Thank the Good Lord it's Friday, I could take another week day.

August 30, 2013

High 5 for Friday is such an understatement, with Labor Day on the horizon it's more like Thank God it's Friday! 


1. I found a pair of boyfriend jeans at Goodwill and am loving them. Now I just wish it would just cool the mess down so fall clothing could become more layered.

2. I thought the Muller with mouse was amazing, despite the fact that tilapia is on the ingredients list. Yogurt just shouldn't have fish in it. The Corner Greek Yogurt they came out with is divine, buy the one with mini malted milk balls. It was a step away from heaven.

3. I nearly died laughing this week when I came in to find Jeremy had been using an old cheese bag as a Ziploc bag. His reasoning, "There are two F's in the world, I'm frugal and you're frivolous." Either way, how weird is it to store things in a cheese bag.

4. Out of complete paranoia I made a small batch of the caramel marshmallow frosting to make sure it tasted good. It did taste good. It also tastes good with graham crackers.

5. As you probably deduced from the posts this week, we went to Living Proof Live Shreveport last weekend. Considering this is a Friday recap post I felt obligated to include it. Oh that that's me in the little dotted circle:)
     

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Living Proof Live Shreveport 2013 Recap

August 29, 2013

I can't even begin to tell you how amazing this weekend was. So I'll just talk through what happened and get to the real deep stuff once I process it all the way. 

To start off we got to our hotel, changed, and met my old girls from First West for dinner. Oh how I missed them! That alone could have made my weekend. 

Living Proof Live Shreveport 2013 Recap

We were running slightly behind, but finally found out seats downstairs. If you followed me on IG or Twiter you might know that not only did I win our tickets back in February, on Thursday I got an email and then a call from Melissa at Lifeway Women saying that I had also won front row seats. Whoop whoop!

I nearly peed my pants when I saw the sign on our seats!

Living Proof Live Shreveport 2013 Recap

The pics aren't crazy clear, we weren't allowed to bring cameras in. So everything was done with my phone.

Living Proof Live Shreveport 2013 Recap

If you haven't been to a Beth Moore event, or even a simulcast you have to go. There is actually a simulcast coming up very soon, she is an amazing teacher.

Friday night Beth started off on our long journey that she titled "The Great Escape." We talked about (like I actually talked back lol) accusations, where they come from, how the devil uses us and what not. I'll have to post the scripture late. However, it was totally on point with what I'm been working through for the past year or so. Like dead on!

How I haven't come across the verses in 2 Timothy that she talked about I will never know, either way God definitely gave me a word this weekend and clarified a few things for me.

Living Proof Live Shreveport 2013 Recap

Saturday we continued with amazing study and worship time. I happened to be seated right next to the hearing impaired section and made friends with a hearing service dog. I didn't intend to, but he insisted.

Seriously, I was eating a pretzel and he laid his head on my lap. His owner tied to get him away from me but I assured her is was not a bother... especially with 2 of my own. So we sat together for 3 hours, with his head under my leg like that for a long time.

Towards the end he turned into a little Ellie and started shoving my elbow so I'd pet him more. He was seriously a doll and I would have stole him and attempted to replace him with Rudy in a heartbeat.

Living Proof Live Shreveport 2013 Recap

On the ride home I decided I had to have a Chick-fil-A milkshake, I'd never had one. (I once heard Dan Cathy speak at our church and say how many calories was in one.) 

It was divine.

Yes, I know it has nothing to do with Living Proof Live, but it was too amazing not to share. 

Living Proof Live Shreveport 2013 Recap

Oh and I was super excited to find this little diddy in the LPL Recap video... that's me right there:)

So the big thing from the weekend was vs 1 from Psalm 124. You totally need to read the whole chapter, it's not long at all. Anyway, she had us complete the verse with our own testimony and then she had a few women share theirs out loud.

Here's my little charge to you, I'm going to share mine and then I'd love for y'all to share your own. God has done something in your life, it's a matter of whether or not you've reflected back to realize just what he's done in and for you. So think, read Psalms 124, and share it with us.

Living Proof Live Shreveport 2013 Recap

If the Lord had not been on my side... 
I'd still be entangled in the same snare from years ago. 
I would have never experienced God's grace and mercy,
or felt true forgiveness from him for some dark places in my past.
I wouldn't know love, joy, true happiness, or even have the marriage I have today.
Instead I'd be in a dark depression, alone, and still following the same path,
far from God. 

What has God done in your life? 

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Insta-Video Wednesday:: Living Proof Live Edition

August 28, 2013

Happy Hump Day! Labor Day weekend is nearing.

