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Feel Better Friday

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For over a week now, I’ve been battling some upper respiratory/sinus/allergy “crud” that has had me feeling less than stellar. So, I’m claiming today as FEEL BETTER FRIDAY! I woke up at 5am, ahead of the alarm “just because”, and I have to say that I almost felt elated to move my head without it throbbing/hurting. I knew a better day was brewing! And I did what any reasonable person would do…I laid in bed until the 6am alarm. Ha!

On this “Feel Better Friday”, I decided I would post about some good things…inspiring things…happy things. I figure you don’t have to look far to find negativity or bad news in today’s world, so why not bring a little cheer to my small corner of the internet?

  • South Georgia is inspiring me with the way the communities affected by the storms earlier this month and this past weekend are coming together to support one another and to help rebuild, restore, and revitalize the devastated areas. People from all walks of life are working together for the common good of the areas hit by the storms. I’ve heard of so many people donating items, working in shelters, serving meals, raising funds, and MORE. I just think it’s incredibly awesome that there is so much good going on there. As much as I’m saddened by what happened “down home”, at the same time, I’m inspired at the way community comes together in times like these. It’s been a tragic month for those impacted by the storms, but the way people unite to serve and help one another is a true thing of beauty.
  • A friend of mine that I’ve known all my life shared our kindergarten graduation photo on FB yesterday. I can’t share it here because I don’t have permissions from everyone in the photo to post so publicly, but, just trust me, it’s adorable with all of it’s very early 80’s goodness. What makes me the happiest about seeing that is that I’m still connected with several people in that photo. That’s one of the best things about social media, if you ask me. I know there are some downfalls to social media too, but being able to keep in touch with people is such a gift. Even if it’s only in status updates and photos, it’s so cool to get to see each other’s children grow up and to share happy times, to pray through hard times, and to just remain connected in some way.
  • Even though I wasn’t feeling super great Wednesday night, I still got to volunteer with children’s ministry at our church and it was so much fun! I’m going to confess that I’m basically a grumpy old lady in the winter because the idea of leaving the house “when it’s almost dark” is not all that appealing to me. (Go ahead, laugh…I know. *wink) BUT, being with the kiddos at church is all worthwhile. Even when they are squirmy and silly and all over the place, it’s still fun. And, so worthwhile. I’m very thankful for this opportunity and for the bonus time with Mariana.
  • Our meal delivery box from Hello Fresh has so far been a success. I am hoping to try the citrus shrimp tonight, so I’m HOPING the shrimp are still good. (Oh please, oh please…) I made the beef and broccoli for the family on Wednesday and it took longer than I anticipated, but they enjoyed it. Next Friday, I have a delivery coming from Green Chef that I’m excited to try also. I think it’s pretty cool that there are all these meal delivery services that not only deliver groceries right to your door, but also have some pretty fantastic meal inspirations. I’ll let y’all know more about Green Chef once we’ve tried it. (Also, remember you can try Hello Fresh for $40 off  your first box with my link.)
  • Grey’s is back! Shhhh, I still have to watch last night’s return episode, so…no spoilers, please. I don’t even care if I’m a big dork for being happy about the return of this show. I’ll admit that I’m still hooked. Hashtag AIN’T NO SHAME, y’all.
  • Coffee is GOOD. That could be a stand-alone statement right there. Coffee…is…good! But, what made this morning’s even better was that my sweet husband made a pot of coffee for me. I usually prep the coffee maker in the evenings and set it for 5:55am, but I was feeling pretty wretched last night, so he made it this morning. Awwwwww! Thanks, honey!
  • My family has avoided the crud (hallelujah!) annnnnnnnnnd, it’s the weekend! Big time happies right there!

So, tell me…what has inspired you or made you happy lately? Gimme the good stuff. And, have an amazing weekend, y’all!

Best,
Kel

What Are You…Wednesday

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Happy Wednesday, y’all!

For the first time since late December, this is the first week our girls have gone to school on a Monday, so this mid-week thing is once again LEGIT. (wink) Fortunately for us, no one had that “hit the wall” feeling going on this morning, so we’ll take that as a victory. Tomorrow, as Miss Scarlett would say, is another day, so we’ll just hope this week keeps clicking along in a nice manner. Amen?

