5/7 (The Last for July '15)

Five things from the past seven days for the end of July!

So much in this one piece.

It was great to be back to church last Sunday.  Our minister was on vacation but we have this amazing speaker in house who I just adore to hear give his message.  He's funny and gets his message across with total ease.  We talked about ADD and our faith.  Hits home.  I get distracted every single day from God.  I can admit it, I'm not perfect, so very far from it! Though I say I am a Christian, all too often I get wrapped up in the trappings of this world.  It sucks. The great realization is that I can live more intentionally and take those five seconds before I do or say something to evaluate if its right and just.  This week I have been focused on Romans 12.  You can probably expect a blog post around it sometime soon.  Just sayin'.

The hubs wanted to bowl...so bowl we did.  I suck.

Last weekend's date night was great;  I just wish I wouldn't have been so tired.  It originally was going to be a group event - but things happened - it turned out to be a true date night.  We ate, talked, and bowled.  I appreciate time where someone else can watch the kids so my husband and I can connect.  With his schedule and it being summer (me + the kids all the time) it can be grueling on our marriage and sense of self.  Thanks Taylor for helping us out!

She's growing up....we looked at clothing instead of junk other stuff.

Lunch date just us two!

This was the first week I've had both my kids now that my C is finished with camp for the summer.  It was great to have both my kids with me.  We had a fun time together at the pool for one day, at the library for another, and getting caught in Target for an hour more than we planned thanks to a super soaker out of no where kind of rain.  On Friday morning we had just a girl's trip to the mall (her choice) where she enjoyed some time without her little brother around.  It is so important that I make sure we have that "girl's time" so she knows she is still so important.

I love these shoes!

I finally got some new shoes this week.  As in running/walking shoes.  I am a New Balance girl but I was swayed to the - wait for it - Skechers side this week.  I couldn't find a NB that fit me well this trip - I guess my feet are morphing again.  The sales rep insisted on me trying a pair of Go Walk 2 Flash Goga Pad shoes.  I was reluctant but tried them on.  Then I walked around the store.  Oh my goodness.  Those shoes feel great!  I asked about running in them and she said that she's had people buy them for jogging but wasn't sure about running.  I'm no Kenyan Sprinter so I figured why not.  My sales lady was so incredibly awesome.  She told me to wear them for a couple of days and if I did not like them I could return them.  Well folks, I broke them in and they are awesome.  Also, if you aren't a sock wearer then you would love these - they're made for you to wear barefoot.  They have absorbers (thanks to the yoga mat material) that help eliminate odor.  I just wear my thin socks with them and I'm a happy camper.


And finally....a little funny that I'm holding close to my heart this week....

Total opposite ending to the first picture huh?  Just for gigles, just for giggles....I think. Bahahahaha.

 xo Amanda

Linked up with Andrea
Linked up with April
Linked up with Tif

July Goals Revisited & August's Set!

July goals ummm.....well see for yourself!!!

1.  Plan a weekend in Tennessee.  Failed.  
2.  Take the kids to Discovery Center Huntersville.  Failed.  The big kid got an extra week at camp.  The little kid...he's just happy to be bouncing around.
3.  Get my hair did (color....home girl is kinda growing it).  Scored!
4.  Tube the New River.  Failed but we did get more River time minus a tube.
5.  Bike in Todd.  Failed.  My bike is broken....a month and a half later.
6.  Read two books.  Scored.  One sucked and one rocked.
7.  Have a date night (two would be the big goal).  Scored.  Two of them to be exact!
8.  Find three new recipes to make.  We are in such a slump or redundant meals.  Scored.  Thank you Pinterest and labeling.

I give myself a C because I was good for 4 and bad for 4.  :)




1.  Plan the birthday parties.  My son's birthday is August 24th and my daughter's is September 4th.  I always try to do one party for both.  This year I'm changing it around a bit.  I think.

