Solo Beach Day

My husband left yesterday for a business trip to Arizona for three days; so what’s a better way than to start my solo weekend at the beach.  Although I will miss his company I am excited to have some time for just me. I have been working quite a bit lately; although I love every second of it, I feel like I need to give myself a little break and relax. This couldn’t have come at a better time.

This morning I slept in and took my time drinking my coffee and reading the paper. It was so nice not having any commitments or places I needed to be. I actually read the whole paper AND did the crossword puzzle.

When I got to the beach I found a quiet corner all to myself. I laid my blanket down and just sat and listened to the waves. I found myself slip into a meditative state, since Tai-Chi I find it much easier to find peace and really let go. My breaths matched the waves crashing in, calming my body and relaxing. I hadn’t felt this at peace for a while.

After I was done, I began reading a book Clara brought home for me. It was an old romance novel she thought I would like; and of course I did. It felt like I hadn’t had time to just sit and read for ages. It was good to not only lose myself in the calmness of the ocean but in the book as well.

To make the day even better, my menopausal symptoms cooperated and didn’t make me a sweaty mess. When I relax, focus on the present, and maintain a healthy lifestyle I feel so much better and feel my body taking steps in the right direction.

Sitting by the ocean listening to the wave’s crash made me forget all my worries and reflect on what makes me happy and everything I am grateful for. I think everyone needs a day to themselves every now and again.

When I allow myself to have a day to do nothing, I acknowledge the positives in my life and create a better environment for myself and my family. This is going to be a much needed relaxing weekend to myself.

“Turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream.” –John Lennon

Until Next Time,

Nancy

Full House for Spring Break

It feels like it has been so long since both the kids were at home; it has been almost 3 months and that is a long time for a mother.  I am so happy to have Bobby at home this week for spring break and Clara was also able to get 4 days off of work this week to come home.  I want to make the time together with both the kids home.  I planned a couple things I want to do and am sure Bobby and Clara will have things to do too; like go grocery shopping with me… 🙂

Bobby really wanted to go on spring break with his friends but he didn’t budget his money well, no surprise for a college freshman.  So instead, I decided I am going to make his spring break and Clara’s days off a “stay-cation” at home.
I planned a few things but Bobby had a few plans of his own.  It sounds childish but Bobby totally loved the idea, we are going to help set up tents in our backyard and he invited a bunch of his friends from high school over for a cook-out and “camping” trip.  I am going grill burgers, brats, and they are going to roast s’mores.  Nothing gets better than s’mores. 🙂 I don’t know where Bobby got the idea to camp in the backyard but I think it is a great idea and I get to see his old friends too.
      

Other than camping with his friends, I am sure Bobby will be attached to his video games for a good portion of the week.  I don’t know how someone can play the same games so many times.  While Bobby is attached to his gaming system, I want to take Clara shopping so she can help me pick out some new clothes for spring and summer and so I can treat her to some new clothes too.  Clara has always loved to shop and now that I have learned to love it too, I am sure it is going to be a blast!  A mother daughter day at the mall is much needed.

I also want to go out to dinner as a family on Friday night.  We always used to go to this restaurant in the neighboring town and we haven’t been there is so long.  We are due for some delicious food.
We are lucky enough to live in a state that people come for spring break.  Our “stay-cation” is going to be a great week of relaxation and family time.

Happy Spring Break!
Until Next Time,
Nancy

Wedding Decorations

This past weekend I had the opportunity to make floral arrangements and help decorate for one of the most precious wedding I have ever seen.  The couple was so sweet and had an incredibly special day.  I learned so much and had a blast making arrangements, bouquets, and boutonnière’s.

The couple had themed their wedding with lots of bright spring colors and lively plants.  They also choose to a unique flare to add to their flowers with feather accents and old costume broaches for added for sparkle.  I don’t know where she got all her ideas but they were absolutely incredible.

The bride’s bouquet was unlike anything I have ever seen.  It was so much fun assisting my boss create it for her.  She used pink peonies and added white feathers and a broach to it.  It was the most unique and beautiful bouquet I have ever seen.  Her husband’s boutonnière was also accented with a white feather.  The subtitle beauty of the feather and broach added so much elegance and glamour.

