Friday, April 26, 2013

ramblings: green drinks, good books + great dishes

Hello, I love you, I miss you. 

But really...its all true! I love this little blog of mine but living my life {the horror!} has been sucking up all of my time.

How about some random Friday ramblings?


Did you know that mornings are like so way totally more awesome when there are homemade green drinks and bible reading involved? Tis true. Try it out :)

 Today I even did a super shot of wheatgrass, lemon, ginger and other goodness. Who wants to come over and grow wheatgrass in my yard? Thanks
{rawesome juicery, sweet auburn market, atlanta}

If you've been around me for more than a minute in the past month you've probably had to hear me rave and rave and raaaave about this precious book, Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist
I stumbled upon a mind-altering/life-changing quote {yup, that dramatic} from the book earlier this month and immediately bought every title Shauna Niequist had ever written. Shauna's words bring you to a place where you instantly feel yourself just sitting next to her on the couch with a big glass of red wine or hot tea; she is teaching you, sharing stories and offering up wholesome advice, walking with you through this thing we call life. Its good stuff. 

This book truly found me and I am so glad it did, there are parts of it for everyone and every stage of life-{and/or minute of life}. I know it will be a book that I turn to for years to come, lend to friends and family, write down quotes and dig into for a little 'life eye-opening' session. 
Here's a little teeny peek:
“Life sneaks up on us every once in a while and gives us something we didn't ever know we wanted, and lights within us a love we didn't even know existed.” 
― Shauna NiequistCold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life

Told you I could talk foreverrrr about that book! :) Moving on! 
I sold two orders on Etsy- it was so fun creating 'Hallmade' frames for people that I didn't know! 

So friends, we are going back to Shauna Niequist and...FOOD! {this is all I can talk about.}
Her most recent title Bread & Wine is delicious. It's recipes are delicious and it's words are even more delicious. Each chapter brings a warm, thought-provoking, inspiring and comforting story and....a crazy tasty recipe for something scrumptious that Shauna has had at a restaurant or made herself. 
Double delights! 

I tried my hand {and bicep....jeeze} at her creamy parmesan risotto recipe. 
Best thing...I think I actually made it right! Soft with a little bit of a bite. 

With some coaching from the Hall household's egg frying champ, I fried my first egg last night. Then I topped that delicious thing on a stack of Quinoa, Sauteed Onions and Chicken Apple Sausage. 

The flavors are deep, they love on each other and bring a taste of sweet and super savory. The quinoa reminds you of its presence with a little crunch, the onions practically dissolve on your tongue and a fork full of crispy sausage, tender egg and runny yolk reminds you there is a reason that sausage and eggs sit side-by-side so often! 
{recipe from Bread & Wine, I know you saw that coming :) }


Well, I think I have rambled on enough for one post. 
Off to enjoy a weekend of whatever we want to do....as long as it involves one of these guys:
Don't you think its time I used that donut pan again? I do. 
Recipes {and breakfast visitors!} welcomed :)

 {P.S. I promise we will go back to recipes and diy projects and organized posts real real soon!}

Monday, April 15, 2013

a peek at our patio!

oh hello there little blog of mine. how i have missed you! 
Well spring has sprung and it brought with it new commitments, celebrations and time-suckers. Hashtag I'm Not Complaining! :)

{back to our regularly 'scheduled' programming}

I've gathered inspiration and we've begun purchasing...our patio is beginning to come together! Although it's not ready for a full reveal {will it ever be? stop. raining. atlanta} here are some little peeks! 



my mr. amazing husband hung our cafe lights- a little piece of paris now lives on our patio. 



this happy green pattern adorns our seating and as a bonus, it makes for a cheerful backdrop to a glass of celebratory champagne. 


my job has led me to appreciate floor coverings- even if they are sewn together by own two hands. 


here's to hoping this weekend is full of free time and sunshine!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

draw near


-hebrews 4.16-


A powerful and constant reminder that we are never alone and can always find comfort in the love of our Lord.