As I've often stated in my blogs before, I am a large believer in setting rules and goals for yourself. Just over a month ago I made a goal to take a step back from social media and the ego that tends to come along with it. I found my actions were contradicting my beliefs in terms of how I was using the tools and how they were affecting my time and emotions. It was time to check my hypocrtical self at the keyboard, smell the roses and play in the rain without having to tell anyone.

A few years back I set a goal to start blogging. Little did I know my day job would provide me with the opportunity. At first I jumped in head first by sharing interesting things I'd found on the internet (often through personal social media). Today, as I return to my blog I come back with an intention in my blogging. I hereby pledge not to just post or give my opinion (which doesn't matter), but to try and share USEFUL information and ideas, to provide insight on struggles you may not be alone in experiencing, sharing ideas of things to do in the area, and I'll probably share a recipe here and there when I'm getting inspired in the kitchen. 

This is seemingly a trending conversation for various people in my life. Many struggling with the pros and cons of doing so. I think parents are probably in the toughest spot to make such a decision as they view social media as both their place of individuality and something to consider their own, as well as a tool to learn about whats going on in their childrens lives. It's a place to relate. But to what extent is that healthy? Does it cause more stress? A lot of you parents might be questioning if a break like this would be beneficial or if it would even be possible in your lifestyle. CBS's Paula Ebben presents the idea in the video here. 

It's now spring and fresh foods are abundant! A lot of us tend to start eating cleaner at this time of the year. There are various different reasons for this. For me, I'm inspired by fresh foods as the weather warms up. I don't necessarily want to cook and am more interested in eating raw foods. However, I still do enjoy a good cooked recipe for dinner most evenings. Between the recent controversy with Monsanto and the more readily available organic options- I've been doing my research on optimizing my healthy eating. A newcomer to this lifestyle, I'm just learning the various options for cooking oils- there are SO many options. After spending far too much time staring at my options in the grocery store I decided to lean on the good old internet to help me understand and make the best buying decisions for my needs. This chart was absolutely fabulous, I even saved a screenshot of in my phone for future reference! 

The countdown to Mother's Day is on! As we all know, there are few people who enjoy crafts like a mother does. Good news is, if you haven't figured out what you're going to do.. or perhaps you think your husband may need a creative idea or two, here's a wonderful little list of awesome DIY Mother's Day gifts. I love the recipe holder and make-up board!

Sometimes when it comes to love there is no defined answer to the questions we have. Some of these kids seemed to have been answers to the questions they were asked than I think I could have come up with. Here's the article  "How Do You Decide Who You Are Going To Marry? (written by kids)." Just a little light hearted humor for a Wednesday afternoon! What are some of the silliest things your kids have said about love? 

The illustrious Grand Canyon is one of the most well known landmarks in the United States. Its magnitude and pure beauty make you realize just how unique landforms can be. I have been to the Alps, explored caves across the world, on top of terraced fields, and watched tumbleweed pass through fields in Iceland, but new and different natural landscapes of the world, never fail to leave me in awe. Over the years through my travels and the countless hours of online trolling I've done, I'd thought I'd seen it all- but until this morning, I hadn't. Waking up to be introduced to these 22 Unbelievable Places that are Hard To Believe Really Exist has not only left me inspired to see the world further, but has also humbled me to reinforce that we're such a small part of the puzzle called life. Likewise, many of these places have taken years to develop to their full beauty, many have been battered, some experienced unbelievable events, and others simply unfathomable without having seen this. Did you know there's a place that looks like you're walking on clouds in heaven? How about a naturally bright pink lake? or mountains that look like they've been covered in paint (though they haven't)? Have you seen where your Canola may be being grown? Could you imagine it's beautiful? or the fact that the sight of lavendar being grown could be just as relaxing as the smell? This world is such a beautiful place!

The Beatles said "[We] get by with a little help from [our] friends" and the statement couldn't be more true. For example, we as human thrive from other human interaction, particularly relationships. Sometimes just having someone breathing next to you is all you need, let alone those times when you just need someone to laugh with, talk out a scenario, or to confide in. There's something about the energy that you get from another soul being with you. For many people, particularly animal owners, we are able to feel this connection not only with those people closest to us, but also with our furry kin. This is no different for animals connecting with humans and other animals. As you can see in this video, sometimes these important friendships can be the oddest of pairs, but none the less- as important as even the most obvious pair.

Can You Make It Through Without Happy Crying?

Have you all familiar with "animal shaming"? Perhaps you may have seen an image or two somewhere on the Internet that looks like these:

Cute animal, mischief, and a testimony. (Photos all courtesy of the lovely Jillian Shuhart and her sweet kitty Pippa)

Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of Simon (my dog). It's not that he doesn't get in trouble or do anything wrong- he simply goes crazy running in circles when he knows hes wrong. The photo I would take would just be a big black blur, if a camera could even snap the photo fast enough to capture him that is!

What a great way to make light of a frustrating, yet cute situation as an animal owner. Not to say that we shouldn't be working with our animals on their quirks, but we have to accept that it's not going to happen over night.

After all, our furry little friends are just so irresistible and we know we're going to love them one way or another when they give you those sweet puppy or your kitty gives you his little cuddle nudge. Here's a link to "11 Guilty Pets Who Know What They Did."

As one of those children that seemingly had the phrase "you're so embarrassing" programed to be the response to half my parents actions and comments, I can sympathize with these kids. However, likewise, now being more mature and understanding, I also sympathize with the parents as a lot of these made me giggle to think how cute the parents posts were. I can only imagine how frustrating this must be as a parent and how frustrating it must be to know what is and isn't embarrassing! I'm sure sometimes it feels like there is nothing you can do right. Here are some silly examples of kids being embarrassed over what one day when they grow up they will realize was just their parents being cute, caring, and simply trying to relate! 

Any of us who loves feline's know the basic rule of thumb is that cats like to be in close quarters. They seem to have an overall love for boxes. This theory holds true for more than just our domestic kitties under 20 pounds. You might think exotic wild cats just like chasing prey, but someone sent them the memo about wonderous box fun as well. Here's an adorable video of some very big kitties proving their relation to your everyday Tom Cat.