Reformation Study Bible for Any Amount
Celebrate Reformation Week with a genuine leather Reformation Study Bible (ESV) for a donation of any amount. Lingonier Ministries is giving Bibles away for any donation amount this week to celebrate Reformation Week! I highly recommend taking advantage of this offer!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Raining Jane performs Wyoming Sky and Papercut
Again, really like them! The song Papercut was hilarious last night, so I thought I'd post it. It starts about 5:30 into this video.
Raining Jane
Carissa and I went to see Sara Bareilles and Mark Broussard last night and these girls opened for them and they were so fascinating to watch live!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Texas Tech FOOTBALL!
Hey all-
I'm headed to the Tech vs A&M football game in College Station this afternoon. YIPPEE! I can't tell you how happy that makes me! I try and make it a goal to go to a Tech football game once a year, but I missed last year, so I can't wait. Kyle Field is the best place to see college football and we're gonna whoop up! Tech is having a great season, so I can't wait to see them in person, especially with a free place to stay and free tickets to the game (thanks Jen!!).
On a more important note, thought I'd share a convo I had with God the other day, didn't turn out the way I wanted... I was praying for something, very selfishly and it was going something like this: "Lord, I know your timing is perfect, but I'm getting tired of waiting. I'm READY! Could you please just give me _______? It's all I want right now, it's exactly what I need/what would make me happy." And the answer I got was "Are you sure about that?"
OUCH.
What do you even do with that?
Of course I'm not sure, God is perfect and knows what I need. I have NO IDEA! I had no response. It's been bothering me for 2 days ever since. It's so funny how perfect He is. He didn't tell me "No" or "Wait" or "I promise I'll give it to you soon". That one simple question pulled the rug out from under me and made me stop cold...without giving me any answers. It was the PERFECT response that jerked the rug out from under me and made me trust. Not just trust that He will give me what I want, but that He'll give me what I need exactly when I need it.
So, back to waiting!
I'm headed to the Tech vs A&M football game in College Station this afternoon. YIPPEE! I can't tell you how happy that makes me! I try and make it a goal to go to a Tech football game once a year, but I missed last year, so I can't wait. Kyle Field is the best place to see college football and we're gonna whoop up! Tech is having a great season, so I can't wait to see them in person, especially with a free place to stay and free tickets to the game (thanks Jen!!).
On a more important note, thought I'd share a convo I had with God the other day, didn't turn out the way I wanted... I was praying for something, very selfishly and it was going something like this: "Lord, I know your timing is perfect, but I'm getting tired of waiting. I'm READY! Could you please just give me _______? It's all I want right now, it's exactly what I need/what would make me happy." And the answer I got was "Are you sure about that?"
OUCH.
What do you even do with that?
Of course I'm not sure, God is perfect and knows what I need. I have NO IDEA! I had no response. It's been bothering me for 2 days ever since. It's so funny how perfect He is. He didn't tell me "No" or "Wait" or "I promise I'll give it to you soon". That one simple question pulled the rug out from under me and made me stop cold...without giving me any answers. It was the PERFECT response that jerked the rug out from under me and made me trust. Not just trust that He will give me what I want, but that He'll give me what I need exactly when I need it.
So, back to waiting!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Great Hair
Ok people, it's official! No shampoo is a miracle...
I haven't used regular shampoo/conditioner since last Monday, so it's been a week and a half, and I now officially have the healthiest hair I've ever had! And that's saying a lot...the shampoo and conditioner I was using were Frederick Fekkai and Rusk, so it was GOOD stuff. But, my hair always seems to "get used" to something and start looking crappy, so I have to find something new to wash with. And it was starting to get expensive!
For the first week, I just used baking soda to wash and I made a vinegar rinse to use afterwards. For the baking soda, you take some, get it wet enough to make a paste and scrub it all over your scalp. Then, you HAVE TO WAIT at least a minute or two. I didn't know this originally and had super oily hair. Then, you can put about 2 tablespoons of vinegar (or vinegar rinse) in a cup of water and pour all over your hair. You can leave it in or rinse it out. The vinegar helps de-tangle and makes your hair very shiny!
But, I must say, the best part is the Shampoo Bar from Prairie Land Herbs. It costs $5.50 and is worth every penny...it has done amazing things for my hair! Also, they sell vinegar rinses that are also fantastic. I made my own, but you can also just buy them!
So, my hair is now full of body (something I've NEVER had on my own), very shiny, and doesn't get oily nearly as fast!! YIPPEE!!!!!!!!
Below is a recipe for Vinegar rinses:
Vinegar (regular or Apple Cider)
Herbs (dried or fresh)
1. Take a glass container and put your herbs into it. If using fresh herbs, fill 1/3 full. If dried, I think I put about 2-3 tablespoons maybe?
2. Bring vinegar to a boil on the stove, once it's boiling, pour into the glass container with the herbs. Let sit for 2 weeks in the frig, then you can strain out the herbs if you like.
Notes: I started using my vinegar right after it cooled and the herbs are still in it, so you can do that if you like.
