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!!!!