Just the way you are...

I read this post yesterday: A Little bird told me
It was perfect. I really do just love when I get a nugget of encouragement that meets me just where I am & feeds my soul.

I am always trying to tune out the voices that want me to compare my life, my image, my body, my spiritual walk, my mothering to evvveryyyoonneee else. It sure is hard living in a time where we are so connected to the rest of the world. There sure is a lot of people to compare myself to while looking at the television, the internet, my smart phone, etc all day, every day.

Enough is enough. I am enough. I am just who I was meant to be.
I am here to tell you; to tell myself today you are enough, you are beautiful and ...

Source: lindawagner.net via Brandon on Pinterest

Abso-freaking-lutely.
Absolutely.
Amen.
*sigh of relief here*

I do not believe that God wants me to be beating myself up for the mistakes I may have made today. He wants me to take the lesson and growww through it. 
Stop beating yourself up. Stop comparing yourself. Embrace the beauty of the creation of...you...just the way you are.

Source: thdandeliongirl.tumblr.com via Michael on Pinterest

Happy weekend everyone...

While I went into this upcoming weekend wanting nothing more than to be pampered this upcoming weekend; after my most recent awakening (as per yesterdays post) I wanted to also give myself some homework.

This Mothers Day I want to make a vow to my daughter to be a better Mommy.

I treasure the bestowing of our daughter to us.

Lilly is amazing.

I want all of her dreams to come true...

As you may have seen from yesterday I am working on me.

Its time for a new momma in this home.

Happy Mothers Day to you mothers out there! May you feel special this weekend.

P.S. Mom, I love you more than you will ever, ever know. You are amazing. Truly. May God Bless you. May He protect you. May He heal you. I am a better person because you loved me, because you continue to love me. Bless you today Mom. Love you, miss you (tons). oxox, Me

Here are some of my fav. tunes to get you into the weekend spirit whether that be happy, reflective, heavy, or wanting to get that groove on...(You know there is always music playing in this house so I thought it only appropriate)

Now, get your Mothers Day weekend groove on peeps...

For your chill moment try:




For your reflective moment try:




For your groove session try:

Dear Me,

It was such a blessing to come across this blog earlier this week.

I believe it was God saying; "Here beautiful daughter. You need some fixing."
Boy, do I.

As with any new website, or blog that I find where I find myself totally jazzed that I found in the first place I start digging through it.

I found Brave Girls Club blog through an old friends post on Facebook.

I dug and dug and then I found this video on the site...

The second my mind had processed what the message was portraying I pictured myself as the little girl and the second I pictured myself as a little girl, I realized how many times my spirit had been broken since that time. The tears were falling into my morning coffee.
With my own little girl in the next room watching her cartoons I realized that obviously I wanted to protect her (as any good mother does) but I also wanted to heal myself in order to be the best mom I can to my Lilly. As her mother I do not want the lies to win in her life. I do not want the people that have hurt me deeply to win.
There will no doubt be times that I can not protect my daughter from pain, from sin but I want to be there  at the end of the day to tell her that she is beautiful, that she is loved and she can triumph over her pain.

Its time for me to heal. What I want this Thursday is to heal. I want to get back to the happy & confident little girl that I know is still in there under all of the yuck.
There is a lot of yuck.

Toddler room redo: Part 105

Honestly, this transition to toddler bed will be hear before you know it.

In order to ease myself into it I am submerging myself with inspiration for this redecorating project. 

Here are a few more images that I found this week:

Since we have the stripes, I am thinking chevron curtains and a pop of a head board would be adorable!

Source: madebygirl.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

This would be too cute for when she gets a little older.
Great use of space!
I have had my eye on this kitchen set for quite some time!

Source: danielleoakeyinteriors.blogspot.com via Erica on Pinterest

Mac & sweet potato cheese

I threw this together a few months back. It sounded good again for dinner last night.

