Monday, April 29, 2013

3 Songs to Get You Through Deployment Rough Patches

I keep hitting my limit of patience for this deployment about every other week. There's just a moment in the day where it feels like I physically can't make it to another one. Usually something stupid triggers it-- like I look inside my mailbox, convinced that today will be the day I get a letter from John, and see nothing but annoying junk mail listlessly thrown there. It doesn't matter that the day before I got a letter from John, it still throws me off my game, like the big wuss I am.

I thought the last two-ish months of deployment would be a little easier-- especially because it's spring and the weather's becoming beautiful-- but it's as hard as the rest of the year, albeit in a different way. It feels like this deployment will never, ever end, even though I know we're in the last weeks of it.

I've really tried this year not to let anything about the deployment get me down for too long. It's tough to do sometimes-- especially on special days, during particular times, when I'm not feeling 100%, or when things don't go the way I want them to. But, I think (I hope, at least) that I haven't been a giant wreck of a person for the last 328 days. 

I've taken to having mini-pity parties in my car, probably just because there are so many songs on the radio right now that seem to deal with separation of some sort. Maybe I should be stronger and not let anything get me down, but I figure small, controlled freak-outs in my car are better than sustained events. Here are the three songs that help me get over these bumpy places in the deployment.


"I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz


It's a good thing that I only listen to this song on the radio or on my iPod... not on a video. Because, really, Jason Mraz, what is up with your hair? This song may be about desperately trying not to break up, but I think the resolve and earnestness of the lyrics are what really speak to me-- and that's what I hear when I listen to it. Musically, it's a lovely little song, too.


"Daylight" by Maroon 5


Let's be honest: 1) Maroon 5 should always be on your playlist, no matter the topic or situation. 2) If Adam Levine can't make you feel better, you are doomed. Doomed

And Adam, how can you see into my soul and so clearly articulate what the day before the end of R&R or the beginning of deployment feels like? It feels exactly like this: "'Cuz in the daylight, we’ll be on our own/But, tonight I need to hold you so close."  

It's a good song to cry through for three minutes, dry your eyes, and get on with life. And again, just to reiterate: Adam Levine.


"I Will Wait" by Mumford & Sons


Essentially, every Mumford & Sons song sounds exactly like every other Mumford & Sons song. I'm completely fine with that: I love their sound. I can only understand a handful of the lyrics without looking them up, but the ones that I understand from their mumbley Mumford mouths are really inspiring and galvanizing: "So I'll be bold/ As well as strong/And use my head alongside my heart." And then of course, there's the chorus: "I will wait for you." The music is upbeat, so by the end of it, I feel much better. Or, at least I have enough energy to open a tub of ice cream.


What songs do you recommend?
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Saturday, April 27, 2013

Spring Fling Wrap-Up!

Today's Julie and my wrap-up day for our Spring Fling link-up! I hope you've enjoyed checking out what other bloggers are doing to celebrate Spring! This post is short because today (ahhh!) I'm doing a wedding hair trial run and going to the first dress fitting. So. Excited!

Here were my top 3 favorites from the week:

The Pin Junkie showed off her flower arranging skills with five mini-tutorials in her post, "Decorate with Flowers for Spring." Somehow, when she goes thrifting, she finds beautiful items that look absolutely lovely. When I go thrifting, I always find junk. Teach me your ways, Pin Junkie!

Anjana, who blogs at At The Corner of Happy and Harried, posted an "Easy Wineglass Trifle" recipe. I would have never thought of garnishing with pomegranate seeds (which Anjana informs her readers are called "arils")! Nor would I have thought of using strawberries and crushed crackers for layers. It sounds delicious!

And then... fudge brownies. Who can say no to fudge brownies? Check out "Fudge Brownies" from It Bakes Me Happy for brownies from scratch that use oat flower instead of refined. Once I purchase a blender (can you believe I don't have one yet?), I will be trying these out!

Check out all of the posts on the link-up-- they're all great!




