Happy Memorial Day Weekend

Summer Plans

I'm starting to prepare for the summer season. I have a few things I hope to accomplish this summer but mostly I want to enjoy it. It seems the past few years I have been super busy and before I know it the summer ends. Here's my summer plans.

1.) I have a three trips planned out this season.
2.) I'm going to read two books I've purchased but haven't cracked open yet.
3.) I'm planning on taking advantage of the new frozen yogurt shop.
4.) I'm going to hit a few garage sales.
5.) I'm going to get together with old friends for dinner.
6.) I'm going to take advantage of the Farmer's Market.
7.) I want to visit a few local museums.
8.) Go hiking in nearby National Parks.
9.) Go to the beach.
10.) Clean and organize our garage.

How would you like to spend your summer?

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Bread Making Mama

I've been trying to stay focused on eating healthier. I even have my husband staying on track this time. We've been shopping at the Farmer's Markets and health food stores. I love this time of year because all the fresh produce that's available. It's easy to find meats, fruits, and veggies but not so easy to find healthy breads. I read an article on all those horrible preservatives they use in breads that line the shelves at the grocery stores. It scared the dickn's out of me. I'm currently looking to make my own whole grain bread but don't know where to start. I have read several reviews on bread makers but I really would love some advice from someone who is experienced in the bread making area. Any suggestions?

Piggly Wiggly

Well, I'm supposing y'all are interested in hearing where we ended up on our little venture out. We headed out on Mother's Day weekend and ended up stopping in Natchez, Mississippi.

If y'all haven't been to Natchez you're really missing out. It's gorgeous and is full of history. We shopped at the little boutiques, dined on Southern cuisine, and drooled over the historical homes. It was a beautiful weekend.

We didn't stop there. We decided to head down the Natchez Trace. Again, beautiful scenery. The Natchez Trace is also full of history. Some of the greatest people in our American history have traveled down the beaten path of Natchez Trace. It starts in Mississippi and runs all the way through Tennessee. I've never had the opportunity to drive the entire thing but it's a wonderful drive if you're in the area. We couldn't have asked for better weather and more perfect weekend to take our adventurous road trip.

We ended up in Jackson, Mississippi. Since we were only a few hours away we figured we would go check on some property we have outside of Jackson. Jackson is the capital city of the magnolia state and really laid back. The people in Jackson are so nice. I enjoy visiting Jackson when we come through. My mother-in-law is from Mississippi so my husband has family all through the state.

One of my favorite things about Mississippi is the shopping at the local Piggly Wiggly. Yup, they still have Piggly Wiggly. I make my husband stop at the Pig everytime we are in town. I love Piggly Wiggly. My BFF's (back in Austin) dad owned several Piggly Wiggly's in Texas. This was years ago but he still has Piggly Wiggly memorabilia around his house. I actually have a Piggly Wiggly t-shirt that I sometimes wear on the weekends. Oh my, you should see how people react to it. People will stop me in stores, restaurants, or on the walking trails and ask me, "where in the South are you from?" The Pig, it's a Southern thing y'all.

Weekend drive

I know it's been awhile since my last post. I apologize. Life has been pretty crazy over at our house. Nothing really exciting to report but just busy with everyday life stuff, working on the yards, cleaning the garage, playing with new recipes, running errands, hosted a dinner party, church activities, etc... Perhaps now I can finally sit down and catch up with y'all.

My husband has been working a lot of hours lately. He had a huge account and managed to successfully complete it. Things are really getting busy and before he starts his next account we've decided to get away this weekend to the country. We are taking a mini road trip. I'm really excited because we are taking an entirely new route and I get to see a whole new region of the state I haven't explored before.

Back when we were newlyweds we use to go on road trips to the mountains in California. We wouldn't know where we were staying but packed a small weekend bag. I would also pack a picnic lunch in a cooler and we'd hit the open road. We had the best time and met so many fantastic people. Oh the cute little towns we'd come across. Sometimes we'd find an adorable bed and breakfast. Last year we explored the Ozarks and ended up staying at little cottage in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It was fun.

Who knows where we'll end up. We leave early in the morning. I have a new dress that will be perfect for the country. Thank goodness for cell phones. Don't forget to call your mom this weekend!

Wonderful weekend

I just can't get over how beautiful the neighborhood looks. Al the flowers and trees are in full bloom. I've been spending more time in my flowerbeds this season too. Last year we moved to Houston right in the middle of spring so I wasn't prepared. It has taken me almost an entire year to just get everything situated. I'm so happy that this year I have time to plant beautiful flowers and set up the patio.

My husband and I've been do some business travel this week so I'm anxious to spend the weekend just playing in the yards. You should see my Azaleas. They are absolutely gorgeous. I just wish they would last all through the summer. Of course they won't but I did find some other plants that are going to last all season. I'll take pictures this weekend and share with y'all.



So much has happened this past month. We celebrated my hubby's 40th B-Day. Yes, my husband is now officially 40. We drove over to San Antonio where we met up with our dear friends from Austin. My friend's hubby's B-Day is the day before my hubby's so it was a birthday weekend. During the trip we had a chance to tour the missions (we've wanted to do that for years). They are so beautiful and I'm so glad we finally broke down and went on the tour. It was the perfect weekend too. The weather was fantastic. I don't ever remember being in San Antonio with such lovely weather.

Last weekend my new furniture was finally delivered. Well, let me rephrase that. My living room set was finally delivered. I've been waiting for over a month. It looks fabulous. I can't believe the difference it has made. I'm so happy with our decision.

Sunday was Easter and my husband purchased me a new computer. I'm typing from it right now. It's so awesome and my other computer was soooo slow. Our neighbors across the street invited us over to a BBQ. Not just any BBQ but a Texas BBQ (smoke brisket and all). My neighbor is really into it and researches rubs and so on. I can't tell you how awesome the food is. I live on a street full of fantastic neighbors. They are always cooking food for us. No wonder I'm having a hard time losing weight, LOL.

This weekend we are planning on working in the yards. I'm heading down town to visit another friend from Austin for lunch. She's in for the afternoon. Sometime this weekend we are planning on driving up to the country "Hill Country" and taking pictures of the bluebonnets. They are so beautiful this time of year. I'll be sure to post some pictures when I get back.

Gotta run! Have a wonderful weekend............

Benefit Cosmetics

I love makeup. I remember being a little girl and sneaking lip gloss and a tiny bit of blush on my cheeks. I begged my mom to let me wear it in the 5th grade. Of course she said no. I had to wait to the 7th grade before I was allowed to wear eyeliner and mascara. Ever since....I've been hooked. I have an entire cart (yes, I said cart) dedicated to makeup. It's one of those plastic carts on wheels that I have organized my eye shadows, lipsticks, and other products. If there was a fire I would roll it out first, LOL. I'm always trying different shades of lipsticks and eye shadows. Lately, I've been loving Benefit Cosmetics. They have wonderful shades for Spring. And they have adorable accessories. Just look at this cute lipstick case. Totally cute!