A Month Without Sweets

I decided to cut out sweets for the month of January. No, it's not a "new years resolution" and yes, I know it's not Lent.

I decided I needed to take a step to pursue a healthy lifestyle. I knew it had to be done by cutting out unnecessary sugars. I have said "no" to ice cream, cake, chocolate, milkshakes, cookies, etc. Most who know me well would be amazed. Half a month has passed and I'm doing pretty well! I haven't been perfect (waffle for breakfast? NOT a good idea.) It's pretty amazing how when you cut out sweets completely, you don't crave it as much. And when you do eat something with a lot of refined sugar, it makes you feel yucky. I've come to notice how much sugar goes into my mouth just because I'm offered it. Sweets that I wouldn't necessarily eat with much enjoyment (not with dislike, but with indifference).

I'm hoping this will be a stepping stone to a healthier me. I can definitely see February 1st coming around and turning back to my own habits. But I'm hoping I will be able to press on and cut more unnecessary things out of my diet. It's all about attitude! I CAN do it! hopefully...

Twenty Ten.

In Pictures.

MY Event Society.

I like sports?

COLLEGE GRADUATE.

I'm #33

Cousin Kacie is a Mrs.

Miss Julianna.

There's No Place Like Home.

There's no place like home.

Georgia was great. I hung out with some fabulous people, developed my skills in design and PR, took part in an organization that changes lives and was molded by God in unexpected ways. I truly believe in God's perfect timing and this trip couldn't be a better reminder of that in my life. I got three months displaced from what I knew to change from a college student to an adult. Am I a Steel Magnolia, yet? Eh, still working on it. But I don't need to be in The South to be a Steel Magnolia, I have The South within me, even in California.

Not only was my trip to Georgia perfect timing, my return home was also perfect. I landed just in time for my family's Thanksgiving celebration (welcomed at the airport by 8 of my absolute favorite people), went with my fam to our other home, Disneyland, turned 22 and started a new job- all in just over one week. I was welcomed with open arms (full of technology questions) and settled in at my new desk at Grace Church SLO. An easy transition, as I've called Grace my home for 22 years, but in 3 weeks I'll be helping a new staff member transition onto the team- our brand new Student Ministries Pastor, Brandon Hall. You can read about him here. I think he will be the perfect fit for our group and I'm excited to be here to introduce him to Grace Student Ministries.

22!

I've decided that since I was only 2 for my golden birthday, today can be my double golden birthday.

Awesome day. Awesome people. Sad it's over. Good thing I celebrate birthweek! Let the celebrations continue!

My Grown Up Christmas List

I have fabulously talented friends. And in the technology age, these fabulously talented friends can create and sell fabulous things on a fabulous site called Esty. If you are looking for a present for a fabulously fashionable female, look no further than these Esty shops!

Tasteful Tatters: Vintage-inspired floral accessories

TalarLara Designs: Handcrafted bead headbands

Cocoa Bead Designs: Delicate Dangle Earings

Lisa Leonard Designs (not esty): Custom Handmade Jewelry

"Hit it hard with a couple of shots of Tabasco, and it's the bee's knees!"

I thought it would be appropriate for the culmination of my three months of cooking in Georgia to end on a southern staple: GUMBO. Gumbo is relatively simple: tomatoes, peppers, onions, okra, shrimp, maybe some chicken and/or sausage and some rice. But the slow cook process of mixing all the ingredients together on the stove is what makes this dish come together so beautifully. I'm already planning to perfect the recipe and make it again for the NTBS girls on my birthday.

Phil Wickham

I've always liked Phil Wickham, but the past few months, my admiration for his music has been growing and growing. Then I discovered his Christmas album. LOVE. Traditional songs with a distinct Phil Wickham sound. I've been listening to it on repeat ever since I bought it.

Plus, this video he posted makes me smile so much.