Category Archives: Favorites

Dazzling beauty in pages and words.

Every now and again, I’ll read a book that seeps its way under my skin and leaves me changed for good.

It’s now been over a month since I dove into the pages of Ann Voskamp‘s One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are… but, her writing, His truth and the beauty that I found between the covers of book have lingered on, and I can’t seem to shake it. I have been changed by Ann’s story of God, His grace and her own thankfulness.

Out of the depths and front lines of some of life’s hardest circumstances, Ann has come forward delivering one of the Lord’s most powerful instructions, one that we overlook, though it’s the most-often used command in all of Scripture: Do not fear. Ann, in her book, says “It is impossible to give thanks, and simultaneously feel fear.” So her answer, her gift that she has written out here in this book, is a profound movement of Gratitude. Grace, Thankfulness and Story… All of these things abound within the lines and word pictures that she paints so beautifully.

One Thousand Gifts is a life-altering and heart-shaping work. Each page is rich with story and beauty… I found myself lingering on each page, drinking them in slowly, not wanting the journey to the back cover to end so soon. This book is not only revolutionary in content, it is crafted by a master of the written word. If you have visited A Holy Experience, Ann’s quiet place of beauty here on the web, then you’ve read her words. You know her talent. Ann Voskamp has skyrocketed the art of storytelling, and also her own writing, into unknown heights with this book.

I have found myself in awe of Ann’s story. She weaves it delicately and carefully, each word connected to another, creating lines upon lines of unending beauty. The result is a stunning basket of story, and its contents cradle one of God’s greatest gifts to his people: Grace. To say this book is exquisite is an understatement. It is a true masterpiece in every sense of the word, and I am better for reading its pages.

Do not hesitate for one moment. Buy this book and allow God’s overwhelming Grace to soak in through the comfort and dazzling beauty of Ann Voskamp’s words.

______

“One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are” by Ann Voskamp is now available for Amazon Kindle! If you’re one of the lucky people who has a Kindle, you can download it straight to your device.

If you’re not the owner of a Kindle, you can still download the e-version of this book to be read on an iPad, iPhone, personal computer and more. Visit Ann’s page here to find out more.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you are in a place where you can make this purchase financially (it’s $9.99 for the Kindle edition), please don’t pass up the opportunity to be transformed by an incredible message of God’s grace and beauty.

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Nish

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Posted in Blog, Faith, Favorites

[Faith] – Friday Favorite: Matthew Paul Turner.

If you’ve been around this place for any length of time, you’ll probably recognize that I don’t write about social issues, news headlines, politics, or really anything controversial for that matter. It’s not that I’m opposed to writing about those things… that’s not it at all. My reasoning has always been: “There are so many other bloggers who communicate about those issues much more eloquently than I do.” So, I choose to make this little quiet place a haven of neutrality. You won’t find much contention here.

However.

Over the past two weeks, I have watched the headlines burn with the names of young people. YOUNG, young individuals who felt like they were outcasts. Like they had no safe place to go. Like they were worthless. Their tender hearts were pushed violently into the darkest of places by those who made fun of them because they were different. Because they didn’t wear the popular shoes. Because they had different hobbies or interests. Because they were gay.

And story after story pours out of the mouth of Anderson Cooper and I sit on the couch, broken, wondering why? Why didn’t anyone speak up? Where were we when they balanced themselves alone on that tightrope? They should have had hands to hold. They should have had a listening ear. Where was the safety net, the arms of grace, when they fell from that high wire? It all seems so wrong.

Yesterday, author and blogger Matthew Paul Turner wrote a blog post about his own experiences being bullied and his thoughts about the silence of the church on these issues. He is one of those bloggers… one who can articulate what I want to say much better than I could on my own.

My heart beats strong for the truth that was written in his post. I absolutely echo everything that he has to say.

Let’s not be silent anymore.

Click here to read Matthew Paul Turner’s post.

photo

Posted on October 8, 2010 by Nish

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Posted in Blog, Church, Faith, Favorites

Friday & Weekend Faves.

It’s FRIDAY! Which means, for all of YOU, it’s the start of the weekend! Not so much for us, though. However, this is our very last Saturday/Sunday that we’ll have to share with the rafting company. Uh huh, it’s all starting to come to a close for us. In fact, next week, we’ll be heading out to Austin, TX for an “end of the rafting season” vacation to go spend some time with my parents. More on that later.

For now, I’m gonna throw you some of my favorite things from this week.

