four friday faves.

[1] Pinterest ... endless ideas that push my creativity or simply give great ideas when I don't feel like coming up with my own.
[2] Klove.com Christmas music channel ... This plays from my kitchen laptop all through the season - starting today :)
[3] Destroyed jeans from LOFT ... I've been wanting a pair for months now, but fit & price were always the issue. When these were 40% off last week, I snatched them up.
[4] Gold earrings ... always spruce up any outfit.



                 

 

four friday faves.

 

[1] Threshold Artisan Glass Jug Lamp from Target ... Hoping to pick up a pair for our family room tonight :)

[2] Boucle Open Front Cardigan from Loft ... may just be my favorite fashion purchase this season.

[3] Jessica Simpson Caufield Bootie ... I'm late to jump on the "bootie train," but hoping these or something like it will be in my closet before too long.

[4] Zappos website ... LOVE this site for shoe purchases because of the super fast free shipping + free returns. 

four friday faves.

[1] Target scarf ... recently found this on clearance for just $5!
[2] Lemon-lime Gatorade ... so not glamorous, but the only thing I truly love this week since our household was hit with the dreaded stomach bug.
[3] Lolomag.com ... blog for beauty, fashion, etc.
[4] Clarisonic facial cleansing brush ... this is going on my Christmas list. I've heard great things for a few years now, and since I'm inching closer to 40 ... I think it will be worth the price tag.

four friday faves.

 happy happy Halloween :)

pumpkin pancakes.

I recently discovered a pumpkin pancake recipe, modified it a bit, & now it's my favorite breakfast ... perfect for this time of year. Top with pure maple syrup, pair with cinnamon apples on the side, and you have a deliciously healthy [+ filling] breakfast to start your day off on the right foot!

::INGREDIENTS::
1/2 banana
1.5 tsp almond milk [i use unsweetened vanilla]
1/4 cup egg whites [i use Trader Joes cage-free]
Vanilla Protein scoop or packet [i use this]
1 tbsp pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Mash up banana with almond milk using a fork. Slowly add in egg whites & the rest of the ingredients, mixing with a wisk. Spray your pan or griddle [i use Trader Joes coconut oil spray] & cook one large pancake ... or little ones. Recipe makes 1 serving. I make several at once & freeze for a much appreciated easy breakfast on other days.

*For the cinnamon apples ... slice 1 apple, sprinkle cinnamon on top, and microwave in a glass bowl for 1 minute.

four friday faves.

[1] In honor of TobyMac turning 50 [crazy!] this week, I had to include him ... we all love him & this is one of our favorite songs.

[2] Target ... need I say more? :)

[3] A couple of squares from a Ghirardelli dark chocolate bar is my go-to when I want something sweet ... they're always on sale @ Publix too!
[4] I plan on writing a separate post on this book [The Duggars: 20 and Counting!] @ some point soon ... call me old-fashioned, but there is so much wisdom to grasp & apply to our family of six :)

what a morning!

Yesterday started off pretty stressful as I woke up only 10 minutes before I planned to leave for my 8 a.m. dentist appointment in Tallahassee. My phone alarm, which is almost always successful at getting me out of bed by 5:30, didn't do the trick. Thankfully, right after my initial panic & disbelief of the numbers on the clock, I thanked God for waking me up when He did. I wasn't my usual ball of stress rushing frantically around the house & out the door. It's amazing how simply stopping to recognize & praise God instead of focusing on the fact that I had almost no time to get ready gave me such a peace. I even squeezed in setting out drinks/snacks for the boys before I scooted out the door ... AND I was actually early to my appointment! Anyone who knows me, knows being on time is a challenge, and being early is practically a miracle :)

I usually dread dentist appointments. I had major reason yesterday since I was told by my former dentist that I need a root canal. Those two words equal nightmare to me, which is why I sought out a dentist who uses "laughing gas" for this procedure. Well, when I pulled up to the office that resembles a very large mountain home and went inside, I was completely at ease. I cannot even begin to explain how nice this place is other than to say it feels very "homey." Whoever designed this dental office is a genius for achieving what seems like the impossible - creating a truly comfortable environment for people who usually arrive pretty anxious ... Yet another thing I found myself thanking the Lord for in the first two hours of my day.

After my appointment I headed to Chick-fil-A to grab a surprise breakfast for everyone, especially Hudson. I'm pretty sure he tells me at least once a week how he can't wait to have their hash browns again :) When I arrived at the pay window, the worker informed me that the man in the car ahead of me had paid for our order. WHAT?! I couldn't believe it. I've heard of complete strangers paying for others, but never thought I would ever experience it. As grateful as I was though, I couldn't help but feel bad because there are so many people who desperately need a free meal, but as my wise friend informed me - that's not the point. I know God allowed that to make us aware of this kind of generosity that we need to be doing for others on a regular basis. It was SO exciting to share this news with Gus and the boys, and I can't wait to see who all God leads us to bless in the future!