You’re Never Too Old for a Princess Chair

October 8, 2013October 8, 2013Leave a comment

This blog is called ‘Trading Paper Crowns’ so I will occasionally write Princess posts. So, men, if you are reading this – deal with it. Girls of all shapes, sizes and colors are truly royalty in the eyes of Christ.

So, I like to talk about this – and what better way than to sprinkle little reminders all over this blog spot.

Here are some fantastic princess chairs. I found online. I really like just to envision myself in each one – and think about being royalty in Christ.

Really, picture yourself sitting comfortably in a throne room, hair braided and cascading down your back. Diamond crown fastened and fixed, you are all radiant with a glow of your King – the one, true Redeemer.

Gaze at these elegant chairs and pick your favorite. Read the Bible verses a loud and carry this picture with you all day. You stand on holy ground in the presence of Christ. He has fixed your jewels up top of your head and has handed you the scepter as a key to his kingdom. Sit in honor and esteem.

: But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light

: Call unto me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you knowest not.

: And Jehovah their God will save them in that day as the flock of his people; for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted on high over his land.

: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

: “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

: And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

Oatmeal Pancakes {Gluten Free}

October 7, 2013September 12, 2014Leave a comment

Pancakes warm your soul. I think I should trademark that as a quote. I love experimenting with various recipes to find the perfect gluten free pancake. I think I might have discovered it. These pancakes were not only filling – they were wholesome.

I felt like I was on a farm, sitting at the wooden, crude table with a glass of milk and silky bonnet on – eating breakfast before having to milk the cow!

These were fresh and mouthwatering good. I can’t remember the last time I had wheat – but honestly, I would choose these sweet pancakes over Ihop any day of the week or weekend!

You will need: 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats, 1/2 cup gluten free vanilla whey protein powder, 2 tsp. baking powder, ¼ tsp. baking soda, ¼ tsp. sea salt, 4 tbsp. coconut oil melted, 2 cage free egg, 3 tbsp. agave nectar, and 1 cup skim milk (or almond, coconut, soy).

These are simple and easy to make. In one mixing bowl, place all the dry ingredients – oats, whey protein powder, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt. Gently sift this mixture together.

In a separate bowl, add all the wet ingredients. Crack in the eggs, melted coconut oil, agave nectar and skim milk. Mix this up pretty well. Pour the dry mixture in with the wet and stir it up.

This will create your batter. On a frying pan – grease it with coconut oil (just a tablespoon). And spoon out the pancake mix (like you would with regular batter!) Flip for perfection – so it’s gold on both sides.

Bonus: to keep the pancakes warm, heat your oven to about 200 and line a cookie sheet with foil. After each pancake is done on the skillet – place them in the warm oven – and serve hot with a little light syrup!

You Set My Feet To Dancing With Joy

October 6, 2013October 6, 2013Leave a comment

You set my feet to dancing. You set my heart on fire! In the presence of a thousand kings – you are my one desire.

Rise and shine and give God the glory. It’s Sunday, the sun is shining – the smell of fall is in the air. You are alive, breathing deeply and awake – ready to lap up all the promises of your Maker.

You are alive for a reason, beautiful one! Isn’t that a grand concept? God wanted you here on this earth. He formed your smile, hands, hair – and voice! It’s a hard thing to fully grasp that someone fashioned you just the way you are.

He swoons over you. How glorious! He wants you to glow, sweet one! To radiate his true joy!

Isaiah 55:12 says, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”

This is provision! In the love of your Father, you can dance unashamed. You can sing at the top of your lungs for you have a joy that is limitless and incomprehensible. The trees, mountains and rocks will join in on this joy.

All I can say is – what a mighty God! Do not keep silent, precious one. Shout to others, glow to others – the glory of your sustainer. This and [everyday] is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Amen.

Gluten Free Avocado Spring Rolls w/ Peanut Sauce

October 5, 2013October 5, 2013Leave a comment

I always see these in grocery stores and they look so hard to make. However, I attempted to make my own this weekend, and they turned out pretty yummy. Even made my own gluten free peanut dipping sauce! Superb!

Y’all it’s so simple. You will want to make a bunch for the week – and take these to work for multiple lunches. Healthy, fresh – fantastic!

First, you will need: lettuce, avocado, cucumbers and mint leaves. Optional ingredients include: shredded carrots, glass noodles.

You will have to buy the special rice paper from a grocery store. It is cheap and really easy to find. Prepare a round cake pan with hot water (not too full). Take one piece of rice paper out of the package and set it in the cake pan. Let it soak for about 2 minutes.

Gently pick up the rice paper and set it on a wet (not too wet) paper towel. This is so the paper will not break or tear. Place all your ingredients inside – lettuce, mint leaves, sliced cucumber and avocado.

Now slowly cover the veggies with one side of the limp rice paper and roll it up. You may need to practice with technique. I am still practicing as well!

For the sauce – just put 1 tbsp. of peanut butter in a bowl and mix in gluten free Bragg Liquid Aminos. Yum, now you have the perfect dipping sauce.

4 Tips That Will Make Life a Little Brighter

October 4, 2013October 4, 2013Leave a comment

It’s Friday. First of all, let’s give this day a round of applause. You have reached the end of the work week. What a reason to celebrate! Hopefully, you can sleep in a little tomorrow, sit around in your pajamas and wake up to a roasted cup of coffee.

Just wanted to share with y’all today – 4 things that just make my life a little better! It’s nice to be frugal (it’s what I strive toward) but sometimes you just have to splurge on the little things in life that make things easier, happier and calmer. These are some things that I have found make me smile and just relax a little more. Maybe they will make you feel that way too!

Buy Cute, Unique Coffee Mugs

I love coffee. This is not a secret. One thing that makes my morning is drinking out of a fancy, little coffee mug. Sometimes I feel like grabbing my chunky sunflower mug – whereas other days I feel like sipping out of a dainty blue and white teacup. I like picking out coffee mugs based on my moods. So, stock up on mugs that make you happy. Seriously, do not scrip on these – instead of a $1 mug, buy one for $7. It will make a difference.

Wear One-of-a-Kind Jewelry Pieces

I feel weird if I forget earrings for the day. Maybe because I’ve had my ears pierced since 1^st grade – no clue. However, I think its fun to wear unique pieces of jewelry to work. Hit up places like outdoor markets, antique malls or even estate sales. You can find little hidden gems at these types of places. It makes life better standing out from the crowd – this is one way you can do it!

I got this coffee mug from Annapolis. It makes me think of the beach!

Wear Bright Standout Shoes

Everyone can wear those stiletto black pumps. But, doesn’t it feel fun to wear colors on your feet? I like wearing black to work. Wearing all black in kind of a staple of mine. However, I like to pair red, turquoise, tan or classy designed shoes in with every black outfit. Not only are you not monochromatic this way – you add in a bit of interesting flair.

Follow a Mindless TV Show

I have been watching Grey’s Anatomy since college. Find a mindless TV show and watch it. Find out the day that it’s on weekly and just veg out after work with a cup of tea or a glass of wine. You should have a guilty pleasure and this is a good one. Don’t be embarrassed. A working girl needs to alleviate stress in her life someway. Sometimes taking your mind off things just for 30 minutes or an hour can help!

3 Classic Books Ideal for Fall Reading

October 3, 2013October 3, 2013Leave a comment

Well, it’s October. My apologies for skimping on the postings recently, I am a government worker (in communications) and we are experiencing something we’d like to call a ‘government shutdown.’ So, needless to say, it has been a little busy in the workplace.

There are many reasons that I love October. Pumpkin spice lattes, crisp fall leaves, changing temperatures, the smell of fireplaces, the beautiful flora orange and yellow colors, sweet candy, caramel apples, riding boots – the list continues.

October is a good month to pick up a classic book and just read with a cup of hot tea by your side. Classics warm the heart and the soul. Here are a few of my favorite classic books that would be great reads at home in a comfy chair with wooly socks!

Anne of Green Gables

What is not to like about a 1908 novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery? It’s about a little girl on an ancestral farm, Green Gables! Anne is a talkative and happy girl despite living an impoverished life as an orphan. She has a great imagination and is often pictured on book covers with red hair. This is an ideal book to warm your soul – especially for the women out there!

Wuthering Heights

This is one of my favorite books of all time. This is a love story. I literally soaked the pages of my paperback with tears as I read this story. It takes place in 1801 in a manor house called Thrushcross Grange in the isolated moor country of England. It’s about two children who fall in love. However, as they grow older, their social classes keep them apart. If you are looking for a true love story – check out this book. The ending is beautiful.