Also, I bought my dry herbs in the bulk section of the Cupboard in Denton. You can put in whatever herbs you like! I'm making a Spearmint/Eucalyptus one tonight!
Anyhoo, IT WORKS! Anyone who has actually seen me lately: Please comment and lend some validity to my newly fantastic hair :)
I haven't used regular shampoo/conditioner since last Monday, so it's been a week and a half, and I now officially have the healthiest hair I've ever had! And that's saying a lot...the shampoo and conditioner I was using were Frederick Fekkai and Rusk, so it was GOOD stuff. But, my hair always seems to "get used" to something and start looking crappy, so I have to find something new to wash with. And it was starting to get expensive!
For the first week, I just used baking soda to wash and I made a vinegar rinse to use afterwards. For the baking soda, you take some, get it wet enough to make a paste and scrub it all over your scalp. Then, you HAVE TO WAIT at least a minute or two. I didn't know this originally and had super oily hair. Then, you can put about 2 tablespoons of vinegar (or vinegar rinse) in a cup of water and pour all over your hair. You can leave it in or rinse it out. The vinegar helps de-tangle and makes your hair very shiny!
But, I must say, the best part is the Shampoo Bar from Prairie Land Herbs. It costs $5.50 and is worth every penny...it has done amazing things for my hair! Also, they sell vinegar rinses that are also fantastic. I made my own, but you can also just buy them!
So, my hair is now full of body (something I've NEVER had on my own), very shiny, and doesn't get oily nearly as fast!! YIPPEE!!!!!!!!
Below is a recipe for Vinegar rinses:
Vinegar (regular or Apple Cider)
Herbs (dried or fresh)
1. Take a glass container and put your herbs into it. If using fresh herbs, fill 1/3 full. If dried, I think I put about 2-3 tablespoons maybe?
2. Bring vinegar to a boil on the stove, once it's boiling, pour into the glass container with the herbs. Let sit for 2 weeks in the frig, then you can strain out the herbs if you like.
Notes: I started using my vinegar right after it cooled and the herbs are still in it, so you can do that if you like.
Also, I bought my dry herbs in the bulk section of the Cupboard in Denton. You can put in whatever herbs you like! I'm making a Spearmint/Eucalyptus one tonight!
Anyhoo, IT WORKS! Anyone who has actually seen me lately: Please comment and lend some validity to my newly fantastic hair :)
Friday, October 3, 2008
No More Shampoo
I haven't washed my hair with shampoo since Tuesday! I know, I know, it sounds insane.
Carissa has already called me a hippee no less than 12 times in the past 2 days. But, with Ginger on the same plan with me, I'm not gonna use shampoo and conditioner anymore!
So, here's how it works: Supposedly shampoo leaves a lot of residue in your hair. Also, washing with soaps everyday increases the oil production in your hair. At this point, I have to wash my hair everyday or else it's really oily. Apparently that's just because the more I wash it, the more oil it makes...kinda annoying! I've spent a long time looking for the best shampoo. I'm currently at the point where I'm using stuff like Bumble & Bumble and Frederic Fekkai. Which, I'm sure you know, is EXPENSIVE! And still, my hair will feel great for a while, but then go back to being dry/oily/unruly.
Also, I tend to be very consumeristic and I decided that I NEED the latest and greatest and when I get said thing, it'll change my life! It's ridiculous, I know, but still...that's the way I think!
Not using normal shampoo and conditioner anymore will help me with that, and also be a lot cheaper.
And, I am also somewhat concerned with all the chemicals that are in EVERYTHING these days. Food, cleaners, beauty products, soaps, etc. I'm not saying that I'm insisting they will cause cancer or anything, it just seems like something that's worth taking note of. We do have a lot more disease now than we used to, and I think simplifying parts of my life will be a good idea.
So, back to my original point. What Ginger and I are doing is using Baking Soda to "wash" our hair. You get it out, mix it with a little water, and scrub away! Apparently this will get the dirt out of the hair, but leave the natural oils in. The problem with this initially is that you will still have shampoo residue and a confused oil production system for a week or so. So, I currently have pretty funky hair and have been putting it up in a ponytail everyday, which I hate. But, I am assured that after a while, this will go away and I'll have the most healthy hair ever. So, we'll see!
The next step, my conditioner if you will, is a Vinegar Rinse. I did it the first time with plain Apple Cider Vinegar and smelled like a salad gone bad all day, so I changed it up a bit the second time. Apparently you can infuse vinegar with herbs pretty easily, so I went to the Cupboard (organic grocery store in Denton) and got herbs by bulk. It was the most fun I've had in a while! They cost about $1 an ounce, and since they are dried, they don't weigh much! I ended up spending about 50 cents on each bag of herbs. I got Nettle, Eucalyptus, Spearmint, Lemongrass, Chamomile, and Jasmine. At home I also have Vanilla Beans and Rosemary. So, yesterday afternoon, I put herbs in a jar (whichever ones I wanted), boiled vinegar, and put it over the herbs. I'm supposed to let it sit for a couple of days and then strain the herbs! The first one I made was Jasmine, Chamomile and Vanilla. You store it in the frig for up to 6 months, and enjoy!
