on the brightside...

{recipes} truffles...

2012-02-15T08:48:00.002-07:00

For Valentine's Day, I made a couple of different kinds of truffles for my family!

This was my first time making them & it didn't go perfectly...

They were much messier to make then I thought they would be

& they didn't set up as well as I thought they would.

BUT they still tasted really amazing! :)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles

These truffles are egg-free & taste just like the raw cookie dough that we all love to eat!

This recipe is by Annemarie from Brunch at Saks

& was featured on Cupcakes for Breakfast.

Dark Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:

2 Cups Dark Chocolate

2/3 Cup Heavy Cream

1 Teaspoon Sea Salt

Cocoa Powder

Directions:

Put chocolate in a bowl. Make sure the chocolate is chopped well, which will allow it melt easier. Heat the heavy cream, bring to a simmer & then pour it over the chocolate. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes & then whisk it until smooth. Pour the chocolate into a shallow dish & allow to chill for a least a few hours.

Use a spoon or mellon baller to scoop out the chocolate for desired size. Roll it in to a ball & in the cocoa powder. It will be sticky & messy.

Keep truffles chilled.

a valentine's day freebie printable...

2012-02-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

To get this photo print for free...

Just leave me your email address in a comment below

or email me: brightside_02@hotmail.com
I will send you an email with the high-resolution image

for you to download & print yourself.

snapshots from my weekend...

2012-02-13T16:24:00.001-07:00

...my sister & i made cute valentine sugar cookies! yumm!

...my doggie begging for a sugar cookie!! we made her one shaped like a dog bone & she loved it!

& i got out my knitting needles to work on a new baby hat! :)

my {week seven} memory verse...

2012-02-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

see my verses from weeks...

one & two || three || four || five || six

a few happy things, lately...

2012-02-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

Eating... a sweet & tangy orange for a snack, yumm!

Wearing... my pretty new shirt from old navy (it was $8!)

Creating... cute valentines-y nails (my sister's idea!)

And....

The happiest thing about today is that tonight I am going to see a performance of my favorite musical ever, My Fair Lady....with my mom, sister, & some friends. This is a dream come true for me! Our friends had an extra ticket, so we only had to buy two & that's how we are able to go! So.. I am very thankful! It may sound a bit silly, but I really think God worked this out! I know it's going to be an amazing show & I am so excited!! Needless to say, this song has been suck in my head...

I Could Have Danced All Night by My Fair Lady on Grooveshark

I read this verse this morning & it felt so fitting for how I am feeling today...

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

James 1:17

Happy Thursday!!

{books i love} the hiding place...

2012-02-08T15:45:00.001-07:00

One of my goals this year is to read more books & one of the specific books that was on my list to read, was The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. So many times my mom & sister encouraged me to read it & I am so happy that I finally did!

{The Ten Boom Family}

It is truly an amazing book, that tells the story of Corrie Ten Boom & her family, living in Holland & running a watch shop. This story tells of how they used their home as a "hiding place" for many Jews & others who were the target of such horrible evil during the Holocaust. Because of what they did the whole family was arrested & they had to endure many horrible things... BUT also because of what they did, God worked in amazing ways & they were able to show His love to so many people! People's lives were saved physically & spiritually!

{The Ten Boom's watch shop & home}

It is a beautiful story of how God always provides & how His love can help us overcome the worst hate & pain. After all, even through the most horrible circumstances, so many amazing things happen to them. There is no way to deny that God was with them through it all! I love the message it shows of great faith, love, forgiveness & hope! It's a message everyone should hear!

Here are just a few of my favorite quotes from the book...

“Do you know what hurts so very much? It's love. Love is the strongest force in the world, and when it is blocked that means pain. There are two things we can do when this happens. We can kill that love so that it stops hurting. But then of course part of us dies, too. Or we can ask God to open up another route for that love to travel.”

"And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives along with the command, the love itself.”

“And so I learned that love is larger than the walls that shut it in”

This book is a beautiful example of one of life's hardest things to do...

"give thanks in all circumstances"!

It challenged my faith, in an amazing way!

Have you ever read The Hiding Place?
Do you have a favorite part or quote?

If you haven't read it, you should, because it's a blessing!

granny square garland...

2012-02-07T15:06:00.001-07:00

I used some of my granny squares to make this cute garland / bunting!

It is now for sale in my shop... :)

my {week six} memory verse...

2012-02-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

see my verses from weeks...

one & two || three || four || five

a lazy saturday...

2012-02-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

I really loved the light coming in my bedroom this morning, so I decided to take a few more photos of my orchids. They really brighten everything up... so pretty!

It is always nice to have a Saturday without any plans!

pretty plants + more granny squares...

2012-02-03T08:41:00.002-07:00

Succulents & my Orchid, which just bloomed! Yay!!

My smaller orchid will be blooming soon too... I can't wait!

Granny Square Update:

I have 35-40 granny squares done! I just added in a really pretty yellow

& a dusty pink. I love them! Here are my recent favorites...

Have a lovely weekend!

A WINNER!!! + get 20% off...

2012-02-02T15:16:00.000-07:00

to everyone who entered my giveaway!

I truly wish I could give all of you a print from my shop!

I am so grateful for all of your kind words & support...

It means so much to me!

{I used random.org to help me pick a winner}

Congratulations Bethany!

Please send me an email to: brightside_02@hotmail.com

Let me know your mailing address & which print you would like!

If you didn't win, don't worry...

I am offering 20% OFF your order!!

Just use the coupon code: GIVEAWAY20 at checkout.

This offer expires at the end of Tuesday, February 7th.

Be sure to continue following my blog,

as I am sure I will have another giveaway soon!

hello february!!

2012-02-01T08:57:00.001-07:00

PS. I just added this photo to my shop!

Today is the last day to enter my giveaway for a print from my etsy shop!!

<< click here to enter >>

Happy first day of February!!

inspired by: regency fashion...

2012-01-31T13:14:00.001-07:00

One of the my favorite things about watching all the Jane Austen movie adaptations is to see all of the beautiful Regency-style costumes! I love the dresses from Pride & Prejudice, like in this photo...

