tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77487514924201064882012-02-12T19:25:36.344-07:00Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.comBlogger2491100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-71573448588095726502012-02-12T19:10:00.003-07:002012-02-12T19:25:36.356-07:00

I waited as long as I could to make these cookies again.  They are so soft and good! Sour Cream Sugar Cookies     from deliacreates 1 c. shortening {you can use butter, but shortening produces a softer, chewier cookie} 2 c. granulated sugar 1 c. sour cream 3 large eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 5 c. all purpose flour, plus 1-2 c. more for rolling cookies out 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-17559946559815672272012-02-08T06:58:00.020-07:002012-02-08T15:12:12.155-07:00

Last weekend we went hiking without gloves or hats or down coats.  It was magical.  And now it's snowing. Whatever.  I think I'm getting used to this bi-polar winter weather. p.s. before we got our puppy, Evan used to tease me that it would like him better then me.  I was seriously worried that would happen.  I mean, Evan is way funner than me, can wrestle better, and has a deeper voice--who

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-25348230466448355402012-02-06T10:30:00.000-07:002012-02-06T10:30:18.831-07:00

I was asked to paint a little something for our church's youth-group theme this year.  While I was doodling some possible ideas, Evan thought it might be a better idea to paint a grey rain cloud with the inscription "lay down and be dull".   He was pretty sure the teens might respond to some reverse psychology.  But I really wanted to paint a cheerful sunburst (It is the middle of winter,

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-64362876236059032832012-02-02T07:49:00.000-07:002012-02-02T07:49:00.496-07:00

I have been slowly making my way through years of photos.  You see, we take A LOT of picturess.  And it always made me a little bit sad that we couldn't look at them that often, because they have basically stayed on the computer.  Since I am not a scrapbooker, making these photo albums through Shutterfly was PERFECT and more importantly, FAST!  I cannot even tell you how great it feels to

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-84828392629814486142012-01-30T15:48:00.000-07:002012-01-30T15:48:41.998-07:00

Evan had a Birthday this weekend.  We celebrated by hiking to the top of a frigid mountain (I'm sorry if the picture makes you feel cold!), and then the next day we ate a small mountain of cake (don't worry, we had help).  I meant to take a picture of it before we dug in, but ya know.  Whatev.  The filling was cookies and cream, and if I do say so, was fantastic.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-43302083797230124092012-01-27T07:41:00.002-07:002012-01-27T08:04:02.700-07:00

is so delightful!  welcome back winter!

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-209872689494055002012-01-25T07:54:00.000-07:002012-01-25T07:54:40.689-07:00

I most definitely made pretzels last weekend.  And they were goooooood!  I have been really focusing on getting enough protein for the past few months (we herbivores need to make an extra effort!).  And I've noticed the most interesting thing happening...my giant sweet tooth (teeth?) is turning into a salt tooth.  I know.  I find it fascinating. So normally, when hunkered down at home on a

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-27396405634635247212012-01-23T11:37:00.000-07:002012-01-23T11:37:56.142-07:00

80 lbs later... my oh my how they grow!

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-80284307572855384882012-01-18T13:50:00.001-07:002012-01-18T14:05:33.152-07:00

on my mind: ::  It won't stop snowing (I'm not mad).   ::  Gesso ate his new bed.  He had been dragging his other bed into the living room every day to lounge on, so we thought he was trying to send us a message--that he wanted a living room bed.  We took the hint and got him a new one (I guess it wasn't the one he wanted). ::  Our good friends moved to Australia last week.  It was super

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-70112385563599465882012-01-16T12:42:00.001-07:002012-01-16T12:44:54.085-07:00

I have a small collection of food paintings that hang on my kitchen wall (I must remember to take a photo of that!), and this is the latest installment. Tomatoes.  I love them sooo much. While I was working on this, I couldn't stop thinking about how nice a cherry tomato would taste.  And the next time I was at the grocery store, I accidentally bought a small container of them.  I'm actually

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-5237566801537127082012-01-10T02:45:00.002-07:002012-01-10T15:45:38.880-07:00

 

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-24942760421180999302012-01-05T07:04:00.003-07:002012-01-05T08:53:57.367-07:00

