#gardenlife

So I title this post like I'm an avid gardener.  This couldn't be farther from the truth.

I've always had lofty goals of having a beautiful garden... of actually eating vegetables, on a daily basis... of wearing a garden hat & caring for my beloved plants.  And for the neighbors to be like "Oh!  Have you seen their garden?!"

So, I bought a pair of garden gloves & we planted a garden.

My husband did a majority of the work.  He rented a sod cutter & crafted out a small rectangle in our yard that would become Our First Garden.

We decided to keep it small this year.  This is our first go at a garden & in all honestly, it could totally flop, though I'm hoping it doesn't.

Next, we purchased a soil test & pretended we were scientists... turns out our soil is on point!

We shopped at a local greenhouse, Lindsley's Greenhouse, and purchased a variety of seeds & plants.
Zac did most of the planting; I mainly played with the dog & took photos -- that's what I do best.

We are hopeful for a great growing season & look forward to eating the fruits of our labor.



























































If anybody has gardening tips, throw them my way would ya?

Happy Sunday.

Fifteen things every new parent needs for baby, according to Emily.

Erin's yard make-over looks like a botanical garden -- you go girl!

Completely digging Cori's floral & stripe outfit.. and she made the skirt, go figure.  Somebody PLEASE teach me how to sew.

Dang. Grace's weekly exercise routine puts mine (or lake thereof) to complete shame.  What an inspiration she is!

This strawberry watermelon smoothie was just added to my pin board -- looks delish!

Make: Pizza Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad.

It's a side that nearly everyone loves, but yet we only make for a special occasion.  You know, for a family gathering, a baby or bridal shower.  And why?  I mean, most of the time I could make a meal just out of pasta salads, but yet I never whip one up for supper.  Hmm, maybe that should change.

Anyways, we all have a favorite, and this one happens to be mine:

Pizza Pasta Salad 

(This recipe shared to you from a former co-worker of mine; I have no idea where it originates from)

12 oz. box of Rotini noodles, cooked, drained & cooled

1 - 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes w/ basil, garlic & oregano, drained

1 can pre-sliced black olives, drained

Pepperoni, cut-up

Dried Hard Salami, cut up

Fresh mozzarella or provolone cheese, shredded

1/2 c. (more or less, depending on how saturated you like your pasta salad) Newman's Italian dressing (I've heard Wildtree Roasted Garlic Grapeseed Oil works just as well, but I've never tried it)

Add everything together in a serving bowl, toss, & enjoy!

Summer List

In just a couple weeks, summer will officially be here.  The anticipation of longer days & warmer temps has me all kinds of giddy.

Inevitably, summer is a busy season for us all -- weddings, vacations, family gatherings & graduation parties fill up most weekends, but since attending class & studying will no longer be occupying my evenings & weekends this summer, I've curated a Summer To Do List.

I can't wait to fill this list with check marks & share my adventures with you!

What's on your summer list?

Happy Sunday.

Talk about a powerful (and cute) purse... these beauties charge your phone!

Is your coffee maker not working properly anymore?  We used this cleaning method, and now ours works like a charm again!

Handmade Birthday cards are simply the best.

Reasons why you need more sleep.  See Zac, it's true. I need more sleep :)

Now that the Farmer's Markets are in full gear, read how you can save money at them.