Matt and I have to force ourselves to take a sabbath once a week. This is really trying, as I could work and work and work (who's with me?!). I also find my work to be fun (gasp!), so I could just keep goin' and goin'. Today has been a day of rejuvenation and doing whatever I want, or even nothing at all...just because I can. I tend to think that we overwork ourselves here in America and I am certainly no exception. I need some margin in my life and today has been a breath of fresh air. I went stumbling today, and multiple times this past week and dug up some sites that have been especially influencial to me...
Fall is about to tumble over into winter, and the food reflecting these changes is simply delightful.
This site features not only beautiful photography, but also some divine recipe ideas that are relevant to the season *my new favorite*
I plan on making these as a healthy dessert when the cravings hit next!
Surprising my hubby for breakfast one morning: Spinach Cake
Totally agree with this.
Good tips for the holidays: How to Eat Less Without Noticing
Successfully made recipe!
Great motivation!
Great gift ideas for your foodie friends.
Always wanted something like this...
Learned so much this week. Enjoy your weekend and take a much needed rest by enjoying some of your favorite reads, foods, people, and places. :)
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Renewed Vigor in Purpose and Passion
I have been away at a training course in Orlando, FL as my husband and I prepare to transport our whole lives to Cameroon, Africa. It will be about two years before we get there, which is giving us a LOT of time to learn to trust in God and his provision. However, we are OFFICIALLY missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators supporting bible translations for minority languages through the arts, theatre, and music. If you don't already know what we are up to in this side of things visit www.gentlerevolutions.org to keep updated with us on that side of things! Here are just a few pictures of the beautiful Wycliffe:
Isn't this gorgeous? Phillip Shipley, a fellow missionary, took these amazing photos. If I had any fears about not having family oversees, this trip reassured me that God always provides abundantly for our needs-and that includes providing family overseas. I can honestly say that the 43 missionaries, young and old, that I met are now some of my great friends and new family. I have never felt happier, more at peace, and full of purpose for the kingdom of God than I do now.
Another part of life that makes me really excited is cooking and walking with my husband. The most joyous moments in life happen when we are creating fun, healthy meals together in the kitchen. We have gotten in this habit of trying to get at least 10,000 steps a day. Much of our work with Wycliffe right now involves sitting in a chair in front of the computer, so this is actually pretty hard to achieve sometimes. But we were doing really great and I figured with the holidays just around the corner, bumping the step requirement up to 12,000 would be a fun and much needed challenge-with all the festivities upon us! This has forced us to take long walks in the morning and evenings in addition to our work outs and it is beneficial for so many reasons. It allows us to unwind together, to meditate in the midst of nature, to have intimate discussion and talk over what is running through our minds day in and day out. As a result, we are communicating really well and have down time together that keeps us sane when our work load seems overwhelming. How do we keep track of steps? This little baby: my beloved fitbit.
So I have a challenge for you: get in BETTER shape this month and in December. Instead of trying to stay the same throughout all the holiday cheer, make it a point to progress! Don't forget to have a treat every once and a while, but find new joy in healthfulness, in both diet and exercise! Here's to the beginning of a great holiday season!
Isn't this gorgeous? Phillip Shipley, a fellow missionary, took these amazing photos. If I had any fears about not having family oversees, this trip reassured me that God always provides abundantly for our needs-and that includes providing family overseas. I can honestly say that the 43 missionaries, young and old, that I met are now some of my great friends and new family. I have never felt happier, more at peace, and full of purpose for the kingdom of God than I do now.
Another part of life that makes me really excited is cooking and walking with my husband. The most joyous moments in life happen when we are creating fun, healthy meals together in the kitchen. We have gotten in this habit of trying to get at least 10,000 steps a day. Much of our work with Wycliffe right now involves sitting in a chair in front of the computer, so this is actually pretty hard to achieve sometimes. But we were doing really great and I figured with the holidays just around the corner, bumping the step requirement up to 12,000 would be a fun and much needed challenge-with all the festivities upon us! This has forced us to take long walks in the morning and evenings in addition to our work outs and it is beneficial for so many reasons. It allows us to unwind together, to meditate in the midst of nature, to have intimate discussion and talk over what is running through our minds day in and day out. As a result, we are communicating really well and have down time together that keeps us sane when our work load seems overwhelming. How do we keep track of steps? This little baby: my beloved fitbit.
So I have a challenge for you: get in BETTER shape this month and in December. Instead of trying to stay the same throughout all the holiday cheer, make it a point to progress! Don't forget to have a treat every once and a while, but find new joy in healthfulness, in both diet and exercise! Here's to the beginning of a great holiday season!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Harvest Cake with Vanilla Cream
I. love. food. blogs.
I receive so much satisfaction from my daily blog browsing. How do I find these awesome blogs? Stumbleupon.com is AWESOME. It knows me better than I know myself. :) Anyway, I came across this amazing harvest cake, and much to my surprise, it is grain-free, dairy-free, and extremely low in sugar. The only sugar in the cake is about 1/4 cup of honey and some natural sugars from apples and such. You even get some veggies in and the end product is a dense, but moist cake perfect for the fall and winter seasons.
I try only to have dessert once a week, but I could hardly call this an indulgence-though it tastes as good as any dessert I've ever had. Not too sweet, and very filling, this beautiful cake convinced me that nice ingredients are worth the investment for an amazing cake. Make this with a cup of coffee and it will give you a lovely post dinner treat (though there is no need for guilt with this cake).
Harvest Cake (Makes 1-9inch cake, to make a layered cake like pictured above double the recipe)
Vanilla Cream (makes almost 2 cups)
Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days or in the fridge for 1 week.
Thank you roostblog.com for your beautiful recipes and this lovely cake!
Enjoy!
I receive so much satisfaction from my daily blog browsing. How do I find these awesome blogs? Stumbleupon.com is AWESOME. It knows me better than I know myself. :) Anyway, I came across this amazing harvest cake, and much to my surprise, it is grain-free, dairy-free, and extremely low in sugar. The only sugar in the cake is about 1/4 cup of honey and some natural sugars from apples and such. You even get some veggies in and the end product is a dense, but moist cake perfect for the fall and winter seasons.
I try only to have dessert once a week, but I could hardly call this an indulgence-though it tastes as good as any dessert I've ever had. Not too sweet, and very filling, this beautiful cake convinced me that nice ingredients are worth the investment for an amazing cake. Make this with a cup of coffee and it will give you a lovely post dinner treat (though there is no need for guilt with this cake).
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| Photo from roostblog.com |
Harvest Cake (Makes 1-9inch cake, to make a layered cake like pictured above double the recipe)
- 3 cups almond flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup ghee (or oil of your choice) if you use ghee make sure it is melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1 cup chopped apple
Vanilla Cream (makes almost 2 cups)
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for three hours, water discarded
- 1/2 cup fresh apple juice
- 2 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 TBS honey
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped and pod discarded
Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days or in the fridge for 1 week.
Thank you roostblog.com for your beautiful recipes and this lovely cake!
Enjoy!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Coffee Talks: Discussing Diets
Join my husband and me on Tuesday at 2pm Eastern Time. We will be discussing diets, what to eat, what to avoid, among many other things. Though these topics are not always black and white, life experience and lots of reading in this area of understanding have led us to develop our own conclusions about food, fitness, and life wellness. We would love to answer your burning health, diet, and exercise questions, though I don't guarantee that we will know everything. Regardless, we will certainly help you find answers. Join us on Tuesday!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Coffee Talks Video Series
Hello everyone! I am starting a video series called "coffee talks" that I will post a link to on this blog. I plan to do at least one a week, more or less. These will be short videos on a topic of health of my choosing. I would also love to take requests. Essentially, these are live events and you can join in and ask your own question live via video or through the chat. So feel free to join me live whenever you see that I am having a live event. I will post via facebook, twitter, and on this blog ahead of time so that everyone knows! The first episode was on socializing and eating healthy... Feel free to comment, request topic ideas, etc. Enjoy!
Here is the first "coffee talk" episode:
Here is the first "coffee talk" episode:
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Weekly Chore Schedule
I have recently become enamored with the idea of being a homemaker. I love reading blogs and deeply admire and respect women who maintain their homes well, live "green", and promote community and good family values. As newlyweds, Matt and I realize more and more how different life is from college. Hard work really does pay off, and that means IN the home, too!
Based on blogs and advice I have received, I now have a weekly chore schedule so that the work doesn't pile up. I know that my husband feels more loved and respected when he can come home to a clean house. Bible scriptures teach women to be hardworking and to maintain their homes and family and I am excited about getting better about this. God is teaching me so much about becoming a Godly wife and while a clean house and daily chores don't make me more or less acceptable, I feel better knowing that I am honoring God and my husband by working hard in and out of the home. In addition, I have begun to gather that being a follower of Jesus means taking care of the planet, conserving, and being aware of the needs in the world. There are people all over the world without food and clean drinking water, much less appliances that make our everyday life so privelaged. I thank God for the many blessings he has given me and will continue to blog about living frugally, green, and in a way that glorifies the God of the universe.
The following chore schedule can be adjusted depending on if you have children (who can help out), your schedule, etc. Every day usually has a major chore and a minor chore to accompany:
Monday- Laundry day! I try to conserve and batch my time by only doing laundry one day a week. Many will need to do it throughout the week, but with us we only need to do it once. This includes sheets and pillow cases. Every fourth Monday I include the comforters, quilts, etc. Any clothing repair or folding that needs to be done gets done on this day.
I also do a quick kitchen wipedown for fingerprints and crumbs, as well as inspecting the fridge for things that need to be thrown out!
Tuesday- This is the day to mop the floors and vaccuum in the whole place. Again, we have small living quarters and no pets so we don't need to do this very much. High traffic areas need vacuuming more often during the week!
Also, do a 15 minute pick up of clutter and wipedown of the house!
Wednesday- This is errand day! This would include grocery shopping and any small things that need to be done out of the home.
The minor chore is to clean out the care and the entryways of the house.
Thursday- Deep clean of the bathroom. Wiping down the bathrooms daily will reduce the work that needs to be done on deep clean day.
Friday- Deep clean kitchen day. Again, it will be easier if you do a daily wipedown on the counters and sink, etc.
The minor chore is dusting the house.
Saturday- project day; any home maintenance projects or things that need to be done; Usually this is family and friends day, however!
Sunday- Plan for the week ahead. This may include meal planning, pre-cooking meals for busy days ahead, scheduling, etc. I also like to grocery shop on Sundays instead of on errand day, but that can vary from person to person.
Every day- kitchen and bathroom wipedown and sweeping, set the timer for 10 minutes and pick up clutter or misplaced items.
Based on blogs and advice I have received, I now have a weekly chore schedule so that the work doesn't pile up. I know that my husband feels more loved and respected when he can come home to a clean house. Bible scriptures teach women to be hardworking and to maintain their homes and family and I am excited about getting better about this. God is teaching me so much about becoming a Godly wife and while a clean house and daily chores don't make me more or less acceptable, I feel better knowing that I am honoring God and my husband by working hard in and out of the home. In addition, I have begun to gather that being a follower of Jesus means taking care of the planet, conserving, and being aware of the needs in the world. There are people all over the world without food and clean drinking water, much less appliances that make our everyday life so privelaged. I thank God for the many blessings he has given me and will continue to blog about living frugally, green, and in a way that glorifies the God of the universe.
 |
| Printable Chore Schedule |
The following chore schedule can be adjusted depending on if you have children (who can help out), your schedule, etc. Every day usually has a major chore and a minor chore to accompany:
Monday- Laundry day! I try to conserve and batch my time by only doing laundry one day a week. Many will need to do it throughout the week, but with us we only need to do it once. This includes sheets and pillow cases. Every fourth Monday I include the comforters, quilts, etc. Any clothing repair or folding that needs to be done gets done on this day.
I also do a quick kitchen wipedown for fingerprints and crumbs, as well as inspecting the fridge for things that need to be thrown out!
Tuesday- This is the day to mop the floors and vaccuum in the whole place. Again, we have small living quarters and no pets so we don't need to do this very much. High traffic areas need vacuuming more often during the week!
Also, do a 15 minute pick up of clutter and wipedown of the house!
Wednesday- This is errand day! This would include grocery shopping and any small things that need to be done out of the home.
The minor chore is to clean out the care and the entryways of the house.
Thursday- Deep clean of the bathroom. Wiping down the bathrooms daily will reduce the work that needs to be done on deep clean day.
Friday- Deep clean kitchen day. Again, it will be easier if you do a daily wipedown on the counters and sink, etc.
The minor chore is dusting the house.
Saturday- project day; any home maintenance projects or things that need to be done; Usually this is family and friends day, however!
Sunday- Plan for the week ahead. This may include meal planning, pre-cooking meals for busy days ahead, scheduling, etc. I also like to grocery shop on Sundays instead of on errand day, but that can vary from person to person.
Every day- kitchen and bathroom wipedown and sweeping, set the timer for 10 minutes and pick up clutter or misplaced items.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The California
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The California
Ingredients:
2 slices Ezekiel bread
1 (or two if you want more) egg
bean sprouts (about 1/4 cup)
your fav. salsa
cheese
avocado
Toast your bread and fry up an egg to your desired personal taste. When the egg is pretty close to done, put a slice of cheese on top. Put one piece of toast on the plate and place the avocado on the toast. Put the egg/cheese on top of the avocado (stacking), and lastly add sprouts on top. The extra piece of toast is just for yummy fun! Add a dab of your favorite salsa on the plate for dipping and keep a few slices of avocado on the side. Enjoy!
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