Five on Friday [The last of February]

It's Friday!!!  Yahoo!  Today I'm breaking the rules and going with Six on Friday.  What can I say...it's been a big week!  I can definitely say I'm ready for some R and R with the Hubby this weekend!

ONE
My boys were recognized at halftime of the basketball game in honor of our State Title.  After spending everyday with these guys for months, it was really nice to see our tennis family together again.  The athletic department announced each player, awarded the rings, and unveiled the banner which hangs in the main gym (coincidentally next to last year's banner, which is fun).  It really was a wonderful evening.  (Not to mention some great basketball, as our basketball team is also one of the top ranked in the state.)

DIY Initial (or Monogram) Wreath

It was a cold, snowy March a couple years ago and IU was about the begin competing in the NCAA basketball tournament.  Hopes were high and I was restless (remember, it was snowy....) when I decided I would fashion my own IU wreath to support my Hoosiers.  About halfway through the project I was slightly frustrated, but with Hubby's help it was smooth sailing.    The best part of this project, it doesn't have to be just an IU symbol.  You can use the same method to make any letter or symbol you desire.....or best yet.....a monogram.

On My Bookshelf PSA [The Girl on the Train]

This book review is going to be slightly different than my usual "On My Bookshelf" posts.  Typically I only share books I think y'all might enjoy.  Today, I'm instead going to make a PSA of sorts.  The Girl on the Train came highly recommended to me by several friends.  "You're going to love it!"  "It reminds me of Gone Girl!" (Looking back, maybe that should have been my first warning.)  "Full of suspense. Really, really good."

In My Lunchbox [Vegetarian Bento Box]

I originally started to title this post a Lenten Bento Box, but I just couldn't do it, as it includes eggs.  Growing up my family always fasted for Lent. (Although it was not the strict fast like my grandmother and great aunts, where no animal products, fish, oil, eggs, dairy products, or alcohol are allowed.)  Even as an adult before marriage, I was very good about it.  Then came along Hubby, who is not Orthodox, didn't grow up fasting for Lent, and is a meat lover.  It became much harder.  This year, however, I'm determined to be better.  I am reminded of a sweet childhood priest who discussed that the Lenten period is about deciding on what exactly you will do, and sticking to it, which will be my personal approach this year. 

Five on Friday [The Where's Summer?? Edition]

Woo-hoo!  Happy Friday!  Tonight I'm celebrating with my tennis boys as the school hosts the ring and banner ceremony during halftime of the basketball game in honor of our state title.  Happily it will be followed by a quiet, relaxing weekend probably trying to keep warm.  This weather is for the birds.  Bring on summer....

ONE
I shared my obsession love for blue and white this week.  I'm loving the new planter and have decided I need more in my life.  I'll continue the search for a few more pieces.

Meals on Wheels [Ham and Swiss Quiche]

I love to take dinner to sweet friends and loved ones when they welcome a new little one to their family or when they're in need of a little extra love.  I always try to deliver the food in disposable containers so there is no need to worry about returning them and attempt to remember snack options and a little something sweet.  Lately, I've also included a quiche, which reheats well and can be breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Pair it with a good salad and you're good to go.  Another bonus....pie crusts typically come in two, so I make one for them and one for us. 

You can add just about any fillings you'd like, but I love to use Martha's recipe as a starter.  This time I added sautéed mushrooms and spinach. 

Blue and White Style

Blue and white china....the perfect addition to decorating any home.  I have a true obsession.  (Well, if I'm being honest, I have a true love for all china, but more on that later.)  The other day I came across a great find with this lovely blue and white planter.  I'm trying to focus on only buying what I love, and with this it was love at first sight. 

Kitchen Essentials: Le Creuset, Cast Iron, and Chef's Salt

The other day a sweet friend (and very talented cook) and I were reading an article about kitchen must haves.  The concept of the article was if you could have only one pan and one ingredient (seasoning, etc.) what would it be? We got to talking and I've narrowed mine down.....

