Day 79 – Just Precious

With April just one day away I starting thinking today of maybe just one or two precious decorative items I could add to the house. Every month on the 1^st day of the month, I change my wreath or decorative door piece and I have one all ready to go for tomorrow. So, I started going through some of my items I have stored away trying to decide what I wanted as a table centerpiece.

I came across the cutest little bunny I had stored away. I pulled him out and a bag of decorative straw. I decided to arrange them on my favorite small appetizer stand that I made myself a while back with tons of gold glitter and a whole lot of glossy Mod Podge. Anyhow, so I arranged the straw on the stand and put the bunny right in the center. Simple, cute and sparkly! I am perfectly happy with the outcome and it was a sweet and simple intention on this busy, busy day. #HGAL

 

Day 78 – New Indulgence

Early this evening, I found myself with some down time. Vinny was at work and Elijah off to practice. All of my days to-do’s had been completed. It has actually been a very good day. So I sat down, popped on the TV and decided for today’s intention to go ahead and indulge in a new series. I have wanted to see the new E series The Royals but haven’t had the chance as yet.

I must admit, I am totally in love with this show (as I knew I would be). Once I was done catching up on the episodes I missed, I went ahead and added the series to my upcoming DVR recordings (yay)!

I don't watch a lot of TV per se, I have my specific shows I love to watch or record. Vinny and I have our faves that we watch together as well. When I was younger I actually went a couple of years without even having cable/satellite because watching TV just seemed like such a waste of my life- I was always on the run doing something or caught up in the kids’ activities, having company or at someone else's house and whatnot. I still don’t watch a lot of television but I must admit being here has slowed things down a bit (for now anyways) so I watch a bit more than usual for me. I am still particular and selective with what I watch but this is definitely a new addition and made for a fabulous QT intention for my day. #cheers

Day 77 – Google and Go

I love Sundays. Family time, slow mornings, good food, enjoying the outdoors or whatever it may bring….Sundays are always amazing.

Today we spent a pretty significant amount of time at the beach. It was super sunny and like 40 degrees out which felt like 75 to pretty much everyone around here. The beach was full of people walking, kids playing, people jogging or others just sitting and soaking in all the glorious sun had to offer. There were dogs, surfers and even one brave swimmer. After our beach time we went on a bit of a scenic drive around. I still love exploring the area and stumbling upon things we didn’t know were here.

Anyhow, we stopped at the store later in the afternoon to pick up some dinner supplies. As we were driving we were contemplating what to make. I decided for my intention today to try something completely new. I googled “what should I make for dinner tonight” and decided to make the first thing I saw. OMG- it is definitely a new favorite for our family- it was DELISH!!! Vinny and I came home and cooked it together. I only made a couple of tweaks to the original recipe. It took no longer than about 30 min or so which was very impressive. We all loved it and I am super happy to have taken a risk outside my comfort zone. I am sharing the recipe (with the changes I made) for whoever may be interested… take a chance, you just may love it. #HappySunday #HGAL

Ingredients:

1-2 lbs red potatoes, cubed

3 tbsp water

1 pkg Johnsonville Andouille (use both pieces), cut to ¼ in slices

Olive oil

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp cider vinegar

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

¼ tsp basil; ¼ tsp dried parsley

¼ tsp pepper

4 c fresh baby spinach

6 pieces cooked bacon; crumbled

Directions:

Place potatoes and water in a microwave safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 4 min; drain.

In a large skillet, sauté Andouille in olive oil for about 5-6 min. Add potatoes; sauté 3-5 min longer or under they are lightly browned.

Combine the brown sugar, vinegar, mustard and seasonings-- stir into skillet. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 min or until heated through.

Add spinach and bacon; cook and stir until spinach is wilted.

One word: YUMMILICIOUS!!

 

 

Day 76 – Silly Girl

Tonight over dinner I was talking to Vinny and Elijah and I mentioned that I still needed to do something for today’s intention. Elijah mentioned that he didn’t have many memories about Heather. I forget sometimes how young he really was back then. There are pictures of him and the kids playing but he was still so little. So he suggested we just talk about her for a while. I thought that was a wonderful idea for an intention.

I went and got my box of pictures and pulled out some random ones and started telling him specific things about Heather. I tried to imitate her laugh the best I could. Her laugh was regional- totally unique. I imitated the silly, silly way she used to call out “momma” or “momma-dare” (like “momma there” but she’d say it super fast) to her mom to mess with her. I told him she was a nut in the best way- from the time we were kids and all the way through adulthood. Her and her silly faces, crazy little joking ways, quick wit and so much more.

I showed him pictures and am including one of her and my brother, my sister and a couple of friends with mouths full of grapes making silly faces. I showed him pictures from her first time drinking alcohol at a party and told him THAT nutty story. Vinny shared some of his stories that he had as well.

