Wordless Wednesday

Lorelei Cabins

I'm not sure when it happened, but there was this magical day where my brother and I went from being arch nemesis to best friends... I'm really glad too, he's a lot of fun. 

This summer, he and my sweet, attempted a surprise for me and my sister-in-law by planning a weekend away in a cute little log cabin. The secret got out (I'm a pest when it comes to secrets) and the weekend was phenomenal. 

These darling little wooden cabins are tucked away in the hills of eastern Iowa, just outside Dubuque. Although it was a little more difficult than I'd expected to find the cabin itself, it was well worth the hunt. It was so peaceful and wonderful. Just opening the door, you're greeted by the scent of fresh cedar. The cabin is fully stocked... even with four full length bath robes! 

If you're looking for a peaceful getaway to rest and rejuvenate. I suggest at least looking into these. 

We spent our downtime in the hot tub, (that's right, as if peaceful cabin outside of town wasn't good enough... but wait, there's more!) paddle-boating on the pond, shopped the farmer's market in Dubuque, we visited the casino, had lunch at a local winery, grilled steaks for dinner, and watched a movie. 

Although it didn't seem quite long enough, it was a wonderful weekend and probably should happen more often. :) 

rest

There is just something about this time of year that just makes me so nostalgic. 

It's been getting chillier and all I've been wanting to do is snuggle up with a blanket, cup of tea, and a good book... not to say that this is much different than most of the rest of the year, but lately, the urge has been something I can't subside. 

I found all the ingredients in my cupboard to make a chai latte, only one of my very favorite things. :)

There were additional bonuses too though! My house smelled AMAZING by the time it was brewing!!

What you'll need:

-Black Tea, I use Republic of Tea's English Breakfast

-cinnamon sticks

-cardamom pods

-nutmeg

-sugar

-coconut milk

I took about two cups of water and brought it to a boil. I then lowered the heat to a simmer and put two tea bags in the water. I let them steep for about 15 minutes with the cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. (So wonderful to be running around the house doing laundry and such, knowing that at the end of that I'd have THIS to sit and enjoy.) Once I had all my laundry and household things to a point where I didn't need to tend to it anymore, I added enough coconut milk to create the light brown color I like best for my lattes - yours might be lighter or darker and that's just fine!) Add sugar to taste. Collect your book and blanket. Snuggle up and enjoy. 

the flat

How in the world does anyone keep up with a blog?!?! Time just keeps passing by without informing me I'm missing out! Bah!

I can't recall all that's gone on since I last posted anything on here... but currently I've got photos of my sweet apartment. Thanks to my wonderful Hannah, I've been mulling over the thoughts of what it means to make and have your home as a sanctuary. A place you WANT to go home to. A place where you're able to RELAX and leave your troubles outside the door. :) A place where you can SIT and just BE. A place where you can really focus on things that are more important than what's 'going on'. A place where you can cook and bake and be at home. A place where you can walk around looking like a fool. :) Here are the photos I'd promised weeks ago:

The lovely living room looks out over Mount Blanc... and the Geneva International Airport. ;)

Kitchen and Laundry. :) Probably my favorite room.

Take note of Elvis keeping everything in line over on the microwave. He's a keeper.

Pictures of my Aidan boy all over to make me smile. :)

WIDE OPEN windows in the summer.

Showa un gowa.

...and, of course, the WC.

More later. I'm pooped.