Walls! Adam has gotten some of the walls framed! (Photos to come as soon as I can figure out how to upload them from my phone, since we have not set up our computer yet).I cannot express how excited this makes us! To finally see OUR house take shape... to step "in" and feel the space. Oh, what a dream! I immediately envision the white washed salvaged wood walls, crisp white lines of the cabinets, the creamy light hue of the gorgeous counter tops (again, all salvaged), the gorgeous darkly stained hard wood floors, and the window... all the lovely Windows to make the space feel bigger than it really is! Clean, crisp, minimalistic, fresh... It gives me goosebumps. It will be the tiniest but the nicest house I have ever lived in since being married. And the first house (since I've been married) to have insulated floors! Yay! Lol
I am still trying so hard to simplify certain areas of our life. Clothing is proving to be difficult. I just want a lovely streamlined wardrobe that works hard but looks attractive. I have made a few dresses (with large pockets, which are a must when one has children) that I have been wearing over and over. It is getting easier to let stuff go so long as I can have a quality alternative to replace those items with. I am finding that for everyday life I like very minimalistic clothes that I can work in but still look good in in the event I need to run out for a bit. I am slowly seeing a new personal style emerge from this whole "simplifying" experience. The other area I struggle to simplify is the pantry. I really do like to cook, and I like to cook many different types of food. I am primarily gluten free and like to make my own flour blends. But this does lend to having a lot of different items on hand. I also like to soak my own beans and seeds, make ethnic foods (Indian, Asian, Latin, Italian, Scandinavian, etc) and I LOVE to cook vegetarian foods (except I usually have to find a way to include some sort of meat for my meat loving hubby and son). Nevertheless, I have a ton of ingredients on hand. And don't even get me started on my herbs and spices and teas. Nope... Not even going there! Hahaha
Overall, we are finding a profound freedom in living tiny. Living in this "vintage" camper is really helping us figure out what is really important and what we really need. Oddly enough the most valuable "things" are one another and just spending time together. What a joy!
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Taking the plunge
Well, here we are again: packing to move. You would think that it would get easier with every move... but it hasn't. It makes me weary and long for the day that I can move my belongings into a house of our own. Yet, we have continued to simplify our life and that feels good. The kids toys are becoming used in much more creative ways now that they have less. My wardrobe is becoming more likeable and simpler (even though I still like a very wide variety of styles... those styles seem to be meshing a lot more now). The kitchen is becoming a more organized and even a bit more streamlined. Slowly, slowly the clutter is fading into purposeful organization. Slowly. And hopefully by the time the tiny house is done it will have been almost perfected.
The Tiny House
We have sub-floor down, plumbing in, and now the underneath side of the trailer insulated with closed cell spray foam. Adam pick it up from the shop yesterday and we are so thrilled that we can NOW begin framing. We have all the windows that we need (I think) and a French door that we need to figure out how to convert to an out swing door. We are both praying that the Lord will enable us to be able to move into the tiny house before fall... and maybe even before August.
The Land
I have panted a garden. So far I have fava beans, peas, carrot, spinach, lettuce, radishes, and kale growing. And now that April is here I need to get the rest of the garden planted. I am so eager to be out at the property (which I like to call Hickory Hill) full time so that I can really devote more time to the garden. Adam made me the sweetest garden shed out of old door (per my request). I need to paint the trim and finish it... but it serves it's purpose well as is. I have been slowly tidying the little areas of flowers that were already somewhat developed before we bought the land. It is really starting to look like someone finally cares.
The Vintage Camper
I add the word "vintage" to make it sound way more romantic than it really is. Plus it helps me get into a more positive mindset about it. Adam has re-paneled the bedroom and laid down "new" (read salvaged) flooring. So it now looks 1,000 times nicer that it did before. I have gotten most of the cabinets painted and my mom helped me paint the rest of the walls. It really brightens the place up. And adding lace curtains helps is look kinda shabby chic. We have been staying in it more and more and plan to move into it full time next week. After spending some time cooking in the camper I am convinced that my tiny house kitchen will be absolute luxury!
