may photo journal ♥ day nineteen ♥ at the moment

at the moment ...

~ reading ~

I've been in a bit of a reading slump since mid-March and honestly have only read one or two books since then, which totally isn't like me. This is due to reading the same genre for about five books in a row and burning myself out, dealing with some stressful things that have gone on this spring, and having a bit of a hard time finding a book that clicks with me. At the start of May, I decided to try and get back to it...because I was really missing my reading time at that point. So, at the moment, I've got three books going. One is the first in a family saga trilogy set a decade after WWII, another is a cozy mystery with magical elements, and the third is a Southern fiction novel about friendship, starting over, and opening yourself up to goodness again. I'm really enjoying all three...thankfully. Here's hoping that keeps up!

~ watching ~

My sister discovered two new-to-her shows earlier this year and has since shared them with my mom and me...and now, we all love them. Definitely new favorites in our house. They are Monk and Psych. Both comedy-mystery-crime dramas, which is honestly everything I could want in a show. We're about halfway through each series and very much enjoying them.

~ listening ~

Spotify playlists continue to bring me much joy, both in creating them and finding just the right songs that I want for the feeling I'm going for, and then, of course, listening to them afterwards. Right now, I'm listening to a playlist I made that I named "my inner world". This is a playlist of all the gorgeous film scores that I've come to love over the last handful of years. And these arrangements and such are exactly what my inner world sounds like in my mind and in the depths of my soul. This playlist beings me endless joy and delight and I listen to it every chance I get. You can check it out here if you like. I like to put it on shuffle because I didn't want to take the time to arrange the film scores so that the songs from one movie or series weren't all together. I should have, but that is a ton of work. And the shuffle button works just as well. I highly recommend listening to this playlist whilst cooking dinner, baking bread or cookies, cleaning or organizing or tidying your home, working on a creative project, playing board games or cards, journaling, reading (if you can listen to music while reading), folding laundry, pretty much anything. These musical arrangements really take the most ordinary of moments and tasks and make them feel like some sort of magic just got sprinkled down over you...and that may be a bit over-dramatic, but that's truly how it feels for me. Oh, and don't forget to light a candle!

~ making ~

Over the weekend, my "making" was a whole bunch of meal and snack prep in the kitchen. I'm studying and learning from the Nourishing Traditions book, which is very informative and somewhat daunting, if I'm honest. This weekend, I made black beans using the method in the book of soaking overnight for an extended period of time and then cooking the next day. We also soaked a bunch of raw peanuts, and they are currently in the dehydrator for a very, very, very long time...maybe up to 24 hours according to the recipe. Some are going to be for snacking and the rest are for homemade peanut butter. And that, I'm super-duper excited about! I also made an incredibly delicious soup for dinner on Sunday. I doubled the recipe so we'd have lots of leftovers for lunches throughout the week. It's a cauliflower-based broth with chicken and veggies. It is seriously divine!

~ words ~

I am rooted, but I flow.

(Virginia Woolf)

I stumbled upon that quote last week and it's been on my mind ever since. I'm a firm believer in being rooted and living a rooted life. In today's world of nomadic lifestyles and very much nonrooted living, in every sense of the word---morally, physically, mentally, emotionally, you name it--- my belief of being rooted gets reiterated just about every single day. Sometime I want to share my thoughts on this rooted life thing, but I know it will definitely be against the cultural norm and modern value system, so I am a bit hesitant to share. But I also know that several of you have so kindly reached out when I've shared my thoughts on rooted, gentle living in the past and shared how much you believe that yourself, so I know there are indeed kindred spirits out there. Let me know if that's something you'd like to read about. I will tell you it definitely goes against the hustle culture, more-is-better belief, constant travel (especially international) lifestyle, nomadic/don't have an address/live in a bus or RV trend, ultra-materialistic/consumerist and inauthentic tendencies of today and such.

Do share your "at the moments" with me in the comments below!

Until tomorrow...

may your Monday be filled with beauty at every turn!

some delightful things & hints of springtime

♥ reading some really great books...especially out in the fresh air and sunshine

One of the ways I've been nurturing myself is by reading really good books. I've been fortunate that all the books I've been picking up lately have all been so enjoyable. My March has been spent mostly reading middle grade stories as well as beginning a brick of a book, coming in at 977 pages. I've decided that instead of being overwhelmed by the length of the book and having it sit on my shelf forever, I would just read a few pages here and there and make bits of progress on it each day. I've especially been enjoying sitting outside in the shady goodness of our trees and reading some of my book. And another *huge* way I've been nurturing myself this month is by reading some lovely picture books. I'll be sharing more about my newfound favorites soon!

♥ the tiny buds poking through on our red bud tree and seeing daffodils beginning to bloom in our yard

I peeked out my window one afternoon, and there they were. Tiny violet-colored buds just beginning to poke through the tree branches. It's a yearly tradition for me to take my camera outside and have some picture-taking-fun once its fully in bloom, which shouldn't be too long now. We've also spotted tiny buttery daffodils in our yard as well as some random grape hyacinths. I'm also eagerly anticipating the periwinkle that grows in our ivy patches. 

♥ the gentle return of sandal-wearing season

We're having more days that call for sandal wearing, and that makes me so happy. There's nothing quite like a pair of six-year-old sandals that are so worn-in in all the right places that makes them feel like slippers. I am one person who wears my shoes out until they literally fall off my feet...I love that comfortable, worn in, familiar feel.

♥ making book lists

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been finding tremendous delight in making book lists. For so long, I had a tendency to see a book that sounded interesting to me and I'd either write down the title in a random notebook or on a scrap of paper or even take a screenshot of the cover with my phone. Then the titles would get lost in my phone photo album or in random notebooks and whatnot. Last spring, I made a little journal from a spiral notebook I got from Dollar Tree. In it I wrote out lists of all the books written by authors that I've either enjoyed or want to try out sometime. I then went through and added a little dot next to each title I owned, in order to make sure I didn't purchase it twice. And I went through a second time highlighting all the titles I've already read. This has been hugely helpful in organizing my many book lists.

A couple weeks ago, as I was watching a bookish video on YouTube, and was writing down a few titles that were recommended, it occurred to me that it would be awfully handy to have book lists of recommendations from bookish YouTubers that I enjoy watching. I only watch a couple channels regularly, with a few more as random watches here and there. I have been so enjoying spending some time in my evenings going through a few YouTube channels' backlog of videos and making some lovely book lists. I've already reserved a handful (or two!) of titles from my library from these recommendations. My lists include some wonderful recommendations from Amy of Hearth Ridge, Miranda Mills' List of Ultimate Comfort Reads (even though I really don't watch her channel anymore), and Kate Howe's 100 Life-Softening Books. So, needless to say, I've got a long list of recommendations to refer to, and best of all, they're all in one place and in some order, too.

♥ natural sunlight coming through the windows

I don't care what the weather is, I just love having natural light come through my windows. Open the curtains and let nature show her beauty, I say! But, I'll admit that the evening golden sunlight streaming in through the kitchen windows whilst I'm cooking dinner or washing dishes has been awfully wonderful. It just feeds my soul! It's not too bright and certainly not hot yet, but the golden hues are so lifegiving. It also doesn't hurt that I've been playing my favorite film scores nonstop in the kitchen, so it creates a mood and vibe that is perfection.

my most favorite stories of 2024 ♥

Happy New Year!

It's been a minute since I last posted, and I had fully intended on sharing more Christmas themed posts in December. And I know fully well that I did not post the book club gathering for December as well. Please forgive me. We had some personal things going on that needed our full attention which were quite stressful. I was barely hanging on by a thread for most of that time and just didn't have the capacity to write or share posts. Sometimes life happens and needs tending to, and that's why I've been away for a while.

But I am back today with a short and sweet post sharing my top five favorite stories from last year. These are books that I am literally still thinking about often even though I read them in the first seven months of 2024. They are the books that captured my heart. {{smiles}} 

And I do intend on starting my book club back up again in February. More on that in a few days.

