The Best (and easiest) Winter Soup

 A couple of weeks ago me and Kate made the most amazing soup ever. Here's the best thing.. it was SO easy. I had to share the recipe because I can totally see it becoming a staple. We cut all of the vegetables up the night before we were making it and left them in the fridge. The next morning we just threw it all in the Crock-pot and left for work. When we came home our house smelled AMAZING and it honestly tasted so good. It was the perfect dinner for this time of year and way too easy. Seriously, just try it!!

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Turkey and Vegetable Soup:

I lb cooked Turkey, shredded (you could use chicken too)

2 Cups Spinach

1 Onion, diced

5 Carrots, diced

1 meduim Parsnip, peeled and diced

2 medium Celery stalks, diced

2 Cups Sweet Potatoes, diced

1/2 Tbsp Basil

1/2 Tbsp Oregano

1- 6oz can Tomato Paste

4 Cups Chicken Stock

Put everything in the Crock-pot on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.

Recipe from dashingdish.com

Thankful.

Okay, so I am totally aware that I am awful at being consistent with my posts BUT I really do have good intentions so I hope I'll start being better about updating. 

I had the most wonderful Thanksgiving and the holidays are off to a wonderful start. Over the past couple of weeks I have been feeling so blessed and I wanted to share some of the things that I am particularly grateful for right now. I've been jotting down a couple things every morning and it is crazy how many things I have been blessed with. If you haven't tried it yet, I would totally suggest starting a gratitude journal. It has made my days so much happier and just given me a good perspective to start the day! So there are many more than just this, but here are 100 things I am especially grateful for right now.

1. A working car.

2. Space heaters.

3. Computers and the Internet

4. Lotion

5. My health and a body that has taken a lot of crap but still functions so well.

6. The health and safety of all my loved ones. Everyday.

7. Bad days- They help you appreciate the good ones so much more.

8. My awesome job. I love coming to work and the people that I work with. Like, it's embarrassing how much I love to work.

9. Sweet friends. Especially the ones that I get to talk to all the time.

10. Temples.

11. My twin sister. Like, I can't even do this one justice and she has to do with all of these things. She is the most incredible example to me and she loves me no matter what. I've never met someone who is as Christlike and giving as she is and who genuinely cares so deeply about others. She has taught and continues to teach me things everyday and I know that God knew I needed to come here with her. Man, I am so thankful to have her.

12. Vacations and trips. Okay, just traveling in general.

13. Music.

14. Nailpolish. 

15. Soda. It's SO not good for me but I really love it.

16. Pictures.

17. My sweet Brayden who is the greatest missionary ever! He has no idea how much he means to me and how much he helps me everyday.

18. Showers and good smelling soap.

19. Bleach.

20. My heat blanket.

21. Sitting on my couch with popcorn and Sugar Smash.

22. Laughing. Especially those times you can't stop and your stomach hurts and your makeup is running.

23. Kind people who are just sweet.

24. My Robert White who is literally the sweetest, most amazing boy there ever was. I never knew it was possible to find someone so perfect for me. He is seriously the funniest, most-thoughtful, incredible man out there and he came into my life exactly when I needed him. He has helped more than I could ever express.  Seriously though, so grateful for him.

25. Candy- Especially Sweet Tarts.

26. My Hair.

27. My phone, laptop, iPad.

28. A dad who would do anything for me and is always thinking about his family. He keeps us all on the right track and it's always very apparent how important it is to him that we will ALL be together for eternity. Also, he sends me spiritual thoughts EVERYDAY that keep me on track. He'll never know how much he means to me.

29. Online shopping. I love getting things in the mail.

30. The sweetest little dog on planet Earth. His spirit and love literally SAVED me.

31. Menchies- I had to.

32. Holidays and planning parties.

33. Planners and Calendars.

35. Pinterest.

36. Cute grandparents who I love more than anything and who are amazing examples to me.

37. Quotes that just help.

39. Art.

40. A house.

41. My education.

42. The most amazing mom there could ever be. Literally perfect. Not only is she my mom but she is my best friend. She has more patience than I thought was possible and she is the most positive person I know. She has gone through more in her life than anyone should have to and is honestly an angel. I want to be just like her.

