Don't sweat the small stuff

I'm a worrier.  A basketcase.  I lose my shit over some pretty trivial things.  I own that, it's just who I am.

Today, I read for the first time Bennet's story and I am realizing I'm an asshole.  Things like that really put life into perspective do they not?

I'm blessed to have a messy house, sticky floors, endless laundry, a demanding baby with a pretty quick temper and a six year old who knows everything.
It's hard to justify being pissed about Steve leaving something on the counter or Liam dumping sand out on the carpet when there are families out there fighting for their baby's life.  Mom's who wish for a cluttered living room and bedtime stories and cuddles in the morning.

 If I'm being honest, a lot of times I forget how truly blessed I am.  My kids are healthy, Steve adores us, we have a nice house in a nice neighborhood and yes, we've had a few setbacks, and it can be difficult living off of one income, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

Sometimes I need to be reminded not to take things for granted.  To read stories with Liam at night rather than watch Full House reruns.  To not let the little things bring me down.

My Paradise

There's nothing better than getting in some good, quality family time.  With L in school and Steve's crazy long hours at work, it's sometimes difficult for us to line up time during the day to spend together. 

Liam wanted to practice "archering" so we packed up our blanket and headed down to the park.

Not looking forward to our 115+ temps coming here real soon.

Proud Mama

About a month ago we had our family pictures done.

We probably should have waited until J was a little bigger and could sit on his own, but I think they turned out great just the same.

Thank you so much Stesha Jordan, we will cherish these photos for a lifetime!

Birthday Boy

April 24 marks the day my wonderful Steve turns 46. 

Yesterday we took a drive out through Casa Grande, Sacaton, & Florence.

I used to take long drives with no destination at least twice a week before I met

Steve.  Looks like I have a new cruising partner ;)

After our mini photo-op we headed home and got ready for dinner at a nice little 

place on Mill Ave,  Caffe Boa.

I wish I would have gotten pictures of the food, unfortunately I didn't have a buzz on yet, 

and was embarrassed to pull out my huge camera (I left my phone in the car).

Delicious.  I had the lasagna, Steve ordered gnocchi. 

Such a good day, and the company wasn't half bad either. 

Stitch Fix Review 1

I'm sure by now you've all heard about Stitch Fix.  It's a monthly (or however often you please) personal styling service "of accessibly priced items directly to doors across the US."  They handpick pieces for an individual based on a comprehensive style profile taken upon signing up.  You're free to update the profile as tastes change, and it really goes into depth on what you like/dislike.  For instance, I requested no paisley print, no earrings and no yellow items.  

There's usually a wait period before you can sign up (not too long, I think I waited a little over a week) but basically you pay a $20 styling fee per box, and that $20 is applied to any items you end up keeping.  If you decide to keep the entire box you not only have that $20 credit, you'll receive 25% off the order, and trust me, it's difficult not to want the entire box haha.

Here's what I got in my first Stitch Fix box

Blouse - Stitch Fix/Shorts - F21/Sandals - Kohl's/Jewelry - F21

So, I kept the coral capris (being 5'1 it's reeeeally hard finding pants that hit the right length) but sent everything else back.  I LOVED the floral blouse in the first photos, but at $50 thought I could find something similar elsewhere for less money.  Same goes for the black tab-sleeve blouse ($60).  The necklace was $58 so that went back as well. 

Overall, my experience was a positive one.  I did check the "the cheaper the better" option for everything, so I'm not sure if they have anything less than $50, but I hope so!  I'm excited to see what my next Stitch Fix holds!  If you do want to try it out, clicking this link will give me a $25 credit and would be much appreciated ;)

Spring Decor Inspiration

"Spring" in Arizona is a strange thing.  It lasts about two weeks then moves on to sweltering 115+ temps.

Steve is what you could call a "man's man".  He's big, bearded, rides a Harley and would eat steak daily if I'd agree to it.  That being said, our home decor is currently pretty dark.  Dark brown couches, dark coffee table/end tables, black photo frames etc.
Come to think of it, my closet has been the same way.  Blacks, navys and neutrals.

Well something woke up inside of me and I've been loving the bright pastels and prints I'm seeing in spring fashion and home decor.  So if I had it my way, my living room would look like this:

Living Room Inspiration by amberoutnumbered on Polyvore



What colors are you loving this spring??

Pork Tenderloin & Herb Marinade

Well, I wasn't really thinking there would be anything spectacular about this so I didn't take any preparation pictures, but after eating it last night I had to share.

Pork tenderloin can be a tricky thing to make.  It either comes out undercooked or tough and overcooked.  Not good, my friends.

Here's a quick herb marinade I whipped up which left the tenderloin moist, juicy, and flavorful!

(Feel free to substitute dried herbs for fresh, just halve the amount)

Ingredients

• 1 cup lemon juice (fresh if possible)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (I used 4, but we're crazy about garlic.)
• 1 tbsp minced fresh rosemary leaves
• 1.5 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves 
• salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients, whisk and pour in a gallon ziploc bag.  Marinate pork for at least 6-8 hours.

(Overnight is preferable, but I let it sit for only 8 hours and it was still delicious)

In a medium skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil on medium high, then brown all sides of the tenderloin.

Remove to a roasting pan and cook on 350 degrees until internal temperature of pork is about 135-140 degrees (roughly 30 minutes) turning the tenderloin over once halfway through cooking time.

Remove pan from oven and place pork on a cutting board.  Cover with foil until it reaches an internal temp of 145-150 degrees, slice and serve.  Pork might be a little pink in the center, but is perfectly safe to eat.

Made with these scalloped potatoes.