So, pour a cup of something warm and soothing, curl up under a soft blanket, and enjoy this little bookish recap of 2024...

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

My 2024 Favorite Stories:

Ivy Lane was such a feel-good, hopeful, comforting read. I absolutely loved the characters and their little found family. This was a book that filled my soul to overflowing and just made me smile, and is what I would definitely call a "healing book". This was my very first book by Cathy Bramley, but it spurred me on to order a pile of her backlist because I just loved this one so much.

 The Telephone Box Library was a book that I couldn't put down. It had all the elements I love: quirky characters, a gorgeous English village setting, cozy vibes, multi-generational friendship, a bit of history and mystery, and a sweet and gentle romance. This book was totally different than I was expecting, yet everything I wanted and needed at the time; I was so sad when it ended. It was my perfect cup of tea in book form!

 A Place to Hang the Moon was recommended to me by my sister. She kept after me about this book and how much she just knew I would love it. And she was right! This is by far, hands down, one of the sweetest stories I've ever read. It's one of those books that makes you believe in the goodness of the world and that it still exists, and I love (and need!) those types of stories. I wish there were a hundred more books like this one because I'd have to read them all.

 Love and Other Great Expectations was quite the exception to my reading because I hardly ever read YA books. Aside from the stunningly gorgeous settings around the UK and the fun scavenger hunt aspect to the story, the thing that stands out the most to me is the main male character, Luke. He was such a breath of fresh air for a male character, and I really, really think more authors need to write more male characters like him. Just sayin'.

 Lost Lake is by a favorite author of mine. I'm working my way through her books and only have two left...and this one was such a enthralling, engaging, enchanting story. Sarah Addison Allen writes in a way that feels magical. Her storytelling skills are so amazing, and how she invites you into the story through her descriptions of the setting and such, you feel like you are actually there. This book was just a pure delight to read.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

What were your top five favorite reads from 2024? I'd love to hear what you loved about these stories that captured your heart!

five little things from august . . .

five little things from A U G U S T . . .

♥ reading an absolute delight of a story. I'll be sharing all about my summertime reads in a wrap-up post come autumn. 

♥ my sister's birthday dessert...pictured above. homemade chocolate chip skillet cookie made with wholesome ingredients, homemade maple date ice cream, homemade chocolate hardening syrup made with wholesome ingredients, freshly whipped cream sweetened with a drizzle of honey, and chopped pecans. obsessed.

♥ vera. i've slowly become obsessed with this show. i thought for a long time i preferred shetland, but now i'm changing my mind. i love them equally.

♥ chicken and rice. one of the simplest recipes on the planet but i just love it. come autumn and winter, it's going to be a regular...as if it's not already. simple really is the best, and this recipe just proves it. let me know if you want me to share the recipe.

♥ and violet. more on that next week, though. 

what are five little things from your august? do share!

 

jars of posies ♡ five little things ♡ june 27

Five little things from June . . .

♥ strawberry hibiscus iced green tea

We steep 3 bags of decaf green tea and 4 bags of strawberry hibiscus herbal tea (we get the Walmart store brand) for 15 minutes on the stovetop. Then we pour that into a gallon jug, top off with cold, filtered water, and enjoy over ice. It's my summertime obsession, and I cannot drink enough of it! So cooling and yummy and delightful!

♥ lightening bugs

Watching the little twinkles fluttering around our garden is no less magical now than it was when I was a little girl. Absolute summertime magic! I cannot imagine living somewhere without lightening bugs in the summer. 

♥ chickpea blondies 

Okay, okay. I know this sounds super weird, but before you turn your nose up at this recipe, hear me out. I do not like chickpeas. I hate them. Like, really, really hate them. But we have a few cans on our shelf that I'd rather not see go to waste, so I've been searching high and low for a recipe (or two) to try that sounds good. I went out on a limb here and totally took a risk and gave this recipe a shot. I was hopeful that I wasn't wasting ingredients, but sometimes you just have to take that chance. And very surprisingly, I was so glad I did!! These blondies are so delicious! There is no way anyone would ever guess there are C H I C K P E A S in them! I do recommend following the tip of allowing them to chill in the fridge for awhile after they cool in the pan. I let mine sit in the fridge overnight and I really think it helps the blondies be extra fudgy. And that's never a bad thing! I also used semi-sweet chocolate chips, and not vegan chips, I used mini ones which I think mixed in better than the regular sized ones. This recipe is totally going into our favorites section!

