Over the year I've been absent, you (if there are still any yous out there) may have wondered:
Where has she been?
What is going on?
Why is she blogging? (is it still called blogging?!)
and for those of you who accidentally stumbled upon this blog looking for something else entirely:
Who are you?!
Let me answer the last question first: I'm Whitney and I'm back! You'll have to stick around to find out more about me from my blog if you really want to know!
As for the other questions, maybe this little blurb will answer those pressing questions (because we ALL have them!)
To start, I really can't remember why I originally started blogging in 2010. I just wanted to share! Is that so wrong? One thing I can remember though, is that I actually enjoyed the blogging process for some time (3 years guys!!). Then as if someone suddenly turned off a light, my joy for blogging stopped. I was done. I tried to keep it going for a while, but it (and let's be honest....life) felt strained and overwhelming. I was burned out and desperately searching for something, anything to talk about that mattered. But I couldn't find it. I was lost. So one day, I just stopped. Not only did I stop blogging but I even stopped reading many of the blogs that for one reason or another inspired me to blog. I felt some relief for a while. No more blog responsibility for me! No more connection. Whitney out!
I hung out around Facebook for a while, then got bored. Not my thing. But then I discovered Instagram. Ah Instagram! There I reconnected with friends AND bloggers I had missed out on for some time. They inspired me to search out new and exciting ideas, places, etc. Only then did I feel the void my blogging hiatus had left.
Then a year later a friend and fellow blogger decided to start up her own blog and she inspired me to be brave and take on this blog monster again (check her blog out at: simplyfinelife.com).
So that's what I'm doing! I'm trying to be brave and starting up this blog once again.
With that being said, I'm looking forward to reconnecting with those of whom I've lost along the way and starting anew!
Because every day brings a new adventure! Why not start now?
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Betty Crocker's old timey bread
As of late, memories have become pretty important to me. When the leaves have fallen and the slight chill of Fall has come to stay, one of the many memories that always comes to mind is that of my mom putting together homemade, white bread. It was always almost magical to watch her add the yeast to the warm water, to be followed by salt, sugar and flour. She would mix and knead and form it into the magical dough ball. Then she would cover it and set it in front of the ol' wood stove and to rise. Then...the magic began. It would grow twice its size and all I wanted to do was at least touch it. But I couldn't. I wouldn't dare! But that was my mom's job. She would punch it down and let it rise. Just. One. More. Time. Then my mom would put the dough into the oven and the dough began to transform into bread and the smell...OH the smell, was heavenly. And the taste of warm bread with melted butter...almost sinful.
Anyway, when it gets cold outside, I think about bread. THE bread. This time, I couldn't just think of the bread. I had to make it. I found the recipe in a revised, yet still vintage, Betty Crocker cookbook.
Some of my grandmother's best recipes have come from cookbooks of this vintage, so I couldn't pass it up. If you're interested in trying it out, here's a link to the recipe I found: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/gold-medal-classic-white-bread/20967ff8-467c-4445-99b4-b3a97a554dd2.
It made a pretty delightful smelling and tasting bread. Try it out! I think you'll be happy you did! I am...
Anyway, when it gets cold outside, I think about bread. THE bread. This time, I couldn't just think of the bread. I had to make it. I found the recipe in a revised, yet still vintage, Betty Crocker cookbook.
It made a pretty delightful smelling and tasting bread. Try it out! I think you'll be happy you did! I am...
For those we've lost but will never forget
It's almost 1 in the morning and I'm sleepy, but not asleep. I know I should go to bed, rest my messy head, but I can't. I can't stop thinking about everything and nothing at the same time. This post may not make any sense when I read it tomorrow, but I can't not write.
Yesterday and today, I had crazy-busy, fulfilling and productive days. I felt like I accomplished things. Little things and big things. I was able to let people I both love and care about know I care in small ways through small acts. Lately that seems to be all I can manage. But I feel like it's more important to do that now, while I can. Also today, I went for a leisurely bike ride with Aaron, where I soaked up the last warm rays of fall before the cold sets in and had one of our chats that I've come to love. Then, I came home and raked leaves, then baked bread from scratch. So many of these things reminded me of moments from my past and little memories I had saved in my quickly-depleting brain. But these memories, of crunching leaves and the smell of baking bread and the sounds of confidential talk are important. They brighten things up a bit, you know?
