A great combination of beauty and laughter for today.

Wouldn’t this be an incredible site to see on the road? Beautiful

A funny Canadian girl’s take on the British Royalty. So, like, do we have a queen?

Ok, ya’all…I’m no hater. I love me some Paula Deen. But this is – well, Wow. Be sure you turn it up enough to hear the music.

Gorgeous images by Frank Serafini. Be sure to check out his portfolio and blog which are links on this page. He captures life in a beautiful way.

My daughter loves this song. I can’t think of a better song for her, and for you, to hear today. Believe it!!

Good morning everyone! I’m in a pensive mood this morning – as I always am the week of the full moon. I’d love nothing more than to crawl back into bed and relax with a book and a cup of tea. But, the week calls and my morning started with the beautiful voices of children – clamoring for breakfast. Haha!  No better way to get started in the morning!

I’ve been wanting a new camera for a while but this tutorial on editing point and shoot pictures might convince me that I don’t really need the SLR I’ve been coveting. Take note – those of you who edit product pictures. This is for you!  Made in Lowell

Lately, I’ve had beets on the brain because it’s my first year growing them and they apparently love me! I found one way to use them. Cannelle Vanille

These are growing in my garden and their bright cheery faces make me smile – Calendula.

Here’s what I’m in the mood for this morning… She is so creative and this highlights her incredible voice and harmonies.

Happy Monday everyone!

This morning, let’s jump right into the day. Here are some fun/funny and beautiful things to lighten your day!

This is so amazing, I thought it might be fake. But my husband, who is a bit of a specialist in this area (ahem!), assures me that it is indeed real. “playas”

I think Busca from Birth Faith originally posted this and I had to share it. If I actually had the mental capacity to sit down and do this – oh, and the time – it would be the top of my list. Adorable. The cutest fort ever!

As I was working on this, my husband was taking a rare moment to sit on the couch and relax. Soon he was laughing hysterically and I had to ask why. Maybe it’s because I’m loopy from exhaustion today but I had to make myself close this site or I would just keep clicking the next button!!  Fail Blog

Of course, I would be remiss not to include something decadent to tempt your taste buds today. This looks so good I may be making it soon! A Whisk and a Spoon

This one is for those of us who are responsible for maintaining a clean home for our families. This came at the perfect time for me in recent weeks. While I tend toward my mother and her mother before her in terms of what I expect my house to look like, instead of feeling annoyed, frustrated, angry, tired etc., I am feeling content and determined. Hope it encourages you too! Thank you to The Happiest Mom

No matter what’s going on in your life today, it’s better to be here than not. Trust me. Look this day in the face and whatever difficulties it brings and stay with us. You’re worth it.

Have a beautiful Monday, everyone.

Well, somehow another weekend has flown by and we’re all facing Monday again. Does it seem like to anyone else that time goes faster and faster as more and more birthdays pass? Speaking of birthdays, if you missed mine, it was last week. Yep. You missed it. Bet you’re feeling bad about now, right? Don’t worry, you can make it up to me by taking me to one of my favorite local joints. Ok. I’ll be waiting by the phone.

Right here.

Hmmm…is my phone on vibrate or something?

Seriously.

Any.time.now.

Heehee. Just kidding.

If you really did miss my birthday last week, here’s the post I wrote to celebrate another year of life.

Ok – On to Monday’s line up!

Locally raised Dan Smock – is a former schoolmate who is raising money for Red, White and Blue. RW&B is an organization that creates a support network and community for veterans (and their loved ones) returning from Active Duty or National Guard duty. This is a great cause and Dan’s a great sport to raise money for it by doing something he hates – running! Not only that, he’s running a half marathon. Since he’s currently working as a civilian doing development work in Afghanistan, he has to run it on a little treadmill. And he’s a tall guy. See? Bet you feel better about your Monday already, with your butt firmly planted in your chair, right? Go Dan!! http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/dsmock73/ghazni-half-marathon

If you are sick of putting chemicals on your face and would love to try your hand at making your own cosmetics, check out Crunchy Betty. She has oodles of great information and recipes and she’s pretty darn fun to read too!

Just visited St Francis restaurant for the first time this weekend thanks to a friend and it was fun! Great ambiance in this formerly-architectural firm turned restaurant. It had a surprising amount of seating but it still seemed warm and intimate for a night out with a good friend or maybe a romantic date. Oh yeah. St. Francis offers fresh, flavorful American food, sourced by local businesses like Maya’s Farm, Cartel Coffee and Black Mesa Ranch. If you like cocktails, theirs are made with fresh ingredients like cucumber, basil and strawberry and more and are delicious. So I hear…

Here is a glimpse into the work of a local artist with a love for living. She had a light spirit and is truly amazing at felting, something I tried my hand at and failed miserably. Ah well, we all have our gifts! Barbara at Choose the Happy Ending

This makes me happy!

That’s it for today Monday friends. Hope you find some moments of laughter in this beautiful day!