{happy birthday, maman}

Maman ~

Happiest of Birthdays to you, my dear Mom!! You are an incredible hero, confident, friend, sounding board, teacher, inspiration, supporter, dreamer, lifeline and prayer support. I hope you have the most amazing day and the best year to come.

Je t'aime, maman ! 

{Image via HERE}

{home knit home}

I'm home.  :)  And though I'm happy to be back in my routine {which I haven't truly gotten back to...} I'm longingly remembering my recent trip to Scottsdale.  Our whole family joined for a perfect little vacation.  I love my family.  Seriously.

Through all of my adventures this summer, I still managed to find time to knit. {My newest obsession...}I'm knitting through my entire home. A great place to start: the kitchen!  These washcloths are so scrumptious to the touch.  Made from organic cotton, they are a perfect compliment to a sink full of suds. 

I've had a couple of friends request them...so, let the knitting continue!  :)

First though, I must get reading through all of your blogs!!  My blog reader is full to the brim of new wonderful posts....How shall I ever get through them?! I also have some fun new recipes to share this week.  

xx, 

tal

{la la la, life and all of that}

What a summer! Since the end of May I have been all around. I spent a long while with my family and dear, dear friends in Boise and also took a little tour to Portland, Seattle and Northern Idaho...seeing friends and family along the way.  Including lots of green!!! (Which is more than I can say about the current desert I'm living in.)

{driving into my little hometown in North ID.  it had been 3 years since I saw this view!}

It was incredible.....and.....the perfect distraction for me, as Mister was away training.  But, after two months apart (yes, two months) we headed for an away vacay to Florida. 

{together!!}

It was amazing!!  We stayed in a friend's beach house.  So yes, you guessed it: beach time every day, great food and of course golf for Mister.  A great little second honeymoon.

I guess it wouldn't be a post from me, if I didn't include some food.  Well, near the beach a little place claimed to have the best hotdogs.  Mister pretty much craved them the moment we saw the stand.  Me.  Well, if you truly know me, you know I NEVER crave hotdogs and really didn't want to test the company on their proclamation (nor would I have any authority on the subject) .  But, being that I wanted to make him happy...we made our way over.  AND....luckily, they had VEGGIE DOGS! (Yay!)

{happiness for mister...}

{happiness for me....veggie dog!}

{my favorite view this summer...}

Anyway - my bad for not bringing my computer and therefore, not keeping in touch.  

It is quite nice being back home though (even if I'm still getting used to Texas).  I mean in actuality, I finished all of our moving boxes, arranged all of our furniture, hung the last of the pictures and then jetted to Idaho 2 days later.  It's sort of fun being able to enjoy our new place.  But, I'm not getting too comfortable, because in a week, it's more family fun in Arizona.  Let's just say that coming from the Northwest, this has been a HOT, HOT, HOT summer: daily living in Texas (eek!), vacation in Florida (ugh!) and then on to Arizona (yikes!).  I'm seemingly getting used to the heat (not!), but hey...I've never been so tan. ;)

Can't wait to check out everyone's booming blogs.

xx,
Tal

{sisterly love}

Hi! Sorry for the week-long delay.  What a fun, but crazy time.  I decided to completely change our house.  I went through every room and rearranged furniture, added things, purged things, finally unpacked most all of our boxes and even cleared out our garage!  {silent applause...}

Then, this weekend, I got on a plane and headed home to surprise one of my sisters (Suzette)....for her HS Graduation!!  She was definitely surprised... 

{Suzette}

...Her shocked but happy face was more than a million words.  My youngest sister, Liberty, was definitely instrumental in helping arrange all the little details.  Last night was her graduation and she was glowing (and looking much older than just having completed high school).  I'm so glad to have been a part of that moment.

Here are some moments captured after the ceremony...

{My funny, beautiful and smart sisses: Suzette + Liberty}

{The proud parents...}

{the beloved grand-mere: Meme}

{the three of us...}

I'm excited to say that I'll be spending about a month here...and travelling around the area.  Yay for family time!! {...And yay for escaping the Texas heat.} :) I'll try to keep up on my posting, but don't be surprised if it's a bit wrapped up in my travels...

