Proverbs 31 Sisters

Starbucks Card Giveaway!

2011-11-26T21:59:00.001-06:00

Head on over to Salad For Breakfast to enter the $50 Starbucks card giveaway!

**UPDATE**
I just ran across this ADORABLE Le Creuset Butter Crock giveaway from Cheeseslave!!

~~laura

Meet Eppie

2011-11-04T09:19:00.000-06:00

Meet Eppie, our new farm cat~

She's adorable, feisty, and complete cuteness.

~Laura and Lizzy

C.A.P.T.U.R.E Workshop 2011

2011-09-26T21:45:00.000-06:00

The country gal's: a.k.a. Laura and I have landed in Texas for our 2 week vacation/visit's with friends/photography workshop.

The photo class went AWESOME, and the two wonderful instructors made those 4 days absolutely wonderful.

Thanks Allie and Laura, and we all can't wait for class numero dos!

For those who want more details, here's the C.A.P.T.U.R.E blog filled with info and class pictures.

Signing off,

~~Lizzy

7 years ago...

2011-09-13T11:07:00.001-06:00

We were scrolling through Lightroom a couple days ago, and struck memory gold. We found pictures taken with our very first digital camera! We also found pictures of us playing dress up seven years ago.

To give you a background on this first ever photo shoot, we were going for a historical theme. Laura was standing on a child-sized little red chair in order to get higher with the camera. We had decided on an old book, an apple, and Bingley as props.

Although you can't see it in the pictures, we didn't realize till months later that we had forgotten to take the sticker off of the apple. :-)

This was also during Bingley's "Puppy years". He was a mini marshmallow back then.

Notice the modern day sport's watch we forgot to remove...

We cracked up quite a bit over this one...

So yes, this is where

Laura got her very first start in photography.

~~Laura and Lizzy

A Lovely Giveaway!

2011-09-09T23:13:00.000-06:00

Homestead Revival is holding a giveaway for a Lilla Rose item of your choice! Head on over to take a look. :)

Laura Elizabeth Photography -- a new name, a new blog, and a new website.....

2011-09-08T09:13:00.000-06:00

Laura's photography has moved and changed names!

Here are the links so you can update your bookmarks and become a follower to keep in touch and follow all my new posts!

The Name: Laura Elizabeth Photgraphy

The Website: www.lauraelizabethphotography.com

The Blog: www.lauraelizabethblog.com

The Email: laura@lauraelizabethphotography.com

So come on over and leave a comment! I can't wait to see you on my new blog and website!

Happy Thursday

~~laura elizabeth

Photo Contest

2011-05-06T11:29:00.001-06:00

FashionandModesty.blogspot.com is holding a photo contest!

This has to be one of my all-time favorite photos in my library...

Renee was so amazing during the shoot! She was willing to do absolutely anything to get "the perfect shot" ... even model in a barn...er...structure-that-wants-to-be-a-barn-but-is-falling-down. It was the last time I was able to shoot in it due to safety issues (had 70 MPH winds shortly after the shoot), but we both had a blast that day! Isn't she just gorgeous?!

I haven't posted this shoot yet, and I couldn't wait any longer to release the "sneak peak." Hay + Cow-Girl Hat and Boots + Wind + Tired After Running and Jumping = This Photo

I'll be posting more from Lizzy's shoot on my blog www.lauraelizabethblog.com

Thanks for holding this photo contest!

~~Laura Elizabeth

2011-04-05T01:36:00.001-06:00

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Phil. 4:4-8

~Lizzy

Updates

2011-04-01T02:47:00.000-06:00

Just a quick shout out to let ya'll know that Lizzy has been posting the most recent farm news over on her blog: www.lizziebutterfly.blogspot.com

So go check it out, and find out more of what we've been up to lately!
Blessings,

~Laura and Lizzy

~Double Chocolate Mocha Cookies~(Shhh...They're Gluten Free!)

2011-03-03T00:03:00.000-06:00

There are certain recipes that you go back to time and time again...especially the ones that are so tasty, and so easy that they can be made and devoured in less than thirty minutes.
We find that these Double Chocolate Mocha Cookies to do just that. And really, they couldn't be healthier! They are Gluten Free, Egg free, dairy free, nut free, and sugar free. And they taste. so. good.

I frequent www.elanaspantry.com quite often, and love love love her recipes. I'm amazed that such simple recipes can taste so good!

Here's the recipe~

http://www.elanaspantry.com/double-chocolate-mocha-cookies/

Our Substitutions~

1. We used Oat Flour instead of Almond Flour-- We didn't have any almond flour, so I used plain old "ground up in the vita-mix and then sifted" oat flour. It works fine, but will taste a little 'cakier' and will taste more like oats than the Almond Flour.

2. We used Honey instead of Agave

3.We used Coconut oil instead of Grapeseed oil

These subs were just because we had run out of some ingredients, but they still tasted fine!

So go run into the kitchen and whip up a batch of these cookies!!

~Lizzy

P.S. They are best served fresh out of the oven with milk or hot tea

~ Baby Booties: Handwork ~

2011-02-24T23:24:00.008-06:00

I just love knitting baby booties!! They are so cute and tiny....precious!

Here is a quick glimpse of some that are going to make it to our shop very soon.....

...my personal favorite...

What is your favorite thing to knit or sew?

~~Laura Elizabeth

~ Planting Time: A Day on the Farm ~

2011-02-23T23:15:00.001-06:00

It's been a busy week on the farm!

There are always so many things to do, especially when it comes to planting. Today we have been planting seedlings....

The seedlings that haven't germinated yet are sitting on top of our homemade germinating mat. Underneath the black rubber mat is a special electrical wire that gradually warms the seedlings for maximum germination speed. It's something new we are trying this year and we can't wait to share the results!

All the 'green' in the back is our mint.....peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, and apple mint! Keep an eye out for a homemade iced mint tea recipe! It is sooooo delicious! :D

Enjoy this luscious spring weather!!

~Laura and Lizzy

~ Homemade Room Freshener: A Tutorial ~

2011-02-22T20:12:00.001-06:00

Isn't it just lovely when you walk into a room, and it smells fresh and fragrant? We've been having SO much fun putting together all sorts of delicious scents for our home.

Today we decided to make a homemade Vanilla Fragrance~

What you'll need:

1 Pretty spray bottle
Cold Water
2 TB.Vanilla Extract
A lovely tag with your scent labeled on the front.
String or twine to attach the label to the bottle

Pour Vanilla extract into spray bottle and fill up the bottle with cold water almost to the top. Attach the label, shake well, and lightly mist around your rooms!

Store in a cool dark place. If kept in direct sunlight the fragrance will lose its scent...A nightstand drawer or closet is perfect for easy access.

Other Inspirational fragrance ideas~

Try the above recipe with different extracts such as peppermint, lemon, cinnamon, lavender, and orange.
Peppermint and lemon are refreshing, cinnamon and orange gives you that, "fresh out of the oven" smell, and lavender and vanilla are very relaxing before bedtime!

You can find these extracts at most natural health food stores, or at ~ http://www.frontiercoop.com/

So mix and match and make your home smell fresh and delicious! Let us know which one you make first!

~~Elizabeth

~ Scones: A Recipe ~

2011-02-21T13:13:00.000-06:00

Tea Time Scones

Scones are quite simple to make, so we usually make our own. You can add all kinds of extras to your scones, depending on your taste. Try cut-up apples, currants, ginger, orange zest, almond flavoring, cinnamon, apricots, fresh blueberries, cranberries, or even chocolate chips – our favorite!

2 c. flour

1 T. baking powder

2 T. sugar

1/2 t. salt

6 T. butter – very cold

1 c. buttermilk, or whole milk

Egg wash ( 1 Lightly beaten egg with 1 T water )

Sugar, or cinnamon sugar for sprinkling on top

Mix dry ingredients. Cut in 6 T. butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. (If you want to add anything to your scones just mix it in before the buttermilk) Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk. ( If you do not have buttermilk or lemon juice than just use regular milk.) Mix until dough clings together and is a bit sticky- do not over-mix or you will get bricks instead of scones :) Turn out dough onto a floured surface and shape into a 6- to 8-inch round about 1 1/2 inches thick. Quickly cut into pie wedges or use a round biscuit cutter to cut circles. The secret of tender scones is a minimum of handling. Place on an un-greased cookie sheet, being sure the sides of the scones don’t touch each other. Brush the scones with the egg wash for a shiny, beautiful brown scone. Sprinkle sugar or cinnamon sugar on top. Bake at 425° for 10 – 20 minutes, or until light brown.

Precious Things Final

2011-02-20T16:14:00.000-06:00

Glorious dwelling of the holy, where no grief or gloom of sin
Through the pure and pearly portals evermore shall enter in:
Christ its Light and God its Temple, Christ its song of endless laud!
O what precious consummation of the precious things of God!

Part 16 Of Precious Things

2011-02-13T16:12:00.000-06:00

Pause not here,--the Holy City, glorious in God's light, behold!
Like unto a stone most precious, clear as crystal, pure as gold;
Strong foundations, fair with sapphires, sardius and chrysolite,
Blent with amethyst and jacinth, emerald and topaz bright.

Part 15 Of Precious Things

2011-02-06T16:10:00.000-06:00

Precious, precious to Jehovah is His children's holy sleep;
He is with them in the passing through the waters cold and deep;
Everlasting love enfolds them softly, safely to His breast,
Everlasting love receives them to His glory and His rest.

Part 14 Of Precious Things

2011-01-30T16:08:00.000-06:00

Precious, more than gold that wasteth, is the trial of your faith,
Fires of anguish or temptation cannot dim it, cannot scathe!
Your Refiner sitteth watching till His image shineth clear,
For His glory, praise, and honour, when the Saviour shall appear.

Part 13 Of Precious Things

2011-01-23T15:40:00.000-06:00

Sons of Zion, ye are precious in your heavenly Father's sight,

Ye are His peculiar treasure, ye His jewels of delight;

Sought and chosen, cleansed and polished, purchased with transcendent cost,

Kept in His royal casket, never, never to be lost.

A Glimpse...

2011-01-21T13:29:00.000-06:00

of some projects that I'll be working on this month...

Can't wait to share!! :D

Part 12 Of Precious Things

2011-01-16T16:03:00.000-06:00

Such His gifts! but mark we dully our responsibility
Unto Him whose name is Holy, infinite in purity;
Sin and self no longer serving, take the precious from the vile,
So His power shalt rest upon thee, thou shalt dwell beneath His Smile.

Another Giveaway!

2011-01-15T14:00:00.000-06:00

I just ran across this fun giveaway! There are 26 prizes, so that means 26 winners! One of my favorite items in the giveaway is a pair of pink star sapphire glass earrings.

Take a look!

Health Course Giveaway!

2011-01-14T12:23:00.000-06:00

Head on over to Cheese Slave and grab some entries for an amazing Health Course Giveaway!

{ Etsy Sale! }

2011-01-13T11:14:00.002-06:00

Our good friends at Country Hearts At Home are having an amazing sale in their Etsy Shop!

Go check it out! My favorite items are the Tea Cup and Coffee Cup Pincushions! What a neat idea!!!

What is your favorite item in their shop?

Happy Thursday!

