Princess & Peanut Butter

Hey Folks!!

I bet ya'll are sleepy from watching the ROyal Wedding...I had planned on watching it, but the more I thought about it...SLEEP sounded SO much better.  We Recorded it instead:)  I fast forwarded several times; viewing my favorite "parts" over and over again...what was your favorite part?  Personally, mine was her getting out of the Rolls with her dad and then walking down the aisle to meet the Prince.  She. WAS. STUNNING!!! The dress, the Bling...the way she smiled and smirked at her guests...it was just SO elegant and definitely reminiscent of Grace Kelly.  I LOVED!!!

Picture Provided By: Mastersoftrivia.com

Well, I am going to quickly switch gears and talk about one of my hubby's favorite treats: Peanut Butter.  I normally buy Organic for him...a ton of the brands are filled with hydrogenated oil and other fillers these days...SO if you are buying lots of peanut butter...check the ingredients on the back to really see what you are eating.  I've tried the not-so-good stuff and honestly it tastes like WAX to me...however, if you are a PB  lover like my hubs is, I have found a cool website that sells a variety of different flavors of Peanut Butter!!  

It's called Peanut Butter & Co. All of the Peanut Butters contain NO hydrogenated oil, NO trans fats, Gluten Free & Certified Vegan.  You can actually purchase them at Central Market too!!  Right now my husband is eating: Cinnamon Raisin Swirl & White Chocolate Wonderful.  I've tried both...and they taste soo Natural...but super yummy!!  I LOVE Finding treats that are gluten free!!

Anyway, I will also add this website to the Right-hand side of my blog in "Featured Websites"...you will LOVE it and they sell Fluff!!  Uhh...I miss the days when I ate Marshmellow Fluff...yummm!!  Check it out and let me know what you think:)

Have a Blessed Weekend Ya'll!

XOXO,

L

I Did Not Know that I Married a Doggie (Its a good thing)

On this Thursday's Rant, it's Husband meets Doggie...

I am SERIOUSLY counting the days until we can get a puppy.  Obviously, as ya'll read last week, I want a Mini Pom & Kyle wants a giant St. Bernard...so eventually we will get both, but for now we are looking into getting the smaller one first. I Win!! Hahaha!!

Anyway, Kyle seems to think that it is "OH SO FUN" to literally jump on me like he is a GIANT Doggie! I will be sitting on the couch reading, watching T.V., etc and then the next thing you know...BOOM...I've got a 6'5'' tall man, who weighs 220lbs in my lap.  Needless to say...he's heavy!  I will push and shove to try and get him off of me, but then...just like a doggie...he thinks it's funny and that I want to "play"...to someone that is about half his size...it's not funny:) Well, its sorta cute!  One time, he tackled me and literally through my hip out!!  It was somewhat embarrassing to tell my Chiropractor..."yeah...my husband tackled me last night and wanted to "rough house"...LOL...she just looked at me and said..."UMMM...OK...well, you might not want to do that again."

Honestly, I just do not think that men know their own size/strength! I know that there are other wives out there that will TOTALLY agree with me...they are seriously like Giant Doggies AND Kyle loves it!!  He seriously eats it up!!  We could be anywhere, walking/watching television and as soon as he sees a dog, its like... "SQUIRREL"!! Kyle starts talking to the dog AND for the dog...ugh...I am just thinking in my mind, ITS TIME...we need to get one.

I am thinking Obedience School is a slight possibility...on the other-hand...his "doggie act" is going to be great for when we have little kids running around...that is one day that I cannot wait for.  I mean all of our nieces LOVE when Kyle gets on his knees and pretends like he is a dog...Even Berkley, our 5-month-old niece giggles SO hard when Kyle makes a puppy face...its adorable:) He is a total kid at-heart AND I do love that about him...he is going to be such a wonderful father one day!

So to all those "other" women out there who have doggies as husbands...and I do mean that in the most respectful way as possible...I UNDERSTAND!!  I really do:)

God's Promise, A Motivational Word from Trae Thompson

Maybe you know someone who’s there. Maybe this is for you 

My goal, my hope is to simply give you encouragement, to let you know that God still heals; that He loves to overwhelm you; that no problem or sickness is too big for Him. 

This morning while I’m sitting here writing this at my parents’ home, drinking coffee, I’m amazed at how far God has brought us. It was just 18 months ago that our family faced the unimaginable when my younger brother - and best friend - took his life. I remember when I finally went to sleep that night. I’d walked into my parents’ front room sad, in shock, exhausted, hopeless and empty and said, “God, I don’t know how, but I need you to heal me.” 

Fast forward to this past weekend.  I stood with my family in my grandmother’s church on Sunday, comforted by the bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace.” I got to enjoy playing Trivial Pursuit with my cousin’s son on his Ipod touch then came home to more laughter and fun with my 20-month-old nephew, who decided at one point to feed me peaches on my mom’s kitchen tile floor. 

With those precious, sweet moments have come others that have left me speechless. Five years ago I’d found myself alone and empty after an unhealthy relationship had ended. I’d repented, asked God to forgive me and told Him I’d much rather do things His way. Boy was He listening.

It may have been two weeks later, I wound up eating dinner at a Saltgrass Steakhouse with others from my church. The night I met some people who remain my best friends to this day. Then right after that I got approved to go to Houston for two days to work on a story.  Down there, in one of the city’s worst neighborhoods, I spent each morning with one of my childhood heroes - former world heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield. He was training for a comeback fight in Dallas, and being a sportswriter I wanted to talk to him for a story that would appear in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.  We talked about boxing but then he began talking about his Christian faith. At one point he said, “You know I tell people all the time, what other religion can you find a God that after everytime you mess up says, ‘Come on back, come on back.’’ 

Just what I needed to hear. 

