Sweater-Vest Necklace Tutorial

I'm a sucker for accessories. (What girl isn't, right?) But when I started getting my scarves out for the winter, I have to admit I was a little disappointed by the selection. The same scarves in the same colors year after year was getting a bit.......boring! So I decided to make one. Or so I tried...

Blessed to Be

This past weekend I celebrated my birthday. It was a wonderful weekend and (as much as possible when you have small children) it was all about me. I enjoyed delicious food and drinks out with friends, had my favorite bagel sandwich for breakfast, found some amazing deals at GAP, spent an entire day with my parents & siblings (yes, that's a good thing...) and ate a week's worth of desserts in a day. More or less a perfect celebration.

Friday's Find: Serving Tray Wall Art

The minute I saw this red metal serving tray, I knew I had to have it. Not only is it a perfect match for the red in our kitchen, but the cut-out border mirrors a shape found all around our house - in pictures, on curtains, on lampshades.... Funny how we are drawn to the same things over and over again....

Bored Out Of My Gourd

Today is the start of Ellia's Fall break.

I should be excited....... (Right?)

No morning rush, no lunch to be packed, no homework to be signed, and most importantly, more
time to spend with my sweet 6 year old....... (Right?)

Mulled Cranberry-Orange Sangria

 

Have you ever noticed how drinking something warm makes you feel....well....just better? It's the reason I love my coffee in the morning, my green tea at night, warm cider on a crisp Fall day, hot chocolate after playing in the snow, and mulled sangria pretty much....anytime!?

Candy Corn Peanut Clusters

Some people say "Don't mess with perfection." That was my initial thought when I tasted the handful of candy corn and dry roasted peanuts from my sister Carrie. It was absolutely delicious - the way the sweet candy corn mixed with the dry, salty peanuts - clearly a match made in heaven.

 

 

But I couldn't leave it alone. I had to mess.

Leaf Rubbings Reimagined

Paper. Crayons. Leaves.

Sometimes the simplest things in life are the most beautiful.

Like Fall colors. Collecting leaves. Memories of childhood art projects.

   

 

 

 

 

 

The best part about this project wasn't the time spent collecting leaves with my kids. It wasn't the  process of choosing the right colors of paper to match the colors of Fall. It wasn't the careful peeling of the paper off the white crayon.

Entryway Makeover Part 1

 

 

I am, by nature, a taskmaster doer. I like to get things done, if for no other reason than the feeling that my busy, anxious little mind can rest (momentarily) in the doneness. I know, of course, that I am not alone in this.... and I know, of course, that there are upsides and downsides to being a person who can't rest until the work's done.

Hallowine Risotto

Risotto is one of those dishes that just screams comfort - it's warmth, its creaminess, the way the flavors meld together in the pot. It is one of my favorite meals to make, especially when the weather turns cool (although who wouldn't love a wine-infused dish anytime...??) 

Friday's Find: Repurposed Drying Rack

             

     

It is a common occurence around here that when friends and family come to visit they take themselves on a "scavenger hunt" of sorts to find out what's new. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I can't remember the last time someone set out on one of these hunts and came back empty-handed. Turns out there is ALWAYS something new!

I am SO not in Control

My mom's favorite mantra when things seem to be going awry is, "I am not in control." Well, my mom is in Spain right now, and it seems that, while she's away, I may be channeling her energy.

Let me back up.

It all stated last Monday, when we had an electrician come to begin addressing the problem of darkness/cavishness that is rampant in our home.

Sweet Taste of Fall: Spiced Pumpkin Cookie Cups

Mmmmmmmmm...... what is it about Fall that is so delicious?? After a summer of corn on the cob and fresh fruit, grilled chicken and giant green salads, there is something wonderful about switching gears to Fall...to foods that are warmer, heartier, and oh so much more satisfying.

There is a lot about Fall that is wonderful....

Words to Live By

This is Nora.

 

It is an exciting time in Nora's life because she is learning to talk! Actually, she has had some words for quite a while now - baby, ball, bye-bye - and has been slowly picking up new ones as they suit her needs - uh-oh, shoes, outside... Of course, they all sound adorable coming out of her little mouth, and because of her insistence on saying hi to everyone we pass in the grocery store,

we have been making a lot of new friends.

Houses Are A Lot Like Husbands

Yesterday Jorden and I celebrated 8 wonderful years of marriage!

(The most recent picture I have of us, taken on Stallis Night in May. Don't judge.)

And when I say we celebrated, I mean Jorden went to the Brewers game while I stayed home and cleaned the kitchen. No kidding! I guess that's what 8 years will do to you... (Not to worry, we're going out tonight.)

In honor of our anniversary, as well as this being my inaugural blog post, I'd like to spend a moment explaining how, in my experience, husbands and houses really are one and the same.