Smoochies....

Have a smoochie filled day!!

My morning me...

I awakened and walked out of my bedroom and noticed this beautiful light on my wall that I never noticed before.  I don't know why, its the same routine everyday except this time I had my phone in hand and I took a few pics of my shadow me in this glowing light.  My daughter, Nyla didn't want any part of my playful photo session all she wanted was her hot chocolate and that is probably why I noticed this gift of light because I was zooming to the kitchen and I didn't open up the other curtains... thanks Nyla for opening up my eyes to this gift!

and the golden light fades... 

 into the time to start the everyday routine...

I realized this morning as I was in a rush to get Nyla's hot cocoa that it just takes one little twist in an everyday routine to be inspired by the ordinary.  And after that moment, I started seeing my house in a whole new, amazing way.   Without the clutter and all the things I need to do; I normally am trying to get rid of my "hips" but now after seeing me in these pictures, I'm loving my womanly curves!  

It's like I put on my "golden colored" glasses, do you want to borrow them or would you prefer "rose"? :)

Yummy lunch just for me...

I have no problem eating left overs here and there, and since it was just me for lunch, I decided to go the easy way.

I pulled out a turkey burger from last night, the "scallop dip" (its just like the hot, gooey crab dip but since my husband is a scallop, commercial fisherman, I make it with those yummy things), heated them up, toasted a sesame bun, plopped on some fancy lettuce and bam!

I drank a diet coke out of a frosty cold glass and that made all those decadent, succulent calories just go away :)





Between the ploppin, squishin & slurping, I think I had a pretty yummy lunch!  I haven't added a heavy dip like that to my turkey burger before but hey I would highly recommend it :)

School bus days...

I remember riding on the school bus starring out the window and feeling so high up, I loved looking into peoples cars and occasionally someone would wave or smile and I would quickly look away, shy & embarrassed that they caught me.  As the years went by my bus days remained about the same just a place to gaze out the window and daydream.
Now that I'm an adult, I realize I'm the one that the little kids are occasionally looking at; the funny thing is I still get a little shy but I do wave to them and watch the little ones giggle or turn away.  In my neighborhood I pass by the school bus yard everyday and never really give it a thought except, I wish it was some how better contained and a little prettier.

This looks like bus jail

                           But, today, those buses seemed to have a little extra glimmer, a personality so to speak.  Maybe it was the sunshine but they looked like they were lined up and waiting for their kids.  I'm amazed at how the bus drivers park them so close and straight!  If those buses could talk...the stories they could tell!  I guess its good for all that they can't! 
To this day, I still don't get why they call those buses yellow instead of mac-n-cheese orange but for the most part when I think of school buses I sure am thankful to all the bus drivers for keeping our kids safe!        

I'm hanging out at TheViewfromRightHere, To join the Rurality Blog hop click here :)

These two look like their in love and holding "mirrors" with Mama bus close by

Crafty funk...

I'm in one! It seems like all the really fun stuff I've been seeing in the blog world is just not working for me!  I don't know how you are but when I see a cool craft idea, I just dive right in, not much research or thought; just a go for it kinda attitude.  

Like this felting project... I just couldn't get it and ended up breaking most of the needles.  I abandoned this project but I'm not giving up on it yet, it's still on my desk waiting and lingering...maybe its the little red heart that keeps me hopeful!  If anyone has advice I'd love to hear :)

or this marbling effect...the kind you do for nails.  I had visions (maybe of grandeur) I was going to marbleize all kinds of things -  everything but my nails. I do love the dreamy look of the water & nail polish droplets in this picture though (maybe I'll frame it).  I have a few more pics but their lost on my computer somewhere!

Anyway, that's what I'm up to when I haven't posted; I'm just having fun trying new funky crafts, hopefully to show you!  xxxxoooo Michelle

When life gives you lemons...

Make lemon bars!
These are straight out of the box but Nyla just loves these gooey, tart treats!

Then add some of these...

I know all of lifes bumps can't be solved by lemon bars and lemonade but it is a delicious alternative :) 

I hope you have a lemon bar kinda of day and any problems just reappear as magical moments filled with opportunities!   xxxxooo Michelle

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope your Valentine's Day is filled with love, treats and special moments!  
Sending you hugs and kisses & silliness :) Michelle

YAY for CLAM DAYS...

