A Little Peek Into My Livingroom

It's been awhile since I've shown off any more of the rooms in my house, mostly because it's always a damn mess of toys and clothes!  To be honest, I've been pretty ashamed of my livingroom for a long time.  We were the idiots with two dogs and two toddlers who had a light tan sofa.  Well that stained and battered thing is now in several pieces waiting to go out for the trash!  The other furniture in the livingroom was a mishmash of cheap Ikea stuff and pieces we've had since Donnie and I first moved in together.  Over the past few weeks, though, things have greatly improved, thanks to a few really nice thrift store finds.  Sure it's still going to be a mess of toys most days, but I'm finally excited to show off our livingroom!

Overcoming My Thoughts

I have really fallen off the fitness wagon.  I think it's a fairly normal thing to do this time of year, with being surrounded by baked goods and not really having any spare time.  I also have the added stress of a little guy who doesn't always sleep very well, leading to long nights and being much too exhausted to get up early and workout.  I managed to go to the gym once last week and was so happy to be there.  Now I just have to find my motivation to get back there and, once again, change my attitude.  I recently had some issues with a medication that caused my hormones to go a little crazy, causing a full month of increased appetite, lack of energy, and total bitchiness.  I pretty much spent that month stuffing my face full of junk!  That, coupled with my lack of exercise, has resulted in gaining almost fifteen pounds.  I feel my depression creeping up again and I know that I need to fight it, exercise being a huge part in that fight.  With the depression has come some struggle with my self image.  I have been feeling just disgusted with my appearance.  I actually cut my bangs in a moment of disgust recently, because for me, my hair has always sort of been my security blanket.  It's like having bangs will somehow disguise the fact that I need to be healthier.  I've never struggled this badly before and am trying to fight this negative thinking, because I know that I am beautiful and I am usually quite comfortable with my body.  I just found that one of my dear friends and one of the most amazing women I know has a blog and I discovered this post.  It was just what I needed.  It was comforting to know that someone I consider to be absolutely gorgeous, confident, and strong sometimes struggles too and it was also a great reminder to be a little less critical of myself, to stay positive, and to work on the things I want to change, instead of just whining about them.  I don't want to be completely obsessed with my appearance and weight loss either, so I need to find a delicate balance where I am working on getting healthier, both physically and mentally, but not dwelling on my appearance or every little thing I eat.  It's a big deal for me to share this, because although I am pretty open, I find this struggle to be quite personal.  I feel a bit vulnerable, but it feels good to get it all out, though, and now I can move forward.  Thanks for listening!

image from this amazing tumblr post

One Last Christmas Decoration Post

Christmas Recap

I think this picture pretty much sums up our Christmas, loud, fun, and silly!  There were lots of gifts, time with family and friends, and tons of candy and cookies.  I'm sad that it came and went so quickly!  I'm home today, thanks to some lovely winter weather, so the boys and I are playing with the insane amount of toys that Santa brought.  The new train table is my personal favorite!  I'm also having a lot of fun playing with my new camera!  I hope everyone had a wonderful day filled with joy!

A Merry Little Playlist

Cannoli Pie

So here is the other pie recipe I said I would share.  This one is super easy too and although you could definitely make your own pie crusts for this one, I went with store bought graham cracker crusts.  Honestly, I don't even think you really need crusts.  Just eat this right out of the bowl!  Well, okay, you may want to pour this filling into crusts of your choice, but don't judge me if you spot me eating it this right out of the mixing bowl with a giant spoon!  This recipe makes enough filling for two pies, so share with a friend!

Cannoli Pie

• 1 box of instant vanilla pudding mix
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 c milk
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/2 c chocolate chips (I used mini chips.)
• 1/4 c sliced almonds
• 1 pt whipping cream, whipped

Blend pudding mix, cream cheese, milk, and almond extract using a mixer.  Stir in the chocolate chips and sliced almonds.  Divide into two pie shells.   Top each pie with whipped cream and garnish with more chocolate chips.  The original recipe, found here, calls for cherries, but I left those out.  As I type this, though, I'm thinking cherries sound good.  Let me know if you try it out!

Recent Thrift Finds ~ Christmas Decorations

I have been really lucky lately and found some really cute Christmas items for really reasonable prices, including a set of Holt Howard glasses that I have been drooling over since spotting them on eBay for way more money than I'd ever pay.  I love vintage Christmas items, especially little Santas and pretty much want to buy every blow mold light I find.  I was joking with the lady who works at a local antique store that my house will likely be that one with the dozen or so plastic lights all over the front yard.  I was really only half joking, though.  I so secretly want to be that tacky house!  Here are some recent finds-