unexpected messages

i could pipe messages on cupcakes all day, everyday and be content.
this project is keeping me sane.

human nature

i have had so much i've wanted to post about lately and just no time in which to actually do it. i am trying really hard to balance all the elements in my life right now and i've been meaning to put this closer to the top of the list, even if they're just fun inspiration posts.

for now i'll leave you with this tidbit.

a piece by Sarah Gardner, found originally on design is mine: isn't it lovely.

goodbye summer

it was a great one, but i think you have officially left us in the dust now. i'll miss the ice cream runs, trips to the beach, and numerous stories of summer adventures. however, chilly weather has arrived, leading to apple picking, football games, pumpkin spice lattes, and busier weeks.

night swimming (photo taken by my very talented friend christine, visiting from cali a few weeks ago)

a letter a day.

just watched the most heartbreaking, yet wonderful video produced by Story Corps. i watched it on A CUP OF JO, one of my favorite blogs to read, this morning and felt it needed to be shared.

Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

Danny and Annie were married for 27 years, this is their story.

Regina Spektor - Laughing With (Video)

these lyrics get me everytime.

jam session

i love to bake. cupcakes, cookies, bread but this year i'm attempting to break outside the baked good shell and experiment with a few other things.

my latest kitchen adventure was a learning experience with rhubarb jam! i checked out a few recipes and was determined to make at least one good jar of this spectacular stuff. my first attempt was a bit of a fail, having boiled it much too long and on too high a heat however, afterwards the second batch turned out great!

(burnt. and my smoke filled the basement to prove it)

the recipe was a combination of rhubarb, with a few raspberries thrown in, sugar, and some lemon zest.

fresh rhubarb from my friend evan's mom's garden

equal parts sugar and rhubarb get combined
the rhubarb gets coated in sugar and lemon juice to sit for a few hours
all the ingredients in the pot, brought to a boil and left to thicken
sterilizing and canning process, not as scary as i thought!

jam=success!