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

stupideasypaleo.com

mywholefoodlife.com

popularpaleo.com

plaidandpaleo.com

meatified.com

Similar posts you may enjoy:

Whole 30: Final Week

Whole 30: Favorite Snacks & Recipes 

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)

//Breakfast Casserole//

(photo credit to chowstalker.com and I recommend substituting spinach for the kale)

//Brussel Sprouts with Bacon//

(photo credit to multiplydelicious.com)

//Baked Apple Chips//

//Pesto Spaghetti Squash//

(very good except no cheese for the Whole 30)

Similar posts you may like:

Whole 30: Week 1 Recap

Whole 30: Week 3 Recap

Whole 30: Favorite Snacks & Recipes

She Prospers Photography : M Chocolat

Last week I had the privilege of meeting the owners of M Chocolat in Alpharetta. The dynamic sister duo opened their delicious shop a few years ago and have recently earned the 2014 Flavor of Georgia winner for their Georgia bars. These tasty bars feature local blueberries, peaches and pecans that represent our fine state.

The two sisters have also created two chocolate boxes that can be paired with either red or white wines. Their boxes (and fingers crossed a few of my pictures) may be featured soon in a local Georgia magazine. I could have taken one of everything home with me from their shop. I can't wait to go back and sample their Sea Salt Turtles and their Dark Chocolate Truffles that I was able to see them making by hand.

I can't wait to complete my Whole 30 program and go back to visit this sweet local business!