So Long Winter.

We went on our last ski trip of the year this past week. Its been a great way to actually enjoy winter and since learning how to ski last year, I haven't actually felt depressed at all when the snow hits & the flip flops migrate to unknown areas of the closet. I'm almost a little sad to see it go.....but then I think about summer & warm weather and going to Texas in a few weeks and I'm really not that sad haha! 

Anyway...I couldn't believe how beautiful the scenery was while we were on our trip. We got to see the last sunset before daylight savings & then the first sunrise after the change, so I feel like Spring is here. (I realise its not yet official, but the clocks changing totally makes it feel like its here)

Isn't God's creation beautiful? Hope your beginning to Spring has been awesome! 

Add some Spice.....Spicy Chili Recipe (Crockpot Style)

Well I am certainly not the greatest in the kitchen. I don't think I've ever made anything that A wasn't willing to eat, but there have been a couple of borderline meals when we first got married. Then about a year or two ago I tried out a crockpot. Several people had mentioned how easy they were to me when you are both out for the day and how they don't take a ton of prep time usually.

So I grabbed a little magazine style crockpot recipe book from the grocery store and threw the ingredients in to give it a try. You guys, I never looked back. 

In winter, I think I use that thing at least once a week if not more. And actually I just bought a 2nd one because I'm tired of waiting for us to transfer the contents and having to wash it thoroughly before I can use it again (Target has them for $20 + free shipping if you use your target redcard). I feel like I'm cheating every time I cook, which is awesome as I love having food that is made from scratch that tastes good. But I am not one of those types that finds cooking relaxing. I tend to spend a few hours on monday making meals for the entire week and then relaxing and enjoying them knowing I don't have to cook again for a whole week. 
(Yes, I am a meal planner complete with a little whiteboard)


So here's a little treat. I love this chili recipe in the winter. It is a little spicy, I adapted one of our other recipes & am not sure where I originally found it (oops!). 

1 lb ground beef
3 cans diced tomatoes (undrained) 
1 can Rotel
1 can pinto beans
1 can great northern beans
1 can black beans
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 tablespoons paprika
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder

1. Brown beef in pan and drain off the grease. (You can add some onion in there too, I left it out as hubby isn't a huge fan)
2. Drain all the beans and add all ingredients to crock pot.
3. Cook high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.
4. Serve with cornbread or Ritz crackers, shredded sharp cheddar, or even sour cream if you like. 


Then enjoy an amazingly tasty meal & have your house smelling wonderful by the time 6pm rolls around. Win Win! 
What are your favorite crockpot meals???? I have SO many favorites! 

Ways to Have Fun in the Winter.

I'm trying to stay positive in the midst of this whole freezing cold, record breaking temperatures season. So I thought I would share some ways we've been enjoying the cold weather.


1// Bundle up and head outside for a winter walk. You will be really glad you did, its beautiful and quiet walking in the snow. If you're feeling really brave, you can even head outside and take some pictures as the snow looks stunning as a backdrop!! 


2// Curl up inside with your hubby/sister/friend with some hot cocoa and enjoy a movie you haven't seen for a while. I've recently pulled out Father of the Bride, Sisterhood of the Travelling pants and thinking about Anne of Green Gables next. That movie collection has just sat there all through the summer months, time to watch some favorites.


3// Time to complete those craft projects you put on hold. I always find I am most creative in the winter. Anyone else? All those things I bought on sale or set aside around Christmas-time to finish someday, I pull them out around this time of year. Stops me from feeling bored and I start to enjoy being buried in craft supplies for a few hours. I'm heading out shortly to make pompoms and finish a bunting :) 


4//Try out some new receipes. We have been trying soups this winter, especially ones you can make in the crockpot. This girl isn't a huge fan of cooking and usually will make about 3-4 meals on one day of the week so we can just pull them out and eat during the rest of the week. 


5//Catch up on some reading. Pull out those books you set aside in the summer to head out and soak up the sun. These winter evenings are perfect for a cozy blanket, a book and a warm fireplace (for those of us in apartments, we can imagine it!). 


So I want to hear friends, what do you do in the Winter to have fun??? 


Much Love! 