Boy is it good and next time I think I am going to forgo the cheese in order to truly have a food combined, guilt-free meal! :)

Source: kblog.lunchboxbunch.com via amanda on Pinterest

Here we go:

Sauce - 

1 Tbs butter

2 Tbs whole wheat flour

1 c. Almond milk & 1 c. veggie stock (room temp)

1/2 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese

2 mashed sweet potatoes

Stir until thick

Combine with cooked whole wheat pasta in casserole dish. (I love the shells)

Top with a little more shredded cheese and bread crumbs if desired.

Place into a 350 degree oven for 20 min.

Whaallllaaa... Enjoy!

If you do give it a whirl give me some feed back!

My Mothers Day wish list...

With Mothers Day fast on its way I thought I would throw out a few hints to someone who will remain nameless.

I have left a few sticky notes around the house as well. Lets hope the message is received loud and clear?!

Here are some ideas that I think would be fun:

Outdoor/ Indoor speakers

I would want the white ones...of coarse. ;)

We spend so much time outside and I always have the tunes going. I would LOVE some new speakers around the place.

This necklace from Carhoh.

They have a few different ones. All adorable!

Lets face it I need this reminder on a momentary basis these days. Why not have it around my neck?

Awesome!

I have had my eye on this beauty for quite some time.

Now, to find the perfect restaurant to make some reservations at. This mama is not cooking...

What are your dream Mothers Day plans?

To be honest it is a toss up between planting flowers with my family for the day or running away to do some mimosas, shopping and a movie solo...

Recharged.

I am thankful that he did sustain me.

I am happy to report that all I needed was a nice weekend. I was able to recharge the old batteries.

We had a lovely Friday night BBQ and fire.

Good lunch with good friends at a Otto in the city followed by a date night on Saturday.

...& rested on Sunday.

Thank you Lord.

Now, to conquer another week. Here. We. Go!

Source: google.com via Sandi on Pinterest

WTH Friday

The cherry on the Sunday is like every other beautiful, strong, independent woman/ girl child in my family Lilly has found her strong-willed voice (aka tantrum).

I guess this is a good thing?!

Last nights tantrum was a duuuuzzz and yes, I did consume a lot of wine.
No, she didn't throw up even tho she was screaming so loud and hard that she couldn't breathe. Thank God she didn't pass out either.
Ahhh, Karma...I know this is only the beginning.

Happy weekend everyone.

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via ❦ Pin on Pinterest

What I want today...

Validation.

There is only so much a 2-year old can do or say at the end of the day to make you feel like you did your job & well.

I can not help but bring my mind back to days where I had a list of meetings to attend, conference calls to get on, work trips to do & when I did a good job I heard from a handful of people what an awesome job that I did.
There were dinner plans throughout the week.
There were actual humans (lots of them) that I came into contact with each and every day.
There were phone calls coming in throughout the day.

These days I have been blessed with a beautiful healthy little girl whom I can stay home with. I can take pride in the fact that she eats well, she sleeps well, she has manners, she is happy, she loves me & for all of this I am very grateful.

I just miss hearing "How are you today?", "What is new with you?", "How was your week?", "You look upset what is going on?", "Are you okay today?", "Great job today!"

Am I the only Mother that feels this way?
Grown-up interaction is a powerful thing people.
Do not take it for granted.

Again, I am grateful for my life & what I have. I just get lonely. I just want to know I am doing a good job.
I need to remind myself that what I am doing every day is important even though I do not feel like it some/ most days.


I need to remember such things...

Source: beckyhiggins.com via Terumi on Pinterest

More outdoor inspiration for the week!

I am in the midst of perfecting the deck for the summer. It is getting there so I am hoping to light up the chiminea this weekend! 

PS Lets all pray those pesky mosquitos DO NOT grace us in such force this summer! We really love using our living space outside and those bugs truly ruined our last summer.

Take a look at some fun shots I am hoping to build on this week.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

oxox, Me

I love the aqua painted ceiling and floor here! So peaceful.

