Favorite Christmas Songs

Of course we're doing this thing old school.  The first reminds me of my dad; he actually has this in vinyl from when he was a little one.  My dad's record collection borders on EPIC and I don't think he even realizes it.  Mom, if you are reading this, make sure the record player is hooked up for Christmas and we'll show my husband how it's done.  Gene Autry followed by John Denver? :)

 

Is there an app for that?

It seems like there's an app for almost anything you can think of these days.  I have apps that would make men blush...we'll it an interactive calendar.  *ahem*  I've got an app for organizing prayer lists, apps with literally over a hundred books...

...but still nothing that helps me vacuum...or clean the vacuum.

Blood, sweat, and tears will always get the job done, no matter how far technology comes.

Style Sunday

I do some of my deepest thinking wearing white gloves.  Don't you?

Feminine Ideal

I find it fascinating how the feminine ideal evolves over time.  Just look at the woman in the picture above.   Her demeanor is so quiet and pleasant and her beauty unobstructed by bells and baubles.  I long to be like that woman, but often times I am struck by the want for sparkle and shine. 

Titus 2: 12

"Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world"

There's Nothing Like...

Chatting it up with your girlfriends. :)  

Bows, Flowers, and other Girly Things

Wow, I really wish I could pull off a giant flower attached to the bodice of my dress!  

Does it say, "Come, dance with me brave suitor!" 

...or does it say, "This flower has to speak on my behalf because it is the extent of my depth and personality?"

I prefer to think it would lead to dancing.

Viva la Cha Cha flower loving gals!

A Mirror

Most of the time I pass by a mirror, I try to scoot along without catching any more than a glimpse of myself.

  

...but then there is that sacred time under the dark cloak of morning, when lit by those irritating luminescent bulbs, I plaster over every pore and enhance my natural color, playing up the best feature God gave me (such as they are), and for those 10 minutes, I allow myself to pass inspection.  I reflect upon my body with as much happiness as I can muster, and all the thankfulness in the world, that any complaint I might venture to lodge against the way I am created, is small and petty.

For that, I feel blessed by ten small minutes and a mirror.

Style Sunday

Style Sunday!

Smelling the Roses

There is nothing better than taking a couple minutes out of the day to notice the beauty in the world around you.  Even if there is only one flower blooming, just pretend it's blooming only for you!

The TV

I was listening to a radio program and two of the men on the show were talking about "regulating" television programming and movie content for the sake of children.  But instead of thinking this was the responsibility of the parents, they were talking about the government intervening and regulating the people creating the TV shows and movies.  I found myself getting a little riled up.  They went on to say, "Well, if as a parent, you stopped to instruct your children against doing things you saw on TV, all you'd ever do is be pausing the television."  Excuse me, but maybe you ought to think about what you're putting into your eyes and heart then if it's that concerning that you feel you have to instruct your children against it.  There are plenty of "wholesome" programs and movies out there.  I fail to understand the logic of giving up.  Just make a choice, make a change, and embrace right whenever the spirit tells you something is wrong.  Turn away, turn the channel, and be happier and less vexed for it.

End rant.

Time, You Scoundrel!

That is all I have to say.

Proper Footwear

I saw this photo of screen actress Virginia Grey exercising (pilates?) in heels and couldn't resist posting it.

I don't know about you all, but I usually just put on a pair of tennis shoes. :)

Lovely Hair

I am one of those girls that loves a good hair style, but hates actually styling one's hair.  I am convinced that if I could muster the self-confidence to rock sleeping with a head-full of curlers, I would appear done up each day because it's such an easy thing to do.  Also, I don't really think most modern hair styles are actually "styles".  They are just cuts.  We've turned into hippies.  Not really.  But I do think it's nice to  make an effort to some degree.  It's possible, even when wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, to look nice.

