My TWO Weeks in Instagram

Almost two weeks have gone by since I last blogged. Wow, how time flies!

Especially at this time of year when there is so many fun things to do.

So, what did I do within those two weeks?

1. Hosted a Harvest Party, which turned out to be a great success!

Complete with a Popcorn Bar, Chili Cook-Off, Bobbing for Apples, and Square Dancing.

2. I hosted the first book club meeting for the book Persuasion.

And I even made Homemade Pumpkin Pie and Homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

I will be sharing that latte recipe soon... it was amazing!

3. I took Silas on a few of the last Fall walks of the season to enjoy all the bright colors...

before the snow hits and our Fall walks turn in to Winter Wonderland walks. 

 

4. And finally, Micah and I traveled to Seattle last Sunday

for a two week rest/vacation/dr.appointments trip.

And believe me, we are finally realizing how much we needed this rest. 

Current Crush - Ballet Flats

1, 2, 3, 4, 5


It's that time of year again.
Too cold for sandals and flip flops, too warm for snow boots.
So what are my go-to shoes for the season... ballet flats.
The perfect shoe in my opinion, for the Fall season.
  

May Books

It's that time of year again.

The time where I start to overlap my schedule

with things I need to do this year, and things that are scheduled for next year.

So I am on the hunt for a good daily planner.

I just heard about May Books and I am seriously thinking of purchasing one.

You can customize the cover and content to exactly the way you want it!

And for me, along with the daily planner, I would want a meal planner.

When it comes to cooking, I need a plan.

Color Palette - Pumpkin & Blue

Happy Monday!

Another crisp and colorful Fall week is beginning.

I am just in love with this table-scape and color palette.

Maybe this will be my inspiration for the next event/party on my schedule.

Which reminds me ... I need to start brainstorming about the Ladies Soup Swap! 

via: SNAP 

Sunday Morning Breakfast

Harvest Party has been successfully completed!

Now it's time to play catch up on the other things in my life...

like grocery shopping, cleaning, and reading.

Shopping, because I woke up this morning,

craving a warm Sunday breakfast,

only to find that we literally only had cream of wheat! 

I do love cream of wheat, but when our fridge is pretty much bare

of anything other than eggs and condiments...

well, I think I need to make a trip to the grocery store.

Cleaning, because that is always the last thing on my mind

when I have a huge event in the near future.

Reading, because my first Book Club meeting is this Friday

and I need to have half of Persuasion read by then.

And can I just tell you, that after a 10 year break

from reading Jane Austen novels,

you need a bit more concentration in reading

than you would need if you were reading Twilight.

I'm just say'n.

 

My Week in Instagrams

Fall is in full swing here in the Northwest.
And to kick it off, I'm throwing a Harvest Party!

It's going to be filled with...
Chili Cook-Off
Apple Cider
 Popcorn Bar
 Face Painting
 Corn-Hole Tournament
 and even Square Dancing.

It will be a blast...
and I am going to have some
much needed rest once it's over.

Olive Box

I know we all have heard about Birchbox by now...

but have you heard of Olive Box?

Here is a little blurb about Olive Box,

from the creators of Olive Box... 

"After an age of electronic everything,

we are finally back to being excited over beautiful, handwritten letters

and receiving a physical gift in the mail...

As a member you will receive a delightful box of

paper & lifestyle products delivered to your front door each month.

From cards to artwork to inspiring books and gifting ideas,

you never know what exciting products you will unwrap each month."

What a special treat this would be every month. 

Current Crush - Figs Figs Figs

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Figs hold a special place in my heart. I guess you could call them nostalgic.

Growing up my grandparents had a magnificent fig tree on their property.

Perfectly knotty and twisted. If you've ever seen a fig tree,

then you know that they are full of personality in how each tree grows uniquely.

I have memories of climbing it, counting the ants that lived among it,

finding Easter Eggs hidden in it's secret holes;

and when I got older, and moved into my grandparents home after they passed away,

I remember reading many books under it's branches.

Funny thing is though, I don't ever remember eating any figs from that tree.

I never knew my love for the fruit until a few years ago.

