“Duck Dynasty” Suspension

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DUCKWhat discouraging news – the patriarch of the #1 cable network show was suspended for simply stating his Christian viewpoint in a magazine interview?

Really, what is the world coming to – or really, what is America morphing into?

I was born and raised a proud Texan. Cowboy boots, horses and hunting were not distant concepts. They were a reality and a way of life.

I didn’t blink twice seeing churches on every corner and camouflage in the grocery stores. ‘Hey, y’all’ is a common greeting in the Lone Star State and belting out a country tune, with windows rolled down, is seen as normal.

Even though I am not a faithful Duck Dynasty watcher {I have only seen a few episodes}. It really is a breath of fresh air to see the popularity of this show surge –simply because they embrace family, faith and good clean fun. That is the America that I know and love.

These burly men, draped in American flag apparel, have given me a new sense of patriotism. And, I would think they provide hope to a lot of other freedom loving men and women out there– especially in a time when so many Americans feel like their freedoms are being taken away from them.

Working and living in Washington, DC {a politically correct mixing bowl} can get overwhelming to a native Texas girl. It’s refreshing to see a TV show embrace dinner prayers and Bible reading.

It makes me think on the Normal Rockwall painting, ‘Saying Grace’ that was plastered on The Saturday Evening Post in 1951. {This would never happen today}. However, I see this show as a picture of what returning to our roots looks like.

Everyone has the right to express their own opinion. That is promised to us in the U.S. Constitution.

Yet, Gov. Jindal (R-LA) does have a point when he says, “The politically correct crowd is tolerant of all viewpoints, except those they disagree with…It is a messed up situation when Miley Cyrus gets a laugh, and Phil Robertson gets suspended.”

A&E has made a lot of money off of the Robertson family’s ‘beliefs.” The network knew their religious and moral stances before the show began. This decision to kick Phil off the show is absurd and another example of the double standard placed on Christianity. A&E does not have to agree with the family or Christianity for that matter; but, it’s simply wrong to punish someone who has a different belief than you.

Does this sound like a less than tolerant person to you?

“I myself am a product of the ’60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior. My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the Bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together. However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me.” – Phil Robertson

Favorite Healthy Road Trip Snacks

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Road Trip Packing. Always fun.

I am from the great state of Texas – so every so often, I have to road trip it to visit for the holidays.

Alas, have to fit all the presents. Not to mention, saves me money on boarding my puppy, Dallas.

One of the major issues in taking a long road trip is the unhealthy snack choices along the way. That McDonald’s looks amazing when you have been driving for 10 hours – and you just need that large French fry to get you through the pain staking trip.

Don’t indulge in these pesky, heart clogging snacks.

I know, easier said than done. But, if you pack your snacks wisely, you won’t have to stop for the greasy foods.

Here are my top 5 favorite road trip snacks:

Homemade Gluten Free Sandwiches

Have some sandwiches packed and ready to go.  You don’t have to spend money on the road this way. Just wrap each one in foil or plastic wrap. Indulge in that creamy taste of light mayo, lettuce and chicken. This is way healthier and won’t sit heavy in your tummy.

Trail Mix

Walmart has huge bags of trail mix that you can buy and just stick in the car. Stray away from the ones that have chocolate in them. Opt for ones that have dried fruits and nuts. These will give you energy to power through the long drive.

Healthy Muffins

You can get some good recipes {that I have posted on my blog here}. Simply load up a gallon Ziploc with these yummy, fiber packed muffins.

Low-Fat String Cheese

Need a little protein energy burst? String cheese is a filling snack that will give you that little protein punch. It also has a load of calcium and is low-fat.

Unsweetened Iced Tea

This you can buy on the road. Do not pump sugar into your body by purchasing soft drinks. You can buy a $1 large unsweetened tea at McDonald’s. This drink always gets me through road trips with the occasional bathroom break.

Gluten Free Vegetable Cheese Bake

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Top Picture: What the dish should look like before going in the oven. Bottom Picture: Dallas, my cooking buddy.

Want to whip up a nice, healthy meal in no time at all? Well, sure of course, all us working women do.

This simple vegetable cheese bake takes about an hour {no mess or fuss} and fits the bill for those nights when you don’t really want to cook, but want something healthy, nutritious and filling.

Not to mention, the beautiful colors of the tomatoes, squash and zucchini are fabulous. It looks like a little celebration in a baking pan. This is also gluten free. Sorry, it lacks meat; but, the potato in it should fill up that little rumble in your tummy.

Looking at the finished product, may make you a little leery about taking on the task of creating such a masterful dish. However, you will be pleasantly surprised that this meal is easy as pie. You will also be shocked that you really can create something so beautiful. I felt like a food artist.

You will need: 2 yellow squash, 1 zucchini, 1 large Russert potato, 1 yellow onion, 1 large tomato, rosemary, 3 cloves garlic, shredded mozzarella cheese, salt and pepper to taste.

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Finished mouth-watering product.

Start by cutting your onion into little small pieces. You are going to sauté these in a frying pan. Dice your garlic cloves and add them to your onion mixture. Dump this flavorful mix into the frying pan lined with a tad of olive oil. Let sauté for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.

On a cutting board, slice your potato, zucchini, tomato and squash into little round circle slices. You are going to stack these in a beautiful pattern in a clear baking dish.

Make sure and spray the clear 8×8 pan with cooking spray. You don’t want your veggies to stick to the side. Line the bottom of the pan with the onion and garlic mixture.

Gently, layer your circle cut veggies in the glass tray. I included a picture – so you know what it should look like before you stick it in the oven. Sprinkle rosemary generously on top of the veggies – this spice adds great flavor to the dish.

Preheat the oven to 400 and cover your glass dish with a piece of foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Then pull out the dish and top with mozzarella cheese and bake for another 20 minutes.

After it’s done, use a spatula to scoop out your delicious dinner. You may want to sprinkle some more cheese on top or more salt and pepper. Enjoy.

DIY: String Cheese Snowman

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Perfect for lunches, school parties – or even an office Christmas event.

One of my favorite things to do in the morning is scan Pinterest for new, cute and fun ideas. It’s really a creative outlet – looking at the thousands of artistic and quirky designs.

Not to mention, delicious new recipes. However, sometimes, I am doubtful that my designs will be just as cute as the originators.

You see the Pinterest fail pictures —> {click here to see what I am talking about} and you get discouraged. But friends, I am here to tell you that sometimes they work out better than you expect.

I made a cute string cheese snowman because it looked easy – and it was so easy. All you need is: 1 string cheese, black sharpie, little piece of ribbon, piece of paper, tape and a red/orange sharpie.

Be creative. Your snowman might not look exactly like mine, but you won’t fail on this one.

Simply draw cute little buttons and a face with the black sharpie. And a little carrot nose with the red/orange sharpie. Just like a bow on a present, I tied the ribbon around his neck. I simply colored a post-it note black and cut out the shape of a hat; then, just taped it above his little face.

Kids will love these in their lunch bags. If you are headed to an office party, and you know there will be endless treats there, take some string cheese snowmen in a bowl/basket. You can watch your weight and skip the tempting sugar rush. People will love your inventiveness.

Sparkle, Sparkle Little Light– Christmas Sparkle Gifts

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fearfully wonderfullyI’m a girl. I love pink, sparkle, cocktails dresses and glittery high heels. I honestly think this desire is built in us from conception. We gravitate to flashy jewelry, shiny shoes and girly bells and whistles.

But what is awesome is – God has made us to shine! So, it’s very cool that we gravitate to the shiny. His goodness sparkles like a brilliant star in the jet black night.

I love this verse in Romans – “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” {Romans 13:12}

We are dressed in the beautiful illuminated armour of Christ! No wonder we are drawn to glitter. Embrace the sparkle – you were made to shine.

Since Christmas is upon us, I have put together a little sparkle gift list – for kids and adults. These are way affordable too. Get your sparkle on, girl! Oh, and buy sparkles for everyone. It is the “most wonderful time of the year.” And – that calls for a little glitter celebration.

I hope this little list helps – for the crunch shopping days ahead.

