The Cottage Baking Corner

You guys know I like to bake, right?  I might like to cook, but I love to bake.  It's in my blood.  My mom is a baker, always has been.  My little sister and I both grew up sitting on the kitchen counter licking batter off wooden spoons, patiently waiting with a pat of butter to slather all over whatever hot and yummy was about to emerge from the oven.  

It's long been a little dream of mine to have a corner in a kitchen dedicated soley to baking, and the moment I laid eyes on the gorgeous antique beveled glass window in our kitchen, I knew my dream was realized.   

Our kitchen is not laid out well.  Of course when this house was built they didn't consider the same conveniences we do today and certainly that's part of the charm.  But somewhere over the years there was some renovating that turned part of the counter into a raised breakfast bar.  Not a terrible idea except that it backs immediately to a small 'eat-in' area, and just across the room on the other side of the kitchen is the dining room.  Seems downright silly to have three eating areas on top of each other, not to mention if you actually put any kind of table in the 'eat in' area it becomes entirely too crowded.

It is however, the perfect space for a baking corner!  

I wanted it to be simple and well organized with a side of pretty.  Muffin pans, mixing bowls, mason jars of all sizes filled with baking staples.  An old metal egg gathering basket stacked atop a antique wooden egg crate holds rolling pins, and a small wicker basket hides bottles of vanilla and lemon and peppermint oils.  A little greenery, part of our vintage cookbook collection, the trusty Kitchenaid mixer.  What else could a girl want?

Thanks to the gorgeous window and set of sliding glass doors just to the right that look out over the backyard, it gets tons of natural light filtering down thru the canopy of leaves.  Even on cloudy, dreary days there's rarely need to turn on the lights.  And most of the year when there are actually leaves on the trees this window is full of lush greenery, chirping birds and playful squirrels scampering about.  

I spend a lot of Saturday and Sunday mornings here, and the occasional weekday afternoon when Ev is napping. You likely see lots of Instagram photos with this as the backdrop.  I truly love it, the joy of recreating my own childhood memories as Everyn toddles around chasing the dogs with a wooden spoon in each hand, or climbs underneath and pulls all the pans onto the floor.  We bake for friends and neighbors, play dates, and anyone who comes to join us for a weekend.  It's a love affair, me and this little corner.

Eventually we'll rip out all the tile and lay large plank flooring, farmhouse style.   Until then, she'll keep humbly bringing joy far and wide to all the friends who share in the fruits of her labor.

Do you like to bake?  How do you stay organized?   

(Up next on the Cottage Tour: The Kitchen)

When God Interrupts Your Plans: A Little Boy Named Derrick

It's no secret that we're passionate about travel.  I express to people constantly why that is: ​to see and experience an equally beautiful and desperate world.  What I mean by that is I love to see the world, to marvel at creation, but also to experience different cultures, gain a little more compassion, a little more understanding. Simply put, it makes me love God and people more and teaches me how to love them both better.  No small thing.

It doesn't matter if it's the other side of the world or an unexplored corner of my own city, travel simply exports you to a new and unfamiliar place.  Having now spent well over a decade exploring, we've come to look for the unexpected, the seemingly random encounter that is anything but.  We've come to expect God to interrupt our wanderings, or better put, to orchestrate our every step constantly directing and redirecting even when we believe we're the ones who coordinated the days itinerary.  

Our recent excursion to the Hill Country was no exception...​

The Saturday morning prior to the evening wedding, we ​woke early with the intention of driving out to a winery or two and hitting up a few antique shops in the historic town square of Fredericksburg.  Our plans were quickly foiled by my realization that I'd forgotten shoes for the wedding, so off on a silly shoe hunt we went. Of course the stores weren't open yet, so we wasted a chunk of time waiting.  Cue subtle frustration.  Shoes finally in hand we set off for an idyllic picnic in the vineyards, the mornings redemption in my mind, only to end up more frustrated when we happened to choose the one winery in the area that, unbeknownst to us, had no vineyards.  Only grapes shipped in from California.  We rushed thru our lunch sitting on a patio staring at the parking lot, frustrations mounting.  

Short on time we finally headed back towards our hotel to change for the wedding.  We had about an hour left to kill, not enough time to do anything we'd planned but enough to grab custard at a shop we'd spotted near our hotel earlier.  We thought we'd walk over to a little park situated on the beautiful Guadalupe river, our second shot at partly redeeming the seemingly wasted day.  

I just wanted to take pictures.  And sit quietly in the sun.  And let my girl toddle around.  And silently exhale the days frustrations.  That's what I wanted.

Nearing the water I noticed a little boy bouncing around at the the river's edge.  He glanced at us approaching and exuberantly yelled, "Hey guys!  Look at that big bird!  Guys!  Hey guys!  Come look!"​

I thought surely we could nod and smile and be about our business.  I was wrong.​  He was relentless. 

"Hey guys!  Come here!  Look at those turtles!"  Dark eyes and hair with a distinct hispanic accent, he was dressed in a long-sleeve camo t-shirt and much, much too small little girls pants that hit just below the knee.​  His chopped hair looked as if someone had literally taken the kitchen knife to it rather than scissors.  I watched him waving and pointing as I slumped down into the grass with Ev.  Josh walked down nearer the water as the little boy raced towards me with more observations, "Do you see that huge boulder in the water?!  Why's it there?  Look at those birds!  What's that in the grass?  You're eating ice cream?"

There it was.  A twinge of something in my gut as his eyes locked on my custard...​  I nearly offered it to him, but he was already off again, "Hey guys!  Do you know there are tiny fish in the water?  Look!"  He danced back and forth at the waters edge, pointing.  It was as if he hadn't been out of the house in days.

Suddenly he looked my direction again and raced back towards me, sitting down directly at my side between me and Everyn, almost too close for comfort.​  

"What's your name?" I asked, scooting away ever so slightly.​

"Derrick."​

"Yeah?  Hi, Derrick.  Nice to meet you.  How old are you?"​

"Seven.  You're eating ice cream."  He stared at my custard again.  I felt another twinge of I should give this kid my custard.  I glanced around to see if a parent or someone was nearby to ask, but saw no one.  I was on the verge of giving it to him anyway, half eaten and all, when he jerked towards me, suddenly sober and serious, "Do you do drugs?"

What.  I waited a long moment before answering, unsure where this was going.  My first instinct was that he was about to offer, seriously, part of some kind of ploy.  I glanced towards Josh a few feet away, "No..."  He followed my eyes and nodded towards Josh, "Does he??"  

An alarming sensation started creeping up into my chest, "NO." 

Sitting with his tiny arms wrapped around his legs he nodded towards Everyn, "Does she?"​

Entirely baffled I shook my head, my alarm melting into concern, "No.  Why would you ask that?"

Though he seemed to relax a little, his little face fell as he glanced at the ​ground.  All exuberance gone, his voice sad, almost wounded sounding, "Good.  I don't like people who do drugs."

And my heart broke.  All the pieces came together in an instant: his clothes, his demeanor, his strange but serious questions.​  This little guy has seen too much, way too much.  I didn't even want to imagine what.  I wanted to scoop him up and take him home with me.  Then as quickly as he'd sat down, he was on his feet again headed for Josh, eager to point out something else in the water.

I sat silently, watching him.  Saddened.  Sobered.  Wrecked.  The familiar feeling of helplessness began to try and suffocate me.​  What can I do?  What should I do?  I felt that unnerving twinge again in my gut.

No.  No, I am not helpless.​  A sense of resolve rose up in my chest.  Before I had formulated anything in my head ​I was calling him over, "Derrick!"  He turned and waved.  "Come here for a second!"  He bounded back across the grass, standing over me curious.  "Can I ask you something?"  He stared at me blankly.  I plunged forward before I could over think it, "Do you know who Jesus is?"

