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Archives for January 2014

Lady Guinevere and King Arthur

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Dogs are seriously the best animals ever. If you look deeply into their eyes you know that they are just little sweet spirits placed into cuddly soft fur. They must be gifts given from God to help us humans down here on earth.

A relationship with your dog is so special because there is just absolute unconditional love. You can freely say anything, do anything, be anything and they still love you deeply. They are always the perfect buddy to have by your side through anything.

I get to babysit my parent’s dogs this weekend. All though, I count them as my dogs because I do not have one all to my own yet. They don’t seem to mind having more people lovin’ on them. We have Lady Guinevere and King Arthur, a match made in heaven. Lady Guinevere is two and a gorgeous sheltie. She enjoys playing with her fox toy and chasing after golfers. She still thinks that she is a herding dog and will nip at your heels occasionally, but after politely explaining that you are not a sheep she appeases. King Arthur is a mix of things that we don’t quite know. Arthur was a rescue and the first rescue that I have ever had, and is definitely something I want to do again. I could not ask for a sweeter more attentive dog. When you sit on the couch he will immediately hop up right beside you. And don’t ever think of moving away to give yourself some breathing room, he will scooch right there with you. Personal space is not in his vocabulary.

Genny and Arthur really love to hang out, fighting over toys and fighting for attention. In a lovingly way, my family and I joke that it is like Beauty and the Beast since Genny is full bred Sheltie and Arthur is a strange, but cute mix. All of his hair is rough besides one little tuft of hair in the middle of his head. Perfect for mohawks.

 
The one and only negative thing I have to say about dogs is their love for licking. Especially my dogs, I have no idea why their tongues seem to be longer than any other dogs. But, besides that I give a glowing report for all dogs. They have an uncanny way of knowing when something is wrong and when their assistance is needed. They serve as a friend, blanket, confidant, and workout partner.

I think human’s love for dogs shows us how much we need love in our lives. The meanest of mean people have dogs and absolutely love them dearly. I have visibly seen a women’s demeanor transform once her dog entered the room. That’s strong stuff.

Give your dogs some love, and have their friendship forever…

Kitchen Full of Goodness and Quinoa Stuffed Cucumbers

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After a long day I decided that it would do me some good to spend some time in the kitchen. After all, we all know that cooking, baking, and wine can drastically improve any stressful day. Therefore, I set out to make some Quinoa Stuffed Cucumbers. For dessert, a healthier version of Reese’s peanut butter cup. Plus my cheap, but delightful, Turning Leaf Merlot for all courses.

Quinoa Stuffed Cucumbers

Ingredients:
1 Cucumber
1/2 C Quinoa
1/2 Tomato
1/2 Green Pepper
Salt & Pepper
Sprinkle of Parmesan
1 Tsp Olive Oil

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Step 1: Cut up the veggies and put aside to fill cucumber. Step 2: Scoop out cucumber’s insides.
Step 3: Sprinkle salt/ pepper/oil in the inside.
Step 3: Cook the quinoa.
Step 4: Put quinoa/veggies into hollowed cucumber.		 Step 5: Sprinkle parmesan on top.
Step 6: Put into oven at 200 for 50 minutes…Eat!

It was a delicious dinner I enjoyed while guiltily watching the Bachelor with my roomie. The show is such a guilty pleasure and I would definitely recommend a glass of wine while watching it. The best part of the show is being able to see what they do for their outrageous dates. The past episode was not very impressive though. Jumping off cliffs and soccer…yuck. First, I would never jump off a cliff if a man I just met asked me. Also, in what way does that prove that you trust him completely? If anything went wrong and you died it wouldn’t have anything to do with trust, just an awful accident. Second, I would never play sports with girls that are so vicious and clearly trying to win. Not playing soccer doesn’t mean you’re a bad sport it means you don’t want to play soccer.

After dinner and some laughs at the Bachelor, I made some delicious treats, Almond Butter Cups, from a blog I love! It tasted so heavenly and was fairly healthy..ish. Probably healthier if you don’t eat 3 of them.

Any day ends well with chocolate…

Speak Life and Powerful Words

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Let my words speak life , Let my words speak Truth

“Words” by Hawk Nelson seriously gets me every time. It has such a strong message and leaves me speechless…which is good. I try to think of this message before I begin each day. You can greatly make a difference in someone’s life with your words. Everything that comes out of your mouth can encourage, break, inspire, pain, or motivate someone. Powerful Words.

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don’t wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You

These lyrics leave me with two prevailing thoughts. First, it makes me want to speak righteously and positively with every word I speak. For all you know, the next words out of your mouth can change someone’s life. Second, it reminds me of something that I all too quickly forget every single day… the sole reason I am living is to spread His love and His message. Too speak anything but love and good seems to be a waste. The world can be too corrupt and nasty at times and I never want to add anything to the mess with negative, ungrateful, or hateful words.

I wanna speak Your love
Not just another noise
Oh, I wanna be Your light
I wanna be Your voice

Sad to say that probably more than ¾ of what I say does not solely serve that purpose. Most of my chatter is simply adding on to the all the unnecessary noise. I should begin spending less time rambling away and Be Still and Listen. This calls me to question everything that I say. How do my words affect friends, family, co-workers, passer bys? Not only other people but my words affect me too. Simply speaking more positively, more lovingly, more patiently is key.

Words can build us up
Words can break us down
Start a fire in our hearts
Or put it out

Those words hit home. People’s words can greatly affect each decision you make, they can keep you moving forward or discourage you to stay where you are. Who do you talk to right after you have inspiration or a new idea? Doesn’t that first reaction mean everything? Encourage people. Inspire people. Motivate people.

I think I am fairly good at being positive, and choosing not to use negative or hateful words. But occasionally, as we all do, I fail. This song helps remind me the importance of my words. As January rolls on, I am once again adding one more resolution to my growing list. I will try to not speak as much and listen more.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up,
as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29

Listen to “Words” and speak kindly.

Wake Up in the Morning

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Working out keeps me in check and I love it, and mean it. I love to feel my heart racing and my body working. Without it, well let’s just say I would not be the most fun woman to be around. My stress levels would be boiling over and my usual positive attitude would falter. Sweating releases toxins from my body and cleanses me. Working out rejuvenates me, replenishing my energy, happiness, and confidence.

Leaving college and getting into a normal day-to-day schedule allowed me to solidify my official “workout time.” In college I would fit in a workout between classes, studying, or work with wavering consistency. Now, I can train my body and mind to be prepared for a certain time each day. With a more steady schedule, I have transformed myself into a morning workout person. Thank you, thank you, no need for applause… I found that if I worked out in the mornings, there would be no chance/excuse for it not to happen. The morning is the ONLY time that you can call your own and you must embrace it. I normally awaken, drink a full glass of water and then work out at my house. I have not officially sworn off the gym yet, but it could be in the works. It’s enjoyable to wake up and work out without having to drive anywhere or risk the threat of running into another gym-goer that somehow all ready looks perfectly acceptable.

Below is a workout that I created that lasts 30 minutes that I do in the mornings, twice through if I’m feeling crazy. It combines strength and cardio which will properly energize me throughout the day.

Cheers to the New Year

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2014 is upon us…What are your resolutions?

To the new year being full of…

  • New Experiences
  • Fitness
  • Yummy Food
  • Beautiful Friendships
  • Focused Faith
  • Intellectual Growth

I thought it was fitting to begin my blogging journey on a Friday, because who doesn’t like Fridays?