I created what I believe is my best work yet.  I worked on two of the center pieces, one of them was pink and the other one was yellow.  The bride gave me direction of what she wanted but gave me the freedom of creativity.  She wanted each centerpiece to be special and unique.  I absolutely love my two centerpieces and so did she.  I actually surprised myself with how great they turned out.  It was fun making such a bright loud arrangement.  It wasn’t hard to smile the entire time creating it because the bright flowers radiated happiness; good pick on the bride and grooms part. 🙂

I really enjoy working alongside my boss at this wedding.  She continues to teach me so much every time we begin a project.  She was very pleased with my work at the wedding and invited me to do a few events with her in the upcoming months.  Of course I said yes, after this wedding I think I prefer events over daily arrangements.  I enjoy working with someone to create their floral dreams a reality.  There was something about making wedding arrangements that brings romantic emotions.  I left feeling like it was my wedding night again.

It has only been a few months since I began creating floral arrangements but I have grown so much as a floral designer.  I hope to continue learning and getting better.  I really think I found my passion.

Until next time,

Nancy

Surprise Dinner

I love when my husband surprises me with little romantic gestures.  When I got home from the floral shop this evening, I walked into the house and he had dinner almost ready, candles lit, dinner table set, a single rose, and an envelope waiting for me on the table.

He really went all out, putting our Valentine’s Day dinner to shame. 🙂 He set the ambiance in the room with romantic lighting, actually put our nice tablecloth on the table, used our “fancy” silverware, and had my favorite CD playing.  He knows how to set the perfect mood.

Of course he pulled out all the stops and made me my favorite sea food dinner.  (I had been wanting it so bad lately, he knew it would be a great surprise for me)  He always concocts delicious flavors from recipes by adding his own “pizazz” to make them better.  He made roasted shrimp cocktail, baked flounder with roasted tomatoes, AND angel food cake with strawberries and raspberries.  It was seriously one of the best meals I have had in a while.  I don’t know where he got this “cooking bug” from, but this was definitely better than what I expected from him. 🙂

The single rose and envelope at my seat made me feel giddy like it was our first date again.  The rose we so beautiful and in the envelope was a love letter.  He wrote how he can’t make beautiful floral arrangements like I can, but this single rose is even more beautiful than a million.  But nothing compares to my beauty.  My heart felt so much love and warmth.  It was the most thoughtful thing I have received in a while.  Even for Valentine’s Day he didn’t do anything this romantic.  I am so thankful he is in my life.

I truly believe whether you have been married for two months, 5 years, or 20 years, it is important to keep the spark alive with little surprises.  Valentine’s Day was just two weeks ago, I did not expect him to do anything like this but am so happy he did.

Little sparks of romance make me feel so important, cared for, and loved.  It is amazing when we look back at our years together and we can see how our love has continued to grow after all these years.  Needless to say, this was the perfect start to our weekend.

Until Next time,

Nancy

Creating a Dream Board

I was recently reading a few articles about dreaming and visualizing dreams to make them a reality. I initially thought that creating a dream board sounded kind of cheesy and childish, but after reading a little more it was shocking to see the research behind making them dreams visually available and achieving them.

The meaning of a dream board is to have dreams and motivation in a visual form to inspire you to be happy and work to achieve those dreams. Even though I have accomplished so much in my life already and am very happy, I like the idea of dream boards and what they are intended to do.

I have hopes, dreams, and little quotes that make me want to live each day to the fullest. I decided to create a dream board this morning. Although I took a little different spin on it, I put things I am grateful for, things I have accomplished, and photos and quotes that make me a positive. By creating a physical inspirational board that I can look at every day, I have no excuses to be upset or unhappy.

Here are a few of the pictures and quotes I put on my dream board. 🙂

In my digital version of my dream board I have a picture of my favorite beach to go to with my husband and kids, a diploma for my children and everything they have accomplished, a quote about kids that makes me such a proud mother, a quote about loving my husband, a photo of a road trip we went on to the center of the US a few years ago, a photo of one of my favorite floral arrangements I have created so far, a quote that makes me feel very rich :), a photo from our romantic getaway to New York City, and a photo of the Eiffel Tower because I want to visit Paris one day.

