{My First Birchbox!}

My November Birchbox came this week! I was so excited when I saw the pink box laying on the kitchen table because I was not expecting it for a couple more weeks. For those of you who don't know what Birchbox is, it is basically a gift box that comes to your door each month with 4-5 personalized beauty samples for only $10! I learned about Birchbox from Kate with The Small Things Blog. She also inspired me to chop off my hair! Anyways, here is what came inside my box this month:

1. Atelier Cologne - smells like, vanilla and amber and woodsy - very autumn! MJ approves! 
2. Borghese | Fango Active Mud Mask - can't wait to try this mask! 
3. LaRocca Skincare | Champagne & Shimmer Supreme Creme - put some on my hands. Left them really soft and slightly shimmery. Would look great on your chest or arms for a night out! 
4. Zoya | Nail Polish in Izzy - can't wait to try this color. I'm waiting for a Christmas or NYE party! 
5. Coasters from Two Paper Dolls - aren't they cute? They have all sorts of designs on their website. 

I can't wait for next month's Birchbox! 

sam

{approach problems with a light touch}

"Jesus Calling" Daily Devotional by ChristianBook.com

November 15^th

Approach problems with a light touch. When your mind moves toward a problem area, you tend to focus on that situation so intensely that you lose sight of Me. You pit yourself against the difficulty as if you had to conquer it immediately. Your mind gears up for battle, and your body becomes tense and anxious. Unless you achieve total victory, you feel defeated.

There is a better way. When a problem starts to overshadow your thoughts, bring this matter to Me. Talk with Me about it and look at it in the Light of My Presence. This puts some much-needed space between you and your concern, enabling you to see from My perspective. You will be surprised at the results. Sometimes you may even laugh at yourself for being so serious about something so insignificant.

You will always face trouble in this life. But more importantly, you will always have Me with you, helping you to handle whatever you encounter. Approach problems with a light touch by viewing them in My revealing Light.

PSALM 89:15; JOHN 16:33

Anxiety about problems or situations? Yep. 

Worried about events that haven't even happened yet? Yep, that's me again.

Lord, help me to bring my problems to you, to see situations in your Light. 

love,

sam

{We Conquered the Coast!}

Last Friday Michael and I took off work and headed down to Corpus Christi for the 2011 Conquer the Coast bike ride and a little get away. We ate some sea food, stuck our toes in the sand, saw some dolphins, and had a great time!

View from our hotel room of the marina

Mmm crab! 

Michael and his co-worker Patrick at the finish line

So proud of him! 70 miles! 

Dolphin show at the Texas State Aquarium. So fun! 

mike + sam

{Tasty Tuesday: Asian-style Tilapia Packets}

One of our most favorite and easiest things to make!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
Serves: 4

What You'll Need:

• 4 Tilapia fillets {1 to 1 1/2 pounds}
• 4 sheets heavy duty aluminum foil, 12x18 sheets
• 1 bag {10 oz} fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup Central Market Organics Soy Ginger Sauce {or other Asian dressing}

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 450 F
2. Divide fish into 4 portions. Place 1 portion in the center of each foil piece; season with salt and pepper. Place spinach, mushrooms, and onions {evenly divided} over each packet. Season again with salt and pepper. 
3. Bring up edges of foil; then drizzle 2-Tbsp sauce over each packet. 
4. Double fold tops and then ends of foil to seal. Place packets on baking sheet.
5. Bake 12-15 minutes. Open packets carefully {steam will escape}. Serve immediately with brown or white rice. 

Enjoy! We hope you make this part of YOUR tasty Tuesday!


mike + sam

{Latest Obsession: Hummus}

While I have some extra time on my hands this morning I thought I would share our latest obsession... hummus! Here is a great recipe I found in a Weight Watchers magazine. We make it at least once a week, enjoy!

picture courtesy of digestlove.com

Tuscan White Bean Hummus
Points Plus Value: 2
Yields: 10 servings
Serving Size: 2 Tablespoons

What You'll Need:

• 1 (15.5 oz) can cannellini beans, drained
• 1 large garlic clove
• 1 Tbsp grated lemon rind
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor; process until blended. Serve with fresh vegetables or baked pita chips.

What's your latest obsession?


mike + sam

{Weekend Update: Babies and more Babies}

I want to share with you a weekend update before another weekend happens! This week has just flown by. I started my new routine of going to school Monday-Thursday in the mornings and then going to work until 5-5:30. It's been a busy schedule but having the chance to go back to school and the support from my husband, family and friends makes it all worth while. Thanks guys!

Last Friday morning I took off early to meet some long lost friends and their new additions at our favorite place, Olive Garden. It had literally been 5 years since us girls got together. Before husbands and definitely before babies. It was great to catch up and get some baby love from their precious kids.

Very serious Nash

This is Mr. Nash Whittan Jackson. He is Robin and Blake Jackson's precious little boy.

Me and Jo

This is super cute Miss Jolie Renee Stevenson. Or as most call her Jo or JoJo! She is Kristin and Sean Stevenson's little miss!

After a more than filling lunch at Olive Garden I headed over to see my favorite two year old, Olivia Faye. If you have read my other posts you'll know who Olivia is. If you haven't, you should, haha. She is the most energetic little girl I have ever met and just absolutely crazy and precious. Here is a recent video I took of Olivia and her Mom and Dad. They might have done some brainwashing...

Then, on Saturday morning I got to be a part of a baby shower for my good friend Jennifer and her soon to arrive little miss Ella. She got so many cute gifts and I can't wait to see Miss Ella wear them around town. When you're ready to come out girlfriend... we're waiting! Here are a few pictures from the shower.

Molly, Myself, and Leeann. Love you girls! 

Jenn (with Ella), Myself, and Vanessa (with Caden). We can't wait to meet you both! 

All my lovely "Woodlands" girls! Miss you! 

mike + sam

{Slow Cooker: Chicken Tacos}

I usually work late on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Either at the office or out showing property. So, coming home and making a meal has been um, not existent on those days. Then, I saw this recipe and remembered I have a slow cooker! PTL!

Recipe and Photo courtesy of FamilyGo.com via Pinterest

What you'll need:

• 2 lbs. boneless, skinless, chicken thighs
• 1 whole onion, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 (12 oz.) jar of your favorite salsa
• 1 small can green chilies, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed 
• Tortillas

Toppings we used:

• 1 avocado, sliced 
• Shredded cheese
• Sour Cream {low fat}
• Lettuce
• Tomato 

Directions:

1. Place chicken in the bowl of your slow cooker. Top with salsa, chopped green chilies, cumin, onion, and garlic. Cover and set on low. Cook for 8 hours.
2. Remove chicken from pot, shred, and return to juices. {When I opened the lid the chicken had literally fallen apart on its own. I just stirred and voila!} 
3. Spoon chicken into tortillas, with whatever toppings your family likes. Or use the meat to make burritos, tostadas, or as filling for enchiladas.
4. Enjoy! 

I just might cut this recipe in half next time for just the two of us. But, we do have some good leftovers :)

What slow cooker recipe have you made lately? 

mike + sam