FRIDAY FAVORITES

Friday Favorites are all about Feelings today!

1. I love the my niece has learned to say Auntie and I love you.  It sounds more like "Ahnie" and "wulv-ewe", but regardless she still says those words and it makes my heart melt every time she does!

2. My family, I have the best family ever!  They make me feel loved.  I figured this is the types of pictures I can look forward to receiving from Vyla when she gets a bit older.  Right now its just a bunch of scribbles, but regardless, I would rather display her art on my fridge than Picasso's.

3. When you get so excited for something that your heart feels like its too big for your chest!  I don't think this feeling ever gets old.

4.  An unexpected call from someone you love.  Lately I've got back in contact with long lost friends, and spoke to those that I care about a little more frequently!  It always makes me happy!

I hope you all have a delightful weekend!  Play safe and enjoy each other!

STEAL OF A DEAL

I just so happen to love hotels.  I love seeing how they are decorated, and I love it when you find a super comfy bed.  I ended up staying at the Podollan in Grande Prairie the other night.  It was kind of a last minute decision, but it certainly was a nice surprise.  I booked the room about 2 hours before I was supposed to check in.  And I paid $114.00. (which is pretty reasonable for a room up here)  Anyways, this is what my room ended up looking like:


The extra huge living room



The perfect king size bed (with a memory foam mattress)



The hugest bathtub ever!  I couldn't resist getting up super early just so I could use it before my flight



The ledge above the sink was perfect for all of my bathroom stuff, without getting in the way!

 If you guys are up in the area, I highly recommend this place!  The room is apparently quit a bit more expensive than what I payed for it, but by booking last minute you never know what you might get... you could end up with a great deal like I did!

GOING BANANAS

I don't know what my little obsession with cupcakes or muffins is lately.  I guess I just wanted to perfect it.  I was reading through a magazine and found a recipe... I guess thats what happens when you start reading a cooking magazine... I tweaked it a bit and here is my version of it.

BANANA CUPCAKES

1/2 Cup Butter
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
2 Eggs
1 Cup mashed ripe bananas (I used 3 medium sized ones)
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
3/4 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 Cup Buttermilk
1 Cup Pecans or Walnuts (I used walnuts)

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 375F

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Add bananas and let mixer mash them up (if not using a mixer, mash bananas before adding).  Add vanilla.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  Add the flour to the creamed mixture, alternating it with the butter milk (I put half the flour in, let it almost mix, put in half the buttermilk, let it mix, and continued another time until all the ingredients were used up). DON'T OVER MIX

Pour batter (which is nice and fluffy) into greased muffin tins (or a loaf pan) until 2/3 full.  Bake @ 375F for 18-22 minutes.  Cool for 10 mins before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Top with your favorite frosting and garnish as you would like. (I used a cream cheese icing, chopped walnuts, and made a pretty chocolate leaf for an earthy feel)

*These are the most moist and delish cupcake/muffins/banana bread I've ever tried!  Highly recommended!*

HERE, LET ME TAKE YOUR PICTURE

I have this overwhelming need to be good at everything I try.  For example:  My new camera.  Here I thought just because I bought a good camera I was going to take perfect pictures.  Well... much to my dismay.  That isn't how things always work.  I tend to give up when I get frustrated and just move on to something else.  The camera though... its not happening!

 I read so many blogs and their pictures are like something out of a magazine.  So amazing!!  I strive to be just as good.  The one blog that inspires me the most just so happens to be called CLASSY & FABULOUS.  El always has the most stunning photographs, so romantic and free spirited, and I'm always in awe!

Picture from: Classy & Fabulous

The coolest thing about photography is peoples different styles.  Another blog I follow is Color me Katie .  Her pictures are so full of life and her stories to go along are hilarious.  There is something about this blog that just makes you have this happy-whimsical feeling!  Another great read!




Picture from: Color me Katie

 
I've started to realize that a good picture is so much more than just pointing the camera and shooting.  It's about Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, blah blah blah.  I started watching tutorial videos on youtube and I think I'm finally starting to get the hang of it!  This is something I can't see myself getting "bored" of.  There is so much to learn, and so many different things to capture, and right now I'm like a sponge... just soaking it up!

