Life Lately

Oh, my goodness… I feel like this Spring has been busier than the actual holidays. With babies being born, birthday celebrations, traveling, Junior Women's Club events, etc. I have been kept busy and a little distant from the blog. No worries, though, it won't happen again! 

At the beginning of April, something very exciting happened to Ryan... he sold his truck and bought a new one! I couldn't believe my eyes when it actually happened. A little side story about this... Ryan has had this truck since he was in college. Not that it’s bad, but all the driving Ryan does and the year the truck was made (2004), it needed to be sold. There wasn't anything physically wrong with it and he took really good care of it, so someone was getting a good deal on a truck. 

He was more excited than a kid traveling to Disney World for the first time. It was a memory that I will never forget! I love that he finally got to have the truck of his dreams J

                

The week of Easter is always so much fun! Having Friday off (not because it was Good Friday, but it was my Friday to be off), going to 24 Hour Prayer at my church (Southcliff), getting to decorate Easter eggs, spending time with family, getting Easter basket ready and so many more fun things.

That Friday one of my best friends (Allison Nixon-go follow her blog) invited me to tag along with her, her mom, one of her sisters, and her nephews to a place called Homestead Heritage. Let me tell you guys the website doesn’t do this place justice at all! Homestead Heritage is an agrarian and crafted based Christian community. It has a 550 acre farm with animals, crops, and incredible works of craftsmanship, events, and schooling.

                     

We started off by eating at the Café Homestead. I can’t even put words with how tasty the food was! The service was over the top and the young staff members saying “yes ma’am/no ma’am.” They offer grass-fed beef, gluten-free options, cheese, fruit, homemade ice cream, locally grown produce, and much more. We all ordered half sandwiches with either soup or salads. Let me tell you, the salad was so fresh and reminded me of my mom’s garden she used to have. I only got a picture of my lunch since everyone else had already dug into theirs before I could snap a picture. 

Our side sandwiches included- the special (me and Allison), classic Reuben (her mom), and the Turkey Veggie Wrap (her sister); Side soups- tomato bisque (Allison and her mom) and jalapeno sweet potato (her sister); Side salad- Greek salad (me). The food was out of this world!

Next we walked across the way to The Barn that was filled with one-of-a-kind soaps, wood work, hand-stitched quilts, children’s books, teas, bath soaps, and much more. I bought the coconut tea I had a lunch (tasted just like a beach), two bars of soup, granola, honey, and a bath fizz ball.

 

The Pottery Shop was next. The potters were shaping different clay’s by the wheel and by hand. There were different items you could purchase in the shop. They even had their very own custom built wood fired kiln!

                     

 The Woodworking Shop had award winning custom furniture all throughout the shop. It shows all the different ways to hand cut wood to steam bent wood. 

We walked through the nature walkway that had a peaceful little creek. It was so calm out at the Heritage you could even hear the water trickling down the creek.

Next up was the HomesteadGristmill. Right when you walked through the door there it was a water wheel driven mill that produces fine flour for baking. You can watch freshly ground organically grown grains being made! You can even purchase fresh flour cornmeal, mixes, oats, and much more.

 

 
 

 

We walked through the herb garden, which is where I saw a little baby grass snake. Yes, it’s just a grass snake and it won’t hurt me, butttt yes you are guessing it right I FREAKED OUT! Everyone laughed thinking, “What in the world it’s just a little grass snake.” Haha.

We step inside the Fiber Artsshop, which was in a house that had been restored from the 19^th century. Weavers, spinners, and knitters that create cloth and other items for the home and family. They have supplies and equipment to purchase, items that were created by the young/old women, and books to learn more about knitting.

Across the way was a huge garden and inside garden (can’t remember what these are called). They had so many different kinds of lettuce growing along with vegetables. Behind the inside garden was a cute little barn that had the cutest baby goat I’ve ever seen, peacocks, chickens, bunnies, goats, and rosters. The baby goat loved Allison’s little nephew!

 

We took a little hick up to the front of the farm where the Brazos Valley Cheese, the Homestead General Store, and the Homestead Market are located.

 

This entire experience was something I will never forget. I plan on taking my mom out to see the entire farm!

Last weekend one of my close friend (Emily) had her birthday. We had planned awhile back to go to Vegas which happened to fall on her birthday. Can we say, perfect timing? If thinking to yourself, “Why Vegas of all places…” Well, we went to see BACKSTREET BOYS! It was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. I even got to touch Nick Carter’s hand – my dream come true! 

