Dec 24, 2015

He is the reason for the season


Isaiah 9:6-0
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, EverlastingFather, Prince of Peace. 

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Hallelujah! 

 From our home to yours, Merry Christmas! 
Dec 15, 2015

Winter Words





I've been absent from this space, and that's so rude of me! Hopefully, y'all are busy with tons of family holiday activities just like I am!

So, you'll see less of me on this blog until the beginning of the year when things settle down, but I just had to share what I'm reading lately!

From Blogging For Books- The Chili Cookbook by Robb Walsh

This book is amazing! I love making chili, but during the cold Midwest Winters, the same chili recipe can get boring. This book will be in my kitchen arsenal forever! Recipes are simple, ingredients are found anywhere, and the photos make your mouth water just looking at them! Robb Walsh created the ultimate chili cookbook and the only one you will ever need. Perfect for yourself, or for the guy who is impossible to buy for! 

From Tyndale- Lay It Down by Bill Tell


Bill Tell explains beautifully God's complete love for us in his book, Lay It Down.  By writing about his own spiritual burnout, it makes the reader look at their own life and shows you that you don't have to go-go-go, be the best Christian who's into the most activities and have a non-stop spiritual life. God won't love you any less. And the good news is you can't earn your spot in heaven! Mr. Tell goes in depth to show you this. A great read for new and old Christians who might be on their way to spiritual burnout. 


From Book Look Bloggers- Case For Hope by Lee Strobel


Lee Strobel is truly inspiring in this book! If you've never read one of his books before, now is the time, and I suggest to start with this one.  He is great for the analytical mind who wants proof and backup for all points being made. This isn't just his ideas or thoughts, he gives scriptural examples as well as other resources so you can do your own research and come up with your own opinions. Excellent author and I can't wait to read his next book! 



From Cross Focused Reviews A Lost God in a Lost World by Melvin Tinker












This book was a good read. Although, I think you have to be in a certain position in your life for it really to hit home. It focuses on how idolatry can separate you and God, and how in today's society, we've downgraded God from his true, exalted place. 

And that's it... for now! Stay tuned about once a month for what I'm reading.  What's your favorite books this Winter? Comment below!

*I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.*
 
Nov 21, 2015

Women of Faith

You know all the faith-based conferences that happen? Yeah, I've been dying to go to one for years. Finally, there was one close enough to me, AND one that didn't cost a fortune. Plus, I've heard nothing but great things from those that go. I went. I worshiped. I laughed. I cried... it was majestic.

Is it possible to feel sadness for something you've only experienced once, and find out it is ending? Because that's what's happenin', folks! This was their last tour. Twenty years of doing this, and this was it. BOOOOOO! They did mention that they were cooking up a different kind of events for next year, I can't wait to see what happens!

A few photos for you, but the photos don't tell the story, their words do! If this tour comes anywhere near you, go to it!







What conferences do you love?

Nov 16, 2015

Easy Peasy Fancy Cookin'


I found this recipe in a new Martha book, and since it's all about simplifying recipes (and minimal cleanup) I had to share this with y'all! It's delicious and Husband approved!





INGREDIENTS




  • 12 ounces linguine
  • 12 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 sprigs basil, plus torn leaves for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 4 1/2 cups water
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

DIRECTIONS




  1. Combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, red-pepper flakes, basil, oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and water in a large straight-sided skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil mixture, stirring and turning pasta frequently with tongs until pasta is al dente and water has nearly evaporated about 9 minutes.
  2. Season to taste with salt and pepper, divide among 4 bowls, and garnish with basil. Serve with oil and Parmesan.


SO easy but so delicious! I'm all about fewer dishes to wash! Do you have a great but easy dinner recipe? Tell me in the comments below! 
Nov 11, 2015

Today, of all days

2 Grandfathers, 2 Great Uncles, 5 Cousins, 2 brothers and my Husband all served their country during war time. It's not easy for the families to deal with, but the pride from their service is something to behold! Thank the Lord our God that they all came home safely.

 And don't forget to thank a veteran today for fighting for your freedom!


Nov 10, 2015

15 minutes to Parmesan Crusted Fish, Super Simple!



Y'all, when I say this fish recipe is delicious, I mean it's delicious enough to impress guests every.single.time! And it's so easy! A lot of folks don't like to cook fish at home because they think it's hard, or are afraid to mess it up somehow. But print this recipe out because it will become your go-to for fish, I promise!



I made a simple but delicious salad to go with our meal, - Lettuce, tomato, green onion, radish slices, croutons, flax seed, and roasted sunflower kernels. 






Parmesan Crusted Fish

Ingredients 
3/4 cup Bread Crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp. garlic powder
3 fish fillets, thawed,  I used Ocean Perch
2 eggs
Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 425degrees.  Mix bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Then whisk eggs in another shallow dish. Take the thawed fish and put in the egg wash, flip to coat both sides. Then drag the fish through the bread crumb mixture, making sure to coat all of the fish. If you'd like a double crusted fish, repeat process above again. If 1 coat is good, then throw fish in baking pan and bake for 15-20 minutes or until fish flakes off with fork.



I finished out the meal with some corn and wild rice, YUMM!!!

How do you cook fish? Comment below!
Nov 7, 2015

The one that brightened my day

 I'm so grateful for Charlene From Bisons to Buckeyes, for many reasons. She is my accountability partner, but I'm so happy that she can cut me a little slack because I haven't been up to speed on everything lately! And especially humbled and grateful because she nominated me for The Versatile Blogger Award!


Versatile Blogger Award

The rules for this are quite simple and are as follows:
  • Thank the person who nominated you.
  • Include a link to their blog(s).
  • Write seven facts about yourself.
  • Nominate fifteen bloggers to pass the award along to
So, I have to write seven facts about me. Hopefully, these are facts that I haven't posted before!

1. I like things clean, sometimes OCD kind of clean.
2. For the last year, I haven't colored my hair! And yes, I see a couple of gray hairs sticking out now and then, but that's okay.  Now, if it all goes gray in 2 years, I may have to revisit the non-coloring issue!
3. I have tons of dreams and goals, most of which will never happen, but I love to dream!
4. I love plants, but always manage to kill them, even an aloe plant. Yep, black thumb over here.
5.  Martinelli's Apple Juice in the little apple containers is a weakness of mine! I always have to stop myself from drinking more than one a day! 
6.  Man, these are getting harder! Um, let's see... I've always wanted curly hair, and I try my best to make it so, but my hair is stick straight and I just need to learn to live with it I guess! 
7.  Give me a wide open space, a beautiful sky, and a book and I'm happy as a clam!

Now, to nominate, I'll just do a few- 

Aimee from Stories + Moments
Jen from It's My Life
Amanda from His and Her Hobbies
Jess from Polished Arrow
Rebecca from Knit By God's Hand

Nov 6, 2015

5ers




I've never joined in on this 5 for Friday trend in blog-land, so I thought I'd give it a try! The gist is: you write 5 things that's going on in your life/week/month.

1   This week, I've sewn my little fingers off this week for new stock for the shop! You really need to check these super cute scarves out!


2  For the past couple of years, it's been freezing here in Illinois. Naturally, it was my first few official Winter seasons! But this year, it's still in the 70's! I am THRILLED that I can get out of the door without spending 20 minutes bundling up!

3   I'm loving shopping for homes! Realtor websites are my BFF's. We're undecided on the city, but I know it will be somewhere around the Chicagoland area. And I'm so excited! We've both rented our whole lives, so to have a home that we can add shelving or paint any color in the rainbow and not get penalized for it? YES, please!

4   Current Netflix binges: Gilmore Girls, (this is the second watching since Netflix put them on) and Monarch of the Glen, some, ahem the Mr., laugh at my British/Scottish TV shows, but I love them!


5   I get a niece date this week, 4 nieces to be exact. I'm over the moon about it! I can get my fill of all things pink and glittery and princess-ey and giggly! Ekk!



That's my 5! What are you up to this weekend? Comment below!



THE GOOD LIFE BLOG   Bright on a Budget
Nov 4, 2015

A little essential oil and migraines, coming right up!

Hey there! Today, I thought I'd catch up with you a little and join  Jenna and Anne for their Currently link up! 


cooking- Parmesan Encrusted Fish! That delish recipe will be on the blog next! 


 planning- All sorts of thangs, like meal planning, homemaking plans, trying to get on a more organized schedule so I can really knock out my classes for my theology degree! Plus getting our lunches ready for our PRIDE classes for the adoption! EKK!





 smelling- Not much! Migraines have been holding me ransom once a week for months now. And thankfully, the neurologist has started me on a medication to reduce the frequency of them. BUT, that is only part of the solution. I have to figure out what my triggers are, and the most common ones are strong smells, loud noises, hormone changes, and a weird sleeping schedule. So now, no more strong candles, only a couple drops of essential oils in my diffuser instead of 20, and just trying to be more conscious of things that could trigger one. 



appreciating- Migraine free days! This week's migraine lasted 3 days, so I'm so happy to be free of it today- which is why you're getting blog posts! I know, a rare occurrence, but hopefully the migraines will be what is the rare occurrence! I'm working on it, folks! 


anticipating- Welcoming our "Little" to the family! We still don't know anything, but just the thought of having a child makes me giddy! AND, of course, anticipating the holidays with our families! I can't wait to love on each and every one of them! 


And, if you'd like to help our Adoption Fund, and get yourself something pretty cool, check out my Etsy shop! These are great Christmas gifts, but will sell out fast! 


What are you up to these days? Comment below!

Oct 25, 2015

Sticky Days

Sometimes, life gets sticky. Not tragic, life altering problems... just the little hiccups that set you back a step and make you refocus your life.

No matter what sticky problems life throws at you, God is ALWAYS there. Even for the little problems.  For the, my-to-do-list-is-a-mile-long-and-I'm-running-on-fumes kind of problems. For the, Lord-what-in-the-world-is-going-on type of days.

And it feels like God is far from you, far from the little problems. The truth is, He's always right there!  Always.



I love this verse for those sticky problem days. 

What's your go-to verse for the sticky problem days?
Oct 14, 2015

Giant Lego Sculptures

I heard about the giant Lego statues before, but none of the tour places were near us. But, when they came to the Morton Arboretum, I couldn't wait to go see them!  I wasn't prepared for how incredibly awesome they are in real life!  I can't even describe them, just take a peek at the photos, they will wow you! Sit back and be AMAZED, we were!

















Have you ever been to this exhibit? Comment below!



Oct 12, 2015

I'll take a piece of Wisconsin, please and thank you!

Back in August, we traveled 8 hours to Northern Wisconsin for the annual fishing trip and it didn't disappoint. Much needed fresh air, beautiful trees, gorgeous lake, and even a bald eagle made an appearance! And, of course, Ginny had a ball, even if she was dog tired everyday... yes, I went there.

 Take a stroll through our photos...the many, many photos. You were warned!




















A photo posted by @theartsycajun on

Where is your go to place when you need a heavy dose of nature? Comment below!