lovely little whimsy: May 2012

30 May 2012

{thankful} for rest.

I didn't mince words last week when I hinted that a break was in order.
My man took three days off last weekend, which was so needed for both of us.
We worked in the yard, ate donuts, were blessed to see my sister baptized (woot woot),
visited with friends, and watched movies after the kids went to bed.
It was awesome.
And this coming weekend... I can barely contain my excitement.
My wonderful, gracious, rockin' parents are coming to stay overnight with the boys
so that Nick and I can take the train to Portland.
I'm going to my first ever blogger meet up (holla), we'll go to the Saturday market,
sleep in (heck to the yes) and eat donuts (do you see a theme?).

I seriously cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to this.
A night away with Nick in a different city, tax free shopping, meeting new friends,
and uninterrupted sleep. Total refreshment in my book.
Thank you, Jesus.

What happened in your week that makes you grateful?
I'd love to hear about it.
Grab a button, link up, and make friends!

29 May 2012

projects on the brain

I have a to do list about 43 feet long. In my brain.
(I should probably get it on paper.)
My husband tilled up our yard a couple of weeks ago and we have slowly been prepping the ground for our grand plans.
We live on a third of an acre so there is a lot to do...
and we have three kids, school, soccer, and soon t-ball.
I also have laundry, hair appointments, etsy projects and a basement to organize.
Back to that to do list.

Source: blogs.babble.com
I have purchased the paint for our stairwell and upstairs, and love this vision
for a little gallery wall along the way.

via Carina on Pinterest

I found the perfect frame at Goodwill to recreate this in my dining room with some

of our favorite instagram photos. Now that we've retrieved the matchbox car jammed

inside our printer, I can make this happen.

Source: sunset.com

We want the yard to seem pretty rustic (read low maintenance), and I dream of

a little cobblestone path weaving through wildflowers and fruit trees.

(this yard may take our whole life.)

Source: bit.ly

Somewhere along the way, you'd find this sweet little bench to rest and read and sip your coffee.

Source: nooshkids.blogspot.com

I also have babies on the brain, like major.
I pray all the livelong day for a sweet baby to make its way into this little family.
I know God has it all under control, so I am also praying for my heart to be patient.
BUT I am seriously itching to start on the nursery.
Do I get going and keep it neutral? Do I wait until I know the gender?
Good thing I have at least 42 other things to do first.

Seems as though we will have a full and busy summer!
Especially when you add in swim lessons, summer camp
and family trips.

What project do you have on your radar this season?

25 May 2012

weekend sale in the shop!

shop

15% off through Monday

coupon code: MEMORIAL

happy weekend!

23 May 2012

{thankful} another list.

I am going to be honest with you: I was over this week, like on Monday morning.
It is day ten in a row of my husband working ten hours or more a day and I am feeling
a little spent (as is he). Yes, people have it worse off than me, for sure.
But I've still managed to feel sorry for myself here and there.
So thank goodness it's time to get thankful - my mind needed a little shift.

I went into Rite Aid tonight to get some diapers and some ButtPaste. That's a real thing.

I ended up with 4 new shades of nail polish in the process, naturally.

I am thankful for new springy nails and diaper rash relief for a pretty sad little peanut.

Still thankful for MyFitnessPal and all my buddies on there.

Another half a pound down and seriously craving some cheese fries,

but feeling good about progress!

I am so grateful for some amazing ladies who inspired me to start the Soul Detox reading plan on YouVersion (get the app for your phone, or check it out online).

There is a daily discussion on twitter - want to join in?

Just add #SheReadsTruth to your tweets about whatever touched you that day.

It's been an awesome daily, practical encouragement on getting rid of toxic thoughts.

Especially handy during this crazy week.

Also:

Chocolate Dipped Coconut Luna Bars.

A trip to Lake Placid in October. (holler.)

Coffee and a play date with some buddies tomorrow. That means conversation with actual adults. Amen.

______________________________________

You're up!

What has been good in your week?

I need to hear about it.

Grab a button, link up and go visit some other thankful friends!

linking up with cami, heather, sarah and julia

june.

I am turning 30-something-ish and I want to celebrate!

Everyday one or all of my boys says something like this,

"Hey Mama, guess what?"

"What?"

"Isssss ahmost yuh birfdaaaaaay!"

It's still a couple of weeks away, but I'm glad they're excited!

So now the question is: do you want to party with me?

I would love to do a big birthday giveaway on the ol' blog for you awesome folks.

Do you have a blog or shop you'd like to promote with a little birthday highlight?

