Big Sky Wanted

I'm so thankful to live in Iowa. It's been mentioned before but I'll say it again - God was so kind to bring us here {almost} 6 years ago. The seasons change, there's enough city vs. country, and I am content as could be. We live just outside of the Des Moines metro in a small suburban township - all my neighbors are either retired or my parents age. It's quiet. Lawns are kept, back yard gardens are tended, and people keep to themselves but actually do care about their neighbors. It's not uncommon for me to see one neighbor getting another neighbors mail, or pulling their trash bins back to the house. Right at this minute I'm watching two neighbor men have a conversation... in MY front yard. And it's normal. Come winter it's normal to see people shoveling driveways not their own. We've been the recipient of that several times!

All this to say I genuinely feel content, I'm not the personality to see places in books and magazines and think "man, I have GOT to go there." Until... this weekend. And now that I've seen the pictures and they've seared into my brain, I can't get the Big Sky out of my mind. I blame this book: "Big Sky Cooking" by Meredith Brokaw.

I had an hour to myself this weekend so I took a whirl through our library. Without fail I end up in the cookbook aisle and feel overwhelmed and yet weirdly excited at all of the options! The title caught my eye and one glance inside won me over.

Montana. This cabin. The rocking chairs. The plains behind it! That old rickety fence. Isn't that beautiful?
I could picture myself, coffee in hand, early in the morning watching the wild animals run through the hillside. It's fun to dream isn't it?

And then there was this picture. I'm not a cowgirl, though I do enjoy a horseback ride. But look at those mountains! Easily, I could become a cowgirl if it included strolls through these meadows with those mountains in the back drop.

I think I have Big Sky fever. 
The recipes in here are even better. It covers everything from simple recipes like Jalapeno Corn bread and pork tenderloin to the natives of that land, Chokecherry Jelly and Elk Pepper Steaks. I could go for some Elk!

I'm really looking forward to reading every single page. Aside from beautiful pictures and yummy recipes this cookbook also has personal reflections of the people living there, and the sweet story of how Tom and Meredith Brokaw made their way to Montana to live. You might recognize the name Tom Brokaw from the evening news.

Big Sky.
Ah, it just sounds wonderful doesn't it?

I'm also going to recommend two more cookbooks I found while at the library. Think Big Sky, but move south to Oklahoma for the first one. Yep, Miss Ree. :)

This isn't a new one by any means but I haven't read it yet. Sure enough it's full of great ideas and delicious recipes. And of course... amazing pictures of their cattle ranch under the Oklahoma sky. It is not helping with my Big Sky fever ;)

And the last one for today - she writes from under a sky obviously... only, not one I'm particularly fond of. Jessica Seinfeld's second cookbook is just as creative and cute as her first. There are a ton of good ideas for yummy ways to make healthy foods! This NYC momma has great quick ideas!

So there you have it. My weekend reading pile.
What are you dreaming about today? And, if you've ever been to Montana or Oklahoma - what did you love the most? Big Sky wanted!!

Come.On.Spring.

Am I right? I mean, I'm all about treasuring each moment and enjoying the seasons... I even LOVE, LOVE winter time. But, the itch for spring is definitely here! This morning I woke up to the sound of birds and even now as I sit in the quiet of my TV room there are adorable little pudgy birds chirping away at our feeder outside. They are ready. We are ready. I'm pretending I didn't see this little sight from the Weather Channel. (Buzzkills!) Winter storm Thor... we don't like you.

 

But rather then belly ache, let's focus on something pretty instead. :) And speaking of birds earlier reminds me - Spring has arrived inside our home! Our deck might be ice coated but the interior is green and blossoming. Here's a peek at what I've been up to this weekend.

 

I'm feeling the warm breeze of spring already. {Sigh} But seriously, this was a fun time for me to go through what we already owned and fill in pieces with frugal buys. The little bird was found at the Dollar Tree! The bunting was cut from my old hymnal! I love cheap and free :) I will say, if you have any "fun money" stashed away Hobby Lobby has some awesome deals right now. I picked up the boxwood balls, some silk flowers and that cute round basket on my buffet this weekend. Super great prices and 40%! Also, Burlington Coat Factory of all places. I was really surprised at the aisles of clearance stuff that was in GREAT shape, and super cheap. Housewares were all marked WAY down.

So anyway. We are eager to put this cold February behind us and look forward to some sunny days.
I hope you are having a fantastic weekend! Enjoy your Saturday!

The end of the season.

Roses!

We are mid August and the yard is starting to wrap things up.

