She Prospers

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".

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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?

When Technology Takes Over: Fighting for Balance

Drew and I recently went out on a date and were having a lovely evening. After we had ordered I glanced across the room. Nearly every single person in the restaurant was looking at their phones, instead of the person they were sharing a meal with. I looked at Drew and we talked about how we never wanted to follow suit.

Let's be honest, just for a minute or two. How much time do you spend on some kind of electronic device? Phone, TV, laptop, a Netflix account, Pinterest, the list can go on and on. I'll be honest, if I'm bored, I'm on my ~~phone~~ Instagram account. My bible study (which I love dearly), is on my laptop and is also accessible through my phone. As a photographer, editing pictures and marketing them wisely online is an essential part of my job. As a blogger, if I didn't have internet access, a computer and my phone to help take pictures, I wouldn't be able to write these lovely posts. So much of my daily work schedule revolves around the internet in some shape or form. All of these devices and tools are super and within the context of using them in a healthy way can do wonders and a whole lot of good. But I wonder if they are also harming the way we communicate, the way we interact with friends and the way future generations will experience the world. If there is not a balance, then the question that I'm left with is this: has technology taken over?

I sat at my computer overwhelmed earlier last week with feelings of inadequacy, wondering if what I was producing through my camera lens and words on my blog would truly matter. I felt this way after perusing fellow bloggers sites with like-minded passions and then spent time reflecting on why I was feeling so insecure. I think that there is something that everyone could agree on: we all want to be known and be heard. I believe that the Lord placed this desire within us to actually draw us back to himself. He is truly the only one who can fill the void and bring our hearts back to the truth that He is all that we need. Sadly I think that many of us can say that we fill this void with social media likes and comments and often find our self worth there. I don't think that's what the Lord intended and I'm so thankful that it's not.

My heart's desire is to build community with other women, for someone to stumble upon a picture and feel inspired, to create a healthy recipe for their family and to be encouraged to seek Jesus. That's what I feel led to do through this creative space but I never want it to take away from time that I could be making a memory with my husband, taking my little pups to the park, grabbing a cup of tea with a friend, creating something original and not just a Pinterest replica or (dare I say it) sitting in stillness for a bit. It's almost like there is always a void to be filled these days and I never want it to consume me. I don't want to waste time and knowingly allow technology to become an idol in my life. I want to fight for moments of simplicity and have technology free days as part of the norm in our life. But I also would never want anyone to feel the inadequate by reading my blog or looking at my photographs, I truly want to encourage and not discourage. I am just as guilty of indulging too often in what technology has to offer, but I want to use my influence wisely and choose to be more balanced. Do anyone ever feel the same? What boundaries do you take to protect your heart against technology taking over?

Whole 30 Favorite Snacks & Recipes

The Whole 30 Challenge is most definitely not for wimps. It is something that I realized day one and hasn't changed the entire time. Ironically I think I felt cravings more towards the end of the challenge than at the beginning but thankfully I never felt unsatisfied with the meals that I made. I love trying new things in the kitchen and discovered that I am a fan of brussel sprouts and poached eggs. I will say that preparing snacks and a weekly meal plan with options to choose from allowed me to stay focused and on track. Need a few new ideas to keep you full between meals? Looking for great, reliable resources? I've got you covered! Happy Snacking!

//Monkey Salad//

(great for snacks (use dried banana chips) and breakfast on the go!)

(photo credit: goodcheapeats.com)

//Apples or Bananas with Almond Butter//

(MaraNatha is my personal favorite)

//Ham and Egg Cups//

(Sprinkle salt and pepper on the top and your good to go!)

//Ham, Turkey or Roast Beef Roll-ups//

( I liked avocado and tomatoes with the meat)

(photo credit: nomnompaleo.com)

//Cinnamon Nutmeg Banana "IceCream"//

(photo credit: todaysletters.com)

//Smoothies//

(technically this you are not supposed to make smoothies but I made them due to my schedule and made sure that all of the ingredients were Whole 30 approved.

This Coco-Berry Superfood's one was is a personal favorite)

(photo credit: soletshangout.com)

//Larabars//

(Amazing little bars packed with flavor and goodness, not all of them are Whole 30 approved so read your labels! My favorites are Pecan Pie, Coconut Pie, Key Lime Pie and Cashew Cookie.)

//La Croix//

(These sparkling waters were perfect for gatherings! I could have yummy drink to sip on and not feel left out. Favorite flavors: Cherry Lime, Peach Pear, Lime, Cran Raspberry and Berry)

//Favorite Resources//

whole30.com

againstallgrain.com

thefoodee.com

nomnompaleo.com

duplooyduo.wordpress.com

multiplydelicious.com

Weekend Update: Monday People

Happy Monday! I'm not sure if your a Monday person or not but recently I feel like I'm becoming more of one. I used to dread when Sunday evenings were drawing to a close and I knew that Monday would be there waiting for me when I woke up but now I'm looking at Mondays as a fresh start. I love my sleep and sleeping in but for some reason my body has been waking me up for the past couple of years a few precious minutes before my alarm actually goes off (am I the only one?) and my little internal alarm clock just keeps setting itself earlier and earlier.

For now I'm choosing to cherish these moments when the house is quiet, the pups are still sleeping and my husband is still snoozing in our warm bed. I've decided to take hold of these moments and exercise, get in the word and make myself a cup of tea. It's also my favorite time to write and normally over the weekend I've had a few ideas buzzing about just waiting for my fingers to start typing. It's definitely an active choice to choose to embrace these early morning moments and there are some mornings when I wish my little alarm clock would let me sleep later but for now I'm choosing to love Mondays.

This weekend did go by so quickly but it was filled with a trip to the Duluth Arts and Crafts Fair, date night with the Hubs, the first fire of the season and sweet time with family. How was your weekend? Did anything unexpectedly exciting happen? Are you a Monday person too? Cheers to Monday friends!
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Isn't this just the cutest? Cows, chicken wire, pumpkins, cute Fall sign....

This scoop your own potpourri station smelled incredible!

Story Behind the Photo: China- The Great Wall

I'm just gonna be honest, I flat out love my husband and I's love story. It didn't come without challenges but it has been full of many joys as well. While we were dating, I lived in China for six months and taught English. During the last ten days of my time there, Drew came over and we traveled around a few cities, Beijing, Xian, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

There were several defining moments in our relationship that occurred during our trip. We said "I love you" for the first time, discussed marriage and a potential timeline for our engagement and definitely fell more in love with each other.

A few nights before Drew arrived to Beijing, I had a dream that he proposed to me on the Great Wall. As the day arrived where we would be hiking on the Wall, I was so excited and slightly nervous thinking about the possibility of my dream coming true. As we were walking on the wall that day, we stopped for a little break and I noticed Drew was digging in his backpack for something. I remember thinking, "Oh my stars, this is it. He's going to propose!". And then he proceeded to pull out a water bottle from his bag. My heart sunk a little and then just as quickly, I forgot about it and moved on.

While I wasn't proposed to that day, what I do remember is trying to soak up every moment of it. Even though it was February and freezing cold, the views were breathtaking, the stories our guide told us were incredible and we fulfilled a dream of mine to be in another country side by side. It was astounding thinking about how this ancient fortress was made, brick by brick by so many men, so many hundreds of years ago.

I'm so thankful that I had my camera with me that day and the picture below is my favorite view. I will never forget the feeling of standing on top of that Wall, holding the hand of the man who would one day be my husband and dreaming about what the future would hold for us. Do you have a similar story? What moments have been the most monumental in your life as you have traveled?

Whole 30: Week 3 Recap

Week three is complete and I have one week to go! This past week was my more difficult as I nannying for a new family. There were so many temptations in their fridge and pantry but I was very proud of my self control! This week I went a bit beef crazy but I must have been needing more iron in my system. Hope you enjoy a few of my favorites and that you enjoy the beginnings of Fall!

//Taco Lettuce Cups//

//Italian Poached Eggs//

(no recipe, I simply warmed the marinara sauce and the poached the eggs in the sauce. I'm not 100% that the marinara sauce is Whole 30 approved but it doesn't have any added sugar and is made with fresh ingredients)

The Sauce...

//Stuffed Hot Peppers//

(photo credit: ditchthewheat.com)

//Chili//

(photo credit: multiplydelicious.com)

She Prospers Photography: Buford Corn Maze

The week has been gorgeous and it makes me crave scarves, boots and pumpkin spice lattes. I'm so ready for the leaves to start turning and to head up to my favorite little mountain town in Dahlonega to take in the beauty of the season. I had the opportunity to meet the family who runs Buford Corn Maze and being there made me want to buy a pumpkin a month early.

I just can't get enough of small businesses and I love being able to support what they do through photography. When I also learned that the family has started a non- profit to support education in the Dominican Republic, I just loved the Buford Corn Maze a little bit more. Anytime someone purchases baked goods in their adorable store, the proceeds go to fund school tuition for various students.

I definitely plan on going back for a visit! What are some of your favorite Fall activities? Some of mine are visiting Burt's Pumpkin Farm, attending the Cumming Fair and picking apples up in Elijay. Have a happy weekend!

Whole 30: Week 2 Recap

Well week 2 is complete and I felt more cravings to splurge than I did the first week but I stayed strong and I'm excited to take on week 3! I definitely feel like I have more energy and feel like I can appreciate the flavors more in the food that I'm making rather than the spices or sauces that usually accompany the food that I cook. I have tried to get Drew on board and he actually does like the majority of the dishes that I'm preparing. Maybe next time... So here are some of my favorites that I made last week. The photos from the recipes ended up being the only photos I had because I keep forgetting to take them! What are some of your favorite healthy recipes?

//Beef and Veggie Kebabs//

(no recipe here just add a few of your favorites, some olive oil and herbs)