Think Pink~

As the weekend quickly approaches 

and Boston is gearing up for their 

3~Day... 

My thoughts are with each of 

the people getting ready for their journey.

It is an Amazing 3 days of 

Love, Laughter and sometimes even Tears.

It's a time to Rejoice & Remember...

You can try to explain it,

but until you actually go, see & do

you will never fully understand it.

Life is a journey that is meant to be lived!

If I have learned anything thru this 

3~Day Journey, 

it is that every moment is 

precious...

Try to enjoy every experience

and find the beauty 

in the world around you...

XoXo

<3

Movement~

Keep going,

even if the road is rough.

Challenges will be put in front of you,

you need to push past them.

Keep your goals 

and don't let go of them.

There will be days 

you want to 

quit.

Don't...

You can and will get there,

you just need to keep going.

XoXo

<3

Motivational Monday~ Just Keep

When you are feeling Blue

& 

Life is bringing you Down...

You just have to Remember to

 Just Keep Swimming...

Keep Moving Forward

& 

You will get there!

XoXo

<3

Follow your Heart~

I have spent the past few months 

going back & forth as to when I would 

make the trip to go see my Grandmother.

Something always seemed to come up.

When I woke up this morning, 

I decided that she was where my 

heart was...

A breast cancer survivor,

  she is one of my reasons for joining the 3~Day.

With the impending move 

only two weeks away, 

I had to make the trip now.

It was one of the hardest trips to make.

Not knowing if or when 

I would be seeing her again.

I don't have many pictures with her, 

because I am always behind the camera.

Today, 

Tristin took this picture for me.

I will cherish it always,

for many reasons.

It was a long day,

but I am glad that I went.

You never know what tomorrow 

will bring,

so I followed my heart today...

XoXo

<3

Song Saturday~The Band Perry~ If I Die Young

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors
Oh, and life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
Ain't even gray, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time

And I'll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom
I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger
I've never known the loving of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand

There's a boy here in town, says he'll love me forever
 Who would have thought forever could be severed by
The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time

So put on your best, boys, and I'll wear my pearls
What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I'm a goner
And maybe then you'll hear the words I been singing
Funny, when you're dead how people start listening

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The ballad of a dove
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket
Save them for a time when you're really gonna need them, oh

The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time
So put on your best, boys
And I'll wear my pearls
 

Fantastic Foodie Friday~ Energy Bites

Healthy, Easy to Make & Yummy!

Great for a Summertime Snack... 

No Cooking Required!

1 cup (dry) oatmeal
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix ingredients together in a large bowl. 

Roll into bite size balls. 

Refrigerate to set. 

It's as simple as that!

Enjoy...

With Each Step~

Today,

Just try to take one step at a time.

Seek,

and you will find...

XoXo

<3

If you didn't already know~

Truly,

it is such a simple thought...

However,

if you can manage to do it everyday,

you will find out how really amazing life can be.

Somedays,

this might be a little bit more difficult

than other days...

Hang in there and find a 

way to laugh...

XoXo

<3

A Special Birthday Wish~

Today, though I may feel like Crying...

I will Smile, because you came into my Life.
It was all too brief,
but the times we shared I will cherish Forever...
I can still see your bright smile when I close my eyes,
I can still hear your words resonating in my head,
I can still feel your presence, every time
I witness beauty in the world.
You Lived every day...
Teaching us all about Grace, Beauty & Love...
Taken away all too soon,
but leaving lasting lessons for us all to learn from...
Cherish the time we are Given,
Never take anything for Granted,
and leave the world a Better place than when we Found it.
I could go on for days with all the things you taught me,
that I admire about you & most of all what I miss...
I will never look at a Pearl the same way ever again.
You captured the hearts and minds of so many...
Today, as you Celebrate your 30th Birthday in Heaven,
I want you know that you are still Loved, Thought of & Missed...
I hope you are surrounded by Light, Love & Happiness.
I will be wearing my Pearls,
Thinking of you,
Celebrating the way you would want me to...
No Tears, Only Smiles...
Happy Birthday Beautiful.

XoXo

<3 

Motivational Monday~ Self Talk

With all that we are told on a daily 

basis and through our lives,

maybe the most important things

that we need to hear

should come from within.

Anyone can tell you 

that you are beautiful, 

but if you don't believe it

what does it really mean?

Or if someone says something

that is mean spirited, 

do you have to take it to heart?

We need to believe in ourselves,

to love who we are

&

to realize that there is 

no other like us.