I haven't gotten a lot of time to actually be outside to enjoy all the pretties. Having a baby threw a wonderful wrench in my attempt to garden beautiful flowers. Can't complain about that. :) But the other day while the girls were out playing, I grabbed the camera and explored. 

The end of the season is looking pretty good. 

The last of the hosta blooms.

Trumpet vine, my favorite.

Not sure what... but I love the fun shape of this leaf.

Our gorgeous BIG back yard tree.

Here's to a fantastic remainder of the month and to big yellow leaves here soon. {grin}
What's growing in your yard?

Mid week Faves.

Well, we've made it to almost 5 weeks as a family of 5. I can't say it's been a breeze, but it has all been covered in grace for sure! I'm constantly being tested and feel like I learn something everyday. In lieu of a lengthy (probably emotional) post about my mourning my kids growing up, how tired I am, etc. I thought  it would be more fun to do a quick list of favorite things! These are things I've discovered or appreciated over the last month. Here.We.Go.

1. Favorite book(s):
The word of God and a really, really, great book on bible study.

If you aren't familiar with Jen Wilkin or The Gospel Coalition... take a minute and go check out THIS SITE.
Oh how my hunger for God's word and for non-fluffy TRUTH has been reignited in the last few days. I have found myself on more than one occassion in life basing my view of God on how I feel... dangerous ladies. Very dangerous. This book along with great scripture study through the old testament has really been challening my view of God and how I study His word. I definitely recommend this book!

2. Favorite treat:
Peanut Butter M & M's and regular coffee with coconut creme creamer. Lethal combination if taken together before breakfast...but, sometimes we mothers like to break all the rules :)

When my mom was here 2 weeks ago she bought me this XXL bag. Bad, bad, bad idea to keep around when you are sleep deprived and falling on sugar to sustain you. Delicious. But bad!

3. Favorite newborn:
Obviously - my Jane. Who has affectionately now been called: Janer, Jane Bane, Janie, Jane Ev, Evelynnie, and random other assorted ways of saying her name. :) We love, love, love this baby - who apparently wants held at all times.

She turns 5 weeks old on Friday and I think we are really falling into a nice routine. She is up just once at night and for only 20 minutes max. :) I'm finding myself really slowing down and just enjoying her. Savoring every minute... precious. 

4. Favorite blessing: MEALS!

Our church family is amazing. I'll just say that. Since Jane was born we have been getting 3 home made meals a week delivered to us. What a blessing it is to not have the extra task of prepping meals, grocery shopping, etc.while I continue to rest and adjust. We've had such yummy meals, too! These ladies really do glorify God in their service to us new mommas! :) We get our last meal today and then I think... I think, I'm ready to start menu planning and cooking again. 

5. Favorite NEW thing: Patio Furniture!

We saved the rest of our tax return and bought this 10 piece patio set from Menards. (This is not our yard..)

It's so great to eat our meals outside on the deck and I love the two recliner chairs and side table for extra lounging space after we are done eating. Summer may continue now :) 

6. Favorite smell:

Cozy Home, by Yankee Candle.

(found this pic online... )

The girls and I made a pit stop to a store called Tuesday Morning where I found this candle clearanced WAY down. And for those of you who know me well... I'm ALL about autumn, warm, smells. It's so cozy and really does clear the atmosphere when I'm feeling tense or stressed. :) 

Happy Wednesday! Hoping you can enjoy favorite things where you are! 

It's almost here!

The sun shines every morning now. Temps are reaching higher and higher... and most of the mounds of snow have melted away. Spring is coming! We had a 67 degree day this week and it's supposed to hit the 60's again today! I can't explain how nice it has been to send the girls outside to blow off a winters worth of steam.

Nope, not a day care... just our deck. :) 

On a side note:  Any tips on getting toddler shoes back to good condition are accepted :) I know some of you are still buried in the newest blizzard - but take heart! Spring is on it's way!

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday and the start of a wonderful weekend! Today I'm sharing some of my favorite things lately and I'd love to hear what makes your life simpler, or just more enjoyable, as well. 

Health & Beauty

Carmex has this wonderful healing cream that I promise you DOES THE JOB. After handwashing all our dishes for about a month my hands were cracking and red and itchy all the time. I was given this lotion and it is wonderful. It makes me hands so silky smooth, I keep some by my bed for before I fall asleep. 

For the Home:

Pic found on Google

THIS scent... ah. :) It was a whopping $3.97 at Walmart and smells just so so great - a mix of Christmas and comfort. I burn it near our fireplace and you can pick up just enough of the "fireplace" smell, so it works. And at that price - I'll take it! Also, for under $4 you can afford to try the other GREAT scents BHG has come out with. I also love this one in my scentsy pod - it is delish and lasts alllll day just melting away. 

