Mermaid Shoes

I can't say I grasp the infatuation with being a "mermaid" as is so prevalent on social media these days. Although beautiful and mysterious, they are not whole. Caught between two worlds...the land and the sea. In fact, Ariel herself  was torn between her life as she knows it and the one in her future. She makes a compromise in giving up her gift to be with the man she loves. In all relationships there is always compromise. Both people have to learn to give a little to make their life together run more smoothly. Even these shoes were a compromise. The ones I dream of having are by my favorite shoe designer Sophia Webster. She makes a fun, exciting shoe that I cannot afford. I am thankful that companies like Steve Madden will make their own version, at a more affordable price, for us girls who want the fantasy without sacrificing any of the style. When it comes to shoes you have to have the best of both worlds. 

F21 tank. Blank denim. Steve Madden shoes (no longer available). Ray Ban aviators from here. Lauren Conrad blazer from here. Herschel Supply clutch. Fossil watch. Necklace is old Anthropologie.

What I've Been Crushing On

{Great hair for going nowhere}

{Mini skillet smores}

{Still loving Fall colors}

{Spaghetti and meatballs}

{Her birthday}

{Boots with the fur}

The Waiting Game

As you can see by all the creases and bends, this novel and I have gone a few rounds. Not because it is a difficult read, but more because as I traversed with these characters through their life's journey, I soon realized that what was hard for me to escape, was the realness of it to some of my own past romantic interests. The lead character, by all accounts, is a trustworthy, fun and generous person capable of  so much loyalty and devotion, but his passion and love go unrequited. He lives on the outer edge of all the people that he touches. He is on the cusp of what could be...but never what actually is. He loves unconditionally without want for his own heart. He gives without any expectation of a return gesture. He is always present when he is needed without any regard for his own desires. He is selfless in his love and he is alone. But he loves with a reckless abandon, and an openness and hope for all the beauty that true love can bestow. It is in his waiting that I felt the most empathy. Who waits for the perfect love anymore? Would you?

Christina Perry

A Thousand Years

 

FRIDAY FEELS

{My big girls}

There are many transitions in life that create a surge of emotion. A death, a divorce, a job loss, a new baby, a wedding, even getting a puppy are all catalysts for life change. None of us can predict all the things that may happen or control them, but we certainly can control our own reaction. I think being an emotionally vivid personality can take its tole on the people around you. I have spent much time  learning to quench the thirst for emotional support. Getting tougher has been my sole focus over these last few years, and it has not been an easy road. I could not have done it alone. The picture above is so important to me because these two women are placed exactly where they should be. They were (are) my right and left hands. I raised them to see our little family as a team, and that I am the coach where they are team captains. My oldest took on that responsibility for the longest and the hardest years of my life. When she moved away her sister took her place and did an incredible job of supporting and defending, not only me, but her three younger siblings. They are both stronger than I ever could imagine being, and having had to say goodbye to them both this past fall hit me very hard. I feel a bit lost without them. It is an epic transformation that a child goes through to become an adult, and I am forever awe struck by how well they have weathered the storm, and have represented our family with such character. They are complete and total opposites, born only 14 months apart, and they are now, and will forever be, two of my greatest accomplishments. 

There is no greater love. 

Meatloaf Melt

{Ingredients for my meatloaf}

Growing up with both parents that worked meant that we all had a hand in the dinner preparation  occasionally. Most of the time, however, it was my Dad during the week and my step - Mom on the weekends. There were those meals that I swear I thought I would die if I ate. I would sit at the table for an eternity, as those cooked carrots turned cold, hoping that by some sweet miracle, a giant feral rabbit would appear and rescue me from what was my certain extinction. Alas, I was left to my own devices (eating it whilst gagging) and as I became an adult there were those things I made a solemn promise NEVER to make. Then came the perfect meatloaf recipe. 

The basic recipe consists of two lbs ground meat, a tube of crackers, an egg, a little milk, 1/4 cup of ketchup and a package of dried onion soup. I also sprinkle on some seasoned salt at the end for a little added kick. Crush the crackers as you see above while still in the tube. It's less messy. 

Onion is also a part of the melt, so I saute them with a little butter until golden brown and soft. 

Bake the loaf at 350 degrees in a greased pan for roughly 45 minutes, covered with foil, and then another few uncovered. I sliced it here so that it is like a "patty" (see what I did there?)

Creating a patty melt is basically stacking sharp cheddar cheese, onion, patty, and swiss on a bun and then placing it in a skillet on medium heat. I used another skillet to squish it all together until the cheese is super melted and the entire sammy is pretty darn flat.

Wear gloves and NEVER leave the stove unattended. I speak from a recent experience. The place can go up in seconds. 

Look. at. you. 

What I've Been Crushing On

{Pretty little details}

{Fall bouquet}

{Simply perfect}

{Clutch moment}

{The only way I like bacon}

{He's my favorite}}

Love Is Blind

This is a book that explores what it was like living in France during the Nazi era and its eventual demise, covering the lives of several different characters. They are connected by the tragedy of war, but separated by their individual parts in it. Some are good by doing evil, while others are doing evil while wanting to be good. It spans not only their entire lifetimes, but includes the loves and the loss that only horrific battle torn souls can experience. It is the willingness to live beyond all things that ties them together, binding their souls for all eternity, with the light at the end their only illusion. For it is only one small child, who lives in total darkness, that will make it to the light.