HAPPY TUESDAY! 

xx, Naphtali

{happy birthday, brother}

{You know the fashion rule: "before leaving the house, take a look in the mirror and remove one thing..." Well, I think that principle could easily apply to the blog world at times.  And, I really think that it should have applied to the post below.  Maybe one too many pictures?! But, you have to understand...I am overly proud of my little brother.  Overly.  So...I couldn't help but show some of these proud memories! Hopefully, it won't be too hard to endure.... :) }

My best friend growing up???  Undoubtedly, my brother!

I always hear stories of siblings fighting, but not us.  We were inseparable, best friends who always stuck up for each other.  I remember always wanting him to succeed.  Let me put it this way...in school, our teachers ended up putting us on the same sporting team (or any team for that matter) because if not, we would  deliberately sabotage our own team...so that the other would win.  I know - crazy, but true.  True as can be.  

Here are some fun memories of my bubba/boomer/brother...

 {our first day of school...yes, that's the same lunch box. Ha!}

{how cute is my brother's smile?!}

 {fun in the sun}

{our favorite vacation spot - Oregon Coast}

{our pastime activity}

{banquet at our sophomore year of university}

{dancing at my wedding}

Boomer~ I couldn't ask for a better brother or friend.  Thank you for sticking up for me and loving me continually.  You know how to live life to the fullest and to pursue your dreams, while still giving and loving those around you. Even though we're far a part, I know that we're still close in heart.  Happy Birthday! ~ Sissy*

And to all you dear hearts that endured this personal post....I wish you the loveliest of Mondays!!
xx, Naphtali

*He always called me Sister.  Always.  And maybe that's because my name isn't the easiest to pronounce for a kid. :)

{i love you, maman!}

{my mom pulling my brother and me.  admittedly, i'm the baby sucking my thumb.}

Maman ~

Thank you for being my hero, confident, friend, sounding board, teacher, inspiration, biggest supporter, dreamer, lifeline and prayer support.  Thank you for teaching me french, to cook, to love, to listen, to appreciate change, to not judge, to treasure memories and to love people {especially the French}. Thank you for loving me, unconditionally.

Je t'aime, maman ! 

{hello, 29. pleased to meet you.}

It's my birthday! And though I don't generally shout that out, I can't help but take note of my last birthday in my 20's.

I've celebrated my birthdays in many places that I've lived, including Idaho, France, Oklahoma, Alaska, Washington and now Texas. (Oh, and even the hospital - as you can see below!)  I had my second birthday in the hospital after compound fracturing my femur.  Yikes!  The experience was much more traumatic for my parents, as I have no memory of the ordeal. But, grew up with a scar that proves what happened. Either way - my parents tried to make the day as special as possible.

Two years later, on my fourth birthday, I burst into tears! (And, this I COMPLETELY remember).  I was such a shy one, that when all the attention turned to me, I got completely overwhelmed.  My parents were so sweet to me and tried to console me.  (You can see my tears in the below photo.) Alas, I turned out okay... :)

And now, here I am...the last year of my 20's.    So - here's to celebrating in a new "home"!

Hope you're enjoying this lovely Wednesday!

xx,

Naphtali

{happy monday}

It's my last week of work! I'm going to be busy wrapping up projects, training my replacement and once again...saying good-bye.  Oh...and it's my Birthday this week too!

Though I'll be hard at work, I'm sure to be distracted looking at this lovely bouquet of flowers that I received from my company.  The fragrance is perfectly sweet and drifting my way as I sit here... 

Happy Monday Lovelies!

{meerkat love}

So, not to sound like a crazy, but Mister and I have a thing for Meerkats. We got hooked on the show: Meerkat Manor.  Then after relocating, we heard that they would be touring at our local zoo.  So...we had to go.  They're so funny and small.  Here's a quick pic I snapped with my phone. Haha. How funny are they?!

Anyway, I was was pleasently surprised when I was looking on Esty and found this Meerkat Planner (guess I'm not the only one out there who's facinated with these little guys...)!

heroes and criminals

Have any of you ever seen that show?
 
xx,

{happy birthday, sis!}

Happy birthday to my beautiful sister, Amber!!  I haven't seen her sweet face since my wedding (so we're in need of some updated pics...!)  Since then, she's been married had a beautiful baby, landed an amazing job and is now moving this weekend.  Busy gal!

{Me, Amber}

{Here's all the siblings + the love of my life... Amber, Liberty, Me, Mister, Suzette, Jonathan}

I love and miss you so much my dear sister!!  xx,

{under $20 fave}

I have lots of fun kitchen gadgets that I love.  In fact, every week I pretty much declare one of them my favorite.  This week it's my salad spinner.  *Sigh* 

It's fantastic.  I know most people have a salad spinner, but I just got it.  Literally...this picture, is the first time that I used it.  AND...I got it for $16.  For some reason, I thought it would be much more, but nope.  (And, that's why I bought it...even though I wasn't out shopping for one. hehe) I'm not sure how I lived without one for so long, since we pretty much have salad every other (if not every) dinner.

Great life saver!!

{For those of you wondering...I purchased a small Zyliss Salad Spinner.}

a serious case of the hiccups...

Sometimes I get the hiccups. At first they seem mildly interesting. The body is slightly out of control, with an intruding noise exiting ever so delicately...or not so delicately, rather. After a while though, the hiccups are annoying. They take away concentration and impede on an otherwise wonderful moment. Why am I bringing up the hiccups, you ask? Well, in the "blog" world, I just had a serious case of them. But, as generally the case, I'm over it and thus, back to this mysterious world of writing one's thoughts, posting random pictures and praising creativity. Yes, I am back to blogging.

These past few months have been filled with an insane amount of change. At the end of 2009 I was working overtime on a weekly basis, doing a terrible job keeping up with friends, my home and yes...this blog, and trying to enjoy the holidays with the knowledge that soon my world may be changing. After just a year and a half in one of my most favorite cities, Seattle, my husband got word that we'd be moving. Just six weeks after we heard the news, boxes were packed, friends were hugged and we were on our way to Texas. Texas?! Though Texas is a wonderful all-American State...it's not the Northwest. Admittedly tears were shed. But, hand-in-hand, with brave faces, Mister and I arrived - just as we were ordered.

We've been in the city for 6 weeks and in our home for just about 4 weeks. Our house is slowly becoming a home, and this very dusty city is slowly growing on us. As I've been working from home, my time is definitely more manageable. So...I'm back to blogging!!

Anyway - enough writing! Though we're in Texas, it more feels like Mexico. Not a single "y'all" has been heard, nor the traditional accent that one might think. In fact, if I'm going to leave with any accent, it may be Spanish! (What will that do to my French?!) Either way, I told Mister that I could handle living in a dusty, brown city...as long as I could see some sort of mountain. Here's our view! And though they're not full of wonderful pine trees, the rock's reddish hue is every so slightly growing on us...


Cheers!

{merci !!}

Thank you Laura of Laura's Paris Cooking Notebook for giving me the Kreative Blogger Award!! I am so honored to be thought of. I started this blog a while back, took a long pause and just this Spring got serious about consistancy. It has been a constant joy to learn about others, meet people and ultimately new friends with common interests and even learn more about myself. I hope to continue to inspire and even change things up a bit in the months to come!! I find constant inspiration in the kitchen, thanks to Laura's blog. Check it out for great recipes!

To fully accept the above, I've been asked to share 7 things about myself that you may not know. So here it goes!

