a new look.

Thanks to Kerrie Williams from Life On a Mission, my blog has a new look and I just love it! Kerrie is wonderful to work with and really captured my vision. Her patience with my many questions, vast knowledge about blogging/design, and beautiful creativity are so appreciated! If you are looking to personalize your online space, Kerrie is your girl! Definitely check out her many great design projects! I stumbled upon her when another blog I follow featured a blog Kerrie designed. (Think I could say blog another time?!) I loved the idea of a custom design, I loved her talent, and after learning more about her, I loved her heart for Christ and missions.

A little over a year ago, I became a "blogger." I didn't know much about the blog world (honestly, I still have so much to learn) but I knew I wanted to create a little online haven. A hospitable place to share recipes, book recommendations, random moments in our life, and my heart. I also wanted it to be a place to encourage others to do the same. When I think about cozy, comforting, safe places of refuge, the first thought that comes to mind is home. So that was my inspiration for the new design.

You will notice the "rooms" in the header. In the "kitchen" you will find posts including recipes and nutrition tips. Oh how I wish we could all whip up some healthy deliciousness together in my real kitchen! On the "porch" you will find posts that share more of my heart. These posts I would love to discuss over tea in the rocking chairs on our back porch. In the "library" you will find my book reviews and recommendations. While in reality, a library may never make the cut in a home we own, I love that I can have one on here!

I hope you enjoy the new look as much as I do!

Kerrie, thank you again for your beautiful design. I am so grateful and feel so inspired in my new space!

7 on the 7th: summer favorites

Since Summer will be here before we know it, for June's 7 on the 7th I am sharing what I enjoy most about this season!

1. Grilling

Nothing says summer like the smell of firing up the grill. Stop whatever you're doing and go to the store for any of these ingredients you may be missing so you can have this delicious meal tonight! Dustin made these sweet & savory chicken kabobs a couple weeks ago and then again last weekend. They are DELICIOUS! We used this recipe as inspiration and tweaked it to make it our own. Seriously, you will impress your loved ones, friends, and self with these.

Marinade:

2 cloves garlic

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup olive oil

1/3 cup soy sauce or liquid aminos

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Kabobs:

about 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 4 breasts

8 ounces sliced or whole mushrooms
1 orange bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1/2 fresh pineapple
1/2 red onion

Soak 12-15 wooden skewers in water for one hour. Chop all kabob ingredients, except mushrooms, into 1 inch cubes. Combine marinade ingredients and pour over chicken and vegetables in a large bowl. Let marinate for as long as possible (4-24 hours). Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread chicken, vegetables, and pineapple onto the skewers. Place skewers on grill and rotate frequently until cooked through (about 15 minutes). Enjoy! I loved the sweet, savory flavor and the beautiful colorful combinations of vegetables! Feel free to use any combination you like. 

2. Gardening
I shared our garden tour not too long ago and I am so excited to see continued growth! We have several cherry tomatoes, big boy tomatoes, leeks, jalepenos, and bell peppers growing. We have enjoyed some Swiss chard on several occasions already. Our squash and zucchini are blooming and I've noticed a couple blooms on our cucumbers too! My ranunculus are continuing to grow as are my zinnias I just planted last weekend. I also can't wait to scour the Farmer's Markets for gardening goodies I won't find in our own yard!

3. Reading
I love to read but it seems like the last few months reading has been put on the back burner. Whether you're by the pool, on the porch, at the beach, or on a road trip, summer lends itself to some quality time for reading. One of my sweet friends shared her copies of the Divergent series with me this week. I am ashamed proud to say I read them all in 6 days. I realize I am a bit behind seeing as the movie has already been released in theaters, but that's ok! I am hoping to continue reading this summer, just maybe not in such an, emotionally invested, obsessive manner. What books are on your Summer Reading List?

4. Celebrating 
Summertime is full of celebrations. While it technically isn't summer, Memorial Day definitely kicks things off. Then there's the 4th of July! Three short days after America's birthday is our Anniversary! Also, several family members and friends have birthdays during the summer season, myself included. Every day is worthy of celebration. Isn't it so much fun to be festive!?

