Pining for.....

Muffins!

         Here was my go at the pumpkin muffins I found on SmittenKitchen.com! They turned out pretty great. I wouldn't say that it was my favorite pumpkin muffin I have ever had, but it was pretty tasty and really easy to make. Would be yummy with a cream cheese frosting but I didn't make the effort last night. The topping is just cinnamon and sugar baked on top. Perfect with my morning coffee :)

Smitten Kitchen!

I just found the cutest food and recipe blog today!   

It includes a vast array of recipes, tips, and photos. The recipes seem to be relatively simple, and yet so enticing. The photography alone inspires you to try every recipe!


The author is experienced and shares any tweaks she may have made, anything she did wrong, and things to avoid.


The tone is light and witty, easy to relate to, and enjoyable. An all around delightful read. 


I first stumbled upon Smitten Kitchen while searching for a pumpkin muffin recipe: these look delicious and I can't wait to whip up a batch  :)

The Glass Castle

            The Glass Castle was September's book of the month for my book club. It was a very inspiring and eye-opening read. I highly recommend it. It is the story of a girl and her three sibling with a non-traditional upbringing ( to say the least). Her parents live life on the move, drifting from town to town, unable and unwilling to hold a job for very long. That leaves the children with very little formal schooling, but they gain an abundance of knowledge at home where they learn to read by the age of three and study science, history, engineering. Funds are always low, and they get used to going days without food, sometimes having to dig through trash cans to feed their appetite. In turn, their living arrangements are often less than ideal. This lifestyle grooms their sense of adventure and tough nature and is what makes them immune to all the obstacles they encounter in trying to make a better life for themselves regardless of the life they once knew. 

           Here is a quote from the book I'd like to share:

           "One time I saw a tiny Joshua tree sapling growing not too far from the old tree. I wanted to dig it up and replant it near our house. I told Mom that I would protect it from the wind and water it every day so that it could grow nice and tall and straight. Mom frowned at me. "You'd be destroying what makes it special," she said. "It's the Joshua tree's struggle that gives it its beauty." 

— Jeannette Walls (The Glass Castle)

Check out this link for a sneak peak:  Jeannette Walls- The Glass Castle

I Do...

The year 2010 has brought on a waterfall of changes for me thus far! I began the year newly engaged, and eager to begin wedding planning. It was hectic at times juggling school, work, and wedding planning but on June 6,  it was all worth it as I got to marry my best friend and enjoyed a beautiful day with family and friends! Our wonderful photographers, The Leekers, did a fabulous job documenting things for us. Here are a few photos:

Bride & Groom

I love you.

These 2 little ones stole the show! 

As a symbol of my love...

The Wedding Party

My precious flower girl

My Girls

Loved my bouquet & my Grandmother's handkerchief
added the perfect touch

Delicious cake made by a talented family friend 

Stealing a Kiss!

Thank you everyone for sharing this special day with us!!