Yowzah.

I just stumbled across this travel fantasy on one of my favorite blogs, A Cup of Jo.

So this place is like a restored ghost town... Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado. It is this precious little town, tucked into the woodsy San Juan Mountains of Colorado, with cozy cabins and cottages, a holistic spa, hot springs, an award-winning organic restaurant, AND you can book the ENTIRE TOWN with you and your friends. WHAT?!? $#%^&**(!!!!!!

Lindsay Fassett. If you're out there. We're GOING.

Why?
- It has a restaurant/dance hall in a saloon. (duh)
- Hot springs beneath snow banks (for sure)
- It's a romantic old mining town (in)
- Dunton has its own winery and vineyard. 
- You can go ice skating. REAL ice skating.
- It. Has. A. BATHHOUSE.

 

 

 

 

I'm not breathing. I have completely blacked out because of how awesome this looks. (and because I will likely have to save up until 2020 to afford to go, let alone RENT THE TOWN for 42 of my friends)

My Smitten Kitchen.

I love our kitchen. And we spend a TON of time in there. I have the most important essentials (with a few items on my wish list such as the Kitchen Aid Homemade Pasta roller attachment for my mixer!). Either way - these are the items I can't live without... holidays or not. Since getting married and discovering all of these wonderful additions to my kitchen - I think these would make great gifts for anyone or great gifts for yourself. Odds are - I'll still be using all of these favorites 20 years from now.

*THREE dutch ovens. I don't have my fancy Le Crueset cast iron dutch oven yet....which I lust after every time I go inside Williams-Sonoma. But, we do have three very basic enameled dutch ovens which do the job for now. I definitely want my campy dutch oven someday that I have to season myself :)

*Good knives AND a knife sharpener. This is really Michael's department as I let him do most of the chopping. I get SO sad when I chop onions. Can barely handle it. But keeping our knives sharpened makes a huge difference and I'm glad he does that! We use our big chef's knife the most - I'm not always sure what those extra knives in the block are for. I just usually grab the BIG MAMA JAMA.

*Favorite Mixing Bowls. I love, love, love my Crate and Barrel melamine bowl set. They can double as prep bowls. AND I even use them to serve with sometimes. They take up less real estate in my cupboard because they all stack perfectly inside each other like little matryoshka dolls. I can't seem to find my nine-piece set on Crate and Barrel's site any longer but here are some of their just right glass mixing and prep bowls.

3. Digital or Vintage Scale. I love our Typhoon Italian Job Stainless-Steel scale. It looks adorable on our kitchen island with fresh/fake lemons when I'm not using it. But it does the job, too. 

*Good measuring cups and spoons. I love our All-Clad Stainless-Steel Measuring cups and spoons from Williams-Sonoma.

*A clay pie dish. I love Emile Henry's Auberge pie dishes from Williams-Sonoma. It absorbs and distributes heat more evenly than my glass or tin pie plates. It also has a lovely glaze so you can slice into a pie without scratching the bottom of your dish.

*KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer. You KNEW this was coming people. I love our metallic chrome mixer - goes with everything for the next 50 years. We use it weekly. And I never knew I would. We use it for homemade pizza dough (love that dough hook!), cookies, cupcakes, pancakes...I daydream about acquiring the pasta attachment so we can make homemade fettucini!

*A chopper. Again, we love our Williams-Sonoma Vegetable Chop and Measure. It slices and dices all our veggies, fruits, garlic and more. There are two different sized stainless-steel chopping grids to choose from depending on the size you want to dice. It all lands in the lovely little compartment underneath which measures it as you chop. Praise the Lord!

*Something pretty on which to display your hard work. I use my Crate and Barrel ruffled pedestals for everything from cupcakes to cookies to rice krispy treats. They have such a soft, pretty look  and the raised, glossy white earthenware with ruffled rims is SO adorable. I might name mine.

Thighs.

If you don't love these thighs as much as I do... you're just heartless.

I know its kind of mean to keep pointing out Evan's, cough, cough, weight and fat rolls but Lindsey keeps posting them on Facebook. So as long as she's cool with it....Also, notice how he's so chubby that his little feet turn out because he can't rotate his thighs in. Sigh - melts my heart.

Look at that face. I'm counting down the days until I see him on the 21st. I bet Santa spoils him this year. He's been such a blessing to our family. Also, he loves the Mickey Mouse Club already. So, Lindsey and I are conspiring an adorable Mickey Mouse Club 1st Birthday in June. I can see home-made Mickey Mouse ear cupcakes and Mickey hats and placecards. Maybe a Mickey Bounce House.