Stitch Fix #3

Item 1: Purple 41 Hawthorn Dolman Jersey Top

Well, its hit that time of year again. The whimsical magical Christmas season has passed and we are in the thick of the snow, ice and polar vortex craziness here in the Midwest. Its been cold you guys, cold. So if you are in warmer places, like Florida or California, I am totally jealous of you right now.

But in order to embrace winter (or at least try), I decided to order a little bundle of clothing (otherwise known as a fix) from Stitch Fix. In the past it has been super fun to use it as an excuse to hang out with the hubby while he takes pictures (and I freeze to death!). We had a blast last winter here & this past summer here. He's getting pretty good at taking pictures for me you guys! 

So anyway, as requested from the sneek peek I posted on Instagram....here are the pictures of the five items sent to me by my lovely stylist. Take a guess at which ones I kept ;) I will reveal in the comments in a few days :)

Item 2: Mystree Skylar Asymmetrical Knit Zip Up Jacket

Item 3: Mystree Tancy Stripe & Colorblock Cotton Cardigan

Then we decided to move inside to take the remaining 2 outfit pictures, as it was pretty insanely cold outside to be taking pictures. Although I do love the snow falling & in the background :) 

Item 4: Margaret Ariel Trousers

Item 5 was: Just Black Adora Skinny Jean (These are actually not the same pair of pants, these are a pair I own in the same color as the ones I got didn't fit)  

Well, I was pretty happy with the fun that this little box brought me & my hubby. We had a blast putting together outfits and taking pictures again. And since I had some Christmas money to spend, it was fun picking out some things to keep too. I really love Stitch Fix every once in a while as they totally send me things I wouldn't normally even try on. And almost everytime when I try things on, I end up keeping something totally different than I thought I would as some things end up looking so different than I thought they would.

Want to give it a try? 

You totally should look into it anyway.....It's winter & it's something fun to do :) 

Much Love! 

Disclaimer: All opinions of products are my own, the referral link however does grant me $25 in credit for every referral made. 

That Time I learned how to Ski.

Hey from the Winter Wonderland!

I wasn't planning on posting but my muscles are super sore from skiing today and my sweet hubby is still going cause he's just a superhero or something =)

So today I got on skis for the first time.

I've been snowboarding before, but never skiing.

Just so happens that the hubby's family all know how to ski as his dad was an instructor.

So A is really good not only at skiing/snowboarding but at teaching it to.

He stuck with me on the bunny hill as I warmed up and learned how to not cross my skis ;)

So I thought I would take a few moments on my wonderful trip away, to share with you the gorgeous views.

And share my thankfulness for some time to ourselves, enjoying being together, away from jobs and with limited distractions.

I realise this does mean I am using the WiFi. But since he is skiing, we felt it was ok.

The stunning hubby and I about to take my first ski down the real slope.

This was after practicing on the bunny hill for a while.

I did wipe out after this picture, but thankfully it wasn't terrible.

Well that's all from me for now.

Maybe some more updates on our amazing trip when I get home.

We have a Jacuzzi in our suite! Amazing for those sore muscles, I tell ya!

Much Love,

L

Pearls & Tunes Vol 7.

Song Lyrics: God's Not Dead, Newsboys

Top: Piper and Blue, Plato's closet

Jeans: Old Navy

Hairband: All Glorious Within (coming soon)

Shoes: Payless

Happy New Year!

Source: shooflyvintage.tumblr.com via Kate on Pinterest

Happy New Year!!!! 

We are away travelling for the next 10 days.....airport here we come.

On to warmer weather. 

So I won't be posting much.

Enjoy the beginning of the new year!

What resolutions are you making?

Much Love,

L

Gingerbread Party

Source: houseography.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

We did not make it to a gingerbread party this year. 

I would love to host one next year. Maybe if we can figure out the space =) 

Do you guys like to decorate gingerbread houses?

Much Love,

L

This Winter's finished Quilt.

Remember the quilt I was working on.

Well, I finally finished it. 

And also finally got around to putting pictures of it up for you guys to see.

This one definitely taught me new quilting skills. 

I had never machine basted the quilt together like that....or done the binding around the edges.

I am super thrilled with the way it turned out though.

It's also nice & warm. 

Perfect now the snow is well and truly on the way.

Much Love,

L

Cold Hands, Warm Heart Swap

It is here. 

The moment that 150 of us bloggers have been preparing for during the past few months.

