Be The Change | Till Then Smile Often

April 3, 2015

Friday Favorites | Vacation

Happy Friday! It’s extra happy because I am on a mini-vacation. Yesterday I went hiking and did a lot of shopping, and got some wood for a new project. It will be a productive vacation for sure. The list is long but also taking the time to workout, read, and relax which is much needed.

Favorite Quote: Be patient it all works out in the end.

Life Has A Funny Way Of Working Out Just When You Start To Believe It Never Will.-#Lovequote

Favorite Recipe: Baked brie and apples. Yum!

Honey Nut Baked Brie Bloomin' Apples - melty Brie cheese oozing between "petals" of fruit make this semi-copycat recipe and irresistible appetizer! | cupcakesandkalechips.com | vegetarian, gluten free recipe

Favorite Print: A cute fun print for my office, that I am re-decorating this weekend.

Instant Download - "Hard Work" Print - 8"x10"

Favorite Organization: My Linen closet has always stumped me since it is really narrow, it houses all my beauty supplies and my overflow of spare toiletries. My goal was to find something to separate and store them. Enter in these wire shelves from the Container store and you have a winner. The top shelf was a little difficult since it cuts off in the middle so I used a wire desk tray for my spare toiletries.

Favorite Funnies:

Twerking hurts, don’t do it.

23 People You Know Are Definitely Dead Now- I cried. And then cried some more. There are literal tears right now.

It’s raining cats and cows??

10 Hilarious Road Signs You Won't Believe Existed! Click to be amazed... #lol #spon

Oh my! Too funny.

How the Property Brothers are dopplegängers for Tulio and Miguel in The Road to El Dorado. | 30 Images You'll Never Ever Be Able To Erase From Your Memory Yes! YES! YYYYYYAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!

Linking up with Amanda

Also linking up with Natasha for 5 on Friday.

March 31, 2015

Pastrami with Gruyere and Honey Dijon

I have mentioned this in the past but when I go hiking I tend to get a lot of my ideas for recipes, DIY projects, and blog posts. It could be the stillness of the woods, or the amount of time in the woods but it allows my mind to wander and dream. I use my phone to sometimes jot down the ideas.

This past weekend I was thinking up what I wanted to make after my hike. This sandwich came to mind, I used to love it as a kid and I hadn’t had it in a long time. As a kid it was Pastrami on plain white bread with yellow mustard. I wanted to make a more grown up version that felt a little gourmet. I originally was thinking of using Gouda buy when I saw the Gruyere at the store I knew I wanted to give it a try. I knew I wanted to add the pickles to add the crunch but if pickles aren’t your thing, you could add cucumber, or peppers. The Honey Dijon sauce melts all the flavors together. Don’t worry about the horseradish, it is just a little bit of heat but with all the others flavors it really melds well together.

Ingredients: 1/2 pound of Pastrami ~ Gruyere Cheese, shredded ~ Pickle, sandwich slices ~ Sourdough bread ~ 1 TBSP Honey ~ 1 TBSP Dijon Mustard ~ 1/4 TSP Horseradish ~ Salt ~ Pepper ~ Butter

Directions: Mix the Honey, Dijon and Horseradish in a small bowl and set aside. Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the Pastrami in the water, season the water with salt and pepper and allow to boil for 5-6 minutes.

Butter one side of sourdough bread place in skillet, spread the dijon sauce on the bread, pile on the Pastrami.

Top with the Gruyere cheese, and pickle slices.

Spread the dijon sauce on the second piece of Sourdough bread and place on top, spread butter on the bread. Flip the sandwich once it is nicely browned on the bottom and allow the bottom to brown. Remove from heat and cut in half.

Do you have a childhood favorite that you would want to update?

What is your favorite sandwich?

4.7 from 6 reviews

Ingredients

½ pound of Pastrami ~ Gruyere Cheese, shredded ~ Pickle, sandwich slices ~ Sourdough bread ~ 1 TBSP Honey ~ 1 TBSP Dijon Mustard ~ ¼ TSP Horseradish ~ Salt ~ Pepper ~ Butter

Instructions

Mix the Honey, Dijon and Horseradish in a small bowl and set aside. Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the Pastrami in the water, season the water with salt and pepper and allow to boil for 5-6 minutes.
Butter one side of sourdough bread place in skillet, spread the dijon sauce on the bread, pile on the Pastrami. Top with the Gruyere cheese, and pickle slices. Spread the dijon sauce on the second piece of Sourdough bread and place on top, spread butter on the bread. Flip the sandwich once it is nicely browned on the bottom and allow the bottom to brown. Remove from heat and cut in half.