Linds wants me to dress up as Minnie Mouse.

Think on that.

Courthouse Wedding.

We are all entitled to our opinions and thoughts. Especially us girls when it comes to wedding day traditions. To see each other before the walk down the aisle or not? To serve alcohol or not? To do a cocktail hour or not? To have a cake or cupcakes?

So often, people make choices and worry about whether everyone else will be on board. I'm glad I didn't do that on our wedding day. We had so many cool non-traditional parts (like the fact that I got married in a bar. Or had two matching identical cakes instead of one. How we were married by a female pastor. How my bridesmaids danced down the aisle to "Little Bird" by Annie Lennox. sigh.) and some really special traditional parts, too. Anywho...you learn that your life, your relationships, and gosh darn it your wedding are simply that: YOURS. No one else is staying up at night worrying about the decisions you make. Which brings me to something I think is UBER cool.

This girl.

I don't know her name. I found her image on another blog. But this sweet girl had a courthouse wedding. And who am I to think anything of it? LOOK HOW HAPPY SHE IS. You can't buy that kind of love. (But you can definitely afford that kind of wedding). She could obviously care less about a big expensive dress, or flowers galore, or wedding programs. And I just think that RULES.

I'm sure in a few years, my cool color palette won't be so hot anymore. I'm sure mod dot cakes won't be as darling and miniature pastries for dessert won't be as hip. And I'm SURE I'll look back someday at pictures and think, "WOW. Look at my dress. It's kind of weird." I'm sure I'll read about something on some wedding blog about how such and such at my wedding is "so last year." But, I hope even when that happens, that I simply remember this girl and my own happiness and joy on that special day.

You can't buy our kind of love. (smile).

Cuteness Explosion.

Warning!! If you have a child, do NOT look at this post. You will immediately be forced to spend $24 plus shipping and handling on the cutest pair of Christmas booties EVER.

Hand-Stitched Wool Booties by Out of the Box Designs.

Dinner Tonight.

Tonight we're making an oldie but a goodie. Our favorite Spinach and Feta Pita Bake. I think one time I just wanted something with FETA on it and searched FETA in the ingredients section of Allrecipes.com and it gave me that. Turned out wonderful AND fulfilled my feta longings.

Ingredients

• 6 (6 inch) whole wheat pita breads
• 1 (6 ounce) tub sun-dried tomato pesto
• 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
• 1 bunch spinach, rinsed and chopped
• 4 fresh mushrooms, sliced
• Black Olives (optional)
  
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pinch ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Spread tomato pesto onto one side of each pita bread, and place them pesto side up on a baking sheet. Top with tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, feta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and season with pepper.
3. Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven or until pita breads are crisp. Cut into quarters and serve.

Pretty colors.

I don't usually envision much yellow in the Winter. But this look is so cozy and it works and navy/yellow are darling together. Even though I'm not a huge navy fan - I could MAYBE try this out someday. :)

Image via: Camp Comfort.

Confessions.

Confession #1: I have had organic Whole Foods hot chocolate with vanilla marshmallows almost every day, for an entire week, for breakfast.

Confession # 2: I LOVE Josh Groban's Noel Christmas album. I can't get enough of his version of "Little Drummer Boy." Can we still be friends?

Confession # 3: I splurged and got all new Arbonne makeup - gave myself a makeover and have been taking over an hour and a half to get ready each day trying out "new looks" with my new colors.

Confession # 4: I have no desire to see or read the Twilight series. I think they are boring.

Confession # 5: I haven't gone to yoga or worked out in over a month. It feels GREAT.

Confession # 6: I forgot to put postage on about 10 or 15 of my adorable Christmas cards. So they came back to me yesterday with these HUGE, tacky "Returned for Postage" stamps compliments of USPS. I know, pitiful. It gets worse...I plopped a stamp on them and sent them right back out. Didn't EVEN change the envelope.

Confession # 7: I wish I was doing more to serve those in need this holiday season. We adopted an Angel from the Angel Tree and bought toys - but I always wish I could do more and feel guilty if I don't.

PHEW! I feel so much better getting all of that off my chest. I hope my blog is a safe place and no one will judge me. I wouldn't judge you if you want to share your own confessions.

Picture above by: George Eastman House Photography Collection

Cupcakeness.

These are some of my favorites I've seen on Amy Atlas' Sweet Designs Blog.

Pretty Moroccan Cupcakes.

July 4th Strawberry Cupcakes.

Cute as a Button cupcakes.

Pretty pink and tangerine Pom Cupcakes.

Mini cupcakes from the Martha Stewart Dessert Table.

