Friday Favorite: Auntie Sandy

She’s like a mother when I need two and she’s like a friend when I need one. She treats me and loves me and when were together it’s fun. I can always count on her- I can tell her anything. I can “pop” over to her home unannounced and leave with a full belly,  a new wardrobe and a hot shower- you don't understand, she has the BEST shower... I love her boys too- all four of em’. Without them life just wouldn't be as sweet. Thank goodness my momma has a sister, thank goodness she didn't have any daughters. Thanks goodness I have an auntie like her. 

My Auntie

Luginbuhl Family Throwback

Hany's

Well aren't you just a breath of fresh air...

"You make me happy when skies are gray"

Lesson Learned

I want to learn how to sew..really it’s true. I’ve been wanting to learn for quite sometime now but it’s something that I just haven’t gotten around to- yet. Normally things come pretty easy to me (normally)- but sewing...well it just seems like it’s too hard of a task to accomplish- and not to mention old lady(ish). I like instant gratification and well sewing- it takes time.

A few months ago however, I was in Anthropologie (my very favorite store) and this dress that I’ve been wanting finally went on sale. It was majorly marked down and I simply could not pass it up. There was only one left and it was quite large so I thought to myself hmm... this might be the perfect opportunity to learn how to sew. 

Well, until about 3 weeks ago that dress sat in my closet untouched, tags and all. I hadn't forgot about it oh no, but I honestly didn’t know where to begin- soooo, I took it to grandma’s. I walked in her door with my dress in hand explaining to her that I wanted to learn how to sew, her reply- “I have a great seamstress”...hello wrong answer- sorry gram. Frustrated, I thought how hard could it be??!!- and I went to work- pinning and cutting and “hand” sewing. What a joke- what a nightmare. 
I gave up shortly after and brought what was left of my dress home. It went back into my closet again, until I sent out a distress call to my momma. She always knows what to do- I don't know why I didn't ask her to help me in the first place. In no time she had that dress looking brand new and then some- that was easy (yeah right). Maybe I’m not meant to sew.. at least not clothes. Maybe I should stick to sewing seeds and that's it- lesson learned. 

Ain't she purdy...

with my favorite pair of boots

For some reason I've been on a mission this week, I don't know what for but...

Hello Wednesday-I conquered you.

Top 5 Favorites on my Playlist (this week):

1) Even If It Breaks Your Heart- Eli Young Band

2) The Woods- Dierks Bentley

3) Heart of a Lonely Girl- Dierks Bentley

4) Like Jesus Does- Eric Church

5) Just Might Have Her Radio On- Trent Tomlinson

*Download em' & Enjoy!!

It's Almost Friday-YAY!

The Swiss Miss

Sour Cream Pancakes

Another recipe from the Pioneer Woman, pancakes with a secret ingredient- sour cream (oops) I guess the secret is out. They are the prefect Sunday morning (or any morning) treat. Have the family over, make them breakfast, make them pancakes- sour cream pancakes. They might mistake you for Martha, but I guess it could be a lot worse...

Ingredients:

1 Cup Sour Cream

7 Tbsp Flour

1 Tbsp Suga’ Suga’

1 tsp Baking Soda 

1/2 tsp Salt

2 Large Eggs

1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

Butter

Maple Syrup

*Makes about 4-6 Pancakes*

Step 1: In a large bowl add sour cream, flour, suga’, baking soda and salt.

Step 2: In a separate bowl whisk the eggs and vanilla extract together.

Step 3: Combine mixtures by stirring gently- it should have a “lumpy” texture. 

Step 4: Turn stove on medium heat and melt a slice of butter in a frying pan- this will prevent the pancake from sticking.

Step 5: Add about 1/4 cup of batter to the frying pan and flip that baby when ready. 

Step 6: Make about 2 or 3 or 4 more for yourself, then if there is enough batter left over you can share...(or not).

"If I call you darling, will you make me pancakes?"

This Past Week...

This past week I got a lot accomplished- I love when that happens. I finally got around to weeding my raised beds which took some serious determination- I will never let them get that out of hand again (hopefully). Also, my garden has been rototilled and the first few veggies are planted- so exciting. I’ll give my mom credit for that though- she has been my motivation this week. 

In between checking off items on my “to-do” list, mom and I have also been back and forth to Boston. I had some doctors appointments up there, but we made the best out of each trip. We explored the ins and outs of that pretty city and frolicked  around Quincy Market (what an adventure). We are soooo cool-_-. 

and aNd AND yesterday was officially the last day of my diet, so mom and I were able to enjoy a delicious meal at my favorite little restaurant in Boston. Antonio’s- if you are ever in the area it’s a MUST- you'll be glad you did. 

Anyways- I'm going to go outside and enjoy this beautiful day- you should too. Oh Happy Weekend!

Snapshots from this past week:

Veggie Garden

Goodbye Weeds...

Hello Manicure

Peonies- you make my heart very happy

Mornin' Boston

Boston Harbor

 Hello PrettyWoman

 mmmhmm good.

 Warren @ MGH

& last night my girl came home...I really like her- a lot.

Sweet Potato Fries

Normally I am not a huge fan of sweet potatoes and if given the choice I would pick a regular potato every time- until today that is... 

This afternoon I was rummaging through the kitchen trying to find something to satisfy me on my not-so-satisfying diet. This is what I came up with- Sweet Potato Fries. Turns out they totally hit the spot. See for yourself, you will not be disappointed- I promise.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. 

Step 2: Cover a cookie sheet with tin foil and drizzle some olive oil on top- This will prevent the fries from sticking.

