Friday Flashback

Ever have one of those weeks where you just can't seem to get your head on straight? Story of my life.

Today's post by Joy the Baker made think about balance.
Ugh. I stink at balance.
I tend to live my life in extremes.
Balance is particularly difficult because I'm the worst at cutting myself any slack.
{hello Type A}

So thank you Joy for reminding me to stop, breathe, and think.

My focus this weekend will be one thing: Giving myself time.

Time for doing and resting, time for action and inaction.
Sounds easy.
I know it won't be.

***

In a completely unrelated matter, I was doing some behind-the-scenes blog work today and found some old posts that I thought might be fun to share w/ you.

A few things to keep in mind:

1) I grimased at a few of these. It's like looking at old yearbook photos of yourself: "why did I do/say/wear that?" But if I can laugh at myself than you can too. We're all friends here.
2) I'm funny. That is all.

Here we go:

• Master Bedroom Redo
• Shopping Tips for the Bargain Girl
• Nighstand Makeover
• Fitness for Real People (and "what is a burpee?")
• 2-Ingredient-No-Churning Ice Cream 

And for those of you who spot the irony, I realize health/fitness vs ice cream seems like sabotage.
I was/still learning balance remember?
I want a healthy lifestyle but still love my pastries (in moderation)...
like I-want-to-own-a-bakery kinda love.
I really do.

Real girl. Real flaws. Real life.
Right here.


Have a wonderful weekend friends!

Walk, don't run

Tuesday morning I woke up and walked into the bathroom when I heard my phone ring.

Like anyone of supreme importance, I realized that whomever was calling needed me.

I must get to them.

So I ran.

In what can only be described as a collision of irony and farce, my frenzied (yet well meaning) efforts to rescue the caller ended with, well, this result:

{Squeamish alert! Avert your eyes, sensitive ones.}

Poor baby piggie.

Silver-lining speaking: My errant maneuvers were not in vain. I caught the call and avoided having to listen to voice mail (hate!). Even more importantly, I held in the sea of expletives clamoring to erupt. Banfield never knew I busted through the door w my baby toe to speak w them. 

That, my friends, is superior pain management.

Piggie and I are gonna tape-up and rest a little today though.  

Broken toes stink.

(FYI, I've now cornered the market on diy splint-making. Let me know if you need my services.)

Anyone else as accident prone as I am?

Ever break any bones?

Sloth Girl

Truth: I'm too lazy to upload pics from my phone (read: I need a camera!) so today I'm rounding up some of my recent interet finds (via Pinterest of course, cuz it's easier.)

***

Source: houzz.com via Faith on Pinterest

I love this agate/malachite wall. I have no idea how this works out practically but man, oh man is it gorgeous. Agate coasters are more realistic for my budget though.

Source: adashofcompassion.com via Faith on Pinterest

I actually made these raw "cookie dough" balls last week (or an adaptation thereof). They are GOOD.
Oats, almond flour, little bit of agave nectar...may sound weird but give it a go. Definitely satisfied my sweet tooth. (I actually might be blogging about a similar recipe I'm experimenting w/ soon.)

Source: etsy.com via Faith on Pinterest

This dress is springtime. So sweet, simple, and effortless.

Source: toneitup.com via Faith on Pinterest

I'm doing this. Love those Tone It Up girls!

Source: creative-culinary.com via Faith on Pinterest

I'm not a big drinker but boy-oh-boy does this sound good for a lazy weekend treat.

Source: thechive.com via Faith on Pinterest

Anyone break out into a sweat just thinking about this...I wonder if it works?

Source: littlehouseinthesuburbs.com via Faith on Pinterest

DIY weed killer. I made some a few weeks ago. It works. (Another blog opportunity missed. le sigh.)

Source: advrider.com via Faith on Pinterest

Born and raised in Texas and I've never been here. Plans to rectify this soon.

Source: piccsy.com via Faith on Pinterest

Happy Tuesday friends.

Friday Fave

I'm a crazed label-reader these days.

It all started when I was scared to death informed about all the nasty things we are eating, wearing, drinking; slathering on us.
Don't fret, I'm not a fanatic greenie, I just want to begin making smarter choices for my health and environment.
Plus, all-natural (when able) just makes sense.

I'm NOT an expert on these things. I'm just a real girl who is learning how to navigate the wild world of consumerism.
Remember when I found this article about the garbage some companies put in beauty products? It lead me to wonder what was in the soaps and washes I used in the shower.
Horror, imagine horror. I knew to read food labels, but I hadn't considered the importance of doing so with other products. Not no mo'. 

I did a little research on on old soap technique from the Castile region of Spain made using plant-based oils and, after a bit more digging, found: 

Dr. Bronner's Magic Pure Castile Soaps

source

I was able to find these soaps at my local Target a few weeks ago (in the Beauty section, near Burt's Bees, on the bottom shelf). But you can also order them online. 

To be honest, I was nervous about how these soaps would compare to my usual products. I typically use both bar and liquid soaps, so I bought one of each (Peppermint bar and Lavender liquid).
I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised. Not only do these lather up nicely, they are fresh and fragrant too. I LOVE the lavender scent. It makes me feel like I'm walking through a lavender field (sans the bees). 
I don't miss those sudsy sulfates one bit. 

I also love that they are made of USDA Organic and Certified Fair Trade ingredients.
Dr. Bronner's Castile Soaps are made from a combination of coconut, jojoba, olive and hemp oils. Yep, you can read (and understand) all the ingredients. What a novel idea!

Next time I'm going to try Rose and Tea Tree (or maybe Almond) though. Gotta find my favorite scent. 

Here's some of facts about Dr. Bronner's Castile Soaps:

Completely Biodegradable and Vegetable-Based Made with Certified Fair Trade and Organic Oils Multi-Purpose: 18-in-1 Uses No Synthetic Foaming Agents, Thickeners or Preservatives

100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Cylinder Bottles and Paper Labels Simple, Ecological Formulations Based on Old-World Quality and Expertise #1-Selling Natural Brand of Soaps in North America

source

If you're interested in learning more about Castile soap-making or Dr. Bronner's soaps specifically click here.

Disclaimer: I was NOT compensated in any way for my opinions. This really is one of my new favorite products and I wanted to share it with you. 


Any new products you love? Share and share alike! :)
Happy Friday!!

The Scourge of Bloggerdom

Kind Kelly let me know Monday that my blog still required word verification.
Just when I thought I'd gotten rid of that nasty thing for good.
*Collective nose curl*

Long story short, I have tried to get rid of this blogger fiend for sometime, yet I find it periodically reappearing. Tech skills notwithstanding, I can't seem to figure out what's going on.
I secretly think this thing has a rebel mind of it's own. Like a weed...

Do me a favor.
Would you let me know if WV is gone in the comment section or if it's wicked little letters pop up again?

I don't know what I'll do to fix it if things are bonkers again, but hey, at least I'll know.
I think it may have something to do with the old vs new Blogger interface?

Anyway, I'd be ever-so grateful.

Now this girl has gotta get back to spring sneezing...I mean cleaning.
Oooh, the life I lead. :)

Double-Chocolate Caramel Brownies

If you haven't signed up for Martha Stewart's Cookie of the Day you don't know what you're missing.
I for one can't get enough.

The day I got the recipe for these double-chocolate brownies they were literally in the oven before 9:30am.
I'm serious about chocolate y'all.
serious.

If you're still a box-brownie mix person may I take a moment to implore reconsideration?

These brownies are easy {7-ingredient easy} and taste a-friggin'-mazing!

I mean, whoa.

I added caramel nibs but you can include pb morsels, white chocolate, mint chocolate, dark chocolate, butterscotch, nuts, etc.

The possibilities are endless.