I'M A THIEF

I walked out of a store the other day with a magazine I didn't pay for.  I had put it under my purse so that it didn't get damaged by the heaping pile of groceries I planned on loading into my cart.  I never moved my purse when I paid for my groceries and didn't think twice about it.

When I was done paying for my groceries I walked out to the truck, put all the groceries in the back and then grabbed my purse to put inside, so that I could return my shopping cart.  When I lifted it up my purse I saw the magazine and I immediately felt terrible. 

I fished my wallet out of my purse, grabbed the magazine and marched the cart back into the store.  I went to the checkout I had paid for my groceries at and proceeded to tell the lady that I had accidentally walked out of the store without paying for the magazine, and that I would like to do so now.  By the look on her face you'd have thought I had 3 heads.  She was flabbergasted that I would even return to pay for this item that I could have just taken.  After she realized I was serious, she thanked me for being honest. 

The thing that gets me is, how horrible is it that people are utterly shocked when you do the right thing.  And not only that, they have to thank you for doing the right thing.  I just thought that being honest was expected.  That it was part of life.

I mean I had full intentions of paying for the magazine when I put it in my cart, so why wouldn't I go back and pay for it after discovering my mistake?  I could have easily celebrated my little victory of getting a "great deal" on something and driving out of the parking lot at break-neck speed, but how good would I feel knowing that it was stolen?  It felt good doing what was right.  The great thing is, leaving without paying for it didn't even cross my mind. 

In a world full of dishonesty its good to know that I'm still honest.  It makes me feel good at night to know that I still choose to do the right thing.  Can you imagine how great our world would be if everyone just did their part and was honest and owned up to their mistakes?  Regardless, every time I look for a recipe in the magazine I know that I made the right choice, and I feel good about who I am and what I stand for!

GOLDEN CAVIAR SKIN CARE

I found Golden Caviar Skin Care on Beyond the Rack while I was shopping awhile ago.  I enjoy trying new products and was really hoping that I could find something that worked for me, and that I could continue using in the future.

I purchased their Glycolic Acid 10% Retexturizing Serum in hopes that it would do something for my skin.  All I can say is this is a MIRACLE product*.  Not only has it reduced the scarring I had from acne, it has evened out my skin, made it more radiant, and prevented further breakouts. 

I immediately found their group on Facebook and joined.  This morning I was pleased to have a chat during their chat session and asked about other products that would work for me.  It was suggested that I try their Acne Treatment Gel and Aloe Toner.  I put the two products (along with the above Glycolic Acid Serum) in my shopping basket and thought I'd check out what else they had.  I discovered the Alpha Arbutin Cream and decided to purchase it as well because I just want to even out the color on my face.  I'm so excited that I can hardly wait until my shipment comes!  I can't wait to try the new products.

Have any of you ever heard of this line?  Tried it?  If you haven't and are having issues with your skin, I highly recommend that you take a look.  It is well worth the money!

*The opinions expressed are my own and I am not affiliated with this company in any way.  Just a satisfied customer that thought they would share this fabulousness with the rest of you lovelies!

THINGS THAT MAKE YOUR DAY

Artwork compliments of: Ken Collins

Artwork compliments of: Ken Collins

I decided to leave my office and go do something for a few minutes... (my hair and makeup).  When I came back out from making myself all pretty I found this little love note smeared in mud across my window.  (which as you can see is a bountiful commodity out here)

I know its not much fun to be away from home all the time but sometimes the guys out here, with their ridiculous antics, add a little sunshine to my day and make it a better place to be!

A LITTLE BIT OF PRAYER

A good friend of mine was rushed in for surgery the other day to have blood clots removed from her leg.  After she reached recovery they figure the clotting started again and the doctors don't know why this is happening.  If you could all pray for the Surgeon, that he discovers what is causing this.  And pray for her too.  Pray that things straighten out and she is able to keep her leg! 

And to my little ray of sunshine,  If you are reading this, I want you to know that we are all thinking about you and saying our prayers.  Keep your chin up and think positive thoughts! 

