My Own Little Corner of the World

farewell, january.

2012-01-31T16:45:00.000-08:00

(I just realized that I saved all my photo-files this month as from "January 2011". fAIL.)

One month of 2012 had already passed us by. Unbelieveable. I think that this year, at the end of every month I'll do a post with my accomplishments, favorite pictures that I took that month & some other favorites. Thoughts?

what I did this month:

- I got to photograph an awesome flour mill in the snow.
- I discovered new things about road trips.
- I tried to get my sleep schedule under control (talked about in the above link).
- I got to plan Zachary's first birthday party.
- I became a Lord of the Rings fan.
- I read the Lord of the Rings books in 10 days.
- I had a revelation.
- I learned how to play On Fire on the piano.
- I finally made a photo-wall in my room. (Look for a future post about it!)
- I brainstormed ideas for my 14th birthday party.
- I got excited for The Hobbit.

my favorite pictures from this month:

outside in the snow

reading Return of the King

i just love this picture. and the quote that goes with it.

making cookies

crayons & scrabble tiles = love.

journaling

my 2-year old brother, Efraim. adorable, I know.

the flour mill

favorite video of the month:

favorite quotes:

"And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer."
-Samwise Gamgee, The Lord of the Rings

"The Road goes ever on and on,
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow it, if I can."

- J. R. R. Tolkien

"We read to know that we are not alone."

-C. S. Lewis

"I've loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night."

-Galileo

"Every day is a fight to become more than what you are now."

-Me (yeah, I can quote myself on my blog)

looking forward to in february:

- my 14th birthday
- my 14th birthday party
- valentine's day (with all the boys in my house, I've always said that my mother & I deserve to have a little fun on v-day.)
- the sheer joy of february.

lovelovelove,

abbie /// xoxox

P. S. I still need questions for my FAQ page I'm working on! Anything you've ever wanted to ask me?

P. P. S. Anyone interested in sponsoring my birthday-giveaway? See the sidebar for details :)

P. P. P. S. Sorry about the huge gap. I can't figure out how to fix it :(

questions, anyone?

2012-01-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

sunset

We're a little 'under construction' around My Own Little Corner. *squeals* I'm in the middle of adding some pages, and I want to add an FAQ page. So if there's anything that you want to know about me or this blog that haven't covered on my bio page (the girl), then ask away! :)

Guess what I finished reading today? Yep, that's right, the Lord of the Rings books. They are the most amazing books ever. You just get sucked right into the story as you read it. There were so many lines that made me grin right then & there. And at one point I was so excited that I closed the book, jumped off my bed, and ran in happy-circles around my room. And I was definitely misty-eyed when I finished it. (Actually, I'm technically not finished because I still have nearly 200 pages of appendices to read.)

My favorite character was Sam. (How could it not be, really?) You know, you sort of get the feeling that it's as much Sam's journey as it is Frodo's (or any other member of the fellowship, for that matter.) I just loved how Sam is so thoughtful, so brave, so devoted to Frodo. In a way I could sort of relate to him. (I could probably say alot more, but I'll leave it at that.)

And now what? Well, I know that I'll read the Lord of the Rings many, many times in my life. Same for watching the movies. But, I am very (very) eagerly awaiting the release of The Hobbit in December. (Seriously? December? Feels like forever from now.) The wait will be worth it, however.

Source: imdb.com via Abbie on Pinterest

So. Excited.

Abbie //// XOXO

P.S. I've been thinking about doing a birthday-giveaway here on the blog. Anyone interested in sponsoring? Let me know! (through comments, or e-mail me at forabbiesblog(at)gmail(dot)com. Just unspell the 'dots' :)

on birthdays & other things

2012-01-26T13:09:00.001-08:00

As of today, my 14th birthday is one month. (It's also my aunt's birthday. So I don't know if she'll read this, but if she is, then a very happy birthday from me & my little blog. :)

Source: chiccheapnursery.com via Abbie on Pinterest

And usually, by New Years', I always knew exactly what I wanted for my birthday party. But this year I have no. idea. what I want to do.

It's quite possible that I am going to get a FABULOUS birthday gift that I may or may not know about. (teehee!)

For once I don't have much to say. I should probably sign off soon so I can get back to reading Return of the King. (Do you think I've been obsessing over Lord of the Rings too much lately? I can't help it, because it's SO. AWESOME. But my friends did not really care when I gushed about LOTR to them.)

But before I do, I wanted to say thank you SO. MUCH. For all your sweet comments. Seriously each one of them makes my day. And when I started this blog three and a half years ago, I did not envision 157 followers. So thank you, thank you.

Lovelovelove,

Abbie /// XOXOX

P.S. Tomorrow I'll come back. With something more than this. :)

it will shine out the clearer.

2012-01-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

Today was not easy. Harsh winds blew outside over the roads that are pretty much paved with ice. If I wasn't homeschooled, it would have been my second snow day in a row. And I couldn't focus on my schoolwork. When I tried to start, my mind would drift off. Several times I grabbed The Two Towers and read a few pages before going back to my school. (Who can blame me, really? It's a pretty AMAZING book.)

I just felt so tired, so weary. The winds outside reflected what was happening to me on the inside - barren winds blew over my soul, eroding all endurance until I just broke down. So I took twenty minutes just to breathe. I listened to music, wrote a bit in my journal. And I kept thinking about finding beauty in the pain. And it's such a very hard thing to do. But I think that the beauty in my pain was knowing that it doesn't have to be this way. I can change. I won't be worn-out forever. I can embrace (thanks, Megan).

I've been thinking of this quote for most of the day. (That Sam. He's definitely my favorite character in Lord of the Rings.) And the times when I most feel like I can't do it anymore, I repeat to myself - it will shine out the clearer. Life is sometimes rough. Things don't go the way you want them to. It makes you cry. It's a fight; every day - a fight to be more than what you are now. But you have to remember that when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer.

I won't forget.

abbie // xoxox

p.s. books are one of my favorite subjects for photography. :)

a wonderful sunday

2012-01-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

The winter wind howls mercilessly outside. But in my house I am warm & cozy as a hibernating bear, if he is warm at all. I've never asked one personally.

Today was spent joyfully. I spent much time reading The Two Towers (more on that in a future post). I played chess with my older brother (and lost both times). We laughed. I cuddled with my nest-to-littlest brother of two years. And when I craved something sweet, peanut butter cookies were the answer.

The taste of raw cookie dough lingers on my tongue. I roll it into little balls and flatten them with a fork, making a careful criss-cross pattern. Next comes sprinkling the sugar on top.

At the same time I am enjoying frozen blueberries. They are very plentiful in the summer where I live, so we pick lots and freeze them to eat in winter. And I think about the simplest joys in life. They come in cookies. Blueberries. Warm sweaters. Late-night reading. The look on your little brothers face before he gives you a hug. That moment when your four-year old brother comes up to you and says, "Can I have another cookie? Because they're SO good!" They come in listening to piano music, which has been one of my favorite kinds since I was just a little girl.

The weekend has almost come to a close. And with the close of the weekend comes the start of a new week. Filled with new challenges. New hopes. New tears. New dreams that I'll probably forget as soon as I wake up. But the thought is so beautiful.

I'm looking forward to this week.

abbie /// xoxoxox

p.s. for the record, I'd probably prefer to have a thousand dreams a night and forget them all then to never dream.

learning to breathe

2012-01-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

//the song//

Source: weheartit.com via Abbie on Pinterest

I'm not a perfect person. I mess up daily. I do & say things that I regret. I get on my own case for doing things wrong. I look in the mirror and I don't feel pretty. I feel average, bordering on ugly. I see a person who is life-weary. Tired of doing things wrong.

I feel awkward around others sometimes. I'm not always true to myself. Deep down inside I want to shine. I want to talk to people and make friends. But it's buried under pain. Remembering how hard it is to be an outsider. The whispers of "Nobody likes me. Nobody cares." I start being really shy. I don't want to talk to people. I say "You're probably gonna laugh at me, but...." when I talk to my friends.

