December 30, 2008

checking in

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I don't know how long of a Christmas vacation I'm going to end up giving myself, but after a week of irregular posting, I am missing my little writing spot & wanted to stop in. things to report... currently staying at a favorite bed&breakfast: mom & dad's house. awaiting a sister to arrive home from a ski trip. anticipating our tradition of opening Christmas gifts on New Year's Day. shopping the 75% off aisle at target. enjoying a 10:00, low-lighting (fall asleep) showing of Holiday Inn in the family room. playing acquire, take four, & scattergories at the big table. oversleeping. overeating. putting records on. watching a veritable sea of presents accumulate 'round the tree. dressing for cozy, not cutesy. snacking from the card table of homemade sweets temporarily gracing the dining room. it's not over yet. in case I'm not back in before it arrives-- happy New Year!
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December 26, 2008

good things are made with cereal. second edition.

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for the lovers of simple desserts, i happily share cornflake clusters. an adventure in reshaping the haystack. a christmas classic, and my favorite.
the most sensational combination, second only to pb + chocolate. (that is to say, puppy chow)
get ready for your kitchen to smell heavenly.
easy-peasy, people.
1 1/2 c. peanut butter
1 1/2 c. butterscotch chips
cornflakes
1. melt peanut butter and butterscotch chips in saucepan over low heat, stirring often.
2. pour in desired amount of cornflakes and mix into melted peanut butter and chips. i start with 2 or 3 cups of cereal, and then if it looks too soupy i add more from there. just make sure all the flakes will be completely coated by the yumminess.
3. drop by teaspoonfuls onto a wax paper-covered cookie sheet.
4. place in freezer for about 5 minutes to firm.
5. after you take them out, pluck them from your cookie sheet.
6. pile them into your favorite tupperware vessel or handy ziploc bag & enjoy. store in fridge or freezer, because they are way better cold and crispy.
categories:,, | 6 comments
December 23, 2008

let your heart be light

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This is the most wonderful time of the year.
This is also the time of year that I am very aware of an underlying struggle within me.
I don't think I have yet expressed to you how much I love Christmas.
Sure, I've talked about it, but everybody talks about it.
Some people talk about it but aren't necessarily into it-- I'm into it.
Christmas is in fact, my weakness.
I love it all. I adore each and every tradition. I am smitten with the music, the food, the merriment, the anticipation, the stockings, the gift giving & receiving, the general holiday glow that takes over the world. Everyone seems a bit more united in their interests, which excites me. And I should tell you, I am positively infatuated with Christmas lights. They make me feel exhilarated and protected, as if all is right with the world. Maybe that is how the wise men felt when they saw the star in the East, guiding them to the place where their Savior was to be born.
I confess that I start to feel slightly spoiled this time of year simply because I am surrounded by all of my favorite things. I feel as if I have suddenly let go of all restraint and given in to every luxury my heart desires. But I haven't! I've just put up some christmas lights in my house and a mini christmas tree in my bedroom and some garland by the window!
All these charming, familiar, beautifying aspects that have come to be associated with this holiday... I love them, but along with them comes an annual mental battle. Trying not to lose sight of why I am baking and decorating and wrapping. I never want to get caught up with things and lose myself in the commercialism like Charlie Brown's well-known friends. I want these things (including my brand new tree) to make me think of why we are rejoicing and giving and singing and praising and celebrating.
May your holiday be filled with merry things, but may they all remind you of this: the root of all this glory and happiness is the ultimate gift of our Lord.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let Earth receive her King.
categories: | 5 comments
December 22, 2008

the perfect surprise

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Yesterday I talked about the perfection of little surprises. Well, this weekend I got a rather big surprise. A 7 foot surprise, to be exact. And I think it most perfect.
Even though I am inordinately obsessed with Christmas trees, I was making a sacrifice this year. With plans to purchase our first tree during the post-holiday sales, we would do without one for 2008.
But Grant, cunning fellow that he is, had a secret up his sleeve.
On Saturday I came home from the gym and lo & behold, a magnificent tree was set up in the corner of our living room! Oh, imagine my excitement! It was the most superb and wondrous sight. It magically converted our little home into our own merry Christmas haven.
I will never forget this perfect surprise from my sweet husband on our first, almost tree-less Christmas. I often stop & gaze at it, trying to take in all of its festive beauty. I'm soaking it up. Only a few days left now. Every time I look, I am reminded of Grant's thoughtful care for me. Am admiring it again now. It is skillfully laden with a slew of white lights. So simple & beautiful.
categories:,, | 2 comments
December 21, 2008

