SKETCHING LIFE

A Giving of Thanks

2011-11-23T06:37:00.000-08:00

I do thank the Lord for my life every day. I thank Him for my family, my friends, my home, my health, and most recently for my new job which I am enjoying so much, and the list goes on. But what about all of the things that I don't even know about, or realize, or can count, or imagine? He has blessed me beyond my human ability to comprehend.

I fear the only thing I have to give back is to be thankful. Truly thankful.

"A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting and his truth endureth to all generations."

Psalm 100:1-5

So Sublimely November

2011-11-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

It just feels like November. The evenings are darker, the air is cooler, and the leaves are fading into muted versions of their former vibrant hues of October. It's a time to clear out the brambles, trim the vines and rake the leaves.

So many leaves.

And it's a great time to teach children the importance of service. {grin}

Raise Your Glass

2011-11-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

Will you raise your glass with me? It can be a mug or cup or even a goblet if you like. I'm raising my Starbucks Peppermint Mocha, as I just have a few things to celebrate.

First, I'm celebrating the return of the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha for the holiday season. While I am a cappuccino girl at heart, I thoroughly enjoy a good shot of minty chocolatey goodness once a year.

I am also (still) celebrating our move to a new town nearly a year ago. We are thriving here, making a home and meeting people. It's also nice to live somewhere where it feels like fall when it is fall. Where Mother Nature uses the corresponding weather for the corresponding month. Right now it is raining pretty good (instead of snowing) and the red leaves on the tree in the back yard are absolutely brilliant. The air smells of wood smoke and my sweaters are getting constant use.

The main reason for my celebration is that I got a job! For a while now my husband and I have been talking about the possibility of me going back to work. For seven years I have stayed home with my kids and worked independently on graphic design projects. Now, as my children are both in school, it just makes sense to get out there among other adults and bring home some bacon. I'm excited. And a little bit scared. But the Lord is so good and I trust him completely in this new adventure. I will be a graphic designer for an advertising agency that specializes in social media and branding. I get to work part-time, which will allow me to be there for my kids after school, and I look forward to putting my creativity to use. Of course now that I'm joining the working world again, I need to do a little clothes shopping and acquire some tailored pieces.

Well heck, let's raise our glasses to clothes shopping! I don't know about you, but it really is one of my favorite activities. I've got heeled loafers and girly blouses on the brain. Of course, I don't really need to get a job as an excuse to dream about fashion.

What are you celebrating?

The Princess And The Jedi

2011-11-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

This year my kids knew exactly what they wanted to be for Halloween. Forever a princess fan, my daughter opted for Rapunzel. My son, after watching some of the Star Wars movies over the summer, decided Luke Skywalker was the look for him.

I didn't make their costumes this year as I have done in the past, but I sure had fun styling their hair/wig to help them really play the part.

Rapunzel is sporting a layered dress fashioned out of sparkly tool and sequins. Her long corn silk locks are tied back in a single braid and her bangs were plastered (rather forcefully) with several coats of hairspray.

Luke Skywalker here is technically wearing Obi Wan Kenobi's jedi garb. Perhaps Luke's robes got stolen by some Tuscan Raiders and Old Ben has some extra clothes to lend him. At least he still has his light saber and in good working condition. Don't mess with this knight, he uses the Force!

Whew ... the things a parent will do to ensure maximum trick-or-treating fun. But their happy faces (and ample supply of chocolate for mama) are worth it.

It's So Much Fun It's Spooky!

2011-10-31T14:58:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you combine a few robust pumpkins and a man with an extensive collection of power tools? Some rather fun characters!

Fearing that time was running out to carve pumpkins, we hurriedly began the process at 7:45pm the night before Halloween (the kids go to bed at 8:00!). We opted for a happy face since we don't do scary around here. Seeing the curved lines I was drawing, my husband muttered something like "Oh man ... not the curvy lines!" and went out to the garage to fetch a tool. He returned with an electric jigsaw and began cutting away. I have to say, it did a great job and saved us a lot of time! Plus it's a great story to tell.

Oh, but he didn't stop there! This morning he created this not-so-happy face with ... yup you guessed it ... a blow torch.

And THAT'S how it's done around here, folks!

Where We Dined Like Kings

2011-10-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

Imagine: a cool autumn afternoon, you are sitting at a patio that is perched high on a hill, overlooking a valley of lush green grape vines; you are sipping fine wine and dining on fresh regional cuisine; and a faint smell of lavender fills the air as you enjoy conversation with loved ones. Sounds dreamy doesn't it? Well ... it really was!

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of going to King Estate Winery with my mom and sister. It is located a short drive from downtown Eugene, but its beauty makes it seem worlds away. 1,033 acres of land includes orchards, vegetable gardens, flowers, and of course 430 acres of organic vineyards!

The drive up was so pretty. I admit that I was pretending to be in the French countryside.

A lovely pic of my mom, sister and I near the patio where we dined, overlooking the vineyard.

The panoramic view from the winery is really something to behold with neat rows of vines go as far as the eye can see. We took a tour of the facility which led us through the process of getting wine from the vine to the glass, then at the restaurant we got to taste their product. I went home with a bottle of their Acrobat Oregon Pinot Noir 2010, which I plan to bring out for a special occasion some time.

The barrel rooms had beautiful arched ceilings and smelled strongly of, what else, oak.

I felt very blessed to have the opportunity to jump out of the car and snap some shots of the grapes on the vine. These bunches will soon be harvested.

Good wine, good food, good company and good laughs all made this a very memorable adventure.

Even though I still long to go to the wine country of France, it's a comfort to know that a similar experience is never too far away from me.

Leopard Is A Girl's Best Friend

2011-10-20T17:07:00.000-07:00

I imagine that when most people think of Marilyn Monroe from the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, an image of her in that bubblegum pink gown and covered in diamonds is what comes to mind. Strangely, I think of her in another outfit: a stunning navy dress with a leopard stole and muff ... and covered in diamonds. There is something so striking and luxe about the spotted fir against the dark blue.

A big fashion trend I see this fall is the use of leopard print. I'm generally a pretty plain and simple girl when it comes to prints and textures, but I can't help it - I'm falling in love with leopard!

Upon perusing fashion magazines and style websites, I've been seeing the likes of Reese Witherspoon and Cameron Diaz sporting some lovely leopard ballet flats. They look great with jeans and add an instant touch of class to any outfit.

Reese Witherspoon and Cameron Diaz.

Elle McPherson

Katherine Heigl

So I bought some. Now, mine aren't exactly Louboutins or the Tory Burch pair that Katherine Heigl wears, but I think they are just as nice looking and I didn't pay nearly as much. I got mine at Target for $24.99, they are calf hair and feature a beautiful scalloped detail around the edge.

Ah, aren't they adorable? They look great with both my trouser style and skinny jeans.

Generally I would say that I am a heels kind of a girl, but these babies make me feel foxy when I wear them. And they are far more convenient for walking my kids to school in the early morning.

Hi Yah!

2011-10-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I seriously wonder if my daughter is actually related to me. She loves to read science fiction, she isn't shy in the slightest, she asks A MILLION questions a day, and now it appears she is athletic as well. This girl can even do push-ups ... like a grown man! Yup, it's a wonder we're related.

Since starting Tae Kwon Do in June, my daughter has earned three out of four stripes on her white belt, and I imagine she could have her orange belt by Christmas. Not only that, but she is "Student-of-the-Month" at her karate studio.

Her many accomplishments in such a short amount of time makes me one proud mama. That is, if I really am her mama. {grin}

The Story Of Packer

2011-10-14T19:40:00.001-07:00

When I was a kid I seemed to be quite a bit more fearless than I am now. Bugs didn't seem so scary and reptiles could almost be classified as cute. I recall that once upon a time, to my mother's horror, I loved to "rescue" small critters, name them, and try to keep them as pets. Two little guys stick in my memory, a newborn abandoned opossum and a baby garter snake that I named George.

These memories came flashing back to me tonight as my husband brought home a little friend he found wandering around a building in his office: a baby garter snake. The reptile traveled to our home in a disposable quart sized paint bucket and had paper rubber-banded to the top with poke holes for air. The kids were nervous and excited as the bucket was placed on its side in the bathtub and a little head the size of a raisin peered out, tongue flicking. He was tiny and curious, and sort of freaked out a bit when it saw the camera lens move in closer.

In case you are wondering, we did name the snake. We called him "Packer" because he got stuck to some packing tape that was originally used as a lid to the bucket. After some time in the bathtub, providing entertainment for the kids, Packer was released in our backyard garden. It didn't take him long before he slithered into the Black Eyed Susan plant, where a frog promptly hopped away in a panic. We hope Packer will feel at home in our garden (and not in our house) and we suspect he will be in good company with the honey bees and humming birds.

Saturday At The Patch

2011-10-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

Fall really is my favorite time of year. And every year I look forward to taking the little ones to the pumpkin patch for our annual pumpkin hunt and family photo. This year was even more fun than usual.

Now that we are living in a bigger town, there is more to choose from in terms of pumpkin patches. We chose a farm that featured a petting zoo, hay rides and a country store ... why not go all out, right? We went with some friends and it was a joy to watch all of the kids feeding the goats and marveling at the giant sunflowers. There was a huge variety of pumpkins and fresh produce too.

So much fun was had, I'm kinda thinking I might like to go back this weekend!

Fun Fall Fare

2011-10-06T17:38:00.001-07:00

The other night we were having chicken tacos for dinner and I got to thinking that some tortilla chips and salsa would go nicely with it. Except ... I had the salsa but no chips! Then I remembered seeing an idea in a Martha Stewart magazine for making tortilla chips at home using cookie cutters. What a great idea!

I rummaged through my drawers of cookie and cake decorating things and found a set of pumpkins and fall leaves that I thought would be perfect. Then I put my daughter to work, cutting shapes out of the tortillas. I used flour tortillas, but corn would be wonderful and would cook up crispier. Martha's recipe called for putting the chips into the oven with olive oil and salt. That would be a good healthy way, but who am I kidding ... I wanted them fried! So I cooked them in a saute pan with some vegetable oil and sprinkled salt on them as soon as they came out of the pan. So. good.

My husband and I enjoyed them with some roasted tomato salsa and my kids ate them plain. We all marveled at the cute little shapes, and I reveled in the glory of creating something so clever.

I Shall Call It "Pink Champagne"

2011-10-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

When it comes to nail polish, I generally steer toward the demure and conservative. In fact, the "craziest" color I have is bright red. You can be sure that you will not find me sporting turquoise or green apple on my fingertips, and I have never had acrylic nails. I do, however, like to play around with layering different colors and creating new looks.

First, I would like to share my method for a lasting manicure. I have found that on average, I can make my nail color last at least five days (which is a long time for me!)

Start by applying a thin layer of nail color to clean, dry nails. When that dries, apply a top coat - I like Hard As Nails by Sally Hansen. And when that coat is completely dry, follow it up with a thin layer of same nail color.

I find that this method works for even the darkest of colors, and the thin layers dry faster.

Recently, when I was at the store a bottle of gold polish jumped out at me and I HAD to have it! But when I applied it, I realized that I didn't like the way the gold looked on me. So, I created a beautiful pearly "Pink Champagne" look by brushing an iridescent transparent hue over it. I think it's rather gorgeous if I do say so myself!

To achieve this subtle look, I used Glitzerland by O.P.I. and layered Pearl of Wisdom by O.P.I over the top.