Well, here are some beautiful items from ModCloth that seem to be inspired by the fashions of Jane Austen's day. The colors seem so fitting & I love the empire waists. The details are so pretty... the pleating, ruffles, & lace! What a beautiful collection & all of these would be so perfect for spring!

{ all dresses are from ModCloth }

my {week five} memory verse...

2012-01-29T22:23:00.002-07:00

see my verses from weeks...

one & two || three || four

happy friday!! + fill in the blanks...

2012-01-27T10:22:00.004-07:00

{print for sale by the wheatfield}

I decided to link up with the little things we do for "fill-in-the-blank friday"!

this week the theme is travel, so I thought it would be fun to share my answers!

If you want to join in, just share your answers & be sure to link up! :)

Here are the questions & my answers... Enjoy!

1. My favorite place i've ever traveled to is Mexico & California- I have been to Mexico 3 times & California several times & I have so many amazing memories of every time!

2. England is somewhere I'd love to go someday.

3. I pass the time on a plane (or bus, or car ride or train) by reading, sleeping, sometimes playing card games, talking to my whoever I am with...

4. My three must-haves when I travel are water/snacks , my kindle or a book and my camera

5. My favorite travel companion is my family!

6. The craziest thing that ever happened to me while traveling is HA! Well, I have had several crazy things happen in Mexico... The driving over there is so scary!! Once, while in Cancun, we saw a completely destroyed car in the median, staged to look like a really bad accident scene. They even had a fake body hanging out the window. Yes, It freaked me out!

7. The most exotic food I've ever tried while traveling is I have never really tried anything that I would consider exotic.

8. If I could live anywhere else, I'd live in There are SO MANY places that I would love to visit, but I don't really want to live anywhere else. I always want to be able to come home to Colorado!

9. I have been to 14 states in the U.S.

Happy Friday!!

+ don't forget to enter my giveaway, if you haven't yet....

inspired by: Mignon Kitchen Co.

2012-01-26T16:01:00.001-07:00

I recently discovered a beautiful shop called Mignon Kitchen Co. created by Rachel Ball!
I love what this shop says about itself:
"Mignon Kitchen Co. was created out of a love for making and sharing food.
The shop carries a selection of curated goods for prepping, baking, serving,
and sharing food... "

As someone who loves to bake & take photos, I found the photography of their products to be so beautiful! They have everything from brazilian sea salt & orange blossom honey to pretty packaging & kitchen tools! These shots have definitely inspired me... So pretty!

They also have a cute little page with tips & tricks for happier baking!

P.S.

CLICK HERE to enter my GIVEAWAY

to win a photo print from my shop!!

it's time for a GIVEAWAY!!!!

2012-01-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

First, visit my etsy shop...

Then, leave a comment on this post

& let me know which print you would pick!

I will announce the WINNER on Thursday, February 2nd!
One comment per person, please!
:)

comfort food for lunch today...

2012-01-24T14:35:00.005-07:00

I made this yummy soup for dinner last night
& I got to enjoy it again for lunch today... yay for leftovers!!
It is so good & very healthy!
I love kale in soup & I want to make these baked kale chips too.
It is such a healthy green. I love it!
And after lunch, I had chocolate chip cookies, right out of the oven...

This is comfort food, at it's best!! :)

& I just wanted to share my current nail polish color!

I can never get enough of grey!

I hope you all are having a Happy Tuesday!!

I will be having a GIVEAWAY a little later this week,

so be sure to check back soon for that!

a few photos & my {week four} memory verse...

2012-01-22T23:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a few snapshots from my weekend...

... made more granny squares ...

... enjoyed beautiful weather. went on a walk & played tennis ...

... ate my favorite new treat, blue bell frozen yogurt with strawberries ...

& here is my memory verse for this week...

So far, I have gotten all three of my other verses down, thanks to God's help!

I am sure it is going to start getting really hard soon, but I won't give up! :)

see my verses from...

weeks one & two || week three

a grey saturday morning...

2012-01-21T14:27:00.001-07:00

It is sunny outside right now, but this morning started out grey & foggy!!
Which rarely happens where i live... So, my sister & i ventured out for a few photos!
It was so beautiful, even though it didn't last long.

Then... we went to Starbucks for a treat! Which I never do, because I don't like coffee,

but my sister had a gift card (from Christmas) & she shared it with me!

(yay! thank you sister!)

We got their salted caramel hot chocolate! yumm...

Happy Saturday!

my knits, lately...

2012-01-19T16:51:00.001-07:00

Here are a few photos of my recent knitting projects!

& I have added them to my etsy shop...

new print in my shop...

2012-01-18T08:48:00.003-07:00

quote by Jane Austen

{ visit my shop }

my granny squares, so far...

2012-01-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

So far, my 2012 goal to make a granny-square blanket is going well! :) I have crocheted 24 squares & they are so much fun!! I followed this tutorial & I think it's a really easy one to learn, since I haven't done much crocheting before. Plus, I love the look of the round centers!

a few favorites on pinterest, lately...

2012-01-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

| a bright & cozy reading nook |

| pretty hanging plants |

| a sweet little quote |

| a colorful granny-square blanket |

| a beautiful beach house |

my {week three} memory verse...

2012-01-15T10:33:00.001-07:00

This is the Bible verse that I will be studying this week:

| verses from weeks 1 & 2 |

favorite new nail polish...

2012-01-12T14:14:00.001-07:00

I really love this new polish that I just got!

It goes on really smooth & the greyish-green color is my favorite right now.

Do you have any favorite brands or colors right now?

movie inspiration: BBC's Emma...

2012-01-10T16:01:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months I really enjoyed reading Emma by Jane Austen! It was definitely bittersweet when I finished it. But one of the best parts about finishing it was that I could finally allow myself to watch BBC's version of Emma (2009)!! I haven't seen either of the other versions (with Kate Beckinsale or Gwyneth Paltrow) & I am glad, because there was just something about this Emma that seemed to fit the book best, at least to me!

I believe that Romola Garai did a perfect job at capturing the spirit of Emma. At some points, Emma is not very like-able, but the way Romola portrays her, I could not help but love her! Of course, I got that she was a bit spoiled & selfish, but I also saw an innocence & warmness that I believe is a very important part to the character that Jane Austen wrote. I loved to watch Emma grow & learn about her own heart, from beginning to end.

Mr. Knightley was played by Jonny Lee Miller and Mr. Woodhouse was played by Michael Gambon. They both did a great job at playing two of Jane Austen's best characters. I really loved to see each of their relationships with Emma.

Emma was a beautiful mini-series, that I know I will enjoy watching again & again!

Have you seen this version? What did you think?

2012 goals: Memorize Bible verses...

2012-01-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

^ my verse from last week

As a Christian I base all of my beliefs on what the Bible says. It is God's Word that reveals His love & His plans for us! It brings joy, comfort, & encouragement to us in good times & bad. How can we know God if we never meditate on His Word! It is one of the most important things we have! The freedom that we have to read it any time we want is something we should never take for granted, yet I know I often do...

This year, I want to try much harder to memorize verses because I know how important it is! God wants us to read His Word daily, but He also wants us to know it, even if we don't have it open right in front of us. He wants us to cherish His words in our hearts, so that they will be with us always!

In the past I have never really tried to memorize verses because I have always struggled with it. But this year hopefully will be different. I will meditate on each weekly verse & to try my best to memorize it! Part of me still doubts that I can do this... but I have to remember, "with God all things are possible!" (Matthew 19:26)

I do plan to share my weekly verses on my blog, to help keep me accountable to this goal! Please join in if you'd like! :)

Here is my verse for this week...

2012 goals: Crochet a granny-square blanket...

2012-01-05T22:42:00.001-07:00

I have always wanted to have a throw blanket made of granny squares!

I have attempted to crochet them before & I enjoyed it, but I didn't stick with it...

So, this year, one of my goals is to try again!

I think my greatest inspiration are these ones by dottie angel!

The colors are so lovely!

2012 goals: Count my blessings...

2012-01-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

This month I want to try to focus on goals for the new year & this is one of them! I first saw this quote on pinterest & it inspired me, creatively & spiritually! So, I decided to create my own design as a special reminder! :)

In our world, it seems like it is just getting easier to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others. It seems like everywhere we look there is something trying to tell us that we are inadequate. A lot of the time it's the media... Often times it's even ourselves & we don't realize it. When we get caught up in that kind of thinking, it will steal our joy. We will never be content with what we have. When it comes to ourselves, we need to make a choice to ignore those thoughts & focus on the blessings in our lives! When it comes to others, we need to look beyond the surface & remember that life is hard for all of us in different ways, at different times. No matter how perfect things may seem, there is usually more to it that we don't know or understand...

So, my goal is to make a daily effort to look for the blessing in my own life. To thank God, for everything I can think of at the end of each day!! I plan to keep a personal written journal of gratitude, so I can look back & be reminded of how God has worked!

I think about the message of this old hymn...

"Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God has done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

I believe that God created each of us with a perfect plan in mind! He has hopes for us that are unique to us! They may not be perfect according to this world, but they are perfect according to Him & His plan!

"Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by."

hello 2012...

2012-01-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

good-bye 2011...

2011-12-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

It's New Years Eve!!!

Tonight, I will be staying home with my family, eating yummy food & playing scrabble!! :) That is my ideal way to celebrate!! However you will be ringing in the New Year, I hope you have a blessed time with those you love!

Of course, 2011 wasn't perfect, but it really was a great year!!
Here are a few of my fun memories from 2011...
(through my blog posts)

I took a roadtrip to Ohio to visit my aunt!
I went to several Rockies games!! We met the coach & a few of the players.
I discovered the best homemade brownie recipe.
My cousin got married & I got to take photos of her sweet little girl. (more photos)
I cut over 10 inches off my hair to donate for women with breast cancer.
I learned how to make pretty chevron bracelets.
I read through the whole book of Psalms & it really blessed me.
I had a really fun day in the mountains with my mom & sister.
My love for Jane Austen grew... I read Sense & Sensiblity & Emma.
I took silly "photo-booth" snapshots with family & friends!
I ate alot of little tomatoes, right from the garden!
I went to "Water World" with my family & actually got some really fun pictures!

In 2011, my blog grew a lot (thanks to all of you!) & my etsy shop was successful!
I read several good books & I even got a Kindle to read even more this year!
I did two Beth Moore studies on Daniel & Revelation and I grew so much from both of them!
Just sitting here, there are so many blessings that come to my mind & I am full of JOY!!

Sometimes it's easiest to only think about the negative things from the past... But one of the reasons why I love to blog is so that I can look back at my life, my memories & see how much God has blessed me!! It is always so good to take time to reflect on what God has done for us! He loves us so much! :)

God is the giver of all good gifts!
I will praise God for the past year & for the new one to come!

a new year is coming...

2011-12-30T08:52:00.001-07:00

The other night we had one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen, a masterpiece of God!! The pinks & oranges were so bright & vivid, next to the dark blues... I had to capture it! I was so full of joy to see a such a gift from God. To see something that makes you stop everything & just gaze at the beauty & wonder... it's amazing!! How could people see something so beautiful & not know that it comes from Him...

(my sister pointed out a cross in this shot... do you see it?)

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Ecclesiastes 3.

For some reason, whenever a New Year comes, I always think about this passage.

(v. 1-2)

"There is a time for everything,

& a season for every activity under the heavens,

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot..."

I know this is nothing new, but life is full of ups & downs & it's not always easy to explain why. Sometimes bad things just happen & we wonder how it could be a part of God's plan... Sometimes we put ourselves in bad situations & it's not God's plan at all... But the amazing thing is, even when bad things happen (whether it's our fault or not) God can & does use it for good! We need to trust His plan & timing, even though it's all unknown to us, because He is the one who sees the bigger picture. This has definitely been a challenge for me over the last year, but I have learned a lot too. The whole point is that God is with us through everything!

We are blessed, come what may!

As I thought about Ecclesiastes 3, I also thought about this song...

Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everythi by The Byrds on Grooveshark
I love old songs like this!! :)

today....

2011-12-29T18:02:00.004-07:00

I took my pup to get groomed! This photo is right after we got home! They did a great job at getting a lot of her dead hair out & she is so soft now! They even gave her a little bandanna! CUTE!! :)

However, in this picture, she is definitely giving me "the look"... She was mad! When I dropped her off, the fear in her eyes was breaking my heart... :( I did give her a couple of treats though & now she is a happy dog again!

I love my doggie!!

this christmas...

2011-12-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

This Christmas season has been such a beautiful one! I have made so many special memories that I will always cherish. It started on Christmas Eve... my family gathered at my Grandparents for our Christmas eve dinner; every year we have clam chowder & then we go to my church's candlelight service! That is one of my favorite traditions. We sang beautiful carols about the birth of Jesus & we lit the candles! To see the lights dimmed & the candles glow is magical & a true representation of Jesus, the Light of the world!!!

& On Christmas, my family enjoyed so many wonderful blessings!!

Giving & receiving special gifts from one another, an amazing Christmas Dinner, making & eating sugar cookies, hosting friends & family, skyping with family that lives far away, playing games & laughing, taking family photos & realizing how truly blessed I am!!!

Most of all, I am so thankful for the blessing of JESUS & celebrating His birth! He came into this world to give us life everlasting! That is the greatest gift of all! One I could never deserve, but the one I am most thankful for!! :) All of the other little blessing are so beautiful because I know that they came from Him!

I think of a wonderful gift that my sister gave me for Christmas... a mug with a Jane Austen quote that says, "How shall I bear so much happiness!" (from "Pride & Prejudice") It is so true! :)

{you can buy the mug on etsy}

Also, I got "Emma" from my mom & a pretty Fossil watch from my brother & mom!

My family definitely spoiled me & I am so blessed! :)

So, now that Christmas is over... I will not be sad, because I can reflect on how blessed I am, & it's all because of God's great love & grace!! That is something that will outlast all other Christmas gifts! :)

I love this family picture! My dog is perfectly posed & smiling! So cute!

I hope you all had a blessed Christmas, too!

happy 1st day of winter!!

2011-12-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of winter & it definitely looks like it outside! This morning my doggie was actually crying to go outside & play in the snow. She hates water, but she loves the snow!! So, my sister & I bundled up and took her out to run around. We had drifts in the yard that were probably at least 2 feet deep & we had to shovel so much snow out of the drive way just to get out... So exhausting, but it was a lot of fun too!!

Here is a little video that my mom took of us playing in the snow...

Only 2 more days until Christmas!!!

YAY!!!

4 days 'til Christmas...

2011-12-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

I got this Charlie Brown Christmas tree at a party that I went to on Monday! I have always wanted one! Isn't it so cute?! I am so thankful to the person that gave it to me, I was really surprised! :)

& a little Christmas quiz... (from here)

1. egg nog or hot chocolate?

definitely hot chocolate!

2. does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

presents are wrapped!

3. multi-colored or white lights on tree/house?

I prefer the big lights & multi-colored! But white lights are pretty too!
4. do you hang mistletoe?

yes.
5. when do you put up decorations?

usually the weekend after Thanksgiving.

6. what is your favorite holiday dish?

On Chrismtmas eve, my family always has clam chowder! yumm!

7. favorite holiday memory as a child?

oh, there are so many... Putting up my Grandma's Chrismtas village with her every year!

& I will always remember, once when I was little, I snuck out in the middle of the night to see everything under the tree... & my dad was actually up, rocking in his chair, watching the Christmas lights. When he saw me, I thought I was in trouble, but he didn't say a word! :)

8. when did you learn the truth about Santa?

I have always loved Santa, but I have never believed in him... In my family, the focus was always more about Jesus' birth! :)

9. do you open a gift on Christmas eve?

When I was a kid, we were allowed to open one gift on Christmas eve. But now, we open everything on Christmas morning!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

lots of lights (the big & little ones) & a collection of ornaments, some vintage bulbs, some handmade, etc...

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?

I love it! until Jan & Feb rolls around & then I start getting tired of it!!

(& of course that is usually when it snows the most where I live)

12. Can you ice skate?

No.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?

Well, I got a watch a few years ago, from Fossil & I still wear it everyday! :)

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?

Reflecting on all I have to be thankful for... For my family & mostly thankful that God sent His Son into this world to save us! It's so beautiful to get to celebrate that in so many special ways at Christmas time!

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?

Oh boy, we make so many... I love our homemade peanut butter cups, magic bars, & of course sugar cookies & pie!!

16. what is your favorite holiday tradition?

I really love going to my church's Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve every year!

17. what tops your tree?

a star!

18. which do you prefer: giving or receiving?

I love to pick out the perfect gifts for my family & see their excitement on Christmas morning! But, yes, it is fun to receive too! :)

19. candy canes. yucky or yummy?

yummy!

20. favorite Christmas show?

either "A Charlie Brown Christmas" or "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer".

21. saddest Christmas song?

umm... "Please Come Home for Christmas" by The Eagles... sad, but I love it! haha!

22. favorite Christmas song?

Well, there are way too many to just choose one... but I especially love a song called "Here with Us" by Joy Williams & of course, "It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas" by Bing Crosby!

& Here are my Christmas-y nails! So fun!! :)

5 days til Christmas...

2011-12-20T18:10:00.003-07:00

Over the weekend, my church choir sang our Christmas Cantata. After a lot of practice & God's help, it all went really well!! I got a cold right before & was worried I wouldn't be able to sing with everyone, but I was so happy that I was & I am feeling pretty good now!

Also, I have been to so many Christmas parties over the past few days... Lots of goodies to eat & fun times with special people!! These photos are from a party at my pastor's house, which is in the mountains & it is always so cozy at Christmastime. Plus, there was snow! The kids even built a cute little snowman! This time of year is such a blessing! :)

& Last night we got more snow... so pretty!

This song seems appropriate!

White Christmas by Bing Crosby on Grooveshark

christmas candy: peanut butter cups...

2011-12-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

These peanut butter cups are another very special recipe to my family...