2.  Find some computer classes to take this fall.  I feel like my skills need to be brushed up.

3.  Read two books.

4.  Get at least one date night.

5.  Have a shark free beach trip.

6.  Enjoy the river (continue to...)

7.  See if it is possible to actually make plans and carry them out with my BFF. 

8.  Three more new recipes this month.

9. 48 miles of pavement pounding this month.

10.  Make an eye doctor appointment and a physical appointment.



Ok it is your turn!  Tell me your goals for the month!

This weekend in North Carolina

Before I get started - a little NC fun for you non locals.

I live about twenty minutes away from the town of Salisbury, North Carolina.  Salisbury is a pretty historical little town.  They had some old dead presidents come through there and practice law.  They had a pretty big role in the Civil War (a prison was there that was harsh).  Salisbury has also been in some movies (I believe Leatherheads was the last popular one).

However, there is one thing that has came out of Salisbury, North Carolina that you may have never heard of.

Cheerwine.

Growing up here means at some point in your young life you slurped down Cheerwine by the gallon.  I know I did.  I did so so much that now I don't really care for it.

First off you should know - it is not wine.  It is not alcoholic.  It is a soda that has a cherry flavor.


It used to be exclusive to North Carolina and parts of South Carolina and Virginia.  Nowdays it is expanding into new markets.  Check out the history of this small town soda by clicking here.  It is pretty nifty.

Alright....here's what's poppin' in North Kackalacky.



Cary - The Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival... If you like beer (they'll have 60 ready to go), bourbon (how's 40 different ones to wet your whistle?), or BBQ (its cook off time in Cary) then you need to head to this festival which runs Friday and Saturday.  Along with all the alcohol and pig you'll have great music (bluegrass to blues) to jam out to and there's a beer belly contest.  Tickets are required and start at $99 for the entire event.  If you have a DD they get a reduced price ticket.

Raleigh - Jay Pharoah at Goodnight's Comedy Club...If you are an SNL fan then you won't want to miss seeing Jay Pharoah perform this weekend at Goodnight's.  He'll be the main act tonight, Friday, Saturday night.  The guy is hilarious.

Robbins - 60th Annual Robbins Farmer's Market...I think its safe to say that Robbins is practically the center of the state.  It is very rural and agriculture is still the main beef out there.  This weekend they'll celebrate that agriculture side of life by having a party - complete with fresh food to purchase, music, dancing, a 5k and a wagon train?  Yep!



Lexington - Wine Down Friday at Weathervane Winery...I have yet to visit this winery but I have a good friend who really likes it.  This Friday (yes tomorrow) relax after a chaotic week (for me since I can't really relax until maybe Saturday evening) at the winery.  From 7-10PM relax to the sounds of Stewart Coley and sip away the worries of the week.

Nags Head - Experience the light house after dark... Are you up for getting a flash light, putting on some running shoes and going up the Cape Hatteras Light House after dark?  If so this weekend is your chance.

Murfreesboro - 30th Annual NC Watermelon Festival... This event starts today.  Come out and celebrate the fruit that is summer.  The Watermelon Festival offers more than just one of the best fruits known to man; it also has music, food festivals, and Miss. Watermelon contests.

Maggie Valley - Hillbilly Woodstock...Ummmm well...you can pack your tie dye or opt against it.  I hear there will be 20+ bands (types not specified), a car and bike show, a lot of food and proceeds help benefit the Haywood County Animal Shelter.  This is deemed a celebration of Appalachian and Western North Carolina history.

And that's all I have for you this week folks.

Thursday Thoughts

I think....



Yep, totally in accordance with that eCard.



This fits this week!  I pray for my own kids but this week I have been praying for other kids.  Specifically, the new bundle of pink joy for fellow blogger {Katie MacArthur}.  Her beautiful Charlotte was born but during the process ingested a lot of meconium.  Please pray with me for them as they await information from testing to be done this weekend on a brain bleed and other serious issues.  I believe Charlotte is beautifully and wonderfully made and will be just A OK!