~~Laura Elizabeth

{ A Recipe }

2011-01-12T22:49:00.002-06:00

Caramel Macchiato

I just love Caramel Macchiatos! Here is my “base” recipe…change it up to taste – you can’t go wrong!

4 Tablespoons Caramel Sauce (Recipe Follows)

1/2 Cup Freshly Brewed Coffee

1 Cup Very Warm Whole Milk

Stir together the Caramel and Coffee in a Large Mug. Pour the Hot Milk over Caramel Mixture.

Caramel Sauce:

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

1 tablespoon water

In a 3-quart, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the cream, butter, sugar, and water. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer registers 240 degrees F, about 5 to 7 minutes. Let the mixture cool for 30 seconds.

Hope yall enjoy this!

~~Laura Elizabeth

{ Did Somebody Mention Sledding? }

2011-01-12T22:33:00.000-06:00

Here are some of the sledding photos! Enjoy!

Yes, you are seeing this photo correctly -- Lizzy and I have our ice skates on....in the driveway....and you know what? We were able to skate!

Of course we had to take a silly photo! haha

Happy Wednesday!

~~Laura Elizabeth

{ Snowed In }

2011-01-11T23:47:00.001-06:00

So what do you do when you get snowed in? You go sledding, of course!!

You take fun photos of your jumbo-size french mugs.....

Which happens to have homemade Caramel Macchiato in it....

You decide to get your ice skates and skate on the driveway....yes, our drive was compact enough to skate on!

You also take time to edit photos, and plan tomorrows blog posts :)

Happy Tuesday!

~~Laura Elizabeth

Guess What We Are Doing?

2011-01-10T13:10:00.001-06:00

Well, more on all of this later.....I'm heading out to go sled now!

Yes, those are 3D glasses....and yes, I'll have more explanations and photos later :D

~~Laura Elizabeth

The Shining Light

2011-01-10T10:28:00.003-06:00

"The Shining Light, that Shineth more and more unto the Perfect Day"

by Frances Ridley Havergal

A year ago the gold light

Sweet morning made for me;

A tender and untold light,

Like music on the sea.

Light and music twining

In melodious glory,

A rare and radiant shining

On my changing story.

To-day the golden sunlight

Is full and broad and strong;

The glory of the One light

Must overflow in song'

Song that floweth ever,

Sweeter every day,

Song whose echoes never,

Never die away.

How shall the light be clearer

That is so bright to day?

Hw shall the hope be dearer

That pours such joyous ray?

I am only waiting

For the answer golden,

What faith is antedating

Shall not be withholden.

**All 4 of these photos were taken on our farm this past year....enjoy!**

~~Laura Elizabeth

Part 11 Of Precious Things

2011-01-09T13:57:00.000-06:00

Nor withhold we glad thanksgiving for His mercies ever new,
Precious things of earth and heaven, sun and rain and quickening dew;
Precious fruits and varied crowning of the year His goodness fills,
Chief things of the ancient mountains, precious things of lasting hills.

The House Made Out Of Gingerbread... Part 2

2011-01-08T23:45:00.001-06:00

Today we said goodbye to our Gingerbread House! We tried a new recipe this year, and this was the sturdiest house we had ever made! It took some MAJOR pulling and pushing to get this house to come down. As you can see, the roof came off in a big chunk, and only a section of a wall would come off....

Well, for those of you who have only experienced fragile, and frail gingerbread house recipes, I thought I would share ours from this year! :D

~~ Laura Elizabeth

Gingerbread House

Recipe courtesy Gale Gand

I once made a ginger bread house with my Banquette chef Bill at the Pump Room that was big enough to walk into. It was a life size gingerbread playhouse and took days to build. Have fun!

Prep Time:: 2 hr 0 min
Inactive Prep Time:: 3 hr 30 min
Cook Time:: 15 min

Level:: Difficult

Serves:: 1 house

Ingredients

Gingerbread:

8 ounces unsalted butter (16 tablespoons or 2 sticks), softened
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup dark molasses (not blackstrap)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
6 1/4 cups cake flour
4 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
Gingerbread House Templates, recipe follows

Royal Icing:

3 cups confectioners' sugar, plus more as needed
2 egg whites*

Assemble and Decorate the House:

Heavy cardboard base for the house
Pastry bag with a medium plain tip and a small plain tip
Frosted shredded mini-wheats for the roof, as needed
Mini tootsie rolls for a fence, as needed
White Hershey Kisses for roof top spikes, as needed
Small candy canes for a lamp post outside the door, as needed
Granulated sugar for snow drifts, as needed
Necco Wafers for a cobblestone path, as needed
3 large marshmallows, for snow man
Pretzel sticks, for snowman arms, as needed
2 whole cloves, for snowman eyes
Graham crackers to build a shed, as needed
Assorted candy such as gum drops, peppermint drops, M & M's, white chocolate chips, red hots, non-pareils or snow caps, silver dragees, green mint jelly leaves, Life Savers, and Animal Crackers

Directions

In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar and mix until light and fluffy. Add the eggs 1 at a time until incorporated. Add the molasses and vanilla and mix.

Sift together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, and salt. Working in batches, and mixing after each addition just until combined, add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture. Shape the dough into a thick disk, wrap in waxed paper, and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease 2 cookie sheets.

On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough in half and roll each piece out into a large 1/4-inch thick sheet. Transfer the dough sheets to the sheet pans; then cut out the required shapes with your templates (see Gingerbread House Templates below).

Bake until stiff and toast-y, about 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool completely.

Make the Royal Icing: In a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the confectioners' sugar and egg whites together. Add more sugar, if necessary, to reach a spreadable consistency.

