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Friday, October 31, 2014

A New Home {Five on Friday}

I unintentionally took a little blogging break this week, but I am glad I did, as it was very needed.

Moving, well you know, moving can hit you hard. You are tired, you are excited, your are very emotional{well this girl is} and a lot of "new" is thrown at you all at once. So this week I have had some productive days and then some very lazy and emotionally hard days.

But I am slowly getting into the groove of things and man that husband of mine, to be with him?? Fills my heart with so much joy and makes the difficulties of moving fade away.

And now Friday is here and that is exciting in itself! Roberto has a game tonight and it will be the first one I attend...woo! And then there is a possibility of a little traveling this weekend, which just makes me giddy!

But before we get on with this Halloween (!) weekend, a little Friday catch up and randomness to fill you with...

O N E
Last night we had one of Robert's teammates and friend over for dinner and we just had the best time! Bananagrams {such a fun game}, a pasta dish and homemade funfetti cupcakes {you have to get creative here in Poland sans box mix}. Inviting others into our home is something I am trying to get better at. It brings me so much joy to do so, but it seems like so much of the time I do not do it because I feel too much pressure. What will I cook? What will we talk about? Is my house clean enough? Anyone else? BUT my heart is slowly changing. Thanks to the She Reads Truth Hospitality Plan I am learning to view hospitality the way Jesus did/does. It is not about perfection at all.



T W O
Thank you for all your TV/movie/book suggestions from last week! It was so helpful. Currently I have added these to my list... I want to try Homeland and/or House of Cards for a new tv series {I think those could be ones the husband and I would both like}. And for books I have added Unbroken, The Husband's Secret, Bread and Wine, The Power of a Woman's Words, The Best Yes, Highly Happy Marriages {with Rob}and The gift of Imperfection. Whew! That will take me a while, but excited to read lots in the coming months! And thank you all for help!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Best-Yes-Decisions-Endless/dp/1400205859#

T H R E E
We got out and explored a little this week! Lublin is a pretty big city, it has it's Old Town which is quaint and filled with restaurants and then the rest of the city is just what you would imagine a city to be. Not as much to do here as there was in Nuremberg last year. So we will have to get a little more creative with our time! We did see a movie on Sunday at the theatre and it was wonderful...a little slice of home. We would highly recommend Fury!

{exploring equals kebabs...Roberto's fav}

F O U R
I married into a KC Royal loving family. So am I the best Royals fan? Sadly, no. But you bet we watched them play this week, cheering our little hearts out! We thought our shirts from Mama Lew would bring them Good Luck...game 6, yes! Game 7, not so much.



F I V E
We do not have a car here so I am learning the public transportation ropes! Aka the bus. Roberto has it down, and I took it all by myself the other day. I am such a big girl :) Slowly but surely I will get it down. Right now I am just rejoicing in the fact that I have not gotten lost!


If you got through all that, I am sending you a big Polish hug!
Happy Friday, friends! And Happy Halloween! Enjoy all the candy and have the best weekend.

Linking up with Oh Hey FridayMeet at the Barre, Five on Friday, Lauren, Jennie and Rebecca.
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Friday, October 24, 2014

Hello Poland!

On Wednesday I arrived in Lublin, Poland! I was greeted by my sweet husband at the airport and to see him again?? Just the best feeling in the world! 

So a few tid bits to get caught up...

ONE
I cannot for the life of me sleep on a plane. This time I even had a WHOLE row to myself, a whole row! So when it was time to sleep I laid down with my pillow and blanket fully prepared to zonk out. But nope did not happen. I would fall asleep for maybe 20 minute increments and then wake up. The thing was I was SO tired but so uncomfortable. So I have been catching up on sleep the past few days here, lots of sleeping in on my part. I did get to see some beautiful views though...


TWO
When I arrived, Robert made a delicious dinner for me and then the next day for lunch he took me to his favorite local Polish restaurant...it was soo good! And SO much food. The sweet ladies were laughing at us and how much food we got. Thank goodness for to go boxes! My goal is to learn how to make some of this amazing cuisine like the Pierogi {the delicious dumpling looking thing}. I know it will not be near as good as what we had but I sure want to try!


THREE
I need your help! I have quite a bit of time on my hands, which can be a good thing and a bad thing. I want to be productive and I want to do some leisurely things as well while I have time to do so. Such a rare time in life. So what books, television shows or movies would you recommend? What are your favorites?

