One of my favorite things...? LISTS!

I love love love making lists.

When I am stressing over lots to do, I make a list.

When I am packing and worried I'll forget last minute items before I leave? I make a list.

When I'm travelling and have certain things I NEED to see? I make a list.

You get it. Lists are helpful in being organized, in destressing myself, and they're also fun to make about not so stressful and organized things. I've been thinking about this post for a while now and after fatefully finding a new site on Stumble Upon, Lists of Note (where I found a hysterical list written by Albert Einstein--demands he was making to his wife in order to stay with her versus getting a divorce) I was further inspired to reveal the list that's been forming in my brain.

I was thinking about the simple things in life that make me the happiest and how we as people experience each of these things. It all boils down to the simplest ways that we experience any given part of life instinctually--our senses! So we'll call this list 5 on 5: My five favorite things to experience through each of my five senses (in no particular order-except for the honorable mentions who just didn't make the actual cut). Ready? GO.

Five-on-Five

Smell

1. Woodfires

2. Laundry in the Dryer

3. Halloween (in otherwords that perfect crisp smell on a perfectly crisp fall evening)

4. Ham baking

5. Coffee

*Honorable mentions = Chocolate

Sounds

1. The giggles of my sister's kids

2. Hippie music

3. White noise (for sleeping of course)

4. The ocean

5. Crickets and the sound of night (outside of a big city of course)

Tastes (aka hardest category to limit ever...)

1. Chocolate

2. Chicken Noodle Soup

3. Baked potatos cooked on a campfire

4. Gravy

5. Rey Azteca (a local Mexican restaurant)

* Honrable mentions= peanut butter, wine & pizza

Sights (real life views I've experienced)

1. Watching happy reunions

2. Mountaintop views

3. The smiles of my sister's kids

4. The first glimpse of home after a long trip 

5. Sicilian countryside

Touch

1. New born baby-soft skin

2. Sunshine on your skin

3. Holding hands

4. Toes in the sand

5. Hot bubble bath

*Honorable mention= massage (duh)

I'm feeling pretty positive about this list... I think it covers  my senses most favorite things. What are some of yours??

An Ode to The Pioneer Woman

I'm writing in honor of The Pioneer Woman's fabulous cooking skills. One look on her cooking page and all day my thoughts are consumed with cooking and eating. I have tried out a few of her recipes, that I'll share my review for below. Spoiler Alert: They are all raving reviews. She has never failed me. not once.

The cover of her latest cookbook.

I am not, and will never claim to be, one who cooks . Do I enjoy it? Yes, from time to time when I get excited about a new recipe I've found on pinterest. Are the things I make tasty? Sure they are. Do they look tasty? Sometimes.

The point is: Cooking is a skill... some people are naturals and can whip things up at a moments notice, adding a dash of this or a pinch of that because they think it needs it. While I try to cook, and sometimes succeed... it is just not something that comes easily to me. It is a proccess. A very messy and time-consuming proccess.



Exhibit A; and this was before any actual baking even occured.

But, I digress. As I discussed in an earlier post, here, trying to cook more is one of my goals for 2012. The purpose of this post is to highlight some of the recipes from Pioneer Woman's arsenal of delicacies that I have tried and loved (or others have loved). I'll feature three for you:

 

1. Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp

 



I first made these little guys for a Wine & Cheese Party that I had in November. Actually, it was my sister's who so kindly lended their assistance in making these treats, A.) Because I really needed help B.) Because I know nothing about cooking shrimp because C.) I don't eat shrimp and D.) I don't even like to touch them with their gross little tails...looking like they could swim off my plate.

Anyways, this shrimp dish has received rave reviews from the guests at the party and other gatherings we have had since and made them for. It's super easy to make, requires few ingredients, and just bake away themselves in the oven leaving your hands free for other tasks.

2. Chicken Tortilla Soup

I have tried and loved Chili's chicken tortilla soup, so when I saw this recipe on Pioneer Woman's site I just had to try it. And guess what?? It's better! We have made this soup at home a handful of times in the year and half since I've found the recipe. It is out of this world delicious if you're a soup-lovin gal like me. She suggests having some extras to sprinkle on top before serving, such as fresh cilantro, hand fried corn tortilla strips, cheese, sour cream, etc.--and I am here to tell you, DO NOT take the easy way out and skip these extras!!! The fresh cilantro is the perfect touch and the crispy tortillas give the needed crunch. I don't even think I need to explain why the cheese makes it better. And, it makes a huge batch which is perfect for freezer meals! (I do like substituting corn for the black beans!)

