What's Up Wednesday #3

It's that time again. You know, What's Up Wednesday time! When I try and put some direction in my life. Joking! But really, these sort of posts, help me to stay a little organized. With my life. :)

Would you like to join in, on all the fun? It's super easy! Just answer some questions, and link up!

Now let's get started! If you are also doing a WUW, please link it. Or leave a comment with your link. I enjoy reading these.

 1. What We're Eating This Week:
Have you taken a look at this post? From Monday. I'm super excited about Friday's dinner. Good Friday Torta...is in my top 5 meals of the year! And while Garcia's has a pretty good one...nothing compares to my Momma's. Nothing!

 2. What I'm Reminiscing About:
Gosh, lots of things. But mostly loved ones who have passed away. March is such a tough month. So many of our loved ones, have gone to be with the Lord. During March. We are always celebrating them and their anniversaries!

 3. What I'm Loving:
2018 has been all about taking better care of myself. And I just can't get enough of these face masks! At least once a week, I'm using one. And I'm still totally in love with them.

 4. What We've Been Up To:
That would have to be, getting ready for the 2018 Growers' Market Season. I have been going to meetings, checking emails, buying supplies, working on items, and trying to decide what Markets we will be attending. So much stuff, that people don't see. Mostly we've been working on items, for the shop. And deciding on our display. :)

 5. What I'm Dreading:
The MVD! Hands down. I HATE going to that place. And we need to go for 2 things. Renew the registration for our car. And I need my Driver's License. Ugh! I'm already having anxiety over the entire situation. Maybe I can convince my Mom to get her license early too!

 6. What I'm Working On:
Organizing our garden. We weren't going to do one this year. But I find this picture on Facebook, and it got me thinking. My Mom also wants something to do, while I work. So I need to find some pallets. I already bought some seeds. And we'll probably go buy some plants on Friday. Any suggestions?

 7. What I'm Excited About:
The 2018 Growers' Market Season. Opening Day for one Market is in just over 2 weeks. The other is in May. I don't feel prepared. At all! But I'm super excited to get back to it! We're cutting back this year. And probably only doing 2 Markets. We'll see...

 8. What I'm Watching/Reading:
I went to watch I Can Only Imagine with my Mom yesterday. It was so good! And I would highly recommend it to you. It was so inspirational. One of those movies, that when you leave the theater...you are so happy and thankful. Also, I'd recommend MercyMe's music. It's incredible!

As far as TV, I've been loving new shows like 911. Which I'm so sad, had it's Season Finale last week. And I've been loving The Resident. This show could easily be my favorite show on TV! And an oldie but goody...Grey's Anatomy. When this show leaves TV, I will be so sad!!!

I've been trying to do more reading. As always, I'm reading the Bible. But I've also been digging into a box of books. That my friend sent me. Currently I'm reading this book. Someone was telling me that it's a movie. But I don't know...

 9. What I'm Listening To:
Lots of things honestly. When it comes to music, I have ADD. But I've had my Rory And Joey CD on replay. For the last month! It just seems so fitting. For this Season in my Life. And for the Easter Season. It makes me cry, feel good, and sing...all day long! Definitely something I'd recommend.

10. What I'm Wearing:
I've actually been dressing up more. And by that I mean not only jeans...but actual dresses. I know. For someone that lives in sweats, that is pretty amazing! And like every Spring, I'm swooning over Old Navy's dresses. Every Spring, they have a big sale. And I try and pick up a few dresses when they are $10. Along with a nicer dress, for Easter. This one is for $15. And calling my name! I'm not sure what color I like most...the green, yellow, or white. 

11. What I'm Doing This Weekend:
All things Easter! Tomorrow and Friday, we'll attend Mass in the evening. Friday I'll drive my Momma to Tome. We'll walk from the highway to the hill. Because there is no way, she can make it up the hill. I might go for the climb. Depending on how my Mom is feeling. On Sunday, we'll be at Easter Sunrise Mass. And we'll spend the afternoon at a Family BBQ. That I'm super excited about. :)

12. What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month:
I don't think I've said it enough...in this blog post. The opening of the Albuquerque Downtown Growers' Market! I really enjoy the Market in general. And then we've made all these friends there. My Momma really enjoys getting out too. Oh, and we make some money for our little foundation. ALWAYS a good time! If you are local, stop by and check it out. We'll be there twice a month...all season long! The ABQDGM is open on Saturdays from 8-12PM, at Robinson Park.

