Fat Friday

That is how I will now refer to the Friday prior to Halloween.
So much junk!!!!
Why is there so much candy in my house????

I can feel myself expanding.
Uuggghhhh.
I have eaten a ton of candy and its not even time for "Trick 'or Treat"!
The joy's of having a young child =
lots of birthday party goodie bags, and treats from school to tide you over until dinner.
And sometimes after dinner.
Or for breakfast.
Not to worry though.
I am going to start doing Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred on Excercise TV begining Monday.
Yes, I know its somewhat foolish to begin this going into what I like to call "The Eating Holidays" but I have to do something now
or by December 31st I will seriously have
NOTHING
to wear.
And we can't have that.
No, no we definitely can't have that.


Happy Halloween Everyone!!!

Pink Thoughts....support for a cure

Today is the last Pink Thoughts for this month of Breast Cancer awareness.

I have enjoyed sharing with you all and many thanks for the comments and love.

Let's continue the fight for a cure

focus on our health and those we care about

remind each other to get those mammograms and do the self exams

Many thanks to the lovely Christina

a kindred who came up with the whole concept of Pink Thoughts

Please check out her Soul Aperture here!

She is AMAZING!

Your words inspire me

your photos move me to the core

I am glad to have found you......

Wishing wistfully

Driving back home from yoga last night I let my mind wander. I looked up at the sky, breathtakingly clear, stars sparkling and the moon shining bright.

Last night was no different.

The lights of the city sparkle in the distance as I gaze out my window, wistful and wishing for........

financial freedom

healing for those who are sick

jobs for those who are without

motivation for those who want to lose the extra padding

advice for those in need God's wisdome

love for those who are without it

Patience when mine seems to have vanished the ability to be still
a home of our own

to be married already

for a fulfilling job/career that allows me to spend time with my family

peace in a world filled with chaos

faith in times of doubt

and most of all happiness for all

SCORE!!!

this has just been my week as far as wedding finds!
So I'm at Home Goods this morning because I like to torture myself when I don't have any money and go "browse".
Kind of serves as a reminder of one of the "fun" features of me getting a J-O-B.
I could have money to "play" with in a store like; that's dangerous.
Anyway.....I'm cruising through there "just looking" because I was hoping I might find some cool accesories for the wedding or house there.
Well I did.
Not just for the house either.
All those wonderful Apothecary jars I see used in the FAB candy buffet on my inspiration board?
Yeah, they had them ALL.
I mean really all of them.
Different shapes and sizes and it seriously gave me goose bumps and made me all excited to know how conveniently I'm finding my accent items.

All day long my BFF Michelle has been in my head,

as I heard "our song" from our wayward youth on the radio last night;

she texts me when I get home and tells me she was just thinkin about me and is sending me something and would I prefer it be for Crate & Barrel or Home Goods.

Sadly I had to pause and think about this

( I mean COME ON people I genuinely love both places and they appeal to my many design mindsets)

but ultimately I chose Home Goods as I will get more bang for my buck there and if you read this blog at all you KNOW I'm all over that!!

So thanks B.F.F. you totally made my day!

Location, location, location

last week Babe, Sweet Pea and I went down to San Juan Capistrano to tour a wedding venue.

It was REALLY beautiful too.

The grounds reminded me a lot of the botanical gardens where we got engaged and the buildings are spanish style "haciendas" and fit right in with my vision.

The wedding director was really helpful and friendly and answered all of our questions.

And the price was OUTTA SIGHT!!!!

I mean it's well within our budget and I have already figured out a way to save money on a few other things so I'm sure we will come in under once its all said and done.

I'm kind of excited about it!

Now all we need to do is put down the deposit to book it and its ours!!!

HALLELUJAH!!!!

One major hurdle down 200+ to go!

But that gives me piece of mind that my vision will come to fruition, it will be customized just for us and will allow us to still have money left over when the dust has settled.

Long story short (too late for that)
I think this may be THE place!!!!


*********************


Update: so after I typed all this out, I was flipping through my "wedding book" (i.e. the notebook I lug around that has a bunch of magazine pics and ideas jotted in it) and I noticed that I had clipped out the venue's information already.


