The Department of Beauty

You hear talk about the changing colors in the Fall. We ooohh and awww over the colors of the trees, bushes, and fall flowers. Movie sets in the Autumn are almost always back east or in mountainous regions, where the winding roads are lined with colorful and breathtaking rusts, reds, and yellows. 

But what about us? I live among a number of people who don't really think our area is anything to write home about in the beauty department. I think I've made it pretty clear throughout my writings on this blog that I believe I live surrounded by some of the prettiest country on this planet, the simplicity of my home sometimes just gets me all sorts of verklempt.

And I'll admit it, we don't have as many trees, we don't have as much variety-cottonwoods are our staple. We are not however, without color, beauty, or interest.We've had a pretty decent Autumn here
in the middle of nowhere and my mom and I decided to do a little project. We spent our Sunday afternoon enjoying the beautiful weather, capturing some beautiful colors. I will not claim to be the best photographer in the world, nor do I think all these pictures do my home justice. But they are something to look at, something to appreciate, and something to maybe change your mind if you are 
on the other side of the fence. 

This time of year is perfect for taking a walk around your town. Notice things you've never noticed before. Appreciate things you've never appreciated before. I promise you will feel refreshed. 

I love getting to higher ground out here. 

And at the same time I love getting up close and personal. But you guys probably already knew that. 

The sky was so blue!

I love plants, and it's just so amazing to me how they change, how I can take a picture of one in May and by September it can be a whole other kind of beautiful. 

Even the grasses are interesting to me, stuff we walk by almost everyday. I hope I never lose my sense of wonder as I wander through this world. 

Ok, I'll admit that this tree is probably one of the most colorful ones we have in the area, but that makes me appreciate it even more. It's beautiful in this picture but just look at the one below. 

THAT'S what I'm talking about. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is look around you, no matter where you are, splendor can be found. Look at the big picture and get up close and personal all at the same time. Crunch through the leaves and commit the sights around you to memory. You might need them someday. 

My Autumn is spectacular even especially out in the middle of nowhere. 

Blessings! 

mum's the word monday

Blessings!

Game Day

It's another Husker game day. 

They play Ohio state. 

The game is at 7. 

Head Coach is Bo Pelini. 

That about sums up my knowledge of Husker football but I do enjoy watching them play and they do stress me out occasionally. Ok, I know some players names and the offensive and defensive coaches names but I didn't want to show off. Don't want to make anyone feel bad.

I have a very special story to share. My dear friend Frankie has a grandpa that played for the Huskers back in the 1950s and I just had to show you guys. It's just too cool, and funny. The direct quotes from Jerry and the family sound just. like. them. Jerry does not beat around the bush. Ever. And the picture is classic.  Plus it's kinda cool whenever my lovable hometown gets put on the map. I hope Jerry gets to watch a good game today.  So check it out! 

Go Huskers! 

Blessings! 

Fridays Letters

Dear Mitt Romney, couldn’t you use a different first name? I’m getting real tired of Senor Smarty Pants saying “Mittens!” every. time. we hear your name. No that’s not a plug for either candidate. Dear Water, thanks for just being you, refreshing, thirst quenching, hydrous, watery-I’m out of adjectives. Dear Arctic Front, WOW. Way to cool things off, and I’m not going to complain about the opportunity to wear my new mittens. Annnd I just saw Mittens face in my minds eye. Awesome. Dear 10 Minute Trainer, we meet again, please be kind. Dear Moccasins, you are so warm, yet so light and easy to wear, ya’ll are just wonderful. Dear Long Underwear, You get to do your job tonight since it’s supposed to be 27 at the game, never thought I’d get to say that again, hope you had a nice summer break. Dear Fall, in my mind the word splendor is synonymous when I think of you, even here in the cornhusker state. Please stay like this until December. 

You can link up your Fridays Letters here.

Blessings!

Thrifty Thursday

Thrifty

Thriftier; Thriftiest 

1. Thriving by industry and frugality: prosperous. 

It's Thrifty Thursday, the time of the week where I share my thrifty finds from garage sales, antique shops, and of course thrift stores.

I have a Grandma who's hobby is shopping. She tires of things quickly. She also has good taste. These three facts have played very well for the women in my family. Sometimes when we need things we ask to go in Grandma's back room, it has mustard yellow shag carpet, it's awesome-just thought I'd mention that. It's kinda like having our own private store.

A while back Grandma offered mom this rug. Mom didn't have a real need for it so she said no. But quickly found that we did need a new rug so to Grandma's magical back room she went and hauled this gem home. The rug had been outside, helping the back patio feel more like a "room" so it needed a bath but otherwise it was perfect. 

So I looked at the rug and thought "Cool, I like it." Then mom showed me the right side-that I didn't know existed. Cool texture, huh! Funky and interesting! Good work Grandma! 

Blessings! 

You've Got Food On Your Face

I wrote on Friday that adult acne had been creeping up on me. It's been something I've been a little touchy about for stupid, vain reasons. As a teen I never really struggled with acne. About once a month it would rear a small ugly head certainly not unmanageable.

But I've noticed an incline since I turned oh 19 or so. I'm sure the stress of college hasn't helped. The change in water, soft water, hard water, and city water has also messed with my largest organ. I've also noticed my jeans are tighter in the hips so thats exciting...late bloomer

While on my lifestyle shift towards the natural side of things, I stumbled upon the oil cleanse I decided to give it a try, what could it hurt, and the reviews were all positive. It's been about 4 months and the jury's still out on how I feel. I'm not sure I have or ever will have my ratio's correct. I really don't believe my skin is more complicated than others, I think it may just not be the right thing for me.

This month in particular was pretty bad in the acne dept., and I started looking for more information because what I'm doing obviously isn't working.

I have been following Laurel of Leaves for a while now and I really enjoy her perspective. She deals with the icky red spots on her skin too, and has come up with different solutions, and I'm so thankful I've found them! They don't require super special clinical products, are not harsh, and help actually heal your skin, gut, and overall health.

So I'm ready to ditch the oil cleanse and try something else. I would encourage you to try the oil cleanse if you are looking for something different-I'm sure it works for many! I'm going to start wearing less make-up, which will leave me all but bare, and try this Honey Face Mask. Then this Apple Cider Vinegar Toner-I LOVE ACV! Finally, I'll continue to use Coconut Oil as a moisturizer. One last link I'd like to pass along is this article from Eco Beauty Editor, written by Lori. It really gets to the bottom of the issue. I can tell you right now, since I've came to school my diet has kinda sorta reverted back to the old days, not near as real as in the Summer, plus I'm missing my Summer mornings outside. All that direct Vit D...

So, who's with me? Are you willing to put food on your face?

Blessings!

mum's the word monday

Blessings!