“Friends are like cupcakes in my pantry of memories.”

 

Best Wedding Toast Ever.

I'm not really into musical theater. I always thought I should be since I love breaking into song. But I just haven't followed all the great musicals. I almost skipped right over this musical wedding toast but I'm so glad I didn't. This reminds me of how amazing friends are. And it had me almost sobbing like a baby while I watched the Bride's reaction. Take a few minutes to watch if you can... and if you're sappy.... and sentimental...and cheesy...and romantic. Just like me.

Nie Nie Dialogues.

Over the last few months, I've been touched and inspired by the story of Stephanie and Christian Nielson. Involved about a year ago in an almost fatal plane crash, Stephanie's life is a miracle... she is in recovery with 3rd and 4th degree burns on her body. She has told her story everywhere from Oprah to the Today Show. Stephanie's blog is one of my favorite daily reads. It's not easy to read and her journey hasn't been easy. She has questioned God. She has questioned living. She was in a coma for 10 weeks after the accident and has had to rebuild everything from her relationship with her children to her ability to walk and talk.

She reminds us to be grateful. And humble. And to pay attention to other stories. She reminds me to be truly thankful in my life, for God is truly Good.

Read here for a phenomenal story about Stephanie's experience over the last year.

 "I asked Mr. Nielson with tears
in my eyes if he could still see me."

 

 Yesterday at the grocery store a woman turned around to me in the
line and with an exhausted look she blurted out:
“Oh, I feel just the way you look!!”

I wanted to curl up and cry in the fetal position right there in isle three. I looked away and tears stung my eyes. I wasn’t prepared to have confirmed to me what I had felt earlier that morning after I had scrubbed my fragile body in the shower until it bled.

Part of the deal I chose, I guess.

I guess I should just suck it up and remember my blessings.

But part of me hurts for outward beauty.

When I lie in my bed as still as can be, I feel like the Stephanie before. Out my eyes I feel just the same. I feel perfect. My skin isn’t strained and my joints don’t rip my thin skin over and over with each movement.

That’s why getting up is hard to do.

I had another perfect moment today as I lay on my couch.
The sky was a lovely shade of blue. My weeping willow’s leaves glowed bright yellow and it moved so slowly and graceful in the autumn wind.

I was so quiet.

I was so still.

And the Lord was talking to me. He was whispering to me his love for me. He was proud of me and I felt my blessings restored to me. He is so real. He is there. He sees so much more than we do. He is the light and truth and anything that is good that I have, is of Him.

And then, I felt beautiful.

Dinner Tonight.

Michael and I are making this delicious corn and potato chowder. It is one of our tried and true recipes for a cold winter day. We even made it for Christmas dinner last year :)

Ideal for a weeknight supper, this vegetarian-friendly soup can be made ahead and reheated just before serving. Ladle a bowl alongside a green salad and slice of hearty bread.

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 1/2  cups  prechopped green bell pepper
• 1  cup  chopped green onions, divided (about 1 bunch)
• 2  cups  frozen corn kernels
• 1 1/4  cups  water
• 1  teaspoon  seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay)
• 3/4  teaspoon  dried thyme leaves
• 1/8  teaspoon  ground red pepper
• 1  pound  baking potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1  cup  half-and-half
• 1/4  cup  chopped parsley
• 3/4  teaspoon  salt
• 1/2  cup  (2 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

Preparation

Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add bell pepper and 3/4 cup green onions, and sauté 4 minutes or until lightly browned.
Increase heat to high; add corn, water, seafood seasoning, thyme, red pepper, and potatoes; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Remove from heat, and stir in half-and-half, chopped parsley, and salt. Place about 1 1/2 cups soup in each of 4 bowls; sprinkle each with 2 tablespoons cheese and 1 tablespoon green onions.

Kitty Changing Table.

I kind of want to make this for my cats.

What?

Evan Michael. Chunk-Baby.

Dallas Flea.

We're going to check this out this weekend. Looks pretty cool. Also, I read something about cake-filled truffles (aka CRUFFLES. Duh.), whimsical paper goods, delish cupcakes, and hand-made pillows. IN.

Website: Dallas Flea.

Regretsy.

Um.

I am not sure how I'm just now hearing about this. But have any of you visited Regretsy.com?

It's the most hilarious site in the history of the world. EVER. In a billion years.

Their tagline is, "Handmade? It looks like you made it with your feet." Bahahahahahah!!!!

A few favorites:

 

These are really useful. Glasses you can't see through.

SOOOOOO cute. From the David Beckham Prom Collection.

Just go spend the next hour on this site. Warning: Some of it is slightly crude. But nonetheless - HILARIOUS.

