Wednesday, February 6, 2013

LOVING FEBRUARY!


Now, let's move on before all of you think I've gone bonkers!  The weather here has been crazy as usual; freezing cold, mild and sunny, snowy, slushy, rainy...I guess we have just learned to roll with it.  Today it's 37 degrees and there is the faint hint of spring in the air if that's possible, maybe I'm imagining it.  But I do like opening the windows every morning for about ten minutes to let the cold air in and blow the nasties out.  We are finally all healthy here and I want it to stay that way. 

Seriously, I have been busy.  I cancelled my dermatologist appointment Monday morning, the snow was coming down like crazy and it's a 50 minute drive out past the suburbs.  But I did go grocery shopping later in the day and that prompted me to clean out the fridge and some cabinets.  How did I end up with 6 cans of refried beans?  Yesterday The Husband and I went car shopping and Ta Da, I found one!  I would show you a picture of it but I let him take it to work...I'm nice like that.  I still have to share a car with Abby until the weather get's nice enough for The Husband to drive his little sportster, but I don't mind.  Now I have to get my leased car cleaned up, the oil changed and back to the dealer.  And the good news is, my payments are actually lower with the new car.  Gotta love that!
The Husband also wants fruit with every meal so I loaded up on melons, bananas, berries, apples, oranges, etc. and cut them up and put them in plastic containers.  Deborah from With All My Heart posted a quick fruit dip...2 T. sour cream, 1 t. brown sugar and 1/2 t. vanilla.  Just mix it into your fruit and enjoy!

Well, that's about all I have for today.  I'm going to make dinner and afterward, shower, douse myself in body cream and crawl in bed with a new book.  I finally finished a mystery series (very light reading) and I'm starting the book on my sidebar that is getting good reviews.  I'll be back soon with some fabric samples I have for the two chairs I'm getting recovered, some news about the new home Emily and her fiance found and a new bedroom project.  Hope you are all having a wonderful week! :)

59 comments:

Primitive Stars said...

Hi Jane, love Susan Branch, those cookies look so good....wonderful pictures......warm post, Francine.

It's me said...

Love ......Ria....xxx....!!!

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Great pictures. I want a cookie!!!!

Helen said...

Adorable photos of an adorable family ... you are blessed, Jane.

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Love the family photos, Jane! xoxo

Beth said...

Love the photos. The cookies look delicious!

Balisha said...

Hi Jane...Food and family...what a wonderful combination. Love the cookies with the chocolate hearts...are they dove hearts?
Balisha

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Wonderful photos Jane! You are so beautiful!

hugs
Sissie

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful family!!!

Susie said...

What a beautiful family. All of you. Don't tempt me with those cookies.:):) xoxo,Susie

Terra said...

Lovely people.

Gina said...

Those cookies look so yummy! You always keep busy. Congrats on the car!

Susan Shull said...

Sounds like you are enjoying each day! I love that you said you are choosing happiness-it is a choice, isn't it? I just started a new book, can't remember the title, but it is the first of the century series by Ken Follett. It is really, really good!Hugs!

Kim said...

Great pix of the fam Jane! Save a cookie for me please.
xoxo,
Kim

Stacey said...

Your birthday celebration sure sounds like fun. I keep telling Paul that other people have more fun than us. :) Need to work on that. Don't even talk to me about a diet. I've gained 8 pounds since we moved and I just can't seem to get the motivation to do much about it.

podso said...

Your menu planner looks promising. I wonder if I would be disciplined enough to use it? Too often I'm at the freezer scratching my head like you said. Glad you found the car you like ... and what crazy weather. Here too but probably not the extremes that you have.

Debby said...

Great pictures. I like the new color on your hair. You look great.
Sweet of your hubby to pick the easy meals. Mine would know that I would't fix it if it wasn't, hah.
Happy Birthday. Glad you had a good time.
We don't get out enough either.
Have a great week-end.
(((((HUGS)))))

20 North Ora said...

Sounds like you have had a busy day! Your cookies look delish! Glad you had a great birthday celebration!! Happy Belated B'Day!

Judy

RURAL said...

And birthday fun was had by all...everyone looks very happy.

And the cookies, and hair color look great.

Good for you for cooking healthy!!!!

Jen

Julie Marie said...

Happy Birthday to you Jane!!!... looks like you had soo much fun and you look just STUNNING!... love your sparkly flouncy top... I also love your first paragraph about all of the things that make you happy!!!... you didn't tell us what kind of a car you got???... also, your "Simple Suppers" recipe book looks great and that Italian meatloaf sounds delish!... those cookies look so yummy too... I don't have as many of Susan Branch's books as you do, but I do have that little one you showed... are the cookies in that one?... I'll have to go check mine... wow... I always write a book here... I notice my comments are alot longer than others!... oh well... that's because I love reading your posts and have so much to respond to!!!... xoxo Julie Marie

Kathleen Grace said...