FOUR
We took this picture the morning I left, afterwards a few tears were shed. I sure do miss these faces! But so grateful for facetime, such an amazing perk of technology these days.


FIVE
We have a tiny elevator in our apartment that we use quite a bit. So an elevator selfie was definitely in order. Also, it is cold here, really cold! I have already pulled out the heavy winter jacket which is just crazy to this Texas girl. And most importantly, so glad to be back with this man...


I am so happy to finally be here and start this new adventure with my husband.

Happy weekend, friends!! So glad you stopped by!

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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

This weekend I finally was able to make a pumpkin dessert and one of my favorites...Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins! A family I babysat for made these when I was over one time and that is when I decided Pumpkin desserts are just the best in the world.


These muffins are soft, moist and provide the perfect balance of chocolate and pumpkin. Basically? They are so good.{also read more for some life updates at the end!}

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs 
1 can Pumpkin Puree

2 cups sugar
3 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
12 oz chocolate chips

Mix oil, eggs and puree. In separate ball mix together sugar, flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon and salt. Add to wet ingredients and mix. Fold in chocolate chips. Fill greased muffin tin about 2/3 full.  Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes. Makes 3 dozen.

Enjoy!

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Now some life updates!

Today I am leaving Texas, well America, and headed to see my hunky husband! Tomorrow I will arrive in Poland and get to hug my loves neck and I cannot wait. Although, I am so sad to leave my family and friends here. I truly will miss them so much. It makes me want to cry right now typing that out. But then I think of my hubby and this journey God had placed before us and...so much JOY comes over me! Bittersweet for sure. But such comfort in knowing I will be in my hubby's arms soon {ahhh!!!}and grateful for this opportunity. 

So Poland and Roberto....here I come! 

Prayers for safe travels and not so sad goodbyes would be so greatly appreciated!!

Also, make sure to link up with these lovely ladies for this holiday fun!

Holiday Linkup
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Monday, October 20, 2014

Weekending: Family and Fall

This weekend was a busy one, but oh soo good! Pumpkin painting, football games, family time, shopping and my wonderful in-laws came into town! And it officially felt like fall which made it all the better.

Friday night we enjoyed pumpkin painting and pizza at my mom's house with all the family. It was so nice to spend quality time with everyone and I am just a huge fan of pumpkin painting....and let's be honest, pizza. 











The next day we got to watch brother Brockers play flag football, which is just the cutest thing ever. 



Then it was time for another game! My brother in law plays for KU and they played Tech in the afternoon. It was so wonderful to spend so much time with my in-laws {I am just so grateful for them} and watch some good football. And my family got to come to see Pat play as well, so he had one great cheering section. 





 my sweet mamas!





 The rest of the weekend was spent enjoying the gorgeous fall weather and each others company. A wonderful weekend, indeed!

Linking up with B Loved Boston and Join the Gossip.
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Friday, October 17, 2014

5 Movies to Watch on Your Next Date Night

Roberto and I are huge movie lovers. 

Honestly, our perfect date night normally consists of a delicious dinner and a good movie. We just love it. 

So want to have an inexpensive and fun date night? Watch one of these movies! They are ones that you and your man will both love.  

Cook dinner together before hand then snuggle on the couch with a cozy blanket...a date night that can't go wrong. 



{One} Crazy, Stupid, Love. 
Yall. Rob and I cannot get enough of this movie. We seriously crack up every.single.time. Want a romantic comedy that is {mostly} light-hearted?? This is for you and your honey!

http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Stupid-Love-Steve-Carell/dp/B003Y5H574

{Two} About Time.
This movie is a more serious one and another one that the husband and I would highly recommend. It has such a lovely message and it is just sweet.

http://www.amazon.com/About-Time-Domhnall-Gleeson/dp/B00BEIYGK2


{Three} The Proposal.
I think this is a "classic" and one you just cannot go wrong with. It is light-hearted, romantic and hilarious!

http://www.amazon.com/Proposal-Single-Disc-Edition-Sandra-Bullock/dp/B002K0WBXW


{Four} Super Hero Movies.
Ok, ladies you mights think I am crazy. But this is a genre your man will love and I think you can too! I thought I would never like these kind of movies, but then I got sucked in and Roberto was thrilled. They are the perfect mixture of intensity, fun and they always keep you on your toes. Try the marvel series, Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, The Avengers...they are all intertwined so it is easy to get invested and wanting more!

