My Citrus Mint Water Recipe

 Happy Tuesday, my friends! I am going to talk about infused water. I have been really into putting fruit and even some mint in my water. I want share some of my recipes with you. There are some great ones on Pinterest if you want to check them out. The beauty of adding fruit to your water is the added benefits your adding to your water. You can also add of on thing and less of another. It's a healthy detox and is so good. I am going to share with you my Citrus Mint Water today!


  Citrus Mint Water

 

To get started this is my fruit and herb. I want share with you the health benefits of the ingredients. It's good to know what your putting into your body as much if not more so then what you put on it. So without me rambling on let's get into it!

 

• Mint

1. Digestion
2. Nausea and Headaches
3. Respiratory Disorders and Coughs
4. Asthma
5. Depression and Fatigue
6. Skin Care and Pimples
7. Allergies and Hay Fever
8. Weight loss

There are some other things as well. Click here to read more about mint.

• Lemon Water

1. Sore Throat
2. Kidney Stones
3. Aids in Digestion
4. Boosts Immune System
5. Helps Lower Stress and Blood Pressure
6. Balances pH
7. Detoxification
8. Skin Care

You can read more about lemon water here.

• Oranges

1. Indigestion
2. Bone Health
3. Heart Diseases
4. Influenza
5. Skin Care
6. Acne
7. Cold
8. Fever

You can read more on oranges here.



Now lets get to the easy part; making it. To figure out how much of what you are going to need, you'll need to put it in something. I just use a tumbler and put the fruit and mint right inside with ice and the water. I just refill it with water through out the day. I'm the only one who drinks it so I don't make a big batch.  It also has a lot to do with preference. You can add lime, but since I'm not a huge fan of lime so I decided to take that out.

For a medium sized tumbler, I used:
2 slices of lemon cut in halves
1 slice of orange cut in half
5 fresh mint leaves ( you can use less, I just really like the mint flavor!)

First I put some ice and water just covering the ices. I then put my first lemon slice that I cut in half in and put two mint leaves on top.

Then, the first half of my orange slice and the last slice of lemon ( cut in half) and two mint leaves.

Lastly, I add my last half slice of orange and my last mint leave and add water.

That is all it is. Super easy and super good! It's super good and it's organic.

It's also very pretty to look at! If your into infused water share your favorite combo!

~ Brandy

Frozen In Time

  
Would you like to know what I have on my handy flash drive? I am actually surprised I have been able to keep this secret for as long as I have. Mainly because I about exploded out of excitement when I found what I did. With any good secret there is always a story that goes with it. So I am just going to start of from the beginning and then you can join me in my excitement.


 When my Uncle Ozzie and Aunt Diane passed away ( he passed January 2014 and she August 2014)there was the process of going through their things. My Uncle took not just a ton of videos, but a ton of pictures. I volunteered to sort through the pictures and video. When I sort, I mean sitting at my TV, at the laptop, going through disks and disks of pictures. I knew he had my Poppy's WWII pictures and I started to look for them. I got very frustrated when I couldn't find those pictures! I ended up popping a disk into my TV and didn't just find those pictures but landed on the mother load of old family pictures! I was beyond excited to find these treasures. Blessed to have been able to put them on such a little device for me to have and pass on to my future babies... I will finally be able to have on of those old fashioned fireplace mantels filled with old pictures. I treat these like I'm Gollum and their the ring ( bonus points for you if you know what I am talking about!!) I want to share some with you. I have really gotten into looking into my family history and it's been fun pointing faces with the names. With that said, I am going to be putting a watermark on the pictures I will be sharing and ask that you respect that these photos are not just mine but they belong to my family. Please don't take any photo without my permission. Thank you!

 

Don't you just love old photographs?! It is amazing to think that these are moments that are frozen forever. Makes me want to do better in taking pictures!

 

~ Brandy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Weekend In Pictures

 Happy Monday! This past weekend was relaxing. I wanted to share with you what my weekend was like in pictures that I took. 

