Friday, February 22, 2013

Blueberry Scone' Makin

  Scones
 
 Blueberry Scones
{makes 5 large scones or 8-10 small}

1 C fresh blueberries
1 1/2 C organic all-purpose flour
1/2 C almond flour {or omit and use 2 C all-purpose}
1 T baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/3 C raw sugar
2 eggs
1/3 C milk
1/2 C butter, softened & sliced

In a large bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir together with a fork. Add in the almond extract and combine. Slice the softened {not melted} butter into the flour mixture and using a fork {or your hand} combine together. It should somewhat resemble bread crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and add in the milk. Slowly pour into the large bowl, mixing with a fork until the liquid is absorbed. It will be on the wet side. Gently stir in the blueberries.

On a well-floured surface, using your hands, spread the dough so it's about 1/2 inch thick. You can either cut from the center out, making 5 large triangular scones, or take an upside down cup and cut out smaller round scones. It helps to stick the lip of the cup in flour in between each cut-out.
 
Place the scones on a greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle on sugar and bake in a preheated oven at 415 degrees F. for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden. 
 
Enjoy!


Friday, January 4, 2013

New Year


Hello Hello!

I hope you all had the Merriest of Christmases and made it home safely after a good night of celebrating the new year. 

I still feel like I am in relaxation/vacation mode. Having a few days off here and there and then going back to work for a day or two and then having more time off really throws me out of whack! 
But hey... I'm not complaining. 

I wanted to share with you one of the prettiest versions {okay, that is just my opinion not  fact} of the classic New Year's Song " Auld Lang Syne". 

{Something about this song always makes me want to cry!}

 {Holy Flash}
This year I decided to actually get off my couch and do something fun for New Years Eve. 
So The Drake Hotel down town Chicago was the perfect solution. 
Everything about it was 'swanky' - just the way I like it :)
{Doesn't this look like something out of a Halloween Movie}
--------------------------------------------
Has anyone seen these necklaces?

They are becoming so popular- even the host on HGTV was sport'n hers while hosting the Great Home Giveaway tour
I love monogrammed items- all uniquely yours.

The one above is from Moon & Lola...$58
They have all different colors and styles.
My Birthday is in May by the way... and my initials are as follows...
TJW

Happy 2013 ! 

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Molly & Ethan

Thank you Molly and Ethan for letting me be a part of your journey.
You both have hearts of gold and I know your marriage will be just as beautiful as the two of you.
Cheers to June 1st, 2013
Congratulations !

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Friendship

It's Sunday. 
The day you catch up on your laundry, eat your mother's vegetarian chili she made just for you (it was delicious), and the day you agonize over seeing that to-do list sitting on your desk in the morning when you walk into work. You know, the one you created last Friday for the upcoming week, thinking it seemed so far away because,' hey-the weekend is here'.
 I'm usually exhausted on Sunday's. More reflective on Sunday's. 

A bit more emotional.

Friendship. 
In the course of a year, I have learned that it's not the quantity of friends you have, but the quality of them that truly matters. Let me say that again. Quality over Quantity. I could be in a room full of people I 'know' and still  feel alone if I didn't have someone there who truly knew my heart.
True friendships are so important.
 I'm talking someone who has seen you fall flat on your face and instead of kicking you while you're down, she lends a soft hand to help you back up when you are ready. Someone who prays for you when you are feeling ill. Someone that shares in your hearts desires and will cheer you on until you get there. Someone who appreciates what you bring to the friendship. Someone that doesn't just take from the other end, but gives. Someone who texts you in the morning and at night just to make sure you made it through the day A-okay.  
 I am blessed to say that I have several of these types of friends. But I share a special bond with the one above. 
Life thought it could break what we had at one point. I'm happy to say, it lost.
So this weekend was dedicated to making my friends birthday memorable because she is all of those things I mentioned and more. 

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our life means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend that can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, but face with us the reality of our powerlesness. That is a friend that cares."
-Henri J.M. Nouwen

Happy Birthday Leslie.
 Thank you for being you.




Sunday, August 19, 2012

Maryn's Bridal Shower

What a wonderful weekend this has been.
Saturday was busy busy busy!
First... a beautiful bridal shower for my little sweet chick of a cousin.
Second... a co-workers wedding.
Third... a high school reunion.
Phew! I'm dead tired tonight and will be hitting my pillow as soon as I hit "publish" on this post but I had an awesome time at all three events and it was well worth the little sleep I got.
Hope you had a fabulous weekend too!

p.s. Can you believe fall is right around the corner? I'm craving some apple donuts.