Assemble and Decorate the House: Glue the house walls together by setting them up on the cardboard base, and piping the royal icing at the joints with a medium plain tip from the inside. Prop the sides up with wine or soda bottles and let set for 30 minutes. Attach the roof pieces, using the icing in the same way

Using a spatula to apply the icing, glue the frosted mini-wheats on the roof to look like thatching. Attach the front door, with hinges made from icing (leave it open to be more inviting).

Decorate as you like, following the suggestions in the ingredient list, using the icing as glue, if needed. Use a small plain tip for any filigree style decorative line work, you may want.

*RAW EGG WARNING

Food Network Kitchens suggest caution in consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs due to the slight risk of Salmonella or other food-borne illness. To reduce this risk, we recommend you use only fresh, properly-refrigerated, clean, grade A or AA eggs with intact shells, and avoid contact between the yolks or whites and the shell.

Gingerbread House Templates:

Brown paper bags, as needed

You'll need to make 7 templates, by drawing the dimensions out on brown paper and cutting them out. Use the templates as a stencil to cut the dough into the required pieces. Here are the templates you'll need:

Two front and rear walls: 5 inches high by 8 inches long. Cut out 2 windows from each wall, and 2 1/2 by 1 1/2-inch door in one.

Two side walls shaped like a house (triangle on a square): 5 inches high by 6 inches long, with a triangle 7 inches high on top (cut all in 1 piece). Cut 1 window out of each side.

Two overhanging roof pieces: 4 1/2 inches wide by 9 inches long.

One door: 2 1/2 inches high by 1 1/2 inches wide.

A Giveaway!

2011-01-07T15:14:00.000-06:00

Kathryn Grace Photography is holding a giveaway! She's giving away a fabulous computer desktop calendar set!!

Head on over to grab your entries!

~~Laura Elizabeth

Part 10 Of Precious Things

2011-01-06T17:31:00.000-06:00

Far more precious than the ruby, or the crystal's rainbow light,
Valued not with precious onyx or with pearl and sapphire bright,
Freely given to all who ask it, is the wisdom from above,
Pure and peaceable and gentle, full of fruits of life and love.

{ Just Because }

2011-01-06T17:23:00.001-06:00

~~Laura Elizabeth

I Saw This On A Walk...... :)

2011-01-05T22:48:00.002-06:00

Then I ran into my lil girly :) She just had to pose for the camera! My Cappie has officially turned her namesake "Cappuccino" color! This awesome horse will turn white for me when the weather gets warmer... but for now, I love that Cappuccino tone :)

~~Laura Elizabeth

A House Made Of Gingerbread

2011-01-04T20:38:00.002-06:00

For the second year in a row, we have made a gingerbread house with a friend!

This year, our wonderful neighbor Renee came over to help out....

We started working on the dough right before lunch, at lunch, put the dough in the oven, took the dough out of the oven, and let it cool.....end of story! We were talking and laughing so hard during the "rollin out" process, that we ran out of time to decorate! :D

Well, we never could find a time to have her back over, so Lizzy and I finished it up.

We decided to make a log gingerbread house -- like our new house here in TN! Though the scaling isn't correct, and our field here isn't that small, we think it represents our little farm pretty nicely! haha

Our "puddle" of a pond .....the candies that we melted stuck to the pans and made a sticky mess!

Our "not so healthy" garden!

We really enjoyed making this candy house!

Renee: we will have to give it another try next year.....and start in the morning next time! :D

~~Laura

Baby Hats Up In Etsy

2011-01-04T11:36:00.000-06:00

I just LOVE baby hats! Any shape or size will do! So I decided to make a few
and put them in my etsy shop!

Here are photos of two of them.....more photos and more hats coming soon!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!

Winter On The Farm Part 3 ....White Christmas!

2011-01-03T11:53:00.003-06:00

Yup! Title says it all! Our very first Christmas on a farm. Our very first Christmas on OUR farm. Our very first WHITE CHRISTMAS!

So on this very special Christmas, we decided to take a long walk :)

Of course, we had to give our horses some treats while passing

I know, I know.....no pictures of me because I'm behind the camera....AGAIN......just wait ;-)

Acting goofy trying to catch snowflakes on her tongue :P

Even Mr. Bingley tagged along for the walk! He actually LOVES snow! Who would have thought a TX dog would love playing in the snow! haha

If you look REALLY close, you can see our house in the top right corner :)

Reecie waited for us at our gate while we were on our walk....she is such a smart cat

A quick pose by our barn....er....falling apart barn ;-)

...And look who didn't want to stay out of the family photo! Yup, Reecie made her way into several shots!

Notice her at the bottom left corner behind Lizzy?

Yay! A COMPLETE family photo! At last! "Why is Bingley staring at the camera?" you ask? Well, Reecie was sitting behind the camera....and he wanted to go play! haha Thanks Reecie for getting Bingley's attention, and thanks "Mr. Fence" for being my tripod!

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!!

~~Laura

Winter On The Farm Part 2

2011-01-02T23:28:00.001-06:00

After a few hours, the snow started falling harder....

We decided to start playing around!

Even Mr. Bingley loved the snow!

After the wind died down, the whole family took a walk up the hill behind our house...

"Thank you Mr. Log for holding my camera!"

What a wonderful "first snow"! We had sooooo much fun!

~~Laura

Winter On The Farm Part 1

2011-01-01T20:36:00.006-06:00

We had our first snow of the year a couple of weeks ago! It was the first time Lizzy and I had seen a real snow fall!

The animals loved playing in the snow, but loved laying on our porch even more! :)

Even the back of the truck started to fill with snow after awhile!

~~Laura Elizabeth

Grain Mill Giveaway

2010-12-04T22:35:00.002-06:00

Happily Domestic is giving away a Nutrimill Grain Mill!! Head on over and grab your entries!

http://happilydomestic.blogspot.com/2010/11/nutrimill-grain-mill-review-and.html

Sneak Peak.......

