english love

"Missing someone isn't about how long it's been since you've seen them last or the amount of time since you've talked. It's about that very moment when you're doing something and you wish that they were right there with you."

-Unknown

This quote is exactly how I am feeling right now. Today I am missing my family that is in England, but how much more precious are the memories that I have of the times spent with them.

 

lots of laughs

lots of games

and lots of tea!

Does anyone else have family in another country? Now might be a good time to let them know you miss them. I know now is a good time for me :)

I used to send letters back and forth regularly with my family there. I would keep all the stamps from them, so I decided to make a little collage of stamps so I can always see it and remember special times. Love when art can double as sentimental value!

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a new year

Hello everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! 

What a busy month! It feels like there hasn't been a moment to stand still...from getting sick multiple times and work, to preparing for the holidays. And now we are looking at a new year! It seems a bit typical to talk about a new start as we approach a new year, but something about a new year is too inspiring not to talk about it.

 Whether you can't wait for 2011 to end or it was a year that brought great opportunities your way, having a new year really is the best time to evaluate what you want for your life in the new year. I feel like setting goals is motivating. Today would be a great day to start evaluating how you may want to change this new year. It could sound small, such as truly taking a day off, or it may be starting a new business. Whatever it is, it will be big to you and the quality of your life. Don't be afraid to jump in and make those changes and follow your dreams.

 "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."

-Maria Robinson

"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
-Joe Sabah

"Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."
-Henry Ford

Happy New Years!

Snow Globe DIY

On a recent trip to Anthropologie, I came across these cute snow globes they had! I always love seeing how the store is decorated, oftentimes with every day items that create unique works of art throughout the store. So when I saw these snow globes, I actually thought they were just for decoration, then I picked it up and saw the price tag. That's when I knew I could just make my own!

The supplies:

Jar, little trees, glue, glue gun, glitter, paint brush, quilt batting (for snow. This is just what I had on hand. Any kind of fake snow would be great!)

I used the paint brush to add glue on the trees, then sprinkled them with glitter. I used a glue gun to attach the trees and snow to the lid. I had these cute little poinsettias that I thought would be a nice little touch. The possibilities are endless!

The result:

For the size I made, it would have cost $25 at Anthropologie. Some cost even more. So, $25 Anthro or $5 DIY?

togethery and remembery

"Christmas is a togethery sort of holiday," said Pooh. 

"That's my favorite kind," said Piglet.

"Togethery and remembery."

"Don't forget the love," added Eeyore.

I'm so excited it's December!! So many fun Christmassy things to do. I plan on making the most of each day this month. How about you?

What is on your Christmas to-do list?

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happy thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! It is hard to be back from vacation, but not as hard as it might normally be since it is the holidays! I am so excited to eat all that wonderful food! 

How great is it that there is a national holiday for all of us to really give thanks for all our wonderful blessings. Of course everyday should be like this, but how nice there is a holiday for it as well!

May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by your loved ones! Appreciate each moment you have for we never know when times may change and everyone can't all get together.

♥

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autumn dinner party

 December is usually the time to have a holiday dinner party, but why not in November? I know there is enough work that goes into Thanksgiving, but why not start the season early and have some guests over for an Autumn dinner party!

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Have a rustic Autumn party like this adorable one. Love the cinnamon stick tied to the napkins!

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Apple centerpiece

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Serve caramel apples on fall leaves!

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For party favors, give away preserves or a cute little bag of trail mix.

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Decorate door knobs with this little bouquet or even hang it on each chair. Just wrap a straw placemat around a fall bouquet.

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If you're serving soup, serve it in an actual pumpkin!

 recipe

Stuffed Pumpkin with Cranberry-Raisin Bread Pudding

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Place a leaf on each napkin and wrap with twine.

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Along with serving coffee and tea, offer hot chocolate for an extra special fall treat!

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Love this idea for a candle holder!

All of these ideas could even be used for a fall wedding! If you do decide to have an Autumn dinner party, or have had one, I would love to hear about it!

xo

Day in the Museum

A few weeks ago I was able to spend a glorious day in a museum in honor of my birthday month! It was an incredible place, and since I went without knowing what I would even see, there were plenty of wonderful surprises!

The Rococo exhibit...like stepping into Versailles.

Van Gogh