{fabric rosettes}

hello and happy spring!! How are you doing??? Are you feeling happy about spring too?

Finally...we are moving forward! Feels so good:)

I just love the renewing of my spirit I feel when warmer days and sunshine are in the forecast.

It's been a very long winter and I won't be sad to see it go! Onwards and upwards to happy sunshiney days!

I am more than ready to be my happy, chipper, inspired self.

I am ready to create some new Simple Daisy designs and even more happy to soon be wearing them without 16 layers of clothes on:)

I don't know if you've had a chance to peek at my shop lately.....but i've been working on bangles! I just love them and think they go with just about anything!

Up next....I am going to try my hand at happy little turquoise stacking rings! I can't wait~

Anywho....I love accessories. I think any kind of accessories are the perfect way to do a little sprucing to your outfit! Belts, jewelry, simple little things!

Here's what i've been making lately! I {LOVE} them:)

Happy little fabric rosettes:)

Perfect for a happy spring!

You can find actual tutorials all over the Internet but basically you just twist fabric all around itself! Some people stitch them but I just used little dabs of hot glue!
and for these I just safety pinned them to a simple white tank!

They make me so happy!

And I thought they would be super cute on simple sandals!

What do you think!?!?!? Do you like!

It's always the simplest of things that make me happy! I really don't need much in life.

And just because....
one of my favorite songs!

I always say I am such a gypsy spirit. As another month rolls by it really makes me think about my life and what I want out of it. What are the most important things to me. When I check out what do I want people to remember about me.
Life is so very short and each and every single day matters! I have just had so much on my mind lately. I think it's still really bothering me that my step-father passed away at such a young age and did he get to do all the things he dreamed of. If he could do it all over again what would he change.

I don't know....just a lot of things on my mind lately! Do you know what I mean:)

Anywho....I just keep thinking it's so important that we all keep a little gypsy in each of us!
Follow your dreams....
Live an unconventional life....
Have very few rules in your life....

Just be happy!! and Just Be!

Heehee! Ruby and LC just have to be involved in everything I do. I think they are just afraid they are going to miss out on something! Good thing they make me so happy.

Hope you have a very happy first week of spring! Make it a great one:)

Linked at Freckled Laundry

Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier.  The way it actually works is the reverse.  You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.  ~Margaret Young

{burlap craft project}

Hello!
How are you doing today!?!?! Were you affected by the massive winter storm!!??
We are snowed in today......very cold and windy too!
Not my kind of weather...but you already know that:)

It's been a tough winter....the kind of winter where I am going to appreciate the first nice day we have. And I mean REALLY Appreciate!
The kind of winter where it's taken everything in me to remain chipper and positive....
The kind of winter that just plain wears you down......

but you know what....it hasn't broken me....
in fact...this is the first winter...that I decided I would own it...rather than winter owning me:)

I got busy with Simple Daisy and working in my little studio.

Each day .... I race home from work...pour a glass of wine...turn on the french cafe music...close the blinds...light the candles and just pretend that winter's not really happening:)

I have tried to look at it as an opportunity ...
an opportunity to have the time to work harder on Simple Daisy...
I am not as likely to sit inside in the summer:)

Always remember....that we can CHOOSE the way we view the world!

Do you see opportunities or failures!!?
Do you see the way the sunlight dances on the snowcovered ground or do you see misery!?!?
Do you see how beautiful you already are or do you see the gray in your hair!?!?

Each and every day is a gift! Each day is an opportunity to find something to be happy about!
Each day is an opportunity to move closer to the life you imagine! Everything is a choice:)

 

and when you feel yourself getting just plain tired of something in life....for me it's the snow!

do something that will make you happy!

I grew grass:):)
I just NEEDED to see some greenery! Amazing just how much you miss the smell of fresh cut grass in the winter! ANd yes....I do cut the grass so I can release it's beautiful scent! Makes me very happy!!!!

I also made some of those little burlap rosettes!! I think they are super cute!!
You can find tutorials all over the internet.....but basically you just cut strips of burlap about 2 inches thick and fold it in half and twirl and glue....twirl and glue!
Easy peasy:)

And the burlap "spring".....well just cut triangles out of the burlap and glue the triangles onto twine! Paint the letters!!!

Just a tiny something to bring a little cheer to the long winter days!!

What do you do to bring a little cheer to your winter days!!!

Are you the kind of person that loves the simple things in life!?!?

Well...if you're snowed in like me ... I hope you enjoy your day!! And if your a southern girl....send me some beachy photos!! I do live vicariously through you ..you know:):):):)

"Happiness is not a matter of events; it depends upon the tides of the mind."

Alice Meynell

{winter happiness}

Hello there.
How are you on this fine Monday!?!?
Me....let's see....I am SO SORE from a new workout class I did at the gym this weekend. I haven't been that sore EVER from a workout....so I can't wait until this Saturday to take the class again!!
You know how I feel about working out...VERY IMPORTANT....and I love when I try something new and it's super challenging!

Oh and....I know from my last post that I received some comments that I might be getting ready to open my shop soon.....nope...I wish...but still nope!