We have made them every Christmas for so long & they are definitely a favorite of mine!

how to make homemade

Peanut Butter Cups

Ingredients:

1/4 C. butter

2 C. powdered sugar

1 C. peanut butter

Chocolate melts

(You will need the special candy paper cups (we use the ones that have a 1" base) & the plastic trays that hold the paper cups. Also, you have to use chocolate that is made for melting, Wilton's is pretty good.)

Directions:

Combine the butter, powdered sugar & peanut butter and knead the dough. Add a little bit of powdered sugar if the dough is too sticky. Pinch off a small amount, roll it into a ball & then flatten to form the centers. Make the size of the centers appropriate for the size of the paper cups you are using.

Once you have put the paper cups into the tray, you can spoon a small amount of the melted chocolate in to each cup. Then place one of the centers in the middle of the chocolate & cover the top with melted chocolate. Put the trays in the freezer for a few minutes, so that the chocolate will harden. The peanut butter cups can be stored in a sealed container.

Here are a couple more photos of the process...

Enjoy!! They are fun to make & to eat! :)

living nativity & christmas decor...

2011-12-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, my church had their annual "Living Nativity" & it went so well! We had a lot of kids (more than usual) & they had so much fun!! It is such a blessing to be a part of something that really celebrates the true meaning of Christmas! This year, my sister & I took a picture with a cute little cow! Last year, it was with a llama. (See photos from last year.)

So fun!

It is so special to watch the lights twinkle on my little tree...

My sister & I made a Christmas wreath, inspired by Martha Stewart's version...

with lights & paper doilies. It turned out lovely! (I later added a pretty silver bow!)

I made the word "Joy" from pipe cleaners & yarn and hung it with my little blue bulbs!

{inspired by this photo on pinterest}

Christmas is only 9 days away!

Can you believe it?!?

oh.my.goodness.

Time to finish my Christmas shopping...

{etsy faves} edor jewelry...

2011-12-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

I just discovered a beautiful etsy shop, called Edor Jewelry... Typically, I prefer silver, but most of these are gold & i love them just as much! Mostly, I love that these designs are so simple & delicate! Any of these necklaces would make a perfect Christmas gift! :)

christmas playlist...

2011-12-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

Of course, I can't get enough of Christmas music lately!!
There are so many great songs & versions out there...
So, here is a little collection of some of my favorites!
I just love Bing Crosby at Christmastime!! :)

cranberry-orange scones with an orange glaze...

2011-12-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

Cranberry-Orange Scones

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

3 tablespoons sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries

2/3 cup low-fat buttermilk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, & orange zest.

Cut butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal.

Stir in fresh or dried cranberries.

Add buttermilk, and stir until just combined; try not to overmix.

Use a little more buttermilk if dough is too dry to work with.

Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface; shape it into an 8-inch round.

Cut circle into 8 wedges & place them on the baking sheet.

Bake until golden, 18 to 20 minutes.

This is the first time I have ever made scones & I am so glad that I finally did! They are so easy to make & so good... Plus, there is such a variety of things you can add to them... to be sweet or savory! I know that I will be trying many other scone recipes soon! Yay!! This recipe was adapted from Martha Stewart.

For the Orange Glaze... I simply mixed 1-2 Tablespoons of Fresh-squeezed Orange Juice

& 1-2 Cups of Confectioner's Sugar, until I got the desired thickness.

Then, I drizzled it over the scones.

I can't wait to have one with a cup of tea, for breakfast tomorrow!

Yumm... :)

weekend snapshots...

2011-12-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

December is such a busy month, full of so many things to do... but it's so important to remember to slowdown and cherish the quite & relaxing times when they do come! In the quite time that I had this weekend, I finished up the very last page of the Beth Moore study that I was doing (with ladies in my church) on Revelation! I had a goal to complete it on time & I accomplished it! The LORD taught me so much through that study & I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to do it! And, on Saturday night, I sat down with a hot bowl of homemade soup and watched a cute Hallmark Christmas movie, "A Princess for Christmas", with my mom & sister... I love little things like that! :) However, there were a few other things going on this weekend that kept me pretty busy too....

...Saw the Nutcracker Ballet! Oh, to be able to dance like that... & the music! I loved it!

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (from Nutcracker Suite - Christmas - x-mas - xmas - classical - ballet).mp3 by Tchaikovsky on Grooveshark

...Ate blueberry waffles, made in a new waffle maker! They turned out perfect!

...Made *a lot* of cupcakes for a missions luncheon that was at my church today!

...Did a little more Christmas decorating! I have a lot more to do though! :)

I hope your weekend was wonderful, too!! :)

christmas candy: chocolate covered cherries...

2011-12-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

At Christmas time, my family makes a wonderful variety of Christmas candy...

We have done it for as long as I can remember & it's one of my favorite traditions!

It's so fun to make & of course, it's even more fun to eat!! :)

We always make the Chocolate Covered Cherries first, because for them to turn out the best they need to sit in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks or longer! So, here we go...

how to make homemade

Chocolate Covered Cherries

20 oz. Jar of Maraschino Cherries with Stems

3 Tablespoons Butter

3 Tablespoons Light Corn Syrup

2 Cups Powdered Sugar

1 pound Chocolate Melts

Allow the cherries to drain on a paper towel, so they are not too juicy. Mix butter, corn syrup, & powdered sugar until smooth. Pinch off about 1 tablespoon of the dough and shape it around the cherry. Hold by the stem & dip it in melted chocolate. (We use dark chocolate, made for melting.) Make sure that the chocolate is sealed all around the stem, covering the cherry very well. Place each cherry in a small candy cup & put them in the freezer until the chocolate has set up. Once the chocolate is set up, put all of the cherries in a sealed container and leave in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks. Over time the center will turn to liquid.

These are a very sweet Christmas treat! They are my mom's favorite!

Do you make any special Christmas candies??

We make several others... which I will share as we make them!

& By the way...

Happy 1st Day of December!

It is snowing outside, right now! :)

christmas cards in my shop...

2011-11-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

I love making Christmas cards! :) Here are a few sets that I just added to my etsy shop!

