Quotable Caps

In case you haven't noticed yet I really really really really kinda like quotes.  I have been a collector of them for years.  I have journals full of them.  I even use one of my new favorite quotes as a bookmark. 

Along with really really really really kinda liking quotes I really really really really kinda like Honest Tea.  Our favorite flavor around here is Black Forest Berry.  It's that amount of sweet that is just perfect and thirst quenching.  Fortunately, with my husbands many trips during the week, we have been able to buy a case of them rather than just buying them individually.  Lucky for our wallets that doesn't really happen but once a month:)  

I am sure you are wondering what on earth do quotes and the thirst quenching deliciousness of Honest Tea have to do with each other.  Well, on the inside of each lid is a quote.  The first thing I do when I open the tea is check the quote.  If we agree it's a good one it heads into the junk drawer, where I have between 10 to 12 stored that I plan on using in some sort of crafty way one of these days (if you have ideas, this is where you can share them.  Thanks in advance!).  

The other day, I opened a bottle and this was inside the cap.  Husband and I both agreed it was a good one and a keeper.  So before it made it's home in the junk drawer I took a photo.  

Good one, huh?!  

What about you?  Have you heard of Honest Tea?  Do you get as excited as I do to check the quote under the lid? 

Happy HUMP Day:) 

Crane Wife, Part 3

The other day I was on our couch reading through my blogs on my phone while listening to Pandora on the TV and The Decemberists Crane Wife Part 3 came on.  At first I couldn't remember who it was.  But after rackin my brain for a few minutes I remembered.  And it got me thinkin about my favorite musicians and how I got into them.

I first heard The Decemberists in 2008 when husband, but then only bf, got back after spending 6 weeks in Oregon learning how to make cob homes (a different post for a different day).  I fell in love with Crane Wife Pt 3 but none of their other songs really did it for me.  It wasn't until their 2011 The King Is Dead album came out that I really started to have an appreciation for the band.

And while I pretty much enjoy every song on that album, I think January Hymm might be my favorite:

On a winter's Sunday I go
To clear away the snow
And green the ground below

April all an ocean away
Is this a better way to spend the day?
Keeping the winter at bay

What were the words I meant to say
Before you left
When I could see your breath lead
Where you were going to

Maybe I should just let it be
And maybe it will all come back to me
Seeing, oh, January, oh

How I lived a childhood in the snow
And all my teens in tow
Stuffed in strata of clothes

Hail the winter days after dark
Wandering the gray memorial park
A fleeting beating of hearts

What were the words I meant to say
Before she left
When I could see her breath lead
Where she was going to

Maybe I should just let it be
And maybe it will all come back to me
Seeing, oh, Janu... 
Oh, January, oh

What about you???  What was one of the first songs that got you into listening to your now favorite artist(s)?

linking up with My So-Called Chaos for today's Musical Monday

I said do NOT restore to original

The trusty iPhone has been running slow lately with notifications that there isn't enough storage to update this app (or that app) or take another photo.  And when I get told I cannot take a photo I get cranky.  So, I decided to restore the ol' girl back to it's original state (back to being like a brand new phone).  While I lost all my apps as a result, she was running better and I finally was able to take photos without that oh so very annoying "there isn't enough storage" notification. 

Things were going well. I had uploaded my app favorites and must haves (aka Instagram and Afterglow) so I was happy.  I nanny for 2 adorable little girls and am always taking photos of their cuteness to send to their parents.  I had close to 80 photos taken since the restore on Tuesday or Wednesday with some of them being the cutest moments between the two sisters.  

Anyway, this morning I connected the phone to itunes to charge while I got ready for my girl appointment and browse the internet and blogs.  When the phone connected to itunes it asked me if I wanted to get back everything onto the phone that I had before the restore. It gave me two options; to recover or to not recover.  Well, I thought I clicked the "to NOT recover" option.  Since I was in a rush I guess I clicked the "to recover" option.  I was annoyed because I had to wait another 5 minutes for it to finish.  But it wasn't until I was looking through my photos that I realized the photos I had taken this week were gone and it was not until I sat down at the computer to upload the last 7 days of my 365 project that it hit me that one of the photos that had been deleted was one I wanted to use for one of the 365.  Insert a few curse words and a mild panic attack, I headed over to my Instagram feed and was relieved to discover I uploaded a photo on that day.  PHHHEEEEEEEEEW!

