April Obsessed List

Well, I missed March.  But I have a great excuse …

Ok, now that we got that out of the way, it’s time for another Obsessed List.  And April brings new, exciting trends and fun things to look forward to as the weather gets warmer and warmer.  Here we go!

Wear – Neon is … back.  Yes, neon.  And I’m obsessed with it.   Oh my gosh did I really just type that?  I haven’t worn neon since about 7th grade when I had jelly bracelets all the way up to my elbows and my permed hair in a side pony tail.  But I love this new trend and I’m seeing it everywhere in the stores. Something about it just cheers me right up.  So bring it on!

Lifestyle – Jillian and I both have a major sweet tooth.  Especially when it comes time for yummy treats in the warm weather.  Yes, we indulge in desert and frosty treats on a regular basis.  So I’m making an effort to make more treats here at home.  I bought an ice cream maker last year, and I’m sad to say that I’ve only used it once!  And that I used to be a better mom and freeze her yogurt when she was about 2.  So what happened in between?  Have we been so busy and lazy that picking up something in the store full of sugar is better (hey, at least it’s organic)?  No. More.  It’s my mission to learn how to make the best frosty treats on the block this year.

Listen – Bruno Mars!!!  I feel like I can’t even type his name without a few exclamation points after it.  Because something about his music fires me right up.  I’ve spent many a morning and evening dancing around with little Nash in his sling to the tune of Bruno Mars.  It’s poppy, bouncy and has this great retro vibe that I find completely addicting.

Love – Instagram.  No, I don’t find the need to explain what it is and how it works because at this point if you haven’t heard of it you need to get out from under your rock.  And if you are still in the dark about what it is, you won’t be much longer since last week, Facebook bought the little start up company for a mere $1 BILLION.  Yes, with a B.  But there are so many things about this little app on my phone that I adore.  I jumped on board with it about 6 months ago or so and I’ve tried other camera apps on my iPhone that were fun to use, but Instagram takes the cake.  I love that I can follow all of my friends as well from all over the globe and see what’s going on in their part of the world, too.  I mostly have pics of my kids, food and friends. But it’s a fun little app to use, and besides the best camera is the one you have with you, right?

Choice – I’ve been doing some thinking lately about happiness.  And about why some people are perpetually happy and some are always unhappy.  (See mom and dad, I am still using that Psychology degree!) But I’ve come to the conclusion that happiness is … a choice.  And that you have to actually practice it.  I’m dead serious.  Sure there are many, many things in this life to bitch about from big things like houses, jobs, illnesses and money woes.  I find myself thankful that the people I surround myself with share this same concept with me.  They found their happy goggles and see it too … that there are so many things in this one life that we know to be happy about.  And the best part is that most things that can make you happy are completely free!  Like taking a long walk with someone you love, a hug, a smile, a song, the smell of flowers, a cool breeze, laughter… the list goes on.  So what are you waiting for?  Go get yourself some happiness.  Grab it by the truckload, and run like you stole it.  It’s free.  And it’s all yours to have, if you choose.  The choice is yours.

Inspire – my mom.  I just love her so much.  She is my rock, my inspiration.  She is the best mom on the planet.  She pushes me and encourages me without even realizing it.  To be the best mom, wife, friend, sister, photographer that I can possibly be.  She is one of the strongest, wittiest and funniest people I know.  She’s been through a lot lately (both her and my dad) yet she stays positives and moves forward.  And I love that about her.  This picture was taken circa 1983.  I would have been 11 years old and we lived in Panama, Central America.  My dad had this fancy little camera with a great lens and would set up little photo shoots for us from time to time.  I’m thankful to have pics like this from when I was little.  It reminds me of good times, my childhood and how beautiful my mom is.