1. Look. LOOK, I SAY! That first picture? Of the pretty fabric rose necklace in the warm fall-ish color of mustard yellow? Yes. That is from the one and only handmade store, Allora Handmade. What? You’ve never heard of her?! I doubt that. Her stuff and pictures and cute smile have been circulating the blogosphere for a while now, and I have to go ahead and add myself to one of her countless admirers. The earrings! The necklaces! The bracelets! Oh good heavens, help my self discipline… I recently placed an order for some earrings, but it took every ounce of strength to not buy every item in her shop in at LEAST three colors. If you know me, you’ll know that I’m not really one for accessorizing myself. Mostly because I rarely wear clothes that warrant accessories. Like jeans and old college t-shirts. But for these rosy beauties? I’ll get all kinds of dressed up to wear them. Go check her out, will you?

2. The next favorite is actually one that I mentioned two weeks ago. Ree, better known as The Pioneer Woman, wrote a post entitled “Ten Important Things I’ve Learned About Blogging.” Have you read it? If you’re a blogger, I really recommend that you stop what you’re doing and click over to her place and read this post. I can’t really explain why or how it changed my view on this blog, but it has. And after the week I’ve had… a week full of a lot of reflection and thoughtful discussion about my little place here, I’ve come to realize that I really only give you small glimpses into me. If you’ve spent any time here at all, you’ll know that I write mostly about my journey in faith. And while that’s the biggest part of my life, there is SO MUCH more to tell. To share. To explain.

As she shared in her post, Ree suggest this: “Don’t feel like you have to sit down and set rules about what you will and will not blog about from day one. Just blog, and see what feels comfortable for you.” I felt like I have set rules about what I will and won’t say here. What I will and won’t talk about. Frankly? I’m kinda tired of it. I’m tired of cherry-picking the thoughts that I’ll share. Or photos. Or ideas. Or… whatever. I feel like I have unintentionally limited myself here in my little corner and I think I’m ready to branch out.

Now, I’m not a beautiful home-schooling, cooking, cattle-rancher’s wife who lives on an abundance of country land with an adorable basset hound, awesome kids and a husband who wears wranglers. I’m certainly not that. I’m just me. I’m a wife to a hunky, adventure-loving, adrenaline-seeking man who gets so tan in the summer, it should be illegal. I’m a mommy to one little boy who is growing up way too fast and steals my heart every moment of the day. I’ve got two dogs who drive me crazy. We live in Oregon… in the summer, we live in a teeny-tiny town. In the winter, we live in the big city of Portland. I have no fashion sense. I can’t really cook. On a good day, I can write a pretty decent blog post. On a bad day, I don’t get out of my PJ’s and I eat a lot of Oreos.

So, all of that to say… I hope that you’ll start getting a clearer picture of me. A more well-rounded picture of me. A much more REAL picture of me. Here’s to honesty & openness, friends.

3. The next favorite thing? Those Frye boots. They WILL be mine. Oh yes, they WILL be mine. Yes, I know. I already have a pair of Frye riding boots… they’re a rich chocolate brown with adorable buckles that go up the side of the calf. They have no heel. I love them. But these? Oh THESE boots… they’re sassy. And, I want them because they’re sassy. I’ll look sassy IN those boots with cute skinny jeans and a funky scarf. They have a little bit of a heel… but you know what? Don’t care. I’m gonna embrace my height in those boots. But only in those boots.

4. Another favorite thing this week? My little punkin playing in the park, crawling around with his tiny baby hands balancing his weight on the soft grass. Cool fall breezes and laughter from the playground. A hot cup of coffee in hand, aviators on, capturing the wondrous moments that he experiences. He loves being outside. He loves to explore. He has absolutely no desire to stay close to me when he’s out in the wide open. He just… goes. And I marvel at his bravery and adventurous baby spirit. I love him so.

5. Because I love her too much to embarrass her profusely, I won’t post a picture I have of her in her cheerleading uniform. But, my other favorite of the week is my long-time bestie, Beth Anne. She sent me the most lovely, encouraging and heartfelt note in the mail last week and I was just over the moon. It was exactly what I needed to pick myself up and keep going. It came at a perfect time. And for her heart, her thinking of me, she’ll always be a favorite. That’s what best friends are. Favorites, you know?

So, those are my favorites this week. What about you? Go over to my friend Kim’s place at Yellow Songbird and link up the fun!

Posted on September 24, 2010 by Nish

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Posted in Blog, Favorites

The good stuff.

This week, I have found that the world is full of the goodness. The kind of things that fill you up when you’re craving something… stretch you when you feel sedentary… inspire you when you feel complacent.