3. Alla Vodka Sauce

Just made a bit of this creamy-saucy-deliciousness the other night, and am still thinking about this incredible sauce. I used it over italian sausage stuffed tortellino and I can't even tell you in words how. good. it. was. I've never made a vodka sauce before, and was a little freaked out at first to try, but this sauce is a life changer for sure. You can easily swap in wine instead (just hold a bit of the salt) and you will have another Pioneer Woman favorite, Pasta a la Betsy.

Lesson to be learned? If you need a recipe, look no further than the PW blog. I even added a dash of basil to the alla vodka sauce-- on my own, because I thought it needed it! Maybe her prairie-ranch-wonderfulness is finally starting to rub off!

Gals Go New Orleans

In less than 24 hours we gals will be on a plane to New Orleans for a girls-getaway weekend!!

Clearly pictures and posts will follow on our fabulous time there.

Until then, here's our "to-do" list:

Ghost Tour Bar Crawl
Try some traditional NOLA grub (Po-Boys, Beignets, Gumbos, even Alligator maybe!)

Eat at a fabulous restaurant

Voodoo Shops

Friend tatoos?!?

Trolley Ride & Garden District

Hurricanes :)

Jazz/Zydego/Blues= MUSIC!!

And anything else that strikes our fancy while we're there!
Can't wait to get away with the gals and can't wait to take NOLA by storm (or by hurricane?)

Sara's 10 Mini Resolutions for 2012

So here's the deal...
I find New Year's resolutions overrated. They are too-huge, too-broad, and often too-unatainable. Why do we chose to set ourselves up for failure so early in the year, so that we're just left feeling worse by the end of it? If we make promises like, "I'll exercise more," "I'll be on time more," "I'll quit drinking"(hah.. that one's just plain laughable)Then we will have no means of gauging whether or not we have attained our goals. More, Less--these words are ambiguous and objective and will not a successful resoultion make.

What I propose: I am setting 10 mini attainable goals for myself this year.
They will have measureable outcomes, they will be plainly stated, and even if I only make it through half of the things on the list, I will have kept 6 promises to myself before the world ends 2013. Here are 10 things I will try my hardest to make happen this year:

1. I have often made the promise of trying to exercise more...I'm sure we all have. But really... how easy is it to say, I'll walk tomorrow, or I'm too tired today. So this year, I will make a promise that I will keep. I will take either a belly-dancing or yoga class offered to the community by the local community college; you must register and pay for these classes, so that will keep me committed and dedicated to the cause.

2. I will read. I love reading books and have never had trouble keeping this promise to myself. However, I have often had trouble in making my reading a continuous venture. I am not putting any crazy restrictions on myself, other than I must be in the course of reading a book or looking for a book at all times. (Feel free to leave recommendations!) and check out my friend Brittany's book blog, The Bounty of my Bookshelves for some awesome recommendations!

3. I will do everything I can to remember peoples names. From my everyday life to my workday life, I am always meeting new people, and ALWAYS forgetting their names. A few tactics I've picked up and been working on are word associations (i.e. If I meet a Mike, think Mike-Bike, picture this Mike riding a bike and retain that info... the next time you see him, you'll be more inclined to think of that image and remembering will be easier) and also I have been saying in my head "what's your name-what's your name-what's your name" in my head as I shake someones hand to meet them. Then when they do introduce themselves, my attention is 100% focused on hearing their name. (seriously... this is so weird. But try it and tell me it doesn't work! Just keep it in your head, or it becomes even weirder).

4. I will try new foods. I have always been a picky eater. And I do NOT like seafood one bit. Try and try as I might, it grosses me out. So, being reasonable here, while I probably won't try everything offered to me, I am going to try to be more open-minded.

5. I will travel. This has always been easily attainable for me because A. I love planning things, B. I love my friends and we are always looking for new fun and exciting places to go together and C. Living in a small town gives me serious cabin fever, so I do it for my own mental health. The gals and I actually have a trip to New Orleans in the works in February, this summer we're heading to th finger lakes for their wine festival, and the end of the summer should bring another trip for me yet to be determined. Travelling? Check.