Hmmmmm.....Is this is a sign?

weird food facts

The lovely Katelin over at Gorgeous Footsteps in the Sand posted about her random/weird food facts HERE and I cracked up when I read it!

Lovely to know someone else out there has major food issue too!

And that got me to thinkin about mine so I thought I'd do the same and share as well.....

Many of you know that I'm a little bit OCD when it comes to organizing and "how things are done" in general

well that carries over to my food

1. I don't like my food to touch. With the exception of a few items - there is no reason for my mac'n cheese to mix with anything else.
2. I eat in groups of even numbers. If I'm eating cheez-its (which I usually am) or pretzels or something, they have to be in pairs and even sets.
3. I don't eat sushi. I know. I've tried but I'm not a fan of pescado in general and sushi is not my idea of a good time.
4. Strawberries and watermelon are like my all-time FAV fruits. could eat them all the time and often times do when they're in season. I don't understand how people don't like them. It baffles me
5. Bread makes EVERYTHING better.
6. I despise asparagus, brussel sprouts, lima beans, capers and okra. It's NOT going down
7. the smell of tuna being made makes me nauseous.
8. Cheeseburger= meat, cheese, bun. I can enhance it with ketchup & mustard or bbq sauce . Please no lettuce, tomato or mayonnaise. Thanks
9. I could eat turkey bacon ALL day. It's just that good.
10. Pretty much anything with green tea in it makes me happy.

What about you guys?

You have any weird food quirks?

Soulful Sunday - these are the days

Today was such a peaceful day.

Yesterday we were bumps on a log.

Lazing about watching old episodes of 'House' and other missed DVR'd shows.

Today there was movement, but not much.

We decided to try out a new recipe for fried chicken as well as the new deep fryer.

My Dad swung by to drop of Babe's bday gift and Sweet Pea's Walk-a-thon money.

Lucky for him he got invited to stay for a yummy dinner.

Spicy Fried Chicken, macaroni & cheese, a green salad, corn bread and peach cobbler.

MMMMMMM........

So delicious!!!

I love these kinds of days.

Afternoons spent migrating from the kitchen to the couch.

The roar of football fans echoing through my living room and the smell of cinnamon emanating from the kitchen.....

THESE are the days I will remember when I'm old and gray,

these are the times my Sweet Pea will look back upon with fondness and say

"We used to have fun in the most simplest ways"

Man, I love our Soulful Sundays!!!

pink thoughts

in the craziness of last week I neglected my Pink Thoughts last Thursday.
It's been eating me up all week.
I'm so sorry.

* My yummy PINK "Strawberry Fields" martini from Babe's Birthday

* My Sweet Pea rockin pink chucks and a plaid skort

* going to the movies in the middle of the day

* hearing a kindred's mammogram came back clear

* spending the afternoon with 2 generations of women while baking cookies with my own child

* making enchiladas with Babe while listening to jazz

* My Grandmother showing no signs of cancerous cells after ending her treatment

* the blogging Mama getting positive results back from a biopsy

* being able to listen to other's stories and realize my life is not so bad

*being grateful for what I have and who I am

* Enjoying each day as it comes.........

Right Now....

I'm SO pleased with this evening's dinner menu

creamy tuscan chicken

sauteed spinach

three cheese risotto

Working in a warm kitchen, making my house more fragrant with the smells of love simmering on the stove
Listening to Babe help Sweet Pea with her homework while I "slaved" in the kitchen was music to my ears.

I'm extremely grateful for a loving man who understands the "whoever cooks doesn't have to clean up" rule.

I'm listening to my little love bug sing to herself in the bathtub while wearing a shower cap so as not to wet her newly pressed hair.
Getting more excited about the wedding, the celebration of family and friends, the details and all the possibilities!!
Thinking about the coming week has got me smiling from ear to ear for no particular reason.
My cup runneth over.