I loved this intention today sharing stories, memories and smiling about Heather... that silly girl. #HGAL365 #loveher #missherlaugh #sharethememories #weweresillytogetheralways

 

Day 75 – Sparkle On…

So, this whole week has been pretty much a wash due to this nasty cold. But I am proud that no matter what- I made sure to complete my intentions and write in the blog each day. Today Vinny stayed home from work to take care of me. He cooked, he cleaned, he went to pick up my prescription and supplies and all that good stuff.

Anyhow, the way I’ve always seen it is, when life sits you down that surely doesn’t give you a reason to not “sparkle on.” I learned that many years ago- when I was looking at some pictures of myself during a “rough patch” of my life. Yikes! The pictures hardly looked like me at all! I told myself right then and there that no matter what was going on in my life or if I was sick or whatnot- I would do everything I could to stay me.

I’ve always been a girlie girl, love the color pink, frilly and sparkly things, make-up, shopping and shoes…yada, yada, yada. So, for today’s intention- although I was still pretty under the weather, I got dressed for my day including make-up and hair fully done. But today I added an extra touch- a sparkly sweater. I may not feel well but I don’t need to look like it. And although I still spent much of my day on the couch watching Vinny hustle and bustle all about, at least I felt like I looked my best (although coughing like a maniac couldn’t look that great no matter how much make-up you have on) lol.

In fact, writing this today makes me think of a certain picture on the wall at Heathers house. She has no hair at all but she looks so beautiful! Her makeup is flawless and she still had the world’s best smile on her face. This is exactly what I mean. She may not have felt good that day, it was certainly a rough time of her life but she still clearly never lost that piece of herself, her “sparkle”. It was beautiful, inspiring and heartwarming. #HGAL #neverloseyoursparkle

Day 74 – Playlist

I was proud and inspired by my intention yesterday. It felt so good to be completing a project so near and dear to my heart. Along that same line, for today’s intention I decided to make a new playlist in my phone entitled “Because I Can.” This will be my inspirational playlist. It will be the music I turn to if I find that I have let too much time pass in between the habits I’ve included in my life that this blog has re-inspired me to embrace - including completing my book, getting better at playing the guitar, being fluent in Italian and more. Or… I can turn to it when I want to sing like no one can hear me or begin a beautiful day.

I couldn’t possibly list them all, but just for the fun of it I will share with you some of the songs on this playlist that inspire me and get me going…

•  Shake It Off- Taylor Swift (yes…I love her!)
• I lived- OneRepublic
• Day One- Matthew West
• Try- Pink
• Exceptional- JoJo
• Don’t Stop Believin’- Journey
• The Climb- Miley Cyrus (that’s right, I adore her too – especially her song “Adore You” lol)
• Freckles- Natasha Bedingfield
• The Show- Lenka
• Girl on Fire- Alicia Keys
• Live Your Life- TI
• Wake Me Up- Avicii
• Feel This Moment- Pitbull
• Stand- Lenny Kravitz
• This is Me- Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas
• Three Little Birds- Bob Marley
• We Can’t Stop- Miley Cyrus
• Scream & Shout- will.i.am
• Realize- Colbie Caillat
• Next to Me- Emeli Sande
• All About That Bass- Meghan Trainor
• Happy- Pharrell Williams

I also love pretty much everything by Christina Aguilera, Lisa Marie Presley, Pink and Mariah and have included many songs by these talented Divas as well. Anyhow, maybe by sharing a portion of my inspirational playlist- maybe I have introduced some awesome, fun music to some of my readers. I’m still fairly under the weather so this was all I could muster for the day. I must admit, going through hearing these songs had me surely smiling. Not to mention Jen brought me Starbucks and a get well gift today (I’m so impressed by my friends). Cheers to good friends, good music and good health. #HGAL

Day 73 – Unfinished business

Since today was another day of rest and relaxation due to this cold I am still fighting (and one can only sit listening to music and or watching TV for so long) I decided today for my intention to pick up something I put away quite a few years ago. I have some unfinished business that has been weighing heavily on my mind these days.

I began writing a book many years ago and was very passionate about it. After about 2 years into it, as it got closer and closer to being completed, life began to happen. Or should I say I allowed life to happen and redirect my efforts. My family and friends that had seen what I was writing strongly encouraged me to continue my pursuit.  Truth be told- I don’t remember the day or specific reason why I put it away. Maybe I was afraid to expose my writing style, thoughts, time, energy and effort publicly. Maybe that is why it has been on my mind so much lately… because I am learning to just write my thoughts my way and let the chips fall where they may and have been very happy with the outcome.

I figure, the entire premise of this blog is about honoring Heather’s life that ended way too soon, the importance of fully embracing my life while I can, living my life with intention and taking chances to experience more aspects of life offered every...single....day.