2010-08-14T17:12:00.005-06:00

Here's a sneak peak of a photo shoot from this morning on our farm........

**More photos coming soon on www.imagesbylauraelizabeth.blogspot.com**

Thanks Renee for being such a great subject!

~~Laura Elizabeth

An Explanation........

2010-07-07T15:15:00.000-06:00

The reason for slow blogging :)

Suddenly Darling.........And a move :D

2010-04-13T23:01:00.000-06:00

Tons of posts coming soon! We haven't fallen off the face of the earth! :D ............but we did move!

Lizzy has been posting on www.the-writers-pen.blogspot.com So for farm updates, head on over to her blog!

As a side-note, take a look at this site: http://www.suddenlydarling.com/create-an-account.html?referrer=AUPRR-LAURAELIZABETH

It is a modest fashion website run by a Christian homeschooler and her dad. You login each day for 35 points, comment on articles and photos for 5 points each, and when you get 5,000 points, you get a $25 gift card! Lizzy and I have each received gift cards this month -- such a neat site!

Apron Giveaway!

2010-02-22T15:23:00.000-06:00

Tea Rose Home is holding a cute apron give-away by Christa Taylor!

Head on over and enter! :D

Project Update!!

2010-02-09T16:41:00.000-06:00

Here is a small update on my Regency Underthings sewing project.......

That's right.....I have only cut out the pattern and fabric........ life has been REALLY busy, and so my poor sewing machine has sat under its cover this whole year......well.....1 1/2 months that is ;-)

Here is a little tip..... I cut out my pattern in the largest size.....then, just folded the pattern to my personal size! I will be able to re-use the same pattern on multiple people! ;-)

I will begin sewing next week Lord willing! :D :D :D

Have a wonderful week!

Giveaway!

2010-02-07T19:48:00.000-06:00

Creature Comforts is holding a giveaway! Enter to win a Photojojo Mini Polaroid Camera or an SLR Sloop Camera bag!!

Happy New Year!!! :D

2010-01-01T00:29:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!!!

2010 Here We Come!! :D

~~Laura Elizabeth

www.handsindelight.blogspot.com

www.imagesbylauraelizabeth.com

My Next Project Is.......

2009-12-31T23:09:00.000-06:00

.........The Regency Underthings Chemise, Short Stays, and Chemisette!!

I was so inspired by Aurora's post, and decided that I just had to make it!

Right now I am in the process of cutting out the Chemise! I will post pictures soon!

My First Costume!

2009-12-30T23:52:00.000-06:00

Here are the photos of the very first costume that I made!

My sister really wanted this dress to look just like the cover on the pattern, and picked out the fabric combinations herself! She also took it upon herself to find a hoopskirt -- and it was only $20! Great job Lizzy!!

One of my next projects will be the undergarments that go with this dress (Simplicity 2621) -- including the hoopskirt :D

Photoshoots

2009-12-23T13:27:00.001-06:00

www.imagesbylauraelizabeth.blogspot.com

Giveaway!

2009-12-17T15:34:00.000-06:00

Fashionably Modest Patterns is holding a giveaway! Go to their website to enter!

Snow??????

2009-12-04T12:17:00.001-06:00

IT IS SNOWING HERE -- IN SOUTH TEXAS!!!!

Hopefully we can get some photos for "proof"!! :D

Quilt Giveaway!!

2009-12-01T22:23:00.000-06:00

Marie-madeline studio is holding a quilt giveaway! Head over to their site to enter!

Website Update

2009-11-19T00:32:00.003-06:00

Images by Laura Elizabeth has been updated!

~~Laura

Another Sneak Peak.......

2009-11-03T17:42:00.000-06:00

Elizabeth's dress is finished!

**going to start mine now**

~~Laura

Growing......

2009-11-02T11:16:00.000-06:00

GROWING

Unto him that hath, Thou givest

Ever “more abundantly.”

Lord I live because Thou livest,

Therefore give more life to me;

Therefore speed me in the race;

Therefore let me grow in grace.

Deepen all Thy work, O Master,

Strengthen every downward root,

Only do Thou ripen faster,

More and more, Thy pleasant fruit.

Purge me, prune me, self abase,

Only let me grow in grace.

Jesus, grace for grace outpouring,

Show me ever greater things;

Raise me higher, sunward soaring,

Mounting as on eagle-wings.

By the brightness of Thy face,

Jesus, let me grow in grace.

Let me grow by sun and shower,

Every moment water me;

Make me really hour by hour

More and more conformed to Thee,

That Thy loving eye may trace

Day by day, my growth in grace.

Let me then be always growing,

Never, never standing still;

Listening, learning, better knowing

Thee and Thy most blessed will,

Till I reach Thy holy place,

Daily let me grow in grace.

Frances Ridley Havergal

Sneak Peaks..........

2009-10-18T20:32:00.000-06:00

I have officially set up the dining table for the dresses! ...............

Also, I was able to grab a shot of Elizabeth's fabric!!!

I will be starting the "dummy" dress tomorrow and hopefully will be able to take some photos along the way!!

~~Laura

New Sewing Projects?

2009-10-16T09:59:00.002-06:00

Photos coming soon!!

Here is a sneak peak: Lizzy's fabric is almost identical to the pattern ^ photo, and my fabric is black and gold.

Updates!!!

2009-10-12T12:01:00.002-06:00

Well I just updated my photography blog with images from 4 of my photo shoots in Colorado!
Come on over to www.imagesbylauraelizabeth.blogspot.com and take a look! ;-)

~~Laura

New Post....

