I just returned from the BAM2015 Blog Conference put on by Midlife Boulevard in Nashville where I met amazing women and learned more about the wonderful world of blogging.
While waiting at my gate at the airport, there was a flight to Orlando that was boarding before mine. Southwest Airlines made an announcement that they had a special guest on their plane. Although they love all of their fliers, this one was extra special. He was a little boy going to Disney with his family, sponsored by the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
The excitement in his voice about going to see his favorite Disney characters left me choked up and so grateful that there are wonderful organizations like this. Kudos to Make a Wish Foundation and to all the volunteers and corporations such as Southwest Airlines that make these kids wishes come true.
Now, on to my Worthy Reads for this week.
Room of the Week
Who wouldn’t like to wake up in this gorgeous bedroom? It’s like being in the treetops! I would have to have my coffee on the balcony, wouldn’t you? I am in love with the arched ceiling and windows. I found this lovely room on one of my favorite decorating apps, Houzz. If you are not familiar with Houzz, you can read about it on my previous post by clicking here.
2015 Top New Perennials
I am so itching to plant my summer flowers. It’s not only been a long winter, but it’s also been a long time for me since I gardened. I didn’t plant one flower last year as I was recovering from my wrist surgeries. I am hoping that I can ease myself back in to gardening this year. I was excited to come across Better Homes & Gardens 2015 Top New Perennials. I’m always up for something new and different. Will you be planting any of these in your yard this summer (if it ever gets here!)?
Recipe of the Week
This butternut squash lasagna recipe found on Design Sponge is by chef Brian Malarkey and I felt it was worthy of sharing. It looks like a fabulous comfort food and I will be making it this weekend for my visiting family.
I find it hard to work with butternut squash, especially with my weak wrist. It’s difficult to slice when it is so hard. I may buy the pre-cut squash at the grocery store and cut it the desired thickness or I may pre-cook a whole one for a few minutes in the microwave oven to soften it for cutting. If you do that, make sure you prick it with a knife in several spots before placing in the microwave for steam to escape.
This lasagna will pair nicely with a green salad and a glass of Pinot Noir. I can’t wait to try it.
Adventure Traveling
I have many friends that have been on Safari in Africa, hiking in Machu Picchu and on many other adventures. I now have a new one they can add to their list! They can rent a glass igloo in Finland to watch the Northern Lights! I found this on Buzz Feed and you can click on the link for more intriguing pictures. Would you be interested in going?
How to Make Homemade Sugar Scrubs
Winter has taken a toll on our skin. It’s time to slough off that dead skin and there is no better way than a sugar scrub. I remember having a pedicure in New York City with my friend Peggy in the dead of winter. It was at a spa that used a very simple sugar scrub and I was amazed at the results! I found a great infographic from U Create Crafts with a variety of recipes for sugar scrubs that you can create at home.
What do you do with the sugar scrub? Wet the area you want to exfoliate, apply the sugar scrub and massage in a circular motion to allow the granules to remove dead skin cells. Rinse well. Your skin will feel so refreshed. Don’t use soap after as it will take away the moisturizing effects.
If you haven’t used one before, you will be hooked! If you like sugar scrubs, do you have any recommendations?
Thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoyed the OMG Worthy Reads for Week 23.
If you are new to the blog, never miss a post – sign up to have new posts sent directly to your inbox. Please feel free to leave a comment below as I love hearing from my readers. Enjoy your week.
Carolyn says
Love…Love…Love that bedroom! Wowsa!
Elaine says
I have to agree Carolyn. I think that is one of the prettiest bedrooms I have ever seen!
Lydia Nordhoff @ lydioutloud.com says
That bedroom is dreamy – I would never want to leave it! Excited for the perennial ideas too, I really want to convert my garden to all perennials at some point!
Elaine says
I love perrenials in the garden too but always feel I need to have some annuals for August when most perrenials are looking a bit tired.
Regina says
What a beautiful & soothing room to start the day!
Definitely going to try the butternut lasagna. It’s a pretty dish and I think would be great at room temp, for a summer dinner.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Elaine says
Thanks Regina. The Butternut Squash Lasagna was delicious but I found it very hard to cut the squash. Try piercing it with a knife a few times and soften the skin in the microwave before slicing. Enjoy!