Book Review | Tacolicious

Cookbooks are the perfect combination of goodness: excellent photography, pages filled with new tasty ideas to cook and of course reading the stories of the talented chefs. I enjoy cooking and find that when I take the time to prepare a meal, I'm able to relax and allow my mind to focus on chopping and stirring instead of my busy schedule.

As far as I know, I don't have Hispanic blood running through my veins, but fixing Mexican and Spanish cuisine is my food love language. Mexico was the first country that I traveled to and it's fiery personality has truly won me over. I was so excited to discover this fantastic cookbook, Tacolicious. In the first section of the book, the chefs and restaurant owners share their hearts behind their food, their adventurous journeys that led them to find unique dishes in Mexico and a peek inside their kitchens.

One of my favorite aspects of the way that the cookbook was written is it's ability to describe the reason behind the cooking methods. I love knowing that if you follow their detailed instructions, you should be able to recreate authentic Mexican dishes for your friends and family. And just so you know, there is so much more than tacos packed into the pages of this cookbook.

The cookbook also includes snacks, appetizers and delicious drinks. Reading it just makes me want to run to the nearest market, purchase some avocados and gorge myself on creamy guacamole. I cannot wait to throw a fiesta of  my own!!

                                                                                                        
*I received this book through my Blogging for Books membership but all opinions expressed are my own.  

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Nothing is Wasted
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For Your Reading Pleasure

Nothing is Wasted

I love how God designed the Bible to meet us right where we are. His words are active, alive and appropriate for any time period. I'm a bit behind in the 1st and 2nd Peter study but I don't mind because sometimes I need time to sit with what the Lord is showing me before I just jump into the next study. 

I refer to Drew and I's time living in China frequently but I know that I'm still processing what we learned there. I think that I will be gleaning what the Lord did in our hearts for years to come. When we were debating whether or not to move back to America, we shared our torn hearts with our directors. I will never forget sitting in their car, about to head into the office, tears streaming down my face and the director's wife sharing this truth with me. She simply said, "Nothing is wasted with the Lord". Tears continued to flow as I realized the truth behind what she was saying to me. Even when your life feels like it's in a tailspin, the Lord will use it. Even when you don't feel His presence, the Lord will use it. Even when your joy has been taken from you, the Lord will use it. Because the Lord is gracious and compassionate, he desires to draw us into himself, even when we try to push him away. 

I love that the Lord desires to use our weaknesses and shapes them into strengths. He makes the impossible seem possible because Jesus lived that way himself. Fully God and fully man. When I have felt the most confused, frustrated and lost, that is when I have encountered the Lord's provision, peace and purpose for my life. He longs to meet us in those places and use them to show us that he was there all along and He is in control. I had to choose to let him in though and now I am able to look and see that it's so true: Nothing is wasted in God's economy.

                                                                                                      

*Looking for challenging and encouraging plans to study the Bible? Check out shereadstruth.com 

Pinspiration

You made it through another week! Enjoy looking at these beautiful ideas and I hope that they inspire you to create something new for your home, cook something tasty for your friends and family and find a new idea for your wardrobe!

Favorite Craft: DIY Wall Art

Photo Credit: donnaray.com

Favorite Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin, Feta and Quinoa Salad

Favorite Quote: "Choose to Be Content"

Photo Credit: girlmeetsglam.com

Favorite Outfit: Pink and Bling

Favorite Piece of Art: Citrus Floral Art Print by Rifle Paper Company

I hope that you have a fantastic weekend! Bring on the Fall weather, gorgeous changing leaves, apple cider and snuggly blankets!
                                                                                                   

10 Reasons to Shop Homemade for Christmas

I don't know about you but I cannot believe that it's the end of October! I adore this Fall season and cannot wait to celebrate the holidays at home this year! Personally, I don't love that so many stores are rushing to put Christmas items out before we've even celebrated my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. That being said, I have a huge heart for small businesses and their owners and it's my goal this year to try and shop homemade or create my Christmas gifts this year. Here are ten reasons why I think everyone should shop homemade for Christmas.

1. Uniqueness | Who doesn't love receiving a gift that you know you won't see in everyone else's home, in every store you enter or all over Pinterest? It always makes me feel special as the gift giver when I know I've found an item that is perfectly suited for the person I'm shopping for.

2. Affordability | I often find that I'm able to stretch my money further when I purchase homemade items. There are times when homemade items can cost more due to the time that is put into making an item, but for the most part, I've found that that gifts I purchase are budget friendly.

3. Convenience | I've told y'all before that I'm a shopper and I love the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season but there are times when I enjoy browsing through Etsy and I do appreciate knowing that my gifts can either be shipped to the person I'm shopping for or delivered right to my doorstep. 

4. Impact | Many of the shops where I purchase homemade items are run by owners who are selling their lovingly made treasures in their spare time or for a second job. Wouldn't it be a blessing to them if we were able to support these creative geniuses during the holidays? There are also many non profits and organizations who sell items by artisans from around the world. Your gift can bless the artist, their families the work of the staff running the organization, as well as the person receiving the gift. One of my favorite organizations is the Refugee Sewing Society, visit their shop here.

5. Quality | I can't speak for every person's shop who creates homemade items, but from personal experience, the handmade items that I've purchased usually last longer and are more durable than items purchased from a large chain store. 

6. Meaning | Often a story can accompany an item along with information about the person who made it or the organization who is selling the item for the artist. I love a good story and desire to have my belongings hold meaning.

7. Exposure | If you fall in love with an item that you purchased, aren't you more inclined to tell instagram all of your friends about it? What a great way to share your favorite shop with your family and friends this year!

8. Custom Made | Don't you just hate it when you find a gift but it only comes in orange and it just so happens that it's the color your friend despises? Maybe that doesn't happen to everyone but when it happens to me, I sure am thankful that I can ask the owner of my favorite shop to create an item that is simply perfect. 

9. Generosity | I firmly believe that as believers we are called to be generous and giving people. When we support other believers, we are able to sow back into the kingdom. I love Target but I would rather choose to spend my money in a responsible way. I also love gifting the shop owner with the ability to continue to be creative and use the artistic gifts they have been given to bless others. 

10. Loveliness | If all of the above reasons haven't stirred the inner shopper inside you, then surely the overall cuteness factor of handmade items should win you over. 

Shopping homemade just makes me giddy with excitement about this upcoming holiday season. I plan on sharing my favorite places to shop handmade with you soon!

                                                                                                     
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34 Magnolia Street Feature and a Fantastic Florida Weekend

Good Morning Friends!

Drew and I had a fabulous family filled weekend down in Florida. I feel like the ocean has a way of recharging my soul and I still feel like my mind is stuck in the sand this morning. I grew up living just a few minutes away from Ponte Vedra Beach in Jacksonville and while Atlanta now feels like home, I'm a beach girl at heart. My beautiful sister flew in for the event and I cherish any amount of time that I get to spend with her.Our mom joined us for a day at the beach before the wedding and we had the best time soaking up some sun together. We celebrated the wedding of my precious cousin and I am so excited for her and her new husband as they start their lives together.

My new friend Lauren, the lovely lady behind 34 Magnolia Street , featured me in an introduction post this weekend and I would love to share it with y'all! I have enjoyed getting to know Lauren and I am so thankful to meet blogging friends who can encourage and inspire me in this writing journey! Head on over to her blog and spend a few minutes getting to know me a bit better!
                                                                                       

She Prospers Photography: Bridal Portraits

Earlier this Summer, I spent a wonderful day with my precious friend Jessi. She had an amazing surprise in store for her husband. Her plan was to get back into her wedding dress and take pictures for her upcoming five year wedding anniversary. We spent the day visiting sunflower fields, luscious green meadows and wound up ending our adventure in a river. Jessi was such a trooper in the heat and we had a ball getting creative with accessories!

 I just get giddy when I am able to capture sweet memories for dear friends and this photoshoot brought me so much joy. Below are a few of my favorites from our day. Jessi and Luke, I am so thankful for your hearts for the nations, your love for one another, your desire to be a light for Jesus in your community and your unwavering friendship to Drew and I. I hope that year five is full of blessings for you both and I hope that you have a marvelous time celebrating your anniversary!

*Live in the Atlanta area? I'm offering a great price for family sessions, perfect for holiday cards!

Vist my photography website and I would love to schedule an appointment with you!

