sorry to my readers.

i do apologize for my lack of posts lately. 

Instagram has been taking over my social media life lately.  i seem to go there when i want to post something, anything.  this isn't a 'come follow me' post or anything like at all, i am just saying that i haven't forgotten about my old blog and i really, really want to be back here soon.

i have found that with my absence, i have almost forgotten how to write.  when i was thinking of something to post, i could hardly come up with a beginning sentence.  i still don't even know what to say.

it also doesn't help that my hard drive still isn't fixed, therefore i have no motivation to take pictures, it won't quit snowing, and i long for days like the one below where the weather is warm and we can be carefree.  i am just a happier person when the weather is nice, as are most people.

so basically, sorry that i haven't been around.  don't go away or forget about the dream tree, ok?  there will be good things again.  life, food, makeup, and whatever else there used to be, i promise (:

skinny crockpot chili

not sure if you're in blizzard like conditions where you live, but we haven't had snow like this since i've been alive i don't think.  right now it's as white as my eyes can see and we have about a foot of snow!  that's a lot for us. 

when we are stowed up inside for days and can't leave, what else is there to do besides blog, hang out, and eat, right?!  well i make this a few times a year and this recipe makes for the perfect snowy day supper.  it's pretty low in calories, hearty, and keeps me warm.  i should've posted sooner because i know others are in the same position, but if you have these items on hand, there is still time to make today or even tomorrow.  go ahead, you will be happy you did!

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1 lb lean turkey
1 onion, chopped
1 can kidney beans
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 packet organic chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup water 

brown turkey and onion together.  combine everything together in crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. super simple and tastes great!

sweater weather.

source

not sure about where you all live, but here in the midwest, the weather is ridiculous.  well, i guess i should say the temperature really is, the weather has not been too bad really.  i don't think i have ever disliked the cold as much as i have right now.  

it is definitely sweater weather, but i pretty much refuse to wear anything but tanks and cardigans or jackets, or something of the like.  i just don't like things touching my arms really, especially heavy, scratchy material like wool.  sure a cozy fleece or sweater is nice every now and again, but i get so tired of getting bundled up and having to drag a heavy winter coat with me everywhere i go.  not saying i always dress this way, but i just hate dressing too warm.

who else is with me on this.

i know a lot of bloggers live around arizona and out west where it is still warm enough to wear summer clothes and i am so envious.  the only downfall to that is that i cannot imagine having the winter holidays in that type of environment because it would seem so strange to me, but i am not used to that. 

we were hoping to live in florida this time next year so this was going to be my last cold fall/winter around these parts, but not sure if those plans are still going as planned, so we will see.  all i know is, i better just get used to it because i still have about 4 more months of this!  for some reason i can tolerate the cold temps if there is snow on the ground, but we don't get as much as we used to . . .

anyway, i'm actually planning on wearing a purple long sleeved cardigan on thanksgiving and if not an orange 3/4 length sheer type shirt, with an infinity scarf, maybe - highs are around 35....blech.  food will make that all seem better though (:

     


   

cute, little punxsutawney phil, LIED!

oh yes, he sure did.

what happened to an early spring?  here in these parts, it is supposed to be upwards in the 50s and 60s.  unfortunately it's been in the 30s since i can't remember when, and it's getting old.  to make matters worse, it snowed all day yesterday and we got about a foot of snow.  i don't think i've ever seen this much snow in my life!

i love snow, but i don't even feel like getting out and playing in it much. i am just ready for spring and warmer weather!  i see so many pictures of people in spring clothes, being outside, and having a tan and i have cabin fever.

nonetheless, it sure does make for a pretty scene and here are a few photos i snapped.

 what's the weather like where you live??

a wintry walk.

i don't know about in your parts, but the weather here is nuts.

one day it's 30, the next it's 70, and after that it's 22.

today i believe it's about 15.

i've been on this kick of trying real hard to get outside and walk every day i'm off, so the other day i venture out and realize it's mighty cold out, but it was so beautiful.  definitely windier than what i care for, but the sun was shining and it was peaceful.

when i got home i decided to grab my camera and head back out to snap pics of all the pretty things i saw while i was out.  winter is not my cup of tea, but it sure can be pretty.  we don't get as much snow as i'd like, but nature can create some other things that i like almost as much.

the beautiful sunshine | the edge of the lake consumed with crackly, brittle ice.

cold weather gear.

the ducks don't seem to mind the ice cold water

bundled up

our pool is finally being built

a vacant nest

the blustery wind blows

needles

on our jeep

warming up on this frosty morning...

I leave for work when it's dark and get home when it's dark.  I haven't seen sunlight in days, so this morning I finally saw frost.  Not a big fan of cold weather or frost, but I am happy to see it.  Winter is finally here.

Makes it feel more like Christmastime.  Killing viruses.  Spring will be here before we know it.  The possibility of snow.  Seeing your breath.  A few reasons I'm liking the cold this fine morning.

It's cold out.  I normally drink hot tea in the mornings, but lately I've been drinking hot Ovaltine.  Tastes just like hot chocolate.  I recently picked up this mug.  I am in love.  It's great for my hot drinks, it's handmade, and it has a peace sign.  Perfect. 

Today I've got a lot on my plate - work Christmas potluck, visit my Gramps in the hospital, buy Eric a new shirt & tie, mail my Cmas cards and a gift, and clean.  I'll definitely be enjoying this day off sipping my hot drink in my new mug, enjoying the cold + sunshine, and embracing what I've been blessed with.

Have a great Wednesday (: