Avocado Chicken Soup {Gluten Free}

May 2, 20141 Comment

I don’t care if it’s spring – soup is always good and wholesome regardless the weather situation outside. This dish was filling and bowl licking good. You may just have to enjoy two bowls of this gluten free soup goodness (because I sure did!).

The Greek yogurt and avocado really make the soup pop. They also added creaminess without the cheese. This soup is totally diet friendly. Absent of noodles, rice or carbie starches – it will leave you feeling full, but not stuffed and heavy.

You will need: 1 quart gluten free chicken broth, ¼ cup almond milk, 3 small baked and seasoned chicken breasts, 1 tbsp. cumin, 1 tbsp. chili powder, 1 tbsp. onion powder, 1 tbsp. garlic powder, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp. dried onions (or real if you have them handy), 2 tbsp. Greek yogurt and a pinch of salt and pepper.

For soups, I feel like it’s all about the spices – so in this dish, you will find a medley of rich, yummy spices. First, pour your broth into a pot on the stove and let that simmer. Add in the almond milk for creaminess and stir.

Next, chop up your seasoned chicken (seasoned and baked before) and dump into the hot pot. Stir and slowly add in the spices: cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder and dried and/or real onions.

Dump in the lovely canned tomatoes and stir up. Lastly, add in your Greek yogurt and salt and pepper. Let all the flavors sit for a while on the stovetop.

Serve with avocados and cheese on top, if you wish.

Strawberry Tart {Gluten Free, Raw & Paleo}

May 1, 2014May 1, 20141 Comment

What do you do when you buy waaaay too many strawberries at Costco?

Why, you make a gluten free, paleo strawberry tart of course. This yummy little treat will serve as my dessert tonight. However, I cheated a tad (and had a slice this morning for breakfast!) It’s good. Enough said.

The recipe is pretty simple. This is a raw, grain free dessert – and no baking required. I know, it’s almost too good to be true. But, it is. No need to wake up from your dream state.

You will need: 1 tbsp. lemon juice, 4 cups sliced strawberries, 2 tbsp. natural sugar, 2 tbsp. coconut oil, 7 dried dates, ¼ cup water, 2 tbsp. maple syrup, 1 cup almonds, 1 cup cashews, pinch of sea salt, ¼ cup almond milk, ¼ cup flax seed.

Let’s make the pie crust first. In a food processor dump in the 1 cup of almonds and ¼ cup flax – then pulse (breaking up the almonds). Add in the dates, salt and ¼ cup of water. You will need to pulse for a while to make the gooey crust. You be the judge. You might need more water – or more dates. Use your discretion.

In a pie pan, line the dish with your crust. Wet hands serve as the best to form the ball of dough around the edges – etc. Place your dish into the freezer or refrigerator so it hardens. Another option is baking it for about 10 minutes. This will make the crust flakier and baked tasting. But, again, it’s up to you!

Next let’s make the strawberry glaze. Simply cut up 4 cups of ripe strawberries and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle lemon juice over the strawberries and add natural sugar on top of them. Yum – just mix the fruit up and place it in the fridge for 20 minutes or more.

For the pie creamy topping, dump 1 cup of cashews into the food processor. Pulse the cashews, making them into a coarse mixture. Add in the coconut oil, maple syrup and almond milk – pulse. This will make a creamy texture. Place in the fridge for an hour or so.

After your crust is set, spoon the cashew mixture on top of the hard crust. Next dump your cooled strawberry mixture on top of the creamy topping. You are done – a raw, gluten free strawberry tart. It’s rich and awesome. Enjoy.

10 Reasons To Love Your Sister

April 30, 2014April 30, 2014Leave a comment

1. She thinks you are pretty and always will.

With a sister you have a built in fan. She loves you and thinks you are beautiful. I mean, you are related so she should ultimately think you are a number one stunner. Those genes run deep.

2. You’re a nerd, and she loves that.

Let’s face it. Your sister will love you regardless how completely nerdy you are. You can talk about Netflix documentaries and not fear her being completely freaked out that you find these fascinating.

3. When you are not funny, she will call you out.

Let’s face it, sometimes you tell jokes and they bomb. Your sister will not give you a pity laugh. She will call you out for your lame joke. She might even make fun of you. But, hey – she is your sister. She can get away with it.

4. You can tell inside jokes with her.

With sisters, you really don’t even have to explain yourself. You can give her one look or show some sort of facial expression and she will know what you are talking about or alluding to. You can tell inside jokes to your heart’s content.

5. You have a double closet.

Most of the time you can share clothes with your sister –glory, glory hallelujah! Hey, and even if she is shorter or taller than you and the clothes or shoes don’t fit just right, there are always mounds of purses, belts, hats and endless accessories to pick from.

6. You can dump your dog on her anytime.

Sisters are great at puppy sitting. Your sister loves you and wants to help you. So, you can feel at ease dropping your furry pets off at her house – at least for the weekend. After all, she the best one to take care of your fluffies! She knows how much they mean to you.

7. You have a partner in crime.

Okay – I am not talking actual crime here; but, you will never have to do stuff alone with a sister. She is there to help you, go to parties with you, run errands with you. You have a built in best friend.

8. She’ll give you glares when you break your diet.

Sisters don’t tread lightly in keeping one another accountable. If you say you are on a diet, she will hold you to that. Just be prepared for heavy glares when you reach for those potato chips or cookies. She is watching you and will call you out.

9. She is the best for straight talk.

Sometimes the truth is hard to hear – even comprehend. Sisters are straight talkers. They are not little friends who tell white lies to make you feel better. Even if it means some tears, sisters will weigh in with a completely honest opinion.

10. She will listen to your heart.

Your sister knows who you are as a person. She has lived with you for at least 18 years and will take the time to listen to your heart. She won’t get bored talking to you about your fears and desires. She wants the best for you.

Do me a favor and hug your sister today!

Carrying The King of Kings

April 29, 2014April 29, 2014Leave a comment

Today I cannot help but dwell on that dirty, young donkey that our Savior rode through the streets of Jerusalem. That clueless donkey was a conduit for and carried our Price of Peace through the crowded streets.

What a beautifully unique picture of grace and humility.

Vibrant green palm leaves under the donkey’s feet, he trotted along with a rider of the deepest mercy and grace.

Wonder if this little animal held his head up high? Do you think his hooves made a louder clanking sound carrying the Christ?

They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. Matthew 21: 7

Thinking on this donkey, I am bit envious of him. The Lord rode upon his back! Talk about a grand mission in life. I wonder if he was born for that reason – to carry the King of Kings! He was birthed for such an awesome mission. Can you imagine the cries in the streets and the joyous faces in the crowds! To think – this little colt was a part of showing off the Savior and Redeemer of the world. How magnificent.

You know, we are all like little donkeys in this world. Christ has given us his Holy Spirit and light. If we believe in him, this illumination is within our hearts. Therefore, just like the donkey, we carry the Lord of Lords.

No, we cannot feel his physical weight on our backs; but we can feel his goodness and kindness inside our hearts. After all, God has told us that we are the ‘light of the world.’And, he has given us the better deal – he carries our burdens and makes our loads light.

Let us trot ahead and hold our heads high – we carry the truest Light of Life within us. Hosanna in the Highest.

Decorating a Small Outdoor Space

April 27, 2014April 28, 2014Leave a comment

Cue the violins, I don’t have a yard just yet. Home ownership will definitely be in my future someday [Dallas needs room to run]; however, for the time being, I am trying to make the most of my little, cozy outdoor patio.

This weekend, I decided to do a little redecorating and planting. Here’s hoping that I might actually have a green thumb! So, looked through Pinterest for some cute designs for balconies and made a trip out into the wild blue yonder.

Home Goods is my go-to for awesome decorating ideas and affordable things. Why spend $300 on something when you can spend 1/3 of the price at discount store? That just seems like a no-brainer to me. I found a white lantern with a flameless candle, a cute blue pot, yellow chair cushions and a woven table mat all at Home Goods. Score and purchased.

My little bistro table and chairs was from Wayfair. You can order it here. It was only $89.00 + free shipping. I thought it was a very good deal, considering you can fold it up and store it very easily. It is super light and easy to clean too.

Trip two was to Lowe’s. There is something about fresh flowers – in bright colors – that really just gets me in the mood for spring. I got some wonderful purple and pink impatiens. Y’all they were $1.49 a flower – a pretty good price for such a hearty plant. Read about caring for them here. I also just had to get some marigolds [they are sentimental to me, remind me of my grandmother!].