One of the WW2 Veterans at the Memorial.

Little Women

This book, written by Louisa May Alcott, is a true classic. Growing up with just a sister as a sibling, this story about a family of girls touches my heart. It is about the bond of a family – namely 4 sisters. Set in the Civil War time period, it centers on poverty and endurance. This books outlines the strength of women and, don’t worry, there is a love story interwoven in the pages.

Bonus: I just want to give a shout out to our veterans. I had the opportunity this week to help numeroud Honor Flight participants experience the World War Two Memorial, despite the government shutdown. That is why I have been MIA for a few days. God bless our troops and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your fervent service. You are the greatest generation!

5 Purse Essentials for Every Working Woman

September 30, 2013September 30, 2013Leave a comment

One thing, among many, I like about being a woman is – you get to carry your purse around and pack it with goodies.

You can have a clunky key-chain. It doesn’t weigh you down; you just throw it in your purse. Fling that sweet designer bag over your shoulder and you are ready to save the world with the contents (well, kind of).

Below are 5 things I think are a must for every working woman’s purse. You may debate me; however, all of these things have come in handy for me from time-to-time.

Travel or Compact Makeup

Does your face get oily – or maybe you just work long hours? If so, having that little touch up you need it necessary! Invest in a makeup compact like this one. It is a lifesaver and will come in handy on long days or days that you need a little more cover-up.

Breath mints or Peppermints

Let’s face it; we don’t all have minty fresh breath especially after eating that tuna salad in the cafeteria for lunch. Yep, not everyone wants a whiff of your fish breath. It is nice to have these available to pop in your mouth after lunch or a cup of coffee.

Shout wipes or Tide ‘to-go’ pens

You will spill something on yourself at one time or another. So, you may think – gosh, I never use this shout wipe, then before a meeting that coffee cup leaks and you are left with a brown spot on your white shirt. You will be thankful you have this as a purse backup.

Granola Bar or Light Snack

Sometimes there is no food to be found. And, your stomach grumbles. You think you are going to die if you don’t ingest something soon. If you have a small granola bar or pack of nuts in your purse, then you can actually subdue those hunger pangs until dinner or you scavenge some food at work.

Tissues

It’s like a napkin in a travel case and extremely helpful when sneezing and blowing your nose. Without fail, you will have a runny nose and will be stoked to remember you have some tissues in your purse.

Gluten Free Butternut Squash Gnocchi

September 28, 2013September 28, 20131 Comment

If you are a pasta lover, but, sadly, gluten free – this is the dish for you. I tried to recreate a wonderful dish I had in New York last month on a business trip.

That dish was not gluten free (shame on me). And, I felt horrible after eating it – but it was delicious.

However, this gluten free gnocchi (made from scratch, mind you) was just as good!

I used butternut squash because I had it in the kitchen. Yet, I feel like it is a little bit lighter than potatoes and tastes just as good. So, c’mon cooks, this is a process; but, you will feel like a bonafide chef afterward. Seriously.

You will need: 1 butternut squash, dash of cinnamon, 1 tbsp. poultry seasoning or sage, 1 cage free egg, dash of ground red pepper, dash of salt and pepper, dash of olive oil, 2 ¼ cups of gluten free all-purpose baking flour. And a mix of pesto sauce. If you don’t have this or don’t want to buy a mix, read how to make it – here.

First, cut the squash in half and scoop out all the seeds. You do not want to bake those. Preheat the oven to 400. Set the squash on a lined cooking tray (fleshy side up) and sprinkle olive oil, salt and pepper across the meat of the squash. Place in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes.

After the squash is done. Let it cool a little while – and scoop out the flesh. You can either mash it up with a big fork or put it in the food processor. I put it in the food processor. Empty the mashed up meat of the squash into a large cooking bowl.

Add in egg, poultry seasoning, cinnamon, red pepper and 1 cup of gluten free flour. Stir this up. And gradually add in the remaining flour until your mixture is thick and creates a nice little ball. You may need to add more flour. Use your judgment on this.

Make sure there is a boiling pot of hot water on the stove. Let it boil for a little bit – while you fashion your gnocchi pieces. You want the pot super boiling hot!

