The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap

So I did it again this year!

I may have been a little mentally ill when I signed up though because:

There was a recent death in the family.

I was moving. 

My oven stopped working.

Holidays.

Traveling.

Ahhh!!

Biting off more than I can chew.

Hyphenate that and it could be my new middle name. 

Much like that ol' "Meta World Peace" what's-his-face...

I digress.

So I (honestly) forgot about this year's cookie swap until like three days before. 

Luckily I'd already decided I was going to try a recipe for a molasses spice cookie.

A what?

Yea, I thought the same thing.

Molasses.

That gooey, dark stuff that kinda looks like syrup but smells too funky for anyone to dare try it on a pancake.

I was surprised though.

Although my oven was still giving me fits, these cookies turned out pretty good. 

I'm not sure molasses is my favorite flavor - just keepin' it real folks - but these were warm, spicy cookies made a really unique (but simple) holiday treat.

I realllly liked them dunked in a) milk or b) hot tea. 

Mmmmm...

So onto the results::

Molasses Spice Cookies

Recipe from MarthaStewart.com

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a shallow bowl, place 1/2 cup sugar; set aside.
2. With an electric mixer, beat butter and remaining cup of sugar until combined. Beat in egg and then molasses until combined. Reduce speed to low; gradually mix in dry ingredients, just until a dough forms.
3. Pinch off and roll dough into balls, each equal to 1 tablespoon. Roll balls in reserved sugar to coat.
4. Arrange balls on baking sheets, about 3 inches apart. Bake, one sheet at a time, until edges of cookies are just firm, 10 to 15 minutes (cookies can be baked two sheets at a time, but they will not crackle uniformly). Cool 1 minute on baking sheets; transfer to racks to cool completely.

And a BIG shout out to the wonderful bloggers who sent me cookies!!!!

They were all delicious!

Just ask my co-workers who literally downed all 3 dozen in about 2 days.

Cookie monsters.

(I had to share the wealth...just didn't mean to share it that much! sheesh)

In particular I want to send my incredible thanks to Julianne @ Adventures of the Yankee Kitchen Ninja for her ammmazing Cranberry-Pistachio Biscotti with Crystallized Ginger!

She had me at pistachios.

Thanks so much Julianne!!

And Jad @ New South Food Company for his downright sinful Ghirardelli White and Dark Chocolate Cookies.
Holy cow y'all.
So good.
Thank you Jad!!!

My last box didn't have a note inside so I wish I could send a more personal Thank You to the last delicious baker (let me know who you are if you're reading this).
The oatmeal/toffee cookies you sent were out of this world and I MUST have the recipe!!

Also, it's possible that in the move I may have misplaced something but I wanna give credit where it's due.

So please, let me know who you are if you're reading this!!

Thank you all SO very, very much!

My blood sugar levels are high and I'm one happy cookie camper.

Scrooge and the Dutch Oven

My 29th birthday is a few weeks away.

I'm having some major issues with the whole thing.

Something about coming to terms with my last "20-something" birthday is rather sobering.

That and the fact that my life has been completely turned upside down this year (for another time).

Despite outside protestations that my life, in fact, will not be over that day, I can't but help wrinkle my nose and exclaim:

Bah! Humbug!

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So in other words, I'm already a crotchety old man 

(but I still have my hair).

It's the beginning of the end people.
I need to start breaking out the wrinkle cream.

What this has to do with a $225 Dutch oven is as good your guess as mine.
But it's my blog, so my prerogative.
nanny-nanny boo-boo.

I'm so mature.

But just cast your eyes on this Le Creuset Dutch oven for a moment.
Take a deep breath and let the days worries just roll over you.
sigh.

I look at that thing and smell comfort. 

Source: cookware.lecreuset.com via Faith on Pinterest

This magical little pot's mood-lifting powers are almost equivalent to a piece of chocolate cake.

I said "almost".

There's just something I love about a Dutch oven.
All the possibilities.
Desserts,
Soups/stews,
Roasts,
Breads,
etc etc etc...

I love their durability and tradition. I mean those suckers last. Like my great-grandchildren will be using it.
They're virtually indestructible - and if you've seen (or heard) me in the kitchen, that's a necessity.
My grandma has one that I've already called dibs on. I've thought about sneaking it out of her house one day, but those puppies are heavy and I'm not sure I'd be able to make it through airport security either.
Unfortunate.

So if anyone feels like contributing to my own little cast iron Zanax please feel free to email me any time before the end of the month.

ps - I'm kidding (mostly).


Ever cooked in a Dutch oven? Love/Hate/No idea what I'm talking about?
What about birthdays you'd rather forget? Any tips for getting through?

Pompom, Mint, & Pumpkin Happies

So something happens when the calender turns November:

• Hallmark movie channel starts promoting their newest batch of unapologetically cheesy holiday films (that I inevitably fall for every year).
• Target starts sending me catalogs full of children's toy ideas which I think is strange considering there are no children in my home.
• And I start telling myself I need to start holiday shopping...every week...until Dec 20th.

The holidays are a'comin folks. They are a'comin.



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Most commercial wrapping paper bores me to tears. If I see one more crudely drawn Santa or arrowhead masquerading as a Christmas tree, I'm going to scream.
Last year's gift wrap was divine but I made the glitter error. Oh my, what a pain. That sparkly stuff got everywhere. I think I even found some in the kitchen last weekend.
This year I'm digging those gorgeous pompoms.
They'll probably fall off too but that's what hot glue is for.

Source: jcrew.com via Faith on Pinterest

My 29th birthday is at the end of this month (cue sobs).
This mint green coat is atop my bday list (Christmas too - I won't discriminate).
Gimme gimme.

Source: beta.abc.go.com via Faith on Pinterest

Ok, any other Top Chef fans out there remember sweet, southern Carla?

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This lovely little lady is now a co-host on a daytime food show called The Chew.
Who knew? (I did not mean to rhyme).
Today she whipped up this delicious pumpkin cake with pumpkin mousse layers and chocolate ganache topping.
Mario Batali told her it was the best thing she's ever made. With a statement like that I have to try this recipe people...and soon.
Have to. 

---------

Any other wrapping paper snobs out there? Share your favorites with us. 
How about funky colored winter coats? Who's with me?
Btw- who else has seen The Chew? Thoughts? I for one really like it. Love me some Clinton and Carla. 

Happy Friday friends!!

20-Minute White Chocolate Mousse with Butterscotch Drizzle

I'm baaack! And I have a delicious, simple (no-bake) recipe today.

My grandma made some amazing butterscotch cookies a few weeks ago.
I thought I didn't like butterscotch.
Good gravy what have I been missing?!

My new-found pleasure w/ this rich caramel-ly flavor led me to start thinking - since I've been having problems with the oven lately (ugh, long story) and baking was out of the question - I decided to satisfy my craving for fall flavors by finding a simple, no-oven-needed recipe.


White Chocolate Mouse with (or without) Walnuts and Butterscotch Drizzle

White Chocolate Mousse
slightly adapted from Taste of Home

1 cup heavy whipping cream
8-10 drops liquid Stevia (to taste)
3 oz low fat cream cheese, softened
3 oz white bakers chocolate, melted and cooled

Place heavy whipping cream and liquid Stevia in mixing bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form. (Don't worry if whipping cream isn't super sweet.) Melt white chocolate in a double-boiler (or use a glass bowl over boiling water.) Meanwhile, beat cream cheese in a separate bowl until fluffy. Once white chocolate is melted, take it off the heat and let cool, but not harden (approx 5-10 min). Add white chocolate to cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Fold whipped cream into white chocolate mixture. Serve immediately.


Topping
created by me

butterscotch chips, melted
handful chopped walnuts
cinnamon, as desired
garnish w delicate cookie of choice

I just eye-balled things for the topping so I don't have exact measurements for you.
I used about 1/3 cup of butterscotch chips and melted those in the double boiler till smooth (a little butterscotch goes a long way.) Then I drizzled the butterscotch over top of the mousse and topped that with cinnamon and walnuts.
I placed a small cookie atop for pretties (gingersnaps would work well here too.)

I liked this little experiment so much I devoured the topping (sprinkling more nuts and cinnamon as I went down. Then I had another stroke of brilliance - apples!
So I grabbed an one and went to town. 

O.M.G. 

Amazing autumnal deliciousness in every bite. 

This recipe is so versatile.
You could use melted caramels, pumpkin puree, pecans, chocolate chips, etc. Alternate layers of mousse and topping or pile it all at the top. Put some sponge cake or crushed cookies at the bottom. Ohh - chop up the apples and put them in the mousse layers!
Mmm..
The possibilities are endless.


Any other butterscotch converts out there? 

your awkward blogger & her doughy dilemma

Little factoid about your home-girl here: I'm an introvert. Big time.

