bringing in 2012.

SNAPSHOTS.

I've joined the instagram craze. I got an iPhone for my birthday and instagram is definitely my favorite part so far!
Here's a few snapshots of what I've been up to lately:

making pretty decorations // counting down the days until Christmas // eating too much sour cream berry pie (mm!) // making mix cds as Christmas gifts


my instagram username is: letterstorome

guest post: a non-profit Christmas.

I have a guest post today from one of my favorite ladies in the entire world (aka "Cam"/"bestie"/"wifey"..). She's put together a lil' list of products from non-profits or companies dedicated to helping causes around the world!

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Hi everyone! It was so nice of Megan to invite me to guest blog over here. My name is Cambria and I blog over at camabia. I blog about my faith, photography, fashion, what inspires me and non-profits. I am very passionate about non-profits so today I will be blogging about fun and cute non-profit Christmas gifts. 


Krotchet Kids International exists "to empower people to rise above poverty." Women in surrounding countries are learning to crotchet and the items that are made are sold online. My favorite part about this is that their names are written on the items which makes it more personal. 


The hat and scarf are great for Christmas because it gets so cold in the winter and what better to be warmed up by these beautiful items. 

Warby Parker is an organization that "was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective: to create boutique-quality, classically crafted eyewear at a revolutionary price point." For every pair bought a pair is given away. I do believe Megan bought a pair of these. (Yes I did! They're the best!)

a christmas and birthday wishlist.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

what's on your wishlist this year?

it's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas.

pinterest loves.

wreath cards

winter snow globes

santa hat cupcakes

wrapping paper

pasta fijole soup.

Disclaimer: I have no idea what "fijole" means/is! Apparently something delicious.

This soup is so good. It's been my choice for numerous birthday gatherings and it's the perfect lunch on a cold day. Or a summer day. Or any day. 

On the downside, this is one of my mom's recipes that has no measurements. (Who in the world makes a recipe with no measurements?!) You might have to go a little bit Julia Child on this one but it's definitely worth it.

So here is what you need:

spicy sausage

hamburger

onion, chopped

celery, chopped finely

carrot, julienne cut

one can (14-15 oz) Italian stewed tomatoes

one can Swansons beef broth

V8 (vegetable juice, sometimes we use the Trader Joes brand)

garlic clove

crushed basil

one 15 oz can kidney beans

chile powder

pepper

salad pasta 

Saute sausage, hamburger, celery, and onion together, adding minced garlic for last few minutes. Drain grease. Add carrots, stewed tomatoes, broth, V8, kidney beans, and spices (to taste) and simmer until carrots are done. Add cooked, drained salad pasta and serve. Also good topped with parmesan cheese.

joy to the world.

image from her blog

Angela Hardison, an awesome designer, made this "Joy to the World" print and has the pdf free on her blog here! So simple, so pretty.

december you are off to a lovely start.

diana photo from last winter

drinking too many cups of Trader Joes sipping chocolate.
making Christmas wishlists.
making birthday wishlists.
feeling like I'm making too many wishlists.
baking cookies.
listening to the She & Him Christmas album on repeat.
attempting to tackle the never ending pile of homework.
reading blogs when I should be tackling said never ending pile of homework.
soaking in the magic of Christmastime.

that's what I've been doing lately!
what have you been up to my friends?