christmastime

Bits & pieces from Christmas! 1) my uncle brewed everybody's morning coffee and it was perfect! 2) christmas eve 3) my favorite place 5) grandpa really into his french toast. also pretty much the greatest man on earth! 6) christmas morning breakfast. french toast bake w/ raspberry sauce and fruit & coffee all day! 7) cinnamon rolls. I made those! 8) sophie metz being precious 9) flowery scarf gift 10) christmas tea w/my best friend + her littles (pretty much my nieces)... my last christmas to see them before they move to Africa. freaking love them. 11) dr. dog gifts! my favorite kind!

Christmas is one of those times when I'm just so extra in love with pretty much everything. I'm so thankful to have a family to share a meal with and laugh with. I don't take it for granted one single minute. Went to a super late christmas eve service this year with candles + old christmas songs and it was so peaceful. What a beautiful thing that God came to walk with us and love us and make a way for us. Thankful. ♥

" This morning, with her, having coffee. "

   -Johnny Cash, when asked for his definition of paradise. 

to me, joy is:

God.
seeing someone you love really happy.
hearing other people laugh.
exploring new places, new cities.
forgiveness.
laying on the floor listening to good records.
watching someone do what they truly love to do;
dreaming and creating
kindheartedness.
when you meet someone for the first time..
and it feels like you've known them your whole life.
good tea. extra tight hugs.
long drives at night with pretty tunes
ocean in my eyes and ears.

 Favorite things: making birthday surprises for best friends.   

peppermint patties!

So, weird story. I don't like or eat candy. Never have. Except for one kind...Junior Mints!! And so sometimes on Sunday's you're sitting at home killing 10 minutes on pinterest and your friend posts a recipe for peppermint pattites (aka really big junior mints!) and so you decide to go wander in the kitchen & make them because why not?!  They were so yum! Here's the recipe! 

Ingredients:
- 2  1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbs softened butter
- 2 tsp peppermint extract
- 3 tbs cream
- 1 bag chocolate chips (the darker the better)
- 3 tbs extra virgin coconut oil

In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, butter, peppermint extract, and cream. Beat until the candy comes together and feels like playdough. Add more powdered sugar until it no longer feels sticky. Roll out the dough on a surface of powdered sugar and cut into shapes. Chill/freeze. Melt chocolate and coconut oil together, and dunk the pieces! Store in fridge or freezer!