these are a few of my favorite things (lately)

...what is man that You are mindful of him?

Mat's new single, Heartbeat! It's impossible not to at least bob your head to this song.  Literally on repeat (free on Spotify) as I write. Young Love was pure music perfection and the choice tunes of our honeymoon and pretty much every other road trip we take. Can't wait for his new album!!

Did you know that you can boil apple cider down to a sort of apple cider syrup? Maybe this is old news? But I did it and am now drizzling into anything and everything. Like this cinnamon applesauce recipe from King Arthur Flour's blog, Flourish. P.S. Add this blog to your feed if you don't follow already.

If you're looking for some Thanksgiving books to read with your little ones this year, here's some suggestions from The Children's Book Review. I haven't read all of these nor have I loved all of them, but there's some good options in here.

I'm working on a project to share. Actually, I'm working on about ten projects to share, but this is the one you get a sneak peek of :) It involves paint and an old ladder.

The Book with No Pictures. Because words are powerful and funny. For the little kid in all of us.

An easy peasy marbled ring dish. Easy, cute, and homemade. I'm in.

Frugal cooking tip: buy tortillas in bulk. Freeze half wrapped in foil. Cut up the other half into triangles. Bake for about 4 minutes on each side in a 350 degree oven with a sprinkling of salt. The amount of time will vary based upon what type of tortilla and what kind of baking sheet you use. Watch carefully - they can turn dark quick! Oh so simple, but so deliciously satisfying. Warning: they are mildly addicting.

This book is on my list of things to read. Anybody read it?

I'm definitely decoupaging letters for the office gallery wall. Because let's be real - a beautifully written and illustrated children's book is art.

And in Etsy shop news: my shop has a name! It's a secret though. You'll just have to wait with baited breath on the edge of your seat. Just be sure to eat, sleep, and do the other necessities of life while you wait. My only hint is there's a nod to my family and one of our beloved traditions in the name. Now onto all the business license yada yada stuff. Ick. Brings me back to my grant writing days...

Hope you've found a new favorite thing of your own on this list <3

a list of loves and links

Because my life this week is consumed  with shoeboxes through this incredible ministry, I've gathered a bunch of my favorite links lately and few other random things that have caught my eye. Happy browsing!

I know summer is behind us, but this one-pan farro with tomatoes recipe from Smitten Kitchen is simply delicious. After thirty minutes in the pot, the ingredients transform into an almost risotto-like goodness that is perfect for cold winter evenings. This is one my newest go-to recipes for easy, quick, and comforting dinners. (P.S. cut the red pepper flakes if you don't do heat.) Speaking of Smitten Kitchen, these cranberry orange breakfast rolls are on my list of sweet things to make and SOON!

Current favorite diy blog: East Coast Creative. What these ladies can do with tiny budgets is magical! Watch their show and prepare to be amazed. My personal favorites thus far from the show: the rolling barn door, the pallet wood accent wall, and this little kitchen re-do. Truly gifted designers.

Meet Grandma Helen. Yes, that is her name. Quite possibly one of the silliest cows I've ever seen. Check out that curly mop up on top and those giant ears. She wants to know if you have a carrot in your pocket...

Marriage is work, beauty, sacrifice, and love all rolled together in a messy, precious package! This article reminds me of how thankful I am for my hubster.

Sugared cranberries?!? I feel like I've missed something so important for much much too long. It's time to change that.

Gearing up for Christmas goodness! Get ready - I've got some Christmasy posts in the works. Here's a little sneak peek:

Just got PW's newest cookbook from the library! Can't wait to read through all the recipes and check out Charlie's costumes :)

Excited for more Joy the Baker's Bonkers Awesome videos - pretty sure I'd make the same faces if I was covering a wedding cake with fondant!

And while we're on the subject of baking, leave it to the good people at King Arthur Flour to have some great baking tips. A reusable shower cap to cover rising dough - genius!

I leave you with this beautiful sight of what almost landed on our car last weekend...

Pretty cool, huh?

a few favorite things

Fact: I have A LOT of favorite things. I've been known to state, "This is my favvvorrittee" about many (most!) of my mom's delicious dinners and baked goods. How can I serious choose between espresso brownies, coconut cream pie, and gingerbread cookies? I will not and cannot choose - they are all my favorites!




Here are a few of my other favorite things lately: (P.S. Anyone singing the song yet???)

1) Green tea, cherry, spinach smoothies. Not super green, but still filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and other good stuff. If you plan on making this in single digit temps, I suggest wrapping up in a hoodie and two blankets to combat the brain freeze.

2) Creamy and filling vegetable soups like this one from Two Peas in their Pod that trick the hubster into thinking he's eating meat. If you are interested in trying their Roasted Cauliflower and Cheddar Cheese soup, I added about a 1/2 cup more cheddar because our cheddar was missing some zing. If you have really sharp cheddar, you probably won't need to add more. I also added a few dashes of hot sauce and served with crusty bread for dipping. Perfect for a cold, snowy winter evening. In fact, tonight we're trying another one - spicy sweet potato soup!












3) A clean abode. I have conquered the strange mold growing in the crevices of our shower from the previous tenants. I'll leave the gory details out, but my question still remains why do they create "bath fitters" with strange seams and cracks that create a place for water to pool and turn moldy?? Ok, I'm promise I'm over the mold now.

4) Mom's German Chocolate Cake. It's Dad's birthday cake every year. It's always moist, chocolaty, and delicious. These days there are more candles than cake...

5) Downton Abbey party with some pretty ladies! Complete with coffee, tea, yummy biscotti, and friendship. I was too lazy (it was also dark and cold!) to get my camera out of my car for a picture...

6) Fresh cranberries. Even better fresh cranberries on sale with a coupon! They've been sitting in my freezer waiting to be used. I toyed with the idea of making some cranberry sauce - I'd eat it year round if I could, but decided instead to try an old Cooking Light muffin recipe. I added an additional 1/4 tsp. cinnamon and allspice, but the hubster and I both agree more spice wouldn't hurt. And maybe some orange glaze next time. Best served warm!

Alright friends, hope my favorites list inspires you to warm up your own home with some baked goodness or delicious eats on this chilly day!