Anywhere...

We need to make choices for our 

lives and not be so concerned 

with what "others" will think.

We need to learn to appriciate 

our own feelings and thoughts.

For you see,

when you start letting others

change the way you think,

act or believe

you are betraying the beautiful 

soul that makes you so special.

We can not be everything to everyone,

no matter how we might try.

So, sit down and tell that special someone

"YOU"

that they are important,

they have self worth 

and 

that they are beautiful.

Look in the mirror and 

appriciate that soul that is looking 

back at you...

For you see,

there will never be another 

quite like you.

XoXo

<3

For You~

At times we all need a little reminder...

Something to give us the much needed 

push to keep going 

when the road gets rough.

For me, 

this couldn't have been better timing.

 I hope that it may speak to you as well...

As you get ready 

for a new week,

I hope that this gives you the 

needed thoughts that you have been 

looking for...

XoXo

<3

Song Saturday~Chloe Agnew Of Celtic Women~When You Believe

When You Believe

Many nights we've prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song
we barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were climbing mountains long before
we knew we could

There can be miracles when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe

In this time of fear
When prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seemes like the summer birds
to swiftly flown away

Yet now I'm standing here
With heart so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words
I never thought I'd say

There can be miracles when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe


Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you
Believe.

Fantastic Foodie Friday~Herb & Citrus Oven Roasted Chicken

Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil

4 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tablespoons sugar

2 whole lemons, one juiced and one sliced

2 whole oranges, one juiced and one sliced

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

10-12 pieces (about 4 1/2 lbs.) bone-in chicken parts (thighs and legs are best), pat dry

1 medium onion (any kind), thinly sliced

1 teaspoon dried thyme, or fresh chopped

1 tablespoon dried rosemary, or fresh chopped

Chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley), for garnish, optional

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, garlic, sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper.

Place chicken in a rimmed 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Pour olive oil mixture all over chicken, turning pieces to coat all sides. Add chicken with all liquid to pan (even in marinating in liquid).

Place parts skin side up and spread them out evenly in the pan.  Arrange slices of lemon, orange and onion around and under the chicken. Sprinkle all over generously with thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper.

Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until chicken is cooked and juices run clear. Remove parts to a serving platter and garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs, if desired.

Enjoy!

Just 30-40 minutes is all that's needed to bake this recipe with chicken breasts in place of chicken parts.

For best results, chicken can be marinated in a plastic container or bag for several hours or overnight in the olive oil mixture.

This is great served with a big salad, and/or lemon orzo/potatoes, or garlic bread!

You can also switch up the seasonings to a spicy mix and toss in lemons and limes instead of oranges. Swap cilantro for the rosemary and thyme. Serve it over rice, maybe? No need to be a recipe robot – get creative!

Aahhh~

Finding peace by the water's edge.

Listening to the water crash against the shore.

Letting go of all the confusion of the day.

Deep breath...

Relaxing, taking in the moment.

Every now and again 

we need to stop and take a break.

Find a peaceful moment 

just for you...

XoXo

<3

The Things we Need~

We all need at times for someone to just

listen with their heart.

To our fears, hopes, & dreams.

Sometimes,

we just need a friend on the otherside

to tell us that we can achieve 

what we are trying to do...

XoXo

<3 

Time to~

The energy we spend trying to be 

"perfect" 

all the time is wasted.

Don't worry so much about making a

mistake.

Even if you make one, 

use it as a learning experience.

If someone can't love 

you for all of you,

mistakes and all...

Maybe they are the one

with the problem,

not you...

Take care of yourself,

do not let anyone define 

you, but you...

You were made to be 

one of a kind,

do not change who you are

for anyone...

XoXo

<3

Motivational Monday~Walls~

If today,

 you are feeling that you are trapped.

Remember this...

We are able to change where we are at.

Sometimes,

 it just takes changing our thoughts

to put us in a different place.

Other times,

 we have to actually 

make life changes,

 to get where we want to be.

We are the only one that has the 

power to change the out come.

No one will do it for you.

You have to do it for yourself.

You are worth it!

Chase your Dreams.

Live the Life you have always Desired.

Never let anyone tell you 

that you can't achieve 

what you want most.

It may not come easy

and without some risk,

but the greatest things in life

worth having,

 are worthy of the struggles

 you go through to have...

Live the life that you 

Dream of...

XoXo

<3

Keep Dreaming~

We are each given the power to make 

our dreams a reality.