  I feel bad for January.  Christmas has come and gone.  February means Valentines candy and hearts.  And January means...new year?  Cold outside?  Gloomy?  Diet?  This year I decided that I would celebrate January.  Because if you have the right attitude, January can be quite the winter wonderland!  So I hung some bedazzled snowflakes in front of the windows.   And then I whipped up a simple

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-74570542295211461092012-01-03T08:08:00.000-07:002012-01-03T08:08:40.568-07:00

I surprised Evan with some Alfajor cookies on New Years Eve.  We thought they were just okay, and we shared them with some friends who thought they were super amazing.  So I guess the jury's still out.  In either case, they were pretty cookies.  I am feeling ready for this new year.  A fresh start.  There is a big pot of change simmering on the stove at our house and I am hopeful and excited

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-36544463708921072132011-12-30T07:54:00.000-07:002011-12-30T07:54:49.023-07:00

It was Jerry's turn this year. (past years seen here)

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-37296070224841729242011-12-28T15:52:00.001-07:002011-12-28T15:54:09.404-07:00

I was getting a little bit tired of my usual car activity (a girl can only have so many cranes), and to mix it up a bit, I recently completed my first ever cross-stitch(es)!!  It was funner then I expected.  I think I will make them into little lavender sachets.  Or maybe I'll sew them onto the back pockets of my jeans.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-64928440228916879562011-12-27T07:58:00.001-07:002012-01-05T15:55:19.670-07:00

We stayed home for Christmas this year, and to keep all things merry and bright (and not so lonely), we were sure to fill the break with lots of our favorite things--good food and pretty scenery :) 

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-43125427711341738542011-12-23T08:34:00.000-07:002011-12-23T08:52:17.565-07:00

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-67930765368895199452011-12-20T12:11:00.001-07:002011-12-20T12:13:08.840-07:00

  Thank you so much for all the sympathy hugs!  It was just what I needed.  I'm feeling much better today and I even cleaned the shower!  That almost never happens. I try to get all my holiday chores done a few weeks before Christmas (shopping, post office lines, and the like), so that I can actually enjoy this magical time of year.  Since I make almost all the gifts I give, I slowly check

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-60884174890102871132011-12-18T10:23:00.002-07:002011-12-19T09:15:44.997-07:00

{5x7 watercolor and micron pen on bristol paper}  It has been so crazy at our house this week.  And I am losing my fight with a cold.  I stopped at the store after work on Thursday and I think the cashier wanted to give me a sympathy hug when she saw sniffling me and all of my purchases lined up (bubble bath, cough drops, echinacea tea, and breathe-right strips).  But I did find time to

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-61825841116043628722011-12-08T16:35:00.001-07:002011-12-08T16:52:02.762-07:00

I woke up this morning to the sound of neighbors shoveling snow.  I love that sound.  I didn't have anything on the agenda yet, so today was a day for baking, I quickly decided.  Even though I make them all year round, Ginger Snaps remind me of Christmas. I made them extra small this time, a bite-sized delight! I was looking for an excuse to make peanut butter eggs again (they're that good!

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-85050724274084839672011-12-06T08:01:00.001-07:002011-12-07T19:10:59.346-07:00

When I graduated from college I told my parents that I wanted to paint them a thank-you present.  For all of their financial and emotional support.  And for never telling me how impractical an art degree would end up being (they are good people).   Anyway, I finally got around to it this summer (keep that in mind if you ever ask me to do something: it make take a few years ;).  My mom had

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-20546071925145062011-12-04T12:17:00.000-07:002011-12-04T12:17:07.889-07:00

I just love garlands, what can I say?  This is a project that I made a few years ago and have never shared.  And I really like it.  So I am sharing it now.  I simply cut dove silhouettes out of white felt and then stitched felt 'peace' letters on top.  I put letters of both sides, so it could be hung in a doorway or window.  I then used a cozy blanket stitch to make it come together, adding a

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-57596765540767474652011-12-01T08:33:00.002-07:002011-12-01T10:16:52.122-07:00