FRIDAY FAVORITES

1. Pineapple Chamomile Infusion

2. Melon Citrus Mint Infusion

3. Orange Blossom Hibiscus Infusion

4. Island Mango Peach

I always love a great cup of tea!  Finding the perfect one isn't always easy.  I bought the Lipton Island Mango Peach one last year and since then I've fallen in love with the rest of them (well not all of them)  But these 4 are my favorite.  I have to admit, the Orange Blossom, and the Mint Melon are my new favorites!  If you get a chance to try them, make sure you do it!



BLOG AWARDS

Yesterday I discovered that the lovely Cess over at THE OUTFIT DIARIES had passed along a blog award to me.  Now Cess writes one of my favorite blogs.  She's super cute, has great style, and always leaves the most wonderful comments!  Make sure you stop by and check her out, because it is well worth the read!

Here are the rules:
1. Link back to the person who passed you the award
2. Share 7 random things about yourself
3. Award 15 blogs
4. Drop them a note to tell them about it

My 7 Random Facts.

1. I hate wearing socks.  But I love the feeling of brand new ones

2. I love the show "Big Bang Theory"

3. If I could own any pet I would own a giraffe

4. I talk to my mom just about daily

5. The ultimate comfort food is a peanut butter, rice krispie, and chocolate chip sandwich (don't knock it till you try it)

6. I love to fish

7. I want to try sky diving



The lovely blogs I'm passing this on to are...

BEAUTY BY PAULA -Always great Hauls and tips and tricks

SHOES ARE MY MUSE -This girl is a Sewing Machine!

NICOLETTA'S BEAUTY SPACE -Always great beauty reviews

REBECCA WITH AN R -Ever classy clothes

MY INSPIRATION -Best pictures ever! (She is my inspiration)

VIKTORIA WITH A K -Always good read suggestions
OUR FAMILY JOURNEY -Best perspective on life

FIRST BLOG -Inspiration for life's journey

REQUIRED 2 BE INSPIRED -Great DIY, great style, extra cute kid (I am biased)

CUPCAKES AND HEELS -Gorgeous, stylish, and a baking demon

SARA HASSAN'S BLOG -Great reviews, and where to find stuff

*MY WORLD* -A real life journey through heartbreak

GLITTER IS MY CRACK -Most fabulous makeup!

A REASON TO BE FABULOUS -Awesome DIY's, great style, and great stories

THE GREEN PETAL -A flower-aholics dream!

My blog love is all over the place.  I figured I'd give you all a good variety of things to check out!  I love each and every one of these women for a different reason.  They are all fabulous, and all deserving of this award!  I know that 15 limits who I can give this award to, but for everyone else, give yourself a pat on the back, because I think you are equally as wonderful!

RE-INSPIRED

After my post from yesterday I opened up my day timer only to discover my "QUOTES TO LIVE BY" list taped to the front inside cover.  More than once this little beauty has been able to do a complete 180 on my attitude.  I thought I'd share my list of inspiration with you:

"Be the kind of friend you want to have."

"Everyone is someone, make sure they feel like it"

"If our actions stem from honesty and kindness, then no matter what the result of our efforts, we have added something of value to our souls, and the world."

"The BEST is yet to come"

"Sometimes failures are simply opportunities to begin again, this time with more insight into what we really need to be successful."

"Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success!  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." ALBERT SCHWIEITZER

"Everybody is a genius, but, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid." ALBERT EINSTEIN

"Attitudes have the power to lift us up or tear us down."

"People will forget what you do for them.  People will forget what you said about them, but people will NEVER forget how you made them feel."

Obviously my goals for this year were to treat people better.  Most of them have to do with my having a more positive attitude.  I know we all have things that inspire us.  What is the one saying (or 2, or 5) that inspires you?  I hope you all have your cup full of sunshine today!

FEELING UNINSPIRED



Eye spy with my little eye, something that is green...

 Ever get that uninspired feeling.  Somedays I just have nothing to say.  I'm thinking todays lack of creativity is due to the miserable weather.  It has been raining here since Thursday, other than the 2.2 seconds of sunshine that I saw yesterday.  Everything is ridiculously muddy and dreary and I'm ready for some actual summer weather. 

I hope you all are having wonderful Tuesdays!  Please wish some sunshine this way!