The Happy Hurricane

With our weatherman predicting 4 days in a row of rain I do NOT mean this as a joke.  Someone on Instagram posted that their house is a happy hurricane and I immediately related.  Our house is the same way.

I emailed a PGG customer back last night, or I should say this morning at 3:16am to be precise, which she pointed out to me, and asked what I was doing.  I have a simple answer:  something I truly LOVE.

After my mom's last bout with cancer, not the one she is winning now, she emailed me and said. you should have one thing in life that is yours alone, that you love, that even when it causes stress, it is stress you know makes you you are...and ended the email with her usual "I am not telling you what to do, just giving you the benefit of my hindsight."  I am so truly blessed to have a mom who has battled so much adversity with a smile on her faith, a super strong faith and a grace that I can only hope to grow into.

So when I got this email this morning, I answered it simply:  "I love owning a business that is mine."  I am so honored to be included in helping customers pick out gifts, invites and cards for events and people that are special to their lives.  Please know it is something that I cherish.  I also know that life is hectic so for those of you that have emailed and said you need more time but money is tight, I hope I can help.

From now until November 3rd ALL holiday photo cards are 20% off and if this year you just need return address labels, they are 50% off.....and in case you are too short on time to put stickers on your cards, ALL return address printing is also 50% off.  All you need to do is enter O13H20 at checkout.

SO in my happy hurricane of a home and life I thought I would share some of my favorites, let's call them practical favorites.

I spent this evening helping our old babysitter shop for appliances for her first ever condo!  I am so proud of her!  In my typical deal searching self, I wouldn't let her purchase because I of course went to Ebates and discovered a deal.  Sears is giving 7% cash back for your purchases and online appliance purchasing made online are an extra 10-30% off.

A go to recipe to brighten a friend's day!  Mine is Salted Nutella Fudge.  The best part, it's SUPER easy!
1 cup Nutella
1 can fat free sweetened condensed milk
8oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons of butter
Melt all of this in a double broiler

Remove from stove and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pour into pan(s).  Top with sea salt and hardened in fridge.

A good workout.  I firmly believe there is something medicinal about a good workout.  The kind that makes it hard to breath where I am drenched in sweat afterwards.  It is then that an ice cold bottle of water tastes like an amazing treat.  Today's crossfit workout was one of those:  burpees, box jumps, double unders and pistols.  13 minutes has never felt so long in my life.  I found myself thinking my favorite Crossfit motto"   I hate you, I hate this place, see you tomorrow.

I write this post to keep it real.  We all have insanity in our lives:  I have single friends who are working nonstop hours on Capitol Hill without complaint or pay, my stay at home mom friends feel like they never have any me space, in other words look around you and remember that everyone has a long to do list, and we are ALL looking for that one thing that can distract us and make us forget about our list for a little bit.  Thank you for being the world's best distraction!