We had a lot of fun celebrating Emily’s birthday. Friday when we all arrived we ate a late lunch, went to see the Backstreet Boys, and then danced the night away. Saturday we rented a Cabana and laid at the pool all day, got ready, and went to see Celine Dion. She was out of this world amazing! Which no one should think any differently!! Sunday morning/afternoon everyone came home.

 

 

 

I hope everyone has been enjoying the month of May. It’s hump day which means we are half way through the week! Hope everyone is having a fabulous day J

April Goals

April is always a filled with so many fun things… celebrations, beautiful weather, fun dresses, getting together with friends! I think Spring is one of my favorite seasons in Texas. It always seems to be the nicest weather here so why not choose Spring! I can’t wait to take advantage of this gorgeous weather we’ve been having – except last Tuesday and last weekend. I’m excited about this weekend because I get to babysit for a sweet friend! EKKK can’t wait to snuggle her cute new (couple of months old) baby boy J we have some fun things planned in the next few months!

March Goals:
-celebrate a friends bridal shower
-start figuring out Whole 30 (I’ve been really wanting to do this-if you’ve completed this I would love to hear about it) I did research on this and it’s not much different than I already eat. BUMMER!
-gather Easter baskets for cousins
-book my plane ticket to Vegas for my dear friends birthday (BSB we are coming for you!)
-finish/start a couple of books
-get back into my face cleaning routine
-clean our dead plants/flowers that died from the winter This was so much work, but way worth it!

April Goals:
-Finish gathering my Easter goodies
-Plant flowers in the flower beds & pots
-still needing to finish 2 books (hopefully I can enjoy the weather while doing this!)
-Finish up organizing/decorating the guest room
-Finish making my dad’s business cards & get them ordered
-Order my sweet cousin’s (who is graduating in June) graduation announcements
-Celebrate our dear friends bridal shower
-Celebrate Emily’s birthday in Vegas & sing our lungs out to BSB!
-Enjoy the weather

Life Lately

Hi! I’m finally back from a crazy couple of weeks. Nothing about my life has been based on a routine. Just when I started thinking life was getting somewhat organized again…

Each day during the last couple of weeks has been filled with something new and busy. I feel like March is usually filled to the very top. I’ve been very grateful about everything, but I’m ready for it to slow down just a bit. As March comes to an end, I’m hoping to get some things completed around the house and to start on my “to-do list.”

I thought that I would share a few things of what’s been going on in this small little space of the world, within all of the craziness! 

The first week of March was “Hell Week” for the Spring Show. Which, if you are a follower, you’ve heard me discuss this thing called Spring Show (I also posted about it last year-link). Spring Show is the performance that JWC members (voluntary) put on every year. The play is always written by a special member in our club. In the plays there are dancers and actors/actresses that practice very hard from the first Saturday of January to the last Saturday in February. Yes, that’s right… EVERY SATURDAY WE ALL HAVE PRACTICE. The week before the show we have what’s called “Hell Week”, meaning we have practice from 5:30 to about 11ish every night. Some nights are shorter than others, but it all depends on how the choreographers/director feel about that night. We sell tickets and have our show that Friday and Saturday of “Hell Week.” It’s always so much fun!!!

 

 

 

 

 



 

On Sunday (yes, the Sunday after Spring Show was over) I had a work trip to Florida and Georgia. On the plane ride to Florida I watched Me Before You… OH MY GOSH was that a tear jerker for sure! I was crying while the gentlemen next to me thought, “I wonder what is going on with this lady.” (haha)

That Monday morning the team (2-4 people from our district and about 4-6 people from other districts) went to Mayport Naval Station. We collected the data that we needed then headed back to the hotel to input the data. Tuesday morning we went back and captured the last building remaining. We had the best weather in Florida! Wednesday morning we drove 2 hours to Georgia to collect the data at Fort Stewart Army Base. These nights in Georgia were a lot longer with more data needing to be inputted. Friday morning we had to up at 4 AM to catch our flight home.

Mayport Naval Station

Fort Stewart Army Base 

When I arrived home (FINALLY) I had a million and one things to get done before heading on the road again. I got to see my best friend and my beautiful God child. 