Instead...I have decided to really look at Simple Daisy and all that I create here with a more positive light! I am instead going to focus more on getting my name out there {so I might be contacting some of you lovely bloggers to advertise and to do Simple Daisy give-aways} and slowly building Simple Daisy....the online beachy happy inspired shop and blog!!! I am even thinking of opening spots for advertising here...not sure how I feel about that yet though.

Yes...no!?!?!?

You know how I feel....happiness is 100% in the right here and now! and so I am going to spend a little more time appreciating what i've already got going on here and building from there.

Advice always appreciated:):)

Can you believe I just snapped a random photo {thought I saw a Bald Eagle and wanted to zoom in on it} and got this lovely photo!? I think it resembles a heart!!! LOVE.....yes....have love and happiness in your heart!

and always take the time to just open your eyes to the world around you.....you'll be amazed at what you see!

Did I tell you we were going to the Reindog Parade in St. Joe, MI this weekend!?!? If you live nearby ...it's a must see!

Dogs dress up like reindeer or whatever and parade down the main street in St. Joe.

{ps. meant to say people....oops}


I think it's so fun to just get out there and experience all sorts of fun things....even in the wintertime. Plus I love dogs so it's a win..win...

How could you not be happy looking at all those festive dogs! Just puts me right in the holiday spirit!

And do you notice....Ruby is never still! She is so full of energy and with the cold temps I haven't been able to run her:(
She has become quite my running partner....she was up to 4 miles before the temps turned to cold for me to run outside.
See all the snow we're getting here right now {I just snapped those photos today}...but i'm not going to let it get me down.
 Sometimes you just have to find happiness wherever you are!

I would most definitely be a weeeee bit happier sipping chilled cocktails on the beach....but i'm not! and my gramps always taught me one thing {well really one thing among many things} that people just don't like to be around complainers! So i've really been trying to focus on the positive things about winter! and fuzzy boots and hot cocoas are two very positive things:):)

and people sure do like her:)



Well by now you know that nothing I do ..... goes without a little lunch and cocktails!!!
So we made our way down to a litle pizza place on the beach....

Just look at the ice on those beers! That's something to be happy about....if you're a beer drinker!

I'm usually more of a wine girl myself....but I did have to try a little ice cold beer! Why not, right!!?!?

May not be summertime bliss....but it's still bliss!!
To live a life that makes me happy.....is bliss to me:):)

And you know what else is even more blissful.....making each and every one of you feel happy/inspired/motivated every time you stop by! I am so thankful to you for your support and kind words on my little happy space:)

~Cheers to a happy inspired life:).....even in the winter!

Finding happiness is like finding yourself. You don't find happiness, you make happiness. You choose happiness. Self-actualization is a process of discovering who you are, who you want to be and paving the way to happiness by doing what brings YOU the most meaning and contentment to your life over the long run.  David Leonhardt

{Healthy Recipes Simpledaisy Style & Crafting}

Well Hello & super Happy Friday to you:)

I really want you to know just how much I read and appreciate each and everyone of your comments!! Sometimes I can't wait to wake up in the morning to see what new things there are for me to read! They always keep me motivated and inspired to keep following my dreams!
Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to leave your comment!
I really do try my hardest to stop in to all of your blogs.....
I love to read them!! They inspire me just as I hope I inspire you!

Guess what.....
I have been crafting away as usual....
nothing too challenging just painting pots:)
Over the years I have learned that when I paint pots with a couple of coats of paints it chips off and in NOT a pretty way.
Sooooo......
I have been white washing {is that what you call it} my pots.
Simple and oh so cute:)
Get some terra cotta pots...
mix water and the paint color of your choice {I don't use exact measurements...can you believe it:)} just mix it until it's super watery...
Paint it on...
sand it with sand paper when it dries....
repeat 1, 2 or 3 more times....depending on how you want them to look!

Here is the finished product...

vintagey and aqua blue! PERFECT:)

I also did some little ones for my outdoor table....
I put super cute geraniums in them and added tiny shells. They just make me so darn happy!
Who knew $.50 pots and some paint could make a girl smile!!!
I also added some tiny shells to my votive candle holder! I just love summer:)
I wish winter never had to happen because I am just so happy being able to enjoy my meals outside surrounded by pretty little flowers:) Thank you SUMMER for being you!!


Just for good measure....
here are the girls.....in black & white!
You know I am not the world's biggest fan of black & white photography....but I think their really captures their personalities.....especially when they are begging for a little morsel of the food I am cooking for my Fresh Friday post:)

Ruby.......
such a cute face! You wouldn't even know she could chew an entire pillow and comforter in probably under 5 minutes!! Do they have a medal for that?!!? :) :)

and L.C.

Such a pretty, pretty girl!! Champion beggar for sure!!
I love dogs....even though they "might" chew all of your sandals or constantly beg for food....maybe even sneak your entire dinner off the counter when you're not looking.....they make me really happy and always {oh, OK....almost always} bring a big smile to my face!


