The Little Things--On the Verge of Country Living

Husband and the boys just left with the second U-Haul of belongings.  The reality that many things are changing today has me anxious.  I am thrilled for the start of this next adventure, but there will be plenty of adjustments.  Wood burning and pellet stove, no more quick trips to the store or one minute access to the freeway...you get my drift.  Oh, and I've been keeping this one far in the back of my mind...slow Internet? 

Is that what Husband said?  Heavens.  Lord help me.

But today, there are still the little things.

Waking up to a blanket of snow.
No school.
No appointments.
No obligations, except for packing up the rest of the last two years of our lives here in our culdesac.
The anticipation that tomorrow means no neighbors staring into our backyard, or to be seen or heard for that matter.  We are people-people, but we're people who want more privacy than suburban living allows.
The fact that any snow in our future will be double the amount of snow we've been used to--which really isn't much here in Camas, Washington.
Moving toward more sustainable living.
Hot cocoa after playing in the snow.
Friends who are willing to help us uproot our lives to a new location. 
With that said, I am especially thankful for men with strong, sturdy backs.

Now I must go.  Wish me luck! 

With MANY adventures in store,

Cassie

Would you like to share your Little Things?

Please do, on the right side-bar.

We look forward to reading!

Today is Pink Shirt Day

Today is International STAND UP to Bullying Day.

Since this cause is one that is near and dear to my heart,
and since my work lies in Bully Prevention,
I leave you with this. 

These kids are awesome.

To find out why this cause hits close to home,
feel free to read this, this and this.
I'll be back wearing my pink shirt.

-Cassie

YouTube originally seen on Poppytalk

Banana Sour Cream Bread

ANNOUNCEMENT: Our long-awaited, exciting move has begun.

This morning, in need of a break from packing,

and all the change that has been swirling about,

I whipped up some Banana Sour Cream Bread.

In the midst of his shuffling between rooms and sorting through spaces,

Husband noticed me in the kitchen.

"You're making that, now?" he asked.

"Yep."

Then before we knew it, it was more than half gone. 

And now I need to go on a run.

When in need of normal:

bake.

Banana Sour Cream Bread

1/2 C. butter shortening

1/2 C. white sugar

1/2 C brown sugar

2 eggs

3 ripe mashed bananas

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 C. sour cream

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

2 C. flour

1 C. chopped nuts (if desired)

1/4 C. sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1.  Cream shortening and sugar.  Beat in eggs, bananas and vanilla.  Add sour cream. 

Gradually add dry ingredients. 

2. Mix sugar, cinnamon (and nuts if desired) and set aside. 

3.  Grease bundt pan.  Add half nut mixture to bottom of bundt pan and add 1/2 of batter.  Add remaining nut mixture, then add rest of batter. 

4.  Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.  Cool 5 minutes in pan.  Invert onto plate and enjoy!

Updates on the move soon. 

Gather up your homesteading tips--

I'm going to need them.

It's Friday! And a Baby Night Night Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to all who entered Tricia's generous Baby Night Night Giveaway!

The winner of the $15.00 BNNB shop credit is...

No.1 Libbie! 

She said,

"girl, girl, GIRL..just sitting here hoping this baby is a girl so I can dress her in something this cute!!!! Those tights! The bloomers! How amazing! Thanks for the tip Cassie I had fun going through her store!"

Libbie, have fun shopping!

If you haven't checked out the
Baby Night Night Boutique on Etsy, be sure to visit.  There are SUCH cute things and her annual sale is still going on today.  Also, you can visit Tricia over at her blog and find lots of fun crafts, tutorials and new items.

This weekend, I'm packing, cleaning, 

and getting ready for our move.
I'm hoping to sneak in some time for something crafty...
we'll see.
 Be back Monday!

Hope you have a great weekend!

The Little Things

Some days it is the little things that pull you through.

Phone calls to my sisters and my Mom.

A Belgian Latte.

A cat nap.

My new mantra.

A trip to the gym when it felt like the last thing I wanted to do.

Pandora on my new iphone.  I created a station based on the likes of Katy Perry, and a few songs later, and quite randomly, "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey blasted through my earphones.  I smiled.  It was surely meant to be.

