just do it (a deck building realization)

this past weekend my husband, craig, and i, along with the much-needed help of my father-in-law and my parents, added a deck onto our cottage.  we have over an acre of land, and love spending time outside with our little dog, olive, but we didn't really have an outdoor space that we could enjoy.  so, after a few years of talking about it, we finally planned it, got our zoning permit and broke ground.

it's funny how we put things off that we know we will enjoy.  (sure, it took a weekend and about $700 in materials to make our 18 ft by 12 ft deck come together, but the enjoyment we'll get out of it is truly priceless.)  so, why do we put off things that will ultimately bring us more happiness and enjoyment?  perhaps we're waiting for the "right time" or for the moment when our to-do list is done, but unfortunately, those moments never arrive -- they are forever in the future.

there's a lot of truth to nike's slogan...just do it.  if there's something you've been putting off (it doesn't have to be as grandiose as a weekend-long deck building project) put it on your calendar.  schedule yourself a manicure, go to a yoga class or plan lunch with a friend you haven't seen in a while.  replenish yourself instead of depleting yourself.  put as much energy into the things you love as you do your responsibilities.

olive enjoying the deck

isn't she adorable?!!

so, what are you going to do that will increase the joy in your life?...

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cheers!

today my cousin (and dear friend) erin is getting married!  i am unbelievably excited : )  erin is an amazing person, and i've admired and loved hanging out with her for years (and years).  she's the (girl) cousin closest to my age, and we've been close ever since we were small.  han (my sis) and i would always look forward to visits from erin and meg (erin's sis).  when we were growing up, they lived in michigan and then moved to texas.  with han and me living in nj, our visits with erin and meg were truly the highlight of our year : )
the reception will be at the pearl s. buck house

and now erin is getting married.  it's just all so wonderful!  and what's even better is that erin and her very-soon-to-be-husband, brian, now only live a half hour away.  needless to say, we get to see them much more, which is much more to our liking.

pearl s. buck house
so...cheers!  uncork the champagne and let the bubbles flow.  cheers to erin & brian on their happy day.  they will undoubtedly have a lifetime of happiness.  love you guys : )

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the ties that bind

family is always greater than the sum of its parts. (or at least my family is...) unique individuals acting as one united front. collective memories. shared traditions. happy times. sad times. always with food, love, laughs and a lot of hugs. these are the ties that bind...

learning family history from aunt marilyn on st. patty's day

aunt marilyn's pineapple bread pudding (a.k.a. 1950s here we come!)

1 1/2 cups softened butter (you know it's going to be good when you start with that much butter : )
3 cups sugar
dozen eggs, lightly beaten

2 1/4 cups crushed pineapple, drained well
2 1/4 cups mandarin orange slices, drained well & cut up
15 slices white bread, crusts removed, cut into cubes

cream butter & sugar. add eggs. pour in pineapple, oranges & bread cubes. mix gently & pour into a greased 9" by 13" (or larger) casserole dish.

bake uncovered at 350 for 50-60min.

enjoy with family : ).