Bah Humbug - @silverlininglessons



Merry Christmas, everybody!

My gift to you today is sharing a new thing I wholeheartedly adore.

This loaded tea recipe is so simple, affordable, and beyond delicious!

Huge thanks to my friend for introducing this new venture to me. @silverlininglessons has a bookoo of recipes, so check them out!

They're all so incredibly satisfying to create and beautifully yummy.

This drink is called the "Bah Humbug..." but there's nothing dreary about this guy!

Dissolve:

1 tsp 4c berry energy powder
1/4 tsp black tea powder
1/8 tsp Guarana powder
1/4 tsp Starburst blue raspberry drink mix
in 6 oz hot water. 

Pour into a 32 oz tumbler. 

Insert straw. (Pack with ice.)

Coat with 2 oz of aloe vera berry juice.

Dissolve:

1/2 tsp Koolaid tropical punch drink mix
1/2 tsp GV blackberry lemonade drink mix
in 8 oz cold water.

Pour over ice and drink up!




 

Gingerbread House Party



Looking for a fun, different, easy Christmas get-together idea? I was, too!

So.... 

Let the first annual Gingerbread House party commence!

We’re all about starting traditions.

I used to say “wait until we have kids...” but, I don’t wanna!

I want to enjoy every aspect of life, especially holidays, to the fullest! And by golly, I will.

And, when our sweet baby B’s arrive, they can just join right in!




I love this idea so much, because you can make it creatively festive. It can be set up however you prefer... conveniently without removing anything from their original packaging... or if you're like me, you can arrange a super cute display that will require a little prep and clean up time. 

Either way- still simple and so fun.  

Everyone had a blast! Kids went first. Once they were done, it was the grownups' turn!

There was so much creativity going on at that table, y'all. We were all showcasing some hilarious talent.




I'll admit- while I wanted all kinds of pretty colors and textures, I wanted to think somewhat technically, too. So... off to Google I went. 

Regular frosting seems to work best... and Wheaties don't work that great for the roof! 

 



Cinnamon Toast Crunch, though... perfect!





One thing I will recommend, take the easy way out on the house. I wanted to see what I could do with graham crackers... and well... I did. And it wasn't pretty!

Premade houses are the way to go. They don't taste great, but do we really eat them anyways? 

Nah, just eat the left-over treats from the decorating!




Twizzlers were fun for fencing around the house... Took some effort, but with some toothpicks, anything is possible!




We'll for sure do this again. Great time with friends and their kids. 

Cute, creative, festive, and fun. 

Perfect for Christmas time, right?!

Christmas Truffles - @laurenslatest



These things are not only beautifully festive... they're delectable! 

They're extremely easy to make and yield about 24-30 truffles.

Perfect for a Christmas party treat. 

1 cup white cake mix
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp milk
1 tbsp Christmas sprinkles, plus more for decoration
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips or vanilla almond bark

In a large bowl, whisk cake mix, flour, and sugar. Stir in melted butter, vanilla, milk, and sprinkles. The mixture should be moist and be able to hold its shape easily when formed. 

Using a cookie scoop, form mixture into even balls and refrigerate 20-30 minutes. 

In the meantime, melt chocolate in a double boiler or slowly in the microwave. Using a fork, drop one of the cake batter truffles into the chocolate and roll around to coat. Tap off the excess gently and transfer to a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.

Top with more sprinkles if desired. 





 

Childlike Anticipation for Life



So, I obviously have a thing for headpieces. 

I wouldn't have known that a few years ago. 

Why?

Because I was too afraid to try anything "outside the norm."

But who/what defined normal for me?

Well, it surely to goodness wasn't me, I can tell you that. 

I fell into the trap of people pleasing... while surrounded by people who could never be pleased.

It wasn't until I said "goodbye" to them, that I could finally say "hello" to the Kristi that had been hiding out for 20+ years!

During a conversation with a friend today, showing off their new fabulous accessories, they asked me, "Did you feel just a deeper sense of authenticity when you did something simple like this?"

Yes, my friend. YES!

(We both came from a hard, (overall) legalistic group that frowned upon all the things... so we connect on a level most people could never understand.)

And in that moment, I felt 22 all over again. That shy, insecure, paranoid, lonely, confused, but FREE kid that was starting life all over. 

How a head wrap can bring such joy, I'll never fully know. But I accept that. I'm just forever grateful that I busted through the box I felt trapped in and learned to embrace grace, joy, and childlike anticipation for life again.

Oh, and me. I learned to love me. Turns out, I'm pretty cool. 😉


Fully Known, Fully Loved



"You are good enough. Actually, you're probably overqualified. But let's start the day off humble."

Man, oh man, has it been a journey to gain some self-confidence! Am I the only one?

When your first 22 years of life are full of unrealistic expectations, unfair opinions, limited opportunities, and lack of supporters... geez! It. Is. Work.

11 years later, and I still cry to my therapist on the regular. 

Nonetheless, the last couple of years have been life-changing, as I've learned where my value comes from. Or shall I say, from Whom it comes.

My identity is in Christ. I am who He says I am... so no other opinion matters. No other voice gets to contradict that.

It's a crazy thing, how my desperate need for Him is the very thing that strengthens my confidence. He truly does work in mysterious ways!

I guess it's because He knows me... the best parts and those places I want to hide from the whole world... and He still wants me. He still loves me unconditionally. In fact, He thought I was worth enough to die for.

He died for all. But He would have died for one, too. He would've died for just me. Just you.

Being known and loved so much by the Creator of the universe can only cause one to hold their head up high while keeping their arrogance down low. 

"It's so unusual, it's frightening
You see right through the mess inside me
And You call me out to pull me in
You tell me I can start again
And I don't need to keep on hiding
It's so like You to keep pursuing
It's so like me to go astray
But You guard my heart with Your truth
A kind of love that's bulletproof
And I surrender to Your kindess
I'm fully known and loved by You
You won't let go no matter what I do
And it's not one or the other
It's hard truth and ridiculous grace
To be known, fully known, and loved by You"
-- Tauren Wells -- 


Explanations and Excuses



Hey, friend!

I used a quote today that my former boss once shared with me: "Know the difference between explanations and excuses."

I'll never forget the first time I heard that... and I think of it often. Not only has it helped me give grace to some and set boundaries with others, but it's also caused me to challenge myself in every situation.

There are days I just don't feel like "doing the work..." and that's totally okay. But, at some point, if I want to grow and achieve the goals in my life, I have to be aware of the moment my explanations morph into excuses.

It's not always easy. I don't always pay close enough attention to my own motivation, or lack thereof, to make a long-lasting effective decision... but eventually, I kick my butt into gear. 

I'm such a huge promoter and advocate of self-care, self-worth, self-love, etc... but sometimes the best method for each of those things requires us to get uncomfortable.

Don't ever be hard on yourself... just do whatever it takes to be the best version of you that you can be... even if it starts off a little difficult.

I can't be that me without Him, that's for sure. And I'm forever grateful for the amazing connections He's placed in my life to help me grow!


What are You Looking at?




"When your values become clear to you, making decisions becomes easier." - Roy E. Disney


Just like this picture, sometimes I'm not looking at what's right in front of me. I'm distracted by something going on in the distance. 

That used to mess with me. I felt so "bad" for missing "it."

It wasn't until I started learning how to break free of expectations, that I discovered that there was this creative side of me that longed for the uncentered. 

I've been "in church" nearly all of my life. I've been absolutely in love with Jesus for the last few years... because I learned that He was the very thing that was in the distance trying to grab my attention.

I was so focused on rules: wearing the "right" clothes, listening to the "right" music, reading the "right" books, hanging with the "right" people, going to the "right" places... I didn't have the time or energy to just be a person looking at and loving Him.

Man, oh man. How my life has changed since I looked off to the side and saw a Savior who loved beyond measure.

There's a peace and joy I have now that I truly cannot explain. All I got? He works miracles.

And no, I don't have a perfect life that makes all that easy. I was a child of divorce, molestation, judgement... I grew up and dealt with hurtful and opinionated people surrounding me. I've been rejected by friends and family. My husband and I still struggle with unexplained infertility.

But y'all. I am so happy!

I trust my life to the One Who knew me before He formed me.

And now that I know He is what I'll focus on all the days of my life... the pressures of decisions, simple and hard, is gone. My load is a light one, since I've asked Him to carry it.

And I know when I face something that leaves me paralyzed, He'll carry me.

What are you focusing on today? Whatever it is, look off into the distance just a bit, and see Him waiting for you.

You are loved, my friends!

 

Chocolate Rye Cookies - @jamieoliver



These cookies are unique to say the least! 

They're a little funky looking, for sure... but they're really tasty for a healthily sweet snack.

And thanks for Jamie Oliver, only 5 ingredients needed, so simple to create!


100 g quality dark chocolate , (70%)
100 g unsalted butter
100 g rye bread
2 large free-range eggs
50 g golden caster sugar


Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6. Line two trays with greaseproof paper and rub with olive oil.

Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water, then remove and stir in the butter so it melts.

Tear the bread into a food processor and blitz into fine crumbs, then add the eggs and sugar, and blitz again well. With the processor still running, pour in the chocolate mixture and let it blitz until combined.

Spoon the cookie mix into a large sandwich bag, snip off the corner and pipe 3-4cm blobs to make 24 cookies on the lined trays.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until spread and set. Sprinkle with sea salt, leave to cool a little, and tuck in.




Try them out! 


Patriotic Yogurt Bark



Happy Labor Day!!

This yogurt bark was a pretty, patriotic hit!

So simple:

The night before your event, mix 3 cups of your favorite flavored Greek yogurt with 2 1/2 tablespoons of almond extract. Mix well.





Then place some parchment paper down on a cookie sheet and spoon the yogurt mixture over it, smoothing out to cover completely.

Chop your favorite fresh fruits (or frozen, if you prefer) and spread out over yogurt. Drizzle some honey and sprinkle some granola.

Pop in the freezer overnight.




When you pull it out, you can break apart or cut into squares. (I prefer the former.)

Pile it up pretty on a plate and wow your guests. 

Healthy and delicious!


 

World Fest and Head Wraps



Take me back to WorldFest! 

I am obsessed with cultures. Truly. Whether I understand all the things or not, I don't mind! I'm just fascinated with them. Their meals, traditions, dances, beliefs, and their attire!

If we were all the same, the world wouldn't be nearly as beautiful. 




As soon as I saw this booth, I had to make my way over. 

SO MANY WRAPS!

As I glanced over them, this sweet woman asked me if I'd ever worn a wrap before. Sadly, I had to tell her no. But I immediately followed that with a ", but I really want to!"

That lit her fire for sure. 

She rummaged through pile after pile with me until we found "the one."




She showed me a couple different ways to wear them. 

One secret I learned, unless you have massive hair, you'll need to add some height to your head if you're going with a knot. 

It can literally be a balled-up tank top! 

There are several YouTube tutorials out there, too. 

I highly recommend trying them out. Hats are cute... but wraps are what's up!


You Can Rest




Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me. - Psalm 116:7


It always comes back to this. When bouts of anxiety creep in, or fears of an unknown future try to take up residence in your mind, just remind yourself of His faithfulness.

He has been good, and you can rest.

When things don’t work out as you imagined, or people don’t behave in the manner you expected, just remember His infinite love for you.

He has been good, and you can rest.

If life feels as if it’s at a standstill, and you just can’t see past the hand in front of your face, reminisce on how far you’ve already come by His grace.

He has been good, and you can rest.

My life has been filled with questions... I’ve faced my share of fears, rejections, hurts, and disappointments. And if I chose to focus on them, geez.

But, what about the joys? Obstacles overcome? Pleasant surprises? Strangers that perfectly fill voids in my life? Gifts that come straight from above?

I want to think on THOSE things! He’s proven faithfulness, love, grace, and impeccable timing over and over!

And when I remember that... no matter how dark or long the night... I feel peace. I get to rest.



Sharing Life with You




Thank you for a life full of adventures!

Feeling a little emotional today thinking of my marriage to this guy! Just overwhelmed with gratefulness that I get to share my life with him.

I don’t like to give credit to hard situations and tough times, so I rarely talk about them... but, nonetheless, we’ve faced our share of them. Life hasn’t always been fair. People haven’t always been kind.

We still have questions without answers, confusion about patterns we see, and hearts full of dreams still not fulfilled.

But!!! We have each other. We have a strong faith. We have God on our side. We have the most incredible friends! There’s a long list of things we’ve overcome, learned, and changed.

And... we have FUN!

I’m just feeling the gratitude today a little more than usual, so I wanted to give a shoutout to the love and joy of my life!

2020 has slowed the fun down just a bit, but we’ve made it work! And there’s a lot more to come! Can’t wait to see the rest of our life unfold


Be Brave Enough to be Who You Are


Be a kind human.

To others. To yourself.

Do you know you’re incredible? Loved? Perfectly imperfect? Beautifully unique? Wonderfully complex?

Do you understand that you’re truly one of a kind? Able to accomplish things no other soul could?

Do you allow yourself to belly laugh? To dance like a maniac? To walk into a room humbly confident? To play the game you’re not so good at? To wear those bold colors you love so much even if you don’t think it’s “you?”

Friend... DO the things!

Life is too short to be anything but happily pursuing what you’re called to do!

Don’t let anyone hold you back...
Especially yourself!
.
Embrace your quirks. Acknowledge your strengths. Perfect your weaknesses. Make your moves!




Be brave enough to be who you are.

To wear the crazy prints, get that rocking haircut, schedule that tat appointment…

Are you? Have you? Will you?

Finding myself in my 30s has been the best ever. Seriously. It’s come with lots of emotion, but walls have been busted and I have room to dance like the crazy person I am.

I hope you’ve learned to love yourself for all the strengths and talents you possess and in spite of those things you’re working on.

We hear it all the time, but it’s worth repeating. Life is short, so live it… and live it well!



Be Who You Needed



Gah! How stinking precious is this pic?

Anytime you feel blah, unimpressive, unimportant, useless, etc... Pay attention to a child. 

Seriously. It doesn't 'take much. Make them smile, laugh... Carry on a conversation with them. Brag on something they're doing or something they've made. 

When you see their little face light up the way only an innocent one can... man. It's the most fulfilling and important thing you can do.

Really! Think about it. How was your childhood? You either remember people that made a positive impact, or you wish so badly you had some. 

Kids are tiny adults trying to navigate through every emotion without understanding any of it. I want to do whatever I can to be a piece of positive influence for all that I can.

Help create a childhood they don't have to recover from. 

BE WHO YOU NEEDED. 

We've got a lot to learn, but we'll give it our absolute best.

We don't have our own kids yet, but I'm totally cool with pouring into our friends' in the waiting!

Also- geeeez. That man! 😍

Be a Kind Human



“Be a kind human.”

Even when it seems 99 out of 100 people have chosen not to be.

Even if life punches you in the gut every day of the week.

Even if people let you down or confuse you so bad it’s excruciating.

Even if your hopes seem shattered and disappointments grab the very breath from your lungs and refuse to let it go.

Even if you’re mentally exhausted, spiritually wounded, and emotionally drained.

Even if you’re so physically tired you can’t stand up straight.

Be a kind human.

Be strong. Be confident. Be brave enough to say no. Be bold enough to set boundaries. Be secure enough to let “it” go. Be passionate enough to try. Be determined enough to try again. Be genuine. Be you.

Don’t be walked on. Don’t be insecure. Don’t be ashamed. Don’t be mistreated. Don’t be disrespected.
.
But be a kind human.



 

I Don't About You... but I'm Feeling 32!



There are some days I still feel 20... and then I take a pic and see signs that I’m indeed 32 years old...

Today was one of those days.

For a second, I felt my breath rest at the back of my throat... I winced a little... but then I felt joy. 

Contentment. Peace. Hopeful anticipation. 

As I get older, I continue to learn. Observe. Understand. Let go. Move on. Reach. Grow.

The journey never ends. Great things are never beyond our grasp. Belonging can still be found. Purpose can change and transform into surprising, beautiful callings.

Although I’m still working on myself, I’ve come a long way... and I’m so grateful for God’s grace and favor in my life. 

While I’m still praying for better things, bigger dreams, bolder confidence... closer friendships, safe spaces, and a family all my own... I stopped to soak in all the amazing things life has brought me thus far.

And I smiled.


 

It's Ok to Ask for Help.



Hey yo, hey!

See this adorable little creature in my arms? She’s not a therapy dog, but she might as well be! She provides me so much joy, I can’t even describe it.

Especially on those days I’m confused or searching... waiting or fighting stress and anxiety... She can sense it. I just know it.

While I most definitely hold her tight during those moments... and share with her my thoughts, I’ve learned it really helps to find a human to talk to, too.

Faith is a huge part of my life. Actually, it IS my life. I talk to Jesus like all. the. time. And while I truly believe that provides me more peace than anything else ever could, finding a safe place to share fears, hurts, frustrations, etc. is crucial.

It is MORE than okay to ask for help. I have an amazing husband, great parents, some incredible friends, and I still see a counselor. Why? Because there’s literally no preconceived opinions or ideas... it’s a place I can go and freely be ME.

If you need a place like that, friends, find it. There is zero shame in it and 100% healing.

I’m not sure why so many of us feel like mental health isn’t a real thing... but it is. And it’s not just for a few... Just like we all take care of our physical health- our emotional health should be checked out, too.

It took me a LONG time to understand that, but once I finally did, I noticed more confidence, happiness, and less offense taken.

I’m grateful people in my life were open with their experiences and shared them. That’s what led me to look into it for myself. I can only hope that my sharing could potentially do that for someone else.

You’re loved, yo!!!! And freakin’ awesome. Just fyi.


You are Fire, Darling!



Friday facts:

You are beautiful. You are talented. You are capable. You are fun. You are fire, darling!

If you are convinced of anything else, realize they’re lies! If you tell yourself you have to be “this” first, look like “that” before _____, or achieve “this” prior to _____ just stop!

We hold ourselves back and tear ourselves down too much! Let today be THE day that you step outside of your safe, but lonely, zone. Let this moment be THE moment you shed that fear of rejection, failure, or being “less than.”

Make the decision to believe in yourself. Consciously. Then, decide what it is you want to do... where you want to go. And then make steps toward those things.

Don’t wait on someone else to pave the way for you. You can find support, sure... but you almost always have to START first... with confidence.

And why wouldn’t you? You’re amazing, friend! Packed plum full of potential waiting to take the lead...

I’m here to help see that happen for you, too! Can’t wait!