{February 28, 2011}

As of today we have received over 68" of snow since January 1, 2011. That does not count the snow we received in December. (**Update** Total amount of snowfall since Dec. 1st = 76.3") I know I have complained about the white stuff more than once on here, yet I think just about everyone on the East Coast is feeling the same way. I'm half tempted to print out the photo below and tape it to the windows that overlook this portion of our land so I can see that view rather than the current one...which is just depressing. Maybe if I have the energy I'll take a photo of what it really looks like out there tomorrow. Still worn out from the flu but chugging along.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 27, 2011}

A quick snapshot of some fabric I bought for an upcoming newborn photoshoot. The top two will be used as backgrounds, while the bottom one will be a wrap for swaddling. I'm still feeling under the weather yet definitely better than yesterday (thankfully). Still taking it easy which, given the 12+ more inches of snow we've received over the past few days is easy to do.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 26, 2011}

What I thought was a head cold has turned out to be the flu...and Ryan also has it. So he and I are both down for the count--me having camped out on the sofa all day with my pillow and a blanket, thus the photo.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Early Bird filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 25, 2011}

Another pair of Rockn Socks only in a different color scheme. Or what's otherwise known as, not-feeling-good-so-I-took-a-picture-of-my-socks. Now I'm going to go crawl back under my blanket, rest my head on my favorite pillow, and maybe watch some TV before I zonk out for the night.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 24, 2011}

Isn't this the cutest little notecard?! I received this in a package last year when I ordered this adorable fox print from Etsy seller krisblues for Megan's birthday. Her favorite animal is the fox, and seeing as how she didn't have any art for her room, I thought it would be fun to find some unique pieces to decorate her walls with. Naturally when I came across Kristiana's shop I had to get one of her prints...and then tell my dad to get one for Megan as well. We were very happy with Kristiana's work and I dug the free notecard that I kept for myself. What can I say? I'm a sucker for bears!

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 23, 2011}

Another doctor, another exam room. See what I mean about the uncomfortable chairs? I was sitting in one exactly like it, just on the other side of the room. He was running behind--which I forgive him for because he is one rockin' awesome doctor--but my butt was yelling by the time the appointment was over. I'm thinking from now on I might just bring my very own soft pillow to sit on...or sleep on, if it comes to that.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Toaster filter added.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 22, 2011}

I've had this bonsai plant--which was purchased at Ikea in Portland, Oregon--for about four years. It has survived two moves, one across the country riding along with my dad, and despite my forgetfulness in watering it regularly, it has persevered. Up until we purchased the table that sits behind our sofa, I did not have a good place to put the bonsai, so it has sat in our sunroom ever since we moved here. I like that it's hearty, easy to take care of, and reminds me of one of my all time places in the entire world...Oregon. And it's nice to look at as well.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 21, 2011}

mmmmm...Lemon Verbana. I swear, I could smell this stuff all day and never grow tired of it. I was introduced to Mrs. Meyers cleaning supplies from the lovely women of Ravelry and ended up buying some online as I couldn't find it locally. I went with all Lemon Verbana and purchased the window cleaner, countertop spray, bar soap, laundry detergent, dryer sheets (which ran out and I miss terribly), and this yummy air freshening spray. Later, when I ran across Mrs. Meyers at Target, I added the all-purpose cleaner to my supplies. Whenever I want to make the house feel "spring-y" I whip out the spray and mist every room, sniffing as I go. I'm super sensitive to smells, but this one is nice and light without being overpowering. And although there is still a ton of snow on the ground and I'm not yet able to open the windows to let the breeze in, I can pretend that spring is right outside the door...if only until the scent fades.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 20, 2011}