A message from a mentor.

Embracing the notion that I'm not supposed to have it all figured out.

Hugs.

At the end of the day, especially when it's a rough one,

when all is said, done and over with, it is the little things that shine through.

Thank God for the little things.

Have Little Things you'd like to share?

Link your post on the right side-bar.

They'll be up all week!

And please visit the other Little Things posts. 

They'll make your heart happy!

P.S. Have you entered the Baby Night Night Boutique Giveaway?
You have until 10pm.  Winner announced tomorrow!

image via

Oreo Cookie Truffles

The other week, my sweet friend thanked me for something

{that hardly deserved a thank you} with a package full of truffles. 

On the note she wrote--The Little Things.

I had mentioned truffles in my recent Little Things post,

so I so was touched by her thoughtfulness.

It is truly the little things and kind gestures from friends that make each day.

Thank you, Britt!

However, her kind gesture hardly ended there.

When she handed over the package and said they were Oreo Cookie Truffles,

I knew they were trouble.

C'mon.  Oreo. Truffles.

So then, I pre-planned my next excuse to make this sweet treat.

For Brooklynn's Valentine's of course!

We used Bakerella's Oreo Truffle recipe,

and let me tell you--it is heaven in a truffle.

In our matching aprons,

Brooklynn assisted me the entire way through...

I cut

and she helped dip.

Then she gave them her special touch,

 and her designs about melted me.

   Of course, she made the "B" truffle to take to her party for herself.

Who wants even lines, anyway?

then we enjoyed a few...

and packaged up the rest.

Then all sorts of silliness ensued.

The mess in the kitchen was worth it.

Festive. Fun. Delicious.

And it was a perfect time with my girl.

Now, when are you making these?

On Being Brave

Enough said.

xx, Cassie

image unknown

We Have a Winner!

The winner of the Full-Heart Bookmark Giveaway is...

No. 18
Susie from Resolute Twig!

I hope you love your bookmark!

Susie, please email me your address at cbmccully (at) hotmail (dot) com
and I'll get your prize packaged up lickity-split.

NOTE: Have you seen the current giveaway that closes Thursday?
It's such a great giveaway!

Heart Potatoes

In effort to bring Valentine's into our meal tonight,
this is what I've been working on.

heart-shaped red potatoes

Of course I'll save the "scraps," and cook them, too.

Separately.

Love in each bite.

I'm making some of Husband's favorites tonight.

I'll share them with you soon.

Are you making anything festive?

xo, Cassie

P.S. Don't forget to check out the new Giveaway!

Baby Night Night Boutique...and a Valentine's Giveaway!!

When I was young, I had one friend who was just as passionate as I about Barbies, Barbie houses, towns, and Barbies on Broadway.  We traveled between houses with our pink suitcases and internal alarm clocks that would wake us early enough to
begin a day's worth of Barbies.  That was nearly twenty years ago. 

Just this last year, our lives collided again, not over Mattel toys, but our love for Etsy and creative things.  Although she lives in Peoria, Arizona, and I in Camas, Washington, we've picked up right where we left off, but this time, with children and new lines of creativity. 

Please meet Tricia. 

She's the inspired hands and heart behind the sweet Etsy boutique,

Baby Night Night.

Tricia and baby Bella.

Tricia...

How and when did you learn to sew?

I learned to sew when I was 14...it was a perfect, terrible disaster. My mother had me make a dress for my very first project...needless to say, I never finished that project.

Then when my 3 year old was 6 months old, I picked it up again. I bought a $20 machine from Target that pretty much fit in the palm of my hand. I liked it and started on other little projects and got a "big girl" sewing machine.

What is your favorite item to make in the shop?

My favorite thing to sew is probably refashioned items and my ruffle bloomers. I can't get enough of ruffles. But I do love everything I sew--blankets, snugglies, dresses, hair accessories...anything.

What inspires you when you create?

My inspiration and drive comes from my mother, really. I usually say my girls, which it does also, but really it is the desire to be like my mother. She always made me beautiful for all my school dances, and I felt like a model on my wedding day when she designed my wedding dress.