It's good to be busy. And to keep yourself busy. But sometimes? Sometimes all you want to do is just stop. I don't mean this in a morbid, I want to end it all kind of way. Just a put your little, insignificant life on hold for a bit so that you can catch your breath, then really breath- deep satisfying breaths and start again, refreshed. To pause and take time to notice the short but amazing small moments that make this life bearable. They are called memories, and only you can make and keep them. But really, all you can do, have to do, is just keep going. Things will not be put on pause. They won't even slow down. Because, this messy, unpredictable life as we know it brings such joy and such sorrow. Things (relationships, places, people) that were solid and impenetrable one day, are gone the next. Poof- just like that. And to this day, I'm not so sure how to handle it. I've noticed I avoid and try not to think about these things, these feelings, because they make me sad...so sad. But maybe that's not the best way. Because when you stop moving, it's all there... still waiting for you.
Like my grandfather, Papa. He was born in 1919 so that makes him 94 now. Even though he has reached such a remarkable age, for the past couple of years, he has not been the Papa of my memory. Slowly, but surely, he has left us. Physically, he's still there. But he has dementia (it smacks of Alzheimer's disease) that has ruined his once solid, detail oriented memory. More than not, he doesn't know who my grandmother, Nanny, is anymore than he knows who I am. Sometimes she is his sister, or my mom is not his child and I am his niece. But we are not his "kin" or people he adores anymore. He used to tease us and torment us, but we always knew that he would give us the world if he could have. We are now strangers, always introducing ourselves to a man just as much a stranger. We frustrate each other trying to make sense of it all. It used to break my heart (even though I would put on a brave face and laugh it off) and I used to try to find ways to justify it one day or try to fight it the other. But I can't anymore. For now, it's the new normal and all we can do is wait. All we can do is try to make the best out of the situation, take every day as it comes and just keep moving forward. But I can never forget my good times shared with him and what a great Papa he has always been. Never.
Another example is a dear friend in our congregation who recently lost her husband to cancer. It moved fast and was ferocious and took him much too quickly. They were expecting it to take him, but really, who is ready to let go of a dear and loved one? No one. But they have good memories of him to hold on to. I have good memories of this man because he was an amazing husband and good, good man. Again, all we can do now, is wait and cling to those memories.
Hmm? What's that you ask? Wait? Wait for what? Wait for better times promised in the Bible. Revelations 21:3, 4 promises that there will be a time when " he (God) will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” I believe that as much as I believe the sun will come up every morning and give way to the moon every night. Because without that hope and that promise, then what's the point of moving ahead?
So for now, all I can do is cling to the good memories and continue to try my hardest to make more good memories for myself and others. All we can do is cling to the promises held out to us and pray for the strength and comfort to cope. After all, that's the good stuff and what it (this crazy life) is all about.
Yesterday and today, I had crazy-busy, fulfilling and productive days. I felt like I accomplished things. Little things and big things. I was able to let people I both love and care about know I care in small ways through small acts. Lately that seems to be all I can manage. But I feel like it's more important to do that now, while I can. Also today, I went for a leisurely bike ride with Aaron, where I soaked up the last warm rays of fall before the cold sets in and had one of our chats that I've come to love. Then, I came home and raked leaves, then baked bread from scratch. So many of these things reminded me of moments from my past and little memories I had saved in my quickly-depleting brain. But these memories, of crunching leaves and the smell of baking bread and the sounds of confidential talk are important. They brighten things up a bit, you know?
It's good to be busy. And to keep yourself busy. But sometimes? Sometimes all you want to do is just stop. I don't mean this in a morbid, I want to end it all kind of way. Just a put your little, insignificant life on hold for a bit so that you can catch your breath, then really breath- deep satisfying breaths and start again, refreshed. To pause and take time to notice the short but amazing small moments that make this life bearable. They are called memories, and only you can make and keep them. But really, all you can do, have to do, is just keep going. Things will not be put on pause. They won't even slow down. Because, this messy, unpredictable life as we know it brings such joy and such sorrow. Things (relationships, places, people) that were solid and impenetrable one day, are gone the next. Poof- just like that. And to this day, I'm not so sure how to handle it. I've noticed I avoid and try not to think about these things, these feelings, because they make me sad...so sad. But maybe that's not the best way. Because when you stop moving, it's all there... still waiting for you.