Despite of the craziness of our life, and the cluttered yard, we are all much more content out at Hickory Hill. We can be outside all we want. And we all practically live outside. I will even have an outside clothes washing area complete with an amazing 1968 Hoover spin-dry Automatic Washing Machine, similar to one that my mom used when she was first married! It is an adventure. I feel kinda like a pioneer. At times I am terrified, but most of the time I know that the Lord is in total control and I am excited to see what He has planned next for us.
The Tiny House
We have sub-floor down, plumbing in, and now the underneath side of the trailer insulated with closed cell spray foam. Adam pick it up from the shop yesterday and we are so thrilled that we can NOW begin framing. We have all the windows that we need (I think) and a French door that we need to figure out how to convert to an out swing door. We are both praying that the Lord will enable us to be able to move into the tiny house before fall... and maybe even before August.
 |
| Working on the sub-floor |
The Land
I have panted a garden. So far I have fava beans, peas, carrot, spinach, lettuce, radishes, and kale growing. And now that April is here I need to get the rest of the garden planted. I am so eager to be out at the property (which I like to call Hickory Hill) full time so that I can really devote more time to the garden. Adam made me the sweetest garden shed out of old door (per my request). I need to paint the trim and finish it... but it serves it's purpose well as is. I have been slowly tidying the little areas of flowers that were already somewhat developed before we bought the land. It is really starting to look like someone finally cares.
 |
| My adorable shed... thanks to Adam and my dear Dad. |
The Vintage Camper
 |
| Granted it looks messier when we are all actively in there... but it cleans up super fast! |
Despite of the craziness of our life, and the cluttered yard, we are all much more content out at Hickory Hill. We can be outside all we want. And we all practically live outside. I will even have an outside clothes washing area complete with an amazing 1968 Hoover spin-dry Automatic Washing Machine, similar to one that my mom used when she was first married! It is an adventure. I feel kinda like a pioneer. At times I am terrified, but most of the time I know that the Lord is in total control and I am excited to see what He has planned next for us.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
New project!
A while back I saw a fabulous Anthropologie dress. I found out it was called the River Fade dress. But I discovered it well after it it had been in stores and well after it had been on sale (which is the only way I would have been able to afford it to begin with). I pinned the photo thinking that I could make a dress that was similar. I have been searching for the prefect pattern for months now and nothing had come close... until I found the Cinema Dress from Leisel & Co. It is the closest I have been able to find. Now I have yet to find the fabric that would enable me to replicate the dress from Anthro and make a few alterations to the pattern to match. But I decided that I should go ahead and make up the dress per the pattern. (Well... expect I can't seem to do anything by the exact instructions, whether it is sewing, crafting, or cooking.)
I had a gift card that my aunt sent to me for my birthday, get this, four years ago. It finally came in the mail... four years late and because it was one of those prepaid visa gift cards that begins deducting $2.00 every month after a year of inactivity it had a $0 balance (much to my dismay). I called the number on the back and told them my story. The rep on the other end wasn't very kind... but a few days later I had $15 back! Yay! So what does this have to with my story? Well it was the amount that need to buy the pattern, which I did. Then I had some other birthday money that I used to buy some gorgeous mustard yellow 100% cotton fabric that I found at the local fabric store. And it was half off since it was a remanent! Plus I have birthday money left over! Wooohooo! So yesterday I spent every moment I could making a dress. And it is glorious. So comfy and flattering. It hides that mama pooch that I am looking forward to diminishing (but can't right now due to nursing). I made the dress to button down the front and not the back, changed the sleeve finish from a cuff to simple pleated and hemmed edge, and moved the pockets from the "belly" seams to the side. It was the easiest pattern to sew and alter and I really didn't have to alter the dress to fit my body (like I have had to with so many other patterns). I nipped it in the waist a touch since the fabric chose made it look a bit too boxy. But if I use a fabric with a much more soft drape/ hand I don't think I will even need to do that next time. And yes... I am planning a whole slew of these dresses – a linen one, a hand stitched jersey knit one, a chambray one with big patch pockets, a floral one with big pockets, etc. I think it will be my go to dress. So I am sure this will not be the only time that I write about this fabulous pattern. And when I get to recreating the lovely Anthro dress I will be sure to include lots of photos!
