Scenes from Saturday

This beautiful weather could really spoil me. I just wanted to share a glimpse into our Saturday. Every Saturday we make Steel Cut Oats and Coffee for breakfast. They are delicious! I am going to share the recipe this week. Today we have watched the USA vs. Finland Hockey game, gone for a walk on a trail, folded laundry and Nora is working on her 2nd nap and 4th outfit for the day! While I'd love to be able to push Nora in the stroller to a near by coffee shop for breakfast, I enjoy our Saturday mornings just the same. I hope you all are enjoying your Saturday and making the best of every situation.
Enjoy our Saturday in pictures.

Baby Must Have: Toys

a. WubbaNub Pacifier: I thought we would out grow this quickly, but it it now one of the most popular "toys" in the toy basket. The stuffed animal on the end is "fun sized." Perfect for holding on to. Just recently Nora has figured out how to put the pacifier in her mouth, with no help. 

b. Dr. Seuss's Books of Rediculous Rhymes: These books are popular around here. The rhymes make her laugh and the tempo of the book is fun. As previously mentioned in another post, I have most of them memorized.

c. Leap Frog Violet Dog: Violet is pretty neat. You can program her to say your child's name, their favorite food (which Nora doesn't exactly have yet ha), color, and animal. The songs are rather catchy and just might get stuck in your head too! 

d. Sophie the Giraffe: She is very popular, and for a good reason: she squeaks and is fun to chew on! I know this will be a big factor when teething starts. I like her because she is easy to clean and also to throw in the diaper bag for when you are out of the house.

e. Bumbo Seat: While this isn't a toy exactly it is pretty fun for babies to sit up like us adults. Nora is dying to sit, she isn't always a fan of laying down, so this seat gives her just the support she needs to play in the up right position. It also has a tray that you can set toys on. She has really gotten good at picking things up off of it. 

d. Oball: these toys are really great because they are so easy for your little one to grasp onto. Nora can whip this ball all around and it is almost the size of her. She also has a smaller one. The rattle aspect is neat too.  It's super affordable and quite entertaining.

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER!

I love you all so much that I am sharing my chocolate chip cookie recipe!  This is big! 

I have been making these cookies since I was in high school for friends, family, teachers, bosses, you name it! These can get you out of trouble, into trouble, a date, a spouse actually ;) , and well they are just pretty darn good!

Ingredients:

2/3 cup butter

2/3 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

3 eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour 

{Self-rising four can be used but baking soda and 1/4 tsp salt must be omitted, still use just about 1/4 tsp of salt with the self rising flour}

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 bag of semi sweet or milk chocolate morsels

Step 1: Mix first four ingredients with a stand or hand mixer on high until fluffy and whipped consistency forms. The sugar should almost be disolved and the mixture should almost have doubled in size and be very light in color. {THIS IS KEY TO THE RECIPE!!}

Step 2: Add in the eggs and vanilla and mix well. 

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl and mix. Then add in the four mixture slowly to the butter mixture and mix till combined, no longer.

Step 4: Finally just add in your chocolate chips and scoop out cookies onto a cookie sheet. 

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 min {give or take, based on the cookie size}.

ENJOY SOME YUMMY GOODNESS!

Let me know what you and your friends and future boyfriends and husbands think!

Pictures + Thoughts = Randomness

So thankful to see Thursday come this week. Usually I am not one to wish weeks away but I sure am glad to see some relief from this sickness.

Mean while there has been some fun, like last night when Ryan and I got soft served ice cream cones from Dairy Queen! Yum!

And how about today when I was walking on campus and ran into this hanging mess of inch worms! There where inch worms having everywhere! I had them all on me! (ick)

What is a week with out an up date from the pup if the family? Sox is doing fabulous! He is sporting some pearly whites from his latest dental cleaning and has been into squirrel and bird chasing these past few weeks.

Oh and I'll admit it, I am into The Hunger Games now. A little late I will also admit but just in time to finish the book before I see the movie with my Mom in Saturday! My mom also gave me a book all about dog stories which I live because I love dogs (as if you hadn't noticed haha).

Happy almost Weekend!

Why I Run

Why do you run?

That is always a good question.

One I ask myself on some days.

But, trust me, I have some good reasons. 

Reason {One}

It gives me an hour to spend with God. 

I love running because I take the opportunity to listen to my favorite and most encouraging music.

God seems to speak to me when I am running. 

There are no distractions.

If I am outside I see his creation and if I am on the treadmill I think about what he wants for me.

I need this hour at least 3 - 4 times a week. 

Not for my physical heart buy my spiritual heart.

Reason {Two}

Duh, Physical Fitness!

It gives you a feeling that you are strong and physically able to do anything. 

Knowing you can go run 6 miles {any time} is empowering

Reason {Three}

I have to be ready to escape the bad guys!

Ok so thats a little silly, but somedays when I am running I think about how if I were being chased, my running plus adrenaline would certainly carry me through. 

Reason {Four}

It gives you something to accomplish all on you own.

{except for the help of you trainer, thanks Zach!}

When you finish a half marathon for the first time you get a feeling like no other.