Holiday/Seasonal:

Christmas movies! Our church library had scores of them and I checked out several. :) Including:

And... one of my faves.

Now, I never said they weren't cheesy or maybe just plain silly. But, I'm a Hallmark movie loving kind of girl, so they are up my cheese alley. :) Speaking of cheese - Hallmark is doing their Holiday movies now through Christmas so I'm enjoying that channel during sleepy evenings after kids are asleep. 

Food & Drink:

The red cups are back. I know the 'Bucks has may naysayers, but you cannot say they don't have THE best Eggnog latte around! It's on my Fave's list right now - which is weird because I've never liked it before. :) 

Panera's Broccoli cheddar soup. Oh man, I want to go to there right now. 

We had this for my hubby's birthday lunch and I've been dreaming about more ever since. 

Only, please serve mine in a bread bowl WITH chips dunked down inside. (anyone else do that?!) I so wish I could nail a copy cat recipe at home, but then again, we might have it every weekend. 

Favorite pins on Pinterest:

Easy and cozy ornament ideas.

Considering a cookie swap this year, reallly wanna try some "perfect" icing! 

Possibly my dining room table centerpiece for December. 

This made me cry this week. It has been a STRUGGLE raising a certain strong willed girl who makes me feel this big. Love the truth that GOD is who we need and want our kids to see! 

So, how about you, friend? What are some of your favorite things right now? Wishing you a wonderful and cozy weekend wherever you are. 

My Favorite Things Monday {new!}

Hi all! Today I'm linking up with September McCarthy over at One September Day, for "My Favorite Things Monday". I love this idea. Then, as I was gathering my thoughts, etc... realized my camera card is missing, half my home is packed up for our move, and... more. So, a LOT of my things will be shared from Pinterest. Loving that database of good ideas! Won't you join up with us and share your favorite things? Check it out here! 

First up... Favorite Foods/recipes right now:

Chinese Cabbage Salad is a household staple around here. We make it year round and it's one of my husbands favorite things to eat. I love it because my kids are willingly eating cabbage :) It's also one of my faves because you can change it up with different kinds of oils, vinegars and nuts for the crunchy topping. This recipe here is one of the bests! 

Yum. Bananas are one of my all time favorite foods anyway...but, pair it FROZEN rolled in yogurt, nuts and cinnamon and it's even better. My only recommendation is to eat them FAST and don't leave them out - they go soggy and brown super fast after being frozen. Super easy, super yummy and pretty affordable too. I made these for a playdate in the Spring and it was a hit with my kids! Check out the recipe here.

Another super easy (and affordable!) summer fave food right now is watermelon cookies. My girls love choosing what kind of "cookie" they will have by choosing their own cookie cutters. We do most of our shopping at Aldi and right now you can get a large watermelon for around $3/4 bucks! That's A LOT of cookies! 

Moving right along. 

Favorite FREE things right now:

Lastnight my husband taught me that you can exchange your empty Starbucks bags for FREE iced coffees. I've always just ordered my free coffee hot and plain, because I thought that's all you could do. Nope. They are more then happy to throw in some ice cubes, skim milk, and classic sweetener on the house. Score! Say what you will about "big"bucks coffee...but, you cannot beat a free iced coffee made FOR you! So, save those bags and cash them in while it's still hot outside. Side note: If you don't want your empty bags - we are always accepting donations :) 

Also, Library summer reading programs. Bless them.

I signed my girls up in June and they had to complete 15 activities to earn a FREE book and two FREE passes {a piece} to our local zoo. And the sign up was free! So, we did our activities - which included a nature hike, do a finger play, read a book, sing a nursery rhyme, etc. and then we cashed in. Each girl got to choose a free book to keep and they handed me the zoo passes. Seriously, so free and so cool. It's not too late - check in with your local libraries and see if they have anything going on. 

And, I'll wrap up this time with Favorite Fall decorating ideas:

While everyone else is enjoying summer. I have to admit...I'm always dreaming of Autumn. It's my favorite and were it fall year round, you'd hear no complaining from me. :) Some of my fave ideas for that season are below. You can find them all on Pinterest. 

I like to keep it simple and natural. So I'm loving lots of pumpkins, twigs, wreaths and dried flowers.

But, for now I'll be content and thankful for hot summer days, swimming pools and popsicles. :) 

Enjoy your Monday...and maybe even some of YOUR favorite things! Thanks for stopping by! http://www.septembermccarthy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Favorite-Things-580-01.jpg