I'm not charging for sponsorship yet,

but if you'd like to join in a giveaway, email me for details.

punkpumpkinpeanut {at} gmail {dot} com

You could giveaway an item from your shop,

a month worth of ad space on your blog,

a shop credit,

a gift card,

a sweet little handmade something for one of your fun crafternoons at home?

The giveaway will also include photos and a highlight of your awesomeness.

I'd love to have you!

22 May 2012

a day to play: taking a time out with your kids

I've seen some great ideas on pinterest lately about engaging your kids in fun activities
to spend time together and get them away from the TV.
It's been an inspiration, and it got me thinking.
What if, one day every week or so, all we did was kid stuff?
Forget the laundry and dishes (twist your arm, right?), put away the smart phone, iPad,
lap top, turn off the television, and tune in to our kids.
Not just tune in, but really make the day fun and all about them.
I am talking on the cheap here, people, because truth is, they love the little things just as much,
if not more, than the big stuff.

Case in point: the whole four days we were in California for Disneyland, all Lute wanted to do was go to IHOP.
We were at Disneyland.

It's amazing the difference it makes in my kids demeanor if I don't have my phone or computer in front of my face. The world will not fall apart if I don't check my twitter, facebook, pinterest and instagram feed for the day (ok, well maybe during nap time).
And really, what am I going to miss?

So, we're going to try it. Weekly PlayDays.
The kids can choose what they want for food (within reason).
They can maybe even help me cook. (check back with me after the first week.)
We'll color and paint and play with playdoh.
Take trips to the park, play in the yard, walk the neighborhood.
We'll build forts, read stories and take extra long bubble baths (likely immediately following the painting).
There may be dance parties and truck races and soccer matches and sandcastle building.
And, we'll probably eat donuts.

The main thing is, I am going to engage them on their level for more than fifteen minutes at a time,
and let go of all the stuff I think I need to fill my day.
The floors can be swept later, the laundry done tomorrow.
I've got three little dudes who just want to play with their mama.
I'll take that while I can get it.

20 May 2012

this week's meal plan and a crazy good sandwich

I didn't plan our meals last week and pretty much every night I was scrambling

or just gave up and made grilled cheese or pb+j. Some weeks are just like that.

But I love having a plan so I can just feel ready for the week, no need to run to the store,

and end up saving money in the process.

I am trying to make leaner, lighter meals these days...

Here is this week's plan - maybe it'll give you a little inspiration!

Monday: Lean Beef Stroganoff with baked potatoes and salad

Tuesday: Braised Balsamic Chicken with whole wheat spaghetti and fresh green beans

Wednesday: Grilled Salmon Teriyaki with rice and broccoli

*if you aren't into fish, use chicken. but the salmon is amazing this time of year!

Thursday: leftovers

Friday: Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Saturday: Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches (recipe below) and fruit salad

Sunday: Turkey Burgers, macaroni salad and raw veggies

Okay, so here is the story with the sandwich. Because, obviously every sandwich has one?

Anyway, there used to be the most charming little fancy cheese shop in our neighborhood that also sold out of this world sandwiches. But it was tucked into the back of a strip mall off the main road. You had to know it was there or hear from a friend in order to find it, and so, sadly, it went out of business. And it really was sad because they had these buffalo chicken sandwiches that we used to dream of and crave weekly.

Since the cute little shop is no more, I attempted to recreate this tasty little treat, and I think I was pretty successful. And not to get inappropriate, but my husband actually said it was the "best effin' sandwich ever."

(He actually said "effin'" because we try to keep it clean around here. And no, he didn't say it front of the dudes. Just need to protect his image while I convey to you the intense goodness of this sandwich.)

And the good news? At least for the likes of me, is that I lightened up so that it's a decent meal without crazy calories.

Sorry, I get a little long winded and excited about these things. Without further adieu,

Crazy Good Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

reduced fat blue cheese, reduced fat mayo, sour cream or plain greek yogurt, sriracha, green onion, butter lettuce, thinly sliced deli chicken, and a french baguette.

the recipe:

(serves 2)

1/2 french baguette

1/4 cup reduced fat blue cheese

2 tablespoons sour cream or greek yogurt

2 tablespoons reduced fat mayo

3 green onions, sliced

2 teaspoons sriracha (or according to what your spicy lovin' self can handle)

1/2 pound thinly sliced deli chicken breast

First, prep your sauce: mix together blue cheese, yogurt, mayo, sriracha, and green onions.

Slice your baguette in half, slather with sauce, and layer with several slices of chicken

and plenty of butter lettuce.

Prepare yourself for dancing taste buds and a big smooch from the one you love.

What's on your menu this week?