I tell those stories as a reminder that God can deliver anyone from the worst circumstances. In Psalm 34:18, David writes, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Notice that the verse doesn’t have any qualifiers or conditions. This is a promise. 

Joy can follow the pain. I remember working with a pastor named Darius. We got to know each other, and I quickly discovered he was a survivor of the Rwandan genocide. The stories he told me would leave you numb, but amaze you too.  See, every Christmas he returns to Rwanda with his family where they feed and serve over 2,000 children in an orphanage he runs. His painful past is now a joyful testimony!

Trae Thompson (pictured on the left with his brother Cody) is a proud son, grateful uncle and loyal friend. He’s spent 14 years as a sportswriter, 10 with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication. In his spare time, chances are you’ll find him reading, blogging or watching LSU football or UFC.

A small glimpse of Cody, taken a day before Trae's nephew was born:)

The Skinny Coconut Lime Queen...for dessert perhaps?

Last week I was thinking about how I could create a smoothie that was SOO YUMMY that you could totally have it for dessert and not feel guilty about the sugar OR calories.  I see those Yoplait Light commercials ALL. THE. TIME.  The lady is like,"Oh I am having key lime pie for dessert,"...LOL...although the yogurt brand may be lower in calories, the sugar content is still out the WaZOO!! Thus, with my Sis-in-law in mind, I have a healthy, non-dairy, Vegan if you want too, delicious treat for all of you:)

The "New" Ingredients include:

~One Lime:
Honestly, just like grapefruit...I do not buy these organic. I am sure that you can, BUT the skin really seals the citrus fruit inside.

~Black Walnuts OR Regular Walnuts:
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Black Walnuts!! They are definitely expensive AND Central Market DOES carry them, but you have to ask.  The reason that I suggest Black Walnuts is because they have a TON of health benefits AND more flavor too!!  Click Black Walnuts to learn more info:) My Sis-in-law, Kris soaks hers almonds/walnuts/etc in water for a couple of hours, so that they are easier to digest...If you DO decide to soak them, make sure to eat them within a few days OR keep them in the fridge, because MOLD will begin to appear...I've seen it!

~Organic Honey:
Honestly, I am not a Honey fan, BUT it is probably THE BEST sweetener a person could have!  There are major health benefits for honey. Click Honey VS. Sugar to read an interesting article I found regarding this sweet and sticky compound.



The Sweet Recipe:
-Half of a lime
-1-2 teaspoons of Organic Honey
-1/4 Cup of Coconut Milk
-1/4 Cup of Coconut Water (Get the Zico Brand-Lime)
-1-2 Tablespoons of Back Walnuts
-1/2 Cup of Spinach
-1-2 Stevia Packets
-1/2 Cup of Egg Whites(Obviously, you DO NOT Need to add the whites, if you are Vegan OR just hate eggs...just add more coconut milk)
-A Couple of Ice Cubes




Directions:
Add all of the ingredients into the blender EXCEPT for the lime, stevia, and ice.  Grind Really well and then squeeze the lime into the mix and add the packet of stevia too. Grind again and then add in the ice cubes. Grind for a third time and then serve:)

To me, this particular smoothie tastes like a key lime sorbet. IT. IS. YUM. Of course like I ALWAYS say, I Heart Feedback...feel free to drop me a note.  Also, If you are an avid reader of my blog, PLEASE sign up for Blog Frog and Join my community on there!  The link is on the right-hand side of my blog...SO DO IT!!! Thank you:)

Finally, I have a wonderful friend to both Kyle & I as this week's guest writer...SO...Tune in tomorrow to read his Motivational Word from God!!

Have a Lovely Tuesday!

XOXO,

L

My First Easter as a Wife

WHAT A WEEKEND! Right?!?

Friday morning I woke up with a sore throat still and pretty much stayed in bed most of the day...Kyle was super sweet and took care of me...he knows that my Love Language is of course "Acts of Service." He is such a wonderful provider and I am very blessed to have such a incredible encourager in my life....I could really just write a book about him, BUT I will SPARE ALL OF YOU with THAT!!  Haha:)  Want to know your Love Language?(Click on the highlighted Title)

I ended up going to my Wholistic Doctor on Saturday, because I wanted to make sure I was getting better AND not worse...got new vitamins and I was Out the door.  I stayed in my PJs and we watched two really great movies..."The Kings Speech" AND "Country Strong"...Kyle normally disgusts those "English Movies," because you LITERALLY have to put your ear to the television to understand what the heck they are saying sometimes...he secretly liked the movie though...it had counseling in it!! HA! On-the-other-hand, Country Strong was a surprise to me...it was REALLY SAD, but the music was SUPER-GOOD!! LOVE LOVE LOVE This song below:

Plus, Kyle is an incredible country dancer...Two-step and all...so of course this movie was like taking him back to his Roots:)

On Easter Sunday, I woke up feeling better, which was a sigh of relief...we packed up the brownies that I made, BUT of course couldn't eat and went to Mary Helen's house to have a late lunch with everyone:)
Our Lunch included: Steak, Chicken, baked potatoes, fresh salad, zucchini & Squash, French Bread & My Brownies..ALL yummy AND hormone-free...it was GOOOOOODDDDD!  I showed up in my PJs...and it was SO FUN to spend time with Family!!  However, this just wouldn't be a normal blog without a weekend adventure...Right? LOL!  As we were sitting down to eat...My Sis-in-Law Brynne, was slicing the Bread up...and within seconds cut her left thumb with the knife.  She was extremely calm & did not freak out whatsoever, heck I didn't even know she had cut it until she was at the sink running water over it! We got the First Aid Kit out...and started planning on how to wrap it...the next thing I know...her eyes rolled to the back of her head and she was on the floor!!  Thankfully, Spencer, my brother-in-law, was there to catch her.  NO WORRIES PEOPLE...she was responding...I think it was just the blood and honestly it was a deep cut...she was taken to Care Now and stitched up!! 

