A little piece of paradise

What a gorgeous Sunday it is today in BEAUTIFUL Fort Smith. I'm pretty much a weary traveler today, all thanks to a nice drive home from Lake Ouachita, and I feel like I'm under utilizing this fantastically beautiful Sunday, but there was unpacking and cleaning to do, I'm in dyer need of a steaming hot bath {we worked hard this weekend!} and prep for the work week ahead. 

This week was a particularly amazing one, albeit busy as usual. I've been anxiously prepping my closet for all the new spring and summer "must haves," and I've been trying to find places to wear these new outfits for their debut! ;)

I wanted to show you a quick recap of my week, along with a quick not so quick photo segment on our happy place at Lake Ouachita. Sometimes it's nice to just get away from the normal and spend a weekend somewhere else {but never underestimate the magnificent feeling you get when you finally come home.}

And away we go...

How amazing it was to get onto my Instagram and see that I had won a weekend for two to New Orleans from my favorite boutique of ALL TIME, Suite One. I am so blessed and so lucky. I've said it before and I'll say it again: It's always a good idea to Shop Suite One. 

It was a beautiful day on Monday, and I got the pleasure of going golfing with 6 of my favorite guys! {Yes, I just sat around in the golf cart and had a few drinks...but it was still a great time!} 

Sleepytime silly time with my fabulous husband. Have I mentioned lately how blessed I am? I found my person. 

Here we are again, about to go into Charles' first RCIA class for becoming Catholic. So proud of this man and of our family!

A storm was brewing, taking over the sun and moving into town. I love the first storm of the season.

WARNING: The following segment is completely lengthy. If you don't feel like seeing a bunch of nature pictures from the lake, please tune out {or skip to the bottom, fast forwarding is completely acceptable!} 

Footsie with the husband on a stormy night at the lake... <3 

Sunrise on Ouachita

My handsome started working Saturday morning around 7am to get some chores done around the lake house. Unfortunately he had a bit of a chainsaw accident and got a pretty nasty cut on his finger...we are fortunate it wasn't worse than it was! 

I took this photo Friday evening when I arrived..it was starting to rain, but the view was stunning!

Sunrise!

Burning the some excess limbs 

Our happy place

FOG! How gorgeous is this?!

Where is your "happy place?" This is absolutely one of mine, but I have a few happy places here in town. For example, Suite One, Sephora, Target, and most importantly, sitting cuddled up with two puppies and a handsome husband.

There's a lot of spring like activities coming up that I am looking forward to. Floating {although we need a few more good rainy days}, backyard barbecues, drinks on the patio, the Rib Room opening up for concerts and events {and amazing ribs..}, and so much more. Stay tuned in the middle of this week for my segment on spring must haves and outfit ideas for whatever spring activity you might come across! I'm rather looking forward to that post...I might {if you're lucky} throw in a few of my favorite spring recipes that are easy to whip up for a last minute cookout you get invited to.

I hope all of you are completely embracing this spring weather and doing what makes you happy. I feel like we would all be happier if we stopped worrying about how other people perceived us and just let ourselves be happy. I feel a little better and a little brighter every time that spring rolls around, and I hope you feel the same. Go out and do whatever it is that puts a smile on your face!

"Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier"

Intonation

And we're back. Happy Sunday, my friends =) What has gone on in your weeks? Unfortunately I don't have a whole lot to report back. I've been in kind of a funk this week...a busy at work, lots to do at home, feel moody, sore muscles, all around funk. Honestly I'm not sure where this weird funk came from --it was a gorgeous week, warm weather, sunny..a textbook "Be happy!" week. Honestly I sensed that Charles felt the same way this week. Here's hoping that the upcoming week will turn out a little better. 

Anyhow, I still managed to do a few productive things, such as meeting new friends {{everyone check out Channel 5's new meteorologist Shelby Hays--she's wonderful!!}}

Here's a little highlight of the week..

Sorry for the instagram photo, I accidentally deleted the original! Charles had a particularly awful Monday, so I wanted to treat him to something special. He had mentioned a few weeks prior that he wished he had a pair of chaco's {all his friends had them..} So after work, I ran to The Woodsman and picked him up a pair! Everyone needs a sweet little something every once and awhile. I also picked up a little tub of Ben & Jerry's, because even guys need ice cream to cheer them up!