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Friday, April 26, 2013

Spring Fling, Day 5: Lemon Monkey Bread

This week, I'm doing something I've never done before! Woo! From April 22nd to April 26th, Julie of Natural and Free and I are hosting a Spring Fling via a great little link-up party! Link up anything spring-- recipes, crafts, gardening, spring pictures... If it's spring-related, we want it (just no giveaways or other link-up parties, please)!

On April 27th, we will each feature our top three favorites! There is no limit to how many posts you can link-up, so feel free to bring on the Spring fever with your amazing posts! We can't wait to check them out!

This week, I'm going to be posting a lemon-flavored recipe a day. I don't know about you, but nothing says "Spring" like lemon! On Monday, I shared a recipe for to-die-for Lemon Creme Oatmeal Bars. Tuesday brought a Lemon Pepper Roasted Walnuts recipe. Wednesday was a recipe for Low-Cal Lemon Cornbread Cookies.Thursday I shared Krispy Pinwheels. Today, a breakfast bake-- Lemon Monkey Bread!

I found this recipe at My Baker Lady and modified it to make it into a breakfast bake. The original recipe uses frozen dinner rolls; however, all I could find was loaves of frozen bread dough. No matter-- my mom makes killer sticky bun pull-aparts using this method, and they're awesome!  

I know it's past already, but these would be great to pop in the oven before church on Easter Sunday!

You'll Need:

For the monkey bread:
  • 1 package of thawed frozen bread dough (I used 3 1-lb loaves) 
  • The zest from 1 grated lemon
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
For glaze:
  • 1 1/2 cups of confectioner sugar
  • skim milk
    Directions:

    For the monkey bread: 
    1. In a 9 x 13 baking dish, cut up loaves of bread dough with a kitchen shears. Spread cut pieces evenly. Using a pastry brush, "paint" butter over dough. 
    2.  Mix sugar and zest together and spread half of the mixture over the dough. Cover pan with a towel and let dough rise. 
    3. When dough has risen, spread the other half of the mixture over the dough. 
    4. Bake at 350 F for 20-25 minutes.  
    For glaze:
    1. Add milk to confectioner sugar until desired consistency is reached. Drizzle over warm monkey bread.









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    Thursday, April 25, 2013

    Spring Fling, Day 4: Krispy Pinwheels

    This week, I'm doing something I've never done before! Woo! From April 22nd to April 26th, Julie of Natural and Free and I are hosting a Spring Fling via a great little link-up party! Link up anything spring-- recipes, crafts, gardening, spring pictures... If it's spring-related, we want it (just no giveaways or other link-up parties, please)!

    On April 27th, we will each feature our top three favorites! There is no limit to how many posts you can link-up, so feel free to bring on the Spring fever with your amazing posts! We can't wait to check them out!

    This week, I'm going to be posting a lemon-flavored recipe a day. I don't know about you, but nothing says "Spring" like lemon! On Monday, I shared a recipe for to-die-for Lemon Creme Oatmeal Bars. Tuesday brought a Lemon Pepper Roasted Walnuts recipe. Yesterday was a recipe for Low-Cal Lemon Cornbread Cookies.Today, are Krispy Pinwheels!


    My friend and co-worker, Fitz, asked me to make these after a faculty meeting one day. She showed me the picture on Pinterest-- it was just Rice Krispy treats and icing! Here's how you do it!

    (Note: When I made these, I dyed them blue... Use whatever food coloring you want to dye the icing into a pretty spring pastel!)
    You'll Need:
    • Rice Krispy treat mixture that is still warm and pliable (If you need a recipe, here's the original!) 
    • A can of vanilla or cream cheese frosting
    • 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract
    Directions:
    1. Press the treat mixture evenly into a jelly roll pan. (Use a rubber spatula or a plastic snack bag over your hand to minimize the stickiness.) 
    2. Mix the extract into the can of icing and spread icing evenly across treats.  
    3. From one end, roll sheet tightly without breaking the sheet. 
    4. If icing is a little soupy, refrigerate for 5-10 minutes.
    5. Cut in 1/2-1 inch slices. Refrigerate until serving. Before serving, let sit until room temperature.
       