The Cold Hands Warm Hearts exchange took place =)

Thanks to Sandyalamode & MuchLove, illy for hosting it!

Be sure to check out all the Link-ups over on Sandy's Blog today!

I'm hoping you guys have had a chance to check out sweet Laura's blog, Abstract Grace.

I had the priviledge of receiving a package all the way from her in CA. 

How thrilled I was to find that box on my doorstep when I came home.

The same day my friend surprised me by visiting!!!!

Too much excitment in my day! Awesome times. 

I was SUPER stoked about this exchange.

So without further delay, I will share some of the AWESOME goodies which Laura put together for me.

Definitely warmed my hands & heart.

So excited about getting the package!

This little purse now holds make-up in my bag. Such a wonderful way of making sure that my lipbalm is handy when I need it now the weather is SO cold.

 Ok, LOVE these. I have already sent one to a dear friend.

Sweetest little box which now holds my earrings from Anthropologie.

 Working the sleepwear.

Gorgeous notebook. LOVING the Paris-ness.

She also included a sweet passport holder. Perfect for my upcoming travels. 

As well as one of her Reusable Coffee Sleeves, you should totally check those out! 

And of course, can't forget about the gloves.

All about the gloves.

My hands....

....are warm.

I had SUCH a blast doing this exchange! 

Thank you SO much Laura. 

You are such a delight. 

Hope you guys enjoy all the swap fun.

Much Love,

L

Dreaming.

Source: things.konradolsson.se via Lisa on Pinterest

We had a change of plans, we are getting our tree today instead ekkkk!

I am dreaming of our tree. Obviously it won't look quite like this.

But it will be stunning all the same.I will post pictures when we have it.

I love seeing people's trees up. They are all so different & totally unique to each family.

What unique items are on your tree?

Much love,

L

Happy December!

Source: hgtv.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Today, I am dreaming of that mantle I may own someday. Scheming ways in which I would decorate it for Christmas. Time to break out those advent calendars.

Much love,

L

P.S. So glad my 3 yr-old friend now remembers whose birthday it is on Christmas, Jesus & not their own =) Adorable.

Ornament Tradition.

{Via}

Just in case you couldn't tell, I am a HUGE fan of the Disney Family Fun website. Totally sharing my secrets of the trade here. 

That can be blamed on a free subscription to their magazine which I got for a year after collecting pop tarts tokens. 

Personally, I work better with the website. You can sign up for emails & they will send you great craft projects. If you're going to be with kids during the winter, they have awesome crafts to keep you all busy.

My plan is to have a new special tree ornament every year. Last year we bought a 'First Christmas' ornament from Hallmark. 

{Via}

I am thinking of making a time capsule ornament for each year from now on. Writing the year on it and either adding little things from the year or just 2 photos. I bought the clear ornaments from Michaels for 60c each...awesome!

I can't wait to make the ornament before our tree goes up on saturday.

Do you guys make ornaments or have special ones every year?

Much Love,

L

This Winter's Quilt.

 Every Winter so far in our marriage (ok last year and now this year =) haha), I have made a quilt. 

Last winter I made an afghan which has been AMAZING on our bed this year. It's super warm and matches the colors in the bedsheets which I chose for our registry a year ago. 

I must have just liked the colors because I didn't even choose them based on the colors in the room =) 

It also works in the living room on our couches to curl under and watch movies in the evenings.

My plan is to make another afgan in different colors. I figured increasing our collection of homemade blankets would be a good thing to do over time.

This winter I am working on another quilt. (Pattern: Joanns ready made quilt set, kind of like this one)

This would be my first successful large quilt. I made a queen size quilt for my first quilting project but didn't use a pattern.....so it was redone several times. I have finally repieced it last Fall, it just needs finishing up. 

Since then I have been into making baby quilts....of which I have made about 5 of them in total. Great for gifts and I kept one for a Hope Chest item =)

This is the quilt for this winter.

I LOVE the colors.....it's the same pattern but different shades of greens, blues and browns. This photo is not the finishing quilt, hence the mistake of the 2 blue squares next to each other at the bottom.

My hope is to finish binding and filling it in the next few weeks.

I may or may not work on the other afghan this year. Will have to see if the yarn I want comes on sale.

What projects do you have for the winter?