One thing I wish I could go back and do differently...

take advantage of all those delicious figs.

Thakoon Addition

I know were heading into Fall and these dresses say a bit more Spring,
but I couldn't help posting these Thakoon dresses.
They are just too pretty and flow-y to pass up.

Color Palette - Ombre Pumpkins

Happy October 1st!

I love this day because I finally get to dig our holiday decorations out of the attic,

give them all a good dusting, and proudly display them for all to see.

Can't you just feel the joy of the holiday's getting nearer and nearer.

I know I can.

image via: Martha Stewart

Sunday Morning Breakfast

Notice anything different?!?!?

Yep, you guessed it, finally a new blog design!

 

When I started blogging (going on 5 years ago),

I never really gave it a second thought when it came to blog design.

I was happy with the design blogger provided.

Plain white with different color font. It was plain and simple, but it was perfect to me.

Skip to 4 years later, me now engaged in the blogging world way more,

I was exposed to all the amazing personal blogs out there

and all the options I had to dream big on how I wanted my design to be.

So I started doing research, talking to friends, talking to bloggers, even shopping on Etsy...

(did you know you can buy blog designs on Etsy?)...

after months of that I finally found the perfect gal.

Hannah from signed, xoxohannah was able to take my vision, my personality, and my style

and create the perfect blog for me and I am more than pleased. 

 

So thank you Hannah for the hours of work and late nights (opps) you put into this.

I hope you were able to sleep in today.

My Week in Instagrams

This weekend is going to be full.
I'm throwing a huge Harvest Party on October 6th (like 300 people huge),
so today is going to be filled with shopping shopping shopping!
Shopping for pumpkins, corn, fabric, and anything else "Harvest-y" that catches my eye.
And then, my weekend will move on to logistics...
Logistically trying to wrap my brain around how this whole thing is going to happen.

Wish me luck!

Current Crush - Apple Desserts

Like I said before, September is the month for Apples.

And all I seem to be thinking about is what yummy apple dessert I can make next.

Mainly because I still have probably 5lbs of apples left from my picking that I need to use asap.

 But I only have two more days to get that out of my system,

because Monday is October 1st (the best month of the year in my opinion),

and October is the month for Pumpkin recipes!

images and recipes via: martha stewart

Cinnamon-Sugar Biscotti

Nothing goes better with an afternoon Americano, than crunchy Biscotti.

And cinnamon and sugar seemed to be the appropriate way

to spice up this Biscotti recipe. 

Cinnamon-Sugar Biscotti  

Adapted from Martha Stewart

Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder

1 tsp lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping:

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 egg, beaten with a splash of water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Stir in pecans.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and vanilla; stir into flour mixture. Dough will look VERY dry but will come together when kneaded... trust me. 

4. Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface; knead until smooth. Divide dough in half; shape into two logs, each about 1 inch high and 3 inches wide. 

5. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Mix the topping sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Brush with egg water mix and sprinkle with cinnamon & sugar mix.

6. Bake until logs are puffed and outside is firm, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 2 hours.

7. Using a serrated knife, thinly slice the logs crosswise,1/4 inch thick. Lay slices on two parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until crisp and lightly golden, rotating pans and turning biscotti over halfway through, 20 minutes total. 

8. Cool completely before serving and enjoy.

Bad Girls Throughout History

I feel bad to say this...
but I am loving these handmade postcards!
Created by the wonderful illustrator, graphic designer, and writer Anne Shen.
She's got a great blog too!

Color Palette - Minnetonka

It's almost time!

Almost time to bust out my boot, scarves, and sweaters.
Speaking of boots, I would love to add these Minnetonka boots to my collection this year.

via: a beautiful mess

Sunday Morning Breakfast

Breakfast this morning was apple inspired.

September is always apple month in my opinion.

So I made an Apple Coffee Cake that was to die for!

 

After last weeks pear fiasco, where I had so many pears

I didn't know what to do with them all,

I am dealing with another fruit hoarding fiasco... too many apples.

Now, I don't necessarily consider this a bad thing,

I do have lots in mind for them...

