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Tuesday, June 28, 2016

More of my favorite things


What do you do to recharge or chill out when things are a bit crazy? I have found I have to dig in the dirt or write. Today I'm doing both. I mentioned we sold our house and are supposed to close next month, which is great, but we also needed to find a house. We have managed to find a house that seems to be a good fit for us, and now we're working on the purchase. There are so many hoops! My brain is just kinda tired! There's also the regular summer stuff, packing boxes, more packing boxes, paperwork and more paperwork, blah, blah, blah. So, today I was picking up some free boxes at the grocery store (one of my favorite things), and picked up some herbs too. I know I'm packing and moving and all, but I still cook, and I use herbs when I cook. AND, I noticed that my mint plant disappeared. I think the yellow lab in my backyard, aka Remi, had something to do with it, so it needed to be replaced. Mint is important for things like the fresca drinks I posted about and tea and stuff. So, I bought some mint and cilantro, because I needed to, and one can never have enough cilantro. So, there's that.

Other things I'm loving include but aren't limited to...

  • Free boxes-important in my life right now because of the whole moving thing and all.
  • Herbs-they just make me happy, and I feel so chefy when I use them when I cook.









  •  Dresses with pockets-they just make life easier.


This is our Easter pic...no matchy-matchy this year, and my eyes are closed, but this is one of my favorite dresses with pockets! Marshall's for the win!
  • July 4th! I love the 4th of July! We are usually at the beach for the week of the 4th with some of our dear friends, but this year they are going to Yellowstone or somewhere in their new camper, and we are buying a house, so we are taking the year off. I'm having withdrawals, but it's gonna be ok. We received an invitation to go to some other friends' home and visit and eat BBQ for the 4th, so I'm thrilled! So even though I'm packing boxes like a mad woman, I had to decorate a little corner for the 4th for some normalcy. I figure I can pack that box after the 4th. 





I'm gonna miss my window seal. I decorate for the seasons and holidays in this spot. I'm sure I'll find another spot in the new house, but I've really learned to love this spot. We took out the breakfast table in this area and put in a pretty blue love seat a friend gave me and a little orangy side table. There's a lot more space in this spot now, and I love sitting and sipping coffee and flipping through magazines, or visit with the kids or any other manner of things. So all of that to say, this is the spot all of the 4th decor is. 
  • More podcasts- The Big Boo Cast with Sophie Hudson and Melanie Shankle. They are so funny! Their podcast is light and witty and about nothing in particular. Podcasts are what I love to listen to when I'm by myself in the car, but I'm finding I love to listen while I'm packing boxes too! 
  • Watching America Ninja Warrior with my family. We really get into it, cheering and yelling and the whole bit. We watched last night. It was SO good. There was a man on last night who reminded me of my father-in-law. He was the oldest contestant on the show so far. He had so much spunk and such a good attitude. He seemed like such a fun guy...so much like Marvin! Today is his and my sister-in-law's birthday. I tried sending a voice text to my mother-in-law and couldn't even finish it. From out of nowhere my lip started quivering and the tears started flowing. The sting of death is never far away. Looking so forward to the day when there are no more tears, no more sadness, no more pain. 
  • Well, I had other things, but I didn't write them down, so they have escaped me. Maybe they'll come back later and I can post them in my next favorite things post.
Hope your summer is going splendidly! Back to packing for now and other related exciting things!


Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Twenty-five


How in the world?! There were those who didn't think it would last. We were just babies. I was 18 and he was 20. But, by the grace of God, here we are today. I can't wait to see what the next 25 hold! What a blessing to get to spend the best days of my life with my best friend...my mega fine man! I love you, Kelvin Dunnam.


Friday, June 17, 2016

Happy mail

Y'all, it's shaping up to be a good day! I just got a new Southern Living in the mail! Makes me so happy! It's the little things. The cobbler on the front cover transports me straight to my childhood! My sister and I loved picking berries at my grandparent's house, and our grandmother could make a mean cobbler! Yum-o!! 



So, how do you read your favorite magazine? I always turn my Southern Living to the very back and read Rick Bragg's story. He is SO funny. I have wanted to read one of his books for as long as I've been reading Southern Living, but I just haven't ever made the time. Maybe this will be my summer. You know, because there's loads of time between looking for a house, packing kids for camps, and packing boxes. But I have hope. 

Well, I gotta go read an article and drool over cobbler pictures. You have yourself a great weekend! Don't get too hot!

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Some of my summertime favs

Well hello there! Betcha didn't think you'd hear from me again so soon, did ya? Surprise! I'm just trying to keep you on your toes. I thought I'd share a few of my summertime favs with you today.