Tuesday we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and get the sweet babies out for a walk around the neighborhood. They had a blast! I would love to make it a nightly ritual. 

Friday afternoon was a bit dreary and grey in anticipation of an incoming storm, and Charles decided to burn a few twigs in the backyard. So I grabbed a beer, took off my shoes, and sat under the dreary sky, smelling nothing but fire and the smell of anticipated rain, feeling the cool breeze, and watching the dogs play. I swear I could have sat out there forever and had a barefoot, blue jean night {&& I could have listened to Jake Owen as well :D}

Since I myself was feeling a little down in the dumps all week and Charles went to the lake to work on the boat speakers, I spoiled myself and bought the Naked 3 pallet. I LOVE it already, it has the perfect colors for blue eyes!

Just in case you wanted to see the sky on Friday night when Charles and I sat in the backyard, here it was. Isn't it gorgeous? I couldn't resist to snap a quick photo!

SEE!? I told you that I could have a short photo section. 

Since we have both had an abnormal week, where we weren't at the top of our game and we were both a bit on edge, we weren't exactly the most pleasant of people to be around. I feel guilty for that, I know that when I'm in a bad mood I can be quite the pill to swallow. Sometimes, you just have to spend some time along to truly realize how much you enjoy being around someone. I'd take a grumpy, moody, irritable Charles over no Charles any day of the week, and I have a hunch that he feels exactly the same way. 

I was chit chatting with a co-worker and a friend a few days ago, and we were talking about tone of voice and how people have different reactions to them. For example, if someone talks to me in an angered or forceful tone of voice, I immediately shut down and quit listening to what they way. I don't want to hear it, and I am too busy planning out my response to ever truly get anything resolved. 

Interesting...

Upon realizing that this is how I react to moodiness, I took a look back and realized, "wow..too often I let my emotions dictate my tone of voice, and it has never resolved a problem." The past few days I have really been trying to take this food for thought to heart. If you have to have a discussion with a friend, a family member, a husband, a wife, a co-worker, you need to be mindful to use your tone of voice in an understanding and non-angered tone. 

I have often heard that relationships with family, friends, husbands, girlfriends, parents, and the like are similar to houses. Just because a lightbulb goes out doesn't mean you're going to go buy a new house. You're going to fix or replace the lightbulb.

"Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder"

Where to begin..

Happy Sunday, friends!

We had a pretty eventful, yet uneventful week {if that even makes sense..} Although it was mainly spent working, going to the gym, and cleaning house, we had a few events that made the week quite interesting! 

The biggest take away from the week was the fact that my wonderful and sweet husband got accepted into the RCIA program at a local Catholic church. Yes, friends, he is converting! I'm so thrilled for him, and cannot wait to be a part of this journey with him. He has asked that I be his sponsor, and I couldn't be more thankful and feel so special. Congratulations to Charles!

The weekend was mainly where all the fun began, so let's start there, shall we?!

Friday night we had homemade sushi night at our house. We usually do this once a year {on a Friday during Lent} but we are thinking about having a "fall version" this year. We had too much fun. I did not have as much fun on Saturday morning, however, as I think we managed to use every last dish that we own and I had loads upon loads of dishes to do! 

Saturday was fairly uneventful -- gym, took a nap {ahh it was wonderful}, and out to dinner with my lovey and to pub crawl! I had never been to our local pub crawl, so we decided to go out this year. We really didn't get to "crawl" though, because it was a rainy, windy, cold mess! We went to one bar and stayed put. It was PACKED as can be, but we had a blast. It was a much needed night out. We were tucked into bed safe and sound by 11:30, and fell asleep with the window open, listening to the pouring rain and smelling the cold air and the rain. Needless to say, I slept peacefully last night. 

Today Charles and I went to introduce him to the priest who will be guiding him through the RCIA process, and then we took my brother to lunch. After some cleaning around the house, I decided to get a little "blogging" in before I head to the gym and then to my parents for family dinner. Honestly, all I want is a nap...hmm..maybe I can sneak in a half hour or so before the gym...we shall see!


Pictures, pictures, pictures..

Friday was "pi" day {{3/14}} so I brought some friends at work little mini pie's! I'm nerdy and I know it. 

Part of our "sushi bar"

Doesn't it look amazing? It tasted that way as well

A few of our guests for sushi night

The brother in law creating his sushi!

My sister and my husband creeping in the background

"make your own sushi creation"

My sister even made homemade lo mein to go with the sushi!