• Cracker Barrel Date •

 

• Saturday morning coffee and some morning workout relaxation • 

• Saturday afternoon spent at my Grandmothers •

How was your weekend? 

~ Brandy

Tough Season, But Learning

     Good morning!


I am in a couple of seasons right now in life. Anyone else? I have been questioning myself and what I am doing. Then when you add the TTC journey, and little things scattered in the mix. I felt like I was going around and picking up the pieces. The more I tried to pick up, the worse it got. God then put it on my heart that I wasn't trusting him. Does anyone else get those chills like the ones you get when someone drags their nails along a chalk board? Let's be honest. I haven't really fully trusted Him. I think we all have those moments. So I decided to detox my heart. I am fasting from Facebook, and I will say that since deleting the app from my phone, I have not missed it. I have been loving having one less thing to "check". I also decided that even though I have been on the TTC journey since October, that I needed to take a step back and take care of me. I want to get my heart back on track. I want to be able to love people the way Jesus loves me. I want to love myself the way I am. I want to enjoy the journey of trying for a baby, not dread each month that doesn't work out. I think those of you who are dealing with TTC struggles can understand. Each month has been heartbreaking. Each month I have tried and prayed and pleaded. I took a pregnancy test about a week ago. I was praying and I got to a point where I started to utter the words " Did you forget about me God?". It is so easy to get to that point. That's when I realized that I just needed to take a couple of steps back. Because I have not been forgotten by God. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV) " He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from the beginning to end." I don't fully understand why I am going through the season I am. But God does. Not one part of this journey has been wasted or was an accident. It is so hard to see that at times. Yet as I have taken one distraction out and taking care of this heart.

  No matter what season your going through, you have not been forgotten. Whether your single, wanting a baby, waiting for that dream job, going through medical issues... No matter what your going through, you have a God that is for you. You have a purpose here. What you learn in this season, is really up to you. We can reach out for the hand extended to us, it's there. We just need to take it.

Through this journey, God has been putting some things on my heart. I have been able to focus on what it is that God is telling me. Now I am in the praying stage for a special project God has put on my heart. In some ways I have been using the past few days to allow God to take hold of my heart and tell me what it is. It's nothing huge, it's something that is so simple and in a lot of ways fitting. I have had this on my heart for awhile now, but it was in the last couple of days that a fire has been set and I am praying for the fire to spread. I will share when I feel that I have things in place!

I am praying for you. I am praying for whatever season you are in that God will just cover you in His presence!

~ Brandy

My Weekend In Pictures

   Happy Monday! Is it really March 30th? Since it's Monday I wanted to share with you something that I think would be fun to do on Monday's. My weekend in pictures. So here we go!

 Friday was date night! We went to Red Robin. I love going to Red Robin with Colin. I was also there on Sunday and got the same thing pictured above! I got the Whiskey River BBQ Chicken sandwich. So good!

 Same day: I found this gem! Came with a poster, not bad for $8!!

 I had to try the Birthday Cake Frappe from Starbucks! So sad it's only limited edition, cause it was so yummy!!

 I was sitting at my desk when I look over to see my sweet little Carmen looking at me. Ever since she saw the cat do it, she has been sitting, standing, and sleeping on top of the couch. I think she loves seeing everything that's going on.

So there was my weekend! How was your weekend?

~ Brandy

A Few Of My Favorite Things... Spring Edition!

  I want to share with you favorites lately. I miss doing these posts. Come to think about it, I don't even know why I stopped. So let's get started!



* She Reads Truth

I was on Instagram and noticed that some of the women I follow on Instagram were talking about the She Reads Truth app. I went and downloaded it to check it out and I am SO glad I did! They have great plans available. Some are free and some you can purchase. Affordable and easy, but they go deep. The first plan I did was the Hymns 5 day plan (free, in case you want to check it out!) I am on Hymns 2 and so far I am loving it! I recommend the app to every woman. The devotionals are so good. You can find it in the App store ( iphone users) and Goggle Play (android users) the download is free! If you already use the app, leave comment below with your thoughts!