 

Friday evening when I arrived, I immediately was handed Leighton. She has grown so much! Heather and I caught up that evening, loved on Leighton, watched movies, and snacked. 

 

 






Saturday morning we just relaxed while Leighton had her feeding then a lovely little nap! We had manicures/pedicures planned for Saturday afternoon. Heather’s work friend Candice met us to join our little pamper party! She recently had a little baby boy -  he’s super cute!

That evening we FaceTimed Heather’s parents, so that they could catch up with me and yes to see that beautiful little girl. 

Sunday morning we all enjoyed coffee together while getting in our last couple of snuggles with Leighton and laughs together before I had to head home.

 

What‘s been going on with y’all lately?! Any fun trips coming up for the Spring time? J Hope you all have a great weekend!

March Goals

I can’t believe that it is already a new month! March has got me excited because it means that Spring is just around the corner. Texas has already given us a little tease of the Spring weather- YAY! It’s such a beautiful time of year and a season of celebration.

Last month was super busy with Spring Show practice every Saturday and getting ready for crazy weeks/weekends to come. Which means Saturday’s are me functioning purely on coffee. Our performances start tonight and the last one is Saturday (more about this later)!

Before I share my March goals, here is last month’s list...

February Goals in Review:

-send birthday presents in snail mail (just need to put them in the mail box)

-visit my sweet friend (next weekend)

-get a couple of things ordered for the house

-two of our close friends are having babies (pictures to come)

-finish decorating night stands and dresser (need to find 2 lamps-websites are welcome!)

-continue to cook dinner during the week

-celebrate Valentine’s Day

-pray through my prayer journal weekly

-continue our workout schedules

March Goals:
-celebrate a friends bridal shower
-start figuring out Whole 30 (I’ve been really wanting to do this-if you’ve completed this I would love to hear about it)
-gather Easter baskets for cousins
-book my plane ticket to Vegas for my dear friends birthday (BSB we are coming for you!)
-finish/start a couple of books
-get back into my face cleaning routine
-clean our dead plants/flowers that died from the winter

Dealing with Stress

When a New Year starts, life can get a little crazy for all of us. Between traveling (work or leisure), cooking, new personal or career goals, work functions, it seems like there are weeks where every night is booked. There are never enough hours in the day to get everything done. Managing stress can sometimes be hard when you feel like you never get to just sit on the couch. But I think the key to all of that is to find joy through what you are busy doing. At the end of the day, we all deal with stress in different ways… like reading a book, painting, spending time with Jesus, hanging out with friends/family, working out, a bubble bath, etc. I want to share different way I manage stress during busy weeks (really, all the time).

Getting outdoors. You might live somewhere where getting outdoors in January/February is rough because of the cold weather, snow, or rain. For myself and others in Fort Worth, we never know what the weather will be. One day it can be 37 degrees and the next 80 degrees. In the middle of my work day I try and get outside for a quick run or go to the gym that is upstairs in our building. Sometimes all I want to do is walk the neighborhood and listen to worship music and pray. No matter what you do, getting outdoors can be such an amazing stress reliever. Breathing in the fresh air helps remind yourself that life is about so much more than what is on your schedule, phone, or calendar.

Staying active. Many people ask me how I stay motivated to consistently workout 5-6 days a week. The answer to that, honestly, is that I truly just love it. Working out is probably one of my biggest stress relievers. Whether you go for a jog/walk outside, spin class, or a simple workout you got online… staying active is one of the best ways to manage all of that stress. Even if you are saying to yourself right now I dislike working out so much – make that goal for yourself to do something active for about 30 minutes a day only a few days a week. I can promise you that you will start to feel somewhat less stressed, plus you will feel better about yourself!

Serving others. During those busy weeks, it can seem like you haven’t carved any time out of your schedule for others. But I can tell you it will be worth it. Choosing to serve others when you have way too much stuff on your schedule is an important reminder that you are not the center of the universe. There are many people out in the world with hurts and needs that you can give your gifts, resources to help, and to bless them. There are so many opportunities in each community to serve others, such as volunteering to read to students at a school or helping serve at your church. The smallest things can mean the world to others. By just inviting others into your home and cooking a meal for them, remembering to give a sweet treat to your neighbor, or just sending a sweet message to a friend is a great way to serve others.

I want to encourage you to try one of these things when feeling stressed. Call a girlfriend and go on a walk or meet up with your boyfriend/husband to check out the local farmers market.