                                                                                      

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Pinspiration

Every so often, I go back and look through my recent pins on Pinterest and pull inspiration from my boards. I love using Pinterest as a resource for great ideas and then putting my own creative spin on them. I would love to be able to create beautiful things all day everyday, but for now a lazy Saturday afternoon will have to do.  Here are a few of my favorite things right now!

Favorite Craft: DIY Pallet Map

Favorite Recipe: Spicy Quinoa Crusted Chicken

Favorite Quote: "Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti"

Favorite Outfit: Stripes and Sparkles

Favorite Piece of Art: Pink and Gold Canvas

What are a few of your favorite crafting ideas? The recipe that your dying to make? I'd love to hear it!
                                                                                                

The Refugee Sewing Society

I am a true believer that the Lord allows us to see glimpses into his plan for our lives. A few months before Drew and I moved back from China, we were struggling with the thought of leaving and returning back to the States. But the Lord made it clear to us that our time was ending and that he had other plans for us back in Georgia. At that time, we had no idea what those plans were or what we would be returning back to do. We just felt lost. But during that time I had a few dreams, where I was surrounded by women from different parts of the world and we were completing simple tasks and chatting. It was a tiny glimpse at best. 

In the months that followed, the Lord provided me with a few part jobs that I was so grateful for. We were still unclear about what we were supposed to do and why we were back in America, but we continued to trust that He would provide. Before we moved to China, we had visited a small town just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, called Clarkston. Some very dear friends of ours had moved there and we were excited to see them and visit this unique place once again. Inside this square mile town, over fifty languages are spoken at the local high school, people from all over the world are coexisting and essentially starting their lives over. All of these people have one thing in common, they are refugees. Many of them have lived for years in camps after having fled their homelands due to war or the threat of genocide. They are then brought to America and dispersed into a few different towns, Clarkston being one of them. Essentially the Lord has brought the nations to us. 

Our hearts have been moved deeply over these visits and we began connecting with various people and organizations whose desire is to serve the refugees. One of these organizations is called Friends of Refugees, which offers programs like mommy and me classes, after school tutoring, summer camp, job training, food and clothing distribution and hosts a community garden. Additionally under their umbrella of programs is the Refugee Sewing Society; a volunteer group of women meet weekly with refugee women who knit, sew, crochet, weave and bead to create beautiful handmade items. The sale of these items generates income the refugee women use to feed and clothe their families. The staff's desire is to share the love of Jesus with these precious women while creating a sustainable business. 

My heart immediately began to get excited when I heard about this program and these women. Here's where the story gets real good. I had been making crafts with the women we were serving in China and was hoping to be able to get involved with something similar in the States. I knew that my photography could be used to benefit these women and their story. I had run my own Etsy store a few years ago and knew that I could run another one. I had just taught myself how to design a website for my photography business. And there was now an opening within the Refugee Sewing Society for someone to take pictures of their product, run their Etsy shop, redesign their website and teach one of their jewelry classes. The glimpse that the Lord gave me back in China to work alongside women from all over the world became an opportunity for me to now serve these precious refugees.

The Lord is so good to us. Even in the midst of the confusion, he provided me with a thread of hope to hold onto. He knows what we need and his timing is perfect. He can see what the future holds and asks us to seek him for the next step. I would invite you dear friends to visit the Refugee Sewing Society's website to find out more about the women who I love, their Etsy shop  and follow their new Instagram account to support them. I would love to hear a story that you have of the Lord's faithfulness in your life and if you are in a place where the end of the story is still unclear, cling to Him. He is waiting with open arms to provide you with everything that you need. Thank you so much for reading this story; I've created a free printable just for you! Click on the image below to download it. 

                                                                                                       

Shop Til' You Drop & A Stitch Fix Giveaway

Confession. I am a shopper. Whether it's casual window shopping where I allow myself to dream of possibilities, shopping after holiday sales (I'm not a black Friday shopper though, I just can't handle the crowds), or scoring an item that's been marked down, I'm game. I even secretly like grocery shopping. I know, I'm weird. I inherited this lovely little gene from my mother. She loves a good sale and there has only been a handful of times where I remember her purchasing items not on sale. I'm so thankful that growing up she taught me to find multiple items that I like on sale instead of paying full price for just one. The fun automatically escalates to the next level when my sister is thrown into the mix. She's got fabulous style and I love watching her pick out items because her choices are usually bolder than mine. But I love that even with our three different styles, we can appreciate the uniqueness of our tastes. When we were little, we would usually go on two big shopping trips a year and literally every time it was a shop til you drop experience. A marathon if you will, but I have some fantastic memories (along with a few dressing room meltdowns) of sweet times with my two favorite ladies. The best part of the day was always bringing everything home and telling my ever so patient father about the good deals we saw and trying on our new outfits.

