Floral

blouse: LOFT
skirt: thrifted (similar, similar)
heels: H&M (similar, similar)
bag: Ali Express (similar)
belt: LOFT (similar)

There is nothing like a nice family weekend with plenty of good food and relaxation. We had a lovely father's day weekend with a cook out and lots of daddy-and-me time. But here is to a new week with tons of laundry to do while my dryer decided to die on me. Thankfully it's warmer outside that I can hang everything on the clothes line outside. I love how the clean clothes smell when they dry outside - it brings back so many childhood memories. And my mom said it brings back her childhood memories when she looks at my midi floral skirt. Everything circles back in fashion and if you hold on to something long enough, you can wear it again in about twenty years. 

Have a great day and thank you for stopping by! 

Spinach and Ham Quiche {Recipe}

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. While browsing for breakfast dishes that wouldn't take up my whole morning to make, I stumbled upon quiche. I didn't want to stand at the stove for an hour whipping up something delicious while I miss family time. This recipe is really convenient if I assemble the whole thing the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. Easy and delicious breakfast served for the whole family. Plus hubby said that this was the best quiche I have ever made (that's something) and I agree.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole Unbaked Pie Crust (I use pre-maid Pillsbury crust)
• 1 whole Purple Onion, Sliced
• 1 cup of Spinach (about a handful)
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 8 oz of  Smoked Ham, Diced
• 5  whole Large Eggs
• 1/2  cup of  Half-and-Half
•  Salt And Pepper, to taste
• 1/2  cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Preparation Instructions

Fry the onions in the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat for at least 15 to 20 minutes (maybe longer), stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden brown. Add spinach and fry until just wilted then take off the heat. Set aside to cool.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll out the pie crust and press it into a fluted deep tart pan (or a deep dish pie pan).

Whip the eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a large bowl, then mix in the onions with spinach, ham, and cheese. Pour the mixture into the pie crust. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet, cover lightly with aluminum foil, and bake it for about 30 to 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 5 more minutes, or until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown. (The quiche will still seem slightly loose, but will continue to set once remove from the oven.)

Remove from the oven and allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. If using a tart pan, remove the quiche from the pan, cut into slices with a sharp serrated knife, and serve!

If you want step by step picture instructions, check out Pioneer Woman's RECIPE for her quiche because it's incredible. Basically you can put anything you want into it.  It's easy and delicious way to start your morning right ! 

ENJOY! 

Currently Loving {Family Edition} Thursday Link Up

What I'm loving now...

...romantic family picture while Jonathan refuses to comply

...simple cake with whipped cream topping and fresh strawberries. delicious

...some moms get flowers but I get pine cones. so sweet.

...da men of da house

...his favorite person in the whole world. 

...exploring with grandpa

...family picture

...grilling some delicious burgers

Spending time together as a family isn't always as easy as it seems. Most of the time, there is something to do and we get so busy forgetting what it's all about. Last week we took some time off to just relax and eat. Yes, you can't relax without a good burger and a slice of cake by your side. It was nice to kick back and just enjoy, while someone else does the cooking (er grilling). And although we may not have it all and aren't perfect, spending time together really brings us close together and makes us appreciate the life we have.

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2. Link up anything... it could be one of your previous posts that you are loving or something new you just can't wait to share!
3. Please include a link back to this post within your post or grab my button from the side bar (because it's such a nice thing to do!)
4. Now simply add your link below! I hope you all enjoy meeting other bloggers and discovering some new things. 

An InLinkz Link-up

Two to One

dress: Target (similar)
vest: Gap
bag: Dorothy Perkins (similar)
sandals: Gap (similar)
watch: Target (similar)

Every week I watch my sister's daughter. I sort of get practice for two kids already. Her and my son are six months apart and the bigger they get, the more similar their behavior is. Right now they are in 'everything is mine' stage. They don't want to share or be nice, and although they have undying love for each other, they pound on one another half the time. On those days, I don't get dressed until about 2pm and don't even try to follow any  kind of schedule. They are good kids and obey when I put my foot down but, at the same time,  there is two of them and only one of me. It gets hard sometimes but the moments they are cute and loving on each other they melt my heart. Those are the moments that prove life as a mama is worth it all.

Hope you are having a great day! 

As Good as It Gets

tee: Old Navy
skirt: J.Crew
bag: Ali Express (similar)
shoes: Macy's (similar)
watch: Target  (similar)

The other day hubby and I were discussing the business of weddings, after we received a wedding invitation from our friends. Their nuptials are going to take place on our exact wedding anniversary, even the same hour! It was wild to read their invite, because it reminded us of our own wedding. It's going to be six years (WOAH) next month since we walked down the isle. It feels like we got married few months ago not few years!

