Green with envy

This year, I am going on an amazing adventure to Ireland over spring break! I am SO excited, words cannot begin to express. It's been a dream of mine to go to Europe for YEARS and it's finally going to happen. I will be sure to take lots of pictures and blog all about it, but let's not get too ahead of ourselves. 

I have been eyeing lots of stuff since then. When I say stuff I mean clothes mostly...seriously, I could buy a whole new wardrobe just for this trip. It's scary. And sad. Or even both. Since I've never been anywhere really, especially not Ireland, I have been researching the climate during that time of the year. As far as I can tell, it rains a lot and it's a bit cooler than what I'm use to here in California. I slowly became obsessed with boots: Leather boots, furry boots, comfy boots, impractical boots, any kind of boots. If only you could see how many I own already...shhhhh, the hubby doesn't need to know this secret obsession of mine. Well, long story short I was pleasantly surprised with my first EVER rubber boots this Christmas (geez, thanks ma and pa!). Did I mention that they are even green....one of my many favorite colors! They are perfectly wonderful! 

I find myself trying them on periodically in the house, but boy are they hard to get off! I usually need my strong man to pull these suckers off. Best part is, I didn't have to go out and spend tons of money on them (nor did my fabulous folks) like these Hunter boots I've been eyeing. Sometimes thrift shopping goes a long way, you never know what you might find (did I just sound like Forest Gump?). Surprisingly, my mom got a great deal on these Steve Madden boots: regular $125.00 for $50.00 at a wonderful consignment shop back in Canada (I actually use to work there back in the day) called Trend Fashions. Can you believe they've never been worn? Who knows why they were there on that fateful day, but thank you to the gal who decided to give these beauties away! 

How about you? Find any great discoveries at your local thrift store lately?! Do share, I love to hear about a good find. 

xoxo

Bon Appetit

Quinoa Salad

This is one of my new favorites! While in Canada, amongst all the junk food my mom whipped up this salad one day. Probably the first healthy thing I had eaten in days. I was instantly hooked and needed the recipe! I finally made it last night for dinner and I am looking forward to the leftovers for lunch! This is such a delicious salad and it doesn't hurt that it is full of healthy ingredients. 

Ingredients:

- 2 cups water and 1 cup quinoa (pinch of salt) and cook in rice cooker. When done, let it completely cool. In a large bowl:

- 2 avocados cut up

- 1 can black beans rinsed 

- 1 cup pumpkin seed

- 1 can black sliced olives or chop whole ones (pitted)

- cilantro chopped about 1/2 cup

- 5 green onions sliced on the angle

- 3-4 large celery sticks cut lengthwise then chopped



- 2-3 cloves of garlic (you may do more or less, depends on you)


For the dressing you will need:

- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

- 1/4 cup lime juice

- 1 tablespoon honey

- 2 tablespoons coarse mustard

- salt and black pepper  

Directions:

Place all ingredients together and gently mix. Whisk dressing well or shake in a shaker. Taste and adjust as needed. Pour over ingredients and gently toss, refridgerate and gently toss once more before eating. Makes a fair amount. Now enjoy!!!

 

xoxo

Home

Seven lovely things for your home

Here are seven things I am loving for my home right now. If I could, I would go out and buy them all today. Somethings are just not meant to be....for now anyway! I will list the sources at the bottom of the post! Hope you enjoy these unique items as well!


1. I am loving this walnut ledge. I could use this in our living room and mount our flat screen above the ledge for a sleek and vintage look! I am fond of the idea of open floors, free from clutter.

2. This shabby rustic tin magnetic board would be perfect for our vintage inspired house! How cute would these looks if you had a group of 4-6 on a wall!? Perhaps I need these for my kitchen! 

3.  I think I might need an oversized topographic wall map somewhere in our home. Not only is it educational, but it would make a cute piece of art on our walls! Globes and maps are very popular this year. 

4. I think every room deserves a good pillow! I am loving these screen printed tree patterns. Anything that reminds me of nature and my Canadian roots is ok with me! 

5. Love the look of a vintage inspired, tweed chair. This would be great in your living room, nursery or even a pair in your entryway! 

6. One of my favorite things to do is relax and enjoy a good cup of tea. My cupboard has a large variety of all kinds....I think I could use these fabulous mustache tea cups. You can never have too many, am I right?! 

7.  Lastly, I think it's a lot of fun to have a piece in your home that you created yourself. Whether it's wall art, a refurnished chair or a knitted throw. I am loving chevron this year...if I had more time, I would love to try this DIY chevron rug! 

SOURCES: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.      

