New Music Monday

I had to share with you some of my favorite new tunes lately! 

The Lone Bellow: Tree To Grow  (live) 

I am loving this bands whole album. 

They are the perfect combination of The Head and The Heart, 

The Civil Wars, and Lady Antibellum! 

Favorite Things Lately: Metallic Edition

Sometimes, I love things with an edge. Sometimes, i love things that are completely, udderly, 

100% girly.

This metallic trend that has been dominating my pinterest lately will not leave my brain. All of the sudden, everything I love has some sort of metallic/glittery/shimmery vibe.

So here are some of my favorite projects, products, etc. that involve metallics!

DIY fringe heart pinnatta from Studio DIY 

Sparkle and Shine Bobbi Set from Bando

Gold fringe DIY by Shop Sweet LuLu

  (This set up would be SO CUTE at a bachelorette!) 

This Pave Link bracelet from Bauble Bar

Metallic & Pink Lumineers lyrics print by Stephanie Sterjovski

Are you getting into the metallic trend? What are your favorite items? 

Awesome friends take awesome pictures!

One of my good friends Jessica Greene, takes awesome pictures! I firmly believe that artists should always support their artist friends in any way they can. Getting better at something only comes with tons of hard work and research, and I felt super honored to be a part of her journey as a photographer! 

Here are a couple of my favorite pics. Check out her blog Chai Tea For The Worker Bee! 

I love them and will most likely be posting a couple more when I get the disk :) 

Make sure to check out her blog and follow it! 

Something Good for Something Better

I absolutely LOVE Easter.

I grew up in the church, and Easter never fully "hit" me till my sophomore year in college, when I started going to Resonate and we did a big Lent devotional, fasted the weekend of Easter, and had a Good Friday "experience". 

It wrecked me forever (in a good way). 

I wasn't really thinking about giving up anything for Lent, until my good friend Amy reminded me what it was all about.

Giving up something good, for something better. 

Lately inspiration has been coming a bit slower than a desire to be either someone I am not, or somewhere in life I have not yet reached. I don't know at what point I let comparison steal all my inspiration and replace it with resentment, but it has happened, and something must be done.

I was thinking about everything that I say inspires me. 

Blogs

Pinterest

Really really GOOD photography

Artists 

Cool graphic design

A really good album/record

Awesome makeup

Fashion magazines 

Fashion designers

Runway shows 

A great outfit 

Cool nails

A beautiful wedding 

Unexpected pops of color

I realized as I wrote this list out in my head, that the Lord wasn't on the list. Sure, some people are inspired to do the things on the list because of the Lord. He doesn't set up parties, plan weddings, design graphics, come up with great crafts, or have an antique store. He did however set up the party known as life, orchestrate the greatest love story (And soon to be wedding) ever told, design the beautiful graphics known as gifts and talents given to everyone on the planet, and come up with some fantastic ways to enjoy the life He has given us. It made me really sad to admit that I have never actually been inspired by "God" Himself. I think taking a break from the worldly inspirations around me daily might help a bit with that. Till then, here are some really amazing "new" tunes that have been affecting me. 

This band regardless of the weird name, made my jaw drop. I don't know how I never thought of taking my violin to this level, but the idea of an electric viola somehow being manipulated by a laptop was a really good idea. Oh and replacing a guitar with a banjo was also a really good idea. 

Something about this song, just makes me think about those angels with all the eyes and wings that are described in Revelations that are super creepy but mighty and amazing at the same time. 

Have you let your inspirations go to the wayside because you wished you had someone else's? 

I know it has been so long since I have posted. It has been a crazy few months with the holiday season, starting school back up again, and making some big life decisions. It has been a weird winter season for me. I read an amazing book this past winter called Love Does by Bob Goff. It is a sort of memoir and collection of short stories all rolled into one. Bob Goff is an amazing man who pursued the Lords plan for his life, despite peoples opinions. He taught himself to block negative comments, the word no from peoples mouths, and the lies that can come into our minds abut who we are as a result of failing or being rejected. I love this about him, because there is a verse in Proverbs that talks about not looking to the right or the left, but keeping our eyes forward and focused. Reading Love Does was a serious landmark for me. It is one of the most encouraging and affirming books I have ever read in my life. As a creator, dreamer, and musician it has been a crazy journey balancing my talents and God's calling vs. peoples perception of my calling and opinions about where I should go/what i should be doing. Some of the things I listened to from people where true, and I did a good job about listening to what they had to say. There were however parts of my life where peoples opinions should not have been said like they were, and I have been devastated, confused, and unsure about who I am, since. The stories Bob Goff writes about were all parts of his life that were landmarks. Those Landmarks were beautiful, because he knew no ones words except the Lords, mattered. He didn't care if a test told him he couldn't be a lawyer, he knew it was what God called him to. So Bob sat in front of the dean of a law school's office until the dean told him to buy his books. Bob knew the woman he was going to marry the moment he first laid eyes on her, and he didn't give up on her until she said yes. Accepting our callings and who we are going to live life with, are huge! I realized as I read this I haven't really been told by the Lord what I will be doing in life as clearly as I might have thought, and hearing from Him takes patience and time. It can be really discouraging for someone who is creative naturally to have a lack of inspiration for a long period of time. Sometimes however, a lack of inspiration is just God saying, time to keep moving forward. As much as I love creating, I have closed my Etsy shop for the time being to spend some time focusing on moving foward. It will hopefully be opening back up again in April or May. I also need to be focusing on what I am good at and keep getting better. Practice makes perfect right? Blogging will be happening a lot more, and I am making it a priority to at least have one post up a week that is inspiring, and one that includes a new tune, of course. Anyways, if you love a good book and need some encouragement and inspiration, I suggest grabbing a copy of  Love Does. You won't regret it!

Which means it's meal planning time for me and winter is upon us on the Palouse! I am cooking for the in-laws this year here in Moscow, which should be great. Even though I have seriously loved this past fall season and don't really want it to end, my holiday parties are looming. I love party planning and hosting, and I love Christmas, so I figured two parties shouldn't be too bad. I have been making so many lists and drawings of what everything is going to look like. I am very excited to share some of my favorite Christmas DIY's, treats, music, and decor! Christmas is my favorite holiday, so naturally I get pretty excited. However, this fall has been so fun and beautiful that I wasn't too happy to walk into Starbucks and see red cups the first of November. I love celebrating the seasons, not too early though! The day after thanksgiving is usually when my family has gotten all of our decor out and started celebrating, which (hopefully) will be a tradition that lives on! I am very excited to make a Thanksgiving meal. I think I might be more excited to try the maple ice cream than the turkey recipe I picked out! What are your favorite things to make for thanksgiving? 

Hope you are enjoying the new winter season! 

Lately I have not been myself. 

I have been working on a lot of things mentally and emotionally;

Like being a more positive person inwardly, using my time with purpose, and patience.

None of these things come easily to me, and it's been hard to find encouragement. 

Of course encouragement has come through friends & family, the Bible, and my husband.

Tonight it came through a song, in a very odd way. Mumford & Sons recently came out with their new album, Babel.It has been on repeat most days, but today I was focusing on the lyrics.

I was listening to the song Hopeless Wanderer, thinking about how the words relate to my life.

I haven't really felt like I have had much purpose lately. Plans that I thought were set in stone

 have been changing so suddenly that I don't feel like I can really plan for anything, or share 

anything to anyone about my life. Basically, I have felt like a hopeless wanderer. 

 This feeling however, is not what is true about me. 

I might not have an amazing opportunity right in front of me, a set in stone 5 year plan, or

even a daily schedule I can rely on to be consistent; but there are some things that are certain.

I have an amazing marriage that gives me so much faith in the grace of the Lord I can't 

even explain how I feel about it. Even though I still feel like I am in the shallow end,I have been getting involved withmy super amazing new church, which has been a blessing.

My new job has given me more new friends and the best work environment I have had in 

a very long time. The Lord is answering prayers for more friendships.
He also continues to provide for my husband and I, most of the time beyond what we even hope for. 