March 30, 2015

Weekend Happenings

Another weekend gone, but I am not sorry about it since this is going to be a short week for me. I have a mini-vacation since I took Thursday and Friday off. Since I am training someone at work in a few weeks I wanted to get a short vacation in so I don’t bail on her until she gets her feet wet.

I wanted to spend it hiking but after this weekend that might not happen. I most likely will be working on my Office re-design, book reading and double workouts.

Saturday morning was all about the shopping and i had a list. Bed Bath and Beyond to get glass containers (replacing all plastic containers), PetSmart, Old Navy (left empty handed), Home Goods, and Target.

If you have hiked for any length of time you know that not every hike can be amazing. This Saturday my hike was miserable. That calm and peaceful feeling I normally get just didn’t happen. Actually at one point I screamed an F bomb into the wind. Every step I either sank into the snow or slipped. It snowed the whole time I was out there. The snow was so soft I even lost my hiking boot in a stream of melted snow. At the 40 minute mark I just wanted to sit down and give up. My normal route took twice as long. I live to hike another day so chalking this one up to Winter.

After a trip to the grocery store I headed home to make lunch. I tested out a sandwich recipe and it was amazing. I’ll be sharing the recipe tomorrow. Pastrami, Gruyere, Pickle, and Honey Dijon on Sourdough. I served it with a side of sweet potato fries and then took a nap from 6:30-8 pm. Haha! It was glorious!

Sunday morning I made a big breakfast since I knew it was going to be a long day. I also read for a little bit before getting ready.

Headed out for another birthday with the family. We went to a place for Superhero training. They got to run out so much energy. After a quick trip back to the birthday boy’s house I made my way home. Walked Seamus and did some chores around the house, before ending the night with the Walking Dead.

Seamus wanted no part in the picture taking this weekend.

How was your weekend?

Linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston.

March 27, 2015

Friday Favorites | Office Inspiration

Happy Friday!! I am so glad for this weekend so I can get some more rest, but it is going to be a hectic one so not sure any rest will actually happen. I am going to try and get another hike in on Saturday after some shopping for birthday presents, then on Sunday is another birthday party, this time for my nephew. Hopefully I can fit in a nap or two somewhere. So let’s get to it.

Favorite Quote: Cheer Up Buttercup, it’s all sunshine today!

Favorite Recipe: Can coffee really get any better? I think so.

Caramel Brulee Coffee - Make a coffeehouse-style drink at home in just minutes! Coffee, milk, caramel sauce and a touch of brown sugar come together to make a sweet coffee treat! | foxeslovelemons.com

Favorite Office Inspiration: I have plans to build a new desk for my office/craft room and I am looking for inspiration on keeping it organized. This one is taking first place so far.

Favorite Home Inspiration: If only I had a library like this one. Swoon!

A floor-to-ceiling bookcase in the barn holds a collection of vintage children's books on this
farm with storybook charm.

Favorite Funnies:

I am such a nerd I giggled for like 5 minutes at this one. Sometimes I do laugh too hard at my own jokes.

Linking up with Amanda

Also linking up with Natasha for 5 on Friday.

March 26, 2015

Currently…

I have been a little absent due to being sick. I was trying to fend it off but it kicked my butt. I ended up leaving work after an hour on Tuesday with chills, a headache and I felt really light headed. I took my laptop home so I ended up working a bit in between 4 different naps. Wednesday wasn’t much better so I guess my body just really needed the rest. Time to get back into the swing of things. So here is some of what I have been doing lately.

Currently…

Reading: This was an advanced copy I got from NetGalley and I am only 15% in but so far it is H.O.T. Protective Alpha MMA fighter, yes please. Click on the picture for the Goodreads summary.

Thinking: I need to get back on my workout routine.

Wishing: The snow would finally melt. That my mini-vacation was tomorrow.

Watching: I know it’s just silly reality TV but I am addicted to this show. I watched the first season too.

Wearing: My Old Navy foldover jersey pajama pants and three sweaters. I’m still cold!! Can’t find a picture online.

Wanting: To start my 4000 footer mountains hikes.

ferncroft road whiteface passaconway from road

Mt. Whiteface, New Hampshire 4,019 feet in elevation – 11.4 miles

Loving: Seamus! Of course. He has been keeping me company while sick and while he has back issues and doesn’t like to be patted he gives lots of puppy kisses.

