Be The Change | Till Then Smile Often

May 5, 2014

Rest and Relax

I am going to try and keep this short because while I got a lot done I didn’t take a ton of pictures because I really did get a lot of relaxing done, along with a lot of other chores done too. I also started to feel really bad on Sunday so more than likely I am at the Doctor’s trying to figure out while my virus from last month won’t go away and got worse.

Friday: After work I came home and took Seamus for a walk, after he spilled all his food on the floor. Think he was excited. I noticed this bird has built it’s nest in one of the trees right by the door. It turns it eye to me whenever I come home and the nest is just big enough for it to sit, so precious. I also picked up some Raz-Ber-ritas.

Saturday: I spent the morning reading, cleaning my spare bedroom, snuggling with Seamus and doing chores. This counts as my Picture Practice Close-up prompt since he was all up in my face! 😉

I had put a bucket in the spare room with some odds and ends when I re-decorated my office and I had yet to go through it. Most of it was photos, old cards and letters from friends, and computer equipment. Then I found this gem of an old Christmas list. I believe it was a year or two out of college and I obnoxiously was into a lot of philosophy books. Clearly I was a little obsessed, I don’t know what I was thinking because my Dad would never buy me books. I think he got me a gift card to Barnes and Noble so I got a lot of them. I have read all of those on the list and still have a few of them too. I think i was trying to “find myself”. If only I could slap my younger self. Haha!

See that face? How can I ever say no to that face? I can’t. I took him on a 3.7 mile walk so he was a tired little bugger after, success.

Sunday: I was reading my book and Seamus wanted to snuggle instead. I finished the book and then did some more cleaning. I had a lot of yard work to do so I raked, put down some soil and grass seed. I still have a lot more work to do but it was a good start. After a trip to the grocery store I worked on the Spanakopita recipe and it came out perfectly. I figured out why it wasn’t working, it need more cheese. Duh?! The ratio of spinach to feta was making it dry and let flavorful. I’ll be sharing the recipe tomorrow.

I started to feel really sick with a fever, muscle aches and the cough was getting very bad. I ended up passing out for an hour and a half. I didn’t really feel like doing anything so I watched some Hallmark movies in between naps.

How was your weekend?

Linking up with Leeann from Join the Gossip and with Kelli from She Crab Soup

May 2, 2014

Aussie Flair

Happy Friday! I am excited for this weekend since I have no plans. I am hoping to get some spring cleaning done and some yard work but I also want to get caught up on some reading too. You know the usual.

I am hoping I can get a post up today. My internet was down for most of the night. I had to skip a few things due to time so don’t mind if it is a little sparse today.

Favorite Movie: I am not sure why I remember this movie especially since I was so young when it came out but I watched it while typing up this post. Holy crazy bad acting, weird sound effects and BMX has come a long way since then but I think this is what really made me love accents as a kid. The Aussie accent especially. Besides this was Kidman’s first movie, anyone else remember her with the crazy curls?

From iMDB: Two BMX expert bikers and a friend of theirs (Kidman) become entangled with a group of bank robbers after discovering a carton of walkie-talkies.

Favorite Song: I thought this went perfectly with yesterday’s post and showing some soldier love. Soldier’s of America by Madison Rising.

Favorite Book: I read 2 books and this one was slightly better then the other since the ending on the other one was cute but I dislike when the timetable for romances are off. So this one edged it out for the favorite this week. It was light and fun, a quick read and as a bonus their is a recipe for the Bing Cherry Pie mentioned in the book that of course I will have to try out!

From Goodreads: Montana real estate agent Quint McCoy will tell you that the most important thing is location, location, location. It’s a lesson he learns all too well when he goes incommunicado for a four-week fishing trip to Alaska. While he’s away, his mother Molly turns his office into the pie shop she has always dreamed of, Big Sky Pie. But that’s not the only surprise in store for him.

On her way out of town, Callee McCoy only wants to say a fond farewell to her beloved mother-in-law. But Molly soon persuades Callee to stay and lend a hand at the new shop, even if it means heating up the kitchen with her soon-to-be ex. As Callee and Quint rediscover their recipe for love, they realize that some couples are so sinfully good together that one delectable taste is never enough . . .

Favorite Funnies:

Why is it when I finish getting ready I feel like this:

Then midway through the day I look like this:

So I have been waxing my own eyebrows since I was 12 years old. First with the microwavable wax and not with the salon version home kit. So I did mine the other day and I was looking in the mirror and I legit had this voice in my head. I know sometimes I crack myself up.

This week I have been getting to bed late (possibly reading) and getting up early (most definitely Seamus) which has made me extremely tired the last few days so this is how I feel.