Even in their bottles, these colors look pretty together. {blissful sigh}

The Lone Little Apple Tree

2011-10-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

When we first moved into our house, we wondered what kind of tree was growing in the middle of the backyard. It is short (less than six feet) and with a trunk that is only about two inches in diameter. My husband's first inclination was to take the tree out since it was planted in the most random spot in the yard and is a challenge to mow around, but we decided to hold off until we figured out what kind of tree it is. Evidence confirms that it is an apple tree!

Apples have been growing on it since about mid-summer and they are weighing down one side of the tree. To my untrained eye they look like little Gala apples. Now if I can just figure out when I should pluck them from their branches, I might make a little apple tart from my harvest.

What A Glorious Feelin'

2011-10-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

Fall is here! Last week I was walking the kids home from school in eighty and ninety degree weather and today ... a high of sixty-seven and raining! I find that the first rain in a long time invigorates me. Inspires me. I'm happy again.

After school we enjoyed hot chocolate and Halloween Oreos while our umbrellas lay propped against the house to dry. And tonight - a hearty casserole and hanging out in our cozy socks is sounding like the perfect night in.

When September Ends

2011-09-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

September is drawing to a close and has gone by so fast. I just wanted to take a moment and appreciate the things of the ninth month.

It is the month when growers sell heirloom tomatoes at the farmer's market. Vibrant sunflowers grow so tall they peak over the top of backyard fences. The air gets cooler, dew clings to blades of grass, and for a few hours of the day morning glories show their glory.

It is the month where I put away the clean linen candles and bring out the spicy ones. Light sweaters are a must for chilly walks. Socks begin to make their appearance. And I begin to long for hearty soups.

It is the month where days grow shorter. Kids go back to school. And busy parents find relief with a routine.

September is the month when Americans remember and reflect.

New (School) Year's Resolutions

2011-09-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

By now school is in full swing. It has taken me weeks, WEEKS, to get used to the new schedule. I'd say it has been much harder on Mom than it has been for the kids. Fortunately, I am now feeling settled.

I can owe my new found comfort to what I've decided to call "New School Year's Resolutions". On January 1st of every year you won't find me making any resolutions, because I don't feel the motivation to and doubt that I will keep them. But when school starts for the kids, I feel this urge to get organized! My desire to schedule and plan and clean all combine to make a more prepared and confident mama!

Staying on top of housework has always proved to be a little difficult for me. I love having a clean, clutter-free home (don't we all) but rarely is my house like that. So, I've devised a plan to make housekeeping more manageable, by designating a day for different tasks:

Monday - bathrooms
Tuesday - dust & straighten
Wednesday - vacuum, sweep & mop floors
Thursday - bake bread
Friday - laundry
Saturday - relax
Sunday - meal planning & grocery shopping

I know, it's not rocket science, but sometimes it takes me a while for the light bulb in my head to turn on. Now I make lists, I write things down more, I use a day planner!

This planner by Moleskine is perfect - it fit's into my purse, comes with stickers to mark events, and is my signature color: red!

Planning my weekly meals has proven very positive. We rarely eat out, I buy (and use up) only what I need for that week, we are saving money, and when the dinner hour approaches I'm not in a panic trying to figure out what to feed my family! On the menu for tonight: homemade pizza and salad.

Hmm, I think I should schedule some more time to blog, since it seems to be a rare event these days {sheepish grin}.

Back To School

2011-09-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation is over and it was a pretty easy going (lazy) few months. The funny thing is, I considered getting up at 7:30 every morning to be getting up "early". Well, our daily schedule had definitely changed around here as the new school year has begun. Now my day begins at 6:15.

My little second-grader, ready to learn and make some friends.

The morning rush includes walking my kids to school. I'm happy to do it, I need the exercise.

My daughter had her first day yesterday and my son, today. That means ... I had FOUR hours to myself! I have waited for this day for SO long. What did I do with all of that time alone? Well, I had thoughts of treating myself to a Starbucks, or taking a walk, or catching up on unwatched recorded television shows; but instead I savored the silence, edited photos, and caught up on some paper work. In the silence. Did I mention there was silence? Glorious!

You may not be able to tell, but my son really was excited for his first day of preschool. Really he was. This is his "I-know-you-are-taking-a-picture-of-me-so-I-am-going-to-be-as-awkward-as-possible" look. What can I say ... he's four.

Ha ha! But I snapped this while he was laughing at a funny face he had just made!

Figuring out our new schedule and the best routes to school might take a little time, but ultimately I am thrilled that school is back in session. Now I'm just waiting for Friday when I can savor four hours of silence once again!

A Dozen Years

2011-09-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, September 3rd the husband and I celebrated 12 years of marriage! When I think of the number of years since our wedding, it seems like such a long time - yet I remember 1999 so vividly that it's hard to believe that much time has passed.

I definitely feel older and more mature, which undoubtedly comes from having two children. We've lived in four different towns since our nuptials, each place somewhere I never would have expected to live in. And each year the Lord has blessed us in ways we cannot begin to count.

We celebrated our big day by visiting my favorite spot - Ashland - where we popped in and out of shops and had a fabulous Italian dinner in the restaurant's brick courtyard. We had our kids with us, which doesn't make for the most romantic of celebrations, but we didn't want the day to pass without acknowledging the occasion.

Photo courtesy of my daughter, taken in Lithia Park, Ashland, OR - September 3, 2011

It has been an amazing 12 years and I'm looking forward to the next dozen ...

Livin'

2011-09-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

Egads! Where did the time go? I see that it's been some time since my last post, but it doesn't seem that long. Perhaps it's because instead of writing about what I've been up to, I've been so busy livin' it!

These last couple of weeks have included lots of trips and activities. School clothes shopping at Old Navy was easy and quick - $10 jeans can't be beat! School supply shopping is done. A two-night trip to the lake got camping out of our system for the year. And for one last hoorah ... a trip to the coast with family!

The weather in Newport was spectacular! It felt a little strange playing on the beach when on the other side of the country Hurricane Irene was wreaking havoc on several states.

Digging in the sand, kite flying, and searching for shells provided hours of entertainment.

We (along with family on my husband's side) stayed in a house on the bay, not far from the jetty. This group shot of the kids in quite indicative of their personalities right now. Funny how the girls ham it up for the camera while the boys avoid it! The Yaquina Bay bridge (in the background) will celebrate it's 75th anniversary on September 6th. When the tide was low, I saw people wandering underneath it, digging for clams in the sand.

So now as it is September 1st and school will start up again next week, I look back on our summer with approval. And I am now wholeheartedly ready to take on fall!

Anthropological Dig

2011-08-16T14:21:00.000-07:00

Sure it's still summer, but that doesn't stop me from thinking about fall! There is something about mid-August that has me dreaming of autumn style and cooler days. Plus, Anthropologie keeps sending me their beautiful and drool worthy catalogs, filled with pages of stunning photos and high end goodness.

Just one glance at their gemstone colored flats and stylized loafers and I am hooked! I think I would like just about every pair of heels in the book, not to mention the structured skirts and charming cardigans.

These are my favorites! I am particularly drawn to the "Aim High Heels" and at nearly $400 a pair, I probably won't ever own them, but a girl can still window shop can't she?

I can already imagine the outfits I can assemble with these shoes. And can I just say, I am SO glad to see that heeled loafers are making a comeback!? I had a pair in the mid-90s and thought they were the greatest thing. I admit that there are a few other looks from that decade that I am hoping will come back: sleeveless turtlenecks, anyone?

Stay tuned for some more finds on my "Anthopological Dig". In the meantime, what is inspiring you?

Boys Will Be Boys

2011-08-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

Growing up with sisters, and my only cousin being a girl, I was never fully exposed to boys and how they play. Yes, I have a son and he does boy things, but he can also be found dressed up in the occasional princess dress by his older sister. So when I see a whole pack of lads racing around the backyard in Power Wheels or jumping on the trampoline with endless energy, I am completely fascinated.

Over the weekend my sister-in-law and her family came for a visit. We had awesome food and great conversation, but I'd have to say the best part was watching the boys be boys. Armed with the most random of things - a plastic hardhat, some rain boots, and an arsenal of super cool sound effects noises, my son and his cousins ran about the backyard for hours. My husband chased them around the lawn, flinging them up into the air. They took turns running into bushes with the Hummer. And by the end of the evening you could practically count the number of tumbles and trips and falls they took with two hands, but those would never hamper the boys' fun for long.

After our guests departed this morning, my son was still on a high from all of the playing. By the early evening he had fallen asleep on the couch. And I suspect tomorrow he'll be asking how many minutes it will be until he gets to see his cousins again.

I Shall Call It "Disco Beach"

2011-08-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

For the most part, I don't think often about my fingernails. I don't think often about my toenails either for that matter. Except occasionally when I have a special event or just don't want my feet to look gross. So, I was rather surprised recently when I decided to venture into the nail art world.

Truthfully, I didn't do anything too spectacular or out of my comfort zone. I added glitter. That's it. But the result is quite pleasant and special looking. I've decided to call this look "Disco Beach"; it sparkles, it dazzles, the glitter looks like sand, and it would look great with a bathing suit or even a leisure suit.

What I used:

Base color: L.A. Girl Matte in Matte White

Clear top coat: O.P.I

Craft glitter: Martha Stewart in White Gold

Small paint brush

What I did:

1. Apply two coats to nails in a light or neutral color. I chose this off-white matte polish that was super cheap.

2. Dip a clean paint brush into a clear top coat and then into the glitter, and apply all over the nail.

3. After allowing first coat to dry, dip paint brush into top coat again and pick up more glitter, then apply to the tips of the nails only.

This method gives a lovely gradient or ombre effect. I've seen examples where someone will take a color and find glitter to match for a dimensional look. And while there are glitter nail polishes out there that might be good for this, craft glitter is cheap and very sparkly.

So there you have it - a fancy nail how-to from yours truly. In case you were wondering, my toes are painted Big Apple Red and have some white gold glitter that dazzles in the light. I think I shall call that look "Twinkle Toes".

{giggle}

Sun Kissed

2011-07-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

I love the time of day when the sun is going down and the yellow-orange light twinkles through the trees and casts a warm glow. I especially love it when the sun kisses the little tootsies of my loved ones.

Capturing Perfection

2011-07-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

I realize that the title of this post may seem a bit arrogant. Really, I'm just proud of the way a baguette came out and I just HAD to photograph it! For a few years I have been experimenting with making different kinds of breads, but my favorite is rustic french bread from my Joy of Cooking cookbook. I use a mixed starter, meaning I use a bit of dough saved from a previous batch and put it into the new dough. The result is a more developed flavor and chewy texture.

Hello, Gorgeous!

Yesterday I made four thin baguettes and one in particular came out looking so good; and if you squint slightly you might think it came from la boulangerie. The slits showed up on the top, a thin dusting of flour made it look more rustic, and the golden color was perfect! I also finally bought and used bread flour, which I think made all the difference. I'd say the downside to making all of this is that we aren't big bread eaters around here. Still it is a lot of fun to bake and experiment with. I'm thinking next time I might add herbs or kalamata olives to really kick it up a notch.

Is There Anything Better Than Butter?

2011-07-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the movie Julie & Julia? There is a part where Julie Powell asks the question "Is there anything better than butter?" Well, I have to reply with a resounding NO!

