Friends, Fires, & Food

Lately, my life has been crazy, fun, refreshing, & exhausting. Here's a recap in photos.

501 friends came up to see Ben Rector in concert at UCA.



Kikuyu climbed Pinnacle.

After we climbed Pinnacle, Arkansas beat Auburn!!

 

Jack Oliver was born! Presh 10.2 lb baby

I baked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins. YUM!

 

I went to dinner with friends for Christy's bday. Loved catching up with Maeghan!!

Events I don't have pics for: I've laughed until I'm crying, made plans to go camping, stayed up until the wee hours catching up with friends, laughed some more, sat by the firepit, made new friends, skyped with old friends, and not gotten enough sleep.  

God has blessed me beyond measure. I'm in awe of His love, faithfulness, greatness, and grace.

Cowboy Boots & Gold Bangles

That's what I'm wearing today. I'm wearing an oversized sweater, jeans, a turquoise&gold necklace, gold bangles, and my FAVE cowboy boots. Oxymoron? Clashing styles? I think not. My beloved coral&turquoise cowboy boots could go with [almost] anything. I <3 them. I even wore them with my graduation robe to receive my diploma. I want to wear them with my wedding dress one day. There is just something about a girl's first pair of cowboy boots...it makes me smile :)

That randomness leads me to share these random tids about myself:
-I love reading the Sunday Comics. I've read them every Sunday for as long as I can remember. I've always come home from church/lunch, opened the paper, removed the High Profile, Target Ad, and Comics. I would sit and look at Weddings/Engagements in the High Profile, look through the Target Ad, then go take a nap, but not without reading the Comics first. Man, what great Sunday memories! Now, my mom saves the Comics for me every week and gives them to me when I come home. She's great!
-I've finally admitted to myself that I'm naturally ghostly white. I've tried to deny this for a long time! "No, you've got some color." "You tan easily! You can't be that pale." But, yes, it's true. I am naturally super duper pale. Not only have I admitted it, I've come to terms with it. I'm pale and it's okay!!! I want my skin to be pretty and cancer free in 20,30,40 years so I'm not going to tan. I'm going to be pasty porcelain pale and proud of it!
-I love driving other people's cars. I don't know why, but it's just fun to be in something different. Yesterday, I drove my bro's big Chevy truck=in love. It was just so big and loud and fun.
-I love my car. It's acting up right now and it makes me so sad to think of possibly needing a new car. My red durango [complete with MOMO license plate, big tires, a small lift, great bass, and tinted windows] is cherished. It's traveled many miles, carried such fun people, and toted necessities to staff events. I really don't want to lose her.
-My favorite season has always been summer (I think it's changing...more on that in a minute). I love walking out of a cold building into the heat. I love being engulfed by heat. I love shorts, tees, flip flops, and messy buns. I love the lake and the beach. However, the weeks and weeks we had of 110* heat combined with my current obsession of Pumpkin Spice Lattes are quickly causing my fave season to be Fall. I love boots, scarves, sweaters and jackets. I like football season. I love being able to wear my hair down everyday. Hot coffee tastes even better. I believe after this Fall season, I will be able to confidently and officially say my fave season is Fall.

Enough of my quirks for the day. Happy Thursday!

And, the Clumsy Award goes to.....

ME!

Pretty sure I'm THE clumsiest person on planet earth. My body is rarely bruise free. It's super common for me to run into a wall or a piece of furniture or a doorframe on a daily basis. I often fall and/or trip and if there's a hole in the ground, I will find it (just ask me for the story about the yellow dress....I'll tell you and you'll laugh).

I don't know why I'm so clumsy. I promise it's not an act...it's completely natural. I joke that if I get married, I'll have bruises and scrapes everywhere on my wedding day because I'll be so careful leading up to the wedding that I'll be even more clumsy. It's just a part of me. There's nothing I can do to change it.

Story Time: Yesterday, after church, my fam went out to lunch and then we all went back to the house before separating for the day. I was walking down the hall and stairs to the kitchen (remember, we've lived in this house 18 years...I've walked this route millions of times) to put something up. Well, my foot didn't hit the stair correctly and I ended up on both knees on the hardwood floor. I had stuff in my hands so I couldn't catch myself or do anything about it. Cam, Andi, and ma were in the kitchen and I heard them pause. I said "ow" and they BUSTED out laughing. So, then I laughed. I mean, it's just part of my life. It happens a lot. I laugh. Other people laugh. It's good times.

Obsession

I might be slightly obsessed with 501 and my new friends. And by slightly, I mean very much so. Every week I walk away saying, "Guys, I know I say this every week, but I just love coming to 501!" (Seriously, ask Allie) God has blessed us with immediate connections with people in our small group and with a circle of friends we can already call friends! Friends as in...we text, hang out on the weekends, fb chat, have jokes, make plans together, etc. Such a blessing!!!!