A couple of Wednesdays ago, I asked “What are you eating” and I got some great responses here and on FB. Yesterday for lunch I made the Hearty Vegetable Soup that Ashlea linked for me that day. I made a couple of modifications because, well, that’s how I cook, but it was seriously SOOOO good! If you’re looking for a good soup recipe, this is it. The modifications I made were really simple and I’ll share on the blog in a post one day, but I’ll share basically what I did. I used a large can of tomato sauce (29oz) and about a can of water, I also added in a bag of frozen “gumbo” (okra, corn, peppers and celery*), and I dashed in a little extra balsamic and chili powder. (*I cannot stand celery, but it’s in the mix, so…) Other than that, I went basically by the recipe and it was fantastic! I had it for lunch yesterday and, fortunately, I had enough left to freeze a gallon size bag for later AND have enough left for lunch today. Score! So, thank you, Ashlea…and JamieLyn over at IheartNaptime for this recipe!

What are you watching?

I’m curious – what are y’all watching these days? My DVR used to be hopping and full of shows, but I’m really down now to just a few.

  • This is Us — Seriously, if you’re not watching this yet, go binge watch to catch up, and then set your DVR weekly. This show is just SO SO GOOD! I love the character development and the way the story-lines are interwoven from past to present. The characters are all so real and it’s easy to relate to them. And, it’ll get to your heartstrings in a quick second. I have a pretty set rule not to get into new shows from the beginning because I’ve gotten burned when they canceled, but this one was worth the risk. Not only is it a great show, but I know it’s going to be around because they just renewed for two more seasons. Yay!! As of the writing of this entry, I still haven’t seen the most recent one, so, please…no spoilers.
  • Fixer Upper — You’ve probably already determined that I have a fan thing going for Chip & Joanna Gaines, right? I just love watching how they are together. Not only are they an incredible husband and wife team, but they also live out their faith in such real ways, and they are both incredibly talented with homes. If they wanted to come “fix up” my house? Have at it. This show is one I always look forward to because I’m inspired by them in several ways AND I always get good laughs. Their outtakes shows make me LAUGH OUT LOUD, for real. I have said to Mickey more than once that Chip and Jo seem like the kind of people you can just hang out with and feel comfortable with right off the bat. I’m a fan and I hope the show stays around a long time. I also hope to get out to Waco to the Silos and shops one day.
  • American Housewife — This one is new, so it’s a wonder I’m watching already, but I’m HOOKED! Mickey and I watch it together, actually. Y’all, this show is so stinkin’ funny! I like that it doesn’t take itself too seriously and just keeps things comedic. The way Katy Mixon plays her character is spot on! She’s got such timing! If you need a little comedy in your life, check out this one!
  • Chopped — Food Network is a channel I will often default to because there is usually something on there that I like. My all time very favorite Food Network show? Chopped! I don’t care how many times I’ve seen it or if I’ve seen the same episode more than once, I’ll watch again and again. I’m always thinking what I would do with the ingredients. (Except when it’s really weird stuff like chicken feet – who eats that?!) I always know the judges cringe when they see a dessert contestant make bread pudding or French toast and I can’t figure out why the contestants don’t know that by now? I also wonder if they get tired of ice cream since that ice cream maker gets a workout?! Chopped is so fun to watch and I doubt I’ll ever get tired of it. I’m also very thankful that I’ll never be asked to judge because…no.
  • Grey’s Anatomy — Yes, I’m still watching Grey’s. It’s been around a long time and I’m invested. I know we’ve been put through the ringer as fans and you feel like you never know who is going to die next, but I can’t stop watching. The last couple of seasons have been better, in my opinion, but nothing is better than the first few seasons. At least, so far. I’m eager for the return this week.

So, that’s pretty much what I watch on a regular basis. Sometimes I watch Live with Kelly, old reruns of 90210 when I come across them (the best), Friends, and some other Food Network shows. And, I always LOVE to watch Andy Griffith when it’s on and I have time too. That one never fails to be funny! I’m also still watching back through Downton Abbey via Amazon Prime, but taking my time about it.

