Is it new?

For the first time since I can remember I didn't sit down on New Year's Eve to write down my new year resolutions. For the first time I did not come up with a scheme for the new year that would ' make things better'. For the first time I did not feel the rush of a new beginning, the excitement of things to come. Nothing. Nada. Zip.

My mind is still full of ideas. I wouldn't be me if I wasn't working on some project.

Last weekend I cleaned out our cars.

Last week I worked out our monthly budget.

Just this weekend I cleaned out my kitchen cupboards.

This morning I surfed the web looking for saving tips.

I am looking forward to what this year will bring, but it is different this time. My focus is just different. Over the past year I have learned what it is to value the little things. That warm cup of coffee in my hand on the early Saturday mornings, when I can still hear my little princess and Mr. F breathing steadily in slumber. The view from my kitchen window, it's just the neighbourhood street and a tall pine in the neighbours garden, its top swaying softly with the wind, but it is mine to appreciate. Little princess small kisses; smelling her hair as she sits on my lap. Mr. F strong hand rubbing the back of my head as he walks by the kitchen table on a Sunday morning on his way to the coffee brewer.

Yes, those little things that make up my day to day. Those little things that make me feel so happy and grateful. Those little things that assures me that we are in God's hands.

As the days go by for 2014, my resolution is this: grow in love and appreciation for every moment I get, imprinting those little things into my memory for years to come.

I can't find images to fit this post, so here are just some of my pinterest browsing moments of the past week, just a little inspiration, just for fun, just for the sake of some visuals. I am gathering inspiration for little princess' room. Enjoy!

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Welcome knitted socks!

The rain is incessant, it has been beating on the roof and windows all night, when looking out the window I can see the trees fighting the wind as if the where holding on to their branches, it is dark, it is cold; it is fall alright.

And somehow it feels like a new beginning....somehow I feel inspired, somehow I am making plans, somehow I am looking forward to the season. In the past I would my feelings get the best of me, in the past I would focus on circumstances, but somehow, yes, somehow, I have changed, I have grown a little yet again.

You see, your attitude is a determinant for how you feel, and your attitude is a choice. So, I choose to be thankful, happy and enjoy. I choose to focus on my family, on the smell of cinnamon, and the colour of the changing leaves. I choose to wear my grandmother's hand-knitted socks, make a hot cup of chocolate, and let the good times roll!

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Going Bananas

So I´m back...from where you wonder? I wonder too... Somehow between work, child care, a total switch in our diet, work-outs, household tasks, etc I was unable to sit down and write. Don´t get me wrong, I´m not making a list of grievances, I love how our life has been changing gradually for the better (more on that soon).

For now, I´m leaving you with this yummy recipe for banana bread. It has become a favorite among my frequent guests, and I have especially written it down here for my girl E! Btw, I prepare everything before hand and let little princess put everything into the mixing bowl, we have so much fun making this together ;)

Ingredients

3 or 4 ripe bananas
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg,beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cup flour

Preaheat oven to 175 degrees Celsius. With a wooden spoon or mixer mix butter into mashed banans.Mix in sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle salt and baking powder. Add flour last.

Bake for 1 hour.

Yum!

I have been searching the web for a quinoa based banana bread, I found some recipies that look pretty good but haven't tried them out yet. Maybe this weekend I will get to it! I'll let you know how that one turns out.

Emerald Green: The colour of the Year

Having been confined to my bed for the last 4 days, thanks to the seasonal flu, has given me time (a bit of a luxury around The Casa Gomez), to catch up on all info web related. And what did I stumble upon? Yes, so excited about this one! The color of the year = Happy me!

 I love me some green and have been thinking of all the possibilities for in my house and my wardrobe.

I am including little details of green in every room, can't wait to share te results. I found some beautiful inspiration on the blogosphere. Enjoy and be inspired too!

Instyle Indulgence Interiors via Carolyn Van Lang

Source: Jamie Drake Design

Murphy Emerald Sofa via makingitlovely.com

Maribowl by Iittala

H&M linen pillow cover

Alexander McQuees Flower Lace Strapless Dress

Christian Louboutin Volpi 150mm Emerald Shoes