Here’s a list of some of the things that have filled me up and tasted sweet this week.


  • As I mentioned previously, there is a group of bloggers traveling with Compassion International this week… they are in the country of Guatemala. I have been reading all of their blogs for some time, but this trip is unveiling some new things in their hearts. It’s been a wondrous thing to behold… even here as I sit in front of my own screen, thousands of miles away. Ann Voskamp, whose blog, A Holy Experience, is on the trip and she wrote a post yesterday that will splice open your entire thought process on what it means to sponsor a child. I highly suggest this post. It’s entitled The one question you’ve got to look in the mirror & really ask.
  • One of my favorite musical artists, Sara Bareilles, released her sophomore album on Tuesday, and it is OUTSTANDING. It’s lyrically poignant, melodically catchy and beautiful, and her voice is… well, one of a kind, really. If you have the $9.99 to spend this week… I absolutely encourage you to spend a little bit of money on this lovely piece of art. It’ll lift your spirits and inspire you. The song “Uncharted” is one of those songs I wish I had written. But alas, I have ZERO songwriting talent. Bummer.
  • The Pioneer Woman makes the list again, with the recipe she blogged on Thursday. Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce. I made it for dinner last night and it got two very enthusiastic thumbs up from Erik. I added a bit more pepper and basil… but we like things with a kick around here.
  • My good blogger buddy, Tiny Twig, had a series of guest posts this week on the topic of “Living Counter-Culturally.” It was a really inspirational bunch of posts. I was humbled and honored to be asked to contribute to the topic. But, really… the whole series was dynamite. Take a moment to visit her place and check it out.

And, as always… my little boy child always warms me up down to my toes. I was editing some photos this week and came across this one… I had totally forgotten that I brought our camera on our second trip to Lithia Park in Ashland. Anyway, here’s my little man with the big eyes and a swim diaper, sitting in freezing cold creek water, but loving it.

Posted on September 10, 2010 by Nish

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Posted in Blog, Compassion, Favorites

Things I loved this week.

There are a few blogs around the web that have a weekly post on Fridays, listing the things they found around the internet that they loved. I think this is a great idea, because I love sharing the goodness! I mean really, who doesn’t love a hilarious YouTube video, or cute Etsy find, or a piece of writing that makes your spirit want to soar right out of your chest?

So, here are a few things that I came across this week that I really loved:

1. The launch of The MOB Society (did I mention that I’m a contributor? No? Oh, well I am!)
2. This video from Viral Video Film School on the greatest YouTube pranks. Hilarious!
3. “How to really enjoy other people” by The Gypsy Mama (Lisa-Jo)
4. This book. It is stirring and beautifully written. I’m reading it for the third time.
5. An amazing organization that’s raising up local, indigenous leaders in South Africa.
6. Josh Ritter’s newest album.
7. Seeing blogging friends enjoy the adventure of the outdoors, even if its in flip-flops.

What did YOU enjoy this week? I would love to hear!
Happy Friday! 

Posted on June 4, 2010 by Nish

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Posted in Favorites

What’s on my iPod?

Recently, I asked if any of you would read a post about what music I’m listening to, and I got an overwhelming response of YES. I think music is a universal language, don’t you? It’s something that everyone seems to appreciate & participate in on some level.

I’ve gotta go ahead and say that a lot of my music choices aren’t really “family friendly” and they certainly aren’t in the Christian music realm, either. It’s not to say that I don’t like or appreciate wholesome and Christian music, because I do!  I really do.

So, without further ado, here are the albums that I can’t stop listening to on my iPod lately:

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
This band ROCKS. Enough said. Just go listen.




Recommended Track:  ”The Cave”

Vampire Weekend – Contra
I’ve been a Vampire Weekend fan for a long time, and their latest effort, Contra, has not been a disappointment. In fact, I can see this album becoming a summer favorite. All of the tunes are upbeat with catchy melodies. The first song on the album, “Horchata,” is a song that shouldn’t be played any other way than loud, in the car, under sunshine, with all the windows down. The whole album screams of fun and it’s still very quirky… just like the band. 


Recommended Track:  ”Horchata”

John Mayer – Battle Studies
A tall, good-looking guy with a smooth, raspy voice, playing the blues guitar? Sold. 


John Mayer has come a long way since his first album, and I gotta say, I quite like the change. His songs are richer, fuller, more intricate and you can hear his life being lived through his music. I was a fan my freshman year of college, I’m still a fan now. 