good things come from good friends

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Remember these?
I just received a sweet Christmas greeting from my dear friend Kaitlin & she sent along an extra sweet gift just for me!
I never cease to be amazed by the perfection of little surprises, given thoughtfully & selflessly, received joyfully, and enjoyed thoroughly. This gift made my day.
Kait, thank you so very much! As you know, these truly are a favorite of mine. What a treat! Rest assured, they are being shared with Grant and devoured by the handful. How very thoughtful of you, my lovely friend. Thank you again & I wish you a very merry Christmas!
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December 18, 2008

good things come from california, via priority mail

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I sliced open the package and gingerly folded back the flaps, and what to my surprise and delight...
As soon as I saw the contents, I called Grant to make known the glad tidings.
His wonderful aunt just sent us a box of goodness. (& plenty to share with our family!)
It comes in the form of dried mangoes. And not just any dried mangoes. Oh, no.
These are Philippine brand. The best. Our favorite. Better than candy.
I don't even like mangoes. And I'm not a huge dried fruit person. But I am smitten with these.
We can't find them anywhere around here, so they are a rare delicacy.
What a joyous Christmas gift!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Debbie. You are always so thoughtful and generous!
categories:,,, | 5 comments
December 17, 2008

good things are made with cereal

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By special request, I present peanut butter balls.
A family favorite. A Christmas classic. A no-bake, low-stress, why-not-do-it sort of thing.
collect the stuff.
1/2 c. butter (softened or room temp)
1 lb. powdered sugar (about 3 1/2 c.)
2 c. peanut butter
2 c. rice krispies
16 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips w/ paraffin wax OR 1 pkg. milk chocolate almond bark
step 1.
Mix first four ingredients.
(how it happened in my kitchen...)
First try stirring with your handy wooden spoon. Carefully, mind you. You don't want to crush the krispies.
After awhile, switch to a fork. Because we all know that pb + powdered sugar practically screams "fork it."
After a go at that, just dive in. Take off your rings, and plunge your (well washed) hands into that aromatic mixture.
step 2.
Shape it up. 1 inch balls will work.
(...my kitchen)
Make some larger ones for your husband who likes a good, hearty bite.
Make some smaller ones for yourself, because then you can have two & not feel bad.
If they aren't sticking together enough, add a little bit more pb.
Then add a little bit more p.sugar because you added too much pb & now it's a little too sticky.
Keep going with this system until your consistency is flawless.
step 3.
Melt your chocolate concoction of choice & dip away.
step 4.
Place on cookie sheet lined with wax paper or foil.
step 5.
Let harden.
(I put mine in the freezer because it's speedy and I like 'em good & cold.)
step 6.
Do the dishes. And do it with a happy heart. Because you're all done! And because even though wet pb doesn't smell that great- wet chocolate smells absolutely wonderful. And by the time you're done cleaning, you can have yourself a well-earned, freezer-firmed, fresh pb ball.
happy Christmas dessert-making.
categories:, | 11 comments
December 16, 2008

a day of celebrating

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Day 3 of what one weather source called a "life threatening" blizzard.
Snow blowing. Winds whirling. Cars slipping. Ice never melting. Headlights gleaming. Temperature: -3 degrees. Windchill: -20 degrees.
Clearly, I live in Minnesota now.
And winter has swept in.
On our way to a white Christmas.
Am staying home.
Rejoicing over having no place to go.
Observing the holiday that is a day of being snowed in.
Putting real sugar in a mug of tea.
Listening to "Let it Snow" on repeat.
Cleaning my house with extra care.
Pretending a space heater is a roaring fire.
Wearing my scarf.
Preparing comforting soup for the crockpot tonight.
Painting nails a Christmasy red.
Hanging newly received Christmas cards.
Hovering over a double boiler.
Creating a Christmas treat.
Dancing to "Last Christmas" by Wham.
Watching the snow accumulate.
Praying for a safe drive home for a certain husband.
Again, yay for December and Minnesota and all their weathery charms.
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December 15, 2008