Busy Hands

With our wedding behind us, it seems I will have some free time on my hands and I hate to just sit around, so I am thinking of ways to keep myself busy.  I tried knitting and for whatever reason, the muscle memory never quite developed.  I am handy enough at cross stitching, but there are only so many things one can stitch into decoration.  So, next up is sewing.  We received the most lovely wedding gift from a friend of ours, a quilt that includes personal photographs of the two of us throughout the years and her handiwork has inspired me to try a bit of sewing.  Sewing is such a useful hobby.  So useful, in fact, that it's more than a hobby really, it's a noble pursuit.  So sayeth the woman who hasn't sewn before.

Pray for me! :)

An Organized Kitchen

My current kitchen is short on storage space (in my estimation), and because my hobby life is limited to the passion I have for food and cooking, I maxed out every square inch of cabinet and drawer space.  There is even some spill over into the laundry room, something that causes me great discomfort to accept.  So this weekend, because I can do anything I want (it's my birthday on Saturday), I will be picking up some organizational items and really having a go at making my kitchen space work for me.  

A couple items on my list that I already know I'll need:

A very simple spice rack.

A drawer insert for my catch all kitchen gadget drawer.

Shelves to use so I don't stack my Pyrex and Corningware 5 containers high.

But the key to maintaining organization is to plan better, when I'm putting together my meal plans for the week so I don't end up with a stuffed to the brim refrigerator as well. :)

Happy Organizing!

Welcome Guests

It's so nice to have a welcome house guest...enough to motivate one to try their hand at cake pops.  Too bad they were very unimpressive looking, otherwise I would have posted a photo or two. 

Here's to small acts of service! 

*cheers*

Style Sunday

Thinking these days....

...of having children and being a mom, what it means to parent a child.  And am filled with squishy, lovey, warm feelings.  And maybe a little bit of fear, only where the laboring is concerned.  Anything worth having takes hard work.  Amen!

Children's Rooms: Then & Now

I found the image below on HGTV's website which is a great resource for home design inspiration.  I have files and files of images I've found from the "rate my space" sections over the last couple years that I hope will guide me as we move forward in life and someday have a nursery and...a real dining room!  *shock*  Those are really two rooms of a home I look forward to. 

Style Saturday (even though it's Sunday)

A debutante in cotton candy pink and a barely there waist.  Divine elegance!

Girls on the Telephone

I've always been one of those girls that really enjoys talking on the phone.  In fact, once I get started, I have a hard time pressing that ominous red "end" button.  There are some people that I can just jump from topic to topic and never tire of their opinions on whatever the subject may be. 

For those ladies in my life...much love to y'all!!!

Yo gabba gabba, blabba...

Careful Planning

Housework, cooking, providing for your family to any degree takes careful planning.  This planning is what I enjoy most about housework because one can survey, prepare the spirit for the endeavor, organize, and then delve in to realize a desired outcome.  It is so engaging and measurable in that it lifts not only your own heart, but those around you.  Let's all sing a Happy Working Song now, shall we?  *smile*

Style Saturday

What Happened to Color

It's not particularly en vogue to decorate with vast expanses of color right now, but I swoon over vintage kitchens, with their color themes.  I tend to like reds and yellows in kitchens for the country feel it gives them.  I remember the first time I saw Monet's buttercup yellow kitchen at Giverny and nearly had a fit it oozed with warmth and character that only color can impart into a room.

Style Saturday

I don't know that I would have chosen black pumps with that dress, but I think overall she looks lovely...especially the red headband!  Maybe she should have gone for red shoes like THESE.

Painting the Walls

We recently had the opportunity to see some adorably decorated children's bedrooms with colorful wall paint and it really made the rooms POP!  Both bedrooms were for very young, little boys, so the colors were brighter and softer hues than what is traditionally found throughout the house and it looked really great!  So much so that I made a mental note to incorporate fun paint colors in my unborn children's nursery/bedroom.  Just a little planning and forethought. :) 

The scanned ad above is actually for a metallic interior wall paint.  Can you imagine?  I'm sorry, but that's just not my cup of tea.  I've see metallic wallpaper and if that is an indication of how metallic paint would change the feel of the house...no thank you.  Haha...

xoxo

Style Saturday

Whenever I see a red coat I think of Paris.

