Steadfast Faith

"It is not hard, you find, to trust the management of the universe, and all of the outward creation, to the Lord. 

Can your case then be so much more complex and difficult than these, that you need to be anxious or troubled about His management of you? 

Away with such unworthy doubt! Take your stand on the power and  trustworthiness of your God and see how quickly all difficulties will vanish before a steadfast determination to believe."

~Hannah Whitall Smith

Whimsies: Seven Uses for the Anthro Monogram Mug

It would not be an exaggeration to say that I have an obsession with coffee mugs. As a habitual coffee drinker, I probably draw more pleasure from the whole coffee drinking experience (waking up to the sound of the coffeemaker in mid-brew, holding a different, cute mug each morning, taking in the first moments of the day sipping away with devotional in hand) than I do from the caffeine itself. See yesterday's post for proof. 

You may have heard the saying that you should learn to enjoy coffee without cream because you never know when cream is available. Well, cream is one thing, but if I don’t have a cute cup, I’d rather just go without completely. Thank you very much.

Which brings us to my recent obsession with Anthropologie’s Homegrown Monogram Mugs. I would be embarrassed to tally up the number of these I’ve already purchased (for only $8 each) and given away for various gifts, but here are seven that I will admit to. Happy Tuesday to y'all:

Filled with tea bags, healthy snacks and a flower pen for a friend's birthday present.

Enjoyed with a plate of chicken salad.

Adornment for my kitchen cabinets.

A cute, temporary holder for mint.

A handy spoon holder for guests.

The June Giveaway for Galen.

A pen holder for mom's desk.

Morning Oblation

Unless I’ve slept through my alarm clock and awake in a panic, throwing off my covers and rumbling about, most of my days begin the same way.

They start with a cup of coffee – preferably strong and steeped in flavored creamer – my Bible, and a bleary-eyed, open heart and mind.

In these early morning moments, I surrender the unfolding hours, recognizing my small, feeble nature. I invite Him to join in my day – the day it must be noted, He created and ordained.

It doesn’t seem like the best of trades for Him – all His goodness, perfection and righteousness in exchange for my inconsistences, fumblings and inadequacies, but I believe He accepts it nevertheless.

Perhaps He realizes that this is all I have to offer – my will, myself. He never seems to fail, trading with His daily grace.


"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning."

~Lamentations 3:22&23

My Sista is a Stunner

My sweet sister is getting married on August 13^th, and we’ve been in the midst of wedding fever the past couple of months. I could not be more happy for her. 

Here’s a gorgeous pic of her from a recent photo shoot – last weekend she had TWO (bridal + engagement) in addition to showers galore and other fun wedding preparations. 

Congrats Zach – you’ve hit gold!

Memory Work & Fruit

I have an absolutely terrible memory. My friend LMac is always telling me about the things we did in college of which I have no recollection. In some ways I guess that it is nice to have a very short-term memory – I rarely hold grudges and have no trouble living in the moment.

This summer I’ve been trying to memorize scripture, beginning with the first chapter of Colossians. I’m proud to say that I’ve made it through the first 14 verses, but let me assure you that it has not been without much frustration. I cannot focus my mind on memorization when it is in a million other places: what I want for dinner, what so-and-so meant by that, what I’m going to wear tomorrow, that I must remember to tell my landlord about spraying for bugs, etc. Because I’m visual, I’ve found that it works to associate images – thus the fruit below – with what I’m memorizing.

Have you found any memorization techniques that work for you? Can you commiserate with my scatterbrained, unfocused tendencies? I would love to hear what works for you!

"Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light." ~Colossions 1:9 & 10

Cooking with Herbs: Baked Potato Salad & Fresh Chives

Happy Thursday Friends! Today I’d like to share a fun spin on the classic summer potato salad recipe. 

I leave the potato skins on because that’s where most of the nutrients are stored, and because I think this adds to the flavor, texture and presentation. If you’re a peeling fiend though, feel free to go skinless!

Rinse and scrub four medium-sized Russets.

"Fork" each potato multiple times to make for a quicker cooking time.

Salt.

Rub all over with Olive Oil. 

Bake on 400 degrees for an hour, or until tender.

In the meantime, boil three large eggs.

Chops a bunch of fresh chives. These are from the farmer's market.

Once potatoes are finished cooking, place in large bowl and mash to oblivion with a fork or masher. Add 3 TBSP butter, 6 oz. sour cream, ¼ cup mayo, ½ cup mayo, chopped boiled eggs, and chives.

Combine.

Serve up in a fancy glass or on your plate. Sprinkle with paprika.