I love having a mantle.  Especially at Christmas.  And last year it turned out okay, but I wanted to do something else this year to really take advantage of our mantle-having status.  So I went shopping. And then I remembered that, technically speaking, it wasn't really our mantle.  Because we are just renters.  So that's when I decided to just make something instead.   First up, I needed a

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-75806152777198233382011-11-28T20:42:00.000-07:002011-11-28T20:42:54.718-07:00

  We spent Thanksgiving with my family this year and it was quite lovely.  Snow, skiing, good food, puppies, my whole family at once, black friday, fires, movies, cabin time, treats, and so many reminders of why I should be thankful :)

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-30217869637649939942011-11-22T07:55:00.001-07:002011-11-22T07:57:13.572-07:00

I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I had no qualms about getting my Christmas stuff out early.  It is most likely because I have been swimming in Christmas glitter for months already at work.  Also, I couldn't stop making decorations.  So it only made sense to just put them out already. I started this garland last easter (which might explain all of the pastel felt), and can I tell you

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-46480258629819340612011-11-20T09:49:00.000-07:002011-11-20T09:49:32.462-07:00

Evan spent last week in sunny San Diego at a conference for work.  Which made the frigid weather here seem even colder.  And so too keep myself warm, I checked things off my giant list.  I made gifts, decorated for Christmas (Evan was super surprised to come home to a twinkling Christmas tree), got a dramatic hair cut (hello short hair!!), finished up the Christmas card, and ate cupcakes (okay

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-89628195175889216262011-11-17T10:32:00.002-07:002011-11-17T13:18:11.601-07:00

Did you know that whipped ganache was a thing?  I didn't.  But now I do.  And life just got so much better!  Whipped Ganache:8 oz. chopped dark chocolate1 c. heavy cream Heat heavy cream until just boiling and pour over chopped chocolate.  Let sit for one minute and then stir until smooth.  Let ganache cool to room temperature (45 minutes or so), and then whip for 2-4 minutes with mixer. 

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-39661652543475206162011-11-14T13:38:00.001-07:002011-11-14T18:52:48.642-07:00

I have a super amazing friend who is extremely good at making things.  Namely, these classy quilts that she sells to incredibly lucky babies.  This morning while I was busy snapping some photos for said friend, Gesso was trying really hard to get in every picture.  He is sometimes so ridiculous. p.s. here are some more quilt pictures:

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-92205249081829944732011-11-12T18:22:00.001-07:002011-11-12T18:26:27.830-07:00

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-68386634350257119272011-11-07T08:25:00.000-07:002011-11-07T08:25:33.122-07:00

We can't decide.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-9975811766424398602011-11-03T09:47:00.001-06:002011-11-03T09:48:48.305-06:00

No, I'm not pregnant (that's what everybody thinks these days whenever I say I have big news.  maybe I need to lay off the chocolate?).  But I am about to drop off a super heavy package at the post office full of my wildflowers.  They are headed to Wild Hands in Jackson, WY, and I couldn't be more excited!  This past week has been a little crazy, what with trying to find the perfect paper

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-84698241356069541762011-10-31T07:56:00.000-06:002011-10-31T07:56:36.460-06:00

I found a giant velvet robe at the thrift store a few weeks ago and bought it with plans of turning it into Red Riding Hood's cape.  I brought it out to show Evan and he was so concerned that I thought Red Riding Hood wore a robe.  Silly boy!  I finished my cape just in the nick of time and I am so glad we thought to get a giant, wolf-ish looking dog so that he could be my costume accessory.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-39586276004769076872011-10-23T09:31:00.001-06:002011-10-23T10:48:21.580-06:00

I am a list person (!) and I always try hard to finish everything on my list before the day is done.  And since I hadn't been getting much art time in lately, I was sure to put that on the list yesterday.  I found myself dusting off my watercolour paints and doodling, among other things, this snippet from Mrs. Miniver.  The fall colors are out in force and taking over the city, (which isn't as

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-61195221894750655192011-10-19T16:15:00.001-06:002011-10-19T16:20:27.119-06:00