Why am I so broken? Why do I feel this way? Why do I have to be pretty much perfect to reach my own approval? What happened to my free spirit? To the times when I could laugh off those moments? Those carefree tween years full of, "Be yourself." Back then I could be myself. What's different now?

We long to hear acceptance. To see it. We look at others and think they're perfect. Maybe that's what that person thinks of you, though you know you're far from perfect.

Who is the perfect person, really? Who has everything together at every moment? Who pleases everyone? Who is never crushed in spirit?

Maybe I'm starting to see that this "perfect person" doesn't exist. Maybe I'm learning that it's okay. No one's going to be happy with you all the time, and no one will truly understand the person that you are. People may not accept me. They might think it's weird that I cried when I watched Toy Story 3 and I wish I could visit Middle Earth. But it's me. It's true. It's real. I can't keep hiding or my spirit will die.

And I know I'm not perfect. But God loves me anyway.

abbie /// xoxox

where many paths and errands meet

2012-01-18T17:16:00.000-08:00

I didn't start my school until about 12:30 today, but it was good just the same because I only had a science quiz. And I studied for it... but there were a few questions I wasn't quite sure about. I finished the quiz and thought, "I'm gonna flunk. I'm gonna flunk. I'm gonna fail. See, I failed..." and found out I got 100%.

My morning consisted of many lovely things. I spent one hour reading The Fellowship of the Ring. Had bacon, eggs, and toast for breakfast. Helped my older brother with a biology experiment, which meant him flipping a coin constantly for 20 minutes and saying, "Heads. Tails. Tails. Tails. Heads. Heads. Tails....." and me ticking off "heads" or "tails" on a paper.

I can't complain about the rest of the day, either.

I made double chocolate cookies. Felt ambitious and decided to make supper, too. Learned how to play On Fire on the piano.

Why yes, that is a bandage on my finger. I burned myself on the cookie pan.

Watched this video several times. Because it's hilarious. You'll love it.

My eyelids grow heavy, but it's only 8:43. Just as well, I suppose. Goodnight, lovelies :)

Abbie /// XOXOX

Oh How Pinteresting Wednesdays

2012-01-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

Oh How Pinteresting Wednesdays... I haven't done this in a long time... but I knew I had promised a pin-dump, so it's very convenient (and fun).

Source: 28.media.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^because tea is so wonderful.

Source: imgfave.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: prettinessandbuttons.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^ This is pretty gorgeous. I could actually do the window frame because we have a bunch of old windows from this summer when we got them replaced.

Source: prettinessandbuttons.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Paris, London, New York, Amsterdam.

Source: katielloydphotography.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^This is an amazing picture!

Source: gastrogirl.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^Orange Creamsicle Shake... making this as soon as our new blender part comes in the mail!

Source: smiileyabir.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^Go exploring.

Source: teenagerposts.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^ Happens to me every day.

Source: twotonmantaray.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: outcamethesun.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: marvelouskiddo.blogspot.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^This is a picture of the Strand Bookstore. They have over 18 MILES of books. Amazing-ness.

Source: pikaland.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: wistfulwishes.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: 24.media.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: frillsandfurbelows.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Abbie on Pinterest

That's pretty much only scratching the surface of my Pinterest! So if you like what you see.... follow me!

The Vintage Apple

some journal excerpts.

2012-01-16T15:32:00.000-08:00

I love to journal. I may not be the most consistent writer - I may sometimes go weeks without writing. But it's a really fabulous feeling to have your thoughts on paper. So I thought I might share some excerpts from my journal writing. Enjoy :)

January 3rd /// 2012

Me and long car-trips have a love-hate relationship. Sometimes all the sitting and car-sickness and child-crying makes me want to scream. But they teach me things. They help me see a beautiful mess. I discover.

.... Oh, and you know you've got skills when you can go right back and forth from singing along to Switchfoot on you iPod to saying Toy Story 3 while it's playing.

January 9th /// 2012

The Lord of the Rings sure is stressful. I mean, the movies are amazing... but I'm dying to know what happens next!

January 11th /// 2012

Tonight we finished the Lord of the Rings. And I never new how amazing it would be... how much I would get sucked into the story.

... And I think, "Will I sleep tonight? If I do, will it be a good sleep?" Yet the thought thrills me. It drives me.

January 12th /// 2012

I don't know what it is about me... it's like I'm both an early bird and a night owl. I like to be up early and get a fresh start to my day. But I also function really well at night. I mean, after I get my second wind (around 9 o'clock-ish), I'm full of energy.

January 13th /// 2012

It's funny how I'm often the last in the house to turn off my light. I think I just enjoy the stillness and quiet of being the only one up... I can really let my thoughts out.

January 16 /// 2012 (today)

I'm stuck studying for a history quiz when all I want to do is read. Or play music. Or dream about Middle Earth. Or something else Lord of the Rings-related. Anything but this.

(Okay, so you can pretty much tell what I write about. That's only the past two weeks, though. And just so you don't worry, my sleep schedule isn't all that bad. I'm trying to remedy it... but lately it's been midnight-to-one o'clock-ish lights out and eight-thirty to nine-ish waking up.)

Now, if you'll excuse me, it's getting a little late.

Lovelovelove,

Abbie /// XOXOXO

officially a lord of the rings fan.

2012-01-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

quote from the movie...

Frodo: I can’t do this, Sam.
Sam: I know. It’s all wrong. By rights we shouldn’t even be here. But we are. It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.
Frodo: What are we holding onto, Sam?
Sam: That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo… and it’s worth fighting for.

My dad bought a copy of the Lord of the Rings trilogy (extended edition!) and, last Saturday said that he, my older brother and my mom were going to watch The Fellowship of the Ring and I should watch with them. I can't believe it now - I didn't want to and was going to go to my room and watch Bug's Life. I ended up catching the first two minutes when I was about to go upstairs and I couldn't pull myself away. I couldn't believe what an amazing story it was. We watched the entire trilogy in five days. We split Fellowship of the Ring into two nights, watched The Two Towers all in one night because we couldn't bear to stop, and Return of the King split into two nights. And at the very end... I cried. Harder than I ever have during a movie, I have to say. It didn't end there, though. The extended edition includes six appendices - so we've been watching bonus features every night since last Thursday.

The Lord of the Rings has occupied most of my thoughts lately. It's on my favorite movies list - right up there with Toy Story 3, maybe even higher. (Wanna hear a funny story? I pulled my hair back into a half-ponytail type thing for church this morning, and afterwards when I got home and looked in the mirror, I said, "Wait a minute..." - and then laughed out loud. Because the way I had pulled back my hair kind of looked like Legolas' hair. Anyways, getting sidetracked...) It's such a fabulous story... hard to believe that one man came up with it all. I decided that as part of the rest of my [home]school year (and partly for fun and awesomeness and because I really, really want to), I'm going to read the Lord of the Rings books. It's going to be pretty great.

So until next time... I'll be in Middle Earth. (Only in my head, of course.)

Lovelovelove,

Abbie /// XOXOXOX

P.S. I clicked "publish", and looked over this post, and decided it was not complete without a picture. So here you are, with love <3

Source: tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

toy story 3 is tops.

2012-01-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

like the new look?..... the new music? *grins* i was totally thrilled when i found out i could have this song from the toy story 3 soundtrack play on my blog. it makes me so happy. toy story 3 is definitely my favorite as far as animation goes. (my new favorite for live-action films is Lord of the Rings. :)

so, who's up for some toy story 3 pins? i know I am.

Source: thedisneyprincess.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: 28.media.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: thedisneyprincess.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: theberry.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^ i couldn't resist.

i'll leave it at that. just to let you know, this is not the anticipated pinterest dump post. just you wait.

lovelovelove,

abbie /// xoxox

le happy

2012-01-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

Source: listal.com via Abbie on Pinterest

the lord of the rings trilogy

switchfoot

a snow day

DIY necklaces

pixar

planning to read the LOTR books

baked oatmeal

earrings from etsy

book-plotting

singing

tons of snow

my brother's birthday tomorrow

tea

music

finding 20$ in your old jeans

being a part of something

twenty-four {the song}

life's happy mystery

toy story 3

finishing your schoolwork awesomely fast

phone chats with friends

lovelovelove,

abbie /// xoxoxox

p.s. pinterest dump post coming soon. and maybe a DIY? :)

Cat in the Hat Cupcakes

2012-01-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

I love cupcakes. So for my little brother Zachary's first birthday party, which was also a Dr. Seuss theme, we made Cat in the Hat cupcakes.

