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For the Foodie

Low Carb Mini Chicken Pot Pies from Zuzka Light (recipe here). One look at Zuzka and you'll find yourself investing in kettlebell stock (hello, abs). I've enjoyed using her workouts for a few years when I want to switch things up, but she also has some yummy recipes. I made her Mini Chicken Pot Pies for Derrik's birthday and they were a hit! I think they're the best low carb recipe I've tried, which is a high compliment coming from this low carb loving household.

Your New Reading List

The Awakening of Miss Prim by Natalia Sanmartin Fenollera

I just finished a wonderful book, The Awakening of Miss Prim by Natalia Sanmartin Fenollera, and I think your life would be enriched if you read it. The Huffington Post got it right on the back cover - "An ode to the simple joys of life." I found myself continually pleased at how easily I related to revelations sprinkled throughout Natalia's writing. It might leave you longing for a trip to Spain or Italy, but that's just one more point in favor to give it a try. I'm going to meet with some other women who've read it to discuss the book over tea and cookies. How refined, right? The simple things in life, like walking slowly around your neighborhood to enjoy the new spring blossoms because you've nowhere to be, sometimes seem to be the most luxurious.

Praying with Paul by D.A. Carson

I also just finished Praying with Paul by D.A. Carson. I'm so glad I read it. I went to a weekly book study with women from my church and found that added accountability was so valuable. I sometimes find myself wrestling with thoughts like "do my prayers actually make a difference?", "how do my prayers mingle with the mystery of God being sovereign over everything?". This book helps flesh out those questions in a way that leaves you refreshed and encouraged that your prayers do matter, and we can trust God with the outcome.

The Life Giving Home by Sally & Sarah Clarkson

This book is a joy to read for a homebody like me! If you enjoy brainstorming ideas to make every day feel cozy and special for your family, this is for you. Sally and her daughter Sarah do a great job giving ideas for special celebrations and how to make your home an inviting haven for everyone who lives there and any guest who might stop by. Home is where we spend a majority of our time, so it makes sense to be thoughtful about traditions and ways to serve there. Have your highlighter ready - there's so much to underline that you'll want to remember!

Grace, Not Perfection by Emily Ley

"You can't be perfect so just give up." I feel like that sentiment is floating around out in the social media sphere, but I don't think that's what this book is about. It's about choosing from a pool of good things and giving your time to the best things, or "what matters most" as Emily phrases it. Something you'll notice immediately about this book is that it. is. beautiful. It's like a how-to guide mixed in with magazine spreads and the vulnerable heart to heart type talk you have when you ugly cry with your best friend. It's a winner.

Tea, Please

Sometimes I joke about trying to convince myself I like tea. I only started drinking coffee in the last 2 years, so before that I usually opted for tea (or what tasted like dirty water) whenever I'd find myself in a coffee shop to meet up with friends. But that was before I discovered this sweet, spicy, cinnamon delight.

Let me know what you think about these favorites! Will you try any? Which books should I add to my list? Have a great week!

After brainstorming what to do with the wall space above our bed, I decided to challenge myself to use only what I already had on hand, with the exception of the fairy lights. I love how it turned out!

Supplies pictured above: three canvases, scissors, glue gun, *craft paint, brushes, picture hanging strips and craft pearls.

*I ended up deciding not to use the paint (I'll explain why).

I used Photoshop to create a 8.5 x 11 document (the same size as my printer paper, so I'd have an accurate reference of how big the letters would turn out). You could also use a program like Microsoft Word, find a font you like, then increase the font size to your preference.

I chose to make the letters grey (as opposed to the black letter seen in the supplies photo) so that the outline wouldn't show through as much after glueing on the pearls.

After cutting out each letter, I brushed Mod Podge on the back and pressed them against the canvas. Once the letter dried in place, I used the glue gun to add the pearls on top. I tried to vary the sizes as best I could, but didn't over think it.

Here's the finished product!

I was going to paint over the ampersand in the middle, but I actually ended up liking the grey letter by itself and decided to leave it that way. Other than the fairy lights, which were easily hung using clear tape on each corner, I used supplies I already had stashed in my craft drawer. This is a breeze to customize and would be a perfect addition to any gallery wall, nursery, etc.

I hope this sparks some good DIY ideas. Let me know if you try it out!