Favorite Things Friday

This year has flown by -- can you believe we're almost into the fourth month? I am trying to branch out into new things, learn new skills and do more with my time, but it hasn't been so easy. Well, baby steps, right? Here are some of my favorite things this week:

{Make a tropical mango+peach smoothie to beat the last of the winter blues}

{Paint your nails and put on some rings. You can even stack them on one finger!} 

{Explore your local thrift store. You might find some great treasures like these antique gold trunks}

{I am super excited for the weather to warm up so that I can really indulge in this season's fashion!}

  

{Check out this video of Joseph Gordon Levitt, Stephen Merchant and Jimmy Fallon doing a lip sync battle -- you're welcome!}


Giggles and squeals!
xoxo - Chrissy

Happy Thanksgiving and Sri Lankan "Kings" Chicken Curry Recipe

Happy Turkey Day Everybody!!

Here are five things I'm thankful for:

 1. Family - Your biggest supporters and the people closest to you will get you further than any material thing can. Relationships are so important and in today's busy world, we should all remember to make more time for our loved ones. 

2. Friends - I am lucky to have amazing friends. No matter where we are in the world, we make time for each other and pick up where we left off. A phone conversation, a three-way Skype chat or a long email is all it takes.

3. Health - I'm thankful that I'm blessed with good overall health. We seldom stop to think of being so blessed - flexibility, good skin and having a well functioning body. I am definitely going to appreciate what I have and take better care of my mind, body and soul!

4. Plain ginger tea which soothes my soul and keeps me warm on these cold winter nights, while I huddle in a blanket and read a book.

5. Humor - life certainly has its ups and downs and this year has certainly been a trying one. But when you can laugh at yourself and have a sense of humor, things get to be a little more bearable.

What are you thankful for this year? 

I promised you all a Sri Lankan recipe, and while I didn't have to do any cooking this time, I found a really great recipe online. Try it out and let me know what you think!

XOXO - Chrissy

{ Favorite Things Friday } It's my birthday, what?

{Via Pinterest}

Today is my birthday(!!!!!!!!), and it's starting out great. I have a lot of fun things to look forward to today and what a great day to appreciate and list my favorite things of the week! This little girl (above) knows what's up, I have so much respect for her - you go girl, it's your birthday - you go ahead and party like you mean it!

However, with every birthday, there's this:

{Via Pinterest}

But I still love it when people sing happy birthday. It sure is a little awkward though - you just stand there with a huge grin on your face. At least this year, I knew everyone and it wasn't in public. Thank God for life's little blessings ;)

So anyway...things I'm thankful for:

Today I,

Ate cake for breakfast - I always try to do this on my birthday, although I have been known to do this occasionally when it is not my birthday.

Got lots of warm, fuzzy feelings thanks to the numerous birthday wishes, calls, texts and every little thing people did to make my day better! It's so nice of people to take a little time and show they care :)

Received tons of hugs and kisses - and we all know a little love goes a long way. And love makes the world go round. So does chocolate, I got a lot of chocolate.

Had a great time being spoiled rotten by my boyfriend. Flowers, cake, chocolates, birthday presents, a birthday dinner and a whole load of love - what more can you ask for? 

Gifts!! We all love those, and what better excuse to give someone a present than their birthday? 

Experienced a perfect fall day - kinda rainy, kinda gloomy. Great for staying indoors, or walking outside. Great for wearing beautiful fall layers, warm colors and riding boots! It wasn't a sunny summer day, but it was just as good.

I was thinking, birthdays are great, you're happy and cheerful and everyone is nice to you. Plus you get presents!! So here's my challenge to you (and myself):

{Pinterest}

I can't promise you presents, but I can say you are going to have a great day when you think like this!

Cheers, oh and happy birthday! ;)

XOXO- Chrissy

Favorite Things Friday

{ Via Pinterest}

This quote struck a chord with me. Such great advise! Every adversity can be an opportunity and I thought I would share it with you all :) I hope you use the weekend to recharge your batteries and rebuild! Don't let anyone or anything knock you down. Get up, brush it off, and keep  moving forward :)

Stay strong,

XOXO- Chrissy

Favorite Things Friday

{Via Pinterest}

Hello again!