I do love shopping but I also know that I don't want to live with a bunch of "stuff". I want to be aware of what I have, wear things that I like and not become a hoarder. Another lesson my mother taught me was for every new item of clothing that I purchase, to give away a few things that I'm not wearing. That way, I will know what is in my closet, I can enjoy my favorites and have the opportunity to give to those who are in need.

There are people out there though, who don't love shopping. The crowds, having to try on outfits, walking around the mall, finding a place to park, the list goes on and on. I get it too, as much as I love going shopping, there are times where I just know what size I need from a specific store and I'll buy it online. There are times when I don't feel like there is anything to wear in my closet and I feel like I know how to put an outfit together (cue my Inspiration board on Pinterest). And then I found out about Stitch Fix.

StitchFix is an online personal styling service, designed to make shopping convenient and easier for you. You fill out a detailed style profile, link up your Pinterest boards and your stylist will mail you 5 items of clothing she thinks you will love! You get to try on the clothing in your own home at your convenience, decide what you'd like to keep, and mail back anything you don't want in a pre-paid shipping bag! It's pretty fun, to tell you the truth.

 And finally, to the fun part! These 6 lovely ladies and I are giving away $75 in StitchFix credit to one of you lucky winners!

If you'd like to read more about the company, you can do so here.

34 Magnolia Street  ||  Heavens to Betsy  ||  Mandy Living Life  ||  Caravan Sonnet

Elizabeth Loves  ||  She Prospers  ||  Wetherills Say I Do

This giveaway is brought to you by the sweet bloggers above, and is open only to US Residents, in order to be consistent with StitchFix's shipping capabilities. The giveaway will remain open from October 10th at 7am through Oct 17th at midnight. Now go, enter away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fall is in the Air

 (Photo credit: Pinterest)

There's something that you must know about me, I'm a huge Anne of Green Gables fan. I remember curling up with a blanket and devouring Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic series about a fiery red headed young woman, with a tenacity that I envied.  The biggest thing that Anne (with an e) and I have in common is a love of reading. I look forward to getting to the place in a book where I don't want to put it down. As much as I love reading, I also love Fall....a lot. Last year, when we were living in China, we didn't have a Fall season. It went quickly from sticky, blazing humidity right on past my favorite season and into chilly weather. We lived in a semi tropical area and so the leaves stayed green year round. I missed Fall terribly, so this year I am not taking for granted one minute of this change in the weather at all. 

I'm soaking up wearing sweaters, breaking out my faithful moccasins, drinking hot steaming cups of apple and cinnamon tea and I'm on the lookout for a new pair of boots. But beyond the gloriousness of the falling leaves, pumpkins appearing on front porches and the nip in the air, the Lord is showing me something far more beautiful. Fall is a season of things preparing for a harsher time of year. The falling leaves are actually dying and yet there is so much beauty in their demise.There can be such beauty found in dying to ourselves as well and no one knows that better than our Jesus. He's shown me this truth before through lessons that are sometimes painful due to my own disobedience, but he's choosing to show me now in the loveliness of this season that I love the most. I'm so thankful that Jesus is tender with our hearts. That he is patient and willing to wait for us to realize that what we actually need the most is him. And so like Anne, "I'm so glad we live in a world where there are Octobers".  

                                                                                                 

Final Week of the Whole 30 Challenge

Yeah!!! I am so thankful that I chose to spend 30 intentional days in a positive and healthy way! I would recommend this challenge to anyone who desires to push the reset button on their health. Here are a few helpful hints and things that I learned throughout the challenge.

//It's All About the Process //

• Be patient. It takes time for cravings to go away as sugar exits your system and it takes time to see and feel results. Try not to get frustrated in the beginning and focus on the end goal you have in mind.
• I learned so much just through reading labels and educating myself about items that have hidden sugar in them.
• My mindset has changed in the way that I view food, I want to be healthy but will make exceptions when I crave something vs. I don't want to put junk in my body because I care about my body.
• I want to honor the Lord with the foods that I eat and the ways that I choose to take care of myself.

