Get out those rain boots!

I just wish that I could look as cute as Ms. Blair Eadie in those boots today. But I feel like my boots are going to need to be styled with a rain slicker or five. It has rained so hard in the past 12 hours and there's no end in sight for the next 12. I feel for those who are going to have a hard commute today to get to work (stay safe). Nearly every highway is flooded at some point so side streets are going to be packed, and to those of us who are going to have cleaning to do in their basements (*raising my hand high). We were up in the middle of the night helping move things upstairs as unfortunately we have flooding in our basement. But, maybe just for a minute, we can have those boots on, and just for a minute feel cute and a little happy that spring has arrived.

and then we can get back to reality!

Both images via Atlantic Pacific

On fall

I feel like the way this year is going, I'll blink and fall will be gone. Literally, every season has just flown this year and I do not want fall to pass me by. I want to savor little moments, like walking and crunching some leaves, and wanting to go down to the lake to see at least one sun rise.

Also on my list this fall:
I want to get a bunch of honey crisp apples. and eat them all
Have pumpkin ravioli. again
Knit all of my Christmas gifts to be prepared before the season starts (let's see if this happens! haha!)
Have pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting. The best!
Spend afternoons doing nothing with my sisters
Make my first risotto in months. (I love risotto, so the fact that I haven't had it in so long is whoa! I want some!)
Go on a long run on a pretty trail filled with color!
Catch up on all the new fall tv

Is it bad that half of my list involves food? What's on your list? I'd love to hear!

image originally found here

Blooming

image via pinterest

Some of these are just starting to bloom outside my window. Hopefully Mother Nature will actually let them grow and then not go to 25 degrees tonight! I hope that spring is starting nicely wherever you are. 65 degrees, here I come!

Hope your weeks are all off to a good start!

~Susan

February Song

Happy February friends! I seriously thought that it wouldn't come (ok I take that back, January actually went by quite quick, don't you think?) With these most bizarre winter that we have going on here in the midwest, I don't know what I am lusting more for: the winter we didn't have a lot of or the spring that we are seeming to have (sort of!)? But I love this month of love! I do!

I need to start on my Valentine cards! I love making them homemade because, not only is it fun but it's also special. Valentine desserts are also one of my favorite parts of the holiday, as well as the half price candy at Walgreens the next day! (ok, for those of us who do not have Valentines, like me, this is actually very exciting!)

Here's some inspiration that I have been seeing for this beautiful month we call February:

Source: tatertotsandjello.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Mary on Pinterest

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Source: jennysteffens.blogspot.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: forthemommas.com via Williams-Sonoma on Pinterest

Source: lilacandgrey.com via Things That Sparkle Blog on Pinterest

Source: stresscake.wordpress.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: theholethatiswhole.tumblr.com via Susan on Pinterest

And of course, I wanted to leave you with my favorite, Mr. Josh Groban singing February song. Gotta love it all! Hope you're having a great start to your February!

Happy February everyone!

Beat the Winter Blues!

A lot of us feel kind of down after the holidays. We've enjoyed spending so much time with family and friends, eating delicious big meals, and having celebrations quite often for about a month and then all the sudden it's gone. We're back to reality: working, taking classes, stress piles up and often times, we get a little bit depressed. Here's what I do to beat the winter blues:

Source: thealternativebride.blogspot.com via Susan on Pinterest

I like to go to bed early (I know, Grandma move right here!). Partially why I do this is because I've had such a big day and I'm tired, but also going to bed early means that I am able to get more rest and feel more energized for these days that sometimes seem to drag, and I feel great when I do it!

Source: purlbee.com via Susan on Pinterest

I knit (when my free time allows me!). Having an activity like knitting not only passes the time but it also goes with the theme of the season. I feel like bad winter days (those days that are too cold, or maybe even too warm) don't exist when I'm knitting and that only the happy kind are on their way (and hopefully they will be!)

Source: thepastryaffair.com via Susan on Pinterest

I indulge in little pleasures. I make myself a hot chocolate for dessert, eat a little bit of cookie dough, play outside on a good winter day, make a warm meal or take a long walk. Those little things get me through and enjoy the season the way it's supposed to be.

Source: curvecreation.tumblr.com via Tara on Pinterest

I also exercise frequently! Not only is it a good way to be energized, healthy and pumped up, but I'll be ready for spring and summer when I use my body way more. I prepare myself for the warm months ahead when I know I do lots of physical activities all in one day, something that usually does not happen this time of year.

These little things just work for me. Making myself feel good in whatever way I can helps sometimes when it feels like winter is just a bit too long.

How do you beat the winter blues?


~Susan