5. Relaxing 
Whether you're out of school or taking a vacation, summertime is great to relax and enjoy the sunshine. You may not can tell by my current skin tone, but I do enjoy soaking up the sun by the pool/lake/beach. I look forward to making more time for that to happen! We are currently in the process of creating a patio space off our back porch. I can't wait until it is complete and we can relax around a fire pit!

6. Exploring
Summertime is the perfect time to visit a new town or state. With all the different markets, festivals, concerts, ball games, and events there is always something new to try or do. You may even find a hidden gem in your own area! Our town has Market Days that are fun to attend and being an hour from St. Louis provides endless opportunities to find new, fun things to do.

7. Serving
Every season, month, and day are great for serving. Summertime is no different. There are always opportunities to give to those around us. Make plans to share your time with loved ones. Look for needs in your community and find ways to meet them through volunteering or donating. Support members of your church going on mission trips. Clean out your closets and donate clothes you aren't wearing. Consider providing fans to a shelter in your area to keep people and animals cool during the hot season. Stock up on school supplies early for children who will need them in August. Provide healthy options for the food pantries in your town. The possibilities to share and serve during this season are endless.

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 
{Galatians 5:13}

Happy Early Summer to you!

What are you looking forward to the most about this season?

one year.

One year ago today Dustin and I left our hometown in Kentucky and moved to Illinois for his new job. Oh how quickly this year has passed! A year ago I was excited for a new adventure, nervous to be in a new area without our family and friends, and very much unsure of where this path would lead. Today I cannot even describe the peace and thankfulness I feel when I think back on this last year. Month after month, what was at first an unfamiliar place, feels more and more like home. God has blessed us with sweet friends, a wonderful church, jobs we both enjoy, and a house we love making a home.

Do we miss our family and friends back home in Kentucky--and the many other areas they live? Absolutely! Every day! But we are so thankful for the visits and phone calls to keep in touch. Having an encouraging support system is such a blessing.

Shortly after we moved I read the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. You can read more of my thoughts about it in my post here. After reading, I started my own 1000 gifts list. Just a couple days ago, I reached my 1000th gift. I took a moment to read back through my list over the past year-- the things that have meant so much to me. Farmer's Market trips with a sweet friend. Visits from our family and friends. Purchasing our first home. Celebrating successes in our careers. Being re-baptized together. Enjoying the everyday moments of life-- both the pleasant and the not so pleasant. While I know my list of gifts and thankfulness will never be complete, reaching the 1000th gift has shown me so much. My perspective has changed drastically over the past year. The joy I have found in Christ through counting the gifts He gives is indescribable. If you haven't read the book or started your own list, I highly encourage it!

When we first got married, I never imagined we would leave our home. A year later, we were in a new town, a new state, and with new jobs. Another year later, we are becoming more and more comfortable in this new "home." When I think back over the past year, I am filled with thankfulness for this season. For this time that Dustin and I have had to grow individually and as husband and wife. For this time to learn more about our Lord and ourselves. I am so thankful to have a better understanding of what Emily Dickinson meant when she said,

"Where thou art, that is home." 

Home, for me, is where my husband is. Where our love is shared. Where our people gather. Where our puppies play. Where we worship. Where we cook together, laugh together, pray together, and live life together.

The Land of Lincoln has been good to us this year and I look forward to what the future holds! 

our garden tour

There is nothing better than a fresh flower, vegetable, fruit, or herb straight from the garden. We have been fortunate to be the recipients of many home-canned goods and freshly picked flowers thanks to our family and friends. Shortly after we were married, we talked about our future garden dreams-- with a spreadsheet design and everything! Last year was our first full summer as a married couple but since we moved to Illinois in June, we were a bit behind in the planting process. We attempted an herb garden in a raised box but between our frequent trips home and my forgetfulness in regards to watering, those efforts were not successful. Thank goodness for Farmers Markets!

