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Holiday Season.

Winter’s almost here!
Good evening, everyone ♥
It has been such a beautiful day in Missouri. It was definitely chilly, but the sun was shining & I could definitely feel the warmth on my walk around downtown. I’ve started thinking about gift-giving for Christmas, and I’ve decided to limit my spending to $50 for all of my gifts. I plan to make most of my gifts. Every gift actually, except for Tori’s (which I found at a crafts fair in Arkansas.) I’m so excited because it has really challenged me to be creative & really spend time on the presents I’m giving. I’ve come to realize that time is more important than money, and the time I spend with my family this Thanksgiving & Christmas will be far more cherished than any present.
With the holidays approaching, the ladies at The Love Nest are in the baking mood. Anna & Katie made gingerbread cookies and muffins along with cinnamon coffee. If you’re craving something sweet, add a tad bit of cinnamon to your coffee grounds & it will cure that craving (it is delicious, too!)

Also, I’ve decided to deactivate my Facebook account for the time being. With my extra time that I would have spent surfin’ the net, I’ve started knitting again. I bought this beautiful deep green yarn today; it is eco friendly- made from recycled bottles.

& something to be excited about- home next Tuesday, Arkansas next Friday.
love,
Natalie

Home.

He doesn’t know this, but visiting Luke on Monday night while he’s working in the photo lab is one of the highlights of my week. I usually bring him something sweet from a local bakery or coffee shop downtown, but this time- I baked him cream cheese & dark chocolate chip cupcakes. So delicious!

Lately, my days have been filled with work + class + dinners with others + the necessities: sleep, food, etc. I finally made time to visit Salvation Army & I picked up these beautiful cups . $2 for 6!:

With the mindset of kitchen ware & baking- it reminds me of what I want my “home” to embrace. Full of babies, wonderful smells from the kitchen, quilts made by my great grandma’s hands, & chickens, lots & lots of chickens.
What does your “home” look like?
Love always,
Natalie

My southern roots.

For the past thirty-one years, the women on my mom’s side of the family have always gone to the War Eagle Crafts Fair in Arkansas. It began with my mother & grandmother. Now, my grandmother, mom, aunt, & all of the cousins attend- three generations! This weekend always means so much to me because I’m able to reconnect with my mom & the women who have inspired me so much.

This trip was especially exciting because mom & I were able to take a detour on our way to Eureka Springs to make a much needed visit to see

 my Nanny who is battling throat cancer & Tori, my best friend, who was celebrating her 19th birthday! 

We met early in the morning & ate breakfast at Something Brewing: an adorable, locally-owned cafe in the heart of Conway
It was such a wonderful weekend! Now- it is back to books & homework with tiny bits of love from friends & Luke in between. As I am getting older, I am starting to cherish the holiday season more & more. I light apple cinnamon candles as a reminder of this season’s delicious smells. I hope to make some stew soon; it is getting so chilly up here in Missouri!
Love,
Natalie