43. Target, for when you just need to walk and look at cute things.

44. The Mountains.

45. Water.

46. My past. It has taught me so much already.

47. Jesus Christ. I need Him. Everyday. He understands those things that no one else does and He ALWAYS loves me.

48. Sheri Dew.

50. New York.

51. Plants and Flowers and Trees. Apples.. Gardens..

52. Christmas Lights.

53. Walks and Talks. Sometimes for hours.

54. My sweetest Ashlyn. She has been more of an example to me than any little sister should be and has made me laugh harder than anyone else. She is literally my best friend and has taught me how to have confidence in myself. She is incredible and means so much to me.

55. Peace.

56. Concerts and live music.

57. My testimony of the Gospel and it's saving Grace.

58. Zara.

59. My belief in Essential Oils. :) 

60. Washing Machines.

61. Sunrises.

62. Good food.

63. The most righteous 9 year-old brother there ever was. he has done more to keep me on the right track than anyone else. He is also the smartest, most tender, sweet, and creative kid I know. He is such an example to me and teaches me everyday.

64. The entire White family. Seriously. I don't know how people can be so good but they are all amazing and the most fun people to be around. Their family dynamic is unbelievable and I'm convinced they're angels. The more I know them the more I love them.

65. Medicine and Doctors.

66. Memories.

67. Diversity.

68. Chinese people. Everything about them.

70. The most amazing older brother who watches out for me from heaven and plays a part in my life EVERYDAY. I love and miss him and I would not be who I am without him.

71. Swimming.

72. Prayer.

73. Dancing.

74. 4:00 in the morning when I can just think.

75. My dear friend who has had some of the most difficult trials but rises above them and stays so strong. She has the most amazing spirit and has kept me convinced that one day I'll love visiting teaching. She is so caring and been the most amazing older sister I never had.

76. Dr. Haderlie.

77. A loving Heavenly Father with a plan and a timeline.

78. Hand sanitizer.

79. Lists.

80. My friend Sara who shared all High school drama with me and will ALWAYS be my friend no matter how long it's been since we've seen each other.

81. Candles and good smelling things.

82. Seasons.

83. Experiences that have taught me to be understanding.

84. My sweet friend who I get to talk to almost everyday and I've who been able to share more with than most. She has taught me to voice how I feel about things that we can make it through anything. She understands things about me that most don't and she is just a good human. :) She is always an example to me and shares a love of pizza, flowers, and popcorn.

85. Good books.

86. Wayne Dyer.

87. The Sun and warmth.

88. Funny people.

89. My Neighbor Jane who is the strongest woman. She has taught me the most important principles of life and follows her heart. I dream of being just like her.

90. Blanket scarves.

91. All the dear people in my life. I have so many sweet friends and family I wish I could write them all individually.

92. T.V. Shows.

93. The Plan of Salvation.

94. My cousin Chelsi who just feel really close to and who I love. She is kind and so true.

95. Living in the United States.

96. My siblings playing in a bagpipe band. They are so cool.

97. Walmart. Because we all know we need it.

98. Sewing.

99. Tears and emotion.

100. Bad times that make me appreciate the good times.

There are so many more things and I know I will be thinking of more I wish I would have listed here. Man, life is good.

Falling For Autumn

Guys, it's my favorite season and I haven't even made the time to post anything about it. That's changing today though. I honestly keep telling myself that once I make this blogging thing a habit I will be better about keeping it up to date. So that's my goal. :) 

With the weather this weekend, I have especially been feeling the Autumn vibes and wanted to share some of my finds.

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 So I really want to try making this cute banner I found on Pinterest (of course). I really wish I had a fireplace to hang it on, BUT it will look really good above my TV too.

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 This just looks so dreamy and I really want to go again. That's all.

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 I want to go platinum. I've never colored my hair but I think this looks so pretty. What do you think, should I go for it? Also, I know people typically go darker in the fall and winter but this looks wintery to me so...

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 This is Turmeric Tomato Detox Soup I found on Pinterest and it looks delicious. Plus it's a detox. We'll be trying it this week as well.

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 Lately I have been feeling like more people need to hear this. Honestly, we all have things that we are going through and our days aren't always the greatest. That makes being kind even more important. We could all use someone being just a little more patient or kind or even just sharing a quick smile. Remembering to be kind and patient with ourselves is equally as important. Try and keep it in mind next time you have a critical thought. :)

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 ​Me and Katy went and got Acai Bowls yesterday and I died. It was so good and I feel like it's going to become "a thing" for us. Seriously though, when I got done eating it my body just felt good. Love that.

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 It's crazy to me that October is already half over. I'm going to be better about posting (it's a goal now), but thanks so much for reading. I always receive such positive responses and it honestly makes me feel so good.