It is currently waiting for buttons. I know I have some that would be perfect for it... but they are some where in storage and haven't been uncovered yet. Hmmmmm
I had a gift card that my aunt sent to me for my birthday, get this, four years ago. It finally came in the mail... four years late and because it was one of those prepaid visa gift cards that begins deducting $2.00 every month after a year of inactivity it had a $0 balance (much to my dismay). I called the number on the back and told them my story. The rep on the other end wasn't very kind... but a few days later I had $15 back! Yay! So what does this have to with my story? Well it was the amount that need to buy the pattern, which I did. Then I had some other birthday money that I used to buy some gorgeous mustard yellow 100% cotton fabric that I found at the local fabric store. And it was half off since it was a remanent! Plus I have birthday money left over! Wooohooo! So yesterday I spent every moment I could making a dress. And it is glorious. So comfy and flattering. It hides that mama pooch that I am looking forward to diminishing (but can't right now due to nursing). I made the dress to button down the front and not the back, changed the sleeve finish from a cuff to simple pleated and hemmed edge, and moved the pockets from the "belly" seams to the side. It was the easiest pattern to sew and alter and I really didn't have to alter the dress to fit my body (like I have had to with so many other patterns). I nipped it in the waist a touch since the fabric chose made it look a bit too boxy. But if I use a fabric with a much more soft drape/ hand I don't think I will even need to do that next time. And yes... I am planning a whole slew of these dresses – a linen one, a hand stitched jersey knit one, a chambray one with big patch pockets, a floral one with big pockets, etc. I think it will be my go to dress. So I am sure this will not be the only time that I write about this fabulous pattern. And when I get to recreating the lovely Anthro dress I will be sure to include lots of photos!
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Land
Shortly before I had my daughter, when we still lived in the West Nashville house, we found some property in Fairview, TN. The owner offered this little 1.5 acre plot for $9,000 (he had been asking for $18,000). We had been paid $10,000 for moving out of the East Nashville house and Adam felt the need to tithe on it... leaving us with $9,000. It seemed too good to pass up (well, at the time it seemed that way to Adam; I wanted nothing to do with the property). So we bought it. Our hopes were to move a tiny home onto it, then time began running out and we bought a vintage RV camper only to find out that it was in way worse shape than we had initially thought (more about that sometime later). But the Lord worked a miracle and provided a small apartment for us to live in while we planned what to do with the land.
The property (which I have named Hickory Hill) has water, electricity, and a septic. Only... the septic is now illegal and we were told that we have to put a new one in. Adam build a permanent 'H' frame for the electricity. Meanwhile we have gone from one idea/ plan to another – strawbale (which is my absolute favorite), small shed/cabin type structure with a loft, back to a tiny home. It has been a roller coaster of ideas... a "schizophrenic" at times. People are constantly asking what we are doing and we tell them one thing one week and another thing the following week. It is very clear that we haven't a clue what to do. Our funds, unfortunately, are limited and the local county codes limit us even more. It is frustrating to be told that even the cleanest, most environmentally safe plans are not acceptable. We just want to live freely, with out any hassle. And, as tempting as it is just to do what we want, we would like to stay within "codes" to live without the fear of "getting-into-trouble".
Today, I have realized (yet again) that the Lord is in control. We can plot and plan but ultimately the Lord is in control. It is a hard lesson for an American Christian to accept. We have become so inundated with what society says we should have (comfort, luxury, space, convenience, etc) that we really don't know what it is to live "by faith." That faith (that is, faith in the Almighty God) is not something that is "comfortable" or "convenient", it is raw; the complete surrender of one's entire self... which includes all plans, hopes, and dreams, etc. It is not always rosy and warm. But it provides EVERYTHING one needs. WE have EVERYTHING we need right now and then some. When the Lord wants us to move He will provide and all these random pieces of our life will come together to make something uniquely beautiful. Lord help my impatience!