For using the Vinegar, you put about 1-2 tablespoons of it in a cup of water and pour or squirt over your hair. You can leave it in or rinse it out, either way you really don't smell like it after you fix your hair. Vinegar helps close the shaft in your hair and make it more silky/shiny and also de-tangles as well. So far, it's made my hair feel great!
I also ordered a Shampoo Bar from Praireland Herbs. It's all natural and will take the place of the Baking Soda when it gets here. I'm very excited to try it!! I also ordered their all natural deodorant, so we'll see how that goes!
My plan is to replace most things I can with natural products. I think the less and less I can rely on stuff like lotion, makeup, lip gloss, shampoo, conditioner, etc., the better off I'll be! So, here's my list of things I'm going natural on:
1. Toothpaste- I already use Tom's and it's EXCELLENT! My teeth feel better than any other toothpaste I've ever used.
2. Laundry soap- I use 7th Generation
3. Dish Soap- 7th Generation again
4. All-Purpose Cleaner- 7th Generation
5. Deodorant- Praireland Herbs when I get it
6. Shampoo/Conditioner- baking soda/vinegar/Praireland Herbs Shampoo Bar
7. Soap- Praireland Herbs shower gel/shampoo bar
8. Body Scrub- make my own
9. Bathroom Cleaner/Disinfectant- Peroxide
10. Misc. Cleaner- Baking Soda/Vinegar
11. Roach repellent/trap- Concoction Ginger is making
12. Medicine-Try herbs/food mixtures first
That's just a list of a few things. I'm going to go through the house and replace cleaners and get rid of beauty products I don't need anymore. I've also got all sorts of random recipes and ideas collected for all of the above that I intend to type up and compile into a book of sorts. I always see ideas and natural recipes, but can't remember them when I need them, so I think if I had them all in one place, that would make things a lot easier.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to my weekend of simplifying my life and watching the Texas Tech vs. Kansas State football game. GO RAIDERS!
Carissa has already called me a hippee no less than 12 times in the past 2 days. But, with Ginger on the same plan with me, I'm not gonna use shampoo and conditioner anymore!
So, here's how it works: Supposedly shampoo leaves a lot of residue in your hair. Also, washing with soaps everyday increases the oil production in your hair. At this point, I have to wash my hair everyday or else it's really oily. Apparently that's just because the more I wash it, the more oil it makes...kinda annoying! I've spent a long time looking for the best shampoo. I'm currently at the point where I'm using stuff like Bumble & Bumble and Frederic Fekkai. Which, I'm sure you know, is EXPENSIVE! And still, my hair will feel great for a while, but then go back to being dry/oily/unruly.
Also, I tend to be very consumeristic and I decided that I NEED the latest and greatest and when I get said thing, it'll change my life! It's ridiculous, I know, but still...that's the way I think!
Not using normal shampoo and conditioner anymore will help me with that, and also be a lot cheaper.
And, I am also somewhat concerned with all the chemicals that are in EVERYTHING these days. Food, cleaners, beauty products, soaps, etc. I'm not saying that I'm insisting they will cause cancer or anything, it just seems like something that's worth taking note of. We do have a lot more disease now than we used to, and I think simplifying parts of my life will be a good idea.
So, back to my original point. What Ginger and I are doing is using Baking Soda to "wash" our hair. You get it out, mix it with a little water, and scrub away! Apparently this will get the dirt out of the hair, but leave the natural oils in. The problem with this initially is that you will still have shampoo residue and a confused oil production system for a week or so. So, I currently have pretty funky hair and have been putting it up in a ponytail everyday, which I hate. But, I am assured that after a while, this will go away and I'll have the most healthy hair ever. So, we'll see!
The next step, my conditioner if you will, is a Vinegar Rinse. I did it the first time with plain Apple Cider Vinegar and smelled like a salad gone bad all day, so I changed it up a bit the second time. Apparently you can infuse vinegar with herbs pretty easily, so I went to the Cupboard (organic grocery store in Denton) and got herbs by bulk. It was the most fun I've had in a while! They cost about $1 an ounce, and since they are dried, they don't weigh much! I ended up spending about 50 cents on each bag of herbs. I got Nettle, Eucalyptus, Spearmint, Lemongrass, Chamomile, and Jasmine. At home I also have Vanilla Beans and Rosemary. So, yesterday afternoon, I put herbs in a jar (whichever ones I wanted), boiled vinegar, and put it over the herbs. I'm supposed to let it sit for a couple of days and then strain the herbs! The first one I made was Jasmine, Chamomile and Vanilla. You store it in the frig for up to 6 months, and enjoy!
For using the Vinegar, you put about 1-2 tablespoons of it in a cup of water and pour or squirt over your hair. You can leave it in or rinse it out, either way you really don't smell like it after you fix your hair. Vinegar helps close the shaft in your hair and make it more silky/shiny and also de-tangles as well. So far, it's made my hair feel great!