I wanted to make individual cups of spicy mayo for the guests, and decided to have a little photo fun while I was working on it!

My sweet, handsome husband and I at dinner on Saturday

Sorry for the bluriness! We were in the dark

Just a view of the bar we went to, all decked out for pub crawl!

Some photo fun with my honey!

We didn't even notice the photobomber in the background

Before we went out!

My handsome all dressed up to meet the priest. What a stud muffin. 

This week should be a pretty tame one, at work and otherwise. I'm rather looking forward to that, and looking forward to getting a little extra time in at the gym. Lake season is in two months people, let's put a little bit of pep in our step and get into lake shape. Not only will you look better, but you will feel better as well, I can personally guarantee that. Just get motivated to make a personal lifestyle change.

"If you change nothing, nothing will change"

A weekend well spent

Happy Sunday, blog friends!

As anticipated, we got another batch of ice and sleet last Sunday/Monday, but luckily it melted off and warmed up as quickly as the snow came. Win for Fort Smith, loss for Fayetteville! Since it's warmed up so quickly and looks as if it will be staying that way for the foreseeable future {I said foreseeable...}, I thought it might be a good idea to take down my "winter-ish" home decorations and spruce up this place for spring. Nothing like changing decor to make your place look brand spankin' new and change your mood.

I realize that this is when I would usually tell you all about my week, but honestly this week was just like last week..went to work, came home, cleaned the house, cooked dinner, went to sleep, and repeat. I will, however, include my photo segment from the week, so there's that to look forward to...

Here is my rather lengthy "photo highlight" section from the week! They say a picture's worth a thousand words...but I have a thousand pictures. Ironic..

Such a sweet friend got me these incredibly adorable re-freezable ice cubes in the shapes of diamonds, and I couldn't wait to test them out! Of course I put them in a glass of white wine. I had "diamonds in my glass" and I loved every second! Thank you, sweet Kimi!

If you know me at all, you know that I like   am obsessed with a local boutique here in Fort Smith, Suite One. If you live around these parts and haven't been, bless your heart and shame on you. They celebrated their 3rd birthday with a Mardi Gras theme on Tuesday night, and of course I had to drop by. It was also HAIR DAY, and if you're a girl, you understand how much hair day means. 

I'm sure you are already aware, but Bud Light came out with their newest Lime-A-Rita flavors. They already have Lime-A-Rita, Straw-ber-rita, Cran-brrrrr-ita {limited winter edition}, and they just added Mango-Rita and Rasp-ber-rita..so naturally I had to go get both of the new flavors and try them out. A little sugary I would have to say, but delicious nevertheless. 

For all of you religious types out there, you know that Wednesday was Ash Wednesday...and for all of you Catholics out there who went to Catholic school like I did, you know that comparing your ash crosses is something that must be done. Clearly my ash cross was better than Charles' ash cross. 

Remember my sweet bridesmaid Angela? Well it was her birthday on Thursday, so of course I had to take her to lunch and celebrate! Ignore the awful picture of me. 

This had to be the highlight of my week. You all know how long I have been waiting for Abita Strawberry to come out this season {seasonal drinks...ugh} and it finally came back! Words cannot even express how happy I am. I picked up two of them...and will probably be back for more within a few days. I cannot express my love for this particular beer. Go try it, like yesterday. 

So you know how excited I was on Saturday to find that Abita Strawberry was back, and then lo and behold I stumble across this beautiful vision. The local Gyro stand {only in town for the spring and for the fair in the fall} is back! Needless to say that Charles and I indulged in a gyro as soon as we saw this. What a great Saturday, albeit a little gloomy in the afternoon. 

Friday night {yes I know, my pictures aren't in order...forgive me?} Charles and I went to a fish fry with my parents and had an absolute blast. We can't have meat on Fridays during lent, so it was a nice treat to get out of the house and spend some time with family. 

After the fish fry, Charles had some buddies over and made a fire in the backyard in the fire pit. He stayed up until about 2am...I stayed up until about 10pm..I'm an early bird, not a night owl. Can't change that! 

This little beauty is from this morning. Charles' got some deer meat from his boss {thanks, LeAnn!} so Charles requested that I used some of it to make my famous deer jerky! Well, my beef jerky is famous...this is my first "deer jerky" attempt, but I'm sure it will work out similarly. Not all the ingredients are pictured..wouldn't you like to know the secret ingredients? Maybe someday, but that day is not today. 