Until then, I am slowly learning to recognize and love the gifts the Lord gives to us on a daily basis. Even in a three windowed 585 square foot apartment (hey! at least we have windows!).
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Overwhelming...
The word of the year. At least for us.
Our lives have be turned upside down in so many ways. Started with moving from a packed 1300 sq ft house (with a full basement) in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance of practically everything to a 1500 sq ft house on a super busy street and walking distance to major conveniences to moving yet again, this time into a 585 sq ft basement apartment in a very quiet neighborhood where we can only walk to a small park. All of this happened whilst I was pregnant and post birth. It all seems kinda jumbled in my mind; like it has been 5 years in one (expect we all only aged a few months).
Overwhelming...
Each time we had to move we have had no idea where we would go next, yet God provided miraculously at the last minute with each move. And with each move we have begun to realize what is important to us and what we can live without. We began to realize that we were beginning to become controlled by "things". We discovered the living "small / tiny" movement and felt it calling our names. We discovered how living close (literally) to each other has strengthened our relationships. We have discovered (even though we have heard it thousands of times) that God's plans are bigger and better; that He will provide ALL of our needs and even some of our desires. Faith. A simple word with such depth of meaning.
Faith. A bit like a black hole. Once you truly commit yourself to faith it sucks you in and transforms you. But you have to be willing to fully commit or you will miss the beauty of not being in control. Something that I am still learning. But with a rough pregnancy, two moves, and major down sizing I feel like it is getting easier.
I want to share so much. I apologize in advanced if some of it seems jumbled and a bit confusing. I, myself, and still reeling from all of the changes. But I hope that by sharing what the Lord has done for us I will be able to maintain a thankful heart and bless others in the process.
It is messy, as most works in progress are. I can't see the entire picture yet. It is still a work in progress, I have to keep reminding myself. A wonderful, amazing, original work of art lovingly being hand crafted by God. If that isn't humbling... then I don't know what is. Praise God for humility and for grace.
Our lives have be turned upside down in so many ways. Started with moving from a packed 1300 sq ft house (with a full basement) in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance of practically everything to a 1500 sq ft house on a super busy street and walking distance to major conveniences to moving yet again, this time into a 585 sq ft basement apartment in a very quiet neighborhood where we can only walk to a small park. All of this happened whilst I was pregnant and post birth. It all seems kinda jumbled in my mind; like it has been 5 years in one (expect we all only aged a few months).
Overwhelming...
Each time we had to move we have had no idea where we would go next, yet God provided miraculously at the last minute with each move. And with each move we have begun to realize what is important to us and what we can live without. We began to realize that we were beginning to become controlled by "things". We discovered the living "small / tiny" movement and felt it calling our names. We discovered how living close (literally) to each other has strengthened our relationships. We have discovered (even though we have heard it thousands of times) that God's plans are bigger and better; that He will provide ALL of our needs and even some of our desires. Faith. A simple word with such depth of meaning.
Faith. A bit like a black hole. Once you truly commit yourself to faith it sucks you in and transforms you. But you have to be willing to fully commit or you will miss the beauty of not being in control. Something that I am still learning. But with a rough pregnancy, two moves, and major down sizing I feel like it is getting easier.
I want to share so much. I apologize in advanced if some of it seems jumbled and a bit confusing. I, myself, and still reeling from all of the changes. But I hope that by sharing what the Lord has done for us I will be able to maintain a thankful heart and bless others in the process.
It is messy, as most works in progress are. I can't see the entire picture yet. It is still a work in progress, I have to keep reminding myself. A wonderful, amazing, original work of art lovingly being hand crafted by God. If that isn't humbling... then I don't know what is. Praise God for humility and for grace.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Waxed Cotton
I can hardly believe that September is already here. It came too fast. Although I am thrilled about cooler weather! I love having the windows open!
