#MondayMotivation Word Check In

It’s been a while since I checked in with my word for the year. I selected the word nurture for 2015.

How has it been supporting you? I stop and ask myself if something is serving to nurture me or my family before proceeding. If my body is aching for me to stay in bed (and I’m not required to be at work), I listen to it.

What could you do to bring more of your word into your life? I could stop and ask myself if something is serving to nurture more often. I could listen to my body more often.

Do you need extra supporting words? Sleep. Nutrition. Hydration. Relaxation. Rest.

What does your heart need? My heart needs to find the right path. I’ve been aching and yearning to follow my dreams, but I’m not sure what my dreams are anymore. Perhaps my heart needs room to dream.

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#FoodieFriday Apple Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

In honor of autumn, I decided to make a simple apple cake with a caramel cream cheese frosting. The recipe is simple…

1 box yellow cake mix (I used Betty Crocker’s gluten free)
1/4 cup softened butter
1/4 cup coconut oil (can be replaced with butter or other oil of your choosing)
3 large eggs
1 can apple pie filling
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
a splash of vanilla extract

Bake according to the package. Allow to cool for at least 10-15 minutes. While you’re waiting for your cake to cool, whip up a batch of easy caramel cream cheese frosting!

8 oz cream cheese
4 oz butter (1/4 cup/ half a stick)
2/3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsps caramel sauce/ topping

Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Carefully beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla until thoroughly combined. Beat in the caramel sauce on high until smooth and fluffy. Spread over your cooled cake. Cut a slice and enjoy!

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#ThankfulThursday Inspiration

I’m very thankful for the inspiration provided by Alana’s August Moon prompts and Susannah Conway’s August Break (which I did in September). I hadn’t felt inspired all summer, and I feel ready to tackle a posting schedule once again. I’m ready to play around with Monday and Tuesday themes that actually work for me. I’m ready to sharing photos and recipes again. I’m ready to count my blessings again. I’m ready to start sharing inspiration for others, too. I’m inspired to work on prompts for Cultivate 2016.

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#SeptemberBreak2015 Smile

I’m known for my smile. I smile a lot, even when I don’t feel like it. Sometimes smiling makes me feel better, so I’ll fake one until it feels real.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.

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#SeptemberBreak2015 Listening

I’m listening for cues. I’m listening to the quiet thoughts on the inside. I’m listening to the meaning in others’ words. I’m listening carefully to everything.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.

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#SeptemberBreak2015 In My Bag

Whenever I leave for work, I always have my bag. I carry more than just my wallet. I have a brush and comb to keep my hair detangled. I have my planner, notebook, and pencil case to write my lists and page and keep up with my schedule. I stash snacks because I know I’ll get hungry. I keep a supply of tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and ginseng for those “just in case” situations. I have chapstick and lotion because growing old comes with changing skin. I pack my bag for convenience and emergencies, and that’s how I like it.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.

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#SeptemberBreak2015 Favorite Recipe

My chocolate chip cookie recipe is rather simple, being based off an old copy of a Better Homes and Gardens cookbook (likely circa the 1970s). Ready? Here we go:

2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup of room temperature butter
1/2 cup oil or shortening
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsps pure vanilla extract
1 12-oz bag of chocolate chips (preferably semi-sweet)

Whisk together dry ingredients and set aside. (Pro-tip: add 1 tsp baking powder for extra fluff, especially if using a gluten free flour mixture.) Cream together butter and brown sugar. Add oil and granulated sugar, and cream together. Beat in one egg at a time. Add the vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients slowly until fully combine. Stir in the chocolate chips. Chill for 5-10 minutes in the fridge while preheating the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a cookie sheet (and line with parchment paper if you’re so inclined). Form cookie dough balls and place about an inch apart. Baking for 8-10 minutes until golden brown, gooey, and delicious. Let cool on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring to a wire rack. Let cool for a minute or two — or risk burnt fingers and taste buds. Eat straight or with a beverage of your choosing.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.

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#SeptemberBreak2015 Door

A door has opened over the last two months. Behind this door lies a new path for me to follow. I don’t know where it’s leading me to just yet, but I’ve found my voice once again. The light is shining through with hope and encouragement.

I am late to the party for  Susannah Conway’s August Break 2015, but I intend to follow the prompts through September. I’ll tag them #SeptemberBreak2015 — because I’m not quite ready to return to my self-directed schedules just yet. Additionally, I’ll be writing my responses as my camera lens has decided to malfunction after 4.5+ years of use. *Unless, of course, I find an old favorite to share.

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