes and just breathed it all in.

I wish you all were there it was incredible. Here is one of the video snippets I took from the concert. 

 

Katie Evans Photography Workshop Giveaway!

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to stop in really quick and tell you about a giveaway happening over at Katie Evans Photography.  You can try to enter to win one entry to her photography workshop here. Hurry, the giveaway ends tonight at midnight (CST). Good Luck!

Picture Source: Katie Evans Photography