Needing: Lots and lots of sleep. So with that I leave you, so I can go to bed!

Happy Friday Eve!

What are you doing currently?

March 23, 2015

Birthdays and Hiking

Happy Monday. It was a very full weekend. I think I might be coming down with something but I am trying to fight it off. I have been chugging orange juice to try and help.

It was a full weekend though and I finally got to go hiking!! It is making me even more excited for the snow to melt since the hiking was a little slow going. I even fell into a snow drift that was melted in the middle and it went to about mid thigh. I just got back up and kept going though.

When I woke up on Saturday it was snowing, and I was so disappointed. I really wanted to go hiking since I wasn’t feeling well last week. So I watched Wild instead. It was even more powerful than the book, which I don’t say often.

I went to the Mall to get my niece a swimsuit she wanted at the Justice store. I was in and out in 15 minutes. I have a serious hatred of malls so this was a big win!

After getting home I finished reading my book, and then took a nap. Once I woke up I saw that the snow in the driveway was gone so I decided to go hiking. It was so perfect, a little hard with the snow, but also exactly what I needed.

I spent the rest of the night watching a few episodes of The Fall. So creepy but good. I also started a new book called Come Home.

Sunday was my nieces birthday party. It was held at the Children’s Museum. They were having a blast and there were a few floors so it kept them busy and entertained.

How was your weekend?

Linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston.

March 20, 2015

Friday Favorites |

Happy Friday! This week has been crazy busy at work and it is only going to get busier. There is a light at the end of the tunnel though so I just need to hold on for 3 more weeks. My niece’s birthday is this weekend, so the party is on Sunday. I am seeing possible snow on Saturday but if it can hold off I am going to try and hike again!! Fingers crossed.

Favorite outfit: This is also a link for ways to spice up your work wardrobe.

Favorite Quote: Let it Go!!!!

Favorite Purchase: Old lady status over here. I got so excited over buying this new vacuum. Considering I broke my toe after carrying a vacuum down the stairs this lightweight version is perfect. I was able to clean the whole bottom floor of my house in 15-20 minutes.

Favorite DIY: A backyard scrabble game?! So fun! It seems a little labor intensive but would last for years so might be worth it.

Outdoor Scrabble - Lots of fun with friends | Game Night | Neighbors and friends party | Neighborhood

Favorite Funnies:

Funny Memes About Women 2 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial

Top 25 Funny Animals Photos and Memes | Quotes and Humor

What are you up to this weekend? Linking up with Amanda

Also linking up with Natasha for 5 on Friday.

March 18, 2015

Go Where The Waves Take You

Being from New England I have always lived within 30-45 minutes from the Ocean. I am a nature girl to my core, from hiking the mountains in New Hampshire, the Lobster towns of Maine, to the shores of Cape Cod. Being able to wake up to the sound of the waves, seeing the sun rise and reading a good book is my idea of a perfect day.

When I was asked if I would like to review Joanne DeMaio’s follow up to Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans I jumped at the chance. You can read my review of the first book here. **NOTE: I received a free Advanced copy of the book, in return for an honest review. I am opinionated, I tell it like it is, all opinions are my own.

Goodreads: During two August weeks, denim designer Maris Carrington and coastal architect Jason Barlow prepare for their much-anticipated wedding. Guests arrive early, turning keys in charming cottage doors to begin their New England summer escape. The wedding is a reason for old friends to gather again; to meet in their shabby beach hangout and get the jukebox cranking; to walk that weathered boardwalk beneath a starry sky; to breathe the sweet salt air. “Cures what ails you,” one of the friends, Neil, always said long before his life was sadly claimed. But his legacy was not.

When Maris discovers Neil’s long-lost journal, its passages reveal a heartbreaking secret. Can truths be found within its timeworn pages? Can this leather-bound journal unite the friends as their lives begin to fray? A bittersweet family reunion, a surprising encounter from a devastating accident, a shocking confession leaving one marriage shattered–all will test the once close-knit circle. Suddenly this safe haven on the tranquil Connecticut shoreline churns with emotional turmoil, threatening even the beach wedding just days before it is to happen.

Yet like a silver cap on a breaking wave, love and friendship wash ashore with hope, ever shimmering, in The Denim Blue Sea.

My Thoughts: Picking up just about a year after the first book ended we catch back up with the characters of Stony Point. Maris the denim designer is in the midst of planning her wedding while trying to create new denim designs. She is inspired by the waves of the ocean, and the breaks in the waves.

