Mail Goodies: Sugarpova Quirky Candy

Woohoo, my Sugarpova order came!

 

 

 

I'm obsessed with this soft chewy candy and have repurchased it again and again. Unfortunately I have to buy it online and I will only let myself place an order when Sugarpova offers free shipping but luckily they have good deals pretty often. Last Cyber Monday they had an awesome offer with free shipping and half off (from what I remember) and I got six bags of Quirky (this I definitely remember).

 

 

 

The weird thing about my obsession is that this candy doesn't even taste very good. The outer licorice-like shell has a decent strawberry flavor but the center, which has a firm marshmallowy texture and is supposed to taste like vanilla, is extremely artificial in flavor with a slightly rancid aftertaste. How quirky am I for liking this stuff?  I think the reason I keep buying it is because the texture reminds me of another one of my favorite candies, Pico Balla which I haven't had in forever because it's much more expensive than it used to be. SweeTart Ropes also have a similar situation with a soft licorice outside and foamy soft center though I definitely don't like them as much as Quirky. 

 

 

 

 

Sugarpova also offers a sour version of Quirky that is the same candy only doused in a layer of tart sugar. They aren't bad but I much prefer the original. If you ever feel like making a Sugarpova purchase give Quirky a try! (or come over in the next few days :)) Though I won't blame you if you take a pass after my winning description of the odd flavor. More for me.

Mail Goodies/ Half Bath Decor

Look what I recently received!

 

 

Here's the story:

Slowly but surely I've been accumulating little pieces of décor for our home.  FYI I'm probably the last person to ask for home décor advice because I just pick things that make me happy, even if they might not be the most attractive/stylish. The theme for our half bathroom is The Ocean (or some such thing). It started with this photo Brian purchased at Home Goods over a year ago:

 

A few months later I found these at Target and had to have them:

Along with the turtle and fishy Wallflowers from Bath and Body Works, (I like to alternate between them):

 

 

and the teal color I painted the cabinets under the sink:

 

 

we probably had way too much of the ocean theme going on.  But still, I had my heart set on a tapestry.  I had no idea how it was going to look and Brian was iffy about the whole tapestry thing and vetoed the original one I was planning on buying of this sweet looking jellyfish: 

 

Seeing as the size of a small tapestry is practically the size of the wall it would be going on, I reluctantly agreed it might be a bit too much for the small space.  Then society6.com had a Mother's Day sale where they offered 15% off and free shipping on EVERYTHING. I just couldn't resist. I decided to not go the jellyfish route and picked something a little more subtle.

This is how it turned out:

 

 

 

I should probably iron it again (it kept falling down) but I love the beach image and I think the tapestry works!  I still think the jellyfish would have been fun but this one is less in-your-face and the colors coordinate well with the other elements of the bathroom including the walls.  I like that it is unique and gives you something to look at when you're doing your business. Also, Brian didn't say to take it down so I'm assuming he loves it as much as I do. Hah.

The last thing I bought for the room was a new valence.  I like the simplicity of the white and how it lets in more light than the previous curtain which is nice for the bathroom and the hallway.  There might be an issue with privacy so we need to test that out, but the shutters definitely block out any private parts so don't worry.

 

Although the half bathroom is not 100% perfect (I would like to repaint the walls and trim and possibly replace the shutters) I can definitely live with the way it is for a while and can now focus on the many other projects calling my name!

Happiness Diary #15

Another week, I'm on a roll!

Every day I share:

1) A random photo of the day
2) Something I ate that was delicious
3) A meaningful event that happened or a task I was happy to accomplish
4) Something I was grateful for or that made me happy

 

Saturday (6/23/16)

 

 

1) Photo: I took a walk at break today and had to snap a picture of this blooming beauty. (There was an ugly metal thing in the ground so I edited it out with my sub-par editing skills/apps.)
2) I made some turmeric milk after dinner. I really like the flavor of turmeric but I mostly eat it for it's health benefits, especially the anti-inflammatory properties.

3) I worked on my vision book and am writing a blog post about it as well.
4) I am grateful for this beautiful day.

