Lately I have been obsessed with the color turquoise.  For some reason this color keeps calling my name. It’s bright but calming at the same time. It reminds me of the ocean, the sky, the color of someone’s eyes all mixed into one. Seeing this color occur naturally in nature confirms my belief of a loving and creative God. If only my dear friend would finish knitting my turquoise scarf before spring gets here (Hint. Hint.)  If you don’t know what I am talking about, take a look at this…

Source: flickr.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Holly on Pinterest

Ok, I'll stop. What color is making you happy right now?
 
Although February has been a very nice and peaceful month (besides the puppy chewing off the plug to our vacuum) I have to share how excited I am for the month of March! First my fellow Katniss fans, is the release of The Hunger Games on March 23rd. I will be there at midnight with the hubby and can’t wait to tell you all about it! I have already ordered my Mockingjay t-shirt and citizen ID pass for the premiere. Yes I am a geek. Second, The Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond, will be doing a book signing at a local Barnes and Noble.  If you don’t know who this funny, talented, smart and creative lady is, you must check out her website.  www.thepioneerwoman.com When I read her blog, I feel as if I am reading that of a good friend. She recently started her own Food Network show, but I don’t want her to get too popular because I want to keep her all to myself! And she is ooh soo funny to boot and shares lots of giveaways! In honor of her,  I will also be having a very special giveaway in March, so you must check back frequently!   I love book signings (giveaway hint hint.) Have you ever been to one? If you could choose one of the books below to win, which one would it be? Do you have any fun things you are looking forward to in March? If not, it’s time to find something…find something that will get you out of the house and excited about life!
 
As a child who was pretty quiet and an adult who still gets ran over by talkative outgoing types in a conversation, this book, "Quite, The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain caught my interest. So far it has confirmed my thoughts on how we have come from what the book terms "a culture of character" to "a culture of personality," with the loudest voice getting the most attention and admiration, even if what that voice is saying isn't true. I am still finishing it up but highly reccomend it to both my friends who can stand to stay home alone and enjoy the quiet as well as those who need the noise to function. It is a great read on what our society values and how many important and vital thoughts can get lost in all that noise. And in honor of Quiet, I am posting some pictures from Pinterest that come to mind when I hear that word...Quiet.

Source: google.it via Holly on Pinterest

 
Happy Valentine’s Day my sweethearts! You don’t have to be in love to have fun on this wonderful day! Paint your nails pink, color in a coloring book, wear a read scarf, adore the bodies of men…but first and foremost, love yourself! 

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your
love and affection."

— Buddha
 
For fun, I made some crunch mix for my co-workers. I have put this recipe on the blog before, but it is so easy and yummy, I thought I would post it again. You can make it for just about any holiday, using different colored M&M’s.  
Pull one large sheet of waxed paper abd lay on counter top.
In large bowl, mix:
3 cups of Rice Chex cereal
3 cups of Corn Chex cereal
1-2 cups of cashews
2 cups of small pretzels
(All ingredients can be more or less to your liking.)
Melt one package of white chocolate candy coating per package directions.
Pour coating over mixed ingredients. Gently stir to coat.
Add 1 bag of M&M’s, stirring gently to coat and mix.
Pour contents out on wax paper. Let cool completely. Break off in to pieces and store. 
I simply put them in zip lock bags, wrapped some red ribbon from Christmas around them and voila!
 
I had heard rave reviews of this book and even bought it for my dad for Christmas but I am having a hard time getting into it. I keep pushing on. I'll let you know if I decide to continue. Has anyone else read this and what did you think?
 
I've crossed another thing off my Year of Turning 40 To-do List but it is something I won't share here...tee..hee..I am sure that's got your mind racing! Anyhoo...I found this great blog written by a local girl who comes up with the most-cutest-outfits-ever from thrift store finds.  Check her out here http://thriftandshout.blogspot.com/ I have been feeling super creative latley, trying to create new outfits from the clothes I already have and wanting to redesign my whole house. Ugg...wouldn't it be nice to have a whole lotta money! I think within the next couple of weeks I'll hit the Humane Society Re-Store and Ikea. I am really looking for a good, strong craft table for my Chic Den, so I can get my crafty craft on! Meanwhile, here are some outfit inspirations from Pinterst. Feel free to follow me! (You can tell by the pics below that I really like jeans...I wish I could wear jeans everyday to work!)