I hide in large groups. Would rather do almost anything than strike up a conversation with someone I don't know. Hate being the center of attention. Am quiet. Have a terrible time with small talk. 

Oh please, please no small talk. 

Basically I'm really cool and not socially awkward at all.

Kinda strange that I have a blog I never post in anymore too, huh?
Maybe one of these days I'll get it together and actually have a presence on this thing.
Maybe not.
Who knows. I can't make promises.

What does have to do with this post? Nope. Nothing. Nada.  

Good story.

Source: mybakingheart.com via Faith on Pinterest

I know it's not pumpkin related, but someone please tell me you understand my love of warm, soupy, dippy; drippy things in the fall?
Mmmm...and cheese. Melted cheese.

Pretzel bites might be one of my favorite soft, salty, doughy things.
Boy I'm killing it w these adjectives tonight. 
When I go to the movies (and give in to my carnal longing for carbohydrates and pasteurized cheese products) I gnaw on these things like nobody's business.
I'm sure these homemade bites would knock my socks off.

PS - Why does everything in the fall center around pumpkins?
I mean I get the appeal, but there are so many other things that get the snub from that big, orange gourd.
It ain't fair guys. It ain't fair.

Who else has a non-pumpkin related fall food love? 
Pretzel bites and cheddar dip create heart palpitations (non-life threatening) for anyone else? 
Any random, introvert, nonsensical bloggers out there wanna start a club? 

Friday Flashback

It was 73 degrees in Dallas the other morning. 

73!! 

When something nice like that happens my grandpa says things like, "this weather is magnanimous". 

I really think he means "magnificient" but you get to be a certain age and people just let stuff go. 

But that morning, the 73 degree morning, I was thinking to myself, "this weather IS magnanimous". 

Thanks Gramps. 

Grandma, Me, Grandpa.

Cuties.

Fall is the best season. Let's just be honest. It just is.
I'm about to burst waiting for the full season change.
Candles, scarves, jackets, hot tea, baked goods, cozy nights.
Oh yes!

view at my Dad's last fall.

Today I decided to break out a little blast-from-the-past recipe. 

I whipped up these Snickerdoodle and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Sandwiches last fall and they've been {by far} the biggest hit here. 

Thought I'd share it again with you in case you're breaking out the fall candles and pumpkin-spice-whatevers too. 

***

Click the link below to open the worm hole and read the original recipe post:

Snickerdoodle and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Sandwiches

***

Anyone else eagerly anticipating Fall? 

What's your favorite thing to do during the season? 

What does Fall look like where you live?

When the DVR accuses you of being old and other 21st century travesties

Today's short exercise will teach us all a critical lesson about stereotyping.

 If you're the type of person who judges others by the shows they watch, you're probably about to assume I smell of Aspercreme and mothballs.

I don't by the way. 

My favorite show just happens to be flanked by commercials for life insurance and catheters. 

I don't understand why.

Fact: I'm only 28. 

Fact: I like laughing.

Fact: Frasier makes me laugh. 

Now where's my cardigan, it's getting chilly?

(disclaimer: proud cardigan lover here) 

Before you watch this clip, maybe you should know that I think it's my background in psychology that makes me especially prone to this type of humor. 

boom.

You just judged me didn't you? ;)

Buffalo Chicken Rolls {I Heart Hot Sauce}

Disclaimer - The following list was revised before final publication.

90% of my first choices were food related. 

Maybe I'm hungry - but then again I just ate. Maybe I just like food.

Things that make me smile:

Puppies 

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Flowers

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Hot Sauce

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(I know this hot sauce isn't clean and I'm trying to eat as many clean foods as possible but, hey, I'm human.)

I crave hot sauce.
Call it buffalo, hot, or wing sauce - whatever. I love it..
I don't like other condiments (mayo, mustard, ketchup, etc) so I give myself a little freedom here.
I wanted hot wings the other day but decided against the high-fat, fried version for this lower cal one.
Plus, with just four ingredients I could get my hot sauce fix without much fuss.

Classy blog pic huh? 
I'm especially fond of my wing sauce + ranch swirl. 
Not to mention my high-end plate. 

The original recipe called for stinky, gross blue cheese. I nixed that and added part-skim mozzarella instead.
In retrospect I would have been a little more free-handed w/ the mozz. because I didn't really taste it much.
But the egg roll wrapper was a great crunchy variation on a tortilla (with fewer calories too.)
The original recipe said these were only about 100 calories per roll.
I think mine might be less (or at least close to the same w/ the mozzarella adjustment). But that's just a guess.  Don't hold me to it.