Duck Ducks! There are four ducks lined up in that row, even though you can't see them all. Plus there was also another duck off to the far right...guess she didn't want to be in the photo. We got Muscovy ducks after Ryan read about ways to reduce mosquito populations given that last summer we were literally inundated with them (and also with ticks). Seeing as how we already had guineas (for the ticks) and chickens, adding more fowl to our flock was relatively easy. Muscovies are known for their superior mosquito eating prowess and will eat their body weight in them daily. I found a super nice couple--whom I'd also gotten some chickens from--that had five ducklings available and bought them all. After much debate, the kids and I agreed on naming them after the iCarly gang...Spencer, Carly, Freddie, Sam, and....Shay...because there is no other female lead character. When they were young we could easily tell them apart because of their markings. As they've gotten older the only one we know for sure is the same duck is Carly. We're pretty sure about Freddie (shown in the front) and Spencer (behind Freddie), however Sam and Shay now look alike so we just interchange their names at will. Not that it matters, of course, as they could care less what their names are. Muscovies are interesting ducks. They do not quack but they do pant and wag their tails like a dog does. Although ours are friendly they're also a bit skittish and prefer not to be petted. Spencer seems to tolerate it far more than the rest do, however. He also "nibbles" on your arms and hands with the very tip of his bill which is super cute. And they definitely lived up to the hype about reducing mosquitoes. As soon as we started letting them free range over the summer, we went from not being able to go outside without being attacked from a ton of mossies within a few minutes, to forays lasting over an hour with nary a mosquito in sight. Course at the end of the driveway (where the ducks do not go) meant you'd still get eaten alive, but at least the area around our house was clear. So for that I'll forgive them for the huge amounts of poo scattered all over the frozen tundra and the "whoop!" followed by nervous waddling any time we get too close (seriously, you'd think they would have learned by now we're not going to hurt them).

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 19, 2011}

Being a photographer I'm a very visual person, which is both a blessing and a curse. I see things other people miss, but then if I don't see it I'm liable to forget it. Ryan jokes, although it's more truth than anything, that he can always count on me to go out needing five items and come back with three. Therefore I write things down A LOT. Naturally I'm drawn to cute notebooks and journals, and this is the one I use most often. I carry it around in my purse so I can jot down reminders, grocery lists, and anything else I want to be sure not to forget...hence the creases. It may not be an actual lifeline but it definitely makes my life easier.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 18, 2011}

Do you SEE that?! It's the GROUND! Well, technically it's our patio and mat (and a leaf that's been there since October), but still...it's the closest thing I've seen to our ground in over two months (if not longer). This may not seem like such a big deal to most, but when your area has received record breaking amounts of snow and you have piles of it over 4' deep, seeing even an inkling of "what was" is exciting. Course it's supposed to get cold and possibly snow again this weekend and next week...naturally. Plus all of this melting snow and ice is leaving tons of puddles all over the paths we walk and in the driveway, making it even more difficult and nasty to do daily chores. And although I realize that it's highly likely this small opening in the ice will soon be covered up, for now I'm pretending that warmer weather will soon be the norm, rather than the exception, and I will see the ground (uncovered completely) again.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 17, 2011}

I've been feeling under the weather for the past couple of days, and thus not very inspired to get out and shoot, but not wanting to miss a day I snapped this one about 10 minutes ago. So tonight I present to you...my chandelier (again). I think I've discussed previously that this chandelier replaced a...how shall I say it..."quaint" lighting fixture which featured metal strawberries and "candles." We definitely like this one much better.

Taken with my iPhone using the Hipstamatic app, Claunch 72 Monochrome "film" and the Lucifer VI "lens."

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 16, 2011}

The Three Musketeers...otherwise known as Tonks (the dark one in the back), Remus, and Romulus. They are all Red Wyandottes, although Tonks is a Black Laced and Remus and Romulus are both Blue Laced. We got them, along with Luna (a Blue Splash Red Wyandotte) when they were just tiny chicks and were hoping that we'd have at least 2-3 girls. Instead we got three boys and one girl. Naturally. Of course the boys are gorgeous, and thus far, very sweet. But that all could change soon as their hormones take over and nature tells them to mate like crazy and defend against any threat...real or imagined. So that means I'm now trying to find a home, or homes, for either both Remus and Romulus (plus our Partridge Silkie, Miele) or just one of the boys. If I had my way I'd get a few more Blue Laced Red Wyandotte hens and breed them as they are always high in demand and both beautiful and docile. We'll see how things work out. For now I'm enjoying the handsome boys strutting around the run, practicing their crows--at least we think they are (haven't caught them in the act yet) and looking for someone who will enjoy them as much as we have.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 15, 2011}