For example: pie crust. Living in Oregon, I am beyond thrilled that this state produces some of the best fruits and berries you could ever imagine. In fact, it is home to the marionberry, a variety of blackberry developed in the Willamette Valley. These beautiful and flavorful berries are coveted for use in making pies and cobblers. Yesterday when I was at the local grower's market, I picked up two pints of the black beauties, dreaming of what concoctions I could come up with them.

A glorious pint of organically grown marionberries.

I thought about a coffee cake or a crisp, but at the request of my son, settled on pie. Well actually, I made turnovers, which I think are more fun to eat and seemed like a good summer treat. I'm not really a baker and I don't have a tried and true pie crust, so I decided I would experiment and come up with one that I liked. Let me just say that butter made it better!

I used a recipe that used only shortening, water, flour and salt. The first batch was okay, except I rolled the crust too thick making it pale and not very flavorful. Today I changed it up a bit and instead added some cold, unsalted butter and rolled out thin crust. To my delight it turned out light and flaky and golden and ... well let's just say I am in turnover heaven!

Marionberry turnovers. Yes, I did eat TWO of them.

Heavenly Marionberry Turnovers - makes 8 turnovers or 2 pie crusts

Filling:
2 pints marionberries (or whatever fruit you like; I also threw in a few raspberries from my own backyard)
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp sugar
dash of salt

Pie crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/4 tsp salt
2 Tbsp cold, unsalted butter cut into small cubes
6 Tbsp icy cold water

Egg wash:
1 egg
1 Tbsp water

Topping:
ground cinnamon
turbinado sugar

In medium bowl, gently coat berries with flour, sugar and salt. Set aside.

To make crust, use a food processor by pulsing together flour, shortening, and salt. One tablespoon at a time, add cold water and pulse. Add in cold butter and pulse. The dough should be soft and hold together in a ball. On floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8" thickness. Using a cutter (or bowl) approximately 5" in diameter, cut out rounds and place on parchment lined baking sheet.

Spoon small amounts of berries onto each round, making sure not to over fill. Brush egg mixture onto edges and fold over the round, crimp the turnover closed with a knife. Brush egg wash over the top of turnover, sprinkle with cinnamon and turbinado sugar. Make a steam vent by slitting the top of the pastry with a sharp knife.

Bake in a preheated 350° oven for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool on wire rack, or serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

My kids harvest (but mostly eat) the ripe raspberries from our backyard.

The crunchy turbindo sugar made these turnovers extra special in my opinion. I can't wait to try these with some apples. Hmm, and maybe some fresh cherries. Ooh, and lets not forget peaches ... or pears ...

Pain Perdu

2011-07-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

"Mama, what are we having for dinner?" my son asked me one night as I was slicing into a loaf of stale artisan bread. "Pain perdu" I replied in the best French accent I could muster. "Huh?" was what I heard in return. "Okay, basically I'm making french toast."

The French of course don't call it french toast, they call it pain perdu which means "lost bread". Not wanting to waste a bit of the rustic french bread I made myself, from a mixed starter, and formed by my very own hands - I thought that making it into a delicious eggy bread served with maple syrup was just the thing to do.

Typically a french toast is made with a sliced sour dough bread, fluffy in nature and square in shape. Not mine. It has a thick crust, dense crumb, and an organic shape. In fact, it must be soaked for a good 10 minutes to soften the bread and allow the egg mixture to soak in. And when it is cooked and served hot with butter and syrup ... whoa baby!

Pain Perdu

3 eggs
3/4 cup milk
1 Tbsp sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
3/4 to 1 inch slices (not fresh) rustic french or sour dough bread

Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt and cinnamon and place in a shallow baking dish. Place bread slices into egg mixture and let soak for about 10 minutes. Melt butter in skillet set to medium and cook up the bread. Serve with a favorite syrup and sprinkling of powdered sugar.

My Karate Kid

2011-07-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Don't even think of messing with this girl! She's tough, she's disciplined, and she's ready for anything that comes her way!

She earned her white belt and her sense of pride is prompting her to go for the gold (well, actually yellow). And I have a sense of pride over her hard work and determination.

She's my little karate kid.

Old Vine Tempest

2011-07-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

It would seem that I have lost my ability to multitask! I used to be good at it, but since having children I can only focus on one thing at a time. So, while I have been working on finishing a sweater I have been unable to blog, read, and garden. Unfortunately, I will have plenty of time to weed now that I have completed my latest garment. Sigh.

I call it "Old Vine" Tempest. When I saw this sweater pattern I thought it would be a fun project both in construction and color. The tonal yarn in yellow and maroon colors make me think of glasses of chardonnay and cabernet wines. Many shades are present in one skein of yarn, some brighter and some faded, reminding me of an old grape vine.

The stripes were what I found the most interesting part of this sweater. They had to be accurately lined up when seaming the pieces together, a challenge for me since I am more apt to knit in the round. I like how the stripes are different sizes, with the smaller stripes along the middle of the garment.

By itself, I could never wear this greenish yellow color, but deep wine shade makes it work with my skin tone.

Pattern: Tempest by Weaverknits. Knitty.com

Yarn: Dream in Color Smooshy. One skein each of Strange Harvest and In Vino Veritas.

Time Elapsed: Oh goodness, I just don't know. This has been a stop and start project that has been worked on for about two months.

Modifications/Notes: Instead of doing a folded hem, I knit a garder hem to match the collar and button band. I opted for a short-sleeved cardigan, which I think makes this sweater very versatile. Grosgrain ribbon was added and hand stitched on to stabilize the buttonholes. Other than these mods I followed the pattern. I wish I had remembered to swatch before starting the project! I forgot this very important step, and while I like the sweater, I would prefer a slightly looser (and longer) fit. Thank heavens for blocking!

It really is the perfect sweater for meandering pensively among the daisies!

Sur La Table

2011-06-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

Fresh cut roses from my garden.

Strawberry Summer

2011-06-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but to me summer tastes like a strawberry. So vibrant and sweet! Our summer has already kicked off with a lovely bowlful from our neighbor, and just this week we were invited over to her house to pick some more from her abundant garden.

Loaded up on sunscreen and water, the kids wasted no time searching for the red jewels. My ears were constantly greeted with "Mama, look at this one!" and "Ooh, this is a good one!"

By the time they had collected all the berries they could find, it was getting quite hot. So we went to chat with our neighbor for a bit and show her all of our treasures.

That evening, I was pulling some weeds in my own backyard and noticed some spots of red beneath the strawberry plant leaves. Upon closer examination, I discovered some beautiful ripe strawberries that hadn't yet been spoiled by hungry birds! After picking them (and trying a couple) I just had to document my "crop" with some photos.

My berries must be a different variety as our neighbor's as they are small, but red all the way through. I am overflowing with pride since I don't have much experience in gardening.

These sweet berries reminded me of a story I've read to my kids this summer called The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and THE BIG HUNGRY BEAR. They love it and I do too. Really it is more suited to younger audiences, but the illustrations are wonderful enough for anyone to enjoy.

Yup, it's shaping up to be a strawberry summer. However, I did see some ripe raspberries starting to make an appearance in my garden ...

The Return Of My Little French School Girl

2011-06-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

It was just last week that I was giving my son a haircut. Looking a bit shaggy, I thought that a short "summer" cut was in order for him. Well, much to my shock, my daughter asked me to give her a haircut too. Then I was REALLY shocked when she used her hand to make a slicing motion at her chin, indicating the length she was thinking!

It was two years ago when she picked up a pair of scissors and decided to give herself a "trim", resulting in a very short bob. I loved the look but she was sad to see her precious long locks go ... hence my shock at her desire to revisit that short coif.

Ready for her cut, she insisted upon a "before" and "after" photo, and I was happy to oblige. Without any reservation on her part, I took that first snip below her chin. The hair fell into her lap, which she examined, but her expression indicated nothing but excitement. When I finished cutting her hair, she ran into the bathroom and let out an elated sigh.

Well, that was easy! And surprisingly painless.

We all adore her new summer look and more importantly, she is one satisfied customer.

Springing Into Summer

2011-06-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

We got ourselves a trampoline! Not only is it fun and a great thing to do with the kids, but it has tremendously helped my son (who has low muscle tone) with his balance and core strength. In fact, it's probably working too well as the other day he was caught climbing into the car ... through the WINDOW!

A Sweet Surprise

2011-06-16T16:12:00.000-07:00

My ninety-something year-old next door neighbor dropped by this afternoon to give us a bowl full of strawberries, freshly picked from her yard. My heart was touched.

And my taste buds were delighted!

La Vie En Rose

2011-06-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

I just returned from my French Grammar & Conversation 1 class! It was fun to be in a learning environment again, having homework to do, and being around other adults. And while what we are learning is very basic for someone like me who technically had three years of French in school, it is a nice refresher. I'm even learning words that I (surprisingly) never learned in school like la cuillère which is spoon, and le verre de vin or wine glass. Why I was never taught the terms for a place setting before is beyond me. Perhaps when the class is over I will splurge and buy a Vogue Paris magazine and try to read it ... but then, perhaps that's a bit too optimistic?

As summer has begun I am making many discoveries about myself; for example, I know a lot more French than I thought I did, I am eager to learn something new, and I actually care about gardening causing me to make efforts to prune and weed my yard. The poppies are still blooming, the raspberries are green but taking shape, and the roses are stunning. We are only part way into the month of June and already I feel like summer is lookin' pretty rosy.

What I Wore - Edgefield Wedding

2011-06-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

Being a graphic designer and stay-at-home-mom, my life's adventures mostly consist of font selection and potty training; so having a night out on the town or going to a fabulous wedding are cause for big excitement. A reason to dress up comes very infrequently for me but oh how I love to plan a special outfit; taking care to think about the venue, the color scheme, and the little extra details - and the recent wedding at McMenamins Edgefield allowed me to do just that.

First, I thought about my skin. I always think of the end of May as ushering in summertime, so I decided that even if the skies were gray, I would have a lovely glow and therefore got a spray tan. I had never had one before. There are all kinds of things one must do before getting one done: exfoliate, wear no makeup, pull hair up and out of the way, have clear polish on nails, wear loose clothing, and not shower or get wet for a minimum of five hours. It feels strange to stand there in the buff while someone sprays you cold bronzer. I'm pretty sure I freaked my kids out a little when they saw how dark I was, but thankfully the bronzer washed off in the shower revealing a developed tan underneath. I looked good, felt good, and couldn't help but laugh every time I saw that I had an even tan where the sun don't shine (if you catch my drift). Knowing I wouldn't have the help of a professional to do my hair and makeup for this wedding, I kept it simple with a sleek ponytail and makeup that focused on bringing out my eyes.

Here I am with my best accessory of all: my husband! I chose a blue tie for him to wear with his black suit so that we complimented each other without looking too "matchy matchy".

Hair/Makeup

Eyes: golden shimmer with a hint of teal on the lower lash line; black liner

Cheeks: pink cream blush and powder bronzer

Lips: L'Oreal Color Juice in Berry Burst

Nails: O.P.I. in Pearl of Wisdom

Outfit

Party Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Jersey/Taffeta in navy
Shoes: L.A.M.B. Laken Sandals in nude
Earrings: diamond studs - a Mother's Day gift from my husband

Necklace: Macy's multi-layered beaded chains with pink and gold enamel flowers

Then came the dress. I wanted to wear some color this time since I wore that LBD at the last wedding. I was hoping for something fun, that could be danced in, and had a youthful vibe. I found a navy blue number that was just the ticket. With a pleated jersey halter with a taffeta party skirt, this dress moved well, was very comfortable, and even had pockets! I pair the dress with some nude sandals I bought months ago and a delicate Chanel-inspired chain necklace and voila ... instant glamour!

