Thursday, May 31, 2012

Sunrise Sandwich

Last night we had Carnitas Tacos for dinner. This morning, I threw something together with the left-over toppings and it ended up rockin' my world! I call it (drum-roll please....) the Sunrise Sandwich! Ta da!


So you'll just need the ingredients listed above: 

- One bagel half (I used an "Everything" bagel)
- Reduced Fat (or regular) Vegetable Cream Cheese
- One egg (cooked over-easy)
- Tomatoes (diced)
- Chives (chopped)
- Cilantro (chopped)

I started off by spreading a VERY thin layer of the vegetable cream cheese on the bagel half. You don't want too much - just to make the bagel not-so-dry. It will be barely visible. I would like to mention that I only discovered this because we were almost out of cream cheese.

Next, cook your egg over-easy. The key is to keep your stove on low heat and use lots of cooking spray for easy flipping. I only cook my yolk-side for about 5 seconds. Then, put the egg on the bagel like so:


Next, break the yolk a little to get the goodness out, and spread it around on the bagel. Mmmm. Yes. Now comes the easy part - load it up with your toppings! Like I said, these are the leftover taco toppings from last night's dinner - but I only used tomatoes, cilantro, and green onions.


I suppose I could've used other vegetables, too - but that just happened to be what I had a hankerin' for this particular morning.

The last step is my favorite - feast! I also had a cold glass of orange juice. Ahh, life is grand. I thought it was so delightful that I just had to share. It's a simple, quick breakfast and a great way to use those leftovers!


Take Time for Lemonade,
Kris

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Birthday Blessings

On my birthday, I am always reminded of my countless blessings. From my family (of course this includes my pup, Jake), to my friends, to my students - I am constantly surrounded by love, and I really couldn't ask for more. I have so much joy in my life, and therefore, I really do have it all.

I just wanted to share the lovely gift my husband got me this year. He said that the theme for my present was "Follow Your Dream." Since I have a lot of dreams, I really didn't know what to expect. First, let's check out his cute lil' mismatched wrapping job...


See the Little Mermaid paper? He is so cute. I can't even handle it sometimes. So - wanna know what I got? My dream craft station mega kit! Not only did I get a "crafter's toolbox" with all of the necessities, but he got me a customizable craft station! I am SO pumped about setting it up in the basement. We are waiting until after our garage sale, though. Here it is, in all it's glory...


My Wonderful Gift
Rolling Cart with Drawers
File Drawers
Shelves/Organizers
Peg Boards
Desk Top
Spinning Organizing Caddy
Paintbrush Set
Mini Screwdrivers
Mini Pliers
Mini Tape Measure
Various Clamps
Bone File
Hobby Knife Set
Non-stick Scissors
Magnifier Lamp
Hot Glue Gun Stand

I wish I could set it all up today. I can barely handle the anticipation! Oh, and did you see the glue gun stand that my husband built for me? I found the idea on Pinterest and thought it was awesome. This will definitely come in handy - especially the built-in tile to catch the glue drips! I had been using a paper plate - haha. The little box on the end is perfect for storing the glue sticks, too. Yay!


In conclusion, my husband is wonderful. He doesn't mind that I'm constantly bringing strange "treasures" into our house, or that I often ask him to slow down when we pass a nice-looking trash pile. He's just a great guy, and I'm so lucky to have him. Thank you, honey, for these wonderful gifts and for supporting and nurturing all of my dreams. I love you unconditionally.

Oh, and how can I forget? My birthday ended marvelously with a Rainbow Cone. Dee-lish!


...and yes, it tastes as good as it looks.

Take Time for Lemonade,
Kris


Monday, May 21, 2012

Reflections on the Junk Life

Sometimes, when I tell people how passionate I am about junk sales, they just don't understand. Sure, they'll smile and nod, but I really don't think that too many people truly grasp what this hobby does for my soul. 