I also ordered a Shampoo Bar from Praireland Herbs. It's all natural and will take the place of the Baking Soda when it gets here. I'm very excited to try it!! I also ordered their all natural deodorant, so we'll see how that goes!
My plan is to replace most things I can with natural products. I think the less and less I can rely on stuff like lotion, makeup, lip gloss, shampoo, conditioner, etc., the better off I'll be! So, here's my list of things I'm going natural on:
1. Toothpaste- I already use Tom's and it's EXCELLENT! My teeth feel better than any other toothpaste I've ever used.
2. Laundry soap- I use 7th Generation
3. Dish Soap- 7th Generation again
4. All-Purpose Cleaner- 7th Generation
5. Deodorant- Praireland Herbs when I get it
6. Shampoo/Conditioner- baking soda/vinegar/Praireland Herbs Shampoo Bar
7. Soap- Praireland Herbs shower gel/shampoo bar
8. Body Scrub- make my own
9. Bathroom Cleaner/Disinfectant- Peroxide
10. Misc. Cleaner- Baking Soda/Vinegar
11. Roach repellent/trap- Concoction Ginger is making
12. Medicine-Try herbs/food mixtures first
That's just a list of a few things. I'm going to go through the house and replace cleaners and get rid of beauty products I don't need anymore. I've also got all sorts of random recipes and ideas collected for all of the above that I intend to type up and compile into a book of sorts. I always see ideas and natural recipes, but can't remember them when I need them, so I think if I had them all in one place, that would make things a lot easier.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to my weekend of simplifying my life and watching the Texas Tech vs. Kansas State football game. GO RAIDERS!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Ah, Men...
This post has been rolling around in my head for several days, so there's no telling if it'll come out logically, but I'll give it a try.
I've been thinking a lot about men, women, singleness, dating, etc. and thinking about how I deal with all of that. And my first thought is that women and naturally manipulative in this area and a bit obsessive and over-analytical...Before I get nasty comments, let me just say that's my own observation of mostly, well, me! I see glimpses of it everywhere, but I know those are the things that I fight on a regular basis.
First of all, I think as a woman, my role is to be pursued. This makes for a tough time, though! I've been very used to manipulating, flirting, etc to get the guy I want and it usually worked. Now, I understand that it's not about me, and I was going after relationships for all the wrong reasons. I wanted a boyfriend so that I could feel better about myself, validate that I was attractive, have someone love me, have someone serve me, etc. Now I realize that a relationship, marriage in particular, is to model Christ and the church. I am called into a relationship to love the other person, serve them, and draw them closer to Christ. It will be a very difficult road of selflessness and sanctification!
Anyway, back to my original point. I've been single for over a year, and not just single, but no one has asked me out, or really even flirted! And I know that's not long, and I don't want to sound like I'm complaining, but it's important information for me to make my point. God is perfect, and His plan is happening exactly the way it is supposed to. It has forced me to deal with co-dependence, getting my self-esteem from relationships and forced me to rely on the Lord as my source of love, acceptance, self-worth, etc. And, I must say, although I've not really been a big fan of it, I see the huge fruits of being single during this time!
So, the areas I have to fight regularly are being manipulative and over-analyzing. And by manipulative, most of this just goes on in my head, but just having constant thoughts of: "Oh, I better make sure I look good", "I should go to this because boys will be there", "I should say/do this because it'll make me sound like I'd be a good wife" and on and on and on and on and on..... It's insanity! So, I am learning to fight that . And it's good that none of those thoughts/actions work because then I would've manipulated the situation instead of letting myself be pursued. I think it would be the biggest blessing to have someone pursue me without having to "lure" them... And the best news is that God will use my retarded, selfish actions to still glorify him....amazing! So, I'm doing my best to wait and rest in the Lord and know that He is enough...and if someone great comes along that I'm meant to marry, YIPPEE! Otherwise, I will continue to fight my flesh and not pursue/manipulate men.
Also, I obsess and over-analyze. And, I think this is an issue for a lot of women. Since we wait on men to pursue us, we like to sit and analyze every move they make and try to read something into it. This seems to cause 2 big issues: 1. We start to close our fist around "dating" and it becomes an idol and 2. We then manipulate to get more and end up being unfair to men. I think it's hard enough to navigate God-glorifying relationships with brothers and sisters in the body already, but when women take everything guys do as a "sign", it makes it very difficult! I'll be the first to admit that I constantly struggle to take my thoughts captive and not obsessing, and I fight that a lot, but I really don't think it's fair to get upset with the men that want to get to know us as sisters when they're not pursuing a relationship...
I count myself blessed every time I get to spend time around Godly men. They are such an example to me and extremely encouraging to just watch, even. So, I don't want to ruin that by getting angry when they are being kind, but that kindness doesn't mean they want to date me. My goal is to enjoy their company whenever I get the privilege, and not assume that any of them "like" me until someone actually says so. I think single people interacting is enough of a minefield without me being unfair and idolatrous like that with someone.