Remember last year when I 'invented' Holly Peanut Butter Cups?  And how I got a little bit cocky and told Reese's to 'eat my shorts'?  hehe.  Well.  I stand corrected.  Because I found a recipe for Reese's peanut butter eggs (remember Easter?), that could totally eat Holly's peanut butter cups shorts.  And they are rocking my very world. Evan has been gone this week for work which is how these

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-49671812746595705852011-10-17T13:02:00.001-06:002011-10-17T13:11:07.446-06:00

  We have returned after a week spent skipping through Southern Utah.  It is Evan's happy place and it makes me pretty happy too.  Although our adventure was cut a little short on account of my dumb cold, it felt so nice to be back to the land of red rocks.  Ahhhh.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-67534824661092620102011-10-08T13:53:00.000-06:002011-10-08T13:53:56.353-06:00

That's right.  I glued sequins and glitter on a pumpkin.  Spooky! We are leaving today on a little adventure to Evan's most favorite place on earth. See you in a few weeks!

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-22632494895001412832011-10-06T16:23:00.003-06:002011-10-06T16:30:17.373-06:00

We live in a town void of orchards.  It is the worst.  It means no road-side stands or 'pick-your-own' farms.  It means super lame grocery store fruit.  It also means long winters.  But!  I had a friend who knew of a friend who had a friend that lived in Washington State and who was coming to Montana with a truck full of peaches.  Peaches!  We jumped on that boat as fast as we could.  We are

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-10328374562301163752011-10-04T08:07:00.000-06:002011-10-04T08:07:33.896-06:00

 I picked up a fabric printing book a few weeks ago at Border's going-out-of-business sale (so sad they're closing, but I can't lie--70% off books is nothing to cry about!) and this was my first attempt.Verdict:  Fun!  And not as scary as I thought.  Also, much messier than I thought.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-22334083764727111512011-09-30T08:53:00.000-06:002011-09-30T08:53:41.739-06:00

I was in the mood for a new tablescape (I really don't call them that in real life), one that was kind of fall-ish, but also one that wasn't too fall-ish.  I sometimes am incredibly difficult. And as I was reaching for my bin of crazy colorful quilt scraps, I paused.  And then I had a thought: why not do something different this time (we all know I have enough crazy colorful things already), why

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-19385431262793323652011-09-29T10:41:00.000-06:002011-09-29T10:41:27.641-06:00

Felted candy corn (don't get confused!) A felt-y leaf garland Little felted acorns And Mr. Owl.  A recent dinner guest observed that Mr. Owl looked just like a Furby (he wasn't offered any dessert). And I know they aren't felt, but my friend brought me these beautiful weed/branch/pods things, aren't they BEAUTIFUL??!

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-6006202617994754852011-09-27T08:12:00.000-06:002011-09-27T08:12:10.914-06:00

 I know it's still a little early to be this excited about fall....but....so what.  I think it's fun.  I have been making some things to help our little house feel more festive, and this is where it all began. Remember the Valentine Hearts I made?  Well, this was the same concept, except that instead of cutting out hearts, I traced some leaves from our yard and cut those out instead (smart

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-91060143493956611352011-09-26T10:16:00.002-06:002011-09-26T14:06:10.977-06:00

This past weekend, our little corner of the world was experiencing a major heat wave (Fall, where did you go?).  And so we got out of there as fast as we could and spent a few days in the Spanish Peaks (which, disappointingly, were not in Spain).  It was PERFECT weather and we had the place all to ourselves.  Somebody forgot the sunscreen (okay, it was me), and so we showed up at church

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-61308376216506782032011-09-23T06:23:00.001-06:002011-09-23T06:25:06.320-06:00

{this moment} - a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' over at soulemama for all to find and see.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-50391648550599410332011-09-19T13:49:00.000-06:002011-09-19T13:49:21.271-06:00

Peanut butter cookies are where it's at.  Evan can't eat peanut butter, and since I'm not bold enough to eat an entire batch of cookies by myself (even I have my limits!), I usually make them whenever I need to take someone cookies.  This is my favorite recipe.  And this is my second favorite recipe (trust me, I've done my research). A few more things: ::  I got a new job!  I am now a 

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-13649116992546384532011-09-16T11:01:00.001-06:002011-09-16T11:05:24.735-06:00

