Running on empty

My poor friends with children always seem to be tired.  Good golly, I’m always tired and I don’t even have kids… or pets…or an excuse! But, I digress.  Back to what I was saying.  My darlin’ friends, with their sweeter than sugar kiddos, are sleep deprived, up to their eyeballs in toys, and swimming in piles of laundry.  Don’t believe me?  Ask Mrs. Texas!  So, when I saw these cute little fellas over at IOU Letterpress, I just KNEW I had to have them! 

First, who doesn’t love receiving mail (that isn’t requesting a payment)?  And secondly, who could refuse a proposal this genuine?  This isn’t just your casual, in passing, hope-they-forget-you-mentioned-it offer.  Oh no, when delivered in the mail on luxury paper this says, “Why yes, I am an angel coming to rescue you.”   So, if you’ve heard your dear friend crying for help, grab one of these. (And maybe save one or two for me!) I doubt she’ll be able to refuse!

Happy trails to you...

 

I love to travel.  I love printing my boarding passes, packing my trash magazines (a necessity for cross-country flights) and laying outfit options across our guest bed.  I even love packing; thanks in part to my parents who gave us a luggage set that actually accommodates the clothes I insist on packing but will never wear.  Though the airport goodbye is always a struggle (and I cry every time), I always look forward to landing in another city knowing I’ll be greeted by friends or family eager to see me.   As I begin laying out my clothes for another vacation (a much anticipated return to my hometown), I can’t help but think about and reflect on my experiences as a house guest.

Yes, I dance in the car! These people will NEVER see me again!

When traveling the country (or world if you’re that lucky), staying with friends and family not only saves you money (which can provide the funds for that souvenir or extra cocktail), but also lets you catch up with friends and loved ones.  However, there are a few simple southern rules for being a houseguest that won’t leave your hostesses thinking twice the next time you call for a stay.  Besides, you want your aunt with the cute beach cottage to extend her offer for many years to come.  Just follow these five tips for perfect houseguest etiquette and you’ll certainly be invited back.

1.    Be Clear About How Long You Will Stay

When booking your travels, be sure that your hostess has first extended an open invitation.  If they have suggested a visit, ask which dates will work with their schedule and never stay longer than a week (unless they insist).  Always share if you will be bringing pets, family, significant others, or a friends with you.  No one likes surprises! And unless you’re returning home, do not expect opened arms when you decide to drop in and surprise friends or extended family.  In fact, don’t be surprised when they, (awkwardly) have to turn you away.  Always make set plans and reconfirm a week out from your trip.

2.   Bring a Gift

If you were raised in the south, you know you are never to show up to a dinner party, family celebration, or reception empty handed.  Though most only consider bringing something for the hostess during the holidays, it is proper etiquette to follow this rule whenever someone opens their home for you, regardless of the occasion. Wine, chocolates, and other local items are always great options, but may not travel well depending on your mode of transportation.  If this is the case, consider picking up the tab during one of your meals or offering to grab the cab fare while enjoying a night out in the city.  In the event your hostess is adamant that you don’t pay a dime (lucky you!), consider including a gift card to his/her favorite restaurant or place to shop in your thank you note.  If mailing your hostess a gift, remember to do it no later than a month after your stay.  However, within 7 days is ideal!



Sweet, southern hostess gifts

3.   Give Thanks

Upon your arrival, be sure to thank your hostess for opening their home.  In addition to the initial word of thanks, you should thank them as you leave.  And finally, thank them in a handwritten note. Yes, we live in the age of immediate response and rely on text messaging and emails for communication amongst friends, but there’s nothing like reaching in to your mailbox to find an envelope that doesn’t contain a bill.  Take a few moments, share details of the fun you had, and give thanks once more for their generous hospitality. 

 

Thanks for "driving by" notecard on Etsy!

 

4.   Help Out

While we may be on vacation, remember your host is not.  Be considerate and offer to help cook meals or clean up afterwards.  If you get the vibe your host prefers to be the only cook in the kitchen, then think of other ways you could be helpful in the home. 

