When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade!

Life can be rough. Trust me, I know first hand. Things happen. And I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. I wouldn't be where I am today without my family, my amazing son, and my wonderful boyfriend. I have the most amazing, handsome, smart little two year old anyone could ask for! He sure keeps me on my toes! I love him more than anything in the world. I am also blessed with a wonderful step-daughter.

I grew up in a small town in rural Illinois. Population of about 1,500..maybe. It sure seems smaller than that. Normal childhood, I had two other siblings. Two sisters to be exact. That was a time when we didn't have cellphones and internet. We played outside, rode our grandparents golf cart, rode four-wheelers, played hide-and-seek, really anything that involved being outside.

After highschool, I had the opportunity to move to Florida. Twice. What an adventure that was! I made some life-long friendships. A part of me will always remain there. After my second time moving and living in the sunshine state for a year, I decided it was time to move home. And so then, I packed all my belongings and made the 18 hour trip home. I think the best part was surprising my family. They didn't know the exactly when I'd be back. Surprising each family member, wherever they were that day, my grandma at her shop, my mom at work, and my sisters after school. It was really great seeing the look on their faces when I popped out and yelled, “SURPRISE!”

My boyfriend and I have been together almost four years. We met in 2014 while out boating with our families. We’ve been together ever since that day. Like I said, everything happens for a reason! I always tell him it was fate that we just happened to meet that day. I was actually supposed to work that day and at the last minute I got my shift covered and headed out with the family for some fun in the sun and some ice cold drinks. Now, four years later, two kids, four dogs, and memories that last a lifetime. There have been some ups and downs along the way, but hey, that’s life! Keep things interesting, and never settle for anything but extraordinary!!

I hope to share my life with you, provide some advice, great recipes, stories, and some products I enjoy. Leave me comments, questions, stories of your own.