And it all made this small-town mom from Oregon feel fancy.

What's In Bloom

2011-06-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning I woke up to the most wonderful sight: an Icelandic poppy had bloomed in the mess of a raised bed in my backyard! Poppies are my favorite, and while the Oriental variety are my preference, this beautiful scarlet bloom did not disappoint. There is even a tiny pink poppy and several other shoots ready to burst open.

Hello my pretties. You are welcome here.

Five Reasons Why I Need To Go To France

2011-06-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

With summer approaching, I can't help but dream of traveling to exotic places. Anyone who knows me knows that I have a deep desire to go to France. I've never been to Europe, but if when I get the opportunity, France is at the top of my list. Here is why ...

1. The Food

Um ... hello! First of all France is known for their pastries and I love pastries. I've been particularly fond of les macarons lately and the nearest place that makes a good one is a 25 minute drive from my house. I have a suspicion that the ones sold at Ladurée in Paris is beyond amazing and I must try one for myself! If you have never had one, find out where the nearest bakery or chocolatier is and get one! They are not the same as a "macaroon" or coconut cookie, they are an entirely different experience altogether.

I had the pleasure of eating this pistachio macaron from Moonstruck Chocolatier in the Nob Hill district of Portland over the weekend. Truly divine. And don't get me started on the sea salt caramel macaron I also scarfed down!

A trip to Poilâne for a loaf (or two) of their iconic bread is also in order; followed by a real French croissant, a tasting of actual champagne, a bite of unpasteurized Camembert, and something with chocolate and espresso to follow. Whew, anyone else getting hungry?

2. The Language

Everything sounds sophisticated when spoken or written in French. Take the word "airport" for example: in French it is "aéroport". See, it's fancy!

This summer I am taking French Grammar & Conversation through my local Parks & Recreation department and I am stoked. If I am fluent enough, I'm sure I could pass for a French woman. I have pale skin, dark eyes, and my pointy nose naturally makes me look snooty. I would just need a pair of Louboutins and a small dog on a leash and I can blend in seamlessly.

3. The Shopping

Photo from elle.com

Speaking of Louboutins ... yes, I would like some please. And if I could purchase them IN Paris that would be even better. While I'm at it, add a Chanel gown, a Givenchy pencil skirt, an Hermes Birkin bag, and anything from the Celine Fall 2011 collection. Of course unlimited funds would be necessary for this to happen, but I'm pretty sure even window shopping would be a dream come true.

4. The Lifestyle

I could get along quite nicely in a place where poppies are considered weeds. Poppies are my favorite flowers and evidently they grow wildly there. I've been reading a fantastic blog, designmom.com, where a mother of a big family moved to Normandy recently where she rents a farmhouse surrounded by peonies and lavender. She even has a separate art studio where she does her graphic design. Sigh. It sounds like she is living le joie de vivre over there - a simple but interesting life. Two-hour lunches that include wine sound good to me as does a hop, skip, and jump on up to jolly ol' Britain for the weekend.

5. The Arts

When I studied graphic design in school I had many art history and architecture classes. I learned about the different parts of a gothic church, the pointillistic style of George Seurat, and the playful and ornate look of Rococo design. It has been my dream to lay my own eyes upon these things. To see firsthand the colors of the North Rose Window of the Chartres Cathedral or to walk in the garden of the Palace of Versailles. I know, I'm such a sap!

There is a possibility France may not be all that I've built up in my mind to be. But even if it isn't, I will never know unless I find out for myself.

It's A Celebration

2011-06-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

Wedding season is now upon us. There is just something about the sunshine and vibrant colors of spring and summer that brings out a cause for celebration. Over the weekend I had the privilege of attending a family wedding up in the Portland area. I just have to just say, I LOVE special events! People getting dressed up, sipping wine, eating good food, celebrating ... this wedding did not disappoint in any of these things.

Located on the awe inspiring grounds of McMenamins Edgefield, the wedding and reception was indoors, but guests had time to wander about and take in the scenery. Since this is Oregon, it rained; but miraculously, the sun eventually came out and illuminated the sparkles on the bride's gown and brought out the colors of the flowers. And the sky ... it was striated with deep shades of indigo and periwinkle - gorgeous! It really was an ideal place for a wedding, full of old world charm, whimsical decor, and acres of rolling hills and vineyards.

The bride (my husband's cousin) and groom are honestly the tallest couple I've ever seen get married, and truly looked statuesque in their wedding day attire. The flowers were stunning shades of citrus, and watching them drive away in a black vintage Bel Air was great fun.

Ahh, it was a wonderful time of gathering with family and celebrating this couple's new life together. Lovely, lovely.

Unintended Intermission

2011-06-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my unplanned and unintended break from blogging. I have thought often why it is that I haven't posted in a while. Am I uninspired? Too busy? Distracted? I think it is a combination of these things. My body is sore, and my mind isn't focusing very well on any one task these days (and no, I'm NOT pregnant). Life since the move has changed dramatically, and I find myself doing things rather than writing things. I'm not too thrilled with myself for letting things go, but the reality is that my creativity and drive ebbs and flows. And I'm still waiting for it to flow ...

Incidentally, reading is another area that has also stalled in my life. Boo.

On a positive note, one thing I have picked up again after several months is my knitting. Oh how I have missed the feel of yarn spooling through my fingers! Back in March I started a pair of socks but got kind of bored with them. I'm sure I'll pick them up in the Fall when the weather cools down again, but for now I am enjoying a light-weight striped cardigan. The tonal yarn and repetitive pattern keeps my interest but I don't have to concentrate on it too hard.

I've had my eye on some deep yellow hued yarn for sometime and am thrilled to finally work with it. I predict this color combination and fine gauge will make the perfect sweater for every season.

So ... you see, I'm still here. Really. I am.

Sweets For A Sweetie

2011-05-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

It was a Monday night when she came into the world. She weighed in at 8 lbs. exactly, and had a head of dark hair and was so sweet and pink. Seven years later she is full of personality, talent and humor. And her smile is still like sunshine to me.

We celebrated my daughter's birthday this year by visiting the grandparents over the weekend, and enjoying some cupcakes. Really, is there anything better than picking out your own cupcake?

Decisions, decisions! After some consideration, she finally chose a strawberry cake with butter cream frosting topped with pink sprinkles.

We also did a little shopping, where she chose a Hello Kitty! diary for recording all her secrets, and made a stop at a place with inflatable bouncy structures. All in all, it was a pretty sweet weekend. And tonight, it's more presents and a dinner out, making this girl's birthday even sweeter!

Happy Birthday my sweet girl!

Beautiful, Gorgeous, Wish You Were Here

2011-05-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

I admit, one of my favorite movies of all time is French Kiss. What's not to love: Meg Ryan, France, vineyards and quotable movie lines?! One of my favorite lines is from when Meg Ryan's character is walking up a quaint French village with stone buildings decorated with flowered window boxes and she says "Oh! Beautiful, gorgeous, wish you were here!" as if she was writing a postcard of her adventures to a loved one. Well, that is how I feel every time I drive through my beautiful state of Oregon.

We have everything here. Mountains, (high) deserts, big cities, small towns and my personal favorite: the Pacific Ocean. It seems with every turn in the road there is another sight to behold. Over the weekend we visited Meemaw and Boppa in Central Oregon, the first time since we moved to our new town. Our route to their house is different now and as we drove along the winding Rogue River, I was greeted with cows grazing in lush pastures, hillsides spotted with vintage homes, and mountains that I had never laid eyes on.

Mt. Thielsen near Crater Lake National Park.

It is always refreshing to get a new perspective on this state, this country, and this world that we live in. This Earth that God made. His creation is truly glorious.

Longer Days

2011-05-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

The days are getting longer, have you noticed? We sure have! We've been soaking up every last bit of daylight (and the kids use it as an excuse to stay up just a little bit later).

These kids love to run in the grass and play keep away from Daddy.

And even the cat gets in on all the fun.

At The Market

2011-05-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

Today was yet another gorgeous day. The temperatures had reached 70° by 11:00 this morning as my son and I headed to the local growers market. It was our first time seeing what our local farmers, artists, and bakers have to offer.

It was a colorful gathering with pots of fresh herbs, hanging baskets of flowers and the smell of fresh doughnuts wafting through the air. We took our time, weaving back and forth between tents, stopping to look at the loaves of fresh bread or the latest picking of snow peas. We gladly enjoyed an apple turnover and sipped decaf iced coffee. There was even a man making balloon animals for the kids. He was probably the most uncharismatic balloon man I ever met, but my son was quite pleased with his purple balloon sword anyway.

I made note of a local producer of yarn, who raises her own goats and llamas, and kettle dyes the most vibrant yarns. Hmm, I think I'll have to buy a skein or two for a lovely winter scarf, someday.

By the time we left, my market basket was filled with all kinds of goodies. A pizza crust, almond pesto, snow peas and a bundle of iced sugar cookies. A modest haul, but next time it will be much bigger I'm sure!

And even though it is Cinco de Mayo, we feasted on homemade Mediterranean style pizza (made from our findings at the market), Hefeweizen and sugar cookies.

And it was SO good.

My Wednesday View

2011-05-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

Today feels like early summer. With temperatures promising to be up in the 80s, I spent some time putting away heavy clothes of winter and bringing out the soft cottons and linens. I even opened up the back door in our bedroom to let in fresh air and the slight breeze. I'm thinking we'll dine on the back patio this week; yup, enjoying a meal and some wine al fresco is definitely in order!

Getting Back On Track

2011-05-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

A sucker for packaging, I just love the paint can style container these steel cut oats come in.

1 everything bagel with cream cheese

3 regular cappuccinos

1 plate of bangers & mash with green peas
1 "like it" size coffee Heath ice cream from Cold Stone

1 almond macaron

1 side french fries

1 small bbq chicken pizza

1 helping blueberry coffee cake

1 helping breakfast soufflé

1 pancake (topped with Greek yogurt and fresh berries)

2 slices cinnamon roll French toast

4 slices bacon

1 order of artichoke spinach pesto ravioli

TONS of bread

1 rather enormous slice of mocha cheesecake

1/2 marionberry scone

3 micro brew beers

1 mimosa

1 glass red wine

This list of consumed food is shocking isn't it? Since last Thursday morning, this is what I've had to eat. In my defense, I had family visiting. Plus there were a few veggies, salads, and an hour of basketball stuck in there, but over all I am appalled by my foolish ways. I seem to have quickly gained back the weight that took months of colds, stomach bugs, and Fibromyalgic flare-ups to lose. So this week ... I'm getting back to eating sensibly!

I always feel this incredible urge to adjust my digestive track after binging on fatty foods, by eating lots of fiber. Since yesterday I have been feeding on black beans and brown rice. And in the morning I LOVE steel cut oats! Never a fan of waiting around for 30-45 minutes for them to cook, I start them at night before heading to bed. Following the measurements on the can/box, I bring the oats and water up to a boil and let simmer for one minute; remove from heat and cover. Leave overnight and in the morning all I have to do is warm it through and serve with a pinch of salt and brown sugar. Even my kids love it!

So, as entertaining and eating out has died down, I'm truly hoping that my body doesn't hold the atrocities that I inflicted upon it against me. Or rather ON me.

I See The Light

2011-05-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

When she heard there was to be a talent show at her school, my daughter immediately wanted to participate. It wasn't long before she determined that she'd sing a song, "I See The Light" from her favorite movie, Tangled. For weeks she practiced, memorizing the words and learning the melody.

When auditions were held, she was the first to try out. With poise, confidence and a few pangs of nervousness she walked up to the microphone, introduced herself and the song she would sing, and sang her little heart out. Needless to say, she made it!

Last night was the performance. The performers had a grand entrance into the gymnasium, where they got to walk the "red carpet" and were sat down in order of their performance. There were 29 performances - all under two minutes - and we saw a comedy act, some dancing, one girl danced with her black Labrador, a young lady hula hooped with three hoops at a time, and there was a lot of singing with Taylor Swift songs as the popular choice of the night. Some chose to sing with accompaniment, others used just their voice.

The performers make their way to the red carpet.

She sang like and angel, and look how the star behind her looks like an angel wing!

Watching my little girl get up on the stage, take a brief pause, and then begin to sing, filling the room with her angelic voice ... well yeah, I cried. I cried for at least a good five minutes! She had practiced so hard, and seeing this little first-grader engaging the audience and displaying confidence was undeniably heartwarming.

After the talent show, I presented with her with a bouquet of flowers and then took her over the red carpet to get some shots of her. She really hammed it up!

Our Easter Best

2011-04-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

This year Easter brought colds for three out of four of us. Not wanting to spread the fun, we stayed home from church and had our own mini service complete with reading the story of The Resurrection, and a lengthy discussion followed. My daughter, who is very scientifically minded, had question after question about God, and Jesus, and rising from the dead, etc. Even though her millions of questions drive me crazy sometimes, I appreciate her curiosity and desire to understand things. My son? Well, he pretty much sat there looking bored, but then, he is only four.

We hard boiled some eggs but didn't dye them due to fatigue, so finding white eggs wasn't too much of a challenge for the kids. We also decided that it was the best chance of getting in some family shots. In spite of the runny noses, dry coughs, and aching heads we got dressed up in our Easter Best and drove around in search of the perfect photo spots.

The entrance to a nearby golf course provided beautiful pink blooms, brick walls and sweeping views of the green. The traffic was a bit unnerving as passersby would crane their necks to watch us take pictures, but fortunately we got some good shots.

As it started to rain, and the gawking was making us uncomfortable, we searched the town for some nice spring colors. We hoped for some pink blossoms, and came upon a park in the middle of downtown. An island of landscaping gave us a nice place to crouch down while bushes framed us.

I'm glad we had this outing even if I was exhausted. It had been a while since we took some family photos. My son and his daddy matched, and I even wore pink!

Photography thoughts: I had to get creative with the editing on these because of the dark look to the images. It was a cloudy day complete with rain, so balancing the contrast and colors was tricky. Also my husband - who set up the camera - likes to use the 18-70mm kit lens, and I prefer one that gives more depth to the photo like a 60mm. I'm currently looking at getting a 35mm Prime lens that will give great depth of field, but I won't have to stand so far away to frame the shot. The overall look is rather artsy and contrasty, which made me step out of my comfort zone.

So now I'm curious, what is your favorite lens?

Backyard Raceway

2011-04-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

With a third of an acre and most of it being grass, it just made sense to buy a riding lawn mower. Little did I know that it would turn our backyard into a raceway, provided oodles of fun AND getting the massive lawn cut. A very worthy investment if you ask me.

It's All In The Details

2011-04-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

Imagine how a seamstress would feel without her sewing machine, it's not ideal and she may feel a little lost, but ultimately she can make do. That's how I feel as a graphic designer without use of my computer. While my computer is out of commission for some updating, I've been using the "kids'" computer for all of my internet dealings and I'm feeling a bit out of sorts over it. But I'm making do. Like doing my photo editing without my beloved Photoshop. I've been using Picnik this past week, but the computer is slow and I don't know my way around it very well. Still, I was able to work on some photos that I'm happy with.

I went to a wonderful bridal shower last weekend that was full of surprises. In a little blink-and-you'll-miss it house in a Portland suburb, lies a world of wonders. You would never know by the outside that the rooms are so rich with old world details and European charm. Each room had something that pulled you in whether is a see-through fireplace, vintage furniture, cozy nooks and even a backyard pub! Seriously, a garden shed was converted into a pub complete with banquettes and low-hanging chandeliers. Pretty much it was the perfect place for a girls' afternoon of showering a loved one with gifts for her upcoming wedding.

Bouquets with peach roses adorned nearly every surface. Candles were lit everywhere, bringing a sense of warmth in the dreary weather. A glass table was covered in pub style delights including Bangers & Mash, homemade Irish soda bread with potted cheese, miniature Guiness pot pies, and the most unbelievable desserts. If I could have I would have gobbled up all of the little toffee pudding cakes in a blink of an eye! And not only were we treated to such deliciousness, but we got to take home a book featuring many of the recipes of what we had at the shower - what an inventive idea!

So, as I try the Dubliner Cheese Tart or whip up a batch of the Lemon Curd, I will remember that day. I will remember the women, the laughter, the wine, the food and the blessings of being there.

One Berry Good Salad

2011-04-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

Berry Good Salad

1/2 pint blueberries
1/2 pint red raspberries
1/2 pint blackberries
1 6oz. container vanilla bean yogurt (I used Tillamook)

Make sure berries are clean and dry, then add yogurt. Stir and serve - it doesn't get much easier than that!

Little Slider

2011-04-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

His daddy drives a Ford F250 truck named "Slider". He drives a Power Wheels Ford Fx4 truck named "Little Slider". His daddy likes to drive fast. He likes to take it slow. His daddy likes to go off road. He likes to stick to the streets.

Still, the phrase "like father, like son" definitely applies here.

What I Wore - Silverleaf Wedding

2011-04-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

I am not a celebrity. I know, I know, hard to believe right? Going to glamorous parties and special events is not a part of my every day life. I've never walked the red carpet or been featured in a fashion magazine. So when I get dressed up for a formal occasion, I want to document the rare ensemble. In recent months, my friend Anna did a blog post entitled What I Wore that described her everyday "momiform", and I was intrigued! So, I thought I would steal that idea and feature what I wore to a wedding in Arizona.

Hair/Makeup

Eyes: smokey eye in plum tones with individual false lashes

Cheeks: powder bronzer

Lips: L'Oreal Color Juice in Berry Burst

Nails: O.P.I. in Black Cherry Chutney

Outfit

Cocktail Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Beaded Silk Charmeuse in black
Shoes: Style & Co. Gathered Beaded Satin Peep Toe Pumps in black
Earrings: Macy's acrylic beaded drops

The overall look I was going for was young and fresh (as much as possible at age 35), without looking like I was going to prom. With it being a pretty fancy wedding, I wanted to look sophisticated but be comfortable enough to dance and move around. When I saw this dress I knew I had a winner! I gravitate toward garments that are simple but chic, and usually black. This rounded halter neckline, with its delicate beading, jumped out at me as being Audrey Hepburn-ish, and the shorter hemline showed off my legs. Paired with black satin heels and sparkly drop earrings, I felt quite pretty that evening.

The makeup was professionally done, as was the hair (there's no way I could have done that myself!). I wanted a smokey eye, but since I was wearing black I opted for a softer shade - plum. The plum tones made my hazel green eyes pop, I did my own lip gloss in a pale glossy pink, and (not so skillfully) did my own nails in a dark purple/black hue. My hair was curled with a 1" barrel curling iron, pinned up off to one side in the back where loose tendrils fell around my face, and it was all hair sprayed within an inch of its life. I mean my hair did NOT move or fall flat or anything! It was all definitely worth the money and time in the makeup chair. You know, I could really use an entourage to keep me lookin' good all the time!

But then, these special occasions wouldn't be that special if I always dressed like this, now would they?

Remembering Cindy Snow

2011-04-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

She looks like her daddy. In fact, when she was born I struggled to find any hint of similarity to me. But as she has gotten older, her interests and mannerisms were definitely inherited from yours truly.

As I have been delving into boxes, portfolios, and briefcases filled with my old artwork, I have stumbled upon the good, the bad, and the cringe-worthy. It is difficult for me to see drawings I once did, with disproportionate human forms and badly sketched trees. Perhaps there was a reason I had them hidden away for so long. There was a pleasant surprise, however, when I found my old paper dolls.

From about the third grade until the 8th grade I would spend hours drawing dolls and the clothes for them. I would name them, give them an age, and even a story. My figure drawing got better as I got older, as did my sense of fashion. Thrilled with my discovery, I shared my treasured memories with my daughter, whose eyes grew large with excitement as she looked upon the dolls. "YOU drew these, Mama? These are so amazing!" she said as she carefully held one in her hand. Well, that was a bigger response than I was expecting. For hours we poured over the dolls like Nicky South and her twin sister, Vicky (I was very influenced by Sweet Valley High books in those days, anybody remember them??). She tried on all the clothes and I told her the stories behind each character: Cindy Snow, Miko Han, the twins and Sarah Tenning.

Cindy Snow gets her party dress on.

As you can see, these clothes were probably drawn in 1987, because back then EVERYBODY had a two-tone catsuit with a keyhole neckline. And that extra long color block sweater? I'm pretty sure I saw one on an old episode of Full House recently.

Inspired by my masterpieces, my daughter decided she wanted to make paper dolls too. Out came the paper and pencils, scissors and crayons. For being in the first grade, I have to say that her creations are quite good.

Just look at that long blond hair and (very) full lips! I'm definitely seeing some artistic talent here.

As we were putting the dolls away, my girl told me that she loved looking through my "memories". And I loved sharing them with her.

The Wonders Of The Sea

2011-04-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo, the Pottery Barn April 2011 catalog has arrived! Truthfully, I don't often buy from Pottery Barn, but I do freely steal their décor ideas. And I am particularly excited about this edition because of the beachy style it's putting out.

I have always had a penchant for a breezy seaside look in my home. I have a growing collection of seashells, and every time I'm at the coast I cannot keep myself from bringing home another starfish. I have to be careful of how much I display my oceanic treasures because I don't want to over do any one theme, and my husband is surprisingly vocal when it comes to how we decorate our home (for example: he doesn't give a care about what sheets I put on the bed, but he doesn't want a sea grass magazine rack because it looks too "beachy". Whatever.)

In perusing the catalog, I was pleased to find ideas that I already put into action:

A sturdy glass hurricane filled with my seashell collection.

A worn Duncan Phyfe drop leaf table with a real vintage Underwood typewriter and woven sea grass candle holder.

A painted black bead board bathroom cabinet with subtle touches of the sea on display.

The look of my home is taking shape. Comfortable, stylish, kid friendly, and sprinkled with European and seaside touches. Yup, Kelly is starting to feel right at home.

New Beginnings

2011-04-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

Well hello blog world. You might have thought that in my absence this last week I was vacationing. Wouldn't that be nice? I could use a vacation. I'm thinking ... an island in the South Pacific is sounding real good right about now. In reality, I have been working. Moving to a new town with more opportunities for a graphic designer has spurred me to do some advertising. Advertising (hopefully) leads to new clients, which means my website was in desperate need of some reworking.