13. What Else Is New:
Well, I'm looking for a part-time job. Something near our home. Because my Momma is not supposed to be left alone. I'm thinking of one of the nearby stores. Retail isn't that bad. And pretty flexible. Which is what I need. With her health issues and doctors' appointments.

I was also asked to start teaching a Crochet Class. At a local Craft Store. Which could be a lot of fun. And I'm going to start teaching more classes at the DOH. Maybe the hospital too. My schedule is about to get real full!

Bonus Question: What's Your Favorite Easter Tradition:
Mine would definitely be Easter Sunrise Mass. It feels so good to start off the celebrations, at Church. I LOVE going to Church during the entire Holy Week. It reminds me so much, of my childhood. And going to Church with my Nanie. But there is something about Sunrise Mass. On Easter Sunday. Alleluia!

That's it for my WUW. I'm off to go take our car for some routine maintenance. And I need to go get my documents, to renew my Driver's License. Please wish me luck! Maybe say a few prayers for me. And perhaps, I might sneak in some crafting. I needed to make about 20 little crochet items...before Sunday. Happy Wednesday!

XOXO,
Desiree

Easter in the Making!

I can't believe that it's almost Easter! Where has the time gone? I swear, we just started Lent. And Sunday...is already Easter!

So as a single gal, I don't have to worry about making Easter baskets for littles. Although, a certain little pup...has a big 'ol present waiting for her. And I'll get my Mom something. I also put a little something in the mail, for my Goddaughters.

But I like to make stuff for the littles. And since we always spend Easter with my cousins, I was looking for some fun, fast, and cute bunny crafts. Last year, I made all the littles a washcloth bunny...and a bag of candy. But my little cousin was born on Easter, and we only ended up seeing a handful of the littles.

That has not put a damper on my Easter Spirit. I was out searching for ideas. I didn't post, what I'm in the process of making. I think I need to make 14 girl items. And 8 for the boys. I have 4 made in total! But here are some cute options. And you know me, I just do a quick Google Image search. So I don't have any real links for you...

These cute baskets are made out of fake flowers. And wire. Super cute, if I only had girl cousins. Or if I had another idea. For the boys. But this might be something, I come back to, for our Tea Party Fundraiser.

These bunnies are super cute! If I had any artistic ability. To draw the faces. I'd love to make some. And fill them with some sweet treats.

When I used to teach catechism, for the littles...I made these. Super fast and easy. And economical. If you are looking for a quick treat, this is one of my favs. I used a coupon, and bought the wooden beads. Used for the head. And I spray painted them. The rest is pom poms, little eyes, and the feet...I used wooden hearts. That I also spray painted.

OMG! These chicks are super cute. And had I seen them sooner, this would have been my 2018 Easter Treat! But I've already planted some seeds, in our egg cartons...

You could totally spray paint these. Or use acrylic paint. And then use a Sharpie to make the eyes. I would then fill them with chocolate candies. And glue them closed. :)

These bunny envelopes are super cute too! They've actually given me an idea, to make a crochet purse. I'll let you know, when I've figured them out. :)

These rabbits, cracked me up! Another cute and inexpensive treat. I'll be saving up my TP rolls for next year. I already have stacks and stacks of this polka dot felt. And it would be so easy, to fill these up. With treats, before gluing on the feet. 

I'm not really interested in the bunnies here. I like the carrots. They'd be adorable to use as decor. Maybe next year. Don't you think they're cute? In a little basket. Or spread over some fake grass.

I'm only interested in 2 items from this pic. The cute bunny garland. I recently saw a similar one. Made out of burlap. At JoAnn's...for $15. On sale! Crazy people. I think there were only 8 bunnies.

I want to make one for next year. With cute little cotton tails. Oh, I think that would be cute. The paper option, is also cute. But I'd still prefer the burlap one. Or even lace. That could be super cute!

I also like the sock bunnies. I saw something similar on Facebook. And thought they'd be cute. As decor. Maybe a little family of 3 or 5. In some cute pastel colors.