And y’all the design in reality was better than the design in my head! Ha, it never turns out that way. I don’t typically post design blog entries. But, the result was exciting, and I just had to share.

If you are looking to redecorate your outdoor space or maybe just spice it up, visit Home Goods, Tuesday Morning or Lowe’s. Price is key and designing on a budget is truly possible. Just look at my little cute patio area! I cannot wait to eat dinner out there.

I Love You, Just For Being You

April 24, 2014April 24, 2014Leave a comment

CHECK OUT PROJECT INSPIRED HERE.

Did you know that Jesus says to us every single day, ‘I love you – just for being you?’ I don’t think that I dwell on this concept enough. I am too busy focusing on my flaws to fixate on my Creator who absolutely loves the person he has formed.

I look in the mirror and see those smile lines in the corners of my eyes and gasp with horror. Or hone in on those little white hairs mixed in with my red locks. But, you know what, I may see flaws, but my Maker sees perfection.

He smiles with a big toothy grin at his magnificent creation. Just like when we were children in art class – we were proud of our clay creations or watercolor paintings hanging on the wall. God is so proud of you! He looks at his masterpiece and says, ‘it is good!’

We are his art projects, his canvases if you will. I don’t know about you, but I sure am happy to be carved into something wonderful from the master craftsman! He does not mess up. He draws with a sharpie and does not need to worry about erasing a mistake – because he does not make them!

He may have to use an eraser on our blunders from time to time, when we decide to color outside the lines of his perfection! But, Dear One – he looks at you and says, ‘beautiful!’ What a joy to know that this artist is prolific and profound. This artist sees beauty in the work of his heavenly hands.

Look at yourself in the mirror today and observe God’s handiwork. Thank him for the uniqueness of you. No one has your face, your hands, and your eyes. Isn’t that grand!?

I love this statement, ‘You were born an original. Don’t die a carbon copy.’ Be you. Jesus loves and adores YOU.

Bacon Asparagus Pasta {Gluten Free}

April 23, 2014April 23, 2014Leave a comment

Let’s talk about bacon – it’s simply delicious. Recently, there has been this bacon craze. Even to the point of some state fair’s offering, ‘Chocolate Covered Bacon.’ I am dead serious, you can see this interesting combo here.

I like bacon. But, people, it has a lot of fat in it. So, for this recipe we are going to use turkey bacon. It gives you that yummy taste with way less fat.

This gluten free pasta combo is awesome. It is so flavorful. This will become a favorite dish for dinner guests and family parties.

Everyone will love this. I mean, who does not love bacon? And you get your little pops of greens in the asparagus. Let’s get cooking.

You will need: 1 bundle of asparagus, salt, pepper, 1 package turkey bacon, gluten free pasta, 1 tbsp. pesto sauce, garlic powder, onion powder and a splash of lemon.

First, I sautéed the asparagus. Simply cut the ends off of the little green trees [because that part is tough and won’t taste good!] I sprinkled a little salt, pepper, lemon juice, onion and garlic powder over the asparagus. Really seasons the veggie well! When done, set aside in a big bowl.

Next, let’s cook the bacon. I used the same frying pan that I cooked the asparagus in. So, I could have the taste of the spices – in the meat. Chop up the bacon in little pieces and let it brown on the stove. This should not take long. Turkey bacon is a lot thinner than real bacon. Add to the asparagus bowl.

You will want to have a pot of water boiling for the noodles. Decide how much you want to place in there and cook your noodles. Gluten free noodles work the same way as regular noodles.

Once the noodles are done, strain and dump into the bowl with the bacon and asparagus. I added 1 tbsp. of premade pesto sauce into my pasta for that creamy texture. And folded all the ingredients together.

Serve and enjoy this tasty, really flavorful creation!

The Precious Gift of Peace

April 22, 2014April 22, 2014Leave a comment

Spilling coffee – black with hints of almond milk folded in the dark roasted waves. This is generally how my morning begins. A little bit of hurry with a whole lot of chaos. Trying to clean the stain from my white pressed shirt, all while sliding up that black pencil skirt – a little bit more snug than the week before. Thinking about the commute to my office, slamming on my breaks in traffic and the beautiful peppered noise of honking horns in the horizon!

Simply glorious. Mornings in the big city are idealized by most. But, take it from me – they are not that great. Happy Hours at local, niche restaurants and stiletto heels are awesome for a while until the novelty wears off. Give me a rocking chair and a rocky mountain view any day over the metal gridlock called your commute! Or better yet, an ocean view and the sound of the frothy waves.

Often times, I like to envision myself in a different setting – dressed in a white linen dress, frolicking on the sand with the sun hitting my exposed back. I think of that beach house I want to own someday – the one with the floor to ceiling windows that serves as my writing room. That old desk, glass plated with dried starfish lined under the clear top. Now, that is peace – or is it?

We often times idealize peace just like we can idealize the big city. If I am in this setting, I will feel that peace that passing all understanding. Only if I own a home will I feel free. Achieving motherhood will allow me to feel that peace that I so gravely desire. Not so. These are all wonderful things – but achieving them will not give you peace.

I absolutely love Jesus’ words in John 14:27. He says, “I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Peace is an inward triumph. And true peace is not from your doing – it is from God. You see, we can never attain peace on our own. No matter how many yoga retreats you go on overseas or stellar work goals you achieve, peace cannot be reached.

Sure, it may be great to free yourself from all worries and stress. Escape this world and live on a secluded beach somewhere. But, that’s not life. We can’t eliminate all the stress around us. We need to work in order to live and afford nice things. That’s the nature of life.

I like knowing that there is nothing I can do to attain peace on my own. It is a gift from the Father of all good things. I can pray for peace and seek his peace – these are things I must do. As Psalm 34: 14 says, may I “depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”

5 Things That Will Make You Happy Today

April 17, 2014April 17, 2014Leave a comment

This is a given – Pharrell Williams – Happy.

Listen to this song. Watch the video. I mean, get up and dance to it. You are blessed! How can this not make you happy? if you don’t want to move to this song, smile or jump for joy – you are super lame. C’mon, move your feet and thank God for his beautiful promises!

This Banana Dog.

From the company, Home Grown Foods, this little guy is sure to put a smile on your face and add some fruity goodness in your hearts! He is super cute and reminds you to eat your fruits and veggies.

This gigantic human smile.

People joined together for one purpose – to form a smile! This is like the ultimate reminder to put on a happy face. You can listen to the song, here, if you did not get the reference.

Any type of bear hug!

From Teddy Bears to this baby sloth, we all love bear hugs. Maybe not in the wild, but look how cuddly and cute this little guy is giving his teddy a big squeeze!

Only the cutest Disney animal ever – Meeko!

You may not agree with me, but this little biscuit cheek cutie from Pocahontas is sure to brighten any day.

When Real Love Sets In

April 2, 2014April 2, 2014Leave a comment

Often times I feel society has a skewed sense of love. To the young, love is something magical – like fairy dust. It lifts you off your feet, makes life sunnier, brighter and heightens your senses. Everything has to be going right to feel you are wonderfully ‘in love.’

However, when these feelings no longer take root in our hearts and real life [rather real love] sets in, these feelings are cast aside and love is forgotten.

Did we miss the part in the Bible which states, ‘love is long suffering’?

Love has become more about the experience you have – rather than the commitment you make. To the world, it’s more about the happiness than the grief, the excitement more than the mundane.

But, love is not love unless it truly encompasses all those feelings. Love is not just a pristine vase full of sea glass hearts. It’s messy, yet beautiful all at the same time.

It’s grieving with your spouse when he or she has lost their job. It’s encouraging a child who is afraid to start a new school. It’s holding a wrinkled and worn hand and looking into the aging eyes of your loved one, or just sitting there, in silence, when a friend is in tears.

True love is the picture of Christ’s hands and feet nailed to a cross and blood flowing down from His divine head of thorns. That was not pretty – that was messy and real. It was not a storybook or an instagram moment. Rather it was heart wrenching, earth shattering and a long suffering moment.

Love is both pretty and sometimes tattered. How vain to walk away when the stitches are loose.

Like the Skin Horse said to The Velveteen Rabbit:

‘It doesn’t happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.” [Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit]