I'm back!  

It's about time I get my fanny in gear and keep this commitment that I made to myself. Who wants to be a failure? Definitely not muah. Failure is for goobers...and I'm no goober! 

Welcome back peeps and peepettes! I hope that this blog will inspire you to do great things! Actually I hope that you will just read it when I post. If you do that, I will be a happy girl.    :)  <----see..happy!

My New Best Friend

While I was in college I worked at this amazing coffee shop/bookstore on Dickson street in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Let me tell you that this is the perfect job for a student trying to graduate. 


Why you ask?


Because while you work you get FREE COFFEE (or if you're like me FREE ESPRESSO)!! And a discount when you come in during off hours. What could be better?!


Since I've graduated, became a grown-up, and moved 2 hours away, working at this coffee shop is no longer an option. And free espresso is sadly no longer a luxury. 


So, I have been searching and searching for a way to get good espresso without spending a fortune, and finally...I found it! 

She is called..PIXIE. She is a machine made by Nespresso and she's similar to a Keurig but she's not making coffee. She's making espresso. mmmm. 


She is my new best friend.


I think we might run away and elope. 


Well...I'd have to run that by Lonnie first.  I guess. Since he IS  my husband and all. 


Below is the link if you are interested. She is pricier than a keurig, but if espresso is your thing she is much cheaper than a traditional espresso machine and she makes delicious drinks! 


Nespresso Pixie


Merry Christmas to me!

Thank you Pinterest

Thanks to the wonderful world of Pinterest I have found a few DIY projects to keep me busy. Tonight's DIY project has 3 parts: A new larger, more grown up calendar, an "i love you because.." board, and of course a "Honey-Do" list. 


Someone out there had this amazing idea to turn picture frames into functional, practical pieces of art. Genius. I love this person whoever you are. 


If it's practical and functional, I'm all over it. Stationary, office supplies, organizers...


Yes, I have issues. I'm ok with this. Let's say it keeps me sane!


Anyway, below is my attempt at these awesome DIY projects:

Calendar..I need a new dry erase marker. Mine is fading out. To make this I glued (spray adhesive not normal glue-takes care of bubbles and messiness.) scrapbook paper to the back of the frame. I've seen others use fabric as well. I chose paper because it was the quick and easy route. The only issue using paper is there is a seam. It's not hurting my feelings.

"I love you because..." I saw this and thought it was adorable. So many mornings I don't really get the opportunity to talk with Lonnie. A quick I love you and I'm out the door. This gives me one more opportunity to let him now how much I love him.

This is made with the same scrapbook paper. I also added a heart and two love birds.

These boards are placed on our largest kitchen wall next to the fridge.

As soon as I get more sticky picture hanging things, the "Honey-Do" list will go below the "I love you because...". The layout mimics the popular photo collage layouts. 

VIOLA! Functional Art! 

If you haven't joined Pinterest..I URGE you to do it NOW! You don't want to miss out!

Tuckered Out

Lately I have felt so guilty for leaving my babies at home while we work, work...and work some more. They have been left alone more than usual and when I come home I'm so tired I tend to write them off. Appease them with a rawhide stick and run! 


I've been a horrible mommy. 


So this weekend was Sadie and Rosie weekend! Yesterday we played hard, went on walks, and played some more. And this is what happened...

So exhausted. So sweepy. Stole my blankets and made her own nest.

This one just drops where ever. No nest necessary.

I think it was a successful weekend. I don't think either of them have slept through the night till 8am in months. 

No more neglect for these babies. I'm starting one of my New Year's resolutions before Christmas. I foresee many more naps and quiet nights in this house.

It's a Family Tradition!

Every year my family goes to Branson, Missouri the first weekend in December and this year wasn't any different. It's a family tradition. And one that I look forward to all year long!


I don't know what it is about Branson, but it takes me to this happy place every time we go. Many of my fondest childhood memories were made there at Silver Dollar City, Go-cart places, shows, and shopping centers.


But there is something about Branson at Christmas time that is just magical. So magical it sometimes makes me want to move there...sometimes. Who knows. Maybe it will happen! Who knows what God holds for our future.

Redneck wine glass...yes this is what you are missing if you have never been to SDC

The rolling hills, log cabins, lakes, blue skys, Christmas music, the smell of roasting candied nuts, potato hash, and just an old time feeling. Branson isn't new and shiny like many cities. Neither is it dirty and grungy. It's...perfect. I want to move there.


 I love Christmas.


 I LOVE family traditions!

The Belchin Rosie

I have to be the worst blogger to ever exist. It's been...I don't know how long since my last post.
I could use the excuse that I've been busy...which I have been. Buuut I will be honest and say that I have been LaZy. 


Yes Lazy. And I'm ok with that.


On to better things.


We've had our new addition, little miss Rosie, for about two months now and we are still figuring out her personality and her quirks. 

Such as over the last several weeks she has picked up a nasty habit. After gulping some water or scarfing down some food she approaches oh so friendly and belches...right in your face! I don't know where she has picked up this nasty habit. Sadie for sure does no such thing. She's too lady like. 


Of course I don't belch. I'm a lady too! The only person left is Lonnie. dun dun dun!

He is a man. So of course he belches, farts, and scratches. All of those gross things men do that we would never! And now he's teaching my precious little Rosie! How could he! men.

Doesn't she look so happy? She's come so far since we first got her. So much personality and love. She's a great addition to our happy little family.

Frothin from home

Oh.my.goodness....I finally found a way to foam milk at home without having to buy an expensive frother. I am in heaven! 


For those of you who have never experienced a traditional latte or cappuccino (and no Starbucks does not do it in the traditional way) you are missing out! Starbucks coffee is pretty delicious, and their lattes are divine, but..can you imagine what those would be like if they were made in the traditional way?! 


Haaaallelujah


I think heaven's gates would sing


Traditional lattes are made with espresso, milk..and silky, velvety, delicious..foam. And that foam enhances the espresso to heights you never knew existed before.


Next time, skip Starbucks and go to your local coffee shop, order a coffee for here, have a seat and enjoy. You won't know what hit your taste buds. (If you are in the NWA area, I suggest bhk Kafe on Dickson. Best coffee in the area -Local Kennedy Coffee- handcrafted syrups and chocolates and delicious treats as well!)


Since a quality espresso machine is completely out of my budget, I have improvised and discovered the homemade way of making foamed milk. And it works pretty well! 


http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/tips-techniques/how-to-make-milk-foam-without-a-machine-100716


It's pretty simple and mine didn't turn out too bad. It's not like my old days working at the cafe, but until I am rich and famous and can afford a nice machine...this will fill that void.

Check out that lovely foam! MMMmm

Enjoy!