Cheers to a joyful weekend!

Perhaps.

Over the past few weeks, I have been making a conscious effort to pause and take in the goodness of joyful moments in my life. Maybe it's the perspective that growing older creates, but I've suddenly become extremely aware of how important it is to savor moments of happiness and pleasure so they can serve as fuel for enduring hardships and struggles... Because it's easy to become overwhelmed by stress and sadness or to take moments of joy and success for granted, or worse, to pass through them as if only bracing for the next challenge...

So this weekend, if life feels good, take a moment to pause and soak in the warm fuzzy feeling... Let it ooze out of your face in the form of smiles and laughter. Whether it hits you over lunch with friends, during snuggles on the couch, after a delicious bite or just feeling the warmth of sunny weather on your skin, don't get lost waiting or worrying about the next thing, just pause and let yourself be merry :)

Eat, Drink and be Merry!

Ice cream season is coming!!!

Well if this wasn't the longest 3-day week EVER! Between the cold and then the construction  debacle and getting absolutely beasted by a post-vacation deluge of work, I'm ready for the weekend big time. Maybe it will even be warm and sunny enough to warrant my first visit with Mr. Softee!? I could use some Mr. Softee... Here to ensure a fun few days ahead are some eats, a drink and a little something to make you smile. See you next week!!

Superfood Quinoa Salad. YUM.

I always struggle to find ways to kick quinoa up a notch (it's like pasta's healthier, bland cousin) but this shrimp quinoa salad looks like it just might do the trick.  Click HERE for the full recipe, including homemade lemon vinaigarette dressing (which is so easy, I can't wait to try it!) 

Tuxedo Greyhound

Could there be a cocktail more spring-y looking cocktail than these "Tuxedo Greyhounds"!? Comprised of grapefruit juice, simple syrup (granulated sugar and water), vodka and champagne (precise mixology instructions HERE) I might have to channel my inner Megan Draper and sip one of these lovelies while watching Sunday night's Mad Men season premiere (anyone else SO excited!? Full recap of last season to get you ready courtesy of Rolling Stone mag HERE). So very Zou Bisou Bisou.

Be merry!!