Thursday, December 31, 2009

a poem.



Found
by Anne Jackson

Emerging from a quiet corner
The one who pursued me all this time
My clumsy hands fumbled in your grace
My eyes aren’t used to this light
But now i hear you breathing
And now i sense your peace
I’ve quieted my selfish mind
And let your love capture me


*via flowerdust

oh yum.



Baked Brie with Rosemary, Almond & Cherries
serves 4-6 as an appetizer

2 T chopped fresh rosemary
2 T chopped slivered almonds
2 T honey
1 brie cheese round
8 fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
crackers (of your choice)

Preheat oven to 400F. In a small bowl, combine rosemary and almonds. With a pastry brush (or knife), coat the sides of the brie with honey and dip into rosemary-almond mixture, pressing. Place brie on a baking sheet. Brush the top with honey and sprinkle with the remaining herb mixture. Place in oven and bake 20 minutes. Remove brie from oven and top with chopped cherries. Bake an additional 5-10 minutes until brie is soft when cut. Serve with crackers.


Doesn't this look amazing?! I just stumbled upon the recipe, and am seriously considering trying it tonight for our little n.y.e. party...


*via fresh365

classy.



I'm so inspired by this picture. I think she's classy and put together, and just so darn pretty.

When I show up to client meetings, this is totally the type of look I'd love to be able to pull off!


*image via the sartorialist

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

homey...


Something about this kitchen image makes me just want to go home and cook up a storm. Maybe it's just that it's cold outside and on brisk days like today, nothing is more comforting than a warm and cozy meal!

Although there's certainly a lot more counter space in this kitchen than in mine...


*image via desire to inspire

truth



Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers...

(Galatians 6:9-10)


*image via tumblr

Saturday, December 26, 2009

reunions and such



Today I get to see some of my favorite ladies in the world...my Maine ladies! We're having our annual Christmas reunion brunch and I can't wait to catch up on all the good things happening in our lives.

(I hate that being grown-ups means we live all over the country and don't see each other very often!)

Hope your Saturday is filled with happiness and pleasant things!


*image via tumblr

Friday, December 25, 2009

the reason



And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us."

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

(Luke 2:1-20)


*image via shutter sisters

Thursday, December 24, 2009

we're so close...



Happy Christmas Eve!

(Christmas is coming...it's so close I can almost taste it!!)

May your day be filled with happiness and the ones that you love!


*image via tumblr

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

numero uno



This morning is Christmas number one! Twin and I are going to spend the morning being cozy, opening presents, cooking a big breakfast, and just enjoying some relaxing time at home. (After all, isn't that what vacation is all about?!)

Then it's off to Maine to spend a few days with my family - I can't wait to see their beautiful faces and enjoy all of our silly Christmas traditions.

I hope your Wednesday is great!


*image via tumblr

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

tuesday = friday!



Today is my last day of work before Christmas...and a nice little 6-day vacation!

(Hurray for left-over vacation days and Christmas falling next to a weekend this year!)

Last night I finished all my shopping (yay!) and tonight I plan on wrapping up the last few presents for under our tiny tree. Everything I've wrapped so far is red, cream, or a shade of gold and it's looking so pretty that I can hardly stand it...

Hope your Tuesday is happy!


*image via tumblr

Monday, December 21, 2009

hello, monday



Mondays somehow just require more coffee, don't they?

Hope your day is wonderful!


*image via tumblr

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Pride & Prejudice



Twin and I finally watched Pride & Prejudice this weekend (it's been in my netflix queue forever!) and I'm officially smitten.

Totally, completely, pathetically smitten.



I have a girl crush on Kiera Knightly in the worst kind of way, and basically want to be the fabulous Elizabeth Bennet.



Sigh

Nothing like a classic romance story to make a girl happy...


*images via googleimages

cozy!



How cool is this little nook?

I love the row of windows (that light is amazing!) and the fact that it would feel like a sleepover every time you curled up under those gorgeous quilts!

What do you think?


*image via desire to inspire

Saturday, December 19, 2009

brrrrrr...



Since it's freezing here and supposed to snow soon, I think this lovely collage of winter images is perfect...

Hope you're somewhere warm and happy on this Saturday morning!


*image via decor amor

Leisure



by W. H. Davies


What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?

No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylights,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait til her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.


*image via Shutter Sisters

Friday, December 18, 2009

windblown


I think that riding on the tailgate of a pickup truck might be one of my favorite things in the world. As a kid on the farm, we often got to ride between the various buildings in the back of the truck - always to my delight.

The wind rushing all around you is so intoxicating, and the sense of security from knowing that Daddy is at the wheel and you are safe with him was pure bliss to this little girl
.

(Although I never was dressed like this in all my farm-girl-riding-in-trucks years...)


*image via tumblr

friday randomness



Friday is finally here!

Thankfully Sir H. will be here tonight for a sleep over, so if we wanted to recreate this picture we could...

It's been a busy & great week, and I can't wait for even more goodness & happiness this weekend. Among other good things, my family will be in town and I can hardly wait to see them and start the Christmas celebrating!





I feel compelled to share these fabulous group pictures from our leadership Christmas party. Aren't they fun and delightfully Christmasy?

And doesn't it blow your mind that this group of crazies runs a church?! (A very cool church for that matter!)




So last night I went here to see this - and it was so fun! Lots of great music and amazing dancing. Plus a few great costumes that involved lots of feathers...

But no dancing for me this morning - plenty to do in the house before the family arrives. (Maybe even some more present wrapping!?)

Happy Friday, everyone!



*images via a glamorous little side project, miss ab & googleimages

Thursday, December 17, 2009

the decade according to 9 year olds

The decade according to 9-year-olds from allison louie-garcia on Vimeo.



I think this video is both cute and interesting.

And isn't it weird that all of these little people were born in the year 2000?

(It makes me feel a little old, truth be told)

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

christmas cheer!



*via pine to the pacific - so lovely!

cuteness



I'm definitely more of a dog person, but something about this picture just makes my heart melt...and makes me want to run out and adopt a kitten!

Happy Wednesday, everyone!


*image via tumblr

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

dance!



When good things happen, do you find yourself just wanting to dance around to celebrate?

Or is that just me?

I hope your Tuesday is filled with good things and lots of cause for celebration!


*image via tumblr

Monday, December 14, 2009

a shameless plug


Have you checked out sister's blog?

It's cute, fashionable, and reflects her fabulous taste...totally worth a peek!

(And when we're lucky she posts some of her art projects)


Happy Monday, everyone!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

a long time ago...



I just recently rediscovered this picture, and have been remembering how much fun this little group of girls had together.

We were just freshmen then, (who spent the majority of our time using ridiculous code names for various people around us...or making raps about priests) and have all moved on to various places and lives, but I still remember with so much fondness each of these ladies and then fun times we had!

So anyone up for an episode of the OC?

Saturday, December 12, 2009

a little rest



Hope your weekend is filled with rest and contentment - and a good nap!


*image via desire to inspire

Friday, December 11, 2009

taking holy living to the next level...



So a couple living somewhere in England has restored and are living in an old church
(complete with gravestones in the yard).

I think on a Friday, this is just the type of bizarre to get us through to the weekend!





So it seems pretty cool, right? Cute little entry way, big churchy spaces broken up into living sections, pretty white lights hanging from the balconies...what creative and clever people!

Well, let's look a little closer, because this is where it starts feeling a little weird to me...




Yes, not only does their bed hang out in the middle of wide open spaces
(under the watchful eye of some saints, might I add), it's on the former altar of the church!

(I'm not going to go any further with that thought, but if you're anything like me I'm pretty sure there are some jokes just waiting to slip out...)





But the kitchen is cool, and I love this stairwell - especially this light filled landing at the top! Very airy and nice.



Only one other room that sort of throws me for a loop - this bathroom. I'm not sure I'd want to take a bath with that much company...no matter what kind of beautiful light reflects through them!


But finally, this sweet bedroom - probably my favorite in the whole house! I think, if this was my house, I would claim this as my space and spend my time looking out at the stars through my skylight!

Hope your Friday is wonderful!



*images via my most loyal west coast reader - thanks darling!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

hop, skip & a jump


Doesn't this picture make you feel like a kid again...just waiting to take your turn?

Hope your Thursday is happy - I'm determined to make sure mine is!


*image via tumblr

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

snow day...



Because it looks like this outside...




...today Twin and I are enjoying something like this..



...all while sitting in front of this of course...


(snow days are the best!)


*images via Cup of Jo & tumblr

brrrrrr!



This is how I felt this morning when I woke up and looked outside...and then at the weather forcast. (snow, more snow, sleet, wind, then rain - oh boy!)

It looks sorta like this out there:


Twin has a snow day (yay for her!) and so now I have to figure out if I'm going to brave the roads, and if so, when to strike out and tackle the icky drive.

For now though, I think I'll have another cup of coffee. The snow can wait a few more minutes!

(Update - I'm totally taking the day at home!!)


*images via tumblr

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

it's the little things...


It's the small moments that really make me the happiest...


*image made happier via picnik

a chick flick kind of weekend...



Twin and I finally got to watch The Proposal over the weekend, and in spite of it's totally predictable plot, I really liked it.
(How is it that chick flicks can get away with the least plausible premises and still be fun movies?)

I'm a total Sandra Bullock fan
(minus The Lakehouse - what a lame movie) and definitely loved every second of this scene with the dog and the eagle. There was much giggling on our couch as she ran around the yard after the eagle.


Real surprise of the movie, however, was cutie pie Ryan Reynolds. I thought he was fantastic, and was super impressed with him.

(and he's definitely not too hard to look at either...)





And then, because one movie in a weekend is clearly not enough, we went to the theater to see New Moon with a friend. It was definitely better made than the first movie, and while I thoroughly enjoyed it, there were so many moments where I had to refrain from snarky giggling because of the ridiculous drama.

(Just to put this out there: over-the-top drama, people, doesn't make a movie any better...)



I enjoyed reading the Twilight series, and will likely read them again sometime, but have a little bit of a hard time understanding why everyone gets so caught up in this bizarre romance. Maybe it's just that we all long to be wrapped up in someone so completely and it's appealing to think about someone wanting to protect and love you forever...who knows.



Either way, it was a fun movie.

And wow, I am definitely joining Team Jacob. Not only is he pretty, I just like how genuine and solid he is as a character. I know the romance is all about Bella & Edward, but I'm definitely a Jacob fan.



And I would be remiss if I didn't mention this moment in the movie theater. It was awkward and hysterical...all at the same time!

(For some reason it struck me as something that would have happened to Rory Gilmore - does anyone else see that?)



So what have you seen for movies lately?