Step 3: Peel em’ baby- Figure about 1 potato per person.

Step 4: Slice em’ up and put them on the cookie sheet- Make sure each slice is about the same thickness. 

Step 5: Add seasoning for your liking- I used Mrs. Dash and fresh ground pepper.

Step 6: Pop em’ in the oven for 1 hour. Don’t be shy- Check on them and every 20 minutes stir them around (this will help them cook and brown evenly).

Step 6: Put them in a pretty bowl and go sit outside- They taste even better out there...especially if it's a nice day (trust me).

Enjoy...

Saturday-Oh.So.Good

Saturday morning I woke on a mission (at the usual 6am). For the last few weeks The Barn Yard has been working on big project in Hampden, MA so I decided to fetch Wade and go check it out. After getting lost (MY fault)-more than once, we finally found it. Hampden Country Club- right where I thought it was...but, seeing that beauty was sooo worth the 1/2 hour detour. And for the record, big is an understatement that thing is massive- and pretty. From there we met up with my brother and SIL Aly and went to my G&G Skinner’s house- they are moving so we helped them pack. We cleaned out their attic and found a few treasures- one of which happened to be a scrapbook. My mom had made it for them as a gift for their 50th Wedding Anniversary (about 12 years ago). All of us kids made a page and attached little notes but there was one note in particular that stood out- It was Warren’s. I read it out loud, for both grandma and Aly to hear- we laughed first and then cried. I am so thankful for little reminders that pop up when you least expect... Later that day after we got home, Aly and I decided to take Gunner for a walk. The boys however had other plans- that involved shooting their bow and arrows in the backyard (go figure)- I'm pretty sure Wade taught Chris a thing or two;). And then finally to end our perfect day, after dinner we all decided to go bowling- talk about a cherry on top. It was a busy Saturday, a fun Saturday, the best Saturday I’ve had in a while...it was good- oh so good.

Hampden Country Club

 Moving Crew

 Warren's Note

Skinner Family- October 2011

Sunday afternoon walk with my Lover Boy(s)

Friday Favorite- Cassandra

I believe our first encounter was in 5th grade- I was so shy and in the prime of my awkward stage, dressed like a pilgrim with a bob hair cut and bangs- sooo NOT a good look for a chubby girl with curly hair. She on the other hand probably had on bell bottoms with a cute Abercrombie top- she’s always had good style, I mean after all she’s the one that had two older sisters. I think it went something like this- I got invited to sit at the “cool” lunch table and from then on out we called ourselves friends.  

I remember being so excited that I got invited to her birthday party at Strawberry Park- it was a sleepover and even though I didn't like sleepovers, I pretended that I wasn’t homesick. Then a few years later, in 8th grade we entered the schools talent show- one memory I’ll never forget. We preformed a dance choreographed by her mom (need I say more?). 

Next thing we knew were in high school- flirting with the older boys and being reckless. Hanging out together every weekend, doing things that high school girls do. There is however one little thing I do NOT miss- that would be getting caught... sorry mom, sorry Mrs. Cortese. 

But senior year of high school something very bad happened. Something so terrible, I still get sick to my stomach just thinking about it. On April 13th, 2008 her oldest sister passed away. She had cancer, it happened so quickly- she was only 22. It was devastating- it’s still devastating. A lot has changed since then- a lot more is going to change. But one thing will not, and that is our friendship. We will always be there for each other. We will always share this heartache. We didn’t choose to have it this way, it chose us. 

Cassandra, you are a strong warrior and a beautiful young woman- Cristina would be so proud. Make sure you always remember, when the going gets tough you will always have an angel by your side and a best friend to comfort you. 

Cassandra & Cristina

Homecoming Dance 2007

Prom 2008

Cassandra, Me, Claire, Jen

 Oh yeah, and we went to college together...

And we were roommates...

 Girlfriends

 

"The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of being powerless, that is a friend who cares."

Find Your Inner Martha- I Dare Ya

I like to cook and bake and play in the kitchen and decorate the table for dinner and pretty much all of the above- I get it from my momma...or the Pioneer Woman. If you haven't heard of the Pioneer Woman you better get with the program. She ain’t just any ol’ woman, she is to date the best woman I’ve found- well you know what I mean. She is a great cook as well as many other things- like a wife, and a mother, and a photographer, and a gardener- you get the point. She rocks and I’m jealous. But I must say, her recipes- they make me feel like a kid in a candy shop. And the best part?- they are all very practical and easy to follow- made up of yummy rib stickin’ food that you can whip up in a jiff. I don't think I have found one recipe yet that I dislike- impressive, I know. She currently has two cook books out that everyone should purchase. Even if you don't like to cook, after a dose of her I promise you’ll be inspired to find your inner Martha. She also has a website that she updates frequently- (http://thepioneerwoman.com/). It is currently at the top of my favorites list and is soon to be at the top of yours too. You can find the most recent recipe I've made here:
(http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/03/bbq-meatballs-comfort-food-to-the-max/). Talk about rib stickin’- those will leave you feeling full for days.

Alsooo, I've been looking at old photos on my computer and I want summer to be here...like yesterday.

Summer 2011

Freshly Planted Veggie Garden

 Strawberries, Raspberries & Blueberries OH MY

And I want to have another tea party...

And go to Wyoming so I can wear my WOLF PACK...

And get spoiled with Christie...

And what I really cant wait for... is camping with my very best people!

The more I think about summer the more I get excited- sooo please hurry I miss you like crazy.

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing"