Currently: April 2017

April 4, 2017

In an attempt to get back on the blogging train, I'm writing this post on Friday afternoon. By the time you read it, it'll probably be Monday morning. The rest of the so much that has been happening will have happened over the weekend and I may be more tired than I am today. Good thing there is a way to schedule posts in advance.

 I'm currently...

Accomplishing: Keeping up. Or at least, trying to.

Feeling: Like things are going a mile a minute right now. I've been reminded of just how many wonderful people I have in my life here, there, and everywhere. I'm grateful. I'm excited. And, as tired as I seem to be in this moment, I wouldn't change a thing.

Needing: Honestly, the only thing I need is a reset button that snaps everything back into place. I guess that's known as God's grace. Which is good news, because that's something I can count on!

Practicing: My morning routine. Making time to write. Having a heart given to generous hospitality.

Pinning: I haven't used pinterest in the longest time, but if I did, I would pin this recipe, this quote, this hairstyle, this poem, and these window boxes. Also, have you seen this video or heard this song?

I'm linking up with Anne and Jess.

What are you currently into?

Currently: March 2017

March 1, 2017

Yesterday afternoon I went for a walk. The sun was high in the sky and I could actually feel its warmth on my face. When this happens, the day I wait for all winter has arrived. It was the last day of February and it was finally time for me to haul my camp chair out to the garden to read by the side of the warm house. I poked my head around the corner to see a perfect patch of grass waiting. Armed with a blanket, a cup of coffee, and the book I'm currently reading, I settled into my chair. 

The snow is still coming down. It will be months before I scratch around in the dirt. But, my days of reading outside have returned! I'll remember this winter as the one that taught me to truly enjoy the snow and even the cold. Whatever happens to make the sun's warmth reach us is happening and I'm ready to bask in it. 

Watching: Some things I hope to watch soon are the new season of Grantchester (Come on, England. We Americans want in on Sidney and Geordie tooo!), The Help, Spiderman with my youngest brother, and Hidden Figures with my Mom.

I have this horrible habit of forgetting about movies by the time they're on DVD. Every year, I tell myself I'm going to start a list...Some current ones on that list: The BFG, the new Bourne, Collateral Beauty, and Fences.

Eating: Lettuce/mayonnaise/cheese sandwiches on toast, poached eggs with toast, cheese and green onion omelets with toast, pancakes, and all of this. I suppose these things are better than the grilled cheese sandwiches with chips and ketchup that seemed to be my lunch more often than not in January.

Saying: "Please clean up after yourself." "When can I go to ___?" "I miss you." "Are you keeping this or can I throw it away?" "BASK, Victoria." Have anything to add to this list?

Wearing: My hair in a bun held up by 3 or 4 bobby pins (a new trick I learned recently). Shades of red and gray on my nails. My black skirt or a pair of jeans with sweaters and vests and long sleeved shirts and sweatshirts.

Posting: New recipes. Words for you soul. Blogging strategies. Book lists.

Linking up with Anne and Carrie.

What are you currently watching, eating, saying, wearing, and posting? 

Currently: September 2016

September 1, 2016

Summer just vanished. I'm hoping it will be back, but I don't have my hopes up. Temps have been in the 50's and 60's this week and we've had rain almost every day. It's sad to have summer disappear without a warning, but at the same time, it's making the transition to our fall schedule seem very natural.

The summer jobs are over. School has begun. Before we know it, the next round of auditions will be here and then we'll be back into the swing of rehearsal schedules and performance dates (should they land parts).

I'm currently...

Reading: In the weeks leading up to my birthday, I always pick at least one book that I want to read. This year, I picked two: "The Beautiful and Damned" by F. Scott Fitzgerald and "Let Me Be A Woman" by Elisabeth Elliot. So far, so good. I'm definitely going to make it!

Trying: Our new fall routine and schedule. Summer was CRAZY. This week we have a lull and then next week is going to be fall's kind of crazy. Also, to wrap my mind around the fact that we are REALLY staying here in this "new" town that I'm going to have to stop calling "new". We've been here for a year. Our other house has sold and we've joined the church we've been attending. This is IT. We aren't going anywhere.