There's something so magical and wonderful about these treasures - pieces of past with a history, a life, and a story to tell. The more rust, the better. The more chipped paint, scuffs, scratches, and chips - the more character the object possesses. Some aren't able to comprehend how I'd take an old suitcase ANY DAY over a new set of designer luggage. The peeling stickers of travels' past, the weathered leather handle, worn from years of use, and the rusty old clasps - locking in dear possessions of the weary traveler - these bits of charm cannot be bought in a store. They are one-of-a-kind fingerprints - small reminders of those who have been here before, and who, in a way, will always be there.


There's just something special about roaming through an Estate Sale. Sometimes, if it's quiet, it's almost like a prayer. I love walking from room to room, through a house in which someone once lived and perhaps raised a family...traveling through the spaces where they made their most cherished memories - where they cried, laughed, dreamed, and maybe even where they took their last precious breath. If I'm lucky enough, I will even catch glimpses of old relationships - a love letter tucked neatly between the pages of an old book, or etched initials on the bottom of a dusty porcelain figurine. Sometimes, I even like to make-up stories about certain items. If only they could talk! After a trip through someone's house and life's treasures, it's almost as if you've formed a type of unidentifiable bond. A friendship, even. It is one of the most special, intimate experiences - connecting perfect strangers through an earthly life left behind.


Now, garage sales and flea markets bring an entirely different kind of joy. There's just something about pulling up to a driveway with the anticipation of what lies inside, or scanning a kaleidoscopic array of trinkets and doodads and thing-a-ma-bobs - waiting for your eye to meet that special gem. Sure, you'll often have to navigate your way through crusty Tupperware, dilapidated footwear or "As Seen on TV" exercise equipment - but at the perfect moment - almost as in a brief wink of destiny - you find yourself face to face with something that speaks directly to you. It could be something that you've been meaning to purchase, or it could be a surprise that you never knew you needed. Whatever it is - it's cheap, it's marvelous, and gosh darn it, you're going to give it a brand new life.


Although I find it difficult to put into words exactly how therapeutic and wonderful "junking" is to me, I tried my best to paint a picture for you. While futile and strange to some people, garage-saleing is a hobby that brings me authentic, pure joy. No matter how hard I try, I just can't pass up that "Garage Sale," "Yard Sale," "Rummage Sale," "Barn Sale," "Junk Sale," or "Flea Market" sign. The curiosity of the abundance that lies waiting for me is just too much to handle. I guess you can consider me a modern day pirate, searching for treasures with my own whimsical spirit as my guide.


P.S. All of the photos in this post were taken in my living room. I acquired these treasures at various junk sales throughout the past few years. Aren't they just wonderful?


Take Time for Lemonade,
Kris

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Vacation Countdown Calendar

I can't take credit for this idea. My friend thought this up, and I just created her vision! I thought this was a coolest idea, though. I don't have children yet, but I imagine that it must be difficult to answer the question "How many days is it until _______?!" over and over again. Plus - this vacation calendar is a great gift to give to kids when their actual gift is the vacation itself (which is kinda hard to wrap, if you ask me - HA!). It was such an easy, fun craft to make! Plus, it's an exciting way for kids to look forward to their upcoming trip! From what I hear, changing the number every day is exciting, too...


So here it is. Super easy. I started off with a wood trinket box and some wooden blocks (purchased at a craft store). In these photos, you can see how the box can stand on its own, and how the lid slides off...




It's the perfect size for setting it on top of the kitchen counter or at a "high traffic" area in the house for easy, frequent viewing.

Basically, all I did was paint it! I used various acrylic paints and sticker letters for the title. I created a beach theme because I thought that it captured the idea of a vacation - no matter where you're headed! I also painted the blocks using the strategic formula provided to me by my friend (I'm terrible at math). When the paint was still wet, I added some glitter to add excitement! Besides, I have a bit of a glitter addiction. I'm working on it.



So there you have it. A fun, easy, functional craft that will keep your family looking forward to future memories!


Take Time for Lemonade,
Kris



This post has been linked to:
Nifty Thrifty Things
Flamingo Toes
Keeping It Simple
C.R.A.F.T
Marvelously Messy
I Heart Nap Time
Under the Table and Dreaming
LadyBug Blessings
Tatertots and Jello
The Trendy Treehouse
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia