Wuthering Iris

Valentine's Outfit

2012-02-01T12:40:00.001-07:00

I've got Valentine's Day
on my mind.

In particular,
my Valentine's Day outfit!

A girls gotta look cute
when she goes out for dinner.

Here is what I'm thinking...

These shorts...

With one of these tops...

But which one do you think

I should choose?

Let me know your thoughts!

Clothing Via: Ruche

True Love in Pictures

2012-02-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Have you seen ...

True Love In Pictures?

If you haven't then you must
jump on over there
and take a look.

Created by Tiffany & Co. ...

It's a gallery of
true love moments
captured in photos.

Such a sweet start
to this February 1st.

I think I am going to
upload a photo
onto their site
right now!

Farmhouse Chowder

2012-01-31T13:54:00.001-07:00

I was really inspired after my

Brook Farm General Store post today.

So I kept with the farm theme

and made this...

Farmhouse Chowder

Adapted from Martha Stewart

1 whole chicken (3 to 4 pounds)
1 large onion

3 carrots

4 stems fresh flat-leaf parsley

10 whole pink peppercorns

2 tbsp chicken bouillon
2 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

1 small rutabaga, diced

4 ounces parsnip, diced

Coarse salt

Ground pepper

1 tsp fresh thyme

1 tbsp fresh sage
1/2 cup heavy cream
Oyster Crackers for a garnish

1. To make the homemade chicken stock: Place chicken, breast side down, in a large pot. Add enough water to just cover chicken. Add 1/2 of the onion (whole), 1 carrot (halved), parsley, bouillon, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, partially covered. Reduce heat, and simmer gently for 1 hour.

2. Remove chicken, and let cool. Strain broth through a fine sieve, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes to reduce and intensify flavor.

3. Shred chicken into bite-size pieces, discarding bones and skin.

4. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the other halve of the onion (chopped), the rest of the carrots (diced), rutabaga, and parsnips, and cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, & sage.

5. Stir in flour, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Whisk in reserved chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until root vegetables are tender, 6 to 8 minutes.

6. Stir in reserved chicken and the cream, and heat until warmed through, about 1 minute. Serve warm with oyster crackers

Brook Farm General Store

2012-01-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

I just love
these items from...

Brook Farm General Store

I can just picture myself
in the kitchen of my dreams
wearing this...

along with wearing these...

Reading this for cooking inspiration...

Cooking a fabulous meal using this...

And these...

And a kitchen isn't complete

without some lovely twine...

And awesome scissors...

Sarah Brown

2012-01-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

Growing up,

my family always

traveled to the ocean

for holiday.

And my favorite part
of our ocean holidays
were the days spent
at the Tide Pools.

Exploring all the
nooks and crannies.

Hoping to not
encounter a crab!

So, it's only natural
that I am in love
with this jewelry by...

Sarah Brown Jewellery

Where's You Heart?

2012-01-30T09:33:00.001-07:00

Valentine's Day
is quickly approaching.

And sometimes that means
another holiday spent
with loved ones at a distance.

These lovely prints
are made just for those people.

A lovely way
to show that your heart
is with your loved ones.

Via: Arthur's Plaid Pants

Sunday Morning Breakfast

2012-01-29T09:52:00.002-07:00

Happy Sunday.

Stay warm

with a bowl of

Irish Steel Cut

Oatmeal!

Egg Nog Ice Cream

2012-01-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

What do you do

with left-over

Egg Nog?

You make

Ice Cream!

Egg Nog Ice Cream

Ingredients:

2 cups Egg Nog

2 cups half & half

1/2 cup chocolate chips (chopped)

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a ice cream maker and use as directed.

Sledding Party

2012-01-28T09:34:00.004-07:00

The snow finally

dumped on

Montana!

Which means...

Sledding Party!

Complete with

sleds,

bon fires,

a hot chocolate bar,

and chocolate chip

cookies!

Infinity Scarf

2012-01-27T08:54:00.002-07:00

As well as learning

how to sew...

I have also started

crocheting!

Now, I am still

just a beginner.

So my work still has

loads of flaws in it.

But here is something

I made over the

Christmas Holiday...

And I think it will be
very needed for my
Sledding Party
today!

Happy Birthday Kelly

2012-01-26T13:12:00.002-07:00

Today is one of my

Best Friends Birthdays.

It's hard to believe

how fast time flies by.

I met her almost

28 years ago.

And we are still friends

to this day.

It was wonderful

to be able to see her

and have a girls weekend

at the Alt summit.

I now have memories

that I will never ever forget.

So...

Happy Birthday
to my beautiful friend.

AMradio

2012-01-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

I love love love
these vintage finds from...

AMradio

They look like they are
straight out of an
old post office or
apothecary.

House of Brinson

2012-01-25T12:36:00.002-07:00

At the Alt Summit Conference

I was able to take a

short photography class

from House of Brinson...

My favorite

still-life

photographer!

Just look at these

beautiful photos

shot by them...

I stupidly

forgot to bring

my camera...

not cool.

But I did have

my iPhone!

So I made sure to

snap this photo of

deliciously lovely Kale.

Embroidery Calendar

2012-01-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

I am fascinated by
embroidery.

It is one of the projects
on my to do list.

And after seeing this kit

by Curious Doodles...

The project has

definitely jumped up

on my list.

Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies

2012-01-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

I've had a leftover bag

of crumbled English Toffee

in my pantry since Christmas.

It has literally

been starring at me,

begging me to use it.

So last night I did...

And I made these!

Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies

1/2 cup butter

3/4 cup peanut butter

1 1/4 cup brown sugar

3 tbsp whole milk

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 egg

1 1/2 cups flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp kosher salt

1 cup crumbled English Toffee

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. Beat butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar together until creamy.
3. Then add the milk, vanilla and egg.

4. In a separate bowl, sift the flour and baking soda together. Add the salt.
5. Add the dry mix to the mixer and combine. Then add the English toffee. Beat until incorporated.
6. Drop tablespoon size amounts on to a baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes (do not over bake).
7. Cool on a cooling rack for a few minutes.
8. Then Enjoy!!

Alt Sponsors

2012-01-24T09:22:00.001-07:00

What wonderful sponsors
Alt was able to get.

And what wonderful free gifts
they provided for us
to take home!

They really did
spoil us.

Thank You...

Kristy
HGTV
Mail Chimp
Square Space
Cargoh
Sherwin Williams
Pinhole Press
RuLaLa
BurdaStyle
Method
Epiphanie
Burnina
Minted
blurb

Bernadette Pascua

2012-01-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

You have probably

guessed it by now...

But I love

Fashion Illustrations.

And I love these sketches

by Bernadette Pascua.

There appearance
is so simplistic
yet they are
dripping with
elegance.

Images originally found

on Miss Moss.

Smilebooth

2012-01-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

On Friday night of the
Alt Summit
many different
sponsors...

Girls with Glasses
RuLaLa
HP
Uppercase
blurb

just to name
a few...

Hosted "mini-parties"
for all the attendees.

So much food.
So much fashion.
So many photos.
So much fun!

Thanks You
Smilebooth and Method
for hosting a
fabulous mini-party
at the Alt Summit
last week!

Altitude Design Summit

2012-01-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Oh my.

What can I say.

Altitude Design Summit...

or Alt, as it is know for short,

was absolutely amazing

(to say the least).

For the past 4 days

I have been in Salt Lake City

attending a blogging convention

and I have to say

I was a little ‘star struck’

by all the amazing people

that were there.

Bloggers from...
Design*Sponge
Snippet&Ink
Handmade by Charlotte
Apartment Therapy...

Then there were
the editors of

Martha Stewart

Better Homes & Gardens...

Photographers like

House of Brinson &

Jasmine Star.

But I think the best part

was getting to know other bloggers

who were passionate about

design and art...

Seeing old friends...

and making new ones!

(For more photos of my trip, check out my Instagram)

Rice Krispy Pops

2012-01-17T15:36:00.001-07:00

I experimented yesterday

and made these...

Rice Krispy Pops!

BHLDN Decor

2012-01-16T12:02:00.002-07:00

I posted about BHLDN

a few years back...

But I just noticed

that they have a

BEAUTIFUL

decor line

as well.

I loved practically

everything.

But here are a few

of my favorites...

Clothing Swap

2012-01-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday some friends and I

got together and had a

clothing swap!

Because, lets face it,

in this economy,

it's not always feasible

to buy new clothes all the time.

We all contributed by

bringing a bag of clothes,

that over time we no longer wore.

Then we completely turned

our friends living room

into a boutique and shopped!

I came away

with some awesome

new (to me) items!

(JCrew Sweater, Banana Rep Sweater, Anthro Cardigan, and one awesome cheetah scarf!)

Jennifer Collier

2012-01-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

I love Saturday

mornings.

I love sitting down

with my cup of coffee,

ready to see what

lovely things I can find

that inspires me.

Today I stumbled upon the artist

Jennifer Collier.

Here is how

she explains her art:

"My practice focuses on

creating work from paper;

by bonding, waxing, trapping and stitching

I produce unusual paper ‘fabrics’,

which are used to explore the

‘remaking’ of household objects."

Yellow Lentil Soup

2012-01-13T13:08:00.004-07:00

I made this soup

for dinner the other night

and it reminded me of

the food that I would

daily enjoy in Nepal.

And served with

Naan and Chicken Satay...

Sooooo Good!

Yellow Lentil Soup

Adapted from Martha Stewart

1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds

2 cups vegetable stock

4 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 cups yellow lentils (12 ounces)

Salt & Pepper

1. Heat oil and coriander seeds in a medium saucepan over high heat for 1 minute.

2. Add stock and lentils. Bring to a simmer.

3. Reduce heat, and simmer gently, partially covered, until lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 40 to 50 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper to taste

Venice Simplon-Orient Express

2012-01-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's one of my dreams

to glamorously travel by train.

And I think the

Venice Simplon-Orient Express

would definitely make
that dream come true.

Victorian Steampunk Wedding

2012-01-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

This is pretty much the

coolest wedding

EVER!

See the original post

over at Ruffled.

Pom Pom Scarf

2012-01-10T10:12:00.002-07:00

Love these
scarves!

Via: burkedecor

1st Sewing Project

2012-01-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

It might not come to a surprise to some of you

that Micah and I are in the process

of adopting and infant!

We still don't know when it will happen;

we have been told that it could take

anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 years...

(we are in month 3 of waiting)...

but during this time

I have been slowly creating a nursery.

And one thing

I can now cross off my list

is getting a bassinet.

I found this one

at a consignment store.

But when I found it,

it had a very ugly

white ruffle bib on it.

That would not do at all,

so I bought some fabric that I liked

and made a new one.

And it was my first time sewin

...anything!!!

I'm proud of myself.

Sunday Morning Breakfast

2012-01-08T10:30:00.002-07:00

Oh how I love

lazy Sunday Mornings.

Maje

2012-01-07T18:52:00.000-07:00

Maje's
Spring Collection...

Love it!

Remake

2012-01-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

How cool are these!

Artists have attempted to remake

classic pieces of art.

Here are a few of

my favorites...

You can see more at:

Booooooom

Cozy Socks

2012-01-05T16:18:00.000-07:00

Even though it has been
especially warm
for January,
the snow barely began
to flutter today.

Oh how I wish I had these
on my feet right now.

Via: People Tree

Katie Ermilio

2012-01-04T14:30:00.001-07:00

I am in love

with this designer!

Katie Ermilio

Beef Short Ribs in a Tomato Sauce

2012-01-03T14:40:00.002-07:00

Thank You

Pioneer Woman

for this

AMAZING

dinner recipe!

Beef Short Ribs in a Tomato Sauce

Adapted from: The Pioneer Woman

8 whole Beef Short Ribs1
2 tbsp Olive Oil
Salt And Pepper, to taste
1 tbsp Sugar
8 cloves Garlic, Crushed
1 whole Onion, Diced
1 cup Red Wine
1 can (28 Ounce) Whole Tomatoes
1 can (14 Ounce) Tomato Sauce
1 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 tsp Thyme
1 pound Spaghetti
Grated Parmesan Cheese

1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees.

2. Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high to high heat. Sprinkle short ribs with salt and pepper. Brown short ribs in oil, about 1 1/2 or 2 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.

3. Pour off excess oil. Throw garlic and onions into pot. Stir to cook for a minute or two, then add tomatoes, tomato sauce, wine, salt, red pepper flakes, and thyme. Stir to combine.

4. Set short ribs back into the pot, submerging as much as possible in the sauce. Cover pot and place into the oven.

5. Cook for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Short ribs should be tender and falling off the bone.

Best of 2011

2012-01-02T17:19:00.001-07:00

I made some

"that's a keeper"

meals this year.

Here are a few

of my favorites...

Pear Upside-Down Cake

I'm excited to see

what 2012

has in store

for my taste buds!

A look back at 2011

2012-01-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

I love looking back at the year passed

to see what has come my way.

The changes,

the surprises,

even the heartaches.

Here is a little look back

at Wuthering Iris...

January was kicked off

with a new bathroom!

(and a broken back for Micah)

Our bathroom went from this...

to this...

Even as I look at that picture

I can see all the changes

and deco that I added to

the new place.

February was my

30th Birthday!

And in March

we realized just how

gigantic Silas was!

I came down with a cold in April,

so I stayed in bed and

watched The Kennedys.

May was special

because I was able to

vacation in California

to see my friends

and family.

And Kelly threw a

beautiful garden party!

In June, Micah and I were finishing up

our adoption application

and having some photos taken

to send to the agency.

(no baby news yet though...sigh)

July was full of fun!

Coffee

Gardening

Vintage Fairs

and

Cupcakes!

And I can't forget

the sailing!

August was so busy...

I didn't blog once!

But I gave a little wrap

up in September.

Camping...

Gardening...

Harvesting...

And party planning...

October, my favorite month of the year,

was time to go to the

pumpkin patch!

And I also hosted a

Fall Soup Swap!

And 30 days later,

I hosted a Halloween Party!

In November, I was able to

travel to California again

to celebrate Thanksgiving.

And in December,

we ended the year in Portland

celebrating Christmas with family.

I can't help

but be excited

at what this new year

will bring!

New Years Eve

2011-12-31T20:20:00.000-07:00

What are you doing?

Hunter Boots

2011-12-29T18:54:00.004-07:00

Looks like

it's going to start

to rain and snow again.

Which makes me

want these

Hunter Boots

to keep my feet

warm and dry.

Image Via: Cupcakes and Cashmere

Nancy Straughan Textiles

2011-12-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

I saw this over on
Design*Sponge
and had to
share it with you!

I would love to learn
more about creating these
beautiful fabrics.

These were created by
Nancy Straughan

Copper

2011-12-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

This is
why I love

copper cookware...

It's gorgeous!

Via: bloom & anthropologie

Christmas Festivities

2011-12-26T11:29:00.001-07:00

How was your

Christmas?

Ours was wonderful!

Waking up to presents

with the family...

Enjoying our traditional

Tea-Ring...

The most amazing

Quiche for Brunch...

Drinking coffee from my new

Anthropologie Mug...

Opening a special present

from the parents...

A Vintage Children's

Christmas Book

and Anthro Ornament!

And enjoying some

sister time...

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

I hope your holiday

is filled with the true joy

of the season.

Merry Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

I hope your Eve

is filled with the

anticipation

of the

celebrations

to come.

Via: Flickr

Felt Ornaments

2011-12-23T12:38:00.001-07:00

I need these

felt ornaments

on my tree!

I wonder

if I could

make them?

via: fairyfolk

French Cards

2011-12-21T10:33:00.001-07:00

I love these French Cards
from Rifle Paper Co.

Breakfast Out

2011-12-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

Micah and I

went out for breakfast

yesterday.

Thanks to the wonderful

Christmas gift

from our friends

Andy & Janet!

Thank You!

Apricot-Pistachio Sticky Buns

2011-12-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

My first day of
Christmas Vacation
started yesterday.

Oh how I love
the feeling of waking up
with absolutely
no work to do at all!

So I decided
to lounge around the house
and make these...

Apricot-Pistachio Sticky Buns

Adapted from Pioneer Woman & Martha Stewart

1 Batch of my basic Cinnamon Roll Dough Recipe

6 tbsp Apricot Jam (more if needed)

1/2 cup chopped Pistachios
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar

1. Once you have made the cinnamon roll dough, roll it out of a floured surface.

2. Spread the apricot jam over the top making sure to distribute it evenly.

3. Drizzle the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the chopped pistachios and brown sugar on top.

4. Roll the dough up and cut into 1 inch slices. Bake according to the Cinnamon Roll Recipe directions.

Burlap Ornaments

2011-12-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

These would go
perfect
on my
Christmas Tree!