We reminisced about our wedding day, talking about all the things that we hold dear to our hearts. Coincidentally we were on the way to the same hotel we were staying at on our wedding night, for lunch. I said that I remember very little from 'the best day of our lives' and how unrealistic expectations get people in trouble. Of course, everyone dreams about a romantic and gorgeous affair which ends in a passionate night of hot lovin, but that's simply unrealistic. 

It was a very well organized day with a lot of places to be, people to see and things to do. Expecting it to be the best day ever seems to set people up for failure when something goes wrong. Having it as stress free as possible is as good as it gets (we had a minute by minute schedule we gave out to our whole family - it helped). And I'm fine with that. It was a very happy day, but the best part? The rest of our lives together.

Thank you for stopping by! 

Currently Loving {Dressed Up} Thursday Link Up

top: J.Crew (thrifted) (similar)
skirt: J.Crew (similar)
wedges: Aldo (similar)
clutch: DIY (similar)

As I mentioned last week, I lost the camera charger (and hubby almost killed me). So it took a few days to order a new one and have it shipped. Now we are back up with regular scheduled posts and I have to say, I missed it. Blogging is such a fun thing and I love doing it. Although, having a break from outfit pictures was something I needed. Here is the love of all things cute and dressy - my yellow blouse with fun print skirt. 

An InLinkz Link-up

On Becoming a Morning Person

image

This is me. Well, not really a picture of me but what I'm doing every morning at sunrise. I'm running. Thanks to some friends, and marathon-running sister of mine, who encourage me along.

I've never been a morning person. Since we got married, hubby and I would stay up late and then sleep in until cows came home. It's a little different now - baby wakes up by eight am every morning and one would think that we would change our sleeping habits. But we really haven't been doing a good job going to sleep at a normal time, i.e. before midnight. We would stay up way too late and be exhausted the next morning, hating it every time. 

With the daylight savings time and early sunrise, I feel like I'm loosing precious time by not waking up early enough. However waking up @5:30 am just to be by yourself isn't exactly all that exciting. I hit the snooze button and go right back to sleep. Even if I'm trying to have extra time to do my Bible study, with a cup of tea in hand and half asleep. 

It's just not motivating enough. 

But when a group of us agrees to meet at six am to exercise, it's a totally different story. It's like there is an obligation to go. First, I have to keep my promise to come, and then, I will get all those texts if I don't. Having somewhere to be at a certain time makes the whole thing very official and important.  

Mind you, I only ran a few days but I already like it. I love the quietness of the streets, crisp morning air, and the gorgeous morning sunrise. I push myself to exercise, having some time think and clear my mind. And the half an hour girl talk after the run is so much fun that I would come just for that.

Then I come back early enough to make pancakes from scratch and have prayer time, all before everyone wakes up. 

Now I just can't wait for nap time, because I'm already exhausted even though it's only ten am.

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. (Psalm 5:3)

Fear {Motherhood Challenges Series}

Motherhood is a challenging task. It makes you take an honest look at yourself and evaluate who you are as a person. Of course, none of us can reach a point where we have corrected out bad habits to the point of perfection. In addition, every child needs to learn from his parents how to grow, learn from and deal with difficult parts life.

Fear is one of the biggest motherhood challenges. It's not the fear of my son getting hurt physically (nothing can stand in a way of a toddler) but the emotional pain that I may cause, or who he may grow up to be, or the future that expects him. 

A lot of times, I fear what I'm doing isn't enough or wrong, and I start doubting my own abilities as a mother. I fear he will grow up to make some awful mistakes or will hurt other people. I fear that I'm not patient and tender enough to show God's love everyday. I fear that he doesn't see the loving and ever-bearing parent I want to be. I fear that something I do or say will impact him forever and he won't recover from the consequences.
As mothers we face the reality of life every day and want to protect our children so much more but we cannot. What we can do is ask God to cover all our inabilities and insecurities with his love. It's not that we won't make mistakes, but we know that God keeps our children in His hand and in whatever we're lacking, He will fill up. Whatever we can't do, God will finish and whenever we mess up, He will give mercy.

Fear disables us from moving on and cripples our ability to love fully, give our all and do great things. God doesn't want us living in a constant state of desperation and tragedy, better yet he has a plan. We just need to trust Him and let go. He knows the present, he has been in the past and every child has a future. When we do our part, he will take care of the rest.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (John 4:18)

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.

RULES:

1. Please follow your host (via Bloglovin') 

2. Link up anything... it could be one of your previous posts that you are loving or something new you just can't wait to share!

3. Please include a link back to this post within your post or grab my button from the side bar (because it's such a nice thing to do!)

4. Now simply add your link below! We hope you all enjoy meeting other bloggers and discovering some new things.

5. If you would like to Co-Host Currently Loving Link Up, email ademko10 (at) gmail (dot) com for more details!

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.