I'm still so happy about the dessert table I arranged! See those paper flags across the window? I also made a bigger version to hang across the room. From left to right are popcorn containers, a Dr. Seuss book, the cupcakes and a mini-easel with a Dr. Seuss quote on it, another Dr. Seuss book, a big bowl with pink lemonade in it, and a jar of mini-flags I made that all say "Hooray for Zach!" I'm still debating on keeping my party-planning a hobby or someday making it a career.

Popcorn! Yummy :)

Little bro and his "cupcake smash". Basically after he ate all the icing off he threw down the cupcake and cried. (What can I say? He's only one year old.)

Zachary sure loves his new ride-on toy! In case you can't tell, it's Tow Mater from Cars and Cars 2. The best part is the tow hook in the back and the fact that his license plate number is the same as in the movie.

Lots of love,

Abbie /// XOXOXOX

photos /// 12.29.11

2012-01-07T08:50:00.001-08:00

This globe belongs to my grandmother. As soon as I laid eye on it, I knew I had to take pictures of it.

maps + lace

abbie /// xoxoxox

photos /// 12.28.11

2012-01-06T07:49:00.000-08:00

abbie /// xoxoxox

surprise, i'm not really a jedi.

2012-01-05T17:57:00.000-08:00

I just like to wear a hood sometimes.

(I was looking for my little brother's purple lightsaber. Not real, of course. I put on my hood and my big brother called me "the little red jedi". I adopted the title.)

I got this sweater on a huge sale, and was so delighted at the fact that it has a hood. I like to wear my hood. It's cozy.

(Sorry that you can't really see the jeans. I didn't realize that they wouldn't be visible and I had already done so many retakes. Headband from CreativeBirdie.)

Today my mother pointed out that I'm passionate about the things I love. You know, she's right. (Aren't moms always?) I love to sing, so I sing everywhere & all the time. I love Pixar, so I got a Pixar daily calendar and I know pretty much everything there is to know about Pixar. (well, not really.) So on and so forth. I'm a 100% kind of person. If I really love something I won't stop doing it/thinking about it/loving it.

My pictures finally loaded to my computer. Over the next few days I'll try to post some pictures from our trip. Love you all, fabulous readers!

abbie///xoxoxox

p.s. i love snickerdoodles.

i'm back.

2012-01-04T16:24:00.000-08:00

Home. Inhale, exhale. We made it. It's dark outside, the half moon is high, and the bitter cold threatens to freeze my no-coat self. (Only a Canadian can withstand it.) Stiff and groggy I stumble into the house. It looks the same, smells the same. I was away. But nothing changed. Well, except my Christmas tree. It was completely dead, and that corner of my room was a sea of fallen pine needles.

I wake up, and the first thing I though was, "I slept soo well!" Guess you feel like that when you sleep in your own bed after being away. I nearly cried out with joy when I turned the page on my Pixar calendar and saw this picture (without the words, of course):

Source: facebook.com via Abbie on Pinterest

My room is in serious need of cleaning and redecorating. I had a lot of ideas, but for some reason I never got to that today. The reason?

1500 pages of the Holly's Heart series.

(Well, I didn't read all 3 volumes. Not yet. But I probably will have by the time I hit the pillow tonight.)

I totally love this series! The only thing is...

(WARNING: Spoiler ahead. If you've read the books, don't plan on reading them, or are just too curious, you may read the next two sentences after this. But what's point of writing this warning, right? I know most of you will read it anyways.)

So where were we....? Oh, yes. The only thing is.....

I really though that Jared was a better choice for Holly than Sean Hamilton. (It's been weighing on me for a while.)

Sounds strange, but it's true. So I'm trying to speed-read the entire series.

I guess this is me, signing off. I realize that after the first two paragraphs, this post made no sense. But I can't make much sense when reading is calling me.

Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with, um..... a more.... substantial post.

abbie-xoxox

fernweh

2012-01-02T19:58:00.000-08:00

Just to let you know, this is not a full post. I have to go to bed, because we're leaving super-early to drive home tomorrow. But I just wanted to share Fernweh Magazine. It's pretty fabulous & I know you'll love it!!

Enjoy! Hopefully I'll be back posting on - hmm... Wednesday or Thurday. Bye <3

abbie-xoxox

p.s. like the new look?

on new year's day

2012-01-01T19:39:00.000-08:00

Before I start this, I hate posts without photos.

That does not quite agree with my SD card that still won't upload.

It's New Year's Day. It's 2012. This post is the first post on my 2012 blog archive. 91 posts in 2011. 1 post so far in 2012.

Last night was spent with family. We played Apples to Apples. I played with my cousin. We did the famous countdown. "....10....9...8....7....6....5....4.....3....2....1...." There were hugs. There were "Happy New Year"s. But..... to tell the truth I was scared. It's never happened before..... but 365 days were scaring me silly. So.... I went to God. He's bigger than 365 days. He's bigger than anything.... and I know that! The key point is to remember it.

So...it's started. My daily Pixar calendar is open to day 1. I'm with my family. I visited my aunt's house. Saw a movie. Played games. I've already got plans for the coming weeks. They involve friends.... Beauty & the Beast in 3D (hopefully).

Thanks for being with me....joining me on my journey in life. 2012, here I come!

abbie - xoxoxox

this moment

2011-12-30T09:29:00.000-08:00

Source: flickr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

(my photos won't upload to my computer... pinterest to the rescue!)

i love road trips. packing bags... one for clothes, and one to bring in the car full of things to entertain yourself. waking up before the sun and piling into the van. and those moments... when you're so tired of sitting that you want to scream, when 3 out of 8 in the family have gotten carsick, fast food packaging littering the vehicle... is when you start to see what I call the beautiful mess. like on christmas morning... a sea of wrapping paper, ribbons, toy packaging... and smiling children and a feeling of joy, and somehow, peace.

i'm in the very backseat of the van with my little brother aged 2. i've just finished watching Dolphin Tale and I close my laptop with satisfaction. i take out my camera and try to take some pictures of the road. staring back at me is the world in her freshest white dress laden with glitter and ice. i catch my breath. i lower my camera. this was something i had to see with my own eyes.

i take out a journal and a pen. and i start a list titled this moment.

snow-laced branches
blue skies and clouds

my mother passes me a surprise from the front seat. i savor it.

cookies n' cream white chocolate

my little brother wants some, too. i break off a piece for him.

staticky blonde hair

Switchfoot

sunny & snowing

watching movies

i remember my earlier thought from this morning. how gracious and kind the Lord was to give us the gift of music.

music

awareness

car windows that frost and refrost

i sip tea from my new travel mug. it's finally cooled down enough to drink (after 5 hours!)

