Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.
G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

• Nick is madras shorts.
• finishing my first year as an active member in Junior League.
• New Town in St. Charles - so quaint (and totally like The Truman Show!).
• first outdoor dinner of the summer at Amigo's.
• one week until the neighborhood pool opens!
  

...and I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves,
and satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
Jenny Joseph

A while back I won a giveaway on Jillian Inc. for a $20 Target gift card. I promised myself I'd get one cute thing, not waste it away on sunscreen, peanut butter and dryer sheets. I wanted a pair of new sandals so I snagged these plain white ones for just $15 (the extra $5 got me a cotton tank).

I toyed with the more bejeweled options but the matchy-matchy girl in my heart knew I'd wear the plain ones so much more.

Thanks Jill!

Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if
green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.
Doug Larson

Seriously, one of my very favorite things about St. Louis (except for the Cardinals, of course) is the Soulard Farmers Market.

One could say that, perhaps, my love of the Soulard Farmers Market equals that of Publix.

The market is located in the area of Soulard which is just south of downtown and also home to Anheuser-Busch. The neighborhood was established in the late 1700s by a Frenchman Antoine Soulard who as fleeing the French Revolution.

The Soulard Farmers Market was founded in 1838 and is full of vendors offering produce, farm raised meat, plants, homemade soups, food vendors and even counterfeit sunglasses (adds to the charm!). The best part is that it is so cheap.

One of the produce stands

Freshly made croissant with warm ham and cheese from the Soulard Bakery stand

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.
G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

• Having my mom here all weekend to play.
  
• Happy Pi Day!
• A totally fixed Jetta for just $400 - hooray for honest mechanics.
• New bra - properly fitted and everything. Glorious.
• salad from The Women's Exchange.
  

One must always have one's boots on and be ready to go.
Michel de Montaigne

While in Jefferson City a few weeks ago, I cleanly broke the heel of my very favorite boots while trekking around on the hilly streets. A little bit of super glue got me through the day but I was so sad that I officially wore them out!

I tend to find a style I like in clothing and just go with it. I am definitely guilty of having four pairs of the same pants, three of the same turtlenecks and five of the same sweater set - all different colors but really just the same darn thing!

I bought a pair of pointy toe, black, knee high boots a year and a half ago. They were comfortable and had good style. Great for work and play all winter.

I've replaced the heel tips but literally wore out the soles. I knew those heels were going and, crack, they went!

Poor old boots.

So I really loved those boots and honestly, would have bought the exact same pair again! I searched high and low in local stores but I've missed the "boot season" - hey, it's spring right? Sandals for everyone even though it is still cold out!

I headed to some online sites and got a great clearance deal on exactly what I was looking for at 6pm.com. Definitely just as close as I could get to my favorite black boots.

Pretty new boots.

I was so excited when my new boots arrived. Nick just looked at the old boots, then the new boots. Back to the old boots.

"Princess. You bought the same boots!"

Not really the same, a different brand actually. But you know, if it works then go with it!

Hello, world, here's a song that we're singin'
C'mon get happy
The Partridge Family

Both Angie and Kathryn nicely passed along this cute award! Since I'm all about lists and things that make me happy, I couldn't resist to join in.

1. List 10 things that make you happy.
2. Tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day.
3. If you are one of the 10 bloggers awarded, link back to my blog and continue brightening people's day!
   

And now for 10 things that make me happy:

1. When Bella snuggles with Nick.
2. Daily phone chats with my mom.
3. Our backyard feeder full of birds.
   
4. Toasted "everything' bagels with cream cheese.
   
5. Watching four new Oprah episodes back to back on DVR.
   
6. Wearing jeans to work on Friday.
7. 20% off coupons at Bed, Bath and Beyond.
8. My hounds tooth scarf.
9. Scrapbooking again. I love seeing all my fun memories!
10. Wearing tights with a skirt and heels.
    

Now for the 10 blogs that brighten my day (also love the two above!):

1. Fabulous in the STL
2. My Husband in Watching TV
3. Good Friends, Good Food, Good Life
4. More Than Mulberries
   
5. First Comes Love
6. History of the Harveys
   
7. 3 Peanuts
8. Old Southern House
9. Rue's Peanut Butter and Jelly Life
10. Perfectly Pleasant
    

There's nothing like a mama-hug.
Adabella Radici

I'm so excited because I'm picking my mom up from the airport this morning for her stay until Monday! We have a busy weekend planned too. I'm used to Nick working all weekend so I usually tool around by myself so it's always nice to have some company and check out a few things on my list.

Here's our plan, I'll take any suggestions from St. Louisans too!

Friday:

I work until 12 p.m. and then we're going to have lunch at the Boathouse in Forest Park then peek into the Jewel Box and see the Ansel Adams exhibit at the Saint Louis Art Museum.

That evening we're going to see Julie and Julia.

Saturday:

Breakfast at Spencer's Grill, hit the library and farmer's market and then go out to Historic Main Street in St. Charles.