http://www.amazon.com/Captain-America-Avenger-Chris-Evans/dp/B00E5I2MEK/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1413514508&sr=1-1&keywords=captain+america+movie

{Five} The Usual Suspects.
Ok, another movie that could sway more to the "guy movie" side. If you are wanting a more intense, mysterious movie, we both would recommend this baby! We both really enjoyed it. A little bit of a different suggestion  for a date night, but sometimes you need something more than a chick flick.

http://www.amazon.com/Usual-Suspects-Special-Kevin-Spacey/dp/B00005V9HH/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1413515130&sr=1-2&keywords=the+usual+suspect+movie

Now go enjoy a wonderful date night tonight with your main man {or even a super fun girls night}! Eat, watch, relax, cuddle and enjoy!



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Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Favorite Finds: Target Edition

So over the past couple of weeks I have spent way too much time at Target. Way too much. 

But I have a good reason...I will be Target-less for the next seven months *cue gasps*. 

I will be honest and say that is the one store I miss so much while being overseas, the convenience and the "cuteness" of that place has provided hours of entertainment for me. 

So in my recent trips, I have found some favorite finds that I think you will love!

The Pinterest Scarf. This is all over my Pinterest and I was so excited to find a very similar one at Target and for a great price! Seriously, so perfect for fall and winter.{I can't find the exact one online, but it is in stores!}


Gel Nail Polish. This Sally Hanson Miracle Gel Polish is the bomb.com. It is gel but does not require a lamp! It lasted over a week for me before chipping a tiny bit. Which over a week is really great for me because polish on my fingers only last about 2 days normally. The color below is Pretty Piggy and I also bought Red Eye along with the Top Coat. 


$1 Stationary. The $1 section is killing it right now. They have a ton of cute stationary options and I mean a ton. Gold, coral and washi tape? I will be writing lots if snail mail this year.


Socks. A little boring, but they have lots of fun options to wear with your boots this year.
 

Wrinkle Free! My friend Ellie had this Conair Steamer and after I used it, I knew I had to have one! It is portable, so easy to use and gets rid of all those wrinkles! I, my opinion it is better than an iron and way more convenient.


And there ya have it, some Target favs right now. Happy Wednesday, friends!!

*This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.*
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Friday, October 10, 2014

Friday Fun: Pinterest, you rock.

Hello Friday! I am so glad you are here...I get to go see my little baby cousin today in Colorado and I am so excited! It will be some great family time while getting lots of baby snuggles and I can't wait.

So I have been on my Pinteterst a lot this week. Sometimes I love it and sometimes not so much {craziness!}, but this week I have been all about it! So many fun ideas floating around. So for my five this Friday, a few things I have pinned this week.

ONE
So I pulled out my sewing machine this week and I had to get very reaquainted with it. It had been way too long! But I made these babies and I am so pleased with how they turned out. This tutorial was such a great one and really easy to follow. I tweaked a few things so I am planning to share my own pillow making journey next week!

TWO
And seriously?? My mouth is watering just looking at these. I still have not made a pumpkin dessert which is just nonsense. So I think this will be happening very soon. 


 
THREE 
And how cute are these?? I think this might be my next project!


FOUR
And this letter looks so easy and would be a fun decorative piece around the house! Such a fun idea.


FIVE
And i'll leave you with a little inspiration for your weekend. This brings me so much peace and joy.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends! So glad you stopped by!

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Wednesday, October 8, 2014

I Will Rise and Sing

I am so excited to be linking up with Martha Kate and Jenni for Wednesday's Words. This is such a wonderful idea and such a great opportunity to reflect on His goodness on our little spaces of the web. 

So, today I want to share a song that a good friend played for me. You might have already heard it...it is just too good!


"I won't fear what tomorrow brings. With each morning I'll rise and sing. My God's love will lead me through. You are the peace in my troubled sea."
 
 I love the {above} line in this song...each morning no matter the circumstance I will rise and sing, I can be full of joy! It is because of God's abundant and magnificent love for me that I can do so. Will I have hard days? Heck yes. But my God will lead me through...He brings me peace in every calm and in every storm. Because of Him, I do not fear for he brings me peace, joy and comfort.

I hope this song brings you JOY today! Happy Wednesday, friends!

Seasons with the Strattons
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