Day Trip to Salado!

I've been so busy with my grad class and preparing for camp, that we haven't had a chance to really get out of the house and go somewhere together. This past weekend the weather was gorgeous and in the 70's so I decided to put off working for one day and hit the road. We headed down south to Salado--it's a little bitty town with a lot of charm. We were actually expecting it to be bigger than it was based on their t.v. commercials, but the weather was great and the people were sweet so we had a great time.

      

Not bad for a low-key Valentine's Day--and I got this excellent bottle of Parmesan Garlic Olive Oil. Best Valentine's present ever!!!!

Weekend Waco Exploring!!!!

This weekend the weather was gorgeous here in Waco so the hubs and I decided to spend most of our free time outdoors. We explored the parks around the Brazos River, walked downtown, and made our way to the zoo just off the river. I was pleasantly surprised at how much there is to do downtown and I can't wait to visit the places we walked by!

Mud Island Memphis Part 2

Look! Just what you wanted--more pictures of our trip to Memphis!

Can you believe these cute trolleys?! Only a $1 to ride downtown!

Sometimes Memphis gets a bad wrap for being rough, but the part of downtown we explored was great! I love the mix of old and new and there were so many restaurants! Can you believe the tree lined streets--gorgeous!

Even dogs get a snazzy parking lot! Check out that sparkle tie....

Beale Street is closed to regular traffic so you can merrily explore--drink in hand if you are so inclined.

Prince Albert in a Can. Classic. Sadly, the hubs had never heard that joke before...

What a sport--I made him put this on whilst refusing to wear the matching Hot Dog hat. We all have our limits....

What you don't see here is the creepy "Fortune Teller" head in the box office window. Bad Fortunes for all!

A. Schwab's is the oldest store in Memphis and it boasts trinkets, collectibles, memorabilia, and even an old fashioned soda shop!

This one is for Joshua's sister--Do you think that cat is guarding the door?

I'm glad we were able to take one last trip to Memphis before we leave Tennessee. After leaving Downtown, we headed to our favorite bbq place--Central BBQ for a fine bbq bologna sandwich and some mac-n-cheese. We rounded out the day with Spiderman 2 and were back in plenty of time for my staff volleyball game. I really do love these day trips and I can't wait to show the hubby all around my home state when we get to Texas!

I Love a Good Sunday

Although the weather isn't exactly ideal for a Sunday afternoon, it's still warm enough to leave the windows open and let out some of the winter air. I'd say today was quite the success for us; I make Protein Pumpkin Muffins, the hubs is baking bread(sorry ladies, he's mine. forever.), and I've packed two more boxes for the big move in May.

Now I'm listening to Mae, feeling nostalgic for the college days, and waiting oh so patiently for a fresh slice of homemade bread. Day made. <3

Days Without Caving = Zero

Story of my life on Pinterest today:

iwastesomuchtime.com

I have to admit though, I never really liked this photo for inspiration. The word "skinny" just gives me the creeps. Personally, I would prefer it to say "Nothing tastes as good as FIT feels." At 5'9", I'm a fairly tall girl and my bones just aren't meant to be super thin. I've made my peace with that and it's cool: I don't need to be a model to feel beautiful.

However, hubs and I keep making promises over and over that we are going to get in better shape and that's where this photo really comes in. Oh but you just don't understand. Joshua and I LOVE to eat. If eating were a hobby, we would do it all. the. time. Most of our travels center around whatever cool restaurants we can find in an area. This need for sustenance has sadly caused me to gain quite a few pounds since we got married and now that I'm starting to see my old chubby self again I need to make a serious change. At one time we were so desperate to get healthier that we made up our own points system--you earned points for healthy stuff and lost points for unhealthy. That lasted all about a month before we got tired of it. We're currently attempting a more Paleo approach to eating, but have yet to go a single day without eating something we're not supposed to. Our newest contraption for accountability is a sign that Joshua made that says: "Days Without Caving" with two little hooks for numbers. The idea is that each day we go without screwing up we can change the number. If make it a whole month of days without caving we get to reward ourselves with a treat--yes, I know rewarding with food is terrible, but come on--BACON.

