Why I blog

Dress&belt: Fox House, Sweater: AE, Shoes: Blowfish, Necklace: Eddie Bauer

I've been thinking a lot lately about my blog, while it's almost a year old I only really started posting regularly in November. Two things changed in November: 1) Jamie and I celebrated a year of marriage, 2)We moved to Wisconsin.

Moving is always difficult. It's hard to start over, we are still in the starting process. While I have my loving family here, it's just the 5 of us. I need community, friends, people to share my life with. I need inspiration, encouragement and challenge. I need women to connect with, to teach me, learn from me and just to talk to. 

For generations, women have learned from each other, encouraged each other. Sharing recipes, cleaning tips, struggles and joys. Usually the women lived near each other. But that's not where I am right now. I am not living near women that have similar interests as me. I know it is not just Wisconsin, but it seems that most people I have met are solely career focused (which is fantastic! Just not where I am at), and creativity is not valued. 

I haven't found anyone that loves crafting, vegan/vegetarian recipes, knitting, serving and missional living or fashion. I have met a few Wisconsin bloggers that are completely darling - but never any real-life friends.

I started blogging to connect with you lovely ladies. To share happiness and pain with. To create community, outside of this small town. 

Why fashion? If you have been around here a little while, you've seen that my blog is mostly lifestyle fashion (different than high-fashion). And maybe those that know me are curious why such an emphasis on beauty? When I started reading fashion blogs a little while ago, they helped me remix my wardrobe, dress my body properly, and I found an awesome emphasis on modesty. Lifestyle fashion, while it can be challenging, is not only fun for me..I get dressed everyday so why not share? 

I started Dear Family, to connect with people, share stories, and encourage and I have. I have already met some very dear friends and am learning to enjoy this time with long-distance friends. 

I would love to hear your story.

Why do you blog? 

 

Hello! I'm Elise and I blog here. 

Congratulations Ashley! Thanks for letting me hang out over here today! While lovely Ashley is enjoying her wedding and honeymoon, I wanted to introduce you to your new morning friend. This would be great to start a few weeks before your wedding, to really get your skin looking nice for your big day. If you are like me though, and your wedding has passed or maybe somewhere in the distant future - don't tune out. This is perfect for you too!

Meet warm, lemon water. (I know, probably doesn't sound as tasty as a white mocha latte with caramel sauce (my drink of choice) but stay with me) I drink this every morning and I am hooked. It is so good for you. Truly the perfect way to start your day. Here's why:

1. Boosts your immune system: Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds.  They’re high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure.

 

2. Balances pH: Drink lemon water everyday and you’ll reduce your body’s overall acidity. Lemon is one of the most alkaline foods around. Yes, lemon has citric acid but it does not create acidity in the body once metabolized.

3. Helps with weight loss:   Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster.

4. Aids digestion:  Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that required for digestion. Efficient digestion reduces heartburn and constipation.

5. Is a diuretic: Lemons increase the rate of urination in the body, which helps purify it. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin:  The vitamin C component helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well. It can actually be applied directly to scars to help reduce their appearance.

7. Freshens breath: Not only this, but it can help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. The citric acid can erode tooth enamel, so you should monitor this. I admit, I’m slightly worried about it.

8. Relieves respiratory problems: Warm lemon water helps get rid of chest infections and halt those pesky coughs. It’s thought to be helpful to people with asthma and allergies too.

9. Keeps you zen: Vitamin C is one of the first things depleted when you subject your mind and body to stress. As mentioned previously, lemons are chock full of vitamin C.

10. Helps kick the coffee habit:  After I have a glass of hot lemon water, I actually don’t crave coffee in the morning. This is weird, I can’t explain it, but I’ll take it. **source

Alright, now you can try it. There is no recipe because who knows how much lemon I really put in every glass.

Prepare to be amazed.

Friday Senses

Necklace: AE, Top&Skirt&Shoes: Old Navy, Lipstick: Radiant Cosmetics

Making: Gifts for you! (see here)

Seeing:  Martha Stewart, making cupcakes.

Hearing: Rain, pulling out my wellies today!

Smelling: Bright citrus, orange.

Tasting: Brown rice cake and crunchy peanut butter. 

Feeling: Sore. (does this have to happen every month?)

Reading: Is everyone hanging out without me? (and other concerns) By: Mindy Kaling very funny!

Loving:  letters to long-distance friends.

Wishing: I wouldn't have bound off my knit shorts too tight. blah.

A gift for you!

Top: Old Navy, Sweater&Feathers: Francesca's Collections, Pants: H&M, Shoes: DIY

This is a giveaway, that everyone wins! I have been so touched by all the emails, sweet comments and encouragement from all of your over the last few weeks. I have been thinking of ways to say thank you. 
I want to send you all a gift! All I ask is that you are a follower of my blog on GFC. (if you don't have a gmail account just shoot me an email!)
I wish I could surprise you all and have mail sent right to you, unfortunately they don't give me records to everyone in the world. Shocking. If you would like, email your address to elisemdean@gmail.com. Then I will send you something pretty I made.
I can't wait to hear from you and get to know you better!

Date Night - Chicago style

On Sunday, Jamie and I took a day trip to the windy city. I helped out with a little photo shoot for the Everygirl and Jamie did a little exploring of his own. The apple store, a cozy coffee shop and a park, formerly an airport were some of the places that kept him busy. After the shoot wrapped we waited to meet a new friend for coffee and stopped in a cosi. One of our favorite places that hasn't made it's way up to milwaukee. Lemonade mojitos are my kryptonite. Then we met a cute little family that we've only really known through social media and connected over coffee, delicious homemade food, yarn, babies, life and God. It was inspiring and cozy and just what my little heart needed. 

