bette davis eyes.

on repeat.

pinching my pennies. again.

when i set a goal, or think up a plan, the "it's okay to rest" button doesn't go off in me until i have completed my goal. i like to make small term goals often so i always have an excuse to celebrate. finish a race get a new pair of shoes kind of thing. i like to make long term, harder to achieve goals as well because when i do achieve them i start to feel pretty good about life.

i think it's important for people to make and achieve goals so that they can feel the need to strive for something more than just everyday life. too often people get in a rut and seem to think that they are "supposed" to go through life with a mediocre attitude. so set goals and set them often. you will be surprised how much happier you'll start to feel.

my goal i have been working towards as of late is saving up for a new car. i find my beloved jeep is on the last few miles. i have a few wheels that have made my heart skip enough that saving will be a pretty desirable goal. do any of you have goals you are working on?

have you inspired yourself today?

a night with friends.

over the weekend i had some friends come over for a bbq celebration. the weather was perfect with the overcast skies and cool weather on our skin. it felt perfect. after a few cobs of grilled corn and a burger (salmon for me), we were ready for some badminton and frisbee. the night was a relaxing evening to say the least. cheers to summer evenings and the smell of crackled corn on the grill. hope everyone had a good weekend!

have you inspired yourself today?

a day of happiness.

today is blissful. i have just a moment to say hello before i am off to the job i have been waiting to hear if i got. when life hands me good news and happiness i take it for all it's worth, that way when dull moments hit i can remember that good things have happened and will happen again. it's funny how life works. always keeping you guessing, evolving you into a curious being. but of course that is what makes life exciting. 


this video made me smile. it is from one of my favorite websites, nowness. this clip is music artist michael andrews collaborating with over 100 students. taking their hand-drawn drawings and making something even more beautiful out of their pieces of art. i hope you enjoy. 






have you inspired yourself today?

a pinch of inspiration.

wednesdays are almost as bad as mondays. almost. so here are a few pretty pictures to get you through your day. enjoy. 

via google images & weheartit




have you inspired yourself today?

gluten free pasta

last night i tried out gluten-free pasta. i was really pleased with the outcome. i also made a killer tomato sauce by adding sauteed onions, garlic, mushrooms, basil, tomatoes and coconut oil to tomato paste and sauce. after simmering all the ingredients together i poured a generous amount onto my gluten-free pasta with a garnish of basil from the garden. 


i liked the gluten-free pasta for the light light weight feel it brought with it. it didn't feel like a heavy winter meal but rather a light fresh summertime delight. this will be a meal i'll make again.






have you inspired yourself today?

snaps&shots

here is a peek into my weekend. we had a few rain showers which i can never complain about when we get. i love the rain, everything is so green. besides tending to the yard i listened to great music, ate good food, and enjoyed the company of friends. i also am unsuccessfully trying to put together my grill. i find myself disregarding the instructions and trying to do it my own way. i can smell the smoked salmon now...


hope everyone had a great weekend. are you ready for the new week?



update: the grill is finally put together. time for some summertime cooking!






have you inspired yourself today?

one of those days.

today is one of those days where the coffee isn't strong enough, the slumber wasn't long enough and the day isn't short enough. one of those days. it's always my best intentions to wake up with the right foot forward but today was different. you know one of those days where you're bugged that money doesn't grow on trees, that the bills aren't magically paid, and that life doesn't hand you a do-to list that shows you exactly what to do to be your best. for the most part these days come far and few but when they do come they let it be known. so all i can do on days like today is get up, drink my coffee and know that tomorrow won't be "one of those" days. until then, happy thursday.



have you inspired yourself today?

music for the soul.

heard this. loved this. shared this. 

enjoy!

via.

for the love of summer.

this film by andrew and carissa for kinfolk has lingered in my mind since i first watched it. to me it really describes what summer is all about. friends, fun and freedom. i hope this short film is as inspiring to you as it was to me. happy day.






have you inspired yourself today?

snaps&shots

1. dried & hung.
2. perfection.
3. snack for two.
4. great read.
5. scent from heaven.
6. patio talks with friends.



have you inspired yourself today?

whole food ice cream

ice cream is just one of the many "must have" treats for the summer, and since i was in a treat mood that is exactly what i made. i used a whole foods recipe and added in a few different things of my own. 

4 egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar (i used stevia)

1 can (13.5 ounces) can light coconut milk

1 can (13.5 ounces) can regular coconut milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

whisk yolks and sugar together in a large bowl until a pale yellow. add light and regular coconut milk and whisk again. 

transfer coconut mixture to a saucepan or medium pot and simmer on medium heat, stirring constantly. once it is thickened and coats the back of the spoon remove from heat and stir in vanilla. i also sprinkled in a little cinnamon and nutmeg into mine at this point. 

transfer mixture into a deep bowl and set in the fridge to chill. once chilled you can either put it into an ice cream maker or if you're like me and don't own one you can do it the old fashioned way. place contents into freezer stirring every half hour until completely frozen. mine took three mixes or about an hour and a half. 

it was so simple and quick. next time i make it i'll make it a bit more fancy and try adding in shredded coconut or fresh berries.

have you inspired yourself today...

the essentials

one. two. three. four. five.

these are just a few products that i can't live without. i love them all for different reasons. i have just recently discovered high beam by benefit makeup (2). i apply it to my cheekbones and under my eyebrows. it gives off an ever so slight beam and luminescent look. i already adore it and will be a future buyer for however long they decide to make it. 

thank god for the rain. we can cool down a little and hopefully see a change in all those fires popping up around the state. have a happy thursday!

have you inspired yourself today...

just a little elbow grease

projects are happening over here in my part of the world. sorry for the short post and absence. of course i'll be back shortly with lots to come!

have a happy independence day!






have you inspired yourself today...

productivity.

i have been meaning to reupholster my bench for quite sometime. this afternoon i had some down time so i thought i would tackle that project. when i purchased the bench at a thrift store the lime green fabric had faded to a dirty somewhat rusty hue. when i had finished with a new fresh fabric it turned out really good.

i also got around to putting up a mesh net over my vegetable garden so i won't have any critter culprits anymore. which would be sad because i have some pretty fat veggies coming in. today has been productive to say the least. i love days like that. hope all is well with everyone.





have you inspired yourself today..