Essence of Eve: winter

Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts

4.02.2013

forgotten winter frames

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?”

--John Steinbeck--

p.s. The winner of the Kinfolk magazine is Hannah Beasley. Congratulations! I will be contacting you shortly. :) Many thanks to everyone who entered. I'm seriously craving ice cream right now, & I might just decide to host another giveaway soon! ;)

3.20.2013

dear winter

I like you. I really do. You are full of beauty, the still & silent kind, the kind that makes people want to stare in wonder. I like the pink roses you paint on cold cheeks. I like cuddling up in a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa & watching as you cover the world outside in brilliant white. I like snow days, building snowmen, racing down snow-covered slopes, & breathing in your fresh, icey scent. You are a wonderful, glorious season.

My dear winter, there is something you should know. Today is the first day of spring. I know you like overstaying your welcome here up north, but really, just this once... please make way for spring. Please. I beg you with all my heart.

sincerely,
e

12.31.2012

goodbye 2012

endings are most always bittersweet. you get to turn a page, open a new book, start fresh... but that also means leaving the old behind. it's natural. it's the passing of time. we change, we grow, we learn. sometimes we aren't quite ready to admit that another year has passed, & sometimes, for one reason or another, we wish time would freeze. but it never does. that's why we need to make the most of the time we have.

twenty-thirteen is a new year. let's make the most of it. this year, let's resolve to spend more time being thankful for the things we have, rather than wishing for those we don't. this year, let's focus more on the little things that matter. let's not complain about our 'ordinary' lives, but embrace them with joy. most importantly, let's resolve to remind ourselves that little is much when God is in it. His plans are great & unfathomable.

goodbye 2012. I will treasure your sweet memories forever.
hello 2013. I look forward to what you hold with anticipation.

hugs,
eve victorie

12.19.2012

december came

And so, with a flourish & a powdery white flurry of snow... December came. It is a busy (but in a happy way) month -- one of my favourites. Yummy things baking in the oven, delicious scents wafting through the air, Christmas cards to be made & sent, packages waiting to be wrapped in pretty paper... it's a wonderful time.

We rejoice as we celebrate the greatest Gift of all, brought to us in a lowly manger. We remember the year past. All the precious moments we have gathered in our memories, to treasure for many seasons ahead, perhaps even forever. We prepare for the year ahead. Making resolutions, new plans, preparing to set exciting new projects in motion, and breathlessly awaiting to to see where they will take us.

That's the beauty of December. Embrace it with me, won't you?

p.s. I have been a little sick these past few weeks, thus the lack of posts. I'm feeling better now, but I probably will not be posting here again til the new year. With the holidays being just around the corner & me still having come last-minute things to take care of, I just won't have the time to sit down & write a real post. I'm sorry for the lack of activity on here lately, & I'm looking to change that in the new year. Thank you all so much for all your sweet comments & support!!! I know it sounds cliche, but -- they mean a lot -- & they really do! :)

p.p.s. Did I forget to say? I'm also planning on giving this place a little facelift over Christmas break. ;)

11.25.2012

cinnaberry cake || a christmasy recipe

The snow is falling softly outside, the Christmas tree lights are twinkling, & a distinct happy thrill is in the air. The holiday season is almost upon us & what better way to celebrate than by sharing a recipe?
You may or may not know this, but I love baking. I consider it an art... a wonderfully delicious & creative art. And so, feeling extremely adventurous the other day, I decided to create my own holiday recipe. All my favourite Christmasy ingredients in one cinnamony, delightful cake!

ingredients:
~ 1 cup sugar
~ 1 cup dried cranberries
~ 1 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (can be substituted for one additional cup oats if nut-free is desired)
~ 1 cup oats
~ 1 teaspoon cinnamon
~ 2 1/4 cups flour
~ 1 teaspoon baking soda
~ 6 eggs
~ 1 teaspoon vanilla
~ 1 cup melted butter
~ 1/2 cup milk

directions:
Mix together the sugar, cranberries, walnuts, oats, & cinnamon in a large bowl.

In a smaller bowl, mix the flour & baking powder together. Then, add them to the cinnamon-cranberry mixture. Stir til combined.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, butter, milk, & vanilla.

Slowly pour the liquid mixture into the cinnamon-cranberry mixture, in three separate portions - stirring in between additions.

Pour mixture into a cake mould.

Place your creation into an oven preheated to 375F & bake for approximately 20 minutes, or til toothpick comes out clean.

After your cake is done, you may want to add icing. I personally just prefer a little dusting of powdered sugar on top - it gives it a little extra wintery flair.

And ta-da! Your Cinnaberry Cake is all set & ready to serve (or eat all by yourself as part of a midnight baking experience, & that's ok - I won't tell ;)... & it didn't even take you half an hour. Now go sit by the Christmas tree, inhale the cinnamony scent in the air, drink some hot cocoa (or coffee), & eat your sweetly delicious slice of cake.
cozy warm hugs,

e

p.s. who has snow? we have about five inches already! :)

2.23.2012

Of Blue Eyes & Chubby Cheeks

**WARNING!!! Major amount of cuteness ahead! May result in symptoms such as the constant repeating of 'Aww!' and/or 'So cute!'. Scroll down at your own risk.**