I absolutely love my dream boards; I made one on the computer and one on a poster. I found a lot of inspiration and quotes on Pinterest that were perfect for this project. I hope I inspired you to make your own dream board, it is a great way to see your dreams and work to make them a reality.

Until next time, keep dreaming,

Nancy

Valentine’s Dinner Planning

It is almost Valentine’s Day, one of the busiest most romantic days for florists. Valentine’s Day is a great way to make sure you celebrate the romance and love in relationships. Although I have to work at the floral shop during the day, my boss said that I will be off in the early afternoon. Providing my husband and I the perfect time to have a romantic afternoon and dinner at our home.

I believe that best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach; at least that is the case, for my hubby. Instead of going out to dinner and waiting in line with all the couples kissing, we decided to have a romantic dinner just the two of us at home. I am so happy Valentine’s Day is on Saturday this year, we have all afternoon to spend with each other and be romantic and kissy 🙂 …Clara and Bobby would laugh at us if they read that.

When I get home from work, my husband and I decided to go on a bike ride on a trail we have wanted to go on for a while and then cook our favorite dishes for dinner. We are going to have such a great time in each other’s company. I am so happy that we have time to spend together with no distractions.

Obviously I have to make a beautiful flower arrangement for our special dinner. 🙂 I have been looking up new ideas so I can create a uniquely perfect center piece. I found one I really like with roses, peonies, and tulips. It might be a little more difficult than the other ones I have made but my husband is going to think it is great regardless.

We are going to have a beautiful dinner with the flowers and our favorite foods. Here are our favorite recipes that we are going to make for our romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.

Parmesan Pork Chops 

Ingredients-
• 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ tsp. sage
• ½ tsp. grated lemon zest
• 2 boneless pork chops
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. butter

Instructions-
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and lightly grease a 7×11 inch baking dish
• Mix the flour, salt, ground pepper in a small bowl. Then combine the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, sage, and lemon peel in a shallow dish.
• Gently coat the pork chops in the flour mixture then dip into beaten egg then press into bread crumbs. Toss between hands to any crumbs not fully stuck on fall off.
• Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the pork chops on each side for about 4 minutes and place on prepared baking dish. Bake until meat is fully cooked, about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Enjoy!

My husband’s favorite Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients-
• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. ground black pepper
• Flaky sea salt if desired to top

Instructions-
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil and place in oven so they become hot.
• Cut the sweet potatoes into ½ inch sticks and toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them on the heated baking sheets lined with foil.
• Bake them while rotating the pan and fires until edges are lightly browned and centers are tender. About 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

And for dessert, my favorite, Strawberry Cream served with Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Ingredients-
• 2 cups frozen unsweetened whole strawberries
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup whipped cream

Instructions-
• Place the strawberries and sugar into a food processor and process until finely chopped.
• In a small bowl beat the whipped cream and fold in the berries. Freeze for about 15 minutes or until your desired consistency. Serve with chocolate cover strawberries, everyone has their own favorite recipe, and enjoy!

There is no doubt that this is going to be a delicious meal with all our favorite foods. We still have to come up with a salad but I don’t think it will be a problem, my husband loves coming up with things on the spot. It is going to be a delicious Valentine’s Day with the one I love the most. Hope your Valentine’s Day is extra special! 🙂

Until next time, ❤
Nancy

I GOT THE JOB AND STARTED!

As you can tell by the title of this post, I GOT THE JOB! AND I STARTED ALREADY!  The caps depict my excitement!  I got a phone call on Tuesday from the position I applied for.  They wanted me to come in for an interview on Wednesday.  I was really nervous about it, I had night sweats nonstop before my interview.  When I woke up I was oddly alert and awake, I think it was the nerves and my endorphins going crazy.

