20 years

With my recent free time, I decided to drive to Mississippi to visit my childhood best friend, Rachel.   We've known each other since we were FOUR.  We just visited, relaxed, and caught up for days - it was such an encouraging and refreshing time.  I couldn't be more thankful to have her in my life.

Better quality photo curtesy of Rachel's camera.

Hattiesburg, MS.

Cooking 'Pioneer Woman' together.

Being super weird, what old friends do best.

Rachel said soon after I arrived at her place that "It feels likes you just popped by for dinner!" One of the many blessings of a twenty year friendship is that even though we might only see each other once a year, it's as if no time has past.

5 lovely things.

I was inspired by my beautiful friend, Ellie, to list 5 lovely things in my life right now.  There are seasons of life that can be pretty rough, so it's good to remember what makes you smile.

1) David putting up our hammock...even if we did get rained out 10 minutes later.

2) This beautiful wooden quilt trunk that I found at a flea market in Mississippi - now our new coffee table!

3) My dog expectantly waiting on me to get home.

4) Small updates in our house - before and after in our hallway nook.

5) Solar panels installed on our roof!

What are your top 5 today?

Texas, Texas, Yeehaw!

Austin, TX will always feel like a piece of home.  It's where we went to college, where we got engaged, where we got married, where many dear friends live...and for that, it will always be special.

South Congress.

Last weekend we got to be a part of our friend Justin's wedding.  Not only is he special because him and David lived together for 2 years, but he also MARRIED US at our wedding.  And for that I will always be grateful ;-)  His wedding was wonderful, filled with worship to God, fajitas, lots of familiar faces, and dancing - the best kind of wedding.

We started off our trip with frozen bananas at my favorite place with the sister.

"There's always money in the banana stand!!!!"

Andrew, David, and Justin - the former roomies.

The wedding party.

The bride and groom.

My hot date.

Hanging with friends.

So thankful for our time there, and especially for the Lawlesses who hosted us :-)  Now i'm off to clean and do laundry as I leave for my next little trip in less than 2 days!

The best ever summer recipe.

Y'all, i'm just can't keep this recipe from you any longer.  It's a find on Pinterest, and maybe one of my favorites yet.  It's so perfect for hot summertime because its fresh, light, healthy, filling, and you don't have to turn on the oven at all.  The only thing that requires cooking is the Quinoa.  It's a great company dish too with a side of crusty bread.  Mmmmm.

Quinoa salad with shrimp and lemon vinaigrette

Ingredients:
1/2 cup dry quinoa
1/3 cup red onion, chopped
1 orange peeled and segments chopped
1 avocado, chopped
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can corn, rinsed and drained
1 cup pomegranate arils***
Large handful of cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper
Pre-cooked shrimp

For the lemon vinaigrette :
2 lemons juiced (1/4 cup)
2 garlic cloves
Dash of sweetener (honey, agave nectar, etc.)
6 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions, set aside to cool.
2. For the lemon vinaigrette, combine all ingredients and whisk together.
3. Combine cooled quinoa with everything else.  Pour vinaigrette over salad and lightly mix.  Top with shrimp.  Serve cold or at room temperature.

***When pomegranates aren't in season, I use a pomegranate salad dressing instead of the lemon vinaigrette, and just add a little zest of lemon to the salad.  Turned out just as good.

(Picture from originator's blog)

Please make this, you won't regret it!

Looking forward to...

This summer has been difficult and busy, not really having the time or money to take a vacation and relax.  But August brings a lot to look forward to.

A fast and furious weekend in Austin for a wedding, a road trip to Mississippi, In-laws and a friend visiting us here.

....Also our plumbing is finally fixed, so I look forward to David (or ANYONE) patching the drywall so there aren't holes in my hallway :)

Thankful that God has given us these opportunities to find our fun and "vacation" in spending time with loved ones.

In the midst of home repairs and work, David and I were able to spend the morning together at the farmer's market, enjoying one of the best cinnamon rolls i've ever had. YUM.

Trying to learn how to savor the little things.