Dear Joanna,
I cannot adequately express how grateful we are to have you in our lives. You are a beautiful, gracious, energetic and intelligent woman. We look foward to celebrating many more wonderful years with you.
All our love, Stuart and Jackie
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Saturday, December 6, 2008
.do they know.
hamburg♥
do they know it's chrismas time..
schal:urlaub,boots:goertz(?),rest:h&m ;)
der shoppingtrip war nur mäßig erfolgreich... um weihnachten rum ist es mir einfach zu voll,um entspannt herum zu stöbern...
ich hab ein süßes top/kleidchen gefunden, das zeige ich dann morgen mal..
die stimmung war großartig :)
..euer hippiegirl♥
Friday, December 5, 2008
.isabel.
isabel lucas.
..weekend :)
nach einmonatiger shoppingabsinenz werde ich morgen mal wieder in die stadt gehen!
und natürlich auf den weihnachtsmarkt♥
ich hoffe, ihr genießt das wochenende!
..euer hippiegirl
Stillness
St. John of the Cross (1542 – 1591) says: “The soul must be attached to nothing, whether of sense or spirit, which would introduce noise into the deep silence, for it is there that God speaks to the heart, in this secret place, in utmost peace and tranquility.” And he adds: “The soul must keep a simple, pure and loving awareness, like one who gazes with the awareness of love.”
Stillness is a gateway to the spiritual. When we sit quietly long enough, stillness of body, mind and heart gradually develops. The body’s fidgeting, itching, and restlessness settle down as it becomes quiet and at rest. Often as we sit, waves of emotion and thought cascade one over another in our consciousness, but as we watch them pass, unmoved, not participating in them, they begin to slow, and may at times cease altogether. In that still place we can let go of our attachments and intentions, let go of our desires (even the desire to be still), let go of our willfulness. When we let go of our willfulness, our intentionality, then we are open and receptive to being touched by the Will of the Ultimate Source.
It has been said that “stillness is the language God speaks, and everything else is a bad translation.” Stillness transcends space and time. Becoming conscious of stillness whenever we encounter it, in ourself or in another, will connect us with the formless and timeless dimension, which is beyond thought, beyond image, beyond ego. It may be the stillness which pervades the world of nature, or the stillness in your room in the early morning. It may be the stillness on your bench or cushion or the silent gaps between sounds. Stillness has no form. That is the reason thinking cannot make us aware of it. Thought is form. Being aware of stillness means just being still. To be still is to be conscious without thought. This is our practice. You are never more essentially, more deeply, yourself than when you are still. When you are still, you are truly your Self beyond temporal existence: conscious, unconditioned, formless, eternal.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Direction of Your Dreams
If you advance confidently in the direction of your dreams, and endeavor to live the life which you imagine, you will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
~ adapted from Henry David Thoreau
.two hours.
/jeans,shirt:h&m.cardigan:geschenk.shoes:c&a.xxl-belt:urlaub/
nur zwei stunden schule :)
das ist doch mal schön, nach dem ganzen stress!
genießt den winterlichen tag,
..euer hippiegirl♥
ADD:ich bin auf motivsuche... ich habe mir heute drei stoffmalstifte in schwarz, rot und lila gekauft, hab ihr irgendwelche motivvorschläge? (für ein weißes t-shirt?)
wäre cool wenn ihr mir vielleicht den link oder ähnliches schickt, weil ich noch ein wenig ideenlos bin ;)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Pumpkin Cheesecake
I was trying to decide what yummy dessert I wanted to make for Thanksgiving. Since it was just our little family this year with no extended family around, I couldn't make all my favorites because we'd never eat that much. I decided the choice was between cheesecake and pumpkin pie. Then I realized I didn't have to choose -- I could combine them!
Yum!
I took parts of my favorite cheesecake recipe and parts of my favorite pumpkin pie recipe and mixed the key elements together. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, because I'd never done it before, so when we got together with friends that night for dessert and people told me how good it was, I was very relieved. :)
This is the perfect way to use up that small can of pumpkin leftover in your pantry. Or, if you have the larger can, use part of it in this recipe and the rest to make Pumpkin Cake Squares!
Ingredients:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup butter, melted
3 eggs, beaten
1 pound cream cheese, softened
1 16 ounce can pumpkin
1 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
Preheat oven to 375.
Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press along bottom and sides (it'll only go up about 1 inch) of a spring-form pan. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.
Combine remaining ingredients. Beat until smooth.
Pour batter into pan. Bake for 35 minutes. Refrigerate at least 8 hours before serving.
Did you make any fantastic desserts for Thanksgiving?
Do tell!
Yum!
I took parts of my favorite cheesecake recipe and parts of my favorite pumpkin pie recipe and mixed the key elements together. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, because I'd never done it before, so when we got together with friends that night for dessert and people told me how good it was, I was very relieved. :)
This is the perfect way to use up that small can of pumpkin leftover in your pantry. Or, if you have the larger can, use part of it in this recipe and the rest to make Pumpkin Cake Squares!
Ingredients:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup butter, melted
3 eggs, beaten
1 pound cream cheese, softened
1 16 ounce can pumpkin
1 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
Preheat oven to 375.
Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press along bottom and sides (it'll only go up about 1 inch) of a spring-form pan. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.
Combine remaining ingredients. Beat until smooth.
Pour batter into pan. Bake for 35 minutes. Refrigerate at least 8 hours before serving.
Did you make any fantastic desserts for Thanksgiving?Do tell!
.snow.
shirt:primark.cardigan:vero moda.kette:bijou brigitte.
bag:takko.buttons:stolz.let it snow.let it snow.let it snooooow.
white.
everything.
♥
..euer hippiegirl!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
.knallbonbon.
weihnachtszeit♥
/kleid:mng.tights,boots:h&m.necklace:new yorker.shirt:urlaub/..euer hippiegirl♥
Monday, December 1, 2008
Happy Birthday, Mom
So gentle, yet so strong.
The many ways you show you care
Always make me feel I belong.
You give guidance when I ask;
It seems you can do most anything;
You're the master of every task.
You're my cushion when I fall.
You help in times of trouble;
You support me whenever I call.
You have my total respect.
If I had my choice of mothers,
You'd be the one I'd select!
Photo: John and Grace
September, 2007
Cheese and Bacon Potato Rounds
First of all, I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving! :)
I don't know about you, but I bought a large bag of potatoes to make mashed potatoes with last week and ended up with about half the bag left and didn't know what to do with them. I was in a pinch a few nights after T-day and didn't know what to make. The kids said they wanted baked potatoes, but I didn't have an hour to wait, so I decided to come up with something similar. They turned out really yummy and were so very easy. It was the perfect way to use up the rest of the potatoes. No, this recipe doesn't call for half a bag of potatoes. I just enjoyed this so much that I made it 2 days in a row. :)
Ingredients:
4 large baking potatoes
2 tablespoons butter, melted
salt and pepper, to taste
paprika
1/2 package bacon, sliced into 1 inch pieces and cooked
green onions, chopped
cheddar cheese, shredded
sour cream
Scrub potatoes, then slice into 1/4-1/2 inch rounds. Spread into a thin, even layer on a baking sheet. Put melted butter on both sides (this is where your silicone pastry brush comes in super handy!). Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake at 400 for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and flip rounds over. Sprinkle with paprika, shredded cheese, bacon crumbles and green onions. Return to oven until cheese melts, about 5 minutes. Serve with sour cream.
I'd just spent 2 full days doing T-Day dishes,
so don't judge me on the paper plate! lol.
I don't know about you, but I bought a large bag of potatoes to make mashed potatoes with last week and ended up with about half the bag left and didn't know what to do with them. I was in a pinch a few nights after T-day and didn't know what to make. The kids said they wanted baked potatoes, but I didn't have an hour to wait, so I decided to come up with something similar. They turned out really yummy and were so very easy. It was the perfect way to use up the rest of the potatoes. No, this recipe doesn't call for half a bag of potatoes. I just enjoyed this so much that I made it 2 days in a row. :)
Ingredients:
4 large baking potatoes
2 tablespoons butter, melted
salt and pepper, to taste
paprika
1/2 package bacon, sliced into 1 inch pieces and cooked
green onions, chopped
cheddar cheese, shredded
sour cream
Scrub potatoes, then slice into 1/4-1/2 inch rounds. Spread into a thin, even layer on a baking sheet. Put melted butter on both sides (this is where your silicone pastry brush comes in super handy!). Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake at 400 for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and flip rounds over. Sprinkle with paprika, shredded cheese, bacon crumbles and green onions. Return to oven until cheese melts, about 5 minutes. Serve with sour cream.
