Update: Colorado Living

     Oh my, I have been a slacker these days when it comes to blogging. Here's an update of what's been going on here in Colorado, and hopefully I'll have some pictures of town and life to share with you all soon. I've been feeling slightly...unmotivated, and trying hard not to let that feeling take over.

     Life has been falling back in to a normal routine. I'm still slowing bringing things home from storage and trying to make our place cozy. 

     I've been on the job hunt for a while now and haven't had too much luck. I keep waiting for feelings and I'm not getting them. For those of you who don't know me well, I'm a very feelings person. I get these gut feelings sometimes that I just have to go along with. Such as my previous job. I vowed I would never work in childcare, and as soon as I saw that job listed in the newspaper, and I knew instantly I was meant to apply and that I would get the job. I haven't had that feeling yet. Well...not completely. I have a few conflicted feelings about a couple places, so prayer for clarity would be greatly appreciated. I have a follow up interview at Sports Authority today, which I had a good feeling about yesterday, and today have an odd conflicted feeling about. 

     This past weekend I went to Lunafest with my mother-in-law. For those of you who don't know what Lunafest is (like me before researching it) you can find out all about it here and perhaps attend one in a town near you! It was a fun night with dinner beforehand, and then the film festival at the historic Hotel Colorado.

     Yesterday I helped a dear friend substitute (she substituted, I mostly observed for future reference) at a local private school that we both have a soft spot for. She graduated from the school as well as taught there, and I spent much of my childhood with people who attended the school, went on field trips with them, and took a few classes there as well.

     I've been trying to branch out more and surround myself with people. I've spent a lot of time with good friends, been hanging out at the local coffee shop, gone to Trivia Night at the local burger place where my husband works, spent time with his friends, went to a worship concert in Basalt, assisted substituting, attended a women's film festival. I'm trying to say yes to things I might otherwise have said no to. I feel like since I was in California, that I am more outgoing and want to be around people more. 

     I'm trying to get back in to the swing of things as far as eating healthy and working out. Which hasn't been too successful so far, but I'm going to try and really start this journey in the next week or so. Prayers!

     I've spent a lot of time walking around lately, and taking in the beauty that is a small mountain town. I'm learning to be content where I am and find splendor in the small things. Snow gently kissing the tops of the mountains, tiny flowers popping up along the sidewalks, the familiar feel of my favorite coffee shop, running in to friends unexpectedly. 

    I may not know exactly what I'm going yet, but I know I'll figure out. Life doesn't stand still, and I don't want to either. So for now, I'll continue to love where I'm at, and be grateful for every second. I will try and blog more and keep you updated. 

There are some discounted prices at the shop! Please take a look and maybe something will say "buy me!", hehe.

Check out my Etsy shop here!

  

Scarf Happy

     So, I've been knitting up a storm over here and I wanted to share some of what's been going on. All of the scarves are listed on my Etsy Shop.

Warning: Excessive Knitting May Cause Brain Failure

Some great new colors!

 

Ribbed Scarf. Available in all the colors shown below!

Plain Scarf

A beautiful silver, gray. This scarf is so silky soft. It's to die for!

I will be making a black one for myself in the near future.

A beautiful soft, cream color. It goes with anything. Instant classic!

The newest color, just finished! Natural Brown.

Things got a little crazy over here....

They sure are soft and warm!

Happy knitting everyone!

Welcome 2015!

     Happy New Year to you all! 

I hope you had a fun and safe New Year's Eve, and rang in the New Year in style!

     As for me, I started the day with a migraine. Fun. But the day was redeemed by a visit with my favorite baby! 

My tablet does NOT take good evening pictures but I couldn't resist.

     My sister and I spent the evening in Huntington Beach with Katelyn and her family at her sister's home. It was a chilly evening and we all went to the beach to snap a few photos. Again, the quality is not so great, but I couldn't resist.

The only snow you'll see in this part of California.

     We went back to the house and played games, sat around the fire, decorated cookies, and of course passed the babe around. We left around eleven to beat the drunk drivers home, and made it just in time to watch the ball drop in NYC. It may not have been the most eventful night, but it was cozy and spent with friends and family.

