Bumble Bees and Pretty Pieces

  I went shopping the other day, it was the first time I had been out and about since my husband's health scare.  I had a little left over spending money from Christmas and a Forever 21 store credit that needed using.

My first stop was Forever 21, where I scored several lovely little necklaces and a quite lovely tote.

I am one of those ladies who tends to have one purse and use it until it begins to noticeably wear out. Threads begin to come loose, linings get torn and stained with makeup.....it isn't pretty.  Or lovely.   It's one of those habits I am working on.....one purse at a time! (Did I mention it was under $30??!!)

My next stop was AVANNi's and a adorable little Alex and Ani Bumble Bee charm bracelet.  I have been eyeing Alex and Ani bracelets for a while and finally gave in to temptation.  This little bumble bee caught my eye and just had to come home with me.  The bracelets are made from recycled copper here in the USA and a portion of the proceeds from select products go to charity.

Not a bad day out!

Women Helping Women

There is nothing that makes me happier than to see women giving each other a boost.  One organization that epitomizes this idea is a group known as the Levo League.  Founded by Caroline Ghosn and Amanda Pouchot, Levo League is an organization that helps professional women meet other professional women, find jobs, network and find mentors, just for starters.  There are local chapters all over the US and even some in Europe!  There are no membership fees, although some local events may be ticketed, albeit very rarely.

My experience with Levo has been transformative for me.  I spent a few months as an online member, watching "Office Hours" (video interviews with industry leaders from multiple disciplines) and reading the articles.  Then my life took a turn and I realized that if I wanted to move forward I was going to have to take control of my life and my career.  I joined the closest Levo chapter and started going to their events.  It has been the most transformative experience.  So far I have attended a workshop on setting goals (and following through with them) for the new year and another workshop on cultivating happiness.

The workshops were amazing and interesting, however the most enjoyable aspect was meeting the inspiring young women who are members of the chapter.  Connections were made and friendships begun.  We shared our stories, marveled over how much we have in common and laughs were had.  I left those workshops feeling lifted up and ready to take on the world.

Do you belong to any organizations that revolve around women helping women?  Tell us about them!





Just a side note here, while I am a member of Levo they did not compensate me or solicit this post in any way.  I am passionate about what they do and want to share the love!

A Health Emergency and School Begins

I've been quiet this week, and not on purpose, just busy.  My husband was admitted to the hospital last Sunday with an on-going health problem he struggles with.  He's been there all this week, so most of my days have been spent at the hospital.  He is doing much better now, so I felt comfortable writing about it.  I did manage to snap a picture of Wednesday's snow from the window of his room while he was sleeping.

I also started school this week for the spring semester!  I'm majoring in web development/design (just declared) so it has been a really, really busy week.  I always get excited for the first week of school, I love learning and am looking forward to digging into my new major.  This is the first step on the path toward a viable career for me, a goal I have been working toward for a while now.  It feels good to finally be making it happen!

The Farm Show: Hay bales and Cuteness

I haven't post much over the last week or so.  Life has been very crazy around here!  Yours truly is officially back in school again, doctors appointments were attended and medical testing done (more news on that later) and the biggest story this week was the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

It is the oldest continuous Farm Show in the United States and a long standing tradition in our family.    Old friends are often there to bump into, rodeos need to be seen and there is always great food to be eaten.  I took lots of pictures as I walked through the show and I hope I was able to capture the spirit of the Farm Show!  Enjoy!

Lots and lots of rabbits and this gorgeous Belgian Hare:

And these little cuties:

Cowboys and a rodeo:

This elegant looking young lady:

One sleepy, yet affectionate cow:

And finally this handsome guy!

Favorite Things

So I haven't done much of this in the past, but the new year is all about trying new things and it is in that spirit I am starting a new feature that I am calling Favorite Things.  Things, old or new, in my life that I love, have enjoyed and just simply want to share.

This week my first Favorite Thing is my watch.  It wasn't expensive, I got it at the LOFT Outlet Store (on sale too!), but I have gotten so many compliments on it that I wanted to share it with you!

This little guy is a great outfit "finisher" and goes with just about everything.  Anyone who knows me well knows that I love a piece like this, it functions as a watch and a bracelet.  Lets hear it for making the morning just that much easier!

Next up are a pair of boots I purchased today.  Yep, just today.  And I am already in LOVE!!  

They aren't a big name brand, I got them here and I love them!  Not only are they cute, but really comfy too!  A biiig plus in any footwear choice.  It just so happens that these boots are also really great in the snow which is great since we got a few inches today:

And that's a wrap!  Do you have something you are in love with this week?  Let me know in the comments!  

*Disclaimer:  Neither LOFT, BosCov's or the Wanted brands compensated me in any way for this post and I shelled out good hard cash for the above items.  Should I write a review of any product provided to me by a company to sample or review I will always provide you with full disclosure.

Lazy Sunday Musings

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I have been laid up with a nasty head cold since New Year's Day.  Bummer.

Since I was not able to get out and fully enjoy the post holiday sales around here, I have been recuperating by spending inordinate amounts of time on the Internet, formulating my 2015 goals and going ever-so-slightly stir crazy.  It hasn't really helped that the weather has so perfectly matched my mood over the last few days.

Yesterday we had snow, sleet AND buckets of rain.

Today we have fog worthy of London, which has left my little hill top neighborhood floating in a sea of quiet mystery.

This very British weather is so very appropriate as we anticipate the state-side airing of Downton Abbey's new season.  I am playing it cool, but secretly I can't wait to find out what all the characters get up to this season.  Curling up with a steaming mug of Chai Roibos tea, a blanket and the dog may just make up for having this cold.

I may, or may not, have been doing a spot of online shopping while I have been laid up, but that is another post for another time!

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!

It is 2015 and the world is your oyster!  There are new goals to set, resolutions to keep (or not keep) and a whole host of new opportunities and adventures waiting to be discovered.

All that being said New Year's Day is a very lazy affair in our household.  Due to a busy week everyone was very tired and nobody made it to midnight this year, despite our best efforts.  One thing that is non-negotiable:  lunch.  It must be "lucky".  In our family that means pork-n-sauerkraut.

Or Corned beef and cabbage....whichever ancestry we are honoring that year!

This year it was my take on pork-n-sauerkraut.

To make this you will need:

4 thin cut pork chops
thyme
parsley
olive oil

A store bought package of sauerkraut

1 apple
brown sugar
cinnamon
nutmeg
ground ginger
1/4 to 1/2 cup of water


To make the apples; slice your apple into bite-sized chunks, place in pot with water, brown sugar and spices and bring to a boil.  Reduce to medium heat, stirring occasionally and cook until the apples become soft and brown.

Place the sauerkraut in pan and heat on medium until warm.  I have no problem using store bought, ready to eat kraut here, it is just as good and healthy as homemade and much simpler!

For the pork chops pour olive oil into pan and heat, adding chops when pan is warm.  Add spices before the chops brown.  I like adding the spices to both sides of the chop while it cooking, I think it adds more flavor.  Cook until the meat is white when cut into.  I suggest starting the pork chops last as they cook very quickly on a medium heat.

Plate and enjoy!!

For dessert we put the leftover apples on top of ice cream, which is absolutely heavenly(and I wasn't quick enough to grab snaps of it!).

What are your favorite "lucky" meals or traditions for New Years?