A year ago last Spring, I put away my paints and brushes after a few very terrible paintings.  I wasn't sure if I'd ever feel like painting again.  In hindsight, I can now see that I had been putting too much pressure on myself and it was messing with my head.  And so I did other things and other projects, anything to keep myself away form those evil paints!   Shortly after I finished the flower

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-5047727118223824512011-09-09T07:41:00.001-06:002011-09-22T15:53:23.028-06:00

{this moment} - a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' over at soulemama for all to find and see.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-79078913040743489392011-09-06T08:01:00.001-06:002011-09-09T14:20:03.796-06:00

Sweetie pie Evan got me a fish-eye lens for my Birthday.   It is so crazy cool!

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-9627361848436711252011-09-02T12:03:00.003-06:002011-09-02T12:38:11.619-06:00

Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn,  a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter.If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.--Wu Men Huikai Is it really September already?  How did that even happen?  It felt like fall yesterday, complete with long pants, misty rain, hot chocolate, and snow (3 inches!) in the mountains.  At the start of

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-71110391384112974802011-08-30T17:23:00.001-06:002011-08-30T17:29:00.235-06:00

This project has been on my list since last summer (oops!), and I finally finished it this morning.  I found this sheet at a thrift store and it was definitely love at first sight.  It is so soft and happy that I knew right away what to make with it--a picnic blanket!  Not that we go on too many picnics around here, but I'm pretty sure it's because we didn't have a proper picnic blanket.  Yep. I

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-4446931142733904972011-08-29T12:42:00.001-06:002011-08-29T12:44:44.435-06:00

Lately, it seemed that whenever I would get a hankering for some sketchbook time, I would go look for my supplies and usually my sketchbook + pencils were buried under all my other 'works in progress' in the studio.  So I would get discouraged and grab a popsicle instead.  It was very inefficient.   So in an effort to make sketching more accessible, I whipped up this little buddy.  Which keeps

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-33511594941129311722011-08-24T08:05:00.000-06:002011-08-24T08:05:59.644-06:00

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-19309911033433438872011-08-22T20:00:00.001-06:002011-08-23T14:39:21.536-06:00

The only bright side to Evan being gone for work is the pretty pictures he brings home.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-5785028107947176842011-08-17T17:07:00.064-06:002011-08-19T12:56:27.944-06:00

The other day Evan and I were engaging in a very serious conversation about what to do with our lives.  This may or may not be our #1 conversation topic lately.  Anyway, we have been conspiring for some time now to come up with a plan to move somewhere deep in the woods (or desert!) and not work at all.  Possible?  Oh yes.   Our latest plan includes sending this mug-shot of Gesso to hundreds of

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-51847702090547320332011-08-17T07:37:00.000-06:002011-08-17T07:37:13.738-06:00

Maybe one of the best parts of coming home from the mountains--a quick stop at the Dew Drop Inn for some french fries (to replenish all of the salt we lost) and shakes (to replenish all the...fat we lost?  Yeah.).  Yum yum. p.s. Gesso now stays in the car for these visits because he absolutely cannot STAND the wiggly guy on the roof.  Bark bark bark.  Although admittedly, I kind of feel like

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-49231042551845481022011-08-15T13:49:00.002-06:002011-08-15T14:18:34.932-06:00

Spent a few days in the Mountains with my boys. It was almost too beautiful.  I think August is my favorite.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-41600508416860389722011-08-11T09:26:00.001-06:002011-08-11T10:29:02.778-06:00

Spent a lovely afternoon pounding the pigment out of pretty flowers. So crazy cool.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-58254902029511697992011-08-09T13:40:00.000-06:002011-08-09T13:40:23.973-06:00

I just finished this little pillow.  I embroidered around all of the flowers (my fingers hurt), and I think it really makes the pillow *pop*.  I hadn't made a new pillow in quite a while, probably because Evan brought up some really good points about there needing to be room to actually sit on the couch (and okay, there was a bit of a pillow explosion right after getting my sewing machine).  So

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-30630105129080500772011-08-08T13:12:00.000-06:002011-08-08T13:12:45.258-06:00