People are like stained – glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in; their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Little Girl Gifts

Sequin Canvas Backpack – $30 {Target}

Tiny TOMS Glitter Shoes – $36 {TOMS}

Sparkle Dolphin Stuffed Animal – $13.97 {Amazon, Prime}

Lalaloopsy Starry Night Light Up Pony -$30.64 {Amazon, Prime}

Silver Sparkle Boots – $20 {JC Penny}

Youth Girls Gifts

Glitter iPhone Case – $19.95 {Café Press}

Raylle Glitter Bike – $39.99 {Toys ‘R Us}

Mini Tea Shine Sets – $19 {Pottery Barn}

Glitter Lava Lamp – $28.49 {Target}

Glitter Nail Dryer & Polish Set – $16.99 {Shop Justice}

Women Gifts

Glitter Makeup Bag – $18 {Sephora}

All that Glitters Flat Iron – $99.99 {Ulta}

Iphone Glitter Case – $16.90 {Dynamite Clothing}

Gold Glitter Statement Ring – $25 {Etsy}

Betsy Johnson Dance Flats – $59.99 {Zappos}

Starbucks Glitter Cups – $36 {Etsy}

Christmas is Completely Empty Without Christ

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One of the most powerful images – of the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas is Completely Empty Without Christ. This phrase hit me like a ton of bricks this morning. It literally just popped in my head, while listening happily to Christmas music and straightening my hair. The idiom weighed on my mind like a profound thought.

Yet, it’s really not all that profound.

Christ’s name is in the word – Christmas; however, we {and I am including all Christians here} have really commercialized this holiday.

The great present chase consumes our weekends. Getting to and from family homes is scheduled and fretted over {esp on icy roads and if across the country}. We decorate our homes from top to bottom in flashing lights and make sure the stockings are ready for that overnight candy drop.

We drive around neighborhoods and look at illuminated houses adorned with dancing snowmen. We sip on hot cocoa and laugh in fellowship or lace up those skates for a lap around the frozen rink. We think of Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble or Harry Connick Jr. Christmas songs and swoon over their voices.

But, where is Christ in all this hustle, bustle and fun? We sings carols of “the holiday season,” but forsake or just ignore the true meaning of why we give gifts to each other and travel light-years to be with our families on this one special day.

I know its cliché – and especially if you grew up in church; but, “you can’t spell Christmas without Christ.” That’s a song I used to sing as a little one. Somehow it was easier for me to digest this at a young age – and now, harder as an adult. Responsibilities consume us as adults – and we get lost in the all consuming checklist: work, travel, gifts – check.

But, I don’t want to lose sight of the baby that was sent to this world to die for me. We sing ‘O Holy Night’ – but, what a holy night it truly was! God entered this world as flesh and blood – and it was all for us. It meant redemption, forgiveness and relationship. We can’t place those gifts under a Christmas tree.

How loving – Jesus is the ultimate gift; yet, his birth was a gift to us. His first breath outside of Mary’s womb was the greatest gift. He gave us a gift on his birthday. Our Christ was born with a purpose, and that purpose was to save the souls of men and women.

I pray we look at our Nativity scenes with new eyes this Christmas. I pray we don’t buy into all this holiday politically correct mumbo jumbo. Christmas is not just a holiday – it the day our lives changed forever. It’s more than a little celebration of great cheer, where you roast chestnuts and drink that warm cider.

Christmas is a life altering date. It is the day that our Savior chose to be born into this world – to begin his ultimate mission – all for love. Let’s not forsake such a beautiful sacrifice. Let’s not get lost in candy cane gifts. December 25th means painful death. It means glorious life – and the greatest of all eternity with our Lord and Savior. Amen.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  – Philippians 2: 9-11  

Sweet Potato Fries {Paleo, Gluten Free}

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The finished product. Toasty, seasoned and fantastic!

Well, the blanket of snow on the ground in the Washington, DC area has melted. Boo hoo – that means I and thousands of other people will be commuting to work this morning.

Oh well, at least, we got to witness such a beautiful snowfall yesterday. It was very refreshing and gave me a lot of time to cook.

