turning a page.

Hey there. Just wanted to pop in for a minute and share with you some of the books I've been reading lately. It's been a while since I've shared and since I've been doing quite a bit of reading and not a whole lot else lately (other than getting a few puppy kisses now and then), I figured this was perfect. :)

From the bottom: 

The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown - Really interesting fiction story about three sisters who all find themselves back in their parents house dealing with heartbreak and life changes. Their relationships with each other were inspiring and the constant references to William Shakespeare's works were entertaining! Definitely a fast read but one I wouldn't probably pick up again. That's just me. :) 

The Magicians by Lev Grossman - This was my book club book this month and when I looked up the reviews, they portrayed it as some sort of adult Harry Potter meets Narnia type story.  It was definitely bordering on some Narnia similarities, with this hodge podge gang of schooled magicians who over into a magical land. Unfortunately I wasn't really rooting for any of the characters and by the end was a bit disappointed. There is a sequel so we'll see if I pick that up, as the final outcome definitely left you curious.  

When She Woke by Hilary Jordan- This was by far my favorite read this month! A futuristic take on our society with a modern Scarlett Letter type twist. I enjoyed the story and the main character throughout and found the idea of "chroming" as a form of punishment compelling. I'm not even sure a quick synopsis from me could do it justice so just click the link. :) Definitely a keeper to read again. 

Just Kids by Patti Smith - Patti Smith's memoir of her life with best friend Robert Mapplethorpe was really intriguing. I enjoyed reading about her life during the sixties and seventies as she found her way as an artist along side Mapplethorpe. Quite an interesting read, even if you don't know anything about either of these artists. 

The Radleys by Matt Haig - The Radleys is a more "realistic" if that even makes sense, take on vampires in society. It was a rather quick story spanning only four days and involves a family who's two teenage children discover they have been vampires since birth. Definitely a unique storyline, also a rather quick read. The chapters were also rather short, sometimes just a page or two, which always makes the reading seem faster. Not something I'd read again most likely, but I definitely enjoyed it. 

The Pioneer Woman by blogger Ree Drummond- I'm currently 3/4 of the way through this and while a lot of the reviews on Goodreads were negative in terms of this blogger's ability to take her writing to "book worthy" heights, I've found it to be a highly entertaining and honest story! I also love that this is her own love story...for some reason it makes the whole thing more special. Ree is certainly very down to earth and not above making herself look silly, in ways a think a lot of girls could relate to in regards to the beginnings of a relationship and all its ups and downs! I love it and her blog. :) 

Happy reading! 

outtakes

The other day I got out my original (aka not the fancy camera I use for photo sessions) camera to take a few photos of my new skirt.

I was/am super excited about this skirt because, well yes it's a pretty color pattern and all but guys...it's made like a quilt. I put it on and I might as well have a blanket wrapped around me. Soopacomfy.
Which, honestly I'm happy to be wearing anything that doesn't feel like real clothes. Unfortunately my sweatpants made it into the laundry hamper. I'm not sure who put them there.

Anyhoo. So my camera. Definitely has something sticky stuck underneath the timer button so I couldn't quite be sure if it was on or not. It was all very complicated. There was a lot of button pushing, checking to make sure it was blinking and Evie holding while I tried to figure it out. And then I just gave up.

It's ok. Ill take it in to get cleaned and then it'll be good as new. Now if only someone would wash my sweatpants for me so I can put those back on....

There should be laundry gnomes or elves or something. Just sayin.

Happy Friday!
R.

hot chocolate station

Hey hey hey! It's Wednesday! How abouts that! You know what Wednesday's are perfect for?!!!

Hot chocolate. 

Even if it's sunnier than it is cold. And smells like Spring. 

I don't discriminate, hot chocolate is just awesome. Which is why I deemed it necessary to have a hot chocolate station on my counter until further notice. :) 

I got a lot of different types of hot chocolate this winter as gifts and from friends to try so I thought this would be the perfect way to make sure I didn't forget about them! I used the larger canister in the back to keep the packets in. The smaller one is for marshmallows (obviously). 