This house sits down the road from us and has continued to fall apart with each passing month. I'm not sure who owns it or why it has been abandoned, but it's a shame as it appears that once upon a time the house was nice. The gnarly tree out front is wicked cool and I plan to shoot more of it later, but for now I couldn't get very close as there is still over 3-4' of snow both piled up in front and on the ground. I wrestled with deciding which angle to use as I took some from the side (as this one is) and some from the front. In the end I settled on this one as I liked how it feels as if you're approaching the house...as I was. I also wanted this photo to have a vintage feel, so I fooled around with it in Photoshop until I got it to look as I had envisioned it.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 14, 2011}

I took some snapshots of the kiddos today, seeing as how they're my favorite "Valentines" (next to Ryan). I told them to just be themselves and I shot away. Then Megan asked if she could have Rebel in one of them as "he's my Valentine," she told me. So I took a few of her and Rebel, the one featured being my favorite. Poor Jovie got left out, but that's because I'm behind the camera...always. The collage is quite large, apologies, but I wanted the faces and expressions to show well.

Tonight we'll be feasting on roast with carrots and parsnips, much to Megan's dismay, however. I'm not expecting roses, or a card, or candy as Ryan came home from lunch, gave me a kiss, and said "Happy Valentine's Day." He followed that up with, "That's all you're getting." The eternal romantic.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with love and happiness...and roast if you like it, or something else if you don't! ;o)

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 13, 2011}

Last summer, my in-laws came out to visit us from Indiana and we played "tourist" all over New England. One of our trips was to the Nubble Lighthouse at Cape Neddick in York, Maine. Seeing as how I did not have my camera with me (I know, I know), I was only able to take photos with my iPhone. So when we stopped at the gift shop on our way out, I was delighted to see this gorgeous print of a painting done by Laura Fudge of the lighthouse. As I reached for it my mother-in-law said, "I'll get that for you!" I protested but she would hear none of it and promptly purchased it before I could wrestle her to the ground. Okay, that last bit isn't quite true...I would never try to wrestle her as she could probably take me, even though she weighs less than I do...the woman is FIT! Did I mention I love my mother-in-law? Because I do...truly. Anyways, although I still haven't gotten a frame for the print, it sits proudly on the top of my pie safe flanked by the old lady and her man. Every time I walk past it it reminds me of spending time with people we love, seeing some amazing sights, and dipping our toes in the Atlantic Ocean while hunting seashells.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 12, 2011}

My new "hobby" continues to grow. I've already blogged about my first attempt at tempering and making chocolates HERE, but I picked up this very in-depth book a couple of weeks ago in an effort to get better. Today I made some chocolates using bacon and figs. I sampled one earlier but the chocolate wasn't quite set up enough for my liking. We'll see how they are tonight.

Photo taken with my iPhone using the Lo-Mob app.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 11, 2011}

This is a close-up of a hydrangea wreath my dad gave to me for Christmas in 2009. I specifically requested this one as the varying shades of pinks, purples, greens, and creams, I thought, would match perfectly against our merlot colored doors. It came from Etsy seller Seasidecotnaturals and while I love it, it's not nearly as colorful as the ones she has pictured (seems to be a recurring theme, no?). Also, what I did not realize is that hanging an extremely fragile wreath, made of dried flowers, on a door where people were going in and out often (usually wearing winter coats), meant it would not survive long. One would think I would have thought that through...apparently not. So I moved it to the large window in our "foyer" where it blends in perfectly (and much more safely). My love for hydrangeas has already been documented, and I'm sure this wreath will debut on the blog again, although probably in full form.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 10, 2011}

I'm not normally a fan of headbands or bows on babies. Often they are far too large and look a bit ridiculous, even on the most adorable of babies. But this one...this one I like a lot. I forget how I came across the Etsy shop of The Girly Girl Bowtique but I fell head over heals with her custom feather bands. Knowing that I had an upcoming newborn GIRL photoshoot (yay!), I emailed Rebecca and said, "I like these...do you?" She, like me, wasn't a fan of headbands but agreed that these were quite cool. So I placed my order and eagerly awaited its arrival. Yesterday Ian brought in the mail and I was delighted to see a large, padded envelope. Inside was the feather band, and while it is much darker in person than it looks on her website (and I realize that at least one of the photos has had an action run on it, changing the colors, but some of the other pics seemed fairly true to natural coloring--and my monitor IS calibrated--so I was expecting cream colored feathers, not grayish w/orangish edges), I still think it's incredibly cute. I so can't wait to try this out on baby Kara...and meet her, period! Now if only the snow would GO AWAY for good so we can get some nice, bright sunshine thus making for beautiful photos, I would be one happy girl!