The uncooked gnocchi should look like this. Photo courtesy of: 101 Cookbooks

Roll out the dough ball on wax paper coated with flour (similar to cookies). I rolled the dough into two long ropes – and sliced the rope in little pieces with a cutting knife. Then pressed my fork into the dough making a nice little line design – like peanut butter cookies!

You are almost done – drop the dough pieces one at a time into the boiling pot of hot water. I would not cook more than a dozen at a time. They cook for about 4 minutes – then will float at the top of the pot when done.

After all the gnocchi is done – coat with your pesto. And, you have a gluten free masterpiece made from scratch! Viola!

3 Non-Disney Movies That Every Girl Should Watch

September 27, 2013September 27, 2013Leave a comment

Hello and welcome to my childhood! Imagine walking down a candy cane road with cotton candy flowers dotting the sidewalk and little gumdrop clouds! And, I am not joking. Just picture yourself there for the sake of this post!

I was listening to a mixed CD in my car (yes, I still listen to CD’s) this morning – and the song ‘Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful’ came on. All the men might gag here, but this warmed my heart and reminded me of my childhood. I would sit on the floor with my sister, The Veggie Girl, entranced by the dancing, glass slippers and Prince Charming in the Roger and Hammerstein’s version of Cinderella!

That is why I have to devote a post today to all the girls out there. And, don’t get me wrong, I love Disney (I might know most of the lyrics of the songs by heart) – but there are a lot of gem movies out there that are not Disney. So that is why I am sharing 3 movies that every girl should watch. I mean EVERY girl. Enjoy – and you’re welcome.

Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Do I love you because you’re beautiful? Or are you beautiful, because I love you? C’mon girls – what’s not to like about this movie? This is not your typical Disney cartoon Cinderella. This is like a fairytale – with real people. The music is fantastic as well. Maybe, I am an 80’s child – but, I think most girls will take some guilty pleasure in sitting down for an evening – to watch this sweet musical.

The Swan Princess

No matter how many times I see this movie, I love it. It is one of my favorites of all time. Who does not like an awkward little girl that turns into a beauty, and then is turned into a swan – and her prince has to save her. This is the picture of true love to a little girl. Not to mention, the music is awesome. Far longer than forever, I’ll hold you in my heart. It’s almost like you’re here with me although we’re far apart! Melt my heart!

Anastasia

Maybe this brings back a little nostalgia for me, but this movie is truly heartwarming. She is in orphan that discovers she is a princess. Rags to riches story! She is beautiful – falls in love with an outcast. And frequently remembers lovely memories of her childhood in the palace. This is a must see. Far away, long ago, glowing dim as an ember. Things my heart used to know, Things it yearns to remember. And a song someone sings once upon a December. Gorgeous.

5 Surprisingly Practical Uses for Tea Bags

September 25, 2013September 25, 2013Leave a comment

I love hot tea. Not only does it soothe your soul, it warms your body – and just makes you feel good.

On a cold winter’s day piping hot tea will be sure to make you smile. There are many medicinal uses for tea; however, there are also some practical uses.

I have a tried a few of these practical uses before. But, there are many on here that I am going to try – because never knew tea could be used this way.

So, tea is not just a good drink – it can actually be used in many ways! How cool.

Cool a Sunburn

You can cool a sunburn with wet tea bags! Just apply the wet bag to the infected/burned skin and it eases the sting. This can also work with minor burns as well. If you have a sunburn all over your body, put some tea bags in your bath water and soak in the bath tub!

Reduce Puffy Eyes

Take the redness and puffiness out of tired eyes with tea bags! Soak two tea bags in lukewarm water and set them on your closed eyes for about 20 minutes. This will revitalize sleepy, swollen eyes.

Make a Soothing Mouthwash

Ever have ulcers in your mouth? Make a soothing mouthwash with peppermint tea! Peppermint is an antiseptic and alleviates pain on contact with skin surfaces. Just add two peppermint tea bags in a hot cup of water along with a couple shakes of salt – and rinse your mouth with this soothing drink.

Eliminate Foot Odors

Yes, this is possible! Just soak your feet in a bath of strong tea daily for about 20 minutes. Your feet will smell nice and clean. The tea bath will get rid of stinky feet smell once and for all!

Enhance Hair Shine

Make a DIY hair conditioner with tea bags. After shampooing and conditioning hair, dump a glass of warm tea water on your lovely locks. This will enhance the shine and serve as a natural hair conditioner.