A Few of My Favorite Things...

This time of year always makes me feel even more homebody-ish than I already am (hard to believe that's possible!) But when it is -70 degrees outside all I really want to do is be surrounded by things that I love that are comfy, cozy, and warm.
This past Monday, I had a special Girls Day for my middle school ladies, because they were out of school.  As a part of our devotions, we asked the question: What comes to mind when you think of the word 'comfort'?  The girls responded with things like fuzzy socks, pj's, hot cocoa, a fire in the fireplace, snuggies, macaroni and cheese, mittens, Uggs, and God (thank goodness someone said God).  The girls were right on though--those are totally the things that make us feel comforted, warm and happy. 
So, in no particular order, here are some of my favorite things that help to make these cold, snowy days more comforting.

• My fair isle pattern slippers
• Gray cashmere sweater
• Pancakes for supper
• White chocolate mochas with cinnmon
• A delicious dinner with heaty soup and candles

• Quilts--cuddling under them and making them
• A good book (just finished Tomato Rhapsody by Adam Schell--hilarious, and set in sunny Italy)
• Great Music (this week I've been listening to Nora Jane Struthers and The Secret Sisters)
• Homemade bread
• flannel pants, flannel sheets
• My bed warmer (find instructions for making your own here Cozy Bed Warmers)
• Favorite love story movies (Amelie, Pride & Prejudice, P.S. I Love You)
• Beautiful flower-y things (like the vintage trays my friend Melanie gave me for Christmas)

What makes you feel cozy, comforted and warm?  I'd love to hear your go to comfort favorites!

Charming Little Town, Fun Sunday Afternoon

The first weekend of each month marks a special new tradition for me...a trek to the little town of Waconia to visit the occasional shops!  Waconia is a little town just West of the Twin Cities, that has a charming old main street, as well as 4-5 cute shops that make for the perfect little shopping jaunt. 

Normally, I would go on Friday, my day off, and hit up Heavenly Patchwork (quilt store), The Shop Around the Corner (found items/upcycling type store), The Stash (clothing boutique), and Vert (antique store).  Usually, the trip also includes a stop at Mocha Monkey for to-die-for coffee creations and a snack.  Yesterday, I went with friends Elizabeth, Melanie and new friend, Sara, to check out the sales.  Since it was Sunday, we weren't able to go to the quilt store or Mocha Monkey (which are open daily--not occasional stores), but we still went to the other favorites.  Typically, I go home with bags loaded with new fabric and all kinds of other goodies, but yesterday was a small buying day--I went home with a couple of cool picture frames and a sweet little necklace charm. 

Elizabeth and I did manage to take some fun pictures for an upcoming project we are working on called The Soul Sisterhood Retreat.  Soul Sisterhood is a Christian camp for girls ages 11-14 that uses all kinds of crafting, cooking, and creative skills to build self-confidence and grow in faith.  We are almost ready to launch our marketing materials...so don't worry, I'll have more details for you in another couple of weeks!
In the meantime, enjoy the photo of us above.  It was taken at the other coffee shop on Waconia's main drag, Frost & Steam.

The Shop Around the Corner