I saw these, and thought they were so cute! For Spring in general. Not just Easter. I think they'd make the perfect Hostess Gift. Or even, would be cute on the bathroom counter. I really want to make a set. It just takes some Mason Jars, twine, a Sharpie, some acrylic paint, and flowers!

I wouldn't use these for treats. More for decor. Or even a Hostess Gift. Making a bunch, and putting them in a glass bowl. They would look cute on a table top. Or in an entry way.

These guys are super cute too! I like the little glass candle holders. I think they'd be perfect for Spring. Or again, our Tea Party. I'm betting those bunny tails, are either a pom pom...or a marshmallow. In the last week, I've seen them make these Bunny Tails on at least 8 TV Shows!

These jars are my fav!!! About 10 years ago, I helped a friend make something similar. But with little Zoo animals. For her son's nursery. They were super easy to make! And so fun!

Then a few years later, I made some for my Goddaughter's nursery. You just have to save some jars. Or buy some. Then buy a pack of small animals, toy soldiers, or bugs. Whatever you want to put on top. Then spray paint all the "toppers" and lids. 

I used E6000, to glue them together. And we put little essentials in them. Cotton balls, cotton swabs, hair bows. As the kiddos have grown, they have become containers for toys and art supplies. 

But these would be cute to make. With bunnies, chicks, or even eggs as toppers. And then you could stick candy or cookies in them. Perfect for your kitchen. Or as a Hostess Gift.

What are you guys making this Easter? Is there anything I should be making? An Easter Craft that is really cute and fun? Let me know. I have a big family. And I'm always interested in making them little things. Oh, and I LOVE to decorate for the holidays! 

XOXO,

Desiree

My Favorite Food Week...During Lent

Do you ever have one those weeks? When you just aren't feeling life. That's me. This week. I don't feel well. I think I ate some bad food yesterday. As in, bad shrimp cocktail. My stomach has been killing me since last night!

Well, onto our week. It's a Holiday Week. So I'm pretty excited about that. That means, lots of fun this week. And tons and tons of yummy food! So my tummy better get in check!

Monday:
Probably nothing. Maybe I'll pick something up on the way home. Or just eat some soup.

Tuesday:
We're going to the movies with my cousin. So we'll probably go to Wendy's after. My Mom likes a good movie/Wendy's kind of date. 4 for $4...we're on our way!

Wednesday:
I'm thinking tuna patties with rice. Yum! We haven't had those in a long while! Do you ever eat tuna patties? I feel like those have been in staple, in our lives...since I was little. If I don't make rice, I'll make buttered herb noodles. Another yummy option.

Thursday:
Chicken and...I don't know. Chicken and pasta? Maybe a salad. I'm out of ideas here. Or maybe it's because I don't feel well. We'll have some sort of chicken dish though.

Friday:
That's easy! It's Good Friday. We always have torta. Do you know what torta is? Is it just a New Mexico thing? Not sure. Oh, and we don't use that recipe. We have our own. Would you like me to write up our recipe? And the recipes to all our sides? Let me know in the comments.

We always have torta with beans, fidellos, fresh tortillas, spinach, calabacitas. It's everything yummy...that I LOVE about New Mexico! And Lent! I can't wait until Friday!!!

Saturday:
Red chili enchiladas. Probably. We'll have leftovers from Friday. And we'll probably just make some cheesy enchis to go along with all the yummy leftovers!

Sunday:
This is super easy! Family BBQ!!! I'm on dessert duty. And quite excited about it. I'll be making some fruit salad, jelly bean bark, and maybe some Oreo bark. Yum! I can't wait!

Things I want to try this week. Oh, I don't know. I've been going through a ton of magazines lately. And watching so many YouTube videos! Right before bed. And then I literally dream of food. All. Night. LONG!

I have been dying to make this salad. During the summer, I had something similar at a local pizza place. And I've been dying to make this! This chicken also sounds yummy! With some Hawaiian macaroni salad. That might be Thursday's dinner.

A good friend of mine recently sent me 5lbs of jamaica. Nothing makes this gal happier, than jamaica tea! But 5lbs is quite a bit. Even if I drink this stuff daily. In the past I've made cookies, ice cream, and of course tea. But I was looking for a savory dish. When I came across this recipe. Totally worth a try! I also came across this No Mayo Tuna Salad. That would be good for lunch. And this yummy brisket recipe. I miss real Texas brisket! This is totally a cheater kind of recipe.

