My Weekend Needed a Pause Button

It has been a while since I last recapped my weekend, and this past one was probably one of my favorites in a longggg time. In fact, I just searched back through my posts, and it was in 2013. Maybe I need to be a little more lively on the weekends... or at least do something exciting at my house. But this past weekend, I could've hit pause and had an extended Friday (after 5PM), Saturday, and Sunday.

Friday I kicked off the weekend with Zootopia accompanied by my mom and baby brother. And no, I didn't use him as an excuse to watch a children's movie. Joe and I proudly go watch kids movies all the time. Seriously though, if you haven't seen Zootopia- I recommend it. It's super cute, funny, and has a really good moral. I personally like Judy, the main character, I see a lot of myself in her character. Plus, there's adult jokes in there, so you can get a laugh too. My baby brother, who is four, actually sat through the movie. It may have helped that we had pop, popcorn, and candy, but either way he REALLY enjoyed it. I also introduced him to the world of snapchat filters. Just give a four year old your phone and snapchat, and he'll be entertained for hours.

 Saturday was was even better. I had some errands early that morning, so I thought while I was out I would wander around our local Vendor's Mall. To my surprise, I ran into my grandmother there. We decided to top the morning off with a tip to Goodwill and the Dollar Tree. She also treated me to breakfast, which was so good. (Except nothing compares to her fried taters!) And oh yeah... I got a tattoo Saturday.

I knew I wanted a tattoo for my sweet Macho cat, and I had a couple of ideas I had been kicking around for some time. This one was at the top of the list. It was so perfect. I couldn't be happier with the turnout. Plus, my tattoo guy is the bomb. Joe and I sat and cut up with him for hours!

Sunday was not special. We went to church Sunday morning, and bible study that night. Kudos to any pastor who can incorporate writing poetry in a bible study! It was probably my favorite lesson... EVER. I may also be partial becuase I wont the 3rd grade acrostic poem contest. (I still remember the first line "Valentine, valentine. You're so fine."

I did get to craft some on Sunday which was long overdue!! A few weeks ago I had dropped a mirror and shattered the glass. The frame was still perfectly fine, and if you've ever tried finding good frames for a project it's nearly impossible. The frame sat propped against the wall for some time. Then, our of no where, I had this idea spark. I mean pinterest helped some, but whatever. I had never really worked with decomesh before, so I was pretty pleased.

 Can I go back to this past weekend and do it all over again?

You Can't Reread a Phone Call.

When's the last time you put a stamp on something that was not a bill?

When's the last time you received a letter in the mail that wasn't a bill?

I have always been fascinated with letter writing and handwritten notes. I attribute this to my late grandmother who no matter what sent a handwritten card or letter for every holiday or occasion. She had the most ornate, beautiful handwriting.When I was younger, every letter I received I would sit and practice tracing the letters hoping my writing would be as gorgeous one day. I remember thinking about how I would never receive another handwritten card from her, and it really broke my heart.

That same year after she passed, I headed to the mail box to grab what I thought would be sales papers and mostly bills. The corner of a mauve colored envelop caught my eye, and I was excited to receive a card in the mail. While standing at the mailbox, I flipped it over to see who was the sender. That same ornate handwriting I had tried to perfect for so long was beautifully spread across the front of the envelope. I dropped to my knees an cried tears of loss but also joy. To this day, I have this card framed and in my office to admire. 

I truly believe we have lost the true value and art of letter writing. There are so few people who actually take the time to practice such an art. When did "Thnx" become more preferred than "Sincerely Yours"? I've made it a personal mission to recapture the art of letter writing and share the joy with those closest in my life. I keep a huge box of blank cards an thank you notes to send whenever needed.

But why you ask? Think about it.
Someone took the time to sit down and put a pen to paper expressing their personal thoughts to you. It's incredibly personal. It is probably one of the most inexpensive ways to brighten someone's day ($0.49!) They can be reread and kept forever.

My goal this year is to send as many handwritten cards and notes as I can! So far, I am 2 for 2 with birthdays on my calendar! Want to be added to my handwritten mail list?! Know someone who would enjoy a handwritten note? Please contact me for details!

I challenge you to take the time and send a handwritten letter to just one person. I promise the joy and return is worth the $0.49!

Comfort Foods for those Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Days

Everyone has a bad day, but there are days you can't seem to shake it. Those days call for a comfy bed, covers over your head, and some comfort food. Now, don't get it twisted- this is not about eating my emotions. (Unless stressed, haha.) But there are some dishes that remind us of our families, associated with a specific memory, and just taste dang good. 

Top 5 Comfort Foods for those terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day:

5. Stepmomma's Chicken Enchiladas
I only get this meal once a year- on my birthday. My dad/stepmomma come to visit for my birthday weekend and I'm fortunate she cooks the entire weekend! Her chicken enchiladas though... They are amazing. Just ask anyone I've shared with. I've tried recreating the recipe and trying others, but it's just not the same.

4. Geneva's Vegetable Soup
My husband's grandmother ALWAYS calls when she makes a big kettle of vegetable soup. It's hearty, tomato-y goodness.

3. Grilled Cheese
I don't care who, when, or how it's made. I love a good grilled cheese. It always makes me feel better, so on those not so great days I need a pick me up? I grab some bread and two slices of cheese and make a grilled cheese. Add some back on the middle... heaven!

2. Mac and Cheese
Cheesy noodle goodness. Now, I am picky about my mac and cheese. I guess you could say I am more of a shells and cheese person. Mac and cheese always reminds me of home. I remember when I was younger, that was meal of choice for my mom and me. You can make a large portion for next to nothing.

1. Mamaw's Chicken and Dumplings
Ask anyone in my family what's the best dish my mamaw makes? I bet you they will answer chicken and dumplings. They are a hard thing to perfect: consistency, dumpligs, flavor, etc.. Somehow my mamaw makes it perfect every time. In her house, don't expect little droplet dumplings or huge biscuit ones, I am telling you they are a perfect mix of the two. NO ONE's compares to my mamaw's.

These aren't extravagant dishes ordifficult to make. I think what the difference is they are made with love. It's that ingredient you can't bottle or purchase at a store. It's the work of people who want to provide a delicious meal for their family. That's why there is no recipe attached. I could tell you exactly how to make the above but it wouldn't taste the same.

Today, I ask you to stop and think about your favorite dish. If it's linked to someone near and dear to your heart, pick up the phone or stop by to tell them how much you appreciate them!