undertakings

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Despite the disappointment of an early departure due to an impending blizzard, Haley's visit was just what we dreamed it would be. Given a day and a half we managed to chat leisurely, whiz through wal-mart, watch Little Women, try a new banana bread recipe, browse through a charming antique shop, find out that some places serve blended vanilla ice cream and call it coffee, whip up some "just like we remember" mint brownies, and finish a hastily-planned, highly-secretive surprise for Mom...
1. We stole. (her infamous overstuffed and disorderly recipe folder. complete with magazine clippings, coupons, grocery lists, index cards, recipes in Grandma's gorgeous cursive, and newspaper articles from 1984)
2. We sorted.
3. We stacked.
4. We exclaimed. (at things that we remembered)
5. We laughed. (at Mom's endearing & persistent tendency to write out her plan for Christmas baking every year, including re-writing recipes that had been written 15 times before)
6. We stuffed. (a brand new folder)
7. We returned. (a more orderly & efficient system for storing & accessing her recipe finds, hopefully)
all in all, it was a sweet end to my week.
categories:, | 7 comments
December 13, 2008

you've been given a great gift

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this movie.
It was on tv tonight. Did you miss it? If you did, you can catch it again on nbc on Christmas Eve. I didn't miss it. I was waiting for it. For me it's not just a movie, it's an event.
The only thing I did miss this year was the version that I'm used to. I grew up watching a technicolor version that Dad taped years and years ago. You know, on VHS? You watch it on a VCR. Remember how that used to work? That particular version had little bits of commentary highlighting characters from the movie. Every time the movie would break for a commercial, snippets of scenes would start playing and a voiceover would say something like "And that's Beulah Bondi as Ma Bailey..." Plus, we would always get a little commentary from Dad, who over the years has learned a thing or two about the making of "It's a Wonderful Life." I remember him telling us that Donna Reed is from the tiny town of Denison, Iowa- which is only minutes away from where my grandma lives. It's little things like that that make this movie extra special to me.
Maybe I can convince everyone to watch it again when I go to Mom & Dad's house for Christmas. Break out the VCR, guys.
categories:,, | 7 comments
December 12, 2008

comin' to town

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i'm playing hostess for the weekend.
my sister Haley is making the journey to cold Minnesota to visit us today. Way to brave the snow, sis. I can't wait for her to get here and make our spirits bright.
Haley, if our house had a guest room, I would set the latest issue of People magazine on your nightstand, along with a couple of cherry barber poles and a box of original Nips. Your bed would be dressed with cozy flannel sheets in a snowflake print & topped off with an ivory down comforter. I would drape my favorite Christmas blanket from Grandma's house over the end of your bed and fluff the mountain of pillows until they were puffed and primped to the max. I would make sure you had an open outlet so that you can lap-top away while you sit up in bed and would light up a fraser fir candle and our mini Christmas tree on top of the mahogany chest of drawers in the corner.
lacking such a room, I have nothing more to offer you than layers upon layers of blankets to keep you warm and snug on the couch. And hot meals, and supplies for making Christmas cookies, and a little shop to sip our coffee in, and a forecast of snow, and an eager sister who is waiting to welcome you in.
come quick before the flakes start to fall!
categories:,,, | 5 comments
December 11, 2008

good intentions

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'tis almost the season for making resolutions.
and I am ready.
Ever since I did some reading on the subject of faithfulness (see post), there is a constant stream of resolutions filling my head. Some are piling up haphazardly in my memory, some have been preserved in corners of my notebook that will be impossible to ever locate again, and all are on the verge of being forgotten lest I quick collect them all and jot them down here in this post.
Most of my intentions are about the small things. (not that there aren't big things I can work on too) Why do I hate to do things that are so simple and easy? I am hoping that by acknowledging them, I will be more aware of my problems and be able to overcome them.
1. put the annoying twistie-tie thing back on the bread bag
2. remember to take my vitamins
3. wash the greasy butter dish before putting in a new stick
4. use my nice stainless steel frying pan instead of the easier-to-clean non-stick one
5. put lotion on my legs and feet
6. put necklaces & earrings back in my jewelry box instead of leaving them on the bathroom counter for a week
7. use fewer kleenexes and paper towels
8. use less salt on my potatoes and less butter on my banana bread
9. clean the whole shower, not just the floor and faucet
10. buy better quality fabric softener
11. sit up straighter and sit back in my chair, instead of on the edge
12. don't procrastinate when it comes to clipping fingernails and toenails
13. clean off the top of the sticky syrup bottle
14. get a bookmark instead of folding corners in all my books
15. get a new trash bag instead of letting the old one overflow
16. get rid of some of the cardboard box supply in our house
17. don't use the laundry room as a room to store unsightly junk
18. put things in their right place right away, instead of letting them sit there while I think about putting them away
19. spend less time getting ready for bed
20. put in my new pair of contacts instead of trying to make these last forever
categories:, | 4 comments
December 10, 2008

follow me in merry measure

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IMG_1301.JPG
my project.
remember when I told you that I had found something fun to work on? as fun as wrapping presents? well this is it.