1} I think I'm French. No, I didn't say that I want to be French...I really think that I am. Deep down.
2} I am a city girl, but would love to own a goat: named Edelweiss.
3} Lately, I've been struggling with my purpose; including what I should do with my life. It's bad folks. Then, last week I watched Julie + Julia, and I admit that I nearly cried throughout the entire film. No, it's not a sad story, but I don't know another movie that I could relate more with. {My poor Mister.} And, yes - I LOVE to cook {especially French food}. When walking out of the theatre my Mister said, "Wow - that could be you. You are both of those ladies." Quietly I replied, "I know". So, I'm contemplating a similar challenge to get me out of my funk, but what?!?!
4} Ever since THIS post, I drink my morning beverage in a bowl.
5} I am an Army Wife and am completely proud of my Mister, but am terrified at "what being an Army Wife really means".
5} I love to sew, crochet, knit, cook and be wrapped up in the creative world, but currently work in a Finance Department.
6} I genuinely see the good in people.
7} I honestly believe that I personally know some of the most creative people in the world!!

Case in point...I am passing this award onto my following friends:

Kirsten of SimplyGrove - I barely have words to describe how I feel about Kirsten. She's one of my dearest friends and is the reason I started blogging in the first place. She inspires all she meets...not just on her blog, but in day-to-day life. Check her out and be amazed by the beauty she brings, creates and inspires.
Jennifer of A Merry Mishap - Jenn, another dear friend, oozes creativity. Everything her hand touches turns to beauty. Check out her blog for inspiration and her lovely shop too.
Rachelle of Kenziepoo - Rachelle has a great blog that fully inspires all things baby. She also has a great Etsy shop that I know you'll love. Check it out HERE!
Kalah of Halle Jean - The blog is not fully updated, but check out her shop! The headbands she makes are too adorable for words!!
Christina of Down and Out Chic - Chic indeed! I met Christina through this little blog world we live in and I must say she always keeps me guessing and wanting more. I believe that if we lived in the same city we would be great friends. I love her style and fresh take on things. She recently opened up a shop. Check it out out for some eye-delights!


So here's what you do, Kreative Bloggers:
1- Thank the person who awarded you
2- Copy the logo and paste it on your blog
3- Link to the person who nominated you for the award
4- Name (up to 7) things about yourself that people might find interesting
5- Nominate (up to 7) other Kreativ Bloggers
6- Post links to the blogs you nominate
7- Leave a comment on each of the blogs to let them know they’ve been nominated

Happy Mercredi !

xoxo,

{what do you say about grey?!}

I blame a birthday party that I distinctly remember at age 6. {No, it wasn't mine.} After a variety of activities, game time was here. I cast the pink fishing pole over the sagging sheet. What would I win?! As I slowly pulled up the rod to reveal my prize, I squeezed my eyes together hoping for something delightful. And there it was; a little box full of perfectly long red glossy stick-on nails. All around the room little eyes gazed upon the oh-so-grown-up prize. My heart smiled.

Since then, I've equated beauty and "being grown up" with pretty nails. I have nails that I constantly try to hide. I'm positive that I couldn't be a hand model. Anyway - this "thought" has constantly made me aware of my nail imperfections. So, I'm constantly getting press on nails (no - I don't like to pay money for manicure after manicure. So - I do it myself). When the fake nails bug me, I opt for painting lovely colors.

And this, my friends, is what I'm talking about. What do you say about grey?!



Apparently this trend came to the forefront last fall. Where was I?! I completely missed it. Considering grey is my most favorite color {see my unfortunately one-toned house}, it would only seem natural to add it to my fingers.

So what do YOU say to grey?! Oui or Non?


{images from here, here and all lacquered up}

{hidden joi de vivre}

It may be a balancing act; it may be scary; it may be the unknown, but I'm embracing all of the change that Autumn is bringing. Even if it's not the change that I had 'planned for'. All I know is that there are great things ahead and I'm ready to face them. As pursuing further school seems a bit far off, I'm eager to find different ways to challenge myself in future months. Thanks to all for listening to me lately, as I seem eager to purge my base emotions. All I know is....I'm way too into pictures with big meaning behind them and THIS one is no exception!

Lovely, lovely Mardi to all!

{monday inspires....}

...change.

You may be wondering what this lovely Crate and Barrel table has to do with change. But, please, let me explain. If you look closely - it's the same table being used in two different manners. Change. And if you notice, it capitalizes on kitchen and study. I'm here to update you on home and school -- a little personal update, if you will.