I hope this is actually making some sense...It's just the random rants of my thoughts lately, but I thought it was something important to write down and get out there. It's tough to do singleness and relationships God's way, but like all things He commands, completely worth it!
Also, the 2 greatest benefits of me staying single right now are:
1. I am able to serve others with my time (which I have a lot of), instead of being able to serve my family at home.
2. I am working through issues and being sanctified before I inflict my junk on someone else. The more I can work out now, the less I'll carry into a marriage!!
I try to focus on the positive, people :) Anyway, hope that makes at least a little sense....
I've been thinking a lot about men, women, singleness, dating, etc. and thinking about how I deal with all of that. And my first thought is that women and naturally manipulative in this area and a bit obsessive and over-analytical...Before I get nasty comments, let me just say that's my own observation of mostly, well, me! I see glimpses of it everywhere, but I know those are the things that I fight on a regular basis.
First of all, I think as a woman, my role is to be pursued. This makes for a tough time, though! I've been very used to manipulating, flirting, etc to get the guy I want and it usually worked. Now, I understand that it's not about me, and I was going after relationships for all the wrong reasons. I wanted a boyfriend so that I could feel better about myself, validate that I was attractive, have someone love me, have someone serve me, etc. Now I realize that a relationship, marriage in particular, is to model Christ and the church. I am called into a relationship to love the other person, serve them, and draw them closer to Christ. It will be a very difficult road of selflessness and sanctification!
Anyway, back to my original point. I've been single for over a year, and not just single, but no one has asked me out, or really even flirted! And I know that's not long, and I don't want to sound like I'm complaining, but it's important information for me to make my point. God is perfect, and His plan is happening exactly the way it is supposed to. It has forced me to deal with co-dependence, getting my self-esteem from relationships and forced me to rely on the Lord as my source of love, acceptance, self-worth, etc. And, I must say, although I've not really been a big fan of it, I see the huge fruits of being single during this time!
So, the areas I have to fight regularly are being manipulative and over-analyzing. And by manipulative, most of this just goes on in my head, but just having constant thoughts of: "Oh, I better make sure I look good", "I should go to this because boys will be there", "I should say/do this because it'll make me sound like I'd be a good wife" and on and on and on and on and on..... It's insanity! So, I am learning to fight that . And it's good that none of those thoughts/actions work because then I would've manipulated the situation instead of letting myself be pursued. I think it would be the biggest blessing to have someone pursue me without having to "lure" them... And the best news is that God will use my retarded, selfish actions to still glorify him....amazing! So, I'm doing my best to wait and rest in the Lord and know that He is enough...and if someone great comes along that I'm meant to marry, YIPPEE! Otherwise, I will continue to fight my flesh and not pursue/manipulate men.
Also, I obsess and over-analyze. And, I think this is an issue for a lot of women. Since we wait on men to pursue us, we like to sit and analyze every move they make and try to read something into it. This seems to cause 2 big issues: 1. We start to close our fist around "dating" and it becomes an idol and 2. We then manipulate to get more and end up being unfair to men. I think it's hard enough to navigate God-glorifying relationships with brothers and sisters in the body already, but when women take everything guys do as a "sign", it makes it very difficult! I'll be the first to admit that I constantly struggle to take my thoughts captive and not obsessing, and I fight that a lot, but I really don't think it's fair to get upset with the men that want to get to know us as sisters when they're not pursuing a relationship...
I count myself blessed every time I get to spend time around Godly men. They are such an example to me and extremely encouraging to just watch, even. So, I don't want to ruin that by getting angry when they are being kind, but that kindness doesn't mean they want to date me. My goal is to enjoy their company whenever I get the privilege, and not assume that any of them "like" me until someone actually says so. I think single people interacting is enough of a minefield without me being unfair and idolatrous like that with someone.
I hope this is actually making some sense...It's just the random rants of my thoughts lately, but I thought it was something important to write down and get out there. It's tough to do singleness and relationships God's way, but like all things He commands, completely worth it!
Also, the 2 greatest benefits of me staying single right now are:
1. I am able to serve others with my time (which I have a lot of), instead of being able to serve my family at home.
2. I am working through issues and being sanctified before I inflict my junk on someone else. The more I can work out now, the less I'll carry into a marriage!!
I try to focus on the positive, people :) Anyway, hope that makes at least a little sense....
Healthy Banana Bread
Again, the baking.... I know, I know. I should just turn this blog into a cooking blog! I can't help it...I love to bake. I LOVE sweets! So, I've made 2 new rules at my house: 1. If I bake something terribly unhealthy, give it to someone else and 2. Make baked goods as healthy as possible.
I LOVE muffins, breads, etc for breakfast, but it's hard to find anything too good for you out there... So, here's yet another attempt to make something at least a little healthy!
And, I'm not gonna lie, it turned out fantastic. Not just I-know-it's-healthy-but-it-still-tastes-relatively-ok good, but I crave it, fantastic! Alright, enough of that, here's the recipe!
