treasures untroved...Timeline Antiques

One of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday is by estate sale shopping and antiquing. Don't get me wrong, I love shiny new things, but there is something to say about finding beauty in antiques. I love to imagine where things have been, the story they have to tell...On this particular Saturday, we began at Oyster Bar and Grill to make sure we were energized for a long day of treasure hunting.

Oyster Bar delivered. I had a greesy cheeseburger (big enough to split or take 1/2 home for later), Ty got oysters, and we all had a margarita,of course :) Now we are ready for the hunt at Timeline Antiques!

So many treasures untroved...random, beautiful, odd, dusty treasures.

For example: why is that doll head on a lamp stand? creeper-creep!

...expensive japanese screens and nutcrackers...

...old comic books and pilot's helmets...

They're singin' in the rain, just singin' in the rain!

There is something for everyone! I am cracking up looking through these pictures. These guys were the best treasure hunters ever- EVER! We spent all afternoon in one shop!

happy hunting :)

ps- I got my sequined red New Years dress from here too!

Really, it's all about the food...Martinez Mexican

I wish that I didn't love food so much. I really do! I wish that a celery stick was all it took to make my mouth water.... but just saying celery makes me think of peanut butter. Let's just say I am not destined to be a size zero. I wouldn't label myself a foodie either, I just know what tastes good, ok!? A new restaurant in town means a new restaurants to share with you!

Does anyone remember Madison Square Garden? Martinez Mexican Restaurant recently took over that little corner of the Madison Park shopping center and since it is a hop, skip, and a jump away from the house, Tison and I thought we would give it a shot.

What are the things you look for in a Mexican restaurant? Are the chips and hot sauce good? What about the house dressing? Do they have pineapple pop? Ok, maybe you don't ask that last one- but the answers are yes, yes, and yes!!! Note: Martinez house dressing is a little runny....but has a good flavor. I love dipping chips in hot sauce and house dressing together. mmmmm....

These enchiladas had an amazing creamy green sauce on top that I have been craving since we left. This (on top of many other reasons) is how you know I am no foodie: I literally googled 'mexican green sauce for enchiladas' and my results indicate it could be called salsa verde, but I'm not really sure. Just trust me on this one, order the enchiladas with creamy green sauce. If they don't know what you're talking about, pull up this blogpost :) Note to self: Must remember the name of food ordered.

I hope everyone has a splendid weekend!

I am soooooo glad it is Friday! It took way too long to get here.

xo,

my notebook...

"The best love is the kind that weakens the soul, that makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever."

- Noah, The Notebook

Today, I was reminded of my love for this movie by my current blog obsession, The Daybook. This precious little piece of the blogger pie really warms my heart. If you haven't checked it out yet- go. now.

What is it about The Notebook that makes my heart beat faster and my tear ducts work overtime?

honestly, how adorable is this kid!

I am going to spoil you rotten with a million kisses, little man!

Love you,

Aunt Linz

it's as simple as A-B-C...

A. I love my neighborhood. The colors during the changing seasons are to-die-for.
B. I love taking long walks with Tison, Mr. Butters, and Sausage Bear.
C. I love the walks even more when I am able to bring my camera along!

{photos taken over holiday vacation}

Recap of Christmas 2011...

Have you been wishing that it was still the very merry Christmas time again? Let's recap this year's activities with the Hudsons and Tisons...

Christmas Eve:
After Leslie and I fiddled with the violin at Christmas Eve Mass, we went to my parents house to greet my Aunt and Uncle, in from Texas, and my grandparents. Lauren, David, and Hudson were in New Roads, LA this year for the holidays. They alternate each year with David's family. Soon after attacking the hors d'oeuvres, we exchanged gifts.

Christmas Day:
Christmas morning was met with a bountiful breakfast! The Tisons served up New Orleans style french toast, pancakes, bacon and sausage. We opening gifts from each other and chatted about what Ali and Justin were like as little kiddos. For as long as Ty and I have been dating, this year marks the first that our parents got together for Christmas. Mr. and Mrs. T were invited to my parents house for lunch where we overloaded ourselves yet again with an amazing display of delicacies.