2009-10-04T13:54:00.005-06:00

After an awesome trip to Manitou Springs, Colorado, I am back to blog world ;-). Check out a little glimpse of photos to come at www.imagesbylauraelizabeth.blogspot.com

New Lens......

2009-08-25T19:26:00.004-06:00

Just thought I would post a couple shots of a photo shoot that I did with a new lens...... More on our Durian adventure coming soon!!

~~Laura

Any Ideas What We Just Ate For Lunch????? ;-)

2009-08-19T12:51:00.001-06:00

Happy Late Birthday Laura!

2009-08-19T12:29:00.001-06:00

2009-08-19T11:46:00.000-06:00

Where are we now?

2009-08-19T11:21:00.004-06:00

Can you guess what we are doing today?

Finished products coming later.........

What Have I Been Doing Lately???

2009-08-17T15:30:00.019-06:00

Taking pictures for a photo challenge!!!

Here are some of the recent ones:

"tree"

"friday"

"door"

"high contrast"

"flower"

"journal"

"self portrait"

"pet/animal"

"friend portrait"

"water"

~~Laura

West Ladies Giveaway!

2009-08-17T13:06:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone!!

Just wanted to let yall know that Jenna at Feminine Farmgirl is having a giveaway! You could win the West Ladies "The Art Of Breadmaking" DVD!! Come on and check it out! www.femininefarmgirl.blogspot.com

~~Laura

Candles part 2

2009-06-04T17:58:00.000-06:00

Barefoot Seamstress

2009-06-04T16:39:00.002-06:00

Just added our hand-dipped candles and more organic baby burpies and booties to the shop!
Also, Elizabeth has added smaller flip-flops in the Women's 5-6 range.

Come and take a look!

~~Laura

Candles part 1

2009-06-04T16:31:00.002-06:00

Don't know what yall think, but around here NOTHING smells better than 100% pure beeswax! MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmm!!!!

I love the sweet honey-like smell that our hand-dipped beeswax candles make.
Here is part 1 of our journey of candle dipping..........

We started with 6 huge blocks (that equaled 17.2 pounds) of pure beeswax..........

Yes we did make a HUGE mess chopping these big blocks into smaller pieces! ;-)

As our harp teacher would tell you, I had several big blisters from scrubbing our "waxed" floor after it had a big layer of wax on it! Ouch!
We found this old pan and wonderful cast-iron skillet at goodwill-- love that store!!

Elizabeth had a wonderful time taping down a ton of paper that turned out to be of no use to our tile floor.......... but it saved all of our counter tops!!! ;-)

Our dad gave us these "weights" from his tool box and we tied cotton wicking to them. Now we are all ready to dip!

P.S. We have this old bar attachment to our riding lawn mower that we don't use -- yep!, you guessed it -- perfect place to hang our candles to cool! ;-)

~~Laura

Websites

2009-05-23T12:35:00.005-06:00

Boy has this been a busy year so far! Farmers' markets, sewing, websites, photography classes, baking, knitting, harp lessons, music recitals, guitar playing, candle dipping, soap making, birthday's...... we have done it all! whew! So many things to post about!

Well, to start off I would like to mention that www.barefootseamstress.com is getting a makeover! Elizabeth and I are making new additions faster than I can get pictures of them and then uploaded them on the site. We are adding - funky, retro aprons, organic baby items including burpies, booties, hats and blankets, tea cozies, hand-dipped candles, homemade soaps, wonderful smelling lavender products, hand knit dishcloths, spa sets, and a bunch more that I can't think of at the moment! ;-)

A new addition to my list of "things that I love to do" is a photography business! Yes www.imagesbylauraelizabeth.com is under construction! Finally!! :-)

Well, I will be posting our candle-dipping pictures as well as everything else that we have been up to very soon, so keep an eye out!

~~Laura

Fresh Bread Anyone?

2009-03-16T18:19:00.005-06:00

Tomorrow we are having some friends over for a re-make of our Empress Tea! This time we will be adding in some gluten free things as well as one WONDERFUL raw food dish. Here is a sneak peak of one of the delights.........

More pictures and details later!

~~Laura

Sunsets

2009-01-24T18:04:00.000-06:00

Some of my favorite sunsets from our backyard....

~~Laura

The requested smoothie recipe

2009-01-23T11:46:00.009-06:00

The original recipe for this smoothie calls it the Blue Sunset -- we eat it in the mornings, have changed it up a bit, and are now calling it the Blue Sunrise smoothie!

~~Laura

Blue Sunrise

2 Cups Frozen Mango (or one 12 oz bag)
2 Cups Frozen Pineapple (or one 12 oz bag)
2 Frozen Bananas
2 Cups Best Ever Nut Mylk (recipe below)
3 Tablespoons Agave Nectar or 12 Drops Liquid Stevia
2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
1 Cup Blueberries

In a blender, puree all ingredients except blueberries until smooth. Pour out about half of the mixture into serving glasses, filling each glass half way. Add the blueberries to the remaining shake in the blender and blend until smooth. Gently pour the remaining blueberry shake over the pineapple-mango shake. Enjoy! Serves 2

Best Ever Nut Mylk
~~Laura’s variation of Mathew Kenney

1 C. Almonds or Brazil nuts or Walnuts or Pecans or hemp seeds
4 C. Purified water
1/3 C. Agave Nectar or 1 1/2 droppers full of Liquid Stevia
1 Tablespoon Vanilla
3 Tablespoons Coconut oil

Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender for about 45 seconds. Pour through a milk-bag, cheesecloth, or a very fine sieve. Yield: 4 Cups

Come Join Elizabeth!

2009-01-22T21:11:00.003-06:00

Come join Elizabeth at her new blogs! Learn about what she eats at Life With Food Allergies and take walks through nature along side of her. These fun blogs are just starting to bud so keep on the lookout for new posts!

