About Me

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Born a mid western girl but an ocean girl at heart! My soul belongs to the sea....I am obsessed with the color TURQUOISE and all things beachy. I love nature, the outdoors, dogs,cooking,wine,art backpacking, cycling and reading. I also have a passion for photography and I absolutely love photographing the beach that is where my soul is happiest.! I hope you enjoy following me and my adventures so welcome to my blog, I hope you are inspired. HAPPY BLOGGING !

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Family Traditions ... Old & New

Polish Poppy Seed Roll (makowiec) or as my Grandma always called it Mock.
My Christmas eve as a kid always started off at my grandmas house with a polish dinner and mock. Then we would head out to midnight mass to celebrate Christmas eve. Growing up with a Polish grandma brought many traditional polish dishes and customs. I have very fond memories of Christmas with my Polish grandma. I am very big on family traditions. I have my grandmas recipes for mock and kifle and I am trying to honor & keep the tradition alive in my family. So here's to old family traditions and to new ones! Try to honor at least one family tradition each year. Hope your new year brings you good health and happiness to your life !
Mimosas on Christmas morning, a newer tradition for my family

Kifle... a family tradition growing up

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Happy Solstice


Festival of Lights
The return of the light is the most prominent feature of most midwinter festivals. In Sweden on St. Lucy’s Day, young girls don white dresses and a wreath of candles and awaken their families with cakes and song. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by lighting candles over a span of eight days. The Christian custom of the Advent wreath, with its four candles, one lit each of the Sundays before Christmas, is another way of re-kindling the light.

The Christmas candle, a large candle of red or some other bright color decorated with holly or other evergreens, was at one time a popular custom throughout Great Britain, Ireland and Scandinavia. One person, usually the eldest or the head of the household, is designated as the lightbringer. She lights the candle for the first time on Christmas Eve before the festive supper and during each of the remaining evenings of the Twelve Days of Christmas. To extinguish the candle, she snuffs it with tongs rather than blowing it out, since that would blow the luck away. The candle sheds a blessing on the household and so is protected from accidental quenching. It seems likely that the candle also represented the coming year, just as the weather of each of the twelve days of Christmas foretell the weather of the corresponding month. It had protective or fertilizing powers and was kept as a charm. In Denmark, during a lightning storm, the remnant would be brought out and lit to protect the household.

Similar customs once surrounded the Yule log. The Yule log must never be bought but should be received as a gift, found or taken from you own property. Often the log to be burned at midwinter was chosen early in the year and set aside.

Tradition varies about the type of wood to be used. Oak logs were popular in the north of England, birch in Scotland and ash in Cornwall and Devon. Ash is the only wood that burns freely when green and the world-tree, Yggdrasil, in the Nordic tradition was an ash-tree. It is important that the Yule log be the biggest and greenest log available since the Christmas festivities will last only as long as the Yule log burns.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Molly says Happy Holidays Everyone

Words to Live By


Well 3 people in my department lost their jobs yesterday this is a real bummer.
I am truly thankful I still have my job , my health a wonderful husband and truly wonderful friends! So ..... for that I really am thankful. I hope this christmas people re exam what Christmas really means to them and focus on all the positive things in their life and not what we can purchase for each other. Great friends and family and a wonderful husband is all the gift I NEED!
So make this Holiday season about family traditions and spending time together this will give you true happiness in your life. So put on some christmas music , make some hot cocoa , or your favorite cocktail and do at least one family tradition from childhood !
Celebrate the Season~ Happy Holidays !

Friday, November 28, 2008

Love This !

This is so me!


How cute I love it, that pretty much sums it up for me ! You can find this adorable necklace & the ocean one at

hazelnutcottage.etsy.com



Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thought of the Day...

"Do one thing every day that scares you"
Eleanor Roosevelt

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Day Dreaming ...


Well winter is creeping in today and it makes me day dream about Edisto Island. I can picture myself on the beach having my morning coffee watching the sun come up. I can feel the heat from the sun warming the beach. I make my down to the edge of the water to look for fossils the last tide has washed up. I breathe the salty sea water in and it instantly calms my soul. This is where I feel most at home. There is something about the ocean so calm then so fierce as the waves crash down on a high tide.

Can you imagine yourself there? I am there now in my mind of course. I guess until I am back on the ocean I will continue to day dream...



Sunday, November 9, 2008

Spotlight on friends

My friend Heather started a jewelry line of her own called Simpledaisy, so cute and so simply fresh! I have been trying to spot light all my friends and their creations. I truly believe you need to support your friends and everyone benefits when you all network with each other. It's fun to trade services with your creative friends too !

