Our Christmas | in photos.

Almond Butter Buckeyes.

Tis the season for warm beverages + satisfying treats. Although I try to keep my Holiday indulgences to a minimum, these are still a traditional staple… not to mention they’re gluten free + delicious. Almond Butter Buckaroos : 1/2 cup almond butter 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 2 TBSP + 1 TSP coconut flour 2 TBSP arrowroot powder 1 TSP pure vanilla extract 4-5 oz of organic, fair-trade dark chocolate. In a bowl, mix almond butter, maple syrup, coconut flour, arrowroot powder, and vanilla extract. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then using a spoon, create 1 inch round…

Mentoring.

“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” – Plutarch In 2017, I want to initiate changes + inspire others. Whether you’re following along with our family’s minimalism journey, or here to get a bigger in-depth look at how business, photography, and everyday life blends in our home… I’m happy to have you here. With that being said, I’ve also had a lot of requests for help or advice. Anyone who knows me, knows I’m an open book. I’ve been through many different arenas in life, and love to offer a helping hand to…

Business Reflection + Success.

As winter deepens, and the holiday buzz is nearly overwhelming – I find myself in a serious time of reflection. This past week I finished my last market of this year, and unfortunately had bigger expectations for the “final finale of 2016”.  Lets be honest, Vintage Whites is my baby and was Alpine Baby Co’s very FIRST market. So I’m used to having loads of support, and not a ton of competition. In 2016 however, I decided to expand my market love vending at The Whitefish Arts Festival, Vintage Whites, Handmade Holiday, and Holiday MADE fair. I love how each one…

Roasted Cinnamon + Honey Pear Slices.

We purchased some really beautiful + delicious looking pears at our local supermarket a week ago, and of course they were on their last leg by the time I remembered them in our produce basket. Not the right texture to eat fresh, I scoured around for a seasonal pear recipe. We changed up the suggested cooking time, because my kiddos love dehydrated foods vs. chips… so we made “slices” instead. Having a reason to fire the oven on a 5°F day made the process of this recipe extra special. Not to mention our home smelled amazing (once again) thanks to an…

Christmas Tree Hunt | in photos.

Orange + Cranberry Garland.

After deciding I was done with those SIX Rubbermaid’s crammed full of Christmas stuff, we began a different kind of Christmas decorating by using natural items only. I purchased a large bag of Cranberries at Costco for $3 – and four oranges at the local supermarket. Together, my children and I, created a new family tradition in which no one cried about. Here’s how to make your own Orange + Cranberry Garland. You’ll Need: 1 large bag of fresh cranberries. 4 oranges. string. a large embroidery or cross stitch needle. Directions: Pre-heat your oven to the lowest setting, ours was 175 degrees. Slice…

A different kind of Christmas + our Advent calendar.

As many of you know, minimalism and slow living seem to be taking over not only our home, but our lives these days. I’ll be the first to tell you Christmas preparations look a thousand times different now, than they did just last year. In the past, I would have lugged in SIX different Christmas Rubbermaid’s… full of decorations, stockings, garlands, ornaments, wrapping paper, etc. Decorating for the holiday season was no easy feat, and oftentimes cluttered the house with all things nutcracker, sparkly, and even remotely Christmas. The kids would kind of help… but because I’m so OCD about where everything…