Apple Butter

Apple Pie

Canned Apple Pie Filling

Apple Sauce

...the list could go on.

My only problem is finding the time

to do all of that before the apples spoil.

Wish me luck!

My Week in Instagrams

 

I am beginning to realize that

most of my Instagram posts are food related...

and I am completely fine with that!

Have a great first day of Fall.

I hope it is full of baking goodness.

Marchesa Resort 2013

I don't really have anything in my schedule that requires me to "dress up".
 But nonetheless, I am in love with these Marchesa dresses.
These puffed and ruched sleeves are amazing!

images via: {this is glamorous}

Current Crush - Feral Watches

I know that watches are more of a fashion statement
rather that actually something that is used to check the time
(we all have cell phones now right).
But I am just in love with these Feral Watches.
I would wear that mint watch everyday!

Peach Butter

There is Apple Butter and Pear Butter...

but have you ever heard of Peach Butter?

It is divine. Truly divine. 

At this time of year,

all I can seem to think about

is baking and canning.

So here is a "must make" recipe for you to make this fall.

Oh, and did I mention that when you make this

your house will be filled with the most amazing Fall scent!

Good food and a yummy smelling house,

what more could a girl ask for.

Peach Butter
Adapted from: Smitten Kitchen

4 pounds peaches
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice

1. Start off by removing the skin from the peaches.  To do that, all you have to do is cut a small “x” in the bottom of each peach. Place each peach into a pot of boiling water for 30 seconds, and then into a bowl of cold ice water. Leave the peach in the ice water for a minute or two, then begin to peal the skin off. The peels should slide right off.

2. Remove the peach pit and dice into big chunks. Place the peach chunks and water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Simmer until peaches are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

3. With an immersion blender, puree the peaches and water until smooth. Or you could just blend it in a blender then return it back to the pot.

4. Add the sugar and lemon juice and bring the mixture to a good strong simmer/gentle boil, cooking them at this level for 1 to 2 hours minutes, stirring occasionally in the beginning and more often near the end, as it thickens up and the fruit masses risk scorching on the bottom of the pot. The peach butter should be very thick by the end.

Color Palette - Fall Emerald

Will you believe me if I told you I forgot to blog pretty much all last week?
Okay... maybe I didn't forget... I was SUPER busy with work.

But it's Monday, and Monday means Color Palette day,
which has quickly become one of my favorite blogging days.
To be able to share a beautifully inspirational picture with you
along with colors that flow (or at least I think so) so perfectly together.

Today, I get to share my favorite color of all time with you...Emerald Green.
I blame the movie Return to Oz for my obsession with Emerald...
or maybe I blame Tinkerbell or The Great Gatsby.
All are scene stealing with the emphasis on Emerald.

Urban Bird & Co.

Maybe I have been watching too much Downton Abbey,

but I have been thinking a lot about Etiquette these days.

Etiquette... such a pretty word and tradition, yet so often forgotten.

One day, I would love to take an Etiquette class.

Learning all the do's and don'ts of how to "properly" behave. 

But until then, these cute napkins by Urban Bird & Co. will do the trick!

Color Palette - Fall Coral

I always thought of Coral as a Spring and Summer color...

but it looks amazing with this Fall sweater!

Image via: Happily Grey

Sunday Morning Breakfast

I can feel Fall approaching each morning I wake up.

Today I woke up to find foggy clouds covering the mountains, a chill in the air,

and a craving in my tummy for something sweet and cinnamon-y.

Doesn't that just sound like Fall.

On another note...

See these pears, I have a case of them that I need to do something with.

Canned Pears, Pear Butter, Pear Pie... those are the things I have planned for today.

Yet I'm afraid I'll still have more pears than I know what to do with.

Do you have any suggestions on what I should do with them?

Happy Sunday!

My Week in Instagrams

There was a lot of harvesting and canning going on in our home this week.
Peaches, Pears, Onions, Beans, Peas, Potatoes, Pickles...
bunches and bunches of yummy stuff that will feed us through the winter.
Next thing on my list to can are tomatoes and apples!