When I walked into the flower shop I was at ease.  The flowers everywhere and the beautiful smell made me feel so much more comfortable.  The interview went so great.  I was out of interview practice for quite a few years…  it had to of gone well because I ended up getting the job.  The owner offered me it on the spot! I was speechless.  I accepted and actually stayed there a few hours learning about the shop, their store layout, and a little training.
My boss is so nice.  She was so helpful in showing me where things were and giving advice right away.  I think it is going to be a great “work-ship.”  I started on Friday in the store and worked an event yesterday with her to get the feel for what venue working involves.

I was excited I got to design a few arrangements for the party and a few for private clients in store.  Even though I have only worked two days at the flower shop, I can tell this is going to be such a good experience full of learning.  The classroom is completely different than in the store.  The store has such a huge selection of flowers and makes each arrangement specific to what the client wants.  I love it!
I really like that there are guidelines to each arrangement but the creativity and design ideas are endless.  I am so happy the way this is going! I can’t believe it is only February 1st and I am already having a great year!  The whole family is healthy, Bobby and Clara are growing into such wonderful adults, my husband and I were able to travel to New York, I am loving my life, and I just began a job that I am passionate about!  Life is good!

Until next time,
Nancy

A New Direction- Floral Arrangements

Ever since I took the floral arrangement class a few months ago I have been making bouquets and center pieces left and right. Even some of my friends have begun asking me to make them for them and their friends’ homes and parties. I really enjoying designing and creating them, it is nice to channel my creativity in such a productive way.

I recently was considering applying for part time florist and floral design jobs. I think it would be fun and I would be keeping myself busy. This morning I built up the courage to apply for a few florist jobs around town! It was really exciting, I felt so good about myself afterwards. I have grown so much in the past year; I don’t think I would have ever expected myself to be doing what I am today.

I have learned so much from the class I am taking but, I think if I was in a setting where I was constantly being challenged, I would thrive and learn so much more! Learning is key in growing old; or at least that’s what I think. I notice my attitude become so much more positive and upbeat when I am learning or engaging in something knew.
Reading the summary of duties on the job posting made me nervous and excited about the possibilities. I would be designing arrangements, producing special orders, setting up at venues, and providing inspiration for seasonal presentations. I haven’t had a job that allowed that much creativity EVER! I think this would be an incredible opportunity.
From beginning my Tai Chi classes and participating in the Floral arranging classes my mind has been so much clearer. I am using learning to beat the empty nest syndrome…and menopause. 🙂

Keep your fingers crossed, I really hope I get this position. I feel like it would be a great step in the right direction.

Until next time,
Nancy

WELCOME 2015

Happy 2015 everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s! I had the best couple of weeks with my family, I am so happy. It was a great way to say good bye to and ring in 2015!

A little recap; Christmas was so wonderful! Dinner with our family turned out delicious, my hot chocolate meringue cake was a huge hit! We scarfed the entire cake down for desert. Bobby was scooping it was cutout sugar cookies…can you say sugar overload! My in-laws were really happy to see Bobby and Clara too. We had a great dinner, exchanged a few gifts, and laughed all night.

Bobby and Clara left on the 31st to go celebrate New Year’s Eve with their friends. It was sad saying good bye but I know they will be home again soon. The hubby and I stayed in on New Year’s Eve drank a little champagne and watched the ball drop on TV…if I wasn’t excited for our trip before, I am so so so excited after seeing Times Square on TV. It was the perfect New Years, simple and romantic.

I have been cleaning up the house since Bobby and Clara left. It is ridiculous how much of a mess my kids can make in such a short period of time. 🙂 On a positive note, I have gotten back into my routine, walking, biking, and watching what I am eating. I am proud of myself, I actually stuck to my goals I set before the holidays. I was able to exercise three times a week and eat fairly healthy. I think my biggest accomplishment was learning when I am satisfied after eating, instead of eating to the point of discomfort…go me! 🙂

I feel like the past couple months have flown by, we leave for New York City in TWO DAYS!! Words do not begin to describe my excitement. I started packing for myself a few days ago…and packing for my husband too; if I didn’t help him pack, he would just bring one change of clothes…men, I tell you! 🙂 I am excited to wear my new clothes I got special for the trip. I have been shopping periodically, finding good deals on “chic” NYC clothes. I figure, if I dress like I belong in New York, maybe I will just end up staying…:P Just kidding.

