Almost three years ago, I got home from serving a mission in El Salvador about 25 pounds heavier than when I’d left the U.S. eighteen months prior. In addition to having to adjust to “normal” life back at home, I was having to adjust to a completely different body shape and size. Since none of …
Here’s What’s Cooking . . . Slow-Cooker Meatballs
As part of my quest for the good life, I’ve been trying really hard to cook healthy, homemade meals at least five times a week. Of course, in the summer (when I’m not working), this is easy-peasy. It helps that I find recipes such as this one for spaghetti and meatballs that practically cook …
Thoughts on Minimalism
For the past several weeks, I have been fascinated with the idea of minimalism = the concept that by living with the most minimal amount possible (of material things as well as unworthy time commitments), you bring much more satisfaction into your life. Come to think of it, I’ve been drawn to the idea of simplifying …
Tuesday Tell-All
*Can I brag for a minute? I’ll just have you know that I made the BEST banana cream pie of my life the other night—seriously, it was so creamy and delicious and banana-y that I just wanted to die. The secret? Homemade whipped cream in both the pudding/filling and as a thick topping. Ah-mazing. …
When Fireworks Go Rogue
Truth: I have never personally lit off a firework in my life (I don’t think). I was always forbidden to do it while growing up (not even one of those sparklers that you hold in your hands), and now that I’m grown, I’m just as content to let others do the dirty work …
Happy America Day
Having lived outside the country for 18 months, I gained a much deeper appreciation for my beloved home country—not only for the opportunities and prosperity it offers, but even more for the freedoms that protect us and give us the chance to become whoever we want to be. I could never be grateful enough …
June Reading
Along with icy lemonade, grilled burgers, and fireworks displays, summer should definitely be a time for reading. I can’t wait to talk summer reading with you, especially since I’ve read some pretty stellar books in the last month! Hope you’ll check at least one of them out. On Beauty by Zadie Smith Several of …
Tuesday Tell-All
*I always have such high hopes for summer (especially because my summers consist of me not having to work and still getting paid. Score!). I always think, “I’m going to have SOOOO much time to accomplish SOOO much.” And in some ways, that’s true—I DO have quite a bit of leisure time. However, I …