My Little Week

This past week has been rhythmic in a very new way. Each day looked the same, but yet very different.

After I read through the stack of school books piled higher than I would wish, take a few tests, speak in Gaelic, eat some way leftover hors doeuvres, and write some letters, I walk up the stairs with a very happy feeling of momentary bliss. After the chores of the day- so to speak- are checked off the list, it is time to get done the things that are fun, but necessary.   I spend the remainder of my day in the craft room, listening to books and watching old Dick Van Dyke shows while making many a gift for this holiday season. It isn't really easy to express the little happies that make your day worth it, but you all know the little thrills I am talking about. The smell of the Christmas tree, drinking hot coco and reading a book, singing and dancing. Life is worth it!

This was my little week.

My Sweet Sixteen Party

Friday, November 30th, was a very lovely night.

Daddy prepared a scavenger hunt which, I must admit, was slightly more challenging that very dark, dark night before the moon rose. However, running around with flashlights and friends in a frenzy of competitiveness really is a blast! When we had finished the hunt we were absolutely starving. We ate lots and lots of chips and dip and went back for seconds on the hors d'oeuvres...maybe thirds and fourths. We drank out of Ball jars with our names written nicely on the label, warmed ourselves by the fire, gazed at the stars, listened to Michael Buble, and even pulled out the line dances when the party began to wind down.

I forgot to make a wish over my candles.  But that didn't really matter. 

Photo credits: Kay Heritage

Thank you all for making my birthday so special!

The License

My early driving skills.

Clay and I check out this old truck.

I am thrilled.

The day finally came around and we walked in and came out with the piece of paper.  Long before my Sixteenth birthday I have been looking forward to getting my license. And now the day has come and gone, but has left behind a milestone in my life. One I will always remember.

Sixteen

Sixteen doesn't feel any different than fifteen, however, a happy birthday is always a happy birthday. If you have been around me at all, you would have know 43 days ago that my birthday was coming up. I get excited.  Maybe a little thrilled because I never would I think of it as "just another day".   So, all that to say: I am now sixteen. I am still enjoying what is left of my enthusiasm, and looking forward to getting my license even more than I looked forward to make-up, and earrings, or getting my braces off, my permit, thrilling vacations, and who knows what else! The main point, I hope, is very clear. I was so happy to turn sixteen. I loved fifteen, but now it is sixteen's turn to make me happy.

You will also know when I get my license. :)

  

After opening the gifts, we went shopping at the outlets for the whole day! Happy day! Then we came on home to welcome in my grandparents for the holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Regency Dance

It was a magical night. I felt like Elizabeth Bennet all surrounded with curls, roses, and candle light.  My dance card was attached to my fan, my shawl draping down, and a wonderful dance partner, all of which gave the evening excitement. The beauty was delightful with the over-all sense of being set back two hundred years.

After the dance demonstration at the Ships of the Sea Museum.

Photo credits Kay Heritage

Click here if you would like to see us dance!

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Happy happy happy fall weekend to you!

Sugar overdose, games galore, and face painting all-round!

Petting zoo. Face painting. Cotton candy. Sugar. Sugar. And a little bit more sugar. Blow up slides. Fun laughs. Hilarious costumes. Bubbles. Did I mention the candy?  Ring toss. Pizza. Happy times together with friends. Popcorn. Wonderfully cool weather and a beautiful night. 

This was our annual Fall Family night at our church. 

P.S. I am Audrey Hepburn.

today

Hannah's desk decorations. Very cute.

Today is just one of those days you are happy to be alive (if I may be cliche); this whole week to be quite honest. This may seem weird to you, but I absolutely love being busy. Like really busy. My little self is hopping around from place to place while most of my family is out of town, visiting friends and going back and forth, and back again.  I am getting to spend a little time with some of my friends and plod through school around their kitchen tables.  Thank you all for letting me interrupt your weeks!

Drinking tea, having shortbread, and working my way through history.

Next day. I got to enjoy spending it with my sweet friend Hannah. We basically enjoyed talking (a lot. hehe) between classes and made pizza on bread. De-lish.  Thank you for such a fun day, friend!

