It's the Small Things

People often say that it's the small things that make life utterly wonderful or utterly unbearable. Well, this is a very small thing but it makes a positive difference in my morning routine.

I got the idea for the cup & mason jar from Pinterest, only I put flat little cotton pads in mine. I've had it set up like this ever since I moved to my current apartment and the system works really well. The mason jar is one I got from my mom and the cup that rests inside the rim is a $0.50 find from Goodwill.

The clock is a very recent addition (found at Target for around $6!). I was having a hard time keeping track of the time when I get ready for work/school/life in the mornings, so I bought this clock to help me stay on time. I love its shiny finish & the roman numerals.

A Wife - at Daybreak I shall be by Emily Dickinson

A wife - at Daybreak I shall be -
Sunrise - Hast thou a Flag for me?
At Midnight, I am but a Maid,
How short it takes to make it Bride -
Then - Midnight, I have passed from thee
Unto the East, and Victory -

Midnight - Good Night! I hear them call,
The Angels bustle in the Hall -
Softly my Future climbs the stair,
I fumble at my Childhood's prayer
So soon to be a Child no more -
Eternity, I'm coming - Sir,
Savior - I've seen the face - before!

Power "Green" Smoothie

A few weeks before Christmas, I came across this recipe for a Green Smoothie and I immediately thought, "I need to try that!" So a couple days later, I went in to Target and walked out with a brand new blender. I then gathered my ingredients, modifying the recipe to suit what was easily available to me and could be frozen to keep for a long time.

This smoothie is amazing! I love it. In fact, I think I'm addicted to it. Every morning I don't make it, I feel like something is missing from my life. Here's the recipe I use (all measurements are approximate):

1 cup of water (or minty green tea*)
1 banana
A few handfuls of spinach
1 cup of frozen mixed berries
3 frozen strawberries
2 smallish handfuls of almonds**

Here it is, starting to get blended! In case you're wondering where I get my ingredients, here it is:

Bananas - whatever grocery store is most convenient, because they go bad pretty quickly. Usually when I run out of bananas, I buy a ripe one, a medium ripe one, and an unripe one so I don't have to buy them again for a few days.
Spinach - I buy a huge 3lb bag from Costco and then stick it in my freezer.
Frozen mixed berries & frozen strawberries - Costco
Almonds - Trader Joe's

Sometimes I throw in other random things I have on hand, such as an orange, cranberry juice, or pineapple, and adjust the quantities of the other ingredients accordingly.

So I know those ingredients don't sound good but, trust me, this smoothie tastes sooo good! Every time I tell someone about it, they look at me like I'm crazy for putting spinach and almonds in a smoothie, but my roommate can vouch for the fact that I'm not crazy (at least not when it comes to the taste of this smoothie) and that it is, in fact, delicious.

*I often need the caffeine provided by green tea and I don't mind the metabolic boost, either! Therefore, I use minty green tea instead of water most of the time. I just put some mint tea and green tea bags in a pitcher of water and stick it in my fridge. I let it sit for about 24 hours and then take the bags out and use the tea in my smoothie throughout the week.

**I was reading about the nutritional benefits of spinach and it was mentioned that eating some fat with the spinach helps your body absorb the nutrients better. The almonds also provide some extra protein, which is something I'm always OK with!

Photo of the Week

This photo of double rainbows was taken several years ago on our parents' property, just after we'd planted over 700 blueberry bushes!

Weekly Round-Up #39

Things of interest from the past week (or 5):

Adri discovered the music of Agnes Obel. It is full of beautiful, haunting melodies. Listen for yourself.

Centsational Girl shared a tutorial on how to DIY stamped tea towels, which would make a great hostess, birthday, or really, any kind of gift.

Kate of The Small Things Blog shared how she made a makeup brush roll from a placemat! Adri may have to try this next time she goes home and has access to one of our mom's showing machines ;)

The Art of Manliness wrote about some awesome note taking strategies. This was particularly timely as Adri began her second semester of graduate school two weeks ago.

Over Christmas break, Adri was also introduced to City and Colour. Northern Wind is one of her very favorite songs on their latest album.

Photo(s) of the Week

The sunsets in Northern California during the first several weeks of 2012 were absolutely breathtaking. A few weeks ago I was driving back to Sacramento from my parents' place and this sunset made me gasp. So I decided I should pull to the side of the road and take some photos. Some of these were taken on a country road near my parents' place and the last two were taken on some property my grandfather owns in Galt. I would have liked to take more pictures there, but I was a little nervous about being there on my own - especially after I saw a strange man running across one corner of the field!

Weekly Round-Up #38

Happy Almost New Year!!!

Some fun things we found this week:

Ashley made a gorgeous silk streamer garland

Ashton has been craving veggie sandwiches all week...delicious!

...and on the less healthy side, this hot chocolate is the best!

a pretty lace cowl

O You Whom I Often and Silently Come by Walt Whitman

I've always thought this poem was a beautiful representation of unrequited love. Or a nice way to tell someone you're stalking them - your choice :).


O you whom I often and silently come where you are that I may be with you,
As I walk by your side or sit near, or remain in the same room with you,
Little you know the subtle electric fire that for your sake is
   playing within me.

Adri's Finish List

The fact that this post is two days later than I said it would be does not bode well for FinishYear (somehow that turned into a compound noun over the weekend), but I'm not going to let that discourage me! Here are some of the things I am going to finish in 2012:

My siblings' band will record at least one EP or an LP album
For the past few years I have managed my siblings' bluegrass band and we have wanted to record an album for several years now, but it hasn't happened. This goal is dependent on a lot of other people, but I'm going to do everything I can to make it a reality. And although as manager, at first glance it seems I wouldn't be very involved in the process, I actually have written the lyrics for most of the songs we have. So I have a very large stake in this project and I am so excited to see it come to fruition!

I will audition for a community band or symphony
It's been many years (more than 5) since I've played the flute seriously. I pick it up every now and then, but my skill level is not anywhere near where it used to be. For a while now, I've wanted to get back into playing the flute, so in 2012 I am going to practice & audition for a community band or symphony. I'm not sure if I'll actually join said music group (assuming I get in...which is a pretty big assumption), but at least I'll be playing my flute again for at least a portion of the year!

I will finish a metric century
This was actually one of my goals for this year, but it didn't happen so I'm moving it to next year :). I will be participating in at least 2 metric centuries (The Zin Spin in Lodi, CA and The Mildflower in Chico, CA), so hopefully I will reach this goal in the Spring. If not, then I'll just have to keep signing up for them until I finish one!

I will finish reading Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey
I first started reading this book as a senior in highschool. I started it again just over a year ago. And although I'm well over halfway through, I haven't picked it up in a few months. What I have read so far is excellent and I need/want to finish it soon! The book is an extremely intelligent explanation of the Christian worldview and I have learned so much from reading it. I highly recommend the first half of the book, at the very least ;).

Weekly Round-Up #37

The week before Christmas...

...Jon Acuff wrote a post inviting us to finish something next year. Check back on Tuesday for Adri's list.

...The Economist published an article on Ernest Dichter's influence on marketing. The article uses the phrase "suss out." Which makes me happy.

...I became nostalgic for the days when I sang in a Handel's Messiah production and spent hours practicing for it each December. You can catch some of my favorite parts here, here, and here.

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends!

Apartment Holiday Decor

I was really hoping to put up some nice Christmas decor in my apartment - even though my roommate and I didn't get a tree (our apartment is too small and we'll both be with our families for Christmas, anyway) - and even though finals & my work schedule did their best to prevent me, I was still able to decorate a little bit! Here are some photos:

(Sorry for the poor photo quality. I lost my camera and have not been able to find it anywhere! All of these photos were taken with my phone, which has an indifferent-at-best camera.)

This wreath made with a frame and ornaments was inspired by this project I pinned on Pinterest. If I have time, I plan to redo it (I think it would look a lot better with the ornament hanging lower) and trim the ends of all the ribbons. But for now, it gets the job done. And with only a few days until Christmas, I'll probably just call it good and do it properly next year :).

This was a fairly cheap project, I got the frame from Goodwill for $3, the ribbon and the little ball ornaments from the dollar tree (less than $2 total because the ornaments came in a set of 9), and the really cool spiky and swirly ornaments from Michael's for around $4 for both. Everything else I already had on hand for other projects, so this one only came to around $9! Not too shabby, I think, especially since almost everything can be reused or repurposed.

This photo shows how badly those ribbons are in need of trimming. I meant to do that, but then completely forget in the excitement of hanging it up and taking pictures.

One other bit of decor I put up in our apartment is this little miniature tree that I've had for a couple years now. Aside from spending $1 on some fresh ornaments, everything here was already on hand!

 I love the little ornaments, especially the shiny silver ones. They really bounce around the light. The skirt for the tree is a bit of a red scarf I've been working on. I put it on hold over the holidays and simply wrapped it around the back of the tree and stuck the needles through the other side to keep it together. I think it adds a really interesting texture to the base of the tree!

Three Years of Happily Ever After

Three years ago I married my best friend. It was the best decision of my life.

It seems crazy to think that I could be more in love today than I was three years ago. And yet, as much as I thought I loved him then, it is nothing for the depth of love I now feel.

I think sometimes we think love is an emotional high, and sometimes it is. But I think a lot of love is being there to live through life's ups and downs together. When you see each other at your lowest and most vulnerable, but don't back away. When they see you at your ugliest and most unlovable, but love you through it.

And that togetherness, that unit, helps you to become better than you ever were alone.

I love you so much, babe. And I'm so glad that I get to spend the rest of my life with you, as we learn to love each other better.

Happy Anniversary, my Love!

Photo of the Week

 

Three years ago, the hubs and I honeymooned in Maui. This picture is making me miss the islands!

Failure to Post

You may have noticed that we haven't posted in the past week. We were planning to post. But a variety of things - chiefly in the form of final projects (Adri) and lack of internet service (Ashton) got in the way. We'll be resuming our normal posting schedule soon, and we have a lot to show you! Everything from winter wedding stuff (Ashton) to holiday apartment decor (Adri), next week should be fun & festive!