* Glee

*photo credit Fox

Well folks, Glee is over. I'll admit it. I cried. Not only cried but probably close to balled. The ending was beautiful, and they gave Rachel Berry her happy ending. All of the characters ended up living successful lives, and it was an emotional experience. Did anyone else get the major feels when Rachel sang This Time? It was such a beautiful way for her to have her moment. Look at all the things that she had went through, from falling in love with Finn, going on Broadway, Finn's death. The song I felt was her way of putting Finn in the memory box so she can move on. She was never going to forget the memories she had, but there comes a time where you just need to move on with life the way that person would want you too. So you may not get any spoiler alerts from me but I am going to share the song. It was beautifully written. This Time <---- Click there to watch the song.

 * Songs on Repeat

1. Glee
Nothing to really say here. LOL I have been listening to a lot of Glee. Nothing has changed.

2. Ever Be -Bethel Music
I love the We Will Not Be Shaken by Bethel Music, but this song in particular has been on repeat. It's so simple but it's powerful.

3.  He Stopped Loving Her Today by Cody Wickline
I saw him perform He Stopped Loving Her Today ( cover of George Jones) on The Voice for his blind audition. LOVED IT! He's got an old country sound.. I love old country.

4. Come As You Are by Crowder
I have been loving this song! Just go listen to it, if you haven't.

* Scents
I got two fragrance mists from Bath and Body works. They smell amazing. Makes me excited for summer to come. I don't know about you but the thing that has kept me warm during this chilly Maryland days has been planning vacation and smelling like summer! Here are the scents that I am loving:

Endless Weekend

Lush Pink Dragonfruit

                     


So those are my favorites. What are your favorites?


I am going to try and put up my list of recommended books today. I need snap the pictures and then I will hopefully have them up. If not today then tomorrow! I hope you all have a lovely day!

~ Brandy

A Letter To My Future Daughters ( If I am Blessed with Little Girls)

    I just came back home from seeing the movie Cinderella. First off I loved it1 The little girl in me loved seeing one of my favorite princess movies come to life on the big screen. Don't even get me started on the dresses!

 I loved the message in the movie; Be Kind, Be Courageous. There was forgiveness, kindness, accepting who you are and hope in believing. I could not help but think that if I were to be blessed with daughters I want them to know not only to always be kind, and to willingly forgive others that have wronged them. But to know that they are loved and cherished.

Even though I don't have any little girls (yet, Lord willing) I want to write this note for them. and even if I don't ever have little girls, I pray this will bless you and your little girls.

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Dear Daughter(s),
         I pray that you know how beautiful you are. That you are comfortable with who you are, no matter what anyone else thinks. You are a princess, not only in the eyes of your Mom and Dad, but in the eyes of a loving God who gave His Son to die in your place. I want to share with you my heart for you.

Always be kind. It doesn't matter who you interact with, I pray that you will extend kindness to them. Even if they are mean to you, still treat them with kindness. It is hard, and there are going to be people who will treat you unkindly. That should never be your excuse to treat anyone with unkindness. The world we live in sadly encourages unkindness. There are going to be people who are different, believe differently, you may even disagree with someone. Still treat them with kindness. Even Jesus was kind to those who hated Him.

Always be brave. Being courageous is not always the easiest thing. Especially if you are scared. You are going to face trials, and seasons that will be scary. I pray that you will meet challenges head on with courage and grace. God will never allow you to go through anything that he doesn't think you can handle. He will never abandon you nor will He forsake you.

Forgive those who do you wrong. It is hard to forgive those who have hurt you. However, forgiveness is a powerful thing. Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. Also forgive yourself. There may times where you have felt like you have failed, or let us down. You must not let Satan use it to hang over your head. Seek forgiveness and remember that God forgives you as well. Asking forgiveness is hard but it is worth it.