In case you haven't figured it out, GOD IS SO GOOD!! He knows our needs before we know them! He provides for those needs in ways more incredible than I could have imagined. He just plops them in our lap and says, "Here ya go. Have friends and glorify me together." Guys, I don't deserve this! God, in His amazing grace, desires me to have these friends, this community, this fellowship with young adults and I'm so grateful!

501. Friends. Plans. God. Grateful.

the little things

I found this blog of the little things that we should be thankful for. I love it! I check it about once a week and it always makes me smile because I always find a couple that are so true. Here are some of my recent faves:

check it out and enjoy a smile :)

This Week...

...I finished Reshaping It All. Great book! It definitely motivated me to change my lifestyle to a healthier one.
...I finished Week 1 of my running plan and started Week 2. I even got up at 6:20 today to run! WOW!
...I got mad at the Hogs (what else is new?) for losing to Bama.
...I watched the OSU/aTm game instead of the Hogs/Bama game.
...I watched both of these games at a watch party with great friends from 501!!
...I made 2 recipes for said watch party: Birthday Cake Fudge & Cream Cheese, Bacon, Jalapeno bites.



Bday Cake Fudge - super rich, super yum

...I'm going back to India!!!!
...I went shopping with a friend and got 3 new shirts, a jacket, and a pair of cute black boots for under $100 (bargain success) (ps-I'll probably start posting pics of presh outfits soon...remember my goals for 24?)
...I had lunch with the fam after church for the first time in a LONG time. It was funny.
...I laughed A LOT.
...I only ate sweets twice.
...My bro turned 21 and got a twitter (this is big).
...I led week 2 of bstud. It went well. God taught me lots. I pray He taught the girls lots too.
...I got to skype with great friends.
...I'm treating myself to some shopping (a reward for running).

Promised Pinterest Recipes

As mentioned in this post, I had a menu full of Pinterest Recipes. I've made them and I'm here to report.

Tomato-Basil Alfredo Pasta:
This recipe was great! It can be found on my pinterest "entrees" board. I used the 'lighter' version that's listed in the comments  under the recipe, so there would be fewer calories. I also used 3-cheese tortellini instead of ravioli, but that was just a personal preference. This recipe was easy and quick! I will definitely make it again.

In the Pan

Serve with Parm Cheese

  Orange Chicken:
SO GOOD! I made this last night with a revised recipe. I'm trying to stay away from fried foods, so I baked the chicken. I put the chicken in a bowl with some olive oil, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. I mixed it together with my hands, until the chicken was coated with bread crumbs. I spread it out on a cookie sheet and baked at 375* for 12-15 minutes. While that was baking, I cooked some rice and made the orange sauce. This made a good amount - I have plenty of lefovers for lunch and dinner again (I love leftovers!).


I definitely recommend! (sorry my pics aren't great...)

Nutella Cupcakes:
These had mixed reviews. We would definitely revamp them for next time.
Changes: layer nutella on the bottom of the cupcake liner, put batter on top, then more nutella to stir in.
How to eat it: don't pick at it...just bite down top to bottom.
I would try these again with the changes. If the reviews don't change, I probably wouldn't make them again.

In the process of stirring in the nutella

 

Finished product (don't know why the pic is cut off...)

I probably won't cook anymore recipes until next week. The next few days and weekend plans are crazy so there won't be much cooking. But, I will report back soon with more reviews! The Bible Study I'm leading is starting up soon so I'll have definitely have dessert recipes to report weekly :)

Happy Pinterest Cooking!

The Smells of Fall

I've officially transitioned to Fall. I've pulled out some cardigans, started shopping for boots, and put away my summer smelling candles and lotions. I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned my obsession/love for lotions, perfumes, and candles...so now I will. I have more candles, perfumes, lotions, and body washes than is necessary, but I love to have options and different smells. I rarely wear the same perfume or lotion 2 days in a row. I switch smells out according to seasons.
Recently, Bath & Body Works had an incredible sale on their candles. So, I got 2 fall/winter smells and packed up my summer candles. I got Kitchen Spice (a blend of hazelnut, nutmeg, and other kitchen spices) and Cinnamon & Cloves (cinnamon is my all-time fave spice). They both smell incredible! If you're looking for cheaper options, Wal-Mart has some good smells at great prices. The candle below smells wonderful!

Mulled Cider candle from Wal-Mart

This week, I had my first Pumpkin Spice Latte. I'll definitely be going back for more!
Nutmeg is another spice that makes me think of fall. This weekend, I made French Toast Muffins (the recipe is on my pinterest 'breakfast' board) for the girls that stayed with me Friday night. They had a hint of nutmeg in them and they tasted wonderful! They were light, airy, cinnamon-y, and nutmeg-y. 4 out of 4 approved the recipe!

Fall is slowly making it's way up my seasons list and it just might overtake summer....

Labor Day Weekend

I think Labor Day weekend is my favorite 3-day holiday weekend of the year. Labor Day weekend brings with it fall, football, the start of a new semester, cooler weather, and freshness. I don't know why, but for me it breaks off summer and starts something new. And fall weather is so fresh and crisp that it just doubles the effect. My love for Labor Day weekend was no different this year!

It started off in Fayetteville with a Board Meeting on Friday. I got to go up Thursday night and spend time with a few friends! After a mere 2.5 hours of sleep, I started my long, 14-hour day of sitting. After the board meeting, I drove to LR, picked up Kenya (the adorable puppy pictured below) and headed to Hot Springs. I seriously spent over 14 hours SITTING DOWN on Friday - it wasn't extremely enjoyable. Once I got to HS, I ran around the driveway for a few minutes to loosen up a little. I'm too old to sit down that long! That night, it was just me, Cam, Andi, Nana, and Pawpaw hanging out. That was fun! I haven't hung out with Cam and Andi much since the wedding.

Kenya - precious puppy!

Normally when people go to the lake, they lay out, go out on a boat, etc. I didn't do that at all! I just relaxed, read, slept, and hung out. I'm kind of over laying out and getting tan (who would have thought I would have EVER said that?!?!) I think it's because it's just been SO hot. Anyway, Saturday, I slept in a little, spent some time with Jesus, played with Kenya, watched TV, and took a nap :) I also had some in.cred.ible cheesecake (my fave dessert) Saturday. Cam made some original cheesecake and brought leftovers to the lake. I took my piece and crafted a delicacy....I melted hot fudge & pb together (arguably the best food combo possible) and layered it between 2 small slices. Then, I broke up a reeses and put it on top. HEAVENLY.

That night, we watched the HOGS WIN! I'm so glad football is back-I love it! After the game, Chan, Cam, Andi, and I went to get froyo. I LOVE sibling time! Sunday was pretty much the same pattern as Saturday :) My cousins, aunt and uncle, and mom got to HS Sunday so we all hung out and grilled out for dinner. Burgers are one of my T5 fave foods. Monday morning, I slept in again, went to Bath and Body Works for their candle sale, then headed  back to Conway. I haven't spent a weekend at my apt in WAY too long so I needed some extended time at home. I went to the store, cooked some new recipes, and spent some much needed time relaxing in my home!

Parmesan Fish and Parmesan Asparagus

All of my foods over the next few weeks will be from pinterest! I love it! Monday night I made Parmesan Fish and Parmesan Asparagus for dinner. It was so good! The parmesan mixture made a cheesy layer on the fish and the parmesan added a nice crisp to the asparagus. I will definitely make this recipe again - it was quicky, easy, and delish! I also made mini-quiches Monday afternoon to eat for breakfast this week. I loaded them down with veggies - broccoli, mushrooms, red bell peppers, green bell peppers - to add to my daily veggie intake. I ate one this morning and it was really good! I paired it with a peach - yummy, healthy, filling breakfast!

Mini-Breakfast Quiches

Last week, I made Butter Chicken for dinner. I found this recipe on allrecipes.com. It was a different variation of the Butter Chicken I had in India but it was still great!

I <3 Indian food.

This week's menu: Tomato-basil Alfredo Ravioli and Orange or Honey Chicken.
I might also be having some UofA friends stay with me Friday night before Saturday's LR game. If so, I'm sure we'll make a yummy pinterest dessert!

In honor of the cooler weather, I will be wearing cardigans and getting Pumpkin Spice Lattes this week. You should do that too!

Reshaping It All

I recently ordered Candace Cameron Bure's new book, Reshaping It All (yes, DJ Tanner from Full House). She wrote this book as a biography/motivation/resource for becoming physically fit by focusing on spiritual fitness. My desire to become physically fit as a 24-year-old spurred me on to buy this book. I mean, she's a believer (in Hollywood...so of course I support her!) and lost 25 pounds after Full House and has kept it off, even after having 3 kids! And, it was only $7.50. So, it came in the mail Tuesday and I started it that night. I already LOVE it! Wednesday morning, I dragged myself jumped out of bed at 6:30 (even after sleeping terribly) and went for a walk. I was already motivated! Last night, I wrote out my plan to lose the weight/pant sizes I want to lose by January 1st, 2012 and I'm so excited to work on this. I know it's going to be hard. It's going to cost sleep, foods I love, and pain...but, I know it's going to be worth it in the long run.

This is the fall that my life is going to change - here's to health and fitness!