After I got a workout in on Saturday, I set off to run my one million errands that I had planned for the day, since we haven't consistently been in town as of late. You'll be pleased to hear that I shopped all day and didn't buy one single item of clothing. I know. I'm as shocked as you are. I was on a mission for home decor items for spring! I thought it would be fun to show you how a decorated. I still have some more to do, but here is my start! 

I was pleased to see that Ross had their Grand opening yesterday, so I decided to stop in and check it out. I love stores like this, such great prices and such unique things! I always recommend checking your local Ross or TJ Maxx first, you never know what you might end up with! I found some great pieces. 

The damage. Ross, Kirkland's, Bath and Body Works..

I stopped into my local Bath and Body Works, because you sometimes underestimate the power of changing out your soaps and candles. I was still burning my winter candles and using my winter hand soaps in our bathroom, the guest bathroom, the kitchen, etc. It just made me feel like "winter" if that makes any sense. It was time to put out the new items. LOOK at the new packaging on the BBW hand soaps. I died. I'm loving them! Now, don't be mistaken, just because you buy new hand soaps and candles doesn't mean you have to throw away the old ones. You don't have to use a hand soap or candle until it's gone completely. I have all of my fall and winter candles still in a little utility closet, along with all of my hand soaps, even if they had been slightly used. That way, I can use those up first next year and I already have them on hand. Don't waste things, but don't go through summer using your winter soaps and candles, either.

 Hooray for some new spring candles! Y'all, don't underestimate the power of a good candle to change the mood of a room. I'm burning Aloha Waikiki right now, and I feel like spring has absolutely sprung in the Alley Household, even though it's slightly cloudy and a little bit chilly outside. I highly recommend the BBW 3-wick candles. Of all the candles I have tried {and believe me, that's a TON, let me tell ya}, these are by far my favorite and most purchased. They are a bit pricey, at $20 a candle, but here's my tip of the day: Sign up for BBW emails! The 3-wick candles are constantly going on a "2 for $22" sale, and they email you every time they do. I plan my BBW trips around these sales, because I think $20 a candle is too pricey. Not only that, but take the surveys on the bottom of your receipt. I take them every time. They take about 5 minutes, if that, and they give you a coupon for $10 off your next purchase, and the coupon never expires. I have about 4 of these coupons right now because I fill out the survey every time I go. So I got all four of those candles for $30, which is the normal price of 1.5 candles. Shop smart and get more for your money!

I thought it would be fun to share a bit of how I decorated yesterday! Again, I am not finished, but this is my "start to spring" preview for you. 

On the top, I have a picture of my mantle. I placed a cute blue votive holder up {I already had this on hand from months ago}, an adorable owl that I found at Ross for about $5, a Mason jar wrapped in burlap and decorated with a sweet pink and white burlap bow with flowers placed inside from Kirklands {I believe for about $9.99 at kirklands} and an adorable multi-colored candle stick from Ross {$9.99}..and I haven't found a candle for that one yet. Hmm..

On the middle lines of the collage, I have several things! {From left to right}

Box 1: An Easter table runner given to me by my mom last year that we placed on our Kitchen table, with a cute bowl I found at Ross yesterday {$3.99!}. I filled the bowl with a bag of cute, sparkly Easter eggs from Kirklands for about two dollars...and it looks like I might need another bag..

Box 2: We replaced our "A" wreath on the front door with this adorable bunny! $14.99 at Kirkland's. 

Box 3: I replaced the hearts that I had hanging from the back door with a cute burlap carrot {Kirkland's for I believe about 6 dollars..}, I replaced the cute pink rug I had with this patterned rug {Kirklands, $6.98}, and I also replaced the light up twigs in the vase in the corner with these spring like flowers, but I think I need a few more...ideas. 

The bottom box is right by my oven! I replaced the darker mat with this cute patterned mat from Kirklands {$6.98} and got these cute spring colored microfiber hand towels from Ross for about $2! I also purchased a cute easter egg spoon holder for when I'm cooking, but it couldn't fit into the picture, and some spring oven mitts {since Charles destroyed mine somehow on Friday night..I think he caught it on fire while outside...sigh, husbands}

I hope you all are getting into the spring spirit. Here's hoping for warmer days, float trips, sunshine, and friends! 

"A weekend well spent brings a week of content!"