...is finding little nibbles on things that taste/smell like sheep.  Oh dear.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-60973197419431379222011-08-07T11:25:00.000-06:002011-08-07T11:25:28.709-06:00

We have been thoroughly entertained by the weather since moving here.  Lots of pretty clouds and lots of storms.  Evan and I have turned into storm chasers.  It usually goes something like this: Storm clouds start gathering, sky is darkening... ...I look at Evan, he looks back at me.  We nod in unison. He grabs the camera, I grab the dog, and we jump in the car and drive up to the rims

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-31766817235336533782011-08-05T06:56:00.001-06:002011-09-08T07:55:15.543-06:00

{this moment} - a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' over at soulemama for all to find and see.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-23959178188578586772011-08-03T13:54:00.001-06:002011-08-03T18:45:23.943-06:00

And stitch and stitch. p.s. I just put a couple loaves of Chocolate Chip Coconut Banana Bread in the oven. Be jealous.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-58354405530308403862011-07-26T16:39:00.002-06:002011-08-07T08:24:02.691-06:00

Oh hi there!  It's nice to see you.  I have been hiding out in my studio with my feet positioned directly above the air-conditioning vent (summer has arrived!  and it's hot!  and our lawn looks like a piece of burnt toast!), drawing a Lilac.  This was a commission I picked up while visiting my family in Utah, and since we're headed back down there this weekend, I needed to be speedy about the

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-35326198587402505932011-07-22T07:04:00.000-06:002011-07-22T07:04:57.827-06:00

{this moment} - a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' over at soulemama for all to find and see. Gesso and Evan post Rhubarb Crisp.  It is shockingly delicious.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-14776523114758667992011-07-20T17:16:00.001-06:002011-07-20T17:18:15.038-06:00

I really do love coming home. And I don't care if that makes me sound boring and routine-oriented.  I have had a very exciting past few weeks and have enjoyed the blogging break (postcards are fun but don't really count...), but now that I am back and currently ignoring my laundry pile, I wanted to do a quick update on what's been going on.  And because I have this weird rule that every post

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-61714882925037354652011-07-19T20:19:00.000-06:002011-07-19T20:19:29.032-06:00

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-47771278096299654152011-07-17T10:26:00.000-06:002011-07-17T10:26:49.011-06:00

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-74771910632595539312011-07-16T09:21:00.000-06:002011-07-16T09:21:24.755-06:00

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-86114657961601251322011-07-13T11:07:00.000-06:002011-07-13T11:07:31.380-06:00

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-19168582058416227862011-07-11T08:39:00.000-06:002011-07-11T08:39:18.122-06:00

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-8937254962338765162011-07-09T20:12:00.000-06:002011-07-09T20:12:26.592-06:00

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-42150029381171026142011-07-08T14:08:00.000-06:002011-07-08T14:08:32.642-06:00

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-4124871884009334582011-07-07T10:35:00.001-06:002011-07-07T10:45:49.020-06:00

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-5503762114617858362011-07-06T11:03:00.001-06:002011-07-07T10:46:05.906-06:00

Feeling Patriotic

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-71402717615611006462011-06-26T09:51:00.001-06:002011-06-26T10:28:01.440-06:00

Things will be kind of quiet around here for the next few weeks as we are out and about enjoying summer.  Hope you are enjoying yours as well!!

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-32364036915549885422011-06-24T14:33:00.000-06:002011-06-24T14:33:40.513-06:00

All flower photos taken by Evan.  I still can't believe I was lucky enough to marry a mountain man who loves flowers and takes killer pictures.  Lucky lucky me.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-76029004709568273992011-06-21T07:54:00.001-06:002011-06-21T08:09:03.117-06:00

I whipped up some bunting the afternoon of our party. I have been wanting to make some for years, and even have fabric set aside, but I never have gotten to it.  This was a quick fix and took 5, maybe 10 seconds to make.  It was as simple as cutting triangles out of fabric and sewing them onto a piece of ribbon.  No hemming or mad skills required. Ta-da! And for easy storage, I just wrapped

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-79393239006358016012011-06-19T21:18:00.001-06:002011-06-19T21:18:45.535-06:00