Hope you are all having a wonderful week so far! 

xoxo

Random but lovely

Good Monday to you

It's the beginning of  a new week. Back to work, school, normal life. I am busy catching up around our home, doing chores and getting back into the swing of things. I've decided to start organizing a bit around the house. I finally packed away our Christmas stuff. The house feels so much more open and clean. I love our Christmas goodies, but it feels so good to have the house back to normal.

It's a new year and new things are about to begin. In the upcoming weeks I am going to be transitioning to my new site. It might be a bit bumpy at first, since I am still learning how to work the new site. I have faith you will be patient with me and forgive the hiccups along the way! I am so excited, I hope you are too!! There will be a few new features, so stay tuned! 

xoxo

Random but lovely

Current Happenings

We are back safely from our trip to Canada. The holidays were wonderful this year, I must say. We enjoyed the mild winter and enjoyed the outdoors as much as possible. Went on nice walks and ice skated a few times too. It was perfectly lovely. I miss the winter season and all it's magic. Although, living in California has many fabulous benefits. Alas, some things just cannot be forgotten in this Canadian girls heart!  


Here are a few fun pictures of our time in Canada...hope you enjoy this little peek into our Christmas.

Banff, Alberta, Canada

More Banff

New Years!

Skating day and night

xoxo

Bon Appetit

Happy New Year!

 Popcorn twist caramel corn

Once again we approach the end of another year. It seems to go by faster and faster! I am looking toward the future with new hope, excitement and trust. Hope that the year to come will bring answered prayers. Excitement for what is to come and what lies ahead! Trust that we will continue to have good health, a roof over our head, food on our table and many, many more blessings we have already at our finger tips. 


Today I thought I would share with you a quick and tasty treat to share with your family and friends! This takes minutes to prep and prepare! It's also the perfect snack for your New Years party! 

You will need one bag of these popcorn twists, not your traditional popcorn! That means no husks! Yay! 

You will also need:

1/2 lb butter (do not substitute margarine)

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

1 teaspoon baking soda

In a Large (2 qt) sauce pan, cook together butter, brown sugar and corn syrup for 2 minutes after butter has melted and it starts to gently boil. Add baking soda to mixture. This will cause mixture to foam - that is why you need a large saucepan. Allow to foam to cook down slightly.

Pour caramel mixture over popcorn twists and stir until mixed.

Place in oven for 35-45 minutes, (35 for chewy corn, 45 for crunchy), stirring at least every 10-15 minutes.

Remove from oven and pour on wax paper. Allow to cool slightly and break apart.

These are truly delicious and super addictive! They are so buttery, salty, sweet and crunchy: perfect combo if you ask me! 

Hope you have a great New Years day! Enjoy! 

Random but lovely

Merry Christmas! 

So far this morning has been wonderful sharing this Christmas with my family! We opened our stockings and shared a delicious breakfast together. We are just waiting for my husband to fly in later this evening and open the rest of the presents with him! I hope you all had a great Christmas eve and morning with your loved ones. Here is a little song to wish you all a Merry Christmas from me to you! Thanks for being such wonderful followers! 

xoxo

Random but lovely

Christmas Eve

Our family Christmas card this year

It is finally here. Another Christmas is just one sleep away. It feels a little odd this year. I don't know if it's because it's during the weekend and everybody just started their holidays as of yesterday. Perhaps it's the fact that my husband has not yet joined me and arrives later tomorrow evening. Or if it's because the weather has been insanely gorgeous for the middle of December and I haven't seen any snow fall yet. I'm thinking it's a bit of all the above. Either way, I feel like I need to snap out of this feeling or I am going to miss out on this joyous occasion!

I cannot forget the true reason for the season. I know many people have their traditions and beliefs revolving around Christmas. Mine is simply the amazing birth of Jesus. A savior who has changed my life in so many ways, no words could begin to express. It's part of my story. Something so dear to me. A season that reminds me that I am here on earth for a bigger purpose. I'm not an accident and that I am loved more than I will ever know. Christmas is so magical, isn't it?! One of my fondest memories is simply sitting on my couch looking outside one year when I still lived in Canada. I was sipping a warm drink, listening to O come, O come, Emmanuel. I listened as I watched the snow fall out of the dark sky that night. A street light made the snow appear so mysterious and magical. I was overcome with a feeling I cannot describe, just peace. I hope and pray that you will have a blessed Christmas this year. May you find peace in the simple things. Hope you enjoy this song. It is simply calming, perfect for the Eve of Christmas. 

Merry Christmas

xoxo

Bon Appetit

Puff Wheat Square

These are a special little treat I decided I would share with you! I think they are more of a Canadian thing because I have never had them anywhere besides my hometown. This is one of my favorite treats when I come to visit my family in Canada. They are always there waiting just for me to eat, but I'm not too sure if that is a good thing or not. Since I don't have the ability to say no or know when I should stop eating them. They are just so delicious! I urge you to try these out and let me know what you think! 