In the past, I've made homemade marshmallows which are deeeeelicious. Here's the link. We didn't have our "hot chocolate party" this winter (sadface) so I think I'll make sure that happens next Christmas. You can't go wrong with hot chocolate. 

I love having this little tray set up on our counter. It makes it so much easier to grab a cup of hot chocolate when I get home! And gave me a reason to use some of my cute vintage kitchenwares. Always a bonus. :) 

Have a fabulous day!!!!

xoxo, R.  

days go by

day 44//blogging. 

day 45//kitteh ear tufts

day 46//crock pot baked potato soup

day 47//work. math homework. kiddos. 

day 48// photo wall revamp

day 49//self portrait. because I got dressed. in valentines colors too many days late. 

day 50//target clearance. no need to say more. 

Days go by....it's the name of one of my favorite Keith Urban songs and something I've noticed a lot lately. Before I know it, Monday is gone and it's Thursday and nothing has gotten done. Or time just goes by way too fast and things start happening before I know it. Where did last week go? Is it really almost March?! No way. Nope. Don't believe it. Time goes fast. 

These are last week's "everyday photos". I'm still keeping up! Even if one or two are an iphone photo. Sometimes that really just can't be helped. 

If you need a little laugh in your week, check out these videos. This girl. Has me laughing my butt off. I can't really relate to her drunken cooking escapades but I sure can appreciate the humor. The pizza one, ahhh so funny. 

This little "spring break" of mine has been pretty awesome so far. Highlights being lunches with old friends and reminiscing on campus about years ago when we were not adults yet and thus had no worries, spontaneously getting to see my little sister, used book stores, ice cream and pizza. Yes. To food. All the time. :) 

you know I dream in color.

Today was beautiful. Simply sunny and almost warmish. I don't think I realized how much I missed the sunshine until I was out in it today. It's good for the soul. 

Other little things that have brightened my day and week.....

This girl's new single. Rocking to the beat and I think Im gonna make it my theme song for the next week and a half. 

Spending extra time with my momma while my dad is out of town. 

These pretties. Who doesn't love sparkly stars in their hair? 

Ohhhh the epic yumminess that was our dinner last night. I made this. After I pinned it. Bam. Delish. 

Sending the little sister a box full of love for Valentines. Complete with crayons and bubbles. For study breaks. :) 

How pretty are these globes? I need them for my collection. Stat. 

My local Goodwill's extra 35% off day this week. Now that was something to be happy about! 

The prospect of new books in the mail. Not that I need any, but just in case I burn through all the ones I already have next week while my kiddos are on vacation....a whole week off, what's a girl to do? Read. 

A clean house. 

Gah. The boots. THERE ARE BOWS. On them. Color me all excited I think I may just wear them every day. 

Lo's pretty inspiration post for her next tattoo. Beautiful. 

My hair.....finally recovered from all the chemical warfare inflicted upon it this summer. You heard it here first, never coloring my hair again. Yikes. 

Annnnnnd these. I've been thinking about them all week. They are perfect. I want to wear them everyday. 

What made you happy this week? I'm feeling ever so thankful it's the weekend, with plenty of time to rest and enjoy the sunshine. Even if I do have a 7:30am doctors appointment tomorrow. Who does that? On a Saturday? If anything, it's a grand excuse for breakfast together after! I love breakfast food. Especially when someone else makes it. :) 

Happy Weekend!!!

xoxo

r. 

sunlight in my windows

I got crafty a few weeks ago (okay more like cheap) and realized that I needed three curtains for my window seat. We've lived in this house for four years and I've never had curtains ::gasp!:: because there are quite a few large bushes right outside the window that prohibit anyone from seeing in. But now it's winter and there aren't so many leaves and I figured, well, maybe this year I should get around to doing something about it.

