the sirens.

did i ever mention how much i dislike the sirens? the awfully loud tornado sirens that blare behind our house when a tornado may be near. at the very moment, they are blaring. it sends a chill through me and puts an empty pit in my stomach. i have now moved myself down to the safety of our basement trying not to think about my children who are at school right now. they are nervously taking cover too. it's during times when i'd like nothing more than to hold them tight and have them by my side.

happy friday.

happy friday! i can hardly believe school was cancelled today due to inclement weather. what?? there is not a snowflake or a drop of freezing rain in the air. it's really crazy to say the least. but, i am enjoying letting my children sleep in this morning and i will really surprise them when they wake up and find out there is no school today. now only if there were some snow then we'd really have some fun! i will keep wishing!!

so, whatever your plans are this weekend, i hope you have a good one. we'll be at home today, starting our weekend off early and enjoying the unexpected day off from school!

it's the perfect weekend to make these biscottis and a latte
funny valentine for kids
diy pendant lighting 
a braid bar craft night
cute friendship bracelet tattoos

happy, happy weekend!! i am glad it's here early! 

{image via here}

lunch at home.

today, i am enjoying one of my lunchtime favorites here at home. fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil on focaccia with a touch of balsamic vinegar, olive oil & sea salt. yum. so simple but so good.

p.s. here's another one of my favorite sandwiches to make at home.

back again.

new year. new week. new day. and this morning, my kids are back at school again. and, i'm back working on my blog again. i know i've been away for too long.  it really seems strange that our house is so quiet. and it's just me again. i have so enjoyed the past few weeks having my kids at home, and no schedules to follow. and having family come and go. i have always loved all the joyfulness and busyness that christmas and the new year seem to bring.

so, today i am saying hello to getting back again. back to some sort of structure again. and back to being organized in my days. it's been too long. it's time to get back to completing projects that have gone undone and accomplishing new things. and back to doing the things i enjoy each day. i really do have lots of ideas and good intentions for the new year.

i'm happy i'm back again. i hope you are too.

{image via pinterest, here}

happy new year.

2012 was busy, yet joyful.
and now, i'm looking forward to a brand new year. 
a year of new beginnings. a fresh new start.

i think it's going to be a wonderful 2013. 

hope yours is too.

happy new year!