Source: designsponge.com via stacey on Pinterest

What a great place for entertaining. Whimsical...better yet at night once those white lights are shining I am sure!

Source: google.ca via Erin on Pinterest

I am LOVING the back drop here! That lantern above the table...yes please!

Source: myhomeideas.com via Sol on Pinterest

So cheery!
The use of curtains and lanterns in these pictures totally have my wheels turning today...

Source: casasugar.com via Cathy on Pinterest

Thai Glazed Salmon!

This just sounds good!

Oh Monday, Monday

Praying you all have a less hormonal day than I am off to already over here... ;)

Source: Uploaded by user via Jillian on Pinterest

What about those piggies?

So its that time of year when these winter toes make their appearance into the world after months of hibernation in bulky winter socks and shoes.

With all of the news reports on yet another toxicity to worry about I went on the hunt for a natural alternative nail polish.

Now we all know how important nail & tanning salons are to the fine state of New Jersey.

I will begin bringing my own polish to the salon ladies.

Yes, I am a neurotic nerd. Its okay. I accept it.

Not to mention Lilly has been begging to have her piggies painted too.

Here are some of the products I just ordered us ladies online. Take a peek!

Piggy Paint is awesome! Non-toxic and quick drying (which comes in handy for an excited 2-year old). I love it! This is the color we purchased. I will upgrade to a more hot pink for the summer.

Source: ecomom.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

This is just one of their many gift sets available on their website. Some of them come with 2-polishes and one remover. All non-toxic. :)

Source: piggypaint.com via Sadie on Pinterest

How much fun would it be to have a day of beauty birthday party?! Maybe in a few years!

Source: piggypaint.com via Nikki on Pinterest

I couldn't be left out here so I purchased a few Zola products. All non-toxic of coarse.

Source: zoya.com via Carrie on Pinterest

Here is one of the colors: (Shelby)

Source: zoya.com via Tonia on Pinterest

And another: (Kennedy)

Source: zoya.com via Tonia on Pinterest

I also bought Carmen which is a bright red. Very fun.

And the remover of coarse:
I also got a set of base and top coats.
This is going to be fun!

Anyone else have a favorite nail color?

Source: Uploaded by user via Grace on Pinterest

My daughters love.

Time is flying; Lilly will be 3 before I know it and each day that passes I am seeing what a beautiful little person she is becoming.

I couldn't be more proud to be her mommy.

I have my moments. I feel like a bad mom often more times than not.

I need to remember she is a creation that was made and bestowed on us to care for.

Here are a few of my wishes for my beautiful daughter.

Lilly, mommy loves you more than you will evvver know...

Source: dailypins.info via Denice on Pinterest

I do hope she one day wants to be like me.
I know I could only pray to be amazing like my own mom...

Source: goo.gl via Colby on Pinterest

Ohhhh, yes I do...

Source: pinterestfreeguccibag.com via Dowdell on Pinterest

I love this quote so much!

May you parents remember this today.
Happy Thursday everyone and talk to ya tomorrow!!

Source: etsy.com via Jillian on Pinterest

Mellow Yellow.

Yellow is a happy color and one that brightens up any home.

Here are a few inspiring pics to get your mind going this week!

:)

In our home this statement is 110% true:

Source: etsy.com via Jillian on Pinterest

I REALLY want to do this to our stairs!
You know me; I would change the color and pattern as soon as I got sick of it.
How much FUN!

Source: patternhound.com via Jillian on Pinterest

New rug for the living room?

Source: anthropologie.com via Jillian on Pinterest

Gotta love the HELP poster and that cozy couch!
This scene is asking for me to find that cup o coffee this house runs on, find my Kindle and have a quiet moment...

Source: marketplace.apartmenttherapy.com via Marya on Pinterest

This space is just too amazing for words. One day when I get my chick room?

PS Anyone else wonder why it is that men get the man caves to be left alone in and women have no such thing?

I cant even go to the bathroom alone anymore!!!