(really) hot tea

my little brother

pillowcases that serve as blankets

baby babbling

anticipation

family

perfectly messy buns

and you can't have a road trip without a little bit of disagreement.

comforting children

quoting buzz lightyear while breaking up fights: "you can't hit eachother, that's my job." (just kidding, of course.)

before I know it, we've almost at our destination.

city lights

reading to my little brother

always (my favorite Switchfoot song EVER)

my heart fills as we come to a stop in my grandparents' driveway. all of us kids are so eager to get into the house. i unbuckle my little brother's seatbelt. we run out of the van and burst into the house. greeted my grandmother, uncle, aunt and cousin.... there is no feeling like being with family.

i will remember this moment.

abbie - xoxo

an early christmas

2011-12-23T11:29:00.000-08:00

so. my last post was about not being on the computer so much. i've neglected my poor, precious blog for over a week. no, i haven't been completely off the computer for that long, but before today it was a good two days of no computer.

that's probably because at my house, it's christmas. literally. my dad is working from today till the 27th... no fun. which is why we moved our traditional christmas eve celebrations up a bit, to the winter solstice (thanks Megan!)

it has been such a lovely day. the morning started with stockings. i felt like a little girl again for the suspense of it all, pulling surprises out of my sock one after the other. i have to admit that I'm still in my pajamas (tradition for us. one of my grandparents' gifts to us is always new pajamas.)

so, without further ado, i present my christmas gifts.

note: i hope it doesn't sound like i'm bragging about my stuff on here.my main reason for posting these is out of gratitude and to have somene to share it with. :)

i've already drank 2 cups of tea from my new Perfect Mug from David's Tea!

and my new Pixar Daily Calendar!! so thrilled about it!! can't wait for this year.

Holly's Heart, Volume 3. Which I started last night and finished around lunch. (funny thing is, last night i could NOT sleep until 3:30 am. i tried everything... reading, writing, music... but I just was not tired. so I read half this book before i went to sleep (finally!)

fingerless gloves made by my awesome grandmother!

my stocking stuffers. which including Smencils, a manicure kit, an idea book (literally), chocolate covered pretzels and seashell chocolates (<< literally best chocolates ever), gum, and...more chocolate.

my giant book on Paris!!!! I looooove it :)

my new slippers :) (sorry... better picture in order :)

cutlery... for my hope chest. i love it!!

and my main gift.... a new duvet cover and big green comfy pillow from my amazing parents. (feel free to love the tree in the corner.)

well, dinner is calling and I must go. I promise some more christmas-y posts soon!

love,

abbie-xoxo

but, dear me, let us be elegant or die!

2011-12-13T08:36:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with this line from Little Women. My aunt gave me a big, beautiful copy that she bought at a thrift store. I'll have lots of reading to do over my Christmas holidays. I decided to break early, so starting tomorrow, I'm a free girl. (oh the joys of homeschooling!)

I'm up to chapter 4 in Little Women. Reading about Jo and Meg going to the New Year's Party, Meg with burnt hair and Jo with a burnt frock, both of them with soiled gloves. It made me laugh, and want to wear an old fancy dress and a cameo necklace.

Last night something happened. I used to laugh and say "It happens to every blogger", but I didn't realize it would hit me so seriously.

The truth is, I spend too much time on the internet. Last night I was journaling.... and here's some of what I wrote.

"...It happens every day. I'm always checking Facebook, Blogger, Pinterest, Gmail.... and I'm ashamed. Do I need to be online that much?... No. So why do I?"

(note: the above has been slighty altered from what I originally wrote.)

Chirstmas is coming upon us very soon, and I'm extremely excited. There are presents to wrap, cards to make, letters to mail, puzzles to do, tea & hot chocolate to be drank, Christmas music that begs to be heard and sung. I'm not going to miss it.

with love,

abbie-xoxo

a little bit of monday love

2011-12-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

i had such a lovely weekend. and here all the reasons why.

a. thursday. i spent almost the whole day doing crafts. it was wonderful.

b.me and my aunt had our annual sleepover-and-christmas-shopping weekend. i did almost all my christmas shopping and some fun shopping too. like wrapping paper, tea, christmas earrings, pens...

c. this might sound ridiculous to some, but... on Saturday I watched Beauty and the Beast - for the first time, I'm pretty sure. and i loved it! :)

Source: aspiringsuperwoman.files.wordpress.com via Emmie on Pinterest

d. when i was with my aunt we went to see the orchestra. it was amazing! i loved it!

e. today we are going to my grandmother's house to help her decorate her christmas tree. i'm definitely looking forward to it.

f. here's a bit of blog love... some of this weekend's favorites. please take the time to pop over to these blogs! i know they would be happy to see you! :)

i could see for miles, miles, miles, miles - clair de lune

the christmas tree - pastor's girl's ponderings

on today - Cupcake Dictionary

a tattooed number - Girlz 4 God

abbie-xoxo

christmasy things

2011-12-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

well, hello there.

i apologize for my absence here on the blog, but i've been out and about doing some totally fun things. like yesterday, we were at my grandmother's house making gingerbread cookies all afternoon.

they are seriously the most amazing gingerbread cookies i've ever had. they bring back memories of my childhood. we lived about 10 hours away instead of just down the road like we are now. but whenever we would go to visit, she would always have a special baked treat for us. we made tons of cookies, and we made a custom gingerbread house design that we're going to assemble very soon.

i love visiting my grandmother's house. it brings me back to the days that are long past, but will never be forgotten.

right now, the winter wind is speaking. inviting anyone who wishes to come for a walk while the snow falls.

and that is something i wouldn't miss for the world.

abbie-xoxo

this christmas.

2011-12-03T07:55:00.000-08:00

this morning i had a post all laid out, but sometimes you just have scrap the whole idea and start over.

these past two days have been busy. thursday held shopping for christmas craft supplies. yesterday was the christmas parade and the youth christmas party. (you'll see a picture of our float below.) i'm hoping that the rest of my holiday season is a bit more laid back.

you know, i've been thinking. lately, i've become lost in the monotony of everyday life. i've lost motivation for school work. i'm tired of the outside greys and brown. daily life takes everything out of me. it takes all of me just to keep going. i feel like i can't keep going like this.

what i've been learning is that life isn't just about dreams. we need to be content with the here & now! sure, things like dreams, wanderlust, aspirations & goals are all things we can't live without, but we need to find joy in the present, and be open to the future.

i think that this christmas, i can learn that.

the float

another year has nearly passed us by, and christmas is upon us once again. it's the perfect thing to instill a change in our hearts.

abbie-xoxo

shamelessly in love.

2011-11-30T19:29:00.001-08:00

tonight was one of the best nights of my life for two reasons:

a. we put up our christmas tree.

b. i discovered i could do bokeh shots.

my first ever bokeh photo. i was completely ecstatic. as in, laughing like a maniac, running around the living room showing my family.

bokeh tree. i took so many pictures like this, just because i was so amazed by the bokeh.

outside bokeh.

maybe i'll post some more tree-pictures tomorrow!

abbie-xoxo

Oh How Pinteresting Wednesdays

2011-11-30T12:43:00.000-08:00

it's that time again!
to start off...

Source: thedisneyprincess.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

some disney pixar loveliness for you all.

Source: thedisneyprincess.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

"I have just met you, and I love you."

Source: thedisneyprincess.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

it's so sad, yet sweet at the same time.

Source: mamiejanes.blogspot.com via Abbie on Pinterest

don't you love this ornament? i might try to make some :)

Source: flickr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

love this.

Source: featherstonemoonandivorybone.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

slow down.

Source: weheartit.com via Abbie on Pinterest

haha! i've done this with my brother :)

Source: katespadeny.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

yarn & brown paper wrapping.

Source: fint.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

i love this idea!

Source: flickr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

this is perfect.

Source: flickr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

wordless.

Source: google.com via Abbie on Pinterest

i just HAD to share this! pretty amazing :)

Source: uranophane.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: lefrufrublog.blogspot.com via Abbie on Pinterest

aren't these so pretty? i would make a bunch :)

Source: blog.craftzine.com via Abbie on Pinterest

take an old thrift store painting, tape out a message, and paint over with a solid color. oh the brilliant things i find on pinterest!!

Source: snorgtees.com via Abbie on Pinterest

LOL, this is hilarious! What I wish I could say to all my math problems on daily basis.

Source: mackink.blogspot.com via Abbie on Pinterest

truth.

Source: joliesmomesfactory.blogspot.com via Abbie on Pinterest

oh, i do so ever love this.

Source: solutionsbridal.com via Abbie on Pinterest

i love this idea for a save-the-date!

Source: flickr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

aren't those too cute!?

Source: Uploaded by user via Abbie on Pinterest

oh yes.

Source: flickr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

perfection.

Source: sivioco.com via Abbie on Pinterest

truth of the matter.

