Spring always has a way of putting me in a much better mood-- not a fan of winter. It also has a way of making me fall in love with everything, and there is so much to fall in love with.
A couple of things I'm loving this month....
Loving Luvocracy
Ever find something you fall in love with on Beso, Polyvore or Pinterest only to find its sold out or 3 seasons old? Happens to me all the time, super annoying. Recently joined Luvocracy, its like the love child of Pinterest and Beso, where everything recommended has to currently be for sale! Way better.
Fresh Asparagus
Not sure I am even going to bother vegetable gardening this summer-- its pointless when you live in a shady forest. Going to focus on seasonal cooking more and I love kicking things off with asparagus every spring. On the menu for now, asparagus flatbread, asparagus fritter sticks and asparagus ribbons. Stay tuned for the recipes!
Books, Books and More Books
With so many rainy afternoons I discovered there is such a thing as reading too much (who knew!). My eyes and arms are sore. I've carted home several new to me titles and my own copies of old favorites. Also put up some shelves to house them.
Best thing is, this month I get to give away several copies of my favorite book, The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo, as part of World Book Night! After participating last year I filled out their survey and commented about the need for bilingual books as well as the addition of Latin American authors. There must have been several of us saying the same thing because Coehlo and Sandra Cisneros were added in English and Spanish! Chevalier also has a title on the list!!
Winter Sale Windfall
Finally, as much as I hate winter, right now is the best time to prep for next winter. I snagged a new Columbia jacket for playing outdoors, an ivory swing coat for special occasions and a new pea coat for everyday all for less than the price of one. Also grabbed warm blankets for cuddling, super cute Vera Wang slippers, boots, scarves for the new coats and almost forgot about the deal on cashmere sweaters I found (you wouldn't believe the prices if I showed you the receipt).
Anything new you're loving this month? Tell me about it!
Its seems like every other year we have had a graduation, but each one is as important as the last. I just realized that Joe's graduation from high school will be followed by the twins and then there will be no more childhood graduations. Wow.
With every graduation we have had since we started homeschooling, we celebrate the day and take tons of photos to remember the day. This year Joe will be graduating high school and from boy scouts as an Eagle Scout, which is super big.
When the twins were very young, everyone in the family was the healthiest we've ever been. That's because as preemies, we could not let anyone that was sick near them and we were hyper-active about keeping a clean home. As the twins' overall health improved we let our guard down, stopped reading up about every big virus that came around each year and of course, we started getting sick more.
When it comes to a disease like Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, a little knowledge goes a long way in prevention. Knowing what to look for in children, yours and others, is your first line of defense
Monster Jam is coming to Chicago! Ever been? I haven't, but I hear its a lot of fun.
Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam
is the most exciting form of family motorsports entertainment on the
planet. The stars of the show are the biggest performers on four
wheels: the Monster Jam
trucks! The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring
you to your feet,
Season Three of Downton Abbey is all anyone around here has been talking about. Both Missy and I have several British friends that already saw the season, and blabbed certain details on FB, so we have some ideas about what is coming, but there is nothing like seeing the episodes for yourself the first time. And I totally blocked those FB friends till March, and they know why.
If you're going to be watching tonight, don't forget to tune in early to see, Secrets of Highclere Castle. The castle is on my bucket list of places to see, hopefully get there later this year.
So ready for the two hour episode because I made it through the Downton Abbey inspired book list I put together months ago. You can check that out, here.
Because I just got back from my holiday vacation we don't have a big night planned like last year, but everyone is here to catch it. Who else is watching the season premiere tonight?
There is a lot to enjoy about winter, including the holiday season, but with the colder months comes cold and flu season. Can't stand being sick, and I catch a flu or cold every year without fail. When I'm under the weather I want to be surrounded by the cuddliest, softest stuff I own and everything I eat or sip needs to be hot and soothing. It's the only thing that makes me feel better.
Growing up mom would always make caldo de pollo the second any of us had even the slightest sniffle, because its what her mother did for her. I am convinced that I cannot get better until I have some, and it has to be my moms,
Everyone in my family loves a good hockey game. It really is an activity that everyone can get into no matter the age, which is so rare to find.
Rockford IceHogs Hockey
Games are not all about hockey, but instead about a great family
experience!
