He Lives...Happy Easter!

Wishing everyone a great Easter. Let us all celebrate that Christ loved us so much that not only did He lay down His own life on the cross for our transgressions; yet He rose up from His grave with all power in His hands, to be our living Lord and Savior so that we can live...now that's love! Aren't you so glad He lives!

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die (John 11:25-26).

(Re)Designed | Flower Power

I've been inspired to incorporate a new section/series on this blog called (Re)Designed. I hope it inspires a little more creativity and a bit more frugality among all of you.

Whether it's taking inexpensive pre-owned/vintage pieces or taking that dress you haven't worn in a while, recreating new fashion out of "old" fashion is easier than you think. Besides, I'm a firm believer in spending your time and money wisely (i.e. not getting caught up in society's lie of needing to have the latest, greatest, most expensive fashions out there). So here goes...
  

The Before


I know you're questioning my judgment right now. Why in the world was I drawn to this bright, unflattering, bat-wing moo-moo? Well I can't tell you why exactly. I guess I didn't see all the flaws of the dress, I only paid attention to its beautiful potential. Aside from that it was vintage...we're talking the 60's here people. I'm a sucker for vintage pieces.


The After


I think this is a perfect dress for the warmer months ahead of us. I love the light and breathable fabric. But most importantly I adore the bold and bright print on this dress...it screams hello there spring and summer!

 

The Design & Process

To bring to life what exactly I envisioned for this dress I first sketched out my ideas of how I wanted to update/redesign it.  I was going for a modern updated version of a 1960's wiggle dress. The 60-ish patterned fabric on this vintage piece definitely served as my inspiration.

The alterations were fairly easy so here's what I did:

1. Cut the dress so that the hem line would fall a little above the knee.

2. I cut about 6 inches of fabric off each sleeve. I then added 2-3 inverted pleats on each sleeve to create a puff sleeve affect. After this, I hemmed each sleeve with the sewing machine.

3. I sewed up/closed what was left of the right and left side slits.

4. Lastly, I put about a 1/2 inch hem with my sewing machine.

Currently Snackin' On...

Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies & Coconut Milk

I've been on the search for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe and good golly Miss Molly I think I've found it! I kind of gave up on baking chocolate chip cookies as a whole...I can't remember the last time I've made some(truthfully it's been years). But anywho this is the perfect c.c.cookie because it has a combo of various types of chocolates and nuts. I prefer my c.c.cookies this way.

About the coconut milk, well it's my new favorite beverage and I can't get enough of it. If you ask me, a nice cool glass of coconut milk pairs well with any cookie.

Go ahead and partake in this perfect mid-day/afternoon/late night snack by checking out the recipe below. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Adapted from David Lebovitz

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup  packed light brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup nuts, chopped and toasted . (I used pecans only but you could also use walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts, hazelnuts or any combo.) 

1 Ghirardelli semisweet chocolate baking bar, coarsely chopped

1 Ghirardelli white chocolate baking bar, coarsely chopped

1/2 Ghirardelli dark chocolate baking bar, coarsely chopped  

Instructions
 

1. In a small bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt.

2. Beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in flour mixture. Mix in chocolate and nuts. 

3. On a lightly floured work surface, divide the dough into quarters. Shape each quarter into a log about 9 inches long. Wrap the logs in cling-wrap and refrigerate until firm, preferably overnight.

4. Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with baking paper. 

5. Slice the logs into disks 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick and place the disks 3 inches (8 cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets. If the nuts or chips crumble out, simply push them back in.

6. Bake. Rotate the baking sheets after 5 minutes. The cookies should take 12 minutes in total to cook, but check after 10. If you like the soft centre under-bake slightly.

7. Cool and Enjoy...be warned...you just can't eat one!

Goal Setting 101 (Pt. I)

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We're well into the year and I'm sure many of us at the start of the year probably came up with a few goals that we would like to embark on and/or achieve. I think now is the perfect time to look back and reflect on/review (somewhat of a friendly reminder and motivator if you will) the areas of life that we're striving to grow in. However, it's also a perfect opportunity to seek out God's guidance on whether or not these goals of ours are aligned according to His will and purpose for our lives. As a result we develop a deeper relationship with the Lord, healthier relationships with family and friends, and a peace of mind that comes with a well- planned, God focused/God lead strategy to living life successfully.  

When we don't give serious thought to our goals and how to go about reaching them, our time, money, and priorities will usually be determined by others. So here are a few good tips to think about when setting and adjusting goals:

Getting Started

1. First ask God to guide you in the goal setting process so that  each goal will fit according to His purpose for your life. Never underestimate what God wants to do in your life through your goals. Therefore keep your mind and heart open to God’s desires for you. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” This doesn’t mean you are not suppose to make plans and set priorities. However every now and again you will need to adjust your focus as God reveals His purposes for your life. So seek God out and ask Him about what areas in your life you need to set a goal/goals for. That way you are clear on exactly what you should do...which leads me to point number two...

2. Goals can not and should not be fuzzy, unreasonable, and unmeasurable.

3. Write out your goals and put a date on them to measure your progress. Get a friend to hold you accountable and periodically check up on your progress. If you don't reach your goal on the exact day/time that you set to reach it on this doesn't mean to quite and give up, keep striving until you do. Which leads me to point number four...

4. Make a commitment to that particular goal/goals that your striving towards. That way when it becomes a bit challenging you won't give up and you'll stay focused and motivated. 

5. Remember if your goals are set according to God's purpose and plan for your life He will enable you to reach/achieve them.

What Are Some Areas in Life That Should be Considered

1. Spiritual (developing a deeper relationship with God; prayer life; sharing faith with others; servanthood)

2. Family & Social (serving others; spending quality time/fellowship)

3. Career & School

4. Financial (tithing; debt; saving with a purpose)

5. Personal: (health; hobby/hobbies)

Why We Fail to Set Goals

1. We don't know how to

2. Mentally lazy

3. Lack of faith

4. Fear (afraid of failure)

5. Some think it's unnecessary

6. Some think it's unscriptual which isn't true (see Proverbs 21:5)

I hope that this will be of help and encouragement to all of you. Better yet I hope that you all can be among the few who end this year with more accomplished and less left undone.  

A Handcrafted Valentine's Day | DIY Project Ideas



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  Over the past few weeks I've come across some awesome Valentine's Day themed craft ideas. Most are so simple and irresistible even the not so craftiest of people can take a shot at a few of these unique projects. So, if you haven't a clue on what to do or give, take a peep and get started on one of the fantastic ideas listed below. Make sure you hurry because ther's only one more day left and counting until Valentine's Day. Side Note: I would love to see how some of these projects (or any others not listed) came out or hear how you made your Valentine's Day a handcrafted one.

L-O-V-E Sweater via Kristina J.

 

This idea takes a plain old sweater from blah to fab.

Tea Valentines via Glitter & Gesso

  

Not everyone digs all the sweet treats when it comes to Valentines Day. 
On the other hand  some people like their sweets with a little something extra...tea! 



Chevron/Ombre Inspired Valentine Nails via Jenna B. 

This is a flirty nail design that's worth trying.



Stitched Heart Bookmarks via Thirty Handmade Days

 

These bookmarks are an adorably practical gift for any bookworm.

Sewn Paper Valentines via The Purl Bee

 

The simplicity of these small handcrafted Valentine cards/notes will make a big
statement of love to friends, family/love ones,  & students/teachers.



Friendship Bracelets via Free People

These are an upgraded version of the original friendship bracelet.

I will definitely be making a few of these for myself. O' so cute.

Carnation Cones via Martha Stuart



These sweet and simple flower arrangements will make others

think that you invested a lot of money and time when in reality

just lots of love.



Sweetheart Raspberry Lemon Cupcakes

Cupcakes are a great Valentine's Day treat to give to family, friends, students, and of coarse the sweetheart in your life. I took the basic cupcake recipe and added a little umph to it. Raspberry and lemon are two complementary flavors that I felt were perfect for portraying the sweet, zesty, light side of Valentine's day...if there is such a thing.


Ingredients

Cupcake Batter
1 c. butter softened
1 tbs. vegetable oil
2 c. sugar
3 c. cake flour sifted
1 tbs. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
4 eggs
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. lemon extract
juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp. of lemon zest

Frosting
1/2 stick of butter(softened)
1/2 block of 8oz. cream cheese (softened)
1/4 c. to 1/2 c. of raspberry preserves (add according to your sweetness factor/likeness)
1 c. to 2 c. of confectioner sugar (add according to your sweetness factor/likeness)
Fresh raspberries for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350º F.

Prep large cupcake pan(s) with large cupcake liners.

Cream butter and oil together. Gradually add sugar, creaming until light and fluffy.
(Beat 1 to 2 minutes with electric mixer or longer by hand). Sift flour with baking powder and salt. Add eggs one at a time to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Add lemon juice and zest. Add flour mixture alternately with milk and flavorings, beating after each addition until smooth.

Pour batter into large cupcake pan. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean if tested. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and finish cooling on racks.

Cream butter and cream cheese together. Add raspberry preserves. Gradually add in confectioners sugar. Once level of sweetness and thickness of frosting is achieved to your desire frost cooled cupcakes. Garnish cupcakes with raspberries.

Handout to family, friends, students, your special someone and enjoy!

That's My King...

This weekend I had the privilege of visiting the church of two of my dearest friends. On that note I want to give a big shout out to Grace Orlando Church...I had a great time! As the pastor was teaching he jokingly wish that he could fully express his point of all of who Jesus is in His entirety and then some. Kind of like how an old southern preacher man would've done way back in the day...and today. So up popped this video. Before I knew it we were all praising the awesomeness of who Jesus is! Check it out.

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