Ladder of Life: KimberlyClaire's Weekly Pearl of Wisdom

Ladders represent many different things for people. It seems everyone is always trying to climb one to reach their individual goals. I often wonder though..what is at the top of that ladder that everyone is so desperately trying to reach? Instead of frantically trying to climb that ladder, let's casually "hang out" on it.  Leisurely...every step. Let's live in the present and enjoy the "pearls" if you will, of the day. 

-KimberlyClaire

  

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:34

Spaghetti Sundays

The spirit of Sunday can be uplifting, but knowing that Monday is coming up can be quite the downer. My fiancé, Brandon, and I had just dropped my parents off at the airport after a fun-filled birthday weekend. We were both feeling sad and I instantly knew we needed a Spaghetti Sunday. Spaghetti Sunday is a tradition we started when we were dating. I moved away from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. a couple of years ago and met Brandon the first week I moved. He knew how hard it was for me to make a home in D.C. away from my family, so we started doing Spaghetti Sunday. It was our little D.C. tradition. I am no cook, but I wanted to share this simple recipe with you, as well as a little outfit inspiration for when you stroll to the store to pick up your supplies. Bon Appetit.

Dress: Urban Outfitters, similar here. Sweater: Ann Taylor, similar here. Purse: Francesca's, similar color here. Earrings: Francesca's, similar here. Shoes: Talbots, similar here. Leopard tote: H&M, similar here.

Ingredients: Turkey Meat, Butter, Tomato Sauce (pick your fave), 1 onion, 1 bunch of parsley, walnuts, apple, Craisins, Garlic, Italian Dressing, Bagged Lettuce mix, French bread, olive oil, red wine of choice (shiraz for me).

Seasonings: cayenne pepper, brown sugar, oregano.

Most importantly, fresh Parmesan cheese. 

I start off by preheating my oven to 375 degrees and chopping the whole onion and approximately 4-5 cloves of garlic. Set aside 1/2 of the garlic and 1/2 the onion. Then chop about a cup of parsley leaves and set aside. In a pan, heat olive oil, 1/2 garlic, and 1/2 onion. Smash the turkey meat with your hands as you throw in the pan of oil, garlic, and onion. Make sure to cook the meat through. No need to drain the fat, turkey meat produces little fat and you want it to give your sauce some flavor. 

While your meat is cooking, cut your loaf of French bread in half. Microwave butter to make it soft for about 15 sec. In a separate bowl, mix the butter, garlic, fresh parsley, and salt. Spread the mixture evenly on the bread.

Go back to your sauce and throw in your spices, sugar, wine, parsley, etc. Keep adding in salt and pepper. Make sure to taste as you add. I like to use my wine that I won't drink because it is about a week old, but the wine you just bought works just as well. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently. While it's cooking, bake your garlic bread for about 5 minutes - throw it right on the rack. Don't forget to boil your noodles and throw your salad together (apples, craisins, and walnuts). It's fast, simple, and you can make it your own. 

"Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment."

Luke 23:56

DIY "Perfect Ladder" by KimberlyClaire

Lately I've noticed that ladders are being used a lot in decorating various rooms in a house. So of course I fell in love with them too and began my pursuit of the "perfect one" for MY home. After much searching, I found the "perfect" one and placed it in the corner of my great room. There was a little problem, it wasn't quite tall enough for my high ceilings. So I decided to search for something to put the ladder on top of. I recently purchased a table that I loved, but could not find the right area to place it. To my delight it was just the magic piece to give it the height I had wanted for that corner.  I then added accent pieces to the ladder and table to finish the look that I wanted for my "perfect ladder." 

-KimberlyClaire

Ladder: Napa Style. Table: Home Goods. Pear Accent: Kohl's.  Lantern: Home Goods. Red Burlap Bow: Joann. Throw: similar here.

"And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!"

Genesis 28:12

Man the Woodwind!

There is something therapeutic about being on the ocean and fall is a great time to get your sail on. After a day out on a boat, you almost feel like you've woken up from a power nap. You know, a power nap where you feel refreshed, not groggy and out of it. Whether the blue part of the map is a quick or long trip for you, make a plan to hop aboard a vessel and bring those closest to you along for the ride. My fiance' planned a wonderful trip for us to sail to celebrate my birthday. Here is a collection of memories from the day as well as some inspiration on what to wear on your journey. Ahoy.

A day of sailing doesn't have to cost much, either.

Dress: Urban outfitters, similar here. Scarf: J Crew, similar here. Sunglasses: Ray-Ban.

Top: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's, similar here. Jeans: NY&Company, similar here. Belt: Anthropologie, similar here. Shoes: Sperry's. Sunglasses: Ray-Ban.

Look towards the sky, some of the best pictures lies there. Although I cannot take credit for this one.

God Bless America.

And God Bless great friends.

Don't forget a hair elastic. I recommend these. They won't break you hair and they can double as an accessory.

Find what stores sell it.

Top: French Connection. Scarf: similar here. Sunglasses: Ray-Ban.  Earrings: Shane Co.

Always make time to connect with those you love.

The fabulous red head is my mother. As I said in Birthdays and Beginnings, our friends and family are our best accessory in life. Well. I have the mother of all accessories – my beautiful Mom, KimberlyClaire. She’s my hero, my rock, and my first love. She has enriched my life with wisdom and I want her to share it with all of you. That's why you'll be hearing from her a lot. From how to decorate, host, and make a home to how to make a home in your heart, she will address it all. I always feel so blessed to get the opportunity to soak in her take on life and I want you all to feel the same.

 

"And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:32-33

Birthdays & Beginnings

Birthdays are like the first day of a new school year. It's a fresh start that calls for celebration and reflection. Except I swapped a crisp clean notebook for a blog so that I could capture and share everything that captivates me -from A to Z. In this blog you will find everything from food and fashion to politics and faith. I've also made sure to include the style and wisdom from those closest to me because our friends and family are our best accessory as we climb this ladder of life. Welcome to ladder of pearls.

this birthday is starting off great

surprise

black&white birthday suit. thanks mom.

Bon anniversaire!

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Luke 12:7