Far better things ahead...

Words of wisdom on a Wednesday.

 Although there are no words to truly provide comfort in the wake of Fridays events,

 I still want to share this quote because I just can't quite bring myself to do a "real" post yet. Friday hit me hard, as it did most. I found myself retreating inward into a land of thoughts, questions, and raw emotions. Honestly, I'm still processing. I know it will take time.

A few years ago when I worked in a boarding school counseling office, 

our psychiatrist once said how amazingly resilient children and adolescents can be. Perhaps as adults, we can learn to be too--in our own way.

Prayers and thoughts to all who are suffering. 

White bean & kale stew....

I wish I could say that I made this stew on a chilly winter day, but the truth is that its warm here again. Seriously? #freakyweather

This recipe is from whole living mag, which can be found here. For some reason I thought this stew may turn out to be rather bland. It was everything but. Very delicious. Super easy {took less than 20 mins. total} and packed with nutrients! 

The recipe makes 3-4 servings, so I plan to be munching on this for a few meals this week!

Also, on a side note, did you know that kale actually offers more calcium than milk? Apparently, the calcium in kale is more absorbable by the body. Who knew?

Winter wardrobe inspiration......

*All photos compliments of Pinterest* 

I'm in winter wardrobe wishland today! Maybe because the weather is finally cooler here, or because I just winterized my closet. Regardless, here are a few things I am loving for winter this year.....

1. Classic combos--neutral blouse and black skinnies

2. Fur {faux, of course!}

3. Indie accents

4. Gold accents {& dots, I'm still obsessed}

What are y'all loving for winter right now?


Also, I had too much fun making this little collage. Nerd, I know.

Cinnamon Almond Coffee Cake....

A little Thursday treat....cinnamon almond coffee cake! I found the recipe over here, 

which happens to be dairy and gluten-free. I more or less have to stay away from dairy, 

but have only just recently started to try a low gluten diet. 

Cake turned out delicious! Next time I will probably use a little more flour, 

and less baking powder. 

Happy Thursday!

A few DIY projects......

 This week I finally got around to completing a few DIY projects. Most of them I already had planned to do at some point, but I got swept up in the DIYing and ended up creating a few more, like the sign below.

I love being able to recreate and repurpose!

All in grace sign for our bathroom. Done with chalk on black construction paper. I already had the frame from T.J. Maxx. 

P.S.- I am addicted to TJ's frames, and their lamps, and their mirrors. 

Well, most of their home goods really!

Repainted 3 brown baskets a greyish/brown combo for the linen closet. 

Here are the 2 smaller baskets. There is also a larger one not pictured below. 

Extra bonus that both of these projects took me less than 30 minutes!

Gifts that give back....

Mulu scarf from FashionABLE. Creates sustainable business for women in Africa. 

Gold bracelet from Overstock. Handmade by immigrant workers in a 

small shop in San Antonio, TX.

Moisturizing lipstick by Radiant Cosmetics. Helps raise awareness for 

human trafficking and resources for victims. 

Manly scented candles by Man Can. Made inside a real soup can, 

the soup is first donated to a soup kitchen. 

Knit hat by Krochet Kids International. Empowering the women of Uganda and Peru.

Organic baby clothes by Baby Teresa. For each baby outfit sold, 

they donate one to a baby in need.

Eco toothbrush from Smiled Squared. For each toothbrush sold, 

they donate one to someone in need. 

Ok, I seriously had fun finding these products! Just ask the hubs, as I excitedly told him about each product I found. He needs to be educated too, right? So, maybe a few will land in my stocking this year??!!

But, seriously, who knew there were so many companies out there selling great things for such great causes! I love it! 

Also, I must mention that the creator/owner of the Man Can company started his business at 13!!! Anyone else now feel like they are underachieving?? Must.go.start.saving.the.world.company.now.