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 9, 2011}

Breakfast...yum! Leftover crusty bread with goat cheese and honey. I came up with the idea last night while making dinner (using the goat cheese) and then proceeded to crave it right up until I ate it today. It did not disappoint and I will probably do this again, only this time I'll make it on a weekend so Ryan and the kids can partake of the yumminess!

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 8, 2011}

My favorite socks in the whole wide world--RocknSocks. I have two other pair, one is mainly blue with a bit of yellow striping and the other is green with two shades of brown stripes (Gaia). They hit me just below the knee keeping my calves nice and toasty, but they aren't thick which makes them perfect to wear with my black knee high boots. I bought all three pair at New Season's Market in Happy Valley, Oregon although I have yet to find any since moving out here. Plus I checked out their website and it appears they no longer make both the ones pictured below, or my blue and yellow pair. Bummer. They've held up remarkably well given I wear them almost constantly, however they are starting to get a bit threadbare in places. I had hoped to purchase this exact pattern again as it matches several of my clothes. Guess I'll have to keep my eye out for a similar pair...or learn how to knit socks.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 7, 2011}

Megan and Kya cuddling on Megan's bed. Seriously, how sweet are they?! And full disclosure--I took this photo last summer but not only do I adore this one, I'm longing for warmer days and sunshine streaming through the windows again. This pic makes me think of happier, sunnier, cuddly times.

Taken with my iPhone using the Hipstamatic app.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 6, 2011}

Today I made French bread from scratch for the very first time ever. I used this recipe: French Bread, Hoagies, & Buns which was very easy. Problem is, I think it probably needed to cook another 2-3 minutes despite me already adding a few minutes to the called for 18-20 mins. I also learned that putting fresh-from-the-oven bread on to a cutting board just steams the heck out of the bottom making it a bit sticky. Once I realized this I put a cooling rack in between the bread and the cutting board allowing the bottom to dry back out. Still, although the inside was done, there were a couple of places that definitely could have used a bit more cooking time. Flavor was good, although the crust was not crispy enough, but hopefully the next time I make it it will turn out much better. To accompany the bread (and the reason I made it in the first place) I served up one of our favorite main dishes: Spicy Shrimp. Bellies now full we're back to watching the Superbowl. Ian is cheering on his team, the Green Bay Packers, while neither Ryan nor I could care less who wins. At least it's far less stress-inducing than last year's was for Ryan. Lord only knows when the Dolphins will get back to the 'Bowl. I'd be happy if they made it to the playoffs next year.

Photo taken with the Instagram app with the Hefe filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 5, 2011}

In honor of February being both the month of Valentine's Day and American Heart Month, I made a heart out of goji berries. So get your heart checked out, everyone, and don't forget to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. ;o)

