3.26.2012

Spring Food


My final spring post is all about in season produce. I'll have to get mine at the grocery store because the farmers markets in IL don't open until June, but that's no problem. Some of these recipes I've made before and some are on the list to try this spring. I hope you find some inspiration, just click on the images for links.
Images: Aspargus, Peas, Strawberries, Artichoke
All images property of their respective owners. All images linked to original source.





3.23.2012

Fresh and Natural Spring Decor

I like my house to reflect the changing seasons, I find it keeps the house feeling fresh and updated and you don't have so spend a lot of money for a little pick me up, especially when using natural or found objects. I'm going to brave the storms today and pick up some things to freshen up the house for spring.

Wooden Egg Vase Filler - Factory Direct Craft


Moss Wreath via Candles4less

Branches in vase via House Beautiful

Lilac Soy Candle - Target

3.22.2012

Spring Fashion

Hi Friends! I wish I could say I was rocking these spring fashions instead of the white scrubs and yoga pants routine I've been in, but I have picked up a few spring pieces to start mixing into my wardrobe. I love this seasons colorful, feminine styles and I used Polyvore to put together some bright and shiny spring outfits below. I hope they inspire your spring wardrobe (just pretend I can afford those Tory Burch flats and clutch).


For sources for any of the pieces, click here

3.20.2012

Happy Spring

Today is the first day of spring or the vernal equinox and the weather here in Illinois has been lovely. 80+ degrees, with blue sky and sunshine. The grass is green, there are buds on the trees and plants peeking out of the ground. I wish I could say I've been outside enjoying the weather, but the past few weeks have flown by and have been full of bullshit busy work at school, a sweet head cold, a broken washing machine, a handful of showings, and the start of role transition, which is my very last clinical experience of nursing school and signals the beginning of our final 8 weeks before graduation. 


Although things have been busy I've definitely got Spring Fever. I've been creeping on Polyvore putting together some bright and shiny spring outfits, dreaming of freshening up the house, and putting meals together with fresh spring produce. Stay tuned for some spring inspired fashion, decor and meals!

3.17.2012

St. Patrick's Day

I had some grand plans for St. Patrick's Day including baking homemade Irish Soda BreadStout cupcakes, and a visit to family, but a hellish week at school and a knock-me-on-my-ass flu led to a more subdued St. Patty's Day. 
Fortunately my wonderful husband grabbed all the accouterments for a tradtional American St. Patrick's day dinner: corned Beef and cabbage. Also we're skipping the green beer and replacing it with some Black and Tans (Guinness and brown ale). 

Black and Tans are great, but have you tried a Black and Blue? Some other things to mix up with your beer. 

If I'm feeling up to it, maybe I'll take some of that leftover corned beef and make some corned beef hash for breakfast tomorrow (after another showing of course).


Be safe and have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!

image 1, 2, 3

3.07.2012

Orange, Grey & Linen

I'm sure you can tell from my other mood boards, but I love me some grey and linen. This time, however, I thought I'd jazz it up a bit with a warm orange tone instead of the cool blues and earth tones I usually go for.


Click on each image for sources.

3.05.2012

On Marriage

I've been reading "A Blog About Love", a blog about relationships and marriage written by a husband and wife who are in their second year of marriage. Many of the things they have written about resonate with me and got me thinking about how to keep a marriage strong. We've seen many wonderful examples of happy marriages from our grandparents, parents, siblings and friends, and many of those relationships share common qualities that seem to help keep their marriages strong and healthy. And after 4 years of marriage, those same qualities help keep ours strong and healthy too.


Say Hello -  Greeting your spouse when you come in the door makes them feel important and that you're excited to see them. It's a little thing, but after a long stressful day, a greeting and a kiss can make you feel less frustrated and help to let go of the troubles of the day.

Be Polite - This is huge. Just because you've been with someone a long time, doesn't mean that you stop using manners. Always say please and thank you for your spouses help, it makes the other person feel appreciated, which is extremely important in a marriage. Just the act of Mike thanking me for doing the laundry makes that task less arduous. When Mike makes dinner and cleans up alone because I'm cramming for an exam, I always thank him and try to return the favor when possible.

Fight Fair - People always tease us about fighting. They imagine us sitting quietly saying things like "I respectfully disagree with your opinion". No, of course we don't fight like that. Sometimes I yell and Mike can patronize, but we never name call or put each other down. The fight has be to about the issue at hand, not who you are as a person.

Get Dressed - Do you remember when you first started dating your spouse? When you used to get dressed to the nines, all the way down to the sexy lingerie? I know, it's easy to fall into a routine of yoga pants, no makeup and ponytails or hoodies, tennis shoes and hats, sure that's fine once in a while, but when you  get dressed nicely, you feel good about yourself, and that confidence is sexy. Plus it makes the other person feel they're worth your time.

Compliment Each Other - Taking the time to notice something new, like a new outfit or haircut or just to say you look beautiful/handsome is a big confidence booster, and makes the other person feel noticed in the relationship.

Be Supportive - We all go through times when change is necessary. Changing directions in life, such as starting a new job, starting a family or even something as simple as redecorating or starting an exercise plan, require support and enthusiasm from both partners. This support can make all the difference.

Say I Love You - Almost every time we end a phone conversation, we say "I love you". People might think this is out of habit, but it's just an affirmation. Sometimes we'll just send a text saying it or say it when the other person does something that reminds of us that love. Saying I love you regularly serves as a daily affirmation of why you're together and makes the other person feel, well, loved.

Say Goodbye - Nothing is guaranteed in life, and just as they say "never go to bed angry" never leave each other angry either. Mike has a dangerous job as a police officer and every time he leaves, I walk him to the door, kiss and hug him, tell him to "be safe" and to "come home". Leave each other in a place of mutual love and support.

What do you do in your relationship that helps to keep it strong? Do you find any of the things listed work in your marriage?