Monday In A Moment #39 | On Surviving the Ordinary

MONDAY

1 :: Patrick’s Day – I know you think I meant St. Parick’s Day… but in fact, I truly meant Patrick’s Day named after my oh-so-loved baby brother. For those of you who don’t know, my brother’s name is Patrick.  When he was young, my mother would celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as if it was my brother’s additional birthday, always with some sort of green cake involved. It was his day to feel special and loved. A day to feel like rock star just because you were named after a patron saint. My heart aches that I can’t be with him today in San Marcos, Texas to spoil him with green cupcakes and a six pack of Guinness. Luckily, said brother will be here in Germany with me in less than 60 days!!! Happy Patrick’s Day, PT…. May the day be filled with all around joy and merriment!

2 :: Spring Break – Speaking of my dear younger sibling, I was reminded that this past week was Spring Break for those in college and younger. I’ve only been out of college for five years now, but this year I am having a particular itch to travel right now. Imagine how delighted I am to discover it’s because it’s time for Spring Break! I have been at war with the ordinary as of late due to my husband being unable to take leave. He’ll start ALS soon and we still won’t be able to go anywhere for a lengthy amount of time. After a while, the days start to run together and you find yourself doing the same mundane things. I challenge you {and myself} to find curiously beautiful things in the mundane. I also encourage you to take this supposed “down-time” and use it to accomplish something great… maybe you’ve been wanting to take a calligraphy class? Or clean out your office? Or redecorate the guest room? Get on it! And make sure to open the windows and let the sunshine in!

3 :: WHBM New Arrivals – When I worked in the corporate world, White House Black Market was my closet personified. I have a particular soft spot for the shoes and am psyched to share their most recent line. It’s the colors that excitement the most. I’m HUGE on one brightly popped accent color and WHBM does it like no one else! Click on a shoe to take you shopping in their online boutique! You can also find {& follow!} my extensive shoe obsession list on Pinterest. 1) WHBM – Coral Pointy Toe Low Heel – $130.00 2) WHBM – Dot Slingback Low Heel – $120.00 3) WHBM – Studded Colorblock Heel – $130.00  4) WHBM – Contrast Heel – $125.00  5) WHBM – Caged Heel – $125.00 6) WHBM – Double Ankle Strap Heel – $125.00

 Women's Shoes and Accessories - White House | Black Market - CORAL POINTY TOE LOW HEEL $130.00Women's Shoes and Accessories - White House | Black Market - DOT SLINGBACK LOW HEEL - $120.00Studded Colorblock HeelContrast HeelCaged HeelDouble Ankle Strap Heel

4 :: Seeing Green – With St. Patrick’s day’s arrival, I’ve got shades of green on my mind… which of course is going to blur into the food I’m looking to cook. Maybe it’s the springtime weather, but I’m craving these deliciously crunchy greens. Due to the “no sugar in the house” rule recently reinforced, I’d kiss a leprechaun for ANY kind of sweet treat!  Click on a photo to take you to the food recipe. Don’t forget to follow my Yummay Board on Pinterest so you’ll never miss a recipe pick! 1) Orecchiette with Peas, Asparagus and Mascarpone 2) Parmesan, Rosemary and Thyme Shortbread 3) Grilled Pineapple, Chicken and Avocado Salad 4) Lemon Basil Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Spring Veggies 5) White Peach, Rose, and Basil Hand Pies 6) Gin and Tonic Cake

Orecchiette with Peas, Asparagus and MascarponeParmesan, Rosemary and Thyme ShortbreadGrilled Pineapple, Chicken & Avocado Salad | gimmesomeoven.comLemon Basil Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Spring VeggiesLocal Milk | white peach, rose, & basil hand piesGin and Tonic Cake | howsweeteats.com

5 :: Instagram Pick-of-the-Week – Check out @littlemisspress! Located in Northern California, Little Miss Press is run by Bianca Mascorro who’s obsession with pretty paper products led her out of a corporate cubicle to creating the company of her dreams. I have been so obsessed with letterpress recently and Bianca satisfies my every whim with her beautiful invitations, business cards, and hand calligraphy. Bianca does offer calligraphy classes too, so if you live in the San Francisco area you’re in luck as there’s a Calligraphy 101 course on April 19th! I think Bianca rocks because: 1) she’s calligraphy obsessed, 2) there’s always IPA in her refrigerator & 3) her love for “pencils, pixels, paper and cast-iron” resonates with my soul! Be sure to check out her fabulous website and blog! Her work will add some serious sparkle to your day!

6 :: Blumen! – Last week I was able to head out on an Otterberg Adventure Day with J. Being in and around her life makes me happier for so many reasons… but I am always in awe of how connected she is to Germany. I always feel “more German” after hanging out with her. Her kids go to German school, she shops on the economy like I want to in my dreams, and is never hesitant to find a cool local shop to pop in and investigate. After picking her kids up from school that day {did I mention we walked to pick them up? Why take a car when you can enjoy the sunshine?} we stopped at the playground to let the little ones get their energy out. There was this beautiful fruit tree in full bloom at the park and while I still have to do a double take when  I see a blooming tree around here… the blossoms just make me so happy! So for your enjoyment I decided to share the blooms with you on this fine sunny monday to hopefully add some joy to your day!

Happy Monday Ya’ll!!! It’s my hope that Monday In A Moment brightens the beginning of your week so you can power through to the end!

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