So I checked two books out at the library last week and I have no interest in either. Ugh.  I returned them and got three more...better choices!

Saturday is the first of August?  <Sad face>  August is way busy in our house.  Trips, school, birthdays...you get it.  Maybe I am secretly in some weird way looking forward to the return of normalcy.  Oh my gahhhh did I say that?



The cravings I have had for Krispy Kreme this week have been insane.  Not pregnant, just feigning something really bad for me but really really tasty.



I want to start a mom's group.  I'm so overwhelmed right now that I need a group of happy, wine drinking, laugh til you pee type women who aren't cats.  Seriously, though.

And last....

Heavy Hearted Wednesday

A little midweek motivation for you today.

My heart was sad to hear the news of Amber's passing in Statesville yesterday.  If you're from around here you probably heard her story and maybe some of you were like me - glued to her posts and her immense love for Jesus Christ.  My heart aches for her little ones and to think she was only twenty-seven.  She was an amazing worker for God.

Recently, it seems like more and more young moms have been battling disease and passing away.  This rips at my soul and makes me so much more aware of the gift of good health and to take each day as a treasure.  I may need some mom breaks here and there but I am so thankful for the blessings bestowed on me to be given another day of cooking, cleaning, refereeing, and thinking I'm going crazy!

Thank you, Amber.  You've shown me what it means to live.  You've shown me the light in the darkness that was your own.  Your testimony made me see how precious this exact moment is.

To God be the glory.

Click here to read an article published by a local paper about Amber's life.
Click here to visit the Amber's Army Facebook Page

Tasty Tuesday

Hey y'all!  Today I wanted to share a couple recipes that we adore in our house!  One is a very simple crock pot recipe that is summer perfection and the other is a stove top quickie that is healthy, clean and fast.

I didn't go through the process of typing up the recipes because I included the link to the recipes for you with each picture. The link will take you to either the first blog post I put the dish in or the site it came from.  Salsa verde's home site can be seen on the photo!



Salsa verde chicken (The EASIEST recipe ever!)



It is a little bittersweet I link up to that post.  I wrote it just a few weeks before the huge life event of 2014....our house issue.  It is funny how food makes you remember things - like the day I tried this recipe first, our house was completed from our planned renovation. We were floating on a cloud.  Funny how things can change!

Anyhoo, this dish is a favorite for everyone in our home.  Yes, even the two year old will eat it up.  It isn't very spicy so if you're worried about heat you should be just fine.  For three ingredients you should try it!



Lemon Pepper Chicken with Asparagus



The first time I made this recipe my husband updated his status on Facebook to:

"If my wife keeps making good food like she did tonight then we're opening a restaurant."

I think that sums up how tasty this clean dish is.  You can opt out of oil if you need to and use an alternative.  The flavor is intense and you basically have your whole meal ready in about thirty minutes.

If you're not into the whole clean thing then I say go ahead and whip up some garlic mashed potatoes to go with this stuff!





And for fun...here's my Zucchini Bread Recipe!

Read the recipe through before you make this.  I'm not a recipe writer and often times just depend on memory when I'm making a dish.  You can tell I did that when writing this because I failed to immediately state such things as  Preheat your oven to 325 first.  Or Grease and flour your pans after that.  Oh, that info is in the recipe just near the bottom instead of the top.  

You will need two bowls - a medium size for the dry ingredients and a large for the wet.

Dry ingredient bowl:
3c AP flour
1t salt
1t baking soda
1t baking powder
4t cinnamon

Stir all that together in your medium bowl.

Wet ingredient bowl:
3 eggs
1c of oil (I use half cup olive oil and half cup vegetable)
2 1/4c of sugar
3t of vanilla extract

 Grab your mixer and mix the wet ingredients together until they are well combined.  Then start to add in your dry ingredients (about a quarter to a half cup at a time).

Stir in 2 cups of shredded zucchini

(You can also add in nuts if you prefer.  My crew isn't big on pecans or walnuts.  However, if you do add nuts, send me some, I love them!)

This is enough for about two loaves.  Or you can make like myself and make one loaf and 8 muffins.  Just note you need to grease and flour your pans very well - it is a bread and it will stick like glue!

Bake in a 325 degree oven for an hour.  After an hour test with a fork, if it comes out slippery wet bake another 10 minutes and recheck.  If it comes out moist and delicious (because you know you'll try it) then you are good to go.

I let mine cool for about twenty minutes....then devour!

Tasty Tuesday....Pool Food

It is no secret we spend a lot of time at the pool.  That place is a sanity saver for me.  I have two kids plus a husband who has to get his Zzzz's during the day (he's nocturnal, currently).  We don't normally spend hours at the pool but we do get two to three in three to four days a week.

I think its a proven fact - being active in the water turns you into a pig!

I'm not sure about you but when I'm in the heat I don't want a regular meal for lunch.  Instead, I pack snacks and we have them  when our energy levels drop.  Don't forget: swimming is the best exercise!

Today I'm sharing what we love to snack on at the pool.



My family isn't allergic to anything but whatever is floating in the air in the spring and fall.  We eat peanut butter - especially this mama!  I really like Jif To Go.  Most days we take lots of celery sticks and baby carrots to dip in the peanut butter.  The kids also like graham crackers so with the Jif singles that works out really well too.



Have you tried the new style of popcorn?  PopCorners are really good!  Yes, they are popcorn but instead they are in a chip form.  It is basically a tortilla chip but its texture is smoother and lighter.  My kids must have pop corn to survive (or so they act that way) so I purchased this to change it up for them and also for me.  I'm very glad I did.  You can also get these in a variety of seasonings.  I picked ours up at Harris Teeter.

By the way this is a NON-GMO food, gluten free, and all natural.


Normally I would steer clear of any dairy when I'm out on a 90+ degree day but cheese sticks have yet to make our tummies sour during swimming.  Note:  We eat one a piece and not five.  LOL That could play a role huh?  I always buy the Frigo Cheese Heads Light String Cheese.



It is summer how could we not be eating fruit by the pool?  My kids aren't too partial to watermelon, I know I should have their heads checked,  My son loves peaches; both kids adore blueberries.

 Normally, I buy a personal size watermelon and scoop all the fruit out and eat it for my mid day snack/meal.  I love them that much!  I remember when I was growing up my Dad-o (maternal grandpa) loved watermelon so much we would all (6-8 of us) go over to his house on Sundays in the summer to cut one and eat it in the back yard.  He loved salt on his.  I prefer mine without salt.

How do you eat your peaches?  Did you know the skin is actually very nutritious?  When I was in college I worked in a farmer's market.  I learned a lot about peaches and was mortified the first time I saw a person just bite into one without peeling it.  In my mind I thought - but it has hair (fuzz)!  A couple weeks later I was eating them the exact same way.  Just wash it off and bite in!

Blueberries are a super food and you should learn to love them even if you don't think you do.  That's all I'm going to say about that!



My kids are hooked on these juice boxes.  I pretty much prefer they drink water but when they need an extra kick of taste I buy these Fruitables.  They really love the Apple Harvest flavor.  You can't go too wrong with these juice boxes because they are veggie and fruit mixed concoctions



This is what I take to the pool.  I purchased the 64oz Cool Gear EZ Freeze drink bottle to make sure I can get my water in every day.  So, yes, I take it more place than the pool.

And that's it....

What we take to the pool.  If you're looking for chips and cookies and mayo laden sandwiches....well no I don't have any of that.  However, I'm going to be posting Beach Food soon and you may like that list more ;)

What do you eat when you are at the pool?

Monday, May I?

Hey y'all.  Another Monday is here and that means another week to fly by.  

Can anyone really believe it is the last week of July?

Kinda breaks my heart :(

So last week I set out to meet these goals:

1.  Back on the shakes (protein shakes twice a day and healthy snacks) 

EPIC FAIL.

I had two shakes all week.  

