{Looking Back… and Moving Forward}

By On · Leave a Comment · In New Year, Personal

It is hard to believe that another year has passed by!  At this time of year I always like to reflect on the past year and set some goals for the upcoming year.  I am not a huge fan of New Year’s Resolutions (mainly because I never keep them) but I think it is important to look at where you want to be in the next year.

2012 was tough.  I’m not gonna lie, I definitely am not where I expected I would be at this point in my life.

But… through the dark comes the light and there were definitely some highlights in 2012.  I am looking forward to more in 2013!

1. I made the very difficult decision to leave the classroom and branch out to the private sector of education.  This decision was not made lightly, but I definitely feel like it was the right decision for me.  I absolutely love teaching, but now I am able to work with both teachers and students as I learn the business side of running a private preschool academy.  I am proud of what I have accomplished in my new position in 2012 and look forward to making 2013 a huge success in my professional life!

2. I was able to take several trips home to Ohio to visit my family this year.  They were filled with love and laughter and I feel so blessed to have the family that I do.

3. Launch of www.MyHappyNest.com  I am so excited to have launched this blog, which allows me to share my creativity in a fun way.  I have been super busy with my new job, but have already learned so much about blogging just in the last few months!

4. A weekend trip to Naples with my fiancee- It is so nice to just get away sometimes and relax by a pool, ya know what I mean?!

5. New Friendships- Changing careers and moving to a new city has forced encouraged me to step out and meet new people!

 

1. Get Healthy-  I struggle with hypothyroid and adrenal issues.  Anyone that deals with this knows that the side effects can seriously impede a healthy lifestyle.  I struggle to lose weight and basically have zero energy.  I am at a point where I am so fed up with the way I feel on a daily basis I want to scream.  I can’t stand it.  It is my goal in 2013 to figure out how to live a happier and healthier life.

2. Lose Weight-  Doesn’t everybody say that at the beginning of a new year?  Instead of setting such a broad goal I am going to set smaller, more measurable goals for myself.  I love doing yoga and that is something that has been pushed out of my busy life the last six months or so since starting my new job.  I am going to make it a point to get to a yoga class at least once a week.  I am also going to spend more time cooking healthy meals.

3. Blog- I really want to spend more time learning about blogging and photography.  I have always loved photography, but still struggle with my fancy camera.  I am going to work hard to set some personal blogging goals this year.  Wish me luck {and enough energy to make it happen!}

4. Live Life to the Fullest-  I want to open my eyes to all that life has to offer.   Travel more.  Work less.  Live.  Love.  Laugh.  Be happy.  Spend more time on what is important to me and less time on the trivial things.

Happy New Years, and may 2013 bring you much happiness and many blessings!

Thanks for reading!

XO

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{Heartbroken}

By On · Leave a Comment · In Personal, Uncategorized

It is with such a heavy heart that I write this post tonight.  I have briefly mentioned before on this blog that I am a teacher.  Being a teacher is in my blood and I consider it one of the things that defines me as a person.

So many families were shattered by the pure evil that happened Friday morning in Newtown, Connecticut.  It has hit close to home for me, and I have been unable to stop thinking about the people involved and the horror that happened within the confines of classroom walls… walls that are supposed to be a safe haven for children to come and learn and be encouraged.   As a teacher who has worked with six and seven year olds for many years, I always encouraged my children to treat each other as “family”.  During school hours I considered the children in my class to be “my kids” and we helped and supported each other each day.  I know many teachers, and I know they feel the same.  We would do anything for the children in our class.  We would protect and lay down our lives to save our children- no questions asked.  It is with complete sadness that I think about the extremely brave teachers and staff and the ultimate sacrifice they made for their students.  I am also thinking about the first responders who had to see things that no person should ever have to see.

It is hard to come to terms with the fact that this is now the world we live in.  A world where you have to worry and think about the possibility of an armed person coming into your school and doing harm to you and your children.  I have no words…

I have found it very difficult to think about anything else over the weekend.  My heart is broken… broken for the the innocence lost.  Broken for the families who lost children and wives and mothers.  Broken for a school community that will never be the same again.  Broken for a staff that has lost friends.  I pray that this community can come together and somehow heal.  I pray for understanding as to how someone can do something like this.