I have been writing down 10 things I am thankful for every day since August, 

and have had 10 or more each day, no matter what has been going on.

This is not the life of a hopeless wanderer. 

Thanks for letting me share and for reading! 

Enjoy the music of my favorites. 

Fall Crafting Adventures Part 2

Lately I have been trying to get as many projects as I can get done around the house 

before thanksgiving. Some of the projects I have been doing this past week 

are fall themed, and are not. I noticed yesterday as I  

finished up a couple I have had on my list for months, how motivating it is

to do something you see on pinterest or a blog, and have it turn out perfectly! 

Some people don't really like pinterest, but I love it because it motivates me

to brainstorm as much as I can, and look beyond a simple DIY blog post and see

how I can make something my own creation. I hope some of these projects motivate

you to make something awesome for your place! If you have a pinterest to-do

board I would love to see it, so leave a comment below with a link to your board! 

No-Sew Pillow Case Success!

"The Autumn Leaves" In French Painting 

Fake Fall Pumpkin Decorating 

Mr. & Mrs. Mugs 

"EAT" letters for Kitchen Wall

Simple Glitter Leaf & Acorn Wreath

"My Heart Belongs To" Paintings for Turkey & Africa

Mumford & Sons "Lover of the Light" Lyric Art

 1 // 2// 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

Lately I have been obsessing over everything camel, chambray, and a piece of jewelry that matches my wedding ring. I also really want to learn from Lauren how she does her make up. I mean, she seems to never have a flaw on her face, no matter where, when, or who is photographing her. She also might be one of my favorite hollywood celebrities.  I haven't bought a new purse in 3 years, and this Deanna & Ozzy bag is a fantastic shade of brown. I went to Macy's recently and while walking down their perfume isle, got a whiff of Twirl by Kate Spade. I'm pretty sure it's the best perfume of any clothing designer out there right now. I also have never actually owned a bottle of designer perfume, and I would like to change that. 

Anything you are dying to change about your fall wardrobe?

XO

Fall Style Inspiration

 

1.  Modern Vintage vintage lace top  2. Ruffle skirt 3. Steve Madden winged shoes 4. Knapsack bag 5. Kate Spade black watch 6. Madewell oversized eyeglass

I wish I could purchase everything I posted right now. I am in love with all of this, and I firmly believe in posting only what I would wear every day (if I could). This post includes looks from Ruche, Madewell, Nasty Gal, Kate Spade, and the good ol' Steve Madden. Why yes I do have my favorite stores and designers, and I am not afraid to show it. I absolutely love certain styles, and I am always trying to update and change certain styles to fit my personality. I feel like the preppy school girl is always changing depending on the latest trends.  Oversized glasses, classy leather backpacks and peter pan collars are some of the hottest trends right now. I chose a knee length high wasted skirt because it gives you the option of adding high socks. Also I know for a fact that girls in private schools do not wear ridiculously short plaid skirts, and I felt the knee length not only was true to style but also more flattering for those of us blessed with curves. Tucking the top in and adding a chunky sweater is always an option, or if its a warm fall day you could just tuck the top in and call it good. Even though I love an edgy look, I regularly find myself going back to preppy looks like these, especially when it comes to choosing glasses and shoes. Overall I feel this look embraces fall, which has been turning out to be quite wonderful, don't you think?

This has been an incredibly busy month, but last week was a complete blur of last minuteness! 

Last wednesday I got to hang out and catch up with a dear friend of mine and make some amazing

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars! Believe it or not, we got the recipe from the basic and still fantastic 

Better Homes and Gardens recipe book. I went online to try to find it and share it with you, but while I was looking around the BHG website I found some Amazing Fall Recipes that I am dying to try out! 

The question is, do you love pumpkin as much as me? 