Happy Art for Happy Walls

 

Wouldn't you just love to have these hanging in your house.

I am so in love with these prints created by UUPP.

And their Etsy tagline is so cute...

 

"Happy Art for Happy Walls"

Happy Friday!

Current Crush - Maxi Skirts

1, 2, 3 
 
I love maxi skirts for the fall.
When the weather is just a bit too cold to wear short skirts,
yet is still a bit too warm to wear tights. 
Yeah, the maxi skirt is perfect for this time of year.

I am seriously crushing on all 5 of these right now. 

 

Black Pepper Biscuits

You want to know something...
I think homemade biscuits are one of the most frustrating things to make.
But I love them so much, so I fight through.
Why are they so frustrating?
First, they are messy. When your done making them,
flour has somehow exploded all over your kitchen.
Second, they are sticky. The dough gets everywhere and in every thing...
even rings that you forget to take of before mixing the dough.
Third, they are super touchy to make.
Kneed them too much, they are stiff.
Kneed them not enough, they aren't mixed well.
Add to much flour, they are dry.
Add to much cream, they are sopping wet.
You get my point.
All that to say, I have tried to perfect a biscuit recipe for awhile now.
And this recipe is hands down (so far) my favorite.
And the black pepper on the top is divine.

Black Pepper Biscuits

4 cups flour, plus more to dust
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons cold butter, grated into small pieces (I use a cheese grater)
1 1/2 cups cold buttermilk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add the butter and using a pastry cutter or you fingers, mix into the flour mixture until mixture resembles a coarse meal.

4. Add the buttermilk and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Mix until it just begins to come together. Do not overmix!

5.  On a lightly floured surface, place the dough. Pat the dough into a ball and with your hands press until it is about 3/4 inch thick.  Using a biscuit cutter (or just a plain cup) begin to cut out the biscuits.

6. Place the biscuits on a prepared baking sheet, brush with more cream on top of the biscuits and sprinkle with black pepper.

7. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
 

Another Giveaway!

Want a chance to win these earrings?!?

I'm participating in a group giveaway

and would love for you all to head on over to Glossy Blond

and enter in for a chance to win these "Breezy Earrings"!

 

Color Palette - Summer Transitions

My favorite time of the year is beginning.
That time where it's still warm enough to relax outside,
yet there is a slight chill in the air that makes you want to curl up under a blanket,
bake something delicious, or throw together a pot of soup.
The fall flowers start to bloom, the Tamarack trees begin to yellow,
and the maple trees being to turn crimson red.
Ahhhh Fall, you are my favorite.

Image via: Covet Garden

Sunday Morning Breakfast

Good Morning... or I should say,

Good Afternoon!

Both Micah and I slept in way too late today.

But hey, it's the weekend and that's what weekends are for! Right?

We slept in so late, that Sunday Morning Breakfast was more like Sunday Morning Brunch.

Sounds good to me. So I lounged around the kitchen and made wonderful Black Pepper Biscuits.

 Then I turned that into a breakfast sandwich. It was delicious!

What was on your plate this morning?

My Week in Instagrams

My Instagram-ing (if that is even a word... it is now) has been slacking this week.

It has been a busy week, to say the least.  To make up for it,

I have a story behind each of these pictures for you!

The Ice Cream above was my second batch of Huckleberry Ice Cream !

I seriously love this stuff.

After 6 months of telling myself that I needed a hair cut,

I finally made it to the salon.

My hair was almost to my butt... not good.

While I was there my stylist introduced me to this amazing stuff.

It is seriously powered gold in my opinion.

I have SUPER fine hair that will never hold any sort of volume.

But this texture powder gives your hair that matte feeling that keeps it put all day.

Our chickens have finally started consistently laying eggs.

Not all the chickens are laying, only four.

But each morning we get farm fresh eggs to enjoy!

 

On Thursday, Jon and Danielle made a spontaneous trip over to see us!

It is always so wonderful when family comes to visit

and we had such a great time...

Burgertown

Happy Hour at the Tamarak

BBQ Dinner

and Dessert by the bonfire. 

(Oh... and my new haircut!)