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    Wednesday, April 24, 2013

    Spring Fling, Day 3: Low-Cal Lemon Cornbread Cookies

    This week, I'm doing something I've never done before! Woo! From April 22nd to April 26th, Julie of Natural and Free and I are hosting a Spring Fling via a great little link-up party! Link up anything spring-- recipes, crafts, gardening, spring pictures... If it's spring-related, we want it (just no giveaways or other link-up parties, please)!

    On April 27th, we will each feature our top three favorites! There is no limit to how many posts you can link-up, so feel free to bring on the Spring fever with your amazing posts! We can't wait to check them out!
    This week, I'm going to be posting a lemon-flavored recipe a day. I don't know about you, but nothing says "Spring" like lemon! On Monday, I shared a recipe for to-die-for Lemon Creme Oatmeal Bars. Yesterday, wrote about Lemon Pepper Roasted Walnuts. Today, a sweet and savory recipe!


    Please note, this is not my original recipe. I found it on MyRecipes.com and it originated in Cooking Light.  The edits are mine. Each cookie is just 55 calories (which is awwwwwesommmmmmme). I sent these to John as a breakfast option, but you can also eat them as a snack or even with a bowl of chili. Yeah, they're that versatile!
    You'll Need:
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt 
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 
    • 6 tablespoons butter, softened 
    • 1 large egg 
    • 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind 
    Directions:
    1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
    2. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife. Combine flour, cornmeal, baking soda, salt, and ginger. Combine sugar and butter in a large bowl, and beat with a mixer at medium speed.  Add egg and grated lemon and beat. Add flour mixture to butter mixture by increments until blended.
    3. Spoon about 1 1/2 teaspoons batter 2 inches apart cookie sheets. Bake 12 minutes or until lightly browned and almost firm (I found that this took about 10 minutes. 12 minutes turned them into brown disks.).




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    Tuesday, April 23, 2013

    Spring Fling, Day 2: Lemon Pepper Roasted Walnuts

    lemon, pepper, lemon pepper, roasted, walnuts, nuts, deployment, navy, sailor, military, soldier, care package, care, package, send, mail, recipe, kitchen, ovenThis week, I'm doing something I've never done before! Woo! From April 22nd to April 26th, Julie of Natural and Free and I are hosting a Spring Fling via a great little link-up party! Link up anything spring-- recipes, crafts, gardening, spring pictures... If it's spring-related, we want it (just no giveaways or other link-up parties, please)!

    On April 27th, we will each feature our top three favorites! There is no limit to how many posts you can link-up, so feel free to bring on the Spring fever with your amazing posts! We can't wait to check them out!

    This week, I'm going to be posting a lemon-flavored recipe a day. I don't know about you, but nothing says "Spring" like lemon! Yesterday, I shared a recipe for to-die-for Lemon Creme Oatmeal Bars. Today, a more savory, lemony recipe!

    If you're a regular reader, you already know that I've been trying to send healthy, homemade snacks to John. I've sent him a lot of different nut mixes over the past 10 1/2 months. These are my own creation. I'm fond of them, but after trying them, John said he was partial to the cinnamon sugar nut mix I sent earlier this month. Try it for yourself and see which one of us has the better taste! 

    You'll Need:
    • 3 cups raw, unsalted walnuts
    • 1 egg white
    • lemon pepper spice mix to taste (at least 1 tablespoon)
    Directions: 
    1. Preheat oven to 300 F. 
    2. In a large bowl, beat egg white until it is bubbly and the white is broken up. Add nuts to bowl and mix until nuts are evenly coated in egg white.
    3. Mix in lemon pepper until nuts are evenly coated.
    4. Spread onto a cookie sheet and bake at 20 minutes without stirring.





