two thousand twelve
2011 was a year full of ups and downs. As grateful as I am for all the blessings in my life, every fiber of my being has been challenged this year. It is never easy to watch a loved one fall ill and it is heartbreaking to lose a family member. Additionally, I have discovered that when your life at home is shaky, you have to find serenity amid chaos and strength within yourself that you never knew existed. And to do those things with composure and love? It sometimes feels impossible. Yet, with every ending comes a new beginning. As I begin this new year, I am filled with hope. I resolve to keep joy in my heart and live each day with gratitude. For all of life's challenges, it is still a beautiful world.
Happy 2012 to you all!
merry christmas!
I wish you all a joyful Christmas filled with love, family and many blessings. I am so grateful to be celebrating this day with my mother and father in my own home here in Raleigh, North Carolina.
photo sources can be found here on my christmas pinterest board.
moments...
in new orleans, louisiana
thanksgiving hostess gifts
Ah, the Thanksgiving hostess gift. I always have the best intentions to purchase mine well in advance, but often find myself dangerously close to the holiday before doing so. This gift guide is for all you lovely individuals who are still on the hunt for the perfect gift. In my opinion, simple is always better. An extravagant floral arrangement is lovely, but your hosts may have already planned their decor for the occasion. A dainty arrangement is better, as they can place it anywhere in the house. And a great bottle of wine or a bowl of fruit in an artisan bowl can be enjoyed immediately. Remembering the spirit of Thanksgiving is one of the reasons I love this holiday so much. Show thanks and your hosts will be grateful that you recognized their efforts to lovingly prepare this holiday meal and entertain them.
{1. Arrangement 2. Wine 3. Pumpkin Souffle Candle 4.Scarf 5.Bowl of Fruit}
three things
{Cosmos in the neighbors' yard. Love that brilliant orange!}
{Vintage books at a favorite thrift store}
{Cotoneaster spotted on a neighborhood stroll}
oh, pumpkin
I am the first to admit that I get a little obsessed with all things pumpkin this time of year. I attribute this to annual trips to the pumpkin patch as a wee little one and growing up in the country, on a place called Pumpkin Ridge Road no less. Nostalgia aside, I do love a recipe with pumpkin as the main ingredient. These semi-homemade muffins are simple, fiber rich, and low calorie. I love to eat one with a cup of hot tea while catching up on my favorite blogs.
The recipe is simple: In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine one can of pumpkin with one box of cake mix (any kind). Use a teaspoon to fill mini muffin tins with the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
cotton daydream
Every October the fields of eastern North Carolina are filled with snowy, white cotton. I am quite smitten with the iconic southern cash crop, and inevitably I always pick a few stems to make a bouquet for the house or a wedding. I especially love the contrast of the white buds with scarlet ribbon.
pioneer spirit
This week, with the fall leaves beginning to blanket my yard , I have felt the urge to embrace all things warm, earth-toned, and even pioneer-inspired. I have been letting my hair take on an ombre tone, layering floral dresses with belted cardigans and ribbed tights, and wearing my riding boots almost every day. How has the season impacted your style this year?
