Love what you do...do what you love

Dirt, the smell of horse poops, a pair of boots, jeans and saddle have become my new norm. The last two Sundays, the weather couldn't have been any more perfect. Warmer temperature, lots of sun made both weekends the perfect time to get out and have some fun. The 2nd and 3rd horse riding lessons continued, except that the hubby needed a break. After two lessons, He admitted he liked horses but not at the same level as my daughter and I so he just took the camera man spot and snapped photos of our adventure instead.   After the 2nd lesson though, I questioned myself if this was something I really wanted to do. Riding a horse for fun or on trail ride versus taking a formal lesson were completely different I realized. I didn't seem to be able to get my posture right. I was stiff just like a stick and was not natural the 2nd time around. While trying to wrap my brain around the whole proper posture/seating (aligning the hip, rib cage and shoulder) and controlling the horse at the same time, it was almost too much. On another thought, it is similar to driving a car (but not quite since this is an animal not an engine). Everything takes time and practice, just don't give up I told myself. I forced myself to continue with the 3rd lesson and to my amazement I did so much better this time around and had loads of fun.   So far I have thoroughly enjoyed my new hobby. Doing something as a family and being close to the animals that I love are a big plus.  

Around here

It sure is getting extra cold and raining. That is something I am not so fond of about winter. Cold weather and rain combination makes it soooo difficult to get out of bed and head to the place called "work". I miss sunshine and sunny days. Rainy day only makes me feel groggy and extra lazy. Let's decorate! After taking down all the Christmas decorations, I realized how empty our house looked. I have always struggle when it comes to organizing my daughter's toys and stuffed animals. They are literally everywhere! So might as well use them as home décor, why not??
Gotta love horse!   Something to remind myself everyday - "follow your heart"   Someone is always in the same spot. Surprisingly, my garden is not dead..just yet. The only patch of green remaining in my backyard are some wild flowers and herbs. I only hope they will thrive and make it through Spring so I don't have to start from zero again. These while little flowers smell exactly like honey. So sweet! I was thoroughly enjoyed growing those wild flowers last year.     Parsley and rosemary   Oregano   Sage   Dill

Party time!

Our little one recently turned 6! Time flies. I know I say this every year but parents know how fast time escapes us while we are busy trying to manage things in life. Every year when her birthday rolls around, I look at her and feel amazed how much she has grown.
I have always appreciated the idea of low-key, yet intimate and memorable birthday party with family members. It takes a lot of effort to prep the house and clean up work afterwards but hey it is just once a year, we can manage it (although my husband and I crashed after everyone left and slept like a rock that night...zzzzz).
Birthday brunch idea lit up in my crazy little head, I thought that sounded yummy and fun. Who would turn down the eggs, sausages, bacon, pancakes, orange juice and fruits by the way?? Those items are definitely the crowd pleaser. I whipped up my fluffy pancakes, they were quite a hit.
{I love the bright and happy yellow color, can you tell?!} {First let mommy take a selfie}
Different shades of pink
Handmade name tags
Table decoration
Drink and pancake station
Highlight of the party - Food!!
Elsa cake, of course
More table décor

Destress and ride a horse

One of my top goals in 2014 was to take a horseback riding lesson but of course that didn't happen. Therefore the first thing I did when the year 2015 began, I signed us up for the formal lessons and I was glad I did.

We went to the Equestrian Center which I recently discovered online. They have the MOST beautiful, healthiest, happiest horses I have ever seen. I know I sound like a crazy horse lady at this point but I LOVE these animals. They are big, strong yet very gentle, smart, curious and playful. The more I get to know them, the more I love them. Seriously, I would pay just to pet them. It is my way to destress and smile. Sound crazy I know!!

The lesson actually was interesting and informative. We took the fundamental class which taught us from brushing/grooming the horse, cleaning horse hoof, putting on the saddle and tack and general safety information. (Luckily, we didn't have to scoop poops..Eeeek!) Each of us got the private one on one lesson which was really nice. I got to ride a beautiful female white Arabian horse named "Sundae" (in the pic above). She was so fluffy for a horse. I felt a lot more confident now after being on approximately 5 different horses on trail ride after trail ride. I finally learned to take control of the horse instead of letting the horse does whatever it wants. And did I say trotting was so much fun, bouncy but fun! I am really looking forward to the next lesson. I am hoping to finish the four 75 min lessons after completing with these first fundamental lessons. My daughter's love for horse has continued to grow because of this crazy mama as well. Heeha!!!!

Back to sewing

I almost forgot about the new hobby I started last year which surprisingly turned to be something I actually enjoyed. Sewing that was. For several months last year, I had not touched the sewing machine due to the lack of time. Before I completely forgot how to thread the machine and the whole sewing lessons, I might as well do something. My interest in home décor was at its peak during the last quarter of the year. I love those accent pillows but some are just ridiculous expensive. If I could sew dresses and skirts then why couldn't I sew the simple pillowcases? The next day I headed to JoAnn and bought some pillows and fabric home with me and started sewing that night. I just loved the end result. It is incredibly easy and more reasonably priced (as long as the fabric for home improvement is on sale, they can get pricey). With the pillows that I have, I can sew and make new pillowcases as many as my heart desires. I would like to get back to do some more sewing in 2015 but will see how well I can stick with that goal .

Hooray to 2015

I had been wanted to come back to blogging for the longest time but life got in a way. The year 2014 was an interesting one. It had a mix of good and challenging/stressful times. Despite all the happenings, everything came to a happy ending at the closing of 2014 with a big sigh of relief. Since today was the first day of the new year, I was determined to make it happen. I have yet to stop blogging at this point but will pop my head up from time to time. Thanks to some of you who stick around with me through the year despite my MIA :)


In 2015, I am determined to add more fun to life as stresses took over for the most part of last year. There was one circumstance which totally opened up my eyes and made me realize how short our lives could be. I am still learning how to balance several things in life. Emotion wise, I need t be calmer in general. I need to learn to take a deep breath and be more positive about things in life. I also feel that I live in a very structured lifestyle. I create and stick with routine..routine.. and the same damn routine. I am too rigid, I need to relax and go with the flow. I rarely do things outside the box or the plan ever. Money wise, I am conservative when it comes to saving and I am afraid to spend but I realize people do die before they get to use their retirement money. It is okay to reward yourself and not get in a financial trouble. Worrying too much about future can take way the joy from the present. I want to get back to blogging and having my "me" time again. I think it will take awhile to be able to meet my goals but at least I am considered to be a work in progress.


Fun and joy are my keywords this year. What about yours?