Info on The Mighty Chive, courtesy of Food.com:

An herb which resembles hollow blades of grass, and the smallest member of the onion family. Chives have a mild onion flavor. Their distinctive smell and taste is derived from a volatile oil, rich in sulphur and common to the onion family, but milder and more subtle in chives. Referred to only in the plural, because they grow in clumps rather than alone.

plural: chives

Season: available year-round

How to select: Look for slender green chives with a uniform green color and no signs of wilting or browning.

How to store: Store in plastic in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How to prepare: Often snipped and sprinkled on food just before serving for seasoning.

Matches well with: eggs, fish, potatoes, salads, shellfish, sole, soups

Substitutions: 1 tsp chopped green onion tops = 1 tbsp chopped chives

Read more: http://www.food.com/library/chives-52#ixzz1S5gTwShF

Tear-It-Up-Tuesdays: Why I Run + July Giveaway Winner Announcement

"I believe God made me for a purpose, 

but He also made me fast. 

And when I run I feel His pleasure." 

~Eric Liddell

On January 22, 2004, this was the cover image for The Auburn Plainsman.

I wonder how many miles I've logged since that day at Chewacla State Park.

1. Catharsis - the first phone call I made post college beau break-up was to my sister. Not to unload on how sad I was, how bad life sucked at that moment or how frustrated I was with where my life was not going, but to let her know that I would be running the Music City Half Marathon that April in Nashville.

That was February 2006. I ran it - my first half marathon - in 2:19 and have been addicted to the half distance ever since. Running has carried me through relationships, jobs, moves, and life changes. It remains a constant amidst the ever-changing.

2. Solitude - I'm not a pack runner. I'm not the type to show up for group runs. I also rarely have headphones in my ears when I'm running. I prefer to take in the sounds all around me: the crunch of earth underneath my feet, the chirping of birds and scurrying of chipmucks, the steady syncopation of my breath. Running provides the space to think, to pray, to just be without any deadlines or expectations all within the peaceful embrace of solitude.

3. In the Genes - My dad used to pace a sub-6 min/mile 10K. He practically wore tracks in our neighborhood's pavement. I grew up watching him find solace in running and naturally picked it up myself, first as a way to spend time with him and eventually as my own life-long hobby.

4. Discovery - Running is a great way to learn a new place. There's no better way to learn a town than taking it by foot. You pick up on so much more than if you were in a car. You can appreciate the smells, the landscapes, the intricacies and the people when you're passing by them on foot versus being enclosed in a vehicle.

5. It's Low Maintenance - You don't need a bevy of equipment, a gym membership or a whole lot of time to run. All you have to do is lace up some running shoes and go after it for at least 20 minutes to reap the benefits of a good run.

6. Physical fitness - I haven't found any exercise form that keeps me toned and lean more so than a regular running routine. It improves cardiovascular health and bone density and sustains muscle strength. It challenges the mind, spirit and body well beyond its previously set limits. 

7. Endurance - Running teaches you to push past your pain threshold. It often seems 90% mental and 10% physical. Often viewed as a life metaphor, if you can make it through 26.2 miles, you feel capable of overcoming a chronic illness, a financial setback or the loss of a loved one. You just have to get back up, set your gaze forward and put one foot in front of the other.

What about you? What is your favorite go-to activity? What makes you feel alive?

And now for some exciting news. We had 13 submissions for the July giveaway. The winner, which was randomly selected by my friend Cliff is.....

Congrats Liz! 
I'll get you your Blender Bottle + healthy treats ASAP.

For everyone else who submitted - don't be discouraged! You'll have another opportunity to win an On.a.Whim giveaway next month. Have a happy Tuesday! 

Strawberry Cobbler

Few fruits scream "summer" quite like sweet, sunkissed strawberries, but have you ever tried strawberry cobbler? Serve with a spoonful of vanilla ice cream and you'll be wishing this season lingered all year long!

Rinse two cartons fresh strawberries with cold water.

Combine 1/3 cup sugar , 6 TBSP softened butter, 1 large egg yolk, and 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract.
Beat with a mixer on low speed until combined (about 1 minute).

Finely chop 3/4 cup whole almonds.

In medium bowl, combine nuts, 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour,
1/4 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp. salt and 3 TBSP salt.
Add to wet ingredients and mix until well incorporate.

Flour hands. Roll dough into two disks.

Wrap two dough disks in Saran wrap and place in refrigerator for 1 hour.

Cut and core strawberries to desired size.

Place strawberries in pie dish.

Sprinkle with 1/3 cup sugar, 2 TBSP corn starch & 1 TBSP lemon juice.

Remove dough disks from refrigerator and roll onto a
floured surface with a rolling pin, one disk at a time.

Cut dough in strips lengthwise.

Lattice dough strips on strawberries. 
I had a remnant of dough and cut out a heart shape for kicks.

Place cobbler in 375 degree oven and bake for 50 minutes.
Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving with ice cream.