The tangled mess turned beautiful.

Via Martha Stewart

You stumble out of bed and wink open your eyes and see yourself in the mirror. Horrified, you clutch at the mop of hair that is laying in every direction but straight. You blink a couple times and wonder if you got struck by lightning, or the fairies, in a fit of mischief, knotted it up.  Then you give it up as lost, deal with it as best you can and hope no one looks too close.

Sadly, those days come too often  for my vanity. However, when you put on a touch of make-up and have enough time to do something with the "mop," you can walk out the door looking all right. In fact, pretty good. However, for those days when you are upset with your hair, have about zero time, but need to jerk it up with style for the day, I hope I bring you great news.
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Low French Braided Up-do

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A simple braid on the side or straight back, or add a twist with a fishtail braid (fishtails are very popular right now).

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Tutorial: here.

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French Braided Bun

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Elegant up-do

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Simple side bun

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Braided Bun

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There is hope! I am super excited about trying out these cute little up-dos! Play around.

Adventurous Beauty, Courageous Femininity

This was my alumni trip to Endeavor* and it was all the better for having experienced it before. I have to admit that knowing what is going on around me will ease my mind. That was the difference.  

Endeavor's vision is to impact these young ladies toward godly womanhood in a very well-rounded way; I would say it is successful. Shooting guns, Jell-O Twister, and fitness might stretch some, but the dressy side with the tour to the Ritz Carlton Tea, and cooking, will stretch others. Learning how to handle yourself in both formal and casual situations is a learning process we get exposed to.   

Did I mention the food? Oh, Y'all! You would start drooling if I described it to you, so I will just touch on it. Chicken salad croissants is a favorite of mine, but the chocolate mousse cups, blackened chicken topped cous-cous, and lemon scones rank right up there with it.

I love my new friends, I love the laughs, and I love Endeavor.

*See last year: 1,2,3,4,5

Team 1 before the shoot-off.

Thankfully, I improved with time. Possibly nicking one clay pigeon doesn't quite rank you with Annie Oakley. However, in the competition, I think I helped my team.

The two Zinnia teams tied for first place! Way to go girls!

Putting the finishing touches to the tables before the four-course dinner.  Beautiful night.

In the Ritz's backyard.

On our tour of the Ritz

 Tea at the Ritz.

 Having fun before session.

 The hangout place.

Luci! Great friends make the week memorable.

Autumn Favorites

 The leaves haven't been golden and red since the last time they hit the ground. My nose hasn't looked like a cherry, nor my hands needed gloves since last winter (which really is another season all together). It's the season of pumpkins, pears and apples. Open windows and breezy cold air. Boots, jeans and orange tops.  Clothing catalogs that repeat the need for coats.  Football games and party food. And when it gets cold enough down here in Savannah, I will be wrapped thoroughly in my favorite sweaters. I officially state that fall is my favorite season of all! Don't forget the hot chocolate and tea that awaits...

My little ole self about nine falls ago.

Peru

My brother came by after his week-long mission trip to Peru and showed us his 300 pictures, shared the local drink (taste: cross between bubble gum and banana Popsicle), brought home souvenirs (My Sis and I got sweet little purses), and told about the ancient temples they are currently excavating.  I liked it all, especially the part about the temples.  Anything ancient that is still hanging around (plus this being in good shape) wows me to no end. When I was younger I almost couldn't bear to listen to my Egyptian history because it amazed me so; I wanted to jump out of my seat and touch the pyramids. So I'm sharing a few of his pictures of Peru and of the historical site. I've never been to Peru, so this teeny glimpse was eye-opening.

 The temple.

House Happies

Nesting falls in the category of beautiful organization.  I am constantly inspired to do every cute thing that comes to my attention, but, alas, we can't do them all, can we?  It still doesn't keep me from having favorites that I put on my 'round-tuit' list.  Here is just the icing on the cake:

Geometric wall prints

Hang your keys

Bracelets on a bottle

Window organization

Pillows (with my new favorite pattern: chevrons)

Suitcase table

And other vintage house happies


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Here is a great article on organization.