What are you up to today?

true confession tuesday......all made up

I L-O-V-E makeup, wear it regularly and get somewhat irritated when people give me crap about it.
I have a serious love affair with makeup.
iIhear the angels on high sing with joy when I enter a Sephora.
It makes my heart leap for joy as each season brings a new palette of colors and techniques to try and explore.
real serious.
It's been going on for several years and I can't stop it.
I've researched the history behind it all and have been obsessed with it ever since.
I am enamored by all the color and how you can play with it.
Taken over by purples, washed away by the blues, hit in the face with green and glittered with copper, silver,bronze and gold.

It makes me very happy.
Unfortunately, I do get crap about this.
well not really crap.
But there are sly comments here and there.

Why you ask? Well I choose to wear makeup more often than not and am usually one of the few women who is "decked out" on daily basis. No matter what we are doing.
sorry folks. I'm not one of those "naturally" pretty women who wakes up, washes her face and is ready to go.
some days I wish I was but nope, not me.
there is a process.
I'm not a "M.A.C. girl" and wear MAYJAH full on makeup everyday and it does vary from day to day and for each occasion but please believe it's an oddity for me to even consider a run to the grocery store without a bit of mascara and at least my eyebrows done.
sounds obsessive doesn't it?
And yes I am that girl in Target with the black sundress, black flipflops, huge bag and green eyeliner with Sweet Pea in tow.
Now don't go thinking that I'm super vain and think I am some sort of gorgeous creature,
nor do I think I'm the creature from the black lagoon.
I just happen to think I look better with makeup on.
and I feel good when I have it on. thats what matters most right?
There is a certain enjoyment that comes from knowing that I can camouflage a blemish or dark circles, brighten up my eyes with a highlighter, and make my lashes longer and more luscious.
Admittedly, I like to play with color. Not only on myself but others as well.
( if you come to my house and have a little time, chances are you will live with a "lil something extra" on your face!)
And I think I'm damn good at it too!!
So sorry, but I won't be going out barefaced anytime soon and chances are the next time you see me I will be rocking the latest "hot" on my lids.
I am constantly mentally making people over, so if we are hanging out and I am looking at your face but have zoned out on the words, please don't take it personal.
I'm just doing your makeup.
In my head.

Sunday Funday

Whew! What a weekend!!!!

It feels as though our weekend began on Thursday this week and is just now winding down!

Sweet Pea had early dismissal all week due to parent -teacher conferences so Thursday we jetted on down to the L.B. to see my friend Rachel and purchase a few more items from "The Attic"
After spending a whopping $5 , we cruised by my dad's long enough to have a snack and go potty.

Then we dashed back home so we could get our hair done!

My sister-in-law has come out of retirement and has begun doing hair again!

HALLELUJAH!!!

Since it was the night before Babe's birthday HE ended up going out with his friends for some male bonding while the Sweet Pea and I basked in our "new hair" glory!

Friday it was on to Parent -Teacher conference!

I remember always being slightly afraid on those days. I wasn't a "bad kid" or a terrible student but I was pretty chatty.....

Fortunately for us, her teacher had nothing but good things to say about our Sweet Pea!

Whew!

Then we took Babe out to lunch at the local Wabi Sabi ( because who doesn't like to eat at teppan tables in the middle of the day) then a quick trip to Target.

By then we were spent so we came home to rest. However being the people we are we ended up not going back out.

But then Sweet Pea and I made a Lemon Cake (as per Babe's request) with lots of love and kisses baked into it so that more than made up.

Saturday: The three of us ventured down to San Juan Capistrano to tour a wedding venue (BEE-YOO-TI-FUL) and then hit up Ruby's for lunch. The best part of that meal? Sweet Pea got a pink poodle balloon animal with a purple leash & collar. AWESOME.

We got home and Babe's mother was there and ready to baby-sit! They ended up leaving to go visit another sister so we were finally left to our own devices.

We decided earlier in the day to go wine tasting and then dinner, but changed our minds and ended up heading to the local Yard House.

Now, I must say, I have been to the Yard House several times before (mainly for happy hour) and not usually to eat dinner so I was a little unsure of their dinner menu. Well let me just tell you they did NOT disappoint!