To celerate link up your Instagram videos from the past week! It's super easy, either blog your videos and embed the codes or simply link up your actual account. You don't have to be a blogger to participate:)

Insta-Video Wednesday

It's no secret that I adore some Beth Moore bible study! This past weekend I was able to attend the event in Shreveport. Lucky for me I won two of our tickets on my birthday back in Feburary and then Thursday found our I won again and got front row seats! 

When we met up for dinner before the conference one of the girls from my old Life Group made the comment that apparently God wanted me there and had a word for me, and let me tell you yes he did. 

Everything Beth taught on and all the scripture was spot on with what I've fought for the past year or so...but I'll get into that more tomorrow for my recap post. 

Today, we share Insta-Videos. The first one was just Travis picking on Beth & the second is the closing music on Saturday. Notice how much the video is shaking, that's because the music was so loud. 

I could have only been closer to Travis all weekend if I were playig keyboard with him. 





Did you do anything IG video worththy this week? Link up and share it with us.


Here are the rules ::
-link up a blog post or your IG account
-follow a few new Instagram-ers
-like their videos
-have fun!





Now it's your turn! 
Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a baby bracelet from the Etsy shop One Beautiful Baby!
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Fudgy Cupcakes with Caramel Marshmallow Frosting

August 27, 2013

I'm nearly a month late sharing this recipe, but Jeremy is still 29 so it's not too late. 

I originally intended to make this a "naked cake," but with traveling with cake I opted for the easy cupcake. I'll still tell you how I'd put it together as a naked cake though. 

Fudgy Cupcakes with Caramel Marshmallow Frosting

For ole J's birthday we headed out to Thibodaux to hang out with a few friends. I really should have taken pictures of everyone hanging out, but it is so awkward to do that sometimes. 

Jeremy for one hates being photographed, and I always feel like the creepy blogger every time I break out my camera. So that's why you're only getting pics of cupcakes... because they didn't argue with me. 

Fudgy Cupcakes with Caramel Marshmallow Frosting

For these babies I upgraded my usual marshmallow frosting and juiced up my dolled up cake mix a bit more. I did tick my self off just a bit with the cupcakes though, like I said traveling throws me off, I over baked them by 4 minutes because I thought they needed it and they didn't. 

Don't make my mistakes and follow the box cooking time. 

Fudgy Cupcakes with Caramel Marshmallow Frosting


I realize at this point you probably like, "Dad-gum Emily, you have a thing for chocolate and marshmallow. Didn't you just post a S'mores cake recipe?"

I must answer yes, yes I did.

And I'd eat marshmallow frosting and chocolate cake at everymeal if it was healthy.

I seriously need to Paleo-up this recipe.

By the way, this is very similar to my original frosting recipe, but I was inspired to use brown sugar thanks to I Wash You Dry.

Fudgy Cupcakes with Caramel Marshmallow Frosting::
serves 12
Cupcake Ingredients::
1 box Devil's Food cake mix (follow regular instructions with eggs, oil, & water)
1 large egg (in addition to the box instructions)
1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
1 package of instant Hershey's Chocolate Pudding mix


Directions::
Combine eggs, oil, water, & yogurt with a whisk until creamy and free of lumps. 


Fudgy Cupcakes with Caramel Marshmallow Frosting

Stir in instant pudding and Devil's Food cake mix. Don't overmix or you could end up with a cake that doesn't rise correctly. Just mix well and move along, it can still have small lumps.

Line a cupcake pan with liners and scoop in 1/4 cup of cake batter. (I know it seems like a lot, but I like overfilled cupcakes)

Fudgy Cupcakes with Caramel Marshmallow Frosting

Bake according to box instructions. 25 mins was plenty for mine, however humidity and elevation have to be taken into consideration. Just don't over do what is reccomended. They should be moist.

Fudgy Cupcakes with Caramel Marshmallow Frosting

Let cool and frost with Caramel Marshamllow Frosting. 

Caramel Marshmallow Frosting::
Ingredients:
4 egg whites
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:
Whisk sugar and egg whites in a double boiler until sugar is dissolved. Mixture should be pretty warm to the touch. It will take about 5 minutes. (I put my KitchenAid stand mixer bowl over a pot and got to work, it had a handle and was easy to work with.) Remove from heat, add vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed for 3 minutes, could take longer depending on humidity. Should be stiff and slightly resemble marshmallow fluff. 

If it's a high humidity day this frosting will not stiffen up completely. Be sure to allow it to cool in the fridge before piping onto cooled cupcakes. 

