A Woman's Haven: 2010

Gathering Inspiration & Gratitude: Favorite Blogs of 2010

This is my first year in blog land and I have to say that I am addicted! I have seen so many creative and inspirational individuals who are living as their authentic selves. I love it!

I have truly enjoyed creating my little online haven…my own little visually, creative space where I share a little piece of “me” with the world.

I find much joy and inspiration from some of my favorite bloggers.

I visit them often!

I wanted to take a minute to give a “shout out” to each one of them!

{Kelly Rae Roberts}

I adore Kelly’s beautiful, inspirational artwork.

{Simple Daisy}

Heather’s joyful energy is contagious every time you visit her. She loves crafting & spreading positivity!

{Air Kiss}

Lara’s simplistic white décor & style is beautiful!

{Alisa Burke}

A whole bounty of creative ideas!

{33 Shade of Green}

I just love Alissa’s simple & clean style. She shares a glimpse into her world with beautiful photos and easy to follow tutorials for crafting, cooking & decorating.

{Lisa Leonard’s Designs}

Beautiful jewelry

{Lorajean’s Magazine}

So pretty!

{The Happy Home}

I love Belinda’s style.

{Whatever}

I love Meg’s colorful photos!

Linking to:
Love is Everywhere

What will you shine a light on in 2011?

What will I SHINE a light on in 2011?

I plan to Celebrate more!

According to the authors of “Why Good Things Happen to Good People” celebration is one of the most important ways that we express gratitude. Notice a theme going on here?

I try to make gratitude a daily practice of mine, but this year I want to take it one step further. Celebration is gratitude in action.

What do I plan to celebrate?…

{daily routines}

{Myself}

{Home}

{My relationships}

{Birthdays}

{Seasonal shifts & Holidays}

{simple moments}

{Photography}

Celebration creates joy & I plan to find every reason under the sun to celebrate.

Share with me what you would like to celebrate in 2011…

Stop back for a giveaway to start the new year off!
Also checkout my new blog Shades of the Season

Celebrating with others this week..

To the Top Tuesday

DDP comes to an end…

Day {23}

A love-hate relationship…

She was getting ready to tickle him here…

Day {24}

Opening Gifts

Day {25}

Family Christmas

Making snowflakes…

We made some gingerbread men.

and had fun playing with some homemade play dough

Holiday House

Day {22}

For another peek into our home see this post.

Happy Holidays!

Biscotti is a guilty pleasure of mine. I love dipping it in my morning coffee. I have been meaning to try a few recipes. Here is a holiday version from WhipperBerry that I am looking forward to trying soon.

Gingerbread Pecan Biscotti (adapted from food.com)

2 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (I grated whole nutmeg for added flavor)
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
2/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup molasses
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup pecans, chopped

In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In your mixer, combine the egg and egg whites, brown sugar, molasses and vanilla until smooth.
Stir the egg mixture into dry ingredients just until moistened; fold in pecans; cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Divide dough in half; shape each half into a ball; on a baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray, or parchment paper; roll each ball into a 14-inch x 1 1/2-inch rectangle.

Bake at 325 for 24 to 28 minutes or until firm to touch; remove from the oven and reduce heat to 300 degrees.
Cool for five minutes then transfer to cutting board. Cut diagonally with a serrated knife into 1/2-inch slices; place cut side down on a baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray; bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned, turning once. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Drizzle with…

Peppermint White Chocolate

6 oz. Baker's White Chocolate
1/4 teaspoon Peppermint extract

Place chocolate in microwave safe container, and add peppermint extract. Microwave according to directions and heat in small increments, stirring each time until fully melted. Making sure your biscotti is completely cooled, line up and drizzle chocolate over them with a spoon.