 

5.   Be Flexible



If you will be visiting for more than three days, understand that your host may have other obligations or work to attend to during your visit.  Check in with your host a week prior to your visit, share what things you’d like to do, and see if your ideas fit with their schedule.  Attempt to rearrange if necessary, but be prepared to entertain yourself if they can’t.  If this is the case, find the best mode of transportation to get you out and about, or ask to borrow a car.  By being prepared to entertain yourself before you arrive, you’ll save yourself the headache of changing plans at the last minute and your host the embarrassment of having to tell you no.  Once again, remember that you’re on vacation, they are not!

Our host had to work while we visited.  I didn't
mind visiting him at his job!

 

Remember, the goal is to be invited back, not become next week’s gossip.  And c’mon, you know us southerners love a tall glass of sweet tea and some juicy gossip to accompany it!  Happy travels darlin’!



Changing your life... one word at a time.

The rain has started here, which means only one thing… winter has officially begun in southern California.  I know. I know.  We have very little, if anything, to be complaining about.  However, in our defense (wait, am I suggesting I’m now one of them?), rain in SoCal is like snow in DC; it requires actual thinking when preparing to dress for the day and an additional 15 minutes for your commute.   In fact, enough rain and you could find yourself out of work for the day (or in my case, skipping a trip to the grocery store) and instead, opting for a good book, an old pair of sweatpants, and a giant cup of hot tea.  Lately, this has been my book of choice:

 

If you haven’t heard of this book (shame on you), then you’re in for a real treat.  Go ahead, grab a cup of tea (or cocoa) and settle in for a few minutes.  This, my darlings, is about to change your life. 

“My One Word”, written by, Mike Ashcroft, is a book for those of us who like the idea of resolutions but feel they always fall short of actually making an impact on our lives.  Though it is written with a religious perspective, it can easily be adapted.  In fact, for some with no or very little religious foundation, it can be the spark that lights a fire.  (You can see for yourself as you take a peek in to my dear friend Emmy’s life and how one word changed it.)

The idea behind the book is as sweet and charming as the small coastal town in which it was written.  Mike Ashcroft, with the help of Rachel Olsen (on faculty at UNCW- a little shout out for my alma mater!!) have written, what I would consider a guide, to becoming more like the person you aspire to be and with just ONE step.  Their light-hearted and witty approach keeps you engaged and focused on making a resolution to change your life (and those around you) and then keeping it.   

So, grab your Kindle, head to Barnes and Noble, or log on to Amazon and buy yourself a copy. Not in the mood to purchase?  Visit the website http://myoneword.org/about/, which will give you enough information to get started without the book. Then, come back in a week and hear about my “One Word” and how it’s already changing my life. 

A letter of thanks...

 

Dear Friends, Family, and Personal Cheerleaders,

This morning, I write each of you with an overwhelming sense of pride and honor (mixed with the sweetest tears of joy). Words could never begin to touch on the emotions I have as I move forward as the Military Spouse of the Year for our military installation. My hope is that within me, you will find a reflection of every spouse who humbly stands beside their Marine. This recognition is not meant for me alone, but is for each husband, wife, and significant other whose strength and sacrifice provides the love and support our service members need to do what they do best. Your devotion to the military and those that serve in its name is just as deserving as I. This is not a life you accept, it is one you live and love. It is not done alone, but alongside those you admire and recognize as “family”. Because of each of you, military and civilian, I stand here today, not surviving, but thriving, in this ever changing life. Thank you. I hope that as the year progresses I represent the compassion each of you has bestowed upon me in my life and with the kindness and humility that inspires others to do more, give more, and live more.