That evening we're getting dinner somewhere (any suggestions in the Clayon, Central West End or Grand Center?) and then heading to the Fox Theater to see Mary Poppins. I cannot wait!

Sunday:

Mass at Cathedral Basilica Saint Louis so my mom can see it and then beignets at Cafe Ventana. I think we may also stop by a greyhound rescue meet and greet so my mom can meet so people and pups from the rescue I've been working with here.

We may go see another movie or just relax at home that evening.

Hope you all have a fun weekend too!

No two gardens are the same. No two days are the same in one garden.
Hugh Johnson

Time for a garden update!

When my mom was here in July we put together a hanging planter with two sweet potato vines and some less than prime petunias from my clay pots that I was going to replant.  Well, one vine died and the petunias went to flower-heaven so it was in much need of some new additions.

A local nursery had a 50% off all annuals sale so I picked up three daisy plants (I actually think they are a type of Zinnia). They are a little rough around the edges but for half price I can make it work!

I added two to the hanging planter:

I've also been on the hunt for a small table to put out on the back porch in between the rocking chairs. The table that matches the chairs from Lowe's was about $40 which is more than I wanted to spend. I looked everywhere, even Goodwill and garage sales, but couldn't find anything that would work.

This weekend I snagged the table below from Marshall's for $20. It was originally priced at $40 when I first spied it this summer.

Although it really doesn't match exactly I think it fits the style and look out there well! I potted another half price daisy to finish it off.

And lastly, along the side of our house near the driveway is just grass, some hostas and the garden hose. I noticed a stalk shoot up and then just the other day it bloomed into bright pink flowers. A gladiolus, I believe. Isn't she a lovely surprise?

I take Him shopping with me. I say,
"OK, Jesus, help me find a bargain."
Tammy Faye Bakker

Due to my mother's superior consignment and thirft store shopping skills I am fortunate enough to have picked up her bargin hunting talents. After much research I found the best Goodwill in St. Louis (on Manchester and 141 for you locals). It is large enough to have a big selection and is also in a nice area, thus resulting in better donations.

I may not be a garage sale girl like I've read on other's blogs but I will say I am proud of my thrift store finds! Here's what I picked up yesterday afternoon:

Ralph Lauren cotton tee ($2), Eddie Bauer cotton tank ($2)

and a J.Crew casual white skirt ($2)

I also finally found a small water carafee with a glass for guests - I saw this in a magazine a while ago as a nice thing to have in a guest room and I've been on the hunt since ($3).

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.
G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

• my father!
• buttered rye toast.
• a single rose bud in a dish of water.
• the joy in the face of a Welch Terrier with a hotdog.
• a new white baseball hat.

One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides.

W.E. Johns

While my mom was here this past weekend we made a few additions to my garden. I purchased a Parsley plant (just $1.50 at the Soulard Farmer's Market!) to add to my potted herb garden.

Since I've moved all my herbs to the back yard area (facing east) they have been much happier. I can't wait until my Basil gets a bit larger so I can make a big batch of pesto!

I've also been lusting after a hanging basket to adorn a lonely plant hook on the back porch. We bought some Sweet Potato Vine, a baby Hosta from the yard and added in some white Petunias I already had. Looks pretty and summery!

Now on inside, Trader Joes has some great mixed bouquets right now for just $4.99. I have one of Snap Dragons and some other gorgeous stemmed purple flower in the bathroom and then this one with mums and the same random flower in white. I also added in the ivy my mom picked.

We had a leftover limes (see here for the reason why we had a bag of limes) that were past their prime so I added them to the bottom of the vase. Better than them rotting on my kitchen counter!

If you want to be happy, be.

Leo Tolstoy

It really is a terrific Thursday!

I got a pay raise at work and my mom arrives at 7:30 p.m. this evening for a long weekend visit.

I'm also wearing a very cute sky blue argyle sweater that makes me happy.

Hooray!

He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I'm participating in Kelly's "Show Us Where You Live Friday."

In continuation of the "my house is really small" theme, here is the cozy dining room. We don't have an eat-in kitchen so this is the only dining spot in the house. It also becomes a craft table, a Christmas-card-writing-table and a dump-my-stuff-from-work-table.

This is the view from the hallway to the bed rooms, looking over to the kitchen on the other side. The French doors open out to the back porch. One of my favorite part of the house are the rounded entry ways.

View from the kitchen back across to the bedrooms. Notice my decor in the dining room is mainly "Clint Eastwood." It is a reminant of my husband's bachelor days. I actually like it but it is a lot of Clint for one little house (there is another on the opposite wall).

The placemats and napkins were a gift from my mom who wanted to get me some new table linens. I looked all over and actually picked it out right from Wal-Mart - I love them! The napkin rings and wicker balls are from Pier One.

The quickest way to know a woman is to go shopping with her.

Marcelene Cox

Ever since moving to St. Louis and living in a neighborhood with a lot of history, locals and wonderful traditions I have really understood the importance of buying locally.