Like my grandfather, Papa. He was born in 1919 so that makes him 94 now. Even though he has reached such a remarkable age, for the past couple of years, he has not been the Papa of my memory. Slowly, but surely, he has left us. Physically, he's still there. But he has dementia (it smacks of Alzheimer's disease) that has ruined his once solid, detail oriented memory. More than not, he doesn't know who my grandmother, Nanny, is anymore than he knows who I am. Sometimes she is his sister, or my mom is not his child and I am his niece. But we are not his "kin" or people he adores anymore. He used to tease us and torment us, but we always knew that he would give us the world if he could have. We are now strangers, always introducing ourselves to a man just as much a stranger. We frustrate each other trying to make sense of it all. It used to break my heart (even though I would put on a brave face and laugh it off) and I used to try to find ways to justify it one day or try to fight it the other. But I can't anymore. For now, it's the new normal and all we can do is wait. All we can do is try to make the best out of the situation, take every day as it comes and just keep moving forward. But I can never forget my good times shared with him and what a great Papa he has always been. Never.
 |
| My dear Papa, as I'll ALWAYS remember him |
Another example is a dear friend in our congregation who recently lost her husband to cancer. It moved fast and was ferocious and took him much too quickly. They were expecting it to take him, but really, who is ready to let go of a dear and loved one? No one. But they have good memories of him to hold on to. I have good memories of this man because he was an amazing husband and good, good man. Again, all we can do now, is wait and cling to those memories.
Hmm? What's that you ask? Wait? Wait for what? Wait for better times promised in the Bible. Revelations 21:3, 4 promises that there will be a time when " he (God) will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” I believe that as much as I believe the sun will come up every morning and give way to the moon every night. Because without that hope and that promise, then what's the point of moving ahead?
So for now, all I can do is cling to the good memories and continue to try my hardest to make more good memories for myself and others. All we can do is cling to the promises held out to us and pray for the strength and comfort to cope. After all, that's the good stuff and what it (this crazy life) is all about.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
No more sweatshirts!!
(unless they're really cute, am I right?)
So...Before I begin my originally intended post (hint: it has to do with sweatshirts and clothes) I thought I would share one little thing. You see, today is day two off trying to get crafts and things done around the house while I have a couple days off from work. Yesterday, I showed you one of my completed crafts: the new and improved gumball machine! I also happened to make a pair of anchor earrings. I like simple jewelry and I've always loved the nautical theme, so these turned out to be just what I wanted.
And here is the end result:
So now that I'm finished showing you my second finished craft, I'll get to my original post idea. Besides crafts and getting things done around the house, I've also been watching a lot of What Not To Wear, much to Aaron's chagrin. He hates the show with a passion..but I digress. I, on the other hand, love the show and have since my dear friend Amy and I used to watch it together. For those not familiar with the show, I'll catch you up. It teaches women (who need a little/ a lot of help) to see what clothing, hair and makeup decisions they should and shouldn't be making via a wardrobe and physical makeover. I've always loved clothes and shopping, and have A LOT of clothes busting out of my closet. But this show holds a special place in my heart because I've never really been sure what I should and shouldn't be shopping for. It's simple. I buy a lot of what I like (like sweatshirts...) and have noticed I have a lot of repeats in my closet (like sweatshirts). But, because of this show, I'm finally figuring out what I should AND shouldn't be keeping in my closet and shopping for. What I mean is, I need to find more age and body appropriate clothing to wear for me instead of what looks great on everyone else.
At this point, my closet is bulging at the seams because I love so many of my clothes and have had them for years. Some of them don't fit. I'm sure some of them aren't even in style anymore, but I can't seem to get rid of them. Because of that, my closet really is stressful and overwhelming!