You can find the recipe here.

♥ tangerine and lime essential oils in the diffuser 

I do about 8 drops of tangerine and 3 drops of lime in my diffuser, top it off with water, and enjoy the summery scent. It is blissful!

♥ Gilmore Girls

I've been watching Gilmore Girls again lately before bed and it's still a favorite. Sometimes if you haven't seen a show in awhile, you wonder if you still love it as much as you did or if it's still a favorite, and yes, I still love it and it's still a favorite. {{smiles}}

What's brought you delight in June?  

jars of posies ♡ five little things ♡ may 30

Little delights from May . . .

♥ True Justice: Family Ties

We love mystery movies and Hallmark has made several of our favorite series. It's been awhile, however, since we watched a new Hallmark mystery that we really enjoyed. This one was so good! I absolutely love the vibe of this movie and the group of friends solving mysteries. It was for sure one of the best ones I've seen in a long time, especially considering that they are no longer making new movies in our favorite series. I really, really hope they make more in this series!

♥ nourishing banana bread

recipe coming in my next post! :)

♥ my evening mug of herbal tea

My current favorites are lemon balm, wild sweet orange, and hibiscus. The first and last teas are from Traditional Medicinals, and the second one is from Tazo. Favorite teas from favorite brands in a pretty mug with a bumble bee and ladybug on it with flowers...so perfect for summertime.

♥ Sunflower by Alice Peacock 🌻

I first heard this song on the movie, Because of Winn-Dixie, which is one of my all-time favorites. All the music in that movie is a vibe, and it never fails to make me smile. This song is perfect for summertime...I can't stop listening to it. 

♥ organic, all natural Hawaiian guava and citrus perfume roller

 

 I got this perfume roller a few years back at Sprout's and I totally forgot about it at the back of my cupboard. I found it and I'm loving using it every day! It's made from essential oils and doesn't have any crap in it...so big win! And on top of that citrus oils are great for relieving stress, and goodness knows I need all the help in that area I can get. Oh, and it's such a summery scent, too!

♥ adding to my DVD collection/library

 Earlier in May, our local thrift stores as well as the library were having sales. Not only did I get some amazing deals on a good selection of books and clothing, but I also scored big on so many DVDs. I absolutely love adding to my DVD collection and get the biggest thrill in seeing my library grow. The DVDs were $1 with 50% off at the library and 2.99 with 40% off at the thrift store. I even got several with the packaging still on them!

What are some of your delights from May?

jars of posies ♡ five little things ♡ april 25

Five things that delighted me in April...

♥ The Summer Hideaway by Jenny Hale

This was my second book by Jenny Hale and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Her books really evoke summer beachy vibes and I love that. Her romances are sweet and I've loved the characters in both the books I've read so far. She has a ton of books out there...both beachy summer reads and Christmas ones, too. And I am working my way through her novels. I really appreciate light, fun stories and she does them really well! 

♥ I am *really* loving the current seasons of Call the Midwife and Blue Bloods. I don't know if it's just me, but they both seem exceptionally well done this year. Of course, they are always amazing, but these episodes have been extra good. It is the final season of Blue Bloods, which is honestly extremely heartbreaking. It's such a special show for so many reasons and I absolutely do not want to see it end.

♥ Library Book Sales

April brought the annual book sale at the library, and we had such a fun afternoon perusing the selections. And of course, we came home with a stash of new-to-us books and movies to enjoy. To top it off, we went on half price day, so our deals became even better deals! I was beyond excited when I saw a book that had been on my list for a while and even though I'd had my eye open for it each time we went to a used book shop, I couldn't ever find it. Then, at the library sale, there it was, tucked among a row of other books. And I spotted it and grabbed it and nearly squealed with delight. Best of all, it was just one dollar! 