Ingredients

1/3 cup margarine

1/2 cup corn syrup

1 cup brown sugar

4 tbsp cocoa

1 tsp vanilla

8 cups puff wheat cereal

Method

Stir all the ingredients in a large pot on stove top. Heat should be at medium-high until it comes to a boil. Dissolve the sugar completely and allow to simmer for 1 extra minute. Remove from heat and add the puff wheat. Stir to coat. Press into a 9 x 13 greased pan. Let cool, then cut into squares and enjoy!!! 

This is a delicious chocolatey treat, I know you will love these just as much as I do.

xoxo

DIY Christmas Toques 

While in Canada, it's a must to have something warm with you at all times. Although I am pretty lucky right now with this amazing weather during a Canadian Christmas, it still can reach cooler temperatures. Here is the most amazing contraption I have ever laid my eyes on....as soon as I saw how easy it was to whip up a handmade toque (or beanie to my American friends), I knew I had to have one! 

My mom discovered these fantastic knitting looms. Basically, you find some fabulous yarn you love and care to sport around. Wrap your yarn around each peg and continue to work your way inside of the ring. Luckily, there are instructions that come along with this amazing device. It will explain a lot better than I did, believe me! Not only would this make an amazing gift, but you will be able to whip something up in a few short hours!  Everyone will be getting something handmade with love from you for Christmas! You can buy these knitting loom sets at most craft and fabric stores. So, if you are in the mood to knit something easy and quick, this is for you!!  

I am going to be having a lot of fun with this over the holidays. I've got a hot cup of tea, a Christmas classic to watch and my knitting looms ready to go! 

xoxo

Home for the holidays

So, I forgot to mention that I will be in Canada over the holidays! I am so happy to be back with family and friends. It feels like it's been a while since I last had a white Christmas too! I will do my best to blog while I am here, but I'm sure you will understand if you don't hear from me everyday. 


Today I decided I would share with you my DIY Christmas art. I love decorations for my home, but a good print designed specifically for the season adds just a little more! I love to create fun little things like this and I am more than happy to share with my lovely followers! Feel free to download them and use them in your home! 

So, how about you! Do any of you have any special plans for Christmas? Feel free to share, I would love to hear from you! 

xoxo

Icebox Cookies

I have been wanting to bake something in a bad way for the last few days. I mean, it is the season for that kind of thing! I decided to try a recipe in an old 1940 American Woman's Cook Book I bought at an antique store. I was curious as to whether it was going to be tasty or not...I would use my husband as the guinea pig.  I think this is a recipe that passed the test. These cookies are super easy to make and would taste even more delicious with some icing! The perfect cookie to leave for Santa by the tree! 

Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter
3/4 other shortening (I just used more butter)
2 cups of medium brown sugar (I actually had none in my pantry so I used regular white sugar...and they still taste great)
4 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon 
2 tsp baking powder
5 cups flour

Directions:

Cream the shortenings together and sugar. Add the well-beaten eggs and beat well. Sift all the dry ingredients together and add to the first mixture. Pack dough into a roll, wrap in wax paper and put in the coolest part of the refrigerator for several hours.


Wait....wait....still waiting.........


Preheat oven to 375 F.


Slice as thin as possible with a very sharp knife, place on a greased baking sheet and bake for ten minutes in a moderate oven (mine is so not modern....more like extreme). A part of the mixture may be baked and the remainder kept in refrigerator or freezer for later use. 


For a little extra goodness, feel free to add icing to your cookies...it makes it even more complete! You can find a basic buttercream icing recipe here! 

Hope you enjoy!

xoxo

Bon Appetit

Homemade goodness

There is nothing better than a cup of delicious hot chocolate! It's perfect for cozying up under a warm blanket while watching a Christmas movie classic. Well, that's what we did last night and it's hard to beat. I like the simple things, what more can I say. I am out of hot chocolate a lot, since I find myself drinking at least one cup a day to stay warm....and I love chocolate! Here is an easy recipe you can make in bulk and store away for later use. It can be easier than buying those expensive canisters at the store over and over again! Trust me! 

Hot Cocoa

Total Time:

5 min

Prep

5 min

Yield:

5 1/2 cups dry mix

Level:

Easy

What you will need:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup cocoa (Dutch-process preferred)
• 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste
• Hot water
• 
  
• What to do:

Fill your mug half full with the mixture and pour in hot water. Stir to combine. Seal the rest in an airtight container, keeps indefinitely in the pantry. This also works great with warm milk. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly. In a small pot, heat 4 to 6 cups of water.

Hope you enjoy this recipe to cozy up and enjoy!

xoxo