Healthy Brownie Recipe

I don’t want to say this, but I’m going to. I think I have officially made the best healthy brownies ever! I know that sounds conceited, maybe too bold, which isn’t my personality, but I swear you will completely agree after you make them.

I made these a couple of Sunday’s ago out of desperation. This is how it happened… I’ve been wanting something sweet after dinner almost every night (which isn’t something I normally do), but I was wanting something healthy that would help curb that sweetness. I started wandering around the kitchen, then remembered I got these two amazing cookbooks from Against All Grain (Danielle Walker's- Celebration & Against All Grain- Eat Well & Feel Great). Yay she has brownies in her cookbook, butttt I didn’t have all of the ingredients so I improvised. I had read a couple of different blogs and articles about making desserts healthier with black beans and dates. So, why not start now? If they don’t taste good I’ll throw them out.
                                

I was wanting something fudgy-tasting, moist, and something with a distinct chocolate flavor. I still wanted to crusty part on top just like when you cook brownies out of a box. I had heard that black beans can make that crusty part, so here it goes…

With the little knowledge I had about black beans and dates, this recipe seemed a little scary. However, the instructions were surprisingly easy! No melting, whipping with a mixer, or adding the dry to the wet ingredients! All it had said was to put everything in a food processor, mix the chocolate chips in (use red & pink for Valentine's Day), and cook for 30 mins in the oven. Sounds simple, right?!

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Take all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips and process until smooth. Stir in the measured chocolate chips to the mix.

Since I was using dates I didn’t use the honey the recipe called for. I even threw in some applesauce that I had! 

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan (8 x 8 is what I used but use what you have), smoothing the top with the back of the spoon.

Bake for 30 mins and they are ready! I didn’t check with a toothpick because I wanted them somewhat moist. I was licking the knife clean!

These healthy brownies are low in carbs and fat. Super clean and healthy for the whole family. Enjoy!

Healthy Brownie Recipe 

-14 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
-2 eggs
-1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (one individual cup equals ½ cup)
-1/2 to 1/4 cup packed pitted Medjool dates (depending on how sweet you desire)
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-1/2 cup cocoa powder
-1/4 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp baking soda
-1/2 to 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (maybe red & pink) 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line your baking dish with parchment paper. (You can spray with cooking spray if you want but I didn’t). 

2. Add all ingredients, except the dairy-free chocolate chips, to a food processor and process until smooth. Add the chocolate chips and stir. 

3. Pour batter evenly into baking dish, and for a little treat you can top with more dairy-free chocolate chips. Smooth the top with the back of the spoon before adding the extra chips if you decided. 

4. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let the brownies cool for about 10 minutes. Cut into 16 squares.

*Refrigerate in an airtight container.

February Goals

Happy February, my dear friends! January was filled with changing routines and habits to start the year off right. Last month taught me the positive impact of staying up later to spend time with Jesus, taking my multivitamins, planning out dinners, getting little tasks completed, and trying to be simply mindful of what my body/myself needs each day.

I'm really happy with how January turned out. Goals and learning what you are capable of accomplishing is a goal within itself in my opinion,

January Goals in Review:

-finish decorating the front 2 bedrooms (I've been selling things to finish this project up)

-make new dinners out of my new cookbooks

-finish getting little tasks completed around the house

-lay out a plan to get the fence fixed or redone (this is somewhat done)

-fix the sink from leaking

-wake up or stay up a little later to spend more them with Jesus

Lately I've been a little confused with the month of February we had a family member pass and a couple of close family friends lose their loved ones as well. While I’ve never experienced this kind of loss, I do know God, and I know that He will always provide for His children. In the midst of each unexpected path we encounter in our lives, He finds a way to show us His love. He reminds us that “His love is like a hurricane and we are the tree, bending beneath His weight and mercy. How He loves us with such an unconditional love.” 

February Goals:

-send birthday presents in snail mail
-visit my sweet friend 

-get a couple of things order for the house (post to come)

-two of our close friends are having babies (one was yesterday, sweet baby boy)

-finish decorating night stands and dresser
-continue to cook dinner during the week
-celebrate Valentine's Day 

-pray through my prayer journal each week 

-continue our workout schedules 

What do y'all have planned for February? I would love to read some of your goals in the comments below :)