Source: andwhatalicesaw.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

this is random, but i think it's kind of *awesome*.

Source: bettybroccoli.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

isn't this such a great idea? i bet it would smell good, too!

Source: google.com via Abbie on Pinterest

i love the combination of the silver letters & the feather boa backdrop!

Source: thenonpareilbaker.blogspot.com via Abbie on Pinterest

peanut butter cookie dough brownies. we made them, and they'r soo good!!

Source: flickr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

this dress is just gorgeous!!

Source: iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com via Abbie on Pinterest

i really want to make this!!

Source: photos.ellen.warnerbros.com via Abbie on Pinterest

this is also pretty hilarious. :)

Source: shannoneileenblog.typepad.com via Abbie on Pinterest

*click click*

okay, that's 32 pins. i guess i should stop now.

abbie-xoxo

everything feels rusted over.

2011-11-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

-vice verses

today felt kind of, well, rusted over. math problems piled up and made me frustrated. i probably checked pinterest a good too many times. the snow is half-here, half-not here and i wish old man winter would hurry up and make a decision. but, there is a good part to every 'rusted' day.

like smiling brothers.

breathing the brisk outdoor air.

dreaming of my graduation party in june. i tend to start planning things early, so i will try to plan quietly in my head so i don't drive my family crazy.

planning to watch ratatouille in a little while with the aforementioned brothers.

planning an advent calendar for them with activities inside instead of treats.

reading the tanglewoods secret. (patricia st. john)

writing in my journals. (my latest list is called 'dilemmas of a girl like me'.) maybe i'll share a list sometime.

i suppose every day has good things in it. and although school piles up, my room is pretty messy, and there are lots of other things that beg to be done, they'll just have to wait. until after i've watched ratatouille and had a good night's sleep.

so, farewell until next time.

abbie-xoxo

a post dedicated to my new dream.

2011-11-27T14:54:00.000-08:00

Source: etsy.com via Abbie on Pinterest

1960s type 2 volkswagen bus.

Source: blog.holamama.es via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Hayley on Pinterest

i am seriously excited. you know, i used to want a volkswagen beetle. scrap that, now i want the whole bus. i mean, they are absolutely gorgeous. well, i've never seen one in person, but from the pictures i found online, well.... i totally want one.

abbie-xoxo

p.s. special thanks to hayley. she made me want a volkswagen bus. :)

miscellaneous ramblings.

2011-11-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

so, this is basically a collaboration of all the posts i've wanted to to do lately.

a. traveling.

i had a great time on my trip.

my suitcase. can't go anywhere without my tea.

b. journaling.

i've started three journals recently. book of lists, recipe book, movie quotes.

c. citrus.

i completed something off my imaginary bucket list on Tuesday. take photos of produce at the grocery store.

d. this amazing rusted fence.

i mean, gorgeous, right?

by the way, i have a funny story to tell. on our trip, we took the scenic route and my brother shouted, "look!" i turned just in time to see an old, brown, dilapidated mine shaft. ishouted, "it's gorgeous!" i couldn't stop to take pictures, but i hope i'll return someday.

you know you're a photographer when... ;)

e. oil painting.

i recently started oil painting again. and i love it. i love working with oil paints. i love the smell, the feel, the meticulous details. i'm making it a new years resolution to oil paint at least once a month.

f. books & rainbows.

no, this is not an effect. this is real! i was reading one day and noticed a rainbow reflection on my book. so i grabbed my camera :)

(book: Straight-A Teacher by Beverly Lewis (my favorite in the Holly's Heart Series)

g. movie soundtracks.

like the ones for these movies.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Izzy on Pinterest

Source: stockdisplays.co.uk via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: forums.ffshrine.org via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: thedisneyprincess.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

my favorite soundtrack form any pixar movie is probably a tie between up and toy story 3. seriously, the music for those movies is phenomenal. second place is a tie between monsters inc. and cars 2. third place goes to wall-e :)

h. black friday.

since i live in canada, it's definetly not as crazy as the states. this year, alot of canadian stores have started doing black friday sales. but since the nearest city to my town is 1 hour away, we didn't really get to shop. but, i am taking advantage of some etsy sales. and we got to go to aeropostale while on the trip, so bonus :)

until next time,

abbie-xoxo

p.s. like the new look?

p.s.s. i updated the music player!

going away

2011-11-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

guess what? I'm going traveling! well, it's not as momentous as London or Paris, but it's stil my favorite city that I've been to so far. so I'll be gone till friday! byee :)

Source: livelaugheat.com via Abbie on Pinterest

abbbie-xoxo

yummers

2011-11-21T19:32:00.001-08:00

what do you need on a cold, snowy night?

peach-blueberry crumble.

oh, yes. it was divine.

ABBIE'S PEACH-BLUEBERRY CRUMBLE

(adapted from this recipe)

1 BAG FROZEN PEACHES (enough to cover the bottom of a 13x9x2 inch dish)

2 CUPS FROZEN BLUEBERRIES

3/4 CUPS FLOUR

3/4 CUPS QUICK OATS

1/2 CUP BROWN SUGAR

1/2 CUP OIL

8 TEASPOONS HONEY

1 TABLESPOON CINNAMON

1 TABLESPOON BUTTER

EXTRA BROWN SUGAR

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Place the peaches and blueberries in the casserole dish and mix evenly.

3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, oil, honey and cinnamon. Mix with a fork and sprinkle over the fruits.

3. On top, drizzle 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle brown sugar over it.

4. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes. Let cool 20-30 minutes, serve warm with vanilla icecream.

Enjoy!

abbie-xoxo

powdered snow is falling...

2011-11-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

it reminds me of icing sugar.

Source: thebottomoftheironingbasket.blogspot.com via Abbie on Pinterest

(no, I'm not in London. if only I was....)

Source: magicalnaturetour.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

(and that's not my picture. but it's too cute!! and, i haven't mastered the art of taking pictures of falling snow. (a.k.a. haven't tried) and I just did a parenthetical remark inside a parenthetical remark.)

Source: kayli.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

(oh, how i love the snow. (and parenthetical remarks).)

maybe I'll post some pictures I actually took later. you think that would be good? (but, you have to admit, pins are lovely. (and parenthetical remarks).)

abbie-xoxo

Oh How Pinteresting Wednesdays

2011-11-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

Linking up again!

Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^LOL

Source: thegeekfey.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^love this!!

Source: diyiyd.blogspot.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^yes! this is brilliant!

Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^haha

Source: babies.icanhascheezburger.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^This is hilarious! No offense to those who do play piano, however (including myself)...

Source: Uploaded by user via Abbie on Pinterest

^yes.

Source: weheartit.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^ yay London!!

Source: joyshope.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: blog.holamama.es via Abbie on Pinterest

^VW bus. yes! I want one, thanks to Hayley!

Source: leloveimage.blogspot.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^agreed.

Source: runningaroundintherain.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^yay for the bird. :)

Source: tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

^love this idea!! :)

abbie -xoxo

disney love

2011-11-14T14:37:00.000-08:00

is it just me, or is everything i post about disney-related? ;)

i had a disney pin-fest today. because it made me happy. very happy. so here are some favorite pins from today.

Source: thedisneyprincess.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: happily-ever-after-disney.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

monsters inc. yes, i love. those are some of my favorite parts!! :)

Source: thedisneyprincess.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

because it's tangled. okay, enough tangled pins. :)

Source: thedisneyprincess.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: 30.media.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: fuckyeahdisneyfanart.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

up :)

Source: thedisneyprincess.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

awesome quote by walt disney

Source: thedisneyprincess.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

okay. i just love this! i need this in a poster!

Source: thedisneyprincess.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

lol :)

Source: thedisneyprincess.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

robin hood! :)

and there you are. because I love disney. :)

abbie-xoxo

p. sherman 42 wallaby way sydney.

2011-11-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

Source: weheartit.com via Abbie on Pinterest

oh yes. p. sherman 42 wallaby way sydney.

you know it's true. i love finding nemo.

one of my

favorite movies of all time.

it was the first DVD we ever bought. and i've watch this movie so

times i don't think I could ever get tired of it.