***

Double-Chocolate Caramel Brownies

Adapted from Martha Stewart

Yield: 9 2.5 inch squares

Prep-time: 10 min

Bake time: 35-40 min

Ingredients

• 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into large pieces
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels                                       
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1/3 cup caramel nibs (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment, leaving a slight overhang on all sides. Melt butter and chocolate in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat, and whisk in sugar. Whisk in eggs, 1 at a time, until combined. Whisk in cocoa and salt. Fold in flour until combined. Fold in caramel nibs until combined.
2. Pour batter into pan. Bake until set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool slightly in pan, about 15 minutes. Lift brownies from pan using parchment. Remove parchment, and transfer to a wire rack. Let cool completely. Cut into 9 squares.

Notes:
I would not use caramel nibs again, at least this way. I hoped they would melt and get all gooey and yummy inside. They did not. They stayed pretty firm and chewy...and I don't mean that in a good way. Other than that (and my hacksaw knife skills) I absolutely LOVED these brownies. They really are that good: Fudgy, chewy, over-the-top chocolate flavor GOOD.

Any new favorite recipes lately?
Try any of mine? What were your results?



Linking up at Tatertots & Jello

"Show-Me" the Blue

Whew. 1300 miles in 5 days. This girl is T.I.R.E.D.
I still feel like I need to sleep for days...a sure sign I'm getting old.

The trip to Missouri was great. I was able to spend some sweet time w/ my hilarious and too-cute-to-be-real grandparents, as well as my 92 yo great-great Aunt Mabel.

Yep, 92 and still sharp as a tack. Funny too.

Aunt Mabel told me stories about my Great Grandpa (her brother) who passed away 3 years ago. She also gave me two pictures of her mom (my great-GREAT grandma) and I learned that the china I inherited (and, ashamedly, never used) was this grandma's.
So cool to hear family history from the people who were actually there. 

I'm still in recovery though. I spent most of this weekend doing laundry or sleeping. Plus I haven't been feeling terrific so I think I have a trifecta in place for the perfect lazy storm.

BTW- Northern Arkansas is beautiful. I didn't know this. Now I do.

***

In other news, an errand run Sunday ended along the side of the road with careful steps over happy little blossoms. At one point I teetered precariously above the state flower afraid one slip of the foot could desecrate sacred ground.

It's pretty early here in Tejas for the Bluebonnets. These gorgeous buds usually fill up fields in April but this warm weather has hastened their arrival. They suck me in every time. 

I'm a black-thumb who loves green. What can I say?

What's your state flower? Do you get excited to see spring blossoms? Anyone else love old people too?

Bullet Points

• I will be in Missouri most of this week for a visit with my Grandma's family. Apparently we'll be staying at my great-great Aunt's farm (that's right, great-GREAT). I'm excited but clearly won't be around much for a few days.

source

• I saw this workout the other day and knew I had to try it.

Have I yet mentioned my earnest desire to be a dancer (not that kind!)? Yes, ballet or ballroom, it doesn't matter. I have a magical, pirouetting nymph inside of me. Last night I grabbed a chair for balance and got to sculpting my soon-to-be dancer's legs in the middle of my living room. It was simple but intense. I felt every move and I loved it (plus got to watch Project Runway at the same time... a win-win.)

Source: sheknows.com via Faith on Pinterest

• I can't remember where I heard about it, but I tried a new DIY facial exfoliator this week. It was AMAZING and is definitely my new go-to. Plus, it could not be easier.

To make it I mixed:

1 Tbsp honey

source

PLUS,

1 tsp baking soda

source

Mix thoroughly and apply to face and neck. Using warm water and your fingertips, gently rub your face in small circular motions. Rinse with warm water.

I love this recipe not only for the ease and simplicity of it but also for the natural beauty benefits. I challenge you to read up on those two ingredients. You'll be amazed at what you learn. Or just read the back of your favorite scrub and you'll be freaked out by how much garbage you put on your face daily without realizing it.
Natural is better.

Notes: The baking soda is so fine and feels much more gentle than any salt or sugar scrub. I had enough for two applications so I used one and saved the other (uncovered and on my counter) for a week. Hey, it's honey. It doesn't go bad. I just mixed it up a little before my second application and it worked exactly as it had the first time.
Definitely a keeper.

