The weekend is in sight, folks! Just a few more hours toiling away @ our *dun, dun, dun* day jobs...and then...time for some fun.

These are a few pics of a Saturday morning walk a couple of weeks ago. We really enjoy downtown Des Moines...a pretty place for a walk and to take in the scenery.

*lovely tree in bloom and tuft of grass across from Centro.  

*Tiny purple flower outside of the World Food Prize building.

*View from one of the bridges. I love the river running through town...especially w/ the big, old buildings lining its banks.

Very European. ;)

oh...and one more thing...

*A petit four from Sweet Binney's...fancy ending to a great morning.

I'm sure we all have some less-than glamorous tasks for the weekend...but here's to enjoying a bit of time for ourselves.  

~Hilary~

Some Days....

Are like this:

You feel like you just can't catch a break...like you can't even enjoy all the wonders that Target has to offer.

and some days...

Are like this:

When life's a "big pink ball" and the ride is amazing!

Here's hoping everyone is having "ball of a day!"

~Hilary~ 

Sunday Snapshots

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1. Morning walk. The light was so pretty. Everything in the neighborhood looked so magical...and we were just about the only ones out & about...so serene.

2. Look #1 for lunch w/ Eric & Gina. "Dress" (actually a house dress): thrifted; sweater: Old Navy (a couple years ago); long, pink necklace: something I scrounged from Sister; heart necklace: a gift someone must've made for my grandma when she was young...it is carved out of wood and has her name burned into it (her maiden name). How sweet!!

3. Although I really liked that outfit...I just wasn't feeling it for that day. Look #2: same sweater as b/f; dress: Old Navy clearance; necklace: pink one from 1st outfit.

4. Red beans & rice @ Buzzard Billy's...a cajun restaurant that has re-opened downtown. My favorite part of the lunch (other than the company)...the homemade hush puppies...oh, mylanta!

5. A recent spray painting project b/f shot. I painted them w/ a floral spray paint b/c it was the closest pink I could get my hands on...not really sure I love the results. Might be re-spraying w/ some good ol' white.

~Hilary~

St. Paddy's Day

Celebrated St. Patrick's Day w/ the fam this year. Hot dogs & a parade...they go together, right??

*Started the day w/ some dogs...@ Capitol Pub & Hot Dog downtown (I had a Groupon, of course). :) It was tasty, tasty. Mine had onions and homemade relish. I think next time I would stick w/ just a plain dog + ketchup & mustard.

*Strike a pose!

*Sister brought some festive jewelry along...just in case I was w/o the proper green attire. ;)

*Not sure what we enjoyed more...the parade...or Miss Addy's dancing. She is a ham.ball fo' sho'.

*The ladies of the group...aww, so precious decked out in our green.

The day was a lot of fun...and relaxing! It's nice to not have a project to do now and again...just be able to enjoy what's going on around us.

~Hilary~

Sunday Snapshots

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1. My spring-time table decor. Thrifted vase filled w/ scraps from my shredder & some eggs I dyed a few years ago. Thinking I might possibly change it up w/ some jelly beans...can't decide...

2. Sheldon catching some rays in his favorite spot. :)

3. My outfit for church...the skirt & shirt were both thrifted (Salvation Army). Skirt was one of 2 from Fossil I scored that shopping trip!

4. Fajitas!!

5. Finally got my jewelry all pretty and organized. I.love.it!

Happy Sunday!

~Hilary~

Nothing but Goodness!

I'm gonna be honest here...I'm pretty sure I have a wee-bit of seasonal depression. Now...it's not like I'm crying all the time...or can't function. I just really slow down in the winter months. When fall hits...I'm all excited to hibernate...cuddle up for a bit. Then the holidays are here...and they are wonderful.

Then...dun, dun, dun...January comes...and is followed by February, even worse. The last few years, we've been on a trip somewhere nice and toasty warm...it didn't work out this year, though. Let me tell ya...I felt it.

Ok...my whining session is over (for the time being). We have been having some amaze weather here in Ioway the last couple of weeks...and I'm really hoping it's here to stay!

*Tres delicious egg cake (I don't know what else to call it) from the Highland Park Bakery. What's not to love about cake and buttercream frosting?!?

*Baby chicks at the Tractor Supply store. I will fully admit I wanted to crawl in there w/ those little guys. :)

*Milo's favoritest time of year...he gets to soak up some warm sunshine...w/o baking in the heat.

I'm hoping everyone gets to enjoy some sunshiny goodness this weekend!

~Hilary~

Thursdays are for Thankful

Thankful for...

Mom, Sister, and Miss Addy joining us for an impromptu dinner last nite. We had a really good time enjoying some tasty food...and laughing our tails off at the antics of one, almost two-year-old.

*I spied this open-faced sandwich in a magazine last week...and couldn't wait to try it out! Everything you need: bread, avocado, asparagus, bacon, eggs, salt & pepper.

1. Toast bread (I did mine in the oven w/ butter...400 degrees for 7 minutes, or so).

2. Mash avocado and spread over bread. I actually had some guacamole already made...so I just used that.

3. Toss asparagus w/ olive oil, salt & pepper...roast in a 400 degree oven for 12 minutes, or so...depending on how tender you prefer. If you line a rimmed cooking sheet w/ foil...this process is very tidy!

4. Layer asparagus and cooked bacon on top of the avocado.

5. Cook up some eggs! Everyone else likes theirs w/ the yolk cooked...but I like mine a bit runny (ewwww....I know!)...so it's totally up to taste buds. Eggs go on top of the sandwich...sprinkle w/ salt & pepper.

I have to say...I really liked this recipe. The other folks here were skeptical, too...but ended up liking the combination. It's also a good way to use up some odds & ends from the fridge. Hope you enjoy! :)

~Hilary~