Charm City Meets Southern Charm: April 2015

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Book Recommendation

If anyone wants to join me, this is the book I will be reading for May!

"Not all are called to be artists in the specific sense of the term. Yet, as Genesis has it, all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life: in a certain sense, they are to make of it a work of art, a masterpiece."

~Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists

I take this quote very seriously. I believe in making ordinary life extraordinary in small ways. For example, I like to light candles during the week, place flowers on my table (even if they are weeds;) and play all sorts of music on my record player during dinner. Must we wait for a special occasion to light candles or make a beautiful nourishing meal?

I would consider my home simple but filled with lovely items that bring me joy. For me beauty brings me life and its a part of who I am. God wants us to make masterpieces of our lives! I don't know about you but I think that's so awesome.

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Zucchini and Corn Side:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 zucchinis, diced
1 cup corn kernels, frozen, canned or roasted
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, or more, to taste
Recipe found here: http://damndelicious.net/2014/07/12/parmesan-zucchini-corn/

My Short Trip to MD

Flying always helps me to gain a new perspective. It also helps me to simplify my life for a brief time, making me appreciate the possessions I have brought with me. When I fly I always feel closer to God. Flying teaches me to trust God while facing my fears. Finally, it brings me a sense of freedom and joy.

When I fly I only pack certain items in order to lighten my load and make traveling easier. I become more like a gypsy, living with only the essentials. I can only pack one book instead of 5 (which is rather difficult for me). My one book becomes a special comforting companion on my short journey. Packing light makes me appreciate what I have in my bag and eliminates any unnecessary items I usually let complicate my life.

Flying also teaches me to trust God while facing my fears and helps me to see with new eyes. I used to love flying up until recently. It's probably just the place in life I'm in. Paul and I were supposed to drive up together last Wednesday. Last minute plans changed and I had to fly up on Thursday by myself. I was really nervous about flying alone and braced myself for the worst. The cool thing was I prayed and asked God to help me face my fears and within minutes His grace and peace came over me. I had the most beautiful flight to Atlanta, GA. As soon as we got into the air, the sun started to rise. There were beautiful amethyst clouds underneath the the peach colored rising sun. I could see the coral colored reflection of the sun in the rivers and ponds from above. It was absolutely breathtaking. The sun shone through one side of the plane, reflecting the row of windows and people's silhouette onto the luggage compartments. I'm obsessed with light and shadows, so I really enjoyed that part. It was then I realized that God wanted to simply be with me. He knew exactly what brought me joy. He's not this angry God always ready to condemn me. He loves me and wants me to be free from fear no matter how imperfect I am. Facing my fears allowed me to feel more joyful and free. I couldn't have done it without him. It was such a pleasant surprise.

I hope this quick little lesson will remind you all that God always loves us and wants to be with us. He is seriously all we need in this life.

This Josh Garrels song came on my iPod when I was flying and it was absolutely perfect. The words just spoke to my soul.

"The older we become
We must become more like a child
Believing there’s a land that lies beyond
All the things that we’ve seen
Make my mind free from fears
You know I can’t do it on my own
The way is high but we could fly over
When you heal our wings."

~Josh Garrels

The beautiful sunrise I saw on my way to Atlanta, GA.

I had such a wonderful time with my twin. I forget how much I love being around her. I always feel like a piece of me is missing when she's not around lol. I know that sounds weird....but we are twins;)

My friend Eve told me about this awesome shot that's supposed to taste like a honey nut cheerio. I think it tastes more like The Gingerbread Boy. All you need is:

Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey

Rum Chata

You want to put more Rum Chata in your shot glass and a little bit of honey whiskey. It's so yummy. I think y'all would love it.

It's amazing when I hang out with you girls I feel like a better person. You guys are the best. I had so much fun at the shower!

Dixie missed me while I was gone. She let me snuggle her and pet her for hours when I got home lol. Paul missed me too. He said I make his life better (which is always nice to hear:) It was good for us all to be apart because it makes us really appreciate each other more.

Dixie stayed like this the whole night. Basically this means, "love me" in bunny language.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Cheap Decorating Ideas

When spring comes I always want to redecorate my house. Of course I can't go spending tons of money on new things, so I use what I have in my house instead. Here are some easy cheap decorating ideas for ya'll....