Giving Thanks

I am so overwhelmed by the countless blessings I have in my life. Today was a day to remember and reflect on many of them. I am so so thankful.

1.  A Loving God

2.  Freedom

3.  Parents that show me unconditional love. They are my biggest supporters in this life.

4.  Sisters. My greatest friends.

5.  My friends. They are spread out across the country but you know who you are. Thank you for investing in my life.

6.  Being an Aunt. It is one of the greatest joys of my existence.

7.  Coffee. It may seem small but trust me...it's not:)

8.  Being a Registered Nurse. I get the special opportunity to be a part of people's lives in some of their greatest and worst moments. I am a part of their story in those instances and it is an honor and a privilege to care for them in that time.

9.  Traveling with Mercy Ships to Haiti in December 2011

10. The opportunity to obtain my Master's of Science in Nursing at Duke University.

11.  Moving to the beautiful area of Raleigh, NC.

12.  Cupcakes. A Given.

13. Whole Foods

14. Hot Yoga

15. Hiking

16. Laughter

17. Good Wine

18. Literature

19. My Reality TV Musts

20. Fashion (My Ann Taylor Loft Card)

21. Gchat. Ability to see my loved ones that live far away

22. Heart to Heart Talks

23. Grace and Mercy

24. Compassion

Family... it has many meanings. My family brings joy, comfort, strength, wisdom, and dependability to my life. I had the special opportunity to skype with my sisters and their beautiful children. These qualities were exemplified in the time I spent seeing their adorable faces. They bring me such contentment and happiness.  I cannot wait to see these precious little ones grow and develop as they continue on their journey in life. I am one blessed Auntie.

Things that inspire me....

A church at sunset.

God, you continually remind me how incredible you are and that your love is enough.

Thank you for that sweet promise that remains true in my life.

Should I or Shouldn't I????

Sweet.

Adorable.

Fun Loving

Comforting.

Unconditional Love.

But.......

Vet Bills

Food Expenses

Shedding

Kennels for when I travel

Apartment Pet Deposit Fee

It is nice to have the dream of owning a pup. It gave me joy in the moment and that for now is all that matters.

Care Packages of Love and Delicousness

Last week I had a few days off from work and the wonderful opportunity to do something I love....BAKE:)

I knew whatever I baked I would therefore consume....... pretty much immediately......yeah:)

 So, I decided to whip up some lovely treats and send them to my family in Atlanta and Boston so that they could share in the deliciousness...is that a word? It is now! 

I love the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin (you get the idea) baking in my kitchen with Pandora playing softly in the background. It is a comforting feeling that brings me joy.

I have recently discovered a fellow baker's blog, Joy The Baker. She and I would be friends if we ever met. I am certain of this. She has amazing recipes on her blog and I have started following her as if we are best friends. Best food friends...:)

As I was baking this week for my family I was reminded of how blessed I am to have each of them in my life. Family is a constant in my life and for that I am grateful.

Vegan Pumpkin Cranberry Apple  Pecan Everything Bread

(Inspired by Joy the Baker)

makes one 9x4x3-inch loaves (and it freezes well!)

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cups whole wheat flour

1 cups light brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree, or just under two cups

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup water

1/2 cup chopped pecans plus 8 pecan halves

1 heaping cup fresh cramberries

1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled and cored and cut into small pieces

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Place a rack in the center of the oven.  Grease and flour two loaf pans (mine are 9x4x3) and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together flours, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices.

In a medium bowl, carefully whisk together pumpkin puree, oil, maple syrup and water.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and use a spatula to fold all of the ingredients together.  Make sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl well, finding any stray flour bits to mix in.  Fold in most of the chopped pecans, cranberries and apple chunks.

Divide the dough between the two greased pans and arrange pecan halves on top of each loaf.  Sprinkle loaf with cinnamon and granulated sugar if you’d like.  Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.  Remove from the oven.  Let rest in the pans for 20 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack.

Cool completely before slicing.  Slice into thick pieces and serve.  Maybe even wrap one loaf up in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for future munching.

Super Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

(Inspired by Joy the Baker)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup canola or corn oil

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chocolate chips, or any chip you like

Position a rack in the middle of the oven . Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and butter the paper.

Stir the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices together in a medium bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the eggs and sugar until smooth and lightened in color, about 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl as needed during mixing. On low speed, mix the oil, pumpkin, and vanilla until blended. Mix in the flour mixture to incorporate it. Mix in the chips.

Using an ice cream scoop with a 1/4-cup capacity, scoop mounds of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies at least 2 1/2-inches apart. You could also simply use a 1/4-cup measuring cup if you don’t have a scoop. Use a thin metal spatula to smooth and flatten the rounds.

Bake the cookies one sheet at a time until the tops feel firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry, about 16 minutes. Cool them on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then use a wide metal spatula to transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool cimpletely.

Dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar. The cookies can be stored in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

A Beautiful and Precious 7lb 7oz Miracle

November 12, 2011 7lb 7oz.

Welcome Eden Mercy Hall.

I am overwhelmed with absolute joy and love for this little girl. 

I am so honored to be her Auntie. 

Eden means "Delight". 

Delight truly embodies her name and the blessing that she has already been to my family and I.

Eden, know that you are loved and cherished.

Carpe Diem.....Seize The Day

Passport..... Check!

Flight Booked..... Check!

Camera.....Check!

An Expectant Heart.....Check!

Another Spontaneous Adventure.....Double Check!

Port Au Prince, Haiti: December 3, 2011

Something New

New Restaurant.


Unique Menu.


Quirky Decor.


Terrific Company.


A Quality Night.