It was a Beautiful Easter. Such Love, Fun Easter Egg Hunt, Great Talks, Yummy Food...it was lovely:)

I know that my husband shared the importance of a blessing a couple of weeks ago with all of you AND he has been writing a blessing for each of his immediate family members; I thought I would share the one he spoke over me with all of you:)

Lauren, you are like a lightning bug in a dark room,
no one can hide your light. You are special and
a delight to your loved ones. You are accepted just
the way you are. You are Loved & Highly Valued, blessed
favored, and wanted.  You have such a bright future in
front of you that many people can only dream about.
Your past is in your past and your future awaits!!
I am proud of who you are and what you are about to
accomplish; you are the light of my life &
you are well-loved.

XOXO,

L

My Blog Frog

Good Afternoon Friends!!!

Well, yesterday I got my Kiss:) As you can see below:

Oh and I also got new pink/fuchsia-colored lipstick and I needed someone to test it on...HA!!! No worries people the Garlic/Cayenne breath is gone!!

Today I am going to ask ALL OF MY READERS to PLEASE join my community on Blog Frog. All that you need to do is click on "visit my community" on the right-hand side of my blog, where the title is "My Blog Frog."  You DO NOT need to have a blog to do this, all that it will ask you to do is either "sign in with facebook," which is on the left side of the page OR you can sign up without too!!  It is SUPER easy to create a profile, with just your name and a picture.  You do not need to post a picture...I like too...because it shows up on other blogs that I read or communities that I visit, BUT you do not need too.  PLEASE PLEASE do this for me:)

Also, if you do join my community, let me know!  Everyone who does..I will write about w/e topic that you would like me too write on:)  SOOOOO PLEASE JOIN!!!! Am I getting on your nerves yet?!?

Today is going to be a short post and I will come back on Sunday afternoon/evening to update about our weekend adventures.  I pray that you have a wonderful Easter with your family and friends.  Feel free to e-mail me with questions about Blog Frog:)

XOXO,

L

Just Kiss Me Already

Earlier this week I mentioned that I was a bit "under the weather" AND I still am feeling that way this morning. However, Because of my creator, prayers, AND the help of a small cocktail...I do feel better than I did yesterday for sure!
Let's Recap real quick, because I Am sure yall are wanting to know my recipe for kicking this cold/virus Down. So..
I woke up yesterday morning with headache, sinus pressure, and to top it off I had a sore throat & was sneezing all over my husband...needless to say...I was miserable. So I texted my doc...I know...text? Yep, I said it AND the best news was that she had a remedy!! I know a lot of you pop a Claritin or ya'll take some Nyquil, but I really do try to stay away from all of that...it's SO stinking bad for you..I need to do a post on over-the-counter drugs...that stuff is TOXIC!! Anyway, my doc texted me the prescription and I sent my hubby out the door to Central Market;) Here's the ingredients to the Cocktail:
"The Most Ah-MaZing, in YO Face, All-around Bad breath Cocktail to feeling Better:"
-2Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
-1/4tsp cayenne pepper
-2 Garlic Cloves
-1/2tsp organic honey
Thus, when he got home, I ground up all of the "stuff" in my blender and was ready to drink! It smelled SO bad, but I just knew that i had to Chug it down as fast as I could...so...I did...and...yeah...I almost threw it back up! I drank it too fast and it burned going down, BUT within a few minutes, my sinus headache was gone, no sneezing and my throat felt better;).
Believe it or NoT folks,I did it two more times after that!!
I know...how does this have anything to do with today's housewife rant; Just wait...I'm getting to it!
Normally, I have a cuddle bug on my hands a.k.a my hubby, but yesterday it took an arm and a leg to just get him to kiss me;( He was like Lauren, "your breath makes me want to throw up!" At first, it really did hurt my feelings, because I was brushing my teeth like twice after each drink and he STILL told me that it smelled really bad!! Then, after my second cocktail in the afternoon, he was like,"I think you are sweating it out, because our whole place smells like garlic." UGH!!! I was like...FINE! I know!!! Just say it!!! Just say that my pores reek of garlic and cayenne, IM SORRY!!! Okay?!?

Needless to say, I woke up this morning with a bit of a sore throat still, and so I took my Silver, another AMAZING immune booster!!! However, all of that sinus pressure was GONE;) Hopefully, I will get a kiss tonight! I'll let you know...
Have you felt a bit "under the weather?" Bold enough to try my cocktail above? It Works!!!!
XoXo,
L

"Dancing to it Now," A Testimony of Faith by Kris Power, M.S.

"Hope is hearing the melody of the future.  Faith is dancing to it now.”  Richard Alves

    He pulled the car over on the side of the small Texas highway.  He came over to my side and opened my car door and asked me to dance.  With the car radio turned up loud, two teenagers danced hand-in-hand as cars passed by.  We trusted in the future together.  We didn’t know what it would entail but we had faith that whatever it was, we could make it through together....

   What is faith?  We hear the word so often that sometimes it loses its power.  Faith is believing that something is going to happen before it does.  Faith is putting all of our belief in someone whom we have never met.  Faith is believing that the promises we have been told WILL come to pass.  Faith is what you have while you wait. 

   If your faith has ever been tested, then you know you are in the presence of God.  If your hopes have ever been dashed, then you know the King of Kings will have a platform.  On Christmas Eve 2007, my faith was tested when I learned that the precious little girl I had been carrying for 9 months had beaten me to heaven.  I stared at her little heart on the sonogram in disbelief.  I had trusted God with her heart and mine. 