We currently stand at "Zero" but the sign hasn't officially been up on the wall until this past Sunday. We're both enablers so this should be totally fun....BACON!

Gluten Free Catastrophe

Look at them...aren't they beautiful? Those are some Gluten Free tortillas from stupideasypaleo.com. While the hubs was away working lights for a production, I've spent my whole evening trying to be a Paleo domestic goddess. Did it work? Meh....

First of all, let me be clear that we're not exactly "going Paleo." Basically we're on a path of "don't eat a bunch of over processed crap." There is no strict plan in place, we are just going to stay away from breads, grains, milk, and unnecessary sugars. Anyway, I digress...a family trait truth be told...

Whilst listening to the sounds of The Lord of the Rings movie,  I set about my task. My goal: Pumpkin muffins, biscuits, and tortillas. Let me tell you, the muffins turned out beautifully--the hubs was practically foaming at the mouth for another! The biscuits....probably not a recipe I'll try again. While they came out "ok" they are super dry and a little crumbly but will suffice for this week.

Unfortunately, when I tried to make the tortillas I was a little irritated by the biscuits and I think I must've put a little too much "angry" in the batter because it was terrible mess. Three kinds a flour everywhere, a bajillion eggs whites flying, and more measuring spoons than I can manage at once. All it got me was a bowl of crumbly junk that wouldn't bend for a burrito if it's little crusty life depended on it. In my utter distress and desperation to have something to show for my efforts when Joshua got home, I THREW IT IN THE TRASH!!!! (Happily, this has only happened twice that I can remember in my short domestic life).

I started over with the recipe from the picture above and Lo and Behold, the Heavens opened and I made a Paleo Tortilla! Now, I have to be honest they aren't very traditional and are more crepe like than bread, but I think with the right filling they will do just fine! We'll be using them for this delightful recipe (which isn't very Paleo, but oh-so-wonderful) and I'll let you know how it goes!

And with that, I'll leave you with a quote after my own heart:

"What about elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about them, doesn't he?"

String of Pearls

I am pleased to announce the first issue of String of Pearls! This is a Young Women's online magazine run by my very talented baby sister Kelsie along with a few of her friends. The magazine features inspirational articles, life advice, recipes and much more. Articles are written from a Christian perspective by real young women with the occasional guy column and advice from adults as well. Check it out and look forward to many more issues in the future!

String of Pearls

Memphis Zoo and Barbecue

Helping our sweet friends Eric and Sarah move to Nashville--we're sad to see them go!

Central BBQ--Voted #1 10 since 2003! Look at that tasty brisket and mac'n'cheese--be still my heart!

Touching the Sting Rays for the first time--Unbelieveable!

Understandably freaked out--I actually squealed out loud...and people stared at me....

Can you believe this?! Sharks! Shark I tell you!

The hubby's favorite animal--he often acts like a dragon himself!

I'd like to thank Turbo Fire for my sweet side kick!

Happy Buddha--bellies were definitely rubbed for good luck!

Look at these guys chowing down! Can you believe that giraffe is 5 months old!

Yes, he's doing what you think he's doing....

Angst much?

For some reason, we caught all the animals relieving themselves or sleeping....it was a hard day!

I have to say, it was really hard saying goodbye to our friends, but driving over to Memphis helped keep our sad feelings at bay. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the Memphis Zoo--it was very large and had an incredible amount of animals. We went on a Sunday afternoon and despite it being a gorgeous day, it wasn't crowded!

Can you believe those Sting Rays and Sharks?! I've never been the type to reach out and touch things(or get dirty for that matter) but this was too good to pass up! They were sort of slimy and sometimes they would glide along the water in such a way that they'd splash everyone around the edge of the pool--show boaters!

We are so blessed to live between Memphis and Nashville and we really love taking advantage of all they have to offer. Even if it's only for one night, I highly suggest getting away and taking in some place new!