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    Monday, April 22, 2013

    Spring Fling, Day 1: Lemon Creme Oatmeal Bars

    oatmeal, lemon, creme, cream, bars, cookies, recipes
    This week, I'm doing something I've never done before! Woo! From April 22nd to April 26th, Julie of Natural and Free and I are hosting a Spring Fling via a great little link-up party! Link up anything spring-- recipes, crafts, gardening, spring pictures... If it's spring-related, we want it (just no giveaways or other link-up parties, please)!

    On April 27th, we will each feature our top three favorites! There is no limit to how many posts you can link-up, so feel free to bring on the Spring fever with your amazing posts! We can't wait to check them out!

    This week, I'm going to be posting a lemon-flavored recipe a day. I don't know about you, but nothing says "Spring" like lemon! I'm starting with my absolute favorite: Lemon Creme Oatmeal Bars. 

    I took these little babies to school at the beginning of the year and was asked by multiple people for the recipe. The thing is, it's really an easy recipe, with a delicious result. (And it makes you look like a baking genius!) 

    I found this recipe on Just Call Me Maria. It's not my recipe, however, I'm posting it here with my edits. If you want a completely from-scratch recipe, mosey on over to her blog. I am not posting it here simply because I didn't try it out.

    You'll Need:
      oatmeal, lemon, creme, cream, bars, cookies, recipes
    • 1/2 cup butter
    • pouch Betty Crocker oatmeal cookie mix
    • 1 egg
    • 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
    • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
    • 1/4 cup lemon juice
    Directions:
    1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
    2. In a large bowl cut butter into the cookie mix.
    3. Stir in the egg until the mixture is crumbly.
    4. Press half of the dough into the bottom of an 8 x 8 greased pan and bake it in the oven for 15 minutes.
    5. In a small bowl mix the sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice until thick and combined.
    6. Spread lemon mixture over baked crust and evenly crumble remaining dough on the top.
    7. Bake another 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let cool and refrigerate until set. Store in the refrigerator.

    So, what are you waiting for? Grab a badge, get linking, and tell your friends! The more the merrier!

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    Thursday, April 18, 2013

    A Springtime Care Package

    Today's care package doesn't have themed contents... it's just a pretty box.  

    That's all. There's no story to regale you with. 

    But, in case you're wondering what's inside..
    • medium Starbucks coffee blend
    • peach applesauce
    • single serving packs of wasabi soy almonds
    • single serving boxes of kid's cereal (Who doesn't love Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch?) 
    • cinnamon granola peanut butter
    • Bear Naked single serving granola packs
    • a package of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
    • about 10 letters (Ever since one of my June letters showed up in Afghanistan in December, I've made it a point to save my daily letters and put them in care packages. They get to John faster and-- knock on wood-- not a single package has gone missing (although some letters have).)


    And there it is!

    Now, for some up-coming, exciting news... My friend Julie (who blogs here and here)  and I are having a Spring Fling next week! If you have any spring related posts, link up with us starting April 22! (And just wait until you see the spring recipes I've got in store to share with you!)

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    Wednesday, April 17, 2013

    Firmoo Sunglasses (Review)

    I really dislike contacts, but with our wedding, honeymoon, and other special events coming up, I've gotten a year's prescription so that I can be glare-free and squint-free. I have prescription sunglasses that I normally wear outside and while driving, but I have no regular ones. When Firmoo contacted me to review their glasses, I just knew I had to try out non-prescription sunglasses! 

    Firmoo is an online, reputable glasses store. You can order prescription lenses with any of their frames; conversely, their frames also can be ordered as non-prescription fashion wear.  They have a first-pair-free program, where you can literally order your first pair of glasses for free to try them out. If you don't like them (I know I'm always nervous about things I buy but can't try on), they have a refund/exchange policy that you can utilize.

    Usually I stay pretty conservative with my style choices. I'm a classic girl-- every since I bought pink painter's pant in college (and was ridiculed by a professor), I've just stayed to the classic cuts and colors. But, I really fell in love with these glasses. I could see myself on our honeymoon, on the beach, soaking up the sun in them.