I was feeling inspired the other night, so you know what i did? i

cut letters. lots of them and you know what they spelled?

you guessed it. p. sherman 42 wallaby way sydney.

{heart, heart, heart}

abbie-xoxo

Authentic Me {blog party}

2011-11-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

As soon as I saw this here and here, I knew I wanted to do it! So I'm linking up here to do the Authentic Me blog party!

yes. that's me. :)

1} What's the nerdiest/geekiest/weirdest thing about you?

Uh... I memorized all of Toy Story 3 and Tangled. And I'm working towards memorizing Cars 2. Also, I know who the Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios is. (ahem. John Lasseter.)

2} If you could live in a fictional universe from any book, movie, or television show, what would it be?

Probably SummerHill Lane from Beverly Lewis' SummerHill Secrets.

3} Little or big, practical or frivolous, what is one of your favorite items in your house?

Either: a, the back lights in the dining room. b, my walk in closet, but most of all. the ATTIC. i guess that's not really an item, but i LOVE it.

4} Do you like animated movies? If so, what is your favorite?

Are you reading this right now? Uh, yeah, I'm CRAZY about them. Especially Disney Pixar ones. (You may have noticed.) I actually like them even better than live-action movies. Top favorites? Toy Story 3, Cars 2, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc, Bug's Life, Wall-E, Up... okay, all of them. :)

5} What is your favorite household chore?

I don't know.... hmm. Setting the table, cleaning the bathrooms. (Which sounds gross, but still.)

6} What's your favorite thing to get at Starbucks (or your favorite coffee shop)?

Actually, I've never been to Starbucks, but I love Tim Horton's Hot Chocolate Supreme & White Hot Chocolate. And the French Vanillas at our local Coffee Style are pretty good, too.

7} Waffles or pancakes?

Usually pancakes. Waffles if they have berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup.

8} Do you like to play games? If so, what is your favorite?

Uh, of course! Favorites? Boggle, Scrabble, Monopoly (call me a nerd if you want), Apples to Apples, Catch Phrase (althgouh i've only played it once), Cranium Wow.

9} Do you make your bed every morning?

One year it was my New Year's Resolution, and I sorta failed. So. no, I don't.

10} Do you like carpet, tile, or hardwood floors?

Probably hardwood, but a tie between hardwood & tile.

11} What was the last thing that made you laugh?

J. Curby Gremlin. From Detroit. (don't ask.)

12} Think fast...what's the first song that pops into your head?

Playing Right Now: Welcome to Our World - Michael W. Smith. Other first song I thought of other than this? Restless - Switchfoot.

Yay! This was soo fun! I encourage you to "hop on the bandwagon"!

abbie-xoxo

11/11/11.

2011-11-11T20:13:00.000-08:00

oh yeah, baby. i wished.

Source: polyvore.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Oh How Pinteresting Wednesdays

2011-11-09T11:04:00.000-08:00

Linking up with the Vintage Apple! (I took a break from this for a while but it's so fun!)
First of all.
{via}
yes. win.

{via}
Love this!!

{via}
going to do this!!

{via}

tutorial for making all those amazing fabric rosettes!

{via}

LOL!!! So have to do this!!

{via}
:)

{via}
love the fish

{via}
wow! such a good idea!

{via}
these look like the best christmas cookies ever!

{via}
tomato cage wrapped in christmas lights!

{via}

isn't this gorgeous?

{via}

LOVE this!!!!

{via}

yes. i will go to paris.

{via}

isn't that cute! up costume :)

Check out all my pins here!

abbie - xoxo

what to do on a sick day.

2011-11-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

first off, don't panic. cancel any plans you have for the day.

second, make sure you are comfortable. pajamas, a neat ponytail, and a silk-scarf-thing your mom lent you. (oh, no wait, that's just me...)

make some tea, and drink almost the whole cup, but pour out the last inch.

watch cars 2. then watch again with the directors commentary on. and wish you had a British accent like Holley Shiftwell.

have some hot chocolate with gorgeously delicious stir sticks like these.

if you're like me, you won't be able to nap. opt for reading, or, if you've read every book in your shelf a hundred times (also like me), go on amazon and buy The Saturdays by Elizabeth Enright. you won't regret it. or, try another movie.

hang some christmas lights in the dining room and play christmas music all day long. and if you're feeling well enough by now, paint something. or take pictures. or scrapbook or cut paper, or, just do something.

then, go post on your blog about a great sick day you had.

remember this the next time you get sick.

now, off to watch cars 2 with the commentary......

Bunny Trails...er, Cat

2011-11-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

It snowed again this morning. This time there was a lot more. I went outside to take pictures and my beloved kitty, Patches, followed me, kicking up snow as she ran.

paw prints

patches

snow-covered roof

what do you do when it snows?

abbie -xoxo

it's the most wonderful time of the year.

2011-11-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

so, i know that post title is pretty cliché, but i couldn't think of anything else to use. =P

yesterday was amazing. me and my mom went shopping, and i watched all the christmas decorations being put up in the mall. one store even had christmas music playing. i was secretly thrilled that now i could sing christmas songs without being laughed at. plus, we discovered a new toy store that had just opened and they had the most beautiful giant stuffed animals - giraffes, elephants, tigers, dogs, zebras, penguins...you name it! another thing me and my mom tired was white hot chocolate, which by the way, is delicious. now, if only i had taken pictures.... i did, however, take a picture of my new christmas dress when i got home. it is so gorgeous and i just love it.

plus, we finally bought Cars 2 and watched it last night. what can I say, I'm a Disney Pixar enthusiast :) and rounding off the evening with some tea made for the perfect day.

what's your idea of a perfect day?

~abbie. xoxo

oh dear, it's november.

2011-11-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

truly, it is november. i've changed all the five calendars in the house (three of which are in my room) and for once it has to be a sunny day when all i want is snow. although, i'll admit it, it makes my room feel brighter.

i'm finishing last night's candy and i just can't believe they shrunk the Tootsie Rolls down to the size of a little piece of gum. as i type i have an orange tootsie pop in my mouth and i'm laughing at my reflection in the mirror because i look just that much more menacing with a lolly stick in my mouth. (by the way, we didn't trick-or-treat. we were over at a friend's house for the evening and we all got candy. yum.)

since canadian thanksgiving has passed, the only holiday on my mind is christmas. only 55 days till the big 25 and i'm gonna make the most of it. and i started today by buying some pretty christmas headbands on etsy. pictures soon? :)

since I myself haven't taken any pictures recently, i'll substitute some pins.

^ love these! {via}

^ cuteness! {via}

{via}

~abbie

on garlands

2011-10-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

so, today I was faced with a dilemma. i needed to make new decorations for my room, but it's too early for christmas colors and i'm tired of the traditional fall red-yellow-orange (where i live, usually our glorious fall colors are gone by mid-to-late october.) so, i settled for a nice bright orange, icy blue, and mint green. i found to to be the perfect mix of warm and cool colors.

*squeal* don't you love it? (but I don't love the bad lighting or that picture! sorry.)

all i did was cut a big piece of string, cut out triangles using my paper cutter, glued them on the string with my papercraft glue. then i made a similar, smaller one to hang over it. and voila! a lovely decoration for my room.

abbie - xoxo

In Which I Ramble On About Christmas

2011-10-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

yes. that's right. SNOW.

jealous now? (don't be.)

yesterday it snowed, and I was so thrilled I excitedly posted on my facebook, "IT'S SNOWING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =D". However, it only snowed for about 5 minutes. It was real snow, though, and it's got me in a real christmasy mood. (and by the way, those photos? were taken with my trusty old Smasung ES73 point-and-shoot. I'm so proud :)

so, without further ado, i'll show you some of my favorite christmas/winter pins from pinterest.

{via}

^^this is a styrofoam ball, buttons, and sewing pins! Love it!

{via}

^^those are hot chocolate stir sticks! may have to make!