 ”The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  

Psalm 34:18

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{A Week at Home… and a Drink Recipe}

By On · Leave a Comment · In Personal, Recipes, Uncategorized

Hey There!  A few weeks ago over Thanksgiving I had the chance to head back to Ohio for a long weekend to visit my family.  Today I am going to share some highlights {literally- lucky me!} and my favorite drink recipe {lucky you!}.

1. So about a year ago my dad decided to buy a motorcycle.  He used to have one when he was younger, and has been wanting another one for years.  My mom finally gave in and my dad got his new bike… with my mom buying a scooter several months later so she could ride with him!  Ha!  My sister has sent me videos and pictures of my dad with his “new baby” but I had yet to go for a ride with him.  On Thanksgiving day it was 60 degrees outside, so we bundled up and took a spin!

2.  Two Tiny Braids- Ahhh…. I just love my sister…. and our casual shopping days.

3. Ok- seriously- How adorable is this little guy?  My cousin had a baby just before Christmas last year and I arrived home the day he was born and went straight to the hospital.  Well… that was the last time I saw him.  Now he is walking running all around and will be turning one very shortly.  I was worried that he would be scared of me, but nope.  Nothin’ but love!

4. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have a sister that does AMAZING hair!!  I have been holding off on getting my hair done until I could make it home to my sisters salon, so I was in desperate need of hair help.  This is the after!  She ended up cutting off about 4 inches!  It is cute, fast to dry, and easy to do.  LOVE.

5. My mom, sister, and I before we went out to eat at L’Abatrosse in Cleveland Heights.  YUM.  So much fun and laughter that night!

6. Sangria Punch-  Soooo tasty! A gallon of Sangria, a two-litre of lemon lime soda, and a thingy of frozen limeaid concentrate {thawed out}.  Mix together and freeze for a slushy drink, or serve over ice.  You’re welcome.

7. SNOW!!!  Yes.  You know when you are in Ohio when it’s 60 degrees and you’re riding on your dad’s motorcycle one day and the next day it’s snowing.  Yup, I was excited. 

8. During the highlights {Thanks Squirt!}.  I may or may not have had a few too many glasses of wine the night before while catching up with old friends.

I can’t wait to go home again for Christmas!  Here’s hoping it’s a white one!

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{Shellac… and how it changed my life}

By On · Leave a Comment · In Beauty and Fashion

Ok… that’s being a little dramatic, even for me!  BUT… this gel nail polish has really made a huge difference in my life.  Let’s talk nails.  I have been a nail biter and picker ever since I can remember.  I have tried to grow out my nails many (many!) times, only to have them split and peel.  My parents even used to put spicy pepper flavored nail polish on my nails when I was little to help me break the habit… and I just nibbled right through it!

I’m sure that by now everyone knows what shellac is, but for those of you that have never heard of it I will quickly fill you in.  Shellac is a gel nail polish that sets with the help of UV light.  It lasts on your nails for up to three or four weeks, and helps to strengthen your nails.  Another thing I love about it is that when you leave the salon your nails are 100% dry so you don’t have to worry about ruining your new manicure!  {And it won’t chip off from daily wear and tear… you need to soak your fingertips in acetone nail polish remover to get it off!}

There are now several different brands of Shellac including my two favorites, CND and OPI.  For my nails, the OPI brand seems to stay on a little longer.  Because I have been so horrible to my nails over the years, they are very weak and bend right over the tops of my fingertips.  The shellac polish helps to keep them stronger, but it does start to peel after two weeks or so- just because my nails are so bendy!

So now finally- I am able to have longer {short} nails that are polished beautifully!  Now I can wear rings and not worry if someone is looking at my hands thinking, “That girl has the hands of an eight year old boy!”  and that makes me feel good.   Yippee for pretty nails!

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{DIY Burlap Trees}

By On · 2 Comments · In Christmas, Crafts, DIY

The other day I stopped by The Barn, one of my favorite antique and holiday shops located in Lake Alfred, FL.  I could spend hours at this place just wandering through the various barns and buildings of antiques, furniture, garden items, and holiday decor.  They even have a patio where you can order lunch and sit outside in the sunshine! This is a special treat for me since The Barn is about an hour and a half away from my house.

