This is a blog that contains: struggles, triumphs, crafts, recipes and stories to brighten your day and make you smile, laugh, and say well things aren't all that bad!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

This time last year, Beautiful Photoshoot








Last year around this time, we had a beautiful photoshoot with an amazing and sweet photographer Abby.
Here are some of the more fun shots. There were so many that were good it was hard to pick just these! maybe I will post more again. 

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Crock pot Cooking and meal planning

So you may have noticed lately the blog has been quiet. Living life has gotten in the way which is enough said right?? Anyway here is what I have been up to lately.

Job hunting, Thesis writing, getting graduated (Dec 11th!), Interviewing, Applying, Decorating for the holidays, gift buying (trying to get it done early!), did I mention JOB HUNTING.

Two new things that I have tried out on the home front are meal planning and crock pot recipes.

Meal Planning

When I am bored, I picture shop on pintrest. (Great site if you haven't joined but can take alot of time if you let it, like anything good!!) I love to find recipes on pintrest. I like my friend, Lauren's, philosophy on a great dish it must be easy, yummy, and not have too many ingredients!

My browsing on pintrest built up a list of recipes I was excited to make and try. Then on Saturday morning or sometimes Sunday when I sat down to meal plan I had a list of meals to add to favorites like homemade pizza and spaghetti that I know Mr. and I already love.

I always keep past meal plans so I have ideas and inspiration and with meal planning like everything else in my life I plan but try not to fret too much if things don't go as planned. I put down dishes I think would be great each night but if Mr. or I want to go out we do and I bump that meal back to the weekend or next week. If I want to switch nights on meals because I didn't do necessary prep or I want something easier one night (even though all my meals are relatively easy) I do. It has helped me focus on grocery shopping for items I need and we have had some yummy new dishes. Plus for me cooking new things is fun (when I am in the mood and have the ingredients).

When I first lived with Mr., I always felt like I had to make extravagant meals. I felt like the amount of time and energy I put into a meal showed him how much I loved and appreciated him. And while that can and is the case sometimes it is not an every night labor of love. Especially because I have a busy life see above. Even though my own mother said, "Why do you need a vacation... you don't work." Thanks mom. Love you!

On that note on to crock pot yumminess!

If you are looking for a great one for the Hubs, or if you are a carnivore at heart do this one! This was my first time making ribs ever (I had never even bought ribs) and it is pretty much a no fail recipe. Mr. loved it and now I have another recipe to add to the rotation that we love and is super easy!

This one I am trying tonight I will let you know how it goes!

Today

Some days I just feel more in control. Not that my house is cleaner, or there aren't things on my to do list. But that I am in control instead of at the mercy of the house the dogs the clock the to do list!

So I am thankful for that today. It's the little things!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Tis the Season!

It is Christmas time at the Griffith House. Nevermind the tradition of waiting until the day after Thanksgiving. Since we are going to be gone visiting then I said the time is now! Thursday we brought all my spoils from last years after Christmas sale down from the attic, and we set into motion!

Carols, check!
Tree, check!
Lights, check!
Ornaments, check!

This is our finished tree, complete with presents. Lindsey if you are wondering, yes those are for you. 


 Wreath for the front door from last year, revamped! 
One if the cute ornaments! 

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Weekend with the Sis and Bro-n-law

This weekend I went to Houston to spend some time with my sis and bro 'n law. It was the first solo trip I have taken in a while. I always forget how much I enjoy traveling solo. I traveled alot before I got married and while I immensely enjoy traveling with Mr., I also love setting out on my own for a weekend or a week with the gals!

Every weekend with my sis is a gluttonous weekend of girl time! Seriously. Here was the run down of the weekend.
Day 1: Arrive, go shopping. Home to watch Housewives!
Day 2: Breakfast, shopping, out to dinner (yummy Indian Food) and then dessert at The Chocolate Bar. The cake slice was literally enough for maybe 5 people!

Day 3: Get up for the 2nd or 3rd (lost count) trip to Nordstrom in as many days. Shop until we have literally dropped. (ie. there is no more room in my trunk for shopping bags) 

All in all a good weekend! Love you sis. Thanks for the hospitality.