Where to begin: Study. As you may remember I was applying for an International MBA program. Well, folks - the program has been postponed. :( I received a call from the University, explaining that this was the first year of the program and they didn't generate enough interest; therefore, the program is postponed until next fall. All of the current students who have applied for it are booked for next year's program; however, they are also opening their doors to the traditional MBA program. So, do I want to wait an entire year for the perfect program or jump into something else? I'm thinking hard about what I want to do. But, admittedly had some baby tears in my eyes when I got the call. I was so excited about the prospect of it all.

Secondly: Home. Now, I know this will come as a shock to you. I'm still in shock. Actually - I'm just laughing about it all of the time. BUT, Mister and I are moving.....next door. Ha! I'm serious, peeps -- you just can't make this stuff up. Actually, it's not as bad as some may think, but it is all extremely funny. We currently live in a duplex (one bedroom tiny little abode). When we moved in, the other rental (with 2 bedrooms + a laundry room) was unavailable. Just recently it opened up and our landlords gave us priority. So, after much consideration and many laughs, we decided to jump on it. The house is still tiny-tiny and the 2nd bedroom will be tight, but it will be more space. It's definitely older and could use some serious TLC in the kitchen + bath, but I'm somewhat excited.

So there you have it! I thought I was starting a season of school, but instead it seems it's another season to move. Not too bad - in the last year and a half this will be our 4th move. Doesn't that thought just exhaust you!?! It sounds a bit like we're odd, but each one has an explanation (primarily marriage move and Military). I hope that this will be the last time I'm writing a post like this for a long time!!

Either way - I think the table above would be a perfect place for us to eat dinner in our new home and maybe even inspire some studying.

Any change coming up in your life?!?

{monday inspires....}

...motivation

A Little Push, originally uploaded by stephaniedan.

Perhaps it's the fact that Fall is around the corner, and inevitably, when autumn comes, I crave bouquets of sharpened pencils. I crave fresh, untouched paper and the smell of old books. Yes, I must admit, that I crave school. {Or the idea of it at least.....cause admittedly, school is not on my list of most favorite things. But, the idea of it....?! Well, the idea of it is magical.}

What does this mean for me? Well friends - this week I'm applying for an MBA program. The classes will push me a bit, but that's what I'm hoping for. So here it goes! I'm praying I get in....since I am waiting to the last minute to apply.

What are you motivated to do lately?!

{gift full of surprises}

This week has been challenging. I think that's okay to admit. Though work has been good, life itself has felt a bit bombarding. I have so much to be grateful though - one of which is amazing friends!! When I came home this evening, I was greeted by a box. More specifically a 'surprise gift' from my dear friend, Jennifer!

She's so dear to me {and not just because of the gift}. We met 10 years ago next month! {Wait, really? Is that right....oh, no! Haha. Umm...we met 9 years ago, but really it feels like we've known each other forever.} We were neighbors as young freshmen. She made University completely wonderful and has shown true friendship effortlessly. Living in Tulsa, the last time we saw each other was at my wedding. Missing her is unfortunately common, but today she felt a bit closer!



She thought of everything!! In the box was an apron, pashmina, earrings, another addition for my Pandora bracelet, and even a recently produced CD of a friend of ours.

Hope you're day was equally rewarding Lovelies!

{thoughts of baby}

I think my little niece needs to cozy up in this blanket! What do you think?! I think it's perfect for Emily Dear.

Speaking of babies....since I have baby on my mind. (Settle down, my little niece is growing up, and my dear friend is having a shower on Saturday....and I know 13 other preggers currently....) Anyway - I love these cribs!



And, because I've been wanting to paint a chalkboard wall in our kitchen, but am a renter....these, chalkboard stickers could work perfectly...

{Who cares if they're for kids!!}

On that note....Happy Thursday. I'm anxious for this weekend. First off, I'm exhausted and could use some rest, but on Friday night I'm helping my bestie, Erin, design (add design) to a dress and make some shoes. I have plans for an art project in our home. A baby shower on Saturday for the lovely Willow. And....expecting an old friend to come into town for a visit (on her way to Canada). Fun times ahead!


{all images/products via here}