To assemble as a Naked Cake::
The original plan was to back two round cakes. As the filling for the center arrange sliced strawberries and then top generously with frosting. Place the other cake on top, secure with toothpicks or skewers, and pipe remaining frosting on top. Arrange remaining strawberries in the center. 

Like I said I really wanted this to be a naked cake, so I'll probably remake it and phtograph it all over again. 

Fudgy Cupcakes with Caramel Marshmallow Frosting

What is your favorite cupcake/icing combo? 

Don't forget to enter to win one of two great baby bracelets from One Beautiful Baby! 
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Meal Pinning Monday #50

August 26, 2013

Today makes 50 weeks of Meal Pinning Monday! That's only two weeks shy of a year of dinners planned out, whoo hoo! 

Before we get to this weeks menu be sure and check out my two most recent posts for 5 Minutes for Mom: Using Pinterest to Meal Plan, and 5 Easy Food Swaps to Help You Get Healthier.

Meal Pinning Monday



[What is Meal Pinning Monday?]

MPM is how I meal plan for our little family. I once spent a lot of time searching the web and my recipe books hunting for new recipes and ideas for what to cook every week. Then, Pinterest came along and made meal planning much easier for me. Every weekend I look over what I have pinned the prior week and decide what I would like to cook and make my grocery list from these recipes. MPM came about as a way to share what I am cooking, and to also see what others are cooking every week to hopefully get even more dinner ideas from other bloggers. If you don't pin your recipes feel free to just share what you are cooking.

Monday - Chicken & Avocado Enchilidas

Tuesday - Leftovers

Wednesday - Dinner at Church

Thursday - Chicken Vegetable Kabobs with White BBQ Sauce 

Friday - Pork Grillades with Pepper Jelly Peach Sauce with Summer Corn Grits

Saturday - Pumpkin Waffles with Bacon

Sunday -  Eating out:)

Now it's your turn, link up your own menu or share it with us in the comments! 

Don't forget to enter our current giveaway with Etsy shop One Beautiful Baby!
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High 5 for Friday/5 on Friday:: & it's a girls weekend around here!

August 23, 2013



Before we get to today's post, can I just say I am in love with PicMonkey's school theme! 


1. Last Saturday we went on a hunt for comfy teacher shoes. I gave in and got some Naturalizers, and oh my word my feet don't hurt anymore. I don't know how some of these teachers do it in the super high wedges and heels. Nuts! Anyway, on the way back Jeremy spotted a food truck and we got there as they were running out and only had mango Italian ice left, it was the best ice dessert I've ever had. Sheer heaven. 

2. Yeah, I'm a little food focused on Fridays. I made homemade gnocchi with sausage and a parmesan cheese sauce... the hubby was happy. I was a little happy too. 

3. School's back and the pencil thieves returned. Last year was probably one of my better non-pencil-snatching years. Two years ago though, I went as far as tapeing plastic spoons to certain kids pencils. No one wants to take a pencil with 5 spoons taped end to end on it! I'm toning it down this year and just putting my name on things like crazy. I suspect someone is snatching my Expo marker stash (which is in my desk), so I'll label that too soon. 

4. Back in Feburary Beth Moore held a blog giveaway in honor of thier 15th year of Living Proof Live and picked a ton of winners. I managed to win and got 2 tickets for the Shreveport event this weekend. It was hands downt he best gift ever, especially since I won on my birthday! Today I found out I won the social media grand prize package and we are getting front row seats for this weekend, I'm also get a Living Proof necklace & anniversary shirt. I seriously danced around my classroom like I won the lottery. Y'all have no idea! I honestly can't wait to get up this morning and get to Shreveport. We are meeting up with my old Life Group class for dinner and I get to see my "Monroe Mama" Mrs. Susan and hang out with the ladies some. God has for some reason seen fit to let us have my dream girls weekend this year and I couldn't be more thankful. It with be so refreshing and a great weekend full of lots of learning:)

5. Ole Rue-bear. This pup is the biggest mess ever! He hasn't been coming in covered in mud, but I can tell he is digging again becaue his toes are so caked with mud. He is seriously such a nut case. 

                         photo H54Fbutton-1_zpsa7aaa665.png       THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

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Giveaway from One Beautiful Baby

August 22, 2013

Today begins a new giveaway, one from a very good friend of mine and her super cute Etsy shop

So hop over to my giveaway page and enter to win one of her adorable baby bracelets! 

One Beautiful Baby - Baby Bracelet Giveaway

read more...
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Insta-Video Wednesday

August 21, 2013

It's a food heavy video week over here! What can I say, it's what I love.

This week I made gnocchi from scratch & did a little video of the Paleo-ish casserole I made.

