Sorry it has been so long since I have posted! Things have been really busy around here, hopefully over Christmas break I'll be able to post more often. Thank you for being patient!
Awkward:
- Missing your weekly blog post.
- Not knowing what someone really thinks of you. Whether that funny look they gave you is just a funny look or if they are annoyed to death with you.
- Getting song lyrics wrong, then when someone finally sets you straight, you feel really dumb for not understanding the first time.
- Those unflattering pictures your five year old sister takes.
Awesome:
- Gelato. Nutella gelato.
- Having a friend stay with you who helps clean your disaster of a room.
- BBC's t.v. show Robin Hood with Jonas Armstrong and Richard Armitage.
- Thanksgiving. Pumpkin pie, pound cake, chocolate chess pie, apple cake, lemon pie, lime pineapple salad . . . the list goes on and on.
- Antique stores that never end. And hats. Beautiful, vintage hats with veils.
- Chocolate Mint Mochas.
- Finally getting to see the movie Lillian and I helped with / acted in this summer.
- Chick-fil-a's Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes.
- "Partying" until 2'oclock in the morning - Eight girls, Sparkling Lemonade, Parmesan popcorn, M&M's, watching. . . you guessed it. . . Robin Hood!!
- My new iTouch 5! Got it in the mail this afternoon. Instagram here I come!
- Christmas music. : )
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
I ♥ Thursday {no. 3}
Ah, Thanksgiving. It's here again, a day we visit with family and stuff our bellies. But so many times the real meaning of this day is overlooked in hustle and bustle of cooking, eating, cleaning, visiting and so on. Let us always remember to be grateful for what the Lord has blessed us with, not only on this day, but every other as well!
"Thanksgiving day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude." ~E.P. Powell
Today, one if the many things I am thankful for are my lovely followers, Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Great color combo, love the floral print and belt.
Sweet.
Pumpkin Pecan Streusel. Yummy!
Lillian and I were on Pinterest looking at little funnies like this, laughing together. It must have been a sort of chain reaction thing, because I ended up crying, and she was rolling around on the floor doing that laughing really hard but not making any noise thing.
I believe this was the straw that broke the camel's back. I love the contented little smile on his face. But oh, the disappointment when the waiter walks right past you with his tray of delicious food. Nooo!!!!!
Love these - with jeans and a brightly colored tee? Or with a cute skirt and denim jacket? Oh, the possibilities!
Oh. my. goodness. Spanikopita. Seriously, Greek food is AMAZING. Whether it's pastichio, or hummus and pita, or those little fried things dipped in honey. I love it. Go eat Greek food. . . and bring me some, too.
I am so sorry for missing Tuesday's post, but with all the business, it just had to be skipped. I will try not to do it again!
Linking up to Bramblewood Fashion. (don't even ask about the button thing)
"Thanksgiving day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude." ~E.P. Powell
Today, one if the many things I am thankful for are my lovely followers, Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Great color combo, love the floral print and belt.
Sweet.
Pumpkin Pecan Streusel. Yummy!
Lillian and I were on Pinterest looking at little funnies like this, laughing together. It must have been a sort of chain reaction thing, because I ended up crying, and she was rolling around on the floor doing that laughing really hard but not making any noise thing.
I believe this was the straw that broke the camel's back. I love the contented little smile on his face. But oh, the disappointment when the waiter walks right past you with his tray of delicious food. Nooo!!!!!
Love these - with jeans and a brightly colored tee? Or with a cute skirt and denim jacket? Oh, the possibilities!
Oh. my. goodness. Spanikopita. Seriously, Greek food is AMAZING. Whether it's pastichio, or hummus and pita, or those little fried things dipped in honey. I love it. Go eat Greek food. . . and bring me some, too.
I am so sorry for missing Tuesday's post, but with all the business, it just had to be skipped. I will try not to do it again!