  Once I got over the anger and shock of it all, I began to question my faith.  Did I still believe He was good?  Did I still believe He was sovereign?  Did I believe that my faith was all I needed to get me through?  This earth-shattering trial forced me to look faith in the face and own up.  I decided that I was going to have faith, no matter what the cost.  I had to!  I had to believe that everything I had ever read was true!  I had to believe that His word was real and that I would see her again.  

  Faith is believing that, which has no absolute proof.  It is determining to trust Him when He has not answered all of the questions or even assured a pain-free passage. It is hanging tough when the evidence would have us bail out.   Elisha didn’t see the army of God, but he knew it was there.  Abraham didn’t see the baby boy, but he believed he would one day.  Staring at the cross, no one saw the risen Jesus, but faith said He would come back and save the world.  

  Faith is lying down reality.  Faith is lying down the facts.  Faith is lying down your Isaac and trusting God to come through.  It is a decision you have to make.  It is an all-encompassing truth that says you will trust Jesus no matter what the circumstances.  It is believing He is good even when life isn’t.  

  Ten months after we ushered our daughter into heaven, we celebrated the birth of our new baby girl.  We heard cries where there was once silence.  We felt joy where there was once pain.  Beauty for our ashes.  

   He is good.  He redeems.  Our faith in Him is worth it.  He got off of that cross.  He walked out of that tomb.  He is worthy of our faith.  

  It has been almost 15 years since my husband pulled over on the side of that highway.  

  I am so thankful we had the faith to dance.  

Kris Power is a daughter of the King.  She has been dancing with her high school sweetheart, Spencer, for 15 years and has been enjoying married life with him for 7.  She is mommy to 3 beautiful girls, one of which is in the arms of Jesus.  She has a B.S. from Oklahoma State University and an M.S. in Speech Pathology from the University of Texas at Dallas.  She loves writing, speaking, and teaching the word of God and is the founder of Charlie Jars.  You can read about her ministry birthed from heartache and hope at www.charliejars.com  

His, Mine, & Ours

`Well, I am feeling a bit under the weather today and I really want to blame ALL of this flippin wind in DFW area.  I have been sneezing, itchy, off and on headaches, and I am also having chills today, thus my blog post is going to be a little different for this week's "ALL THINGS LAUREN." You may not get it, heck I don't even get it...BUT thats what happens when I have been curled up in bed for most of this morning...oh well...it's His(Kyle), Mine(Meee), & Ours(the both of US)!

HIS DINNER PLATE:

~Organic Brown Rice with Chicken, Baked yellow 

Squash, & Greek Peppers. (He had some Organic 

Ketchup on the side:))

MINE:

~Organic baby spinach, broccoli, Organic baby carrots, 

sprinkle of Feta Cheese, Tablespoon of Fish Oil, Fresh 

Atlantic Salmon, & Vinegar for dressing:

HIS SIDE OF THE BED:

~Kyle really didn't decorate his side...he told me the 

pics that he wanted and..TA-DA!  However, you 

should see his book collection next to his bed...my 

Hubs likes to read:)

MY SIDE:

~I LOVE MY SIDE!! Pics of us before we were married

and then one of my momma & me too:) 

HIS DOG OF CHOICE:

~Don't get me started on this one...LOL...but when 

Kyle was growing up, his family owned a Saint Bernard

named Blitzen. Thus, we will more than likely own a

Blitzen 2 one day:)

-www.dogbreedinfo.com

MY CHOICE:

~I have ALWAYS wanted one!!! A White Mini Pom:)

I will either call her Harlow OR Dolce...we may be looking

into getting one this year. So if any of you know a really great

breeder, than let me know.

OUR FIRST "REAL" DATE:

~Kyle will disagree after seeing this pic. HA!

OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS:

~This was taken about 7 months of "officially" dating.  

We went to ICE at Gaylord with his mom, brother, and 

Sis-in-Law. Brady & Brynne look lovely as always...Kyle is 

drugged up on Tylenol or something, & I was doing the

"VersaSpa" at the time and so ya...I look like a indian:)

OUR ENGAGEMENT:

~This Evening was PERFECT...besides

the reckless limo driver.

OUR WEDDING:

~The MOST memorable day of my life-

to-date. SO BLESSED!

OUR HONEYMOON:

COOOSSSTTAAA RIIIIIIICCAAAA!!

Well, I hope ya'll were not that bothered by this week's addition of: All Things Lauren.  I am looking forward to my guest writer's post tomorrow...it will be a good one...I am sure of that!!

Here's Lookin At You.

XOXO,

L

The Skinny Grapefruit Queen

Well, I got such wonderful feedback from last week's smoothie recipe, that I decided on sharing another one of my favorites with ya'll today.  First, for a couple of weeks now, I have been trying to incorporate grape fruit into a smoothie.  Honestly, up until recently, I really didn't like Grape Fruit all that much...it was TOO tangy & citrus-y for my liking, BUT a las...I have figured out the PERFECT recipe for a smoothie with grape fruit that is not overpowering:)

Here is the list of ingredients that you will need for ONE serving:

-Half of a large Pink Grapefruit:

I usually don't buy organic with these, BECAUSE they come with the skin and they are expensive already when you buy the large ones.  If you would like to use pure Grapefruit juice-NOT the kind with additives and sugar, thats fine too:)

-Organic Baby Carrots:

I buy the bag of organic carrots from Central Market and then clean and re-wash them when I get them home.  Also, you can buy the larger ones too...either one will work great:)

-Organic Coconut Milk:

If you read last Monday's post on Coconut Milk, you can see the advantages to buying it!  It's great for people who do not consume dairy and are completely 100% vegan! So if you haven't checked last Monday's post, go back and read it:)