So, I've decided that it is time to raid my closet (AGAIN) and be critical, but in a good way! I will ask myself: Does it fit? Does it flatter me? Does the color look good on me? Have I worn in within the past 12 months? Is it age-appropriate? The last question is a big one for me, because I'm used to dressing "cutesy". But just recently, I realized that not all of my clothes work for me anymore. I'm 32 and still have some outfits that make me look 12. Oops.
So, in an effort to simplify and unclutter and de-stress my life, I'm off to clean my closet so that I don't end up in a humiliating and amazing future episode of What Not To Wear.
I'll cover my hair and makeup on another day. That's a whole other issue!
So...Before I begin my originally intended post (hint: it has to do with sweatshirts and clothes) I thought I would share one little thing. You see, today is day two off trying to get crafts and things done around the house while I have a couple days off from work. Yesterday, I showed you one of my completed crafts: the new and improved gumball machine! I also happened to make a pair of anchor earrings. I like simple jewelry and I've always loved the nautical theme, so these turned out to be just what I wanted.
So now that I'm finished showing you my second finished craft, I'll get to my original post idea. Besides crafts and getting things done around the house, I've also been watching a lot of What Not To Wear, much to Aaron's chagrin. He hates the show with a passion..but I digress. I, on the other hand, love the show and have since my dear friend Amy and I used to watch it together. For those not familiar with the show, I'll catch you up. It teaches women (who need a little/ a lot of help) to see what clothing, hair and makeup decisions they should and shouldn't be making via a wardrobe and physical makeover. I've always loved clothes and shopping, and have A LOT of clothes busting out of my closet. But this show holds a special place in my heart because I've never really been sure what I should and shouldn't be shopping for. It's simple. I buy a lot of what I like (like sweatshirts...) and have noticed I have a lot of repeats in my closet (like sweatshirts). But, because of this show, I'm finally figuring out what I should AND shouldn't be keeping in my closet and shopping for. What I mean is, I need to find more age and body appropriate clothing to wear for me instead of what looks great on everyone else.
At this point, my closet is bulging at the seams because I love so many of my clothes and have had them for years. Some of them don't fit. I'm sure some of them aren't even in style anymore, but I can't seem to get rid of them. Because of that, my closet really is stressful and overwhelming!
So, I've decided that it is time to raid my closet (AGAIN) and be critical, but in a good way! I will ask myself: Does it fit? Does it flatter me? Does the color look good on me? Have I worn in within the past 12 months? Is it age-appropriate? The last question is a big one for me, because I'm used to dressing "cutesy". But just recently, I realized that not all of my clothes work for me anymore. I'm 32 and still have some outfits that make me look 12. Oops.
So, in an effort to simplify and unclutter and de-stress my life, I'm off to clean my closet so that I don't end up in a humiliating and amazing future episode of What Not To Wear.
I'll cover my hair and makeup on another day. That's a whole other issue!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Gettin' my craft on!
Not much to report here, as I have been sick the ENTIRE MONTH! What is that all about? I had a few days here and there where I thought I was getting better, only to get worse in a couple days. So I did A LOT of lying around and catching up on past series of TV shows of years past on Netflix. I had no oomph and no desire to do anything at all.
But finally, FINALLY, it is over now. And I just bored myself to tears (probably because I didn't blink for like, a solid minute) while I wrote the last paragraph! So I'll cut it short by reporting that I have felt much better the past two days and even embarked on a crafty project or two! My first craft project? An antique-style gumball machine makeover.
First, a little history on why I chose a gumball machine. One day I was wasting an afternoon on Pinterest (surprise!!) and stumbled upon this picture of a gumball machine that had been painted white instead of the traditional red. It even had white jelly beans inside.
How cute!! It was love at first sight! I knew I had to find a gumball machine to make mine so that I would have a constant supply of snacks as I crafted!! I don't ask for much, do I? So I started to search. First I searched Ebay and the likes, but it was difficult to find one under $50. I really didn't want to pay that since I knew the lady from the blog (mentioned above and where I got the idea) had only paid $25 for hers. There was also the fact that I was going to take it apart to repaint it anyway. So my search continued. Then, earlier this year I spotted one for sale on a neighboring town's Cragslist a co-worker snagged for me for....TADAH!.... only $25!!
