A Few of My Favorite (Pinterest) Things

If you know me, you know my obsession with Pinterest. I am on it daily. In fact, I'm on it right now as I'm typing this. So. Many. Amazing. Ideas. I've written about it before on my blog: here.

I want to post a few of my favorite pins from Pinterest that I've ACTUALLY tried and LOVE! Everything from recipes, DIY crafts, fashion finds, and more :)

1. I was obsessed with this wreath when I first saw it. Burlap, flowers, my initial. Duh, of course I'm going to replicate it.

You can find the link to the pin HERE. I redid it with my own initial (and without the numbers because I couldn't find any that I loved enough to purchase):

I'm pretty happy with my craftiness :) HERE is my original blog post about how to make it yourself.

2. Apparently, this is the best way to make asparagus. HERE is the link to the pin.

And you know what? Pinterest was right. It is. Sprinkle (lightly) in olive oil, add parmasean cheese, salt and pepper, and pop it in the oven for 10 minutes! Seriously SO good. I've also made green beans this same way and was also thrilled with the results. 

3. This "lose weight" drink. Okay, so it didn't make me shed a ton of pounds, but I'm okay with that. It tastes amazing, is easy to make, and actually does curve my hunger. You can find the link for the pin HERE.

Water, cucumbers, lemons, and mint leaves. Never would have put those together if it weren't for Pinterest :)

4. This easy way to make your home smell exactly like Williams-Sonoma. It is true. I did it tonight for the first time, and I never want to leave my apartment. Find the link to the pin HERE.

5. This easy way to create your own mercury glass with just some water and Krylon spray paint. It actually works. I've tried it on some glass cups and am super happy with the results! I will be doing a blog tutorial soon. Until then, HERE is the link on pinterest.

6. Lastly, I saw this pretty necklace on pinterest and knew I wanted one for myself. Anyone who knows me, knows I love hearts. I don't know why, but I just do. I doodle them when I'm on the phone, at meetings...I sign my name with a heart before it (or an xoxo). So when I saw this, I had to find it. And thanks to this pinterest link HERE, I found it on Etsy!

I wear it almost every day. So dainty and pretty. I love great fashion finds that last for a long time :)

Is anyone else having luck with great finds on Pinterest?

xoxo

Cancer Blessings

Disclaimer: This post was written on October 14 (a month ago) and has been held back from posting because I was waiting on my mother to send me pictures. Way to go, MOM! ;)

Two posts ago, I wrote about some cancer frustrations. It was a "vent" post. Those frustrations still stand, of course. But I've learned to let them go (especially about the friends that have not contacted our family once since finding out about my mom's diagnosis - I get that not everyone is comfortable with cancer, but these are friends that have had cancer diagnosis' in their families multiple times. No excuses.).

But despite some of those frustrations, the blessings far outweigh anything negative. Far surpassing any negativity is the fact that we are so surrounded with love.

My Aunt Mindy has been an angel sent from God during this whole process. She cooks meals for my family once a week, and the meals are big enough to feed everyone for days. If only I was actually home in IL to partake in them! She is an amazing cook, and her love and support is evident through every bite of her home-cooked meals. She and my Uncle Don did a Cancer Support walk with us on October 7 in Homewood, IL. My family was so happy to have them by our side. Here is a picture pre-race:

I was home for a week in October since we have fall break at our middle school in AZ. So the walk with my family kicked off my week with my fam!

During that week home, we planned a 50th birthday celebration for my mom! We planned it in ... 4 days. Yes, you read that right. A huge 50th birthday party planned in just 4 days time! My dad and I could not have done it without the help of my wonderful Aunt Mistee, who graciously hosted it at her home. Every single person that we invited, showed up. This is when you know you are surrounded with love: when you give people 4 days notice of a birthday party, and they all show up just to hug the birthday girl. Seriously, how lucky is my mom?!

Here is my beautiful momma with my Aunt Mistee and Uncle Dan (the hosts):

Here is a family picture:

And here is my favorite picture of the night...my mom surrounded by all the people that have taken her to her chemotherapy treatments. (Except for my Aunt Diane, Aunt Teri, Aunt Toni, and cousin Brook that all live in other states - and her friend Kathy that left the party right before we took a picture. But they are there in spirit):

Friends that have been in my mom's life for 20+ years. Friends that are newer. In-laws. Siblings. Her children and her husband. Yes, if there is one thing that is certain about having cancer, it is that it gives you SO much to be thankful for. So so much.

When my week home with my family was done with, I flew back to AZ with tears welling up in my eyes that I had to say goodbye to my family yet again. But the next day, October 14, I shared a truly beautiful day with my loves in AZ. I participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and raised $950 for cancer research!

Walking with me was my dear friend, Lauren, and her husband Michael (not pictured because he was running while we were walking), my cousin Pete, and his girlfriend, Melissa.

Cancer sucks. But it's blessings do not.

xoxo