This week has been busy, busy, busy! From watching the Olympics, to having the busiest time of year at work, going to the post office (and again, and again) and drinking my last Mocha Cookie Crumble venti at Starbucks (I'm on a mission to be healthier), here are some of the highlights of my week:

Watching Michael Phelps become the most decorated Olympian of all time. He's an amazing swimmer and when you throw in the charm and mischievous good looks...yup, he's a winner alright! Hey- you were thinking it, now I said it ;)

Starting to go back to my healthy lifestyle - I cut out coffee (this is short term, I cannot live without coffee. We have an understanding that this situation is only temporary). I also started eating way more fresh fruits and veggies. I feel great! You should try it too if you haven't already.

Good heart-to-heart conversations. Whether it's a friend, a partner or even your doctor - these talks are awesome and can make you feel really good afterwards :)

Cooking - I have been cooking up a storm and made some spur-of-the-moment creations. I don't know if these recipes exist somewhere out there, but I will post some up on the blog soon.

Dressing up! I always love dressing up, you start with your mom's heels and you never really stop. A great outfit can make your day go from blah to BAM! in about 3 seconds (actually however many minutes hours it takes you to get dressed up!).

And lastly, I saw this picture on Pinterest. I want to read it again at the end of the year and feel that I lived like this. It will take a little effort, but everything that's worth it, always does :)

Keep on living and learning!

xoxo,

Chrissy

Favorite Things Friday

Via Pinterest

^^ All together now, "Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww"

Here are a few other things that made me happy this week:

• Perfect 70 degree weather with a breeze - you know the kind, not too hot, not too cold, but just perfect!
• Going on a picnic date in said perfect weather. There is nothing like sitting on a blanket, under a big shady tree and just relaxing.
• The bright emerald of freshly mowed grass.
• Walking/running barefoot and feeling the fresh, cool grass under my feet
• Just chilling and having a random conversation with girlfriends.
• Finding my groove at work. It's a great feeling to finally get the hang of things and go with the flow.

Can you believe the year is half over? It is still not too late:

Via Pinterest

Happy Friday everybody!

xoxo,

Chrissy

Favorite Things Friday

Source: thelovewhisperer.tumblr.com

Here's to all of the above!

xo,

Chrissy

Favorite Things Friday

Here's some food for thought:

Source

Live life to the fullest. But above all be kind and spread the love. It truly has a butterfly effect.

XO,

Chrissy

One Year Blog Anniversary!!

Phew, what a busy day it has been - finally found some time to say this:

One year ago, on June 01, I made the leap and debuted my secret hobby into the world! And can I just say, I wouldn't have it any other way. I have loved the whole journey and learned so much through it all. But while I am so happy that I get to write and create and express my thoughts whether it is through the clothes I wear, the food I like or the quotes I share, the best(est!) part is that I can count each and every one of you and be thankful - for you! For encouraging me to start, for sticking with it, reading loyally, remembering your favorite posts, commenting, liking and following and generally just taking the time to read the things I share on the internet- you have truly made a difference to me. So thank you, merci, gracias! Let the good times keep rolling!

xoxo,

Chrissy

Favorite Things Friday

Hey y'all!

I know, I know, it's a Sunday. But my queue has not been working and just when I was going to complain to Blogger, it was all fixed! So I'm glad I didn't have to complain and instead I can just be nice and post last Friday's stuff on here. But tomorrow, I swear, there will be automatic posting and it will work! If it doesn't please scream at me on my facebook page - www.facebook.com/silkandspice so I will in turn scream at someone else and then something will get done. BUT, you won't have to worry about that if all goes well :)

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things:

Love and how it makes the world go round. 

The saving grace of a wedge of lime after that shot of tequila. 

Not having a hangover!

Small acts of kindness. 

The warm, tingly sensation of a good cup of coffee sliding down your throat. 

My boyfriend missing me even before he leaves for his camping trip. 

A Desperate Housewives marathon. 

Playing drinking games with wine. 

Listening to the thunder. 

Walking in the rain.

xo,

Chrissy

Favorite Things Friday

I am so excited to launch Favorite Things Friday(inspired by Gala Darling's Things I Love Thursday and Emily Schuman's Five Things) I've learned a lot over the past couple years - some lessons were learnt the fun way and others, the hard way. But I've realized that no matter how dark that cloud is, looking for and appreciating the little things, the beautiful things, and the wonderful things in and around us, makes life more meaningful. Soon, you forget your problems and develop a positive attitude that does not depend on the days events. In other words, your happiness, your aura of bright cheery goodness, will be unshakable. I haven't gotten there yet, I have just started working on this, but I know in time, I will get there. And by sharing this with you, I hope you will too. 

P.S. This is last Friday's post (since I've been having trouble with my queue)

xo,
Chrissy