Hoping: To find a house SOON. To make family dinners a regular occurrence again. And to not fall completely apart the way I so often do when a lot of change hits me all at once.

Decorating: Ha! Nothing. Our decorations are all in storage, so I haven't put anything up or down except for a handful of Christmasy things. Hopefully we have a new place before the end of October. Wouldn't that be great?

To-Do Listing: Everything. I'm a list maker and keeper. If it needs doing or attention or remembering, I write it down.

Join me in linking up with Anne and Beth, or just leave your answers in the comments!

Currently: July 2016

July 1, 2016

Excuse my absence. Again. I drafted this post several weeks ago, but never got around to posting it...So here ya go. I've got allll kinds of things to write about and pictures to share. I've updated my summer reads and I do hope to be back to posting here sooner rather than later! 

June was amazing. It may have been THE best month we've had since moving last August (and we've had some GOOD months). We had some seriously HOT days in June and I'm always up for sunshine.

In the garden, my little cucumber and pea plots are coming right along. There aren't any vegetables yet, but I haven't lost hope (update: I ate my first sugar snap pea two days ago and there are a bunch more that will be ready any day)! My zinnia patch is blooming which is SUPER exciting. I've tried to grow zinnias twice, but each time I think my cosmos choked them out. Trying to start seeds in the window boxes turned out to be foolish. You win some, you lose some. 

In the fun department, there was one week in particular that was one fun thing after another. I spent a day at an amusement park, went hiking, went to several potlucks (I need to keep a tally going...), and made some new friends. I'll be posting about it soon!

I also had several opportunities to do some HELPING. I'm still in the middle of one of the projects, which is costuming for my brother and sister's latest play (update: the play has come and gone. It was a huge success and we all survived!). This is my first time working in costuming, so I mostly find myself asking LOTS of questions and organizing and reorganizing EVERYTHING. 

July is here and it really feels both like summer is JUST getting started and that we've been living summer all along. I still haven't gone swimming yet, but SOON (update: my sister and I went swimming yesterday and it was everything I hoped it would be. We'll be going back very SOON). In the meantime, I'm currently...

Toasting: Banana bread. Along with HOT weather, we've had a lot of rainy/gray days where temps barely reach 70. Strange? YES! But, I'm making the most of it with chances to burn candles, bake, and make hearty meals. 

Going: A LOT. As I mentioned, there seems to be a potluck or two every week with one group or another. One thing I didn't mention is that my Mom and I went to a staged reading of The Great Gatsby and it was sooooo good. They read the final line and it hit me just like the first time I read it in my backyard several summers ago. I walked out of the theatre in stunned silence. 

Smelling: At this exact moment, I'm smelling the fresh rain smell that's coming in through the open window. The candle I mentioned happens to be left over from fall, but I've been burning it anyway. Hello, pumpkin spice afternoons. 

Wearing: A combination of summer clothes and jeans and sweatshirts. Also, Banana Boat's "After Sun" lotion. 

Wishlisting: For more of the same. LOTS and LOTS of sunshine and chances to get to know these people I have met. 

Linking up with Jenna and Anne one last time (update: totally missed the link up, but posting anyway)! Jenna, I wish you the best with the time you'll have on your hands each month now that you're passing your co-hosting duties on to someone else!

Currently: April 2016

April 7, 2016

I'm going to update this post with a current picture later, but for now, I wanted to check in! I'm back at our other house today and will be here off and on over the next who knows how long. There's work to be done around this place.

If I'm honest, a lot of it disgusts me. It's not my story to tell, so I'll spare you (and the one the story belongs to) and just tell you that for all the ick, I'm really super excited for the parts that involve digging my fingers into my garden spots. I'm also pretty eager to walk my old routes and see the familiar faces that I've missed over the last seven months. 

Aside from cleaning, working in the yard, doing a lot of driving, and praying my heart out, I'm currently...

Making: The next edition of Journey Together. It's going to be late this month, but I'll get it finished and I'll be sure to let you know when I do!  

