i decided to cook?

I came home today and notice this...the snowman remains: a wilted baby carrot, wet scarf, and dirty hat.  The snow is officially gone...
In other news...Tuesday and it's already been a full week!  Love that.
Went Shopping with Mom this weekend [go figure].  We visited Pier1 - a personal fav.  Anyway, this lamp is like the epitome of my taste! I was totally inspired and yes- I would expect to see something along the lines of this shade in my home asap [via homemade design]. Isn't it gorgeous?

Anyway- I want to share with you this Daniel Fast inspired recipe I tried tonight that turned out pretty wonderful [considering it lacked dairy and meat].  Def worth the extra effort in making dinner happen.

 Pizza Sauce

1 6 oz. can tomato paste

3 tablespoons minced garlic, jar ok

3 tablespoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon fennel seed [I used Rosemary]

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup water

1 pinch salt

Instructions:

 Whole Grain Pizza Crust

2 cups whole grain, whole wheat flour (I used Spelt flour)

1/3 cup olive oil

1 cup water

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon fennel seed (I used Rosemary instead)

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon olive oil for pan

Use some freedom as you pick the toppings for your pizza.
I used the following:
1/2 red bell pepper [diced]
Spinach
Red onion
3 oz Mushrooms
Sun Dried Tomatoes

Bake for about 30 min [or until crust is crispy] at 375 degrees.  I rubbed the bottom of the pan with some extra virgin olive oil to prevent stick.

Welp.  Thats about all the inspiration I have for ya today.  Enjoy your pizza!
Chao.
-Sar

winter wonderland.

somehow, this week is already coming to a close.  I enjoyed the snow day with the rest of the south on Monday while being lazy, catching up on my Lifetime movies and getting some quality roommate time.
Luckily, I had found this little gem at the local Goodwill over the weekend ready for some tlc.

$6

Decided I could use some remaining fabric from my recovered ottoman to give the chair a new life.  Considered painting the chair...then couldn't decide on a color.  So. Natural it is!

Not bad for a little afternoon project, huh?
So. After fun Monday. It was back to work.  1 1/2 day behind. But had to gear up for Wednesday night church returning.  Made over 100 of these suckers....

[so great except i'm not eating sweets.  aka torture].  I had some wonderful friends help decorate the kids room like a crazy [somewhat tacky] child's party. Streamers and balloons galore.  And let me tell you. Though the night was major hectic [take that as a dropped hint to a need for volunteers!!], it was a blast.  Total success.

So now. I'm sitting back, enjoying some Grey's Anatomy- excited for the weekend!  If you're reading this and a Creeker- take a moment to consider joining us for morning prayer!  7am during the week and 9am on Saturdays for the next 2 weeks.  It has made my week beyond productive and focused.
Well. hope you're week ends perfectly.
Cheers.
-Sar

be inspired.

I sat down at my computer this perfect Saturday morning with my cup of coffee hoping to crank out a wonderful blog update for all of you steady followers.  But of course, I got started down my blog roll and got engrossed in all the beautiful posts from designers out in blog land.  So.  Why not share my two favorites of the day.

Jenny at Little Green Notebook

I may even go as far to stay that Jenny got me started on it all. I discovered her blog [who knows how] back in July and have been faithfully following ever since.  All throughout the home renovation- I sought inspiration from her DIY projects and awesome flea market finds.

Laurel- Dawn at Abode Love

I discover this blog today through another one that I follow.  She uses this subtle glamor that just makes my heart melt.  Def adding her to my blog roll immediately after this post.

This week, in one of our staff meetings at Stevens Creek Church, we listed to a sermon by Bill Hybels called "Whatever you do, Inspire Me!". I find myself continuing to refer to some of his major points.  It was the perfect new years talk: motivation.  Don't we all search for that one way or another from time to time?  So- I am going to include the 10 points he shared on how to stay in an inspired state:
1.  Stay crystal clear on your calling from God.
2. Make sure you leverage spiritual gifts the way God wants
- He has entrusted us with a mission that He wants us to see through
3. Make sure the players on your teams are inspiring people
- find people that give a positive emotional jolt
4.  Read Books - people who commit themselves to good works and push through
5. Make it a point hang out with exceptionally inspiring people
6. Take the time to participate in exceptionally inspiring events
7.  Paying attention to physical disciplines (20% energy gain when you're physically active)
8. Pay attention to your working environment
- work space can add or subtract from motivation
- lift spirits so you can do your absolute best work day to day
- take responsibility of motivation
9. Having an inspiring recreation outside your work world
- recreates energy inside - gets ya pumped
10.  Practicing daily spiritual disciplines to keep spirit fresh.


So.  Be inspired today! Be motivated to go do something creative.
With love,
Sar