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2012 has been a sensational year on AND outside of my house talks. I’ve loved being able to share my travels, recipes, and most of all, the transformation of our home. This year was definitely better than the last and I’m going to venture a say that 2013 will be even better than 2012! Yep, I said it! I have so much more planned for my blogging outlet and thank all of you (friends and family) for the continued support of this little adventure! I hope you all have a sensational 2013!

Happy New Year, Friends! See you in 2013!

You are all in for a special treat today. On occasion, I like to have a guest write a post, to keep things fresh here! So, without further ado – A gem of an eatery from a gem of a person, Amy Lynn:

There was a time when Eric (my oldest cousin) was babysitting my sister, myself and the girl behind my house talks. My sister must have been about three or four years old, and she just flipped out on him. This screaming tantrum went on for at least an hour or two. Of course, Eric kept his cool and was completely the responsible older cousin. Turns out, my sister was just a little grouchy because she hadn’t been fed.

Well, I admit, it must be genetic.

I too get severe “cranky pants” if I wait too long between meals.

Most of those close to me recognize the signs early on and attempt to quell the beast.

Not too long ago, the boyfriend ran over a screw… on a Sunday night before he had to be at work at 6 am the next morning. We had to get a new tire, now! It took about two hours and five different repair shops, all on an empty stomach. My empty stomach. The screaming three-year-old stomach. Bless his heart, he actually thanked me for keeping calm, even though he knew it was prime time for “cranky pants”.

Which leads me to Humphry’s. If you ever find yourself in Southern California, on a mission for a great meal, you have to go to Humphry’s. These are the most welcoming, sincere folks you could ever hope to come across. Especially when you haven’t eaten… in like, 6 hours!! I have the good fortune of living about 0.25 miles away from this place, yes, I clocked it. They see me often.

Today, I had a breakfast burrito with sausage and salsa, no potatoes.

Other go to’s: Spinach Wrap and the Spinach Salad.

I may even try to make my own rendition in future guest posts, but for now, fly or drive to San Clemente, California for a must-have meal. Seriously, you will not be disappointed. Better yet, bring a friend with cranky pants! ~ Amy Lynn

Happy weekend, Everyone!!

Hi Friends. Yes, I’m alive!

Two weeks ago…actually almost three now, the husband and I drove all the way from Minnesota to Dallas in a day. We were so proud of ourselves and oh so excited to sleep in our own bed!

My plan for that Monday (which we took off for travel) was to sleep in and surprise my office. I would work a half day. But my body had different plans. I decided to get pink-eye. Yep, pink eye. I went to an ophthalmologist and he was filled with wonderful news.

• Not bacterial, viral.
• Seriously contagious.
• No medication to treat. Only palliative measures.
• Your other eye will be infected soon.
• Wait it out. At home. You can’t work for a week-and-a-half.

This doesn’t sound bad, but when you can’t see, AND your eyes hurt, itch, and are constantly draining, it isn’t fun. Plus, fighting fevers and chills. Not fun.

As I was quarantined to my room, I realized a couple of things about myself: I don’t have that “high pain tolerance” that I, like many, have claimed to have. It’s just that I haven’t had much physical pain in my life. Honestly, I hate being sick, I hate pain, and no, I don’t tolerate it well. I guessed my will to live is pretty weak. This made me realize, I should get the epidural when having children. Oh, and I hate the smell of lysol.

Did I mention after fielding the blow about my viral pink-eye, and not being about to work all week, I came down with the biggest pus-filled tonsils I’ve ever seen.  Yep, add strep to my week! Awesome.

Luckily, I’m back on my feet and worked this whole week… unfortunately, catching up with work meant my blog hasn’t received much of my love or attention. I missed it dearly and have so many posts to share. I hope to be back this week to my M-W-F routine.

Now, go wash your hands and don’t touch anything! I don’t want any of you to get pink-eye or strep! :)

Happy Weekend Friends!

Side Note: Yep, that’s penis in our pasta. Thank you Sarah & Adam for making the trek all the way to Italy and back with these little wonders. They are hilarious and thoughtful friends! It has nothing to do with the post material, yes, but posts aren’t fun without pictures, and this post needed a laugh or two!  He he. 

My birthday was last tuesday. I turned the big three-one and can’t quite grasp where those years have gone!? All-in-all, I’ve been blessed and have little to complain about. My life has been getting a little better with each passing year. Plus, the beauty of growing up is, you don’t have to make a big to-do about your birthday OR you can! That’s the fun! And you can buy yourself your own gift! Even better!

The husband and I are putting 100.00/wk starting this month, plus any money we get for our birthdays (His birthday is in August, too) toward bikes! Not top-of-the-line bikes, just some good used ones. We’ve been looking at Craigslist, and I can’t wait to finally pull the trigger!

Nonetheless, we still had to do something on my birthday, right? Of course, my wonderful office got me a cake and a Visa gift card! The husband got me two cookies from my favorite bakery in Dallas, Magnolia’s, and I decided to walk through West Elm for my after work treat! I just wanted to see the goodness and get some inspiration for the rooms we still need to fill! Afterwards, we headed to dinner at Royal Thai, our favorite Thai restaurant in the city!!

Honestly, this was a great way to start a new year. Nothing crazy! Nothing fancy. Just good conversation and great food. Plus, we’re heading north for a week to see both of our families! I’m considering this a birthday present, too!

If this is any indication of how 31 will be, I am super excited!