Marry not only for love, but marry someone who loves you for you. You were knitted together by God, and every bit of you was not an accident. I pray that you find someone who loves you for all you are. There is only one you and no one can take your place. The man that loves you for you, will not want to hide your light, will help you achieve your dreams, and will love you as an example of how Christ loves His bride. He won't be perfect, and there will be dreams that may not play out the way you hoped. The man you are meant to spend the rest of your life will dry your tears and treat you like a queen. Treat him as a king. Love him for who he is, and the way God created him. Don't seek to change him but learn to love him just the way he is. The way he was knitted together was not an accident either, and when God wrote his story who were already thought of. Trust God in your marriage, always!

Know you are worth much more then you think. You are a precious treasure. You have a place in this life. You are not only apart of my story or your dad's story. You have your own story that God is writing. It may not look like you will have a happy ending some days, however if you put your trust and faith in God, happy ending's are actually just the beginning of something wonderful.

You will always have your mom and dad who love you. As well as a God who loves you even more then you can ever imagine.

Love always, Mom

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I highly recommend the movie! It had some life lessons that are important, and it was nice to see a movie that was stunning. I hope you all have a wonderful night!

~ Brandy

TTC Update #2

   Sorry for my two posts being TTC posts, but I wanted to do a quick update.

I thankfully got my visit from Aunt Flo (hello new cycle). I was a little disappointed, at the same time I also felt relief because I didn't have to deal with the torture of waiting. I have been trying really hard to maintain a pretty healthy diet and stay in shape. Then it will be on to next month and to see what happens. This has been a journey so far, that is for sure. Tears shed and moments of just complete frustration. However I am always reminded of Hannah in the Bible in these moments. There are times where all you can do is go to the altar and tearfully and passionately pray. In the KJV bible in 1 Samuel 1:15 Hannah corrects the priest by informing him that she isn't drunk but a sorrowful spirit. Not that I am constantly in a sorrowful spirit. There are times in this journey where I have had to stop and just give myself a moment. In those moments it's the best time to really pray for a refocus. It's not always the easiest prayer to say, but I don't want what is suppose to be a joyful time be anything but joyful. If that makes sense.

I am thankful that I am surrounded by those that love me and when I finally get my BFP, I know that everyone will be so happy. I am blessed to be apart of a loving family and that my future babies will be so loved.
I know this is super short but I hope you all have a blessed evening!

~ Brandy
 

Let's Talk TTC

    So, I am going to be doing something different here on the blog today. I am going to start doing TTC updates. For those not familiar with what TTC means it means Trying To Conceive. I am just going to take some time and just talk about how I am feeling and what my thoughts are at the moment. I am going to get real personal here. Just warning you now!!


Any way, lets jump in. As of right now the past year or so my cycle has been really irregular. It has been a cause of concern as of this past month. I have been "trying" since October. I have the word trying in parentheses because we haven't really been trying but not doing anything to prevent it. Now obviously I haven't gotten pregnant so far from trying and if it was a matter of trying and my period showing up on time and not irregular I really wouldn't worry about it. However, my period has been the opposite of regular. Last month for example. I thought for sure I was pregnant. I was two weeks late, even had what I thought was pregnancy symptoms. Then when my period finally came, it became obvious that not only was I not pregnant, but my cycle was way too irregular for me not to try and seek answers. I am still looking for some answers. This month I am already two days late. I am waiting to see if I miss it completely. If I haven't started my period and I take the pregnancy test and I get yet another negative, I will be going and figuring out what, if anything is wrong. I'm not going to lie, it makes me nervous. You don't want to think there is anything wrong. I'm not saying there is, but I also want to brace myself for the just incase. I trust God with my whole heart and He will carry me through this. What I have changed is my diet, and making sure that I continue to do my yoga practice. I am trying to make sure I continue to eat healthy and exercise. I will keep you updated on how the test comes out!

