text: Blue Skies and Apple Pies: Decorating Dollar Tree Style: Bright and Cheery.
  Motivation. I seem to have very little lately. Well, that isn't entirely true. I'm motivated to read countless blogs, drink hot tea snuggled in a blanket with the window cracked and the chilly Spring breeze wafting through the apartment. I'm motivated to cook, plan our vacation, and decorate. Basically, I have not been motivated to work. This time of year is always difficult. Its the time of year when snow and chill is replaced by flowers and sun and a desire to be outside.
  Whats the solution? I have no idea, but making an effort to make the most of my personal time seems to do the trick. Taking an extra half hour to read another chapter of my book, going for an after-work walk, getting a new haircut, and Italian sodas made at home all get the job done.
  But tonight a trip to the Dollar Tree and some new, bright, and cheery decorations to replace the Easter place setting seemed like the best idea.
  Now, I can sing the praises of the Dollar Tree all I want, but there are times when "the Dollar Tree sweep" can be more difficult than others. Like when the place is packed wall-to-wall with shoppers, the line at checkout stretches for miles, or times like tonight... the dreaded limbo that occurs when a store is switching their stock from one season to another (Easter to summer)... the picking were SLIM.
  But I smelled a challenge. I walked through that store three times before finally seeing these lemons. Inspiration!
  From there it was a cinch. Queue the tea towels, add the bright dishes, a clear vase, some cute placemats, and voila! I added the Dollar Tree flowers from my last sweep, some books from our shelf, and my prized chalk cat from a local shop.
  I can hardly wait to eat Saturday breakfast off these new dishes, drink a hot cup of coffee, and read a good book at the counter.
  I know you're wondering about this cat. You either love him or you hate him. I love him. Caleb hates him. I think he has character.
  All it took was a few inspirational lemons!
  If anyone is looking for a good read I would suggest Bloom by the amazing Kelle Hampton. I just finished my copy. I laughed, I cried, I felt inspired. Loved it! I have an extra copy if anyone is interested!