Our Engagement

As most of you know Nate & I got engaged back in September on our trip to Oregon. It was the most perfect moment created. This man walked into my life a couple of years ago and made it so much better. I love him much. 

Last month, our dear and talented (not to mention beautiful) friend Kinsey ventured with us to Arkansas to capture some official Engagement Photos. Kinsey did an incredible job, of course. I had to share with you all way too many photo's from the shoot, because there are too many goodies to keep them all to my self. I hope you enjoy this little photo story. 

 Truly // Sarah

Reflecting & Looking Forward

2013 has held my favorite memories so far. Some of my most cherished memories were the ones I made in Italy in the Spring and Oregon in the fall. I have grown creatively, made some incredible new friends, Nathan and I got engaged, and I got to adventure more this year than I ever have. It was such an incredible year of growth & good things! 

2014 holds so much change and many hopeful things. 

There are many goals I wish to obtain, as well a huge life changes taking place. I will begin working on classes that go directly towards my degree this semester and I will be getting married in June, which marks a huge and exciting new chapter in our lives! Amongst many other resolutions and goals I have set for this year, I have many high hopes for this year. I believe it holds some truly amazing things.

I hope 2013 was memorable for you, friends. I pray blessings upon this next year for you, make 2014 the best one yet! 

Truly // Sarah

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