For me, the hope that FALL offers is the only thing that makes the summer here in Texas bearable. The promise of cooler weather, the autumnal colors, spicy smells, decadent tastes, and comforting textures speak to the very core of who I am and assure me that there is something beautiful, deep, and rich waiting on the other side. It truly is the most wonderful time of year and it fills me with such joy and inspiration. I've put together a collection of some of my favorite FALL inspired items from Etsy to welcome and celebrate my favorite season...ENJOY!
9.23.2011
9.21.2011
(Lov) // Fresh LOCAL Food.
My family joined a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) today! Johnson's Backyard Garden is a CSA where members pay in advance for a share of the upcoming harvest and are ensured high-quality local produce. Each week, the produce is harvested from the farm and delivered to a pick up location (ours is at the local farmers market) every Saturday morning! Take a look at what was in last week's box:
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| Source |
They grow over 60 different types of vegetables and herbs, and each week, members receive a half-bushel box with a variety of 8-12 seasonal, organically grown vegetables, fruits and herbs. All of the vegetables in our CSA shares come directly from Johnson's Backyard Garden.
The contents of each week's box can be found on there home page, and recipes using those items are included in our weekly blog posts! My husband and I love the idea of never knowing what exactly we will get... encouraging us to get a bit more creative with our meals and snacks.
We made a commitment earlier this year to improving the quality of our food... only buying organic and local when possible... and, as you may know, this can get SUPER expensive. By utilizing a CSA (it's only $33 per box) we will be getting a far better selection of fresh (and seasonal) produce than our local Grocery Store can offer.
I can't wait till Saturday!
(Lov)e,
-k.
9.20.2011
(Ed) // Inviting Jesus into the bedroom of your heart so you can makeout.
The title of this blog makes about as much sense to me as what most Christians say in regard to their "personal relationship with Jesus Christ". Terms like "I met Jesus", "I accepted Jesus", "I asked Jesus into my heart", "I follow Jesus", "I walk with Jesus", and "I love Jesus" just plain and simply frustrate and sadden me. When people say these things, it clues me in that they may lack a true understanding of who Jesus IS and how, as a believer, they are to relate to Him. At most they are but "babes in Christ" and many, I fear, have no idea what it actually means to be saved.
Particularly in the Christian blogging community...I've read post after post by women gushing on and about Jesus as if he were their lover. How he "sings over them" and how he "whispers their name" during their quiet meditations. The PERFECT man who is handsome, loving, wise, kind, exciting, and a joy to be with.
Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.
Colossians 2:12
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Colossians 3:3
The main problem I have with the whole "having a personal relationship with Jesus" is that it confuses the issue. Yes, if saved, our relationship to Christ is obviously personal in that we personally trusted and believed on Him for our salvation. But, it is NOT relational in the sense that HE is someone outside of ourselves with whom we are having a relationship... like a lover, friend, parent, etc. WE are now a part of HIS body! I once heard it put like this: we should stop trying to hold his hand and understand that we are his hand. AMEN!
And here's some truth that may be hard for some to swallow: Jesus wasn't sent to show us how to live a good life, to be our example for righteous living, or to make our life better by showering us with "blessings". He was given to us to be the propitiation for our sins... to take the punishment that WE deserve. His sacrifice was deemed worthy and we are only worthy in God's eyes if we are found IN His Son. When God looks at us (if saved), he doesn't see US (or our sin) any longer. He doesn't love us for our sake or for what we do "for him"... he loves us for Christ's sake!
So, I ask...When you look at yourself what do you see...a Christian, a "good" person, a child of God, a disciple or follower of Jesus? And when you look at Jesus what do you see... the lover of your soul, a friend, teacher, an enlightened being?
Jesus is the Saviour of the world and you can only be one of two things: redeemed and hid in Him or a sinner in need of salvation.
Don't you think it's about time you and Jesus had "the talk" about where your relationship is headed?
(Lov)e,
-k.
Particularly in the Christian blogging community...I've read post after post by women gushing on and about Jesus as if he were their lover. How he "sings over them" and how he "whispers their name" during their quiet meditations. The PERFECT man who is handsome, loving, wise, kind, exciting, and a joy to be with.
They imagine him holding their hands or wiping away their tears in times of sorrow. They write of feeling overwhelmed by his love for them during their "praise and worship" at church. They are making a God of their own imagination and fashioning him into their very own knight in shinning armor. It is rare thing to see them actually post scripture ("The Message" bible doesn't count) and they certainly never share the Gospel.
Their "personal relationship with Jesus" has become highly sensual... based in feelings, emotions, and imagined experiences. This "relationship" to the Lord of Glory is not only a little disturbing, but it is highly unscriptural.
To truly love him, we must be passionate about what he has already done for us on the cross, not what we imagine him to be doing for us in your day to day lives. Jesus didn't come to make us happy or feel warm and fuzzy on the inside... he came to save us from death, hell, and to reconcile us to God.
So, how should you see yourself in relation to Jesus?
Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Colossians 3:3
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Those who hear the gospel ((That Christ died for your sins and was buried and raised on the third day for your justification )) and believe it are finally made aware that they are dead and lost in their sin.
And what's a dead person to do?
By believing on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, we are then IDENTIFIED with Christ's (death), able to shed the dead old man (burial), and then we put on the very much living body of Christ (resurrection). For in HIM we live, and move, and have our being (Acts 17:28a). A believer's LIFE is very literally found IN CHRIST.
The main problem I have with the whole "having a personal relationship with Jesus" is that it confuses the issue. Yes, if saved, our relationship to Christ is obviously personal in that we personally trusted and believed on Him for our salvation. But, it is NOT relational in the sense that HE is someone outside of ourselves with whom we are having a relationship... like a lover, friend, parent, etc. WE are now a part of HIS body! I once heard it put like this: we should stop trying to hold his hand and understand that we are his hand. AMEN!
And here's some truth that may be hard for some to swallow: Jesus wasn't sent to show us how to live a good life, to be our example for righteous living, or to make our life better by showering us with "blessings". He was given to us to be the propitiation for our sins... to take the punishment that WE deserve. His sacrifice was deemed worthy and we are only worthy in God's eyes if we are found IN His Son. When God looks at us (if saved), he doesn't see US (or our sin) any longer. He doesn't love us for our sake or for what we do "for him"... he loves us for Christ's sake!
Don't you think it's about time you and Jesus had "the talk" about where your relationship is headed?
(Lov)e,
-k.
9.15.2011
(Be) // My Favorite Hair Products
Once I became an independent stylist I relished in my new found freedom to choose what I used on my clients hair and to this day I don't retail, endorse, or exclusively use any particular line of hair product. With that being said, here are the top four products that I most frequently use on my clientele:
1. Agadir Argan Oil Spray Treatment - I use this on EVERY client regardless of hair type or texture. After I am done with a haircut, I spray it on the entire head from root to end. It acts as a mini smoothing and moisture treatment leaving the hair silky soft and super shiny without looking oily. And it smells SO yummy... I believe the main scent is Arabian Sandalwood. Agadir also makes a concentrated oil version of this treatment (not in spray form) which I personally use everyday. I'm addicted to the stuff.
2. It's a 10 Miracle Styling Serum - Best styling serum on the market, period. Actually, the whole "It's a 10" line is pretty much... well, a miracle. Their mask in particular has literally taken some of my clients with extensive damage from the brink of disrepair back into the land of health, happy hair. Serums add shine, protection, and make the hair smoother by leaving a light silicone coating on the outer layer of the hair. My favorite way to use the serum is to "cocktail" (mix it) with #3.
3. Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Paste - It took me years to find a paste that I liked. I wanted one that wasn't to waxy or to airy...something that blended into the hair but also gave it definition. And that is EXACTLY what this product does. I use it on all of my short to mid-length clients to achieve the a textured, pieced-out look. Number one trick: use it on damp hair BEFORE you blow dry. This helps to better distribute the product and keeps it from getting built up of too clumpy. Use just a tiny bit more (mixed with one pump of #2) to perfect the look once your hair is dry. This is a matte paste so adding a pump of the serum brakes down the paste and gives your hair more shine.
4. Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Hairspray - Every client I have ever told about this hairspray has continually thanked me for turning them onto such awesome product. It truly lives up to it's name. It offers great hold (spray) but still allows you to run your hand through it (play) and have movement without disturbing the aver all shape of the style. On short styles, I spray it on BEFORE I use #2 and #3. It is a foundational "dry" product that helps to exaggerate the hair texture so that the "wet" products like the paste and serum have something to grab onto...giving texture to the hair without making it go flat. On longer hair it is the perfect finishing spray.
So there you have it... My top 4 hair styling products! Most of these can be purchased at Ulta or numerous places online. Remember, hair styling is allot more fun when you use products that work!
(Lov)e,
-k.
1. Agadir Argan Oil Spray Treatment - I use this on EVERY client regardless of hair type or texture. After I am done with a haircut, I spray it on the entire head from root to end. It acts as a mini smoothing and moisture treatment leaving the hair silky soft and super shiny without looking oily. And it smells SO yummy... I believe the main scent is Arabian Sandalwood. Agadir also makes a concentrated oil version of this treatment (not in spray form) which I personally use everyday. I'm addicted to the stuff.
2. It's a 10 Miracle Styling Serum - Best styling serum on the market, period. Actually, the whole "It's a 10" line is pretty much... well, a miracle. Their mask in particular has literally taken some of my clients with extensive damage from the brink of disrepair back into the land of health, happy hair. Serums add shine, protection, and make the hair smoother by leaving a light silicone coating on the outer layer of the hair. My favorite way to use the serum is to "cocktail" (mix it) with #3.
3. Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Paste - It took me years to find a paste that I liked. I wanted one that wasn't to waxy or to airy...something that blended into the hair but also gave it definition. And that is EXACTLY what this product does. I use it on all of my short to mid-length clients to achieve the a textured, pieced-out look. Number one trick: use it on damp hair BEFORE you blow dry. This helps to better distribute the product and keeps it from getting built up of too clumpy. Use just a tiny bit more (mixed with one pump of #2) to perfect the look once your hair is dry. This is a matte paste so adding a pump of the serum brakes down the paste and gives your hair more shine.
4. Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Hairspray - Every client I have ever told about this hairspray has continually thanked me for turning them onto such awesome product. It truly lives up to it's name. It offers great hold (spray) but still allows you to run your hand through it (play) and have movement without disturbing the aver all shape of the style. On short styles, I spray it on BEFORE I use #2 and #3. It is a foundational "dry" product that helps to exaggerate the hair texture so that the "wet" products like the paste and serum have something to grab onto...giving texture to the hair without making it go flat. On longer hair it is the perfect finishing spray.
So there you have it... My top 4 hair styling products! Most of these can be purchased at Ulta or numerous places online. Remember, hair styling is allot more fun when you use products that work!
(Lov)e,
-k.
9.11.2011
(Lov) // A Bug's Life
It's time for a DITL (day in the life) blog of Lydia Clementine! Her nickname around here is Bug (short for Lady Bug) hence the title. If you've checked out my Instagram, you know that this little girl is often the subject of my photos. She is getting harder to shoot with my iPhone because she is now walking and always on the go. So I am grateful for days like yesterday when she's a little more subdued (she is getting over a cold) and I am able to get clear shots. Enjoy!
(Lov)e,
-k.
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| Good Morning! |
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| Breakfast: banana, strawberry and pineapple smoothie with Rice Chex and Cheerios |
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| Gotta brush those teeth! |
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| She handed her Dad his Bible... so they read for a bit. |
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| Snack Time/Lunch: Cheddar Bunnies, raspberry&fig whole wheat bar, grapes, water |
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| Reading her book and having a discussion with Sock Monkey. |
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| Going to Lunch with Mom and Dad. She's wearing jeans for the first time (rolled up like a hipster)! |
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| Checking out the Austin Chronicle while we wait for a table at "24". |
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| Her latest face...to show off her new teeth. |
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| At Waterloo Records. |
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| Once back at home, Daddy wasn't feeling well (caught Lydia's cold) so she played nurse while I made her dinner. |
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| Dinner: Shells and cheese with chicken, sweet potatoes and peas. |
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| Bath time! (notice the fabulous bubble beard) |
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| Sweet dreams, my darling. |
(Lov)e,
-k.