Linking up to Bramblewood Fashion. (don't even ask about the button thing)
Friday, November 16, 2012
I ♥ Thursday {no. 2}
Once again, I am super embarrassed I can't seem to get this day thing right. Does anyone else have this problem?
Or, is it just me?
Now that I think about it, it's probably just me.
Oh well.
But even though today isn't Thursday, I still love Thursdays, (and Pinterest) so here are some lovelies!
Or, is it just me?
Now that I think about it, it's probably just me.
Oh well.
But even though today isn't Thursday, I still love Thursdays, (and Pinterest) so here are some lovelies!
Great color, curls and braid. Plus, her sweater is totally awesome.
*smile*
Slouchy and comfortable, yet cute.
Not a big gold person, but lately I've loosened up a bit. Love this blue and the chevron design.
Even if they don't die, the noise of their fall will alert me, so that I can grab the steel bar I keep beside my bed. : ) I'm not paranoid.
Soba Noodles with Sweet Ginger Scallion Sauce. Yummy!!
Oh yes.
I am in love with succulents. They're just so cute!
Simple White Cake + Colorful Pennant Banner
Those weirdos.
Linking up to Bramblewood Fashion. (Still can't figure out the button thingy)
Slouchy and comfortable, yet cute.
Not a big gold person, but lately I've loosened up a bit. Love this blue and the chevron design.
Even if they don't die, the noise of their fall will alert me, so that I can grab the steel bar I keep beside my bed. : ) I'm not paranoid.
Soba Noodles with Sweet Ginger Scallion Sauce. Yummy!!
Oh yes.
I am in love with succulents. They're just so cute!
Simple White Cake + Colorful Pennant Banner
Those weirdos.
Linking up to Bramblewood Fashion. (Still can't figure out the button thingy)
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Note to Self:
Always unlock the door before going into the garage.
Yeah, it happened again, and this time it was raining , so I was not climbing out the window. Might I mention this never happens to me unless someone is working in our kitchen? This time it's the painter.
Ah, me.
Yeah, it happened again, and this time it was raining , so I was not climbing out the window. Might I mention this never happens to me unless someone is working in our kitchen? This time it's the painter.
Ah, me.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Awkward and Awesome No. 2
I know it isn't Tuesday, but thank you for being concerned for my sanity. I promise it was all typed up last night and ready to go, but we stayed out late last night and then talked even later. So my post is a little behind schedule, but you still love me right? :)
Awkward:
- Looking around the kitchen for the one dish towel that you know is somewhere. . . only to discover it's sitting on your shoulder where you put it.
- Realizing how disappointed and upset you get if your grapefruit is yellow, not pink. And it looked so pretty on the outside!
- Four guys walking through the door right in the middle of your Zumba class. We stopped real quick.
- Falling in the middle of the street, skinning both hands, both knees, your thigh, and ripping a hole in your jeans. I don't know what my problem is with falling.
Awesome:
- Birthday parties for lovely friends!
- Long phone conversations with a dear friend about random stuff, interspersed with lots of laughing.
- A bunch of teenage girls running around screaming like banshees while playing tag.
- Chocolate covered doughnuts with sprinkles from Krispy Kreme. I love sprinkles!!
- Sipping homemade salted caramel hot chocolate on a rainy day.
- Spending time with friends eating, talking and laughing late into the night.
Awkward:
- Looking around the kitchen for the one dish towel that you know is somewhere. . . only to discover it's sitting on your shoulder where you put it.
- Realizing how disappointed and upset you get if your grapefruit is yellow, not pink. And it looked so pretty on the outside!
- Four guys walking through the door right in the middle of your Zumba class. We stopped real quick.
- Falling in the middle of the street, skinning both hands, both knees, your thigh, and ripping a hole in your jeans. I don't know what my problem is with falling.
Awesome:
- Birthday parties for lovely friends!
- Long phone conversations with a dear friend about random stuff, interspersed with lots of laughing.
- A bunch of teenage girls running around screaming like banshees while playing tag.
- Chocolate covered doughnuts with sprinkles from Krispy Kreme. I love sprinkles!!