Last month we met my family in North Conway, NH for a much needed vacation. Years ago my family used to vacation in North Conway and I have nothing but good memories of the area. Well... almost. The black flies are quite awful, but other than everything else is wonderful! Adam trained each day for his AMGA Rock Instructor exam (that he took the following week) but we had time in the evenings to be together. During the day my family would explore the area and reminisce. There was one day that it rained so Adam and my Dad could not climb. My mom, sister and I decided to take advantage of the day and leave Mo with the guys while we went thrift shopping. We also make a point to visit the April Cornell outlet. It is a good thing there is not one closer! They had amazing deals! I walked away from the store with a dress and an awesome sample bundle (which consisted of linens from past collections put on a ring and sold for $10). The whole day was a much need respite as the summer had proven to be quite awful leading up to our trip (more on that in another post). Anyway... I could go on about our trip to NH. I will eventually get some photos uploaded to share a bit of our trip with you.
The following week my family and I headed to IN while Adam stayed in NH to take his exam. On the way to my parents house we stopped by the Vermont Country store. It was a much needed break from a long drive. While there I came across some waxed cotton food covers/ wraps. I forgot to look who made them but once I got home my wheels began to turn. So this week, with a beeswax donation from the kind owner of Thrive in Nashville, I attempted to recreate what I saw. I have to say that I was a bit skeptical at first... but I have been using the covers I made now for a few days and really like them! I can hardly wait to buy more beeswax and make more. They are so fun to make! I used my iron to melt the wax into the cotton. I had read about using the oven but I ended up liking the results of the iron better.
To make the covers you will need:
• 100% cotton, cut in circles to fit bowls and some cut in large squares for sandwiches and bread (I cut one about 10x10, and another 11x17)
• beeswax, grated (although after grating beeswax I think I will buy pellets next time)
• parchment paper
• iron
• scrap material (like an old bed sheet)
1. Drape the bed sheet over your ironing board and top with one layer of parchment paper
2. Lay your fabric on top of the parchment and sprinkle with beeswax.
3. Top with a piece of parchment to cover the whole piece of fabric.
4. Iron on medium high until the wax in absorbed into the fabric (adding more beeswax if necessary).
5. Hang to dry.
Store your finished product with folded or rolled. I have mine rolled and placed in a vintage pitcher. Clean with a damp cool cloth.
Have fun!
Last month we met my family in North Conway, NH for a much needed vacation. Years ago my family used to vacation in North Conway and I have nothing but good memories of the area. Well... almost. The black flies are quite awful, but other than everything else is wonderful! Adam trained each day for his AMGA Rock Instructor exam (that he took the following week) but we had time in the evenings to be together. During the day my family would explore the area and reminisce. There was one day that it rained so Adam and my Dad could not climb. My mom, sister and I decided to take advantage of the day and leave Mo with the guys while we went thrift shopping. We also make a point to visit the April Cornell outlet. It is a good thing there is not one closer! They had amazing deals! I walked away from the store with a dress and an awesome sample bundle (which consisted of linens from past collections put on a ring and sold for $10). The whole day was a much need respite as the summer had proven to be quite awful leading up to our trip (more on that in another post). Anyway... I could go on about our trip to NH. I will eventually get some photos uploaded to share a bit of our trip with you.
The following week my family and I headed to IN while Adam stayed in NH to take his exam. On the way to my parents house we stopped by the Vermont Country store. It was a much needed break from a long drive. While there I came across some waxed cotton food covers/ wraps. I forgot to look who made them but once I got home my wheels began to turn. So this week, with a beeswax donation from the kind owner of Thrive in Nashville, I attempted to recreate what I saw. I have to say that I was a bit skeptical at first... but I have been using the covers I made now for a few days and really like them! I can hardly wait to buy more beeswax and make more. They are so fun to make! I used my iron to melt the wax into the cotton. I had read about using the oven but I ended up liking the results of the iron better.
To make the covers you will need:
• 100% cotton, cut in circles to fit bowls and some cut in large squares for sandwiches and bread (I cut one about 10x10, and another 11x17)
• beeswax, grated (although after grating beeswax I think I will buy pellets next time)
• parchment paper
• iron
• scrap material (like an old bed sheet)
1. Drape the bed sheet over your ironing board and top with one layer of parchment paper
2. Lay your fabric on top of the parchment and sprinkle with beeswax.
3. Top with a piece of parchment to cover the whole piece of fabric.
4. Iron on medium high until the wax in absorbed into the fabric (adding more beeswax if necessary).
5. Hang to dry.
Store your finished product with folded or rolled. I have mine rolled and placed in a vintage pitcher. Clean with a damp cool cloth.