Now excuse me while I get in touch with tech support to fix my internet.

Hope you have a great weekend!

May 1, 2014

Another Year Older {Giveaway}

Celebrate Shane’s Birthday with one big giveaway! Seven winners so enter away! Good luck!

Go to college they said, it’ll be fun they said! This is what a girl who’s not ready to turn 22 looks like. I am so not ready to graduate! To lessen the blow a bit, 28 of my favorite bloggers have generously teamed up to celebrate with over $700 in prizes! My birthday isn’t until May 6, but I got so excited putting this together (10 hours later) that it just had to go live today! Plus I’ll be busy preparing for Cinco de Drinko all weekend. Let’s see if we can top last years’ Cheers to 21 Years!

Beanie c/o Yellow Spot Designs. Go check her out and use code: Sweetnothings for 15% off!

Alisha / Chantilly / Whitney / Megan / Emma / Amy / Allison / Gentri / Emily

Amy / Sydney / Cayli / Kelly / Jenn / Alex / Marquis / Kathryn / Nay

Brooke / Kerry / Emily / Linda / Rachael / Chelsea / Ashley / Brianna / Noor / Kate

Here’s the deal: Not one, but SEVEN lucky ladies will win a prize package. Take a look below, there is something everyone is bound to love!

Basic Biotch

$60 Target + $30 Starbucks

Fierce Fashionista

Jewelry + handbag

Bookworm

Eleanor and Park, The fault in our stars, The language of flowers, Right before your eyes + Custom hoop design

Music

Online music lesson + $15 iTunes + $10 TCBY

Beauty Maven

$25 Ulta + 3 months Birchbox + Keratin Treatment

Blogger Shot Caller

Custom bloger premim design + $35 Paypal Cash

Blog so hard

3 months large ad Gentri Lee + $30 Olive & Ivy Designs + $15 Clarke Creative

a Rafflecopter giveaway

May 1, 2014

For Those You’ve Loved and Lost – Uncovering a Hero

What do you know it rained again all week (well just about), so this week I had to improvise again at the last minute for this weeks Be The Change Act. I can’t tell you how happy that made me, because this one really touched my heart.

With all the rain, came the wind and it apparently blew a good amount of trash over into the cemetery a few blocks from my house. It made me sad because I can only imagine a loved one coming by to pay their respects and seeing the trash around them. So after taking Seamus for a walk I grabbed a trash bag and a pair of heavy duty construction gloves I use for yard work, I walked back over to the cemetery to clean it up. I tried to be very respectful (catholic guilt) when walking around.

Picking Up Trash - Random Acts Of Kindness

As I was picking up the trash I noticed a plaque that was a little covered up, almost completely but then I caught World War in the center. I started peeling away the thick layer of grass and wiping away the mud thanks to the rain pouring down and uncovered a WWII vet’s plaque.

At first it angered me, and then it brought me to tears. I have a very soft spot in my heart for veterans. After all my father is a Vietnam Veteran. He even made us stand with our hand over our heart whenever the national anthem was on the T.V., to this day it still makes me cry listening to the anthem knowing all that it stands for, all those who fought, and the wounds (seen and unseen) that they come home with when its over.

I began to pull harder and even used my bare hands to remove all the grass and dirt I could to reveal his plaque and I though to myself, this is why I am here. This is why it rained again, so I had to do this act. Yes, it may just be picking up trash but I also got to uncover an almost completely covered plaque for a hero. I said a prayer to him and thanked him for his service. Regardless of what you believe, today I felt grateful for at least in this moment he was not forgotten, he was honored even if just by me, and hopefully now by all of you who are reading.

I am so grateful to have picked up almost a full bag of trash but don’t be discouraged if you don’t happen to have a cemetery with trash covering it, because that just doesn’t happen everyday. There are a lot of local charities that go around to help clean up a local park, school, roadways, and trails though. Making your neighborhood clean from trash is just as important, and a Random Act worth doing.

Are you considering doing your own Act of Kindness? If not, what is stopping you? Grab a button if you would like to spread the word. The change that we seek in others has to first come from within. This year I hope you decide to Be the Change You Seek.

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An InLinkz Link-up

April 29, 2014

One Pan Veggie “Lasagna”

I know I was going to share my Spanakopita recipe but it needs some more testing. Although it was good I think the filling is missing something and need to test it some more. Since this weekend was a little busy I didn’t get to work on it. I did however made this recipe that I pulled from a Kraft Foods magazine when I was looking for recipes to try that were vegetarian. I do think when I make this again I will be adding Broccoli and possible shredded carrots just to jazz it up a bit and make it a little more colorful. This is pretty versatile, and you could really add in any veggies that you prefer.