As I was walking through the Christmas building I was on the search for items that I could make myself.  {I love crafting and I love Christmas, and well, when you put the two together let’s just say I can barely contain myself!}  There are so many beautiful wreaths and garland and gorgeous decorations, but this girl is on a budget and I love to go on the search for something that I can make inexpensively.  {See my burlap wreath here}

Well, I was not disappointed!  I found some lovely burlap Christmas Trees and wreaths, but I just didn’t want to fork over the cash for them because I knew I could definitely make them myself for less!

I decided to make several different types of trees to use as the centerpiece down the middle of my dining room table.  Today I am going to share two of them with you.

You Will Need:

~ Burlap

~Canvas cloth

~ Small straight pins

~ Straight pins with large heads

~Sharp scissors

~Objects such as mini pine cones or berries to decorate your trees with

~ Cone shape foam pices

~Hot glue gun and glue

This project is very simple, and even the un-craftiest of people can make these trees!

First cut strips of fabric {about 3″ long and 1″ wide}.  I didn’t do any measuring and just eye-balled the cutting.  Then you’re going to fold the piece of fabric in half and pin it to bottom of the foam cone.  Start at the bottom and work your way up overlapping the fabric as you go.  {A small pin with a tiny head works great for the canvas, but you will need to use a larger pin for the burlap or else it will pull right through.}  You can do a tree in all the same fabric, or alternate!  This project leaves lots of room for your creativity to flow!

 

When you get to the top of your tree, you may want to use some hot glue to add a topper.  I made a bow for one of my trees, and glued some mini pine cones to the top of the other.

This was my first Christmas project… let the holiday decorating, christmas music listening and cocoa drinking begin!

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{It’s Not Sew Unbelievable}

By On · Leave a Comment · In Sewing

Sewing…. Ah.  A topic of interest for me, definitely.  I have been wanting to learn how to sew for years and years.  My mom sewed clothes for my sister and I when we were younger and I always wanted to be able to do that.  No, I don’t have kids {yet!} but that just means I have to learn sooner instead of later!

Last summer {and by LAST, I mean the summer of 2011} I mentioned to my fiancee that I wanted a sewing machine.  To my surpirse, last Christmas my parents and sister went crazy and completely decked me out with not only a sewing machine- but all of the different things I would need to actually sew something…  measuring tape, scissors, seam ripper, learn to sew books, pin cushion, thread, and totally adorable bags and boxes to hold all my new gear!  Yup- they totally hooked me up!

Unfortunately, here we are in November-eleven months later!  Guess whose sewing machine has never been used?  Good Guess- It’s this girl!  {Not proud of this-but felt the need to just get it out there!}  I feel horrible that my family spent time, energy and money to get me something I wanted so badly, just to never use it.

So- this is me putting it out there!  I WILL {In the VERY near future} actually sew something!  I am making this promise to myself as a sort of pre-New Year’s Resolution… meaning that before the new year I will actually sew something with my sewing machine!

Stay tuned… hopefully it’s not sew unbelievable to believe that I can do this!

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{Mama’s Homemade Chicken Soup}

By On · 5 Comments · In Recipes, Soup

One thing I love about this time of year is the cooler weather… which provides the perfect opportunity to make different soups.  Now I love trying a new recipe as much as the next girl, but sometimes you just need to go back to an oldie but goodie.  This chicken soup recipe is quick, easy, healthy and can be altered quickly to use what you have already.  And for me, it brings back great memories of my childhood.

 {Quick Sidenote: One time when I was in college, I was pretty sick with a nasty cold.  I talked to my dad on the phone in the morning, and that evening he showed up at my apartment door with a steaming pot of chicken soup!  I have the best. parents. ever.}

When I learned to make this soup I quickly realized that there was no recipe… you just throw in a little of this and a little of that!  So, with that being said, bear with me as I try to explain this to you! {ha!}

You need to start out with a large soup pot with a lid… Doesn’t have to be anything fancy people!

