Sweet Treats

Kimberly's Bakeshoppe

The last few times I've been out grocery shopping, I've been picking up items that I normally wouldn't buy, but do because I know people are coming over and don't really feel like baking.  These cupcakes have been one of those items. While they can be found at most grocery stores but I find them locally at Kroger. They have the look and feel of a speciality bakery, but don't cost as much. 

These ones in particular are Strawberry & Creme' flavored with Strawberry filling. Absolutely D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S. 

What are some of your favorite "pre-made" treats that you buy prior to guests coming over? 

What I'm Reading....

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I recently finished the book Lessons from a Lipstick Queen. When I purchased it from my iPad I didn't even look at what it was about, I just assumed it would be good and purchased it.  Turns out it was exactly what I needed. The book is about Poppy King who at the age of eighteen started her own lipstick company, it speaks of her journey, and the trials and tribulations of starting and running your own business. 

While I've always wanted to start my own business, it really hit home in how I was feeling about my current position. Constantly defeated. While things one day will run extremely smooth, the next day it's as though you made every mistake possible, and being the perfectionist I am never feels good. I've been trying to stay positive and thought some additional reading could bring some clarity to how i've been feeling. 

Through some digging I found Overwhelmed, which is about time management and creating a life you can love without feeling like a crazy person. While I stick to a strict to-do list, and try to manage my time effectively, I'm finding it's not my work schedule but my at home schedule that has gotten a bit lazy. Instead of hitting the gym, and making time for grocery shopping, I tend to just sit on my ass and order out. With the snow finally melting, it's time to get back into my old groove. 

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook) is about balancing it all, and why women make fabulous leaders. The last book which is always a classic, I read once in college but thought now would be a great time to re-read How to Win Friends & Influence People.  

What are you currently reading? Anything you'd recommend? 

In Progress - Spare Refresh

One of our spare bedrooms (now my office) was originally painted a light tan. Due to the nonexistent lighting it made the room feel even smaller though it's relatively spacious, and is going to make a fabulous office/extension of my closet. 

While only one coat in, the new paint color (Polar Star By Valspar) has already made a big difference. We hope to finish it next weekend, as well as add a accent wall with a bit of pattern. 

I personally like this, this and this one, but really am struggling on picking just one. 

Don't Ever

Throw Pillow 

Target Finds

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I've been really happy with the selection of home goods items lately at Target. Just last week, I purchased a new vase, mirror for the hallway, and throw pillows for our frumpy couch. 

I thought i'd share a few additional finds i've found worthy of a purchase. I'm really loving the ombre curtains, and the touch of gold on the vase above. Even better, the price makes sprucing up for spring not so daunting on the bank account. 

Note: This was not a paid post, and all opinions are my own. 

Favorite Cookbooks

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When my mom passed fourteen years ago, she left behind over 4,000 cookbooks. I wish I could say I was kidding, but i'm not. She had quite a collection. Unfortunately, instead of saving them (which would have been awesome) my dad sold them for $1/box at an estate sale. 

Since then, I've started my own collection of cookbooks. I don't have 4,000 but I do have a nice little selection of favorites that I on occasion bring out to try a new recipe. Here are a few of my favorites, I really enjoy Stuffed, and the Slow Cooker Bible has been nice to use to spice up the "normal" crock pot recipes. 

Do you have any favorite cookbooks? 

Just Relax

This past Friday, I took a random day off from work. I needed a day to relax and recharge. Not so much to sit around, but get some things done I've been wanting to do for awhile. I ran around for about five hours just running errands, visiting boutiques I seem to never be able to visit on the weekends, just to leave the house and be able to do something I haven't had time to do. I even saw a few Oscar nominated films that I wanted to see before last night On Demand. It was perfect. 

Now as I write this, I'm sad the weekends over. I'm not ready to go back to work. 

Do you ever take a day off just to recharge? 

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