Ingredients: 3 TBSP oil ~ 1 eggplant, peeled and cubed ~ 1 zucchini – sliced ~ 1 yellow squash – sliced ~ 1 TSP minced garlic ~ 1 cup Ricotta Cheese ~ 3 TBSP Grated Parmesan Cheese ~ 1-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce – divided ~ 1-1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Adapted from this recipe.

Directions: In a 10 inch skillet heat oil on medium high heat. Cook eggplant, zucchini and squash for approximately 10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent scorching the veggies.

Stir in the garlic and reduce heat to medium, cooking until veggies are tender, approximately 4-6 minutes. In a small dish mix the Ricotta and the Parmesan cheese and set aside. Once veggies are tender transfer to a plate.

Spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce covering the bottom of the skillet, drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the sauce.

Layer with the cooked veggies, remaining 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce and sprinkle the mozzarella over the top.

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover pan and heat for 20 minutes or until heated through. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

What veggies would you add?

One Pan Veggie "Lasagna"

Ingredients

3 TBSP
oil ~
1 eggplant, peeled and cubed ~ 1
zucchini - sliced ~
1 yellow squash - sliced ~ 1 TSP minced garlic ~ 1 cup Ricotta Cheese ~ 3 TBSP
Grated Parmesan Cheese ~
1-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce - divided ~ 1-1/2 cups s
hredded Mozzarella Cheese
Adapted from this
recipe
.

Instructions

In a 10 inch skillet heat oil on medium high heat. Cook eggplant, zucchini and squash for approximately 10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent scorching the veggies.
Stir in the garlic and reduce heat to medium, cooking until veggies are tender, approximately 4-6 minutes. In a small dish mix the Ricotta and the Parmesan cheese and set aside. Once veggies are tender transfer to a plate.
Spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce covering the bottom of the skillet, drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the sauce. Layer with the cooked veggies, remaining ½ cup of spaghetti sauce and sprinkle the mozzarella over the top. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover pan and heat for 20 minutes or until heated through. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

April 28, 2014

Getting Some Color

Happy Monday! I will say it is a glorious one for me since I have the day off. I will be doing yard work and some errands I didn’t get to this weekend so don’t be too jealous. I used a vacation day because I knew this weekend was going to be hectic. So let’s get to it.

Friday: I got home and took Seamus for a walk. He spent more time rolling in the grass than actually walking so I cut it a little short. Then I headed to Market Basket to hopefully find a Rutabaga so I could make the Healthy Cajun Fries I mentioned on Friday. Holy freaking amazingness. They were so good. They tasted just like regular fries, maybe even better in my opinion. I also make a Panini using Sargento’s Ultra Thin Provolone cheese, Spinach and Artichoke Hummus, and Bean Sprouts on Texas Toast. I really couldn’t say which I liked more the Panini or the fries. Disclaimer: I received the Sargento’s Ultra Thin free as an Influenster VoxBox however the recipe and my opinion are totally my own.

The rest of the night I did some chores around the house and watch a little bit of Glades on Netflix which I am hooked on.

Saturday: I got up early thanks to Seamus so I took him for a walk when it started to pour so we only got in 3.52 miles before calling it quits. Seamus doesn’t mind taking a bath but he hates getting his hair wet so he was being a bit of a diva!

After I dried Seamus off I had some breakfast and read a little from my current book. I took a quick one hour nap and then had to start getting ready for my nieces birthday party. I had to stop and pickup the gift since this is like the 8th birthday lately I was not prepared.

It was a strawberry shortcake theme party and Corrina is just such a little cutie. She is always willing to ham it up for the camera. It is so fun to see how different in personality both my nieces are, but they are both just so adorable too. Corrina did not enjoy them signing Happy Birthday in Portuguese!! Haha! Yes, my brother and me look a lot alike.

I didn’t get home till about 6pm so after throwing together some dinner I worked on restoring my iPad since I tried to install the new update and it crashed it. Not fun. Luckily it is finally working again and I had a backup from the previous day so I didn’t lose anything.

Sunday: It was an early morning since I had to get up early enough to walk Seamus and get ready to go to the Color Me Rad in New Hampshire which is about an hour from my house. So I got up at 6am and had to leave my house by 7:45am. I met up with my girls and we headed out. I was a little nervous since it was raining earlier in the morning but luckily it stopped just in time. We ran the Color Vibe last year in the rain so not having to was nice. This was just a fun run for us and no-one really trained for it so we were relaxed about it.

I headed home after the run and took Seamus for a walk. This is the lake by my house and I spend my time in the summer at it almost every weekend. I took a shower to walk all the color off and then the rest of the night was relaxing catching up on TV, emails and blog reading. It was nice to finally sit down.

Oh and one more picture of Seamus because seriously how does he move the blankets just to where he wants them so he can sandwich in the middle of them???

How was your weekend?

Linking up with Leeann from Join the Gossip

April 25, 2014

Friday Musings

Is it really Friday? This weekend is going to be a hectic one with a birthday party for my niece and brother on Saturday. Then I have a 5k Color Run on Sunday. I think I am already tired just thinking about it. Either way it is the weekend and I am looking forward to it, so let’s get started with some Friday Favorites.

Favorite Book This Week: This book tells the story of Rachel who wakes up after an accident and realizes that the last 5 years are not as she remembers. What would you do with a second chance. The end is not what you would expect and really was just such a great story.

From Goodreads: Rachel Wiltshire has everything she’s ever wanted: a close group of friends, a handsome boyfriend, and acceptance to the journalism program at her top-choice college. But one fateful evening, tragedy tears her world apart.

Five years later, Rachel returns home for the first time to celebrate her best friend’s wedding. Still coping with her grief, she can’t stop thinking about the bright future she almost had, if only that one night had gone differently. But when a sudden fall lands her in the hospital, Rachel wakes to find that her life has completely changed. Now she has her dream job as a writer and a stylish apartment, but the people she loves most are not the way she remembers them. Unable to trust her own recollections, Rachel tries to piece together what really happened, and not even she can predict the astonishing truth.

Favorite Rescue Story: Aside from Seamus’ story this one is my favorite. I mean the resemblance helps but a dog finding a home that will last melts my heart.

“My grandparents had been letting them rent the house and went to clean it up and get it ready to sell a few days after the couple moved out. That’s when they found Roscoe. He was very timid and dirty after being left in the basement. My grandparents called and let me know what had happened and without hesitation, I told them to bring him to home. He instantly took to me and we have been inseparable ever since. I was a Sophomore in high school at the time, but when I moved off to college, there was no doubt that Roscoe was going with me.”

For Roscoe’s full story click here.

Favorite Song: I am a rocker chick so you get a rock song. Can you dig it?!

In this life there’s no surrender
There’s nothing left for us to do
Find the strength to see this through

We are the ones who will never be broken
With our final breath
We’ll fight to the death
We are soldiers, we are soldiers
Woah woah woah whoa
We are soldiers

Favorite Mug: I have for been following Leeann’s blog for awhile and linkup with her on Monday’s for Monday Morning Gossip. Lately she has been rubbing shoulders with the cast of Dallas, Adam Levine and the other judges, and the judges of America’s Got Talent. She gets to live it up in sunny California and doesn’t rub it in…much! 😉 Although she would never say this because she is humble and down to earth I am saying it for her…

Source

Favorite Recipe: I came across this one on Instagram and I hope to make it soon. I mean they look like actual fries not a veggie.

Funnies: I fixed my garbage disposal myself the other day and first I was like this:

Then I was like this:

I’ve seen this image on other pages and ever time I just think, yes Beyonce must have a wedgie too.

I mean it’s our right as women:

That is all I got for you, go enjoy the weekend and have fun!!

April 24, 2014

Keep The Change to Be The Change

Since it rained all day yesterday the Random Act of Kindness I had planned got washed out. Haha! Yes, pun intended. I know I’m cheesy. So I had to come up with a new act quickly. Since I had a to-do list a mile long including fixing my garbage disposal (which I did, like a boss) I figured I would have a cheat meal and order in.

This is one that I have been wanting to do for awhile, restaurants can get expensive but this is perfect for takeout. So I had my dinner delivered and I grabbed my bag after signing the receipt that had a 100% tip on it. I gave the driver the receipt and I watched him turn around. He looked down at it, and he turned around really quick to which I told him it was the right amount and to have a great night. The smile he gave me was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. It was filled with wonder, and gratitude. People it is so easy to do unto others, and really make a difference! I urge you to give back.

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An InLinkz Link-up

April 22, 2014

Creamy Corn and Zucchini

As I am trying to work in more Vegetarian dishes into my diet I am finding all sorts of wonderful veggie dishes. This one is light while still being filling. This one is going in heavy rotation for sure. A little bit of veggie, and a little bit of cheese, yes please! This could easily be doubled or tripled for a summer BBQ.

Ingredients: 2 TBSP Caesar Dressing ~ 2-1/2 Cups frozen sweet whole kernel corn ~ 1 cup frozen sliced Zucchini ~ 1/2 Cup Yellow Onion – diced ~ 1 cup Mexican style Shredded Four cheeses ~ 1/2 cup 0% Greek Yogurt ~ 1/2 cup tomato – chopped Optional: Ham or Bacon Adapted from this recipe.

Directions: Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add in the dressing, onion, corn and zucchini. Cook until the veggies are fork tender approximately 8-10 minutes.

Turn the heat down to medium and remove pan from heat , stir in the cheese, and Greek yogurt until combined.

Place the pan back on the heat and cook approximately 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Be sure to stir frequently so as not to scorch the veggies. Sprinkle in the diced tomato and mix to incorporate. Serve.

This is perfect as is for a good Vegetarian dish, but if you aren’t a Vegetarian and want to bulk it up you can mix in some Ham chunks or a few strips of cooked bacon crumbles. I ate this as a main dish with a side salad.

What is your favorite BBQ dish?

Cheesy Corn and Zucchini

Serves: 8

Ingredients

2 TBSP Caesar Dressing ~ 2-1/2 Cups frozen sweet whole kernel corn ~ 1 cup frozen sliced Zucchini ~ ½ Cup Yellow Onion - diced ~ 1 cup Mexican style Shredded Four cheeses ~ ½ cup 0% Greek Yogurt ~ ½ cup tomato - chopped
Optional: Ham or Bacon

Instructions

Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add in the dressing, onion, corn and zucchini.
Cook until the veggies are fork tender approximately 8-10 minutes.
Turn the heat down to medium and remove pan from heat , stir in the cheese, and Greek yogurt until combined.
Place the pan back on the heat and cook approximately 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Be sure to stir frequently so as not to scorch the veggies. Sprinkle in the diced tomato and mix to incorporate. Serve.
This is perfect as is for a good Vegetarian dish, but if you aren't a Vegetarian and want to bulk it up you can mix in some Ham chunks or a few strips of cooked bacon crumbles. I ate this as a main dish with a side salad.

April 21, 2014

Walking Fool

I had a very busy week last week and I haven’t had a free weekend in a long time so I was very excited to do nothing. Well nothing according to my normal weekends. I mean it’s me we are talking about here. I also had Good Friday off from work and so there is a lot to cover. Let’s go!

Thursday: I got to meet up with Maddie from The Whimsy One since she was in town visiting family. Her Sister-In-Law came with her and got quite the inside look into blogging. Hopefully we didn’t bore her too much. We are a fascinating bunch though. She got me this really cute frame wipe board and chocolate. 🙂

Friday: I took Seamus for a walk early in the morning so that I could get back in time to meet the Insurance Adjuster since the damage to my basement still hasn’t been touched.

Call me a touch mad about this, I want my house back dang it. My half-bath especially. Once he left I went out for a hike. I luckily didn’t see any more snakes.

I tried to read a few blogs and comment but I was a touch behind. Trying to play catch up though. I then had to get ready for a Beer Tasting hosted by Emily but Jody and Allena from the last Sip Happens were also there. Aside from a $40 parking ticket (did I mention I hate driving and parking in Boston) the party was such fun. It was a fun group of girls and lots of laughs. I didn’t get many pictures since I was too busy laughing and having fun.

Saturday: I did some cleaning around the house, did some yard work. I still need to get some soil and plant some grass and flowers. It will continue in a few weeks. I then took Seamus for a really long walk to try and tire him out.

I have noticed that will all these walks the fatty tumors I was worried about before seem to have shrunk a bit. I then got a few movies from RedBox and made it a quiet night in with Homefront with Jason Statham. I mean holy yum. I may have fell asleep during The Counselor, so weird and not a great movie.

Sunday: I woke up really early, thank you Seamus. He was a little too hyper so I took him for another long walk. I do love getting to explore my city on these long walks but really the best part is walking by the lakes. I am almost at the half way point for the 50 Miles in April Challenge.

There are two different lakes within 1/2 mile from my house and the water was glistening and it was perfect weather. Really my idea of heaven! After grocery shopping I made some Cheesy Corn and Zucchini dish which I will be sharing the recipe for tomorrow. I also made some more eggplant Parmesan for this week, and Spanakopita. Once I test it out a little more I will share the recipe.

I may have enjoyed one of two of these too while I was cooking. They are so good and the Mango version is my next one to try.

This is one of the really old trees in the park by my house that I walked through with Seamus and I thought it was perfect for the nature prompt for Picture Practice.

How was your weekend? Fellow Bostonians are you off for Marathon Monday?

Linking up with Leeann from Join the Gossip and with Kelli from She Crab Soup

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