A few months ago, we started discussing a garden for this year. We wanted to give it another shot and really try this time. Not only did we want to give herbs another go around, we added vegetables and flowers to the mix. After much debate and scaling down our dreams to realistic plans, we finally came to the conclusion of which plants we would attempt to grow. We picked up some ranunculus, zinnias, and dahlias packets at the store. Dustin surprised me one day when I got home from work with a little raised bed using leftover wood from the fence in our backyard. It is the perfect size for our first garden! We went back to the store soon after that to pick out our produce and herbs.

Here's what we went with based on our tastes and preferences:

Big Boy Tomatoes

Cherry Tomatoes

Swiss Chard

Leeks

Red, Yellow, Green, and Purple Bell Peppers

Jalepeno Peppers

Cucumbers

Zuchinni

Squash

Rosemary

Basil

Cilantro

Lavender

Day One: 3 weeks ago

We first thought we would grow squash and zucchini from seed but later went back for plants. 

A few days ago

One of the squash seeds actually grew despite our doubts! 

We planted the herbs in one of the raised boxes. The veggies went in the raised bed Dustin made. He also fixed up a little fence to protect the garden from our pups and the deer we often have in our yard. All of our plants have been prayed over, encouraged, and begged to grow! And so far they have! Oh how I love walking out to the garden to see the growth and progress that occurs. Our cherry tomatoes have a couple baby green ones growing! Mini Fried Green Tomatoes, anyone!? I am so excited to taste, see, and enjoy the fruits of our labor. My mouth waters just imagining the fresh tomato sandwiches, smothered squash, and colorful sautéed swiss chard! The week we have received quite a bit of rain. I am hoping they all survive! 

Did you put out a garden this year? 

What blooms and veggies are you most excited to see grow? 

stamp out hunger

I love checking the mailbox and finding a handwritten note from a friend or the latest issue of Southern Living. When I checked the mail yesterday evening, it was mostly bills and one card that caught my eye right away:

In case you haven't received yours yet, I will give you the rundown...

On May 10th (this Saturday) the National Association of Letter Carriers is conducting its 22nd annual  Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Letter carriers around the country will be collecting food donations and delivering them to local food pantries and food banks. 

All you have to do is: 

1. Collect food and bag it.

2. Place your bag by your mailbox for it to be picked up and delivered. 

Providing food for those in need is very near and dear to my heart. According to Feeding America, 1 in 6 Americans struggle with hunger and food insecurity, including adults, elderly, and children. Not only do the people utilizing these resources need nourishment, they often have or are at risk for chronic health issues that require specialized diets. In fact, for people with specific diagnoses, the heavily processed, sodium/added sugar laden foods often provided at food pantries are actually detrimental to their health. I also can't help but think about those who rely on food pantries who have food sensitivities or allergies. For children, proper nourishment is needed for growth and development. Rather than nutrient poor options, those who suffer from food insecurity need nutrient rich options. I encourage you to consider this as you select donations for your local food banks and pantries. 

Here are some healthier donation ideas:

Canned Vegetables--No Added Salt/Sugar

Canned Fruits-- In 100% Juice (not syrups)

No Added Sugar Dried Fruit

No Added Sugar Applesauce

Low Sodium Vegetable/Chicken/Beef Broth

Low Sodium Canned Chicken or Cold Water Fish (Tuna, Salmon, Sardines)

Unsalted Nuts and Seeds

Low Sodium Nut Butters

Brown and White Rice

Quinoa 

Whole Wheat or Brown Rice Pastas

Plain Steel Cut Oats

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Shelf Stable Powdered Milk or Almond Milk

Plain Bottled Water

These are just a few suggestions. Check with your local pantries to see if they accept fresh produce. I am aware of one pantry in our town that will accept fresh fruits and vegetables. The letter carriers are only picking up non-perishable items this Saturday, but for future donations it would be great if you could give produce as well. I ask that you consider the sodium and sugar content of the foods you provide. If the pantries you support provide lists of requested items, donate the lower sodium/no added sugar options. Also, consider the ingredient list of foods. If the list is a mile long, full of words you cannot identify or pronounce, I recommend you put it back on the shelf. By choosing lower sodium/sugar options with shorter ingredient lists, you are potentially contributing to better health for the individuals who receive them. Can I also encourage you to have this mindset when choices for your own pantry in your home?