And I am not talking about the feeling to drop dead haha

Finally I'll share my Running favorites and must haves!

My Favorite Shoes:

They have ultimate cushion 

{which I must have}

source

Gap Running Leggings!

Must have these, no questions asked!

source

Slow and Steady Wins the Race!

Happy Monday!!

My Random Thoughts on this FRIDAY Night

Wow! I thought it would never come.

I was actually walking the dog on Wednesday afternoon thinking about how at every point in our lives we feel like there is some point that seems like it will never come.

Some times it is Friday which is only 3 days away and others it is July which may be 3 months away!

I thought I'd just talk about some random stuff today.

I mean RANDOM!

First off!

ONLY 100 DAYS

until our best couple friends get married!!

Nate and Jenny are the best 2 people you will ever meet!

We are so excited to be celebrating with them in May 

{and I have the honor of making their wedding cake}

We love y'all!

Ryan had to work tonight :(

So my awesome brother and I went to eat together and got some fro-yo after! 

He is so great!

{Should have take the pic before it began to get soft}

This is a really "Pinteresting" Picture of my favorite meal these days.

{Just thought I'd share}

Maybe I should pin it!

Avocados and Feta cheese, can't go wrong!

So I was in target on Thursday night

{Real Shocker I know!}

And I so happened to stumble upon the marshmallow section.

The advancements in this area are phenomenal!

Let me list just a few of the types you can now buy: german chocolate marshmallows, mint chocolate swirl marshmallows, cinnamon bun marshmallows, falt marshmallows {for smores}, Jumbo marshmallows, Marshmallow bits, NEED I SAY MORE?}

Finally I wanted to display my wonderful, awesome, thoughtful Valentine's Day gift from my Hubby.

When I got it, it has super uplifting Bible verses all tucked in spots and hanging from the necklace hooks. 

So thoughtful!

One more thing!

I GOT A BUTTON!

Grab one if you would like!

<center><a href="http://happylifeyounglove.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src=" http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q615/ClaraHodgin/button120x120.jpg"/></a></center>
Random Right?

I hope everyone you had a good week! 

I am read for a relaxing weekend, and I know you are!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Today is Ryan's 22nd Birthday!

So obviously I dedicated this blog post to him.

He truly is the best husband and best friend I could ever ask for.

I am so thankful for him in so many ways.

Here are 22 of my favorite things about the Birthday Boy!

1. He loves God and tries to read and be all he can be in Christ.

2. He loves me so much {even when I feel unloveable}

3. He makes me really good coffee the morning.

4. He genuinely tries to help with the house work.

{Most of the time it all goes great}

5. He is a good back scratcher :) and I am not :(

 6. He makes everybody laugh with his funny mannerisms.

7. He is really smart and reads a lot of books.

8. He makes me smile when he is playing with Sox.
{I know he will be a good daddy one day}

9. He knows I love candles so he will light them and that makes me happy.

10. He enjoys doing arts and crafts with me.
{a real keeper ladies, don't be jealous}

11. He is so kind to my grandparents and he treats them like they are his own.
{I love that about him}

12. He will encourage me in whatever my crazy mind thinks up to do.
{blog, bake, cook, craft, workout, eat-healthy}

13. He has a servant's heart.

14. He irons his own clothes!

15. He wants me to be happy and healthy all the time.

16. He laughs at me every single night when I get in bed, because I always slam my head on the pillow.

17. When I was in the hospital and we were still dating, he brought me the best get well package of anybody: A giant coloring book, 40 pack colored pencils, and a lap desk. I will never forget that.
{and he sat there with me the whole time}

18. He is really adventurous and pushes me to go outside my comfort zone.

19. Every time we listen to his radio station {rock music} he quizzes me on bands and I fail every time.

20.  He has made some great friends in college and I am so thankful for them.

21. He works really hard in school and is going to be a graduate on NCSU soon and an Engineer.

22. He is my husband and I am just glad he picked me to spend the rest of his life with!

I love you!
Happy Birthday

Wednesday Lovin'

Happy Wednesday!

I'm linking up today with Krystina @ lollipops cards for this fun Wednesday Lovin' post!

Its such a fun Idea to share some of my favorite things with you all! 

I hope you enjoy,

and consider trying out some of these awesome products!

Trader Joe's Creamed Honey!

So yummy on toast or straight off the spoon ;)

This is my other weakness!

{at least its healthy"

Kashi Heart to Heart is so filling for breakfast with skim mild, and you wont even feel guilty!

Dooney and Burke's Crossbody purse is AH-MAZING!

If you dont have one, you should consider getting one.

It is super cute with your dressed up look, convenient for those saturday grocery trips, 

and perfect for traveling.

Old Navy Activewear

The best pair of black yoga pants you ever will purchase!

Comfort at its best!

<3

Hope ya'll enjoy these awesome finds and try a few out for your self!

What are You Lovin?

Leave a comment and hop on over and see what everyone else is loving too!

http://www.lollipopscards.com

Check out this Blog Hop!

{from Sometimes {Sarah} Writes}