~~Laura

P.S. don't forget to vote on her polls! ;-)

Part 9 Of Precious Things

2009-01-22T17:06:00.001-06:00

Who shall paint the flash of splendour from the opened casket bright,
When His precious lovingkindness beams upon the quickened sight!
Priceless jewel ever gleaming with imperishable ray,
God will never take it from us, though the mountains pass away.

Walkin' around...

2009-01-22T16:01:00.006-06:00

After a hard days work Elizabeth and I love to go on a walk

around the neighborhood...here is yesterdays walkin'.

No...that's not us....just our shadows!

Some joggers we happened upon...

~~Laura

The Best Smoothie In The World #2!

2009-01-22T15:52:00.003-06:00

What is my new favorite smoothie? The Blue Sunrise from one of our cookbooks! The bottom layer has bananas, mango, pineapple, brazil nut-milk, vanilla, and liquid stevia. The top layer is the mango mixture with blueberries and bee pollen added. This was the creamiest smoothie I have ever had!

~~Laura

What Have I Been Doing?

2009-01-22T15:40:00.005-06:00

Last August I decided to take 2 online dual credit college courses -- Music Appreciation and Spanish 1. Spanish was awesome, but I really enjoyed the music course because there was A LOT of writing to do and I was also required to attend 3 recitals. Here are some pictures of 1 of the recitals. Everyone was in period costume and played beautifully!

~~Laura

Barefoot Seamstress Is Up And Running!!!

2008-11-10T07:46:00.004-06:00

More explanations to come soon like.... hhmmmm.... Chicken Pox and viruses??? The whole family is great now and we are back to posting! My website is up! Come on over and check it out!

www.barefootseamstress.com

~~Laura

Lunch Time!

2008-09-23T13:27:00.007-06:00

We don't have much time, but we thought we might share our "Elizabeth and Laura proof" lunch! It was completely gluten-free and totally delicious! We have given the explaining to Muddy and so take a look at her blog in a bit.

Almond Milk

Mango Cherry Milkshake- with the Almond Milk

Raw Mexican Pizza

Elizabeth's Not Egg Salad

Raw Apple Pie

~~Laura

Updates!

2008-09-22T14:27:00.004-06:00

After quite a summer, we're back to posting and that includes Muddy.

This week is VERY busy including orchestra, a raw foods class, violin, voice and tennis lessons plus school.....try to post as soon as we catch our breaths!

~~Laura

What can we say?

2008-09-17T20:08:00.004-06:00

I know that "I'm sorry" really doesn't cut it this time. Our last break from blogging didn't have an excuse, but this time is different however. About 6 months ago we realized that Elizabeth had more food allergies than we could count. She and I also learned that we are gluten intolerant. All of this excess baking (and eating something that she was allergic to) really took a toll on Elizabeth and until recently she had been in and out of the doctor's office twice a week. Thank goodness she is doing better and is only going once every two weeks! We are now back to normal with a few additional activities that we can't wait to share! We have a lot of catching up to do, so hang around and see what has been going on around here. :-)

~~Laura

Part 8 Of Precious Things

2008-03-10T13:53:00.001-06:00

Precious ointment, very costly, of chief odours pure and sweet,
Holy gift for royal priesthood, thus for temple-service meet;
Such the Spirit's precious unction, oil of gladness freely shed,
Sanctifying and abiding on the consecrated head.

January Women's Luncheon Bazaar

2008-02-28T10:10:00.003-06:00

Tea Anyone?

2008-02-27T19:10:00.012-06:00

Here are some of the tea cozies that I made for a women's luncheon bazaar in January. They are made out of fabric from the Homestead in Fredericksburg. I have sold out of most of them but am in the process of finishing some more that will be available in my shop very soon. I'll also have them at our next farmer's market March 21 at Grey Forest.

~~Laura

Dinner in a flash...

2008-02-27T18:55:00.006-06:00

What do you do with navy beans?

We made a pot of navy beans a couple of weeks ago and ended up running late fixing supper. So here we stand at the stove looking at our pot of beans and asking the above question.

The Answer -- Polenta with Herbed Navy Bean Broth

Sounds pretty fancy huh? Actually we just started throwing things in that sounded good. We first sauteed carrots and celery in coconut oil. Then we threw in a bunch of minced fresh herbs with some onion powder (Daddy's doesn't like onion chunks). We added enough bean broth to taste and ladled it over leftover grits that we "fried" in coconut oil -- thus the polenta. Here is the final result.

The verdict? Here's the answer - It was SOOOOOO delicious. Daddy has asked for a repeat.

~~Sisters

Part 7 Of Precious Things

2008-02-12T12:41:00.001-06:00

Precious faith our God hath given; rich in faith is rich indeed!
Fire-tired gold from His own treasury, fully meeting every need:
Channel of His grace abounding; bringing peace and joy and light;
Purifying, overcoming; linking weakness with His might.

Beet Salad

2008-02-10T23:20:00.001-06:00

I made a really yummy beet salad with broccoli, kalamata olives, and a lemon and olive oil dressing. --simple and tasty -- It also cleaned out our refrigerator.

~~Laura

The Last Of Santa Fe

2008-01-15T18:22:00.002-06:00

Here is the last of the Santa Fe posts. When we go to Santa Fe, we always go hiking--A must!

It's free and fun--this last time everyone but me was freezing --43 degrees at noon. That's not that cold, but when we left home it was in the mid to high 80's. I loved the weather but I'm warm natured.

45 minutes into our hike, we came to a stopping point. There was a fence and a box. You were to leave emergency contact information on a paper in the box in case of trouble. Since our rations consisted of only a couple of bottled waters and lara bars, we turned back -quick. We had none of the emergency items they suggested. And since we didn't wish to get caught falling off a cliff in the cold, we decided to call it quits.