What's on your menu this week? Any recipes that I should try? I feel like I'm in a food rut. And would love to hear, all about what you are eating. Have a Great Week!

XOXO,
Desiree

Day in the Life: Celebration Edition

I ALWAYS take pictures on the same day of the month...for my "Day in the Life" posts. ALWAYS! And I always post them on the 25th. This month, it happened to fall on a bit of an important day. So let's get started.

3AM. I woke up just before 3AM. So by the time 3AM rolled around, I was looking over that day's blog. The thing is, I always write my blog posts a day or so before I post them. On the day I post, I read them over. Edit. Make a few changes. Then post. That's what I was up to, on this morning.

4AM. By 4AM, I was well into my 3rd episode of I Love Lucy. Which is my favorite show ever! I watch it every single morning. Except during Hallmark's Christmas movie month. When they don't show it. While I watch I Love Lucy, I also journal.

I've been writing a daily journal, since I was a teen. All of my old ones, are in a Safe Deposit box. With instructions, to destroy them if I die. But honestly, I like to go back, and read them. To see what I was doing, on a certain date. Or what was going on, during a certain time period.

I also have a Goal Journal. It's a new thing. Where I write my goals or plans. Something to focus on. And keep those thoughts organized. I try and do these things, first thing in the morning. It keeps me focused.

5AM. By this time, I've usually turned the TV off. And I'm ready to focus. On the important stuff. I take out my Bible. And a few Daily Devotion books that I have. And I get to reading. I try and study a few things from the Bible, daily.

This has been really important to me. I probably started doing this, about 20 years ago. And my relationship with God, has grown so much! When my Dad was really sick, the time of day would vary. But I always made sure, to read and study the bible.

I also have a notebook, where I put my prayers. I pray for people daily. Friends and family. People who ask for prayers. People that I've met through my blog. I pray for things. Like my health, or something going on in my life. I pray for the souls of people I know, who have passed on. And sometimes, for things going on in my life. It's another great tool, that I've been doing for a while.

6AM. In all honesty, this was probably more like 5:30AM. I went to go get some work done. Sometimes I just like to leave our home, to work. Whether it's going to McDonald's, the Library, or even the hospital where I consult. I like to leave. To get work done, uninterrupted.

But on this day, I had 2 visitors. That I'll keep off the blog. But they surprised me. I usually don't eat this early. I'm actually known for buying iced tea at 5AM! And sitting around working until about 10AM.

This day was a nice treat. A visit that my soul, desperately needed. And I enjoyed sharing a quick bite, with 2 of my favorite peeps! Oh, and because it was my special day, they gave me some chocolate chip cookies. And they were pretty yummy!

7AM. By this time I was alone again. Working. And listening to these little old men. Who go every single day! And have the best convos ever! When I looked up from a file, I saw that the sun had finally cracked out of the sky! So pretty.

8AM. By this time, I decided to head home. I didn't have much work to do, on this day. So I went home. And found a very quite house. My Momma was still asleep. And I sat down to work on a blanket. It's for a babe that is due in April. :)

9AM. By this time, Miss Belle decided to wake up. For the morning. And she was looking a bit of a mess. So she got a bath. While Honey played outside. And Sweetheart slept with her Momma. Can we take a minute to appreciate how happy my dog is? And how excited she was to take a bath. She just loved it!

10AM. I decided it was time for a shower. And some real clothes. Most days, we stay home. So I usually wear sweats. On this day, we decided to go out for lunch/dinner.

11AM. My Mom had woken up. And while she had her coffee. I started to get ready. I don't do much. I'm a minimalist when it comes to getting ready. There was once a time, when it would take me 2 hours. Honestly, 5 minutes after I took this picture, I was ready. The bathroom was clean. And my dog was dressed. :)

12PM. I have to be honest here. This picture was taken closer to 1PM. Because at noon, my Mom and I were watching the news. When someone was knocking at our door. I went outside to find our neighbors.

Who happened to bring me a birthday present. Lots of fun nail and bath stuff. Have they seen my Insta, or what? Perfect gift neighbors! And then, we spent about an hour, outside chatting!

1PM. My Mom and I's ritual. Monday-Friday. 1-2PM. General Hospital. We rarely miss a show! I've been watching since I was in middle school. I used to record the show, and watch it when I got home from school.