1.) Fill the soup pot half full with water {See, I told you there is no recipe for this!}

2.) Add either a whole chicken {cut up} or a package of chicken breasts.  The chicken must be bone-in with skin on to flavor the soup.

3.) Cut up one onion and add to the soup pot.

4.) Cut up 3-4 large carrots and add to the soup.

5.) Cut up 3-4 large celery stalks and add to the soup.

6.) Cut up a tomato and add to the soup- this gives the broth a beautiful gold/reddish color. {FYI- I just made that color up}

7.) Cut up a large handful of fresh parsley and add to the soup.

8.) Add salt and pepper to taste.

9.) Add a bit of minced garlic… or not

10.) Add about a tablespoon of Siracha to the soup.  This is like a hot sauce, but believe me- I don’t like spicy things at all and this just gives it flavor, not spice.  Of course, if you are a spicy kind of gal- add more!  This sauce is found on the same aisle at the grocery store as the Asian and Mexican foods. MMMmmmm…

11.) Bring to a boil over medium high and then reduce heat to medium low- stir occasionally until carrots and celery are soft and chicken is cooked through.

12.) Pull out chicken and remove bones/skin, putting the chunks of meat back into the soup pot.

13.) This is where you decide if you want chicken noodle or chicken rice… or just plain chicken soup.  Either boil noodles or cook rice and add to your bown.  Ladel soup on top and season to taste.

14.) Other things to add: I have tried red pepper or zucchini in the past and both were tasty.

This is one of my go-to soup recipes.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!  What do you like to add to homemade chicken soup?

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{Fall Beauty}

By On · 2 Comments · In Fall, Travel

A few weeks ago I took a Friday off of work and headed up to Georgia for the weekend.  I love short weekend trips that feel like mini-vacations… ahhhhh…

I met up with Andrew and we checked out Atlanta for the afternoon.  I LOVE fall and one of the main things I miss living in Florida are the changing seasons, so I was really looking forward to the scarfs, boots and sweaters that cooler weather brings.  We enjoyed an awesome outdoor lunch on the roof downtown at Six Feet Under Pub & Fishhouse before heading up to the town of Blueridge, GA for the weekend.

Crabcake Sliders and Zucchini Fries...Unbelievable Yummy Goodness

We had so much fun exploring the quaint town of Blueridge, and ended our evening out listening to live music on a small patio enjoying a glass -of wine and an “Adult Grilled Cheese” sandwich {which by-the-way was the bomb!} We then drove up the side of a mountain in the pitch black in search of the cabin we would be staying in for the weekend.  I am glad to report that we made it and did not crash or drive over the side of a cliff or anything!

Reynolds' Run

 

We stayed up WAY too late hanging out around a fire on the porch {also one of my favorite things about fall!}  Next up was a short hike to the beautiful Amicalola Falls.  Amicalola is the highest waterfall in Georgia at 729 feet, and is also considered the highest set of falls east of the Mississippi.  Amicalola is the Cherokee word for “Tumbling Waters” and certainly lived up to its impressive name.  Gorgeous day and amazing views…

 

Overall, it was a beautiful trip with fantastic fall weather.  I was a little bit surprised that the leaves were not brighter.  I guess I was expecting October in Ohio {where I grew up} instead of October in Georgia!

Have you taken any mini-vacations lately?

 

 

 

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{A DIY Fall Burlap Wreath}

By On · Leave a Comment · In DIY, Fall, Tutorials

A few weeks ago I was at the mall and wandered into a home decorating shop to look around.  I stumbled upon a burlap fall wreath that I loved, but the price tag was hefty!  Have you ever looked at something in the store and immediately thought, ”Hey!  I can make that!”  Well, that’s just what happened!  My mind started turning and I quickly snapped this picture with my iPhone.  {I’m pretty sure I got some crazy looks… but I’m already over it!}  I thought this was super cute, but $40.00?  No thank you.

 I already had several of the needed items, so I began digging through my craft cabinet when I got home.  I had burlap ribbon, a grapevine wreath, fake leaves, paint and my glue gun.  I made a quick {yeah, right!} trip to Hobby Lobby for the rest of the items I needed.  I picked up a small wood board and a sunflower.