{Check out my Instagram for snow pictures!}

With all the snow and the weather getting more frigid – my food cravings come out in full! The two foods on my naughty list, for the most part, are potato chips and French fries.

And, these are way not good for you. So, it is awesome to find healthy alternatives to these sinful treats = when you get a craving. Hello sweet potato fries!

Last night, I just ate of plate of these for dinner. Simply awesome and they took no time at all.

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Before they were in the oven!

You will need: 2 sweet potatoes, 2tbsp of garlic powder, 3 caps full of olive oil {maybe more – you want to lightly coat each potato piece}, 1 tsp. onion powder, 1 tsp. red pepper, salt and pepper to taste. 

Take a pretty sharp cutting knife and chop your potato pieces into strips that look like old fashioned fries. This might take a little elbow grease. Sweet potatoes are pretty thick.

Once your strips are chopped up, pour them into a bowl and add the olive oil, garlic, onion, red pepper, salt and pepper – and stir these ingredients in. You want to make sure all the pieces are lightly covered.

Preheat oven to 400. Line a cookie tray with foil – and dump your fries onto the lined tray {easy cleanup}. Pop these tasty treats into the oven and let cook for about 20 minutes.

Friends and family will love these – treat them and yourself to something healthy and way lower in fat. Not to mention, this is paleo and gluten free!

Yummy Paleo Zucchini Muffins {Gluten Free}

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The batter might look a tad different.

It’s snowing outside my little abode today. What better way to soak up the winter weather than bake?

I am still on the 20 Day Paleo Challenge. Don’t get on to me for not posting the past few days! life happens. I am sure many, many people relate. But, friends, I have stuck with the challenge and will try to make up for late posts, hopefully today!

Anyway – this morning I wanted something warm – namely a muffin {kind of miss these} and ran across this paleo muffin recipe online.

I was a little hesitant because one of the main ingredients was zucchini {crazy, I know}.

However, I just ate two {watching the snow outside my windows}– and they are awesome. Literally.

Oh, and PS – this is a paleo and *gluten free* recipe! Rejoice!

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Finished product – already had started chowing down on one.

You will need: 1 ½ cup almond meal or flour {this is gluten free}, 1 cup shredded zucchini {I used a cheese grader}, 2 cage free eggs, ¼ cup light agave nectar, ½ tsp. baking powder, ½ tsp. baking soda, 1 tbsp. cinnamon, 2 tbsp. melted coconut oil, 1 tbsp. vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt.

This recipe is very simple, honestly – and will yield about 9 muffins.

Add the eggs and almond flour into a large mixing bowl and stir. Shred your zucchini into a separate bowl and make sure you have a cup of it. Usually, one zucchini will be 1 cup. I only had a little bit left over.

Dump these green shreds into your mixture and stir it up. Add in the salt, nectar, baking powder and soda – and stir again. Lastly, pour in the melted coconut oil, vanilla and cinnamon.

Preheat the oven to 350. Like any muffins, place cupcake liners in a muffin tin and pour the wet mixture into each slot. These rise like normal muffins – so you may want to just fill them up ¾ of the way full.

Let them bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy. These are rich and creamy tasting. Perfect for that breakfast meal with that cup of hot Earl Grey Tea!

Overcoming Loneliness During The Holidays

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And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. – Matthew 28:20

The holiday season can bring feelings of joy for a lot of people. The frosty weather inspires hot chocolate, wooly sweaters and ice skates. The smell of pine trees and cinnamon candles can warm the soul and the body. Christmas carols can light a face up – and motivate jubilant feet to dance.

However, unfortunately for some or a lot of us, the holiday season is a very lonely place.

Rooms that loved ones once filled with laughter are now quiet.

The companion, you so wish to have, is nowhere in sight.

Expenses are tight. Though, you rummage up extra pennies to make your child’s Christmas special, you have a deep seeded fear you just won’t provide enough.

Pictures of snugly babies on the internet make you despair and worry about your future. You covet something that isn’t yours at this moment in time.