I know I keep saying it but these past couple months have been nothing less than extraordinary. I am so thankful for everything I have accomplished, everything my family and friends accomplished, for everyone’s positivity around me, and I am happy I’m blogging! I will miss reading some blogs that I’m following when I’m at NYC, so you shouldn’t miss them:

– http://anextraordinaryday.net/
– http://emptynestcountryliving.com/
– http://www.over50feeling40.com/

I know this is the time when I should share my New Year’s resolution, but my resolution is not to have a resolution. I want to keep doing what I am doing and not change anything. I am so happy with everything in my life right now, I couldn’t wish for anything more!

Happy New Year, it is going to be a good one!

Until next time,

Nancy

What to cook for Christmas Dinner?

Well it’s about time to start getting the ingredients and preparing for Christmas dinner with the family. This Christmas we are having dinner at our house with my husband’s parents. I have been enjoying cooking lately, so I am actually very excited. Having the kids home and my husband’s family come for dinner is going to make for a wonderful Christmas.

I wanted to share what I am planning on making for Christmas Eve dinner. Most of these are new recipes or old ones that I put a little Nancy spice into. 🙂 It is going to be so delicious.
For a salad, Mixed Green Salad with Oranges-
Dressing Ingredients
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped shallot
• 2 tbsp. white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp. orange juice
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp. sugar
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and Peper
Salad Ingredients
• 1 head of romaine lettuce, in small pieces
• 1 head of red-leaf lettuce, in small pieces
• 1 bag of baby spinach
• 3 small oranges peeled
• 4 ounces soft goat cheese crumbled
Instructions-
1. Dressing: Combine shallot, vinegar, juice, mustard, and sugar in a bowl, slowly mix in the oil while whisking. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Salad: Mix the romaine, red-leaf lettuce, and spinach in a bowl and add orange slices. Toss with dressing, sprinkle goat cheese on top

For the main course, Beef Roast with Red Wine Gravy-
Roast Ingredients
• 5lbs. boneless sirloin roast
• 4 large cloves of garlic, sliced
• 2 tbsp. chopped thyme
• 2 tsp. dry mustard
• 2 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 large onion, peeled and cut into wedges
• 4 large springs of thyme
Gravy Ingredients-
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups red wine
• 1 ½ cups low sodium beef broth
• Salt and pepper

Roast Instructions-
1. Make small slits all over the roast and stuff garlic into each slit. In a bowl combine chopped thyme, mustard, onion powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Rub this mixture all over on pate and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F, scatter onion wedges and thyme springs over the bottom of a large roasting pan. Roast meat for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 325 degrees F and roast until meat thermometer is at least 125 degree F.
3. After the beef is cooked thoroughly, remove and put the meat on a platter and cover loosely with foil and allow to rest.
Gravy Instructions-
1. From the juices on the bottom of the beef pan, add 3 tbsp. oil and place pan over burners and heat on medium. Stir in flour and cook until brown (2-3 min). Pour in wine and broth and bring to a boil while mixing from the bottom. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 mins. Strain to get beef chunks out, season with salt and pepper and serve with sliced beef roast.

And for desert, Hot Chocolate Meringue Cake
Ingredients-
• 6 egg whites
• 1 tbsp. cream of tartar
• 1 ¼ cup sugar
• 3 tbsp. sifted cocoa
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 4 cups of whipped cream
Instructions-
1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Line two baking pans with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Slowly add sugar and continue to beat on high speed. Sprinkle in cocoa and cayenne paper and continue beating.
3. Spread the meringue in about 9 inch circles on the lined baking pans. Bake for 3 hours, and let sit cooling for 1 hour.
4. Fill the layer with whipped cream and serve.

Besides these great recipes I’m making the classics; mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, corn and mixed veggies, etc., and you can’t have Christmas without cutout sugar cookies! The kids still prepare Christmas cookies to surprise their grandparents. 🙂
It is going to be one delicious Christmas!
Merry almost Christmas! What are you planning friends? 🙂
Nancy