{engagement pictures taken by Matt Ayers Photography}
{special thank you to Molly and Brooke for helping me out with some pictures! Good work!}
I had the opportunity to interview my cousin in front of her guests at the shower and one of the questions I asked her was..
"Do you and Travis have a favorite song?"
her response... "Jason Mraz- I won't give up on you"
---- 
Here is the video if you want to check it out!
What happened to innocent looking Jason Mraz? I think it's time he finds himself a razor and a pair of scissors, don't you?

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Jcrew Necklace, Beauty Secrets,Pesto, and Quote of the Day

It has arrived!!
 {cheese'n with excitement}

The one and only, highly anticipated.... JCrew Bubble Necklace.
I came home from work yesterday and saw the package waiting for me in my mailbox. My impatient nature couldn't resist busting open the box and trying it on even before I stepped foot inside my house. 
LOVE LOVE LOVE it.
Also, my sweet 83 year old Grandmother is an avid reader of my blog and saw my post about this necklace and placed a pair of earrings in the mail that she thinks will go great with it! Yay! More to look forward to. Thanks in advance Gram.

On that note, I had such a great day yesterday if anyone cares to know. I'm not sure what made it so great other than the fact that I found out Sephora is now open inside our mall {about time}...
I caught up with a couple old friends...
and had a productive day at work.

NOW. Switching topics.
FIRST. Beauty secrets.
1. Over the years I have been collecting a plethora of vases.
Some are so ugly that I should just throw them out... or give to Goodwill, but I just can't! I always seem to hang on to them. You know, just in case mr. prince charming someone sends me a bouquet of flowers? {actually, on that note.. i'm not one for flowers, really. They die fast and never match the decor in my house- unless they are white...so now I really don't know why I keep them.} 
rambling...

Point is... I decided to clean out the dust from an old vase I had lying around and fill it with rice to be used as a make up brush holder. This makes it so much easier to grab and keep clean when I need to use one. 

2. Love my OPI polish  called "Panda-Monium Pink" 
It is just the right amount of pink with a hint of purple. Pretty for spring or summer! Also, I have to admit that I finally started taking my moms advice when she tells me that polish will look better if I stay PATIENT {ha} and wait for each coat of polish to dry completely before putting on another. Looks great!

SECOND. Food.
 Remember that basil plant I talked about in a previous post?
Well that bad boy ain't givin' up! She (oh wait, I just said it was a boy) is still in full bloom. Providing me with plenty of basil for all different kinds of recipe's. 
I plucked a few leaves and made a delicious pesto sauce from THIS recipe. 
Tasty!

I want to leave you with this quote I found the other day. It makes me happy.
Have a great Thursday.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Bargain shopping friends... listen up!
For about a month or so I have been drooling over this beautiful necklace from Jcrew. The only problem is the necklace is $150.00 and well ... my skinny wallet just can't sway that way right now if you get my drift... and even if it did... I don't think I could justify spending that much on one necklace, as pretty as she is.
So, the other morning as I was enjoying my Tessa Time while drinking my coffee and reading blogs (morning routine), I decided to hop on Ebay to see what I could find. Low and behold in all of its glory stood my favorite Jcrew necklace brand new. It had 10 minutes left on the bidding war and 35 bidders. I usually never bid, I just look at the "buy it now" options. Part of my impatient nature.
I waited until there was about 15 seconds left on that bad boy and BAM I placed my bid... and I WON!!!!!! Are you kidding me? I never win anything, especially not on an Ebay bidding war on my favorite necklace! You bet your bottom dollar I did a small victory dance and then followed it up with a phone call/text to my mom and girlfriend to tell them of my winnings. 
Oh... you want to know how much I got it for? A whopping $18.00 !

Check it out for yourself. 

I can't wait for the arrival!!!! 

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

New Artist

Good Wednesday morning to you friends!
You are half way through your work week ( well most of you anyways) - How awesome is that?
I have had a very busy work load these past couple of weeks. Taking over 2  people's duties at work on top of my own makes for one nutty chica. I will be thankful when my co-workers return from their nice 2 week vacation on the beach and my load gets much lighter. 