Wishlisting: A good pair of boots. Spring is the time of year when I don't like wearing socks or tights with my flats like I do in the winter, but then it's also way too cold for sandals. I think boots will keep my feet warm and my socks covered. If it's not boots, then I'm looking for some kind of shoe that will get the job done. What do you wear on your feet when the weather is chilly and damp?  

Cleaning: EVERYTHING. I wanted to leave The Queen's Cottage spic-and-span and I did. I've just finished a deep clean on the bathroom at this house. Next up is bleaching the kitchen sink. 

Posting: things that I think will encourage, inspire, and delight you guys. I'm focusing on my facebook page, so you can expect to hear more about that at some point. In the meantime, have you liked it yet? 

Tasting: Well, I just got over being sick. Soooo, I'm kind of in the mood for everything. Tonight we're having my Grandma's spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread and caesar salad. This 
weekend, I'll probably give into my chocolate chip cookie craving and bake a batch of my favorites.

I'm linking up with Jenna and Anne and I'll be back with a picture eventually! Have a great day, friends! And remember....Every cloud has a silver lining. The sun is shining even when you can't see it. And God's best is the best. 

Happy Wednesday!

What are you up to?  

Currently: February 2016

It's still winter, but feels a lot more like spring most days and we are BUSY. Just to give you an idea, I'm actually having to figure out when is the best time to go grocery shopping. I don't like being this busy. I'll be glad when our weeknights are a little less hectic. In the meantime, we're charging full steam ahead and I'm currently...

Wishing: For superhuman strength. I want to be able to run on a lot less sleep, to have endless ideas for dinners that are quick, nutritious, and filling. I want to be able to communicate with people in a way that makes my thoughts clear and have them respond with understanding and kindness no matter what. It's a tall order. :)

Craving: Dirty knees and my gardening gloves. I cleaned out the window boxes and the garden area here at The Queen's Cottage last week. I raked up a bunch of the leftover leaves and I'm getting super excited to grow things! I'd also like to learn to make Gyros. I'm thinking it JUST might be doable.

Growing: Dreams, lists, and a manuscript. It's too cold to put anything in the ground just yet and I don't have a place to start anything in the house, so all I have are dreams. Lists are how I keep my head on straight. I've got one for everything. As for the manuscript, I'm adding pages to it and watching it take shape.

Wearing: A tired smile. God has blessed us with an AMAZING six months. When we were looking for houses last year, I said, "I don't know how much longer I can do this." Within a few weeks, I didn't have to do it anymore. We found THE house. Since then, my brother and sister have been doing what they love, my Mom and I have been watching them and helping them, and we've all been enjoying the church we've been a part of and the many new friends we've met. God knows what He's up to. The last few weeks may have been A LOT, but I'm trusting Him!

Learning: So many things. You can read more about them  here.


I'm linking up with Jenna and Anne and I think you should too! What are you up to?

Currently: February 2016

February 3, 2016

I'm looking forward to quite a few things this month: a show this weekend, a visit with Ron and Julie, the superbowl (GOOOO Panthers!), my Mom's birthday, and maybe getting together for coffee with my friend Allegra. We're also going to exchange the Christmas gifts we never got around to exchanging due to my sister's travels, so that will be exciting! In the meantime, the cold snap came back and brought some flurries with it. I'm currently....

Sending: I'm really struggling with what to write for this category...I'm going to go with phone calls. I've been working my way through calling people that I haven't talked to in forever. It's been really nice to catch up! 

Eating: Planned meals and onions on everything! Any time I think of a meal, I jot it down and then about once a week I look over the list and plan out the next five or six days worth of dinners. Some day I hope to have a "this is what we eat" plan for every season.

Dreaming: Of getting together a monthly newsletter for YOU guys. Also, of starting up a podcast. The newsletter is a new dream and the podcast is something I've been kicking around for ages. I just need a co-host and a theme. We'll see!

Smelling: The crisp winter air on the few times I've gone for walks over the past few weeks. Also, cinnamon and maple syrup. I made a french toast casserole the other night and the leftovers smell sooooo good. I wonder if there is an essential oil that smells ANYTHING like maple syrup?