Do you have anything a little bigger? I need to tent my house for termites.

Finding my way back to Turks.

I have to admit, yesterday was a bit overwhelming and I felt totally out of sorts. Nothing was going well. And I was totally in a funk. The only thing that made me happy was daydreaming about being back in Turks and Caicos at the Point Grace Resort where we honeymooned....I want to go back so badly I'm thinking of asking for an entire vacation to Turks and Caicos for Christmas. Too much?

 

That is such happiness and bliss there. I'm so TAN. Yes, yes I did love my Betsey Johnson 2 piece vintage swimsuit. Oh, the hat? Stop.... I'm blushing. It was just from Target.

 Not a care in the world in Turks and Caicos.

So much so, that I danced around, picking flowers and wearing them in my hair. So what.

 If I close my eyes, really really tight, I'm no longer in freezing cold America, with all its chaos...and instead I'm in our yellow bungalow in Turks and Caicos. 

KING!

I'm so excited, sooooo soo sosososososososo excited.

We're getting a KING BED for the New Year! We love our Queen-sized IKEA Malm bed so much that I think we're just going to upgrade and get the King size. It's like $1 and it's super chic and modern. AND then we don't have to buy all new nightstands, chest of drawers, mirrors, to match.

We're going to stick with classic white sheets/duvet. I just love being able to add splashes of color, changing out the throw pillows, throw blanket, etc every few years. We've had some lovely browns, white, ivories, and greens in the room this first year. We're considering some greys and oranges perhaps when we get the new bedding. We're admiring this lovely Pottery Barn Tuxedo Duvet:

King bed, King bed, King bed....tra la la lalalalalalal!!!!! Can't wait to meet you King bed. We will be such good friends. FOREVER!

This is kind of a pretty, pretty pillow from Target:

I like this one from IKEA, too. Very pretty hues and the stripes give it a fun, modern spin:

Proust Questionnaire.

To dig deeper into the mind of Michelle, I gave her the famous and complete Proust Questionnaire. This list of questions is taken directly from the real Proust Questionnaire, as filled out by Proust around 1890. At that time, it was wildly popular for English folk to answer such a list of questions that revealed a person's aspirations and tastes. And since I'm a secretly an Anglophile...

You can see Proust's original responses here.

PS - According to Vanity Fair - the celebrities I answer most similarly to are Barbara Walters and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. Ha!

Your favorite virtue: Generosity.

Your favorite qualities in a man: Nurturing, forthright, sense of humor, servant heart.

Your favorite qualities in a woman: Strong, emotional maturity and awareness, balance
Your favorite qualities in friends: Emotional maturity, honesty, forgiveness, intentionality, depth

Your biggest flaw: I'm a control freak.

Your favorite occupation: Writing and planning and details.

Your idea of happiness: A getaway with my husband.

Your idea of misery: Losing my Dad. Or a messy house :)

If not yourself, who would you be?: Just myself, thanks.
Where would you like to live?: Turks and Caicos. Or in a really big, well-decorated modern house.

Your favorite color & flower: I don't know but I love heather grey anything. And I love peonies.

Your favorite prose authors: Anne Lamott, David Sedaris, Sue Monk Kidd

Your favorite poets: Maya Angelou and Dr. Suess

Your favorite heroes in fiction: Jean Valjean from Les Miserables

Your favorite heroines in fiction: all the lovely ladies from Little Women :)

Your favorite painter: Henri Matisse
Your favorite heroes in real life: My Grandma Pi, my dad, and my husband.

Your favorite heroine in history: Mary Magdalene

Your favorite names: Henry, Thomas, Ellie, Charlotte, Amelia, Jack.
What characters in history do you most dislike: Hitler and Former President George Bush.
The military deed that you admire most: I'm not sure but I do love the Civil Rights movement.
The reform that you appreciate: Being able to vote is pretty sweet. Thanks, suffragettes!
What gift from nature would you like to have?: Body temperature adaptation. To never be hot or cold again!
How would you like to die?: In my sleep. And better then than I am today.
What is your present state of mind?: Frustrated.
For what fault have you most toleration?: Lack of punctuality. 
Your favorite motto: "Tell the truth, tell the truth, tell the truth" ~ Sheryl Louise Moller

Candles.

My current Top 3:

Candle-lite Allspice and Cinnamon candles. $4.99 at Tom Thumb!

Arbonne's Ginger Citrus Glass Candle. 

Lumiere "Clothesline" Candle (at Anthropologie or here at Feather Your Nest) It smells like a pile of clean laundry. Which you KNOW I love.