     Looking back on my 2014, I'd say it was a pretty good year. Every year brings trials but it also brings joy. Here's a look back on some of the highlights from 2014:

     I have been blessed with my job at the daycare back home. I had fabulous hours and it gave me the freedom to use my creativity. Every year, the community center where I worked would host a Daddy-Daughter Dance around Valentine's day. I have helped with the design and decorations of these events for the past 3 years, but this past year I was given complete creative control and was able to channel my inner event planner to bring to life a beautiful winter wonderland. This time of year was always the highlight of my job, but I was so thrilled and honored that my boss wanted me in charge. It was definitely a high point for me!

     I also had the opportunity to grow my relationship with my dear friend, Annie this past year. My family has always been close with her's (they practically are part of our family), and she and her two sisters as well as my sister have always been friends. But this year, we really had the opportunity to become friends. We got to spend a lot of time together drinking coffee, shopping, going on long walks, and just talking. It's also allowed me to become closer to her two younger sisters as well, Becca and Beth.  
     I've come to truly appreciate them as friends and sisters, and I've loved that we've been able to reconnect after they returned from China. And, I can't wait to have a Starbucks date when I come home!

She might disagree, but I love this photo of us!

     This year has also given me time to spend with my family. Living together again has brought us closer (even though it's a little stressful at times) and it's going to make going home without them difficult. 

     We celebrated my mom's 50th birthday this year too and that was a fun, special time spent with our close friends in a beautiful, autumn backyard. It was a bittersweet event, as my Grandpa had just passed, and we were busy packing up their lives, and mine, in preparation for the California move.

Rockin' 50 like a pro.

Doesn't autumn just get you??

Orange Sicilian Cake (courtesy of me), and Texas Hot Chocolate Cake (courtesy of our hostess).

Check out my mom's DIY and life blog here.

     I was able to cross an item off of my bucket list this year; participate in a 5k! My good friend, Vonnie, and I participated in the Color Vibe in Grand Junction, Colorado. I met this girl at my daycare job, and she has a special place in my heart. She is one of the silliest and most caring people I have had the privilege to meet, and I am so happy to call her my friend! Let me tell you, even after we arrived late and missed the first part of the race, we still had blast, danced in the rainbow, and had a delicious lunch. It may not have been exactly what we were planning, but it was a lot of fun, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Sorry Von, I stole your photo!

  

     I was able to learn a little bit about our history in Glenwood Springs with my sweet friend, Lizzie. We have been close friends for years, but this year has been special because she and her family are preparing for a big move, so any time we've been able to spend together, I've tucked away in my heart. We had both been to the Hotel Colorado many times for different occasions, but we were intrigued by the history that went along with it. So this summer, we planned a lunch date and a ghost tour at the Hotel. You can read about our experience on Lizzie's blog.

     I should have done a better job of taking photos that day, but she has some good ones as well as a brief history of the Hotel. I will be so sad when she moves away, and I'm looking forward to at least one more coffee date before she leaves me.

     This year I visited California three times. One of these trips was because of my Grandpa passing away, and even though it was a sad time, I'm glad we could all be together, and that we had each other to lean on. It's been a difficult time, and hard living in a home where he no longer resides. But we can rest knowing that he isn't suffering any more. And we know that he wouldn't want us to cry and make a fuss. He would tell us to knock it off and move on. 
     My cousin made a wonderful memorial slideshow on YouTube for anyone who would like see a little of what Grandpa was like.

Me and Grandpa.

     My husband and I took another camping trip this summer. Each time is so special to me. It's such a great chance to bond and just get away from life for a while. You can read about our travels here.

     I went to 3 concerts this year (the most in a year I think), auditioned for my favorite musical, got a taste of being back in college again, threw knives in the woods, went to a Great Gatsby party, and read more than I have in years.

     I became an Instagram user, which has made me get back in to photography. A passion that I let slide over the past few years, and I am thankful I have the ability to get back in to it.

A photo I took for an Instagram contest. The dreamcatcher is available on Etsy!

    I also started my Etsy business, and made my very first sale, right before the end of the year!