Hold fast. I know those words do not provide any comfort to the hurting right now {believe me, I have been where you are} and feasted on the saltiness of great pain. However, I have also tasted the side of happiness. Delight is a much sweeter meal. But, the trouble is setting aside the sorrow, so we can gain the true joy.

We all know the reason for the season is to celebrate Christ {our Savior’s birth}. Well, Dear-heart, Christ is the only one who can ease our pain, loneliness and grief. He can also fuel our joy. Have you read the verse, “He gives beauty for ashes?”Isaiah 61: 3 states, ‘He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, and festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.”

But, how do we get to the point of discarding our fear and uncertainty – so we can cling onto the Lord’s garment of praise?

Truly Believe He Has The Best For You. So often times, Jeremiah 29:11 gets over quoted and overused to its detriment. You quickly say, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” But do you digest this wonderful promise? Do you meditate on it? Do you picture your Savior cradling you in the palm of his hands and singing this truth to you? It makes a difference. When the lonely bug hits, think on Jesus, who is the author and perfector of our faith and life. Think on his character and his love for you. The Center of the Universe has stated, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Embrace it. Feel it. Let his deep love engulf you.

Focus on God’s Goodness. Often times, we tend to fixate on the bad. We think of things we don’t have – or lives we wish we were living. You are you for a reason. No fingerprint is the same. No personality either for that matter. You are like a fine portrait framed to display the beauty of your Maker’s hands. What is good in your life – surely you can list a few things? Are you thankful for your job, your family and friends? How about the eyes that God has given you to see – and the hands he has filled with the beautiful sense – to touch.

Think On The Future – But Don’t Covet Someone Else’s. The future is great. It is better to think on the future than grieve a past life or past mistake. God has told you that you are a ‘new creation’ in him. No longer an ugly duckling – you are a swan with beautiful wings designed by your maker. However, no swan is the same. Some swans might have shorter beaks. Others might live in different climates.  But that does not mean one is better than the other. Just like the swans, your life is different for a reason. Rejoice in your unique life – for no one can live it like you!

Day 3: Paleo Princess – Jalapeño Turkey Burgers

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ImageGood Morning Paleo Beauties. Sorry about not posting yesterday {work calls – this is real life}, but let’s pick up back right where we started.

I still hope you ate paleo yesterday. It’s not hard – fruits, nuts, meats and veggies. It just takes willpower and a goal. What is not to like about munching on some of nature’s finest foods!?

Wake Up: Start your day with a hot cup of lemon water {this is supposed to cleanse the body}. Lemon is a detoxifier {read this post for more information.} Sip on this cup of goodness this morning and chill even if just for a few minutes. Think of all that God has blessed you with and that you are thankful for!

Drink Up: You should have had 16 oz before you walk out the door for work, grocery stores, parks {wherever your life takes you}. Sip on water all day. Remember NO soft drinks. Artificial sweetener is not your friend.

Snack On: Today I am snacking on cucumbers, celery and a Lara Bar. This should keep my desk stomach grumbles at bay today. {Always keep some kind of nut or a small apple handy too – maybe in your purse}.

turkey burgers

Such delicious taste! I also added 1/2 of a avocado.

Lunch Recipe: Now for the new lunch recipe – Jalapeno Turkey Burgers! This is simple to make, you will want to make it the night before {for lunch the next day}.

You will need: 1 lb of lean ground turkey, ¼ a cup of sliced jalapenos, 2 garlic cloves and 1 tbsp. of olive oil.

Make sure the meat is thawed – and dump it in a mixing bowl. Put the jalapenos and garlic into the food processor and pulse until the mix is thoroughly blended together. Add this to the meat in the bowl and use your hands to knead in the spicy mixture.

On the skillet, pour the olive oil into the frying pan. Form little patties with the meat.  And cook your patties for about 5 minutes or until golden in color. Yum – a Texas Turkey Burger! Wrap in romaine lettuce for bread.

Dinner Diva: I am making something light tonight – because the burger is rather heavy. Having a green shake and some veggies on a platter!

Workout Video: Let’s focus on our arms tonight. You are definitely sore from the other nights. So, this will give us time to focus on another muscle group.