First up are these amazing Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Cucumber-Apple Slaw! They are soooo good, y'all! Kelvin said when you take a bite, "it's like an explosion of flavors in your mouth!" And you canNOT leave out the slaw. It is just the little bit of sweet the sandwich needs. Serve it with some cantaloupe or watermelon slices and potato chips, and you have yourself a delicious dinner in no time. I'm not sure if the recipe or video says to or not, but I took the seeds out of my cucumbers. Use your nifty Pampered Chef corer thingy you bought at that party you went to a while back. It'll make you feel all fancy like.
Photo credit: Everyday Food by Martha Stewart
(Click on the link above for the recipe and video tutorial)



Next up, Watermelon Frescas. Carleigh found the recipe on YouTube from What'sUpMoms. They are such a light and summery treat! Go get you a watermelon and some strawberries. You'll need some mint if you like it, and a little agave or honey. Here's the sweet little video of the mama and her cutie patootie little boy helping in the kitchen.



INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups cut watermelon (without seeds)
- 1 cup strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 1 cup water
- juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon agave
- mint for garnishing

DIRECTIONS
1) Put ingredients in blender, starting with water. Puree ingredients.
2) If not using a high-powered blender or for a very smooth drink, put your mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
3) Dip your glass in water, followed by sugar for a cool rim. Garnish with mint and a straw. Say "cheers!"


I didn't dip the glasses in sugar and we were totally fine. I did add a little sump'm sump'm to mine, and it was divine! Took me right to the tropical island I've been dreaming about. Malibu Rum is a nice option, but regular rum or vodka works nicely too! You're welcome. 

Can't go any further without acknowledging my affection for La Croix flavored water. I might have already shared about this on the blog before, but it is worthy of mentioning again.


It's not soda. So, don't think it's soda when you take a drink or you will be SO disappointed. There is just a hint of fruity flavor and carbonation. But it's not soda. I like it so much. I haven't tasted a flavor yet I didn't like. If you're one of the lucky ones to have an HEB close by, they have a store brand that is comparable for a LOT cheaper. Make your mouth happy and go get you some!

More summertime favs include, but are not limited to cucumbers, flowers from the Dollar Store, sunless tanning lotion and limes (always).



I'm really loving podcasts a lot lately too. The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey is my all time favorite, but I really like Mom Struggling Well, Lighten Up with Melanie Dale, and the Popcast too.

Instagram is my social media fav! Click on the link on the sidebar to find me there. 

I'm diggin' my new 7-minute workout app. Don't judge. It's better than nothing, and it's the start of something good. This mama is more than a little overweight...about 25 pounds to be exact. I gotta do something about this root beer belly!

Other favs include my friends. I couldn't live without them. I have so many precious ones who love me so well. I am thankful. 

Also on the top of the list is saying, "YES!" It's my favorite to say yes to my kiddos this summer. The little things are really the big things. 

How about you? What are some of your summertime favs?


Monday, June 13, 2016

Summer around here

Hello friends! I hope you're having a great June day! Mine is off to a slow start, but that's kinda how I like it in the summer. There is lots going on in our household these days. I'm trying to take it one day at a time and not let anxiety creep in, but it's hard. You see, back in the fall, Kelvin and I set some goals. One of those was to move in June. We weren't positive exactly where, but we knew we wanted to move. So, a couple of months ago, we found a house that would work for our family in an area that we like, so we thought we would go for it. Problem is, we couldn't get our bid in quickly enough, and someone else got the house. Grr! Bigger problem  challenge is, now we have a contract on our house and are scheduled to close at the end of July but, we haven't found a house to buy. Double GRRR! If you or someone you know is thinking about moving from a 4 bedroom/2+ bathroom in Beach City, please contact Kelvin or me before you list it. I'll cook something yummy for you if you do! Houses are going like wildfire out there! Thanks!

The kids are doing all the summer things. Luke leaves for a week long leadership camp in Washington D.C. and Carleigh leaves for youth camp in a couple of weeks. Cora has completed basketball camp and will do volleyball camp in July. Luke will also go to Preteen Camp and Carleigh will make a trip to working ranch in July. Kelvin is traveling a bit for work as well, and I have a music teacher convention in July too. Of course, there will be swimming, reading, cooking out, roasting marshmallows and maybe a beach trip or two. Sadly, no big vacays for us this year. I'm going to miss my weeklong Fourth of July trip at the beach with our good friends Jimmy and Angie. I'll miss Colorado too. It's so gorgeous there and such a nice reprieve from the heat. We will concentrate on moving instead.

My sweet and extremely talented and creative friend, Cara, posted a cool summer challenge for her kiddos. I tweaked it just a bit to fit our crew better.

adapted from Pearl, Handcuffs, and Happy Hour
Cute, huh? My kids would spend the entire day on their phone, ipads, or TV, so I thought it would be a good thing to give them a few ideas of things to do instead. They don't completely agree, but that's ok! :)

The weekend was full of wedding fun. Cora was a flower girl in one of our precious babysitter's wedding. She has kept our children since she was a freshman in high school! She was a beautiful bride. I must say, she picked the perfect flower girl! We love you, Jamie!







Well, I guess I should do something productive...pack the house, go to the grocery store and bank, look for houses, etc. I'm sure my children would appreciate something for lunch or whatever the meal is called between lunch and supper. Lupper? 

Hoping to do another favorite things post tomorrow...summer edition! 

Peace, love, and hugs!



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