A New York Minute

This last week me and Katy went on the most amazing trip to New York. We planned the trip clear back in April when we saw that Death Cab was playing at Madison Square Garden with Explosions in the Sky. It was one of the best trips that I have ever been on and it could not have come at a better time.

The week before we left it was the Doterra Global Convention. This is one of the busiest times of the year for us at work and this year was definitely no different. We had 27,000 people attending and had events in both the Energy Solutions Arena and Salt Palace.

So not only was this an insane week as far as work goes buuuuut Katy and I both got our purses stolen from the area where we were working. After putting in a 16 hour workday, we went back to the employee area to pick up our things so we could finally leave and both of our bags were no where to be found. After a couple hours of phone calls, searching, and talking to security we were able to get on the bus home with just my phone and debit card that I had luckily kept with me.

I was surprised that the bus ride home was actually really good for me and I was pretty much over the whole ordeal by the time we got back.

We were leaving for New York the next night and had to work all that day but my parents were so helpful and got us new car keys made and took us to the airport. We later found out that because of the security cameras they were able to catch the homeless guy that had snuck into the Convention center and stole our purses.

New York was just what we needed after that whole mess and we honestly had the greatest time. Here are a few of the highlights. Fashion week was happening while we were there as well and we were able to attend a couple of the pre-shows. I'm going to be sharing some of the Fall style trends that I saw later this week, so stay tuned for that.

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Times Square

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 St. Patrick's Cathedral on 5th Avenue

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 Grand Central Station

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Lunch with Elder Richards in New Rochelle

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 Morning stroll through Central Park

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 Waiting for Les Miserables on Broadway

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 Manhattan LDS Temple

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Death Cab for Cutie at Madison Square Garden 

 

Okay, Bye Summer.

 

It was my intention to blog a lot more often than I have but I am determined to be better about it starting now. We're coming into my favorite season so I'm really excited to start posting a lot more.

I had no idea that this summer was going to be so incredible.  I tried golfing for the first time, went to plenty of baseball games, and even went on a weekend trip to California. Here are some of the pictures I had on my phone from the greatest summer.

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 So Jo. Sunsets. Pool.

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  Snowcones. My girl. Always Tiger's Blood

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The Angels. The Bee's. The Owls.

 

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 California. This Kid. Disneyland.

 

Foraging Apples

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So I have this crazy weird obsession with apples. I seriously LOVE them. Well a few months ago I happened upon the most amazing thing EVER. I was walking through Smiths grocery store and there was this little shelf in the back corner that had all this bagged produce. As I got looking at it I found a bag of the most delicious apples. Here's the best part.. Every bag was only $.99! Of course I bought that and about 3 other bags and I have been hooked ever since. Because of this amazing little shelf I have tried so many different kinds of apples and I totally feel like an apple expert (I'm really not I just feel like it.).  I visited Smiths tonight and totally hit the discount produce shelf hard. So I was at the usual shelf just looking through all of the produce and it was all looking just a little too "ripe" as me and Kate say. So I'm feeling kind of bummed until Katy points out this cart down a dark hallway with TONS of our bagged apples on it. My first thought was if I was allowed to go back there but before I knew what was happening I was digging through the boxes and had my arms filled with bags of apples. When I finally pulled myself away Katy had left me and was down the cereal isle laughing at how excited I was. I know it's just apples, and to be completely honest they are the ones going bad.. but I love it. So if you're ever at Smiths you need to check it out. 

Also, I listed some awesome benefits to eating apples. This totally consoles me when I eat 3 in a row.. 

Happy Foraging!

Apple Eating Benefits:

1. Increases Endurance. Apples contain an antioxidant called querctin, which actually helps oxygen travel to your lungs more easily.

2. Whiten Teeth. Apples contain malic acid which is used in lots of teeth whitening products because of it's ability to dissolve stains.

3.Boost Immune System. Apples are known for being filled with vitamins. Vitamin C is definitely high on that list and we all know how good that is for the immune system.

4. Satisfy Cravings. I love sugar and apples are naturally sweet, PLUS they are low in calories and totally fat-free.

5.Fight Cancer. Apples contain compounds called triterpenoids, which may fight against certain cancers like liver, breast, and colon.

6. Improve Memory. Apples are believed to increase the production of acetylcholine(which is a neurotransmitter)so they may improve memory and lower your risk of Alzheimer’s.

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Source: Health Benefits Of Eating Apples http://blog.freepeople.com/2013/11/6-benefits-eating-apples/#ixzz3Wec858DS

Happy Tears

It always amazes me how difficult change can be sometimes. I think that all of us will hit some point in our lives where we have to almost go all the way down to our core and figure out who we really are and what we really believe. I think that it's so important because that is how we become the person that we truly want to be. That being said, if any of you have experienced this you'll know that it's definitely not the easiest thing in the world. For me it has definitely caused stress, insecurity, loneliness, and just plain sadness. BUT there is always hope and things will always get better. It's a great feeling when you can start looking back and see you grow and become stronger.

 After I moved and was putting all my things away I came across this little note my sweet brother Christian wrote to me after I had a rough night a few months ago. As I read it again I could not believe how much those simple words meant to me and how they were just what I needed to hear that day. It was one of those moments where you feel so much love in your heart, happy tears just come. I felt so blessed to have such a sweet person in my life that made me feel so loved. This little note means more to me than he will ever know and reminds me every day that it really is the small things that matter most. Today I'm just really grateful for those moments of happy tears.

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The Dry Shampoo Trick That Will Change Your Life

So have any of you had one of those mornings like I have, when you wake up and don't even want to think about having to shower, then dry and style your hair.  It's like my hair is so oily it looks wet already but I decide to live with the consequences, then fully regret that decision every time I catch my reflection. Well I discovered something that changed my life. Dry shampoo. When I was in my lovely Junior High years I was an avid baby powder user and thank goodness I got off that stuff. It looks so bad, gets everywhere, and will make your hair so staticky you'll want to die. So when I heard about dry shampoo I was pumped to try it. To be completely honest I wasn't convinced the first time I used it but after a few times figuring it out, I can't imagine my life without it. Here's a few of my tips because tomorrow is Monday we all know we are not going to want to shower...

These are my two favorite brands but Bastiste is definitely the best. It's a little more expensive and harder to find but SO worth it.

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Take the top section of your hair and hold it straight up. Shake the can really well then hold about 8 inches from your roots and spray for a few seconds. Make sure you get each side and the back.

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Let your hair go, then twist it all up and clip it. You'll want to let it sit for a few minutes to absorb all the oil so I will usually do my makeup while it's clipped up.

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  Then take the clip out, run your fingers through it, and you're ready to go. Seriously, it's that easy.

Wishing you all a Monday morning that's just a little easier.. Let me know how it goes!

Meet Milo.

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Okay so I am going to be one of "those" people for a minute. Because it's National Puppy Day I thought it was only fitting that you meet Milo. So I need to preface this by saying that I have never been a dog person and up until a year and a half ago I thought I would be perfectly content to live my whole life without a pet. Well that changed so quickly and now I could never imagine my life without him. Here are a few of my favorite things about my little guy, Milo.

1. He is the most loving thing on the planet. He picks up on my mood so fast and if I am ever feeling down he knows to just lay in my lap and snuggle. It's the greatest. Also he always wants me to keep my hand on him when we go to sleep. (So sweet)

2. His middle name is Zac Efron and he's totally okay with it.

3. He is scared to death of our living room lamp.

4. He loves Chipotle chips almost as much as I love their tacos.

5. He chews up Menchies spoons. Not important things.

6. He still squats when he tinkles.

7. He wears a tag with flowers on it and doesn't even mind.

8. He acts really tough around dogs that could eat him in one bite.

9. He lets me brush his teeth with children's toothpaste and doesn't mind that I only buy him clearance treats.

10. He loves unconditionally and is happy to see me and Kate EVERYDAY! 

I love my little Meehow.

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Unfinished

So if any of you have talked to me in the last year I've probably said something about wanting to start a blog. Well, me being shy and a perfectionist I have put it off for SO long. I refused to publish anything until I had it completely perfect. Obviously if I waited for that nothing ever would have happened. So as I got thinking about it, I came to the conclusion that this blog is a lot like my life right now. There are so many things that I want to do and start but I hold myself back waiting for the perfect time, or until I have fixed a certain part of myself. How messed up is that though? Why not try it? 

That's what I have decided to do. I'm sure that as you look through my blog you will realize that there's not a lot to it yet and I have a lot unfinished. BUT I have always wanted to start a blog so today I did it. I may not have the most interesting posts or have perfect grammar but it's what I want to do. I know that it will get to the place I want eventually but I have to start for that to happen.

So here's to starting TODAY. Do something that you have always wanted to do. Try something, or tell someone that thing you've been wanting to tell them. It is so scary but I think in the long run we'll be happy that we did. 

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