{via}

^^homemade snow globes! i tried this once and it didn't work so well, but I may be forced to try again!

{via}

^^ and these are just too cute not to share.... recycled light bulb penguin ornaments! :)

i need to get more christmas pins.....

~abbie =D

GIVEAWAY WINNER!

2011-10-28T08:23:00.001-07:00

So the winner of the card set is.......

Comment 28, Emma Margaret!

Congratulations, Emma! You can e-mail me @ forabbiesblog@gmail.com.

NOTE: If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, I'll have to draw a new winner.

~abbie

why can't I decide what to write about?

2011-10-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

(don't forget to enter my giveaway; the last day is tomorrow!)

don't you hate when you have 3 post ideas and don't know which one to use?

so I'm going to use idea 3, with some idea 2 mixed in.

here it goes.

my minor Toy Story 3 obsession.

{via} (because i haven't fixed my layout yet, you can click the above link to see the whole picture. i love it.)

when I heard there was a Toy Story 3 coming out, I knew I definitely had to see it. my only opportunity was while I was shopping with my mom, grandma, and baby brother, and we would be able to make it for the 10:50 PM showing. i seized that opportunity, and when I finally rolled into bed at 1:30 that night, i was so glad i had.

when my aunt gave it to us for christmas, i knew i couldn't watch it till i sat down and watched ALL of it. and that's what happened.

following christmas, i watched it alot. and i mean alot. and i cried every time. there was even one week where i watched it once every day, and twice on the wednesday. crazy, right? i loved it. and the week after that I found out i could quote the entire movie by memory. that was such a cool moment for me. (since then I've quoted Tangled and I bet I could quote Megamind if I tried hard enough.)

after my 13th birthday (February), my viewings of Toy Story 3 came few and far in between. but not because I was tired of it. life simply got busier. i couldn't even think of watching Toy Story 3. last sunday night i stayed up late to watch Toy Story 3. and i am so. so. so. glad I did. (before sunday, i hadn't watched Toy Story 3 since July 1st.)

i love Toy Story 3. i think it's one of the best movies ever made. but sometimes, i feel silly for liking Toy Story 3 so much. like when my friends laughed when i told them i cried when i watched it. i wondered, why doesn't anyone like it as much as i do? i kept feeling weird for being myself.

why do people do that, i wonder? we kick ourselves for doing what we love, because someone else doesn't like it. if nobody cared about others' opinions, the world would be a much happier place to be.

so, there was my Toy Story 3 post, ending with some philosophy i threw in there. remember the above picture, though.

strive to be yourself in the best way you know how.

In Which I Declare My Love for Scrabble Tiles

2011-10-24T11:25:00.001-07:00

Inspired by this post, I spent an hour today sitting on my bed rearranging Scrabble tiles. Below are the results.

tangled love.... :)

well, it is.

which one is your favorite?

~abbie

Caramel Cream Sandwich Cookies

2011-10-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

oh, yes. they taste as good as they look.

CARAMEL CREAM SANDWICH COOKIES

(from Pillsbury's Complete Book of Baking)

GATHER:

COOKIES:

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cups brown sugar

1 egg yolk

2 cups flour

CREAM:

2 Tablespoons butter

1 1/4 cups icing sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

3-4 teaspoons milk

GO:

1. Cream the brown sugar & butter until smooth.

2. Add the egg yolk, mix. Add the flour, mix. Put the dough in the fridge for 15 minutes.

3. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls an place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake the cookies at 325 degrees Farenheit for 16 minutes.

5. When baked, transfer cookies immediately to a cooling rack.

6. To make your icing, melt the butter over low heat until lightly golden brown.

7. Add the rest of the icing ingredients and mix well.

8. Spread the icing over one cookie with a butter knife and place another on top. Repeat for the rest of the cookies.

Makes about 15 completed sandwich cookies.

Enjoy, friends!

~Abbie

Ode to Sundays

2011-10-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

After eating a delicious breakfast made by my grandmother and watching Bug's Life,

I'm here to tell you that I love Sundays.

Because it's one out of two days in every week that there's no school, and because it's the one day in every week where I'm usually doing nothing.

Today is the day for watching movies. Crafting. Reading. Sewing. Whatever. So on and so forth.

{via}

^and drinking tea.

Please go do some nothing. It will do you some good.

Deeper

2011-10-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

Like the new deisgn? =)

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

So what's on my mind today? JJ Heller's new album, Deeper.

It includes 5 redone songs from her previous album and 6 new songs. What can I say? I love it! :)

My personal favorites on the album are When I'm With You, In the End, Control, No Fight Left, Red Against Your Black, and Boat Song.

So go check it out and you won't be disappointed!

(I'm not so good at these music/book/movie reviews... mostly just consists of "I loved it! So check it out!")

An Autumn Giveaway Just For You

2011-10-19T05:59:00.001-07:00

So, with all this talk of fall loveliness, I figure it's about time for a fall giveaway.

The lovely Jacqueline of MyPaperMoose has agreed to donate 6 of these gorgeous note cards!

The note cards measure 3x3. The cards feature a hemp twine detail and butterfly accents. The envelopes have a decorative flap and small butterfly accent on the front.

So how do you win?

MANDATORY ENTRY:

*Tell me what the weather is like in your corner of the world. Sunny? Rainy? Foggy? (1 entry)

OTHER WAYS TO WIN:

Follow my blog (1 entry)

Go to MyPaperMoose and leave me a comment telling me what your favorite item is (1 entry)

Post about this on your blog (1 entry)

Heart MyPaperMoose on Etsy (2 entries)

Add MyPaperMoose to your Etsy Circle (2 entries)

'Like' MyPaperMoose on Facebook (1 entry)

That's a total of 9 possible entries!

Please do separate comments for each entry! For example, if one way to enter says, '2 Entries' then you would comment like this:

I heart MyPaperMoose on Etsy (1)

*new comment*

I heart MyPaperMoose on Etsy (2)

Got it?

You have until Thursday, October 27th, 2011 to enter! Winner will be announced the following day.

Please leave a comment with your email address in it so I can contact you if you win! (This step is important!)

So, friends.... run wild! And please enter! :)

"There's nobody else in the world, and the world was made for me."

2011-10-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

~The Island, A. A. Milne.

My latest book love? When We Were Very Young, by A. A. Milne.

and old library book cards. I'm considering one of these.

and, my latest music love, for your listening pleasure.

Oh How Pinteresting Wednesdays

2011-10-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Linking up again at The Vintage Apple!

haha... ever done this?

that looks awesome.

i am obsessed with this idea!

i love the wallpaper!

like this idea or what?

isn't that so pretty?

like these? I totally have to get a pair of fingerless gloves.

okay. above is a REAL floating latern festival. they're not just in tangled.

that's cute, huh?

owls!

i love this!

~Abbie

change the world.

2011-10-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

i want to be someone who changes the world. who changes people's lives. who makes this world a better place to be. i want to love with all i have. i want to give freely without expecting anything in return. i want to donate my time, my sweat, my tears, to people who need it the most. because love is the movement. love is the one thing can change the world. and by giving it, i can help make that change happen.

moonlight

2011-10-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

tonight was the most beautiful october night I have ever lived to see. warm, with a cool breeze blowing, creating a perfect atmosphere. moonlight and starlight shine down on me as i stood one hundred yards or so away from my house, listening to "vice verses". thinking about how grateful i am for my beautiful, imperfect life.

i know that there's a meaning to it all...

my little brothers have a book called "how to catch a star" by oliver jeffers. it's so cute and i seriously have to say it's given me fantasies of tiny stars falling to earth and glittering in the sand.

a little resurrection every time i fall...

yeah, i mess up. alot. but god's got enough grace for me.

i got my vice verses....

Out Of Focus

2011-10-07T19:49:00.001-07:00

Tonight, the horizon was dressed up in her Friday-night best - perfect pink and purple stripes. It was beautiful. My mother always told me that I taught her to stop and smell the roses. And I guess I've always been that kind of girl - my heart always full to the brim, and when that one last drop comes in, it's time for the overflow.