The 350 Project is an initiative to support local businesses has some great resources and listings.
Just to share, some of my favorite local stores I've visiting during my short time in St. Louis include:

The Cat's Meow

The Bug Store

Down By The Station

O.K. Hatchery Feed and Garden Store

Christopher's

Summa Jewelers

So take the time and your money to frequent your local stores. It will not only support your local economy but walking into a great local business with free handmade soap samples, a store cat on the counter or Vera Bradley on sale is far more fun than shopping online!

The belly rules the mind.

Spanish Proverb

Last night I went with Nick to Sam's Club to get some of the food for his (30th!) birthday party this weekend. We're not doing anything fancy but just needed to pick up ground beef for hamburgers, hotdogs, buns, chips, etc.

Do you know what ten pounds of ground beef looks like? Ew.

Anyway, Sam's Club is dangerous place with Nick. While I'm carefully selecting hamburger buns that are most economical by unit price, he finds it necessary to include things in the cart like:

• a triple box package of Honey Nut Cheerios ("Randall, I eat a lot of cereal. It's a fact. It's divided out so it won't go stale. See?")
• a gallon of salsa ("Who doesn't love chips and salsa?")
• 5 lbs. of organic baby carrots ("Carrots are good for your eyes")
• a 16" pecan pie ("Randall, it's delicious. Look at it. You should give it a chance.") - he had to put that one back.

So in addition to grilled burgers and yummy red potato salad party guests will also be able to enjoy a bag of twelve limes or a tub of white cheddar dip.

If you really want to be depressed, weigh yourself in grams.
Jason Love

Changing it up a bit this week kicked me off my plateau with a 1.2 pound weight loss! The loss bumped my total weight loss to 8.2 pounds and past my 5% goal.

I promised myself a treat when I hit a 5% loss of my body weight so I purchased OPI Sweet Heart online this afternoon. It's not much but it is a splurge compared to my usual Sally Hansen polish from Walgreens!

This week I'm working on "moving more" again and have some new recipes from Weight Watchers magazine, like macaroni and cheese, that I'm looking forward to trying.

Here's my favorite Weight Watchers-friendly recipe from this week:

Meatloaf Muffins

1 (6 ounce) box Stove Top stuffing mix
2 eggs
1 cup water
2 lbs lean ground beef

Mix all ingredients; spray muffin pan with cooking spray; and fill muffin tins to top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

I served them with smashed yukon gold potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Good things come to those who wait

Proverb

Remember my poor tire that couldn't be repaired?

Well, we thought we should have someone take a second look to make sure that it really couldn't be fixed before we bought new tires. I took it to Sam's Club, where the tires were originally purchased, and the technician took one look at it, pulled out the screw with pliers and patched it immediately.

He laughed when I told him the other tire place said it couldn't be repaired. They lied. Jerks! The Sam's Club tire staff didn't even charge me. So we didn't have to buy two new tires for my car after all.

Do you know what that means? Rocking chairs!

We did some shopping around and the best price for what we want is at Lowe's.

...and the story gets better.

Nick was named employee of the month at work and received a $50 gift card to the store of his choice. He picked Lowe's so we added that to the balance.

Then at my staff meeting yesterday afternoon one the partners thanked us all for working so hard, pulled out his wallet and handed each account executive a $100 bill. Sweet!

So my rocking chairs that I thought I'd have to put off until later this summer are actually only going to cost us about $30 out of pocket.

I can't wait to put them on the back porch and enjoy the summer!

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.
G.B. Stern

Sunday gratitude:

• having the chance to participate in the St. Louis Heart Walk
• buying a new pair of "comfy pants"
• trying a great (and yummy) new Weight Watchers recipe, Lasagna Primavera
• washing my car in my driveway - all sparkly and clean!
• switching up my French manicure for classic and fresh red nails.

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden.

Ruth Stout

On Saturday I ventured down to the Soulard Farmers Market for the first time. With the very warm weather it was in full swing and really busy. I browsed all of the stalls offering everything from produce, homemade jellies and soap, bacon and other random meats and of course a lot of plants.

Soulard Farmer's Market founded in 1779.

I got our produce for the week and finally selected some plants for my first herb garden (in pots). I got Sweet Basil, Rosemary, Lavendar and Cilantro. We'll see how I do with those and then I may also add Mint, Oregano and Thyme.

My loot - plenty of veggies, fruit and my first herb plants.

Random scary strawberry.

That evening we continued to enjoy the warm weather with Chicken Flautas outside on the patio at Amigos. I now get why people who live in colder winter climates love this warm weather - so wonderful!

Hooray for warm weather!

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. By a small sample we may judge of the whole piece.
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

I love a good free sample. Slather on a drop of expensive face lotion. Try a squirt of a new perfume. Even munch on a mini candy bar. It all is better when it's a free treat!

Even better is requesting them online which just is another excuse to receive more mail!

Here are some favorite recent finds I thought I'd share:

John Frieda Root Awakening

Tide Total Care

Aveeno Nourish+ Hair Collection

Dove Hair Care

Quaker Mini Delights

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Enjoy your little suprises in the mail!