 Here is my finished wreath… Not too shabby, right!?

First use a glue gun to attach the burlap to the bottom of the wreath.  Make sure to bunch it up so it appears ruffled.

 

Next, flip that baby over and add the next layer of burlap ribbon to the top of the wreath.  This is your top layer, so make sure to create a ruffled appearance.  By doing two layers {one on the back of the wreath, and one on the front} you will get the layered look you need.

 

 I picked a font and practiced sketching out “Welcome” on notebook paper.  Then I painted the board with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White.  I wrote “Welcome” on the board using a pencil and then traced and colored it in with a black Sharpie marker.  {Confession: I first tried to paint it and it looked horrible.  I could not get straight lines on my letters and it looked really wonky.  Luckily, I was able to color right over top of the dried paint, so it was a quick fix.}

 

 

I used some dark wax to add some texture and depth to the sign {but forgot to take a close up of it!} and it turned out looking pretty good after I sanded it!

More hot glue to attach the sign, sunflower and leaves and wha-la!

 Well, what do you think?!  And it cost me less than $10!

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{A Few Fall Favorites}

By On · Leave a Comment · In Fall

Since it’s the first day of fall today I decided to share a few of my fall favorites!  Living in Florida definitely makes it difficult for me to enjoy many of these right now because it is still 90 degrees here on a regular basis… but a girl can dream, right?

 So, here they are… my top ten Fall Favorites!

#1.  Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks-  I wait anxiously (and I mean anxiously!) all spring and summer long for the PSL to come back to Starbucks, and the day it arrives you best believe I will be there!

 

MMmmmmm!

#2. Fall Leaves- Ok, ok… I know I live in Florida and the leaves don’t change here.  I get it.  However, I grew up in Ohio with all four seasons, and there is something so lovely about a tree full of bright red, yellow, and orange leaves.  It makes me think of home, and that makes me feel good.

#3. Boots/Jeans/Sweaters- These are all articles of clothing that I L.O.V.E. to wear, but only have a very limited time to wear here in Florida.  Mostly these are reserved for the winter months (if you don’t want to die of heat stroke), but the second fall rolls around I am just itching to break out all my comfy warm clothes!

#4. Chili and Soup- Ok.  I adore making (and eating!) soup and chili.  I am always on the search for the next great recipe.  I have my favorites (which I may or may not give up the recipe on the blog someday) but I love trying something new too.  I even have a whole Pinterest board designated just for soup.  I pretty much live on soup from September-February.  Below is some yummy Potato, Corn, and Bacon soup I made last week.

#5. Pumpkins- Orange, green, white, whatever.  I heart pumpkins.  I use them to decorate, and I still love carving them for Halloween.  They taste pretty good too. 

#6. Bonfires- Growing up and camping up North, bonfires happened pretty much every weekend during the fall.  I love sitting around with friends and family and hanging out around a good fire.  The smell, the taste of roasted marshmellows, and the fun… Writing this I just realized it has been way too long since I have been to a good bonfire!

#7. Scarves- So lately I have been wearing scarves a few days a week to work… because it is September and I feel it is my duty to dress for the season.  I love scarves, but am currently dealing with the neck sweat that they bring with them.  I am dreaming of the day (probably still a few months out) that I can wear a scarf and not sweat.

#8. Fall Decorating- There is almost nothing more exciting for me than the months between September and December.  I love the holidays, and it all kicks off with decorating my house for fall… which then leads to decorating for Halloween… which then leads to decorating for Thanksgiving… which then leads to decorating for Christmas.  Hello, my name is Erika and I am a holiday decorating junkie. 

#9. Halloween- The decorating (there I go agian!), the costumes, the candy, the parties, the fun. ’ Nuff’ said. 

#10. Candles- One of my favorite things to do is to go on a search for the perfect candles to make my house smell like fall (or whatever season it may be).  I love candles, and there is just something so wonderful for me about sitting next to a fall candle and taking a deep breath.  My current favorite is Autumn by Bath and Body Works.  I love this candle… especially when it is 50% off. 

Happy Fall Y’All!

Erika

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