Current Favorite: Store

I cannot put into words how amazing this store is. I cannot. I am not going to try.

 

Just know that if you love paper goods, pens, notebooks, journals or anything along those lines then this place is a must. Thanks to my friend Katie for telling me about it.

 

My heart is literally still racing...it was that good!

 

 

 

Current Favorite: Book

At Home with Madame Chic

by Jennifer L. Scott

 

I devoured this book, stopping only because I was so inspired by her words that I needed to immediately execute them in my home. Many of my personal thoughts on home and housekeeping were echoed throughout the pages, so much so that at times I felt like she had invaded my mind and taken notes. Candles for every day luxury, music to set a tone to the day, clutter-free house for a clutter free mind, prep work for busy mornings; all these things have been marks of how I desire for my home to look and feel but reading it afresh was just what I needed this time of year to get back in the game of homemaking. There were of course things I have no current plan of making a part of my life, but the beauty is I can take and apply only the portions of it that match who I am and how I am wired. The same goes for you of course.

 

 

Homemaker.

 

 

 

The word might make you cringe, might make you smile, might not strike you in any particular way. But for me this is a word I want to embrace more and more this year. I am at my house every day for at least 18-20 hours. I have four children and a husband who spend much of their life at our home. It not only makes logical sense to work hard at making it a place I want to be, it also stirs my creative, up for a good challenge personality. Thus far in working towards these changes I will say that I have found myself relishing the precious days we have been given more.

 

My eyes have become more trained to take in the beauty all around, be it in my children, the endless piles of snow out my window, the way my house lets in light...all of it can fuel thankfulness. Christ calls us to be thankful. It is hard to be thankful when our eyes see deadlines, dirt, meal making and whining children as we bow over in an overwhelmed state. But lift up your eyes. Lift them up and see Him. He will accomplish his good plan and we simply need to heed His direction for us. No, it probably is not a home cooked meal, probably not a clutter-free entry way, but certainly is our heart's state as we go about these daily to-dos. While I strive to grow in homemaking I pray I do not miss the forest for the trees.

 

Current Favorite: Sandwich

 Roasted Pepper and Goat Cheese Sandwich

 

 

 

I found this recipe by Ina Garten and tweaked a few things to fit my time constraint of the day. I have listed the alterations I made below but I am sure that making it precisely as she has instructed would be a good choice as well!

 

 

 Rather then waiting for the peppers to cool after roasting them, I peeled and cut them immediately and tossed them hot into the marinade (minus the capers...who has capers sitting around??).  My peppers were only in the marinade for a few minutes and the taste was strong and delicious. If you have the time to let them sit longer I am sure it would enhance the flavor but you certainly will still be able to enjoy this sandwich without using all that time.

 

 I like my sandwiches to be hot, so I placed my goat cheese covered ciabatta under the broiler for a few minutes until it was nice and toasty. Once I removed them I spread pesto on top of the goat cheese, (I did not have basil and figured pesto would be a nice flavor addition, which it was!) added the peppers and a few sliced red onion pieces and devoured it. Both my husband and I enjoyed this sandwich two days in a row because it was that delicious!

 

 

So yummy. So many flavors and textures. Simple to make and luxurious in taste!



Current Favorite: Nail polish

 

 

I have a new favorite nail polish every day of the week because I am addicted to it. But right now, this one is pretty fabulous....and with the Fall coming (hate me if you will for saying that) I cannot wait to wear this all the time! Browns I think work really well on us pale girls.

 

 

My current favorite : Facial Cleanser

 

 

This is the best facial cleanser I have ever used. It takes off  every bit of makeup and leaves the skin clean but not tight.  The other day I had put eyeliner all over my face to create a faux mustache and super thick eyebrows (don't ask why) and with a single pump of this stuff it all came off! They sell this stuff in small bottles at Ulta and Nordstrom, but I suggest going for the huge bottle from QVC. I just finished mine and I think I bought it about two years ago and have used it almost every day. My new one came today in the mail and I am thankful because nothing else will substitute. I have tried other soaps and often they break me out after a week of use....this stuff is pure gold! Give it a try, I don't think you will regret it.