Hearting: Our routine lately and Emily Dickinson. It took some getting used to, but I've got a schedule going and that makes all the difference. Alicia's course has helped me approach winter in a new way too.

As always, I'm linking up with Jenna and Anne and I think you should too!

Currently: January 2016

December 26, 2015

Today is Epiphany and it feels like a pretty average Wednesday. I spent some time reading over Matthew 2:1-12 again and again this morning. Epiphany is the day we remember and celebrate the journey the wise men from the east made to see Christ. The account of this trip makes it clear that God is responsible for every detail and my little soul holds fast to this truth!

This year, I've found myself enamored with the fact that Herod didn't know about the birth of Christ until these people from the east told him. He couldn't find Chirst, but they could. God kept those who would kill Christ away until the right time and He sent those who would declare of His Messiahship by worshiping Him directly to His side. The fact that the wise men were God's way of announcing the birth of Christ to Herod and all of Jerusalem has gone over my head for years. Now their trip means even MORE to me than it did before.

It's a new year and things are off to a ROARING start around here. We pick my sister up from the airport tomorrow night and we'll have one weekend before the theatre life will come calling again. We're all pretty excited about it all!

Currently, I am linking up with Jenna and Anne to talk about what I have been...

Resolving: To BEHOLD God at all times in all things. To spend an hour a day on French (so far, this hasn't been happening). To spend an hour a day reading through the Bible the way that I read books again. To write a book (yes, I'm taking the leap). To look into what it takes to get a job at a library.

Reading: I wrote about what I've been reading the other day. Since then I finished some of them and started "Gaudy Night" and "Jane Eyre". It's my first time with both. I'm also reading Psalms and looking forward to spending time in Job when I'm done with that.

Organizing: Lists. After the most LEISURELY Christmas break, I was ready for some productivity. I'm on day three of getting stuff done. Lots of stuff.

Loving: The blue skies we've been having off and on. Dickinson's poetry. The providence of God throughout today and yesterday and the assurance of it for every tomorrow.

Craving: A filling and nutritious meal plan. I've been in a cooking rut lately...Hamburgers, hot dogs, bacon, salads, breakfast for dinner, and tuna fish. I need help!  Maybe I should make a list for that too? ;) Also, BOARD games. For all the time we spent resting over Christmas break, we play almost noooo board games and that is super strange. Long walks. It's cold, I don't walk alone in the city, and I miss being able to lace up my tennis shoes and head out on a whim.

What are you up to?

Have you read a familiar Scripture and had something new jump out at you?

 

Before I sign off for today, I have one more thing to share...It's time for me to collect more questions for future rounds of Ask & Answer. What questions would you like me to include?  Remember, they can be serious or silly.

Currently: October 2015

Sept. 24, 2015

The leaves are dropping, the temperatures are all over the place, and the days are getting shorter. Life has been going a mile a minute, but I've been doing my best to stay calm and take things as slowly as I can. Whenever life gets unpredictable, I cling to things I can predict. Things like dinner making and house cleaning. Those routines are stable and sure and I pretty much love them. 

I'm currently...

Eating: Mashed potatoes with everything, fruity pebbles, and I'm craving pumpkin all of a sudden now too. Don't worry though, I'm balancing it all out with salad.

Exploring: Life in a new church and poetry. Whenever we're at "The Queen's Cottage", we'll be going to one church and that place has been my favorite thing about this half-move thing we've got going on. I'm taking a poetry class again this fall and even though it's tough, I'm really enjoying the opportunity to steep myself in a type of writing that is really uncomfortable to me. (Just to clarify, I'm not writing poetry, just studying the work of other poets.)

Admiring: My brother. He graduated from police academy the Friday before last and it's been a real treat to watch him go through the process of achievement.

Collecting: Memories. I never know what fall will hold. This one held a half-move to a new city, teaching some online classes, joining my brother and sister as they take part in a different theatre, and a whirlwind trip to the south to surprise my brother for his graduation. 

What have you been up to? 