Sunday

 

 

1) Photo: It was pretty sunny on our way home from dinner with the family. Brian rarely remembers his sunglasses but my pink flowery ones work in a pinch. (p.s. This is what happens when you don't keep tabs on your wife's blog. :D )
2) We had a delicious salmon and steak dinner at my in-laws.
3) I did yoga today which I haven't done in quite some time. I need to get back with it though because I'm not as limber as I used to be and it's affecting my running. Not good!
4) I am grateful for Sunday dinners with Brian's family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

1) Photo: Walking the dog. Pretty happy with ourselves.
2) Too many things.
3) I was not smart with my eats today and it led me to being very unmotivated and lazy. At least I went on the dog walk and bought some groceries!
4) I love rain storms. Well except when they occur in the middle of the night and wake me up or cut the electricity but tonight it was just a good old evening thunderstorm. 

Tuesday

1) Photo: Today was an ice cream filled day.
2) See above.
3) Brian and I went to Sherwin Williams to buy three gallons of paint tonight Unfortunately I had the dates wrong and their 40% off sale ended yesterday. I was soo sad/mad at myself and Brian tried to convince me why it was a good thing we missed out on saving almost 40 dollars. It didn't really work but I appreciated the gesture and the fact he doesn't get annoyed with me. Ever. ❤️
4) I am grateful I was a lazy glutton yesterday because if I wasn't, I wouldn't have loved my run with Beth so much because I would have been too sore and tired. Right?! Right.

Wednesday

1) Photo: Since its against the rules to write my Little Sister's (LS) name or post a picture of her, whenever we get together she is going to take a picture for my blog! I told her she can take a picture of anything at all and today she took one of the first page of our journal we are keeping together. When I asked her why she said, "For memories." :) 

2) I had Hungry Howie's pizza and cake at work today. Mmm. 

3) LS and I had a great first get together, playing at the park, writing in our journal and listening to Sam Smith. 

4) I am grateful for having the motivation and desire to go from thinking I should do something meaningful to becoming a member of the BBBS program and getting matched with a little sister. I think this is the beginning of something great! 

Thursday

1) Photo: Churro cheesecake bars (with the unattractive edges cut off and in my belly).
2) I loove my tuna with melted cheese and Sriracha dinners.
3) I didn't get any painting done but I did make the bars for the bake off at work tomorrow. They aren't the best batch I've ever made (I lost some of the butter for the crust because it bubbled over) but they will do!
4) I am grateful for having enough sugar for the bars. That was a close one. (Sort of.)

Friday
 

1) Photo: It took me a loong time to color in half of this owl. These markers are so thin it would LITERALLY take me decades to fill this entire book at the rate I'm going. It's a good way to kill time though!
2) I ate one of Beth's Pinterest chocolate cookies today and they were not a #pinterestfail! I'm actually craving another one right now and I'm not even a huge chocolate fan.
3) I accomplished this week that looked great on paper (a short week in good departments with great coworkers, also -lab week) but in reality it was a little stressful and not super enjoyable. I'm positive next week will be much better.
4) I am ridiculously happy it is the weekend. I have my day all planned out for tomorrow and hopefully Sunday will be productive as well. I guess we'll find out soon!

 

My Vision Board (Book)

I have always been intrigued by the idea of a vision board. While I believe in the power of positive thinking and the idea that it can attract positive things to my life, having the power to manifest things, (especially material things) just by sticking pictures on a poster board and slightly obsessing over them, seems far fetched. It's not an idea I completely reject however, especially when it involves a creative project that brings me back to my grade school days.  I chose to make my vision board in a book format because the idea of having a vision board seemed limiting, yet creating multiple boards seemed overwhelming. I want to have separate spaces for a variety of goals/manifestations such as: things I want to be, things I want to have, and things I want to achieve. Using a book format I can dedicate a few pages to each vision and I can also create fun pages for things that inspire me or things that I love. Like flowers.

 

Also because the book is so small (about 5x8) it would be easy to carry around with me or share if I desired.

The first pages of my vision book are for my possible (or should I say definite?) vacation to Hawaii in September and what I hope to get out of the experience. I've been on vacations in the past that haven't lived up to my expectations and when they are over I feel unsatisfied, disappointed and lethargic. It makes me start to think that I dislike the disruption of vacations and traveling and would rather just stay at home in my normal routine. I want to get out of this mindset because everyone needs a break sometimes and there is SO much traveling can offer! 