- Sipping homemade salted caramel hot chocolate on a rainy day.
- Spending time with friends eating, talking and laughing late into the night.
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| Happy Birthday Allie! |
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Double Chocolate Scones
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| recipe found here |
Here's a little peek at our girl's book study. This week I made chocolate scones, served with coconut curd. Enjoy!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
I ♥ Thursday {no. 1}
Loving this nail color, but mine doesn't look nearly as neat as hers. Story of my life.
Gorgeous idea for all the mason jars we have collected over the years. I always knew they would come in handy!
Lovely. Fishtails take a little longer than regular braids, but are so worth it!
I love Christmas. Sad thing is, Lillian won't let me listen to Christmas music until the day after Thanksgiving. Only 15 more days!!!!!
Oxfords + Glitter = Love
I used to map out escape routes when Mama left us home alone. I would sit Lillian down and say "OK Lil, if someone breaks in, here's what we're going to do. . ."
Old book love.
Salted caramel chocolate thumbprint coolies. I think I just died.
Library ladder in the kitchen? Oh yeah, baby.
Ending with a laugh - Poor Lizzie! (P&P has been on my mind. I think I'll go watch it. Again.)
Linking up to Bramblewood Fashion today! Thanks Ashley!
(For the life of me I could not figure out how to do the button thingy, so I just did the link, and you smart people can follow it from there. :) I'm still getting used to Blogger's format, so hang with me here.)
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Chicken and Rice Soup
The ultimate comfort food, warming the soul (and stomach) since the beginning of time.
Okay, so maybe it hasn't been around for that long, but whoever first thought of this lovely combination is my hero. Mother is feeling a bit under the weather, so I went over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house this morning to make soup. (Our oven is currently a work in progress, and I did not feel like making soup on our camp stove outside, thank you very much.) I didn't actually have a recipe, but I glanced over Pioneer Woman's "Chicken and Noodle Soup" for seasoning ideas.
Comforting Chicken and Noodle Soup
1 Whole Cut-up Chicken
2 Medium Sized Onions
4 Celery Stalks
2 cups Carrots
1 cup Rice (I used a mix of Basmati and Wild)
1 tsp Turmeric*
2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
2 Tbsp Fresh Sage, chopped
2 Tbsp Fresh Rosemary, chopped
1 Tbsp Dried Thyme (or 2 T fresh, I didn't have any)
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Half-n-Half (optional)
In a large pot, saute onions and celery in olive oil until soft. Remove vegetables and add enough water to boil chicken. When water boils, turn heat down, add chicken and simmer until done, about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to check chicken for doneness before removing from water. When chicken is cooked, remove from water and add rice, covering pot. While rice is cooking, remove chicken from fat and bones. (You may need to strain your water before adding rice, sometimes little skin pieces come disconnected. Ew.) When rice is cooked, add carrots, chicken, turmeric, herbs, salt and pepper. Continue simmering until carrots are soft. Serve each bowl with a splash of half-n-half (if you're into that sort of thing) and a toasted slice of french bread. Prepare to love and be loved.
*Turmeric is an Indian spice used in curry and mustard, among other things. It has an interesting flavor, undesirable to most, (including myself,) but has a lovely rich color. It is for this orangey hue I added it to my soup, and thankfully you can't taste it. It has a wide variety of medicinal uses as well, especially for joint problems. My grandmother takes it regularly, and says it keeps her knee from hurting. A while back she attempted to convince me of its wonders, but after a few days of gagging and barely getting it down, I decided to take the pain of a swollen ankle over the nastiness of turmeric mixed in milk.
