Friday, December 31, 2010
happy new year
Here are a couple new years resolutions for myself:
1 - join a woman's bible study
2 - work out 3x a week
3 - read 10 books within the year ( that's a lot for me)
4 - surf.......a lot
5 - become a more patient and trusting person by handing over control to God
Since I'm in Tahoe and writing this on my iPad I am going to have to cut this short. Nonetheless, I am so excited about next year and cannot wait to see what is in store. So for now......we continue on this crazy road called life!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
a balboa christmas
This is a very random shot of above the entertainment center in the living room. Typically there are just jars up there but for the holidays I added an assortment of white and silver candles.
And what would Christmas be without my sweet Lilly! I'm obsessed with this picture and love how she sits and watches the fire for hours. On a side note - she will be making the trip home with me so no doubt I will have 'adventures with Lilly' stories. I just hope she doesn't cry the whole plane ride!
long overdue
This is the bar that sits between the dining and living room!
I have open shelves that run across the entire length of my kitchen (I will have to post a better picture so you can understand the layout of my kitchen - but it's very open). The shelves below have all white items on the top and have all candy jars on the bottom. I love the candy jars because it adds such a whimsical feeling to a modern kitchen and great contrast against the stainless steel counter tops!
Below you see the white continue on the top (from the picture above) and then continued by all clear glasses. The bottom shelf reflects my recent obsession with antique glasses (courtesy of my mother)!
As many of you know I have a total mirror obsession. There are mirrors in every room of my house! Mirrors not only make spaces look larger but they also add a hint of glamour to something as simple as a wall or hallway. This huge mirror in my room helps add character and contrasts against the chic closet mirrors which extend the length of an entire wall (j'adore)!
That's all for now folks! I know this is has been very random, but hopefully I have made two friends of mine very happy!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
all you need is love
I am now thrilled to say that this lovely piece of art is now mine! Luck would have it that Pieter had secretly been watching me eye the piece, so this year for Christmas this is what he gave me. I love it! I didn't happen to take my own photograph but found this kinda janky one online, so for now it will do!
Stay tuned for pictures of this in my home! I will officially consider this my 2nd post holiday update (the wreath was 1st)!
year round wreaths
Friday, December 17, 2010
o holy night
I am one of those people who lyrics really speak to. Overwhelmed by the words of others that so often describe something I am or once went through. But the lryics below are something we can only try to fathom and struggle to grap. Yet the divine night leaves us speechless and our earthly bodies left with an out of body experience.
It is these lyrics that leave me refreshed and inspired. I feel a new burst of excitement to take on the rest of my Friday as well as an overall happiness and thankfulness. How thankful I am for a heavenly father who gave us sweet baby Jesus on this holy and divine night!
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
these are a few of my favorite things
If I were to have Julie Andrews sing a song of my favorite things they would definitely include: peppermint hot chocolate, cozy homes with fires, walks on brisk nights, twinkling holiday lights, decorating sugar cookies, canned food drives, crisp wrapping paper, silver candles that glisten, letters to Santa, Christmas tree lots, generous spirits, sending cards to loved ones, Mariah Carey music, making beef stew, attending festive parties, endless surprises, and of course snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes!
This is the time of year where spirits are high, hearts are generous, and if you watch closely enough people just may surprise you! It is all of these things that have led to a fabulous week and what will be a perfect Saturday. After a very competitive food drive at work (winner has yet to be determined) I am looking forward to a Saturday full of photographing my house for this blog, making beef stew, making and decorating sugar cookie, making and packing granola for my dear friends, wrapping gifts, making peppermint hot chocolate, watching Love Actually, and attending the annual Christmas Boat Parade. Since the weather will be cold, dreary, and rainy…..I think this is just what the season has ordered.
With pictures in the works of my decorated home, I figured I would leave you with a few of my inspirations…..
Monday, December 13, 2010
creative bunking
While I hated sharing a room with my sister for about….1 month (yes, there is a story behind that), I can say that I never would have complained had I been pampered with a super cool sleeping arrangement like the photos below. Now that's what I call creative bunking!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
inspired by santa
belief
Belief in an unfathomable heavenly father. Belief in each breath we take – and is not promised to us. Belief in a child-like understanding of Santa. Belief in the power of painting. Belief in love. Belief in fate. Belief in the understanding that everything happens for a reason. Belief that nothing goes un-noticed. Belief that God is good and people are nutty. Belief that laughter can heal. Belief that the snow will fall. Belief in a cure. Belief in world peace. Belief in the gift of imagination. Belief in the circle of life. Belief in the miracle of birth. Belief in our inability to understand everything. Belief in the faithfulness of family and friends. Belief in ancient ruins. Belief that people can change. Belief in getting lost in a book. Belief that if it's not okay then it's not the end. Belief that the people who love you the most will hurt you the most. Belief in the purpose of each life. Belief in the passion of our leaders. Belief in the ocean tide. Belief in our ability to let things go. Belief in butterflies. Belief in the motivation of a toddler. Belief that one tear can change everything. Belief in becoming a better person with each passing day. Belief in the people who make you smile. Belief in truth.