Pretend Christmas:
Since Lauren, David, and Hudson were out of town on the real Christmas, we celebrated the holy day again when they returned. Cuan (Leslie's gentleman from Zimbabwe) was also in Shreveport, so what did we do? Eat, of course! Mom made seafood gumbo and banana pudding for everyone, then we watched the others open their pressies.

Ah, I love the holidays. See the Hudson family Christmas from 2010 here :)

putting out fires, drinking lemon drops, and calling security...

Why haven't I posted anything on focused LINZ since the beginning of the month? I guess I haven't been very focused! I have taken a 2 week break from documenting my life with a ridiculous amount of photos. I am sure my family and friends are appreciative not to have a flash in their face by the crazy camera lady...my nickname really is razzi for paparazzi. This isn't to say I don't have 600 pictures from the Christmas holiday that plan to share. I am working on narrowing down and making a photo collage of said photos. (600 is not an exaggeration.)

These last 2 weeks have been filled with planning for a work conference that occured on Friday and Saturday of this past weekend. Through the concerted efforts of my co-workers, Keran, Katie, Lauren, and Matt, we pulled off a pretty good show. Things to remember about the weekend: 1. Although styrofoam-mardi gras colored-glitter balls are pretty in hurricane vases with a lit candle- remember they are highly flammable. 2. Figure out the microphone sound and cd/music sound before the President of the meeting gets up to give his opening remarks. Remember- some people are low talkers. 3. Things can get loud at the hotel bar after a lemon drop martini, vodka and ginger ale, and some red bull + a beer. Remember- you have a higher tolerance than most. 3. Arkansas people cannot handle their hot wings aka a big bowl of meat. 4. If someone dares enter your private conference that is strolling through the exhibitor booths thinking it is part of the car show going on downstairs, it's best to call security immediately. 5. Remember to properly thank everyone individually for the time they have given to make the event a success. Thank you!

new year, new plans...

{My friend Jordan and me at Tacomania over the holiday achieving # 9. See below.}

Notes for this New Year:

1. Become more organized in the kitchen.
     - plan out meals and grocery shop before you are hungry!
     - clean out pantry; organize spices
     - clip and keep our favorite recipes in a cookbook
         + repeat favorites to get better and better at them :)
     - learn how to bake bread, to can veggies, pre-make and freeze food for the week

2. Be on time!
     - wake up earlier to share breakfast, actually pick out an outfit instead of throwing on
       what's clean and at arms length.
     - it takes longer than you expect to get ready!
     - if you aren't rushing out the door then you aren't rushing in the car
       + this will help prevent road rage.
          Note to self: throwing your arms up and yelling at innocent drivers is not cute.

3. Start doing group fitness activities like:
     - walking/strolling with Lauren and Hudson
     - biking and tennis
     - walking the dogs with Ty on a more regular basis
     - yoga with coworkers during lunch break

4. Wash car on a regular basis - you are still paying for the automobile- it should look like new.

5. Keep a detailed budget (pretty sure this has been one of my resolutions since my first allowance)
     - account for where you $ is going every month.
     - try the envelope method like Lauren and David.
       + an envelope for entertainment and put cash in it - when it's gone, it's gone!

6. Take good care of yourself by making regular doctors appointments!
     - dentist, dermatologist, optometrist, gyno

7. Continue once a week training with James, but add 1 group class and 1 cardio night.

8. Organize a proper office area that inspires creativity and organization.
     - for painting supplies, photography, magazine clippings, etc.

9. Reach out to friends you haven't spoken to in awhile by calling or sending a handwritten note.

10. Learn about gardening and practice in the backyard
     - plan an outdoor party in the spring to motivate this goal.

11. Paint more.

12. Practice the violin on a regular basis.

13. Take knitting and card making lessons from mom.

14. Find an alternative to Visine. Admit it, you are addicted. In fact, I could use some right now...

15. Plan a romantic getaway this year.

16. Remove the clutter from your life- too much excess...

17. Spend most of your time and energy with the ones you love.
     - Love unconditionally and with no restraints...