Enter: Three identical vintage pillowcases.

Yes. Pillowcases. Because three pretty curtains in a fabric of my choice is a project that let's face it, wouldn't get done until next winter. These pillowcases I had in my closet all ready to go.
I simply looped the closed end over the top of the spring rod and made three evenly spaced stitches with a needle and thread. Which means someday when I have actual curtains, these can be washed and go back on a bed. That made me happy, since I have the sheets and everything to match.

I really like how the sunlight filters through the fabric, since it's a bit thinner. I love the window light we have in our home and didn't want to cover these up with thick curtains. They aren't perfect, but they'll do. And they only cost $2.00. Happiness!

Happy Thursday!

warm fuzzies

This Valentine's Day was quiet. Tyler is still recovering from some kind of ferocious head cold and I'm recovering from other things, among them a lingering sore throat that isn't bad, but just annoying enough to make me sad when I look at things like last nights Chinese. 

When I got home from work last night I was surprised with quite a few of my favorite things from Tyler. Along with a super sweet card and a message that rivaled all others. I won't get all mushy, I promise. 

Miss Evie, she got a card too. From her favorite friend, Mr. Jackson. I think she was surprised, since she didn't get him anything. Typical of her personality. I suggested she just be nice to him for the rest of the evening. :) 

That red thing is Jackson's paw print, in case you were wondering. 

Just another Tuesday, with a little extra love. 

:) 

happy heart day.

I made these little cuties for Tyler and I to enjoy tonight after we curl up on the couch with our Chinese food and watch The Notebook (it's a tradition). 

Instead, I left some for my mom and brothers to enjoy (my dad is out of town). And then ate one in the car on the way to my tutoring hours. And then left the rest with my kids and their family. 

Whoops. 

Luckily there are plenty of strawberries and chocolate left in the refrigerator. Along with a few cups of homemade dark chocolate mousse. 

Valentines Day is the perfect day for eating large amounts of chocolate. In any form. 

It's also the perfect day for loving on your person, your pets, your family, your sarcastic little sister and your best of best friends. Because that's what this day is all about right? Looooooove. 

Love to my blogging friends! 

Happy Valentines Day!

xoxo

renee

bookmarked for love.

If you haven't figured it out already, I love to read. So when I saw these floating around Pinterest, I thought they would be the perfect little gift for all the ladies in my life who love to read as well. It worked out nicely that I had book club Friday night so I could give them out as a little Valentines Day gift! 

I love that each one turned out a bit differently. And that covering the backs with cardstock left the perfect amount of space for a sweet note to my friends. 

Happy *almost* Valentines Day! 

xoxo

photo a day::catch up

day 40 & 41 (Menches. Yummmm)

day 42 & 43

It's been quite a busy few days but I'm giving myself a gold star for remembering to take a photo each day. Still. Actually I think this may be the longest I've ever stuck to something.....maybe Ill give myself two gold stars.
We had a super busy weekend with my bookclub and birthday celebration for two of my friends, church and a double date Saturday night, among a lot of housework. A lot. As in, I actually mopped the floor ::shocker::. I despise winter and all the wet footprints everyone (dogs included) track through the house.
We spent today recovering from head colds (him) and sleep deprivation headaches (me). I was out waaaay past my bedtime the last two nights, so there was a lot of napping and reading for the both of us today.
Walking Dead is on tonight too. Which is just one more reason to stay curled up on the couch. Awesome.
:)
Hope you had a wonderful weekend as well!

heart strings

I think this is the first time since we've been married that I've decorated for Valentines Day! I'm so happy I decided to add this little heart garland to the photo wall in our foyer/dining room. It adds the perfect amount of pink hearts prettyness without being too overbearing. Or garish. 

I used vintage fabric and a pillowcase for the hearts and simply strung them onto the thread with a needle. 

Simple. Easy. Imperfect, but that is a-okay. 

