Doing It All

Today I’m linking up with Andrea and we’re sharing our struggles. This one I’m hoping I’m not alone in but also something I struggle with on a daily basis: Wanting to do it all.I’m a teacher, wife, friend, daughter, blogger, volunteer at church, and free-lance writer. I cook, clean, go to the gym, and so on. I’m not saying this because I want you see all the hats I wear because I know there are a lot of people who wear many more than I do and less as well. But I think as women, we generally struggle with the to-do list in our mind that never stops. Throw in my Type-A, perfectionist personality and some days some tears just have to be shed.Although the shadows I identify with are all really great things, it doesn’t change the fact that it can be overwhelming when they are all pulling for your attention. (And we don’t even have kids yet, I know!) Throughout the craziness I lean on the verse above and remember that my identity really needs to be found from above, in Christ. My sole purpose as I encounter all the situations and people who I am with each day is to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Is it easy? Far from it. Am I grateful that I lean on that and my relationship with Christ? More than words can say, yes. I love gaining wisdom from others on what helps them manage it all.

My question for you is: How do you manage and continue to ground yourself each morning and moment when you feel like you are being spread thin and wanting to do it all?

My Favorite Chicken Salad

My Favorite Chicken Salad-- Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comMy Favorite Chicken Salad--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com My Favorite Chicken Salad--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com Am I the only one who associates chicken salad with every picnic, luncheon, or any party/get-together for that matter?! It makes perfect sense though since it feeds a large crowd and is easy to make. I’m a little picky about my chicken salad though. I like it to have the right proportion of everything and the crunch factor is a must!

The other week, I had some extra chicken left over and threw it in the Crock-pot with no plan of what I was going to do with it. Until…I started craving something chicken salad. 🙂 I love that while the chicken cooks away, I can prep all the other ingredients without having to keep an eye on it. Plus, I feel like everyone is always trying to find an excuse to use their Crock-pot more. It’s simple, tasty, and can be catered to exactly how you like it! This is my personal favorite combo, (hence the name) 😉 but add more of this and that if you need to! 🙂My Favorite Chicken Salad--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com My Favorite Chicken Salad--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com My Favorite Chicken Salad--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com


Ingredients:

  • 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless, chicken breast
  • 2. Tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 cup cup mayo or veganaise (if you add veganaise, you may need to add just a smidge more!)
  • 1.5 cups red seedless grapes
  • 1 and 1/4 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup organic spicy brown mustard
  • 1 Tbsp cumin
  • S & P to taste
  • Red leaf lettuce
  • Croissants


What to do:

Place the chicken breasts and coconut in the Crock-pot on high for 2-3 hours (or until chicken is fully cooked). Shred and cool. Once the chicken is completely cool, in a large bowl, add all ingredients and mix until all remaining ingredients are combined. Cut open the croissant and add one leaf of lettuce. Scoop chicken salad into lettuce and dig in!

The combination of the red leaf lettuce and croissant make it one of my favorites and complete the dish! Give it a try. 😉

*Make one large bowl*


 

Friday Favorites

Well, the first full week of summer is in the books! It was a busy, relaxing, and fun week! 🙂 I hope you and your family have the best weekend ahead!

One.I used to own a frother that was similar to this. But one night I got over ambitious and it didn’t end well. 🙁  After making matcha tea this weekend, I really wanted to order another one and try it out. This one got great reviews and works like a charm. Plus, it’s so inexpensive! It just makes your average cup of coffee or drink extra fun. 🙂

Two.So many feelings in one little post right here. 🙂 These rings are a new favorite.

Three.

As I started to compile some more recipes for an e-book…I wanted to ask all of you what you want to see the most. Main dishes? Side dishes? Snacks? Drinks? Leave a comment or message me with which you want to see the most of!

Four.This candle seriously smells like my Mom’s kitchen..and now mine too. 🙂 Antique Candle Works did it again. I love their candles!

Five.On Wednesday, I went to target to pick up five things and couldn’t find hardly any of them. So what did I do? Naturally I went to the clothing section and stuck a few things in my cart. Ha! I love my military vest and wear it a lot, so when I saw a similar version of it in jacket form, I had to get it. Bonus: It was on sale for $7! I couldn’t find the original one online but it was a combo between this and this! Hopefully your local Target carries it also! 😉 If not, check out these cute ones: One. Two. Three.

7.17.15

Our wedding day really was everything I imaged and more. I feel blessed beyond belief, thankful beyond words, and more confident in God’s timing than I ever have been. You have probably seen the long and short of the story of Eric and I on here a time or two but reliving it often, especially as an anniversary is approaching, feels like an essential.

About three months into dating, the idea of marriage slowly snuck into our conversations. It became something that we talked about more as the months went on, and 11 months into dating I was surprised with what I thought was breakfast, and turned into a, “Will you marry me?” There was no question in my mind that this was the right decision and I am grateful each day that I said, ‘yes.’

One of the most difficult parts of our relationship though was living a distance apart. We savored the weekends and spent almost all of them together. Sunday evenings and the goodbyes were never easy but leaving little love notes to each other became our thing until the next time we would see each other. I started writing him little sentiments on a post-it note but fell short one time when I couldn’t find anything but a thank you card. Somehow, it seemed fitting as I rambled on about all of the things I am thankful for that he encompasses and does. From there on out, a lot of our notes were written on thank-you cards and it was no surprise (and also the sweetest thing-ever!) when Eric wrote his vows on a thank you card for our wedding.We’re coming up on two years of marriage and to say I’m over the moon about him doesn’t do any justice. Things have only gotten so much better with time and I love doing life with him. I wanted something to wear to celebrate two years of us. Since I wear my bar necklace and ring all the time, I thought an engraved ring with our wedding date would be the perfect touch! I also added this stacking band for fun. If you need a reason to celebrate someone you love, there are endless options you can find here. 🙂

 

*Thank you to Jessica N. Designs for sponsoring this post and providing the rings. Opinions are 100% my own.

Friday Favorites

Today is the last day of school! I am SO ready and cannot believe it is actually here! 🙂

One.If you watch my Instagram stories you have seen my love for matcha lately. I ended up getting this brand because it got great reviews and is organic matcha. (Which is really important for the nutritional value). I was a little uneasy about trying it but it turns out I have had it every morning this week in place of my coffee!

I’ve heated up a little water, coconut milk, a teaspoon of matcha, and a tablespoon or honey. It’s delicious!

Two.I know I talked a few weeks ago about all these one piece swimsuits:

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve….

…and then I came across this one. 🙂 I love all the ones I linked to but also can’t wait to get this one in the mail!

 Three.

I plan on laying by the pool tomorrow which is one of my favorite things!

Four.My Brighten-your-day Smoothie!

Five.Earrings / Charm Bracelet / Nautical Bangle / Sandals / Dress / Necklace / Ring

Last year I talked about my summer style a few times. As I’m headed to CT for the weekend for a bridal shower, I realized some of summer staples still remains the same and my favorites. Of course I have added a few new pieces for the summer that I am really excited about but I also love a long, black dress. 🙂

Happy Friday! I hope it’s the best one yet! 🙂