1 cup Rice (I used a mix of Basmati and Wild)
1 tsp Turmeric*
2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
2 Tbsp Fresh Sage, chopped
2 Tbsp Fresh Rosemary, chopped
1 Tbsp Dried Thyme (or 2 T fresh, I didn't have any)
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Half-n-Half (optional)
In a large pot, saute onions and celery in olive oil until soft. Remove vegetables and add enough water to boil chicken. When water boils, turn heat down, add chicken and simmer until done, about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to check chicken for doneness before removing from water. When chicken is cooked, remove from water and add rice, covering pot. While rice is cooking, remove chicken from fat and bones. (You may need to strain your water before adding rice, sometimes little skin pieces come disconnected. Ew.) When rice is cooked, add carrots, chicken, turmeric, herbs, salt and pepper. Continue simmering until carrots are soft. Serve each bowl with a splash of half-n-half (if you're into that sort of thing) and a toasted slice of french bread. Prepare to love and be loved.
*Turmeric is an Indian spice used in curry and mustard, among other things. It has an interesting flavor, undesirable to most, (including myself,) but has a lovely rich color. It is for this orangey hue I added it to my soup, and thankfully you can't taste it. It has a wide variety of medicinal uses as well, especially for joint problems. My grandmother takes it regularly, and says it keeps her knee from hurting. A while back she attempted to convince me of its wonders, but after a few days of gagging and barely getting it down, I decided to take the pain of a swollen ankle over the nastiness of turmeric mixed in milk.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Awkward and Awesome Tuesday
I have always loved Olivia's A&A posts over at Fresh Modesty, but instead of posting on Thursday, I am going to do it on Tuesday. Thursdays I hope to link up to Bramblewood Fashion's "I <3 Thursday."
So here goes!
Awkward:
- Tripping over your dog and falling flat on your face in the grass . . . and when your sister can finally stop laughing, she tells you it looked like a failed attempt of the caterpillar dance move.
-When you get locked in the garage, so you knock on the door and the random guy working in your laundry room lets you in.
- That moment when you get locked in the garage for a second time, and you are too embarrassed to have the worker-guy who is still in the laundry room let you in again, so you climb out the window with the neighbor watching from her front porch.
(I feel like more awkward stuff happens to me, but this is all I could remember.)
Awesome:
- Mud squishing through your toes.
- Meeting up with old friends you haven't seen in a long time and picking up right where you left off.
- Sauteed onions. Yum!
- Having a friend that brings you dinner in the middle of the week. For no special reason.
- "Sleepovers" with your nineteen year old sister that consist of talking and giggling late into the night. (Lizzie and Jane's conversation under the quilt after the Meryton ball has always been one of my favorite P&P scenes because it reminds me so much of us.)
- Beautiful leaves, crisp air, and the first bonfire of fall.
What has been Awkward/Awesome about your week?
Friday, November 2, 2012
Family Reunion
Family + Camping + Food = Awesomeness
This past weekend we all piled into "Old Bessie" and traveled down to rural South Carolina for a few days. After arriving at my great aunt and uncle's house, the festivities began. I don't know about anywhere else, but here in the south, family reunions consist of much talking, laughing, reminiscing, and LOTS of eating. Anywhere from oysters to 9 layer chocolate cakes to "hash" over rice. (Hash is a South Carolinian meat dish consisting of minced pork, mustard, spices, and other odd ingredients. Bleh.) So if you ever have the opportunity to go to a Southern FR, GO... unless you don't like food, then don't go. But enough said, here are some pictures from the trip -
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| Campsite |
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| "Take me home, Country Road to the place where I belong" |
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| Cousins |
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After lunch Saturday, a few of us girls went on a "fall flower expedition." To make a long story short, we got trapped by water, had to drive backwards down a skinny, overgrown path, then got stuck in some mud, had to drive backwards down another skinny overgrown path, and I got all splattered with mud in the process.
I love the country.
But through it all, we collected some beautiful foliage and berries, and shared many good laughs.
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| Bear likes bacon and sausage and coffee. |
For the first two days the skies were mostly cloudy, and gray, but the last day this was waiting for us outside the tent.
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| "The heavens declare the glory of God" |
Thank you Aunt Mary and Uncle Derriel for opening your home to us and being such marvelous hosts!
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