We just have to have faith and believe 

in ourselves.

We have to be willing to 

step out of our comfort zone

and 

take risks

if we want to achieve our dreams.

Don't wait for someone 

to bring you flowers.

Plant your own garden...

If you can dream it,

you can obtain it...

Keep your dreams 

alive...

XoXo

<3

Song Saturday~Avicii~Wake me up

"Wake Me Up"

Feeling my way through the darkness

Guided by a beating heart

I can't tell where the journey will end

But I know where to start

They tell me I'm too young to understand

They say I'm caught up in a dream

Life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes

Well that's fine by me

So wake me up when it's all over

When I'm wiser and I'm older

All this time I was finding myself

And I didn't know I was lost

[x2]

I tried carrying the weight of the world

But I only have two hands

I hope I get the chance to travel the world

But I don't have any plans

Wish that I could stay forever this young

Not afraid to close my eyes

Life's a game made for everyone

And love is the prize

So wake me up when it's all over

When I'm wiser and I'm older

All this time I was finding myself

And I didn't know I was lost

[x2]

I didn't know I was lost

I didn't know I was lost

I didn't know I was lost

I didn't know I was lost

Fantastic Foodie Friday~ Firecracker Shrimp

This dish is not for the faint at heart...

It is a spicy dish!

Everyone that tried the dish loved it,

but be warned...

It will leave your mouth tingling...

Ingredients 

5 large shrimp
1/2 cup barbecue sauce, recipe follows
Drizzle horseradish sauce, recipe follows
Directions 
Peel shrimp, leaving head and tail on. 

Place barbecue sauce in skillet and set on medium heat. 

Place shrimp in skillet and cook until they turn pink, approximately 2 minutes on 1 side, and 1 1/2 minutes on the other side. 

Remove shrimp from skillet and place on plate, pouring any extra sauce 

from the skillet on top of the shrimp. 

Drizzle a small amount of horseradish sauce on top of the shrimp and serve.

Barbecue Sauce:

1 large onion, chopped

2 cups orange juice

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter

1 quart ketchup

1/2 cup lime juice

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon black pepper

2 tablespoons dry mustard

2 tablespoons hot paprika

1 tablespoon crushed red pepper

1 heaping teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

2 tablespoon hot sauce

2 tablespoons tamarind paste

2 tablespoons honey

Place onions in a food processor with the motor running 

and then add 1/2 cup of orange juice. 

In a large pot, melt butter on medium heat and add the onion puree. 

Add the 1 1/2 cups of orange juice and the rest of the ingredients. 

Stir and cook on low heat for approximately 25 minutes.

Horseradish Sauce:

1/4 cup pure horseradish

1/4 cup Creole mustard

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

 

Happy 4th of July~

Happy Independence Day!

I hope that your day was filled with 

wonderful moments with Family & Friends.

Cook outs, get togethers,

camping and just spending time relaxing.

I took time out tonight to try to capture 

some of my first Firework Pictures...

As the colors danced across the sky

I tried to capture them in all their beauty.

Thinking of those who have helped to 

secure the freedom that I enjoy.

I send out a heartfelt,

 Thank you...

For Freedom isn't Free...

XoXo

<3

Make a Splash~

In my attempt to find beauty in the day,

it sometimes is difficult through the rain.

With all the dark clouds rolling in 

not wanting to leave...

Finding breaks as they come, 

and 

waiting for the blue

sky's to return.

Till then,

finding puddles, 

playing in the rain

and

waiting for the sun to shine again...

XoXo

<3

Day of Blur~

Waking up with a blaring migraine.

Everything seems a little off...

Struggling to get thru the day.

Keep trying to see the light at the end 

of the tunnel...

Every sound magnified,

 every light seems twice as bright.

Darkness is my only comfort.

Today, 

I will take a break and rest.

Tomorrow,

I will try again...

Till then,

I will slip back under the sheets

and pray that a night of rest

will bring about the end of the pain.

XoXo

<3

Motivational Monday~ Learn as You Go

As my impending move creeps closer,

I am learning that letting go of all 

of the "things", is quite liberating.

Instead of spending money on possessions,

I am investing my time into taking 

pictures and creating pendants.

Cleaning out the house,

letting go of the past to 

take hold of my future...

It is a rough road at times,

but in the end...

I hope to be in a better place.

Lots of prayers, faith & hope

are helping me to move forward.

Do the things you think you 

can not do...

You will surprised be  at 

what you can accomplish...

XoXo

<3