05 Pigma Micron pen, colored pencil, cut security envelopes
From My Sketchbook
The Prayer of St. Francis
A quick snap from NYC.
There has been so much tragedy in the news lately and as I watch people dealing with things that I can’t possibly fathom, my mind keeps going back to the prayer of St. Francis. The prayer has been in my head (and bookmarked on my nightstand) for months now so when a friend posted one line (highlighted in green below) of this last week in light of the news from Ferguson, I thought I should share the prayer in it’s entirety. During the hustle and bustle of this holiday season perhaps this will inspire you as well.
The Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.
Thanksgiving Conversation or Let the Games Begin
Thanksgiving conversation: That delicate annual dance between cheerful fodder and high blood pressure. There are rules to be embraced at times like these–lest you and your (insert your scandalous statement here) be the topic of conversation at the next family prayer meeting. So here are a few ideas on avoiding missteps during this annual foray into family front.
Topics to Avoid:
While it will be painfully obvious as guests eat their meal in peace and quiet that you have not blessed your parents with grandchildren yet, I would suggest that this is not the right moment to bring up that you also vote democrat.
No one cares about Scandal as much as you do. No one. And no, I don’t want to binge watch it so we can talk about it. No. Really.
Aunt Ivy may not have invited Clara Sue to that reunion, but who knew her address changed after the divorce? (Everyone but Aunt Ivy apparently.) All families have tiffs. If you are neither Aunt Ivy or Clara Sue, this issue is not yours. Sit there quietly and daydream about the Nora Ephron movie of your choice. (For me, it’s always the street fair scene in You’ve Got Mail when Rockin’ Robin is playing and Tom Hanks is in the turkey.)
Topics to Embrace:
Projects that involve just enough skill to be impressive to Uncle Bill. For example: An outdoor project involving a drill or shovel. Warning: Avoid projects involving saws as these stories always lead to unappetizing anecdotes.
Topics that entice a humble brag from your guests. People love to talk about themselves, y’all. Know your guests before they arrive, and encourage them to talk about something fab they’ve done lately.
Taylor Swift. She’s everywhere right now and your niece, grandmother, and even your brother Steve (after reading this Esquire article) can now openly admit they love her.
Your vinyl collection. Universal truth: 99% of people like music of one sort or another. People over the age of 49 have memories of spinning vinyl as they discovered rock-n-roll and made out in their parent’s living room. Those under the age of 49 relish the hunt for their favorite old records in pristine condition. Bonus: Every family has an audiophile at the table who will be more than happy to share the science of why records are superior to whatever you just downloaded from iTunes.
The Playlist
Finally, when in doubt, sit back and enjoy that you get time with this crazy special group of family and friends. Perhaps sit back and enjoy it quietly while listening to whatever music is playing in the background. Here is our Thanksgiving playlist…
Countdown to Thanksgiving
Only a couple days left in the countdown to Thanksgiving so I wanted to share a few recipes that have been a hit in the past and a some that will be on our menu this year.
The countdown is a little more real for some than for others.
The Turkey
In the past, I was always a fan of roasting with beer and fresh herbs. But last year, we broke with tradition and used Alton Brown’s brining method. I’ll never look back. Here’s the full recipe.
The Sides
I made this spicy roasted squash with feta and herbs two weeks ago and have made it at least twice since. I knew sriracha held magic powers, but wow! Bonus for those that are a little scared of spice: the brown sugar and feta even things out perfectly.
Sautéed brussels sprouts with bacon and golden raisins. My mother-in-law, known when we first met for her general disdain of all things green, loved these so much after our first Thanksgiving that she humbly requested “those green things with the bacon” the next year.
The Lee Brothers are masters of Southern fare, and while I have yet to actually make this pimento cheese potato gratin, I’m sure it will be a perfect addition to our menu.
Cranberry Orange Relish: My recipe is here.