I should be jumping in the shower right about now... but I just had to share with you a new artist whom I discovered on Pandora this morning. My station is usually stuck on Bon Iver (by choice), and I can pretty much sing every song word for word (not that you would want to hear that) but when this unusual voice popped up I had to take a gander and find out who it was so I could switch to his station (no hard feelings Bon I but we're going to have to take a break. It's me, not you. I swear.)
As most of you know, I have a deep love and appreciation for good music. I sometimes contemplate canceling my cable (don't ever get Comcast) because I would rather spend time sitting at my computer listening to true tunes all day than sit in from of an idiot box. I pretty much keep it for the soul purpose of listening to the music stations :) - and I do like to catch a free movie once in awhile.

Okay you're ready for the song... I get it. 
Artist Name: Ben Howard
There you have it! If any of you find him just as great as I did, I would love to hear! 

P.S. Here is a picture of Charlie I posted on my IG last night. This man has mad hops just like his momma. Caught in mid air trying to grab something off of my dresser. Naughty boy, but I was pretty impressed with his skills I must say.
Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Your Life.

  {yep this is me. Bet ya didn't realize I had mad hops did ya?}

"This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over analyzing, life is simple. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once; seize them. Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating. Live your dream, and wear your passion. Life is short."

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Photoshoot// Kaylin

I had a fun time snapping pictures of Miss Kaylin this afternoon.
If you ever get the opportunity to meet her you will probably think what I thought right off the bat:
1. smart
2. genuine
3. loveable 
 This girl made my job easy because she was such a natural!
and Kaylin... thanks for wearing clothes that match my blog. Look'n good on here sista! :)
Dedicating this quote to Kaylin:
It is true that we don't know what we have until we've lost it, but it is also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives."

Friday, July 6, 2012

basil pasta

I made this dish for lunch this afternoon. So tasty and super easy to whip up. Especially when you have the basil growing outside in the backyard in full force!  
It can be served chilled or warmed up. 
I let the cherry 'maters soak in olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, and oregano all morning so all I had to do was cook the pasta and throw in the basil and salt-n-pepa ( remember that group?)  and it was good to go!
Great summer meal. 
Cheers to the weekend! Stay safe everyone.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Dana K // Vet Tech

The lovely, Miss Dana K. ladies and gents. She recently graduated from Rockford Career College's Vet Tech program. Congratulations Dana! What a fun shoot this was.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Cousin Ben

The second out of 6 Grandchildren on my Dad's side of the family to get married was my cousin Ben.
The only boy out of all of us. Poor guy. Always having to put up with the girls getting together to giggle, share make-up, and do each others hair. At least he always landed the lead male role in our made up Christmas skits we put on for our Grandparents every year...which I'm pretty sure were just as cool as we thought.
------------
I was not the hired photographer for this wedding,(too much pressure) but couldn't resist snapping a few of my own. 
Kudos to the main photographer for letting me be that obnoxious "other photographer" all up in her bizzzzznass the entire night. 
You can check her out here.
It was a delightful summer evening though. Warm Breeze. Boat ride. Tasty food. Family. 
Great way to spend a June weekend.
Welcome to our family, Tiffany and Oliver! 
 and Congratulations to Big cousin Ben and his son Jacob.
Love you all.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Parents

"The most important thing a Father can do for his children is love their mother."
and he does this well. very well.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Happiness

If only we could all live by these simple rules.
Happy Tuesday Friends.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Yee.Haw

Oh yes we did folks.
Road Trip.
girls.
laughter.
boots.
wine.
cowboys.
food. oh the food.

welcome to Nashville, TN. ya'll. 
One quick weekend getaway with three beautiful woman who haven't left my side. Even for a blink. When the tornado's of life tried so hard to suck me in and destroy....these girls came rushing in to pull me out.
Solid Rocks.
I reflect on life a lot. 

Thought.
 How does God know who the perfect people are that we need in our life at the exact moment?
 It amazes me.

Caroline. Amanda. Leslie. 

 We had a fabulous girls weekend. well... up until the drive home when I got pulled over.
Stupid Speed Traps.
I had to at least try and get out of it by offering Mr. Trooper some almonds. We all know how badly he wanted to take some out of my hand. If only they were seasoned with some sweet sugar and cinnamon maybe my fate would have been different.
boo. :(