Over the next few weeks, I will begin preparing to face the next round of voting and hope that once again I can call on each of you for your support. I hope you find that after reviewing profiles of the other Marine Corps installation winners, that you will find I am the best representative and advocate for all Marine Corps spouses. And if you do, it would be my honor to have your vote on February 5^th, 2013. Again, thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

 

With great respect and admiration,

Kacie

Thankful Thursday

Last week I wrote about my new job as the CEO of the Household.  I shared my concerns of overworked employees (my darlin’ husband) and how I vowed to purposely set time do something sweet in appreciation.   Tonight, as I await his arrival after another 12+ hour day, (and his permission to share in the sweets), I am beyond thankful.   So, without further ado…

 

 

Okay, okay… these are obviously not homemade.  But, sometimes even CEOs get busy and after submitting four research papers for grad school, cleaning the house for our east coast guest, and getting the grocery shopping done there just wasn’t time.  Though it would’ve been easy to just throw in the towel and save it for another day, I decided that a ten minute “break and bake” was much better than nothing at all.  After all, it’s the thought that counts. 

 

So, the next time you want to show your appreciation, take note.  You do not need to be a Pinterest Princess or spend hours on an elaborate treat.  Just whip up something quick, toss in a little love, and present it with a smile.  I can guarantee whomever you’re surprising will be touched nonetheless. 

 

Well, I hear a car door and these cookies are begging to disappear! J

It's hard work being a CEO...

Recently I became the CEO of a highly recognizable company – The Household.   There were several disgruntled employees (dust bunnies, coffee stains, empty refrigerator, hungry husband), but ultimately they gave in and emphatically brought me on board and welcomed me in to my new position.  This was just a mere few weeks ago and already I feel as though the changes I’ve made have been for the best (not to mention long overdue). 

In my first week, I knew I would be faced with the inevitable- letting go of things that have been a staple of The Household.  This task was of course, quite daunting, and left me with extreme anxiety as I began my job.  Shortly after starting, I pulled out the broom and began sweeping up the mess that had been left for too long.  The dust bunnies were the first to go and didn’t even put up a fight.  They knew their time here was over.  The coffee stains had other plans and proved to be quite resistant.  It was a struggle for power, but I eventually won.  The empty refrigerator was replaced with the help of some much needed resources (which I’ll happily share, soon) and I’m proud to say that business here at The Household is off to a great start in the new year. 

Below you’ll find a list of a few of those changes that deserved immediate attention as well as the solution that has made a positive difference.  My hope, is that as CEO’s of your own companies such Home.Is.Where.The.Mess.Is and Cottage.Gone.Crazy, you’ll find some peace in knowing these resources exist and won’t put a dent in your budget!

 

Problem One:  Empty Refrigerator

Visit this online recipe box and you’ll be ready to fill your fridge and your bellies with easy, no nonsense, healthy choices to those every day classics you forgot existed.  Yes, your meal can look like this:

www.skinnytaste.com
And it IS as good as it looks!

Don’t forget to head on over to the planning department for my favorite meal planner forms to help you with your shopping.  This will save you time and money when walking the aisles of your grocery store.  My tip, plan meals that involve some of the same ingredients over a two week period; one trip to the store and you’re done.  If you’re a CEO of a larger company than mine, you might prefer this.  If you’re lucky enough to have “assistants”, take a moment to look here before embarking on your next trip (the former teacher in me would appreciate you making it a “teachable moment”).

 

Problem Two: Overworked Employees

Right in line with the Empty Refrigerator issue, I found that my one and only employee was working two jobs, with very little to show for it.  I brainstormed and immediately thought of Thankful Thursdays.  Each Thursday I make a different sweet treat for him to share with his boss (GREAT option) or take to his other job.  I’ll start sharing my Thankful Thursdays in the future, but for now, enjoy this little sweet treat recipe from Kacie’s Cupcakes (my “other” job).

Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Level: Easy

Serves: 16-18 Cupcakes

 

Ingredients:

1 box of triple chocolate cake mix (Ghiradelli)

**Whatever else is necessary to complete the box recipe**

1 box of instant fudge pudding (surprise!)