His eyes lit up as he pointed to the sky, "Up there!"  ​

I smiled, his recognition comforting, "Yeah, up there.​  Do you know He loves you?"

"Yeah!"​ He started kind of bouncing in place, almost proud.

"Good.  I'm glad." I knew I only had a few moments to hold his attention, and I wanted to make certain he heard me, "Derrick, do you know you can talk to Him anytime you need to?  Even anytime you want to?"

More recognition lit up his little face, "Yeah!  My grandma takes me to church!"​  Questions resolved as far as he was concerned, he raced away, again exuberant.

I watched him run up the hill, shouting something I couldn't discern with his back to me.  A man appeared near the top motioning for him to come.  ​He yelled one last time, "Bye, guys!" as if we were old friends who would meet back the following day.

​Josh walked up with a chuckle watching him disappear from sight, having half overheard our conversation, "So much for a moment of quiet."  He stood over me seemingly amused, still staring into the distance, "Well God, I guess You had different plans for us today."  I knew none of his commentary was directed at me.  Yep, I thought, He sure did.​

__________

I don't presume to know what little Derrick has or hasn't experienced in his short seven years.  I ​could guess, but I don't really even want to.  What I do know is that on that sunny Saturday afternoon on the bank of the beautiful Guadalupe, when all I wanted was to sit quietly and enjoy my ice cream, God wanted something bigger.  He wanted to remind a little boy, whether he already knew it or not, that he is loved.  

​And He wanted me to be humbly reminded that sitting in the sun on the bank of the river eating ice cream with my girl is no small thing.  It is a blessing and luxury not everyone gets to experience.

I love the Hill Country.  I love it for its beauty, its subtle resemblance of Provence with its rolling lavender fields and stretching vineyards, and I love it for this reminder and memory: I will never think of the Hill Country and not think of Derrick.  Or his precious grandmother.  I will never think of the Hill Country and not pray for Derrick and his grandmother.

Though the treasure hunting and wine tastings made for a perfect weekend getaway, perhaps this short encounter was the real point and purpose all along.  It may have had little effect on Derrick, or unbeknownst to me maybe he'll be reminded of it in days or years to come in a moment he really needs it.  Or maybe he won't remember it at all.  But one thing is certain, I won't soon forget it.  Nor will I cease to pray.  And that is never a small thing, for me or him.

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives."​ Psalm 37: 23

Your steps are ordered, friends.  Keep that in mind today.​

One Simple Truth: Be Present

After Josh got home last night we were sitting upstairs watching Everyn toddle around draped in pearls in a little purple dress, end-of-day-messy-pigtails framing her sweet face.  I was thinking of the dozens of things still on my to-do list when I let out a long sigh.  Josh looked at me quizzically, "What is it?"

"Life is too short."

He laughed, entirely amused, "Okay... and why do you say that?"​

Still staring at my girl standing over her toy basket ​chattering happily to herself, I answered without looking his direction, "If I could live forever I'd have a hundred babies, write a thousand books, eat a million perfect meals, and visit every single city in the world.  Twice."  

​"Oh, is that all??" he joked sarcastically.

I laughed out loud at my poetic notion, amused at how effortlessly it came out.  But I meant every word.  Truly and completely.

Amidst the diaper changes and meal prep, errand running and project doing, I feel this every present urgency.  To live.  Not simply "suck air and die" as a pastor friend says frequently, but to live.  ​To be fully present in every single moment, whether I'm wandering a remote village in Europe or wiping a baby bottom.  Present.  Alive.  Optimistic.  Adventurous.  Engaged.

It's so easy to get lost in Facebook or news stories or even loads of laundry to the point that we become mechanical, disengaged.  I don't want that to be my story.  I want to live vividly.  Every day.​

I can't shake it.  It's been there all my life, a constant, echoing Whisper.​.. Open your eyes.  Taste.  See.  Don't miss this! 

