Favorites Friday: Two tone

Loving all the two tone things I've been seeing pop up lately from home to fashion. Also I'm excited to share some of my goal/visions/resolutions next week here on the blog. 

I adore this picture.

If I had girl she would need this outfit stat.

A great way to organize stuff.

Winter weekend wear.

Stay tuned for two winter DIY projects and a Valentine's day idea!

Happy winter weekend.

Dear Winter

Due to our extended time on the balmy tropical island of Okinawa Japan I dread and struggle all winter long which is pretty lame considering we live in Virginia, not exactly due North. Pretty sure my time on the island made my skin thinner and tolerance for cold non-existent. But I'm looking to change that this year and embrace every ounce of winter and nip any complaining in the bud. When I thought hard there were many favorite winter things I called to mind.

"And everything in time and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter"

Nicole Nordeman

On the Texas ranch

This is us frolicking around on my Father in laws's Texas ranch over our vacation. Gideon was in heaven.

A variety of things

I'm in weekend recovery mode! It was a full crazy whirlwind weekend that landed Bo with his first cold, but were having success with the plug in vapor in his room, essentially aromatherapy!

Had to pop in and say happy monday and leave you with two things....I finally found and purchased the basket I've been wishing for at target online. Then came upon this delicious looking recipe (thanks Taryn) in honor of my sister leaving for India today, que sadness. And because no post is complete without a picture, here's some unbelievably adorable twins I had the delight of capturing this weekend. 

More of them here.

Favorites Friday: January

Hello winter! Our time in Texas was coat-free with high's of 67, but we came back to winter weather. My goal this winter is to keep the blues at bay....translation lots of cozy sweaters and hot chocolate.

Would you have an anniversary party? Love the idea!

Made this soup last night, perfect winter solution.

Nutella hot chocolate.

This book was such an eye-opener, must read for everyone.

2011 review and a happy new year too!

Were back from Texas and what a trip! Internet was sparse so I couldn't check in, but happy new year just the same! My husband could of charged for the firework display he put on in Texas, seriously good. We now know his second calling if the Marine Corps doesn't work out!

Here's the best of 2011 for us:

Our dining room got its finishing touches.

We spent spring break down south and ran into some stumbling blocks on our trip.

All the while, my bump (aka Boaz) was busy going on dates and dressing up.

Then time for the nursery and name reveal plus 6 month and 7 month bump.

Next it was off to our favorite place on earth, Ocean City NJ.

Gideon's birthday shirt may easily be my favorite DIY of the year or maybe it was the skirted console table?!

My sister and I became obsessed with Lush in Georgetown!

Our greatest spiritual battle came once upon a bad ultrasound. Then we were overdue with pregnancy, love that.

At last, Boaz was born. And our faith became sight and prayers were answered.

Gideon turned five with a fun fishing party.

Husband and I celebrated 8 years!

Who could forget the earthquake and crazy hurricane Irene, wowzers in the same week no less.

My lovely mom came to visit then G started kindergarten.

We scooted up to NY for my husband's reunion and attended our favorite October annual event, the State fair.

I was blissfully overwhelmed with photoshoots in the fall and we had a ball at the ball.

Boaz got tired of watching it all and started to crawl! And the year was capped with the best ever Christmas day.

The Lord kept us and blessed us through it all, He is so faithful.

Blessings to you and yours for 2012!

Meet our China & Russia coats

When I was in need of a winter coat, I found a pretty darling one at American Eagle on sale no less. As I was checking out the guy informed me he called my coat affectionately "China"! Perfect I said in delight, my coat now has a name. So when I saw a similar masculine version, it was instantly named Russia and given to my husband for Christmas. Here we are modeling China and Russia.

Were off to Texas tomorrow, so posting will be sparse over the next few days for some much needed R&R and family time! 

Our Christmas day

Our Christmas....I can't remember a more quiet, perfect day. We opened presents, ate (alot), played with new toys, rode bikes, prayed, and cuddled. Really and truly, Christmas bliss.

Bo happily rolling around in wrapping paper, I love him.

I can't begin to tell you the ways they entertain and laugh each other, best sounds in the world.

Our Christmas table, we had lobster thermidor with sweet mashed potatoes, asparagus, and cranberries.

Spinach and artichoke puffs.

New monster hat.

We rode bikes in our driveway, isn't my green schwinn darling?

My sister rides much faster than me!

Bo's favorite place on earth is at the bottom of the Christmas tree looking up!

I thought I cuddle with him there and check out the view too!

Our triple berry "Happy Birthday Jesus" pie.

Hope yours was merry too!

Merry Christmas {This will warm your heart and make you laugh}

Favorites Friday: Merry Christmas!

Christmas weekend is here, dear friends and I'm pretty excited! This year I think we've checked off every tradition I can think of minus going to the nutcracker. In a house full of boys its hard for me to find a volunteer for going to the ballet! Merry Christmas from ours to yours, hoping its filled with peace, love and most of all Jesus.

 I tried my hand at making bath bombs, following this recipe.

Been meaning to show you my new carrier, looks like the ergo but baby can face out (called lilliebaby) No more back aches and so comfortable.

Yesterday we paid Santa a visit at Bass pro, such a great winter wonderland they had set up for kiddos. Plus I got to take their santa picture and they gave us one their print for free, well worth the trip.

Boaz was totally unphased by Santa, no crying or fussing just admired his real beard!

Christmas at our house {part 2}

Christmas at our house {part 1}

Here's a few pics of our house dripping in Christmas! I think its hard to get it just right, not too much and not too little, just enough decorations to celebrate the season with class! More tomorrow!

Handmade gift {sugared pecans}

I make these every year because they are that good, easy, and addictive! I challenge you to eat just one! The recipe is super simple.

One bag of pecans

Beat one egg white till frothy.

Mix pecans with egg white till well coated.

Grab one cup of sugar sprinkled with cinnamon.

Mix with pecans, lay out on baking sheet and bake for one hour at 250.

Inchworming and downward dogs {5 months}

Bo is 5 months today, but he's been doing this whole inchworm/crawl thing since last month. Did I mention his name means, "He who comes in strength"? Check out his perfect downward dog mid movie!