So what does that have to do with the above picture? Well, first of all, I love x & o's at the park. And second of all, I love this picture because it's out of focus. Kind of like my life right now. It's been a jumble of monotony and studying for tests. Can't blame a girl for being stuck doing school, of course, but - there's really been no focus on my life this week. Study here, wander around, read, twiddle thumbs, grab a tea, keep studying. Maybe it's just been an off week.

Later when the sun was set and the moon was high, we had to take a detour on a back road because of a small accident. I love back-road driving (actually, I shouldn't say that because my dad was the one driving on account of the fact that I'm only 13.) Especially at night, when the stars are out. And I blissfully close my eyes and let it get out of focus.

Maybe, on nights like tonight, I can learn from myself. Wait till my focus reappears, and while I wait, I'll just smell the roses.

Linking Up - Oh How Pinteresting Wednesdays

2011-10-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

Linking up at The Vintage Apple! And special thanks to Emily for introducing me to this!

^this is so cool!

^amazing cakeness!!

^isn't this pretty!
^aren't these super cute? now, if i can figure out how to make them..

^london....sigh

^more london love

^that made me smile

^wouldn't that be nice for a wedding?

^truth of the matter...

^nice-ness

^don't you love this beautiful fall photo?

^ha,ha,ha,ha!!

^homemade gumdrops! i wanna try this..

^nice idea!

^truth :)

^don't tell me you're not thinking about christmas. because you are.

^love these colors!!

^LOVE the ruffles, and the grey & yellow

^don't you love the colors?

^bees :)

think that's enough?

(all of this from my pinterest boards)

In Which I Go For a Walk and Get my Cookie Fix

2011-10-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

(like the post title? i got the idea from a.a. milne's winnie-the-pooh books, where every chapter starts with 'in which'. yeah, this one's going to be used alot.)

you know, I love how every month has its uniqueness. and there's a certain thing about october, that's really, really special. when the chill comes and the leaves fall and the grass frosts up in preparation for snow.

i went on a fall walk today. which basically means, yeah, I did the little girl thing and I ran around and kicked leaves. there's nothing like it.

i took a few pictures too, but there's always that argument of live in the moment vs. capture the moment. i think that in the life of a photographer, both get an equal amount of attention.

i pulled this little gem of a dress out of my closet today. it was given to me by a friend who hated it. um. what's not to love?

plus, i made snickerdoodles using this recipe. to me, they're a very fall/winter kind of cookie. so tonight, I'm ditching the tea and instead taking a couple snickerdoodles and a glass of milk. mmm. purely delightful.

vice verses

2011-10-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

please, either click 'vice verses' on my playlist (number 5) or read all these lyrics. or do both. because it's amazing. <3

Walking along the high tide line
Watching the pacific from the sidelines
Wonder what it means to live together?
Looking for more than just guidelines

Looking for signs in the night sky,
Wishing that I wasn’t such a nice guy
Wonder what it means to live forever?
Wonder what it means to die?

[Chorus]
I know that there's a meaning to it all
A little resurrection every time I fall
You got your babies, I got my hearses
Every blessing comes with a set of curses
I got my vices, I got my vice verses
I got my vice verses

The wind could be my new obsession
The wind could be my new depression
The wind goes anywhere it wants to
Wishing that I learned my lesson

The ocean sounds like a garage band
Coming at me like a drunk man
The ocean tells me a thousand stories
None of them are lies

[Chorus]
I know that there's a meaning to it all
A little resurrection every time I fall
You got your babies, I got my hearses
Every blessing comes with a set of curses
I got my vices, I got my vice verses
I got my vice verses

Let the pacific laugh
Be on my epitaph
With it's rising and falling
And after all, it's just water
And I am just soul
With a body of water and bones
Water and bones

Where is God in the night sky?
Where is God in the city light?
Where is God in the earthquake?
Where is God in the genocide?

Where are you in my broken heart?
Everything seems to fall apart
Everything feels rusted over
Tell me that you're there

[Chorus]
I know that there's a meaning to it all
A little resurrection every time I fall
You got your babies, I got my hearses
Every blessing comes with a set of curses
I got my vices, I got my vice verses
These are my vice verses
These are my vice verses

just me.

2011-09-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

this morning, I sit on my bed with a cup of tea and a bowl of cornflakes and write. although there are may more pressing matters that I need to get to, it's essential to just take a few moments to reflect.

last night I was up late writing a letter to myself. I'm not gonna tell you what was in it because most of the people I know would laugh and say, "you wrote a whole page to yourself about an animated movie character?" but, as I wrote in my letter, "This is just me, and I need to BE me without being afraid."

Like I'm just me, and you're just you, and nobody can change that.

things that are just me:

corn flakes and tea in the morning

laughing randomly

writing to help heal my heart

listening to Switchfoot, like, all the time

crying when I watch movie

taking pictures of everything

buying stuff on etsy randomly because I feel like it

the scrabble ring that I wear nearly everywhere

This will conclude September's posts, and I look at my posts. All time: 213. This month: 16. I'm really so very happy because I haven't been this inspired in blogging, since like, a very long time. I can't wait for October!

love you all.

abbie ~ xoxox

my favorite movies

2011-09-28T17:08:00.000-07:00

(okay, Abbie, you've gone crazy. 3 posts in a day?!)

I wanted to share with you a list of all my favorite movies. The ones that made me cry, the ones that made me smile, the ones that made me laugh, the ones I memorized, the ones that I'll remember for all of my life.

(oh, this is going to be hard...)

Toy Story 3

Okay, I think this is one of my favorite movies EVER. I cried my eyes out when I saw it... okay, that has nothing to do with the fact that it was at midnight.... And you might find this freaky, but... I memorized it. =D

Tangled

I love this movie! It's my second favorite movie next to Toy Story 3. I totally cried while watching this one, too... (however, that was also at midnight.) And I also memorized it.

Megamind

Totally one of my favorites! I could watch this one a hundred times and not be tired of it! It had me laughing, almost crying, and on the edge of my seat.

Soul Surfer

Loved this one! And I love that it's a true story. :)

Cars 2

This movie was so awesome! It was very heartwarming and had me in suspense for most of the movie! Can't wait till it come out on DVD!

Horton Hears a Who!

Okay, this movie is a classic for my family. Somehow everything we say relates to it. I loved this one!

Night At The Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian

I love this movie! And this is definitely the best part :)

Monsters, Inc.

Just because I love it. And anything Disney/Pixar.

Have you seen any of these movies? And did you like them?

On Making Crayons and Other Whimsy

2011-09-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

(wow, 2 posts in a day? that's a first :)

Today me and my brother recycled old crayons. We made them into new ones.

Wanna make some too? They're really easy. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of the entire process.

YOU'LL NEED:

- Old, Broken Crayons (or new ones, if you don't have old ones)

- Tin Cans, one for each color you plan on making (I just used old soup cans)

- Wooden Skewers (one per can)

-Frying Pan

-Ice Cube Tray/Candy Molds (I used a star-shaped ice cube tray from Ikea)

1. Peel off all the crayon wrappers and sort the crayons by color.

2. Put the color groups of crayons into cans.

3. Put some water in the frying pan and put the cans into the water.

4. Heat the frying pan over medium-high heat. Stir the crayons as they melt. (NOTE: The water may boil, in this case, just remove it from the heat.)

5. Once the crayons are melted, pour the wax into the molds. Put in the freezer for about a half an hour or longer.

6. Pop them out of the tray and color!

They might break, but....

They sure do work!

Weekly Wednesday

2011-09-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE THINGS FROM THE WEEK:

-pumpkin bread

-vice verses

-red and orange leaves on trees

-sewing scarves

FAVORITE PIN:

via my pinterest

FAVORITE POSTS FROM THIS WEEK:

it's always a practice @ Girlz 4 God

it's the simple things @ The Inglenook

let's take a trip into the old days @ Cupcake Dictionary

FAVORITE TUTORIALS OF THE WEEK:

this

(until i have my blog layout fixed, the pictures will have to be small :(