simplicity & thanks

Recently I've been thinking a lot about living a simple life. Not one built on materials or worldly standards, but rather a life full of quality moments and memories. It's so easy in our day and age to get caught up with what we don't have, and to over look the beauty of what we've already been blessed with! I truly believe that living a life of simplicity is rooted in thankfulness. When I'm thankful and focus on the abundant blessings in my life, complications seem to fade away. Unclear situations are given clarity, and my days have so much more joy. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says it perfectly:

 

 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

 

Much love, Vivi

And their scent was so sweet

"We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls." 

Mother Teresa 

Something about flowers is so pure, so lovely, so magnificently beautiful. Maybe it's the way their every petal works together to create a stunning whole. Maybe it's their sweet, sweet scent; laced with notes healing to the soul. Or maybe, it's their colours, vibrant reds, mottled pinks. Or maybe, just maybe, it's what we overlook that's really beautiful; the forest green leaves flanking them, drawing attention to petals soft yet bright.

Much love, Vivi

Love love love

I've always loved Valentines day. The excuse to eat sweet treats, stores filling up with fragrant flowers, and especially the sense of love and togetherness that it brings. This year I wanted to create cards with greater simplicity, but still add some creativity. All I did was fold textured paper and cut out hearts. Then I simply glued them to card stock and walaah! Simple, creative, and ready-to-be written-in valentines cards! Last year I made these Valentines heart warmers and cards.

 



Danielle

This is my friend Danielle. Kind hearted, hilarious, and a natural in front of the camera. ;)

We took some photos, ate good food and chatted away on the first sunny afternoon in days. And, of course, snuck in a few photos. The sweetest lady came up to us and offered us her dog to use in our photos. Haha! We happily accepted. Here are my favourites...

Donuts donuts

A few nights ago my brother made almond flour donuts.

Beautiful, sprinkle covered, baked to perfection donuts.

Sadly, the recipe only made six. So, we sat at the kitchen counter and finished them all.

One hour of baking to five minutes of eating... 

Let's eat.

Lately my parents have been going crazy with the meals. Crazy as in mouth-wateringly delicious yet surprisingly healthy. Who knew that going completely wheat free could be so lip-smacking good?! Yes, you heard right. Completely wheat free. I'm still adjusting to the thought of baking in an entirely different realm of ingredients, with things like xanthan gum and chickpea flour. I've been reading through cook book after cook book, and have been scouring the web for new recipes. So far I've still been tempted to whip up a batch of good ol' chocolate chip cookies. And I probably will tomorrow. Baby steps, right? ;)

Much love, Vivi