Friday, September 30, 2011

friday kisses

 I was downloading pictures from my 
camera this morning, and found this 
happy shot from our trip to the mansions 
over the summer.  Because it made me
feel smiley, you get to see it too.

In other happy news, Mark's sweet
sister is getting married this weekend,
so we get to celebrate with them!
 
Hope your weekend has lots of
love & happiness in it too.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

cutest. thing. ever.

 I came home last night to find these adorable 
letters spelled out across our bed.  

The hubs (who was looking all pleased with 
himself for obviously surprising me), simply 
said "I was making copies at school, and 
I thought it would be cool to cut out some 
letters and write you a message."

I'm the luckiest.  :)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

cookies

The hubs has a new-found love for Nutella, 
so you can only imagine his excitement when
I found this recipe for no-bake cookies.

We made them last night, and they were 
definitely as fudgy and delicious as promised!
Let's hope our small group feels the same
way tonight...and I guess if they don't,
it's just more for me later this week.  :)



Tuesday, September 27, 2011

a good stuff list

 1. PB&J.
It's not often, but sometimes the
old stand by hits the spot.  Today
was one of those days.  :)

2.  This article.
I love #4 and #7.
Such good reminders.

3. Chocolate Mud Facemasks.
 Yep.  We were the cool kids who
smeared chocolate mud on their
faces this weekend. (The hubs
is such a good sport!)

4.  New Hillsong Music. 
We picked up the new album
over the weekend, and I've been
listening on repeat all day at work.
This one is my favorite right now

Hope you find something good
in your day today too!

*image

Monday, September 26, 2011

peace

A little reminder for your Monday...just
in case it's starting off anything like mine.



Friday, September 23, 2011

Slam Poetry

  In honor of attending my first Poetry Slam
last night, I thought I'd share the incredible 
piece written & performed by our dear friend
Josh for our wedding back in April.

WEDDING SLAM FOR MARK & AMANDA
I never thought I'd be a spectator at this art show.
I didn't know that Mark's Head Coach's playbook was painted Amanda.
That when God blended her husband's hues his heart bled Boston green.
His lean physique was lost in play-making on the Pulse court, 
scoring fruit by the basket.
He was asking for co-captain and got a work of art.
Her eyes dart across a room and like the Painter 
she envisions what loveliness could be.
She sees a star who serves like a Living Waterboy.
He sees a palette of passion reds and fashion threads,
A yellow curled ardent girl who heads blue soirees
and white middays at the yard sale.
I failed to predict the oneness of the artist and the athlete.
But now I see the kinetic beauty of this one flesh.
One sets the pick SL the other can roll.
One stays unseen so relief is more bold.
The odds favor this rookie masterpiece.
I think you'll play fine.
Just color your dreams inside parallel lines.
Find creative ways to keep smiles indelible despite uncertainty.
Frame your lives with eternity.
Permit each other to brighten your black with Jesus' pigment.
The perfect spouse is a figment of idle imaginations.
So after today's congratulations,
You must never question this decision.
Doing so is sinful derision and your commitment is already made.
Don't let it fade in the direct UV of "me" and "my way."
Ball hogs don't get a lot of play.
Pass the rock as often as you can 
and demand only face time with the Portrait-er.
Remember that you were commissioned for a purpose.
Together pound the hardwood surface 
until the roaring cloud of witnesses resounds with,
"Well done good and faithful forwards."
All your fans from courtside seats to nice box suites begin to scream.
The Painter-Coach enjoins his technicolor dreamteam.
Today the whistle blows.
Game on.



Wednesday, September 21, 2011

dress indecision

 I've been lazily shopping around for
a new dress for a few upcoming weddings,
but haven't found the right one yet.  I bought
this cutie, but ended up returning it.  This 
week I've been eying a couple of others 
(here and here), but still can't decide...

The hubs and I have a shopping day 
planned for this weekend, so hopefully
I'll find something fabulous then.  
Any ideas?  Recommendations? 


 

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

pets on funiture

 I always get a kick out of the weekly
"Pets on Furniture" posts over at
Desire to Inspire.  There's something
comical and endearing about the furry
faces posing for the camera.  