I hope you have a blessed day. And if you are TTCing whjy don't you leave comment about your journey so far?

~ Brandy

Jamberry Review!

    I am really excited for this post! It is such an honor to do a review for my Insta-friend Elicia!

 I met Elicia on Instagram through the Friday Introductions hashtag. If you follow   Hayley Morgan from The Tiny Twig and Jess Connolly from Jessconnolly.com on Instagram you know all about Friday Introductions. I have met some awesome bloggers from this hashtag. 

  If you are not familiar with what Jamberry's are let me give you brief description: Jamberry's are non-toxic nail wraps that last for 2 weeks on finger nails and 6 weeks on toe nails. 

Up until this review I had never used Jamberry until this past week. I love the Essie nail polish but I am pretty low maintenance when it comes to my mani's. For the review, I cut one of the samples in half did my ring fingers with Jamberry and did the rest of my nails with my Essie nail polish. So I could see the comparison.


*The Application:

  So I was given two samples, Mad Mod and Sunday Brunch. I decided to go with Sunday Brunch and I decided to pair it with Essie nail polish in Tart Deco. There are two ways to heat the nail wraps with your blow dryer or with one of those cute and handy Jamberry heaters. I used my blow dryer, and it literally took less then a minuet to apply the wrap. It was enjoyable. It didn't smell, it was easy. the longest part of my manicure was doing my nail polish. Seeing the difference in just the time it took to do the nail polish. Below is the pictures of both hands after I was done. 

(Left hand)

(right hand)

Did I mention that you don't have to worry about ugly nail jobs? I am horrible at painting with my left hand! Already I was hooked on these nail wraps! They were super easy and super cute!

*Living with Jamberry

These cute little Jamberry's took a beating. ;) I cleaned with them, I cooked, I did yoga, a soak in a hot bath, and from taking care of dogs and a cat. As well as doing praise books for church. It was interesting how even after a week my nail polish is cracked and well ugly. While the Jamberry's still look amazing. Thankfully during my review Colin's cousin Megan was having her Jamberry launch party on Facebook. I found it helpful to learn about the company and the product. I will now post my one week photos below.

(left hand)

(right hand)

As you can see my Jamberry's are still looking really good for being on for a week. I have also become a huge fan and ordered a couple of sheets from Megan. I highly recommend them to every woman and they have some really cute ones for little girls. Yet another reason for me to be tickled pink to have a girl first when the time comes! Thanks so much to Elicia for giving me the opportunity to do this review!

If you would like to know more and/or shop for your own Jamberry's go over to Elicia's website http://www.eliciashepard.jamberrynails.net/ . :) There are so many cute wraps to choose from!
~ Brandy

*disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this review are of my own. :)

My Yoga Experience

   Happy Sunday! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. I felt like today would be a good time for me to finally talk about yoga. I have been wanting to write this post for a long time. I think it has been a matter of having the time to sit and really talk about it, as well as finding the words. I started doing yoga when I was about 18 ( I think??) and honestly I think the reason why I got scared off was because there were certain religious points used in yoga that didn't line up with my Bible. Some may argue that I should really focus on the fitness part. But when you look at the meditation part of yoga, for myself personally, it's easier to be a part of a yoga class that lines up with what you believe. I have done yoga at home off and on. Then I discovered Holy Yoga. I attended my first class and I was hooked. I love being able to meditate on scripture and worship, and be encouraged to do so.

   Since making yoga a more regular part of my daily routine, my allergies and my asthma as well as my back pain are under control. It has encouraged me to have a healthier life style as well. My quiet times have been sweeter. It has been monumental in my journey to being still.


 There is something rewarding about unrolling your mat and stretching. While I'm stretching I like to focus on the worship music that is playing and really think about the words. Praying the words and actively seeking God. I want to share with you the website for Holy Yoga here. For you to learn more about what Holy Yoga is all about. I think it is super important to take care of our bodies. Through eating well and being active. Yoga promotes good sleeping habits, and getting rid of those nasty toxins that are being hoarded in our bodies. We are living in a tech savvy world, and with the that comes the price on aching necks and fingers. As a blogger, I do spend a lot of time at the computer and on my phone. So taking the time to take care of  myself really helps keep blogging something I enjoy!