So although it was not the image I had originally wanted I can rest easy knowing that I every photo I share was indeed taken on their respective days. 

Without further adieu,

 Feb 16, 2013.  Day 58 of 365.

"blurry blurry night" 

{taken from our back deck}

Feb 17, 2013.  Day 59 of 365.

"Red"

{While husband did his Bikram, I roamed around Lawrenceville in my red jeans}

Feb 18, 2013.  Day 60 of 365.

"Dessert with a side"

{I treated myself to some popcorn after dinner with a side of blogging}

Feb 19, 2013.  Day 61 of 365.

"Sisterly Love"

{TGFI (Thank God For Instagram)!  Saved my little ass today.  Otherwise, I was thinking of starting all over again.  

Even though it wasn't the one I wanted, is this not one of the cutest moments you have ever seen?!}

Feb 20, 2013.  Day 62 of 365.

"Pop"

{I noticed this for the first time a few days ago driving home from my nanny gig.  I knew I wanted to get a photo but wasn't able to get the chance until this day.  And I think it turned out great against the snow.  I love the contrast.}

Feb 21, 2013.  Day 63 of 365.

"Winter Pine"

Feb 22, 2013.  Day 64 of 365.

"Heat"

{Vornado has become my new best friend.  Husband got this to warm up the living room while he does his Bikram at home.  He spent more than I would have liked for a space heater and I may or may not have got mad at him for it.  I have since forgiven him though:)}

Lesson:  When in doubt, always always always import photos.  Because you just never know. 

Happy Friday! 

Oh hey Monday, we meet again...

But today, today I dominated the shit right out of you. 

I came home from nannying, prepared and baked 12 of those delicious bacon egg cups, made myself dinner (which, the by the way, was healthy), caught up on some blogs, prepared for a hopeful early morning wake-up for the gym and blogged!  

All of that on top of a horrible headache that has not left since yesterday (damn you, sniffles), a 4 year old who was constipated all weekend but let all loose today just in time for parents to start weaning her off nappies and a 10 month old who peed on the floor because while I was changing her, 4 year old sister had an emergency need to "poopy," so I had to leave 10 month old barricaded in the playroom (don't worry all small toys were cleaned up) without a nappy.  

If I don't say so myself, that was a pretty productive Monday.  

So, BAHAHAHAHA HA HA to you Monday!

----

Also, linking up with Sammi over at Sami's Shenanigans today with Weekend Shenanigans 

There weren't much shenanigans had by the Cornfolk this weekend.  But I did head into the city with husband while he yoga-ed and then we had yummy Mexican.

Continued to re-read Dan Brown's The Davinci Code while waiting warming up in the car for husband to get out of yoga.  And I must admit, I am loving it even more than the first time!  

Crazy, right?!

{Liebster Award}

Almost a month ago I was nominated again for The Liebster Award!  I was as thrilled for a second nomination as I was for the first one.  Thanks to Andie from The Adventures of Andie's Traveling Pants for the sweet nomination.  If you have a minute, do take a minute to check out this chica's blog and be sure to congratulate her on completing her first half marathon!

The rules for this one are a little different then last time:
*Each person tagged must share 11 things about themselves.
*They must answer the 11 questions the tagger has made for them
*They must then choose 11 fellow blogs to nominate (and the nominees must have under 200 GFC followers).  Each nominee must then be told in a comment on their blog.
*Lastly, they must then think of 11 questions to ask the bloggers they have decided to nominate

Anyway, here it goes...