Via: Alice's Looking Glass

Beautiful Fonts

2011-12-15T15:09:00.002-07:00

Through the blog

Going Home to Roost

I found the site

Fonts 101

that is full of

beautiful fonts

just waiting to be

downloaded.

Photo via Going Home to Roost

Tell Her You Saw Me

2011-12-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

I found another

lovely online shop

that I am obsessed with.

Tell Her You Saw Me

Here are a few

of my favorites...

Staff Christmas Dinner

2011-12-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

This has been our

5th Christmas Party

with YWAM...

And this year

we had the Christmas celebration

in a 12 Million Dollar

Cabin in the woods.

It was spectacular .

Embellished

2011-12-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

Isn't this
beautiful.

Oh, it's only
$1500.00!!!!!

Via: Net-A-Porter

1950's eyewear

2011-12-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

Here is
another one!

I just love
old videos
like this...

1930's tutorial

2011-12-06T17:35:00.000-07:00

1930's fashion tutorial...

Oh how far we have come.

iPod Dock

2011-12-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

Put this
on your
Christmas List!

What a perfect way
to hide a

phone charger.

Via: Rich Neeley Designs

Posted 1 Year Ago: "Speaking of Terrain"
2 Years Ago: "Paragliding"

Scarf Tutorial

2011-12-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

Here in Montana,
scarf season starts in October
and ends in April
(possibly May)...

So this tutorial
for 25 different ways
to wear a scarf
is greatly appreciated.

Thanksgiving Vacation

2011-12-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

I've returned from a

holiday away.

I was able to visit

my friends & family

in California...

And I got to see

my nephews!

Silly boys...

And my sister and I

went through a

"right of passage"

by preparing the

Thanksgiving meal!

We were very proud

of ourselves.

Audry

2011-11-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

Simple

Elegance.

Via: The Impossible Cool

Emerald Green

2011-11-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

Emerald Green is my

absolute

all-time

favorite color.

I love love love it.

And I love love love these...

Via: Anthropologie

Ruche

Emma Stone...

2011-11-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

I love

your style.

Via: InStyle

More iPhone Cases

2011-11-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

I'm still in need

of an iPhone case.

Everyday I go without one

is a day I fear

that I will drop my phone

and it will crack...

or break...

or shatter into

a million pieces.

Hence the reason

I am obsessed with these...

Via: Society6

Fall Nail Colors

2011-11-13T16:20:00.001-07:00

A friend asked me the other day

what my favorite nail colors

for the fall were.

Here are three

that are in constant rotation

on my fingers...

Q & A

2011-11-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

I am not that diligent

when it comes to keeping up

with my journal.

Well, lets be honest...

I don't even know

where my journal is

or if I still even have one.

But I think

if I had this journal...

I would be excited

to write in it

everyday.

Goat Cheese & Leek Crostini

2011-11-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Two things I love:

Goat Cheese & Leeks...

Which made this Crostini completely divine.

Goat Cheese & Leek Crostini
Adapted from Smitten Kitchen

3 leeks, cut lengthwise and white and pale green parts sliced 1/4-inch thick
2 tbsp butter
olive oil
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
6 slices of baguette
2 ounces goat cheese crumbled

1. Heat a large skillet over medium. Once hot, add butter and olive oil and once they’re fully melted and a bit sizzly, add the leek slices. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid and cook leeks for 25 minutes, stirring them occasionally.

2. While leeks cook, brush bread slices with olive oil. Run under broiler until lightly toasted.

3. Once leeks are done cooking, spread the goat cheese on top of the toast and sprinkle with caramelized leeks.

Modern Typewriter

2011-11-09T14:21:00.002-07:00

Have you seen this!

How amazingly fun is that!

via: anthropologie

365 Lucky Days

2011-11-08T12:00:00.002-07:00

I love this type of Art.

What would it be called?

Cross Stitch?

Anyways...

I love the inspiration
that you find
on this Artist's Blog:
365 Lucky Days

And I love what Lucky says:

"So I have had this goal for a while,
to make something every day for one year.
With any goal you need
accountability
and that is why I am committing myself,
in blog format,
to create with love
a new work of art every day
for the next 365 days."

Posted 1 Year Ago: "The Kissssing Blog"
3 Years Ago: "3 Days"

Calligraphy Stamp

2011-11-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

I just love this

Custom Calligraphy

Stamp.

