Happy New Year

I found, I love.

Have a wonderful 2012.
k.o


{photo via pintrest}

And it's a Wrap

It's the last day of my holiday getaway, and plans and hopes of 2012 quietly start creeping into my head.

I wish everyone a happy and safe New Year!

k.o


{photo via inhonorofdesign}

Saying Thanks

After the holidays, there is a strong, lovely feeling of gratitude.

Even in this media age, I still favor the handwritten word.

Here are some of my favorites~

Holiday Thank You Cards Warm Mittens



Holiday Thank You Postcard



Eco-Friendly Holiday Note Cards



Much love,
k.o

Wednesday Wisdom

Just a little reminder...



{photo via thecuriosityblog}

Ode to North Dakota

Hmmm...do I dare say North Dakota is trendy right now?



There are all these great articles on my home state here, here, and here.


{photo via ourfamilyfarm}

I think I dare.

I hope everyone is savoring these last few days of 2011.

Much Love,
k.o

Spritz

Spritz (Sprut in Norwegian), is a standard cookie I make every year. This year was no different (okay, there was one difference: it was the only cookie I made!)

I like this recipe the best.

Spritz
3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 large egg, lightly beaten
4 cups all-purpose flour sifted with 1/2 teaspoon double-acting baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt





I can't believe the holidays are almost over!
k.o

Successful Saturday

This Saturday was special. It was Christmas Eve.

I love coming home for Christmas Eve. I love getting together with family, the protectiveness of the snow and the over abundance of traditions packed into a few days.

This Christmas Eve felt a little different due to the lack of snow, however, it created new memories of wandering that hadn't been possible in the years prior.

I hope everyone enjoyed their own magical night!

xoxo
k.o

Patiently waiting to unwrap presents from the ones I love.



A strange occurrence of a brown field instead of seeing it blanketed with snow.



The coulee behind the farm turned a unique shade of hazel in rebuttal of no snow.



Merry Christmas, dear tree.

Christmas Weekend

It's Christmas weekend!

I hope your weekend is full of celebration.

be wonderful
k.o


{photo via cupcakesandcashmere}

Guest Cottage

I love coming home. I love that I'm still able to sleep in the room I grew up in and explore the farm with adult wide eyes and childhood memories.

On our farm, we have a bunkhouse that has been used for sleep, play and storage over the years. I like to view it as a cozy little cottage.



Check out these cozy cottages used as guest houses. Beautiful!

East Hampton, N.Y. - The three-bedroom guest cottage is next to the gunite pool and a short walk to the tennis court.



Bainbridge Island, Wash. - The charming guest cottage rests in a garden-like setting and also enjoys the picture-perfect landscape.



Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. - Located next to the pool and entertainment areas, the guest house is extremely private and boasts serene desert vistas.



Greenwich, Conn.- The luxurious guest cottage is cheerful and bright, and it showcases excellent craftsmanship in its decorative half-timber framing, low-pitched roof line and multi-paned windows.



Happy Holidays!
xoxo
k.o

Wednesday Wisdom

Just a little reminder...


{photo via heyamberrae}

Walking into the Festivities

Caught my holiday eye.






{photo via insidetheloop, parisinpink, cupcakesandcashmere}

Lavender Hot Chocolate

Last holiday season, I was all about apple cider. This season, its hot chocolate.

This hot chocolate recipe is dream worthy with its lavender/chocolate aroma.

Much love,
k.o

Successful Saturday

This successful Saturday was full of seeing things in a different light.

Normally, I grab a cappuccino from Starbucks. This Saturday, I wanted to try something new:

myWayCup was just what I needed.



I've never see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree during the day. I almost liked it better. It was calming and the tourists weren't as overwhelming.

I love these cool facts. Who knew?



I finally had a chance to look at Janet Zweig's public art at the Prince St Subway station. This art celebrates the significance and individuality of the citizens of New York.

I love it.



I hope the very best happened this weekend.
k.o

Buddy Discovers NYC

One of my favorite moments! Have a wonderful weekend.
k.o

No Snow for Christmas

I received several messages from family and friends in North Dakota exlaiming "NO SNOW FOR CHRISTMAS?!" Are we really going to have a brown Christmas?

I've had a Charlie Brown Christmas before, but I can't remember the last time I had a brown one!



Of course, careful what you wish for.

(I'm crossing my fingers for a light dusting)
xoxo
k.o

Wednesday Wisdom

Just a little reminder...

The Travelers Tree

"...we scored a huge bottom branch that had been cut from one of the larger trees to fit into a stand. We took it home, turned it vertically and stuck it in a pot with water and a few rocks to keep it in place. We decorated it and the branch became our tree. It’s a little crooked and a tad patchy, but totally charming in that Charlie Brown Christmas tree sort of way."

Love it!

Yikes! Where has the time gone? I'm feeling a little behind in the holiday prep! Regardless, it doesn't matter what is under your tree, but who is around it.
k.o

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

This time of year, I always crave peppermint. Which is why, this new cookie recipe is making my baking list this year.

Happy Baking!
k.o

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 ounces (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
3/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
8 large candy canes or 30 peppermint candies, crushed
2 pounds white chocolate, coarsely chopped

Find full recipe here.

Successful Saturday

This successful Saturday started off with a sudden reminder that SantaCon 2011 was in full effect.



I can't believe it's December and we still have a sky like this.



Therefore, ideal weather for Christmas tree shopping.




And Christmas tree lusting -The Metropolitan Opera House



Finally, the rooftop; warm enough to have drinks- The Empire Hotel



I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Mine was full of gratitude for what I have and hope for what I wish to achieve.
k.o

Happy Weekend

What I wish for you.


{photo via fabulousk}

Gold Sequin/Glitter Ornaments

Ohhhh. Such a great idea! DIY ornaments using sequins and glitter.






I hope everyone is having a great day!
k.o

Wednesday Wisdom

Just a little reminder...

The Fold

Love. This. Website.

Want. Everything. (Insert sigh)

k.o



{photo via apartment34}

Rainbow (Seven-Layer) Cookies

I always try to bake a "new" cookie every holiday season. I finally found this years winner. I mean, how could it not? The layers and colors are perfect for the festive season.





Rainbow (Seven-Layer) Cookies

Makes about 5 dozen cookies (or more, if you cut them as small as I did)

Time: These take at least 11 hours from beginning to end, most of it inactive, but make sure you have a good 2 to 3 hour window

4 large eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1 (8-oz) can almond paste
2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
25 drops red food coloring
25 drops green food coloring
1 (12-oz) jar apricot preserves, heated and strained
7 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped

Find the full recipe here