When my husband asked me if I wanted to go clammin, I surprised him with a yes!  and you know what, clamming surprised me.  I've gone clammin' with Andy before, but it's been years... the last time Nyla was little, little and she fell over in the mud and got totally soaked and frozey; we had to make a super quick get away and well that's the last time.  

Andy's secret clam spot is about an hour's drive away, so that gave us ample catch up/ mini date time while Nyla is in school. After a quick coffee stop we were ready.  It started off slow, plenty of time to enjoy the view and the peace and quite.  By the time we left, I got it, I really got why Andy is clam crazed.  Just the gentle sounds of a few ducks, our clam rakes and an occasional word between us.  I think for the first time this year, I was really enjoying the calmness and monotone of winter.  Just us basking in the excitement of finding a clam or two.       

Yeah, I totally get it now, reaping the rewards of catching your own dinner from the beautiful land that we live in. 

Here's me trying to kick off my boots without getting muddier

Our beautiful bounty

One happy clam man

Andy & Nyla's Clams Stuffed Casino Recipe
Cooked, Chopped, & Cleaned Clams
Onion - finely chopped
Red & Green Peppers - chopped into mini pieces
Italian style, Panco Bread crumbs
Bacon, cooked
Garlic little clove, chopped
Parmesan cheese

Saute onions, peppers and garlic in butter & olive oil
Add chopped, cooked clams & bread crumbs
Top with Bacon
Scoop and put into shells and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes then gobble them up!  We topped ours off with a little spicy tomatillo salsa, mmmm...  These were so succulent and delicious at first I thought they look a little dry, cause they weren't super brown and stuck together like in some restaurants but WOW, it must be the butter/olive oil combo, plus all the love that they added because they were yummy in my tummy!



Here's another post where I finally get how cool my husband is Man Cave.

For some beautiful, rural photography check out Madge Bloom's blog, The View from Right Here.

Thanks Andy for sharing this with me and thanks Andy & Nyla for making a few of your delicious clams without bacon for me!

xxxxoooo Michelle

Where are you...

in achieving your dreams, life, creativity, desires, mentally, spiritually, physically, family life, happiness, relationships, monetarily, personal growth, love, right now? and where are you really at right now?

I woke up wondering these things and since we are still fresh in the new year (and like anytime) it is always the right time to head in the direction that is best for us personally :)

just things that are twirling around in my head today...

Click here for a resolution make-over Desires my new word.  Or if you need a boost for your dream achievement click here for some Dreamy Silly, Fun it's a whole month of encouragement that just shouldn't be missed!

xxxxxoooo Michelle

Pretty Girl Sugar meets Fiesta Salt...

and it's a perfect Valentines Day!


It's February and I'm all about love and pretty! So, I thought I'm gonna need some of that glammy sugar for all my treats that I'm gonna make.  Instead of buying the colored sugar, I made it - This is so easy!!  I just had to share.

Just throw some sugar in a Ziploc baggie (or jar) and add food coloring.  Press and shake to mix.  Start with 1 drop of food coloring and keep adding until you get the color you want.  Your done! You just saved some money and NOW you can buy some chocolates just for you :)

I liked this so much that I decided to make my salt extra special.  Kids love this and it's also a good way to actually see how much salt your putting on your food.  

By the time I took the pic, Mr Fiesta was a little teary eyed with love.  Keep this in mind when serving.                          

Plus why not add fancy to your everyday condiments? 

See, kid approved :)

xxxxoooo
Michelle 

Ovaltine, Whipped Cream & Bling...

I haven't had a good cup of Ovaltine since I was a child, so when I saw it in the store the other day, I had to have it.  This morning was the day I relived that childhood memory of that yummy, malty drink; and I shared it with my child which is way cool and wow too.  The cup has changed (now I have a fancy, blingy cup thanks to Nyla and Andy) and added some whip cream.  But it still created the same happy smiles!  Once we got our to-go cup ready we were off to take Nyla to school and that's when we realized it was snowing!

  Delicate, little snowflakes gently falling.  I'm not a winter person by any means but at this very moment, I feel pretty special to see these little gifts.  And now, Nyla has a little extra bling in her hair!
Nyla's created this for you!  She's sending you snowflake smiles (Beyla, Sadie, Aiden, Amaya and Makala:)

I hope you find the smiles and bling where ever you are!   xxxxxooooo Michelle