9.07.2011
(Lov) // Happy to Meet You
I have wanted to write this blog post since Sunday night but was unfortunately unable until now due to an awful stomach... something (throwing up for 2 days) and the ever mounting pile of real world responsibilities that begins to manifest when your are out of commission for a while. Alas, I am feeling much better. And no, I'm not pregnant.
But this post does have to do with babies... one in particular. On July 29th my dear friend Sam gave birth to her second child (a baby girl) almost exactly a month early; induced due to low amniotic fluid level. Jessie Mae Cecil came into the world weighing 5lbs. 10ozs. and measured 19 3/4" long. Considered preterm, she spent her first month in the NICU trying to overcome her underdeveloped challenges. In an email to update her friends and family Sam wrote:
"Of course this is the very last thing I could have expected to happen and like a nightmare that I can't get out of. But, she is beautiful and so cute and she is trying as hard as she can. I know that God has a plan according to His will and purposes and it's not about what I want or when and how I want it. I know that I have no control over this but being able to rest in the peace of knowing that God is in control is what is helping me through this. I don't ask 'why' has this happened, I just trust that He knows what He's doing and that He won't give us anything we can't handle."
The most remarkable thing about Sam (besides the fact of her obvious beauty) is how deeply she loves and trust's God's will for her life. Her faith is real... it's big... and it has always shown bright in the face of the many hardships she has dealt with since I have know her. It is only because Sam completely trusts that Jesus Christ died for her sins and was buried and raised for her justification that she can walk with such confidence in spite of the most difficult of circumstances. Her faith has nothing to do with her... and everything to do with Jesus Christ. She knows she is not worthy yet she is loved by God for Christ's sake. She knows she has been saved by grace and she extends that grace to everything she encounters. And though she didn't know it when Jessie was first born, more challenging news was on it's way. Again, in Sam's own words:
"The other news I have is still a little hard for us to comprehend, but, we love her just the same and at this point, just want her home. Up until Monday of this week we have been awaiting the results of Jessie's chromosome test. She was showing some features and symptoms and we got the confirmation that our girl does in fact, have Downs Syndrome. We were shocked, still don't understand this but, we have accepted it and look forward to what she has to teach us. We will get some in depth details later on when we can speak with the geneticist and she can tell us more about this. Right now we have an excellent social worker helping us and getting us community out-reach programs info.
Without a doubt, I can see now how God was preparing my heart for this through the job I've had for the last year and a half as a T.A. in Special Ed. I had a student with Downs all last year that I worked closely with and learned so much from, as well as the kids I worked with before in my first job at Travis High School.
We think that Jessie is and will remain the prettiest girl and she is already proving to be a high functioning Downs baby with her speedy ability to learn how to organize her feeding coordination. Breathing, sucking and swallowing are the challenge for any new baby learning to feed and she has caught on very quickly with the help of her speech therapist working with her on body and mouth positioning. The nurses are very impressed with her, she does try hard, she just gets tired very easily. The nurses love her because she never gives them any problems, she hardly ever cries. She is very sweet and calm, very cute, she smiles and is so cuddly."
The prettiest girl indeed! I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Jessie Mae for the first time this past Sunday when Sam and her husband Dennis had a party for friends and family to welcome home their baby girl.
It was a wonderful time... a true celebration for a very loved and precious life. Jessie spent the afternoon in the arms of friends and family...sleeping, eating, and taking in all the excitement that was buzzing around her. I watched as my Lydia tried to keep up with all the older kids that were in attendance and dreamed about the day when she and Jessie would play and become friends. It was while sitting with Sam and Jessie when I imagined our daughters holding hands as they whisper secrets to one another the way little girls are want to do. And then I slowly placed her hand into mine... Oh the joy that filled my heart.