  

I think the reason I feel crappy at the end of vacations is because even though I may spend hours planning fun activities for our time off, I don't set intentions for myself of how I want to be and think and feel. Creating a vision of the perfect Hawaiian vacation will hopefully help me to remember to stay present and truly be grateful for what I am experiencing. If I have a clear picture of what I want from the vacation and how I am going to achieve it maybe post-vacation blues will be something of the past.

 
Whether or not creating a vision book will allow me to go on the perfect vacation or be the perfect human or buy the perfect digital camera (a Canon G7X in case I want to start vlogging), I am enjoying taking the time to put it together. I think this could be a fun ongoing project and something that might be helpful and interesting to look back on. When the Hawaii vacation has long passed I can still go back to those pages and remind myself to be relaxed and inspired and in the moment, even in normal every day life!

Happiness Diary #14

Every day I share:

1) A random photo of the day
2) Something I ate that was delicious

3) A meaningful event that happened or a task I was happy to accomplish

4) Something I was grateful for or that made me happy

 Saturday (4/16/16)

1) Photo: It was the perfect temperature for relaxing on the porch with some chocolate this evening. If it gets above 70 it becomes scorching hot so I'm enjoying it now!
2) I ate lots of yummy munchies at the wedding shower tonight including Alona's tuna pasta. 
3) I went to Teresea's wedding shower today and though we didn't stay for the games/gift opening it was fun to help prepare for her party.
4) I am grateful for my blog and having a fun way to share pieces of my life. 

Sunday

 

1) Photo: Killer workout today! 

2) I had the peanut sauté from Noodles and Company. My fave!

3) This Sunday was much better than last. I organized the workshop, started my vision book, talked to my sister ❤️, worked out, took Zuzu to the DP, relaxed on the deck, and enjoyed every minute as much as I could. I probably could have eaten less candy but hey, nobody's perfect. :)
4) I am grateful for meaningful conversations. 

Monday

 

 

1) Photo: Nooo...Those were my go with everything heels Zuzu!!
2) I love eating a handful of chocolate covered espresso beans in the afternoon. Gives me a boost for the rest of the day. 

3) I scheduled a date to meet my Little and also enjoyed an 80 degree hike. When you have a dog and get outdoors often it's fun to really notice nature change from winter to summer and back again. 
4) I was soo grateful to work in a different department than I was planning on at work today! Less stressful day than anticipated!

Tuesday
 

1) Photo: It's not every day you get to hold $1,600! Sadly it's not ours for long.
2) Movie popcorn!
3) Brian and I have proven to be pretty bad at scheduling our intended weekly date night but today I decided I really wanted to see The Jungle Book so we went after work and it was pretty good! Next time we have to plan more in advance so I can have more time to look forward to it. :)
4) I am grateful for Brian and how he takes charge of scheduling appointments for the household. i.e. mower and trimmer tune ups, tree removal, pool pump repair, Terminex appointments and more. I don't know what I would do without him! Well, besides own a place that didn't require any of these things. 

Wednesday

 

 

1) Photo: The gigantic tree in our pool area came down today! I'm sad because it was beautiful and perfectly healthy but it was in a poor location so we had to take it down. By "we" I mean the five men who came to remove it. Apparently one was an Amish guy who didn't wear any gloves. I told Brian to take lots of pictures and video because I wanted to see the process but this was the only photo he took. Boo.
2) Leftover movie popcorn?
3) I worked on the bar counter in the basement and also on a little project for the side of the garage above Zuzu's potty area. I love beautifying our home even if the results arent exactly what I expect/hope for.
4) I am grateful for doggy day care having an opening for Zuzu tomorrow even though we called last minute.

Thursday

 

 

1) Photo: Brian. Yawning. How adorable. :D
2) I had a salted caramel shortbread cookie at work for "snack day Thursday" and it was ridiculously good. 
3) I was tired when I got home from work so I didn't do very much besides work out. I'm happy I did that anyway!
4) I am so looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow. Hopefully my brain will let me as I have a big to do list! 

Friday
 

 

1) Photo: Brian and I watched the kids tonight and for a while Laney and I did puzzles while Shea watched a show at the neighbors and Brian had dog duty.
2) We got Noodles and Co. for dinner and I had the Bangkok Curry with tofu. I originally wanted the buff bowl but Jamie got me the noodle bowl and I'm really glad he did because I was starving!
3) I met my Little today! She seems like a very sweet 10 year old and I'm looking forward to hanging out next week!!
4) I am grateful for good news and a doctors appointment that went well.