I am skilled when it comes to doing work for other people. I'm a good listener and can pick up on the needs and wants of my clients. Designing for myself is another story. While I can sell a knitting project I've done with no problem, dreaming up a website that represents my brand is a long involved process. Several cups of coffee, weeks of planning, and too many fast food dinners later I've settled on a site that I'm pleased with.

www.vermilionmedia.com

There is a section that I have yet to finish, but I'm feeling relief in having a representation of my work on the web and I can focus on other things for a while. {audible relieved sigh}

So tonight, I shall make grilled lemon chicken with couscous. Yeah, because tonight I have the time to be fancy!

Mon Beau Tapis De Cuisine

2011-03-28T15:56:00.000-07:00

The moment I saw it I knew it would be the PERFECT mat for my kitchen! I knew it would look great nestled up against the matte black cabinets and blend flawlessly with my other bistro décor. This rug arrived to my doorstep this afternoon, which resulted in an excited squeal and careful tearing into the box.

Isn't it gorgeous? The size, shape and chalkboard menu design is pure perfection under my kitchen sink. It will protect the hardwood, and adds a French flair.

Bon appetit indeed! I find this mat inspiring - perhaps I'll dust off that old French cookbook and create culinary masterpieces ...

... I think I will start by making the "Gateau au Chocolat"!

I love my mat. It is easy to clean and is comfortable to stand on, but it has an intense rubber smell to it which I hope will dissipate soon. By the way, my kitchen is not ever as clean as it is in this photo. Just keepin' it real.

A Quest For Lavender

2011-03-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

Moving into a new place can bring about an adventurous treasure hunt. Today I explored our backyard which holds a brambly haven for birds, a lawn that takes an hour and a half to mow, and a raised bed with mysterious plantings. Amongst the questionable foliage and weeds I discovered a marker with "lavender -->" on it, and immediately I was intrigued. Lavender? Where?

I saw rocks, roots, other markers, and worms, but no lavender. I found strawberry plants, Italian flat leaf parsley, what I assume are raspberry bushes, and stunning hyacinth flowers, but no lavender. Cut back rose bushes bring the promise of lovely blooms in June. Birch trees grace my yard with their papery branches. And the chives shooting up from the earth make me think of great culinary uses. But no lavender. Well, if I don't find it I will plant some, and I just may place that old marker in the ground next to the bushes, so that its purpose will be fulfilled ... and I will search no more.

If I Only Had The Time

2011-03-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why, but I always seem to be knitting socks in the month of March. It seems a little crazy doesn't it, since the arrival of spring means it's time to start dusting off those sandals.

Truthfully, I would rather be knitting a light cardigan, but I haven't had the time to find the right yarn for the one I want to do. So I went shopping in my own yarn stash and settled on some lace socks using the Schachenmayr nomotta Regia Color 4-ply /4-fädig (say that ten times fast) sock yarn that I bought in Newport last year.

Today is the perfect day to snuggle up on the couch with a cup of Earl Grey, a good movie and needles clacking away. Now, if I only had the time to actually sit down and knit ...

Things Are Lookin' Shabby ... Chic That Is

2011-03-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

New home + new room = new décor. That's what we told our daughter in order to make our transition sound more appealing. She is almost seven years old now, and is growing out of the Disney Princess phase. She is growing up and wants a more grown up look to her bedroom ... and I'm thrilled to provide it.

With some careful thought, we determined that a hint of "Shabby Chic" is just the thing to liven up her room and add a twist of sophistication. Remembering her fondness for the flower ball she carried in a recent wedding, we opted to fill her room with flowers and nature, starting with the recreation of the bouquet. So off to the craft store we went for inspiration.

My girl chose a lovely palate of red, pink, white and green; which will be easy to work with. She immediately gravitated toward all things with sparkle and butterflies. As a result, I think we came up with a gorgeous display that now hangs from the ceiling in front of her window.

Shimmery white butterflies adorn the arrangement; an addition that she came up with on her own.

With a little bit of direction from her dear old mom, she carefully placed the fabric flowers around a foam core. I secured the arrangement with hot glue, but over all this was her project.

Using crystal and pearl pins from her flower girl bouquet, this flower ball sparkles in the sunlight.

The next step (once we get all of the boxes unpacked and sorted through) will be to get her new bedding and a few decorative items to pull the look together. So, even though we are saying goodbye to her seemingly endless collection of princesses, her bedroom will still be fit for the little princess that she is.

Music To My Ears

2011-03-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

"I wrote a song Mama ... but it's a short one", my daughter told me one morning last week. She has been musical ever since she could utter a sound. Before we moved, her bedroom sat on the second floor and she would sing out her open window, filling the neighborhood with her angelic voice. Music is in her soul.

Thanks to Craigslist (and some persuasive negotiating skills by my husband), she now has the means to further her musical journey with a newly purchased guitar. This is a real guitar, not a toy, that fits her little hands.

The surprised look on her face was priceless as Daddy presented it to her from behind his back.

Her fingers ran over the instrument as she inspected the strings and bright pink decoration.

Her expression showed delight as she strummed for the first time.

And the guitar lessons promptly began.

This morning my girl told me that she wrote another song - it's about trusting God. That is literally music to my ears.

He Will Always Be My Baby

2011-03-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my son's birthday. I honestly am having a hard time believing that he is four years old. I still think of him as a baby I suppose - my little baby. Then when I really look at him and I see the size of his feet or watch the way he drives his battery operated truck around the backyard ... it hits me ... he is getting so big.

Being in a new town is tricky when it comes to birthdays because we know so few people. So, I was relieved when we asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday and he replied, "I wanna go camping". Sure, camping in the middle of March in Oregon sounds a little crazy, but we knew that the time spent snuggled up in our 5th wheel, eating cake and opening presents would create great memories. And it sure did!

He had a ball putting the candles in his cake (that he got to decorate). And he didn't stop at four ... he wanted them all! Why not?

The next morning brought rain to our campsite, but that didn't put a damper on bubble blowing!

And this mama's heart melted when he wanted to cuddle up on my lap at the end of the day. Prooving that no matter what age he is, he will ALWAYS be my baby.

Colors Of Joy

2011-03-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

Dutch irises and daffodils from my kitchen table.

Fashionably Late

2011-03-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know that the Oscars were over a week ago. But with all that has been going on in my life I just haven't been able to take the time to comment on all award fashions! So, I may be late ... but at least I'm fashionably late.

I've decided to just focus on the looks that I liked. Truthfully I didn't think anyone looked too horrific.

This girl is only fourteen years old and she was nominated for an Academy Award. While Hailee Steinfeld may have given a riveting performance in True Grit (from what I hear), she definitely gets my vote for her Oscar style. She was dressed like a lady and stayed appropriate for her age. She's fresh and the pearly pink Marchesa gown compliments her skin tone. And while I am tired of young Hollywood starlets constantly being said they are like a young Audrey Hepburn {eyes rolling}, I feel that this dress looks like something that would have graced the legend's wardrobe.

Some people may not "get" this dress. It is fashion forward and not the traditional glamour gown. I, however, get it. The color combination is interesting. It pulls me in and my eyes dance all over the intricate beading and structure. Would I wear this dress? Probably not, but then I am not Cate Blanchett. I think she is the only one who can pull off this Givency creation with confidence and poise.

What can I say about Michelle Williams? I never watched Dawson's Creek and I don't believe I have ever seen one of her films. But ... she looked pretty at the Oscars! Her Mia Farrow pixie haircut and polished makeup was beautiful with her stunning Chanel Couture gown. Can you imagine how much work went into creating this dress? Mmm, someday when I am nominated for an Academy Award (ha!) I will definitely choose to wear Chanel.

I've always loved Barbie. And on the red carpet I saw her! Reese Witherspoon evokes the classic version of the doll with her simple silhouette and flipped hair and I think it is gorgeous. The emerald jewelry was a nice touch too.

Mila Kunis may be most known for her days on That 70s Show and most recently for Black Swan, but in my mind I know her for when she showed up looking like a goddess on the red carpet. I'm not sure if this Elie Saab dress is considered to be lavender or lilac, but it is stunning on this girl!

Ah, Miss Portman. I have always been a fan. You have an elegance that is inspiring. No, I haven't seen your film Black Swan (and probably won't ever), but I cheered for you as you received your Oscar for Best Actress. And if I could I would have given you an award for your ensemble that night. Your Rodarte gown draped beautifully over your baby bump and the color looks like it was invented just for you. Bravo!

So there you have it, my picks for the 2011 Oscars. What will next year bring? I hope a lot of inspiring designs ... oh and some good films too!

How To Obtain Chai Blissfulness

2011-03-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

There is just something about Chai tea that is so good. It is decadent, rich, spicy and has always been a special treat to me since I'd either have to buy it from the store or head to my nearest Starbucks. Well, no more! No more waiting, no more spending, and no more unsatisfied cravings! My mom introduced me to a recipe that is so insanely simple, I can have Chai tea whenever I want and it barely costs me a thing.

I suppose you want the recipe now, huh? Well okay, since I'm in a Chai induced generous mood:

HOMEMADE CHAI CONCENTRATE by parenthacks.com

1 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
1 t. ground cardamom
1 t. ground ginger
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1/2 t. ground cloves

Mix everything and store in the refrigerator. A small, glass mason jar with a plastic storage cap works well. The mixture will keep, refrigerated, for six months.

Next up is a pictorial to demonstrate how easy it is to make yourself an unbelievable cup o' Chai. Prepare for utter bliss:

First, steep your favorite black tea in boiling water. Place a spoon in the cup while steeping to warm it up.

Grab your Chai concentrate from the fridge.

Dry off your warmed spoon when the tea is done steeping, then get a heaping spoonful of the concentrate ...

... and drizzle it into the tea!

Give it a good stir and immediately start enjoying it.

If you are a Chai latte fan, try this method of making great foam and mix it in. See, no need to leave the house and spend four bucks on temporary heaven!

The Most Lovely Breakfast

2011-02-28T15:51:00.000-08:00

Boy, the French sure know how to do breakfast don't they?

Almond crème croissant.

Hot chocolate with lots of steamed milk.

Earl Grey tea, served on a silver platter.

This last weekend I had a visit with my mom. It was a getaway for me, a time to relax and briefly escape all of the chaos in my life. I returned home refreshed and ready to tackle more moving boxes. I'm pretty sure the dreamy breakfast at Le Patissier had something to do with my positive new outlook on things.

With A Little Bit Of Pixie Dust ...

2011-02-22T16:19:00.000-08:00

Sigh. I never want to move again ... ever! As I sit here (on the laptop since my office is not yet set up) I glance around my bedroom in dismay. Framed prints and mirrors are leaned against the wall. Every horizontal surface is cluttered with belongings yet to find a home. And my underwear is still 2/3 of the way down a box that sits on my floor. I'm not sure when my life will normalize.

Despite my desire to arrange and clean and decorate, what I really want to do is fly away somewhere. Even if just for an hour. Where oh where is that Tinkerbell and her pixie dust when I need her?

Speaking of pixie, have you heard of Pixi Cosmetics? Sold at Target, I found this water based lip stain that is my newest favorite thing. Even though it retails for $18, a lot more than what I usually spend on makeup, I think it is worth its price. It's like using a felt tip marker on your lips, and "purity" is my shade. I honestly don't have to keep reapplying it, and it looks great with or without a shiny gloss.