    The website is easy to navigate and it was fun perusing the different styles-- there are a lot of them! I received the glasses in a reasonable amount of time; however, when I tried them on, I realized that they were a touch too big. Well, really not a touch. I look ridiculous in them. On the model, I thought they were great! But I'm happy with the way I feel in them-- I really do feel sassy in them! It's other people's problem when they have to look at me wearing them. And I'm hoping that when John and I are on our honeymoon, he'll be so excited to be in the same zip code with me that he won't notice that I look just a tiny little bit like an alien.

    I was compensated by Firmoo.com with a free pair of sunglasses and shipping. The opinions are solely mine and are not influenced by Firmoo.com.
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    Tuesday, April 16, 2013

    Be the Mr. Rogers You Wish to See in the World

    I was fifteen when I watched the Twin Towers fall on TV in Mr. Hunter's English 10 class. I was old enough to understand human suffering and death, but too young to truly empathize. Yesterday at the gym, I watched the horrible footage of the aftermath of the bombings at the Boston Marathon finish line and I choked back tears on the elliptical. In the cloud of smoke and haze, in the moments of uncertainty, people dashed forward without hesitation. People lifted twisted metal off the hurt. People ran with wheelchairs to retrieve victims and returned to ferry others to safety. And (it chokes me up to even think of it), runners crossed the finish line and kept running to hospitals to give blood.

    This humble, stalwart bravery is nothing new-- for every massive, violent act we witness as a nation, we see also see a greater, more fearless response. It happened September 11th, it happened in Newtown, it happened in Littleton, and in countless other places. But this time, for a reason I cannot name, those images of people running into the unknown have touched me more deeply and profoundly. 

    Judging from the ubiquitous postings of support and heartbreak on social media, the actions of those brave responders have had the same effect on my friends and those I follow. One only needs to look for Fred Rogers. More than any other figure, Bible verse, or quote, Mr. Rogers and his faith in finding helpers in difficult situations surfaced time and time and time again on every social media site to which I subscribe. 

    Mr. Rogers was-- and continues to be-- a quiet force of good, even during dark times. A steady, unwavering beacon of hope. He is the very best of what humanity can be: genuine, caring, with an unshakable moral center. Through the magic of television, he continues to reassure us and explain difficult and sometimes scary moments with grace. When I first saw the meme on a friend's wall, I commented sadly and without irony that "The world needs more Mr. Rogerses." It seems that that sentiment is all over the United States tonight. We need Mr. Rogers today. We need his empathy and kindness. We need his steadfastness.

    So, today, be Mr. Rogers for someone. Even if it's for just one person. 

    Treat everyone as your neighbor.

    Love someone who is unlovable or difficult. Love them anyway. Love them unconditionally. 

    Tell someone that you can see an inherit worth in them, even if they cannot see it themselves. Even if no one else can see it. Even if what you see is just a very small, very miniscule glimmer deep within them.

    Treat someone with dignity, regardless of their position or what they can do for you. Don't ignore the janitor. Say hello. Smile. Nod. Acknowledge their humanity.

    Stand up to an injustice. Speak for someone whose voice is weak or silent.

    Offer kindness to someone. A handshake to someone who is lonely. A granola bar to someone who is hungry. A smile to someone who is sad.

    Share something with one who has nothing. Don't think about the reward, material or otherwise.

    Thank someone to whom gratitude is rarely shown. Take cookies to your local post office. Tip the waitress who knows your lunch order by heart more than you normally do. Write a letter of compliment about the cashier at your grocery store's excellent service and make sure the manager receives it.

    Ease someone's burden, even if it makes yours temporarily heavier. Give someone the chance to rest.

    Accept someone who is different. Don't worry what others may think or how it may affect your reputation. Reach across whatever divide separates you from them.

    Pray for someone. Really pray for them and mean it.