6. I have always considered myself an optimist. However, lately some things in my life have really had me down. I am going to try and make a conscious effort everyday to find something to be happy about--ideally I'll write them down, but I'm trying to be realistic here.

7. I will continue to regularly post to this blog :)

8. I am going to try to stop saying and/or thinking negative thoughts about people. I have never been the girl who has gotten pleasure from putting another person down. But I also know that there are times I am quick to judge, or think negative things about certain people around me. Even if the thoughts are justified, all they do is mess with your mojo and leave you feeling worse in my opinion. So I will try my hardest to be the best me I can be, and not let the way others act affect my intentions.

9. I will cook. Cooking isn't my thing. Like at all. Even though the things I make often turn out well and quite tasty at times--I make a mess, am unorganized, cannot multitask in the kitchen or am just plain clueless about certain techniques. Tasks that should take minutes, take me 15 minutes. I make scraping batter from a bowl look incredibly awkward. Being the daughter of a baking houdini (Mama D can whip up brownies in her sleep!) I definitely did not get the -bake-with-ease-gene. So I am going to try and practice a bit more so that maybe it will start to come easier to me.

10. I will be kind. I will help people I can help, and send happy thoughts to the ones I can't reach. I will stay involved in many of my volunteering ventures, and try to pick up some more along the way. Every person has in them the ability to make a change and a difference in the life of another, I truly believe this and will make it my mantra in 2012.

I have been thinking up this list since around Christmas time, and I feel pretty good about it. My bases are covered and I feel a strong sense of accomplishment just by writing them out and announcing them to the 10 people who regularly read our blog world.

We were proposed a challenge by fellow blogger Karah, at The Space Between. The challenge is to "Imagine the Possibilities... and while I'm not exactly following their exact challenge, I am challenging myself to accomplish some mini-impossibilities throughout the year. Check out Karah's page, and link up to to the challenge yourself here:

Sara: 3 Things I'm Thankful For

1. His name is Andrew. My sister's first kid. I am thankful that he introduced my female family to the joys of raising a little boy. I am thankful that he has more sarcasm and wit than most adults I know; that he knows more about football and sports at the age of 7 than I ever will in my entire life; that he monkey jumps into my arms when I ask for a hug--and then giggles and squirms when I tickle him but knows he can't let go or he'll fall. That he says things like "Off to another boring day of work"--as I leave in the mornings, or "I love you until forever"--when I tuck him in. That he let me talk him into being an old man for halloween last year,

and played the part perfectly (even down to the voice and limping walk). That he asks tough questions and soaks up the answer like a sponge. That he dances like noones watching and thinks he has moves that are out of this world. That he calls me to come tuck him in at night, to play monopoly, or to invite me over for movie night. That he is such a caring big brother who is always looking out for keeping his sisters safe, and helping them learn and grow. That he ruins every picture by over smiling, sticking out his tongue, or makes random gang signs with his hands. The light in his eyes and the kindness is his heart. That he lets me kiss and hug him in front of his friends, even though he's getting older now and that is so uncool. I am thankful that he tells me I am a great aunty and that he loves me unconditionally.

2. Her name is Ashley. The middle like her aunty. I am thankful for her beauty; for her quiet contemplative thoughts and observations. That she cries for lost relatives she's never met when looking at their pictures; that floods (The Johnstown Flood) and sickness and voyages (how many lives lost on the Mayflower) and poverty bring out a seriousness and compassion in her that causes her to stop and ask with those big, innocent eyes of hers why such horrible things are allowed to happen. I am thankful that she is wise beyond her years. That she loves to eat; that she can wink with either eye but can't roll her tongue; that she draws pictures of me with random ghosts in the corner; that she puts more thought into an outfit than me most times. For her warm hugs that melt away any worries or sadness of my day.

I am thankful that she loves to dance and dress-up and have tea parties and craft; that she constantly tries to mother and scold her older brother when she thinks no ones paying attention. That she uses words like "actually", "usually", "especially" and other multi-syllabic words 5 year olds shouldn't be using yet. That she can read at about a third grade level; her smartness; her dittziness; her giggles; her attitude. I am thankful that this beautiful little girl will someday grow into a graceful, strong woman that will make the world a better place to live.