The top portion was in pretty good shape, but the base and feet were a little dinged up. So I took it apart, cleaned it and painted it. I liked the idea of painting the entire machine white, but chose to stick with the original black base and feet for more contrast and flexibility of where the ol' gumball machine could be placed. Right now, I'm planning on putting it in my craft room, but who knows where it will end up!
And.... Here is my version:
Also on Pinterest, I saw the idea of putting Jelly Belly's or pistachios instead of gumballs (which I don't really like anyway...). I'm so excited to actually start AND finish a craft project! It has been too long!
Next up for craft projects? Earrings.....
But finally, FINALLY, it is over now. And I just bored myself to tears (probably because I didn't blink for like, a solid minute) while I wrote the last paragraph! So I'll cut it short by reporting that I have felt much better the past two days and even embarked on a crafty project or two! My first craft project? An antique-style gumball machine makeover.
First, a little history on why I chose a gumball machine. One day I was wasting an afternoon on Pinterest (surprise!!) and stumbled upon this picture of a gumball machine that had been painted white instead of the traditional red. It even had white jelly beans inside.
How cute!! It was love at first sight! I knew I had to find a gumball machine to make mine so that I would have a constant supply of snacks as I crafted!! I don't ask for much, do I? So I started to search. First I searched Ebay and the likes, but it was difficult to find one under $50. I really didn't want to pay that since I knew the lady from the blog (mentioned above and where I got the idea) had only paid $25 for hers. There was also the fact that I was going to take it apart to repaint it anyway. So my search continued. Then, earlier this year I spotted one for sale on a neighboring town's Cragslist a co-worker snagged for me for....TADAH!.... only $25!!
The top portion was in pretty good shape, but the base and feet were a little dinged up. So I took it apart, cleaned it and painted it. I liked the idea of painting the entire machine white, but chose to stick with the original black base and feet for more contrast and flexibility of where the ol' gumball machine could be placed. Right now, I'm planning on putting it in my craft room, but who knows where it will end up!
And.... Here is my version:
Also on Pinterest, I saw the idea of putting Jelly Belly's or pistachios instead of gumballs (which I don't really like anyway...). I'm so excited to actually start AND finish a craft project! It has been too long!
Next up for craft projects? Earrings.....
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Outfits of the day
 |
| Blazer: Lauren Conrad- Kohls; Tank and skirt: Old Navy; Blouse:Rue 21; Boots:Payless Shoes; Tights:Target |
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Ramblings...
I think it has to be said, that I am indeed getting worse at this blogging thing. I mean, it's been two whole months (AGAIN) since my last entry. Throughout this time, I've thought many times that maybe I should give this blog up, since I'm not really doing the job. But then I decided that since Fall is already here and Winter is right around the corner (it is already cold!) I will have plenty of time to do projects, make improvements on the house and possibly, just maybe write about them! And it's not a job for me. After all, it's supposed to be fun.
So today I felt like reconnecting with you and my blog. It's not because I have a lot to say and not because I have a lot to share, but because I miss keeping an account of what I've done: both small and large. And I miss hearing from my friends and family that I don't often get to see or talk to face to face. So this is my "Hello, how ya' been ?!" to everyone and everything.
You see, I think a big reason I've been quiet for quite some time is because I've been in a funk...An I- don't -want -to -do -anything funk. My life has been (and felt) very mechanical and boring, and who wants to share that. Lately, something has changed. I don't even know what. But now I want to move ahead and make as many improvements in as much stuff as possibly can. Talk about a 180!
As I haven't done anything (project wise) just yet to write about, I decided instead to catch us up (at least on my side). Since we last left off, I had injured my leg riding bikes. That actually rendered me pretty useless for close to 3 weeks. I had a lot of swelling, I had a lot of pain and I was not a nice person to be around. Needless to say, it hurt to move and I so I did as little as possible. That caught up to me. It's amazing the terrible shape you can get into by sitting around and eating everything (okay, no it's not...). So now I'm a little heavier(like I needed anymore weight added to my short stature...), a little more scared of riding bikes (mountain biking specifically brings me to tears) and have a pretty good size scar on my calf (I'm sure you'll see it in future outfit posts).
