What are some things that have made you happy lately? Things you’re looking forward to? Things you love, want, or need? These are just a few things that fall into some of those categories for me :)
1) Clothing exchanges.
I have been to two in the last month, the first two of my life. It’s like borrowing someone else’s closet…for permanent. And it’s cathartic because you lose all those clothes that don’t really fit you right now, or that never did. Not only did I get some truly awesome yellow wedges, a wide purple belt, a new dress collection, a hat I will wear all summer, and about a hundred thousand other things, I also found this gem of a sweatshirt:
Now I can throw away all my other lingerie.
2) Sleep. Definitely a need. I went to call the cat inside the other night, and actually picked up the phone and stared at it, wondering what the number was.
3) Beets. I bought a bunch at the teeny Farmer’s Market in town and can’t wait to put them to good use. Any suggestions?
4) While we’re at it, any suggestions on using excess watermelon? I knew I should stick to the sweet little mini ones, but the big ones have been so cheap. We’ve been eating watermelon and feta salads with balsamic vinaigrette (YUM), but that doesn’t use watermelon at any incredible pace. And K-fer has decided to boycott a fruit he used to eat like candy, leaving me with a plethora of quickly mushifying fruit. (Yup, totally a word).
5) Cupcakes. Father’s Day was as good an excuse as any for surprise cupcakes, and I hope you have an occasion coming up to try these fun little concoctions I’ll be sharing soon that are perfect for little helping hands.
(Question: why does my camera take relatively clear pictures of food and terrible, blurry pictures of my kids? Priorities, camera, priorities!)
6) Boot camp. Now seems like as good a time as any to do some extra exercising – I’m hoping I’ll see a ripped body, flat abs, rise in my energy and motivation levels. I start on Wednesday. The idea makes me sleepy. And happy.
Happy Monday, all :) Here’s to a great week, no matter what happens.
Probably a little late now but next time, try chocolate beetroot (as we call them in Australia) cake! Soooo good! You don’t really taste the beetroot but it adds an earthy depth :)
Anna, that must be some cat you have, if it has its own phone number, LOL. About the watermelon, cut thin slices and let K-fer (and friends?) cut out shapes with deep-sided metal cookie cutters. He’ll have fun even if he doesn’t eat it and you’ll have a peaceful moment before it needs cleaning up. Also, there’s watermelon slushes/frosties and watermelon “ice cream” I’ll bet there are a million ideas on Pinterest! BTW, does your camera have a portrait setting?
Keep writing.
I have never been to a clothing exhange, sounds too fun. I don’t usually leave links to a post, but you asked and I have three watermelon recipes but this is the best for using up watermelon. You get a sorbet and a cocktail. Can’t go wrong http://spinachtiger.com/watermelon-sorbet-and-watermelon-vodka-cocktail/
That is hilarious that you went to get the cat in and picked up the phone. Totally something I would do as well! Your daughter is adorable!
I love that you tried calling the cat on the phone…I catch myself using the clicker for my car to try to unlock my front door sometimes…yeah, sleep’s important ;) For the beets, I would recommend either roasting them with other veggies, thinly slicing them and making chips out of them, or baking them in a cake ;) Lots of options with those bad boys. Hope you had a fun weekend! :)
Hi Anna :) I love reading your blog, though I’ve been trying to eat less sugar lately and your pictures don’t help any :P… For the extra watermelon – try watermelon sherbet. I don’t have the recipe anymore, but you can make a really easy one with watermelon purée, coconut milk, and lime juice. It’s delightful and I’ll bet a version of the recipe is online somewhere!
Thanks so much for the sweet comment Greta!! And that sounds delicious – I was eyeing coconut milk and then didn’t buy any, looks like I need to head back to the store :)
Beets- roast them! This is my absolute favourite way to eat beets…so good I just had to plant some in the garden this year :)
Most looking forward to- all you girls and your guys and little ones coming out this summer for the wedding of the year! :)
Things I need- thinner thighs for the dress I bought for the wedding :P…and sleep, always sleep (yawn).
Where are you doing bootcamp :) ?
Delair Park – a friend from church is running one to see how it goes :) Wednesday nights if you’re interested!
Aw, your daughter is adorable! Mine would be eating more marshmallow than inserting (and they are adults!). And the clothing exchange sounds like a blast!
That is a fabulous sweatshirt! Your list of things that make you happy is just about the same as mine, except for the beets. (And mine would include Jamie Bamber.) :D
For the excess watermelon, why not make some watermelon faux-jitos?! (A kid-friendly mojito.) I think I saw a few recipes floating around Pinterest a few weeks ago.