Basking days

Lately I've been spending a lot of time basking in the sunshine of our back deck. I am so blessed to live surrounded by nature. Every morning I awake to the sweet songs of birds right outside my window and every Spring our backyard transforms into a flourishing garden of captivating wildflowers. This Spring is no exception. Sometimes I feel that I talk too much about the beauty of nature. But to me, nature is the way that God reveals His beauty and perfect creation. I just can't get enough.

Much love, Vivi

Cake.

This cake was my very first attempt at an ombre cake. I first saw the idea on Pinterest and fell head over heels. My mom's birthday arrived and cake making time came along with it! But like all bakers, sometimes the final results just aren't what you expected. Alas, my "ombre" cake turned into more of a swirl cake. And really, as long as it tastes delicious, no one in my family will think twice. ;)

Much love, Vivi

JOY {part 1}

 This past Sunday I worked with the two-year olds in my church's nursery. One little girl giggled at everything. Her nose would crinkle and with a glowing smile she would erupt in laughter. Even the simplest things caused her to burst out in giggles. She had some serious joy, and as I spent more time around her I couldn't help but feel more joyful as well. Ever since then I've been thinking about the importance of sharing joy. Sharing encouragement. Sharing happiness and stories. Sharing joy is contagious. Flowers bring me joy, and I hope that these few snippets have brought you some as well! Sharing joy is going to be a regular occurrence around here friends! This is only part one of many, many more.

JOY.

art journalling

Burt's bees lotions lathered on my arms

trying my hand at videography

winter soup in may

finding an amazing pinner on Pinterest

one dollar iced coffees

aviators and buns tied with vintage scarves

What has brought you joy lately? I would love to hear!

Much love, Vivi

Weekend.

{My morning: journaling with fresh fruit and granola}

{miniature jars holding wild flowers add a touch of nature to any room}



{I love when dandelions turn into these puff balls of white.}

{"everything" style oatmeal cookies}

When my week is packed full of activities, the weekend is a time to relax, to unwind, and to enjoy moments of peace. Wildflowers have bloomed up in every which direction and I have been glued to a camera, trying to capture each blossom's beauty. Even the dandelions  are vibrant and beautiful on these sunny Spring days.

How are you spending your sunny Spring days? :)

Much love, Vivi

Let's bake something delicious

A few weeks ago, my friend Hannah and I decided to have a mini baking party. You know, maybe an hour or two making something easy yet scrumptious. In other words, every baker's dream. Well, we got started and four hours later had finally finished our baking marathon! The final results were definitely worth all of the effort! We made soft pretzels with sea salt, and amazing chocolate eclairs! Feast your eyes, friends!

Much love, Vivi

A blossom growing on a tree

 Life lately has been more than a little crazy. Homework and tests bombard my thoughts, and I find that the few peaceful moments in my day are those near midnight, where all is quiet and serene. It's those moments that I've clung to for a while now. It's in those moments where I can just breathe. Relax. Reflect on everything that's swarming around in my mind. When I just can't seem to clear mind of constant thoughts and ideas, I think of cherry blossoms. It sounds cheesy, but it works. I imagine huge trees cascading with the lovely flowers, pink, white, and peaceful. And I feel peaceful. God really knew what He was doing when He created cherry blossoms.

Five things to love

{classic burger and fries at a local 50's diner}

{two golden rings stacked together}

{springtime flowers looking vibrant on our back deck}

{quaint lights strung up along ongoing construction}

{receeding shades of grey along the shoreline of the lake}

This week has included the oh-so interesting events of intense nose blowing, vitamin C consuming, and lemon tea drinking. I know. Momumental week for me. Thankfully, all of the mountains of tissues are scaring this cold off and I'm feeling much better! What have you been up to this week? Was nose blowing on your radar too? :)

Much love, Vivi