House Tour

Welcome to my home!

It is approximately 1,700 sq ft, two story home, with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and a office/bonus room. 

Front Porch:

Living Room:

Family Room:

Kitchen / Dining:

Down Stairs  Half Bath:

Master Bedroom:

 Master Bathroom:

Guest Room:

Hallway bathroom (guest and kids):

Kids Room:

Thanks for visiting. 

Wardrobe Wednesday

I have decided to start doing a Wardrobe Wednesday post, because I miss doing outfit posts. This way, I take pictures of my favorite outfits of the week and post them on Wednesday. 

Here are a few outfits from this previous week. 

It rained most of the week, but we did have 2 sunny days. 

Skirt/T shirt: Target, denim jacket: Nordstrom BP, Shoes: Nordstrom (Me Too)

Cardigan: Victoria's Secret, Jeans: KUT Nordstrom, Dress: Francescas, belt: JCrew, Bag: F21

 Dress: Marshall's, Shoes: DSW, Bag: MK (Macy's) Belt: Jcrew

Sauteed Balsamic Mushrooms

This is one of my favorite ways to prepare mushrooms.

It is a very delicious and so easy. 

Ingredients:

2 pounds mixed fresh mushrooms (cleaned and sliced)

2 TB of salted butter

4 garlic cloves (minced)

1/4 cup of olive oil

salt and pepper

1/2 tsp rosemary dried (or 1 tsp chopped fresh)

1 tsp chopped fresh sage

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (divided)

2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes.

Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt/pepper, rosemary, sage and parlsey.

Mix well and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated. 

Remove from skillet and garnish with the remaining parsley.

Sunday Funday- Birthday Party!

Hello, my beautiful friends. Today was a super fun and busy day. A week ago, I was asked if I could help decorate a birthday party. I agreed, but my mind was yelling at me "thats only 6 days away!! How are you going to do it!!!" But with God's help, I managed to do so. 

(I frequently thank God for the strength and health he has given me, because most days I am running around like a mad woman.  I know, without him I could not do anything. )

  

I was in charge of dessert table, decorating,  and the games. 

My day started with getting up at 7:30am, picking up the cake and cupcakes at the bakery at 8:30am and then to the park to decorate for the party. (off course, I already had all my stuff packed and ready to go  the day before) Then, back home to get the kids and hubby at 12pm. 

I was so tired by 6pm, I just wanted to collapse. But the OCD in me made me wash all of the dishes I used, put everything away, give the kids a bath and do laundry, etc.... oh, and write this post.

Here are a few pics from the day:

Sunday Link Party #8

Thank you to everyone who linked up last week. I had such a great time checking out all of your links.

Here are some of my favorites:

Sarah, from Life on Virginia Street shared her gorgeous entry way.
Kandi, from Woven home, shared her daughters "big girl room"
Carolyn, from Sweet Chaos, shared the before and after of the kids bathroom.
Jamie, from So Much Better With Age, shared her gorgeous office area in her kitchen.

Alexis, from Persia Lou, hacked this Ikea dresser. 

Love this happy yellow dresser from The Happy Housie.

Gilit, from Shoes-of-please, made over this pretty gold lamp!
Chaney, from May Richer,  Fuller Be, made this wooden shims chandelier!
Jenna, from Rain on a Tin Roof, refinished this gorgeous green lamp!

Heather, from My Sweet Mission, shared her Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe

Aimee, from Twigg Studios, shared her recipe for this delicious looking braided lemon loaf
Danielle, from Busy Mom's Helper, shared a recipe for these Super Addictive Brownies

Thank you all who linked up!

Now, on to the party.

Link your crafts, DIYs, recipes, home tours, parties, sewing projects or health/beauty posts. 

Stay a while and visit a few links and leave some nice comments.

By linking below, you give me the right to feature your photo and link back to your post.

Thank you so much for coming !

Birchbox May 2013 + link up your box!

I am always eagerly awaiting my monthly birchbox. It's like a little present for me every month.

Let me tell you what birch box is, just in case you are not familiar with it.

It's a monthly subscription service which is $10.00 a month where you get sent 5-6 high-end samples each month. First you take a little survey so they can find out more about your skin, make up likes and dislikes so they know what to send you.

You know how I love trying out new products? Well, with the birch box, I can try high end products without having to buy full size products. If I love the product, then I can go buy it :)

If you are interested in checking it out, go to Birch Box

 Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner

What Birchbox says about this product:  The soft wax formula goes on smooth to create clean lines or can be smudged to smoky perfection. Plus, the long-lasting liner will hold up all day and night. FUll size: $11.00

What I think: I got the color Raina, which is a smokey gray. I don't wear anything but black eye liner, I guess I am pretty boring. I did swatch it though, it is extra creamy and didn't wash off until I rubbed it. I really don't think I will wear this. 

 Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle 

What Birchbox says about this product: This paraben- and sulfate-free detangler seals the cuticles (the microscopic scales that compose the outermost layer of each strand of hair). It also smooths and moisturizes, thereby minimizing frizz, while safeguarding color and adding shine. Lastly, it provides protection against UV rays and heat. Happily, it accomplishes all this through a weightless, non-greasy formula that leaves behind an airy floral scent. FUll size: $21.95

What I think: I was really surprised that I loved this product. You see, I ran out of my heat protectant last week and have been using a different brand, which I have not been liking. Then this little baby shows up in the mail. It smells heavenly! 

My only problem, was that I could not get the sprayer to work. I guess I got a defected sprayer. I just poured some in my hand and rubbed it into my ends. It made my hair soft and smell so good! Best part is that it is paraben and sulfate free!

Perfume sample: Folle de joie eau de parfum 

What Birchbox says about this product: The perfume opens with a burst of freshness from an intimate blend of calming citrus and a light woodsy floral, giving away to playful hints of cognac. Its middle notes—jasmine and Damascenia rose—give the fragrance a carefree, summery vibe. Finally, warm base notes of spicy woods and rich leather add a seductive finish. Plus, the vintage-inspired glass bottle adds a chic touch to any vanity. FUll size: $98.00

What I think: Wow, this stuff smells good! The bottle is so pretty, but the price is really steep! It would be a great gift, but I wouldn't buy it for myself. 

Coola Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for face

What Birchbox says about this product: Unlike chemical sunscreens, which can take up to half an hour to kick into effect, this ultra-light sunblocks start working right away. The skin-balancing formula features vitamin C-rich strawberry extracts to soothe and tone lackluster skin. Age-reversing antioxidants like evening primrose, acai, and linseed oils deflect free radicals, while naturally water-resistant plankton makes the formula extra-durable. FUll size: $32.00

What I think: I really liked this sunblock, it seeped into the skin really fast and is non greasy. This sample size will last me a long time.

Bonus item: Pilot pen

I am not really sure how I feel about getting a pen in my birchbox. I am  always loosing them, so it is nice to get one. But, I wish it was a beauty bonus item instead. 

This months box was small, only 4 samples. 

Show me what you got!

My Favorite Mask (Review- Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask)

This is my favorite mask I have tried so far. It is very inexpensive $6.99 at Whole Foods (I bought it on Amazon). I have been using it once a week since September of last year, and I still have plenty left!

I use this mask with Organic Raw Apple cider (just as the mask recomends)

YOu use equal parts of both and create a paste.

Do not use a metal spoon or bowl to mix this in. 

I  keep my small bowl, spoon and apple cider in the bathroom, so I can easily mix up the mask anytime I want.