My first item, SOLD!

     I am forever grateful for all my experiences this year. I always get a little sad and nostalgic as the year comes to an end, and may have had a few tears in my eyes as the countdown to midnight began. But I am looking forward to 2015 and all that it may bring. I am excited to see where blogging and Etsy take me and what new adventures are waiting. The new year has begun with my husband finding an apartment for us, and I am so proud of him for doing it all on his own. I can't wait to be home again, and to begin new memories in our new place, with spring just on the horizon. Happy New Year to you all and may all your wishes come true!

Food For The Soul

     I have had a lot of free time in the past few months. When I decided to move to California for a few months, I thought I would be able to land a job to fill my time, and that has not been the case. At this point, I've kind of given up on the job search and have chosen to use this time to start my shop, my blog, create, volunteer some time, spend time with family, and read. 

     Here's a look at what I've been reading and will be reading this month. 

     I read The Help again for the second time a couple weeks ago. I loved it more the second time around, and highly recommend it! I think I gained more insight in to what it was like to live during that time, and it sparked some questions to ask my Grandma about her memories of being young during that time. She told me that where she grew up, there were no segregation issues, but she recalls going in to town and other places and being told they had to use a separate drinking fountain and bathroom. 
     A Little Princess was a treasured movie from my childhood. Seriously, it's so cute and sad. Check it out, but be prepared to cry. My Grandma was donating the book to the second hand store, so I snatched it up to read. It's a children's book, so I will excuse the poor writing, but the movie was so much better and that is rarely the case!
     I have one chapter left in Growing Up Amish. This one I also picked up at Grandma's house. It was covered in dust on her bookshelf and thought it could be an interesting read. I have learned some things I didn't know about the Amish community, but overall it wasn't my favorite book. It's a memoir about Ira Wagler and his struggle between being Amish and longing for an "American" life. I kept expecting something exciting to happen, and was sadly disappointed. But the knowledge aspect made it worth the read.

     Next on the list is one of my all time favorite books. I have probably read it 4-5 times. I usually switch back and forth between Pride and Prejudice and Emma every year. Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors. And every year, right before Christmas, I get the urge to pick up one of her books and immerse myself in her beautiful stories. This year is no different.

     This is a fun little addition to any readers collection, The Book Lover's Journal.

  

     Inside, you'll find a section to journal about your latest read; who the author is, how many pages, rating, and space to write your personal opinions about the book. In the back, there is a section to list books you'd like to read, who recommended it to you, genre, etc. There's also a section to list where you got your book from, books you've borrowed, books you've loaned, and even a section with their recommended list of books. I love this little treasure, because sometimes I forget what I've read or what a book was about, and it's nice to have a place to go back to.

     What are you reading this winter? I hope you're staying warm and cozy!

Post-Christmas

     I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! 

     Although Christmas was different this year for us, we had a great day filled with gifts, good food, family, and love. I was thoroughly spoiled (as always) and ate way too much. We spent the morning at my Grandma's house where we opened gifts and devoured cinnamon rolls and monkey bread (after some baking mishaps). Then we drove to my Aunt's house where we had second Christmas, spent time with family, and of course indulged in turkey, tamales, potatoes galore (my 3 favorites), and so many desserts. I ended the day tired, and with a cold I was trying to keep away all day, but it was worth it.

     I wanted to share some Christmas traditions in my family.

•    Growing up, we got to open one small gift on Christmas Eve. I'm not sure if it's meant to build the anticipation or temporarily satisfy until the morning.... Since my husband and I were apart this year, we decided to have Christmas on Christmas Eve via Skype and open our gifts to each other early.
•    We open our stockings after everything else has been opened. This year we forgot to fill the stockings, so we passed out the candy and small gifts from a Target bag (hey, you make due with what you have).
•    In my "new" family (my husband and I), we have orange cinnamon rolls for Christmas breakfast. Two years ago, I made them in the waffle iron. Delicious!
•    My Aunt's family serves tamales for Christmas dinner. This is definitely a tradition I think I will be incorporating in to my family celebrations.
•    I usually fill my husband's stocking with the same 3 things each year: gum, gummy worms, and a Monster energy drink. It's always topped off with an assortment of candy, maybe a gift card, or a couple small gifts. I was sad I wasn't able to do that this year, but I sent him a big box full of goodies. I'm regretting not taking a picture of it though. My heart that longs for beauty sure enjoyed decorating the inside of the box and coordinating all the individually wrapped gifts. Maybe the Husband didn't notice, but I noticed, and that's what matters, right? Haha!