Weekly Round-Up #36

Of interest from around the internet...

One of the contributors at Language Log did a fascinating structural analysis of an ad and a country song.

Centsational Girl shared her family's Christmas playlist.

....or maybe you are already tired of Christmas songs. Here is a funny video of some favorite Christmas tunes for those who are already jaded :)

Need ideas for holiday baking? The Small Things Blog is coming to the end of cookie week, and there are a LOT of recipes to choose from.

Holiday Nails

I thought I would share some of my favorite nail looks for this holiday season - to go along with Adri's holiday outfit post from yesterday :)

First, can I just say that essie has the most gorgeous shades of polish I have ever seen? I love, love, love them! At $8 a pop it's a bit pricey, but not only are the colors beautiful but it holds up amazingly well - I've been wearing essie on my toes for a month and it hasn't even started chipping yet!

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This shade is on my buying list - I like it as a substitute for red - I think it makes its own statement, but can also be a more neutral choice too.

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I also like the idea of using a neutral base and then putting a bit of sparkles on the tips :)

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Holiday Fashion Guide

In an effort to make December less stressful, I decided to put together some fashion mood boards with ideas of what to wear for different events I plan to participate in this Christmas season. I thought I would share them in case they can be of help to anyone else. Enjoy!

1. Ice Skating with Friends and Family

Ice skating is one of my favorite winter activities and I haven't gone at all in the past two years, but I'm hoping to change that this year. Here's what I'm thinking about wearing:

The red scarf and gloves provide a pretty contrast to the cream-colored
sweater. Boots keep your feet warm on your way to pick up your
skates. Broken-in bootcut jeans let you move with ease and grace.

2. Caroling

Growing up, my family would spend several evenings caroling each December. We surprise caroled our music teachers, close family friends, pastors, and my parents' colleagues. It was always a lot of fun and my siblings and I have some great memories from that tradition. This year, we won't be caroling as a family, but I will be surprise caroling a few people with some friends.

A festive plaid or print scarf adds Christmas cheer to your outfit,
while the wool tights and jacket keep you warm.

3. Open House Holiday Party

Every year, my family has an open house on Christmas Eve and it is so much fun! I think it's my favorite event of the entire year - our house is filled with food, laughter, music, and lots of friends, some of whom I only see once a year at our open house. Since our house is so full, it can get pretty warm, despite California's cool night temperature at that time of year. As a result, I usually opt to wear something less warm knowing that I can always add a jacket if I go outside.

Comfort and ease of movement are key when you're hosting
an open house. A satin-y top, wool slacks, pretty ballet flats,
and elegant but simple jewelry help keep you cool, collected &
gorgeous while you juggle the responsibilities of hostessing.

Photo of the Week

It rained hard during most of my drive down to SoCal several weeks ago. At one of our gas station stops, however, we saw this rainbow in the sky. It was an auspicious beginning to our SoCal adventures!

Weekly Round-Up #35

Are you as excited as I am that it's finally the month of Christmas?!?! I joined The Art of Doing Stuff's Christmas Pledge back in November, so now it's three weeks of sipping hot cocoa and admiring the festive lights and decor :)

Some things we've been enjoying on the internet:

Ashton loves the idea of an advent calendar of books - a different Christmas tale for each night.

This information could be dangerous...

A sweet 16-minute short film.

Adri enjoyed this brief history of Google search.

Jon Acuff wrote a great post on realizing that other people are always more interesting than you.

Fall Fun: Daytrip to Apple Hill

Wow, I can't believe it's already the first day of December and that in just 21 more days it will officially be winter! This autumn has gone by so fast, which on one hand has been a good thing, but on the other, has left me feeling like I haven't soaked up this beautiful season as much as I would have liked. Nevertheless, I did get a chance to go to Apple Hill with the other young adults from  my church here in Sacramento.

For those of you who don't know, Apple Hill is a well-known destination for apple picking, Christmas tree getting, and all other kinds of goodness. Despite having lived within 2 hours of it my entire life and having countless friends who make yearly treks there, I had never gone there before! Let me just say, it does not disappoint! People praise Apple Hill so much, that I was sure it couldn't live up to all the hype - but it totally did! I hope to go back soon and spend more time looking at the crafts, taking in the scenery, and enjoying all the yummy apple-centric pastries and beverages. Here are some photos from the day:

What a view, am I right? It was breathtakingly beautiful - and cold!

"Everyone! Look like you're having fun!" resulted in the above photo where everyone looks slightly scared/scary.

Our fearless young adults leader, Ashlei.

Some of the YA (young adults) ladies. My two best friends are there on the left.

Ah, orchards! We walked around this one for a long time and picked some of the apples left behind from the harvest.

One of the farms we stopped at had this awesome fire that we gathered around to warm up. And we sang the full version of Father Abraham while we were there. Yes, we did get some strange looks.

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this International Harvester.

Have you ever been to Apple Hill? Are there any destinations near you that are an autumn must-visit?