A couple of weeks ago, we took our bi-annual trip to Portland, this time to see the Lumineers. It was one of the best, if not the best concert I have seen yet! They were so entertaining and GOOD live! They even came into the audience, set up a makeshift stage and played a song that way. They even played some new songs from their new album they will be releasing. But first, there were two opening acts: Nathaniel Rateliff (pretty good!) and Dr Dog (not good at all....hated it!). By the time the Lumineers got on stage we were ready, but sadly, my camera was not. I was only able to snag a couple pictures before it died. Here are a couple I did get (although one is blurry...)
On that same trip, we also met up for brunch with my cousin, her hubby and new baby, went to several breweries (there are SO many in Portland!) and visited the Portland Japanese Gardens. Those gardens were amazing!
So today I felt like reconnecting with you and my blog. It's not because I have a lot to say and not because I have a lot to share, but because I miss keeping an account of what I've done: both small and large. And I miss hearing from my friends and family that I don't often get to see or talk to face to face. So this is my "Hello, how ya' been ?!" to everyone and everything.
You see, I think a big reason I've been quiet for quite some time is because I've been in a funk...An I- don't -want -to -do -anything funk. My life has been (and felt) very mechanical and boring, and who wants to share that. Lately, something has changed. I don't even know what. But now I want to move ahead and make as many improvements in as much stuff as possibly can. Talk about a 180!
As I haven't done anything (project wise) just yet to write about, I decided instead to catch us up (at least on my side). Since we last left off, I had injured my leg riding bikes. That actually rendered me pretty useless for close to 3 weeks. I had a lot of swelling, I had a lot of pain and I was not a nice person to be around. Needless to say, it hurt to move and I so I did as little as possible. That caught up to me. It's amazing the terrible shape you can get into by sitting around and eating everything (okay, no it's not...). So now I'm a little heavier(like I needed anymore weight added to my short stature...), a little more scared of riding bikes (mountain biking specifically brings me to tears) and have a pretty good size scar on my calf (I'm sure you'll see it in future outfit posts).
A couple of weeks ago, we took our bi-annual trip to Portland, this time to see the Lumineers. It was one of the best, if not the best concert I have seen yet! They were so entertaining and GOOD live! They even came into the audience, set up a makeshift stage and played a song that way. They even played some new songs from their new album they will be releasing. But first, there were two opening acts: Nathaniel Rateliff (pretty good!) and Dr Dog (not good at all....hated it!). By the time the Lumineers got on stage we were ready, but sadly, my camera was not. I was only able to snag a couple pictures before it died. Here are a couple I did get (although one is blurry...)
On that same trip, we also met up for brunch with my cousin, her hubby and new baby, went to several breweries (there are SO many in Portland!) and visited the Portland Japanese Gardens. Those gardens were amazing!
The gardens were peaceful and beautiful and made us want to incorporate some Japanese art and arrangement into our house and yard....so we'll see how that works out! Haha.
Then, just last weekend, Aaron participated in a bike race, called "cyclo-cross." Wikipedia explains it as this: " Cyclo-cross (sometimes cyclocross, CX, CCX, cyclo-X or 'cross) is a form of bicycle racing.
Races typically take place in the autumn and winter (the international
or "World Cup" season is October–February), and consist of many laps of a
short (2.5–3.5 km or 1.5–2 mile) course featuring pavement, wooded
trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly
dismount, carry the bike while navigating the obstruction and remount.[1][2]
Races for senior categories are generally between 30 minutes and an
hour long, with the distance varying depending on the ground conditions.
The sport is strongest in the traditional road cycling countries such
as Belgium (Flanders in particular), France and the Netherlands."
It looks a little like this:
It was rainy and cold, but a lot of fun to watch. Aaron had fun riding as well. I think we will both be there next year again.
And that is it for now! Today I'm home from work because I'm already sick and trying to get better before this weekend! I have things to do! Take care until next time.....
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