My Mom used to watch other Soaps. But since they have all been cancelled, she watches GH. Since she got sick, this is what we do. So if you call me between 1-2PM, and I don't answer. This is why! :)

2PM. Another fav of mine! Rick Steves. I LOVE to watch this show. It's a PBS show about European Travel. Something I dream of doing. One day. And I adore, getting to see all these places...that my friends travel to. Being a musician, there is a ton of travel involved!

So while my Mom showered, I watched this show. And put a few more destinations, on my #LifeGoals list! No lie, I have a HUGE list, of places I want to visit. Most of them, being in Italy and Spain.

3PM. My Mom was almost ready. And I was well into, writing some cards. I've been writing letters, notes, and cards to various people. For Lent. Every single day. Instead of giving something up for Lent, I write letters. 

I also have a few PenPals. And there are a few birthdays coming up. So I was writing out some cards. While I waited. I just LOVE Snail Mail!!! And stationary. :)

4PM. We finally made it to dinner! If you've been following my day, I hadn't had a bite...since 6AM. And I was ready, to eat my way through the menu. First up, a salad. Oh, and some more iced tea!

5PM. We ate and chatted. And around 5PM, our dinner arrived. My Momma had a quesadilla. I opted for this little number. It's one of the current deals at Chili's. Yum! It was so delicious. And so much food!

You probably could have rolled me out of there. Until we saw some friends. So we stopped to chat with them a bit. And I made sure, not to tell anyone it was my special day. How embarrassing, when they sing to you! I think I would have died of embarrassment.

6PM. We were stuffed. And ready for a nap. Instead we opted to drive across the parking lot. And stop for a few things my Mom needed at Walmart. We waited at the cutting table for 30 minutes. Second time this week. At a second location. She was growing impatient! We just needed 2 yards of 2 fabrics...

7PM. By this time, I was less stuffed. And my Momma was needing something sweet. So we drove across the parking lot. And had an ice cream sundae. Because of my special day...and some other deal, we spent a few dollars. And got 2 sundaes. We also spent a good amount of time...People Watching. My favorite thing to do!

8PM. 911. We made it home, just in time. For my new favorite show! And it was so good. I forgot to snap a picture. Because I was enjoying my show. And some Baby Belle snuggles. :)

I'm just bummed out, that this was also the Season Finale. Ugh! I don't want to wait months for it to come back...

9PM. My Mom was in bed, and I was looking for something to read. A friend of mine, had recently sent me a box of books. And I picked this one up. It's a RomCom kind of story. A super easy read. I think I read just over 100 pages...that's 5 chapters.

I want to start reading more. So I'll make my way through that box. They're not necessarily books I'd pick out. But they're still good reads. Easy and fast moving books. I'll let you guys know, how I feel about this one. Once I finish reading it.

10PM. By this time, I was ready for some R&R. The house was quiet. So I lit a candle. And pulled out one of my favorite sheet masks. Oh, it was so nice!

I try to use some sort of mask on Sundays. But I've been wearing more makeup lately. And just felt like my skin needed a little TLC. So I cleaned my face really well. And laid down, mask on, to read.

11PM. Around this time, I started to get a little tired. Not really tired enough to sleep. But I just wanted to relax. So I picked up that blanket, from earlier in the day. And got to work. While watching PBS. I'm really starting to like the way this looks. I've made more "boyish" looking blankets, with this pattern. But this one, reminds me of Neapolitan Ice Cream. :)

12AM. I was winding down a bit. PJs on. And went to brush my teeth. When I thought...why not? I pulled out one of my favorite Biore Pore Strips. The charcoal kind. And one of my favorite nail polishes. Orly's Passion Fruit.

And while I waited for the magic of my pore strip to work, and my nails to dry, I flipped through this magazine. I recently picked it up, at Barnes and Noble. And I tagged some projects, that I want to make.

1AM. By this time, I was ready for bed. Clean face, freshly brushed teeth, all my devices plugged in for work in the morning. So I curled up in bed, and watched a few videos from one of my favorite YouTubers. Around 1:30AM, I called it a night!

And that's my day! Full of not so interesting activity. Pretty much sums up my current life. Well, other than a celebratory dinner. And ice cream. Happy Sunday!

XOXO, 

Desiree