I'm afraid the best I can say about February is I tolerate it and dream of March! Lol. Those cookies I could love though:>)
Happy belated birthday, it looks like you had a great time!

Theresa said...

Yummy cookies! I sure hope you had a good time for your Birthday:) It sounds like it was REALLY fun! Lots of great pictures!

I cook a lot and try new recipes as well as some old ones! We had chicken breast with tomato sauce and zucchini for dinner tonight. It was so yummy and REALLY easy! I melted mozzarella cheese on top when it was done!

Have a blessed week, can't wait to see the fabric samples and hear all about the new house! HUGS!

Diane Mars said...

Well you sure have been keeping busy, those cookies look almost evil to me because I just know I would gobble them up and I so need to loose a few pounds. I love your sequin top and heck yes when it's our Birthday we deserve to sparkle! Hugs, Diane

Low Tide High Style said...

I never know where to start with your wonderful and very full posts! I can't wait to see your new car, those cookies look delish, and I'm so happy you had a wonderful Birthday!!! I loved the pictures of you and your family, and every time I see you I am amazed that you have grown children...you must know about a secret fountain of youth my friend!

xo Kat

Unknown said...

You are so funny! Two left arms...girl you are crazy! You look nice all gussied up! Sounds like you had a great time. Can't wait to see your fabric, your bedroom and hear about your dinner.Try to behave yourself. :) On second thought, don't.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

You and Al look so cute Jane!
I love your glitter top, very flattering!
I'm so happy to hear you had a great birthday, you deserve it girlfriend.
I like to think I feel a hint of spring in the air, but all the snow out my window leads me to believe otherwise.
Looking forward to seeing your new car too, lucky you!!!
Great family pics too,
Hugs to you,
Cindy

Maggie said...

Hi Jane,
once again a visit to your blog has left me feeling as if I've just spent the morning sitting in your kitchen, drinking coffee and nibbling sweet valentine cookies whilst we natter away about what's going on in our lives.
Love coming over to yours!
Maggie

bj said...

I just poured a fresh cup of coffee and now....I NEED A CHOCOLATE HEART COOKIE....:)
hugs, bj

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I love Susan Branch too... especially the place she calls home!.. those cookies look divine.

chateau chic said...

Sounds like you are having way too much fun, Jane!!! :-)
Those cookies with the hearts would not last long at my house.
Mary Alice

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Oh my gosh, being organized and planning meals ahead? I can't even imagine. What a good idea. I usually walk through Jewel and hope inspiration strikes! Or stand in my pantry wondering what I can make with those refried beans and whatever else is in there. Good for you and your husband.

Love seeing the pictures. How fun to celebrate with family.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

It's so easy to get into the take out habit! Guilty, guilty. Great birthday pictures! Glad you got out and had a little fun! I loved your sweet comment! Thanks so much! We look at the national weather and feel so lucky not to have to deal with too much icky weather. But I am loving the lighter mornings too!

April said...

Hi Janie!
Thanks to all the pictures you posted of those yummy treats, my mouth is watering! What I'd give to have just one...or two...or three! You look so pretty in your sparkly outfit!

Linda said...

Love reading your updates!!

Olive said...

Hi Jane, you are brave to go for all those new recipes. I seldom use an actual recipe-I am a country cook. The cookies look yummy. I could gobble them with coffee. xo, olive

myletterstoemily said...

you are always so full of fun and interesting
tidbits of news. good luck on the new
menus!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi Jane, What a great pic of you and hubby. I'm glad you found a car. Sure hope you've had some Spring like temps the last few days.. I know what you mean, I miss Mother like crazy, before I leave I think I'll grab one of those delicious looking cookies.
hugs ~lynne ~

Sue said...

Mmmm...cookies! Since I'm trying to avoid anything too delicious, I've been putting a few chocolate chips in a wonton wrapper, folding it over and baking it until lightly brown. 90 calories each and chocolate and crunchy.

We have always been big on fruits and veggies here, but the produce choices in our town are limited and really expensive right now. We have signs up in the store about the weather in California causing the prices going up...things are cheaper at Walmart, but the quality isn't good. Sigh-small town living.

It was gorgeous here today...almost warm, sunny and then the rain came!

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Happy Birthday Jane! Such a pretty picture of you! Thanks for sharing all your wonderful stories!

Jody

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

It's so lovely to hear someone say that they like February Jane. I'm always hearing people say that they don't like this time of year.My birthday is February 1st so I have always liked February. I love the cold, crisp days and the snow ( even though it does disrupt everything here in the UK !!)
Sounds and looks like you had a wonderful birthday and, it's great that you are cooking some new recipes and including more fruit and veg in your diet ...... can't go wrong with that !!
Have a lovely weekend Jane. XXXX

Maria Elena said...

Congratulations on your new car! How exciting! The weather is crazy around here also. We had about one week of winter weather in January. We have been in the mid 70's for the last two weeks and last Tuesday, we reached 81. Now they say we have a cold front coming next week. I won't believe it until I see it. LOL The cookies look fabulous, I am always ready for a good cookie! :) Love the family pictures! Have a super great weekend, Jane!