Casablanca with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

Yesterday Bestie KP and I attended the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.  This performance was a special viewing of Casablanca with the orchestra playing the score.  It was phenomenal, truly. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing you and your loves a very happy and special Valentine's Day.  Hubby and I are spending the day together snuggling and relaxing and will have a delicious home-cooked meal by the fire this evening.  What are your special Heart Day plans?  Hope you enjoy them, whatever they may be!! 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Five on Friday [Valentine Edition]

Happy Friday!!  Although I'm disappointed Bestie MHDRL is heading back home this weekend, I'm super excited for one more celebration for the little man's birthday before they leave.  It will be the perfect way to end this incredible time together.  I'm so very grateful to have them in my life.  I'm also, of course, looking forward to a special little dinner with my Valentine...I'm thinking maybe lobster tails, but we shall see. Any big plans for y'all?  Now, here's my Five on Friday:

ONE
I LOVE a good Bloody Mary!  We enjoyed a couple to end last week, and think we just might have to repeat that special treat again this weekend!  Typically Zing Zang is my go-to mix, but Kroger didn't have it and the liquor stores aren't open in Indiana on Sundays.....enter Hoosier Momma mix.  It was quite yummy, especially paired with my favorite garnishes of olives and pickled okra the perfect Sunday treat.  What's your favorite way to make a Bloody Mary??

Levenger Circa Notebooks

Hubby says I have a problem.  I will purchase all kinds of organizational tools (baskets, bins, desk organizers...you get the idea....) in hopes that someday I will finally be organized.  If I'm being totally honest, he's right.  In my defense though, sometimes these organizational tools actually work, and then a portion of my life is orderly and organized. 

Valentine Touches

I've mentioned before how much I enjoy Valentine's Day.  To me it's just another excuse to remind people how much you love them, and to tie it all up in hearts and pink.  Believe me when I tell you it doesn't take much to convince me to add a little pink when and where I can. 

Nothing reminds me more of love than our wedding pictures.  I've paired one of my favorites with some DIY candles and a little heart votive.

What's for Dinner [Quick Chowder with Smoked Sausage]

A sweet friend at school gave this recipe to me years and years ago when I first started.  It is simple, quick, and I especially love that the ingredients can be kept on hand for a satisfying meal when you don't really want to cook (or forgot to take something out of the freezer...like tonight). 

I love you because.....

A few years ago I made this sweet little I love you because printable for Hubby.  It's framed and hung above his bedside table so that he can see it either first thing in the morning or right before bed and the glass frame makes it easy to erase and change the sentiments. 

Five on Friday [It's February!]

We've reached another Friday, and this week, I'm just going to get right down to it.  Here's my Five on Friday:

ONE
I have another book recommendation for y'all.  Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo was a terrific mystery that kept my attention through out the entirety of the book.  It's the first in a series, too!

Bestie DIY Valentines

I LOVE Valentine's Day.  I understand there are those who don't feel the same way, those who feel you should tell those special to you that you love them everyday, not just on Valentine's Day.  While I agree with them wholeheartedly, Valentine's Day is, quite simply,  just another excuse to do so, only this time the sentiments are all pink and wrapped in hearts. What girly girl wouldn't like that excuse :)??  So, with that in mind, I whipped up some little valentine goodies for a few of my besties.  I'm delivering them early so they can be enjoyed all month and not get lost in the shuffle. 

On My Bookshelf [Sworn to Silence]

I'm a binge reader. I read a ton during the winter months, when I don't have tennis, I don't like to go outside, and when I'd much rather curl up with a cup of tea and a good book.  The rest of the year I have good intentions of continuing to read, but you know what they say about good intentions.

Super Bowl Sunday

It's Super Bowl Sunday!!  As much as I love football (truly, I do) I also love everything that surrounds the game.  Although it's certainly more fun when a team you love (or even one you don't despise) is playing, we're still excited to settle in next to the fire at our little hive to watch the game.  We're having wings this evening, but if we were hosting a bigger gathering this would be my menu:

Appetizers ~ Roasted Jalapeno Popper Dip.  Yummy jalapeno popper goodness, but made simpler in dip form.