Last night we gathered together some of our pie-enthusiast friends and had ourselves a little pie party.  Which was probably the most delicious idea I have ever had (also the easiest, "hey will you come over to my house for a party and bring all the food?!"). There were even prizes for the best pies!  This is Liza with her bubble prize. p.s. These are Gesso's buddies, Sergio and Omar.  They

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-44023934951692158122011-06-17T07:39:00.000-06:002011-06-17T07:39:26.787-06:00

{this moment} - A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' over at Soulemama for all to find and see.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-66137439822336024272011-06-15T15:08:00.003-06:002011-06-15T15:26:01.798-06:00

I wrote a to-do list on Monday that is four pages long.  Things are going to be busy busy for the next few weeks and I am one of those weird-o people that can't leave home with an unfinished project on my desk.  Or a messy house.  Because then I think about it while I'm gone.   It's kind of a problem.  Hence the list. This afternoon I am tackling my mending pile.  Because while I really like to

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-42441955601907425292011-06-13T21:19:00.000-06:002011-06-13T21:19:30.789-06:00

The mountains are finally waking up after a big snowy slumber. Wildflowers are peeking, snow is melting, rivers are RAGING, and we are happy. So so happy.  (did you see Gesso's big grin?)

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-58943403456509987062011-06-09T21:38:00.000-06:002011-06-09T21:38:16.163-06:00

I'm not quite sure how I've gotten this far in life without tasting rhubarb.  I keep trying to blame my parents, but it is quite possible that it was offered to me and I just didn't want to try it (read: pickiest eater in the universe).  In any case, my life is now complete.  Rhubarb--you complete me. Let me back up just a bit... Last week Evan came home from work with a giant bag of rhubarb.  I

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-14234965792903498492011-06-06T14:21:00.000-06:002011-06-06T14:21:16.499-06:00

Good enough.    What part of 'look at the camera' does he not understand?  Sheesh!

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-80055013831721782042011-06-01T14:25:00.000-06:002011-06-01T14:25:07.442-06:00

I started these wildflower drawings shortly after moving here last Spring.  I didn't know anyone, didn't have a job, or a puppy, a husband to hang out with all day, or really anything to do.  It was weird.  And so one windy afternoon, I drew a Lupine.  And I felt much better. Twelve wildflowers later, and this place feels more like home every day.  I've met so many wonderful people, I have a

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-34471807648177875282011-05-30T17:31:00.000-06:002011-05-30T17:31:06.564-06:00

We pass this house on one of our walking routes, and I've been waiting all year for this to happen.  Lilac bushes that match the front steps + siding??  Best idea ever.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-75398401144295112402011-05-26T13:37:00.000-06:002011-05-26T13:37:06.951-06:00

Last night I went to my very first poetry slam.  It was pretty intense--so many verbs and adjectives flying around! Montana's Poet Laureate (Henry Real Bird) was there and he wore a cowboy hat.  Which made me very glad. And okay, as much as Evan and I love poetry, the real reason we were there was to show some support for my paintings.  You see, they had a bit of a 'coming out' party and

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-40852465730482750402011-05-23T14:38:00.000-06:002011-05-23T14:38:40.879-06:00

A little late in coming, Spring is finally here to stay.  I think.   And it's making up for it's tardiness with bursts of color everywhere.  Perfect weather for bike ride dates  :)

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-45910061211816629712011-05-18T17:28:00.000-06:002011-05-18T17:28:48.442-06:00

I made Evan a little felted fox for an anniversary present (we're fancy like that).  Because they are his favorite animal (he thinks they're sneaky). And I tried to get a shot of Evan caressing the fox to his cheek while wearing his 'fox-riding-a-bicycle' shirt, but it didn't happen.  Besides, I'm pretty sure a real fox would rather be photographed next to a lichen covered stick. p.s. Evan did

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-61559544397379128362011-05-16T16:37:00.001-06:002011-05-16T16:39:10.477-06:00

Which is maybe my favorite smell ever.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-21879856800480864252011-05-13T19:47:00.000-06:002011-05-13T19:47:29.344-06:00

there was a seed (metaphorically speaking). It grew up and bloomed and turned into a Scarlet Gilia. The End.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-57664976886544700672011-05-09T13:19:00.002-06:002011-05-09T16:35:52.120-06:00