Lynne said...

Happy Birthday Dear Jane!
I am sorry it's belated!
It looks like you had a fun time!
Yummy cookies! I love that you popped a Dove heart on them!
You and your family are so beautiful and fun!
Enjoy February! I love this month as well! It gives me great pleasure to leave the office in daylight!
~Lynne
w/L.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane, I just said to Bobby G. a little while ago "look outside....it's still light and it's 6 pm.." woohoo! Longer days are coming! Sounds like your evening out was a great time. When we go out with friends, we always have a great time and, like you, wonder why we don't do it more often. Probably because we live so far from the restaurants, that once it gets dark in the winter, I just want to hunker down and get cozy. :) Your hair really is getting long....very pretty. Have a wonderful weekend. xo

Rettabug said...

♫♫ Belated Happy Birthday to Youuu!♫♫

Looks like you had a wonderful celebration! Loved seeing your pretty smiling face & also love that your hair is so long. Mine is almost the same length now, too. First time in my life I've ever had it this long. Did I tell you about the Chi Silk Infusion that I bought in Target? It is WONDERFUL for making my hair smooth & swingy. I never had 'swingy' hair before, as mine is naturally curly.

Anyway, nibble a cookie for me will ya' & stay warm. Thank goodness neither of us are in the path of that awful storm. About time Chicago & Ohio caught a break. LOL

Hugs,
Rett

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

JANE!!! LOOK at you...you look like a SISTER to these girls...NOT kiddin'!!! Glad you enjoyed your big day! Like that new cookbook you've got...and I soooo don't need another! I like that planner too! I plan out a week and a half menu at a time and LOVE it! I think I save $$ on groceries because I have a PLAN...ya know?!!
ANyway, lovely seeing you today...wish you weren't so far away from the store as well...it would be loads of fun visiting :)
Have a great weekend!!
Karla & Karrie

Melanie said...

Maybe you love February because it's your birthday month?! Sorry, but I hate February! It's so long and dreary...I'm so sick of winter by this time. Anyway, it looks like you had a great time for your b-day. You look fabulous! You have such pretty hair and a great smile. Have you gotten to drive your new car yet?

koralee said...

Ok...those cookies look amazing...a must bake and I have that little book...must pull it out..love Susan Branch...I met her...she is sooo sweet! xoxo

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your cookies look sooooooooo yummy. Happy belated Birthday, you look wonderful. Sounds like a fun evening. Hugs, Marty

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

Family photos are fun. Sounds like ya'll had a great time. I'm a vegetarian so I'm always looking for new ways to cook veggies and add fruit to a meal. I've found some really good recipes over the years. Enjoy the new cook book ... and the new car!!

Unknown said...

I love Susan Branch, and her cookies look delicious. Looks like you had a beautiful time, and you look gorgeous.

I always love stopping by to read about your adventures. Our Blizzard brought tons of snow, but I love it. As long as we don't lose power, I'm okay.

Have a lovely evening, and now you have successfully made me in the mood for a midnight snack.

Karen

Debbie said...

I LOVE seeing pictures of you, and your family, Jane! It looks like you had a very happy birthday party!
Here's another good fruit dip, or mix: 8 oz. cream cheese
7 oz. marshmallow cream
1 tbls. orange marmalade
Mix together and use as dip, or mix with fruit. Chill.
YUMMY!

Kit said...

Wow, nice looking cookies! So glad you are having such a good time. Life is for having fun, isn't it? Have a great week! Kit

White Ironstone Cottage said...

Love your pic of you and your husband too cute beautiful couple and family you are Blessed Happy bday too
xxoo
Pam

Lulu said...

In Houston, you'd think it's already spring with azaleas and flowering trees in full bloom. In Maine, I'm betting it seems far away considering this weekend's blizzard. I'd love to have a cookie right now to go with my afternoon cappuccino.

awal.ny said...

Thank you. You certainly have been busy. Glad to hear you had a great birthday. Valentine's Day is a fun day to celebrate especially when you are around the ones you love. The cookies look yummy, we are making some this week for the kids classes. They will be spending all week filling out Valentine's cards and deciding what to do over winter break the following week. So busy life is.

momto8 said...

beautiful post. you have me wishing for a cookie!!!
have great week.

Deb said...

family & food ~ the perfect combination ♥
I see you have Season to Season by Sopie Dahl ... I've been looking for it but no luck yet - I miss her tv show.
Have a wonderful week Jane.

Privet and Holly said...

Belated Happy Birthday
wishes to a dear, dear
soul! Love how you are
rocking that sparkle, my
friend! You are so rich
in those most precious of
gifts: family and good
health. Here's to a wonderful
year ahead for you!

xo Suzanne

Bliss said...

Wait a minute here..... refried beans are a staple at my house. I don't think you had too many, I just think you were stocked up!

Bliss