So inconclusion, my life may be in complete chaos at the moment, but at least I can smile at the fact that my lips look fantastic!

The Giving Trees

2011-02-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

I love that story, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. It has an impactful story and my daughter cries every time she hears it.

In a much less emotional way, I feel as though my orchid plants are like little giving trees. No matter how much I ignore them or neglect them they still keep on giving me beautiful blooms. They have particularly liked sitting in the master bathroom window sill in our rental house, where there is a constant cover of condensation on the frosted pane. Their shoots faithfully angle toward the light of the window and and they soak up the warm steam during a shower. One flower is on the cusp of blooming and I can hardly wait to see the white and pink face looking back at me.

Seriously, after the way I have treated these beauties, they should not be so kind to me.

Windows And Doors

2011-02-16T17:18:00.000-08:00

We are moving into our new house this week! Bit by bit we are getting our boxes emptied and on Saturday we are hauling all of the furniture. Since we got possession of our place this last Sunday, I have been able to spend some time getting to know it and acquainting myself with its rhythms.

Here are a few inspiring features of the home, including a French door to the backyard from the master bedroom:

The natural light is plentiful, and the warm cottage feel makes me feel ... well ... right at home.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T12:29:00.000-08:00

The Wedding Party

2011-02-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do is look at wedding photos. Often I cannot resist perusing a wedding magazine even though my own wedding was 11 1/2 years ago. There is just something special about rose petals and sparkling rings; bright boutonnieres against stark suits; and children dressed up in satin dresses and miniature tuxedos.

Taking photos is also one of my favorite things (as you may have noticed) but venturing into the world of wedding photography freaks me out. What if I were photographing a wedding and missed the most important moments like the giving away of the bride or the kiss?! Thankfully, I was able to take photos of the wedding in Arizona and just have fun with it since a professional was hired to worry about the important stuff.

I got to use our new camera and play around with artistic style. I had different perspectives of the event than what the professionals had. And I happened to know one of the flower girls personally, so I got some ultra exclusive shots!

There were four flower girls. The older ones wore very pale pearly pink dresses, while the younger ones wore slightly brighter baby pink dresses. White satin gloves adorned their petite hands and "Hello, Kitty!" beaded necklaces were made by the mother of the bride.

The wedding took place at the stunning Silverleaf Club & Spa in Scottsdale. Starting at 4:45 pm, the sun was starting to go down and surprisingly, the air was quite chilly for being in the Sonoran Desert. The golf green made the ideal background, and the bride (my husband's cousin) was gorgeous. My daughter performed her flower girl duties to perfection, and even though my son was not a ring bearer, he looked so handsome in his little tux.

He'll have his glass of milk shaken ... not stirred!

Then, shortly after the ceremony a photographer's dream started to come true ...

The flower girls began scooping up the rose petals ...

... tossing them into the air ...

... and provided my favorite shot of the whole wedding! This looks like a photo from a Martha Stewart Weddings magazine or something. But what is the greatest thing about it is that it wasn't staged, it was completely spontaneous.

The wedding was certainly quite the event. I am so glad I got to be a part of it, taking photos ... without any of the pressure.

Gettin' Glam

2011-02-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

The main reason for our recent trip to Arizona was for a wedding. It was a great time of seeing aunts, uncles, cousins, parents and siblings. It was also the perfect excuse to get glammed up and all fancified!

Here are a few glamor shots to show you what I mean:

Since my daughter was a flower girl in the wedding, we had her hair professionally done. She made a few faces of boredom and discomfort, but ultimately she was thrilled to be fussed over.

Sitting still in a chair for twenty minutes paid off! She's like my own little Shirley Temple!

I'm pretty sure I am going to frame this and hang it on my wall. Gorgeousness!

Although this one is pretty stunning too.

I have to put this on my wall as well. He's so dashing and cool. My son wasn't in the wedding, but since his cousins were ring bearers wearing tuxedos, we got him a penguin suit too.

He's already a heart breaker!

Okay, so I had to add this photo. There are rare occasions where I get truly dressed up. And since I had my hair and makeup professionally done, documenting this rare event was a must!

And here I am with my dapper husband. It was fun helping him choose his ensemble.

Now ... if I can only wrestle us up some tickets to the Oscars ... I'm pretty sure we could handle such an event!

Truly Roughin' It

2011-02-08T16:08:00.000-08:00

So, the last few days I have been in Scottsdale, Arizona. As you can imagine, I was really roughin' it while I was there. I mean, I was forced to look at completely uninspiring views like this:

And spend time under the nearly cloudless sky like this:

It was absolute torture! The shopping is excruciating with so many choices and outdoor activities are just too tempting on these sunny days.

Seriously, how can people live like this? {mock eye-rolling}

Back Off! They're MINE!

2011-02-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

You know that slogan "Nobody better lay a finger on my Butterfinger"? Well, that is how I feel about some new snack chips that I have discovered.

I first had these while camping with my sister. She handed me a snack-size bag of them, and instantly I was hooked! Then I saw these chips for sale at Costco and I didn't hesitate to throw a hurkin' bag of them in my cart. SO GOOD!

What makes these so special is not how good they taste, but that they taste good AND they are made of whole grains. These RiceWorks chips are made of brown rice and have some sesame seeds thrown in as well. Now, I don't have a problem with gluten personally, but they make a great snack for anyone on a gluten-free diet (they are also Vegan and Kosher). They seriously taste like Doritos except without the guilt. Well, maybe a little guilt since I can't stop eating them! They make me want to hide them, hoard them, and foam at the mouth when anyone tries to eat them. A little obsessive I know, but that's just the way it is.

I have only tried the Sweet Chili flavor, but I have a feeling that the Salsa Fresca and Tangy BBQ are right up my alley.

Now that you know how I feel about them, please do not be offended if I yell: BACK OFF! THEY'RE MINE!

Soft Kitty

2011-01-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

Soft kitty, warm kitty
Little ball of fur
Happy kitty, sleepy kitty
Purr, purr, purr

Born To Live In A Nancy Meyers House

2011-01-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

I am convinced that I should be in a Nancy Meyers film ... if only to get to live in one of her houses! The interior design of the fictional homes is the real star of her movies. In fact, I'd say that I watch her movies JUST to drool over the charming kitchens and homey living rooms.

The first time I watched The Father of the Bride I was hooked. Not only was the exterior of the house spectacular, but the interior décor is what made me want to move in and never leave. It's the details that perfect the mood and set the scene.

Mmmm, the arched built-in shelves, the warm butter cream walls, and the chic slip-covered furniture are positively inspiring ... even 16 years after the film was made.

The Father of the Bride house was on the feminine side with its floral pillows and soft colors, so its counterpart had to have been the vineyard house in Meyer's remake of The Parent Trap. It was undoubtedly masculine and rustic. Everything was large and manly ... and I LOVE it!

Just look at that fireplace - have you ever seen anything more magnificent? The dark and rich colors and terracotta floors make me want to curl up next to the fire and eat some hearty soup! Or maybe sip some cocoa or mulled wine.

In keeping with the California theme, I must post pics of Meryl Streep's home in It's Complicated. Set in the Southern California town of Santa Barbara, this 1920's Spanish style house is worthy of some serious salivating.

Hello gorgeous! The slipcovers in neutral shades balance out this living room. The details are both feminine and masculine, creating a mash-up of the Father of the Bride living room and The Parent Trap living room in my opinion. The high wooden beams of the ceiling are a stunning feature and I just might have to have that pedestal table! I had read somewhere that Meyers had the interior of this house done in warm peach tones to compliment Meryl Streep's complexion. How brilliant!

This kitchen makes artichokes and tomatoes look SO good! The neutral colors make the fruits and vegetables pop, and it has sturdy surfaces in which to whip up a late morning brunch or a loaves of French bread. Oh, and I find the caning on the facades of the cabinets to be rather delightful.

Aside from the thoughtful details of the set direction, Meyer's team of experts did a tremendous job of lighting design. All of her films feature homes that are bathed in a "natural" light, often set in California, that give you that warm fuzzy feeling.

If my house was this well lit, it would make it a lot easier to get out of bed in the morning! This living room from Cameron Diaz's house in The Holiday is clean and well-appointed. However, it looks unused and a little bit cold, which was designed to reflect the unemotional character of Amanda Woods.

As a juxtaposition of the Los Angeles house in The Holiday, this stone cottage in wintry England is very warm and well used. It is cluttered, but in an organized manner, and the worn velvet and ticking fabrics are inviting and comfy. I am now convinced that a drum makes the most charming side table.

Then there is the greatest Nancy Meyers house of them all ... the South Hampton beach house from Something's Gotta Give. I know I have mentioned this house before, but I can't help it, it is PERFECTION in my eyes and a total dream house.

Blue and white is my ideal combination. There is something about it that is fresh and clean and quintessentially coastal. This two-story living room has a warm elegance to it that I crave for my own home. Stacks of books on the sofa table and vases of lilac and hydrangeas make my eyes dance. I want to live here ... SO bad!

The reason I am in such an aesthetic kind of mood is that we are buying a house! In just a few weeks we will move out of our rental house and into our new home where I can begin the exciting task of placing furniture and creating a homey space for my family. While it isn't exactly a house in the Hamptons or a Beverly Hills mansion, we are very excited about our new place. It sits on 1/3 of an acre with a big backyard (complete with a swing set for the kids) and was renovated in 2009. This means that there isn't much that we have to do to it to make it comfortable, but there will be freedom to make a few custom modifications. I can already tell that the hickory hardwood floor will make for an excellent photo background, and for the first time in my life I will cook on a gas range.

I'm a homebody. I look for comfort and little things that make me smile. Even though it is a few weeks until we move, I've decided to start early and cozy up our current house a bit. Starting with these springtime beauties ...

Now these, like Nancy Meyer's decorating genius, make me smile.

Nearly Twilight

2011-01-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

Black oaks in the winter, at nearly twilight.

(I wanted to post a cool poem about "twilight" ... but all I could find were poems about Twilight. Bleh!)

This Kid

2011-01-24T20:00:00.000-08:00

My son in 2007

Yup, I love this kid. I love him when he grins from ear to ear as he rides his battery operated Hummer around the backyard. I love this kid (even) when he sneaks crackers off of the kitchen counter after being told that snack time is over. I love this kid when he asks me in the sweetest voice if I would read him a story. I love this kid when I must put suspenders on him to keep his pants up over his non-existent hips. I love this kid when he stifles a pleased grin as he is told he looks very handsome in his church clothes.

I love this kid when he plays hard and nonchalantly checks to see if I'm watching.

And I love this kid when he randomly falls asleep on the family room floor.

I just love him.

Pretty Little Snowdrops

2011-01-21T17:54:00.000-08:00

"A Snowdrop plant looks like three drops of milk hanging from a stem." I find this description (from the flowerexpert.com website) to be a perfect description for these winter-blooming flowers.

And I am thrilled that these are the only drops of snow I see in my front yard!

Strawberry Sunset Shrug

2011-01-19T21:37:00.000-08:00

I love days like this. The days where I get to combine my two favorite hobbies. The days where I have completed a knitting project and I get to photograph it!

"I've got it! I'll name it 'Strawberry Sunset'!" my daughter exclaimed. She had been pondering a few options for what she wanted to call her new sweater. She chose strawberry because I said the color reminded me of a strawberry Laffy Taffy, and sunset because the color reminded her of a sunset. Sounds logical to me!