Our food was absolutely scrumptious!!! Hard to believe but we were both thoroughly satisfied with our choices!

Today (Sunday) - we went to see our friends son play football at the local park! It was the first game we had been too and it was a hard fought loss.

Poor Sweet Pea had no idea what was going on and I had to take the time to explain it to her.

Her only question: "what does 'hike' mean?". Nice.

Came home and Babe threw a couple steaks on the grill along with some corn, I whipped up a salad and some dinner rolls and dinner was served!

YUM!!!

We had such a fun weekend and Babe really enjoyed his birthday - time spent with family, friends and good food!



What more could he ask for?

Happy Birthday Babe!!

Today is such a happy day!
Not only is it Friday (whoo hoo!)
It's Babe's birthday!!!
HOORAY!!!
So today we are going to hang out as a trio
First up : Sweet Pea's Parent-Teacher Conference,
then off to a quick lunch at Wabi Sabi ( I DO love a teppan table)
and perhaps check out a movie or too!
I'll be back on Monday with a wrap up and lots of pictures!!

Happy Birthday my darling!
There aren't enough words to express my love for you,
your patience is boundless,
your jokes endless,
your smiles plentiful
and your embrace loving

you rock my world
What more can a girl ask for?

Have a great weekend everyone!

true to my roots....

Last night Babe and I were curled up on the couch relaxing when I remembered VH1 Hip Honors was coming on and as it was and ode to Def Jam's 25years I didn't want to miss it!

So we tuned in and I have to say they had a wonderful presentation.

Tracy Morgan hosted and he was pretty funny, there were interviews with Russel Simmons, Rick Rubin and Lyor Cohen.

And of course , the performances were dope!

Scarface, Ludacris, Onyx, Redman and Method Man, Mary J. Blige and even Eminem!

They had groups and artists coming out the woodwork.

I had forgotten how many artists had come out on Def Jam and how many had HUGE hit records!

Suddenly there was a stirring in my soul.

I was taken back to my youth, remembering the first time I heard RUN DMC "It's Tricky", The Beastie Boy's "License to Ill" , L.L. Cool J. "I need love" and EPMD's "Crossover" and many, many others.

It mad me nostalgic for an easier time when life was simpler and music was good.

And it made me think how far this thing called "Hip -Hop" or what was considered "rap" music has come.

In the span of a couple decades this genre of music has taken the whole world by storm.

There is no denying it's influence in music, clothing, speech and culture in general.

This is no small feat.

All because a few young dudes had an idea about the kind of music they wanted to hear.....

see how far your dreams can take you?

true confession tuesday......

I am a somewhat reluctant SAHM

Here's my story:
At the present moment, I am a stay- at-home-mom.

To a seven year old.
Let the snickering and eye-rolling begin.
I know how some women respond to that statement so lets get it over with and move on.