Emma Chapman’s recipes can make anyone look like a baker–including myself. These Rosemary Parker House rolls are a delicious twist on the classic that also make for the perfect post-turkey-day sandwiches.
The Treats
If you’re going to have a house full of company, you should also have a house full of snacks. Our two favorites this time of year are…
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Snack
The Pies
When I was 9, I won a pie contest with my Woo-Woo’s recipe for Pumpkin Pie. It is always my go-to.
Hands down, the best apple pie ever: Emma’s (again, she can make anyone look like a baker) Spiced Bourbon Apple Pie. I always make ours in an iron skillet and, while you have to watch the bake time, that really sends it over the moon!
Looking for a little more inspiration?
Check out my pinterest board:
The Belle’s Thanksgiving Game Plan
What are your go-to recipes? Anything we *must* try?
From My Sketchbook
“These are a few of my favorite things…” as doodled in my sketchbook over the weekend.
3 Beauty Products to Try Now
When I find fab beauty products, I can never resist telling all my friends. Likewise, when I hear about new products, I have to try them for myself. (Remember this winter skin care post from January?) So today, I’m sharing three of my favorite beauty product finds of late.
L’Oreal EverCrème Nourishing Leave-In Spray
Since my locks went blonde, I’ve been searching for the perfect way to condition. Conditioning in the shower wasn’t enough. Oils tend to leave my locks a bit flat (and my head a bit itchy) and other leave-in creams have just seemed to gunk things up. This “nourishing leave-in spray” from L’Oreal is amazing! It’s sulfate-free so it’s not as harsh on my already-treated hair, and it detangles like nothing else I’ve tried. Bonus: it’s less than $10, and I can buy it at Target!
Essie Quick-E Drying Drops
Manicures are my idea of the perfect weeknight me-time. I blame the “nights of beauty” my mom and I used to have when I was little. But I am always going to bed too quickly and waking up with ruined polish. These quick-e drying drops from Essie have totally changed that. I still recommend waiting about 15 minutes to change the sheets or cook, but that’s better than the hour or two it used to take. Bonus: they leave my nails with extra shine. My only tip is don’t overdo it. If you use more than a couple drops per nail, they can darken your favorite red just a bit.
They’re Real! Mascara
I use eye drops like they’re going out of style so when it comes to mascara, I’ve had a hard time finding anything that will stay put. They’re Real! Mascara from Benefit has changed all that. Not only is the waterproof actually waterproof, they make your lashes look swoon-worthy!
So what are your favorites right now?
Anything I *must* try?
This Used Book Inscription
There are times when I see things at vintage shops and used book stores that I simply must have. Yesterday, just such a thing happened at the used book store where I was scouring the shelves for Jen Lancaster‘s book Such a Pretty Fat. (I fell in love with Jen the moment my friend Beth sent me the link for The Tao of Martha.) Anyway, when I opened the book, I saw this message written on the inside.
This should make you LOL while reading it.
I hope you enjoy this and please quit taking yourself so seriously.
I love you just the way you are.
Just be healthy!
I Love You!
Mom
8-30-08
You know, sometimes you just need some maternal wisdom–even if it’s not from your own mother! So your message (and mine) for today is this: Stop taking yourself so seriously! Try your best, and then trust that you’re enough. You! Just the way you are.
And also, maybe pick up a Jen Lancaster book. It really will make you “LOL.”
Surviving a Stressful Day at Work
Last week, I hung the November cover of Real Simple above my desk because food and pretty pictures make me smile.
How do you know if you need tips for surviving a stressful day at work? Well, if you’re not a trust fund baby and you’re not reading this blog post from your yacht, I’m guessing you may have had a stressful day on the job at some point. Maybe your co-workers are driving you insane. Maybe you just launched a huge project and everyone around you is short on sleep. Maybe the guy that keeps blowing his nose 2 cubicles down is making you a little sick to your stomach.