♥ As a treat one evening, we went out to Dairy Queen for ice cream. We tried their new cake batter dipped cone and I must tell you...it was so yummy! It's the perfect summer treat and best eaten in the air conditioning of the car. Ha!

♥ And finally, I have been listening to James Taylor's version of Up on the Roof on repeat. I literally cannot get enough of this song! I've loved it since I was a little girl, and his version is perfect. Do take a few moments and give it a listen on YouTube. Turn the volume up and just have a moment of happy. This song will make you smile, I guarantee you!

jars of posies ♡ five little things ♡ march 28

~ a collection of little things to delight ~

♥ Celtic Thunder's Odyssey ♥

I have been listening to this album nonstop since it came out in November. It is by far one of Celtic Thunder's best. The song choices, the arrangements, the vocals...it's literally perfection! It gives me ALL the feels. {{smiles}}

♥ A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus ♥

This was by far one of the most charming, heartwarming stories I've ever read. If you want a book that will fill you up, this is the book you need to read!

♥ Vera ♥

I've watched Shetland all the way through several times now and I wanted to go on and watch Vera. They are both TV series based on two book series by the same author. And the shows have similar vibes. While I do love Shetland just a bit more, Vera is loads of fun to watch and I'm really enjoying it.

♥ No Bake Brownie Turtle Cups ♥

We've been loving finding and trying new healthier recipes for snacks and treats this year. And this right here may very well be my absolute favorite so far! They are so ridiculously delicious! I'm craving one right now! You can find the recipe here.

♥ Daffodils ♥

What are your recent delights? 

jars of posies ♡ five little things ♡ january 21

... a collection of little things to delight ...

 

♥ The Mallorca Files ♥

After Christmas, my sister found this series on BritBox and we binged it over just a few days. We loved it! The setting is gorgeous, the characters are funny and the storylines grab your attention. I've seen that the third season is (hopefully!) supposed to be coming out later this year and we absolutely cannot wait! Highly recommend!

♥ Mushroom Cookies ♥

We have been focusing on making healthy treats instead of sweets full of refined sugars and such. My sister has done a fabulous job of finding several recipes that use bananas as the sweetener. And I was excited to find this recipe on a blog that I enjoy learning from. These are a simple cookie sweetened with honey, but boy, are they good! They also have mushroom powder in them, which is something I've been adding to my daily drinks/meals. I love using reishi mushroom powder in this recipe. And finally, before I baked these cookies, I placed a dark chocolate chunk in the center of each cookie dough ball. The flavor was so yummy! (I'm also trying to get used to dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, as dark chocolate has good health benefits.)

You can find the recipe for these delicious cookies here.

♥ Jo Dee Messina ~ Heads Carolina, Tails California ♥

I've been loving listening to 90's and early 2000s (and some 2010s) country music. I lived on this music as a teenager and for so long now, I've felt embarrassed and whatever for liking this music. But now I say, who cares! I can listen to whatever I like! And I am having the most fun listening to these songs that bring back sweet memories for me. This is one of them...if you want something fun to listen to, give this one a listen. This happy music makes my heart feel so alive!

♥ lavender, rosemary, and geranium ♥

I have been making this essential oil roller blend for a few years now and it may well be my favorite. I simply do equal parts of lavender, rosemary, and geranium oils and then fill the roller bottle up with fractionated coconut oil. It smells divine and I love it! All of these oils have calming, relaxing, soothing benefits. I don't wear perfume because this smells so lovely! And best of all, it's not full of crappy ingredients that are unhealthy for you. 

♥ Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce ♥

I have a small stack of books that I'm currently reading. I hope to share more on them soon. But in the meantime, I'll share about this story that is charming me in every way. I'm listening to the audiobook whilst I read along with the book. This is my very first audiobook experience and it's read by Anna Popplewell (Susan Pevensie from The Chronicles of Narnia) and she really does a phenomenal job making the story come to life and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Let's hope it continues to be wonderful!

What's delighting you currently, kindred spirits?