Wintry Mix | Christmas Wishes

Hack With Design | Rebekka Seale | Ameican Apparel | Ace & Jig

Lately I have been ewwing and aweing over these things. 

I can't get enough of Hack With Design's limited editions, they have me all googly eyed.

I would love to get cozy under one of Rebekka Seale's hats. I can't get over her gorgeous hand made yarn.

I've been long in need of a full body underwear suit for Christmas morning and when I found this on American Apparel's website, I got all frazzled to say the least.

I can't stop dreaming of the lovely numbers I could create with Ace & Jig's pieces.

Happy Shopping this season!

Truly // Sarah

This season is incredibly busy and hectic for me. Nearly every ounce of my day is intentional. There are very few gaps of time that I can say is 'Free Time' anymore... and let me tell you, it's really not my style.

My third semester in college is nearing it's end, with working 30 hours a week, counting in homework and school projects, I spend a lot of time thinking about what I would do if I did find some free time. In the calmer months I would read a book on break at work, but I have found my self resting my head on the table where my whimsical reading material used to lie. I used to blog or take photo's on the weekend, but with finals coming up, these things are likely to be classified as irresponsible. 

The other day, I was on my way to class. I got about half way to school when I turned back. I found myself at Fellows Lake, near my house. I pulled up to the dock and then realized what I was doing. I started thinking that I should be in class, and  it's so close to finals that I'm probably going to miss something imperative... but instead, I slammed my door and ran to the end of the dock. I breathed in the splintering, ice cold air for 1... 2... 3...held and 'haaa' out. I thought. I felt like I was being held down by this routine. No room for creativity or freedom makes me feel that way, but I had to chose to over come it. I needed to accept that my "challenges" are all very minute in a world of pain and suffering. I need to chose to be filled with light and shed it. 

I ran through the trees by the lake, I prayed for refreshment and encouragement. I screamed and galloped around and then started laughing at myself...I'm sure I looked crazy, but I felt the Lord smiling down on me, because He loves me. I'm thankful for the moments of peace and happiness He can bring to you when you need them. 

It is important for you to set aside a time, at least once a week, to free yourself. I have recently began attending Hot Yoga. It's very physically challenging and difficult, but when you finish, you feel accomplished and like you've gained a little something each time. It's eighty minutes of gathering with a very diverse group of people to go through the same motions, but these same motions mean something different for each person. During these eighty minutes I find myself seeking peace of mind. I like to block out the day and focus on myself, focus on strengthening my mind, body, and spirit. 

I encourage you to find an activity, a quiet place, or a meadow to gallop in.

Free yourself from your worries and know that you are loved. 

Truly // Sarah

Adoring Autumn + Apple Cider Oatmeal Recipe

Hat/ Target, Sweater/Target, Shirt/Poler Stuff, Jeans/Levis, Socks/Target, Shoes/Target

Autumn has had me completely swept off of my feet this past month. This years' leaves have been the most vibrant I can remember. We were fortunate to get a lot of rain recently in Missouri and that must have been what contributed to the intensity and variation of the colors that painted the trees and streets. I found my self taking videos of walking down the streets on Halloween; as I walked under the different trees, the groups of leaves that had fallen would alternate color schemes, each so vibrant and enthralling. I couldn't quit thinking about how beautiful it was... I couldn't help to be extremely thankful for the beauty the Lord has surrounded me with.

Halloween was enchanting this season. It was the first one where I actually ventured through the streets solely observing. I started at the beginning of  Pickwick street, which is a street in town that has a certain unavoidable charm to it.  I grabbed a cup of home made cider from the natural and locally grown foods store on the corner and began my walk to my friends' house at the end of the street. I loved watching the kids going door to door to collect their candy that would last them for the entire year. The costumes ranged vastly, from terrifying mummy's to adorable cupcakes, they scurried through the streets with an irreplaceable and unique excitement. I reminisced my past, and walked carrying a very nostalgic, but content emotion. I remember what it was like for me as a kid on Halloween, but I am now enjoying the feeling Halloween brings as an adult. Still fun and exciting, but different. 

I hope you all had a lovely holiday, whether you were seeking thrill, trick-or-treating yourself, dressing your littles up, or enjoying being cooped up. Now we gear up for another, more significant holiday. I'm very happy to spend more time with my family this season and constantly remind myself that thankfulness isn't something that comes around once a year, but we set aside this day to enjoy our blessings in unity and love.

I made some delicious Apple Cider Oatmeal this morning, I hope that you will be able to set aside a quiet morning this week and enjoy being thankful with a bowl of warm and spicy oats in your hand and a cup of coffee in the other. 

Bring 1 cup of cider and 1 cup of water to a boil.

Throw in 2 cups of rolled oats & cook for 5 minutes.

Stir in 1/4 cup of raisins and 1/2-1 cup of home made apple sauce.

Garnish with apple slices, cinnamon, and pecans. 

Serves two.

Vegan, Dairy free, and delicious.

Truly // Sarah

"You are beautiful, my darling. There is not a flaw in you."

Lately, insecurity has crept into my mind and consumed my self-image. Lately, I cannot break free from the thoughts of not being 'quite up to par'. 

I've been absorbing my surroundings and letting society determine my image  of beauty; my image of myself. 

How could I let this poison into my mind? How could you believe the lies the world is telling you... That beauty is wrapped up in blemishless skin & crystal blue eyes? They're all lies, but it's so hard not to doubt truth when these lies parade in the streets as bill boards, in the movies as sex symbols, and in our minds like idols. Miley Cyrus carelessly swings from her wrecking ball, as little girls around the world use her body as their standard of beautiful, she is wrecking more than she intended.  We constantly work to shape our bodies, trim our nails, and powder our nose as if what we do to the outside determines our legacy. But what we don't remember is that beauty to the eye never lasts, it grows old, and it gets familiar and then stale... Beauty on the outside expires. 

Prettiness is something we've all dreamt of as children. We've always longed to play that roll as the sought-after Princess. But what do they have, but beauty? They're always seeking that prince, that boy to give them the approval that they need for the story to be complete. 

You don't need to find approval in the world. I know someone who created you purposefully. He designed the curves of your body and the pigment of your skin like a masterpiece. He sees you and knows that he did an incredible job creating you. If you doubt your beauty, you offend His artwork. You my friend, are a work of art. Every morning when you wake, He sees you and says, "You are beautiful, my darling. There is not a single flaw in you." 

Hear this, girls. Walk this life with your head up, not afraid to show your skin, but more importantly not afraid to show real beauty. Real beauty blinds you. You know real beauty when you see it, it shine out your eyes and through your smile and in the sweet sound of your true words that reflect love and acceptance. It's astonishing; True beauty is found in love. Love for The Lord, that will teach you to love others & yourself. 

I want to encourage you beautiful woman, because when I see you, I am taken aback by your features, created uniquely for you, I'm floored by your engaging grin, and your attractive personality. You each enchant me, and remind me of what true beauty is, by the way you graciously handle yourself. You, are one of a kind. 

"This, this is about my own some-day daughter. When you approach me, already stung-stayed with insecurity, begging, 'Mom, will I be pretty? Will I be pretty?' I will wipe that question from your mouth like cheap lipstick and answer, 'No! The word pretty is unworthy of everything you will be, and no child of mine will be contained in five letters.' " - Katie Makkai

Truly // Sarah

Recipe | Autumn Granola Bars

R E C I P E

1 1/2 c rolled oats, toasted (toast at 350 degrees until slightly brown,  ~12 minutes)
1 c roasted sunflower seeds
1 c roasted almonds, chopped
1 c pumpkin seeds, toasted (toast at 350 degrees until slightly brown, ~ 5-7 minutes)
3 cups of crunchy brown rice puff cereal (rice crispies are fine, or any similar alternative)
1 c of dried apples (cut or torn into smaller pieces)
1 c of dried cranberries
1 c of fresh almond butter
1 c of honey (local is better!)
1 tsp of sea salt
2 tsp of cinnamon

1. When all the items are sufficiently toasted, toss them with the brown rice crispies, apple pieces, and cranberries in a large bowl.

2. In a small saucepan, heat the almond butter and honey just to get melty, not cooked. (this is your glue ; if it boils or even comes close it gets hard and yucky) Stir in the salt and cinnamon, then pour over the oat/nut mixture and stir. You want to get everything incorporated and glued together with out crushing the tender crispies.

3. Turn into a 9x13 baking dish lined with parchment paper and press the mixture evenly and firmly. Again, trying not to crush the crispies too much. Cover the tray(s) with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours. Cut into 2 inch squares. Should make 30 2-inch bars.

Enjoy and Happy Autumn! 

Truly // Sarah

Oregon, you're a dream.

Oregon, I might love you, just a little. 

Truly // Sarah 

P.S. Yes, you saw right. I'm engaged to my favorite person.

Look at his photos of the trip at lensmanphotos.blogspot.com