Each set comes with 4 cards, but I could do sets of 8 or 16, if you are interested in more cards.

Visit my shop for more details...

christmas time is here...

2011-11-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

It is officially Christmas time!!

Yesterday we covered the tree with lights & ornaments, while listening to Christmas music!!

Also, we started making Christmas candy! (more on that soon)

Oh, the Christmas fun has just begun...

Christmas Time Is Here by Vince Guaraldi on Grooveshark

MyMemories giveaway winner & $10 off for my readers...

2011-11-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

I finally have a Winner to announce for the
MyMemories Digital Scrapbooking Software Giveaway!

I used random.org to help me pick a winner...

Congratulations, Ashley! :) Send me an email (brightside_02@hotmail.com) and I will send you the directions to download your own copy of the MyMemories Software!

If you didn't win or get the chance to enter the giveaway, you will still get something special,
because MyMemories is giving all of my readers a coupon code to get $10 off of your own
copy of their Digital Scrapbooking Software ($39.97)!

All you have to do is use this code:
STMMMS99261 at the check out!!
click here to read more about the software!

give thanks to God...

2011-11-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

Sisters on Thanksgiving Day!

What a great Thanksgiving it was!! & I have so much to be thankful for, everyday... The most amazing family I could ever hope for. A warm, safe home. Good food. Health & physical strength. Everything I need & so much more!!! But, even more than all of that, I am thankful for the grace & love of God! He has given me a hope & joy that could come from nothing or no one but Him. Thanksgiving is over, but give thanks to God today & everyday! Because being thankful always produces JOY!! :)

& here are some more photos from my Thanksgiving...

sparkling cider is my favorite!

my sisters rolls turned out amazing!

the story of Thanksgiving!

of course, she is begging for turkey.

my brother & sister (he hates getting his picture taken...)

it was a beautiful day, in the 70s!

we played scattegories & i lost big time, but it was fun!

we had so many kinds of pie! & the best part is we have tons of left overs!

we even played with sparklers before the night was over, haha!

Thank you Jesus for a beautiful day with my family & such wonderful memories!

fossil's holiday lookbook...

2011-11-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Fossil is one of my favorite brands & I was excited to see that Kendi was a part of their holiday lookbook! I enjoy following her fashion blog... her style is classic & goes right along with Fossil's look! She got to remix 30 different looks from their holiday collection... so fun!! I love the all of the knits & the neutral colors... so pretty & perfect for winter!! These looks are my favorite of the 30...

Click the link below to see the rest of Kendi's 30 for 30 remixes...

| Fossil's Holiday Lookbook |

ps. my giveaway will be over soon...
don't forget to enter!!!
{ click here }

weekend snapshots...

2011-11-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

| SNAPSHOTS from my WEEKEND |

While reading the Dec issue of Martha Stewart Living (on my new Kindle!!)... I got inspired to make ganache... I whipped some of it into a mousse! it was quick, easy, & really rich. yumm!

I finished packing my Opperation Christmas Child shoeboxes! My church put together 66 boxes... such an amazing ministry! Have you ever packed a box for OCC?

I love this knitted snowflake pattern, so cute & cozy!! This is on a sweater that I got over the summer for $3 & I finally wore it this weekend!

The last shot is my sister with really big reese's cups that they were selling at the mall!

You see the funniest things in stores this time of year... hehe!

How was your weekend?

christmas scrapbooking...

2011-11-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

I know that Thanksgiving is this week (!!!) but I have already allowed myself to get (just a little bit) in to Christmas mode! Yes, I have been listening to some Christmas music & watching Christmas movies on Hallmark!! hehe!

Anyway, thinking about Christmas... I decided to go though some of my Christmas photos from the past few years to use in a really cute scrapbooking template that I found in
My Memories Scrapbooking Software! Oh, these templates are so cute....

Don't forget to enter my giveaway to WIN

the My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software!!!

{ CLICK HERE TO READ MORE & TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY }

GIVEAWAY: my memories scrapbooking software!

2011-11-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

Today i am excited to share a fun GIVEAWAY...

My Memories is offering a free download of their digital scrapbooking software to one of my followers! They also gave me a free copy of the software to play with, which I used to make the design above! :)

As a photographer & blogger, like most of you, it's very important for me to save my photos & memories. This software makes it easy to do that in a fun & creative way! There is a good collection of templates, paper & embellishments on the software itself, but their website has even more for you to choose from... they are cute & the prices are pretty affordable. You can even add music & make movies or slideshows!

I have enjoyed playing with this software so far & I hope to learn more about it as I use it more... especially with all the holidays coming. I am pretty inexperienced with digital scrapbooking programs, but this seems like a really good one, especially for it's price ($39.97). If you are thinking about trying to do some digital scrapbooking, I think that this software would be the perfect place to start!

For your chance to WIN your own copy of the
My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software

you must...

Be a follower of my blog & Visit MyMemories.com

Please take a look at all of their scrapbooking kits & let me know what you like.

For one extra entry, you can....

Share about this giveaway on your blog or twitter.

Come back & leave a second comment with the link.

This giveaway will end on Wednesday, November 23rd!

a little shop update & more...

2011-11-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

I feel like things have been pretty busy lately! I guess it's the holiday season approaching...

There are so many fun things coming up (including a GIVEAWAY later this week)!!

But for now, I will just share a few of the items that i recently added to

my etsy shop...

& a few photos from life lately...

steaming chamomile tea << >> my pup playing with her toys

& my current nail color: purple!! always a favorite! i got this shade at the dollar store! :)

Happy Wednesday!!

{heart of thanks challenge} day eleven...

2011-11-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

{ a November challenge from Jen at She Collects }

Thank You, Jesus for Your love! There is no love on this earth that is like Yours. You gave Your life, so that I could be forgiven & saved for eternity. There is nothing bigger than that! Your love gives me hope & joy, every day, no matter what I am facing. Your love is always with me, infinite & unconditional. I am so thankful, because I know how undeserving I am.

This song says it so beautifully...

{heart of thanks challenge} day eight...

2011-11-08T23:09:00.000-07:00

{ a November challenge from Jen at She Collects }

Lord, today I am so thankful for Your Word...