1 bag of Peanut Butter Cups

1 bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips

Jiffy’s Peanut Butter (or whatever you prefer, those this is the BEST for icing)

1 bag of powdered sugar

½ lb unsalted butter at room temperature (or ½ cup Crisco for that crisp icing)

1 teaspoon vanilla (more to taste if necessary)

 

Directions:

1.     Prepare cake mix as directed on box.  Add ½ the dry pudding mix.  Pour in to cupcake molds (I always spray mine and try not to use liners unless making them for others. I spray my liners, too). 

2.    Unwrap the PB Cups. Push the PB Cups upside down in the middle of each cupcake so that they are flush with the top of the mix.

3.    Bake as directed.  NOTE:  You can NOT put a toothpick through these so always check your cakes starting at 5 minutes before the buzzer is set to expire.  Check often so they don’t burn.

4.    Eat extra PB Cups (check for quality control, of course!)

5.    Let cool for 5 minutes in tin, then transfer to wire rack.  Let cool completely.

6.    Prepare Icing:

a.     Sadly, I don’t have an exact measurement, as I like to just continuously taste until I think it is perfect.  But, start with:

·   1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ¼ cup of softened butter.

·   Beat butter and peanut butter until creamy.

·   Slowly add the powdered sugar by ¼ cups.

·   Add vanilla.

·   Continue until you have reached your desired consistency and taste, alternating between the powdered sugar and peanut butter. Add more butter if you’d like it to be creamier. (I almost ALWAYS use an entire bag of powdered sugar-  ooops! )J

To Ice Cupcakes:  Place in Ziploc bag.  Cut one corner off to make a small triangle.  Squeeze gently and swirl as you go! Sprinkle PB chips on to! 

 

In a rush?!?!  Use a store brand container of icing, add peanut butter, whip and go! J

 

Problem Three: BORED CEO

Don’t let the day to day routines get you in a rut.  Remember, CEO’s take vacation days, too!  Get out and enjoy things (and the company of others) that make you happy.  I recommend at least once a week.  Gather with other CEOs and consider it a business meeting!

 

A small CEO meeting along the shores.  We were "planning" for sure!

I Choose Faith

Recently a friend posted an article that, quite frankly, hit a nerve.  Perhaps it’s because I had only a couple hours of sleep from anxiety of a new semester, only enough time for one cup of coffee this morning instead of my usual three, or that my stomach was growling.  But it hit that nerve and my thoughts suddenly gushed out in the form of words which found their way on Facebook.  My friend, bless her heart, never saw it coming.  

I wasn’t mean in my post.  Nor did I attack her.  However, I did want to stand my ground, which had just been firmly pulled out from underneath of me.  My world, the one I had spent the past 14 years building (I became a follower at 16), was not only questioned but mocked.  Suddenly, the woman who is always quiet and poised became loud and heard.  (That’s the thing about us southern women; we can only hold our tongues for so long.)

Here is what I said (because one must always own what they say):

Of course, I would be the one that has to come up with a response to this post (which is in the works). However, just to touch on the end... we all believe in something. That something can be God or it can be nothing. Suggesting our beliefs should not be worn outside our homes and church is upsetting. Why should we not wear who we are when those who don't believe are always letting the world know exactly how they feel about God?  If those that don't believe in Him can discuss Him so freely, then why can't I?

To which her response was:

I think (without being able to go back and reread at this moment) that the point she's driving at is that we get criticized all the time for verbalizing our beliefs in nothing. We get told frequently that we're going to Hell, or that we're damming or children, or we're sinners, etc. it very rarely goes the other way. I would never criticize someone for their belief in God, but i do ask that those who believe keep their judgments to themselves. Talk about God all you want, but do not force him into my life or pass judgment onto me for not believing the same way.

Oh I should’ve had that second cup of coffee:

Sadly, it does go the other way. The entire article called us believers, liars. It was a rant that went on to tell us all that we have sold our kids on a lie, made fools of ourselves, and our children are the reason the world is the way it is. Though each are entitled to their own, I'm tired of hearing from non-believers that they are offended by the strength of our faith and the voice that does not shake. I do not pass judgment on you for the way you wish to raise your child, but please, do not pass judgment on us because we have chosen a different path.