A Night Out

Remember when a night out on the town meant a corsage, a pretty dress, and pearls?

Yeah, me neither.

Let's bring that time back, shall we?  I know my Numbers Man will probably look at me like I'm crazy, but so what...?  :)

Comfortable Heels?

Walking in heels shouldn't be an uncomfortable experience, no matter how cute the shoe or high the heel.  As an ardent lover of shoes, one might think that I sacrifice my own comfort, but nothing could be further from the truth.  I am always willing to try on as many shoes as it takes until I nab a pair that are equal parts soothe and style.

Adoringly

Sometimes it's nice just to love someone, and be loved back by them.  ...and be surrounded by brightly colored puffy clouds.

I hope everyone reading is having a wonderful week so far!

Style Saturday

I miss little white gloves...even though I'm too young to have a memory of wearing them.  Tea length dresses and little white gloves are the stuff of dreams, for me at least.

Stocking the Ice Box

I think I bought too much food at the grocery store the past two weeks; our fridge is packed with goodies.  So now, it's like a puzzle game trying to use up a lot of the items I bought because they were on sale or just caught my eye and not actually an ingredient in a recipe I planned.  This leads to casseroles and soups, which is quite perfect for the turn in weather, thank goodness.  It's like a frozen tundra around here.  Someone in a meeting I was in yesterday mentioned Siberia, and it's just wide open white around me right now.  So, I've got Siberia on my mind.  The man in the meeting was using it as a way to glam up saying that their products were from China.  It does sound awfully romantic to say your wood floors were shipped here from Siberia.  Saying, they're from China just doesn't have the same ring to it.  Maybe a Chinese style soup tonight?  Egg drop...?

Polka Dots and Scrubbing Pots

The image above is actually one of my most favorites in my little stash of vintage ads and editorials and it is not simply because she is wearing polka dots (though I swear I think I inherited a polka-dot loving gene from my mom).  The three plants, the paper towels close at hand, everything spic and span, and in full makeup, no less.  This is my dream woman...I mean, a depiction of who I wish I was more like.  Lofty aspirations, no? :)

There is something to be said for a clean kitchen, cleaning the kitchen, and keeping oneself clean in the process.  Tidiness begets ease and readiness in the home.  Ease, comfort from the anxiety that there is something that must be "fixed", and reaadiness for anything...company, a busier evening than planned, or even *shudders* fatigue.  Sometimes a girl just wants to nap.

Style Saturday

How do you keep healthy?

I never really learned to love exercise, and being out of breath never took my breath away in the way it does for empassioned marathoners.  But when I take my dog for a walk, I can lose track of time and just explore...because that's what he likes to do.  His moments of pause, cause me to pause, and when I am leisurely about being outside in the cold, Washington air, I enjoy myself and know that what I'm doing is good for my body and my sanity.  Plus, he loves it...which is so fun to watch. :)

Style Saturday

I think there are some people who are born with a weakness for plaid, and I am one of them.

Organizing Life's Bigger Moments

Many people that know me, know that I am equal parts silly/scatter-brained and overly organized.  The only reason I outline and organize is to tame my inner ditz.  Otherwise, I would get nothing accomplished...and that, I suppose, is the point of organizing.  Luckily for gals like me, there are loads of darling products to help us keep our lives in order.  With wedding plannig consuming much of my free time, I find that my favorite little helper is a file folder.  That way I can make notes, doodles, drawings and keep clippings, bring them home and file them away into their appropriate folder.  *love*

Check out these beauties!  Who wouldn't want to organize if they were using one of these?

Style Saturday

I've been thinking a lot about the wedding and haven't been giving much thought to blogging as of late.  My newest preoccupation?  Finding a stellar local photographer for engagement portrait shots for save the date announcements...and to remember us, right now, as we are.