On the flip side I ate healthy...until Saturday when we went to Bad Daddy's.  I had two Mich Ultras and a cantina burger.  Mmmmm. 490-500 calories in that bad boy.  If we compare it to ANY OTHER MENU ITEM I did great!

Not trying to justify my EPIC FAIL but letting you know I'm on track just not the protein shake one right now, OK?

2.  Purchase (unless any of you want to lend me) a copy of James Dobson's Strong Willed Child

EPIC FAIL.

Let's be real this is actually a MOVE TO THIS WEEK GOAL.  I was going to go and buy it (should just order the damn thing so I don't waste money but hello I have two kids in the house with me....we call this a field trip).  

3.  Get the babysitter twice this week.  (That means once so I can do something with my mom and once so the husband and I can have a date night...which leads to...)

PART WIN PART IN THE WORKS!

We had our date night (el esposo y yo).  Five hours of no "MOM HE TOUCHED ME"  "MOM HE PINCHED ME"  "MOM HE WALKED BY ME!"   and also no two year shrieks of terror that Sponge Bob FINALLY went off or pangs of hunger after eating a large meal five minutes prior.

If all goes well maybe we'll get to call her back so I can go tubing with my mom.  We have to play these things by ear people.

4.  Plan a date night!

In case your reading comprehension level is low after reading number three...

Goal met!

We had dinner at Bad Daddy's - best ever. Then we went to a second hand music store - sucked.  Then we went bowling for two hours - he's good I am not.

It was a lot of fun.

5. Dare I do five?  I dare!  Start on the tagging for fall consignment sales.  Shut up!  I hate tagging.

Goal met!

I started on Thursday and finished on Saturday.  I hate tagging.

Technically I have to attach the tags via safety pins to the clothing but I can do that this week, right?

This week's goals:

1.  Go to the bookstore, with the kids, it is called a field trip.  Get the Dobson book.

2.  Attach the tags to the clothes I tagged...or made tags for and put on hangers.

3.  Pray for some direction on a couple things going on in my life that I'm lost over.  We all have them but right now I have two that are burning my brain up.  

4.  12 mile goal for pavement pounding this week.  I can do it, right?

How about you?  Do you have some goals for the week?  Share them! Here or on my Facebook page!

Click here for my page!

5/7

1.  My girl finished camp for the summer.



This year marked the first year my oldest participated in any summer camp.  She really had a blast at the local Christian based camp called Camp Manna.  What a wonderful resource that place is.  She looked forward to going each day and came home smiling tired after her day was finished there.  I see a lot of swimming, pajama wearing til noon days, and trips to the mall in the remainder of our summer!

2.  River Action!

Last weekend was once again spent at my dad's on the river.  We all had a great time swimming and the kids got to ride in the kayaks.  The camper got dusted off and pulled out for the weekend as well.  Luckily, it wasn't very hot and we all slept super well.

3.  PMnoS Fog.

Ladies, I'm in a new stage of life and it is sucky.  Sorry but there is no other word.  In January my doctor alerted me I was beginning to transition to a new phase of life.  The one where you get wrinkles and hot flashes all bundled together.  It is funny how the good doctor failed to mention the other affects this transition has on you.  I've been in a dense fog all week (well up until Wednesday), my mind was operating on turtle speed instead of rabbit.  I was lethargic and just felt like poo.  I still continued to exercise and eat well.  I even tried this napping thing!  Luckily, I adjusted my vitamins and am feeling much better.  Anyone else going through this?  Been through this?  Have any offerings of advice to give?  Eeeeek!  Here's a great article (very short) that tells us we're OK!



4.  Now ear this.

My little guy had an unexpected trip to the doctor on Tuesday.  After getting out of the pool I noticed his ear was swollen and puss was oozing out.  I was immediately grossed out.  He wouldn't let me touch his ear at all and shrieked at me over and over. We headed to the doctor where we were told it was just a bad case of swimmer's ear.  It is really hard to stay away from water when you are in this family.  That's all I can say about that.  Oh and those drops?  You would think I was putting needles in his ear.  Uncool!