Simply because it's not the same as having a toddler at home and needing to be at home for them.
However, this was not always the case. Nor was it the plan.
Once upon a time, I had a job. And I quit. Of my own free will.
But let me start at the beginning.
When we first had Sweet Pea and moved home my dear boyfriend (Babe) informed me that I didn't have to work if I didn't want to, and that my job was just to take care of the kid.
Sounds FAB right? At 23 it kind of was.
So okay we did that for awhile.
But I was young, restless and trying to "find myself".
We broke up and subsequently I moved in with my mother, who did not share Babe's philosophy of me not working.
Once my kid turned two, I promptly began looking for a job and enrolled her in daycare.
I wasn't totally happy about the situation but my creativity on keeping us busy had run out.
And let's face it, I needed the money.
Not too mention socializing with people my own age or at least outside my "inner circle".
So I found a wonderful little job working "part-time" 9a.m. - 2p.m. and I also went back to school.
Somewhere along the way I discovered that if I worked more hours I would get paid more money.
Novel concept right?
So I did. Monday through Friday and a few Saturdays each month.
I realized there was no way to grow there and wanted to make even more money still so I looked for another job. And I got one.
I really enjoyed it. And I was GOOD at.
This lasted for about 2 years.
And I became restless again.
Work was fun but not really what I wanted for my career.
So,I decided to pursue my Beauty dreams and go to FIDM.
Meanwhile Babe and I got back together.
I quit my job.
went to school full time and was "just a mom" full time as well.
And that was awesome. (And a whole other post.)
Fast forward approximately 2 years and I am back at square one.
Not working and staying at home taking care of Sweet Pea and handling my "housewifely" duties.
This is not the way it was supposed to go.
I was supposed to land a full time job from my internship and graduate.
If that didn't happen then I was going to stumble upon a job right after graduation.
None of that happened.
I have spent the last 6 months searching for employment.
It has NOT been easy.
It is frustrating, time consuming and disheartening.
There are times when I feel like a complete failure as others around me obtain jobs in our industry and I continue to plug away at home doing "nothing" and resigning myself to the role of the "happy housewife".
Often times I am discouraged in my pursuit. Will it ever happen for me?
But God has a way of working things out.
I know He has a greater plan for me.
By trying to make my own plans and failing at them epically has made me realize that I need to slow down and just be "silent and still".
Which, if you know me, is next to impossible for me.
I like to DO.
So I make my housework my "job" and Sweet Pea my career.
While there is much work to be done around here, I can't help but miss that other part of me.
That hustle and bustle side that likes to "get 'er done"!!!
I know it is necessary for me to get my house in order, and then I will find some level of "success" (whatever that means) in whatever field I choose.
So until then.....maybe being a stay - at - home mom isn't so bad....... at least there's lots of snacks at work!!!

treasure trove

Last night I was lucky enough to attend "The Attic" vintage shopping extravaganza

hosted by my dear friend Rachel!!

What a magical evening!

I was greeted by another friend Shanna and immediately received a number for a raffle,

all the while laughing it up with Manders whom I haven't seen in about 12 years!

Thanks again for my gift!

I can't wait to use them!

I can't even describe the backyard!

It was like walking into the most fabulously eclectic vintage store you could find!

Twinkle lights and funky lamps everywhere!

Check out a few pics HERE!

I was super inspired!

It was great to catch up with old friends, try out some yummy treats by the ModernFoodie and partake in some caffeine (that I had no business drinking as I was up ALL night)

I was also able to meet my "twin" aka "the other Amber" that I have been chatting with on FB for quite some time!

Thanks for bringing us together Rach!

AND I scored some fabulous finds!

I'm looking forward to the next one !!!

Check out my finds below!

*******************************************************************************

Amber C. and Amber V.

Our FABULOUS hostess with the mostess

My loot!


aren't these just precious! and they go with the wedding colors!
SCORE!!!

so excited about this frame!

My gift from Manders!

Good times

Good Eats

Good Friends

What a FABULOUS Treat!!

SaturDAY love,date night & other things

So next Friday is Babe's birthday and I'm tryin to think of what to do to make it a little bit special for him.

See ten years ago, on Babe's 23rd birthday I made a decision.

I KNEW that I was going to end up with this man

(HOW it was going to happen remained a mystery)

And even though we were just friends at the time, I remember flying out to Atlanta to visit the "then boyfriend" but ending up spending most of my time w/ Babe.

And it was the MOST fun (thats another blog)

That evening we made a promise to each other that at some point we would marry.

(At the time I was thinking I would most likely be able to marry again since my future husband would probably die first - don't ask I was 20 and lots of "ideas")

So I want to make this 10 year birthday anniversary a bit more "special" if you will.

While thinking about all this I received a lovely "news & views" update from Redbook magazine that listed 20WaystoSpiceUpDAteNIght.

And it got me to thinking.

We haven't really had a lot of "date nights" as of late.

No major reason why, just haven't taken the time to schedule them.

Sad I know.

Several of my girlfriends seem to have them pretty regularly and I wonder how much that improves the quality of their relationship.

I also wonder, what do they do each time?

Because you can only go to "dinner and a movie" so many times before it starts to get old.

In reading the article and several others, it reminded WHY date night is necessary.

Once you have kids maintaining that "spark" in the relationship becomes harder and harder.