Visit this link to use the interactive map and learn more about food insecurity and hunger in your area. 

Let's consider the health of those in need as we Stamp Out Hunger on May 10th and each time we donate to our local food banks and pantries.

7 on the 7th: making a house a home

Have you ever been in a house where you just instantly feel at home? What do you remember about it that made you feel that way? When I think about the homes that evoke positive feelings, I can recall the layouts, decor, and aromas. More importantly--the people, the relationships, the memories. It is the combination of all of these things that help create a sense of belonging and hospitality. While I am by no means a decorator and our home is far from perfect, I do have seven favorite tips I've been given along the way and try to follow to make our house a home.

1. Find Inspiration

Do you have a family member, friend, or total stranger you follow on Instagram whose style you admire and share? Maybe you save magazine clippings from Southern Living or Better Homes & Gardens. Maybe you watch HGTV for new ideas. Chances are if you are reading this, you probably have a Pinterest board dedicated to your dream home. You may even have specific boards for particular rooms or projects! I support all of the above. Also, keep in mind those people who make you feel at home in their presence. What do they do and say that makes you feel that way? Be mindful of how you want people to feel in your home as your decorate and interact with them. 

2. Be Content
I think it is great to have plans and work to achieve them. When we bought our home, it was move in ready and we were so glad! Over the past couple of months, we started a list of the aspects of it we wanted to adjust over time to suit our tastes and personalities. It can be easy to fall into that mindset of we have to have the newest/biggest/brightest (fill in the blank with your choice of home related item) as soon as we want it. You may not have every room arranged and styled exactly how you like them. Maybe right now you can't afford all the changes you are wanting to make. That's okay. We have been eating around our coffee table for a year because we don't have a dining table yet. I should include that this has been an upgrade because before that, we just ate off our laps! Despite the less sophisticated dining arrangements, I love the memories we have with our people around that table. 

3. Do It Yourself

One of my husband's many talents is that he is very handy. I am pretty sure he can fix or make anything. I'm equally impressed by and thankful for his abilities. Our parents have been so helpful with design ideas, suggestions, and free labor! A couple of the updates we have made to our home have been to spruce up our master bathroom and add storage in our laundry room. Not only do I love the end results of both of these projects, I love that we spent time together completing them. Teaming up with family and friends to do your home renovations and design is so much fun and makes the process so much more special. Here are a couple before and afters just because I am so proud of him:

4. Mix and Match

So what if your furniture isn't all from the same designer/store/yard sale. We are fortunate to have been the recipients of many hand-me-downs, which means hardly any of our furniture "goes together." I am thankful that when we use various pieces in our home, we can remember who shared with us. Mixing and matching items definitely adds character to a room. I also like the feeling it gives that everything-- and everyone--has a place and belongs. 

5. Add Some Greenery

Fresh flowers and plants add life and color to a home. I am not exactly a green thumb, but I do appreciate horticulture. When we moved to Illinois last year, a sweet new friend invited me to go to the Farmer's Market with her. Each week there was a man who sold the most beautiful zinnias, sunflowers, and wildflowers. I love picking up a bunch of colorful blooms to place on the counter by the sink or on the coffee table. Grocery stores often have flowers on sale as well. This year I hope to pick my own zinnias, dahlias, and ranunculus from our garden! 

6. Infuse the Air

I love walking into homes that have distinct, lovely scents. Whether it's warm baked cookies, clean linens, or fresh picked roses, I so enjoy pleasing aromas. Diffusing Essential Oils is my favorite way to create a welcoming space. Stress Away, Joy, and Lemon are my favorite oils to diffuse in our home. If you haven't experienced the many benefits and uses of Essential Oils, I would love to introduce you to the endless possibilities they offer!

