When the Cat's Away...

the mice will play. 

Last weekend I had the house to myself for the first time ever. Matt flew to Chicago on Friday for a guy's weekend with some of his best friends. Since I am the one who travels for work, Matt is used to having the house to himself for a few days. However, this time it was me who got the house. Just Charlie and I, all weekend...

1. I started off the weekend right with a pedicure, magazine and Starbucks. 2. I got 2 inches trimmed off my locks. It's amazing how much lighter my hair feels! 3. Lots of shopping. I hit Nordstrom rack and found a pair of boots I've been wanting for 75% off! HECK YES! I also stocked up on some workout shirts on sale ($10 each) from Old Navy, and grabbed some small items for the house at World Market. 4. Charlie and I went for several long walks since it was so beautiful all weekend. 5. CRAFTING! Duh. 6. Mmmm - Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns ice cream.  It has real pieces of cinnamon bun swirled in. Oh my goodness, it is heavenly. 7. Extra long baths every day included wine and reading. 8. The neighbors came by with fresh eggs from their chickens. 9. I hung Boston Ferns from the porch!

I could get use to a Christina weekend (every once in awhile)!

Currently Reading

The pile of books currently on my night stand…

I am currently reading the book of John for my bible study. This is the first time I’ve read John from start to finish and it’s been interesting taking an in-depth look at the life of Christ, especially His final week leading up to the cross so close to Easter.

Sadly, this book has taken me 3+ months to get only halfway through. It just seems so slooooow compared to Gone Girl and I keep losing interest. Weeks go by that I don’t even pick it up. Anyone read it all the way through? And if so, is it worth finishing? I know GG ended with a bang, so I hate to give up if there is a mind blowing ending.

In my bible study for married couples we are currently reading the DNA of relationships. Even if you’re not married, this book is definitely worth reading! You will learn so much about yourself and your significant other. I've read a handful of Christian books on relationships and marriage, but this one totally takes the cake! I highly recommend it!

 

 Okay, now I need your help! What book have you read recently that you couldn’t put down? I need a really good book to read for fun!

Easter Around the House!

As promised, I decorated the house over the weekend for Easter. I am proud to say, I only made two trips to Michael's Arts & Crafts for all my projects - that is a success my friends! Usually I make a list, check it all off and forget one small thing and have to go back. Or, I get to the store and end up purchasing all new materials for a totally different project. That place has a way of sucking me in.    Moving on to our decorations! Our first Easter decoration can be found as you enter the front door of our home!

 

All of the spring flowers at Michael's are 40% off, so I was able to make this wreath super cheap. I love the pops of yellow and purple.

Oh, and want to see the awesome picture text I received from my Mother-in-Law yesterday?

Yep, that's her wreath she made this weekend too. Like mother-in-law, like daughter-in-law!

 Our faux fireplace mantel in our living room was in desperate need of decoration. For the left side of the mantel, I filled apothecary jars with moss and Easter eggs – all found on sale at Michael's.

For the right side, I picked up a new ceramic vase on sale from Michael's {for $9} and added a bouquet of flowering branches from Trader Joes. I can't wait to see these little guys blossom! 

 I also added a few little Easter twigs to my fern that sits in the kitchen.

 And of course, no Easter is complete without lots and lots of candy around the house...

Speckled peanut butter M&M's, pastel Lifesavers and speckled Cadbury eggs. Sadly, this dish was empty within a day and a half. We do not do well with candy dishes in our house.

I also have to throw in a fun Easter dessert I made this weekend...

EGG NEST BROWNIES!!