tis better to have loved and lost

"Tis better to have loved and lost than never have loved at all" - Alfred Lord Tennyson

As spring ends and summer started to fill our homes, I like to think about this quote. Summer always seems like the season for new romances and new beginning in relationships. Tennyson's quote reminds to live in the moment with the ones I love and not to dwell on the future so much. It can be easy to worry about the future and maybe losing a close love one or partner but it's more important to focus on creating new memories with that person.

Get this print for your home here!

What's In My Bag: Spring

What's in my bag have always been my favorite youtube videos. Here is a sneak peak into my bag. I currently carry a Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpack in Pink. I love it! I live in a city and spend quite a bit of time walking and traveling via public transit. Carrying a backpack defiantly reduced some of my neck pain and back pain from carry a heavy bag. 

Inside is pretty minimal. I have gotten what I want with my at all times down to a science. I keep my current sketchbook, pens, a pencil, current book I'm reading, my wallet and phone with me. Now that the weather has gotten warmer, I also carry a tinted chapstick, deodorant, and earbuds with me. I think the oddest thing in my bag is earplugs. I keep these on me because I go to concert quite often with my boyfriend. I want to protect my hearing for years to come so they are super great to have on hand. What's the oddest thing in your bag?

Monday Meal of the Week: Roasted Summer Veg and Chicken

Even though I look the act of cooking, I have very few items under my that I have perfected. One of my recent discoveries in the kitchen is this recipe for roasted chicken with summer vegetables. It's super easy to make once you get past the chopping. It's like on of those one pot wonder recipes because after you put it in the oven, you're free to do whatever you like! Here's how you make it: 

Step One: Chop all your veg. For this batch, I used summer squash, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, onion, carrots (i cheated and got baby carrots), and sweet potatoes which a peeled too. 

Step Two: Arrange Chicken (I used tenderloins) and Vegetables in the large over-safe dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season. I seasoned my chicken with lemon pepper and the vegetables with paprika, salt, parsley, and pepper. Mix it all together! 

Step Three: Bake at 400 F. I let mine cook for about 30 to 40 minutes. I know it's done when I can put a fork through the sweet potatoes and carrots.  

I, honestly, don't think it can get any easier than that. I like to make this before my work week in a large batch. I think it makes a great healthy packed lunch. I hope you enjoy this simple but yummy recipe! 

It's a Beautiful Day

As warm weather and the flowers bloom, I like to remember to start my day by thinking that it's going to be a beautiful day no matter what is head of me. I believe it's important to start the day with a positive thought. Starting my morning with a positive thought, my day generally goes better. This print is the perfect reminder that It's a Beautiful Day no matter what is going on in your life.

May Gift Inspiration

The end of spring and the beginning of summer is a big time for gift giving. A set of personalized monogramed notecards are the perfect gift for a bride to be, a new graduate, or birthday. This bright and colorful notecards are inspired by spring and summer colors. The fun and playful type of the monogram are great for any age. They are sure the brighten anyone's desk. 

Check them out here and here

Monday Meal of the Week: Breakfast Smoothie

Some mornings there isn't enough time to sit down and eat a full and hearty breakfast. When I have those mornings, I make tend to make a smoothie since I can drink it while I get ready and if needed take it with me to work. When I first started making smoothie, they didn't keep me full. I would be hungry in a hour. My secret to a filling breakfast smoothie is including some typical breakfast items. I started including greek yogurt and oatmeal in my smoothies and it was like magic.

For my favorite smoothie, you need: 

1/4 cup of Greek Yogurt

1/4 cup of frozen pineapple

1/2 cup of frozen mixed berries

1/2 of a banana 

1/3 cup of dried rolled oats. 

Put all of it in a blender with some water and blend until smooth. Enjoy! I, personally, like to have my smoothie with a cup of green tea or coffee to start the day. 

Hope you enjoy! Comment below if you make it! 

"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you" - Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice has been one of my favorite novels since high school. I couldn't let an this quote go by without becoming part of my Wedding Print Series for Ginger Prints. This quote is perfect reminder to any couple of how they feel for each other. Check it out HERE!