5.  This picture

I took this picture on one of my evening walks with my mom.  Aren't they the sweetest donkeys ever?  Yes they are.

All linked up with Andrea

This weekend in North Carolina....

Hey, Andy!  What is there to do in NC this weekend?



  Well let's just see, shall we?

Any time I'm around my dad the conversation spins over to The Andy Griffith Show.  Growing up that show was on our television at 5pm every day.  No, I'm not that old, it was re-runs!  If I remember correctly the show aired on our local CBS affiliate until just a couple years back when they decided that we should have the news run for seven hours straight.

Andy Griffith was a North Carolina icon and his show really put North Carolina on the map.  However, geographically it didn't do a good job for this state I live in.  Mayberry is a fictitious town.  It is supposed to be patterned after Griffith's hometown, Mt. Airy (which I happen to be about 45 minutes from).

They also spoke a lot about Mount Pilot.  Once again there is no Mount Pilot but there is a Pilot Mountain.  Pilot Mountain is between Winston-Salem and Mt. Airy and is basically a shorter stature mountain with a knob on it.  Pilot Mountain is great for biking, hiking and camping but not a hub for business or industry or movie going and Italian cuisine as Andy would have had you believe.

Siler City is another famed Andy Griffith Show place.  We do have a Siler City in North Carolina.  I can't tell you much about Siler City because I only drove through there on my way to Raleigh via US 64.  However, I can tell you I don't know think its up there with Charlotte and Raleigh as far as business goes.  It is very pretty and quaint.

Direction-wise...the show was challenged.  The places he said you went up to you actually went down or over to.

I just felt the need to share this with you.  You know if the show inspired you to one day make a pilgrimage to this state that I am from and Andy is from.  Andy Griffith died in his home on Roanoke Island, North Carolina (beautiful place, been there once, to the island not his house) and within five hours of his death he was buried on his property.  He was a quiet and often sad man who really didn't fit the Sheriff Taylor mold he created but he was and is (and probably always will be) a North Carolina icon.

Now on to the goings and doings of this coming weekend in North Carolina!


Hickory - {The Furniture Mart Furniture Festival & Sale!}  Now this is right up my alley.  North Carolina was a major manufacturer of furniture until things started shifting across the Pacific.  Our furniture is still celebrated around the world and Hickory is really a true Capitol of NC Furniture.  The festival includes the art of making furniture by classical artisans and how the furniture industry shaped North Carolina.  You can also score some magnificent deals on great brands while there.  Go out and get me something, would you?

Wilkesboro - A farmer's market slash crafters meet slash fun for the family....The Wilkesboro Open Air Market.  Each Friday is something different from live music to a outdoor free movie for the family.  Check it out!



Mocksville -  Friday Night Live at Raylen Vineyards  visit one of the Piedmont's premier vineyards on Friday for a fun night of delicious wine (for purchase).  It is a great way to unwind from the week, bring a picnic or purchase food on site from the highly popular Food Freaks Food Truck, take in the beautiful scenery of Raylen while listening to the music of Jessica Mashburn.

Mooresville - Saturday don't miss the Charlotte Antique & Classic Boat Show at the Trump Golf Course.  Boats from yesteryear will be on display.  What a fun reason to find your way to the lake.



Pinehurst - The US Kids Teen Golf Championship will be held at North Carolina's most renowned golf locale Pinehurst this weekend.  If golfing is your thing or your have a young aspiring golfer I highly suggest you check it out.  If you aren't into golf then Pinehurst is still worth a weekend of your time.  Lush resorts with a fabulous spas and dining, sign me up!

I did not get any information on things going on along the NC Coastline. This is their busy season so I am sure there is plenty going down in the sand!  Oh and I haven't heard of any shark attacks this week so maybe Jaws and friends are moving back out?  We can hope!

Have a fabulous weekend in NC or where ever you may be.