11 things about me:
1) I wear a size 5.5 shoe.  Runs in the family.  I honestly didn't realize how small my feet are until I first started dating my now husband.   I have been getting teased ever since.
2) I was born in Memphis, TN and moved six times before I was 13 years old.  And my dad wasn't in the service.
3) My younger sisters are twins.  Identical, although they really don't look a like to me.  But their personalities are completely different.
4) I still say y'all even though I have been living in Pittsburgh, PA for 17 years.  I absolutely refuse to saw "yinz."  It pains me to even type it out.
5) The volume of the TV/radio has to be, if I can see a number, divisble by 5.  Makes me uncomfortable otherwise.
6) I hate to be cold.  I much rather be dripping sweat then cold.  And, no, it doesn't matter how many layers I add.  Once I am cold, I am cold.
7) I turned 30 in October and was really dreading it for sometime.  However, it has suprised me.  I think my 20s were for figuring shit out and my 30s are for doing what makes me happy.  I can already tell this going to be my best decade yet and I haven't really done anything too exciting.
8) There is not one place on this planet I do not want to visit.  Seriously. 
9) I have a very large extended family.  And we all actually like eachother.  We don't get together very often but when we do it is a guaranteed good time. 
10) I have been in love with Brad Pitt since I first saw him tipping his hat in Legends of the Fall in the 6th grade.  And he still does it for me.  I would be one of those people who would cry or maybe even pass out if we were ever to meet.  Judging by reaction when I thought I saw him in 2004 when I was in Malibu, it would be anything but calm, cool and collected.
11) I have started to really enjoy cooking and baking.

Questions (from Andie):
1. What was the last movie you watched in the movie theater?
Husband and I went to see the new James Bond. 

2. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Gosh, do I have to only pick one?  I guess if I had to pick only one it would Russia.  Which I guess could be seen as funny as I really hate to be cold.  But I have a new obsession with wanting to see the Northern Lights and Russia is one of the best places to see it. 

3. What did you want to be when you were little?
A hair stylist.  I used to love doing my Barbies hair and showing off what I did.  

4. Do you have a bucket list? How many things have you crossed off so far?
Yes.  But I'd have to find it to tell you if I have crossed anything off the list yet.   And to be honest, at this moment, I really can't even remember what is even on it. haha

5. What is one style you wish you'd never worn? or lived through?
I am not a very stylish person so I guess I really can't think of any style I wore that I wish I hadn't.  I guess the 90s were kinda bad.  You know, the peg colored jeans with a matchy matchy shirt to go with it.  

6. What does your closet look like? Take a pic!
I have a VERY small closet.  That is one of the down sides to our house.  Luckily, I am not much of shopper or stylish so while it appears I have so many clothes I really don't.  It's just the optical illusion my small closet gives. 

7. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
With a few kiddos running around and doing lots of traveling. 

8. What is the craziest thing you have ever done? Or that you remember doing?
I think it would have to most definitely be quitting my job after 6.5 years.  

9. Do you remember the name of your first crush? What was it?
Yes!  Grant Estes.  Boy was he is so cute! 

10. What was the last concert you attended?
Our favorite band, Bloc Party in Philly back in September.  If you have never heard them before I recommend checking them out.  We have traveled twice to see them live and would pretty much go anywhere within reason to see them. 

11.  What is the one thing you wish you did more of?
What is with this "one" stuff?  I guess it would be have to be I wish I worked out more.  