She, also a big time caffeine fan, and probably having withdrawal, then said:

I totally disagree. She simply stated how she sees things. She did not call anyone out. She simply stated the other side of the coin. She never once said that anyone who believes in God is a liar, just that she cannot believe and these are her logical reasons why.

I've never EVER passed judgment on anyone who does believe, and certainly have never called anyone a liar, a fool, etc. But what I have heard, TO MY FACE, is that I'm evil, damning my child to an eternity of fire and brimstone, and that we deserve that. REALLY? Whether I believe in Heaven/Hell, God/Satan or not...is that something a so-called "good Christian" should say to another human being, regardless of religious belief?

I'm not offended by the strength of anyone's faith. I am offended when they say the things aforementioned. I am offended when they try to force my child to believe. (For example, when an adult told Maddie not to say "Oh my god!" because it was wrong to take HER lord's name in vain and she was committing a sin.) I am offended when they say I'm a bad person because I think differently than they do. You don't need to believe in god to be a good person, who serves others and teaches their child/ren to do the same. Atheists experience a different kind of religious persecution, the same as many Christians have throughout the years.

And… I threw in the towel.

Until now…

 

I respect this person.  She is an extremely talented professional photographer, an amazing mother to a spunky kiddo, and a phenomenal wife (I assume because I’ve never heard otherwiseJ).  I would consider her my friend (and hope she does as well and hasn’t bought a voodoo doll since I decided to open my mouth).  She also happens to be a nonbeliever who has chosen to raise her child without religion.  Hence, the reason she posted the article in the first place. 

I am an extremely talented napper, amazing mother to a thousand dust bunnies, and also a phenomenal wife (because he better not say otherwise).  I would consider myself her friend (and have NOT bought a voodoo doll because that would just be mean!).  I happen to be a believer who has chosen to follow and serve the Lord.  Hence, the reason I’ve posted this response to the original article:

I Choose Faith

I write this as Mumford & Son’s “I will Wait for You” plays loudly, bringing to life the words of my heart.  I remember the first time hearing the lyrics and the tears that flowed as I heard myself speaking to God through their song. 

“Well you forgave and I won’t forget.  So tame my flesh and fix my eyes…and I’ll kneel down and wait for now.  I’ll kneel down.  I will wait for you.” 

 I have heard this song a thousand times since and each time it gives me chills and brings me to tears.   I wonder how many others have heard this song and found themselves wondering where God fits in to their lives.  Perhaps they hear God speaking to them…

I will wait for you. 

Our God is patient.  He waits for each of us.  He waited 17 years for me.  And if he has to wait a lifetime for you, he will. 

Like a father, he waits for all of his children to come home.

Why do I believe this?

I believe because I can’t imagine living a life for no purpose other than to die.  If there is no Heaven or Hell, then why exist?  Why work so hard to leave a legacy for our children, if in the end, it won’t matter?  If there is no consequence for the life we lead and no reward for the path we’ve chosen, then why do believers (and nonbelievers) place so much emphasis on “doing what’s right”?  If, when our life is over there is nothing, then what harm is there to have spent a lifetime as a reflection of the love God has shown us?  I believe because to me, there is no other choice. 

And, when I have children, they will hear his words and know his love.  It will be up to them to make the decision as to whether to accept Christ in their hearts and follow a life of faith.  I will not make the choice for them.

And you?  If you have made a choice not to follow Christ, then my faith should not bother you; for you do not believe in such things as Heaven or Hell.  The cross that hangs around my neck should hold no meaning to you and therefore should be of no offense.  And when I say, “God bless you” when you sneeze, do not be angered for those words are of no value to you.   

But when you say…I want my children to be free not to believe and to know that our schools and our government will make decisions based on what is logical, just and fair—not on what they believe an imaginary God wants… understand that those terms can only be defined by right and wrong, which was established by God.

Still have doubts?  Read this!