Link up with Jenna and Anne to share your list of currently if that's something you're into. 

  

Currently: September 2015

September 2, 2015

August was a crazy month full of the final stretches of house hunting, house buying, the county fair, auditions (for my brother and sister, who both landed parts), a week with my friend's daughter just after she turned SIX, and then of course, the initial "voyage" to the new house. 

On Sunday I went to TWO churches and ended that night happy and full. I LOVE spending time with God's people!!! We tried out a church we plan on being a part of that morning and then joined some friends of ours at their church for an evening hymn sing. I'm eager to get involved and relieved that the wait is over.

The last week has been nothing but adventure. You should know that we're up to two chairs, a sleeper sofa, a big couch, one end table, and a cute little round table for the breakfast nook (which we got for 50% off yesterday)! I can only imagine what September is going to look like at this point! I've got some hopes...The main one being a somewhat predictable ROUTINE! :) In the meantime I'm currently...


Reading: "The Sea Keeper's Daughters" which happens to be the very last book on my summer reading list.  It's getting off to a slow start, but I'm sure it's going to be good. I'll keep you posted with a full review SOON.

Making: Lists of things we need for this house. It's strange to cook in a half empty kitchen.

Anticipating: Whatever the next few months will bring. My birthday NEXT Saturday. Book club discussions on "Dollbaby" which happens to be this month's read in my Read It. You should join us!

Loving: My family. I've been a pill lately (worrying, stressing, and freaking out on the first night here when a guy creeped me out) and they've loved me through it allllll. God. He is SOOOO faithful and SOOOOO GOOD. This half summer/half fall weather. I LOVE summer and I really LIKE fall. I guess you call this the best of both seasons. 

What are you currently up to? 

I skipped out on the "pinning" section that Jenna and Anne assigned, but I'd love to see a board you've been working on lately...Especially if it's fall related! Do you have one?  

 

Currently: August 2015

July 6, 2015

It's the end of summer and nothing is going like it is "supposed" to!  I took the week off of blogging (and didn't announce it - sorry!) because I was supposed to be camping this week. The story isn't mine to tell, but I'll say this: we made it to the campground and enjoyed the rest of the day there before returning home on the first night. My friend Shauna is coming out this way next week and I was really hoping to be able to drive down to spend a few days with her, but after pouring over maps and her timeline (she's out here for a wedding), we realized that it's just not going to work. So, that's cancelled as well. 

I've shed my tears and I'm moving on. It's August and summer is still here. I've got all kinds of things to be happy about! Yesterday I started in on one of the last five books on my summer reading list. "A Circle of Quiet" by Madeleine L'Engle is one you'll be hearing more about, but for now, I'm trying to decide if I want to read it slowly or devour what's left of it in one long sitting. It's that good! 

Whether things have been going well or if the bottom has been falling out of everything lately, you've got this! Cry if you need to and then get ready for the "insteads". They might not be as bad as you think! Let's join Jenna and Anne to talk about what we're currently...  

Creating: Blueberry muffins and peanut butter cookies were my latest creation. :) 

Wishlisting: A swim. A beach day. A great deal on a bike. And a heart that rests in God no matter what is happening. 

Hoping: For clarity of mind and strength from God. I'm telling you, human weakness is a beast and it's one I've been battling a lot this summer! 

Eating: All kinds of sandwiches. I ate at Bruchi's the other day and it was surprisingly good. I got the Signature Cheesesteak, if you're wondering.  

Watching: Last night I watched a movie called "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio" on Netflix. Watch it. Earlier this week I watched "Last Love" on Netflix for the millionth time. Watch that too.

What about you?

Currently: July 2015

Jupiter and Venus Align // June 30, 2015

It's been one of the hottest Junes ever and yet this month kind of went by without all of the regular festivities. My brother and sister are finishing up school, so we haven't done a lot of the extra fun stuff just yet. Last night, we went outside to admire the night sky and to witness Jupiter and Venus lining up. Did you see them?