-Organic Ginger

Honestly, you can either buy the ginger root...it's this funky-looking branch-thing...LOL...that you can buy in the produce section of any Central Market, Sprouts, or Whole Foods.  However, I just buy the Organic ginger powder instead, that way you do not have to worry about juicing the root or shaving it...it just saves time:)  There are MANY MANY health benefits to ginger...it honestly is AH-MAZING!!  If you want to know, just click on the underlined headline above:)

-Napolea OR Organic Cherry Juice/Pomegranate Juice:

I know what you are thinking...what the heck is Napolea?  Well, just click on the name above and read about where its from and how to order it.  I actually heard about it from my nanny and then my mother-in-law let me have a bottle to try.  I am taking it to just help with detoxing & energy!!  However, if you click the on the name above, you can see ALL of the wonderful benefits of it AND even better....it tastes SOOOO GOOD!!! However, if you want something that has a comparable taste, try Organic Cherry Juice OR Organic Pomegranate Juice:)

-Eggwhites:

Like I mentioned last week, this is for the creamy/foamy effect AND to get an added dose of protein!  However, if you are vegan or you just think eggs are gross, than just leave them out...I LOVE my egg whites, but I left them out of my smoothie today and it still was yummy! Would you like more info on which ones I use for my recipes? Check last Monday's Smoothie Recipe:)

-Stevia:

I don't use that much in this recipe, just one packet...you many not want to use any...just try and see:)

How Much & How To:


-Half a large Pink Grapefruit
-1/4-1/2 cup of organic carrots
-1/4 cup of organic coconut milk
-1/2 teaspoon of ginger
-1/4 cup of Napolea OR Organic Cherry/Pomegranate Juice
-1/2 Cup of Eggwhites (Only if you choose; its good without too)
-1 packet of Stevia
-Couple of ice cubes

-Add all of the ingredients above, except for the ginger, stevia, and ice cubes.  Blend really well and then stir in the stevia and ginger.  Blend again and then add in the ice cubes and blend for the last time & Serve!

The wonderful thing about this smoothie to me is the FOAM!  If you do not like the foam, just stir and let it sit for awhile and it should go down.  Also, this particular one contains pulp, so again...if you do not like pulp, then you can use a strainer before you serve it:)

Like I say time and time again, I LOVE FEEDBACK!! Let me know if you end up trying it.  It is sooo yummy and good for you too!

Have a Lovely Monday!

XOXO,

L

My Weekend Flew By...Literally...

My Weekend at a Glance...

Friday:

Well, the day started out a bit windy, in fact VERY WINDY!!  We spent all afternoon, putting together Pottery Barn furniture for Mary Helen's new home...she is my lovely Mother-in-Law.  She pretty much bought out the store...lol...which brings me to quite an interesting story.  First, think about this: 45-50MPH winds and Hauling Expensive Furniture on Hwy 114...probably not the BEST idea, but it had to be done.  On our first haul over from PB, we had a very large load---chairs, tables, rugs, etc. AND due to this "Wind Storm" in the area, one of the chairs flew out of the back of Kyle's truck and into the traffic behind us.  It was like watching something from the movie "Twister"...that piece of furniture was up in the air and gone in a matter of seconds...demolished by the 18-wheeler behind us.  SO, thankfully, Pottery Barn was so kind as to give us a new one after I convinced the manager in the store that we still had three rooms in her house to furnish.  Here is a beautiful pic of her kitchen breakfast table:

Saturday:

It always seem as though Saturday's come & go SOOO quickly!!  I had my workout, little bit of cleaning/organizing, church & Dinner/Date Night with the Hubs.  This is SO off-topic, but I LOVE the "beach-hair look!" I rarely EVER spend a ton of time on my hair anymore...the beach/wavy look is just fine for me:)  Needless to say, Dry Shampoo is my BFF and some hair spray too. Sometimes I dream that I am living in the 1970's-skinny pants, crazy hair, big sunglasses, vintage/hand-me-down jewelry...I LOVE!! I mean Look:

Ha Ha....all I need is one of those forehead bands....I WANT ONE...who will make me one??? I will pay you with delicious/organic treats! Anyway, Kyle and I rarely ever have a date night...I am just not one to like eating out, BUT there are some places that are on my diet plan AND so we decided on La Hacienda.  He wanted Mexican food and I knew that I could get there yummy chicken fajita salad with NO Cheese & ask for the vinegar as the dressing.  We also had table-side guac...although I still think that my recipe Is way better!!  Anyway, they have a nice outdoor setting and it wasn't humid NOR windy at all last night; it was PERFECT!!!!

Sunday/Today:

I LOVE Sundays!!!  I know that I already mentioned our Sunday Walks last Sunday, but they truly are so fun for us.  We are just so excited about the things that are happening and are about to happen in our lives...God is SO GOOD!!  Anyway, tonight we will be having dinner with my lovely Sis-in-law, Kris and her adorable family.  I love spending time with my Sister-in-Laws, they are like the Sisters I never had growing up...so young, fresh, and FUN!  

Well, I hope that your weekend was Super-relaxing!  I look forward to sharing a fun smoothie recipe with ya'll tomorrow:)  

XOXO,

L

A Simple Glance & Read Could Go A LONG Way

Happy One Week Blog!!  I've been up and running my blog for one week now and I know that last Friday I introduced the BEST photag in the area, Mrs. Melissa Zihlman. She captured the most memorable day of my life TO Date and we were so thankful to have her.