It encourages me every time I read it! It reveals your love for me! It is full of the kind of hope that only You can give! I am so thankful that I can freely read Your Word every day & that I can believe all of Your Words with confidence! I pray that You will help me to hide Your Words in my heart, so that they will always be there.

seeing stripes...

2011-11-07T11:35:00.003-07:00

{ striped knit baby hat for sale in my etsy shop }

Lately, I have been loving stripes! & I am so excited because I just finished knitting my first striped hat... & this one is perfect for a baby boy! yay! I love the way it turned out & I've already got another fun design in the works! :)

Here are some more pretty stripes that have inspired me lately....

j.crew << >> wit & whistle

>> found on pinterest (not sure of the original source, but i love this photo)

>> striped floor found here

>> striped walls found here

a few pictures from today...

2011-11-03T15:41:00.002-06:00

| PHOTOS |

yellow bow headband in my shop. kodak duaflex III camera.

wooden spools of thread. mini-instax photos on my wall.

bible study. roasted pumpkin seeds.

my doggie. me.

My mom just got an iPhone, so today I played around with the instagram app!

Fun!! :)

{heart of thanks challenge} day two...

2011-11-02T23:43:00.003-06:00

a November Challenge from Jen at She Collects

LORD, today I am smiling as I think about all of the sweet memories that I have of my family, especially of those who are with You now. I was reminded today what it is like to lose someone you love... & our memories really are such a beautiful gift from You, to help get us through our loss. Thank You, Jesus, for the memories that You have given me! They will always bring a smile to my face!

{PHOTO} My brother & I, with our grandparents, who are both in heaven right now! :)

have a heart of thanksgiving...

2011-11-01T23:47:00.000-06:00

It is November... & Thanksgiving will be here soon!!

a day for family, a big turkey dinner & of course, the macy's thanksgiving day parade!! BUT it really is so much more than that... It is a great reminder of how we are to be thankful for all that God blesses us with & it is something we have to make a choice to do daily!

Jen at She Collects has inspired me to be more intentional about being thankful this month!

she came up with this daily challenge for the whole month of November...

Day One: Thank God for something beautiful...

Thank You LORD for the comfort & peace that is found in your Word & for special times of Bible study with friends! I am so thankful that I have a Bible & the freedom to read it, anytime i want! I am so thankful that You are using Your Word to teaching me to trust You more, even when there is so much that I don't know or understand! & mostly, I am so thankful for the promise that I am Yours, forever & always!

There is nothing more beautiful than that!!

Thanks Jen! :)

i am definitely going to print a copy of this & try to be more thankful everyday!!!

happy november!!

2011-11-01T13:00:00.002-06:00

Everyone says this, but I really can't believe that it is November already!! Time flies.... I am happy that that Halloween is over though, because now I can start getting really excited for Thanksgiving & Christmas!!! My favorite time of the year! YAY!

I am not a huge fan of Halloween, but I did celebrate in my favorite way... I stayed home,

ate a caramel apple (+ more candy...) & watched "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" with my mom & sister! That's our tradition & it's my favorite! :) I hope you had a fun Halloween too!

Below is my sister & I at a piano concert that we went to over the weekend.

It would be so amazing to be able to play the piano... maybe someday!

I would really love to be able to play this song! (it's so amazing...)

& here is a new pink bow headband (for baby) that i just finished & added to my etsy shop!

{update: this headband has been sold! but i will be working on more...}

I hope you have a lovely Tuesday! :)

first snow of the season...

2011-10-26T20:37:00.000-06:00

i can't believe it, but it snowed all day!! i wore my warm boots & a cozy scarf! & when i got home, i turned on the fireplace & made some yummy chili... the perfect meal for a cold, snowy day! now it's time to sit on the couch with a cup of hot peppermint tea! :)

out in the country & 12 goals...

2011-10-25T13:31:00.002-06:00

here are few more photos from my weekend, when I went apple picking! it was a beautiful

fall day in the country! don't you just love the feeling of country air? there is something

special about it... i definitely wouldn't mind living in a place like this! :)

i got inspired by this list, to make one of my own...

1. find a better way to organize all of my photos.

2. finish reading "emma" & start reading "the hiding place".

3. completely finish my current study of Revelation, doing all of my homework on time!!

4. take vitamins & drink plently of water, everyday.

5. work out 4-5 times a week. (pilates, yoga, walk, bike, etc...)

6. clean out my closet & give or throw away things i don't wear or use.

7. be more intentional about showing the love of Jesus!

8. bundle up & play in the snow, with my family & doggie (once it snows)!

9. i have always wanted to bake scones... maybe these, these, or these!

10. be better about budgeting my money, especially with Christmas coming...

11. learn to knit a hat, in the round.

12. just to not worry about things & TRUST GOD'S PLAN! :)

Do you have any goals for the rest of this year?

necklace giveaway!!

2011-10-24T10:07:00.003-06:00

today, i am so happy to have a giveaway featured on bethany's blog!

click here to enter the giveaway...

You have through October 31st!

happy monday! :)

we were born into the fight...

2011-10-23T23:21:00.002-06:00

This air feels strange to me

Feeling like a tragedy

I take a deep breath and close my eyes

One last time

Storms on the wasteland

Dark clouds on the plains again

We were born into the fight

But I'm not sentimental

This skin and bones is a rental

And no one makes it out alive

Until I die I'll sing these songs

On the shores of Babylon

Still looking for a home

In a world where I belong

Where the weak are finally strong

Where the righteous right the wrongs

Still looking for a home

In a world where I belong

Feels like we're just waiting, waiting

While our hearts are just breaking, breaking

Feels like we've been fighting against the tide

I wanna see the earth start shaking

I wanna see a generation

Finally waking up inside...

And when I reach the other side

I want to look You in the eye

And know that I've arrived

In a world where I belong...

I still believe we can live forever

You and I we begin forever now

Forever now

Forever...

these words are from the song, "where i belong" by switchfoot.

i have listened to this song so many times since vice verses came out.

it is an incredible song & the words hit me even harder today...

because sometimes things can just shake us up
& a song is the best gift of comfort.

how to celebrate fall...