the idea: back in november i heard about ali edwards and her december daily album. when i saw it, i fell in love with her clever creation. i wanted one of my own. but ali's album kind of resembled... well... a scrapbook. and scrapbooks and me, we don't get along. not one bit.

i am a simplistic, check-it-off-my-list-and-be-done-with-it perfectionist who admires creative people and wants to be like them, but is intimidated by anything crafty and who has very little money and patience and time for buying up and collecting odds 'n' ends and then putting them together to make something out of nothing. scrapbookers, on the other hand, are creative, patient, experimental, inventive, artistic, mistake-forgiving, multi-tasking, persevering, non-conforming, free-time-using, picture-developing, cute paper-buying & saving, amazing people.

herein lies the dilemma.

the execution: fully aware of my shortcomings and refusing to go all out of nowhere scrapbooky on my husband, but still wanting to make this happen, i set about simplifying ali's project. a few months ago grant gave me a great leather bound notebook that he wasn't using. i hadn't used it yet either. a full 2-month holiday supply of pottery barn and williams-sonoma catalogues were just sitting next to my couch, already read, full of pretty pictures, not being put to use for a single thing. so, i snatched both of these items, clipped up some lined paper, slathered on some elmer's, and scribbled in my thoughts. voila.

the advent journal.












the result: it's a rudimentary version of ali's original idea. highly unrefined. probably a disgrace to even be associated with the acclaimed "december daily album" project. but I kind of like that about it. the glue-produced waviness of the pages and the disappointingly messy handwriting adds a homespun effect. to tell you the truth, i've become fond of the crude, scrappy look it's taking on. for me to actually do something like this and keep up with it, it has to be ultra-simplified. and it is. i am loving it.
categories:,, | 12 comments
December 9, 2008

the richest girl in town

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Now that I'm walking to the gym almost everyday, my new routine permits me to observe some of the charms of a small town life. Each day I get all bundled up, grab my workout bag, don my coziest scarf, and set out on my journey. My walk takes me down a lovely street lined with matured and often snow-laden maples. As I'm strolling, I pull my never-long-enough coat sleeves as far down over my gloves as they can possibly stretch because that little gap over my wrist lets in an unbelievable amount of cold air. The walk continues. My tennis shoes crunch show that didn't get shoveled away and I smell a wood-burning stove a couple of houses down. I look down main street, taking in all the old-fashioned hanging Christmas decorations and watching people bustling in and out of the little shops. Despite the liveliness of the season, the town remains quiet and calm. It's clean and wholesome. It's all rather Bedford Falls-ish.
Walking in the freezing cold makes me so thankful that I don't have to worry about how I will ever get warm again. I have a heated house to come home to. It makes me notice what a privileged life I live. All of my needs are met. The bills are paid. We have food, clothing, water, health. Not only are all of my needs met, but all of my wants as well. A husband to love, a house to keep clean, a kitchen to cook in, notebooks to list in, good books to read, a new place to workout, family to see, gifts to wrap, music to enjoy. I am one happy girl.
And this truly is a wonderful life.
{photo from my front window, which holds a fresh, frosty carving each morning}
categories:,, | 6 comments
December 8, 2008

25 christmas classics

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1. the christmas song | nat king cole (favorite song of all-time)
2. sleigh ride | leroy anderson
3. jingle bells | the andrews sisters
4. white christmas | bing crosby
5. here comes santa clause | bing crosby & the andrews sisters
6. caroling, caroling | nat king cole
7. holly jolly christmas | burl ives
8. have yourself a merry little christmas | judy garland, ella fitzgerald
9. let it snow | vaughn monroe
10. happy holidays | andy williams
11. christmas time is here | vince guaraldi trio
12. winter wonderland | the andrews sisters
13. rudolph the red-nosed reindeer | gene autry
14. o holy night | nat king cole
15. a marshmallow world | frank sinatra and dean martin
16. jolly old st. nicholas/little drummer boy medley | ray conniff & the ray conniff singers
17. i'll be home for christmas | frank sinatra
18. mistletoe and holly | frank sinatra
19. it's beginning to look a lot like christmas | perry como & the fontane sisters
20. baby it's cold outside | dean martin (grant's favorite)
21. there's no place like home for the holidays | the carpenters
22. santa baby | eartha kitt
23. hark! the herald angels sing | vince guaraldi trio
24. the most wonderful time of the year | andy williams
25. santa claus is comin' to town | the andrews sisters & bing crosby
from a very young age, my dear dad taught his daughters to recognize and appreciate the timeless, untouchable quality of the classics. (true story: i became addicted to nat king cole in the 4th grade.) and for this, i am eternally grateful to him. one of my favorite christmas memories is the drive home from grandma's house, when dad would find a radio station playing classic holiday music. us girls would play 'name that singer' and dad would judge. he is, of course, all-knowing, when it comes to this game.
so, in hopes of sharing what dad shared with me, and in case you've been wanting to bulk up your christmas playlist in itunes, i've compiled a list of 25 of my favorites. classics, of course. (if two artists are listed, i consider both versions to be worthy of a mention.)
ps. my cool advent calendar was a gift from haley last year. thanks, hales!
categories:,,, | 8 comments
December 5, 2008

