One of the Greatest Inventions

I know I may be way behind on this fantastic invention, but I just had to blog about it in case there's someone else out there like me who's been living under a rock.  It's not the latest smartphone or tablet...it's the Cuisinart Smart Stick Blender.  Mind blowing, right?

You can buy it here

We got this as a wedding gift from someone very near to my heart - I unfortunately don't remember who it was, but you were looking out for us!  This little thing is awesome.  Find joy in small things, right?  I don't have to dirty up my big old blender whenever I want a smoothie.  I've been back to working out regularly and I'm making smoothies or protein shakes almost daily.  This thing blends up anything my regular blender can do in no time at all.  It's small, light weight, and easy to clean.

Protein shake - 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup frozen cherries, 1/2 cup almond milk, scoop protein powder

I realize I'm ridiculous for being this happy over a kitchen appliance, but when you're in the kitchen as much as I am and try to maximize time efficiency and minimize clean up, you get really excited about this stuff.  If this post is helpful to at least one person, my mission is accomplished.  Have a great weekend!

What I'm Loving Wednesday - Summer Stuff

I haven't done a link up in a really long time.  There are so many things that I'm loving right now and I figured it was a good day for a What I'm Loving Wednesday blog post.  Plus, I need to focus on the positives and keep my mind fixed on what is good!  I have so much to be thankful for.

 

First and foremost, I'm loving my husband so very much.  He's my greatest blessing.  No one can make me laugh like he does.  He gets me, he listens to me, he loves me unconditionally, and most importantly he loves the Lord so much.  Through all of life's struggles and victories, I'm thankful I have him to share them with me.

I'm LOVING summer vacation.  Who doesn't?  It's almost 10:00 a.m. and I'm still in my PJs.  I really don't have any plans to change out of them anytime soon.  I've been especially lazy this week and I'm so thankful for the down time. I needed it badly!

I'm loving reading the Bible in 90 days.  Some of us from my Sunday school class are doing this together.  It's amazing the difference it's made in my daily life.  We're on day 38.  I'm a day and a half behind, but I plan to be all caught up by tomorrow.  I feel so full and I have a better understanding of how everything connects.  It's a chronological study so it's really interesting to see why certain Psalms were written and just how amazing God's plan has been all along for his people.  It gives me a lot of strength and renews my faith to be constantly reminded that He's got it all figured out.  I just have to be still, quiet, and trust! Easier said than done, right?!  But I'm continuing to learn and trying to be the best that I can be - the person He calls me to be.

I'm loving my new glasses and sunglasses!  Whoop whoop, I can finally see super clear again!  I went ahead and got the prescription sunglasses because I can't wear contacts.  Boy am I happy I did.  They're amazing!  And these are my 1st pair of Ray Bans...I totally know what all the hype is about now.  I think they're better than my Costas.

I'm loving this Costa Rican coffee my dear friend was nice enough to share with us.  Jared and I are hooked...it's so good and smooth!  I'm enjoying a cup as I type. :)

I'm loving this summer collection by LORAC.  I picked it up about 2 months ago from Ulta.  I was just looking for a good bronzer, but ended up buying this kit because it was such a great deal.  I love absolutely everything in it!  I wear all of it every day, except the tantalizer - that's only for special occasions or if I'm feeling particularly pale.  I think it would look great on any skin tone, especially during the summer months.  It's my must have make-up right now.

Not be be vain, but I'm also loving this blush by bareMinerals.  The color is called Fruity Cocktail.  It looks super bright, but it goes on pretty sheen and adds a nice glow.  I love makeup.  I just learned how to really put it on a few years ago, so I'm still discovering new products and methods.

 

I'm loving my linen pants and shorts I picked up recently at Old Navy.  If you live in the South, then you know how grueling the summer heat and humidity can be.  Linen is my summer staple.  These are so cute and extremely comfortable.  It's like I'm wearing yoga pants, but I look a little more dressed up.

 

I've seriously contemplated going back and getting these shorts in the cobalt blue color they have as well.  They're so comfy...perfect for those summer BBQs where you eat a little too much and need room for your food baby. ;)  You know it happens!

And last but not least, I'm loving my two crazy dogters.  They are looney, but they provide so much company and entertainment.  They're such sweet girls.  And they're pretty cute too.  I still love Rosie's smile in this picture.  So full of personality!

Hope your week has been good - halfway to the weekend!  Be blessed!

My World is Spinning Fast

Summer vacation is here and I finally feel like it's officially started!  My world is spinning very fast right now.  I hear that it continues to go faster and faster as we get older.  I don't like it.  My goal is to slow it down and take time to appreciate the small things.  Here's a little bit of what's been going on.

We've had a lot of sickness in our family and my wonderful Uncle Byran passed away recently.  He was like a grandpa to me since I never got to meet my dad's parents.  The world just doesn't seem right without him in it, but I have so much joy in knowing without a doubt that I will see him again one day in Heaven.  He was an incredible God fearing man.  He was married for 68 years, had 7 children, 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.  What a legacy!  I love him so much and miss him a lot.  I pray I can always hear his voice calling me "sugar" in his thick Mississippi Delta accept.  It sounded more like "shuugha". :)  I'm just thankful for my time with him and all of the awesome memories I have.  He made me this bedroom set a few years ago...all handmade of 100% Cedar.  Jared stained it for me so that it would go more with our decor, but he left the spot on the back where my Uncle Byran wrote that he loved me.  I walk into the room and just smile.

Mother and Father's Day have both passed since I last blogged and I was fortunate enough to be able to spend both with my wonderful parents.  I am blessed to have them in my life and for their marriage that has been an example for me.  I love them both so much.  They're going through a lot right now and dealing with life's hardships.  I just keep praying for strength for them as they deal with heartache within the family.  It's not easy to lose ones that you love.

 

Life with my two crazy hounds has actually been pretty good lately.  Paisley went into heat (we didn't know how old she was so it was pretty unexpected) and we had a fantastic time dealing with that, ha!  If you've ever had a dog go into heat, you know what I'm sayin....I trip to the vet is in need soon.  But her and Rosie love each other so much.  They're best friends.  Can't you tell?  Rosie's so happy that she even smiled for the picture.

They let me sleep in on my days off, sometimes.  They love to go on our 2 mile walks.  They like to bite each others' ears and necks.  They are great hunting partners in the backyard...squirrel patrol central around these parts.  They compete for our attention constantly.  What more could we ask for? ;)  And they are pretty cute.

The beach has been SO gorgeous these last few weeks.  I don't know that I've ever seen it as pretty as it has been lately.  I've been trying to spend some time out there, which is exactly what I plan on doing tomorrow.  MIL and FIL have been in town and we all went out there Saturday.  The water was crystal clear, we got to eat oysters from our favorite local seafood place, AND we ended with frozen yogurt.  Best.day.ever.

 

I've been doing a 90 Day Bible Challenge where you read the Bible in chronological order in 90 days.  We're on day 31 right now.  And I tell you what...since I've started this, my distractions are through the roof.  I know Satan is trying to keep me away from it by whatever means.  I'm just praying through it and for perseverance as I keep trying to learn, spread God's love, and do His kingdom work.  I'll post more about this later and some thoughts and ah-ha moments I've had along the way.  I'm just really feeling God's presence all around me and trying to keep my focus on Him.  Jesus is really amazing.  He loves us SO MUCH.  It's hard to comprehend that kind of love.



I plan to be much more faithful in my blogging.  I've got a few posts in mind that should be coming soon.  Here's to hoping you have a great end to your week!