16 May 2012

{thankful} a list

congratulations, holly lynn! you won yourself a little necklace. lemme know which one you'd like!

I am thankful for oh so many little things this week.

sunshine. it's amazing what it can do for my heart.

it's been gorgeous for the last couple of weeks and i am not taking that for granted.

it's meant trips to the park and long walks and exploring with my boys.

it's also meant ample opportunities to run.

and i never thought i would say this in one million years, but i think i am a runner.

i mean, my longest is only 4 miles, but that is a triumph for my lazy you know what.

also, i am five pounds down. holler.

thanks to my pals on my fitness pal, i feel accountable to sticking to this new lifestyle.

plus, their comments make me laugh.

thanks jami and hannah.

thankful for a silent retreat that was exactly what this soul needed.

it was such a blessing, i can't even put it into words. God is good.

grateful for a very happy mother's day with my family and

mason jars full of flowers that are still brightening my everyday.

i am also thankful for blackberry muffins warm from the oven,

creative inspiration,

maxi skirts,

clean laundry,

good friends,

garden space teeming with potential.

It's been a good week.

____________________________________

What are you thankful for?

Have you seen blessings in the unexpected?

in kindnesses, trials, joys, quiet, projects, rest, friends, strangers?

I want to hear about it!

linking up with cami, heather, sarah and julia

14 May 2012

this post is for you

I am writing this for you.

It doesn't matter if you aren't religious.

Or if you're super religious.

Or if you fall somewhere in between.

Whether you've had an easy road, or one filled with bumps and bruises.

Dreams shattered or fulfilled, I'm writing this for you.

My road has been bumpy. Not without injury, but also full of joy.

There have been times when I've felt God close as a breath,

and times I've wondered if He remembers who I am.

But this last weekend on my retreat, God reminded me of something.

It's something simple, but it's also life changing.

God is for me.

He is for me.

In the last couple of years my mind has shifted a bit. I've looked at God and who He is,

and have faith in the fact that He loves all of us.

That He loves the world, the downtrodden, the joyful - He loves everyone.

I've never doubted it.

But I've been thinking of it as one whole population that He loves,

and not necessarily individually.

Somewhere along the way I lost that truth in my heart.

But in the last few days, He has poured that over me.

I can't keep it to myself, because it isn't just for me.

It's for you, too.

God is for you.

God is for you.

God is for you.

He sees you and your hopes, brokenness, joy, trials, good and bad.

He knows how you struggle and how you triumph.

He knows you sometimes beat yourself up over the places you've been and things you've done.

And through all of that, He wants you to know He is still crazy about you.

That might be the most freeing thing I could ever have heard.

He whispered it to my heart this weekend.

And He wanted me to tell you about it.
This truth isn't just for me alone,
but for you.
His love and compassion for us is boundless,
and my highest hope is that you believe that in your heart.
God is for you.

product preview and a giveaway!

I've been working on some fun new products

and I am kicking off the relaunch of lovely little whimsy with a giveaway!

I am giving away one of the two necklaces above - winner's choice.

New products won't be listed until later this week, so you're getting a special sneak peek

and first dibs!

If you'd like to purchase anything before it's listed, just contact me and I'll hook you up.

In the meantime, enter to win one of my new "candy necklaces" now through Wednesday!

10 May 2012

a whole lot of instagram love

I am basically in love with instagram.

And if you follow me (itscarinalee), you know I love a few other things:

my kids, food, and shoes.

I mean, I post other stuff, but that's pretty much the gist of it.

chillin' out with aladdin after naps.

we went on a date.

oh georgie, i love you in every way.

a couple of kids got a couple of haircuts after their dad told me they looked like Beatles.

my three superheroes keep me safe.

("mama, buzz lightyear is not a superhero, ok?" i know nothing.)

the weather here is suddenly gorgeous, so we went for a little trail walk/jog.

that's a wog.

we made it a mile and a half! with a 5 year old, that's like a marathon.

with two 2 year olds, it's NBD. especially if you stick them in the jogger

and hand them a giant ziploc of popcorn.

my awesomely amazing man stayed home from work one day this week

to till up our entire front yard, which was nothing but dandelions.

i am pinning garden ideas like a crazy lady.

blinged out nails and an iced americano. it's just how i do things.

(actual truth: my nail polish is almost always chipped and sad.)

somehow my child found scissors (how? i can never find them. ever.) and cut up the elbow of my favorite jacket. hence, very trendy (?) diy elbow patches.

yep, that's how i felt about it, too, buddy.

stay away from the scissors.

linking up for instafriday with jeanett! join us?