*Shooting Star (look familiar?) * Prairie Crocus  Before moving here, I was pretty sure Montana was all huckleberries and mountains (it's not).  And this past weekend, instead of driving west to the mountains, we drove east to Steamboat Butte.  It was so lovely and we even saw some wildflowers!  And on the ride home, we concluded that it's ridiculously easy to get a good cloud photo in

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-56296500791327488512011-05-08T17:02:00.003-06:002011-05-08T18:03:53.841-06:00

To our Mother's: We miss you and love you and wish we lived closer so we could bring you a tray of these scrumptious cupcakes (dark chocolate with cream cheese coconut frosting)! Hope you have a fabulous day xo, Holly and Evan (and Gesso too!)

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-23578387620423429882011-05-06T08:20:00.000-06:002011-05-06T08:20:15.865-06:00

As I was looking through my pictures trying to pick a 'moment' to share, I decided to just share them all!  Early morning sun making the plant seat glow after days of gloomy gloomy weather, perfecting the crust recipe for our weekly Friday Night Pizza Party, the cutest staring contest in the world, our first homemade ice-cream of the year (Heath Bar Crunch, of course!), a creepy dog staring at

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-13994644042216166442011-05-04T13:46:00.000-06:002011-05-04T13:46:04.082-06:00

In case any of you out there aren't keeping track, this is wildflower #11.  Which means that I have just one left to complete my 'series' of 12.  I know!  And I decided to let Evan choose the last flower, because let's be honest, it was his affinity for wildflowers that got me hooked.  He has been taking this assignment very seriously...and he has definitely probably narrowed it down to just

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-72738543855968618922011-05-03T13:48:00.002-06:002011-05-03T19:16:16.733-06:00

This past Christmas, I received a gift card from my work.  It was rather generous, the only catch being that you had to spend it somewhere in "Downtown Billings."  Let me tell you something, Billings doesn't have much of a downtown.  And so it sat in my purse.  And I thought about it a lot.  I'm not one of those patient people you hear about.  I like lists, checking things off lists, and getting

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-35213328345443803252011-04-29T09:26:00.000-06:002011-04-29T09:26:06.756-06:00

The Mountain from Terje Sorgjerd on Vimeo. Time lapse footage of the milky way captured by Terje Sorgjerd between April 4th and 11th, 2011, from atop El Teide, Spain's highest mountain.  This makes my soul ache....absolutely stunning.   Happy weekend!

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-72257207769885546702011-04-27T08:18:00.001-06:002011-04-27T08:24:25.460-06:00

Meet little miss Columbine.  She's a real sweetie.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-21887731484698196042011-04-25T14:59:00.000-06:002011-04-25T14:59:38.765-06:00

I am so glad I married Evan.  Really, this whole marriage thing has been one nice surprise.  One of the things I didn't anticipate before the big day however, was my newfound access to totally rad furniture.  His parents hook us up all of the time. Yay for furniture!  Yay for marrying Evan!  Yay for Evan's parents!  This little number has been with us for several years and is a little worse for

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-59662763708312193432011-04-21T21:46:00.001-06:002011-04-22T09:09:30.329-06:00

They have a special candy for that too. *bite* Wishing you a Happy Earth Day and a wonderful Easter!  See you next week.

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-14286728748623895852011-04-18T11:15:00.000-06:002011-04-18T11:15:44.783-06:00

Because I can't stop making cakes.  

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7748751492420106488.post-33996638560923538962011-04-14T14:02:00.000-06:002011-04-14T14:02:47.099-06:00

Eggs!  Eggs!  Everywhere!  Are you sick of it yet?  Yeah...sorry.  I'm trying to quit.   But I do have to share these eggs that I made. So very easy!  Here's the whole story:  Once upon a time I found these cardboard eggs at the craft store for about a quarter (!).  I gave them all a coat of Mod Podge to help 'seal' them (wasn't sure how cardboard would absorb the paint).  I then proceeded to

Holly Hoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16758274577294225128noreply@blogger.com5