Fabulous Food & Flowers

The heat of summer has set in. With longer days and veggie markets selling tempting herbs and fresh ingredients, I have found myself wanting (on an almost daily basis...) to create something mouth-wateringly delicious. Some of my recipe choices have been healthy (chili, spiced Indian spinach with paneer, veggie soups), but alas, most of the healthy recipes have gone un-photographed. So, I present to you a collection of the not-so-healthy goods that have satisfied the taste buds of many human beings (myself included). But of course, a post without flowers would hardly be appropriate, so enjoy the vibrant blooms that have helped make our new house a home!

First up, a strawberry custard tart that I made for a close friend's bridal shower. My friend loves to make mini strawberry custard tarts, so I decided to make an intense version for us to devour. :) 

Much to my (and my mom's) absolute joy, the veggie market located a quick one minute walk away sells the most amazing selection of fresh flowers. AND at a reasonable price. This has been fantastic, but also makes it challenging to not purchase a new flower every day when I walk past! The lilies above are from our back garden, and the gerbera daises are from said veggie shop.

A cup of coffee on the deck as the morning light sets in. I love this. Simplicity and serenity in one. 

For my 23rd birthday my brother made this incredible black forest trifle. Wow, just looking at it makes me drool! 

A quiet moment in the house. Mom had just finished arranging her latest flower purchase, Dad enjoyed music on his phone, and my brother cozied up on the couch studying (sneak peek on the far right - haha!)

One of my favourite things to bake is granola. This particular recipe is laden with seeds (pumpkin seeds, especially!), all kinds of nuts, and a healthy handful of coconut. Air fresheners are one option, but the aroma of freshly baked granola is hard to beat!

Yay - a healthy recipe caught on camera! For dinner a few nights ago I made a creamy zucchini soup and a herb bread ring. Although the dinner was a hit, the almost 30 degree weather made iced drinks necessary! 

You know those treats at coffee shops you always ooh and ahh at through the glass window and never purchase? Well, cinnamon streusel coffee cake is that for me. So! I decided to whip up a full tray of the stuff. The recipe turned out so well, with a light and fluffy vanilla cake wonderfully complemented by a light cinnamon crunch.  

A house starts to feel like a home when the flowers are happy. How I love hydrangeas! If any of the aforementioned recipes make your mouth water, leave a comment below and I'd be happy to share the recipe. Happy summer time, friends! I hope your days are filled with color, joy, and a mixture of health & decadence. 

Much love, Vivi 

Christmas Bits & Pieces (But Mostly Food)

Christmas this year was simply beautiful. We woke up early and started the morning off with tea, coffee, and British mince pies, a family tradition we have enjoyed for years. We made our home in the living room for a few hours of joyful present opening, laughing, and eating Christmas goodies, sharing the story behind each gift. 

2015 has been a very eventful year. Having a peaceful Christmas like this one was an amazing blessing. I love my family. We're a closely knit, quirky, silly, unique, conversation-loving bunch, I must say. And I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Much love, Vivi 

Sparklers & Celebrations

Sometimes you've just got to bring out the sparklers and put them to good use. Or buy a box of Purdy's. Or spend a good chunk of time walking around the garden, breathing in the scents of the outdoors and the freshness of Spring. My goal right now is to celebrate just that: the right now. I've struggled in the past with living in the moment, where I have tended to plan everything out into something structured and organized (and there is nothing wrong with planning and being organized! Everyday I make an agenda and a list of goals.) But I've come to the realization that God is good RIGHT NOW. No matter what my day looks like, He is good in this very moment, and THAT is something worth celebrating. Tomorrow holds its own good things, challenges, moments to build character, but TODAY holds beautiful things that are worth my time and focus. 

"How many are your works, Lord. In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small." Psalm 104: 24 & 25

" Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1

Much love, Vivi

Take a Walk

 Things that make me happy:

crisp air & pink blossoms & a snow white calf & family & funny shaped pine-cones & neighbors with gardening skills 

Much love, Vivi

Snippets of Christmas

Merry Christmas, beautiful people!

Yesterday we celebrated the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. It's the day that we rejoice in the salvation we have in Him. It's the day we reflect on His mercies, grace, and the amazing lives that we have in Christ. It's the day that, no matter what the year has brought us, we are reminded of Christ and His peace that passes understanding. I hope that your Christmas was filled with so much love and peace.  You are SO loved!

Much love, Vivi 

Thanksgiving 2014

This weekend was full of multiple Thanksgiving meals (helloooo leftovers!) much family time, finishing a scarf, and preparing for a week of many midterms. I honestly love the material I'm learning (genetics and microbiology), so studying is more like a joy than anything else. I knoooow, nerdy. I am so thankful to be able to learn about creation and I'm astounded at the intricacy of it all. Here's to God's amazing creation! What are you thankful for in this season?

Much love, Vivi