happy

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today my little sis has a birthday.
and today, i will write about her.
Chelsea
has always been braver than me.
can make a new friend wherever she goes, within 2 minutes.
doesn't like lasagna.
is incredibly generous.
talks and acts like me, so we're told.
is a writer.
prefers classy things.
watches one movie over and over until she has it memorized.
takes pleasure in traditions.
's middle name is Noel. which I've always loved.
makes toasts at Christmas time.
manages her time well.
is easy to buy gifts for.
is a rule follower.
likes when other people follow the rules too.
trades clothes with me sometimes.
is a good friend to others.
craves emails, letters, phone calls.
makes a mean fried egg sandwich.
has a lovely, gentle, and sensitive spirit.
always wants to play a game.
pursues worthy things.
forgives quickly.
gives hugs.
impresses people with her model-like stature. tall, thin, gorgeous hair. the works.
was nice to me, even when I wasn't nice to her when we were growing up.
makes lists.
enjoys chicken with ranch. and good french fries, dipped in ranch.
is admirably ambitious.
provides a compassionate listening ear.
treats people like she would want to be treated.
happy birthday, Chels!
have a wonderful, merry, sweet, exciting, and memorable day.
may you enjoy that indescribable feeling of it being your day.
may it be full of lovely surprises.
i love you.
categories:,, | 12 comments

luxuries: part two

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stylist interview continued.
down to the specifics.
what is the best overall hairspray? (1) Back to Basics Firm Hold Hairspray. New discovery thanks to our beautiful aunt, Kayleen. This is the product world's best kept secret. Dries quickly, doesn't feel wet at all, hair stays exactly where you put it- lasts all day. Doesn't leave any "film" or flaky residue. (bonus: it's relatively inexpensive)
best root lifter/volumizer? (2) Bedhead Queen for a Day Thickening Spray. Perfect for spraying right at the roots, or can be used all over for fine hair. Gives hair just enough texture for awesome body. Smells great. Easy to use.
best product for creating shine? (3) Kenra Silkening Mist. Not greasy at all, leaves hair looking healthy and shiny. Perfect for sprucing up "second day" hair. Works great to finish hair after flat-ironing.
best smoother? (4) Bedhead After Party. Lightweight, great for smoothing out frizzy ends and flyaways. I use it on every client at the end of the service to give them that "finished" look. (bonus: it's a deodorizer so it's perfect for cleaning up after a visit to a smoky bowling alley)
what would you give to someone with curly hair? (5) Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier. Sticky enough to get lots of curl out of just "wavy" hair. Smoothes curls together for more "piecey" ringlets. Instantly calms frizziness and crazy curls. Amazing product. Couldn't go a day without it.
what about someone who wants straight hair? (6) Redken Align. Great blow-dry lotion. Gets hair stick-straight all day.
people with dry/heat-damaged hair, what should they use? (7) Redken Real Control Intense Renewal Super Moisturizing Mask. Great value. Hair feels softer and easier to comb through after just one use. Smells good. Use a couple of times a week for dry hair and you will notice a difference.
what about people who have had a ton of highlights and now their hair is damaged/over-processed? (8) Redken Extreme Deep Fuel. Amazing for highlighted hair that needs its strength back. Stops hair from being so brittle and breaking easily. Hair looks shinier and healthier- less frizzy and damaged. Got me through going back to blond, from being red.
what would you give to someone who is trying to grow out their hair? (9) Nioxin Intensive Therapy Recharging Complex or (10) Redken Anti-Snap. The recharging complex is a bottle of vitamins that you take once a day. My nails are longer and stronger than ever and my hair seems to be growing faster as well. I'm addicted to them already. The Redken Anti-Snap product is a great leave-in conditioner. Just use a tiny bit on your ends every day to prevent them from breaking. Lasts forever and easy to use.
thanks for all the wonderful advice, Haley!
I can't wait to put some of these on my Christmas list.
categories:, | 3 comments
December 3, 2008

