When Life Gives You Lemons

 Pink Lemon Dress,   Iphone Case,   Sweater,   Keds, Oven Mitt,   Slice Lemon Purse,  Paper Napkins,    Straw Bag,    Art Frame,    Bathing Suit,   Placemat,    Necklace,    Strapless Dress

Honestly, I'm not the one to jump on the trend bandwagon as soon as it arrives. I usually take a while to warm up to certain ideas and maybe the last blogger on the planet earth that doesn't owe anything camo. Yep, still not very fond of that trend. But when I saw lemons on everything from paper napkins to handbags, it was love at first sight. It's such a fun and summery trend, which made me feel refreshed even without lemonade in my hand. So if life gives you lemons, make a trend out of it. I wonder who's life was going sour that they decided to put it on their designs. In any case, it's such a fun and quirky print that, even though I probably will not be getting a lemon bag, I will at least grab some table napkins. 

What do you think of this summer print? Yay or nay?

Thank you for stopping by! 

Currently Loving {Life Edition} Thursday Link Up

Few weeks ago my sister and I took the kiddos and went to the local zoo. It's nothing fancy, mind you, but still it was an event. We strapped the kiddos into strollers and headed up the hill. Half way up we realized that our kiddos weren't so impressed with napping lemurs and dirty zebras (you literally couldn't tell it was a zebra), so we paused for some pictures.

First let's take a selfie. Notice how the kids are acquainted with the concept but don't know you are supposed to put your best tooth forward. Get the joke? No? At least I'm laughing.

My gorgeous sister. We take pictures of each other but she's way better at it than I am.

Us and the llamas. But the zoo is not for Jonathan apparently - there is something more interesting
in the opposite direction.

At least something was interesting enough that he was pointing to it

 the goats which were only looking for a treat from us. The kiddos didn't want to touch them at all and Jonathan's face says it all.

When we were done with the mammals that's the face they gave us. Ha! Money well spent no?

We ended the day with some froyo. Those green little balls are Japanese candy made in all kinds of flavors. I like how they burst in my mouth creating an explosion of taste because apparently dozens of animals weren't exciting enough. This should do it.

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An InLinkz Link-up

Cream of Asparagus Soup w/Shrimp {Recipe}

This recipe is brought to you by the lack of outfit pictures due to the fact that I lost the charger to our camera. It's somewhere in the house but the question is, where? So as I try to either find it or buy a new one, here is a post that I meant to do ages ago but forgot all about. This recipe comes just in time for asparagus season. So enjoy the freshness of the newly picked greens with crispy shrimp on top. Don't get alarmed by the fancy title - this recipe is super easy . 

INGREDIENTS:

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 2 cups)

2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock

1 cup of milk

1/2 cup of cream

1 lb asparagus stems

1 tsp lemon zest

1/4 tsp salt, divided

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 garlic clove, minced

Pinch of cayenne pepper

12 oz of shrimp

METHOD:

In large pot or dutch oven heat oil over medium-low heat. Simmer chopped onion until very soft and golden, stirring often, about 10 to 15 minutes.

In the meanwhile, heat a skillet and add oil. Dab the shrimp with paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Add stock and lemon juice. Increase the heat, and bring to a boil.

Chop asparagus; drop into boiling stock. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until asparagus is very soft. Remove from heat. 

Pour soup into blender in batches and blend until creamy.

Return purée to pot and add the cream with milk. Taste and adjust seasoning, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic to taste.

Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with lemon zest and 5-6 pieces of shrimp.

Tip 1: You can substitute the cream and milk with half & half

Tip 2: You can serve this soup cold by omitting the cream in the recipe by substituting with water

Blessings of a Stay at Home Mama

Last picture of his baby curls...

A younger version of myself never saw this life that I'm living in the future. I always thought I will get my education, get married, have children and go back to work as soon as I could. Little did I know that God had different plans for me. Being stay at home mom has its challenges but it's such a huge blessing. There are so many things I enjoy that need to be documented before I forget how precious this time of my life is.

The best part about being with my child 24/7 is seeing the little things he does as he changes and grows. I notice how he goes from dependent-on-me-for-all-things baby to independent boy. I see how his personality starts to show through and he becomes a fully functional member of our family. I love seeing him grow into a little man, attempt things on his own, like certain food and dislike others, categorically object to me leaving him and talk up a storm.

I'm amazed when all the teaching and repeating things over and over again finally pays off. After a million 'please' and 'thank you's he finally says something and it seems like there is nothing more precious in the world. I'm surprised when he randomly brings something into garbage without me telling him, or knows where the place of a certain item is. Those are the moments when every difficult moment and sleepless night is worth it.

I adore his slobbery kisses and hugs, and the fact that I'm his first love. He sees only me, wants me, and although it gets annoying at times, I treasure this time of closeness. Don't get me wrong, I like my personal space and alone time but that boy just knows how to melt my heart into a huge puddle of mush. He is a hugger but not s cuddler, if that makes sense. He will come up and give me a huge bear hug, after he jumps on me a little. But he will not stay passed two seconds because frankly he's too busy and has got to go.

Time is fleeting and life is so short. I cherish the time I get to spend one-on-one with my son. I'm raising a human being, a future leader, husband and father - that has got to count for something more than the career I'm missing or the dress I can't fit into. Motherhood is a great joy, and there is nothing in the world I would rather be doing right now.

Shopping {Zara Favorites}

Perhaps it's not the best idea to start Monday  morning with a little shopping but here I am, crushing on new Zara Collection. Every time I scroll through their dresses or shoes, I want to buy at least half a dozen. Everything from chic skirts, classy sandals and killer jeans is up for grabs but the thing that I like the most is that dust pink bag. It has my name written all over. Hope you like my selection of the very cute and summery pieces and enjoy a little shopping on my account. Let me know what would you buy in the comments, I'm so excited about their new summery clothes.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!