4 ingredients. Let's get cookin'.

***

Buffalo Chicken Rolls
adapted from: Can You Stay For Dinner

2 cups shredded chicken (I used white meat only)
1 cup hot sauce, I used Frank's (NOT salsa)
1 pkg egg roll wrappers (you will have leftovers)
part-skim mozzarella - optional, amount to preference

You will also need small bowl of water and cooking spray.


Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Mix chicken and hot sauce. (You may adjust the amount of sauce depending on your preference.) Place 2 Tbsp of chicken mixture diagonally across the wrapper. Layer sprinkling of mozzarella on top of chicken to desired amount. Be careful not to overstuff.  Fold into envelope-looking pockets.


To fold:

1. Layer ingredients diagonally as described above.

2. Fold bottom corner up.

3. Fold corners in 

4. Wet flap at top with water and flip/fold over to secure. 

Place roll on sprayed cookie sheet and continue assembling wraps until baking sheet is full (mine held 13).

Spray wraps generously with cooking spray and place in oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy (mine took almost 20).

Serve on fancy styrofoam w an extra side of Frank's +  Ranch.

Anyone else love the spicy stuff? 
Who's digging my fancy plate? 

Jelly Leggy

I've gotten out of my workout routine lately. I didn't mean to but one day turned into a few which turned into a several weeks.
Whyyyy is it so easy to get off track and so hard to get back on?
Sigh.
I've still done well at staying active but I miss muscle-quivering, sweat-drenching workouts.
Side-note that's not especially related: Can I please get a high-five for A) being in the Texas sun AND B) receiving NO sunburn whatsoever? I've also found an organic sunscreen that I like. But I'm not gonna lie, I miss the ozone-depleting aerosol, especially when applying my back. Tips? 

Tuesdays are good days if you follow the Tone It Up girls (free btw so you should). It's the day they post a new (and free) workout routine (video, download, and printable ready too). This week they had a special guest with them who shared an isometric (small movements, big burn - a paraphrase) workout called:

The Beach Barre Workout

Source: youtube.com via Faith on Pinterest

I saw today's workout and my thought process was as follows:
"Hmm, it's for legs. I like legs. 
No weights, no special equipment or techniques. Just some stretching and small movements. 
I got this. Look at me working out again."

*blank stare*
I'm a fool.

My slightly tanned legs are still shaking.
It's been 3 hours.

Maybe I'm just a weakling (a distinct possibility) but Karena and Katrina seemed to be having a tough time too so maybe the workout is just that good.
I'll stick with that.

Up for the challenge? Give it a shot and let me know what you think. 
And by that I mean tell me it was hard.
I will also accept admitting to laughter at the seated, scooped-pelvis part.
Awkward moments are fun.

Having no specific pattern, purpose, or object

I no longer have any original or creative ideas of my own. They all come from blog buddies or Pinterest.
I said it. We all know it's true. I'm ok with it.


Here are today's junk-drawer thoughts.


Pet Peeve of the Day:
People who don't have chargeable devices but hog the outlets at public wifi spots.
You know them. The guy who's w/out any electronic device but is sitting on top of the only free outlet and staring you into oblivion while you stealthily searching to find a seat near said lone plug.
Meanie.
Not that this happened to me minutes before writing.
*Addendum: I just looked down and realized there's a fancy black strip running against the wall behind me. I apologize to Mr. Flat-top and will henceforth keep my smartie-pants remarks to myself.*



DIY "To-Do:"
I'm always a fan of cheap, original art (who isn't?).
I particularly love simple, large scale pieces.
This one is just too good to pass up. I'm going to have to try my hand at it - and soon.
I'm thinking of tackling Hobby Lobby for one of their great sales on pre-stretched canvas.
Then I will paint my canvas with the names of places I've never been but think are cool.
I jest.
Mine will actually feature the names of some of my favorite "been there" spots.
(Hint: Bar Harbor (Maine), Caddo Lake (TX), Tolo (Greece) will be a few of the lesser knows  atop my list.)

Source: becauseitsawesome.blogspot.com via Faith on Pinterest

Cookies I MUST Make:
It's no secret, the dessert I'd chose above all others would be the practical, portable; versatile cookie.
When I saw these I almost fell over. I've never seen anything like it. They are made using the same technique as those millefiori beads and I must know how to make them.
Unfortunately this link isn't to the direct source and I (upon scouring the internet for far too long) couldn't find it's origin.
If you know the source, please let me know so I can properly cite it.

