coming soon// changes!

Yes, indeed, there has been much afoot in my family these last few months (hence the looong lapse of time between posts)!
God has been so good to give me trials and times of intense spiritual growth lately. I'm learning so much about resting in the knowledge of His ever-sufficient grace and mercy in my life, that He will uphold me with His right hand, and that cappuccinos in beautiful tea cups are a great partner to studying the Word.
Explanations to come soon, but until then know that the changes include

// invaluable lessons of a spiritual and soul-stirring nature,
// a new blog (in this design?),
// new wedding-planning website (SO excited about this), and
// selling handmade goods at a local antique shop.

In the meantime, feel free to keep up with my daily adventures on instagram! Recently I upgraded from a non-smart, Barbie phone and have joined the rest of humanity with a smart phone. Generally, I avoid technical stuff but this phone has been a pretty fun toy thus far. Ah, I also present to you the updated currently playing list, enjoy!



// the above photo accurately presents the ever-playful side of Hope and Joy from Dubai; the N family is Stateside for the next couple of months so we've had the immense pleasure of having them rickashay down our halls and take silly photographs. Life is so beautiful :)

happy weekend//pistachio pound cake

//the recipe

Pistachio Pound Cake. Heavenly, I tell you.
Yesterday I was appointed to bring something sweet to a Chica Lunch Date (definition: an afternoon wherein two of my kindred spirits and I have lunch together, laughing and encouraging each other all through our time together), and after scrolling through my pinterest I came across this delicious looking photograph; pistachios meets buttery goodness, for what more could a girl ask? As much as it pains me to admit it, I've had my share of pumpkin spiced treats for this season and am looking forward to other things. The almond extract and nutty pistachio really hit the spot.
Super easy peasy recipe to follow, came out marvelously the first time!
For just about any occasion, this delightful pound cake will compliment; I highly suggest it with a warm cup of cinnamon tea. Go forth and bake!

of learning and beekeeping

So, due to some fairly recent changes in my life (explanation to come), I've started seriously researching beekeeping and learning more about honeybees in general. This wee, industrial insect has proven to be so fascinating! My journey with bees has only just begun and I'm very excited; books have been borrowed and I'm beginning the hunt for more bee knowledge. :) For those of you at the brink of bee insight, here's a neat, artsy video to get you started. Enjoy!

CF APIARY

from Rob Cleary on Vimeo.

hello again//life update

My how time flies! It's interesting to me how it seemed easier to blog when I had more on my plate, alas for the rhythm of life that has a tendency to go by ever so quickly.

Lately I've been...

purging// items from my room! Things had a way of piling up during the flurry of weddings last year; estate sale finds and potential crafts alike were thrown into quite a jumble. Let the sorting begin!

traveling// just day and weekend trips this time; my sister and her family moved about two hours away, so we've been taking advantage of the short distance and excellent gas mileage from my prius (yes, it really does hum :) As you can see from the photos, the Munchkins are growing up rapidly, we've got to be there to soak it all in!

setting knitting aside// for a wee season. Perhaps its the cold weather or lack of vitamins but my poor wrists have been aching lately! It was a toss up between yoga and knitting and the yoga won; while both activities are stress-relieving, the latter does better at keeping me in shape. The good news is that I really do have a reason to wear yoga pants now.

baking// the cold weather insists! Lots of breads and pot pies! Thankfully, it's all for other people, so no lasting effects on me.

 reading// I've taken it up again, at long last. Currently on the "must read" list are This Momentary Marriage, Each for the Other, A Shelter in the Time of Storm, and Keeping Honey Bees.

What have you been up to lately?

 

 Though the crafting schedule has been put on hold lately, I've been recently inspired by this adorable post concerning reminderwear; I'm thoroughly convinced and can think of quite a number of little people that would benefit from these highly useful articles of clothing. What wee lassie wouldn't want a shirt that says, "Remember, I'm only TWO"??

Recent Groovy Finds// Two Sides of Lonely, Suddenly, You Never Need Nobody, and Lakehouse,
Recent Funny. True. Interesting.// His faithfulness, my workout story, the happy life before cell phones, the reason to eat chocolate, and finally, don't hate.