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese 

Chocolate-Glazed Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake

Pumpkin Chickpea and Red Lentil Soup 

Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin Crescent Rolls with Honey Butter

Fall Style Inspiration: Boho Chic

                                      

      1.  Deep v dress  2. Boots 3. Madewell feather jewelry 4. Hat

So I  must  admit,  my  favorite  trend  of  the  season  has  to  be the  bohemian/hippie
 vibe  that  has  been  taking  over  the  fashion  world.
As  soon  as  I  saw  this  dress  I  fell  in  love, because  of the  long sleeves (can  be  worn
through  fall and  winter)  and the  flattering  cut.
As  soon  as  I  got  bangs  I  realized  I  could  pull  off  hats!
 This  hat  from  Madewell, along  with  this  adorable  feather  necklace  really
 pull  together  the look.  These  boots  are  my  dream  boot  for  the season,
 curtesy of  Ruche.  I  will  definitely  be  sporting  the  boho  look
  the most this fall. 

What  has  been  your  favorite  style  lately? 

Fall Goals Update!

It  feels  so  good  to  complete  goals. 

I  was  actually  pretty  proud   of  myself  for  buckling  down  and making  

some  pretty  things  for   my  house  as  well   as  baking  regularly!

I  will  be  posting  more  on  my  instagram  throughout  the  week,

so  click  on  the  cute  camera  to  the  left  to  follow  me! 

                                                                                   

Here  is  a  great  new  song  from  Band  Of  Horses  new  album  Mirage  Rock

for  you  to  craft  to!  Also  be  sure  to  check  out  my  fall  playlist!  It's  a  great  one!
I  plan  on  re-arranging   all  the  decor  in  my  house  and  making  a  bunch  of  pretty  new  things! I found an amazing junkyard yesterday that sells tons of old vintage windows, doors, shutters, the works!
It was a crafters heaven, and I can't wait to make my apartment more of a home with all the lovely things there! Hope you enjoy the song and happy crafting!
xo @ 

Fall Recipe of The Week!

 The  first   holiday   I   spent   with   my   husbands   family  was  Thanksgiving. 

His  mom  is  an  amazing  cook,  and  I  personally   have  loved  everything  she  has  made and  every  recipe  she  has  shared.  At   thanksgiving   she  pulled  a  ziploc  bag  of these  cookies  out,  and  Gus  and  I  devoured  them. They  were  so  good  and  so   addicting.  I  am  so  excited  to  share  this recipe  with  you  because  it  is  definitely  a  fall  and  winter  favorite!

INGREDIENTS

1  cup  sugar

1/2  cup  cooking  oil

1  egg

2  cups  self-rising  flour

1  teaspoon  cinnamon

1  cup  pumpkin

1/4  teaspoon  baking  soda  dissolved  into  1  teaspoon  milk

1 1/2  cups  semi-sweet  chocolate  chips

2  teaspoons  vanilla 

Trader   Joes   Coffee   Chocolate   Sugar   Grinder

DIRECTIONS

Preheat  oven  to  350.  Mix  all  the  ingredients  together  well, 

and  spoon  the  dough  onto   greased  cookie  sheet. 

Use  the   grinder  on  top  of  the  cookies  before  putting  them   in  the  oven.

Bake  10-12  minutes.  Let  cool  on  sheet  for  2  minutes  then  on  rack  for   5. 

Makes  3  dozen. 

These   cookies   are   pretty   sweet   and  delicious,  so  they  taste  best 

with  a  cup  of  coffee,  books,  and  a  blanket. 

Hope  you  are  enjoying  your  fall  and  that  these  cookies  help  you  to  even  more! 

xo @ 

Trend Tuesday : Gold Leaf DIY Projects

I  love  gold  glitter,  gold  doilies,  gold  paint,  gold  home  decor,  gold  everything.

Lately,  I  have  been   seeing   loads   of   gold  leaf   DIY   projects,   which   naturally

make   me   extremely   excited.   I   can't   help   but   think   of   the   possibilities.

I   am   thinking  of   trying  out  a  few   gold   leaf   projects  and  I   will   be   sure  to  blog   them! 

Here  are   some   of   my   favorite   projects   I   have   seen.   Enjoy! 

