Less load yet less time. {Letter #5 to myself}

Dear 30 year old crazy woman-

Why does it seem like the more you take OFF your plate to so called "simply" your life- the more you put on it? I appreciate the fact you acknowledge you have a problem with taking on too much... You are the first to admit it... BUT WHY IN THE WORLD DON'T YOU CHANGE? 

 What happened to June being your birthday month of play and rest? Well my friend, June came and went... and instead of it being relaxing and peaceful...it ended up being the busiest month you had this year! That is until July came around... so- SLOW DOWN!

I appreciate your efforts in taking a proactive approach by closing your private practice, turning down potential photography clients, taking the summer off from work,  and even delegating some time consuming tasks to others willing to take them on. Thumbs up. But don't you know that being proactive in reducing your load also means saying "NO" to opportunities that come your way? Practice with me saying, "I am sorry, I can't seem to fit that in my schedule." Not so bad right? I know I know- you love what you do and want to do those things...

but if your summer goals were to practice being more "domestic" and engage in things such as baking fresh bread, planting that butterfly garden, or learning how to sew pillows for your couch... then...where is the bread?

Don't even let me get started on your email accounts. How does a person have accrue 11,662 no wait- notification on my phone went off- make that 11,663-  unread emails across four different emails? And how does a person have twice that many photos to edit or be categorized just sitting in your computer? You got me.

Will the day come when you are caught up and can just sit and enjoy the now? 

Is it possible to ever get caught up?

This is your year.
It's time

You can do it.

xo, 

Wherever they are is home. (letter #4)

Dear 30 year old self- (letter #4)

I have been away for a few days from these two. Despite how much FUN I had with my sister's and my mom- I couldn't wait to get home. It seemed like such a long flight back home as I longed to be in Mister's arms again and kiss those soft cheeks of my Little Man. 

They are my home. 

Nothing is better than being right there nestled up to them both. 

Last night I couldn't resist...I let Little Man sleep in our bed. I slept right in the middle... well knowing that I was going to have the most terrible night of sleep (which I did) with Little Man tossing and turning- I didn't care. 

I stayed awake and took in the moment giving thanks for having them in my life. 

The morning came too quickly. It was time to get out of bed and part ways once again.

One thing I have learned is that it doesn't matter where I am... my home is wherever these two guys are.

I love my boys.


Sincerely, One lucky (30 year-old) gal.

besitos, xo

#1 chocolate chip cookie recipe. (letter #2)

Dear 30 year old self- (letter #4)

I know I just blogged a few days ago about how food is "just food"-  but I have to admit- that applies to every other food BUT cookies. 

I adore cookies... eating them, baking them, dipping them in milk- they are just delightful! 

I was once given the nick name "cookie monster" for loving cookies so much. I've been known to finish an entire batch all by myself- (that was back when my metabolism was amazing) but now a days, I like to allow myself one day of guilt free baking. Those days are usually Sundays...and I like to call them my "Sweet Sundays." Something about mixing the ingredients with a wooden spoon,  inhaling all the ingredients as they mix together is heaven on earth. Not to mention getting to lick the spoon afterwards. MMMM...I am making myself hungry. Anyhow I hope to continue to bake more cookies for years to come. 

Sinserly, Cookie Monster

I have found the most delightfully chewy chocolate chip recipe ever!! I found it here on pinterest and have been making these lovlies ever since. They are divine! 

Ingredients: 

3/4 c. unsalted butter, softened 

3/4 c. brown sugar 

1/4 c. granulated sugar 

1 egg 

2 tsp. vanilla extract 

2 c. all purpose flour 

2 tsp. cornstarch 

1 tsp. baking soda 

1/2 tsp. salt 

1 c. bittersweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy and light in color. Add egg and vanilla and blend in.

3.  Mix in flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt. Stir in chocolate chunks.

4.  Using a standard-sized cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto a prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 8-10 minutes, until barely golden brown around the edges.  (The tops will not brown, but do NOT cook longer than ten minutes.)

5.  Let cool, on the sheet, on a wire rack for five minutes.  Remove from baking sheet and let cool completely.  Makes approximately 3 dozen.  Try not to eat them all.

besitos, xo