This week, I am actually going to feature a website that is set up as an investigation, memorial & story of a possible abduction/murder of a woman that would be around the age of 28/29years-old today. However, before I give ya'll the link to the page, I want to just brief my bloggies on some info about my interest in this case & background info about me too:)

I've always had an interest in Criminal Law and actually my junior and senior year of college I was studying for the LSAT and getting my recommendations set up for Law School, but I remember just feeling like it wasn't the right time for me to go.  I know NOW that the "feeling" at that time was indeed the Holy Spirit.  I am so thankful for listening, BECAUSE I would not have met Kyle, in fact I would be in my last year as of right now.  Kyle and I both have talked about the potential of me applying for Law School in the near future, but I also would LOVE to start having children in the next couple of years as well...so it would need to be a direct calling from God to send me.  Anyway, because of my interest, I LOVE investigation stories, not so much CSI or Criminal Minds-that's more forensic type stuff, which Kyle Loves!!  Mine are more on the Law side of things. My shows of choice ARE: Dateline on ID & Disappeared, SOMETIMES I will watch Law&Order:Criminal Intent.

Anyway, these shows do peak my interest & here recently I have to completely wipe my hands & feet spiritually after watching them, because these shows are a great way for the enemy to come in and instill fear into a person's thoughts.  So...needless to say...I am not allowed to watch them everyday, but I do once or twice per week.  Since watching them, there are a few cases that have truly touched my heart.  Most are abductions/murders of women in the U.S and today I am going to feature the website of Jennifer Kesse (Just click on her name to view her website).  I am not going to give ALL of the specifics, but she disappeared in 2006 AND if you want to read the full-story than feel free to click on the link---FYI: Its information that could be disturbing to some people, especially those whom are really sensitive to these things.

My hope in sharing this information with all of you is to help bring awareness to other women out there, not to instill fear into your mind.  Just BE AWARE of your surroundings!  If you go on walks/runs by yourself(Which I don't even do), but if you do than: Always look around you, maybe carry pepper spray, pick a different route each time that you go, run where there are lots of other people too.  When you are coming out of the grocery store OR even at the Mall, check underneath your car and look in the backseat of your car as well. Also, if you are out with friends, DO NOT TAKE A DRINK FROM JUST ANYONE!! I know that A LOT of you have already heard this one before, but while my hubby and I were in Costa Rica for our Honeymoon, the bartenders were trying to give us drinks that we did not even ask for...so be careful!!  These are SO SIMPLE to do and I hope that many of you do them already:)

If you have any questions/comments, feel free to leave them here!  I LOVE FEEDBACK!

Have a Blessed Weekend Everyone!

L

Something EVERY Newlywed Woman Should Know

Well, before I get into my weekly Rant, I just want to tell the public that I discussed todays topic with my hubby beforehand. Let's just say "it could be" somewhat embarrassing and I didn't want to just put Kyle on the Spot...ya know? But his confidence is like out the WaZoo, So needless to say he didn't care, which means I get to share with you all what EVERY newly married woman will experience in the first few months of marriage. Let's just say Lysol spray will become your BFF;)

I remember thinking Months & Months ago, before Kyle & I were ever married...WOW...this guy NEVER Farts! Amazing!!!! I mean we would go to these restaurants and he would just Shovel down the cheesiest food EVER and then we would go to the movies OR out with friends...honestly while we were dating....I never Heard Nor Smelled anything...and we dated for well over a year!! However, I was about to get a Rude Awakening come December.

To me, Kyle immolates Confidence, Respect, Godliness & Fit extrordinaire...I mean look at him...he is HOTT!! However, that first month of marriage I just remember Being in the kitchen cooking and all of a sudden this powerful smell would just overwhelm me and I would look at him...and he would have the cutest "I'm SO sorry" look on his face:) Now, he farts ALL. THE. TIME it seems like and we eat really Healthy and so I am thinking that the more veggies/fruits you eat, the worst your gas is! Kitchen, shower, Bed, couch, floor...anywhere & everywhere...you name it, he's probably farted in/on it.
I know some wives who are reading this might concur with what I've said and then others out there will totally DENY it. Well, whatever/however...your husband FARTS...Bottom Line. So get your Lysol cans ready & buy some Beano & you should be good-to-go! Ha!
P.S. Hubby, I love you so much and thank you for allowing me to share this topic with other newly married/people/friends out there!!
XoXo
L

The Blessing That You Did Not Receive

Posted by: J. Kyle Daniel, M.A


My lovely wife asked if I would write on her new blog as a guest writer for today because of this week's topic: Wednesday Word; a motivating word from God.

I want to ask you, what would you do if one morning you woke up and realized that everything that you have been longing for was not more money, a better job or a new and improved spouse; but the one thing that you were longing for was the admiration, affirmation and blessing from your dad or possibly a Godly role model in your life.


 Many people live their entire lives without receiving a blessing from their earthly fathers. However, do not get mad or discouraged at your own dad, because more than likely he also did not receive the blessing from his own father. A spoken blessing speaks to the heart of a child, even if that person is no longer a child. The affirmation of a blessing to a person says that you have what it takes and that I am proud of WHO YOU ARE and the accomplishments that you have attained.


 I am reading the book "The Blessing," by John Trenton and Dr. Gary Smalley. It has truly helped me realize the blessing that my father and mother gave to me; it was at a high school graduation event a few years back. A spoken blessing can be anything that states how proud of you they are and the many great things that you are going to do in your life. Furthermore, when a child has not received these words they often times seek other means to receive admiration, whether it is through one of their children, a co-worker, a spouse, a gang, a coach or even through a one-night-stand.


 Everyone needs to know that they are important, significant, loved, respected and admired, regardless if they are a child OR if they are a grown man, because it means the difference between low self-esteem and high self-esteem. However, the reason many people live without this blessing is because their parents do not know that it is something that is highly important. 


I would strongly encourage you to go and ask your fathers to pass down a spoken blessing of encouragement and affirmation to you. It could change the way that you look at yourself every morning. So instead of longing for something that you believe you need, you will have something that no one can ever pay enough for or attain on their own. Be blessed!

J. Kyle Daniel has a B.S. in Family Studie from the University of North Texas and
a M.A in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University.
He is an author & Freedom Team volunteer  at Gateway Church in SouthLake, TX.
He is newly married and enjoys working out, College Football, spending time with his wife
and family, and hopes to complete his doctorate in the near future.