You find more things to distract you from spending time with your beloved and a lot of times at the end of a long day, all you want to do is crash.

But by creating outings for each other, you can regain that certain spark and ignite the flames of passion all over again.

We always make a point to have some quiet time for just he and I in the evening to discuss our day or what's going on with Sweet Pea or any other topics of interest.

But it's been few and far between lately that it's been "just us" out for an evening.

Some of the articles I read suggested taking turns planning the evening out (or in) so that you or your mate have that feeling of anticipation you used to get during the "dating game".

They also suggested that date doesn't have to be about spending money or even going out.

It's more about the time you spend together.

Reconnecting without the dramas of the outside world.

Did I mention they also recommended leaving your phones off?

Unless of course your babysitter needs to contact you then it should only be on vibrate.

There was a great article HERE for cheap and fun date ideas.

That got me a little more inspired.

But I want to hear from YOU!

What do you do for date night?

How often do you have them?

Who plans them and do you set a spending limit?

Do you have them with other couples or make it strictly alone time?????

Inquiring minds want/need to know!!!!

a truth

I have in my mind a recurring thing I would like to do on here.
"True Confessions " - whether they are mine or someone else's (anonymously of course).

Most religions require some type of confessing of sin before one can be saved and I think our everyday lives are no different.I feel like there are so many things that we think but do not say, feel but dare not express, and question but dare not ask.

Please feel free to email me at btrflygoddess@yahoo.com with anything YOU wish to get off of your chest!

So I will start it off.

I have been very selfish and not a very good friend lately.
I hate to even write/think that.
But it's true. I've been a flake.

Somewhat self-absorbed and justifying it by saying I'm busy with the wedding, job hunting and working on making our house a home.
But it's all kind of b.s. really.
I can make the time. I just haven't been.
And I cannot honestly say I know/understand why I'm being this way.
Generally, I take great pride in my friendships and relationships.
I like to cultivate them and spend time with folks individually and as a collective.
Really get to know where people are coming from and see things from their perspective.
But lately, I've been really in my own world and haven't come up for air.
And I want to say to any of my friends reading this:
I'm sorry
I know its probably not enough, and folks would like there to be more of an apology but thats the bottom line.
I'm sorry.
For not calling. For not checking in. For not coming to hang out.
For perhaps putting my needs above yours and not giving what I expect to recieve.
For not making the time.
I know how important friendships are.

Whether they are with family or friends and I know how important it is to really work at those relationships. We all get caught up in our own nonsense from time to time but we have to make the effort to get past our ish and see whats going on with our home skillets, girlfriends, ace boon coon's, best good friends.....etc.
So, from today forward I will work on being a better friend.
I will make the effort and put out what I wish to receive.
None of us are perfect and we do not always handle things the proper way.
And I will admit to that but no more.
To all my friends,
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

I will not blow you off.
I will always be there for you.

No matter what.
I may not always say what you want to hear, or what you like to hear, but I will try to say what you need to hear.
And if necessary, I won't say anything at all.
Just listen.

I hope you can forgive me.

5 on friday

my mind is a whirlwind of thoughts, ideas and hopes that I can't seem to gather into a cohesive sentence or thought.

so I will make a list.

I like lists they are much easier to do - here are my 5 random things on a Friday:

1. I like rap music. Not the stuff they play on the radio today but old school, 90's "gangsta rap" Snoop Dogg, Too Short, A Tribe Called Quest. The good stuff - not this glorified wanna be gangsta-pimp type non-sense.
2. Job hunting sucks. seriously. As much as I wouldn't mind having my own income, the whole process of putting yourself out there and going on interviews is daunting. especially when nothing comes of it.
3. My kid is gonna be a drama geek and I'm pysched about it. She recently started acting,dance, and singing lessons once a week after school. They are going to put on a "routine" from Annie in December. Can't wait!
4. Baking and walking are therapuetic for me and I don't do either of them as often as I should.
5. My family rocks. We bump heads, we disagree, and at times we don't even speak. But I know that when the chips are down they are there. No matter what. Thats pretty awesome to me!!!

Ok so thats a quick list of 5 things off the top of my head!

Hasta Luego!

ohhhh and a reminder!!!

Don't forget about the sale this weekend!!!

Awesome finds and yummy snacks!

What a great way to spend a fall evening!!

Hope to see you there!!!

thought for thursday.....

just cause i got this and liked it enough to share.......




"Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone-we find it with another.
The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them."
-Thomas Merton, a 20th century American Catholic writer.
A Trappist monk of the Abbey of Gethsemani, Kentucky, he was a poet, social activist and student of comparative religion.
He wrote more than 70 books, mostly on spirituality.

pink on a thursday.....

My Sweet Pea took a picture of these flowers at the fair.

I have never seen anything like them before in my life.

Turns out they are only found in Africa.

Aren't they just lovely?

We thought so.

My pink thought for today goes out to two of my blogging friends

Christina, who can be found here took a major step and got that mammogram that could one day save her life.

Brava Miss Lady!

Since it was her idea for Pink Thoughts I have to give mad props to her for sharing this experience and for being such a lovely example to us all!

Go get yours!

Also to my friend Jenn who can be found here.

She just had a biopsy on a lump found in her armpit.

We prayed about it HERE!

Thankfully she came through it okay

And she recently posted an update that they are waiting for more tests.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family.

She has 5 little ones and married to a most amazing man.

I should know as he's my brothers BFF =)

Please lift her up today.

And anyone else you may know of who is struggling with this.

Who may be too scared to get that mammogram or even begin doing self exams.

Let's save the Ta-Ta's ladies!

Yo....Sweetness - it's my weakness!!

today was pretty sweet (pun intended)

just hung out around the house.

finally felt like the weather caught up with the months.

it was blustery and much cooler than in the past few weeks.

I was even forced to wear jeans!

Albeit I was wearing them with a wife beater and flip-flops (hello southern california!)

I had to put on a jacket when I ventured to the store.

Yep, it was decidely fall around this joint.

Made me want to get in the kitchen and bake, so Sweet Pea and I made Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies this afternoon.

They made the entire house smell positively delicious!

Then since I was on a roll, I tossed together a quick salad and rolled out a pizza for dinner!

All parties were delighted with the results making it all the more worthwhile!

Got our ingredients all ready!

My "assistant" helping with the "cleaning" portion.

yummm! fresh from the oven!

the final product!

had to take a pic cuz they are sure to go quick!

What made your Sunday Sweet?

food coma

yesterday we went to the L.A. County fair.
I love that place.
It runs a close second to Disneyland for people watching......(my number one place is the airport)
There are SUCH a variety of people there!
It was $1 day and the last weekend so we had to take advantage!
A bunch of our friends ended up meeting us there so it was nice to spend a little QT with the extended fam!
Unfortunately there were no other kids Sweet Pea's age in the group so she was stuck goin on rides with mommy.

Which allowed Mommy to realize she is now "too old" for fair rides.
I swear I thought the little "crazy coaster" was going to go off the track! And the tilt-o-whirl??? No thank you!
But the food!!! Oh my!
Everything deep fried, on a stick, jumbo sized and covered in chocolate.
le sigh....it makes me happy.
Minus the chocolate covered Cotton Candy. that was just wrong.
how dare they ruin my favorite treat?!?!
Quote of the day from Sweet Pea after experiencing a deep fried Oreo: "Why is everything at the fair fried?"
Answer:"Because it makes everything that much better"

Needless to say I'm in a bit of a food coma today.

But the weather is inspiring me to get in the kitchen....we'll see how it goes.

What did ya'll do fun this weekend?

pretty in pink

"Looking at my life
I see that only Love
Has been my soul's companion
From deep inside
My soul cries out:
Do not wait, surrender
For the sake of Love."

- Rumi

a lover, a poet, a mystic

Cotton candy jelly belly's are my favorite kind of jelly bean.

cotton candy period is one of my favorite treats

Happy October everyone!

Here's to a lovely Thursday

thoughts of pink spun sugar confection

and prayers for anyone and everyone who's struggling with breast cancer.

check back every Thursday here in October for more pink thoughts!