I'd just spent 2 full days doing T-Day dishes,so don't judge me on the paper plate! lol.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
5 Great Ways To Start A Super Conversation In A Group Situation
Five practical tips for starting a great conversation in a group situation.
Starting a conversation is not always easy. Especially when you donดt feel comfortable with the people you are conversing with.
There could be an eerie feeling of awkwardness at the start of the interaction unless you know the five secrets...
Here are five secrets to starting a great conversation with a group of people:
1. Get everyone involved.
When starting a conversation, introducing people to each other could be necessary. That is if you donดt know each other or some of those present donดt.
Then, connect one of your group to the topic you are talking about by inviting him to contribute. Or you might simply relate one person to another with their commonalities to encourage dialogue.
2. Choose a topic.
When starting your conversation, choose a general topic. One that everyone can relate to. This will let everyone feel that they belong. This is a great way to encourage everyone to share ideas.
3. Do not drill with questions.
This should be avoided especially when asking one person only. The person may feel that he or she is facing a firing squad. Asking too many questions to a person may let him or her feel uncomfortable.
By doing so you might give that person a reason to leave the conversation. The others may also feel uncomfortable with this - they might think that they will be asked next!
4. Break the ice.
At first, there may be awkwardness among the group. You can work to break the ice. Each one of the members is just waiting for someone to do this. You can do this by cracking a joke to make them laugh. You can also start by telling a story. This may lead them to share their story, too. Then, everything will follow.
5. Ask open-ended questions.
These require a more than yes or no answer. These questions will make the flow of your conversation much smoother if done intelligently. These questions can even lead you to another topic.
Asking questions allows you to quickly test the waters to see which topics people are interested in discussing. Just be careful to ask with a pleasing tone.
It is not necessary that you use all of these tips or to use them in order. You can simply choose which ones are most appropriate for the situations you find yourself in. What matters is using these tips to kick off a conversation on a positive upbeat tone.
Once you start experimenting with new ways to start conversations you will noltice what works best for your personality. At this point it will all be much easier and before you know it you may even enjoy meeting new people.
Starting a conversation is not always easy. Especially when you donดt feel comfortable with the people you are conversing with.
There could be an eerie feeling of awkwardness at the start of the interaction unless you know the five secrets...
Here are five secrets to starting a great conversation with a group of people:
1. Get everyone involved.
When starting a conversation, introducing people to each other could be necessary. That is if you donดt know each other or some of those present donดt.
Then, connect one of your group to the topic you are talking about by inviting him to contribute. Or you might simply relate one person to another with their commonalities to encourage dialogue.
2. Choose a topic.
When starting your conversation, choose a general topic. One that everyone can relate to. This will let everyone feel that they belong. This is a great way to encourage everyone to share ideas.
3. Do not drill with questions.
This should be avoided especially when asking one person only. The person may feel that he or she is facing a firing squad. Asking too many questions to a person may let him or her feel uncomfortable.
By doing so you might give that person a reason to leave the conversation. The others may also feel uncomfortable with this - they might think that they will be asked next!
4. Break the ice.
At first, there may be awkwardness among the group. You can work to break the ice. Each one of the members is just waiting for someone to do this. You can do this by cracking a joke to make them laugh. You can also start by telling a story. This may lead them to share their story, too. Then, everything will follow.
5. Ask open-ended questions.
These require a more than yes or no answer. These questions will make the flow of your conversation much smoother if done intelligently. These questions can even lead you to another topic.
Asking questions allows you to quickly test the waters to see which topics people are interested in discussing. Just be careful to ask with a pleasing tone.
It is not necessary that you use all of these tips or to use them in order. You can simply choose which ones are most appropriate for the situations you find yourself in. What matters is using these tips to kick off a conversation on a positive upbeat tone.
Once you start experimenting with new ways to start conversations you will noltice what works best for your personality. At this point it will all be much easier and before you know it you may even enjoy meeting new people.
A Century of Hope
What would one initially think about someone who dropped out of school at the age of 16? Would there be any hope for this person? This person is Bob Hope. Comedian Bob Hope starred in over 50 movies and lived past the age of 100 years old.