Questions and/or Comments: jeffrykyle@hotmail.com

How Well Do You Know Your Skin?

Hey Blog Buddies!

Well, on this addition of All Things Lauren, I thought of writing about a topic that any woman or man could really relate/talk/blog/write/discuss about...and TA DA....it is your SKIN!!  How well do you know it? Do you feed it the right STUFF?<---which I will talk about in a sec...Have you EVER been to the Dermatologist? Can you literally point to marks, spots, pimples, freckles, etc WITHOUT looking directly in the Mirror?  These questions are obviously ones that I made up JUST for you, but getting to know your skin takes time & experience, both of which I have done. If you answered NO to just one of the above questions, than maybe it's time to give your skin some TLC!!

First, I am not a dermatologist, BUT I have learned about my skin from 25 Years of living, making healthy choices as far as food & skin care, not over doing it at the Spa OR Exfoliating the HECK out of it, Taking Vitamins, Etc.  Plus, EVERY person's skin is different, so what has worked for me...may not for you, but I will give you some insight & tips that could help you regardless of your skin type AND I guarantee you will notice a difference...HECK I DID!!

Drink More Water
-About three years ago, I noticed that my skin was starting to look pale, it was dry & dull. I realized that I was only drinking MAYBE 32-40oz per day, which I thought was ALOT...but I am active and at the time I was in College so I LOVED my coffee and water was NOT my drink of choice. So I started drinking 100-150 ounces/day and within a week...I noticed a HUGE difference!!  I am sure you are thinking 100 OUNCES...that may be too much...but for someone who is on-the-go, active, and besides coffee, is the only thing you drink, 100oz. is JUST enough:)  So experiment and see what works for you...the first week or so, you may be in the bathroom a lot, but your body will adjust and your kidneys will thank you:)

Find a Good Moisturizer
-I have always been real good about applying facial moisturizer and I have my late grandmother to thank for that.  There are SO many out there and that is why it is really good to know your skin type SO that you can search for the perfect one!  I LOVE AVEENO! I have tried all the expensive stuff out there and Aveeno Facial Moisturizer is what I use & I also use the Cleanser too.  The brand is really good for Normal to sensitive skin and it fits me:) So do your research people & Moisturize Moisturize Moisturize...I do...about 2-3 times per day!!  Here is a quiz I found from Fitness Magazine to determine your skin type & what regimen you should use:

Quiz: What's Your Skin Type?

I took the Quiz & it was surprisingly accurate:)

Food&Vitamins
-Your skin is the largest organ in the human body and so obviously you MUST feed it what it needs.  We talked about water, which is extremely important, but vitamins & food intake also play a role! Check out: Vitamins for Skin & Food for Skin for more details on how you should be feeding it!!  I eat plenty of Organic fruits & veggies, wheat free/gluten free everything it seems like, and I take the vitamins recommended for me:) Everyone is different and we all have different needs...so...evaluate yourself with the above info/quizzes/articles to see where you may be in regards to skin care.

Say No to Baking
-STOP TANNING IN THE BED!!!! This is SO bad for your skin...I tanned for an entire year in College and I wish I hadn't.  Also, laying out for 15 minutes per day is probably okay...you need the Vitamin D, but I wouldn't recommend anything over that...just my opinion. I was going to share an article about tanning/sunbathing with ya'll, but you may not like what you read, SO just google or take my advice:) Hee!

My blog today is based off personal experience...Obviously, but my whole point is to "hopefully" make you more aware as to how you are taking care of your skin and what you are feeding it!!  I get asked ALL the time: What do you do Lauren? How do you keep your skin looking so good? Well, here's how:) So take the quiz, feed your beautiful skin with what it needs and watch it glow!!!

XOXO,

L

"The Skinny Green Queen" is my Smoothie of Choice

Good Afternoon!!  I am so excited to share a smoothie recipe that is truly one of my favorites...160 calories of PURE Yumminess, totally All-Natural/Organic, and for you Vegans out there, I will tell you what to substitute for the egg whites in this recipe:)  YES...we are using EGG WHITES!!!  This brings me to the list of ingredients that you will be needing:

"The Skinny Green Queen"

-1/2 Cup Coconut Milk
-1/4 Cup Coconut Water
-1/4 Cup Organic Frozen Blueberries ( or any Fruit; Pineapple is yummy too)
-1/2 Cup Egg Whites OR Coconut Milk for you Vegans out there!
-1/2 Cup Organic Frozen Spinach
-1 scoop of Amazing Grass
-1/2 tsp of Organic Cinnamon
-1 packet of Stevia
-2 ice cubes

Directions:
Add all of the ingredients together in a blender EXCEPT for the cinnamon, ice, and stevia.  Let it sit in the blender for about 10-20 minutes; THEN blend!  Once the mixture is blended really well, add the ice cubes, cinnamon, and stevia to the mix and then stir it with a spoon a couple of times. Turn that Blender on High and blend until the ice cubes are ground up really well AND serve:)


ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS:
***If you click on the headlines below, it will take you to the website where you can order and learn more about the products that I am using in the smoothie above***

All Whites OR Eggology


Both brands are available at Central Market, Sprouts, and online.  Eggology is 100% pure, pasteurized, kosher, All-Natural, & USDA approved Pure Protein.  All Whites is a cheaper version for those of you who are on a budget and is available at Walmart and Target too!  I've used both brands...I cannot really tell a difference...SO...pick your whites according to health preference/budget.  For those of you vegetarians out there, you will just substitute the egg whites with Coconut Milk for this recipe...it will give it that extra protein and creaminess effect:)

Coconut Milk


I have been off dairy products for about a year now and it was one of the BEST decisions that I could've made for my health.  Up until about 4 months ago, I was using Almond Milk, however I found out that I was allergic to an ingredient in the almond milk, SO I have now switched to Coconut Milk & I LOVE IT!!! I use So-Delicious as my Coconut Milk of choice-its Organic, certified Vegan, Non-GMO Certified and is SO good for you.  Also, Silk sells Coconut Milk too!!  Both brands are available at Central Market and Silk is available at Walmart too!!

