Feelings...

Blessed.
Thankful.
Protected.

There's been something I wanted to blog about but wasn't quite sure how to put my emotions into words. I think the above pretty much sums it up though so here we go...

As most of you know, I went to Virginia for New Years and spent a week down there. The weather wasn't the best the day before we left and was suppose to be crummy on my way home. Instead of taking my little car with its low-profile tires, my parents had me take their four-wheel drive SUV that I normally use in the snow. It was a smooth ride there and a smooth ride home. No car issues whatsoever.

Fast forward to the very next time the vehicle was used after my trip. My mom went to go somewhere -- Got in the car, stepped on the brake, put the car in gear, but then the brake pedal went to the floor and the car started to creep forward. Yup, the brake line blew. The same brake line that had just gotten me home safely after an 8 hour, 75-80mph trip.

It makes you take a step back and think...
Think about luck. Think about chance. Think about fortune.

It easily could have gone while I was driving home over the Blue Ridge Mountains, when I was closer to home going getting off the interstate, or even after my mom had left the house. But it didn't. It happened in our driveway where everyone was safe.

I do believe that someone was looking over me then and every day and I am beyond blessed to have that person - that spirit - above me.

What makes you feel blessed?

Hoping everyone is enjoying 'Nemo' (although we haven't seen much of it here).
Have a great - and safe - weekend.

A case of the happies and crappies...

I was excited to read about this new linkup on Sarah's blog and I think one of the main things that attracted me was the title. So without further adiu...

 

 

- NJ experienced some spring weather this week. It was amazing.

- My new fireside scented Woodwick candle. Bonus: It was on sale for 50% off.

- Two of my best friends had birthdays this week... Happy birthday pretties!

- Seeing Kristin's face when I gave her a gorgeous Alex & Ani bracelet for her birthday.

(yup, we both cried)

- Finally getting the house pretty much back to normal - and clean - after the holidays.

 

- Still having mice in the house. Or more specifically, the kitchen. I'm tempted to get a cat.

- Dealing with slumlords... I'm beyond ready to move.

 

Have a great weekend everyone! Mine will be spent working and sleeping. It's ok to be jeaous.

 

Saw it. Pinned it. Did it.

Once upon a time, I actually cooked.

Go ahead... take a walk, get some fresh air, take a shot of whisky. Now re-read the above statement because your eyes aren't deceiving you. I cooked. But not just anything... lasagna rolls courtesy of Pinterest!

Original pin:

 

I failed as a blogger and didn't take many pictures but in my defense, my hands were a hot mess.

 

Cook lasagna noodles based on package directions.

While noodles are cooking, combine (1) large tub of ricotta cheese

with (1) pound of shredded mozzarella.

Wilt spinach by microwaving in some water.

Add spinach and some Italian seasoning to cheese.

Lay out noodles and fill with cheese.

Roll like a joint.

Put in a pan then cover with tomato sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan.

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes on 350-degrees.

 

My creation:

 

Pin success! Beau was one happy man that night... full belly then, well, never mind.

See it, pin it, do it, then link up!

 

Day late and a dollar short... AKA: Detox bath post.

Many - and I mean many - of you inquired about the detox bath I took the other day last week. Finally, here is directions and review you've all been waiting for...

Combine 2 cups of Epsom salt, 2 cups of baking soda, and about 1/4 cup of sea salt in a bowl.

Draw the hottest bath you can stand to sit in.

Add dry mixture while bath is filling.

You can also add a few drops of essential oil into the water.

*IMPORTANT* Get a big glass of water to drink while bathing.

Soak for no less than 20 but no more than 40 minutes.

Sweat. Sweat. Sweat.

Sweat out some more toxins.

Shower off and be careful getting out of tub (could be slippery due to salt).

Do not apply any lotions, creams, nothing.

Drink more water and relax.

You may be pretty tired after the bath. I took mine an hour before bedtime (then stayed up an extra hour to watch Snooki and JWOWW) (did I just admit that?) and drank a large bottle of water. I can't stress the water drinking enough -- you'll be dehydrated if you don't and will do more harm then good. Make sure you pee before going to bed! Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep and if you're like me, you'll sleep like a rock that night. I can't speak for everyone but I felt amazing the next morning. Amazing.

Enjoy!

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball...

... other times it gives you quadruple Z as a bra size (or so it seems).

Is anyone else highly amused by the smaller chick's expression?

 

Welcome to Lifetime's new show, Double Divas. According to balleralert.com it's 'a peek into the world of intimate apparel at Atlanta's renowned boutique LiviRae Lingerie'. Although I haven't watched it yet, you bet I'll be checking it out and reporting back to y'all.

In other [now old] news... CLEMSON WON!

Although no one thought it would be possible, we managed a win against LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on New Years Eve. I am beyond proud of those boys in orange! Now I just have to wait for my celebratory shirt to come in - you know, to go along with last year's ACC shirt.

Happy weekend and remember to drink responsibly aka: don't leave any alcohol in the bottom of the glass.