Via: Lindsey Bee

Posted 1 Year Ago: "Radical Face"
3 Years Ago: "Wassenaar 01"

More changes to come...

2011-11-06T20:10:00.001-07:00

I am

playing around

with my blog.

So stay with me,

many changes

are to come.

The Hive

2011-11-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

I love these

customized
vacation maps!

Created by
Lindsey Bee,

she describes

her art work as:

"a way to
document your
vacation/travels
in a whimsical,
unique way."

You send her your

vacation stories and such,

and she creates

a beautiful print

for you.

View her Etsy site:
The Hive

Posted 1 Year Ago: "Crumb Cake Muffins"

Pear Upside Down Cake

2011-11-05T16:10:00.001-06:00

Fall Pears are in season!

So here is a

delicious recipe

that includes pears.

Pear Upside Down Cake!

(it will blow your mind...it is that good)

Pear Upside Down Cake

Adapted from Martha Stewart

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 ripe pears, peeled and cored

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1. Make the topping: Melt butter in a small pot over medium heat. Add brown sugar, stirring until dissolved.

2. Pour butter and sugar mixture into a cake pan and swirl to coat the bottom. Cut pears into 1/4-inch-thick wedges, and arrange them in a circular pattern over the brown-sugar mixture to cover completely; set aside.

3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

4. Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

5. In a second bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

6. Add vanilla extract; beat to combine.

7. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating to combine.

8. Alternating with the milk, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, and mix, just until the flour is incorporated.

9. In a separate bowl, beat reserved egg whites and the cream of tartar with a hand mixer until stiff.

10. Using a rubber spatula, fold egg whites into the batter.

11. Transfer to cake pan by carefully spreading the batter evenly, as to not disturb the pears.

12. Bake until well browned on top and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

13. Run a knife around inside of pan, and immediately invert the cake onto a serving dish.

14. Serve with a hot cup of coffee.

Posted 1 Year Ago: "Eat Cake"

3 Years Ago: "40 degrees with a coffee in my hand"

Recipe Card Templates

2011-11-04T17:38:00.001-06:00

I just love

these free

templates!

I printed these out
yesterday
and they are
so cute!!

Get them via:

Love vs. Design

Halloween Party

2011-11-03T14:04:00.002-06:00

Me and a few friends

were able to

throw a

Halloween Party

last Saturday.

There were

costumes, games, prizes...

and of course

lots of yummy

treats!

We made a

pumpkin cobbler

which was to die for!

The recipe

will be

coming soon.

Posted 3 Years Ago: "Are you board..."

1 Year Ago: "Miss Pandora"

2012 Calendars

2011-11-01T17:41:00.000-06:00

It's November 1st
and that time

of year

again.

Time to start

looking for

a new

calendar.

And so far

I have found

these lovelies...

Found Via:

Hamerpress

the wild unknown

Minimalist Children's Posters

2011-10-25T20:36:00.001-06:00

I love these!

Can you guess

what stories they are

before reading

the names?

Via: Square Inch Design Blog

Posted 1 Year Ago: "Lauren Moffatt"
3 Years Ago: "Soup Swap"

Penguin iPhone

2011-10-24T15:34:00.002-06:00

I am needing
a new iphone case.

Mine is about ready
to go bye bye.

And I have
my eyes
on this one...

Via: Society6

Posted 1 Year Ago: "Living in a Tower"
3 Years Ago: "memo"

Fall West Elm

2011-10-23T09:59:00.000-06:00

I love these

Fall inspired

home additions.

Via: West Elm

More Penguin Classics

2011-10-22T10:27:00.001-06:00

I found more

lovely

book covers

Ruben Toledo!

Via: Penguin Classics

Posted 1 Year Ago: "Parisian Wedding Dress"

Fall Soup Swap

2011-10-21T17:03:00.003-06:00

I was able to
help throw a
Soup Swap Party
the other day.

I love throwing
festive parties!

Posted 1 Year Ago: "Spiral Cellars"

Fall Apple Cake

2011-10-20T12:03:00.002-06:00

My fall

has been filled

with lots and lots

of canning!

Tomato Sauce

Apple Sauce

Fruit and Berry Jams

Apple Butter

And since apples

are finally in season

here in Montana,

I have been trying

so many recipes

that contain apples!

Here is a

wonderful

Fall Apple Cake

recipe

that I made

the other day.

It will make

your mouth

water!

