My First Article!

You guys! I'm so excited to announce my involvement as a writer on Vhcle Magazine's new online blog, Vhcle Notes. My first article was posted today!!! It's about being a Westerner in Africa, particularly some insights on my experience as a traveler in Kenya last spring. Please go check it out & keep up with the new, the fabulous Vhcle Notes!

P.S. I met with one of the founders of Vhcle today, & some charity event planning just might be a possibility in my future... I'm stoked!

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Baby UGGs

How sweet are these miniature UGG boots for babies?? They make me want to tickle tiny toes.

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Vhcle magazine

["Cinch Cioat" by Christopher St. Leger, pages 058 & 059]

The latest issue of Vhcle magazine came out today. I'm completely in love with Christopher St. Leger's paintings (see one above), & there are some interesting, intelligent articles about art, fashion, music, & life. "Object and Context" by Tim Sunderman (on pages 026 to 029) really caught my attention; I keep reading & rereading it. I highly recommend that you head on over there & have a gander! Oh, & if you haven't checked out this mag before, take a look at some of their previous issues.

[polaroid by Katja Sonnewend, page 086]

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Quite a Quote: Backbone

"Stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone ought to be." -Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

I'm currently listening to this book on audiobook, & it is giving me imminent inspiration. Every word lightens my soul. I wish I could share the whole thing, but for now, here is a quote. Be strong, be your own, don't wait for what you want/need. What better day than today?

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Today, I have a new favorite cookie. Second only to the Snickerdoodle, in my book, is the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookie. I had some extra pumpkin puree & wanted to cheer up a friend, so I searched the nets for a cookie recipe & found this great one. Below is my amended version. They turned out so amazing! I rarely bake, but I definitely see myself making several more batches of these while pumpkins are still in season!

Ingredients:
2 cups pumpkin puree
1 cup raw sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 egg
2 cups whole wheat flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon milk
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (Next time, I'm trying cinnamon chips!)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional - I didn't put walnuts in this batch, but I think I will in the next one!)

Directions:
1. Combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, & egg. In separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, & milk. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture & mix well.
2. Add vanilla, chocolate chips, & nuts.
3. Drop by spoonful on greased cookie sheet (leave room between each spoonful - these puppies really grow!) & bake at 350 degree F (175 degrees C) for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly brown & firm.

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Ten Holiday Faves

In response to Arianna's post about things that make her happy during the holidays, I've put up some of mine!

1. The air: crisp, cool, fresh.
2. The smells: fires, evergreen, cinnamon.
3. Christmas lights: I love a tastefully done holiday decor, especially if it's simple white lights with a winter wonderland type theme.
4. Autumn seasonal produce: many varieties of squash, persimmons, tangerines, cranberries.
5. Layers: Style made easy (& cute).
6. Scarves: Fun to make, lovely to wear.
7. The attitude: Smiling strangers wishing a merry holiday season always brighten my day!
8. Comfort food: warm soups, homemade breads, hot apple cider.
9. Holiday gatherings: 'Nuff said!
10. Ugly Christmas sweaters: so out they're in.

What are some of yours? Head over to Arianna's blog & send her a link to your post!

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