All You Need Is Less

Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then, do what you need to do, in order to have what you want!

I found a quote on Pinterest the other day that says, "All you need is less." Wow, just repeat that. Last year, when my commission checks started coming in I vowed to save each and every one of them for my future. My hands itched at first. I wanted to buy things... a new car, new furniture, fancy stuff, sweet clothes, junk. And for what? I'm not exactly sure. Maybe to fulfill something that I thought was missing in my life? A 'keeping up with the Jones' effect? I have a loving husband, great pets (that shed all over our faded furniture), a cozy home.... I have a good life. I think our society is so fixated on more, more, more that we start to lose sight on what is really important. Family, friends, memories. Spending meaningful time with people you love.... and not checking Facebook while you're doing it. Really being present in life and stopping to realize how blessed you really are. I'm not going to lie... I enjoy the occasional fancy dinner or new outfit. I would be lying if I said I didn't 'pin' big houses, and fancy decor on Pinterest. But having money and things will not consume my life or my happiness. So today, I'm decluttering our house and taking a trunkful of items to Goodwill. All I need is LESS. 

Focus On YOU

My happiness is not selfish. It is important and necessary. 

Thankful

It is amazing how fast our niece and nephews are growing up. Watching them play sports, sing and grow up into little adults has been so much fun this year since they have really started to grow up. It's hard to believe that the year is winding down.... Here are some of our favorite memories from this year. 

I'm Baaaaaack

Wow. Nearly 4 months and not a peep out of this girl. I'm not feeling guilty and I'm not going to apologize. Life is busy and blogging hasn't been exactly a priority. With cooler weather coming I'm definitely game for curling up in my office and whipping out some great stories, recipes, and tips. Life is good, guys! Let's talk soon!

 

 

Lake Rathbun

 ~Families are like fudge - mostly sweet, with a few nuts!~ 

~Family Love~

 ~This is the best!~

~Rachel and Michelle~  

~Baby Zane~ 

~How sweet is this face?!~

~Happy Birthday Jake! Eat this frosting filled cookie!~

 ~Sister love~

~Happy Birthday Trae!!~ 

 ~Grandpa & Zane!~

Music: Love & Affection

I first heard this song on The Bachelorette. Matt White performed during one of the dates and I really liked it. Then Des gives the same guy her final rose and the song played while clips of their love were shown during the finale. Super cheesy but I still love it! Dedicated to my hubby. 

Balloon Glow 2013

What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories.  ~George Eliot

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake

My Dad loves blueberries. My Dad also loves anything with cheese (I think that must run in our family). So what better way to treat my Dad for Father's Day than a Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake! I love the combination of tart lemons and juicy blueberries.There isn't a Trader Joes store around where we live (the nearest one if about 2 hours away) but I found this recipe and gathered the ingredients while I was travelling to Des Moines for business. I think any lemon curd or cookie would probably do! Although it does take a little bit of TLC I think it was definitely worth it.  This cake was a huge hit with my family too!

Here is the recipe...

1 cup crushed meyer lemon cookies thins from Trader Joes
6 tablespoons sugar, divided
3 tablespoons butter, melted
3 (8 ounce) packages of organic cream cheese
3/4 cup sugar
2 heaping tablespoons of Trader Joes lemon curd
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, divided
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 package of blueberries

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F if using a silver 9-inch springform pan (or to 300 degrees F if using a dark nonstick 9-inch springform pan).
2. Mix crumbs, 3 Tsp. of the sugar and butter; press firmly onto bottom of pan.
3. Bake 10 minutes

4. Beat cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, lemon curd, lemon juice and 1/2 tsp. of the vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating on a low speed after each addition just until blended. 

5.  Pour over crust and bake 55 minutes to 1 hour or until center is almost set.

              6. Mix sour cream, remaining 3 Tbsp. sugar and remaining 1 Tsp. vanilla in bowl until well blended;                                                                 CAREFULLY spread over cheesecake. This takes some patience. Believe me. 

7. Bake an additional 10 minutes and run knife or metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim of your springform pan.

9. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight before serving. Place the blueberries on top before serving.