Style Saturday

I just adore the "sleeves" on the grey dress...everything about the grey dress, actually.  And whatever happened to wearing gloves?  I wish they would come back in fashion - they make every look more elegant.



The Right Ingredients

Some things in life require some sugar, a little lovin', and a lot of elbow grease. 

Other events, the bite of a habanero pepper does the trick. 

But following the right recipe, God's recipe, is the only way to ensure you have the right ingredients for the job at hand, for the day at your doorstep.

Priorities and a Pink Washer

I've been doing a lot of laundry and not much blogging as of late.  A lot of cleaning in general really.  And still there are things to be done.  Maybe it's because I don't have a pink washing machine. :)  What a treat that would be?  I might, too, cross a rolicking stream to get to it...in heels no less!

Wordless (witless) Wednesday

Bride to Be

In this case, I believe Community is some kind of flatware company, but the statement is still true.

Style Saturday

Really, this is more Socialite Saturday than Style Saturday, though I admittedly cannot get enough pink.  Particularly satin and with pearls, no less.  For those who are curious as to exactly which socialite from days gone by, this is...I'm not sure.  That is, I don't remember.  But, she is so beautiful!

Here's to 2011!

2010 was a great year, but I think 2011 will be even better!  Granted, I'm an optimist, but I have quite the feelin' in my bones.  A feeling that the sun will rise and set, just as God intended, and throughout my days I will give thanks.  Here's a toast to twenty-eleven.  A year that sounds like change, due back to us...after handing money over to someone else. 

Cheers!

Style Saturday

Making Spaces

I remember the first time I saw a thing built into a wall rather than a piece of furniture up against one.  It was love at first site!  Drawers, built into the bones of the house - the upstairs room of a Victorian home.  You know the kind of room with slanted sides that caters to childish heights and "NO GROWN-UPS ALLOWED!"  It was that kind of a room, with magical windows and musty wallpaper spiked with thornless flowers.  It was Annette's room and I envied her private nest.  Netsy Wetsy Can of Pepsi.  Nesty, nesty.  Her mother was the school P.E. teacher and her father...well, I don't remember what he did for a living, but he was very interested in our school assignments and enjoyed doing them himself more than helping us along our way.  I remember telling my mom on him for fear I get busted later on when I knew I couldn't talk myself out of it.  I knew he did a much better job than two 10 year old girls ever could.  Someone would know.  I might have confessed my anxiety to my teacher at some point after the project was graded and over with.  But my memory is fuzzy on that point.

Back to the drawers.  The dresser with disguised volume.  It stuck with me so much that to this day, whenever I came across places to live with built-ins (usually bookshelves) I gravitated toward them with fierce self-possession.  I need those coves, those hollowed out spaces that cannot be removed for all the impermanence that home has been for me.  They are deliberate.  To replace them; to shift their space in this world requires real work of sweat, boards and plaster.  Commited.

Complimentary

It's always nice to receive a compliment.

Receiving a compliment makes me feel like this...

Except when it makes me feel uncomfortable.

*parts curtains*

Cleaning Your Pipes

I really love health food, and probably eat more whole foods than anyone I know personally.  That being the case, travelling always brings more mainstream foods to my mouth and then, of course, my stomach which in turn makes my body feel just a bit out of wack.  The first thing I think about about...the thing I most look forward to when returning home from vacation is getting into my kitchen and whipping up a veggie-laden soup.  (That's almost true...the thing actually on the tip top of my list is returning to my cuddly fur babies, but that's a given!)  I luxuriate with my cutting board and soup pot and really go to town.  And you know what?  It makes me feel like a million bucks again.  A kale/sweet potato/carrots/kombu/miso-filled million dollar woman!  And Numbers Man ordered pizza (not that I wasn't willing to make him dinner, he just wanted pizza...I swear).