My nominations:
Rhiannon from Vanilla Bliss - I never thought of Japan as I place I would like to one day visit but Rhiannon's recent posts from her trip have led me change my mind:)
Shelly from Shelly No Belly - Shelly is such an inspiration to those of us who hope to lose weight.  I love her honesty.  She acknowledges not everyday is easy to stick your diet but has yet to give up.
Casey from True Colours - Casey and her husband take such amazing photos of the different places they have traveled.  She posts advice on how to travel and will list her favorites from the different cities/countries they visit.  And she lives in my favorite city, Portland.
Cassidy from I'll Follow You Anywhere - Cassidy is a military wife who writes honestly about her being married to a man in the service and their day to day lives.  I have very much appreciated her honesty when it comes to her opinion of other bloggers.
Bridget from Junaluska - Bridget is an amazing photographer and writer.  Her posts are always so well written and I can't help be drawn in every time.
Kristen from Un Homme et Une Femme - Kristen moved to Paris a year and a half ago with her husband for her husband's job.  She writes about their life together living in Paris.  She also pretty much single handedly re-introduced Kale to Paris.  Check out her mission here.
Samantha from 24 to 30 - Samantha is another who blogs about her weight loss adventures and shares the meals she plans for the week as well.  Another great inspiration.
C from Desperately Seeking C - I am not quite sure where or how I discovered this chicas blog but have recently discovered we may have met in a past life!  We have a lot in common.  Most obvious is our similar tastes in movies.
Allison from Lawfully Lost - Allison somehow finds time to write hilarious posts while she is going to law school.  Oh, and she is an amazing photographer.  Plus, Allison is a pretty sweet name if I don't say so myself.
Jenny from JenEric Generation - Jenny lives with her husband in Washington DC and shares their adventures exploring their city.  Her writing is the kind that really draws you in and her photos make you feel as though you are standing right next to her.
Ella from Ella Coquine - Last, but most certainly not least, is one of the first blogs I discovered when I first started blogging and always look forward to what she has to share.  Ella often writes about the hilarious things that happen to her while living her dream in Paris.

Now, it's time for my questions:
1. What is your biggest fear?
2. How many languages do you speak?  Which one(s)?
3. Who is your celebrity crush?
4. If you could go back to any time period, which one would it be and why?
5. Why did you start blogging?
6. What are your top 5 favorite movies?
7. What genre best describes your taste in music?  And who are you into these days?
8. What is your idea of relaxing?
9. What is your favorite part of blogging?
10. What is your dream job?
11. Did you have as a hard time as I did coming up with questions to ask? 

Thanks again for the lovely nomination, Andie!  I know I took forever to respond but I wanted to nominate other blogs I sincerely enjoy reading.  And I realize some of you I nominated have already been nominated but if you do not feel you want to pass it on that's okay.  I just wanted to let you know I genuinely enjoy reading your posts on a daily basis.

365 brought to you by the walking dead

The past week has been one with lots of coughing, TV watching, nose blowing, tea drinking and lemons.  Seriously, I am like the walking dead over.  I am finally starting to feel better again.  I swear, this is the sickest winter for me to date.  I just really need to stop kissing those adorable kiddos I nanny for on the reg.  We shall see how long that lasts...

Without further adieu, here are my photos from the week:

Feb 9, 2013.  Day 51 of 365

"Patterns"

{I was laying on the couch and loved the patterns the light coming in from the window left on the coffee table.}

Feb 10, 2013.  Day 52 of 365. 

"Shadow"

{Not my favorite photo but like I said, I wasn't feeling great and knew I had to capture something so this is what I got.  Tea and lemons have become my new bff.}

Feb 11, 2013.  Day 53 of 365.

"Wind Chime" 

{In an attempt to get some fresh air I headed out on our front porch.  It was one of those freak February 55 degree mornings.  Of course I was sick so I wasn't really able to enjoy it.}

Feb 12, 2013.  Day 54 of 365.

"Country Red"

{After a few weeks of not feeling wine I finally started to crave it again.  This was on sale for $7.  I really like it  and ended up getting another bottle yesterday:)}

Feb 13, 2013.  Day 55 of 365.

"Red"

{I was able to get out on a walk with the 10 month old I watch.  I loved the pop of color on our walk back home.}

Feb 14, 2013.  Day 56 of 365.

"Traditional Medicinals"

{If you follow me on Instagram you will have already seen a similar shot.  The home I nanny in has great lighting and I just loved the way the light hit my afternoon tea.}

Feb 15, 2013.  Day 57 of 365.

"Dino"

{These little dinos have been re-appearing the last few days.  Never fails to put a smile on my face}

Happy weekend (it's after 5 here in the east)!  Hope everyone had a great week! 

{Wisdom Wednesday} How Wonderful

{Source via Pinterest}

To be honest I wasn't going to post today.  I have been seeing some blogging advice out there that suggests cutting back on posting just to post.  And while I do love a good quote I didn't want to post one just to post one.