Fall Apple Cake
Adapted from: Smitten Kitchen

4 apples
3/4 tablespoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons sugar

2 3/4 cups flour, sifted
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Peel, core and chop apples into chunks. Toss with cinnamon and sugar and set aside.

3. Stir together flour, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, orange juice, sugar and vanilla.

4. Mix wet ingredients into the dry ones, then add eggs.

5. Pour half of batter into prepared pan. Spread half of apples over it. Pour the remaining batter over the apples and arrange the remaining apples on top.

6. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a tester comes out clean.

Posted 1 Year Ago: "Plumo"

3 Years Ago: "Second Half" ... also see the "First Half"

Split Pea Soup

2011-10-13T19:23:00.002-06:00

I tried

something

new

today!

Split Pea Soup

And it was

delicious!

Split Pea Soup

Adapted from Everyday Food

6 cups chicken broth

16 oz dried green split peas

1 yellow onion, diced

4 carrots, sliced

1 celery stalk, diced

2 large cloves garlic

1 tsp dried thyme

2 bay leaves

1 lb. ham hock

salt and pepper

1. In a large bowl, bring broth to a boil.

2. Add split peas, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and ham hock. Then season with salt and pepper.

3. Cover and cook on med-low for 2 hours, or until the split peas begin to break down. Stir occasionally.

4. When the peas being to break down, remove the ham and slice the meat off the bone.

5. Add the ham back into the soup and mash the peas up a bit.

6. Taste to adjust seasoning if needed.

Posted 3 Years Ago: "Present...for me"

1 Year Ago: "Magical"

SCARFSHOP

2011-10-12T11:28:00.001-06:00

Just look at

these

beautiful

scarves!

Via: SCARFSHOP

Posted 3 Years Ago: "The end..."
1 Year Ago: "Pop Pop Portraits"

Fall Inspiration

2011-10-11T18:41:00.000-06:00

Oh how

I love

Fall.

Here are a few

of my recent

Fall
inspirations
that I posted
on my
Pinterest...

All Found Via:
Brassy Apple
The Itsy Bitsy Spider Crochet
Bathwater
.la douleur exquise.
tumblr

Posted 3 Years Ago: "Lavender Oatmeal Bars "
1 Year Ago: "Peter Rabbit"

State Fair Magnets

2011-10-10T14:55:00.001-06:00

Love Love Love

these

magnets.

Via: Anthropologie

Posted 3 Years Ago: "And finally it's the weekend"
2 Years Ago: "Gone for 2 months"
1 Year Ago: "House Love"

Decorating for the Fall

2011-10-09T12:19:00.000-06:00

Yesterday

Micah and I

visited the

Apple Barrel!

We came out with

some beautiful

pumpkins...

and one great

corn stalk!

And since

its officiall

fall...

I also bought

a huge crate

of apples!!!

This moring

I made

Apple Pie Oatmeal...

Posted 1 Year Ago: "Pumpkin Spice Scones"

2 Years Ago: "Alice by Annie"

Inspiration of Vintage and Blue

2011-10-06T09:41:00.001-06:00

Recently

I have been

really inspired by

a mixture of

vintage

floral patterns

and this

beautiful

blue color...

Images found via:

Flickr

Ravelry

Live & Enliven

Little Green Notebook

Posted 3 Years Ago: "October Walks"

2 Years Ago: "Baked Garlic Pilaf"

1 Year Ago: "Rosemary"

Retro

2011-10-03T19:55:00.001-06:00

These put

a smile

on my

face.

Found via: Laughing Squid

Posted 2 Years Ago: "Pumpkin Coconut Bread"
1 Year Ago: "Not Yet Fall"

Blackberry Tart with Mascarpone Filling

2011-10-02T09:39:00.002-06:00

I know berry season

is kinda over...

but I still have

tons and tons

of summer recipes

that need

to be made!

And thankfully

I made this one

last night...

It was

delicious!

Blackberry Tart with Mascarpone Filling

Adapted from: Annie Eats

For the Crust:

1 egg yolk

2 tbsp cold water

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/4 cups flour

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 tsp salt

8 tbsp butter, cut into chunks

For the filling:

2/3 cup mascarpone cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1/3 cup honey

1/2 tsp vanilla

pinch of nutmeg

zest of 1/4 lemon

For the topping:

Fresh blackberries

Directions:

1. To make the crust, in a small bowl mix the egg, cold water, and vanilla. Set aside.

2. Combine flour, sugar, and salt into mixer. Add butter and mix on med-low speed, just until it resembles a coarse meal.