So Heather does home shows and she also has her own studio at Etsy it's an online shopping mecca for all things handmade. If you are looking for something unique Heather is your girl. She takes a lot of time thinking about her creations and is inspired a lot by nature. Heather uses a lot of sparkly precious jems and sterling silver. Now I am obssesed with all things blue so as you can see I picked some of her blue pieces to spotlight! So I am having a glass of wine while I am blogging and I am raising my glass to all my very talented friends. So go check out Simpledaisy at etsy.com and let your creative self shine!






Interior Elements & Design

I had the opportunity to work at my friend Stefanie's studio recently & I really enjoyed it. It was very inspiring I felt like creating something! I have always been drawn to people who are artsy crafty kind of people. I like to tinker with all kinds of art projects myself everything from making jewelry, festive wreaths for every season, hand made truffles, embellished picture frames and photography, so you can see why I wanted to spotlight my friend Stefanie's studio!

Stefanie does everything from interior design, custom framing, hand crafted sterling silver jewelry hand painted wine and martini glasses metal acid etched message boards, embellished picture frames the list goes on and on..... Stefanie takes in local artist work and she has graciously let me put some things of mine in her shop including some of my photography. If you are interested in show casing some of your work you can locate the studio at 422 w 7th st Mishawaka In 46544. So next time you are in Mishawaka's west side check out Interior Elements & Design you will be pleasantly surprised.Currently Stefanie does not have a website but I think in the future she will. Stefanie has a unique way of seeing things and is most inspiring to be around! So be free to be creative and surround yourself by things that inspire you !

Sunday, November 2, 2008

~Halloween Party~

So I don't really like the idea of having pictures of myself floating around in cyberspace but I had too much fun not to post them, and life is short! My friend Sara (aka Audrey Hepburn) had the little soiree. I love theme parties. Sara had a wine tasting party last fall and we had soooo much fun! I just love getting all glamed up what girl doesn't?

I can't wait for the next theme party.....
Cheers!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Madonna Concert


So I have been a Madonna fan since I was a pre teen. I have to say I felt like a teenager dancing to M in my bedroom with my sister at the concert last night. We had the best time singing & dancing our hearts out! We both kept saying I can't believe we are singing and dancing with Madonna it seemed surreal to us, I think we are both still drunk on Madonna. Madonna is an Icon and she is definetly outspoken and has never been afraid to express herself, that's what I love about her she just doesn't care what people think of her she just says what is on her mind.

I think Madonna has really paved the way for us girls as far as believing in herself and always re inventing herself. I think that is probably why she is still rocking at 50! and let me tell you that girl can rock. The energy at the concert was crazy she just made everyone want to get out of their seats and dance and just feel free. We never sat down the entire concert. My sister and I kept saying we didn't want it to end it was that amazing ! So girls open a bottle of wine, put on some Madonna and just dance, it is so liberating !

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

~Fall Light~


There is something subtle and soft about the light in the fall, especially just before the sun sets. The sun was hitting this maple just right and it cast a beautiful warm glow which is fabulous for taking photos. There is a small window of opportunity every evening to catch this light, so get outside and see how the sunlight shines on everything just before it sets!


Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Sunday, October 12, 2008

~Fall Backpacking Shades State Park~


Well fall is in full swing and I have to say so far so good ... We decided to load up the dog and the backpack gear and head for the woods. It was a fabulous weekend to backpack the weather was simply gorgeous. There is nothing better than sipping wine by a campfire with your two best friends! Each night we were greeted by the calls of the great horned and barred owls along with a pack of coyotes who sounded like they were right outside our tent. There is something about the fall sunlight, it is so soft and subtle, it seems to give everything a warm glow. I can't think of a better way to enjoy fall then to spend it outdoors enjoying natures ever changing pallete. So get outside and enjoy all the fall splendor and soak up the last bits of warm sunshine!

Big Stick, Big Dog! Molly was happily helping gather fire wood .
Sheer Bliss

Molly is obsessed with sticks

Happy Camper
Golden Splendor

Look out at Inspiration Point

Sugar Creek

Sunday, October 5, 2008

GIRLOGIK


T
The Spain is new for autumn 2008. It's a mid/large-size bag with two pockets and a snap closure. Named after a friend who is a world traveler, the Spain can also be used as a travel bag.
he Spain - $50 (shipping included)

~Networking~

Ok I am always saying network, network, network!
So my friend Sara
started Girlogik purse company and I am happily helping her spread the word. She designs and sews all of her purses and she will also happily do custom orders and even purses parties. So check out her site if you are looking for a fun girls night complete with appetizers and cocktails !
What a fun way to purse shop and what girl doesn't just love a new purse for every season.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