My Dad's birthday was a hit with ribs, beans, broccoli salad, cornbread, and crockpot mac and cheese. Our Father's Day cook out was easy and a good day for all. We grilled hamburgers and I "made" BBQ beans and watermelon. Julie brought along potato salad and ice cream bars too. The sweet tea has been in steady supply, as always.

My brother has been taking driver's ed and is quickly improving! One day after class, we went into a little thrift shop that was HEAPED with stuff. We found two games that I've been looking for (Mille Bornes and Backgammon) and one that I didn't know I needed (Mise en Place which is a cooking trivia game) - for a total of $5!

They'll be finishing up school in another week or so and then summer will hit us in FULL force! Until then, you'll find me puttering around in my garden, reading a book, or cleaning something during the early evening hours. All of sudden it's July and time to link up with Jenna and Anne to talk about what I'm currently...

Craving: Fruit: salad, trays, salsa, smoothies, everything! Do you have a fruit salsa recipe you love? Also, these Italian Ices which are wonderful! We picked them up at Wal-Mart, just so you know. :) 

Grilling: Pork Burgers, Rib Steak, Top Sirloin ( I only used the steak portion of this recipe, plus I rubbed one side of the steaks with minced garlic), and T-Bone Steak. This grilling guide has been a huge help.

What I've learned so far is that for almost every food, you need to give the grill 12-15 minutes to heat up to 450-550 degrees. Once it's ready, you stick your meat on and in the case of steaks, pull them off before you think they're done (within 6-8 minutes for most cuts). I'm learning!

Listening: I've been studying Galatians this way and listening to John Piper's sermon series on it after I've studied each section.

Planning: A little vacation for July...So far, I've got a coffee shop, a Greek place, and a pizza place that I want to go to. Maybe I should start thinking about something other than food?!? :)

Decorating: I pulled out the summer decorations a few weeks ago! Now, I'm adding fresh cut flowers every now and then. Thanks to Jenna, I know how to keep them looking fresh.

What are you currently craving, grilling, listening to, planning, and decorating?

Currently: June 2015

May 25, 2015

I cannot tell you how happy I am that June is here! The next few months are always my absolute favorite time of the year. I've got four weeks worth of fresh meal plans that I plan to put on rotation to make that part of my life a little more simplified. I just finished sorting through every stitch of clothing that I own. Summer is most definitely here and that alone is enough to make me ecstatic!!!

Today I'm joining Jenna and Anne to talk about what I'm currently...

Playing: My favorite Pandora stations and three podcasts on repeat. Sam Cooke, Glen Miller, and Christian Rap Radio on Pandora. The Briefing, Books On The Nightstand, and John Piper for podcasts. What stations and podcasts are your favorite?

Honorable mention go to backgammon and a card game called "Flinch" that we picked up at a thrift store on vacation while we were waiting for the bowling alley to open.

Going: After spending Memorial Day Weekend at the ranch, we've been driving to the city quite a bit. We'll talk more about that later. On Saturday, I went with my Mom, brother, and sister to see "Tomorrowland". Have you seen it yet?!?!

Wearing: Like I said, I went through every stitch of clothing that I own and I'm super excited to go through this season's clothes one more time when winter sets in to see if there is anything else that can be cut.

I've been hitting heavy on my spring/summer uniform (a flowy skirt that allows for leggings when necessary along with a navy blouse) and some sandals that I picked up at Wal-Mart just before our vacation to Lake Chelan. If I'm not wearing that I can be found in a maxi dress or my gauchos with a handful of shirts that I pair them with! Is it just me or is summer the easiest season to dress for?

Sipping: Water, Arnold Palmers, and iced coffee. On Monday I brewed up a little mint water for the first time and listen up, YOU'VE GOT TO TRY IT!!!

Here's what you do: I have one of those infusing waterbottles (thanks to my awesome sister!!!), so I ripped up the leaves of about 4 three inch stalks, put them into the little trap, filled up the bottle and stuck it in the fridge for a few hours before removing the leaves and enjoying the fresh minty water!

Reading: "Called: My Journey to CS Lewis's House and Back Again" which is the last book on my May reading listt and one of my favorite books so far this year! I have learned so much about Lewis from this book and I'm excited to hear more about what the author learned from his journey!