Have fun!
Thursday, June 12, 2014
The other day as we were going to church I noticed a gorgeous elderflower bush in bloom alongside of the road. On the way home we stopped so that I could gather a few elderflowers to make syrup. I had been craving it for a few weeks. Growing up my Mom used fragrant flower for so many flavorful delicacies. One of which was elderflower syrup which she added to sparkling water for us to sip on hot summer days. I loved it. Lightly floral and scented with a touch of lemon... ahhh, yes.
I was a bit nervous about making the syrup as it had been years since I had helped make it. But it was quite simple. I added some sugar and lemon zest to a heat proof jar added the flowers (I had only picked about 3 huge heads) then covered it with boiling water. I then shook the bottle til the sugar dissolved and let it steep overnight. The next morning I was greeted with beautiful golden nectar with that delicate yet unmistakable flavor. The childhood memories rush back in a instant. Bliss.
Today I (along with my little helper) worked very hard in our vegetable garden garden. Once we got cleaned up from our sweaty labors, and Mo went down for a much needed nap, I wanted a yummy drink. Upon perusing the fridge for ingredients I ended up pulling out a small bottle of Bolthouse mango juice, elderflower syrup, and some San Pellegrino sparkling water. Let me tell ya... the combo was the perfect post gardening refreshment. If by any chance you may find the same ingredients in your cooler I highly recommend combining the three!
Mango Elderflower Spritzer
1/2 cup mango juice
1/8 cup (or to taste) Elderflower Syrup
1/2-1 cup sparking water of choice
Add all ingredients to a tall glass and gently stir. Enjoy!
Elderflower Syrup (small batch)
3-5 fully bloomed elderflower heads (remove as many stems as you can)
1.5-2 cups sugar
1 scant Tablespoon lemon zest
boiling water
Add sugar, zest, and flowers to a 1 litre/ 34 oz. bottle (I love my Quattro Stagioni milk bottles for small batches like this. Slowly add the boiling water to the bottle. Wrap a towel around the bottle and gently shake until the sugar is dissolved. Let it set overnight or up to two days. Strain the liquid and refrigerate for up to week (if it lasts that long!). Enjoy!
I was a bit nervous about making the syrup as it had been years since I had helped make it. But it was quite simple. I added some sugar and lemon zest to a heat proof jar added the flowers (I had only picked about 3 huge heads) then covered it with boiling water. I then shook the bottle til the sugar dissolved and let it steep overnight. The next morning I was greeted with beautiful golden nectar with that delicate yet unmistakable flavor. The childhood memories rush back in a instant. Bliss.
Today I (along with my little helper) worked very hard in our vegetable garden garden. Once we got cleaned up from our sweaty labors, and Mo went down for a much needed nap, I wanted a yummy drink. Upon perusing the fridge for ingredients I ended up pulling out a small bottle of Bolthouse mango juice, elderflower syrup, and some San Pellegrino sparkling water. Let me tell ya... the combo was the perfect post gardening refreshment. If by any chance you may find the same ingredients in your cooler I highly recommend combining the three!
Mango Elderflower Spritzer
1/2 cup mango juice
1/8 cup (or to taste) Elderflower Syrup
1/2-1 cup sparking water of choice
Add all ingredients to a tall glass and gently stir. Enjoy!
Elderflower Syrup (small batch)
3-5 fully bloomed elderflower heads (remove as many stems as you can)
1.5-2 cups sugar
1 scant Tablespoon lemon zest
boiling water
Add sugar, zest, and flowers to a 1 litre/ 34 oz. bottle (I love my Quattro Stagioni milk bottles for small batches like this. Slowly add the boiling water to the bottle. Wrap a towel around the bottle and gently shake until the sugar is dissolved. Let it set overnight or up to two days. Strain the liquid and refrigerate for up to week (if it lasts that long!). Enjoy!
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