in the lane, snow is glistening

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We woke to the sound of beeping that wasn't an alarm clock. It came from the big trucks that were scraping away the top layer of beautiful, untouched whiteness in the streets. The excitement of a few new inches was enough to get me right up out of bed. As I looked out, I saw that the world was enveloped in an elegant blue haze. I wish that scene could have lasted all day. I'm happy to tell you that it is cold enough for our snow to stick around for awhile and even happier to tell you that as I write this, it has started to snow again. At first I thought it might just be blowing, but no, it is actually snowing. The flakes are so tiny (and the sun so shiny) that they resemble specs of floating glitter. Yay for December and all its weathery charms.
Today is such a good day. The morning was productive. Cleaning- done. Dinner- planned. Correspondence- done. (good word. this really is an important chore to me.) And something new: go to the gym- done. Yesterday I got a membership at the wellness center here in our teeny-tiny town. I was elated. The bitter cold has been keeping me away from my normal running route for far too long. I was starting to feel idle, useless... close to slothful. Scary. So, after the exercise, I am feeling 100% better. For me, exercise is like a drug. I may not want to take it at first (ugh... nyquil), but after it's done, boy, do I feel good. It makes me want to eat right, be active, be productive, be healthy.
To top it all off, I began a little Christmas project this afternoon, which I've found is just as fun as wrapping presents. (in my dreamworld, my little side job is to wrap presents, in my own house, whenever I want, and there are no deadlines, and no unhappy customers).
categories:,,, | 6 comments
December 2, 2008

75 watts of improvement

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I can't believe that I didn't think of it before.
For the past 3 months, I have had a perfectly good lamp sitting on the sidelines, thinking that I had no where to put it to use. What a fool I've been.
The other night I finally took the lamp out of its unsightly storage location and set it in the corner of the bay window in our living room. When I turned it on, a transformation took place.
It was as if the lamp was created exclusively for that lofty little spot. It belonged there. It was a beacon, enticing me to come and enjoy the new brilliance in my ordinary living room.
It shed light and life on a quiet, untouched corner. It yielded a cozy warmth to the entire room. Situated just above my reading chair, it provided the perfect gleam for snuggling up with a book under its welcoming glow.
Needless to say, I am amazed at the difference one little light can make. Who knew a room makeover was awaiting me when I brought the lamp out of obscurity?
I am always so happy to discover the value in things that I already own.
categories: | 2 comments

generic triumph

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Target's generic line, Market Pantry, has something fantastic to offer you in the cereal aisle.
This morning for breakfast I had a bowl of Honey & Oat Mixers, the MP imitation of Honey Bunches of Oats...
and it was better than the real thing!
In my opinion, they have truly mastered this knockoff.
Don't forget to jot this down on your next grocery list.
I would love to hear if you feel the same as me.
categories: | 3 comments
December 1, 2008

seven

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I've been tagged.
By the creative notebookdoodles. (thank you!)
here's how it works:
link to the person who tagged you
write seven things about yourself
tag seven others and link to them at the bottom (leave them a comment to let them know)
my seven
1. i usually devour books in ample chunks- none of this 3 pages a night before I go to sleep
2. i spread my butter to the very edge of my toast- also, the meat and cheese on my sandwich is always evenly placed with no clumping in the middle
3. i would rather get a few smaller, less expensive gifts than one big one
4. i still have a crush on Grant (my husband)
5. i dislike ping-pong, fruit pies, America's funniest home videos, the feeling of tears on my face, and black licorice
6. i scrape the icing off my piece of cake before I eat it
7. i am not a phone person
i tag
lovely photo via here
categories: | 6 comments
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hello

about this blog

Hello, I'm Summer. A people-loving introvert whose hope and life is in Jesus. His promises are my passion and my ministry is homelife. This blog is a place for me to write about everyday things. Especially food. My favorite thing to do is sit around a table, lingering over a long meal with good conversation. I live with my husband and our 2 littles. We like blizzards, thrifting, grammar, guacamole, cheerful hearts, nice manners, good movies, and making simple, real, nutrient-dense food.

"If Christ be anything, He must be everything."
-C.H. Spurgeon

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