7. Fill It With Scripture

Far more important than any decoration, lovely scent, or pretty flower, having Christ as the foundation is the ultimate way to make a house a home. In the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, Moses gave the Israelites commandments from the Lord before they entered the Promised Land. He told them:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."

{Deuteronomy 6: 5-9}

I love to decorate our home with beautiful Scripture. The multiple daily reminders of God's Word are so needed and appreciated. My prayer is that we fill our homes with scripture through our words, thoughts, and actions. 

What are your favorite ways and tips to make a house a home? 

7 on the 7th: YL essential oils

Happy April, everyone! March was fun and a month of madness for sure. *I must insert a "GO CATS!" for the UK Wildcats in the NCAA Championship game tonight!* I am so glad April is here along with the beautiful Spring season! I sure do love a fresh start-- to a month, to a week, to a day. Don't you?

This month's 7 on the 7th is all about my favorite essential oils. Dustin's momma introduced me to Young Living essential oils when he and I were dating. If you aren't already familiar, which many people are these days, essential oils (EO) are distilled oils from various plants and sources that can be used for virtually anything! They can be diffused in your home to create a calming environment, inhaled directly from their bottles to relieve tension, applied topically to treat blemishes, aches, and pains, or ingested for internal benefits. I can understand the skepticism when it comes to EO. In fact, Dustin jokingly refers to the oils as "voodoo magic." After more and more experimenting with them, though, he's come around! I love natural ways to clean, cook, and alleviate health issues. I used to be a candle addict-- however, now I diffuse EO to freshen up a room. Rather than reaching for chemicals or medicines, which I know can have their place, I'm learning more ways to incorporate essential oils in our routine to avoid using harsh ingredients. Here are my top 7 EO favorites right now:

1. Lemon

I love citrusy scents-- especially in the spring! I enjoy diffusing this oil to freshen up a room. I also add a couple of drops to ice water if I don't have any fresh lemons on hand. Lemon is also a great oil to use when making homemade cleaners. 

2. Thieves

Thieves is an essential oil blend that has a spicy scent that I love as well. It is a combination of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Thieves is great to clean with or diffuse to rid airborne bacteria. During flu season, this is an especially helpful oil! A few drops on the bottoms of our feet help boost our immune systems. If either of us starts feeling sick, I break out the Thieves! I diffuse it, apply it topically, clean with it, and add a couple drops when I wash our linens. 

3. Peace & Calm

I have just recently tried Peace & Calm and love it! Its citrusy scent reminds me of a spa experience. Who doesn't love that!? I have been diffusing it several times a day lately. 

4. Stress Away

Stress Away is a has a sweet scent that I enjoy diffusing or rubbing on my wrists and neck to create a relaxing atmosphere. The lime and vanilla notes in this oil blend remind me of a tropical drink.

5. Peppermint

Peppermint is another multipurpose oil. A couple drops can be added to tea. I enjoy diffusing peppermint during Christmas time. If we have headaches, or tension, a couple drops rubbed on our neck or temples helps alleviate the pain naturally. If you have issues with ants in your home, a couple drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball will ward them off. Peppermint can also help give a jolt of energy. 

6. Purification

I love diffusing this oil on nights I make meals with ingredients that have strong odors-- fish, onions, garlic, etc. The fresh, clean scent neutralizes the unpleasant ones. Sometimes I add a couple of drops to our laundry as well.

7. Lavender

I use lavender almost every evening. I place a few drops on the bottoms of my feet to help have restful sleep. I often wash our linens with a couple drops of lavender to reinforce the calming effect. 

I am a distributor for Young Living Essential oils. Check out their website for more information regarding their distilling process, farming, and products. I respect their Seed to Seal devotion to purity and quality. If you are interested in learning more about essential oils or trying them, email me at hope.curtsinger7@gmail.com! I would love to help you get started! I am also always looking for new ways to use oils, so if you have any tips and ideas, please share! Have you tried essential oils? What's your favorite one to use?