Happy Friday and happy almost Valentine’s Day!
I’ve been feeling a little disconnected with y’all as I’ve been sticking to my regular posts all around the H+H Binder and the new series Easy Dinner Recipes. (Both of which are helping me to feel very productive, but I feel a little less personal than usual.)
And, on top of all that, I also did a blog redesign and so my “to do list” is off the charts right now. But honestly that’s how I like to roll. So, today is a catch up post and an opportunity for me to reconnect. I’m going to share all things that I’m loving lately!
As part of my goals this year I set out to learn to knit. I don’t know if I truly love it yet, but I do like it. Although I chose a really tough type of yarn to knit with. Therefore the number of times that I’ve started and restarted knitting this purple scarf, about 8 1/2 times. The scarf reveal is currently scheduled for Fall 2015. Yes, I can tend to be a perfectionist.
A couple of weeks ago, I spent the day with a sweet friend going to some of the local markets in Lisbon. It was a super fun day and I snapped this photo on the drive home – I wasn’t the one driving. 🙂 It’s so surreal sometimes to realize that this is where I live, it truly is lovely here.
After shopping at the markets and snatching up a recipe from a friend, the kids and I whipped up these spring rolls. Well, in all actuality we rolled them and realized that there is a true art to it. But, despite the lack of artistic touch, they were delicious. A new fave around our table, that we all loved.
As part of my Portugal Life Series, I grabbed my friend to help me sneak a ton of pictures during a recent grocery shopping trip. (The post will be coming soon.) It was almost comical how hard it was to snap the photos in a discreet way, which is why this photo of the egg aisle is a bit fuzzy. (Notice the eggs are not refrigerated.) I love the eggs in Portugal, they are soooo good. I however do not love the grocery carts, at all. (They have absolutely no power steering.)
My darling Ainsley finished her swim season on Saturday. She worked so hard this last year and I am so very proud of her dedication, progress and motivation. I have loved watching her blossom as an athlete. Although, I will cherish a break from the eight-hour swim meets that take place in a building that feels much like a sauna. A sauna without any of the elements of a relaxing sauna! Not to mention, I have the job of “officiating” and telling kids when they are disqualified. Number of kids I made cry last Saturday = 1. 🙁
This week was my Birthday week and I had such an amazing week. This guy made the week great! I really love him! We usually do a “Birthday Week” where we get presents for @5 days. I was treated to a new tennis racket, a new purse, Dove chocolates, an Amsterdam map (we’re going there soon) and the cutest hat. Then we celebrated out as a family at one of our favorite restaurants, where they served us steak on hot stones.
Yes, I cooked my own Birthday dinner. But trust me, it was so worth it! And, let’s just say the whole hot stone thing would never fly in the States, ever. I mean there is NO sign telling you the stone is burning hot.
Along with all of the love from my precious family, I was truly touched by my loved ones near and far, who went out of their way to make my day very special. It was a perfect day and I cherish all the beautiful people who are in my life.
I’ve got big things coming the rest of this month! On Monday there is a super cool giveaway and I’m also showing you some of my car organization. (This momma likes a clean and organized car.)
I’m going to begin to share with you more on how to organize ALL of those pesky papers. We’re going to stay on track with our Monthly Challenge! And I’ve got another Fabulous Friend stopping by, to say that I miss her, is the understatement of the year. You’ll love her too!
If you need a little extra motivation for your 2015, you can still join the Goal Challenge with me. There are over 50 of us who have committed to setting some serious goals this year. I love that!
And…lastly today is the last day to sign up for Spring OC at the regular price. The OC starts Monday!
Hoping you have a FABULOUS weekend full of lots of LOVE!!!
xoxoxo