DIY   Gold   Leaf   Paper   Mache   bowls   via Kelli Murray's Blog

Seems   like   an  intense   project   but   the   end  result   looks  amazing.

Can't   wait   to   try   this   one   out! 

DIY   Gold   Leaf   Notebooks   via Eat Sleep Cuddle 

Perfect   for   back   to   school!

Gold   Leaf   Map   via Ugly Duckling House! 

Definitely  thinking   of   making   one   of   these   for   a   friend   for  Christmas! 

Adorable DIY Gold Leaf Coasters via Style Me Pretty! 

I  feel  like  I  can't   have  enough  coasters. 

These  would  be  so  cute  for  the  fall  and  winter! 

DIY  Gold  Leaf  Confetti  Bowls  via   Vitamini Handmade 

Don't  these  remind   you  of   the   gold   confetti   Kate  Spade   china   collection?

So   cute! 

DIY   Gold   Leaf   Letter   via   The Knotty Bride 

Wouldn't   it   be   cute   to   spell   out   "hello fall"   in gold  leafed   lowercase   letters   from   JoAnn? 

DIY   Gold   Leaf   Pumpkins   via   Ladies Home Journal 

Wouldn't   it   look   so   cute  on   fake  black   pumpkins   from   Michaels? 

Have   you   ever   crafted   with   gold   leaf?   What   are   your   experiences? 

Have   any   do-and-don'ts  with   gold   leaf   you   want   to   share?

Music Monday!

Picture taken by me on my iPhone of the Palouse 

1. I  Will  Wait -  Mumford & Sons

2. Live  and  Die  - The Avett Brothers

3.  Flowers   in  Your  Hair  - The Lumineers

4.  Six   Weeks  - Of Monsters and Men 

5. Fire  at   the   Pageant  - The Felice Brothers

6. Undiscovered   First   - Feist

7.  Myth   - Beach House

8.  Child   - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes

9. Know-How   - Kings of Convenience 

10. Chinese   Translation - M.   Ward 

11. Everything's   Going   to   Be   Undone   - Band of Horses 

12. My   Fathers   Father - The   Civil   Wars

13. To   a   Poet   - First Aid Kit 

14. Helplessness   Blues - Fleet   Foxes

15. All  The  Trees  Of  The  Field  Will  Clap  Their  Hands  - Sufjan   Stevens
16. The  Boxer - Mumford & Sons
17. Boston   in  November   - John Craigie 

Thanks to my dear friend Bart for suggesting the last song. I'm obsessed with it! 

Fall Goal List

Picture taken by me at Michaels in Moscow, Idaho from my iPhone.

Being my favorite season of the year, I always feel like in order to really enjoy everything

it involves, I must make a fall goal list! Here are some of the things I plan on doing 

till thanksgiving. What are some of the things you love doing to enjoy the fall? 

1.  Bake a unique fall recipe each week till Thanksgiving.

2. Create lots of fall decor for the house.

3. Make maple, pumpkin five spice, and chai ice cream.

4. Decorate pumpkins for our porch. 

5. Experiment with creating homemade potpourri.

6. Complete 2 embroidery projects a week.

7. Make a fall wreath for the front door.

8. Have a fall themed anniversary photo shoot with my husband.

9. Create a fall themed project a week.

10. Cook a new soup each week till Thanksgiving. 

Pinspiration: Hello Fall!

I have some serious fall plans for our house. I have to wait another week to start decorating because it's not really fall here. It's been incredibly smoky due to wild fires, but I know summer is ending.

I have started planning on decor for my house via my Autumn Pinterest Board!
I will make sure to post pictures of what I do end up making and the fall decor
around my house. There is a staircase leading to our place and I can't wait to
load it with fake and real pumpkins painted all sorts of different ways. 

There are so many different ways people are decorating pumpkins

 on pinterest that its overwhelming. However it is also very inspiring! 

Fall on the Palouse is the most gorgeous time of year. 

I can't wait to celebrate it and enjoy it. 

All of these pictures can be found on my Autumn Pinterest board with DIRECT links to their sources. 

I do not take ANY credit for the pictures posted.