Friday!

I am so happy it is Friday today and that it is finally the weekend! I got all my work done for the week so I can actually enjoy it! I am very excited for this weekend because Erik and I have actually planned a lot to do and even if it doesn't all work out, I am just so happy it is sunny today and hopefully the weather will stay nice.

Here are a few things we have planned for this weekend:

* Tonight is the first meeting of my book club! I couldn't be more excited, it has been something I have wanted to do for a looong time and never had the right people to start it with or never really thought I could make the time. But I am so excited with the group that is coming and realized that it is so much easier to make time if you prioritze correctly!

* Tomorrow we are going to a lacrosse game for the team that Erik is helping coach! Finally... I am getting a glimpse of my dream to be a coach's wife.. haha I feel like I am going to have to channel Tami Taylor and wear some coyboy boots and say "hey ya'll" a lot.. Even though Erik is helping coach lacrosse and not football and we are in Oregon not Texas. Oh well. Should still be fun.

* Later in the day tomorrow/tomorrow night, we are going to try to get out to the UFO Festival that Mcmenamins is having in Mcminnville. There is a "Dress your Pet like an alien" contest and live music, and of course beer. Should be a good time.

*Then Sunday, plans aren't exact yet, but if they don't work out... maybe we will just have a day of rest. But if they do work out, hopefully we will get some drinks with friends and have a great afternoon. hopefully the weather will compromise!

I am so happy Spring is FINALLY here in Oregon!

Anyone else have awesome plans for this weekend??

Summer Pepper Salad

 

First off, I must admit that I LOVE bell peppers. I love the way they taste and their texture. So I thought I would share a salad that I made up involving them that I just love! Last night I made it to accompany salmon and rice. 

What you need: 

*2 large bell peppers whichever color you like.. I did red and orange.. chopped into small pieces

*8-10 grape tomatoes.. cut in half or thirds

* 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar

* 1/4 cup Olive Oil

*2-3 cloves of fresh garlic depending on how much you like garlic

*1/2 tablespoon dried basil or 3-4 leaves of fresh basil

Mix it all together..

ENJOY!

here is a picture of my salad..

Happiness Experiment: Spring

Spring. 
So, the last couple of days have been beautiful.

First, Friday and Saturday were so sunny and warm that I even wore a tank top for awhile. 

Then Sunday, was beautiful with family all together and rain that just took over. (I love rain though). 

But even when the weather isn't cooperating... 
HAPPINESS EXPERIMENT.

I have realized that happiness is totally what you make of it.
You choose your battles, choose your activities.

So. I choose: 

*more date nights with my husband
*more lesuirely reading time, right now I am reading two books:

* making accounting notecards so I am not stuck at home studying, I can do it anywhere.. including sitting outside

* Fresh cut flowers

* Cooking with fresh vegetables and eating fresh fruit

* Spring dresses and attempting jeggings? 

* Going camping and golfing

* drinking lots of coffee 

* figuring out how to successfully stay faithful to an exercise regimen

* 7/11 Slurpees

* Sunglasses 

* Exploring new restaurants, especially ones with outdoor seating

What do you have planned for Spring??

Inexpensive Spring Dresses

I know that when I think of spring.. the first thing that comes to mind is sun dresses. And I think.. you can't get enough. So with Forever 21, being so inexpensive... you gotta love it. 

All Under 25 bucks!

Outdoor Rooms

Since it has been cold in Oregon lately...
I have been dreaming of living somewhere warmer...
or it being summer at the Oregon Coast...
Here are some amazing outdoor rooms.. 
That make me want to just sit back, relax, and enjoy! 

Spring Garden

Spring time is coming!
I am so excited! Therefore I keep thinking about building this year's garden. I am trying to think about which foods we love to eat all the time and small recipes that can be made easily with fresh herbs and vegetables. 

In our garden, I for sure want to include:

• bell Peppers
• cilantro
• tomatoes (my favorite food)
• cucumbers
• lettuce
• basil
• rosemary
• carrots 
• garlic

Any other vegetables/herbs you think I should include??

Think of Spring: Healthy Garden Salad

Spring Time Dreamin'

I have been thinking so much about spring time coming and today it was so sunny. It made me think of dresses and sunglasses and running around outside and letting the sun warm my whole self. I cannot wait for the weather to cooperate and heat up so that I can sport dresses and just be more carefree.

For some reason, even if work and school schedules don't change at all, as soon as the weather is warmer and the sun peers through the clouds and the rain slows down, I just feel more positive. I always feel like no matter what, even if my classes and work schedule are more hectic I am always more positive during the spring and summer. So... I cannot wait for sun! 

...and dresses! 

 

(Urban Outfitters)

 

(Gap)

(Ruche)

(Anthropologie)