About Stephanie Spring

http://stephanie-spring.com

I love early mornings and Jesus, cooking and coffee, navy blue and white stripes and traveling.

Posts by Stephanie Spring:

DIY Orange Garland

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. Rewind to mid-November when I text our realtor about a house that we fell in love with. A few days later we went to see it. Then, we found ourselves back again for another visit. And by that night we put an offer on the house. Two days later it was ours. Ours. This dream house right before the holidays. Waving goodbye to what we’ve known and ushering in the new.

Between a new home at our fingertips, a six month old and all the joys and newness that six whole months vibrant personality brings, and trying to savor the holiday season, the thought of to-do lists and enjoyment have collided this holiday season. But here’s the thing, this December may be the craziest one to date but I don’t think we’ve ever experienced such an abundance of love like this either. Since it’s Capri’s first Christmas we agreed that some decor should and would make an appearance, even if it was only for a short time. So even though our halls aren’t fully decked, that’s okay. Even though gifts are under a fake tree right now, that’s okay. Even though boxes look like they are the star of the show, thats okay because it gave me the perfect opportunity to stop, pause, and reflect on the true meaning of this season and to slow down. And even though the glitz and glam of it all isn’t present decor-wise, the other night I envisioned something simple, cozy, and welcoming that I couldn’t shake and had to recreate. A few days later I found myself buying some oranges, playing Christmas music and soaking up this season as I strung dried oranges on some string.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________Simply preheat your oven to 200 degrees. Slice (very thinly) the desired amount of orange slices you want to string. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place orange slices on sheet. Place in the oven for about four hours or until dehydrated. Once dried, poke a hole in each orange slice and string through. I like this string the best. Hang with greenery or by itself.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Also, don’t forget about this giveaway! Only a few more days to enter! xo

Chicken and Kale Soup

Chicken and Kale Soup--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comIt has been raining so much here. All I want to do is cozy up with a big ol’ cup of soup and watch a movie. Oh wait, that’s what I have been doing. 😉 To be honest, I was never really a soup person (I can’t remember if I told you that little secret on here before or not). It’s not that I didn’t like it, I just didn’t crave it. Call me crazy but it’s true. But something within me has switched lately and all I want are warm soups on the stove, simmering as I wait for Eric to walk in the door for dinner. This soup recipe is fun to make and just the scene in my head alone makes it feel cozy all around! Oh, did I mention it’s delicious?!Chicken and Kale Soup--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com Chicken and Kale Soup--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com Chicken and Kale Soup--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comChicken and Kale Soup--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comChicken and Kale Soup--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com

Chicken and Kale Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 4 carrots (peeled and chopped)
  • 3 kale leaves (torn into pieces and stems removed)
  • 1 small yellow onion
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 Tbsp chopped garlic
  • 1 quart chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp ground thyme
  • 2 Tbsp EVOO
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a dutch oven pour one tablespoon EVOO on medium heat. Add chicken.
  2. Turn occasionally to avoid burning and let it cook until it is no longer pink.
  3. While it is cooking, chop the carrots, onion, garlic and tear kale leaves.
  4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the dutch oven and set aside. Do not rinse the dutch oven! This will give the soup so much flavor!
  5. Add one tablespoon EVOO and add garlic, carrots, onion, and bay leaf.
  6. Sauté for 8-10 minutes or until tender.
  7. While the vegetables are cooking, shred chicken. Be sure to stir the vegetables occasionally to avoid sticking.
  8. Add salt, pepper, and thyme to vegetable mixture.
  9. Cook for another two minutes.
  10. Remove bay leaf.
  11. Add stock and water and bring to a boil.
  12. Add chicken.
  13. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
  14. Add kale until soft (about two to four minutes).
  15. Remove from heat and serve!
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by Yummly Rich Recipes
https://stephanie-spring.com/chicken-and-kale-soup/