Recommended Track(s):  ”Heartbreak Warfare” and “Perfectly Lonely”

Katie Herzig – Live in Studio: Acoustic Trio
I first became aware of Katie’s talents when she first started as the lead singer of Newcomer’s Home. Katie would sing during the special segments at my church in Colorado and I became hooked on her voice and honest lyrics. Her career has since taken off; she’s toured with The Fray and Brandi Carlile, and her music has been featured on Grey’s Anatomy. This particular album is sublime. It’s perfect to play on a lazy Saturday afternoon… or while you’re sitting in the park in the sun.

Recommended Track:  ”Hey Na Na”

Ke$ha – Animal
I don’t really have anything to say that’s going to redeem me from making this choice in music.

I’m sorry.

And, you’re welcome.

Recommended Track(s): “Your Love is My Drug” and “Tik Tok”

Pride & Prejudice – Music from the Motion Picture
If you know me at all, you’d know that I’m a huge sucker for classical music. I’m sure I can attribute it to years and years of playing the violin. I’m also the biggest fan of this movie in the entire universe. It’s probably my favorite remake I’ve seen (yes, I do love the 10 hour Colin Firth version, too). It’s beautiful, artistic, clever, and Keira Knightley, whether you like her or not, was a perfect Elizabeth Bennet. Anyway, this music sends my heart soaring into romance and daydreams and it has become my perfect reading companion as of late.

Recommended Track:  ”The Secret Life of Daydreams”

Switchfoot – Hello Hurricane
I love me some Jon Foreman. And I love me some Switchfoot.

This album should be played while driving really, really fast. Or while running. Or doing anything that can get your adrenaline pumping. It’s loud, gritty and awesome.

See? I do like some wholesome music, too.

Recommended Track(s): “Needle and Haystack Life” and “Enough to Let Me Go”

Dashboard Confessional – Alter the Ending
I love Chris Carrabba’s voice. And I know that Dashboard is a little… moody. But this album brings back a lot of their classic sound. You either love ‘em or hate ‘em. Personally, I love ‘em.

Recommended Track: “Everybody Learns from Disaster”

Jonsi – Go
Some of you may listen to Sigur Ros, and some of you may not. Jonsi is the lead singer and guitarist for the band and he recently came out with a solo album. It’s absolutely breathtaking. Truly. The songs soar through the speakers, and a lot of Sigur Ros’ signature sound really comes through. He’s brilliant with the band, but he’s also brilliant on his own. Please do yourself a favor and give this one a try. It may be a little weird at first if you’re not used to this kinda music, but it’ll grow on you. I promise.

Recommended Track(s): “Go Do” and “Around Us”

Goo Goo Dolls – Greatest Hits, Volume 1: The Singles
There are very few bands who instantly take me back in time to very distinct moments in my younger life. The Goo Goo Dolls are one of them. And, this album has all of the songs that I loved in high school! I’m also a firm believer that John Rzeznik is one of the few remaining true rockstars. I mean, he still wears leather pants, for goodness sake.

Recommended Track(s): “Black Balloon”

Led Zeppelin – Mothership
I grew up listening to Zeppelin… and Hendrix, CREAM, The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, etc. This is my Dad’s music and I’m proud to say it’s my music, too. If you’ve never be introduced to classic rock and roll, this is the best place to start. It will shred your face right off.

Recommended Track:  ”Black Dog”

Okay well, there you go. That’s the first installment, anyway.

What are YOU listening to lately? 

Posted on April 26, 2010 by Nish

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Posted in Confessions, Favorites

A GUSSY Special!

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, everyone!
For those of you who don’t know her, let me introduce you to Gussy.
Isn’t she adorably beautiful? Check out those EYELASHES! Seriously. 
And these, my dear friends, are the legendary Gussy ruffles:
Her ruffles match her beauty, huh? Yeah, I thought you’d agree. 
Well, for all of you wonderful readers of The Outdoor Wife, Gussy is blessing us with 
15% OFF YOUR ORDER FROM NOW UNTIL FRIDAY NIGHT!

All you need to do is enter “theoutdoorwife” at checkout to redeem this amazing deal! I’m excited to order my new large zipped pouch. What are you going to order from her shop?
Thanks so much, Gussy!
Don’t forget, this offer is only good for today, tomorrow and Friday!

