Reveling in Reverie

Since our cottage renovation is going so slowly, I wanted to share with you one of the most beautiful and inspiring wedding photo shoots I've ever seen. Now, I have no business being a wedding blog regular since I'm coming up on my 3rd anniversary, but I just can't help myself. I love a well planned, pretty party, so my eyes are always just drawn to wedding features.

One day, while scrolling through Twitter and searching for new and fun blogs to follow, I happened upon Reverie Magazine. And, in case you [like me] were wondering what exactly "Reverie" means, they so kindly define it for you on the home page of the website:

Simply put, it's a daydream. And that is exactly what I do when I browse the pages of their website and their most recent issue of their magazine. Heavenly.

Sadly, I  got married before the days of Pinterest. I didn't have inspiration boards or the millions of ideas floating around out there today. And I may or may not be a little bitter about that...This is not to say that I'm unhappy with the way my wedding turned out. It was quite lovely in fact, but I just didn't have access to all of the planning tips and tricks that young brides do today.

So when I see inspiration like what is featured in the new issue of Reverie Magazine I long to renew my vows, even if it's just for the beautiful party that's involved. Please, please, please go check out the entire publication on line by clicking here ----> REVERIE MAGAZINE

The stunning cover shot is what drew me in. I guess you could say I have a think for classic, nautical design and style. And then I got to page 10 where I was completely engrossed in the seaside inspiration. From the invitations to the oyster shells, I was in love with every detail. Also - I realize how over the top I sound, but I really do think it's just so perfect!

I can't recommend the ladies at Reverie Magazine enough. They know what they are doing, so make sure you check them out when you need some "pretty" in your life!

Photo of the Day - Howlin' at the Moon

1.15.12 - Photo of the Day 

The dog house Bubba has been working on out in the garage...no, it's not for him, one of his parents' beagles is pregnant and needs to upgrade her home :)

Photo of the Day - Valentine's Day!

2.14.12 - Photo of the Day

My beautiful Valentine's Day flowers from my loving husband, Bubba!

Photo of the Day - Hello Flash

2.13.12 - Photo of the Day

Typically I HATE using the flash on my camera, as it blows everything out, but for some reason I really liked the effect it created in this picture. It draws my eye to the dark sky in the background rather than the old fence and vines in the foreground.

Uh Oh - Forgotten Photos of the Day

2.9.12 - Photo of the Day

 I had to duck out of work early on Thursday to pay the Advanced Orthopedic Specialists a visit. Good news? My elbow bones are healthy. The bad news? My elbow muscles and tendons are not. Nothing that cannot be fixed though!

2.10.12 - Photo of the Day

Friday I went to cheer on my cousin, Myles, as he and the Great Mills freshman team went up against Leonardtown. LHS barely nudged by them late in the 4th.

2.11.12 - Photo of the Day

The most beautiful baby girl I know.

2.12.12 - Photo of the Day

We got the tiniest bit of snow Saturday night...it's about time it started to feel like winter!

Photo of the Day - Soup for You!

2.8.12 - Photo of the Day

Nothing like a steaming hot pot of homemade soup on this dreary, cold day.

*1 can 98% fat free Creamy Chicken Noodle

*1 can 98% fat free Cream of Chicken

*4oz  boiled egg noddles

*2 biscuits, pulled apart and rolled into small dumplings

*1 empty soup can skim milk

*1/2 empty soup can water

*4 pulled, grilled chicken tenders left over from last nights dinner

*Cook on stove top uncovered for 15 minutes on medium/high, then cover pot for 20 more minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally. 

Super rich, but super yummy! (PS- I never claimed it would be healthy...)

Photo of the Day - Moonlight

2.7.12 - Photo of the Day

Moonlight on the Potomac River

Photo(s) of the Day

2.5.12 - Photo of the Day

Authentic, autographed picture of Hanson, found at the Lexington Park Thrift Shop.

2.6.12 - Photo of the Day

The beginnings of my next project...

Photo(s) of the Day - Ducks and Muskrats

2.3.12 - Photo of the Day

Meet Affie, the newest resident of Milestown Oak Lane. She (or he, I'm not really sure) likes to hang out on the pond at my parents house. Affie is very tame and most likely lost, but everyone has taken to her and enjoys bringing her bits or bread or corn.

2.4.12 - Photo of the Day

Now I'd like you to meet the Bushwood Muskrats! (From Left to Right) Adam Link, Marci Morris, Dan Simpson, Mindy Hill, Boyd Shoemaker, Adam Lyon, Bubba Hill and Adrian Hill, Sr.

A local store and bar in the 7th, Quade's, holds trivia once a month and last night we made an appearance and actually took home the gold! Ok, well we took home 4 shirts, two line green hats straight from the '80s and several beer koozies, but it still felt great to win. Way to go, Muskrats!

Photo of the Day - A Transitioning Sky

2.3.12 - Photo of the Day

The evening sky over St. Clement's Island never ceases to amaze me.

Photo of the Day - Bumps in the Road

I stopped to take this photo while I was walking around the neighborhood this afternoon.  It made me think about all of this hardships going on not only in my life, but in the world as well.  No matter what kind of bumps in the road we encounter, they only make us stronger. :)


2.1.12 - Photo of the Day

Bumps in the Road.

2012 Resolution Follow Up

It has only been 31 days, and I can't remember what I pledged for the new year, other than (obviously) to get in some sort of shape.  So, I've decided to look back at my blogpost from New Years Eve, and give a little status update as to where I stand with each one.  In fact, I'd like to check back in at the end of each month and report on how I'm doing. Here we go:


1. Photo of the Day challenge - I'm shockingly doing pretty well with this one. Ok, so my pictures haven't been quite as visually stimulating as I'd hope they'd be, but I'm going to work on that.  Once the temperatures start warming up, that might help as well.  At least I've managed to get 31 Photos of the Day posted in the month of January, right?

2. Reacquire my physical fitness - Am I back in tip-top shape? No, BUT the hubs and I have both agreed on a healthier lifestyle for the new year, and I can certainly see a difference.  I've exchanged sweet tea and soda for water, white breads and pasta's for whole wheat (as often as I can), and limiting the amount of sweets I have throughout the week. Though I haven't gotten on the scale, I do know for a fact that I have decreased my amount of bloat.  All of my pants that I tried my hardest to avoid because they were uncomfortably snug, are now back in my weekly line up.  Are they loose? No, but they are so much more comfortable than they were before. Another successful change we've made is eating out. Lunches are now packed (the majority of the time) and we only go out for dinner on the weekends.

3. Rediscover my passion for fashion - I love a good dress, but I HATE pantyhose.  Just saying the word makes me cringe.  So any ideal improvements to my wardrobe are waiting for warmer weather.  However, for the time being I have made a concentrated effort to improve my look. I've been doing my hair more often and even taking the time in the mornings to pick out something different that I feel happy in. (*This is an ongoing effort and even though I'm trying, I am well aware that there are some days when I just haven't put the effort in.)

4. Don't Worry, Be Happy - This is probably the hardest of all my resolutions. I'm a born "people pleaser" and the word "No" doesn't always find its way into my vocabulary.  Thus leading to some stressful and frustrating situations, which means an unhappy Mindle.  But I have come up with a few remedies for this; I've been making more time for my own hobbies like reading, blogging, photography and home decor projects. Now if only I could squeeze some traveling in there...

Photo of the Day - Calm

1.31.12 - Photo of the Day

The end of the Point, on a calm evening. Can you see the Blue Heron?