The Most Wonderful Time of The Year Giveaway

When I asked my friends and family what giveaway they were most likely to enter, I got the same resounding answer..”Anything from Urban Southern!” And I hear you! Guys, I could go on and on about these ladies and the bags/products. From the sweetest, most personable owners, to the best bags, I love this company! I have talked about their bags before but I’m just going to add two more cents about them for now. I have three of their bags and they have been, hands down, the most durable, versatile, and beautifully crafted bags I have ever owned. And I don’t say that lightly. It is by far one of the most asked about pieces I have ever carried and I respond with a huge smile because I JUST LOVE THEM! In the spirit of the most wonderful time of the year, I’m teaming up with Urban Southern to give one winner a free Ruby-Wristlet Wallet in the color of their choice!

Enter the rafflecopter below, making sure you follow all the steps to be qualified to win. The giveaway will close on Monday, December 10th and the winner will be announced here on December 11th. Be sure to check back and good luck! xo

In the meantime, sign up for Urban Southern’s newsletter to receive 10% off and cross some Christmas presents off your list!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Cookie Favorites

I’m always on the hunt for new recipes and ideas, especially this time of year. I don’t think I’m the only one in this scenario, specifically when it comes to Christmas cookies. Who doesn’t love a good Christmas cookie? I thought it would be fun to compile a list of YOUR favorite Christmas cookies to gain some inspiration from others suggestions and recipes. So the other day on Instagram I asked what your favorites are and you delivered! I listed 20 suggestions/recipes for you to try this holiday season! So as you sip some coffee and go down memory lane of some of your most memorable flavors and recipes wrapped up in a cookie, add some new ones to your list and start baking! 🙂

  1. Shortbread Cookies
  2. Chocolate Chip Cookies
  3. Hermit Bars from the Lemon Bowl
  4. Peanut Butter Blossoms
  5. Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
  6. Gingerbread Cookies
  7. Sand Tarts
  8. Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies
  9. Molasses Crinkles
  10.  Popcorn Balls
  11. Sugar Cookies
  12. Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
  13. Lemon Cookies
  14. Dried Cranberries Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies
  15. Snickerdoodle Cookies
  16. Russian Tea Cakes

Also this baking mat is SO nice for baking and clean up!

 

 

November 2018

Somehow it already feels like Thanksgiving was forever ago and it should already be December. Either way, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas might possibly be my favorite time of year. I’m soaking it all up and reliving our November with you. 🙂

What we’re eating this week:My Grain Free Granola for breakfasts and snacks and then……we had my Sausage, Potato, and Leek Soup for dinner!

What I’m reminiscing about:Almost exactly a year ago we announced some big news! 😉 

What we’ve been up to:And now a year later, she was dedicated at church. Life is so crazy and amazing!

What I’m dreading:

Nothing!

What I’m working on:

A meal plan for you! I can’t say exactly when it’s coming but it is! 🙂

What I’m excited about:

                               

 One of my co-workers got the book The Pout-Pout Fish for Capri. Eric and I always quote it because it’s just one of those cute books that get stuck in your head. Fast forward to trying to stock up on some holiday books to have out for Capri (I know she’s so little but it will be fun in the years to come) and as I was shopping I randomly spotted The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish! I had no idea this book even existed!

What I’m watching/reading:

Home Alone 2! It beats the first Home Alone every time! 

This month I finished up a women’s bible study where we read (and watched) Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. I’ll keep it short and sweet by saying this study is life-changing is so powerful!

What I’m listening to:

Still this. All day long.

What I’m doing this weekend:

Getting together with friends, family, and doing holiday things. 🙂 

What I’m looking forward to next month:

A giveaway is happening on Monday! Be sure to check back.

Hint: A lot of you had said you would want something from this place. 😉 

What else is new:

I’m slowly but surely moving my recipes here so be sure to follow along. I also got Facebook back if you want to follow along there too!

Follow me on Bloglovin and Pinterest also!

2018 in review:

October 2018

September 2018

August 2018

July 2018

June 2018

April 2018

March 2018

February 2018

January 2018