~Thought for the day ~

"Sometimes the best times in life are the ones not planned."
Author: Bella-Fleur

Monday, September 29, 2008

~Apple Cider Century 2008~


So this is my 3rd year doing the Apple Cider and I did it, 50 miles!!!
I have to say I really enjoy doing it, it was a beautiful Autumn day. This year Heather and Jamie did their first cider and they loved it , I think they may be back next year! We watched the sun come up over a vineyard, how beautiful. The grapes were sparkling in the early morning dew and the smell was intoxicating, the grapes were just asking to be harvested! Now I can't say that this joyous event was not without a little sweat and tearing of a few muscles! let's just say I am a little sore and tired today, but I will be back next year to do it again.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

~Fall Inspirations~


Too adorable ... I think I have to do this one, for this template and more really cute ones go to Southern Living

well fall is upon us so why not embrace it by making a wreath inspired by nature, the possibilities are endless...

Why not finish your day of fun fall decorating with a bowl of home made pumpkin soup.
get the recipe here at southern living magazine

Simply stunning, what a way to greet your friends!

Tiny Carved Pumpkins at the Front Door how adorable!

~Thought of the day ~

You'll never know what you can do until you try.
Author: Unknown

Sunday, September 21, 2008

~Art Anyone ? ~


So I love to tinker in my yard and pond and I have been tinkering all day. So I felt like doing something fun and creative. Now mind you I love wine so what a great way to recycle those wine bottles !

~Autumn Jewels~

~Dream~

Every season hath its pleasures;
Spring may boast her flowery prime,
Yet the vineyard's ruby treasures
Brighten Autumn's sob'rer time.
Thomas Moore

~Explore~

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. John Muir

~Fall Equinox Traditions~

"The month of September also marks the 'Wine Moon,' the lunar cycle when grapes are harvested from the arbors, pressed and put away to become wine...The full moon closest to the Autumn Equinox is known as the 'Harvest Moon,' since farmers would also harvest their crops during the night with the light of the full moon to aid them.


~Welcome Fall~


Well it's official , Fall is here ... If someone were to ask me what I like about
fall I would have to say sipping wine by the fire while dreaming of summer. Fall is not my favorite season but fall and I manage to get along because we have too!

Ok there are a few things that I can admit to liking about fall, but there are not many. I enjoy carving pumpkins around the campfire while sipping wine, fall hikes and fall photography, making pumpkin walnut bread and sitting by the fire with a good book. I guess that's more than a few things...

But truest to my heart is summer on the ocean, it's where I am most happy.
I love swaying in the hammock for hours with a good book at Edisto while watching pelicans glide over, just being free to dream. Edisto is a place that you can do just that, no one has a care in the world there and no one seems to be in a hurry for that matter either. The locals like to call Edisto "Edislow" that pretty much sums it up. There is nothing better than waking up to the ocean and watching the sun come up with a cup of coffee up on the beach.
What a fantastic way to start your day.


Saturday, September 20, 2008

~Pandora~


So as I am sitting here blogging this morning while listening to Pandora radio and I think oh wow I need to share this link with everyone. This is a really cool free internet radio station.It's super easy, you search an artist you like and then Pandora finds it and also searches music in that genre, super cool! You can actually create your own personal stations.


So next time you are surfing the web check out. http://www.pandora.com



Friday, September 19, 2008

~Chicory Cafe~


So I am all about networking....
If you love coffee you have to check out my friends cafe just click on this link and check it out
http://www.chicorycafe.net

~Today is a new Day~

Sorry it's been a couple of days since I have put my thoughts out there...life can get crazy and I have to remind myself to slow down and really sit and reflect on those things that make me most happy. I have to say I love this blogging thing it . I have always loved to read and even write when I was younger and I feel that blogging gives me that creative outlet I have been longing for. I have to say by setting up this blog all by myself it has given me more confidence to write which I have always had a passion for.

I think sometimes you feel like something is missing in your life but you just can't figure out what that is, then a light bulb goes on and you find yourself sitting at your computer bearing your soul to anyone who stumbles upon your blog. I have always had a love affair with writing, it started when I was a child, I just wish I would have pursued it more, I guess today is a new day.

Maybe all this deep reflecting comes with age, funny how that happens.
So next time you feel like something is missing in your life stop and think about what truly makes you happy it is probably staring you right in the face.
"If you don't follow your heart your dreams will never come true".This was so eloquently said by my 4 year old nephew. Wow is he wise !

So get out there and enjoy life and buy the ticket and take the ride.




Thursday, September 18, 2008

~Thought of the day ~

Life is short , break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly,
love truly, laugh uncontrollably, And NEVER regret anything that made you smile!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

~Baby Redwoods ~


I can only dream of how majestic their larger siblings are !

~Russian River Valley ~


Winding Russian River that flows into the Pacific