A Lovely Life

You know when you're in a conversation and someone uses a popular movie or television show as a reference to what they're talking about?  You ever know someone who NEVER gets the reference because they haven't seen that show?  Yeah, I'm that girl.  For some reason, I've managed to miss out on some of the world's most popular t.v. shows of all time.  Don't get me wrong...if it was a popular show in the 80's I'm there!  Cheers and The Cosby Show among others. I often play a little game I like to call: "Helen hasn't ever seen this show and doesn't get your reference at all so just give up".  Also known as: "a day in the life of any of my relatives, close friends and coworkers". Here's a list of just a few examples of shows that I seriously haven't watched.  Seriously. Friends The Sopranos It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Lost Seinfeld Curb Your Enthusiasm The Office Modern Family Now, this isn...

The weather was really gorgeous on Saturday and I knew early in the week that I wanted   needed to get on my bike.  I needed the exercise, the release of stress and the fun of riding with a friend in a new area.  Y'all, I'm ashamed to admit that it was the first time I actually rode from our now former shop.  Not sure why I've been so scared to ride in town, but I'm glad I finally did! I called our ride the "Tour of Homes" because we rode by some ridiculously gorgeous homes.  The weather was perfect and sunny and all I needed were some knee and arm warmers.  It was great getting back out there and I'm thankful for a friend who will stay with me no matter how slow I am.  ;-) Along the way, we stopped and snapped a couple pictures at The Swan House .   After lunch and a shower, I decided to head out and do something I rarely get to do: SHOP!  I was on the hunt for some fun Spring stuff as well as some basics and did pretty well. ...

Since J and I started the new year with a better approach to eating and exercise, I've found myself even more conscious of diets, exercise plans, health food blogs, etc.  I see these things in my news feed on Facebook or in articles on blogs I read.  Most recently, I've heard more about this growing movement for women to embrace their bodies for what they are.  I hate that this is even a "movement" and not the norm, but I've gotta say I'm happy to see it. I listen to a local radio morning show on my drive into work and after I've gotten settled at my desk.  It seems like they've been doing more segments lately with weight loss challenges, interviews of women and men who are overly body conscious and most recently the No Body Shame Campaign .  They interviewed the woman who started this whole thing the other morning and she was really inspiring and lovely.  After years of struggling with weight and bouncing from 130lbs up to over 300lbs, she realized ...

I got through certain periods of time when I find a slew of videos that I become addicted to.  Most are funny and make me laugh, some make me think, others inspire me.  Here are a few of my favorites lately. The Facebook video of Breaking Bad character, Walter White. (I loved seeing everyone's videos, by the way!) Cat Tries to Apologize.  Gets me every time.  A Tribute to Mothers Everywhere!  Original video here . If you grew up in the 1990's, this commercial gets it DEAD ON.  Brilliant, Microsoft! This kid is adorable and incredibly talented!

I love celebrating all the people in my life whom I'm so thankful for and love so much.  Each year I get more and more excited about Valentine's Day because each year, J and I add a little to our traditions and I LOVE traditions! We've spent most Valentine's Day dinners at home with each other.  It's quiet and the relaxing feeling of skipping a crowded restaurant.  This Valentine's Day was no different, but we kicked it up a notch by making crab legs and mussels!  They were easy to cook and fun to eat, but I highly suggest against waiting until the same day to run to Whole Foods to get what you need -- MAD HOUSE, y'all.  Either way, it was delicious and a little messy and we had a good time together.  We spent the rest of the night on the couch with Frank watching movies.  Now THAT is how I like to spend time with my sweethearts. We really don't buy each other gifts on Valentine's Day.  There are 2 reasons for this: 1.  We...