That was until I came across this goody from Anne Frank.  How wise Ms Frank was!  Way beyond her young years.  And isn't this such an amazing thing to come from a girl living in an annex, in close quarters, hiding from the Nazis?  

I wish I could say I believe the world has changed from when she was hidden away with her family.  Granted there isn't a government roaming the streets with heavy artillery telling us what to do (at least not yet) but there certainly is still a lot of hate.  In my opinion there is one way to improve this world and that is by showing more love, empathy and compassion.  I think Jennifer said it perfectly; "love and empathy are becoming increasingly endangered."  It seems everything now a days is so black and white.  Everywhere we turn someone is fighting somebody.  Just turn on your local station and you'll see.  

So, on this eve of Valentine's Day I dare you to not wait any longer and express love to the next person you see (I believe a simple smile will do!).  Because, after all, you may in that single moment be improving someone's world.  And that is where it begins.  With one person at a time.

{Music Monday} Summertime Sadness

Today is one of those freak 55 degree days that hardly ever happen, but recently seem to only happen when I am sick.  Damn you, Mother Nature, damn you.  Anyway, I finally made it off my couch into the shower this morning and this song came on the Florence and the Machine Pandora station.  Reminded me of how much I love Lana and her album Born To Die

Lana Del Rey - Summertime Sadness

Kiss me hard before you goSummertime sadnessI just wanted you to knowThat baby you're the best

Got my red dress on tonightDancing in the dark in the pale moonlightGot my hair up real big beauty queen styleHigh heels off, I'm feeling alive

Oh, my God, I feel it in the airTelephone wires above are sizzling like a snareHoney I'm on fire I feel it everywhereNothing scares me anymore

Kiss me hard before you goSummertime sadnessI just wanted you to knowThat baby you're the best

I've got that summertime, summertime sadnessS-s-summertime, summertime sadnessGot that summertime, summertime sadness

I'm feelin' electric tonightCruising down the coast goin' 'bout 99Got my bad baby by my heavenly sideI know if I go, I'll die happy tonight

Oh, my God, I feel it in the air
Telephone wires above are sizzlin' like your snareHoney I'm on fire I feel it everywhereNothing scares me anymore

Kiss me hard before you goSummertime sadnessI just wanted you to knowThat baby you're the best

I've got that summertime, summertime sadnessS-s-summertime, summertime sadnessGot that summertime, summertime sadness

I think I'll miss you foreverLike the stars miss the sun in the morning skiesLate is better than neverEven if you're gone I'm gonna drive, drive

I've got that summertime, summertime sadnessS-s-summertime, summertime sadnessGot that summertime, summertime sadness

Kiss me hard before you goSummer time sadnessI just wanted you to knowThat baby you're the best

I've got that summertime, summertime sadnessS-s-summertime, summertime sadnessGot that summertime, summertime sadness

While jamming in my shower this song and it's lyrics took me back to Summers full of bare feet, sun-kissed skin, late nights with friends, crushes (to which some I am embarrassed to admit I ever had) and early mornings remembering the night before with my best friend. 

As much as I try to live in the present, I often find myself day dreaming of warmer days and sunshine.  So, Summertime please do hurry.  Sister needs a break from these gosh awful sicknesses.  

Linking up with

Capturing My Moments Hashtag Project: a re-introduction

Since introducing my idea for a hashtag project on Instagram back in November I had plans of sharing my favorites on a weekly basis.  I do really hate to make excuses but life just kinda happened and kept putting it on the back burner as something I would do tomorrow or next week.  And we all know how that goes.  Never gets done.

However, recently I was reminded by one of the biggest participants in the hashtag project, @krissythemcmc, that I hadn't posted anything since my initial blog post.  Silly me!  Even in my absence to follow through it has grown from 27 photos to currently 225!  If you ask me, that is pretty exciting.

So, I invite you all, again, to make sure to use the hashtag #capturingmymoments on Instagram to share your favorite moments throughout your day.  Again, if you don't have Instagram you can email your photos to me at acornmanphotography@gmail.com or post them on my Facebook wall.  And I would like to share them with you all as well, so I have designated the last day of each month to share with you my favorites here in my little section of the blogosphere.

But first, since I have gotten so far behind I'd like to share my favorites since my first post:

@adoubleshotof

@ctomana

@juliewootv

@jennycorn11

@krissythemcmc

@lukewreilly

@kkh825

@bustinjustin1986

I'll be checking on a daily basis from now so keep them coming everyone and please let your friends know!  I am always amazed at how many of you have such a great eye for a good photograph.  It truly is amazing how far the camera phone has come along which allows us to capture such great photos and moments:) 

Oh and if you're interested I am @acornphotography on Instagram:) 

Until the 28th... 

Three. Six. Five

Today is Friday.  You know what that means?!  You guessed it, another The 365 Project post!  

Feb 2, 2013.  Day 44 of 365

"Egged"

 {You can check out the recipe for these bad boys here}

Feb 3, 2013.  Day 45 of 365

"Snowy Light"

Feb 4, 2013.  Day 46 of 365

"Life threatening." 

{I know I said I hoped to get all my photos with my "big camera" but I didn't feel comfortable pulling out the big guns for this photo opp.  I still wanted to capture what I experienced on my drive home.  Way to go, PA.  While I made it home safely I wasn't able to completely relax for another hour after I got home}

Feb 5, 2013.  Day 47 of 365

"Winter Plan Silhouette."

{This is one of those photos taken when I had planned on getting a completely different shot.  I love when this happens:)}

Feb. 6, 2013.  Day 48 of 365

"a Thank You"

{I went to visit my old coworkers on Wednesday and noticed I still had mail in my mailbox.  I was in such a rush to leave my last day in June since I was leaving that night for my first trip over the big pond, I left some cards that were given to me.  This one made me cry when I read it the first time.  It is so nice to know you have touched someone's life in a positive way.  Really made what I did worth getting up everyday.  The author of this note is someone who I hold in the utmost respect and I feel very lucky to call my friend}

Feb. 7, 2013.  Day 49 of 365. 

"Afternoon tea"

{I love the little design the tea made when it dripped down the side of the mug}

Feb 8, 2013.  Day 50 of 365

"Bubbles" 

{It was raining today.  First time in a long time.}

I cannot believe today is day 50 of this challenge.  I am still really enjoying it too!  

Happy Friday everyone:) 

Saw it. Pinned it. Did it. // Bacon Egg Cups

If you know me at all, you know that I do not like to cook.  Anything.  My cooking skills consist of popping popcorn (which I sometimes burn) and making grits (yes, I like grits.  What can I say, I did grow up in AL & TN).  This was true until very recently.  Like the past 2 weeks recent.  
And while I would not necessarily consider this cooking (or baking), it is a start for a beginner.  And I have to admit I am kinda liking it:)
Anyway, a few weeks ago I saw this photo on Pinterest and immediately added it to my "YUM" board (which you will notice also has yummy men on it as well).  

{Source via Pinterest}

Without further adieu, 

It is seriously so simple and takes all of 10 mins to prepare (depending on what you want to add to the eggs). 

What you will need:

12 pieces of bacon

8 eggs

How to:

line each muffin tin with bacon

fill each tin 3/4ths the way with whipped eggs

bake in oven at 350 for 30-35 minutes

The first time I made these I added kale, tomatoes and bell pepper.  The last batch was made with kale, onion and pepperoncinis.  You can add really whatever you want.  Just think of whatever is in your favorite omelete.   And personally, I believe the more the better.  Anything but the kitchen sink, which is what I like in my Bloody Marys.  

This recipe was made for a muffin tin with 12 individual tins so scale it accordingly.  

The verdict:

LOVE!  Husband was happy.  I was happy.  Just put them in your fridge (or freezer depending on how fast you plan on eating them) and you have 12 quick breakfasts to go!  Cuts my mornings in half which is perfect for those early mornings when I find it extra hard to get out of bed:)  

There's nothing better than laughter

{Source via Pinterest}

How true, huh?  When I am having a really bad day, like this one, sometimes I just have to laugh because if not I will cry and crying, well, makes me look crazy.  And I'd much rather look crazy laughing then crying.  Right?