          

 What are some of your family traditions?

 

Merry Christmas: Sing Hallelujahs

     Merry Christmas my friends! I hope this day find's you happy and well. 

     Our day is starting off with coffee (the most important) and tearing in to all the colorful gifts. I was feeling more nostalgic this year, and found wrapping paper that has probably been sitting in my Grandma's house since the 1990's. So I threw pretty, sweet, handmade wrapping out the window, and decided to use what was already at the house for that touch of childhood I'm so desperately holding on to this season.

     This Christmas brings many emotions for people in all walks of life. For me and my family, this Christmas is laced with sadness. Many of you know, my Grandpa passed away in October, which makes this holiday season bittersweet. He battled cancer for many years, and thankfully we had the opportunity to come out to California last Christmas because we knew it could possibly be his last. Our Christmas was sweet and cozy, with all of us gathered around the tree and dinner at my Aunt's home with a surplus of good food. This year will be the same, but we all feel that piece of us missing.

     Grandpa was the most generous, open-hearted person you could meet. So many people loved him and speak about how kind and giving he was. Christmas and birthdays, we kids always felt so spoiled because he made sure to go above and beyond. He showed his love through giving. 

     Kind of like someone else. Jesus. We couldn't celebrate this miracle of Christmas if Jesus hadn't come to live among us. To love and to teach and give. He gave his life so that we may live. Let's just step back a minute from our Christmas hustle and bustle and really think about that for a moment. I mean really think about that. Can your mind comprehend the power of that act of love? Because honestly, it's hard for me to wrap my insignificant brain around. Me, being selfish, proud, sometimes hard-hearted...someone would want to die so I could live? It's mind-blowing and can bring you to your knees. Today, I pray, as you go about your day and prepare your meals, spend time with loved ones, listen to Christmas music, sing hallelujahs to His holy Name! In your heart, with your voice, in your soul.

"Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.' "

- Luke 2:13-14

     Be safe as you go about celebrating today. Shower love wherever you can. I pray that if today your heart is sad or hardened, you may find peace and happiness in some small thing. Try giving time or money or even food to someone less fortunate than yourself. Sometimes even a note or a smile is enough to brighten someone's day. So as we go our separate ways today and celebrate our Christmas, I hope you can revel in the beauty of snow, the miracle of a "baby's first Christmas", maybe your flight got delayed but you still arrived at your destination safe. There are so many things to inspire awe this holiday season from our Savior's birth to the tiniest snowflake. As for me, I will sing hallelujahs and shed a few tears of sadness, as well as joy.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Festive in Red

     Here's another little something that I thought was pretty. This Christmas Eve is a little grey and dreary, and we're all feeling a little out of sorts it seems. So, here are some festive, red berry...type...things that I couldn't resist capturing.

     Here's one of my favorite Christmas songs to listen to as well (link at the end of post). If you like this rendition, check out Seabird's other songs on Amazon or iTunes. My favorite song is O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and of course that one isn't on YouTube! His album is my go-to at Christmas time. Over The Hills and Everywhere: A Christmas EP.

Seabird: Angels We Have Heard On High

For the Love of Coffee

     I know what you're all thinking, "Another girl posting about her coffee." And you would be correct! In fact, it is very likely that there will be quite a few coffee posts because it is one of those things I can truly say I love, love, love. 

     Plus, look at how adorable my "T" mug is. I mean, come on.