I just want to provide that for my daughters.

I see that you are celebrating your first year of business!  Congratulations! 

What is your hope for 2011?

My hope for for 2011 is to go for it. Don't hold back! I recently hired a seamstress because of my recent business ventures.  It feels good to do what I want, and have people believe in me and want to be a part of my team.

One last thing...
How long is your Anniversary Sale going?

I hope to keep my sale going on throughout the rest of this week. I want people to know how much I appreciate their business and support for helping me get to where I am in my business.

Ruffle Bottom Bloomers in Soft Pink

Striped Baby Legs With Pink Gingham Bows

Ruffle Chiffon Skirt

Vintage Ruffle Lace Onesie

Vintage Sailor Jane Top

Tricia has been so generous to giveaway a $15 gift certificate to her shop!

Thanks, Tricia!

To enter the giveaway:

(an entry for each comment)

1.Follow the blog Baby Night Night and leave a comment that you have or already do.
2.Visit the Baby Night Night Boutique and leave a comment sharing what you love in her shop.

That should be easy!

Giveaway ends Thursday, February 17th 10pm.
Winner will be announced Friday!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

*Last week's Heart-Full Giveaway will be announced tomorrow.  Thanks!

Hearts and Cupcakes

Wishing I could send you each one of these this Valentine's...

There is love in a cupcake, no?

I'm linking up to Friday Pretties. 

Go visit all the pretty things!

dONt FoRgET tHe GIvEaWAy!!

1. Edible Purple Heart by Christina Gills Photo by Jodi Miller Photography

2. Red Velvet Cupcakes

3. Creature Comforts' Cupid Arrow Cupcake

Cupcake toppers and bands downloads found here.

The Little Things

Slipper socks.

The Jason Mraz station on Pandora.

Porch Swings.

Lemon Lavender Yankee candles.

Fresh basil.

My children singing worship music.

This Spinach Smoothie.  It's so good!

The aroma from the crock-pot.

Baristas and bankers who know your name,

and with that said--

My pearl of a small town resting on the border of a couple of beautiful cities.

In fact, there are some places around town that I'd love to show you!

~Cassie

P.S. Want to join The Little Things or read other bloggers' entries? 
We're over on the sidebar!

weheartit

A Full-Heart Giveaway!

One sweet, fuschia, velvet heart bookmark

for a lovely reader,

because you are dear to me.

Perfect for your cookbook, textbook, novel or journal.

I'll also be adding a sweet surprise!

To enter:

(each in its own comment)

1. Be a follower of this blog, or let me know you already are!

2.  Visit my shop and leave a comment below telling me your favorite bookmark.

There is a variety in the sold tab, too!

3. Link to my giveaway on your blog or in a post.

Giveaway ends Sunday 12pm.

Winner will be announced Monday.

This Giveaway has CLOSED.

Don't forget that today is the last day to have your

Valentine's bookmark shipped in time for Valentine's Day. 

Check out the $10 deals in the shop now!

Are you interested in doing a giveaway swap,

or do you want me to host a giveaway for you??

I'd love to feature your shop!

Email me at cbmccully(at)hotmail(dot)com

Apple, Craisin, Brown Sugar Oatmeal

It's light, hearty and healthy.

Apple, Craisin, Brown Sugar Oatmeal

Makes about 2 C.
{half for single serving}

1 apple sliced and diced

1 handful of Craisins

1 C. Old Fashioned Oats

2 C. water

dash of salt

1 loose Tbsp. brown sugar*

Directions:

1. Put oats, apples, water, dash of salt, brown sugar in microwave-safe dish;
cook for 3 minutes.

2.  Throw in the Craisins and stir together.

3. Serve.

Easy as that!

*Note--You may like more brown sugar. 

I was being conservative,

and it made it perfectly not too sweet.

This recipe was inspired by McD's Oatmeal.  Gooood.

New In the Shop!

These are up in the shop,

and I'll be shipping for Valentine's through Wednesday, February 9th.

Look for the Valentine deals!

P.S. There is a bookmark on giveaway over at this boutique.

Go visit.  She makes the cutest baby clothes and accessories!