Spring in the Midwest: April 2015

I love the early signs of spring.  Around here, that means:

Budding trees.

 

Tulips starting to sprout.

Inevitable dandelions popping up randomly.

Yard work to be done.

 

And pups by your side.


What does spring look like in your yard?

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(These are images from our yard, taken 4/26/15)

Reading List

My husband & I are traveling soon, and we’ll be enduring some long flights.  I figure I’ll need at least two books to keep me busy.  I'm currently on Chapter 7 of Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

via Amazon

I've been working on this book for a solid year & a half.  I don't know whether it's hard to get into, or if I'm just not making the time to read it...

And because as if reading one book wasn't enough, I've also started Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg.  I'm borrowing it from a friend who recommended it to me.

via Amazon

Below is a reading list I’ve put together of books that I’ve heard good things about.  Have you read any of these?

Yes Please

Bossypants

#Girlboss

Bread & Wine

The Best Yes

Let's all be Brave

I’d love to know – what are you reading / what's on your list?

Happy Sunday.

Twenty spring outfit ideas

Itching to Travel?  Read these tips on finding cheap flights before you buy

Don't forget Mother's Day is just around the corner!  Here are some gift ideas

Neat jobs you likely never thought about

Diet Pepsi is removing aspartame from it's product -- what are your thoughts on that?

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!