//It's a Lesson in Self-Control//

• I realized that part of the problem to me not seeing certain health goals is because I wasn't as consistent as I intended to be.
• I surprised myself with my ability to say no to cake at birthday parties, wine with a good meal and ice cream on a hot Summer day and it's all because I chose to prioritize my health above my cravings. 
• I have learned that I sometimes use food to soothe my emotional needs and that it's not the way to deal with the bigger issues.

//Healthy Benefits//

• I have more energy and more motivation to keep making healthy choices for my husband and I.
• Losing weight wasn't my goal and I'm not gonna lie, it was an added bonus to the challenge but not the purpose.
• My stomach has not gotten upset with any of the meals that I cooked this month. Victory!
• My fibromyalgia symptoms have lessened and I am hoping that my body will continue to heal as I continue to feed it real foods.

//Helpful Hints//

• Read your labels! There are so many items in stores that say they are all natural and organic but still have sugar in them. (Especially dried fruits & almond/coconut milk)
• Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time. This will save you from giving into temptations as you are out and about and will help to keep you full. Here are some of my favorite snacks and resources.
• Create a support team around you to help encourage you when you face a temptation or are feeling stuck. My husband did a fantastic job of this and even discovered that he liked most of the recipes as well. 
• Before  you begin, take your biggest weaknesses out of your fridge and pantry and don't buy more of them. 
• When you go to the store, try to only shop in the outside aisles (unless of course you need spices or toilet paper ha ha). This was a hard one for me but I had to tell myself not to even go in the natural food sections and just stay in the produce and meat aisles because I was tempted to purchase gluten free or Paleo snacks that are not allowed.
• Try not to feel guilty about eating at your friend's houses and just eating what you are able to. Offer to bring a dish with you so that you know that you'll be able to eat it. 
• Celebrate your victories along the way!

I am so thankful that I completed this challenge and I will definitely be doing another one in a few months. Interested in joining me? I'm considering creating weekly meal plans for the challenge as well as support through the process. Have you already completed the Whole 30 and have some great recipes? I am always on the lookout for new things to try in the kitchen! Here's to making good choices friends!

                                                                                                

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Stella & Dot

The summer before Drew and I were married, I went to my yearly "lady doctor" appointment. Everything was going as awkwardly great as these appointments tend to go until my doctor was performing my breast exam. I had mentioned to her that one of my armpits had been tender and then she found a small lump in my left armpit. I tried to stay calm and not completely freak out as she told me that she was concerned and was going to schedule a mammogram later that afternoon. As I left the doctors office and tried to breathe normally, my mind spin with the worst case scenario. In a matter of a few minutes my wedding planning concerns evaporated and I sat stunned for a few minutes in my car before calling Drew and sharing the news with him. Later that afternoon, a technician told me that the lump my doctor found wasn't a cyst and I thanked the Lord that it wasn't cancer.

Even though I was spared, this sickness has spread it's poison throughout my family and friends. My mom's mother, my precious Maw Maw, has survived (praise God!) skin, breast and colon cancer. A dear college friend's mother was taken far too quickly from breast cancer. Drew's best friend passing away so young from leukemia. Another dear friend is currently battling multiple types of cancer at once. It's becoming such common news that I'm sure everyone either has had a family member, a friend, an acquaintance or someone who has fought some type of cancer. My initial reaction to hearing this news usually involves wishing that somehow I could somehow make the cancer go away.

Sometimes in the midst of walking alongside someone fighting, the idea of someone curing cancer seems impossible, but people are in remission and my prayer is that finding a cure will happen soon. Breast cancer research is a cause near and dear to my heart. Beyond praying for healing, bringing meals and serving the families who are battling cancer, there is another way we can help.

 The incredible jewelry company Stella and Dot has recognized the need for awareness and has provided a way to fund cancer research. For the month of October, if you purchase the "inspire" or  "strength" bracelets, 100% of the profit will benefit the Noreen Fraser Foundation,  a non profit supporting research for women's cancers. I'm hosting an online truck show this month to show my support. Find out more and share the word with a few friends. Will you join me this month in supporting cancer research?