2011-10-23T16:22:00.002-06:00

go apple picking!

let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time

we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

what a lovely way to spend a fall afternoon!

now i am ready for a piece of apple pie! :)

recipe: pumpkin cream cheese muffins

2011-10-21T12:16:00.002-06:00

this is a recipe that i had been wanting to try for a while & it did not disappoint.

the cream cheese filling is amazing with the pumpkin & spices. it is the taste of fall!!

& what an amazing breakfast!! i could eat a dozen of them... yikes! :)

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

(this recipe made 18 muffins)

Ingredients for the filling:

4 oz. cream cheese

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Ingredients for the muffins:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

2 large eggs

1 cup sugar

1 can (15 oz.) libby's pumpkin puree

4 oz. cinnamon apple sauce

2/3 cups vegetable oil

Ingredients for the crumb topping:

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup flour

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

4 tbsp. cold unsalted butter

Directions:

The filling... combine the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar in a small bowl and mix well until blended and smooth. Chill the filling in the freezer until you are ready.

The muffins... preheat the oven to 350. Line muffin pans with paper liners & spray with a light coat of non-stick spray. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, salt and baking soda; whisk to blend. With an electric mixer, combine the eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, apple sauce, and oil. Mix on medium-low speed until blended. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.

The crumb topping... mix the brown sugar, flour, & cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the butter & use a fork to make the mixture coarse and crumbly.

Making the muffins... fill each muffin liner with a small amount of the batter, enough to cover the bottom well. Spoon in the cream cheese filling, about a tablespoon. Cover the cream cheese filling with more of the batter, enough so that it is completely covered. Sprinkle the crumb topping over each of the muffins.

Bake for 20-25 minutes... allow enough time for them to cool completely & enjoy!

~~~~~

i actually made these muffins for my sister, because today is her birthday!!

Happy Birthday, Sandi!

i hope your day is full of joy & blessings!

i am so happy to have you as my sister & best friend ever!!

love you!

autumn colour week: grey

2011-10-20T10:44:00.001-06:00

here are a few of my "grey" photos!

for autumn colour week hosted by poppytalk.

check out all the photo on their flickr group.

autumn colour week: orange

2011-10-19T09:43:00.000-06:00

here are a few of my "orange" photos!

for autumn colour week hosted by poppytalk.

check out all the photo on their flickr group.

autumn colour week: yellow

2011-10-18T12:04:00.002-06:00

here are a few of my "yellow" photos!

for autumn color week hosted by poppytalk.

check out all the photo on their flickr group.

how to celebrate fall...

2011-10-17T10:31:00.000-06:00

collect pretty fall leaves!

gather as many colors, shapes and sizes as you can find

& simply admire their beauty...

"autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

- albert camus

ps. today is the first day of poppytalk's "autumn colour week"! visit their flickr group to see all of the photos & to share your photos... today's color is red!

colorado in the fall...

2011-10-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

on friday, my sister & i ended up taking an unexpected trip to the "garden of the gods". we enjoyed the changing leaves & the beautiful fall weather. we hiked around the rocks & took in the amazing mountain views. i captured so much beauty through my camera lens! it was one of those days that made me especially thankful... thankful to live where i do! thankful for fun memories! & mostly thankful that God reveals His love through the wonder & beauty of nature... from the smallest leaves to the grandest mountains & rocks! His love is amazing & so much bigger than we can even imagine! :)

i lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
my help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

today is my mom's birthday...

2011-10-13T10:30:00.001-06:00

i am so blessed to have such an amazing mom, who is always there for me.

i love you, mom!

happy birthday!

inspired by white-washed interiors...

2011-10-11T10:52:00.000-06:00

a cozy country dinning room. amazing table!

white & bright dinning room, from house & home.

amazing rooms featured on decor8, styled by pippa jameson.

i love the white-washed floors!

through my lens, lately...

2011-10-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

pears are definitely my favorite fruit right now!

yay for soup season!! i made homemade noodles on saturday! yumm.

my nails from last week, inspired by this.

a baby hat that i just finished, with the lace pattern (my shop).

& my sweet pup!!

it was a perfectly relaxing weekend & the first one that really felt like fall...

it rained all morning on saturday & i slept in.

the rest of the day was spent being cozy at home.

i love saturdays like that!!

i hope you had a lovely weekend!

a favorite quote from jane...

2011-10-09T18:55:00.000-06:00

i love this quote from the book, emma!

i am still working my way through it... (i am slow)

but i am really enjoying it!

i can't wait to watch this version, after i finish the book...

it looks really good!

has anyone seen it? if so, how is it?

fall shop update...

2011-10-06T15:36:00.003-06:00

i just did an update to my shop with a few new knitted items! i love the way the baby hat turned out (i am working on another one right now) & i was tempted to keep the cowls...

they are so soft & warm!

also, i added this cute autumn floral button necklace...

visit my etsy shop for more info...

instax mini film, lately...

2011-10-05T08:49:00.002-06:00

the building shots were taken a couple of weeks ago, while walking down town... i love old buildings! & in the one of me, i am wearing a new scarf that i just finished knitting, which will be added to my shop soon, along with a few other things that i have been working on lately! i am so happy knitting season is here! :)

autumn is for...

2011-10-03T23:24:00.001-06:00

apple picking.

pumpkin collecting.

cozy dinners in the country.

wearing scarves with pretty fall colors.

cute & crafty decorations.

taking a drive to see the changing leaves.

happy october!!

now if only the weather would cool off a bit around here! it has been in the mid/high 80s lately! sadly, i have a feeling we might just skip fall altogether & go right from summer to winter... so, i guess i just have to settle for some fall inspiration (via my pinterest) to get me excited for the season!! does it feel like fall where you live yet?

restless, looking for you...

2011-09-29T23:04:00.003-06:00

this is my favorite song right now!!! & i had to share it because the words are just so amazing!!! switchfoot's new cd, vice verses was released earlier this week... & it's all
i have been listening too! :) anyway, that is all for today... i hope you have a happy friday & weekend!