Hope was born in England and his family moved to the United States when he was four. What can we say about our past? Have we let things from our past get in the way of achieving what we want and living a life we love? Where you came from is out of our control. Where you’re going is up to you.
1. Bob Hope held many odds jobs before becoming a comedian
Long before Hope became a successful comedian, he held many odd jobs selling newspapers, was a delivery boy, worked in a soda shop, a shoe salesman. Newspaper reporter and was an amateur boxer.
Many of us have had to work at odd jobs in order to make money. Working at odd jobs gives us opportunities to discover what we want and don’t want to do as a career. The skills you obtain through your experiences of working at odd jobs may prove to be valuable in your future career. For example, any job that can strengthen your communication skills is invaluable.
2. Hope took dancing lessons
Hope received on-the-job training while appearing in vaudeville. To hone his skills, he took dance lessons. Hope was such a good dancer, that he took over some dance classes to help his teachers.
Do you have a passion that you would like to expand? Do you like to write or draw, but don’t know where to start? Do you like to play a particular sport or instrument, and want to get better? There numerous classes that are offered to help those who desire to improve oneself in a particular field and topic.
3. Bob Hope was versatile
Bob Hope was a successful dancer, singer and actor and comedian. Bob Hope was an enormously successful comedian. His ability to dance, sing and act very well made him a much better comedian because his options broadened on how he could entertain people.
Many of us are good at what we do in our careers. Becoming versatile could only make us better.
4. Hope entertained Military Troops from World War II to Operation Desert Storm
Hope did a major service to increase morale among military personnel. For almost sixty years, Hope toured many countries to show his appreciation for the men and women of the armed services.
Is there something that you have been considering to give back to your community? Is there a charity in which you would like to raise money for them? Would you like to encourage youngsters to explore a particular career? Bob Hope was a great example of giving back to his community. Bob Hope was a great example of not settling to be great in only one area. He was a success at so many areas in entertainment. Bob Hope did not let his past dictate what he could do in his future.
Hope was born in England and his family moved to the United States when he was four. What can we say about our past? Have we let things from our past get in the way of achieving what we want and living a life we love? Where you came from is out of our control. Where you’re going is up to you.
1. Bob Hope held many odds jobs before becoming a comedian
Long before Hope became a successful comedian, he held many odd jobs selling newspapers, was a delivery boy, worked in a soda shop, a shoe salesman. Newspaper reporter and was an amateur boxer.
Many of us have had to work at odd jobs in order to make money. Working at odd jobs gives us opportunities to discover what we want and don’t want to do as a career. The skills you obtain through your experiences of working at odd jobs may prove to be valuable in your future career. For example, any job that can strengthen your communication skills is invaluable.
2. Hope took dancing lessons
Hope received on-the-job training while appearing in vaudeville. To hone his skills, he took dance lessons. Hope was such a good dancer, that he took over some dance classes to help his teachers.
Do you have a passion that you would like to expand? Do you like to write or draw, but don’t know where to start? Do you like to play a particular sport or instrument, and want to get better? There numerous classes that are offered to help those who desire to improve oneself in a particular field and topic.
3. Bob Hope was versatile
Bob Hope was a successful dancer, singer and actor and comedian. Bob Hope was an enormously successful comedian. His ability to dance, sing and act very well made him a much better comedian because his options broadened on how he could entertain people.
Many of us are good at what we do in our careers. Becoming versatile could only make us better.
4. Hope entertained Military Troops from World War II to Operation Desert Storm
Hope did a major service to increase morale among military personnel. For almost sixty years, Hope toured many countries to show his appreciation for the men and women of the armed services.
Is there something that you have been considering to give back to your community? Is there a charity in which you would like to raise money for them? Would you like to encourage youngsters to explore a particular career? Bob Hope was a great example of giving back to his community. Bob Hope was a great example of not settling to be great in only one area. He was a success at so many areas in entertainment. Bob Hope did not let his past dictate what he could do in his future.
Sunday 30th Novemeber
Great day and rounded off very nicely by mulled wine thanks to Marta! :)
.advent,advent.
/hemd:secondhand.gürtel:c&a.tights,beanie:h&m.shoes:closed./
advent, advent, ein lichtlein brennt :)..euer hippiegirl♥
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