But this post does have to do with babies... one in particular. On July 29th my dear friend Sam gave birth to her second child (a baby girl) almost exactly a month early; induced due to low amniotic fluid level. Jessie Mae Cecil came into the world weighing 5lbs. 10ozs. and measured 19 3/4" long. Considered preterm, she spent her first month in the NICU trying to overcome her underdeveloped challenges. In an email to update her friends and family Sam wrote:
"Of course this is the very last thing I could have expected to happen and like a nightmare that I can't get out of. But, she is beautiful and so cute and she is trying as hard as she can. I know that God has a plan according to His will and purposes and it's not about what I want or when and how I want it. I know that I have no control over this but being able to rest in the peace of knowing that God is in control is what is helping me through this. I don't ask 'why' has this happened, I just trust that He knows what He's doing and that He won't give us anything we can't handle."
The most remarkable thing about Sam (besides the fact of her obvious beauty) is how deeply she loves and trust's God's will for her life. Her faith is real... it's big... and it has always shown bright in the face of the many hardships she has dealt with since I have know her. It is only because Sam completely trusts that Jesus Christ died for her sins and was buried and raised for her justification that she can walk with such confidence in spite of the most difficult of circumstances. Her faith has nothing to do with her... and everything to do with Jesus Christ. She knows she is not worthy yet she is loved by God for Christ's sake. She knows she has been saved by grace and she extends that grace to everything she encounters. And though she didn't know it when Jessie was first born, more challenging news was on it's way. Again, in Sam's own words:
"The other news I have is still a little hard for us to comprehend, but, we love her just the same and at this point, just want her home. Up until Monday of this week we have been awaiting the results of Jessie's chromosome test. She was showing some features and symptoms and we got the confirmation that our girl does in fact, have Downs Syndrome. We were shocked, still don't understand this but, we have accepted it and look forward to what she has to teach us. We will get some in depth details later on when we can speak with the geneticist and she can tell us more about this. Right now we have an excellent social worker helping us and getting us community out-reach programs info.
Without a doubt, I can see now how God was preparing my heart for this through the job I've had for the last year and a half as a T.A. in Special Ed. I had a student with Downs all last year that I worked closely with and learned so much from, as well as the kids I worked with before in my first job at Travis High School.
We think that Jessie is and will remain the prettiest girl and she is already proving to be a high functioning Downs baby with her speedy ability to learn how to organize her feeding coordination. Breathing, sucking and swallowing are the challenge for any new baby learning to feed and she has caught on very quickly with the help of her speech therapist working with her on body and mouth positioning. The nurses are very impressed with her, she does try hard, she just gets tired very easily. The nurses love her because she never gives them any problems, she hardly ever cries. She is very sweet and calm, very cute, she smiles and is so cuddly."
The prettiest girl indeed! I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Jessie Mae for the first time this past Sunday when Sam and her husband Dennis had a party for friends and family to welcome home their baby girl.
It was a wonderful time... a true celebration for a very loved and precious life. Jessie spent the afternoon in the arms of friends and family...sleeping, eating, and taking in all the excitement that was buzzing around her. I watched as my Lydia tried to keep up with all the older kids that were in attendance and dreamed about the day when she and Jessie would play and become friends. It was while sitting with Sam and Jessie when I imagined our daughters holding hands as they whisper secrets to one another the way little girls are want to do. And then I slowly placed her hand into mine... Oh the joy that filled my heart.
I am in awe of how God works his wonders. I am joyful for his unexpected gifts. I am grateful to have faithful and loving friends. And I am happy to meet you, Miss Jessie Mae Cecil!
(Lov)e,
-k.
UPDATE: After reading this blog, Sam sent me a lovely thank you note along with a link to another blog that had been recommended to her via a social worker. Enjoying the Small Things is a Blog by Kelle Hampton... a mother to a little girl who also has Down Syndrome. Unbeknownst to Sam, I had actually began reading this blog while pregnant with Lydia. Her story is amazing and the work that she is doing is inspiring. She started the ONEder Fund, an organization dedicated to spreading awareness and creating more opportunities for those with Downs. Please take a moment and watch this video....
I donated this evening in honor of Jessie Mae. If you find it in your heart to do so, I encourage you to give what you can. Thank you!
I donated this evening in honor of Jessie Mae. If you find it in your heart to do so, I encourage you to give what you can. Thank you!
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