It might seem a stretch to say it's a 'calling.'  But isn't it??

"I come that you might have life, and life abundant."  John 10:10

He is true Life.  And as His followers we are called to experience and give life.  To share it, illustrate it, speak it, provoke it in one another, never taking a moment for granted...

Be present today, friends.  It's your calling.

No Bake Granola Bars

These are decadent and chewy and delicious.  All you need to whip them up are a few spare minutes and handful of ingredients.  I stole a few minutes of precious nap time while my girl was snoozing and easily threw together two batches.  They were so simple and inexpensive compared to store bought, not to mention you control the ingredients. Always a plus.  All organic and gluten free ingredients per usual over here--and I couldn't be happier with them!  

No Bake Granola Bars​

2 cups quick cooking oats (not rolled)

1 cup crispy brown rice cereal 

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup packed brown sugar 

1/2 tsp vanilla

handful of dark chocolate chips

pinch of sea salt

Simply toss the oats, cereal, and salt together in a bowl and set aside.  Melt the butter, honey, and brown sugar over medium heat.  Once it begins to bubble give it another 2 minutes or so, stirring continuously.  You want it to turn to an almost caramel-like consistency, thick and sticky, but careful not to overdo it as it can easily burn.  ​Once you're there, pour the syrup over the oat mixture and toss making sure everything is coated well.  Press into a parchment lined 9x13 pan to about half an inch in thickness, and then simply press in the chocolate chips.  Be sure you pack it all together really well.  If you don't they'll crumble to pieces when you try to cut them.  Also, if your syrup mixture isn't sticky enough that can have an effect, too.  My second batch held together much better because I gave the syrup a few more seconds on the heat.  Allow them to cool and set for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. (update: cool them in the fridge overnight--makes them hold together perfectly!)

The best thing about these are the endless variations.  Use this as a base recipe (minus the chocolate chips) and add in anything you want: nut butter, dried fruit, coconut, seeds of any kind, nuts galore, coconut oil, you name it!  ​I did a variation with big coconut flakes and almonds.  Really yummy.  Reminiscent of an Almond Joy.  I want to try peanut or almond butter for sure, too, and one with dried cranberries and pecans, maybe sunflower seeds.  

​Oh!  The other thing?  I hate those skinny little twiggy granola bars that offer you two bites and leave you wanting...  I cut mine THICK!  No skinny bars over here, people.  And I still got a dozen per batch!  That's two store bought boxes, four in my case.  The cost comparison is insane.  I don't have the exact math, but even with organic ingredients these cost a fraction of what their highly processed, store bought counterparts do.

​So there ya have it!  Let me know what you think...  and if you have any other flavor suggestions!

Timeless Menagerie: A Fredricksburg Gem

It was all my husband's fault.  I was strolling along the sidewalk happily in the heart of downtown Fredericksburg when suddenly he darted down a funky little alley draped in twinkle lights, lined with birds nests and flower boxes.  There were old bicycles and chandeliers and mattress springs hanging overhead, oddly beautiful objects scattered here and there along the path.  I made no argument to follow, of course.  I felt like Alice in Wonderland following the white rabbit.

The path ended strangely at an almost hidden side door, and I am not exaggerating when I tell you l literally gasped when I stepped inside.  So many pretty things I could barely take it in.  Pretty things do that to me.  They take my breath a little.  Put too many in one space and I start to have heart palpitations.  This was one of those moments.

​People.  There was entire section dedicated to fairy gardens.  Come on.  

When Josh wasn't looking I added a teeny tiny fairy-sized robin to my pile.  After we got home later I proudly showed it to him all like,"Ta-da!" and he was all, "What is that?  Where did it come from?  What are you going to do with it?"  (Don't let his sarcasm fool ya.  He secretly loves it.  And I think it was 75 cents, just in case you're ever interested in knowing the cost of a fairy-sized robin.)