I'm also going through ""Watership Down" for a unit on literary analysis with my brother and sister. This is a book I've heard so much about, but that I've never read. So far, so good! Have you read it? 




It's been a while since we've done an Ask & Answer post! Will you please do me a favor and leave me a question in the comments?

What are you up to? 

Currently: May 2015

April 27, 2015

If you drove by my house this morning you would have found me standing at the edge of the lawn in my slippers with an apron on, drinking my water and watering the alyssum seeds that I planted on Saturday. As I stood there I realized that I am officially becoming my grandparents.

My Mom and I have pretty much been the same person forever. At 24, I'm starting to see a little bit of all of my grandparents coming out. I'm not mad about it. Maybe we'll talk more about this transformation some day...

For now, I'm joining Jenna and Anne for their currently link up. I've got my Grandma's spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove, my garden spots have all been watered, the laundry has been sorted and started, and now I'm settling in with a little Sam Cooke radio and an iced coffee.

Designing: Gardens and menus. I planted cosmos, alyssum, sugar snap peas, and green beans on Saturday. I've got cucumber seeds soaking and I want to pick up some New Zealand spinach seeds next time I get to town. Summer weather has settled in! It's got me scrambling to remember what my go-to weeknight dinners are. What are yours?

Enjoying: LIFE! We just got back from a long weekend at Lake Chelan on Wednesday. I went to the ranch on Friday to cook up some stuff with Darlene and Anna and we had such a great time. Ruth floated in and out of the kitchen and everybody gathered together for lunch. Any day at the ranch is a good day! I'll tell you this: we've been going a mile a minute lately.

Ordering: I'll tell you what I WANT to order. I want to go to Bantam Chef and get a hamburger, onion rings, and a sweet tea. Doesn't that just sound good?

Celebrating: My sister's birthday, mother's day, ranch days, the Cut Throat Kitchen finale, summer, the first blooms in my cutting garden, the list goes on and on....Oh, and today is Victoria Day by the way. Jayda, how does Canada celebrate this day?

Tasting: The week of Cinco de Mayo I ate some sort of Mexican food pretty much every single day. I didn't do it on purpose, it just kind of happened and it was wonderful! Aside from that there have been lots of hot dogs, salads, sandwiches, and eggs cooked every which way!

What have you been up to lately? 

As you age, who are you turning into?

Currently: April 2015

March 29, 2015

You guys, I went all out and spring cleaned my room on Saturday! The closet is jam packed and there is still a corner of papers and books and STUFF that needs to be dealt with. BUT, for the most part, everything is SPARKLY and CLEAN. I also cleaned up my cutting garden and sorted out all my gardening tools and seeds. It was a productive day which got me in the mood for a few more projects!

Let's hit the pause button on all of that to link up with Jenna and Anne! I'm currently:

Wearing: Gardening gloves. Dressing for spring is always soooo confusing because you never know what the weather is going to do. The one thing that IS predictable is the time I will be spending in the garden!

Sipping: Mostly water. I've been craving chocolate malts a lot and I did have one of those!

Wishlisting: Another trip south. :)

Writing: More guest posts than usual these days. It's a good kind of pressure! Be sure to visit my latest post over at The Quiet Place. :)

Exploring: Calligraphy and 18 Hour Sourdough Bread making.

What are you up to? 

Currently pt. 11

Jenna and Anne have been inspiring these currently posts for quite a while now! We're only four days into March and our calendar is very full. After a quiet winter, busy springs usually excite me. This year, I have mixed feelings about the change in pace.

There is a bright side! On my walks, I've noticed that the lilacs are blossoming. Over the weekend, I noticed that my chives are coming back to life yet again. My Mom planted them years ago and they just keep coming back. I went out this morning and took a picture of it just for this post!

I'm currently...

dreaming: About our trip south (still) and the baby my friend Heidi should be having ANY day now!!! I can't wait to meet the little guy.

planning: Dinners and shopping trips and book lists. All the other plans are being made for me!

baking: Last night I pulled together three different recipes to make Olive Garden's "Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno", it was worth it! Next time, I'll skimp on the noodles because I like plenty of sauce.