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 4, 2011}

My "engagement" and wedding rings. I put quotes around engagement because although this is a typical ring you give to someone when you propose to them, I did not receive this ring until nine days before our wedding. Yes, that's right...nine DAYS. And no we didn't do a justice of the peace ceremony either. We had a full on wedding and reception planned months in advance. However, Ryan wanted me to have a nicer ring than the one he had used when he proposed to me with--which, incidentally, he had also given to me on my birthday a mere two years prior...to the day, no less. That ring was an inexpensive cluster ring that I wore proudly and had no idea he had any intentions of replacing. Like most couples, in the weeks leading up to our wedding we went to various jewelers looking at matching bands. One day Ryan took me to visit a jeweler who did custom work. I tried on a few of the rings, thought they were very nice, but was worried they were out of our budget...so we kept looking. We ended up falling in love with matching, two-tone gold (rose and yellow) and platinum wave pattern Christian Bauer bands (ours originally had a brushed matte finish but that has since worn off on both). They were not cheap, but we justified spending a bit more given we weren't buying a diamond solitaire (or so I thought). As my birthday, and our wedding, drew near Ryan had me convinced that he was giving me a hedgehog as a present. He went to great lengths to fool me and when the day finally came, and he brought out a large "My Pet" cardboard box, I was expecting to open it and find an adorable little pet. Instead I saw my dictionary...and more books...and then a small box on top. Confused I unwrapped the present to discover another box. I could tell it was some sort of jewelry but nothing prepared me for what I saw when I opened it. Nestled safely inside was the diamond ring. It looked familiar, yet I couldn't place it. That's when Ryan confessed to his trickery. Back when we had been looking at bands, and he had taken me to the custom jeweler (Ralph Privoznik), it was so that Ralph could size my finger for the ring already under construction. He hadn't used my ring, yet I recognized the intricate criss-cross pattern I had seen in his other work. I was shocked...and thrilled. I slipped the ring on and it was a perfect fit. Although there was but a scant amount of time between receiving the ring and our wedding, I wore it by itself, flashing it subtly like a newly engaged woman. To this day I'm still shocked that Ryan had it in him to be so sneaky and so very, very romantic.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 3, 2011}

This is, by far, my most favorite beer in the entire world. Granted, I'm not much of a drinker but I do love to try new beers and Deschutes Brewery does not ever disappoint in that respect. I have to give credit to both my cousin, Adam, and to Ryan for bringing me to the wonderful world of microbrewed beer. Before them my only foray in to "beer world" was with the typical, mass-produced, commercial, "beer" that I thought tasted nasty. But after sampling various microbrews my palate expanded and I've come to appreciate even the darkest of beers. Moving to Bend, Oregon introduced me to even more tasty goodness by way of the Pac Northwests' insane amount of artisan brewers. Deschutes, of course, was one of the best places to grab an incredible brew and yummy pub food. I still crave their Black Butte Porter and the halibut fish and chips. Ryan continues his search for a macaroni and cheese that is as good as theirs, but has yet to find it. The Abyss is brewed once a year and sells out within the blink of an eye. When we lived in Oregon we were always able to grab some, yet living out east has made it impossible as they do not distribute out here (yet). We lucked out last year when two friends of ours scored some and sent it to us, but this year that didn't happen. Ryan has put back a bottle every year to let it age and see how it changes over time. Last night he decided to crack open our saved 2009 vintage--much to my delight. I savored every sip, longing both for more of The Abyss and for the ability to partake of Deschutes beers once again. Maybe one day...

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 2, 2011}

Tomorrow I'll post better pictures of these two mischievous little fuzzbutts, but tonight I caught this one which really shows their personalities. The lighting is awful and Rebel (Megan's ferret on the right) was trying his hardest to get to his sister, Jovie (my ferret on the left), so he's blurry as all get out, but really...this picture makes me laugh. I love those crazy critters, as does everyone else in the house, including the dogs. I had forgotten just how much fun they are to have and am glad Megan pushed so hard to get one. Definitely one of our best Christmas presents ever!

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 1, 2011}

Awhile back I made a beautiful moss stitch scarf that ended up being much shorter than I had anticipated. I ended up tucking it in to my coat and zipping, or buttoning, it up as high as I could to keep the scarf from falling out. Then I realized if I could find a shawl pin I would be able to wear my scarf without any concern. Thus began my search that took much longer than it probably should have. I wasn't able to find any locally, even at the yarn stores, but after skimming through several shops on Etsy (yet not liking what I saw) I came across a husband and wife duo who make them by hand. When I saw they lived in Oregon I felt it was fate...and I also wondered why on Earth I couldn't find these great pins locally when I lived there. Their shop is Nicholas & Felice and they have a ton of gorgeous handcrafted shawl and hair pins in their online store. It was difficult choosing between them all, but I'm really happy with the Yin Yang version I purchased--although I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I want to buy a couple more. The communication was great and I received my pin super fast, so I would highly recommend them! Isn't it cute?!

On to the pic...{click to view full size}