Now for Fresh Friday:)
I have been more than a little down on myself for gaining 10lbs this winter....have I mentioned that winter and myself just don't get along....we try and try...but we just can't be friends:)
I think I just eat my way through winter!

Well...anywho....
I got sooooo close to my goal weight/size {whatever you want to call it} last summer and then winter hit and I just got really involved in my wine and pizza....darn:(

I know most of us have a few or a tiny bit more than a few lbs. we'd like to say good bye to.
Here's how I do it or plan to do it:) .....
now mind you I never did reach my goal weight last summer {darn wine...gets me every time} and am starting from scratch this summer....So I am by no means an expert!

First, I always increase my exercise and no.....not just the running/cycling/p90x.
I mean simply move MORE. {summer makes that easy}...
Yep....I push mow the yard! Most wives probably save that for their significant other to do....not me....Burns an extra 200 and some calories! Plus I ran before that...not far but just a little run!!!

I also start cutting back a little bit on what I eat....I am NOT perfect but one day I realized I ate over 400 calories in stinkin' goldfish crackers....
don't get me wrong I love those darn things...but really 400 calories worth.....so I switched to apple cinnamon rice cakes at 100 calories.....
still get my crunchy snack but saved calories:) {Thanks for the tip Jamie}

For me....I know it's senseless to say I am not going to snack or have my wine.....so I just start figuring out how to snack for less calories and do a little more exercise so that I can lose my winter induced fat layer:) :)

I wonder if I lived in Florida or California or Louisiana what my excuse would be for my winter weight gains!!!!
haha:)

Alright now on to the super healthy food:)
Fish Tacos with Grilled Peach Salsa

This meal was sooooo darn good it should have been illegal:)

for the tacos.....
mahi spiced with lime, chili powder & cumin
grill it and chop it up when it's done

for the grilled peach salsa.....
chop
peaches
tomato
jalapeno
cilantro
red onion
add......lime juice...frozen corn...chili powder and grill.
When it's all finished make happy little tacos with corn tortillas {oh don't forget to grill those too} and add a little Mexican Cheese....
YUM-O!!!!

Edamame Corn Peach Salad


chop...
tomato
red onion
cilantro
tomatoes
avocado
add in
thawed frozen corn and edamame
mix in lime juice, chili powder and cumin
This really rocked my face off...........
So fresh and So Healthy:)

You know me well enough by now to know......I don't have any fabulous meal without a little vino!!
Since it was FINALLY warm and sunny here in midwestern paradise...white it was:)
Great wine!!! Plus look how cute is the bottle.....
this meal and the sunshine made me kind of feel {for a moment} that I was in Santa Barbara!!
Cheers...............
And have yourself a super fabulous weekend..............

Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. ~Hans Christian Anderson

{Happy St. Patrick's Day}

Hello and Happy St. Patty's Day to you:)
Usually we go out on St. Patty's Day...it's the day my husband & I met 10 years ago:)

but this year....it was absolutely gorgeous out when I got home from work..
Just look at that sky~ sunny and 64 degrees...
I just knew there was NO way I was going to some smokey bar or tent party today!
Good thing my husband agreed:)

I decided to keep the spirit of St. Patty's Day alive and just do a little yard work in my green pants:)and you know my yard work outfit just wouldn't be complete without wearing some beach inspired, shell flip-flops:)On any other day...I would have come home and ran and did a little p90x or something like that....but once the first nice weather of the spring season hits...I just can't force myself to spend the time running or doing p90x.

I just like to come home....throw my things in the kitchen and head outside for some good old fashioned working out. Raking leaves that is:)

I definitely think running or cycling and lifting weights or doing yoga is super important...but every once in awhile it's just nice to get outside and put in a little hard work in your yard.

Plus...I still think it counts as working out!!! And I enjoy it....bonus:)



I also encouraged my husband to get a little "workout" in by having him tear out this crazy bush that was in the front of our house!What a hard worker...

I am sure he's burnin' some calories...but my guess is...he really doesn't care:) after I was finished with cleaning up around the pool area...

I had to come out and check in on the progress...Of course....with my trusty wine:)

Probably negated the calories I just burned raking...but owell...I was happy:) Yep...i'd say it already looks a ton better!!
I think i'll plant some black eyed susans there this summer!!!


Of course...I couldn't stop there.

I decided to give the girls a bath....outside...with the hose. brrrrr.....I don't think they were too happy with me....I think they look pretty and smell great now:)Even the kitty was happy today!What a great day!

See..no need to go out and formally exercise all the time. Sometimes it's nice to throw caution to the wind and just get out there and be active:)

Hope your St. Patty's Day was happy whatever you did.

Oh and thank you so much for all of your ideas on my fireplace!! I appreciate it:)

I did decide to paint the fireplace! Here are all the creamy white paint samples I picked up the other day! Now I just have to decide on just the right shade:)

If all goes well ..... I'll be able to share the finished product with you on Saturday and then get to make lots of simpledaisy jewelry on Sunday! woohoo!!!!

“If you wait to do everything until you're sure it's right, you'll probably never do much of anything.” Win Borden