My Snowy Day

Central Virginia had quite the snowstorm last night. It continued all day today and really transformed the town into a winter wonderland. I only went outside a few times, as the snow is really deep (they said 16 inches this morning, and that was before another full day of snow). I accidentally left my boots in the trunk of my car (why didn't I grab these while there were only a few inches of snow on the ground???), so I have only ventured outside once today for a walk. Above are a few photos from my living room window.

I had plans to go see my sister in the Nutcracker today, but when the snow really started to fall last night, all my plans were canceled. I am sad that I missed the show; luckily the tickets were shared with family friends who were able to make it.

I did get a chance to do some baking this morning. Rachael gave me the recipe to her delicious breakfast blueberry cobbler a few months ago, and I luckily had all ingredients available. It was a delicious breakfast treat for a snow day.

Etsy Shop Updated

I have updated the shop! Look to your right and you'll see a link. Actually, I basically just set it up tonight. For now, there's only one pillow listed, so you all will have to fight over it. Don't worry, I have more here in my "inventory," I just haven't had a chance to upload the photos. In the meantime, if you have any Etsy selling advice, I'd love to hear it. I'm new to Etsy and will take all the advice I can get. Thanks!

Jewelry Inspiration

I just found Stella & Dot jewelry through Isabella and Max Rooms . Their jewelry is bright, cheerful, and full of personality (that screams L.Alden!). Many of their pieces remind me of the jewelry in recent J.Crew catalogs... but more budget friendly! Yippee.

Okay, so even though the prices are lower, they're still a little pricey right now for moi. I guess I'll have to make something similar myself for the time being. Sounds like a trip to Bangles and Beads soon for more jewels. Yet more inspiration for an easy and enjoyable weekend project!



PS - Remember NieNieDialogues story and blog? Read this article written about Stephanie and family Oprah's website. What an inspiration Stephanie is!

Lonny and The Digital Magazine

I feel repetitive for writing a post about this, but yes, I like the new Lonny Magazine too. Its nice to have a new shelter magazine in the mix, especially in this time of shelter-mag-shutdown. I really wish it was in print though. Call me traditional or old fashioned, but I miss the tactile approach of turning pages. I have such a hard time reading magazines, newspapers, and documents on the computer. And being able to earmark or flag pages with different fingers as I read is also is helpful. Not being able to do that just kind of stresses me out (crazy... I know!).

We just had this conversation at work, regarding one of our vendors who has gone completely "digital." Yes, its best for the environment (and it definitely saves the vendor some serious money too), allows for faster updates of pricing, materials, etc, but I can't stand having to review price lists on the computer. And whats a girl to do when the internet is down? Yeah... it happens. Oh, and how in the heck am I supposed to build a brochure for a customer while they wait? Can I just have some paper documents to show them??? Anyways, just some thoughts on this new digital format that is appearing here, there, and everywhere.

Overall though, I'm beyond thrilled to have a replacement for ye olde favorite, Domino Magazine. Thanks Michelle and Patrick! Now if someone would just bring back the look and feel of Cottage Living. I'll settle with that one in digital form as well.

Autumn is Here

Its Thursday evening and I'm ready for the weekend. I spent some time this evening relaxing and catching up on blogs, plus some brainstorming. I made a mental checklist of the things I want to do this weekend. The weather should be nice, so I'm hoping to go to the downtown farmer's market on Saturday morning, and a country drive later in the day.

I also need to go pick some apples at Carter's Mountain so I can make applesauce (my Mom's applesauce mill has been sitting unused on my kitchen countertop too long!), but I don't want to have to battle the weekend apple picking crowds. Too many people for me! I might go early or right before they close.

I picked up some molasses chew cookies made by Mission Home Bakeshop today when I was at the grocery. They were the perfect addition to my chicken salad sandwich lunch. The cookies were definitely were an impulse buy thanks to the crisp cool weather we've been so lucky to have. Go pick some up and celebrate Autumn. Its here!


I'm hoping to do a little cooking this weekend as well. Last weekend I made Barefoot Contessa's Lentil Sausage Soup. Delicious. I give the recipe 5 stars! Go make it yourself if you want a great afternoon activity that will leave your home smelling scrumptious all day! This weekend I'm looking forward to trying L'Etoile's Pumpkin Soup recipe that they sampled at the Farmer's Market last weekend. Served with some crusty bread, a fresh salad, and a glass of wine... perfect Saturday evening dinner.

While Fall is fresh on the mind, be sure to take a look at this lovely guest bedroom from The Newlywed Diaries. The colors are beautiful and the simplicity of the space is just what a guest is looking for. Someplace to feel welcome and cozy, but without the clutter of their own home. Wouldn't you love to be a guest in their guestroom?