I say ish... becaue we all know Paleo isn't cheese.
The recipe called for it though, and I can't turn down cheese.

Insta-Video Wednesday




Did you do anything IG video worththy this week? Link up and share it with us.


Here are the rules ::
-link up a blog post or your IG account
-follow a few new Instagram-ers
-like their videos
-have fun!






Now it's your turn! 
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Homemade Honey Mustard (Paleo)

August 20, 2013

I've already got my mind set on what I'm doing for 31 Days in October, and as well as the food went last year you can bet I'm doing another food theme this year.

Seriously, all I think about is food.

31 days of paint colors wouldn't fly over here.

In the way of recipes, today's recipe is something I've been working on for awhile.

I love honey mustard, but what I buy and use to make just isn't good for you at all.

Homemade Honey Mustard via @labride #paleo

This one though, is good for you.

Homemade Honey Mustard::
Mayonaise Base -
1 cup extra light tasting olive oil
2 tsp lemon juice
1 large egg
salt and pepper to taste
*optioanl a tiny bit of garlic powder or/and Dijon mustard

Place all ingredients in bowl and blend with an immersion blender until the consistency of mayo. 

For Honey Mustard -
1/2 of the mayo recipe 
1 heaping tbsp raw honey
1 heaping tbsp organic mustard

Homemade Honey Mustard via @labride #paleo

Directions: 
Step 1 - place egg, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a jar.

Step 2 - blend with an emulsifier (also called a hand blender) until thick and creamy. You can stop here if you like and this is a basic mayo recipe. 

Step 3 - Stir in honey and mustard. Store in a jar for up to a week and serve chilled. 

Homemade Honey Mustard via @labride #paleo

I actually started this off in a mason jar and quickly remembered that my emulsifier wouldn't fit in it, in comes the Pyrex. 

If I was just making the mayo I would add a lot more pepper than usual, I really like peppery mayo. The mayo on it's own is considered Paleo, if you'd like the honey mustard to be Paleo you can either buy mustard that already fits the bill or make your own. I found some great Paleo condiment recipes here
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Meal Pinning Monday

August 19, 2013

Before we get to this weeks menu be sure and check out my two most recent posts for 5 Minutes for Mom: Using Pinterest to Meal Plan, and 5 Easy Food Swaps to Help You Get Healthier.

Meal Pinning Monday


[What is Meal Pinning Monday?]

MPM is how I meal plan for our little family. I once spent a lot of time searching the web and my recipe books hunting for new recipes and ideas for what to cook every week. Then, Pinterest came along and made meal planning much easier for me. Every weekend I look over what I have pinned the prior week and decide what I would like to cook and make my grocery list from these recipes. MPM came about as a way to share what I am cooking, and to also see what others are cooking every week to hopefully get even more dinner ideas from other bloggers. If you don't pin your recipes feel free to just share what you are cooking.

Monday -  Paleo Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Tuesday - Leftovers

Wednesday - Dinner at Church

Thursday- Leftovers

Friday- Beth Moore Living Proof Live Out of Town:) 

Saturday- Living Proof Live/Out of Town

Sunday- Eating Out for Lunch

Lunch - Fruit with Roast Beef wrapped Veggies with homemade Honey Mustard

Breakfast - Paleo Sausage Egg McMuffin

Now it's your turn: Link up and share your weekly menu with us! 
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Who Doesn't Love Rice Krispies Treats?

August 17, 2013

I don't normally post on Saturday, but I just wanted to share this!

Y'all know I've been interning over at 5 Minutes For Mom all summer, well my big project is finally done:)

I've been getting together recipes and bloggers for a Rice Krispie Treat Resource Page & Link-up and I'd love for y'all to head over there and check it out, share it on your social media accounts, and even link up your own recipes.

Be sure to leave some comment love there too and let us know what you think:)

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High 5 For Friday

August 16, 2013

I couldn't be happier to see Friday! Let's do a little week in review today shall we... 


1. Last Saturday Jeremy's car was showing signs it wasn't going to make it to our intended "ditch by" date and we had to trade it earlier. While I'm super happy to be rid of the Cobalt, the whole Saturday was spent at the dealership. So this Saturday I'm catching up on cleaning, lessons plans, and not seeing the light of day.

2. Lesson plans. Oh dear. It's making me insane, especially since the kids haven't started being pulled for PE and what not, there isn't to work during the day and I'm dead exhausted. Like shooting pain from my feet to my hip from standing from 8-4 everyday either teaching or on duty. Definitely the hardest teacher schedule I seen yet.

3. Rudy. Would anyone like a Rudy? I tried to give him back in my mother's birthday card yesterday, sadly she didn't accept her gift. This little hot mess has decided he likes sitting in a lawn chair all afternoon to bark.