Posted on March 17, 2010 by Nish

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Posted in Favorites

The Outdoor Wife’s Gear List #1


Over the past few weeks, I’ve gotten emails, messages and tweets asking me what jacket to buy, what my favorite pair of shoes are to hike in, where to buy a good tent… the questions have seemed endless! It seems needed and helpful, so I’m happy to start listing off a few of my favorite things to use when I’m in the outdoors.
Let me first say that when I invest in gear or equipment to use in the outdoors, I do a LOT of research, I buy from companies that I trust and enjoy, and I always spend more money on gear than anything else. I prefer to make a bigger initial investment in something that will last me a long time, rather than buy something on the cheap that I’ll have to replace by the next upcoming season. So, while some of these items seem a little steep in price, I can guarantee from my end that I have never regretted making the purchase, the item I purchased is great quality and I’ll be using it continually in the years to come.
Without further ado, here’s the first installment of
The Outdoor Wife’s Gear List:

1. Patagonia Women’s Integral Jacket (on sale for $91)
This jacket has proven to be a great purchase. My mom bought this one for my birthday. I was on the hunt for a new lightweight, partially-windproof soft shell jacket that I could use on the cool mornings and evenings on the river in southern Oregon this summer. I wanted something durable and functional, but I didn’t want to give up style or appearance, either. So many jackets are bulky and very unflattering on a woman’s body. Not so with the Integral Jacket. Patagonia nailed it with this one. It’s incredibly flattering with darker-colored darts on the ribs, a feminine cut, and it’s a bit longer, so it covers your belt loops and the tops of your jeans. It’s comfortable with good use of pockets, and it’s been great in the wind and rain here in Portland. There are zippers on the cuffs of the sleeves to draw in the sleeve closer to your wrist if needed, and there are wrist guards on the interior of the cuff, which is great for wearing gloves. Overall, I can’t recommend this jacket enough. It’s currently on sale at Patagonia, too! Click here to purchase online.

2. Chaco Z2 Sandals ($95)
If the weather is halfway decent, chances are, I’m wearing my Chaco’s. These sandals are hands-down the greatest footwear investment I’ve ever made! I’ve had my pair of Z2′s since my freshman year of college and they are still going strong! These shoes are great to hike in, wear on the river, or cruise around downtown. They offer great support, which is good for those who have back problems and can’t wear flip-flops; they even stay on while paddling gnarly rapids. Chaco offers a great variety of different strap styles and designs, but the Z2 has always been my favorite. I really like the single strap design with the toe loop. As someone who remains very active in the summer, the toe loop is crucial – it keeps my foot from sliding too far forward when walking downhill.  Everyone has their own personal opinion about which strap style is best, but every foot is different. I highly recommend going to your local REI and trying on a pair. You’ll probably walk out with them snugly strapped to your feet. And you won’t ever regret the purchase. Click here to purchase online.




3. REI Camp Cup with Clip Grip ($19.50)
If there was ever a travel coffee mug to demolish all other mugs, this one would be it. REI has made a great mug that can take a real beating! Erik and I both have one of these and they have been down multiple rivers, in multiple cars and in multiple camps. They have been thrown, dropped, scraped, and nearly run over. Yet, the mug remains and only the outside is scratched. The double wall stainless steel keeps your coffee hot longer than any other I’ve owned. That’s a huge plus for me. The other nifty factor is the carabiner handle. There’s a clip at the bottom which allows you to clip the mug onto your backpack, laptop bag, or drybag with ease. It makes it readily available at anytime! There’s also a no-slip grip on the bottom which keeps it from sliding off the table… or the top of your car… wherever this bad boy finds itself. Click here to purchase online.









4. Sigg Lifestyle Water Bottle ($21.99)

I’ve always been a Nalgene fan. I had four in my possession at one time, I think. But then, I was introduced to this water bottle from Sigg, a Swiss company specializing in lightweight aluminum bottles. And when they say lightweight, they aren’t lying. After packing one of these instead of a Nalgene, I swore I’d never go back. They’re crafted from a single piece of aluminum and the interior is finished with an eco-friendly liner that is resistent to every type of beverage. Which means, you can put hot coffee in this water bottle, then rinse it out, and it won’t taste like coffee at all in your next drink. Backpacker Magazine recently named this product the “World’s Toughest Water Bottle.” That was enough to get me excited! Not only do they have multiple sizes and lids, but they also make water bottles specially-designed for kids! Go check them out, you’ll never use a Lexan product again.
Click here to purchase online.




Alright friends, that should tide you over for a little while, right? :) I’ll post more of my favorites next week! 

DISCLAIMER:  I was not compensated in any form for reviewing the products above. I also receive no compensation for the links provided for your purchasing convenience! 

Posted on March 16, 2010 by Nish

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Posted in Favorites, Gear