A Stroll Through the Woods.

The following photos were taken in February, but I wanted to share & remember our day.

Every so often, Zac & I go for a hike through the woods.  We're lucky to live in the county, so it's easy for us to get out -- I love to breathe the fresh air, listen to the birds, and enjoy nature.

I'd love to say that I'm an outdoorzie girl, but that would be a lie.
...I'm working on it...
My husband would live outside if he could.  Me on the other hand, I like nice amenities -- a flush-able toilet, warm showers, and comfy beds.

I'm also not a fan of bugs -- like at all -- but I love watching & photographing wildlife in their natural environment.

This particular trip through the woods, we weren't lucky enough to see any animals, but we surely took in the beautiful sights.

Phragmites -- my most favorite invasive plant

You guys -- the Midwest really is best.

Make: Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

I'm gonna go ahead & apologize in advance to your waistline, but these cookies bars are to die for.

The original recipe comes from AverieCooks -- she calls them Triple Peanut Butter Monster Cookie Bars, and below is my version.

I've slightly modified the recipe, only because I didn't have all the ingredients in my pantry at the time, and they still turned out magnificent.






























You'll need:
1/2 c. melted butter
1 egg
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 T. vanilla extract
1 c. peanut butter
1 c. flour
1 c. Peanut M&Ms
1 c. chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F & lube up an 8x8 baking plan
2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, vanilla & mix until smooth
3. Add the peanut butter & mix until smooth
4. Add the floor & mix until incorporated, but don't over-mix
5. Fold in Peanut M&Ms & chocolate chips
6. Put batter in prepped baking dish & lightly smooth over the top
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until top is set - make sure a toothpick comes out clean.  (I think these are better if they're slightly underdone!)
8. Let bars cool for 30 minutes before cutting into them
9. Try not to eat the whole pan



Let me know if you make these -- I'd love to know what else you throw in yours!

Happy Sunday.

A really cool documentary about what happens to the clothes that we throw away.

Would you drink lilac water?

Save money!  Here are 8 things recommended to be bought at the Dollar Store.  Do you agree with these?

A variation of super cute spring wreaths to dress up your front door.

Acai Bowls -- find out what the buzz is about them here.

Current Happenings.

Post idea inspired by Emily's 'Five Things' posts, at Cupcakes & Cashmere.

(a great way to stay active behind the camera, to document the little things)

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Essentials for a girl's night staying in: crafts, chick flicks, & wine.

Fresh fruit - enough said.

Tried my hand at macrame yarn garland... not sure if I'm loving it or not.

I love how fresh flowers instantly liven up a room.

Explore Wisconsin: Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

It was a beautiful Sunday in March.  Zac & I spent the day with our niece & nephew, Elena & Kane, who so badly wanted to "go feed the ducks".  We knew just the spot to take them -- the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary.

The park is a refuge for urban wildlife & is open year round with no admission fee.  There are lots of things to do within the park, but our top priority was to feed the ducks!

After feeding the ducks (and geese), we strolled through the observation / rehabilitation areas...

After that, we took a short walk on the Wildlife Habi-Trek Trail, where the kiddos got to see a mix of animals including wolves, a cougar, a fox, deer, and a coyote.

You can't tell by the look on their faces (it was nearing nap time...) but we all had a great time.  I love that we got to spend the entire day with these kiddos; they bring so much joy to our lives!

Zac & I have plans to return to the Wildlife Sanctuary soon, once the weather starts getting nice (sans kiddos) & hike all the wonderful trails.