Q2 Book Review

June 8, 2021




This quarter of books went from nay to yay! I started questioning my book picks as a whole once I began reading Dear Edward but then became more relived about my choices as I read on. You may have noticed there's 4 books shown instead of 3 and that's because my 3rd book ended up being a different type of read so I had space for another novel. The 4th book was a cherry on top of all the picks! I am so excited to share my thoughts from this round-up. 





Dear Edward is not what I was expecting. In fact I was borderline disappointed. Here's the thing.. I read on one of my favorite bloggers (shout-out to Shay Shull) that this book was one of her top 3 from the whole year and this lady reads like 50 books a year. My expectations were high! Shay has never led me astray with her book picks but alas this one just didn't make the cut for me. 

This book is about a young boy who is the sole survivor of a plane crash. Throughout the book we toddle back and forth between real time pre-crash and what's happening with Edward post-crash. To me it was character overload! I could not keep up with everyone's individual story from the plane. But I was glad to finish the book and say I stuck it out...? Ha! I'm so confused by how beloved this book is and I need to know if anyone felt the same about this highly appraised book?!?



Everything Beautiful in it's Time is a lovely memoir about the Bush sisters growing up with the grandparents and how they shaped who they are today. I thought the book fell a little flat and jumped around a lot, but Jenna Bush drives home the verse from Ecclesiastes, "He has made everything beautiful in it's time." Through life's joys and heartaches we become changed for our good if we allow it. This story made me realize how much we can glean from our grandparents. As an adult I now long for those conversations I could've had as a kid with my grandparents, gleaning from their stories, memories, and wisdom. 




Foundations is not what I expected in the BEST WAY. I had no clue this would be more of a tool versus a book to lead our family with. If you have been looking for ways to create space to worship as a family this is the book for you. There are 12 chapters, each with a key truth about God, that are set up like a devotional to lead and connect your family's hearts to the heart of God. Troy and Ruth Simmons are the real deal and understand that this is not a behavior changer, it's a way to lead by example. To set a table for your family and let them see your relationship with Him. For our family I see us using this as a chapter a month and then restart the book for years to come! 


Bonus book!



The Last Letter From Your Lover is AWESOME! I first saw this was going to be a film starring Shailene Woodley and Joe Alwyn so naturally I was interested in reading the book. For starters, I love a good twist and turn book that ties up everything at the end. It starts out in the 1960s and ends in 2003. The book is based around a London-bred societal woman who lost her memory in a car accident and is rediscovering pieces about herself that was triggered by a love letter she found hidden in her house. These love letters are the bread and butter of the book and hold so much power. A must read!


Share your thoughts if you have read any of these picks or if you are intrigued! Book talk just makes my heart happy. 

Next up:
July- 28 Summers


September- American Dirt

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Go-to Summer Meals

June 1, 2021

Photo source via Half Baked Harvest


We have been LOVING eating meals on our patio this year. Dinning alfresco brings me some type of serenity even though there's two kids who like to pop my bubble of zen with their constant requests and complaints. :) 


Meals during the summer have to be along the lines of simple, quick, and refreshing. And bonus points if I do not have to use the oven! 

I have rounded up our go-to summer recipes (outside of burgers and hot dogs) that are nothing short of delicious. Enjoy!


Hawaiian Shrimp Tacos There's nothing like a fresh pineapple in the summer. 

Greek Chicken Orzo Bowl SO refreshing and simple. Tip: make your own Tzatziki sauce using greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic and dill. 

Kale Salad with Peanut Dressing You have me at peanut dressing, mmmm! 

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta This pasta dish is light and flavorful. Did I mention it only uses 1 pot? Easy clean up!

Sheet Pan BBQ Pizza Keep it simple by using a pre-made pizza dough. Or make it healthier by subbing a cauliflower pizza crust.


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May Goals

May 11, 2021

 


Taking a tip from the goal-guru herself, Lara Casey, and creating space for this month to be about the essentials. Compared to past months my tending list for May is brief! This is an intentional reminder for me to hone in on some goals I want to see come to fruition. 

Likewise in my own backyard garden, I am beyond excited to transplant my seedlings outdoors, and let that space teach me whatever will come from digging in the dirt in hopes of a harvest. Looking forward to inviting the kids into nurturing these baby plants alongside me. 

Here's to (slow) growth.


Revisiting April goals

Read Everything Beautiful in its Time  Picked up a new slogan here when life gets in the way-- "Happy days!"
Finish reading A Shepherds Look at Psalm 23
Book flights for early summer trip
Clean out coat closet  que the music.. "so fresh and so clean, clean"
Hunker down on bedtime routine for J (grace not perfection!...still going for it)
Prepare seed-sowing (bring on the flowers!) seeds sown and now we wait

May goals
Transplant seedlings after last frost
Seek out a PT recommendation
Read Dear Edward
Listen to my body (move/stretch/rest)
Practice centering prayer (helpful tool I plan on using)
Daily bible reading/finish Leviticus
Create consistency for Jack's bedtime
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Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

May 6, 2021


Hi my names Courtney and I have an addiction to cookie dough. It all started as a kid when my mom let me lick the batter off the beaters and here I am now doing the same with my own kids. We'll chalk it up as part of our family legacy. Pretty solid legacy if you ask me. 

My true indicator if a cookie will be good is if the dough is good. And let me tell you how insanely scrumptious this cookie dough is!! Like you'll never guess this dough does not have butter in it. Instead it's made with coconut oil and if I am honest.. it's the bomb.com. I love you butter but you're not needed here. So yes go ahead and trick your mind into thinking these butter-less cookies are a better for you and eat another 3 cookies in one sitting. I am right there with ya. :)

Not a coconut fan? Omit the shredded coconut! Still just as yummy with only a subtle sweet flavor from the coconut oil. And if you are a coconut fan buckle up for you are going to travel in your dreams to a tropical oasis as you bit into these gooey treats.



coconut chocolate chip cookies
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs at room temperature 
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1.5 cups semisweet chocolate chips 
1.5-2 cups shredded coconut (optional)

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees 
 
2.  In a mixing bowl, use a mixer to beat the the coconut oil and brown sugar.  Add in the eggs and beat until fluffy.  Add in the vanilla extract. 
 
3.  Add in the flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder  in small increments until all the flour is incorporated.  Add in the chocolate chips + shredded coconut and mix well.  
 
4.  Drop by small rounded spoons onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 8 – 9 minutes or until slightly browned around the edges. Let them rest on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before removing to rack to cool completely.  


Is your mouth watering yet?! Enjoy!

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