I know this is a short post, but I am so glad that I was able to share with you a little bit about yoga and why I love it. What about you? What are favorite forms of exercise?

~ Brandy

The Season of Learning

      I am in this season of learning at the moment. I have been wanting to just learn and soak up advice and teaching. Kind of like standing knee deep in the ocean and feeling the waves crash up against you. For a bit you try and fight against being knocked over by the waves. However there comes a time where your tired of trying to stand against the waves and you allow the waves to knock you over. Well I have been knocked over and I am allowing the waves to just crash over me. It's not a bad place to be, but more about allowing God to take control of the things that I just can't handle.

This morning I read Exodus 14:14 " The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (NIV)

I started the journey of learning to "be still" to help with my anxiousness. It has been a long journey that I am still on. A couple of years ago I listened to Noel Piper on being still and quickly realized that in the midst of doing what God has called me to, there are moments where I do need to be still and listen before proceeding forward. It's not a matter of not taking action. It more about knowing when you need to stop and raise you hands and pray. Sometimes we need to admit to ourselves that we are nothing without the love and power and strength of Christ. I love the song In Over My Head (Crash Over Me) by Jenn Johnson of Bethel Music. I wanted to share the most of the chorus with you:

Then You crash over me and I've lost control but I'm free
I'm going under, I'm in over my head
And You crash over me, I'm where You want me to be
I'm going under, I'm in over my head
Whether I sink, whether I swim
It makes no difference when I'm beautifully in over my head

I want to encourage you, if you feel the waves wanting to knock you over. Allow them too. God may need to work on your heart and the only way is to let go. Why don't you join me and let's float in the ocean together an allow God to work on our hearts.

~ Brandy

Hello 2015!

   It has been so long since I have posted, and I am sorry for that! I have had so much go on and before I knew it the month is coming to a close. Since I have been gone for a bit I decided to just share with you what my month has been like.

Colin was licensed to preach at the beginning of the month. I am so thankful for all of the people who have prayed, and encouraged us through this new season that we have embarked on! We are blessed beyond measure. Colin and I are both excited for the future that God has planned for us. I was given this beautiful frame from my Pastor's wife and friend. I am excited to enter the ministry.

 On the 17th I had attended the Dare To Be conference. The theme was Wear Love Out. It was a wonderful time of worship and learning. God spoke to my heart and I left that night feeling so uplifted! I recommend this conference! I have started the devotional and hope to talk about it once I have finished.

 

 

 We had some snow and Colin made it a date and went to Starbucks and dinner at Cracker Barrel. It was nice and quiet. a wonderful time for the two of us to talk and dream. All while eating amazing food! It is so important to continue to date after marriage and I love date nights!

 

 

 

Bethel Music came out with a new CD and I love it! It has been my favorite CD to listen to right now.

 I have loved doing yoga. I discovered Holy Yoga a couple of months ago. It incorporates scripture and worship music while working out. It has helped me with mediating on scripture. Not only this but it has helped with my back pain, asthma and allergies. I have also used this time to pray more as well.

 

 I have been loving making my salads with spinach leaves instead of lettuce. I grilled up some chicken and used organic shredded cheese and organic croutons. It has been a great healthy lunch this past week.

 
They said we were to expect a blizzard and it didn't happen. I am so looking forward to summer and for vacation. I am looking forward to warm weather again!

 After waiting so long, I finally re-dyed my hair. I did a soft black (sorry that the picture isn't the best). I am so happy with the color and I think I will stick with it for awhile.

 

 

I think that now that we have caught up, we are going to need to talk more often. ;) I am looking forward to this new year of blogging and I pray that God will use this blog to bring Him glory!

 

Love, Brandy