Not quite as festive as Whitney's, isn't hers delightful?! I love the different sized hearts. So pretty. 

Happy weekend friends! 

xoxo, R. 

the ruins

I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite photos from our day trip to Chichen-Itza. It was an amazing experience to walk around these ruins and think about life back then. Our tour guide was awesome, he had all sorts of details about the things we were seeing. For instance, the main temple in photo three is actually a giant Mayan calendar. Every block and step has a purpose! And the grotto at the end of the day....magical. Tyler was brave and jumped in, I was not brave and took pictures instead. :) 

first stop//mayan marketplace

the temple

last stop//the grotto.

little treasures.

day 39. unpacking

These are the colorful treasures Tyler and I came home with from Mexico. I am trying to be more selective with what we bring into our home, especially when traveling. It's so easy to want every single critter made from shells and a jewelry box to match. //I may or may not have these already, actually.

We took our time choosing what we would bring home to remember our trip and actually didn't end up with anything the first time we traveled to Mexico. 

This time, with the adventuring we did to various parts of the Yucatan Peninsula, we felt that a few mementos were necessary. 

In the end, I chose a plate hand painted by Mayan descendants outside of Chichen-Itza, a small blue coin purse and an embroidered baby girl dress from those same Mayan women. Tyler selected an orb of obsidian that is supposed to help relieve stress. And also picked me out a pair of earrings in my favorite color. We both chose this painted clay ornament to add to our collection of places we've traveled. 

I love having these small mementos from our trip together! Aren't the colors so pretty?! So many blues....they remind me of the ocean.

Yesterday I fell down the stairs because I was not paying attention. The slippery socks, they played a part too. I think that's a pretty darn good excuse to just lay on the couch and read tonight because man oh man. I feel like a hundred years old. I can barely sit down!! I'm just glad no one was there to witness it.

Anyone who asked me today if I was glad to be home got a firm No. There were elevators in Mexico.
:) 

a little Valentine's project

Head on over to Mandi's blog make it dear.....I'm over there today sharing a little Valentine's project! 

Happy Wednesday! 

xoxo, R. 

noted

day 38

sometimes I come across a special find at the local thrift store. more often than not, it happens when I only have a few minutes to look. 

today I ran in after dropping off a few bags of donations, while on the way to get groceries. 

and found the most amazing book of art history. with handwritten notes. 

I like to imagine who owned the books before me, especially when I find pieces of other lives tucked inside pages or written in margins. 

The owner of this book of art was a lover of color and impressionism. He used this book as a guide while traveling to various museums throughout Europe. Eventually he was able to say he had seen all of the art and architecture in the book, in person. It was his life goal. This man, wore bow ties and carried a bag with pencils, paper and an apple, which he ate as a snack while exploring art museums. 

Call me crazy, but I think thats just about perfect. 

loves books, loves to travel

day 30.  stress packing. 

day 31. arrival //euchre

day 32. hammock and sleeping in.  yessssssssss. 

day 33. the Mayan ruins of  Tulum. breathtaking views. 

day 34. cabana //his and hers books

day 35. day trip to the Mayan ruins of Chichen-Itza. temple steps. 

day 36. last day. morning sun. 

day 37. enjoying the last hour before we leave. pretty colors  on the balcony. 

We're back! 

After six beautiful days in the Mexican sunshine. And twelve hours of travel. 

With a little less stress and a lot to be grateful for.....and a few happy animals who missed us terribly.
////broken living room window or not, I still do love my dog. little stinker.

We spent a lot of time lounging on the beach (it's an art we're proud to have perfected) and two days exploring Mayan ruins in the area. Yes we left the safety of the hotel. And yes we're still alive. :)

////checking off a few things from the "places to see before I die" list, which made me endlessly happy. 

We also ate a lot of food. Of which I documented but won't bore you with here. 

It was delish. 

Happy for life to get back to "normal" 

and happy to be home. 

xoxo