If there was one thing about myself that I have always loved, nurtured and respected- it was my free spirited nature- never afraid to make a change or have new experiences. Which is why it is weird to think “Did I somehow let fear censor me into never completing my book- something I was truly passionate and excited about?”

The very instant I picked up the pages I had previously written, I felt an overwhelming sense of urgency to complete what I had started. I got excited. I started writing and everything seemed to just flow relatively effortlessly. Whether this book gets published or just bound and given to my family and friends, I will complete this unfinished project in my life, honoring my passion of writing and thus honoring my life and Heathers!   #finishwhatyoustart #nofear #becauseIcan #HGAL

Day 72 – Light Yoga

Whatever little cold that was trying to sneak up on me yesterday got a hold of me last night. I can’t even remember the last time I had a cold and now I’m getting the second one since we moved here 9 months ago. So today I decided to slow things down, honor my body and just take care of myself (and Elijah cause he is home for the second day in a row- but is doing much, much better thank goodness). My lovely friend Lena made me some soothing, delicious, homemade tea that I am currently sipping on. I thought that was such a nice gesture and will be sure to take her to lunch or something once I’m better to show my appreciation.

Meanwhile, for today’s intention I decided to Google the best yoga poses to practice when you are sick. Although the deep breathing was a bit uncomfortable, I just went slow and did about 20 minutes of soft, calm poses with nice slow breathing. I dampened a small kitchen towel, sprinkled some Lavender Oil on it and heated it just to the point of steaming. Eyes closed, I slowly inhaled the aromatic steam and just reminded myself that I am healthy and am allowing my body to simply relax and repair itself. I have always loved Yoga for just that reason. It forces me to slow down and be conscious of every single breath. It calms my mind and body and puts me in such a great frame of mind, whether I am feeling 100% or not.

Being under the weather today and as I write this blog- it makes me think and wish I would have been strong enough to have been there in Heather’s time of need. However, I am thankful that I am making great strides in my life with this blog and allowing myself to be healed, forgiven and restored. #HGAL #lessonslearned

Day 71 – Candlelight

As usual we were up bright and early. Jen and I met for an early AM walk but had to cut it short because although it was bright and sunny- it was very cold and windy. We stopped for a smoothie then made our way back home.

Today was a pretty typical Monday - a little of this….a little of that….housework, cooking, etc. It got me thinking about my intention for the day and what I would do. I was going to go to my friend’s yoga class this evening but decided to stay out of the cold for the rest of today cause I may be getting a little cold.

So instead, I decided to add a special touch to our evening right here at home. Tonight, we had dinner by candlelight- TV off, soft music playing in the background. There were lights on in the background but the candles illuminated our area nicely. It was a simple touch but felt classy, elegant and truly lovely. As the author Jennifer L. Scott mentions in both her books "Lessons from Madame Chic" and  “At Home with Madame Chic”, there is a huge difference between eating and dining. I am embracing the art and elegance of true dining.

Anyhow, as we dined, I mentioned I would like to get in the habit of having a more formal style dinner more often- tablecloths, centerpieces, dinner music, etc. Both Vinny and my son said that would be great.  Most evenings we are able to have dinner together as a family, which I truly treasure and appreciate but this would be an amazing touch.

So, there it is- an intentional addition to our dinner time for a family well worth the extra effort.  

Day 70 – New Beach

It was a glorious, bright and sunny morning. It was windy and chilly but I will not let that bother me even one single bit! I am a sun bunny and thrive on waking up right along with the magnificent sun.

After a little bit of a lazy morning and nice family breakfast, my youngest was not feeling his best so wanted to rest up for the day in preparation for the week ahead. I told Vinny I thought we should either go for a scenic drive for my intention or go visit a new beach, I’d let him choose. He opted to go visit a new beach but we ended up doing a bit of a scenic drive as well once we were out and about.

We visited the Sachuest Beach in our neighboring town, Middletown. I love the small sand dunes that surround this particular beach. There are also a multitude of long sea oats lining the other side of the street swaying beautifully in the wind. There are large rock masses and a plethora of seashells and clams lining a long, pale, fine sandy beach. There was a guy that was skateboard surfing in the parking lot, taking full advantage of the beachside winds, which was fun to see.

After running around a bit, we decided to go out and use my winnings from Bingo on Day 60 for a nice afternoon drink and lunch at the Wharf Pub. When we arrived, there was a man on a guitar offering a live music background. I love music so much but I especially love live pub, cabaret or bar music. Something about it just makes me smile. After we left, we headed home for some carrot cake (yea- I’m still at it!). I made my son some chicken soup and tended to him a bit. We are going to end our evening with a couple of movies and are currently taking in a beautiful sunset- filling the deck and living room of our home. Happy Sunday to all of my readers- I wish you all a blessed and amazing week ahead. #HGAL #SundayFunday