Have a happy Wednesday everyone!! ox

Source: google.com via Leah on Pinterest

Fish Taco Tuesday!

Nothing like some grilled fish tacos and we finally have some sun to grill in!

These bad boys are definitely on the menu tonight!

Ryan is on this third day of the hCG diet so his will be a bit tweaked to fit the strict guidelines.

I am thinking lettuce instead of the tortillas. No biggie!

Source: recipes.womenshealthmag.com via Liz on Pinterest

Run away Monday...

Sometimes running away just seems like the only thing to do.

I have found some amazing camping images.

There is truly nothing like camping. The fresh air, the pure quiet & the sun shining in your tent at dawn...I have not been in a really long time and now I am inspired.

Source: society6.com via Ted on Pinterest

This is my new fantasy.
How much fun would camping be in a chicked out trailer such as this!!??
Amazing!!

Source: justpaintitpink.com via Valerie on Pinterest

Or this!!!??? Totally love it!

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Because all that know me know that I would totally dig this hippie camping carriage!
I need one for my back yard.

Source: goo.gl via Francine on Pinterest

Dinner party with the girls? Adorable!

Source: favim.com via Lisa on Pinterest

This is a great set up for camping in the backyard! I. LOVE. THIS.

Source: Uploaded by user via Stephanie on Pinterest

Why not bring your Anthro bedding camping and hang your bed from a tree. Yes, please.

Source: pinterestoffer.com via Alma Helen on Pinterest

Is this not the cutest tent ever? Why yes it is.

Source: aunatural.tumblr.com via Susan on Pinterest

Now, this kitchen set up is just too cute. That is how I would roll.

Source: junkaholique.com via Frederique on Pinterest

            Ahhhh....yessss...

Source: piccsy.com via Melinda on Pinterest

My heart loves...

While I love this quote I have learned that my heart loves many things...

like...

running like there is no tomorrow, like quiet moments, like digging your feet deep within sea sand, like the love of a mother, like the listening ear of a dear friend, like the sound of the crashing waves, like the sound of innocent happiness, like the beauty of a blooming flower, like crashing thunder, like angry wind, like pounding rain, like emotional breakthroughs, like pure love... 

You can not depend on one thing to make your heart healthy.

You can only entrust your heart to THE one person that created that precious heart; that knows exactly what that precious heart needs and just how long it is going to last...

Jesus my best friend; God my creator knows me inside and out.

I trust Him with this precious heart.

It wounds easily.

It is sensitive.

It searches.

It aches.

It rejoices.

It praises.

It rests.

With 1...

My Lord. My Savior.

Who or what is your savior this day?

Life is long. Life is tiring. Life does.not.make.sense.

Who is your Savior?

John 3:16

I am thankful that I found one that loved me enough to die & raise again.

May your heart find rest this weekend.

God is good.

Rest in Him. He loves you.

My heart only finds rest in my Lord, my savior, my best friend, my creator, my Father...my God.

Be blessed my dear readers.

I love you and I pray blessings upon you and your family's this awesome weekend!

Source: Uploaded by user via Michele on Pinterest

I love you Anthropologie...

I have been loving the bright spring colors and bold patterns that Anthro has right now. I did just get the green shirt and some great jeans. Now I have my eye on some dresses!

The torturous part is wanting to buy a completely new set of dishes and bedding on my way through the clothes. That's how they get ya!

Who else are you finding has a great summer line for 2012?

Shirt dress
$98 - anthropologie.com

Cotton tunic
$88 - anthropologie.com

Pilcro Stet Slim Bootcut
$118 - anthropologie.com

Carved jewelry
$78 - anthropologie.com

Cluster earrings
$38 - anthropologie.com

Bracelet
$28 - anthropologie.com

Iced Rose Aviators
$238 - anthropologie.com

Sun-Soaked Shift
$138 - anthropologie.com

Crystallized Chroma Drops
$38 - anthropologie.com