3. Add the egg mixture and mix on low speed just until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 and grease your tart pan.

5. When the dough has chilled for 30 minutes, roll out onto a floured surface. Then CAREFULLY transfer to your tart pan.

6. Cover the dough with parchment paper then fill with pie weights (or, like I did, dry pinto beans) then bake at 425 for 5 minutes.

7. After 5 minutes, reduce the temp to 350, remove the pie weights and parchment paper, and bake for another 15 minutes.

8. Cool completely on a cooling rack before filling.

9. When the tart shell is cooling, make your filling by mixing all the filling ingredients together.

10. Once shell is cooled, fill with mascarpone filling and top with fresh blackberries.

Posted 1 Year Ago: "Little Green Shop"

2 Years Ago: "KG & AB"

3 Years Ago: "Breakfast at dawn"

October Calories

2011-10-01T21:25:00.001-06:00

October,

my favorite

month!

Yet it is also

the month

where this

quote

takes effect...

found via: here

Meri Meri

2011-09-25T13:04:00.002-06:00

Oh how

I love

cupcakes!

And these are

the perfect

embellishments

for them.

And they have

Peter Rabbit!

Peter Rabbit
Plates...

A Cake Topper...

And Gift Tags...

Via: Meri Meri

Posted 2 Years Ago: "Juliette Hogan"

Audrey Niffenegger's Designs

2011-09-24T09:16:00.003-06:00

Remember when

I posted about

Ruben Toledo's
Classic Book Covers.

Today,
I also found
these...

Created by:
Audrey Niffenegger

Posted 3 Years Ago: Photography

Rifle Paper Co.

2011-09-22T13:11:00.001-06:00

I definitely

need some
of these!

Via: Rifle Paper Co.

Rodarte

2011-09-20T21:08:00.000-06:00

Loving Rodarte's

new fall

collection.

100 Years of Style

2011-09-17T15:03:00.000-06:00

100 Years of Style...

thru dance!

Wasn't that

amazing!

Pie Crust Making

2011-09-14T16:12:00.001-06:00

Luke and Whitney

have been

visiting us

for the past

few days.

We've had

tons of fun...

Antique Shopping...

(check out my cool vintage bowl below)

Baking yummy food...
(Whitney is teaching me the technique for pie crust making)

And enjoying their company.

Magpie Belle

2011-09-12T10:04:00.000-06:00

I love it

when artist combine

pen with textiles.

Like these

beautiful creations...

Created by:

Magpie Belle

The History of Fashion

2011-09-11T09:25:00.000-06:00

I love history.

And I think

it's no secret either

that I love

fashion.

Thus,

I give you

the history

of fashion...

c. 1720-France

c. 1760-England

c. 1770-1775-France

c. 1780-France

c. 1795-Italy

c. 1805-unknown (Country)

c. 1850-India?

c. 1866-France

c. 1888

c. 1893-America

c. 1903

1910-1911

c. 1923

Autumn/Winter 1935

1940-1944

c. 1953

Autumn/Winter 1967

Spring/Summer 1971

Spring/Summer 1987

All found via:

Kyoto Costume Institute

Mandy Lynne

2011-09-10T12:52:00.000-06:00

I found a new blog

that I just

love!

Mandy Lynne

And I just love

the pictures

from this post...

Dick & Jane Party

Isn't it

just adorable.

Plus...

now I want

to make

cupcakes!

Vintage Labels

2011-09-08T16:12:00.000-06:00

My next project

(i.e. party)

that I am

working on

is a...

Harvest Party!

And I am super

inspired by

these

Vintage Labels.

Arn't they

just

beautiful.

Found Via:

iDiY

not tuesday

2011-09-07T10:39:00.003-06:00

I wouldn't say

that I am

modern

in my choice

of dress...

but for some reason

I really love

this necklace.

Created by:

not tuesday

Weekend in Colorado

2011-09-06T08:55:00.002-06:00

Micah and I

just returned from

Colorado.

What a fun trip!

We went to

a freinds

wedding,

ate good food,

and shopped!

Here are a

few of my

favorite shots

from the

wedding...