With an early school release on Wednesdays, I thought today would be the perfect day to get some shots of my girl in her wooly new shrug. But, being the procrastinator that I am, I was still sewing the ribbon on at the last minute and we didn't get to the park until just after 4:00 pm. Boy did that turn out to be a blessing!

The sun was hanging low in the western sky. It wasn't yet sunset, I'd say it was more like twilight, and my daughter was feeling beautiful and cooperative. She was inspired by her surroundings, and I was inspired by her dazzling smile. The photo shoot just clicked (pun intended) and I'm feeling pretty pleased with our time together.

I just don't know what I like the most: the way the sweater turned out, the fun of using my new camera, or the way the sun shines warmly on her hair.

This one is my favorite. While not the best for giving a detailed look at the sweater, this frame was a simple moment that became magical by the sun and the trees around her. Plus it helps that she isn't giving me a cheesy grin or funny face.

Okay, back to the subject at hand ... the shrug!

Raveled here

Pattern: Shrug This by Toni Kayser Weiner

Yarn: Rowan Big Wool in Tricky

Time Elapsed: Yeah right! Like I could keep track of that with all of the moving we've done in the last month.

Modifications/Notes: I followed the instructions as written except instead of a rib on the hem and sleeves I opted for a sturdier moss stitch. I also added a silk satin ribbon (in pink of course!) that I hand-stitched to the inside.

It's The Same In Every Language

2011-01-18T17:41:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting for this day for a couple of weeks now. My Nikon D200 has arrived! For six years my husband and I have used the Nikon D70 and it has been a wonderful camera, but we felt that it was time to upgrade to a camera body with a bigger LCD and higher resolution.

We didn't buy our SLR new, it has been used before but only has about 2400 actuations on it (we put over 30,000 on ours!) and is in great condition. The camera was purchased from a photo shop in Canada and today when it arrived it was packed carefully and in its original box. Everything was going swimmingly until I went to read the manual ... or rather:

Guide Nikon de la photographie numérique

Avec le

D200

APPAREIL NUMÉRIQUE

That's right ... all of the accompanying written material is in French!

Whew! I consider myself fortunate to have had some experience with a Nikon and a little understanding of the French language, otherwise I would be in a heap of trouble. The camera's settings are slightly different and the placement of the dials are as well. It will take some time to figure out this new machine, but I've had the pleasure of taking some photos and I am loving the results.

This image is straight out of the camera - absolutely no editing was done and it looks pretty good! I used my 50mm lens and no flash.

So, today I have learned that whether the instructions are in French or English, the camera's capabilities are the same in every language.

You Knew It Was Coming!

2011-01-17T21:05:00.000-08:00

I can't help myself ... here is my fashion review for the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards!

The looks that I found to be stunning

Claire Danes normally doesn't catch my attention, but on this night I was blown away by her feminine pink gown and simple jewelry. I adore the structure of this dress and the color suits her hair and makeup perfectly!

To be honest, I don't know this girl, Hailee Steinfeld. I think she was in the movie True Grit, which I have never seen, but I do know that she looked beautiful at the Golden Globes. I believe she is a teenager and looks very ladylike in this pearly white dress and the bold turquoise clutch was an exciting accessory.

Milla Jovovich was a presenter at the awards and when she came out alongside Kevin Bacon, I thought she looked so gorgeous. From her Hollywood starlet hair to the platinum colored dress, she looks put together and lovely.

The looks that left me stunned ... and not in a good way

Why not begin with the most atrocious: Helena Bonham Carter. Truthfully, I didn't expect anything different from this woman, she is well known for her weird get-ups. Still I find it tragic that such a beautiful woman and talented actress would walk the carpet in this travesty. So sad.

Okay we get it ... Halle Berry has a fabulous body. That is undeniable. But why did she have to show up to the Golden Globes looking like a hybrid of Catwoman and Elvira? I'm really not feeling it here. But the diamonds are pretty.

I was trying to decide which ensemble to put in here, Michelle William's or Sandra Bullock's. Well, I found them equally bad and for different reasons. Michelle William's has lovely hair and makeup, but the ill-fitting dress seems too casual for an awards show with the whimsical daisies and drab colors. Ms. Bullock, on the other hand, has a very pretty blush colored dress but the hair is kind of scary with the severe bangs that pulls down the whole look. Boo.

The looks that fizzled

This emerald color is perfect on Angelina Jolie, and it was nice to see her in something other than black. Other than the shade, this dress is boring, matronly, and I just can't get over the return of shoulder pads!

Evidently, Natalie Portman is pregnant (imagine all of the jokes being made by Star Wars fans all over the world!). This dress has a good silhouette and the pale pink looks fresh and sweet, but that Swarovski rose was a bit much. Yes she is with-child and in love, but she didn't have to dress like a walking Valentine's Day card!

About half of Julianne Moore's dress is pretty. The right half. The rest is a big ol' mess with poofs and hidden jewels. Surprisingly I did like the color against her fair skin and red hair, but that's about it.

Ah, I love awards season. And just think, the Academy Awards are not too far away! You can be sure I will have a few opinions to express when the time comes. I just hope the stars do not disappoint!

A Treasure Hunt

2011-01-12T20:15:00.000-08:00

On the 15th we will have lived in our new town for a whole month. In that time, we have explored neighboring towns, sampled delicious food from local restaurants, and we practically know the mall like the back of our hands. But, today it came to my attention that we hadn't been to a nearby park that my kids were dying to go to. So, I grabbed my camera and we set out for an hour or so of playing and wandering!

It's refreshing to see color in the dead of winter. Our previous town had lots of snow, and when it wasn't falling out of the sky it was covering the struggling vegetation. Needless to say that I was thrilled to see shades of green, red, and brown even with a heavy cover of gray sky above.

Black oak trees are abundant here. What amazes me is that since the leaves have fallen off the branches, clusters of mistletoe form high up and look like scraggly bird nests. My kids are excited to play on the playground wearing only light jackets, and a berm of hardened snow is nowhere to be seen.

Black oak trees also produce some rather large acorns. I love the contrast between the orange-brown shell of the acorn against the glossy green paint of the picnic tables!

Pathways wound throughout the park grounds piquing the interest of my little explorers. Shouts of "Let's go this way, Mama" and "Ooh, lets go look at that!" was all I could hear as I felt them pull at my jacket. A wooden foot bridge crossed over a shallow creek (if only my camera battery hadn't died at this point I would have taken a photo or two) and benches with memorial plaques were scattered along the paths.

It was a lovely afternoon. And while I don't necessarily think that this park was extraordinary or unusual, to us, it is a gem in the new town that we are finding to be quite a treasure.

Frosty Little Winterberries

2011-01-10T16:24:00.000-08:00

I may have moved to a "warmer" climate, but it was still absolutely freezing this morning when I took my daughter to school. When I opened the back door to let the dog out, the landscaping looked distorted by the waves of heat coming out of the house. Still, I couldn't resist snapping away at the stunning ice crystals that formed on everything.

God's creation is intricately beautiful in the littlest and biggest ways.

A Little Va Va To My Voom!

2011-01-07T21:16:00.000-08:00

Normally, I am a simple girl. I like my clothes to fit well, my shoes to be comfortable, and my hair and makeup to be ladylike. But since I am headed for sunny Scottsdale in a month, I decided it was time to kick off my sensible black shoes and take a walk on the wild side!

Behold my new swanky heels:

These babies are high ... very high. The taupe suede and mahogany python print embossed leather slither up the tops of my feet, and fasten in two places around my ankles. The gold detailing makes me feel like a million bucks, while the sales price and free shipping from endless.com have kept me from spending a million bucks.

Worn with jeans or a structured skirt, I can see that these will get a lot of use. In my current city, the weather gets warm and spring is but a few months away.

A little dark polish (like Lincoln Park After Dark by O.P.I) and I'll be ready to strut my stuff on the hot pavement of Arizona. And while I may be a simple girl from Oregon, I'm pretty sure that with these sandals I'll blend right in!

Under A Bood Red Sky

2011-01-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

35 Things To Do

2011-01-04T22:31:00.000-08:00

So ... I turn 35 today. I've been receiving warm birthday wishes and hopes that I do something "special" on this day. It's funny because what I wanted more than anything for my birthday is for life to go back to normal. With listing a house, selling a house, moving a household, hosting Christmas and having many days of togetherness with my family ... I am SO ready for a routine!

Here is a list of 35 things that I've done today that have made this day special:

1. Wake up early, for the first time in weeks.

2. Drive my daughter to her first day at her new school.

3. Tell myself that I don't look like I'm 35, but rather a solid 28!

4. Try not to scrutinize my wrinkles.

5. Enjoyed not one, but TWO cups of tea before 9:00 am.

6. Go to Barnes & Noble and buy myself a birthday present: A Moleskine Wine Journal!

7. Treat myself to a cappuccino at Starbucks and get free vanilla syrup by mentioning my birthday.

8. Get lost while trying to find the county animal control building.

9. Buy a dog license.

10.Get lost a couple more times while trying to figure out my way around "the big city".

11. Thank a few people on Facebook for their birthday wishes.

12. Hound my seemingly non-potty-trainable son to get on the potty.

13. Get in five total minutes of knitting.

14. Reapply my lipstick before heading out to pick up my daughter from school.

15. Sit in line for a good eight minutes in the drop-off/pick-up lane, and remember the good times when my daughter used to take the bus.

16. Fix the Tivo. Okay, so really I just restarted it but I like to think I "fixed" it.

17. Helped my daughter with her spelling homework. "No, there is no "e" in the word "always"!"

18. Thanked more Facebook friends for their floods of "happy birthdays" on my wall.

19. Drank a glass of orange juice in the middle of the afternoon, just because I felt like it.

20. Briefly contemplated making a fabulous dinner of Chicken Marsala and salad, but then got distracted by the phone.

21. Spent countless hours talking to family on the phone.

22. Began this blog post in the late afternoon, convincing myself that it would get finished before going to bed.

23. Made a not so fabulous dinner of pancakes and bacon. What can I say, it was easy.

24. Along with my husband, looked at cameras online and ended up buying one (it should arrive in two weeks!)

25. Sat in front of my computer frantically trying to finish this blog post so that I could go to bed. And therefore, decided to end my list at only 25 things. Because really, it wasn't all that exciting to begin with ... and that's exactly what I wanted on this day: for it to not be too exciting.

{feet dragging heavily while heading off to bed}

Autumnal Splendor Spiral Cowl

2010-12-28T16:03:00.000-08:00

The amount of time it took me to knit this cowl is ridiculous! It was not difficult or particularly time consuming, but with all of the change going on in my life I found it difficult to concentrate.

I wanted to give a hand knit gift to my friend for her birthday. Something that is in a neutral color, high quality, and wearable even in the sunny state of California (it gets cold there once in a while, right?). I settled on this spiral cowl and used up some tweedy yarn left over from my Tangled Yoke Cardigan. The result is this simple, fashionable and elegant cowl!

Raveled here

Pattern: Spiral Cowl by Keri McKiernan.

Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed in Seafarer.

Time Elapsed: really I couldn't say, what with all of the picking up, moving, and losing of things going on!

Modifications/Notes: I followed the pattern exactly as written, and added a beautiful leather wrapped button.