A Visit from Ro

It’s been a little while since I’ve given you a Rollins’ update, and frankly, I’ve missed seeing the little guy on here! Luckily he dropped by my place for a little visit on Wednesday evening while Mom and Pops we’re dining out nearby. The two of us had such a blast catching up. We dined on mashed bananas and mac ‘n cheese while watching America's Next Top Model (shhh! don't tell mom!). Then we did the following, with Pooh Bear in tow:

Explored the library. Ro loves books. He's a little man after his Momma Sissy's heart! 

Climbed on all the furniture. This face says, "She caught me!"

Had a heart-to-heart about all of his 1-year-old hopes, dreams and fears.

Finished the evening out with some jumpin' on the couch.
We can't always be so serious; sometimes you just gotta live!
Ro always reminds me of this.

Come back and see me soon little buddy! Your Momma Sissy loves you so much!

Cooking with Herbs: Simple Salmon & Fresh Oregano

You've probably already heard how good salmon is for your health. It's rich in omega-3 fat and has been proven to benefit not just your cardiovascular system, but your eyes, your joints, your memory and even your mood!

Unfortunately many of us shy away from cooking fish of any kind because we don't know how long to cook it and are afraid of contamination. I've been there and understand, but am eager to share with you that it can actually be easy to prepare delicious, healthy salmon in a flash.

For the above, I headed over to Publix (which has a very nice, fresh seafood selection) and picked up three pieces of Atlantic salmon. Then I:

• Heated my oven to 350 degrees.
• Covered the bottom of my baking dish with about 1/4 cup olive oil.
• Placed the salmon fillets on in the olive oil with the skin up.
• Sprinkled the fish with salt and pepper.
• Place several sprigs of fresh oregano on each piece. You could also use dill or basil if you prefer.
• Then spritzed fresh lemon juice all over.

You can bake the salmon for 15- 30 minutes depending on how well-done you'd like it to be. Simply check after 15 minutes and see if you want less pink. I've known people to eat their salmon raw (ick!) to completed dried out, white and well done. It's all up to personal preference.

To make a meal out of it, spread a bed of spinach on your dinner plate, and then place the cooked salmon on top. Enjoy with a cup of blueberries, a whole grain roll and a small glass of red wine for a heart-friendly dinner. Bon Appetit!

July Giveaway + Slimming Smoothies

Smoothie article in July/August issue of Health magazine.

Incorporating enough veggies into my diet has always been a struggle. Fruits are easy – even fast food restaurants serve them as a side item now. But, how can you get in the recommended 4-5 daily veggies?

Enter the great smoothie solution: Now I can eat my veggies before 8 a.m. and not even be able to taste them! This past winter, I enlisted the mighty kale. My leafy green choice for the summer is spinach, and here’s what typically makes it into my blender each a.m.:

1 cup vanilla soymilk

1 cup leafy green (spinach, kale, etc.)

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 TBSP Chia seeds

1 frozen banana

½ cup other frozen fruit of choice (peaches, blueberries, strawberries, etc.)

In case you haven’t been introduced already, I’d like to show you this handy Blender Bottle that keeps my smoothies mixed and transportable:

One of these could be yours for free! Simply post a comment and become an On.a.Whim follower.

I’ll be giving away one of these fantastic finds on next Tuesday, July 12th along with some other healthy treats.

**ENTER TO WIN BY POSTING A COMMENT WITH YOUR FAVORITE SMOOTHIE INGREDIENT BY MONDAY, JULY 11th.**


If you are not already an On.a.Whim follower, follow to earn an extra giveaway entry.

Independence Day Blueberry Scones

To commemorate the 4th of July weekend, I made these delicious blueberry scones. Scones are a lovely breakfast item, a nice mid-day snack to be enjoyed with coffee or a light evening dessert. Oftentimes considered an English treat, they serve as the perfectly ironic choice to celebrate our independence from Mother England.

In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup sugar,
2 tsp. grated lemon rind, 1 tsp. vanilla extract and 1 large egg.

Whisk away!

Add 2 cups flour, 1 TBSP baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt.
Cut in 3 TBSP chilled butter with two knives.

Cover hands with flour to prevent sticking.

Place dough on a floured surface.
Pat into a small mound.

Fold in 1 cup fresh blueberries.

James Oliver, Kitchen Supervisor

Folding

Beware of escaping blueberries.
Some light wrangling may be required.

And more folding.

This is what happens when you forget to reapply flour to fingers.

Create a round disk with blueberry enfolded dough.

Cut in half with floured knife.

And then in eighths.

Place on greased cookie sheet.
I detest cooking spray which explains the liberal smathering  of  butter.
Bake at 375 for 18 minutes or until golden. 

Happy Independence Day On.a.Whim Friends!