I'm planning to try out these Key Lime Bars and I'm waiting for the perfect occasion to make my favorite Chocolate Bundt.

Start brainstorming YOUR favorite dessert recipes now because on March 19th I'm co-hosting the Around the Table link up with The Quiet Place! I'd love for you to join us.

watching: I posted an exhaustive list on Friday.

However...Last night I finished The Great British Baking Show (I didn't know it would end so soon) and I actually CRIED. This was a first for me. Never has a baking show, or cooking show for that matter, made me cry.

I wasn't crying because it was over, I was crying with happiness and sadness throughout the whole last challenge and as everyone waited for the announcement of who the winner would be. It's that good. Watch it.

How's your March so far?

Currently pt. 10

hearting -Everything in that picture up there (plus some donut pans from my sister) is my favorite right now.  Let me tell you about it all...

My awesome brother got me the slippers for Christmas this year. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be like Dorothy and her ruby red slippers with these things, they are the best. 

Books and nail polish are always obvious.  

My sister got me hooked on Candy Cane Kisses and then my Dad gave me a little bag of them when I saw him in December.  

Every winter calls for some extra moisturizing and Tropical Traditions has the remedy!


reading - A little bit of everything. So far I've checked off at least 3 of the categories on the reading challenge!


pinning - This sandwich, this dinner, and this summer DIY.

 
eating - I spent a few hours in the kitchen on Friday preparing for the superbowl and trying out my donut pans that my sister got me for Christmas! The kitchen was destroyed, but we got lots of goodies out of it. 

Joy's Browned Butter Chocolate Glazed Donuts were great. 

My adaptation of these Lemon Donuts with this glaze was just okay. I think I need a better powdered sugar.   
 

anticipating - My Mom's birthday is in 10 days!!!! We're going to work together to make this spumoni cake. My favorite one year old is about to be two in 9 days! On top of all that, I'm eager to get into my gardens. I'm going take the cover off of my tulip bed any day. Before I know it, the little beauties will start popping up. 

What's on your currently list? 

I'm linking up with Anne and Jenna! Are you?

*This post contains some affiliate links to products I personally use and love. 

Currently pt. 9

I wrote this post on Wednesday morning, and I just want to leave it the way that it was when I wrote it even though I didn't get it published on time! 

July 10, 2014

Today marks the last day of our vacation in the south! EARLY tomorrow morning we'll be boarding a plane. I'm having all kinds of thoughts about all of these goodbyes.

Our trip has been nothing short of AMAZING. It was the first time in nearly 20 years that I got to see almost all of my Mom's family at Christmas. I'm hoping it's not the last of its kind! With 17 cousins, it's hard to know where we'll all end up, but it'd be great if the get togethers continue.

Once I get my pictures downloaded, I'll be sure to share at least some of the details with you all! In the meantime, let's talk about what's CURRENTLY going on.

* * * * *

planning - My brother will be 15 in exactly one week!!! I'm grateful for such a big occasion because getting back into the swing of things might just take me a little while.

hoping - That 2015 is a great year and that big things happen before too much longer. This trip has really shown me how much I miss the South and all of my PEOPLE down here. In a lot of ways, I feel like I missed out on a lot over the years, but I'm also realizing that I'd really like to jump back in.

baking - Since December 15, I made exactly one pot of chili, one batch of cornbread, and four batches of sausage gravy...I helped other people make things, but mostly I've been on KP. My first task will be whatever dessert my brother chooses for his birthday. I'm also going to make sugar cookies since I didn't get to do Christmas ones this year. :)

wearing - This trip has been all kinds of relaxing. I've been wearing my favorite black house pants paired with long sleeve shirts. WA is in the depths of winter so I'm expecting to have to add a few more layers!

resolving - To dream and plan. The last few years have been all about trusting and waiting and resting...That will continue to a degree, but I think it's time to start going after things. Things won't be changing for a while, but I'm giving myself permission to think and to move along a bit.

I'm linking up with Jenna and Anne!