3. Her name is Amber. The baby. I am thankful for her dimpled smile and crazy hair. I am thankful that she only says things like, "ewwww," or "ouchhh!" or "snack!" or "BEEEBEEE"(which means both blanket and binky). That we can't seem to stop her from climbing on tables or bouncing on furniture; that she has more attitude than a teenager; that she lights up the room with her laughter; that she hates sharing attention with her siblings; that she puts on my heels or sun glasses and walks around like a movie star. I am thankful that she rips out ponytails and bows and hats from her head like they are torture devices. The way she reaches up, opening and closing her fists, begging to be held; the way she gives kisses away freely.

I am thankful that she is always making faces like this one just before the camera clicks. Her chubby arms and legs. The way she waddles around like she owns the place. That she is always making a mess and always up to something. That she snores when she sleeps and screams about being told no. I am thankful that just when we thought two kiddos were enough, my sister blessed our family with a third we can't imagine ever having lived without.

Sara: Current Beauty Obsessions

Key word for this post: OBSESSED.
disclaimer: do not read if the obnoxious use of colored text offends you 

(1) Sephora Natural Tea Tree Blotting Papers: I recently picked these up, and ever since have been, well... obsessed. I already consider blotting papers a gift from the beauty gods, but throw in the invigorating tea tree scent and it's heaven. Tea tree oil also has some natural healing and restoring properties so I'm hoping to reap some of the long term benefits too (I'll keep you posted). The papers literally suck up all the oil on my face, to freshen up mid-day without leaving behind dry skin or messing with my makeup! Also comes in Lavender and Vitamin C & E varieties. Collateral Damage: $8

(2) Nano Eyeliners: Another gem from Sephora. I scooped two of these up in Midnight Black (classic) and Khaki Green (beautiful! a very earthy almost brown with slight shimmer). They glide on super smooth stay on all day, and are adorably pocket-sized. Only downside: you need to buy a special mini sharpener too.

Collateral Damage: $5 each ($3 for sharpener)

(3) ANEW Clinical Derma-Full 3x, Facial Filling Serum: I don't even think they make this anymore, because I can't find it on the AVON website... bummer. The product lasts a long time because you only need to use very little. I smooth it on before bed and notice a huge difference in the evenness and smoothness in my skin the next day. It's pore minimizing magic makes my face look more awake and fresh in the A.M.
Collateral Damage: Free gift from when my sister used to sell Avon! but I think as far as Avon goes this line is on the higher end of their pricing

(4) Johnson's Shea & Cocoa Butter Baby Lotion: I love, love, love babies. But I don't always want to smell like one. Regular baby lotion has been a long time favorite of mine. No other lotion has ever left my skin softer, for a longer period of time, without feeling greasy. Perfumey lotions have always been too much for me, so when I found this baby lotion in such a light, natural scent.... obsessed. Collateral Damage: $3

(5) SEPHORA by OPI in Spark-tacular: This nail polish is a party in a bottle. It reminds me of party confetti, or birthday sprinkles and it was obsession at first sight. Technically its a Top Coat, because the actual polish is clear with multicolored medium and chunky glitter. I've been seeing tons of pictures on pinterest using chunky glitter like this on nail tips, and fading down into the nail. Tried it on my toes with a slightly metallic fuschia and it looks amazing. Painted my sister's nails a very bright Robin Egg's blue and glittered only one finger on each hand..... even more amazing. (No, ok? I don't have any pictures of that... get off my back)

Collateral Damage: $9.95 

(6) One and Only's Argan Oil: This, in my opinion, is one of the best kept secrets in hair care.Which is why I am here to tell you that you NEED to drive to Sally's right now... and buy this product. The oil treatment is derived from Moroccan Argan Trees. My hair tends to get a bit greasy after a full day, and when I use this I notice it a bit more so--but I typically wash my hair every day so that's no biggy. If your looking for obsessively silky, soft hair for a night, with no frizz (!!!) look no further than Argan oil. One tiny drop is all you need, rub it around between your palms and run it through wet or dry hair. I usually wait until my hair is half blown-dry then I apply the oil. Avoid going too heavy on the scalp to avoid greasiness faster, but this will make your hair so soft with brilliant shine and it smells great too. (It makes me feel exotic when I catch whiffs throughout the day :) Don't judge me) Collateral damage: $0.99 (Yes! That's right, not even a dollar for this amazing find!! I got a small sample size about 6 months ago and still have plenty left. They do sell it in larger bottles however!)