What are YOU watching? Any shows you recommend?

Happy Wednesday,
Kel

Hello, Hello Fresh…

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I’ve posted previously about how I’m looking for dinner inspirations because I’m prone to getting in a rut with the same stuff. Y’all have been gracious about sharing recipes and ideas (thank you!), so I’ve been trying some of those. I’ve also decided to try out meal delivery services such as Hello Fresh. I have heard great things about Hello Fresh and received a promo code, so I decided to start there.

I opted to receive three meals for four people to start. Our first delivery came yesterday in a pretty large box that was insulated and packed with ice packs to keep everything fresh. One thing I really appreciate is that you get your ingredients (minus your backs like salt, pepper, and cooking oil) right in the delivery. The proteins are packaged separately, of course, and then you get boxes that have the produce and seasonings. Brilliant! This week’s delivery for us included ingredients and recipes to prepare Mozzarella-Crusted Chicken, Rapid Stir-Fried Beef & Broccoli, and Citrus Skillet Shrimp. What I didn’t realize when I ordered is that I could have made other selections, but having seen all the choices, this is what I what have picked anyway. I like that we have a nice variety. All of us eat chicken, but I don’t eat beef, and Mickey’s not crazy about seafood; still, there’s basically something for all of us throughout the week. Our selections are great to try because we have at least 3/4 of us that will try what is prepared for dinner.

Our first dinner was the Mozzarella-Crusted Chicken with roasted potatoes and tomatoes. Both our girls enjoy cooking and since Macey was home last evening (little sis was at dance), she helped me with dinner. The meal prep was easy and fun with both of us working together. It came together quickly and easily. We added one of our favorites, a “homemade Olive Garden Salad” (made our way), to complete the meal. Oh my goodness, y’all!! This meal was absolutely delicious! I’m not much on leftovers, but I wish I could have this again for lunch today. It was THAT good. The potatoes and tomatoes were simply seasoned with olive oil, salt and pepper and came out just fabulous! And the chicken? Divine! The flavor in the amazing topping was incredible! All of us enjoyed it very much! I’ll be looking for ways to replicate this one, no question.

Our next Hello Fresh meal will be tomorrow evening when the family, besides me, will have the beef and broccoli. Wednesday evenings we all have church, so it’ll be nice to have something I can prepare quickly. We will have the citrus shrimp on Thursday and I’m already anxious to try it!

I’m already impressed with Hello Fresh, to say the least. I will probably order from them again. It’s also nice to have meal inspirations because I doubt I would have come up with this, since it’s not something I’ve ever done, but I enjoyed it so much that I would like to recreate it. The beauty of a Hello Fresh delivery is that it’s all sent directly to me, all I have to do is prep and cook. Easy peasy!

If you’d like to try Hello Fresh, you can use my link to receive $40 off your first delivery. (www.hellofresh.com/?c=WPTTY9) They have a great variety of options, so there really is something for everyone. They’ll send the bulk of the ingredients and, like I said, all you have to have are your basics. What’s easier than that? If you want to try something new or if you just want some easy and delicious “go-to” meals, give Hello Fresh a try. I bet, like me, you’ll be glad you did.

Oh and I wasn’t asked to post. This is all me. If/when I try other services, I’ll report on those as well.

Best,
Kel

 

Pray for South Georgia

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I want to ask y’all to please be in prayer for South Georgia after that area has been repeatedly hit with destructive and deadly storms this month. I am originally from the Albany area and this is an area that sustained significant damage at the beginning of the month and again over the weekend. Several other areas of South Georgia were also hit over the weekend and the destruction is widespread. Lives have been lost, homes and businesses have been damaged and destroyed, and the devastation is significant to the area. It breaks my heart for those that have been affected, to say the least. So, I am urging all who read this to be in prayer for this area as recovery and restoration begins.

If you would like to help, here are some ways that I know of right now and I will try to update as I learn more:

South Georgia, you’re in our hearts and prayers!

