Ready For You, Monday.

Hello to another monday…

I know I’ve said once or twice that I love a Monday. A new week, a fresh start, yes please! It’s true that I live every day with a make all the seconds count kind of attitude. I have to with two kids, two dogs, and a business to help run, I simply have to. So I thought I would share what I do on a Monday to ensure I have a smooth week. Do I always have a smooth week? Hell no. But, this at least starts me out on top.

Start the week already ahead…

I did a post about a year ago talking about the things I do on a Sunday so I feel ready for the week. I don’t always do these but I surly do try and when I do, the start of the week flows much better.

-Wash the sheets. There’s nothing like getting into bed on Sunday night with some fresh sheets.

-Gather Laundry. My laundry day is always Monday so I gather that.

-Take a look at my week to see what I have going on and pull some outfits so that I can get ready faster. Even if I have nothing in the books (which is rare) I still grab a few things that I make sure are ready to wear in case I have to run out.

Now on MOnday…

1. Make a list!

   I have to do this every Monday. I make a list for the day and for the week of things that need done. Otherwise these things bounce around in my head and bother me. Plus I love to check thinks off my list.

2. Write Everything Down

   I know, I know, there’s a phone for that but I’ve always written things down in my planner. Whatever pops into your head that needs done write it down! Seriously I write down what’s for dinner, scheduled blog posts, everything. Like I said it get’s out of my head and on to paper.

3. Eat The Frog

   If you’ve never heard this expression it means so the things you look forward to the least so that then, those are behind you and you can move forward with the day.

4. Do the things but not all of the things.

   Relax, it’s only Monday. Don’t feel like you need to look at this to-do list for the week and try to get it all done in one day. You’ll end up exhausted and frustrated. Prioritize if something not that important can wait and you really don’t have time for it that’s fine! I’ve made this mistake too many times.

   Always remember, if you have a bad Monday, don’t make it a bad week. Put your head up and have a drink. Start fresh tomorrow with a clear head and move on.

   Heres to hoping your week is all smooth sailing!

Mermazing Sips

Happy Friday Everyone!!!

Welcome to the last Martini Moment of June! Can you even believe we are halfway through this ridiculous year? I can’t. These summer days can be hot and this is the perfect drink to cool you down. I am SO excited to share this drink recipe with you. It is the absolute perfect summer pitcher cocktail. Mix it up by the pool, on the patio, even great for a cookout!

No need to go on here is the recipe…

Throw this all in a pitcher with some lime slices and you’re good to go!

I hope this weekend bring you lots of fun in the sun and of course a delicious drink in your hand!

Come Together

Annnnnnnd que The Beatles!

Do me a favor and pretend that “Come Together” by The Beatles is playing in the background while you read this.

Would you like to know my favorite thing about food? It brings people together! Few things I love more than making a dinner and looking around at all the people I love in one room eating the food I made.

Food is universal. I follow a couple of food hashtags on Instagram and I come across some absolutely beautiful, delicious, and looking food. The post details are often not even a language I recognize and I think that’s a beautiful thing. The moral of my story? Food brings people together no matter how different they may be or even if you don’t know them. Political views? Outfit choices? Parenting opinions? I feel like all of that noise falls to the sides when food is involved.

And hey, if one of those things do happen to come up while enjoying a fabulous meal then at least…you have food to stuff in your face before you make the mistake of talking politics…

I’m always trying to push my own boundaries and I never want gatherings at my home to all feel the same even though it’s the same environment. For this past Sunday we celebrated Father’s Day and after all that time being apart coming together will never be taken for granted ever again. Once, a few years ago I covered my island in butcher paper and wrote what all the foods were. This time, I used chalk board paper. It’s a fun way to present food. I call it an “Island Party” full of appetizers. Feel free to make this a full blown island theme.

My point is no matter how you come together food is usually involved. And why wouldn’t it be? The next time you serve food switch up the way you present it!

Today is a two-for. I’m showing you a very fast and easy “Manly Campfire Cake” as I called it. Since it was Father’s Day I only thought it was appropriate.

what you need:

• cake mix of your choice

• icing of your choice

• red, orange, and yellow hard candy

• Pirouettes

• Marshmellows

  what you do:

  1. Put candy in a ziplock bag and smash it then on a foil lined baking sheet, put them in the oven on 350 degrees for about 6 minutes or so. Then pull them out and let them cool completely.

  2. Make your cake and ice it.

  3. I used a torch and lightly toasted marshmallows for the edge of the cake.

  4. Break up the Pirouettes for the “logs” and make them come to a point like a fire.

  5. Break up the cooled candy and arrange like a fire.

  That’s it! You have an adorable (and manly) cake that makes for a great centerpiece for a party. This would be a fun one to make with kids, too!

  Have a fantastic Wednesday! I hope you get to come together with loved ones this week!