“Learn to master time, or it will be your master.”

June 22, 2016

I make goals on my birthday every year June 22nd. It’s a good half way mark on the calendar that usually has me itching for change in one way or another. This year my goal didn’t come to mind till yesterday.

For so long I have waited for time to show up for me.

Waiting for the chance to read a book from cover to cover in less than a year.

Waiting to print those pictures from three years ago.

Waiting for just the right mix of circumstances to take that trip to Spain.

Waiting for the day I can spend an uninterrupted week with my children without having to worry about my inbox.

Waiting to have that extra ten minutes to pray.

Waiting for more time to be a better friend and make that phone call I know might take an hour.

Waiting to make that visit to the relative who lives many states away.

Why do we believe when time is scarce, that suddenly it will show up for us and be sitting on our laps? For the first time yesterday, I was reading my daily devotional in the morning and got struck hard with one single line.

“Learn to master time, or it will be your master.”

There it was. My birthday resolution. Suddenly I was writing down so many ways in which I waste time, am a slave to time, and what I allow to eat up my time. I want to back the reigns and choose where I plant my time this year. If anything, I have learned as my babies grow before my eyes that it surely won’t be slowing down any time soon. It will continue to steal the most important moments of my life and the greatest opportunities if I don’t take the lead. I think God is the giver of time and the one who holds the past, present, and future. He gives us the potential of time to our own hands if I so choose it.

This summer, Max has eagerly woken me up every morning to announce the sun is up, and it is morning time. It’s an immediate invitation to welcome the day instead of my natural inclination to pull over the covers and ask for more sleep. I am so thankful for these little light bearers that continually invite me to be more selfless and more focused with my life, so that I can in turn do the same for them. I’m looking forward to this year more than ever before. So much life to live!

*Signed Veronica up for her first ballet camp, and she has been wearing her little tutu every morning in preparation. Gabe took this picture of her and I this morning:)

Whole Ingredient Waffle Bar

June 20, 2016

As much as we try to avoid them, I don’t think my family will ever be able to fully cut out carbs…mainly because of things like WAFFLES! However, I think major food companies are starting to catch on that America is ready for healthy lifestyle changes, and I have found that most grocery stores now offer health food sections and ingredient alternatives! When we give into waffles or pancakes, I usually have a sprouted grain, almond flour, or coconut flour base mix to use. Here are a bunch of ingredients we mix and matched for a whole ingredient waffle bar! Everyone who partook had full bellies after two waffles, and my youngest boys were licking their plates. The ingredients are all either energy boosting, high in healthy fats and omegas, or rich in nutrients. A few combinations below!

Whole Ingredient Waffle Bar:
Chia Seeds
Raw Maple Syrup or Agave
Greek Yogurt
Almond Butter
Hazlenut Spread (You can make your own! I got my recipe from The Plantiful Table, but we totally cave on Nutella from time to time.)
Walnuts
Dark Chocolate Chips
Shredded Coconut (Unsweet)
Blueberries
Strawberries
Bananas

Strawberry Chocolate Waffles:
Strawberries
Dark Chocolate Chips
Hazlenut Spread
Shredded Coconut

AB&B Waffles:
Almond Butter
Banana
Chia Seeds
Raw Maple Syrup
Walnuts

Blueberries and Cream Waffles:
Blueberries
Greek Yogurt
Chia Seeds
Raw Maple Syrup

What else would you add to the mix?? Wishing you carbs somewhere in your Monday….they make for good food therapy;)

A budget friendly patio makeover

June 17, 2016

We moved in our new home Memorial Day weekend, and the start of summer had us all outdoors more than indoors in the week that followed. We have a double deck that needs some re-finishing done, but I’ve learned to make the most of what you already have or a year can escape you without ever using the space.

I shared the budget friendly way we created this patio space over on Domino Magazine. I hope it gives you some resources and ideas of how to do the same for your own space!

Have a rest filled Father’s Day weekend, and may there be a plethora of good food and family involved!

A few similar items:

Summer Watercolor Desktop Downloads

June 16, 2016

I commissioned my talented, younger, cooler sister to drum up some free desktop downloads to fancy up your tech devices! Now, I kind of want all of these in wallpaper format for a room in my home;)

We hope you enjoy! Download below, for personal use only:
VIEW FULL POST

Little Miss Swimsuits

June 14, 2016

1) Old Navy
2) Flora & Henri
3) Crew & Lu
4) PilyQ
5) Crew & Lu
6) Amae Co
7) Rey Swimwear

I have to try REALLY hard not to hoard little girl swimsuits because they are cuter than I can stand!

Here’s a few recent favorites in all price points. If you have the ability to pay a little more, there are some fantastic women run small businesses included. Veronica has a few of these and they have proven to be really durable.

Any additional shops I should stalk??

The start of summer around here.

June 13, 2016

A few snapshots of the start of our summer in the new place, where shoes are tossed aside, watermelon is served daily, and our door revolves with family and friends…

* Simple dates are the best kind. * VIEW FULL POST

Presents for padre: A gift guide for your best guy

June 10, 2016

1.Pops Tee – (There’s even a version for grandpa.)
2. Stanley Adventure Flask
3. Stay manly comb
4. Outdoor blanket
5. Leather Timex Watch
6. Assemble your own Shoe Shine kit: Shine brush, Shoe polish, Shoe dauber, Shine cloth
7. Weekender Bag
8. Weatherproof Hammock
9. Boxing Gloves

I was out of gift ideas for my best guys this year, so did some homework. Here are a few items that caught my eye, and hopefully it saves you some time hunting as well! What are your Father’s Day traditions? A day outdoors is the main theme for us, and of course, his favorite foods.

Have a fantastic weekend ahead!