Her fiance Jason struggled in the first book to move forward after losing his brother in the same accident that took his leg. Walks on the beach and talking into the ocean with the hopes of his brother answering helped him stay connected. Finding his brothers lost journal is important, so he can continue his brother’s vision in the restoration business they started together.

My favorite couple from the last book Lauren and Kyle return with their relationship stronger than ever, but secrets shared and found in the journal have the power to destroy what they have worked so hard to repair.

This book makes you feel like you are at the beach, that you could be friends with this group. It reinforces that good friends and family are all that matter. It reminds you that people are flawed and they make mistakes, but they try. It left me in tears and touched my heart. This is a feel good happily ever after that leaves you dreaming for a vacation on the beach.

Insider Inspiration from Joanne: This photo is a favorite of mine, capturing a blue-sky summer day on the boardwalk at Connecticut’s Point O’ Woods Beach. This gem of a beach inspires my fictional seaside setting of Stony Point. But even more than that, I based The Denim Blue Sea wedding reception scene on this very stretch of boardwalk. It seemed the perfect place for old friends to gather and toast a future filled with vast possibility.

Joanne DeMaio is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. She enjoys writing about friendship, family, love and choices, while setting her stories in New England towns or by the sea. Her fifth novel, The Denim Blue Sea, was recently published. Currently at work on her next book, Joanne lives with her family in Connecticut. To learn more about the author, visit Joannedemaio.com. She also enjoys hearing from readers on her Facebook Page and on Twitter.

Find The Denim Blue Sea on Amazon.

Does this sound like a book you want to read?

March 17, 2015

St. Patty’s Shortbread Trifle

In Honor of St. Patrick’s Day I am bringing you an easy recipe to help you get into the spirit. It can easily be put together in just over 30 minutes.

I used the Sandies Shortbread cookies with Pecans but you can use the options without pecans if you prefer. If Pistachio is not your thing you can use a vanilla, french vanilla, cheesecake or coconut cream flavor and add green food coloring.

This would be a great dessert for your corned beef and cabbage dinner. Remember everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! 😉

Ingredients: Shortbread Cookies ~ 1 oz box of Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix and 2 cups milk ~ 8 oz tub of Cool Whip ~ Toffee Toppings

Directions: Make pudding according to the packaging. Allow to set for at least 30 minutes. Crush up the shortbread cookies. Spoon the crushed cookies into the bottom of a serving cup or bowl.

Top with the pistachio pudding, sprinkle a bit toffee bits onto the pudding.

Top it all off with the whipped cream, and a few toffee bits. Voila!

How are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day?

Are you wearing green today?

5.0 from 3 reviews

St. Patty's Shortbread Trifle

Prep time: 30 mins

Cook time: 5 mins

Total time: 35 mins

Ingredients

Shortbread Cookies ~ 1 oz box of Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix and 2 cups milk ~ 8 oz tub of Cool Whip ~ Toffee Toppings

Instructions

Make pudding according to the packaging.
Allow to set for at least 30 minutes.
Crush up the shortbread cookies.
Spoon the crushed cookies into the bottom of a serving cup or bowl.
Top with the pistachio pudding
Sprinkle a bit of the toffee bits onto the pudding.
Top it all off with the whipped cream, and a few toffee bits. Voila!

March 16, 2015

A little under the weather

Well another Monday is here. Between March and April I have 5 physical birthdays and 4 virtual birthdays and this weekend was at a children’s playhouse. Let me just say you parents are saints. That place was total sensory overload. They had a blast though so that is all that matters.

I restocked my bar with wine since I was out. I really don’t drink that often. I swear! ha!

Saturday was a productive morning, I had dishes done, laundry and took out all the trash all before 11 am.

I finished two books. The Denim Blue Sea and All The Bright Places. All The Bright Places was so good, I cried through the last 100 pages. So many feelings. I loved The Denim Blue Sea as well and I will be talking more about that one on Wednesday.

Gabby turned 6 and she was a princess. They got to swing till their hearts content on the rope swing, the bouncy houses, and the huge obstacle course slides. Our group did so well and were so well behaved. They looked like they had a blast too.

I bought myself some new shoes on the way home, for spring and for working out.

Sunday I had big plans to go hiking after grocery shopping, but then I got really sick. I am not sure if it was something I ate or just a stomach bug but I started to feel better around 9:30 pm.

Since I didn’t want to go far from the house, I worked on some food prep (paleo chocolate chip banana bread and paleo meatloaf – similar recipe), and started a new book.

How was your weekend?

Linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston.

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