illustrations: more w.s. merwin

I have always loved to draw with words and so I have decided to challenge myself to share at least one illustration of a quote by a famous poet each week with you, my dear readers. If you can't tell, I love W.S. Merwin. This week's quote: "The story of each stone leads back to a mountain."

All of my illustrations will be free for your personal use. To download the full size picture you can visit this link. Please attribute where you got them from if you share.

Hope you have an inspired Tuesday!

a little bit boho

This was such a fun weekend outfit. John and I ran off to Dallas for the weekend just for the fun of it and this outfit was great to travel in. I am really liking hair scarves lately, but it's hard to find one that isn't too tight because I easily get headaches from things wrapped around my head. This one from Forever21 is perfect.

Who caught the Oscars last night? Personally, I really like Seth McFarlane as the host. He is a wonderful kind of mash up between an old Hollywood, big band type and modern irreverent comedian. They did seem long, but it was so much fun to watch. My favorite outfit was Amy Adams!

Here's to a good week!

the bright spot

It's almost time for the Oscars, so let's celebrate! 

Get FREE SHIPPING on any Favoring Brave etsy order in honor of Hollywood's biggest night! Use coupon code ILOVETHEMOVIES at checkout!

Well, we finally got snow. It is amazing to look out and see white on the ground. Makes me feel like I'm back home in Iowa.

John and I are off to Dallas for the weekend - anybody have any favorite haunts for us to check out? I've never been to Texas and John hasn't spend much time in Dallas so it should be fun.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

in the dark of winter

I am loving this Fossil coat that I got for $12 at the thrift store last week. It's just like new and it is the perfect bright coat for winter. I have a great black pea coat, but I like to wear something bright on those dark winter days like today! 

I hope you're having a good week so far! Halfway to Friday!

illustrations: blessed john henry newman

I have always loved to draw with words and so I have decided to challenge myself to share at least one illustration of a quote by a famous person each week with you, my dear readers. This week's comes from Blessed John Henry Newman, "God has created me to do him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another."

All of my illustrations will be free for your personal use. To download the full size picture you can visit this link. Please attribute where you got them from if you share.

Hope you have an inspired Tuesday!

craft fair-ology: tell your story

If you're just joining me, this is "Craft Fair-ology," my regular feature on helpful tips and hints for selling handmade goods at craft fairs.

But wait, you don't have to be a craft vendor to learn something useful! I will be mentioning how to apply these tips and techinques for display and storage to other aspects of your life as well... truly win-win! 

One thing I always bring with me to craft selling venues, no matter how big or small, is my "About" story. A big part of the reason people like to buy hand crafted goods is that they get to see who made it, where it came from, and know the story behind it. Often, though, it can seem pushy for a crafter to launch into their back story the moment a new customer walks by. This sign is my why of opening the door to more conversation with my buyers about what I make and why.  

A lot of people don't see it, a lot don't read it, but those that do often want to talk more about my business, my art, and my goals. Sometimes they want to buy something because they realize the commitment involved in my business.

You know how important it is to have an "About" page on a blog, for your Etsy store, and other web pages, so why should selling in person be any different? Think about what makes you different and help your customers to know why your business matters. It can make all the difference.

downtown valentine

This weekend John and I had a chance to walk around...

I hope you take some time today to appreciate the people and things you love. Whether you're dating, married, or single, I know you're surrounded by people that love you! Be grateful for them and tell them how much you love them too!

I love the pick up style of this skirt but it can be hard to style. This dress used to be white which is less than flattering on me, but it was $1 - so I made the sacrifice and bought it. I dyed it quite awhile ago but I have been waiting for just the right opportunity to wear it. 

I also dyed my hair about two weeks ago, but the change is really only drastic in the sunlight. The box was a blonde dye (eek!) but I was pretty sure that it wouldn't really make my dark hair all the way blonde. It made my hair the perfect sun-kissed color and I love it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

lemon honey gummy squares *recipe*

These homemade gummies are so fun to make and pretty darn delicious. I've discovered that they make great throat lozenges when you suck on them slowly - the lemon and honey and perfect for a pick me up!

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

1/3 cup lemon juice

3 tablespoons honey

Optional – Non-toxic, vegetable-based food coloring

Instructions:

• Whisk lemon/lime juice, honey and gelatin in a sauce pan until there are no lumps.
• Heat over low heat until it’s nice and melty, stirring constantly.
• Add food coloring and/or extract  if desired – you’re almost done now!
• Grab an ice cube tray or silicone mold (I don’t recommend silicone usually but since we’re not baking with it here I think it’s fine). You can use a basic pan, too, and then just cut into squares or use a cookie cutter after it’s set.
• Pour in the mixture, then pop in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to firm up. Once they’re out of the freezer they will stay firm at room temperature.
• Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Enjoy!

(recipe from Mommypotamus)

illustrations: w.s. merwin

I have always loved to draw with words and so I have decided to challenge myself to share at least one illustration of a quote by a famous poet each week with you, my dear readers. This one comes from a favorite poem of mine, W.S. Merwin - "We travel far and fast and as we pass through we forget where we have been."

All of my illustrations will be free for your personal use. To download the full size picture you can visit this link. Please attribute where you got them from if you share.

Hope you have an inspired Tuesday!

be kind

Whatever it is you want to change about yourself, it takes time. So in the meantime, be kind. Think positively about yourself and treat yourself with respect. It's one of the best gifts you can give yourself. 

Just be kind this Monday.

healthy cookie dough bites *recipe*

These are yum. Seriously. I have tried almost every version of healthy sweet treats I can get my hands on, and these are the most satisfying. The delicious combination of nuts, agave, and honey, and of course chocolate, gives them an excellent texture, as well as the yummy sweetness, not to mention that the nuts fill you up with some substantial protein that keeps you feeling full. Practically perfect.

Here's what you need:

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup almonds

• 2/3 cup walnuts

• 2/3 cup steel cut oatmeal

• 1/8 tsp sea salt

• 1/8 cup agave nectar

• 1/8 cup honey

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 3 tbsp dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate M&Ms

1. In a food processor, process the almonds, walnuts, oatmeal and salt to a fine meal.
2. Add the agave nectar and vanilla and process to combine.
3. Next, add the chocolate chips and pulse just to combine.
4. Roll the cookie dough into balls about 1 tbsp each (wet your hands if the dough is too sticky) and place them on a cookie pan lined with parchment paper. Place the pan in the freezer for about an hour to firm up. Store balls in a tightly covered container in the freezer.

(recipe adapted from A Dash of Compassion.)