Fall Colors

One of the things that I love about Fall is seeing the leaves changing colors on the trees. It’s such an event in Michigan that people often travel to the northern part of the state where forests are plentiful, just to observe the show that Mother Nature puts on. This year, no travel was required for me. The cooler temps we have been experiencing these last few months really helped to make the leaves look more spectacular than ever. I wanted to share this photo that I took yesterday of a small tree that is just outside of the building where I work. I’ve been lucky in that I’ve been able to view the Fall Color show from my window while I work away all day!

"The Bobby Pin" Earring Giveaway

By now, most of us are aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Did you know that it is Domestic Violence Awareness month, too?? A customer of mine, Etsy supporter, and all around great gal named Natalie is trying to spread the word on her blog. I'm helping her out by donating a pair of purple earrings to be given away to one winner. In case you also didn't know, purple is the color used to symbolize this important cause. Click here to learn more about Natalie's giveaway.

Our Adventures in DC

I've been MIA, and that's because Mr. V and I took a trip to Washington D.C. It was part vacation/part American History class refresher, but seeing that we are both huge history buffs, we didn't mind in the least. In less than one week, we covered so much ground and saw most of this beautiful city and its amazing architecture, museums, and landmarks. Here are a few highlights from our adventures in the nation's capital. I snapped over 600 photos during the trip, but I'll spare you from having to sit through them all!

It rained for the first 3.5 days, which we were not prepared for, at all. Luckily a $15 umbrella from the Smithsonian got us through. Now we can sit back and laugh about our adventures in the DC rain. The reward for enduring all that rain was picture perfect weather during the last few days. Here's a shot of the sun shining on the reflecting pool, with the Lincoln Memorial in the background.

Everyone knows this structure ~ the Washington Monument.

Shop Update: New Items and Temporary Closure

It's been a crazy week and I've fallen behind on just about everything, including blogging. I did manage to list a few new items in my shop this evening, so be sure to check those out if you get a chance! Also, just a note that the shop will close beginning Monday, October 12, and will re-open on Friday, October 23. See you then!

Here's the Dish: Oatmeal Cookie Milkshake

This wonderful recipe was delivered straight to my inbox from the website Chow. If you've never visited this site, be sure to check it out. Not only can you find new recipes, but you can search by city to find local restaurants, and read what other members have to say about them. It's not often that I sign up to receive spam from a website, but this is one exception. I'm sure glad I did!

Oatmeal Cookie Milkshake

Combine 4 to 6 tablespoons milk, a dash of cinnamon, and 1 pint vanilla ice cream in a blender or a food processor fitted with a blade attachment. Pulse 8 to 10 times or until mostly smooth. Add 6 crushed crunchy oatmeal cookies* and pulse 5 times more. Layer with caramel sauce in a chilled pint glass and serve. Makes 1-2 Servings.

*Make sure you use the crispy oatmeal cookies, not the soft kind, otherwise they'll turn mushy.

10 Years!

Today is my 10th anniversary! Really, it is hard to believe ten years have passed since our wedding day. I remember every detail like it just happened. It was, and is, one of the happiest days of my life.

We were looking over our wedding photos so I thought I'd share one with you. I was crazy about flowers even then and insisted on a large bouquet ~ mine had splashes of purple (my favorite color!) in it.

Thanks for sharing ~ peace, love, and happiness always!