I took all of the pictures below -- including this first one.

~~Laura

Isn't he cute?

Got Raw Food?

2008-01-15T18:02:00.001-06:00

Different people have asked about raw food. Since our blog is about so much more than food, Muddy has offered to have her own blog dedicated to gardening and raw food. Since she has almost no knowledge of working a computer, I will be her "computer secretary". She won't be able to post often but she'll try to get something on each week. We actually started it awhile back, but we're just now opening it.

So, the big question is -- "WHAT IS THIS?"

Check out her blog to find the answer.

~~Laura

Tuesday's Box

2008-01-15T17:40:00.002-06:00

Our Tuesday box is here! Today we got -

Broccoli
Grapefruit
Yellow Onions
Mixed Greens
Oranges
Grapefruit
Meyer Lemons -- Some in the box as well as a case
Sunflower Sprouts
Cabbage Micro Greens
Carrots
Romaine Lettuce
Collard Greens
Sweet Potatoes
Red Potatoes
Baby Turnips

YUMMY!

~~Sisters

My Laundry Guest

2008-01-12T22:33:00.002-06:00

It was my job to bring down all the dirty laundry from upstairs. After sorting it all I then started a load.....closed the washing machine door.......turned around and....SCREAMED! To my surprise this thing appeared. Did it come from upstairs? Did it come from outside? (the utility room is inside the house between the family room and garage) Also, the last load that it could have come from was Daddy's closet.....ooooo.....yucky! What has Daddy been up to-- a new science experiment? Or a plot to scare his daughter silly?

~~Laura

P.S. -- After such a scare I was too shaken to take care of the critter. Muddy to the rescue-- she kindly escorted our friend outside via a cup. Thank you!

Once outside, the critter made friends with a scared little pooch, who had an intention to try to eat it. But 2 inches away from this horrible fate, our little friend made such a racket that Mr. Bingley ran back inside.

Finally Finished

2008-01-12T22:17:00.002-06:00

"She looks for wool and flax, and works with her hands in delight."
Proverbs 31:13

It really was a delight to finish this. I love the way it turned out. I gave this as a wedding shower gift to our Pastor's daughter. I really wanted to give this to her and make sure that it was finished on time, so I worked at it until the wee hours the night before the shower, and Muddy raced off to get it framed the day of the shower. Whew!!! Muddy was given that task because Elizabeth and I were busy in the kitchen making 400 rosemary cheddar muffins, stuffed mushrooms and vegetarian sushi rolls for the buffet at the shower. :-0

It was a beautiful shower, and one we'll always remember.

~~ Laura

Tuesday's Box

2008-01-12T21:47:00.002-06:00

"She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar."
Proverbs 31:14

Well, not too afar. And we don't bring it. It comes to us.

We really believe in eating in season and locally grown organic produce (including from our own garden). Lot's more nutrition, and much better flavor. It's even fun to anticipate and wait for certain foods to come in season -- like the first tasty strawberries or juicy citrus.

It's been hard in the past to stick to, but now with a wonderful new delivery service, we have everything brought right to our door. There's a company called greenling.com based out of Austin that delivers beautiful in season, locally grown produce to both the Austin and San Antonio areas. They get the fruits and veggies from local farmers who use organic practices in growing their goodies.

Our boxes are delivered every Tuesday afternoon right to our front door. The fruits and veggies are bigger and better than we can find in even Whole Foods as well as items not even carried in any stores around here. We've been able to try different varieties than we've ever eaten.

They have FABULOUS customer service, and everyone is so nice and helpful. The delivery guys even write personal notes on our inventory sheets attached to the boxes.

We've been signed up with Greenling's for around 8 weeks now, and get really excited every Tuesday as if it's our birthday, wondering what treats we'll find in our boxes.

One local produce box is good for about a family of four, but since we eat mainly fruits and veggies, we order two (along with cases of grapefruit and meyer lemons...yummm).

Here are a couple of pictures of our box a few weeks ago.

~~ Sisters and Muddy

Part 6 Of Precious Things

2008-01-11T13:45:00.001-06:00

Then, exceeding great and precious are Thy promises Divine;

Given by Christ, and by the Spirit sealed with sweetest "All are thine!"

Precious in their peace and power, in their sure and changeless might,

Strengthening, comforting, transforming; suns by day and stars by night.

Bandelier National Park - Part II

2008-01-10T17:25:00.001-06:00

Here's the second part of the Bandelier pictures. These are from the nature trail in the park.
It was just breathtaking.

(still working on computer/photography--can't seem to get all the pictures upright)

~~ Laura

Bandelier National Park

2008-01-10T17:11:00.001-06:00

Back to Santa Fe memories.

This was such a fun part of our trip--Bandelier National Park. It had cave dwellings that were so beautiful and interesting. We won't bore you with ALL of the pictures, just some highlights. Elizabeth and I were the only ones who were brave enough to actually go all the way into the high caves. We walked around in them--dark and small, but pretty neat. What history!

~~ Laura

Orange Tea

2008-01-10T17:02:00.001-06:00

While Muddy was at a hair appointment, we decided to fix a special lunch. We didn't realize, until it was completed, that it was all orange. Thus the name orange tea.

The top dish was spiralized raw sweet potato with an asian sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

This dish was a raw dip that tastes like nacho dip. It's our version of a recipe we got from Serene's cookbook. It's made with red bell pepper, tahini, nutritional yeast, cashews and a few other items. We used peppers, sweet potato chips and carrots for dippers.

And, of course, we served both dishes with a pot of green tea (the only non-orange item).

~~ Sisters