There were other treasures too, of course!  Like lovely hanging flower bottles I promptly filled with dried lavender from one of the wineries we visited, and a darling little shelf (just the corner of it is pictured below) my husband actually pointed out as perfect to mount over our stove.  (See, he secretly loves living in a 'doll house' as he so lovingly refers to it.)  I fell for the old watering can the moment I laid eyes on it.  I could envision it as a centerpiece filled to overflow with gorgeous ranunculus or peonies.  I don't know what I'll do with that pretty hanging jar sitting next to it, but Josh actually suggested planting something flowery in it.  

​There were other odds and ends: fun extra long match sticks, intoxicating Himalayan candles in perfectly patina'd tins, and other tidbits we stocked away as gifts so unfortunately I probably shouldn't display them here...   

But here's the other thing, her prices were fantastic!  Especially in a town that knowingly draws antique shoppers in hoards.  I was so pleasantly surprised.  (you guys know how cheap... er, frugal I am)  

I shamelessly gushed to the sweet shop owner about her stunning taste.  I couldn't help myself.  It was dreamy.  Her sweetness was the cherry on top.  All things considered, it's fair to declare she quite deserved the gushing!

​So if ever you're in the neighborhood, pop into Timeless Menagerie.  (I know, even the name is stunning!)  Even if it's not your taste it's worth a stop in simply to feel like you're walking thru a candle-lit dream... ;-)

Ok seriously, how gorgeous is this place?!​

A Weekend in Texas Hill Country

Endless vineyards, lavender fields, peach orchards.  The enchanting blue-green Guadalupe river, tree draped and meandering, dotted with kayaks, waterfalls, and bank-side fire pits.  ​Rocky cliffs and rolling pasture land, herds of white tailed deer, cactus and wildflowers stretching far and wide...

​Texas Hill Country.  Truly stunning.

​Though born and raised in Texas, I'd never explored this particular region a mere half days drive from Dallas.  I'd heard of the many vineyards and wineries in the area, and a few years ago I read the beautiful memoir of a woman who is credited with first bringing lavender to the area, something it's now well known for.  But when I got wind of the thrift and antique craze that happens in the German town of Fredericksburg, the Hill Country officially made it on my 'must explore' list.  So when a long-time friend asked me to stand in her Renaissance wedding as a bridesmaid, I was one part honored, one part stoked for a good excuse to head south.

I've always said the reason I love to travel, be it the other side of the globe or the small town a few miles over, is because it opens my eyes time and again to how equally beautiful and desperate the world is.  I stand in awe of God, the vastness and beauty that is the earth, and I see things.  I notice things I wouldn't otherwise.  Not because they aren't always there no matter where I'm at, but because I'm looking.​

​Travel rocks my perspective, in dangerous, dazzling ways.  ​

This little adventure to the Hill Country was no exception.  We rushed more than I intended, we explored less than I intended, and I loved every minute because I was present.  

When you're present you don't take small things for granted.​  Like tiny, curious fingers exploring Spring blossoms.

​Trips rarely go quite the way you envision, but that's half the fun.  That's the adventure, the unknown.  It wasn't on my agenda to stroll thru fields on a wildflower farm, or stand on an open lawn beneath a windmill while my girl toddled around, mesmerized by a breathtaking stretch of lavender fields to my right and rolling grape vineyards to my left wondering if this was really Texas rather than the French countryside.      

Those kinds of moments are best not planned, but discovered.

Despite not doing half the things we intended, we did discover a truly enchanting shop in Frederickburg so perfectly gorgeous I still can't decide whether it was a dream or not.​  Oh man, it was lovely.  I'll tell you about it in a bit and show you a few fun treasures we scored...

As to the Hill Country, if you live in Texas and are looking for a great weekend escape add it to your list!  You won't be disappointed.  We're planning to go back soon for some more antique shopping, winery exploring, and a hike up the legendary Enchanted Rock.  ​We simply ran flat out of time this weekend...

​Have you ever visited the area?  Anything else we should add to our list of must do/see next time??  Do share!