On our drive home, we ran out of gas! I laughed the entire mile push to the gas station. We ended our trip talking the entire two hours home. Not really about anything, but not small talk either. It was really special because life gets busy and schedules overwhelm us but we had an eventful day that felt slow and memorable.

New morning friend

 

Dear friends, 

meet warm lemon water. I have started drinking it every morning and I love it!

This is your new best friend. Here's why:

1. Boosts your immune system: Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds.  They’re high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH: Drink lemon water everyday and you’ll reduce your body’s overall acidity. Lemon is one of the most alkaline foods around. Yes, lemon has citric acid but it does not create acidity in the body once metabolized.

3. Helps with weight loss:   Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster.

4. Aids digestion:  Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that required for digestion. Efficient digestion reduces heartburn and constipation.

5. Is a diuretic: Lemons increase the rate of urination in the body, which helps purify it. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin:  The vitamin C component helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well. It can actually be applied directly to scars to help reduce their appearance.

7. Freshens breath: Not only this, but it can help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. The citric acid can erode tooth enamel, so you should monitor this. I admit, I’m slightly worried about it.

8. Relieves respiratory problems: Warm lemon water helps get rid of chest infections and halt those pesky coughs. It’s thought to be helpful to people with asthma and allergies too.

9. Keeps you zen: Vitamin C is one of the first things depleted when you subject your mind and body to stress. As mentioned previously, lemons are chock full of vitamin C.

10. Helps kick the coffee habit:  After I have a glass of hot lemon water, I actually don’t crave coffee in the morning. This is weird, I can’t explain it, but I’ll take it. **source

Alright, now you can try it. There is no recipe because who knows how much lemon I really put in every glass.

The best things..

Dress: H&M, Shoes: Aldo, Necklace: AE

A warm shower after 3 hours of dance. 

Said dance class.

Time to sit and just knit.

A sweet kiss from my husband.

Long talks with my mom.

Sweet emails and comments from you.

Warm, sunshine - the hotter the better.

Baking.

What are the best things for you? 

Friday Senses

Sweater, Top & Necklace: Francesca's Collections, Pants: Aerie, Shoes: (great-grand mother's)

Making: Gifts for sweet blog friends. (I have gifts for you, too. Stay tuned!)

Seeing: Turquoise-stained wood on my new desk.

Hearing: Husband typing away.

Smelling: Coffee brewing.

Tasting: Warm lemon water - my new morning routine. 

Feeling: Rested and happy.

Reading: A friend's book: planting seeds and harvesting dreams, by: Chris (through bloodshed) Kasper

Loving: The mailman, almost everyday he brings me something lovely!

Wishing: for sunday! 

Date Night

A special thanks to Alterra coffee, Bayshore, trader joes and the apple store for making this Date night day so much fun!

In the news...

Blazer: AE, Top: Gift, Skirt&Belt&Shoes: Thrifted, Necklace: Francesca's Collections Lilac nails: revlon (Easter gift)


My last check was deposited into my bank account (freedom from that crazy boss)!
Pretty business cards delivered to my doorstep
Knitting bows
Haircuts and Highlights
Winning two giveaways!
Finding a beautiful desk in the trash, now a weekend project to paint repurpose
The mailman is my favorite person right now, so many things getting shipped here
Rango: so far, so weird.
Lots of things changing around here. 
In other news, make these for breakfast, because I did.


Chia seed pancakes 
recipe adapted from Shape
Ingredients:
1c whole wheat flour

1/2c old fashioned oats

1c milk

1 egg

1T coconut oil

2T honey

1/2t pumpkin pie spice

1 1/2t baking powder

1/4t salt

1T chia seeds (I put more in)


Recipe:
Heat pan to medium-high heat and melt coconut oil to avoid the pancakes sticking. Beat egg and add milk and oil. In a separate bowl, combine flour oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder and salt. Slowing stir flour mixture into egg mixture. Add honey and stir until combined
. At the last minute, stir in chia seeds. Pour 1/4 c. portions of batter onto griddle and cook until edges of pancakes start to bubble and bottoms are light brown. Flip and cook until centers are completely done (about three to four minutes). Top with peanut butter, bananas and more chia seeds. Eat the best breakfast ever.

4 years

Headband: crocheted by sister, Top: Stylemint, Jeans: Target, Shoes&Necklace: AE


The past 4 years have been nothing but change for me.
Timeline: 
2007 moved to abq 
graduated highschool 1 year early
 2008 (10 months later) moved back to MI started dating husband
2009 (6 months later) moved to NYC 
2010 (6 months later) moved back to MI 
2010 (2 months later) got engaged
2010 (5 months later) - married
2011 (5 months later) moved to Co for YWAM
2011 (3 months later) travelled to Africa
2011 (2 months later) moved to WI


And here we are. I haven't really stopped. It had been one adventure after another. These past 5 months living in WI have been refreshing rest and full of anxious waiting for the future. I had a slight breakdown last week because I'm not used to standing still. I felt/feel stuck. What now? I have a big picture idea but what about day to day? What is today's purpose? I really don't know right now. 
What do you do to find peace in transition, comfort in unknown?