Source: ffffound.com via Faith on Pinterest

I did find a pretty helpful tutorial on the millefiori technique but the cookies are rounded both in shape and color-blocking so I'm still not sure exactly how to turn these rectangular puppies out.
But I will, friends, I will.




Summer Shoes:
Even if I didn't live in Texas, I'm pretty sure I have the kind of feet that would be openly rebellious to close-toed shoes. Except for boots, I always make an exception for boots.
My current (read: favorite) sandals are so worn out that instead of the usual "click, click" as I walk, they make a "click, slap, smack" sound. Sole separated from insole separated from toe pad. 
Normal people buy new shoes, I gorilla-glue them back together. Notice a theme here?
But these have me reconsidering.

Source: mycentsofstyle.com via Faith on Pinterest

Adorable right? But the best part is that they are only $23.60.
My real-life friend Katy shared these on her blog {plus she's hosting a fantastic giveaway for this shop} so check them out if you like cute, inexpensive stuff.




Road Trip?
Exotic trips are nice but sometimes it's just as fun to discover parts of your state you never have before. These 10 Texas Hill Country adventures should either A) give you a reason to visit this great state of mine or B) ignite your desire to explore the nifty-neato places within a few hours from where you live.
I promise you have something.

Source: southernliving.com via Faith on Pinterest

 (Do I smell a girls weekend in the Texas Hill Country?)

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OH! Remember this? I finally bought a natural bristle brush.
All the difference in the world. LOVE IT.
Get one.

***

What are your haphazard thoughts today?
Anyone else ever make an idiot of herself at a coffee house? No? Just me then.

Happy Weekend, friends!

Because You Can't Exfoliate Too Much

Actually you can...
Maybe I should re-think that title.

So, hello Texas summer with your 100+ degree days.
I left work Friday and was met with a most unpleasant summer side-effect: bum blisters.

Ok, not really blisters but you know the thing that happens when:
A) you have a car with leather interior
B) you forget to crack your windows before you head into work that morning,
C) it's Friday and you're in such a hurry to get off that you ignore the pizza-oven-type heat waves emanating from the open car door and hop right in anyway.
Beware friends, yelping, crying, and searing pain are sure to follow. 


I was afraid to move my hind parts at first. There was a split-second when I truly feared my bum and thighs might be permanently seared to the seat. Fortunately, I was able to protect my posterior by sitting on my delightfully over-sized purse for the duration of the drive home.

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Don't crack your windows, buy one of those silly reflector thingies, or wait for the car to cool off.
Nah, just sit on your handbag and blast the AC. You'll cool down eventually.


Clearly I've been sweating a lot lately. And applying gobs of sunscreen.
I'm kind of a sunscreen snob truth-be-told. Well, only if buying the spray stuff counts.
Why bother smearing white goop all over when a gentle misting-spray is available? Plus, I always miss spots w the lotion and it takes like 20 years to absorb. Ick. No, thanks. Give me the spray. 

source - my fav btw

Speaking of sunscreen,  my brother keeps telling me that SPF protection over (I can't remember...think it was) 35 (?) is ineffective. He told me the reason but I can't remember. 

Any smarties out there know if that's true or not? 

All this sweating and poor-clogging is leaving me with a bit of an exfoliation complex so I was excited to run across this blog post about dry brushing the other day from Delighted Momma. 

BTW - I read the post then took a look around her blog. Love it. Check it out if you're looking for simple recipes, diy tips, pics of adorable babies, and loads of skincare/beauty tips from a former esthetician. 

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I bought a dry brush last weekend and am happy to report pleasant results so far.
The only thing was (and I didn't realize this until afterwards), I bought a synthetic brush instead of natural bristle. Oops. I shall rectify this soon, but in the meantime I use it extra gently.
I will say it feels great in the morning and my skin is looking soft and healthy despite all the summer skin spoilers.
I'll keep you posted. 



Anyone else ever tried dry brushing? 
What is your favorite sunscreen? Are you a spray or lotion kinda person?

Catching Up

It's always awkward beginning a post like this.
I've been an absentee blogger for a few weeks.
You may have forgotten me. I may have forgotten you (never).
Where do we begin? What do we say?
Oh, the pressure.