Or maybe all your creativity is zapped and you are considering giving it all up for a career as a mall manikin for the holiday season so you can just stand there quietly all day as people point and stare.
Whatever your case may be, here are a few tricks that have calmed my addled brain lately.
Focus on your breath. You don’t have to be “Oprah’s favorite spirit junkie” to “get your om on.” (Although, this article on The Coveteur is pretty great.) Taking a minute to quiet yourself and focus on your breathing can immediately calm you down. If you’re having trouble calming a racing mind, try taking one minute and repeating a phrase. I often recite a short scripture and, as I repeat it, the scripture becomes my point of concentration.
Carry some peppermint oil in your purse. I am a recent essential oil convert and while I don’t want to smell like a hippie any more than you do, peppermint oil is pretty magical. Inhale for a quick calm. Likewise, a single drop rubbed on your temples and/or the nape of your neck, can relieve some headaches.
Take a 5 minute walk. Get your blood flowing. Walk off some energy. Swing your arms. Dance a jig. Enjoy a change of scenery.
Find a small daily ritual that’s just for you. Me? I indulge in a 2 o’clock cappuccino. There’s something about spending a little extra cash on a fancy, hot beverage made by someone else in a noisy machine that really elevates my afternoon. It’s the little things.
Bookmark a little pick-me-up. This is usually mine.
One last thing: Your granny was right when she told you to “Hush!” Try to get quiet on your way home. If you’ve had a hard day, the last thing you need to do is come home and spew your crazy all over your loved ones. Drive home without the radio on. Put white noise through your earbuds on the subway. (This is my favorite white noise app.) Be quiet until you’re thinking clearly, and then arrive home with joy.
The Sewing Party
This Saturday, November 8th, fellow Made + Remader Lish Dorset and I are stoked to be apart of the first ever online all-day DIY event in history: The Sewing Party! It is the perfect time of year to settle down for the cold winter months and brush up on your domestic goddess skillz. (Yes, I said skillz.) Plus, who doesn’t like to make new internet friends, right?
There’s something for every skill level, so even if you’re just dipping your toes in there’s something for you. Registration is $40 for the chats and 30+ classes. (For those that need repetition to learn a new skill, the class access lasts for 90 days.) And bonus: Lish and I will be hosting live-chats in The Sewing Party Lounge. Here are the deetz…
12 – 1 pm*: Lish Dorset will be Busting Scrap and Stash – Put your stash of fabric and scraps to work!
1 – 2 pm: Lish will help you Re-energize Your Sewing with inspirational tips and guidance for finding that next amazing project.
2 – 3 pm: Hannah Slaughter will be discussing ideas to Repurpose Your Relics.
* Times are EST.
Click here to get the full schedule of classes and chats.
Here are a few of the classes I’ll be checking out:
Becoming an Etsy Entrepreneur with Etsy’s Graham Ashcraft
10 Patternmaking Skills Every Fashion Forward Sewer Needs to Know with Denise Wild
Sewing Machine Basics with Singer’s own Becky Hanson
If you plan on attending, RSVP to the party, and then hit me up on Twitter with #TheSewingParty.
We’re Back To It
After three months of radio silence, we have finally returned!
Husband and I have been absolutely swamped the last few months and while I’ve loved interacting on social media, the thought of blogging consistently just seemed like a bit too much. This fall has brought with it many houseguests, parties, and road trips. It’s also brought a lot of work. We’ve been making some big improvements on our little home that we’ll share next week.
Not to mention the work for Uncle Scripps that pays the bills around here. We’ve both been lucky enough to work on the new HGTV.com that was released this week, and if you haven’t seen the new site yet, go take a peek. The new photo library is swoon-worthy, y’all!
But now, we’re back in business. I’ve missed our little block of the internet, and I promise to post some fun little things in the coming weeks. This Season of Thankfulness is my absolute favorite time of the year, and I’m so happy to share it with you. In the meantime, here are a few snaps from our life lately.