    And don't stop with today. Be Mr. Rogers for someone else  tomorrow. And the next day. And the next. Kindness and good works will never completely expunge the darkness from our broken world.  That doesn't mean we should give up; darkness can only exist where there is an absence of light.  Light as many corners of our world as possible.

    And make every day a beautiful day in your neighborhood.
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    Monday, April 15, 2013

    Sponsor Spotlight and Tax Day Giveaway!

    April is halfway over! How exciting! By now, you've seen the fantastic ladies and their fantastic blogs that are gracing Jo, My Gosh's! sidebar this month. They've come together to offer you an opportunity to win a fantastic prize pack that will definitely take the edge off of Tax Day!

    Take a few minutes, check out their blogs and enter this month's giveaway!


    Meet Lee Anne from It's A Want

    It's A Want began with one woman's frustration for online shopping. There needed to be one place where women could go to find the best of what's out there. It's A Want features daily posts on the hottest items in clothing, shoes, accessories, bags, home, beauty, and fun. We know what is popular and we know what women want. Maybe you can't have it all, but you can WANT it all!





    Meet Jen from Marine Wife, Mommy & Life

    Wife to a Marine, mommy to two rambunctious boys and a crazy German Shepherd. Former and veteran Marine, stay at home mom, strong small business supporter. Coffee addict, lover of antique books, coins, guns, football, jewelry and shoes!









    Meet Miranda from Hurry Up and Wait

    I'm a small town Minnesota gal about to embark on life's greatest journey as a college graduate and Marine wife!








    A vegan mom blogging about being a mom and living as naturally and eco-friendly as time, money and life will allow! 




     

    Meet Abbey from The Makings of a Mess

    My name is Abbey and I blog over at The Makings of a Mess where I fill you in on my everyday life which consists of working with the silliest kindergarteners, my handsome boyfriend, a good book, and a whole lotta Netflix. I enjoy a nice cup of tea, Target and TJ Maxx, warm weather, and relaxing. Come check out my blog and say hello! I love getting to know new people out in Blog Land!




    Meet Jenni from A Dash of Sunshine


    My name is Jenni, and I blog over at A Dash of Sunshine! I like to share my day-to-day ramblings, pictures of my favorite almost three-year-old, and the occasional recipes I am cooking up!









    Meet Natasha from Natashalh

    I love creating things! When I'm not busy with work or my double load of grad school classes, I'm writing, taking pictures, creating items for my Etsy shop, attending craft fairs, and sending long emails to my submariner. 






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    Sunday, April 14, 2013

    Cherry Blossoms and #72

    Things that are exciting: checking another item off my 100 in 365 list. And yesterday, I did just that!

    Despite living in Baltimore for almost five full years and really wanting to go, I had never been to the Cherry Blossom Festival. It's too easy to put these things off until "next year." 

    And even this year, even with the list, I didn't commit to going until a few minutes before my dad and I jumped in the car and headed down to the nearest Metro station.

    It was a great day-- we saw parts of the Cherry Blossom parade, walked around the rim of the Tidal Basin, saw a ton of tired, cranky kids and annoyed parents, tried to figure out why some people decided to dress as sexy anime characters (what?), and ate street food sitting on a curb. The best thing though, was that I got to spend some quality one-on-one time with Dad. Sappy, maybe, but true.

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    Saturday, April 13, 2013

    Military Books for Your Military Relationship, Series Wrap-Up!


    I woke up with The Final Countdown stuck in my head. That's because today is the wrap up of this weeks'  series! 

    Being a bibliophile, I love hearing about new books and receiving suggestions. I got a ton this week from all over. I haven't had a chance to read (or even get my hands on) them, but I know they're awesome from the enthusiasm and reviews that came pouring in! And, after looking over this list, your memory is jogged, send me a comment, email or Tweet and let me know which books have helped you out!

    If you missed the first three installments, go check 'em out here: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. (Really, what are you waiting for?!)

    Reader Suggestions
     












     

     Thank you to everyone who read, pinned, suggested, and commented! You made this series a success!

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