 My personal life has needed my entire focus of late.
And though I hope to continue blogging {because I genuinely love it}, it has had to take a backseat to my real life.
So just fyi - things may continue to be spotty around here for a bit.
Thanks for understanding.

Moving on...

I've had a few revelations these past 2 months that bear sharing.

1. I missed you blog friends! (A given, duh)

2. I just started watching How I Met Your Mother.

Source: google.fr via Jacqueline on Pinterest

Seriously, how is it possible for my head to have been in the sand this long?
A friend made me watch the first season on dvd and now I'm about to start the 4th.

I've been calculating the year he MUST meet his future wife in order to have those kids.
They're at least 15-17, right?
Anyone else have a theory?

3. Try this: 1 tsp baking soda + your favorite face wash = best face scrub ever.

Source: walmart.com via Danielle on Pinterest

The baking soda granules are very fine which I really like, but also super effective, especially on sweaty, sunscreen-filled summer days.

I know I've told you about other scrubs before (sugar, honey, etc.) but I think this is the easiest for weekly exfoliation. I keep a little container of baking soda right by my face wash now and use it twice a week.

A pump of Cetaphil (my fav) + a tsp (approx) of baking soda. Lather and Rinse.
This is also great for those of you with sensitive skin (hello me).


4. Tone It Up Bikini Series

Source: toneitup.com via Meghan on Pinterest

Did I tell you guys I signed up for this? 

I can't remember. 

Anyway, 8 weeks ago I signed up for Karena & Katrina's 2nd Annual Bikini Series.

Drumroll, please...

I ended up losing about 13lbs.

I honestly didn't think I could do it but am pretty proud that I stuck w it to the end.

Best part?

I feel great and learned so much about proper nutrition and exercise.

And it actually makes sense!

I'm NOT after the perfect body or diet...those things are like unicorns or sasquatch. 

But I do want to continue to take care of my body and train it well. 

***

Happy Monday, friends!

Source: blog.atelier1a.com via Abdullah on Pinterest

Friday Fav

I've been taking a little R&R this week. Right now I'm staring out a window overlooking a blue pond and pine forest. My biggest accomplishment was teaching my 20yo brother how to bake homemade brownies and chocolate chip cookies.

I don't know about where you live but in TX it's starting to feel like summer.
And for me that means one thing...cold desserts.
Don't these Key Lime Pie Sandwiches look good?

Source: hungry-girl.com via Faith on Pinterest

I just went to see if we had Greek yogurt. Sadly no.
Soon, little treats. Soon.


I have been a HUGE Calvin & Hobbes fan since I was little. My dad used to read them to me at night before bed. I suppose he couldn't take anymore "Princess Petunia and the Happy Flowers" or some other girly nonsense. I don't blame him. 
They're the best.

Source: gocomics.com via Mike on Pinterest

I appreciate Bill Watterson's anti-commercializing right, but oh how I wish I could have a stuffed Hobbes.
Any of you terrific seamstresses out there, feel free to whip up a snugly little tiger for me. :)



Hope you're all having a wonderful Friday. I'll be back next week.

Happy weekend, friends!

Friday Fav

The Nester has been one of my favorites for a while now.
Her popular home-decor blog is full of amazing tips, ideas, and beautiful spaces for owners (and renters) alike.
(The first time I saw her horizontal stripe curtains I almost had an aneurysm {the trend was new then but I still love them.})
Her tag-line: "it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful," is a life-lesson I need to be reminded of often (not just for decorating either.)
Hello "type A." 

She posted this Wednesday.
It's a little different than usual but I absolutely had to share it with you.

Why?
Well...although I've sponsored a girl in Colombia (her name is Vanessa) for 6 years now, this isn't a plug for Compassion.


The truth is:
Life has been extremely difficult for me lately.
Sometimes I feel like I'm churning inside a tornado; unable to distinguish up from down, right from left.
It's easy to lose perspective in places like that.
It's easy to forget the world is bigger than you.
Her post reminded me what gratitude, faith, and hope really look like.
It righted my perspective.
And kinda made me wish I was her bff...but maybe I felt like that before. It's hard to say.
Oh, and now I want to visit Tanzania too. Yeowza, is it beautiful!

This may or may not touch you the way it did me...and that's fine. 
I realize all of us are in different places.

I just needed a gentle reminder to be patient and kind today.
To be generous and understanding and loving. Wherever I am.
We all need it. Some of us even need extra doses every now and then.
So step out of the way and consider someone as more important than yourself.
Life will be richer.
Because really, those are the things that make us full anyway.




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