With love and hope,
Kelly

 

On this inauguration day…

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So, today…

It’s inauguration day. That’s a pretty big deal, I think we can all agree. But, this one feels different. And, y’all, I normally don’t delve into politics because I just prefer to steer clear of that in general conversation, but, at the same time, today I feel like I should say something.

Here’s the deal – we (as a family) have family and friends on both sides of the aisle. There are also those too, like Mickey and me, who really didn’t feel that we had a candidate in the race. What do you do when THAT happens? Well, what he and I did was prayerfully consider the options presented to us and vote along the lines of policy that we find to be of major importance to us. I have been eligible to vote more than half my life now and I have been on both sides of the outcome. To be frank, more often than not, I’ve been on the disappointed side. This time? I didn’t truly feel like I had a side. This election I went to cast my vote more out of an obligation to the duty than with a sense of anticipation. Still, I believe in honoring the privilege to vote and I do so knowing that whatever the outcome, I am called to honor and pray for our leaders. That is what I did and will do. Always.  (I can’t even believe I’m sharing all this because I do NOT get political in public forums, but this has been on my heart so much.)

This election cycle can be summed up in one word – divisive. In my life, I don’t recall elections ever resulting in so much emotional turmoil on either side. Maybe it’s due in part to social media being a bigger presence in our lives, I don’t know, I just know that it’s been difficult. And that is putting it mildly, to be sure. The culmination of this cycle seems to be this very day. Today is basically a “no turning back now” day, it seems. And, I see emotions running all over the place. I wish we could find a common ground and maybe that day is coming. Do I think we are all going to always agree? No, I don’t. To be very honest, I don’t even want that. It’s not that I don’t want to us to have harmony, but I just realize that as long as we are all wired as beautifully different as we are, we are never going to all agree on every single thing one hundred percent of the time. Thankfully, we don’t have to agree to get along. We don’t have to be on the same political spectrum to offer respect to others. I fully and completely get behind what Chip Gaines had to say in his New Years Revelation blog post earlier this year when he said “Disagreement is not the same thing as hate, don’t believe that lie.” I think there are some steps to getting to that place. I think that we have to be respectful even when disagreeing. No name calling, no insults of intelligence, no threats -just no.

It’s really not difficult to realize some basic truths here: everyone has their own opinion that they are entitled to, very seldom do people change their ideals and I very seriously doubt anyone ever changed their mind because of a social media rant, and agreeing to disagree CAN be done respectfully. I can sit here and say in full disclosure that I have family and friends with whom I do not have the exact same set of core values – political or otherwise. Guess what? That is absolutely okay. It’s more than okay – it’s the way things just are. Do I hate anyone? Absolutely NOT. Hate is a strong action word that demands time and attention to the negative and I have zero hate in my life. None. I have a right not to “like” other people’s opinions, but I do not have a right to push that thought off onto them anymore than they have a right to push their opposing thoughts and opinions onto me. Fortunately, I have mostly been met with respect and I offer that too. I am a far cry from anything that vaguely resembles perfect, but I can assure you that if you’re family or a friend or human, I’m not going to hate or even dislike you because of your politics. I may not vote for you if you’re running for office and have diametrically opposing views to mine, but, again, that’s not hate at all, but rather an expression of my own rights and feelings. Practicing hate would go against everything I believe in and I cannot condone or participate in such. I won’t. We don’t have to see eye-to-eye to be kind, that’s the bottom line for me.

Back to this day…

I know feelings are all over the place today. And I know that nothing I can say is going to change how you feel about this day. I get it. As I struggled for what to say today, I came across what a friend had shared from Instagram and I decided this would be not only be my prayer for today, but also my SHARE for today:

This day, y’all. The tone of today makes it feel like it’s too significant to just say NOTHING and too divided to say SOMETHING. If that makes any sense. I don’t suppose that I have any expertise to lend to this, but I have a heart for people and that’s why I decided to post on this inauguration day. As we go forward, my hope is that we can encourage the best in one another. Sometimes, we will find like-minded opinions and sometimes we will meet opposition, but I pray we can strive to meet them all with dignity and respect.

With hope,
Kel