Coconut Water


This is by far the BEST drink for rapid-hydration, especially after a tough workout!!  I drink just a small amount everyday and my grandmother is now drinking it because of its ability to restore electrolytes FAST!! To most of you it is not the tastiest, but my brand of choice is Zico. One small serving has more potassium than a banana, its cholesterol free, fat free & All-Natural, plus there is NO added Sugar...its like a healthier version of Gatorade, but much lower in Calories. I prefer the Pomegranate OR Natural flavor for my smoothies:)

Amazing Grass Superfood


I have been using this particular Superfood for well over a year now and Chocolate is by FAR my favorite flavor!!  Just one scoop of this powder is just 30calories, contains rich fruits, herbs, green superfoods, probiotics, digestive enzymes AND can help you meet your daily requirements of Vegetables & Fruits.  It is completely Raw, Vegan, & Organic!!  I keep mine in the freezer and a small container lasts me about one month.  There are TONS of brands out there, BUT this particular one is the only one that I have used...you can find it at both Central Market & Sprouts OR you can order online too.  The price ranges anywhere from $22-$26, BUT in my opinion it is definitely worth the money.


Well, I hope that you will give my smoothie a chance, BECAUSE I am positive that you will LOVE it!! I LOVE feedback, so let me know if you tried it and what you thought!!  Also, feel free to contact me with questions too:)  Have a great Monday Ya'll!!

XOXO,

L

I Love Sundays!

I love Sundays. Kyle and I love taking long walks on Sundays; it's our time to just talk about whatever we want to...dreams, church sermons, cars, dogs, friends, food, LIFE. I just love this time with him & I know that He does too.
Anyway, it was great to spend a relaxing day with my hubby considering how LONG yesterday was. The roping took place in a open-Air arena in Decatur, TX.  It was on a very nice piece of property...beautiful really. As I mentioned yesterday, Kyles dad is a Pro Roper-he is a "Header" and has a partner who is a "Heeler." He is Really Really Good!!  The prizes at these Pro competitions are anywhere from $25,000-100,000, new GIANT truck and trailer, and then little things here and there...and that Is for each: the header and Heeler.  His dad has won the last four and missed today's competition by just a few seconds...yeah I guess you could say he is famous in the cowboy world. However, it was really neat to see him in his element and this is just his weekend hobby!!  I got some neat pictures of his horses Cash & Sisco:
I definitely wore the wrong thing yesterday: A summer dress, wedges, had my Cole Haan tote...I pretty much looked like I was going to the Kentucky Derby, NOT the NRS in Decatur, TX! Ha! Needless to say, I got lots of looks and because the wind was Like out of control, I was constantly having to hold my dress down...I just looked Awwwkkkkwaard!!!
Anyway, We had Fun and regardless of the stares that I got, it was neat to be in a completely different world for a day & to spend time with Kyles Pop!
Tomorrow, I will be sharing my Fav smoothie recipe with y'all...it's All Organic and yummy too;) So be sure to check back here tomorrow...I hope that you like coconut!!
Well, off to fix an early Sunday Dinner for the Hubby & I. I pray that your weekend was blessed & that your week will be too!!
XOXO,
L

Long Day

Well, I am BEYOND tired & in all honesty I didn't really do that much today at the roping. I sat, talked, walked, sat again, walked again, in gravel of course, talked more..not a big people watcher, OH but it was pretty much all I could do. I felt like the odd person out amongst about a billion cowboys & their wives...  As you can see above, Kyle and I had our own little photo shoot today...Hee Hee...I have more pics that I will share with y'all tomorrow...his dads horses were GORGEOUS!!! It was a fun day & we came back to an orange sticker on my jeep;);) more to come tomorrow!! Goodnight!!
XOxo,
L

Weekly Blog Schedule Up!!

Happy Friday Everyone!!

I have my weekly Blog Schedule up and I am so excited to share "All Things Lauren" with you:) Here it is below:

It is also on the right-hand side of this page too...and will remain there until...well I get tired of blogging about these topics OR I just want to change it up a bit.  Also, I LOVE feedback!!!!!  Please, feel free to comment, share, tweet, facebook me or even your friends too.

So, as you can see above, its F*R*I*D*A*Y....WHOOOP!!  So, I will be featuring a lovely blog/website this week for the FIRST TIME...and I truly admire this woman's style as a writer/blogger/ and what she is famous for here in Dallas, which is her PHOTOGRAPHY!!!  Her name is Melissa Zihlman and WATCH OUT because she can make any baby, couple, trash can, forest, etc look Really REALLY GOOOOOOODDDD!!!!  And...to be honest...I love her!!  Her photos will draw tears...they did for me and as a lot of you already know she was my wedding photographer:)  So check out her site: melissazihlman.com....heck, if you click on weddings, than you will see her beautiful work, which includes both Kyle & I.  Honestly, I am excited to have a baby...just so Mrs. Zihlman can take the pics...we will be using her for years to come.  I Heart you MZ:):)

Well, this weekend I definitely will not be in Kansas anymore...LOL...Literally!!  We are going out to watch Kyle's Dad Rope...He is a professional Roper along with all of his many talents SO this means that I will have LOTS and LOTS to blog about this weekend.  Be sure to check back Sunday Night to hear about our adventure out in the Boonies.

Have a Blessed Weekend!

XoXo,

L