This guy really cracks me up.  He's so
dignified and goofy all at the same time :)


 

Monday, September 19, 2011

sunday afternoon

Ever since the weather has started feeling cool
and crisp, I've been craving a good cup of
hot cocoa.  Yesterday the hubs taught me how
to make it from scratch on the stove, then
we happily enjoyed sitting outside in the sun
sipping away.  Hurray for Sunday afternoons!

In other lazy Sunday afternoon news, we have 
discovered this show...and are wasting hours
snuggled up on the couch being weirded 
out / fascinated by the wacky plot lines.
Anyone else out there watching it too?

Friday, September 16, 2011

red sox

 Last night I went to Fenway with my lovely Sister 
to cheer on her beloved Red Sox.  We had a
great time and some fun adventures together!

It's always such a happy treat to spend time with
each other, and I very much enjoyed my first
game...rowdy drunk fans and all! :)



Thursday, September 15, 2011

sweet illustrations

 I'm smitten with these darling
illustrations by Caitlin McGauley
spotted yesterday at A Cup of Jo.  

There's something so cheerful about
her sweet style that makes me smile!


Wednesday, September 14, 2011

living in harmony

I was just reading these verses the other
day and thinking about how practical God is. 
He doesn't just tell us to do something as 
difficult as "live in harmony" without giving 
us specific ways to make it happen.

Think about it - when we encounter 
bad drivers, rude co-workers, or hurtful 
gossip, God has given us the keys to 
responding in ways that foster harmony:

1.  Show sympathy and be understanding.
2.  Love fiercely - like they are your own family.
3.  Demonstrate compassion by actively caring.
4.  Practice humility and think of others first.

Thoughts?



Tuesday, September 13, 2011

yum


 We tried these little potato cuties last
night and loved them.  Not only were they
insanely easy, they were delicious and 
looked pretty on our dinner plates.  Win!

How to make the magic happen:
1.  Scrub or peel your potatoes.  
 2.  Make thin, careful slices without
actually cutting through the potato.
3.  Drizzle with olive oil & butter.  
(I melted them together, then used my
fingers to get it between the slices.)
4.  Shake on some salt & pepper.
(Or whatever spices you love.)
5.  Bake at 425 for 30-40 minutes.

Enjoy!




Monday, September 12, 2011

quiet nights

 This last week & weekend has been very busy
for us, so tonight I'm excited to get home to
the hubs and enjoy a quiet evening together. 

I'm going to try a couple of fun new recipes
(if they go well, perhaps I'll report back)
we might take a long meandering walk, 
and to end the night, we'll cozy up on the 
couch to watch the big football game.  Bliss!

Hope you find something to enjoy 
for your Monday night!



Thursday, September 8, 2011

little notes

 I am a total sucker for awesome papergoods.

Just like a good pair of shoes, I have a tough time
passing up sweet stationary, cute cards, and
pretty wrapping paper. And this shop - 
Red Letter Paper Company - definitely makes
me want to splurge.  Often.

 I love surprising the hubs with a sweet
note in his lunchbox, or sending a pretty 
card to a friend to say hello.  

 Oh - and if you're old fashioned like me 
and love sending out Christmas cards, 
make sure you check out 



Wednesday, September 7, 2011

rain

 A few reasons why I love a good rainy day...

1.  The cozy factor.
Rainy days make me feel gloriously domestic 
and cozy. Things like cooking and cleaning 
suddenly hold an amazing amount of appeal!

2.  Contemplative moods:
The rain usually helps me focus in on
the more important things...especially prayer
and worship times.  (This morning it 
the words to this song that got me...)

3. The sounds:
I love how normal noises get muffled,
but you can hear every splash of passing
cars and trucks.  Lovely!

Enough said.  :)



Friday, September 2, 2011

hitting the road

 The hubs and I are heading north this weekend
to see my lovely parentals.  We're super excited 
for a visit and the chance to get away.  

Hope your long weekend is happy too!



Thursday, September 1, 2011

reminder

 Who is wise and understanding 
among you?  Let them show it by their 
good life, by deeds done in the humility 
that comes from wisdom... 

...wisdom that comes from heaven
is first of all pure; then peace-loving,
considerate, submissive, full of 
mercy and good fruit, impartial 
and sincere.  (James 3:13, 17)

It's been a weirdly nutty day today,
and it's been a struggle to keep
hanging on to these verses.  I was
reading them this morning, but some 
days just seem to require a second 
(or third) look to keep on track.
 
How do you manage these
sorts of days?