***
See you guys when I get back!!
Have a wonderful week.

Nutella and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Baking is therapy for me. Take this morning for example, I woke up, saw my Cookie of the Day email from Martha Stewart (It's awesome! Sign up!!), and started pre-heating the oven...all before 9am. A batch of double-chocolate caramel brownies are now cooling on the counter. (Don't worry, I'll post the adapted recipe if they turn out good.)

A few weeks ago, I was experimenting with a peanut butter cookie recipe found in the old family recipe book. Remember this?

I decided to experiment a little with the recipe and ended up making the most delicious Nutella and peanut butter chip cookies.

They are awesome (and this is from a girl that doesn't much like peanut butter.)

A little crispy on the outside, soft in the center, and the flavor...chocolatey, nutty, creamy, peanut-buttery. Mouth-watering deliciousness!

They are also very simple and only yield about one dozen, the perfect amount if you ask me. Enough to enjoy one or two and then send the rest off to co-workers, friends, or family. 

I have to do that you know, I have no willpower when it comes to sugar, but I want to be careful with how much and often I indulge. I've even started drinking half-and-half tea (half sweet, half unsweet). I actually can't drink regular sweet tea anymore.

Is sweet tea just a southern thing?  

Nutella and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Prep-time: 10 min..

Cook-time: 8-10 min.

Yield: 1 dozen

Recipe: Mine

Ingredients

1/4 c butter, softened but still cold

1/4 c Nutella

1/4 c brown sugar

1/4 c white sugar

1/4 c peanut butter chips, may adjust more or less as desired

2/3 c flour, sifted

1 small egg, beaten

1/2 tsp soda

1/2 tsp vanilla

pinch salt

Pre-heat oven to 400F. Spray large cookie sheet w/ non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Cream butter, then add Nutella and mix until fully incorporated. Add sugars gradually, creaming well. Add egg and vanilla to Nutella mixture. Mix flour, soda, and salt together in separate bowl. Gradually add to Nutella mixture, making sure to mix well after each addition. Gently fold peanut putter chips into batter. Use cookie scoop to place batter 1" apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes, until done. Let cool on sheet for 5 min then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Note: I let my butter get too soft so the cookies spread out a little too much. If this happens to you, place your batter in the fridge for 20-30 min to chill before scooping onto cookie sheet. I also forgot about the pb chips until the end so I sprinkled them on top of each round. I was clearly on top of things that day. ;)

Linking up at:

Needed: New Camera

Prepare yourself for a post sans photos.
I realize this is a big blogging no-no, but by-golly I don't care.
(Look at all that alliteration!)

I'm not sure if I've shared this before, but my cheap, trusty camera broke back in early Fall and I've since had to use my phone for all my picture taking needs.
Yea...

Good news: Phone takes pretty decent pics (better than old camera)
Bad (terrible, awful) news: Won't upload directly to my computer.
Warning: Resulting process is tedious and lunacy inducing.

I don't know what I'm doing wrong (tech-savants please help) but nothing happens when I plug my phone into the computer. It recognizes the device but then...nothing.
Not. A. Thing.

What this means dear friends is that I get to email myself every photo I want to upload...one painful attachment at a time. And that's just step one. (exasperated sigh) Too much work for this chick.
I miss the days of plugging my memory card into the little slot and uploading all my photos in just a few clicks. Oh the ease, oh the convenience.

So that in essence is why you're getting this post today instead of, oh say, the recipe for my Nutella & PB Chip cookies OR an update on the fascinating life and times of yours truly (sarcasm intended...well, not about the cookies).
Yes, I'm slothful.

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Wanted: Seeking easy-to-use camera for loving and affectionate owner. Willing to store in a cool, dry place. Cushy bag available for right candidate. Looking for long-term partnership. Extended battery life a plus.  
______________________________________________

Anyone else have to take photos by phone?
Tips or suggestions? I'm all ears.