A Faint Hint of Rose

My sister Kasey is in town! I'm so excited!!! (Can you tell?)

She flew in last night, and is here for a whole week. She goes to school in Texas, so I don't get to spend time with her on a regular basis, so this is extra special.  I cannot wait to go on amazing adventures with her! 

Today was such a beautiful day (60 degrees!!!!) we just couldn't stay inside. We went on a walk to St. Vincent De. Paul (a local Thrift shop down the street), and then to Global Market to get Rose Lemonade. I had always wanted to try it - and I highly recommend it! It's fantastic. 

We then took the long way home, through Powderhorn Park. I still can't believe that we did this all in T-shirts, in Minnesota, in March. What a miracle. 

Love,

Miranda

Pillow Talk

I finished my pillows! I think that they look fantastic. I love the blue next to the mustard. The color really pops against the beige of the couch and the black chairs, and it makes me feel like spring time (which is a HUGE plus). They match my curtains perfectly - and they were so easy to make. 

I also love the fact that they aren't all the same. It definitely gives them character. (Side note: I normally don't have them all on the couch, but I did so for taking pictures.)

What do you think of them?

Love,
Miranda

Early Morning Musings

At five this morning, I awoke to the sound of the ocean.

This morning, the rain was puttering on our windows in such a serene manner. The cars arriving into the city were dimmed to such a state that their engines ebbed and flowed such as the tide. The crows that still haunt Minneapolis, despite the warmth, were almost seagull like in their lonely cries for food. 

It was peaceful and beautiful. For a moment I was whisked away to the beach, watching a storm come in. 

And then, in the same way that it occurred - suddenly - the haze lifted. I was once again home, in my bed, listening to the early commute and the famished crows.  

And in a way, it was just as beautiful as the sea.

Love,
Miranda

Image taken from this site.

For House and Home

I'm feeling a tad better. My nose is still stuffed, and my throat is still sore...but my head is no longer pounding. I'll be grateful for what I can get!

This last weekend, I had the opportunity to go to the Minneapolis Home and Garden show with Ian, Lauren, and Phil. It was two hours of wandering around, gathering ideas, and seeing beautiful displays. Ian was truly excited: mostly for the free pens! And since Phil and Lauren just bought their first house, they enjoyed coming along too.

It was quite the adventure. I am glad that I went. My favorite parts were sampling the goodies the local food companies had to offer, and of course, spending quality time with my love.

I hope you had some adventures this weekend too!

Love,
Miranda

Little Post

I'm still sick.

Bleh.

Last night I went with our youth group to Sky Zone - a large indoor gym full of trampolines. Funnest hour of my life - and a tremendously good workout. Not to mention that I got to hang out with/babysit a four year old, who wouldn't stop bouncing the whole time! I was impressed. He came home to sleep in our spare bed until his Mom and Dad weren't busy anymore.

So not only am I sick, but I am sore too.

So here I am, sitting on the couch, watching movies and working on sewing throw pillows for my couch. I six of them that are almost done (just need the top stitching). The do so much to brighten up the room. I will post pictures as soon as I feel well enough to get up and hunt down the camera.

Until then...I hope your weekend is grand!

Love,
Miranda

Chilly Day Corn Chowder

We had a winter storm hit us last night here in Minneapolis. It wouldn't have been so alarming if it had only been snow....we Minnesotans can handle snow. But snow + ice? That's a whole other story.

Vala has had a wonderful time today watching all of the cars slip and slide past our windows. She also had a great time last night keeping Ian and I awake while she watched the ice pellets hit the window. Go figure.

I also woke up with a slight nasal infection. I don't know whether it is going to become a full on cold or not (I sure hope it doesn't)...or if I just inhaled a little too much dust or something. I'll tell you what though - about 2/3 of all the bloggers that I follow have been out of commission with colds this week, or at least suffering from some type of winter illness. Can you get a cold from reading about someone who has a cold? I wouldn't be surprised.

On the plus side of things though, I made Cheddar Corn Chowder and another loaf of No Knead Bread yesterday. I spend all day in my warm kitchen smelling yummy smells.

For the rest of you out there shovelling snow or suffering from colds/sinus infections: this recipe goes out to you. If you can't get out of bed to make it yourself...get your husband (or Mom!) to do it for you! :)

Cheddar Corn Chowder - Original Recipe

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 2 large carrots, shredded
• 2 large potatoes, chopped
• 2 large turnips, chopped
• 1 medium sized bag of frozen corn (or if you are using fresh, 2 cups of corn)
• 6 cups of chicken stock (I used home-made stock, but store bought is fine too!)
• 1 tsp of sage
• 1 tsp of thyme
• 1 tsp of rosemary
• 3 tbsp of butter
• 3 tbsp of flour
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper to taste
• OPTIONAL: Shredded chunks of leftover chicken. (It takes the chowder to a whole new level of awesomeness!)

1. In a stock pot (or large sauce pan) saute the onions and celery for five minutes, until slightly caramelized.
2. Add the stock directly to the stock pot and bring to a boil.
3. Add the carrots, potatoes, turnips, and the corn to the stock. Cover and boil for 15 minutes (or until the potatoes are cooked fully).
4. Add the sage, rosemary, and thyme and turn the soup on low to simmer while you make the roue. 
5. Melt 3 tbsp of butter in a small sauce pan. Add the 3 tbsp of flour and simmer for 3 minutes. Add the roue directly to the chowder. Stir the chowder until the roue is well incorporated. 
6. Add the cream slowly while still stirring the chowder. Allow the cream to warm up slightly, but do not allow the chowder to boil again. 
7. In handfuls, add the cheese and keep stirring to fully melt it into the chowder. Salt and pepper to taste.
8. OPTIONAL STEP: Once the chowder if fully made, you can add the cold, shredded chicken directly to it. The warmth of the chowder will warm it up, and it won't be over cooked!

And there you have it! A warm hearty soup for bad weather, and those under the weather. I hope all of you out there in blog land feel better!

Love,

Miranda

Meeting a Sweet Little One

This is Karis! Isn't she just the sweetest little thing? 

Lauren, Jen, and I took a mini road trip this weekend to congratulate our friends Dylan and Nicole on the birth of their little girl. Of course the highlight of the trip was meeting her...but the rest of it was great too. 

We ate a Smash Burger - which is always AMAZING! We also stopped at Caribou Coffee...and above all else, the conversation and company was incredible. 

So again, congraulations to Nicole and Dylan! You are already, and will continue to be amazing parents! Thanks for letting us cuddle your little girl. :)

Love,
Miranda