Today I like...

...The new Matchbox Twenty song, She's So Mean! I absolutely loved Matchbox Twenty my senior year of high school, and had the entire album 'Mad Season' memorized. So this new song kind of reminds me of those happy memories...similar sound and all!

...Pinterest! Yes, I'm a little late, but I'm finally aboard the pinterest train! I made my first recipe tonight and ohmyword, it was SO easy and very delicious! (Except next time I'll add a little cinnamon. They're just a teensie bit bland, and I think some cinnamon would be a nice touch.) I almost hate to share the recipe, because this could be my new go-to dessert I bring to parties and whatnot, but I love y'all too much to deny you this. You're welcome.

...Gatorade! I had to drink so much of it in high school and college, I kind of went away from it. It started tasting salty to me somewhere along the way. But lately I've been drinking one every day, and I love it.

...the new Bourne movie! Zac and I went to see it Saturday night and I'm still thinking about it. Same great action, complex storyline, and clever characters. Zac said he thought Jeremy Renner (whom he was once confused for in San Fran, no lie!) was even better than Matt Damon. I started to argue with him, because Matt Damon is awesome, but then I realized I thought Renner was really great too! Let's just say they were both amazing! :)
 
...No Doubt's song Settle Down! I loved Tragic Kingdom and the Clueless soundtrack ("Just a Girl"), so naturally the nostalgic side of me wanted to like this too. I wasn't sure what I would think, but I saw the video EARLY this Saturday morning (VH1 top 20 countdown) and FELL IN LOVE with this song and video. Also, if I was still a teacher, I can promise you that I'd sing the part that goes "get-it-it in line and settle down!" to my class all day long! Enjoy...

If you're going to San Francisco...

be sure to wear some flowers in your hair make a photo book on Shutterfly!
I got an email from Shutterfly yesterday reminding me that they're rolling to a new style of photo books. I checked "my projects" to make sure I didn't have any unfinished books in the old style, and whatdoyouknow, I did! I started this album almost two years ago but never quite finished it. So I spent a chunk of the day today finishing it, and reliving all of the wonderful memories we made in San Fran. Zac and I loved that city so much! We'd move there- if we could afford it, and didn't love seeing our families so stinkin' much! :) But we definitely plan on taking our kids to our favorite American city one day! Until then, we will flip through the pages of this photo book and relive the fun! Hooray!
PS-Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE Shutterfly? I don't know what I'd do without them! Address labels, stationary, cards for all occasions, photo books, large prints...you name it, they're the best! I'm already looking at little boy birth announcements! So exciting! :)

Click here to view this photo book larger

You'll love award-winning Shutterfly photo books. Start your own today.

Today I like...

...These newborn portraits. I'm such a sucker for props and studio lighting. I know home and outdoor photography is much more popular, but these pictures do something for me that others don't. I just love them! I bet I spent a full hour scouring her website. I don't know how you wouldn't...they're addicting to me! Look at this...I can hardly stand the cuteness! I feel like I might explode!

...This post, by my number one favorite blogger. It made me cry. I can only imagine how many other moms feel this exact same way. I'm sometimes startled by how much my heart hurts from loving Molly, so I can't even imagine what Drew will do to me. But that's too much to think about right now.

...this random and funny/impressive video of some kids rapping about their favorite snacks. Which kid is your favorite? Zac and I love the raspy voiced kid who starts at 1:50.
PS-Zac said that at his old school, all the kids would bring Taki's for breakfast (!???) and the cafeteria sold Hot Cheetos at lunch. Don't mess with a tween and their spicy snacks!

Lastly, I love this wall I came across on Pinterest. Love it so so much! If I had more time, I would consider doing it in Drew's room. There is one wall that's very bare. I'm just not sure if I can find/paint/whatever that many letters in just over a month. But isn't it adorable? I can't quit going back to it and staring.

Smooth Operater

If a barrista is someone who makes coffee, what do you call someone who makes smoothies? Because whatever that word is, I should be called that. Not to brag (actually, that's precisely what I'm doing), but I have been making the most wonderful smoothies lately. Usually I just throw stuff in the blender (hmm...what do we have around the kitchen?), but lately I've been paying attention, so I can recreate it when I make an extra-sensational smoothie. :) If you're into smoothies, try one of my favorite recipes and let me know what you think...

Go-to Strawberry Banana
1 ripe banana
6 strawberries (riper the better, if you ask me)4 oz. greek yogurt (I use Yoplait Strawberry)
3 oz. skim milk (I just use the empty yogurt container and fill it 3/4 of the way)
3 oz. orange juice (I love Simply Orange, and measure same as the milk)
handful of ice
***Throw it in, blend it up, and ENJOY! This makes a great snack or meal. If you want extra nutrition (and to be full longer), add a handful of baby spinach. Sounds strange, and makes the drink look different, but truly doesn't change the taste. I do this about half the time.

The American
1 banana
5-7 strawberries (depending on size)
10 (or more) of blueberries
4 oz. Coconut milk
4 oz. yogurt
ice


Tropical Treat
1 banana
4 oz. coconut milk
4 oz. orange juice
handful of ice
***This one's super fast and easy, and makes a great afternoon refresher. Very tropical and tasty!

Today I like...

...the new song by Maroon 5, called One More Night.

...this article about an amazing athlete/dad.

...this video of Beyonce singing at United Nations' World Humanitarian Day. Inspiring!


...Baskin-Robbins MINI Mocha Cappuccino Blast. It's tiny, which is the perfect size, since I don't need the caffeine or calories. And it's definitely still a treat...one every now and then does the trick. But don't get me wrong, I could have one every day and be a very happy girl! Especially in this heat!

Sappy, but so true...

One of my very best friend's got engaged on Friday. I knew it was coming for weeks and it tortured me that I was keeping a secret from her. After she was proposed to in private, she walked into a surprise party where we were waiting to help her celebrate.The evening was joyful and magical, and just a taste of how special and fantastic the actual wedding will be. I can't describe the way I felt that night, and it wasn't even "my" night! There is something so amazing about seeing your best friends so happy, and everything falling into place. I almost felt like a mom, proud and overwhelmed with emotion. Except I'm only three weeks older than her. But I love her so much, and watching her fall in love, and now get engaged, is so special, and makes my heart happy. Friday night, I was thinking to myself "these are the moments that make life so magical!" My favorite blogger says she wants to "suck the marrow out of life," and that's exactly what I'm doing. Because even others' experiences (that are not technically my own) make my life that much more rich. GT, I'm so happy for you and wish you a lifelong happiness. There will be ups and downs, as there are in any relationship, but know that I'm here for you always, and I can't wait to share your journey with you.

And to my other best friend, I'm so thrilled you are in love, and have met "the one!" I've watched you go through a horribly painful break up, the awkward time in between, and now you have been glowing since you met Mr. A! I can't wait to be a part of your future adventures too! It fills my cup to see you so  happy and in love.

When my friends are happy, I am happy. What a wonderful year, 2012!