Finding Inspiration at Butterfly World

      

Butterflies were abound at Butterfly World! Check out those colors...wow.

 

Recently, I spent an afternoon at Butterfly World in Florida and had such a great time. Not only did I learn lots of new things about plants, butterflies and birds, but I gathered a ton of inspiration along the way. What made the day even more special was I got to explore it with Loring and Grayson – it’s always a treat to see things through a child’s eyes!     

Here’s some photo’s of the day…enjoy!     

Loring (on the right) met a new friend who was kind enough to share a Butterfly that had landed on her.

 

Of course, Loring made sure to be a good sister and shared with her big brother Grayson as well.

 

Wouldn't the colors of the Chrysalis (butterfly sac) be a great source of inspiration for a color board? I'd love to spend time in a room adorned with these shades of blue and green.

 

Speaking of color...do you think this bird is a Bengal's fan all dressed up in orange and gold? Speaking of which...what about that Chad Ochocinco in Dancing with the Stars?

 

Grayson made a couple of friends along the way...

 

Here's a pretty colorful fellow don't you think?

 

This reminds me how much I like statues tucked in special places throughout a garden. Did you know this one is of Loring?

 

Really, everybody...PAY ATTENTION...Loring explained that this is her. She loves this statue...of course who wouldn't love this statue... it's Loring...duh!

 

When's the last time you got this close to a hummingbird?

 

I loved the hanging baskets from various trees and think I'll try this at my house!

 

Another great idea is to grow a plant within a cluster of landscape rocks...isn't this cool?

 

Here's my favorite bean...I'd like a skinny vanilla latte please!

 

Did you know this is how a pineapple grows? Don't laugh... I didn't.

 

This is a Passion Flower, isn't it lovely?

 

I'd like this Pink Powder Puff flower and the purple one above enlarged and framed in a guest bedroom...wouldn't they be fabulous?

 

Besides the pictures of the kids, this is my favorite photo from the day. I used a secret technique to get the effect. AKA: I have no idea how I got it to look that way, but I do love it! haha

 

Lucky us...our fun-filled day ended in Palm Beach. Unfortunately, it was getting dark and my photo's of amazing manicured hedges and spectacular architectural details didn't turn out. Hmmmm....looks like I'm going to have to go back...maybe we'll have dinner at Taboo this time :) .

 

I soooo enjoyed this day. Where will you find inspiration today?  xoxoxo Amy     

Start your Day with Easy Cheesy Cupcake Eggs

Cheesy Sausage and Egg Cupcakes

 

Surfing the internet a few weeks back, I discovered several recipes for eggs baked in cupcake pans. I’ve been trying to stick to the no sugar/no bread thing, but find myself skipping breakfast. This is my version of cupcake eggs which I like to make on Sunday and then re-heat the rest of the week. They’re really simple and total time in the kitchen is not more than a half hour from beginning to end - 20 minutes of it is baking time. Best of all they’re delish! 

Cheesy Sausage Cupcake Eggs 

I like to make 6 scrambled and 6 “fried” muffins.  Another option is to use an egg substitute to make a dozen which will save time and cholesterol. 

You’ll Need: 

  • 1 Muffin Pan w/liners
  • 6 pre-cooked turkey sausage patties (can also use crumbled cooked sausage)
  • Dozen Eggs or equivalent egg substitute
  • 1/2 cup of shredded cheese
  • Salt and Pepper

Directions: Pre-heat oven to 350 

  • Trim the round sausage patties to fit into the bottom of a lined cup and place inside 6 of them.
  • Crumble the remaining sausage and place in bottom of the remaining cups; dividing equally.
  • Crack and pour an 1 egg each into 6 cups. Scramble 6 eggs with a dash of milk and divide equally into the remaining cups.
  • Add a dash of salt and pepper to each if you would like
  • Top with a generous pinch of shredded cheddar cheese

Bake for 20 minutes. Wrap each individually or keep in an airtight container, store in refrigerator and heat in microwave for 40-50 seconds for breakfast or a snack each day. 

Note: You can get as creative as you want! Use pre-cooked bacon, add onions or  mix it up with a variety of cheeses and herbs. It’s pretty hard to go wrong on this one. 

For busy families, this is so easy and kids love it. It’s perfect for breakfast on the go or at home before they head out the door to school. 

Enjoy! xoxox