     I have to admit that I am indeed a coffee snob. Not so much that I won't drink a cup of bad coffee necessarily, but oh will I complain and make faces and chug it down as fast as possible. This was one of the occasions, where I was about done with bad coffee. My gaze happened to land on the Christmas tree and all those lovely candy canes gently nestled in the branches. An idea struck me. I would put a candy cane in my awful, bad cup-o-mud. But then the wheels kept turning. I remembered the big Christmas tupperware container full of delicious chocolate chips. In plopped a handful of the tiny morsels. Fueled by the need of something tasty, I opened the fridge and spied the whole milk and a can of whipped cream (clearly I was not going for "healthy" here). And thus, my lovely and delicious peppermint mocha was born! Not that this was an original idea, but hey. I made due with what I had lying around.
 

    What are some coffee creations you've come up with? Would you make it again?

    

Adventures in Fullerton & Shop Review

      I am 100% all for shopping local. Whilst out adventuring in downtown Fullerton the other day my mom, sister and I stumbled upon a gorgeous little shop called Oh, Hello Friend. Oh, my goodness. 
     The minute we walked through the door we were greeted with tiny trinkets, inspiring paper goods, unique gifts, and craft supplies. Words of affirmation were found in every direction; "You are awesome, loved, wonderful, beautiful, and adored". Beautiful phrases such as that were found on art prints, journals, and even button pins. I couldn't help but feel special upon entering and I made up my mind in that moment that I would be leaving with something. After all, with encouraging phrases about oneself strewn about you can't help but feel you deserve a fun purchase! Maybe that was the point....

     I have been so pleasantly surprised by the prices in the local shops out here in Cali. I had it in my head that they would be so high and I would only be able to sigh wistfully while window shopping. That has not been the case at all! 

     As planned, I did end up leaving with a few tiny treasures, and didn't end up spending more than $20! Score! Christmas came early for this girl.

Oh, Hello Friend  business card, business card holder, button.

Cast iron white whale.

     The shop owner was so sweet and we told her we would be back for more. I later found out that she had a Facebook. I "liked" her shop, and discovered that I was able to get coupons for online and store purchases. Not that I needed more of an excuse to go back! The website (link at the bottom of this post) has a more limited stock, but the aesthetic is equally as pleasing. 

     I had been searching for a store like this that felt like my small home town back in Colorado. And I can definitely say I have found one I love.

Remember:

https://www.ohhellofriend.com/

A Place To Be Me

Here you will find my place to be me. 

     I wouldn't say I am new to the blogging world, but I would say I am new to a more "structured" blogging world which is what I am hoping to be entering. My dream is that this blog will be a place to house my thoughts, my hopes, my dreams. A place to showcase my latest piece of jewelry or something new I read or maybe even a recipe. It might even be a place to share deep thoughts or fears. A journal if you will. My goal is to overcome this road block I have that my words, my story, my creations, aren't "good enough" to share. Basically, whatever may float my little boat on the sea of my life.

A brief history:

   This, is ME. The writer of this blog, and owner of the Forest and Sea Creative Etsy shop (link at the top of the page). My name is Tessa and I am 23 years old, filled to the brim with a desire to love life.
     
     I am temporarily-permanently living in California, where I was born, due to a loss in the family, and my mom and three siblings making the decision to move back here after 20 years to be close to her mom. This is my second home, and I chose to come along with them to help them get settled, and to be near family in this time of sadness. 

     In my move to California, I left behind my wonderful, handsome husband who strongly encouraged me to take this plunge. He has done nothing but support this crazy idea, and we have been apart for over a month and a half now, only seeing each other over Thanksgiving. I know to some, this may not seem like that long, but you have to realize, the longest we had ever been apart since meeting in July of 2010 was ten days! It's been an adjustment, but it has made the time we get to see each other, Skype, and talk on the phone that much more special.

     I recently (as in the past week) opened my new shop. Like blogging, I am not new to the world of Etsy. I have frequently admired, favorited, and shared the beautiful creations listed there and even opened my own shop a few years ago. The original shop was first called Topsy Turvy Treasures, then turned in to The Clover and The Bee, and finally my new shop which has been dubbed Forest and Sea Creative. Hopefully this one is here to stay!

     I am excited for this new journey; for the time to be able to sit and reflect on life and share with you what I am discovering. 

     Until next time,

           Tessa