Healthy Banana Bread
Adapted from: More from Magnolia Cookbook by Allysa Torey
3 cups white, whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup applesauce (sub for the oil)
3/4 cup sugar (took out 1/2 the sugar)
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas
3/4 cup plain yogurt (sub for sour cream)
1 1/2 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup shredded coconut
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and lightly flour 2 loaf pans.
2. In a medium-size bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat together the oil, applesauce and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat well. Add the bananas and yogurt, and mix well. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the pecans and coconut. Pour the batter into a prepared pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the bread comes out with moist crumbs attached.
The coconut sounds weird in this, but it makes it wonderful. It actually makes it taste more banana-like, it's great!
I LOVE muffins, breads, etc for breakfast, but it's hard to find anything too good for you out there... So, here's yet another attempt to make something at least a little healthy!
And, I'm not gonna lie, it turned out fantastic. Not just I-know-it's-healthy-but-it-still-tastes-relatively-ok good, but I crave it, fantastic! Alright, enough of that, here's the recipe!
Healthy Banana Bread
Adapted from: More from Magnolia Cookbook by Allysa Torey
3 cups white, whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup applesauce (sub for the oil)
3/4 cup sugar (took out 1/2 the sugar)
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas
3/4 cup plain yogurt (sub for sour cream)
1 1/2 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup shredded coconut
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and lightly flour 2 loaf pans.
2. In a medium-size bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat together the oil, applesauce and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat well. Add the bananas and yogurt, and mix well. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the pecans and coconut. Pour the batter into a prepared pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the bread comes out with moist crumbs attached.
The coconut sounds weird in this, but it makes it wonderful. It actually makes it taste more banana-like, it's great!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Carissa's 80s Birthday Party
Let the tackiness ensue!!
So, we had an 80s Pary for Carissa's birthday a few weeks ago. It was a great time! Kathry and Christopher came for the weekend, as well, so that was great to hang out with them.
Below are some of the pictures...several other people took some, but I haven't gottem them yet, so I thought I'd share what I did have... Enjoy!
Carissa, Kathryn and Ginger getting ready
Me in the bathroom getting ready
Carissa, the birthday girl!
Kathryn, looking very racoon-like!
Lindsey putting on her makeup
Me- the drinking series... I promise it was only one wine cooler!
Kathryn and Angie
Josh and Scott
Hai
The Nintendo Phillip got for Carissa!
Phillip
Ginger
Carissa
Lindsey!
Ginger and her brother, Jon
So, we had an 80s Pary for Carissa's birthday a few weeks ago. It was a great time! Kathry and Christopher came for the weekend, as well, so that was great to hang out with them.
Below are some of the pictures...several other people took some, but I haven't gottem them yet, so I thought I'd share what I did have... Enjoy!
Carissa, Kathryn and Ginger getting ready
Me in the bathroom getting ready
Carissa, the birthday girl!
Kathryn, looking very racoon-like!
Lindsey putting on her makeup
Me- the drinking series... I promise it was only one wine cooler!
Kathryn and Angie
Josh and Scott
Hai
The Nintendo Phillip got for Carissa!
Phillip
Ginger
Carissa
Lindsey!
Ginger and her brother, JonThe Peasant Princess
This is the link to the new Song of Songs series that Mark Driscoll at Mars Hill Church is doing. I was intrigued and started watching the first video and I think it's going to be a GREAT series, so go check it out! http://www.peasantprincess.com/
I've been tagged!!
A- Attached or Single? -Single
B- Best Friend(s): Carissa, Kathryn, and lots of other wonderful ladies in my life!
C- Cake or Pie: hmm...I guess I learn towards cake, but I do love me some cookies!
D- Drink of Choice: That would definitely be coffee- right now that's a Coconut Mocha
E- Essential Item: I'm gonna have to agree with Ginger on this one, chapstick! I'm SERIOUSLY addicted....
F- Favorite Color: Oooo, I think it's still my two normal faves: robin's egg blue and red
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: sour worms for sure
H- Hometown: Borger, TX
I- Indulgence: SUGAR! I love dessert...all kinds, but especially with lots of sugar/butter and chocolate
J- January or February: I guess I'll go with January since that's when I was born
K- Kids: Sure!
L- Life, for me, is incomplete without: Jesus.
M- Marriage Date: Yes, please
N- Number of Siblings: 2 sisters
O- Oranges or Apples? Honeychrisp apples! But I also love tangerines...
P- Phobia/Fears: I have serious issues with june bugs/grasshoppers and with being in open water (everything in that water with me can see me AND move faster than I can....shiver)
Q- Favorite Quote: "God, give me the determination and tenacity of a weed."
R- Reasons to smile: God choosing to let me know He's involved in things, coffee, friends, naps, my puppies
S- Season: That's tough...I answer different each time the weather changes! So, right now it's Fall for sure...
T- Tag Ten: Carissa, Kathryn, Mom & Dad, Angela, Lisa Allen, and I apparently need more blog friends that might do one of these!
U- Unknown fact about me: I have my motorcycle license, and wish I could afford a bike!
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: I don't oppress my food, just eat it
W- Worst Habit: picking at stuff and sugar
X- X-rays or Ultrasounds: Ummm...I would go with Ultrasound, I've never had one!
Y- Your Favorite Foods: Coffee, Apple Betty, Cookies, Icing, Cake, Zucchini/Banana bread, Italian, Whole Grains, QUESO, Guacamole, Homemade salsa...
Z- Zodiac: Aquarius (but that doesn't mean anything in my book)
B- Best Friend(s): Carissa, Kathryn, and lots of other wonderful ladies in my life!
C- Cake or Pie: hmm...I guess I learn towards cake, but I do love me some cookies!
D- Drink of Choice: That would definitely be coffee- right now that's a Coconut Mocha
E- Essential Item: I'm gonna have to agree with Ginger on this one, chapstick! I'm SERIOUSLY addicted....
F- Favorite Color: Oooo, I think it's still my two normal faves: robin's egg blue and red
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: sour worms for sure
H- Hometown: Borger, TX
I- Indulgence: SUGAR! I love dessert...all kinds, but especially with lots of sugar/butter and chocolate
J- January or February: I guess I'll go with January since that's when I was born
K- Kids: Sure!
L- Life, for me, is incomplete without: Jesus.
M- Marriage Date: Yes, please
N- Number of Siblings: 2 sisters
O- Oranges or Apples? Honeychrisp apples! But I also love tangerines...
P- Phobia/Fears: I have serious issues with june bugs/grasshoppers and with being in open water (everything in that water with me can see me AND move faster than I can....shiver)
Q- Favorite Quote: "God, give me the determination and tenacity of a weed."
R- Reasons to smile: God choosing to let me know He's involved in things, coffee, friends, naps, my puppies
S- Season: That's tough...I answer different each time the weather changes! So, right now it's Fall for sure...
T- Tag Ten: Carissa, Kathryn, Mom & Dad, Angela, Lisa Allen, and I apparently need more blog friends that might do one of these!
U- Unknown fact about me: I have my motorcycle license, and wish I could afford a bike!
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: I don't oppress my food, just eat it
W- Worst Habit: picking at stuff and sugar
X- X-rays or Ultrasounds: Ummm...I would go with Ultrasound, I've never had one!
Y- Your Favorite Foods: Coffee, Apple Betty, Cookies, Icing, Cake, Zucchini/Banana bread, Italian, Whole Grains, QUESO, Guacamole, Homemade salsa...
Z- Zodiac: Aquarius (but that doesn't mean anything in my book)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Oh, did you know...?
I promised I would blog about something other than recipes, so here goes!
I have a tendency to enjoy being right. I also like things to be fair, just, etc. Also, my brain contains a plethora of random knowledge. All that combined tends to annoy people that know me well! I like to be right, smart, knowledgeable, interesting, witty, etc because I want people to notice/like me. Growing up, I was always the "smart kid" that got good grades, graduated from college early, "picked up on things" really quick and all that. I think that I really took pride in that and then started to use that to my advantage.
Fast forward several years...now it just always ends up that I correct people, tell them how they're doing something wrong, babble about something meaningless, make inappropriate jokes, or tell random info to people. It really annoys me, I know I'm doing it, but seem powerless to stop myself!
And, the problem with me telling people when they're wrong all the time, is that I've justified it! And it's a good one too.... I've managed to convince myself that I need to "save" people from making mistakes and the unloving thing would be to watch them screw up without saying anything! When, in truth, all I manage to do is make people feel incompetent and criticized.
So, from now on, for those of you who are around me: I might throw in interesting info into a conversation now and then, but I'm seriously going to try and stop giving advice unless you ask me for it. And feel free to ask anytime, I've got TONS of opinions. But, if you don't ask, even if I know you're about to do something really dumb, I'm gonna keep my mouth shut. If something happens to go bad and I coulda warned you, don't blame me, you shoulda asked! :) Just kidding... I will say something if it's gonna seriously harm yourself or others (especially me).
I have a tendency to enjoy being right. I also like things to be fair, just, etc. Also, my brain contains a plethora of random knowledge. All that combined tends to annoy people that know me well! I like to be right, smart, knowledgeable, interesting, witty, etc because I want people to notice/like me. Growing up, I was always the "smart kid" that got good grades, graduated from college early, "picked up on things" really quick and all that. I think that I really took pride in that and then started to use that to my advantage.
Fast forward several years...now it just always ends up that I correct people, tell them how they're doing something wrong, babble about something meaningless, make inappropriate jokes, or tell random info to people. It really annoys me, I know I'm doing it, but seem powerless to stop myself!
And, the problem with me telling people when they're wrong all the time, is that I've justified it! And it's a good one too.... I've managed to convince myself that I need to "save" people from making mistakes and the unloving thing would be to watch them screw up without saying anything! When, in truth, all I manage to do is make people feel incompetent and criticized.
So, from now on, for those of you who are around me: I might throw in interesting info into a conversation now and then, but I'm seriously going to try and stop giving advice unless you ask me for it. And feel free to ask anytime, I've got TONS of opinions. But, if you don't ask, even if I know you're about to do something really dumb, I'm gonna keep my mouth shut. If something happens to go bad and I coulda warned you, don't blame me, you shoulda asked! :) Just kidding... I will say something if it's gonna seriously harm yourself or others (especially me).
Healthier Zucchini Bread
Hello out there! I know it's been absolutely forever since I've blogged, and I apologize. I just have been busy and haven't felt like it... Anyway, here's a recipe, which is always quick and easy to blog and then I'll write an update on me and my rather boring life very soon.
This started out as my Nana's Zucchini Bread which I LOVE in it's original form, but I felt like I can't make it too often due to the huge amount of oil and sugar in it. I tend to eat it whole in one sitting and that's awefully bad for my current workout/stay fit plan! Anyhoo...below is the recipe with the modifications I made. I could've made more, but I didn't want it to turn out tasting like "health food" as my last batch of "healthy muffins" did last time (according to my family, I thought they were good!).
Zucchini Bread – Healthy!
3 eggs, beaten
1 ¾ cup sugar
¼ cup oil
¾ cup applesauce
2-3 cups zucchini, grated
3 tsp vanilla
2 ½ cups white whole wheat flour
½ cup wheat germ
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
3 tbsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, etc)
In a large bowl, combine beaten eggs, sugar, oil, grated zucchini, and vanilla. In a smaller bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nuts
Mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients in a large bowl with a spoon. Pour into 2 greased and floured loaf pans. Sprinkle each pan with a little bit of sugar and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.
This started out as my Nana's Zucchini Bread which I LOVE in it's original form, but I felt like I can't make it too often due to the huge amount of oil and sugar in it. I tend to eat it whole in one sitting and that's awefully bad for my current workout/stay fit plan! Anyhoo...below is the recipe with the modifications I made. I could've made more, but I didn't want it to turn out tasting like "health food" as my last batch of "healthy muffins" did last time (according to my family, I thought they were good!).
Zucchini Bread – Healthy!
3 eggs, beaten
1 ¾ cup sugar
¼ cup oil
¾ cup applesauce
2-3 cups zucchini, grated
3 tsp vanilla
2 ½ cups white whole wheat flour
½ cup wheat germ
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
3 tbsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, etc)
In a large bowl, combine beaten eggs, sugar, oil, grated zucchini, and vanilla. In a smaller bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nuts
Mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients in a large bowl with a spoon. Pour into 2 greased and floured loaf pans. Sprinkle each pan with a little bit of sugar and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Granola
I just wanted to post this recipe. My mom has made this for as long as I can remember, and it's EXCELLENT! It is my favorite granola, even out of the kind you can buy. The ingredients are probably going to sound kinda funny, but it's super healthy and tasty. So, try it sometime! And, be prepared to give some away, it makes TONS.
Granola
12 cups regular oats
1 cup oat bran
1 1/2 cups wheat germ
1 cup dry milk (I know this sounds terrible, but you can't taste it at all)
Pecans (About 2 cups), chopped
Almonds (About 1 cup), chopped
1 cup oil
1 cup honey
3 tbsp water
Raisins (I use about 2 cups) and/or
Dried fruit of your liking (apricots, banana chips, dates, cranberries, etc)
Any other nuts/seeds you might like
1. Combine oats, oat bran, wheat germ, dried milk, pecans and almonds (or other nuts/seeds if you prefer)
2. Mix oil, honey, and water and pour over dry ingredients. Stir until all combined. If it still feels too dry, add a little more liquid (honey will make it sweeter, oil will make it more fattening, and water will just wet it) until all the ingredients are coated (not soaked).
3. Spread granola out on a cookie sheet (or 2) and cook at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes until toasted (may take longer for this big of a batch).
4. Add raisins and dried fruit after cooked. Store in a zip-loc bag and enjoy! You can easily eat it dry or with milk like regular cereal.
Granola
12 cups regular oats
1 cup oat bran
1 1/2 cups wheat germ
1 cup dry milk (I know this sounds terrible, but you can't taste it at all)
Pecans (About 2 cups), chopped
Almonds (About 1 cup), chopped
1 cup oil
1 cup honey
3 tbsp water
Raisins (I use about 2 cups) and/or
Dried fruit of your liking (apricots, banana chips, dates, cranberries, etc)
Any other nuts/seeds you might like
1. Combine oats, oat bran, wheat germ, dried milk, pecans and almonds (or other nuts/seeds if you prefer)
2. Mix oil, honey, and water and pour over dry ingredients. Stir until all combined. If it still feels too dry, add a little more liquid (honey will make it sweeter, oil will make it more fattening, and water will just wet it) until all the ingredients are coated (not soaked).
3. Spread granola out on a cookie sheet (or 2) and cook at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes until toasted (may take longer for this big of a batch).
4. Add raisins and dried fruit after cooked. Store in a zip-loc bag and enjoy! You can easily eat it dry or with milk like regular cereal.
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