Pinterest Taste Test - Chocolate Chip Cookies

Over the weekend I was craving something sweet, and since we are trying really hard to eat healthier in 2012 there was nothing sweet in sight. And I mean nothing. And then it hit me, I had bought a bunch of baking supplies over Christmas and still had some left.  So what did I do? I rushed over to Pinterest and found the simplest looking recipe I could find for Chocolate Chip cookies. (Yes, I'm that pathetic of a cook/baker that I don't even know how to make cookies from scratch.) Anyway, I found a pin for "Big Chocolate Chip Cookies" from MyBakingAddiction.com and got to work.

When you have to work really hard for your sweets, that cuts out 50% of the calories, right? Right....

The Verdict? Pretty good.  Never in my life did I imagine the words I'm about to type coming out of my own mouth, but they were almost too sweet.  Never-the-less, still yummy and certainly cured my craving for something sweet.  *Also, note to those thinking about trying the recipe - make sure you know the difference between parchment paper and wax paper.  I didn't figure it out until I noticed the cookies smoking a little bit after just a few minutes...Don't worry, we salvaged them and they turned out fine, just a little distorted.

Pinterest, you haven't let me down yet...keep 'em coming!

Photo of the Day - Free as the Breeze

1.30.12 - Photo of the Day

 There is nothing like a brisk walk after being cooped up behind a desk all day on a Monday.

Photo(s) of the Day - Weekend

1.28.12 - Photo of the Day

Homemade chocolate chip cookies.

1.29.12 - Photo of the Day

My incredibly stylish husband...

Photo of the Day - Traditions

In a surprising move, the hubs asked if I wanted to spend a little time together since we were both off work today, instead of him going to the farm.  Of course, my first thought was that it was a trap and he was only offering because he wanted something.  However, to my surprise and delight, he really did just want to spend some time together. The shock kept coming once we were in the car and he says, "Want to go in that new Lola Belle store? Maybe we can go to that one place in Loveville too."

Again, what the hell has come over him, and what has he broken, committed us to, or wants to do...

"Yeah I like those kinds of places, I like the old kind of stuff they have."

Well, I'll be...


1.27.12 - Photo of the Day 

Traditions of Loveville was filled with gorgeous things, and a lot were on sale, but this was the only thing I found in our price range today. A lovely set of 1950's style tea towels, perfect for our kitchen.

Photo of the Day - Young Republican

Today I am so proud and happy for my younger brother, Tyler, who is enjoying every minute of being a political science major at the University of North Florida.  The boy has been talking politics since I can remember, and is now truly in all his glory as the Republican presidential debate rolled into his University today. Thank you for knowing your stuff, Ty, because there are so many Americans, young and old, that are easily swayed by the mass media...I would know, I have a degree in Mass Communications. You are a great example to any and all looking to get involved with politics, way to go and keep up the hard work!


1.26.12 - Photo of the Day

My brother, Tyler, sporting his Newt button, along with his fellow young Republicans working hard to support Newt Gingrich today at the University of North Florida.

(Photo courtesy of the NorthEast Florida for Newt Gingrich facebook page.)

A Pinterest Taste Test

As I've mentioned before, I've become slightly obsessed with Pinterest. As a child, I was always cutting and pasting (the old fashioned way, with scissors and glue...) pretty dresses, clever sayings, and places I wanted to go from magazines to my own collages.  So, naturally, when I found out what Pinterest entailed, I jumped on the bandwagon. Quickly.

Not only do I love browsing through the gorgeous photography, crafty creations, and crude humor, but the recipes seem to have me hooked as well. It's no secret that my cooking skills leave a little something to be desired; however my culinary curiosity has been sparked lately. It may be my age and my hungry husband, but I also think it has something to do with the delicious ideas I've been finding on Pinterest

One of the first things I ever pinned was what I like to call the apple sandwich. It was probably created with children in mind, but again, if you know me, you know that my palate isn't exactly refined. Anyway, I saw this "recipe" if you will, and knew I wanted to try it. And today was the day...

The verdict? Just as delicious as I had hoped!

Photo of the Day - Quiet Morning

1.25.12 - Photo of the Day

The early morning sky over the cold, still Potomac River.