4. Jeremy cleared out the garage, yay. Now I have to park my car in there.... um I guess yay. With a washer/dryer in there its a huge achievement every time that I park and don't wreck. Which has yet to happen by the way. I figured out a little trick to turn on my headlight so I can see how close I am to it haha!

5. Little Miss Maddie Moo popped up on my Timehop this week. I sure miss that pup, she was obsessed with being near me if I did yoga at home. If anyone did child's pose she had to get directly under you. Silly pup!


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Bliss & Tell with neuro Bliss

August 14, 2013


Recently I was sent a few bottles of neuro Bliss to try out, and today we're talking about it... and stress. 

Bliss & Tell with neuro Bliss

Seriously, as I school teacher I can't seem to get away from the stress. Instead of just having it come down from my boss, it's also caused by kids and parents. Teaching just hits you from every direction.

Before I became a teacher I was a lot more chilled out, slept better, and had fewer breakouts (all my skin issues are stress related). At the end of the day I am in pain from being so tense, hoarse from speaking so much, and mentally fried from putting everything I had into it.

I should be able to avoid that, but I can't. I workout every day as a means to burn off stress, but it only works so much.

Honestly, and I had to admit it, I take melatonin every night of the school year just to help me sleep. Otherwise I wake up several times a night frantically thinking about what I "have" to do when I get up. Then I start spazing out that I am awake and am losing precious sleep minutes.

It's a nasty cycle.

Let's face it though, we are all super stressed out all the time!

Bliss & Tell with neuro Bliss

This is why when I was approached to try out neuro Bliss I jumped at the idea.

You're telling me you can de-stress me?

Okay, let's go!

I'd stand on my head for an hour if it meant I was less stressed out.

Plus they promise "happiness in every bottle." A teacher just can't say no to that!

Bliss & Tell with neuro Bliss

Before we get into how much I loved neuro Bliss let's cover just what it's about!

- neuro Bliss is designed to reduce stress & relax the mind.
- It contains chamomile, a powerful blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants ( L-theanine) to produce relaxation and enhance focus.
- The combo provides a calming effect & promotes a positive outlook by reducing stress levels, improving memory, improving attention, and supporting the brain.
- it's only 35 calories and has no artificial flavors or colors.

Or you could just read the bottle yourself...

Bliss & Tell with neuro Bliss

I personally loved it. My biggest stress time is at night.

I just can't for the life of me shut my mind off and go to sleep.

So on a few of my worst sleeping nights, as in the first day of school, I drank my neuro Bliss before hitting the sack.

Seriously, it was the best sleep I'd had in weeks. I woke up less ready to hurt someone for waking me up. I made it to work on time, and somehow kept my cool all day long.

Bliss & Tell with neuro Bliss

I thought about taking one to work with me, but night time is always the worst. I just can't unwind. I also know they make one for sleep, holy Moses if this one chilled me out that well who knows how great I'd sleep with the other! Ha!

The flavor the neuro Bliss comes in is lyche, I'm not the biggest lyche fan, but the taste was nice.

I also don't like carbonated drinks at all, I maybe drink one a month on average. neuro Bliss is lightly carbonated, and when they say lightly carbonated they mean it. It has just enough carbonation that it had a slight bubble at the end, it was enjoyable and pleasant and not at all like the abrasive fountain sodas that I so despise.

neuro Bliss infographic


I really love the product and would recommend it to anyone. It tastes good, but the effects way surpass the flavor.

So go ahead and pick up a bottle, they sell the at Target if that is any incentive (you know you love some Target shopping), and Bliss & Tell your Blissful Moment.

Be sure you Bliss & Tell for a chance to win a $10K dream vacation!





I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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Insta-Video Wednesday

This week has been sheer craziness! Honestly I've never worked so hard as a teacher in my life, the new circulim is great, but you don't have time to catch your breathe. This weekend, and hopefully a sleep all day one, can't come fast enough.

Yay for hump day! 

With all the insanity I've not been the best video maker... much less photo taker. 

Insta-Video Wednesday

The first video is a combo of my lack of gardening skills, plus my spastic puppy demanding he goes outside. 


Leaving the gym last night it was lightening massively, I pulled in the parking lot to video it... but the best of it was lost:( I still got a little bit though. 

Did you do anything IG video worththy this week? Link up and share it with us. 


Here are the rules ::
-link up a blog post or your IG account
-follow a few new Instagram-ers
-use the hashtag #instavid if you want:)
-like their videos
-have fun!




Now it's your turn! 


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