P a u s e .

Photo: Blue Mountains, Australia

S  o  m  e  t  i  m  e  s  //

          it's so easy to keep to yourself and stay in your own little world.  However,there 
          is so much more out there. There is so much we can do to change others' lives.
         These things can be so simple!  I know that I need to get better about getting
         out of my box and getting to know others and helping them.  So today I took 
         action.  There are always people selling newspapers on the street corners of 
         Nashville.  I pass them by everyday and they are always there selling papers.  I 
         never take the time to give them a dollar for the paper.  How simple is that?? 
         Today I walked by a lady selling those papers.  I told her I would buy one from 
         her on my way back to the office.  I also asked if she wanted something to 
         drink.  It was so hot out.  She wanted a Gatorade.  I bought her a Gatorade and 
         gave her money for the paper and some for her.  I am writing this to share 
         about giving to those in need.  I want to inspire you to get out of your comfort
         zone and help others.  It can be so simple!  The lady's name was Jamie.  I hope 
         to see her again sometime!  

          

                               the greatest of these is   L   O   V   E. 

                                                                                                      [1 Corinthians 13:13]

Handmade Envelopes

I have been wondering how to put some of my random scrapbook papers to use. I found this idea on Pinterest and decided to try it! It's super easy and turns out great! I apologize for the pictures not going the right direction, I uploaded these from my phone and couldn't flip them around.

Basic envelope I already had -- unfolded it 

Traced the envelope onto cardstock to make a template

Traced around the template onto scrapbook paper

Collection of hand-made envelopes!

Enjoy! 

Sibling Surprise

Surprised my brother at the Indianapolis airport a couple weeks ago! He returned safely and in one piece from his semester abroad in Australia! He took classes towards his major of wildlife biology at Purdue. He studied in Yungaburra, Queensland which is up near the Great Barrier Reef. He had a wonderful time abroad and I am so proud of him for doing it! Enjoy the pictures! He truly had no idea I was going to be at the airport. It was so fun to see his reaction!

First hug on U.S. soil since Australia! 

Siblings happy to be back together

Check out the awesome sign 

Indy car in the background -- wonder where we are!? 

My lovely family back together again

The first thing Matt wanted was Steak 'n Shake drive-thru

The next day we celebrated his 21st birthday... just a month or so late! 

Brother & sister lovin'! 

Dad and Matt on Matt's very belated birthday

Matt opening presents

Matt got a game that he played during his time abroad

Present from me!

Free liquor in the bow

Thrilled

Mom observing everything!

Dad watching 

Little shot glass from Miami! 

Salmon Salad

Yes, this is another Pinterest recipe! Recipe can be found here. I will also list it below as to how exactly I made it (I left some ingredients out). 

Ingredients:

6 C water (hopefully you have this)

1 lb asparagus, trimmed & cut into 3-inch pieces

1 C uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta)

1 (1 & 1/4 lb) skinless salmon fillet (or you can get the salmon with skin like I did & peel it off!)

1/4 t salt

1/4 t black pepper

cooking spray

1/4 C thinly sliced red onion (I used a white onion)

lemon-dill vinaigrette (I used oive oil vinegar & lemon juice)

Steps:

1. Preheat broiler (setting on your oven!)

2. Bring water to a boil in large pot. Add asparagus and cook for 3 minutes. Remove asparagus from water with tongs & plunge into ice water. Drain & set aside.

3. Return remaining water on stove to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package (leave out salt & fat). 

4. Sprinkle fillet with salt & pepper. Place fish on foil-lined pan coated in cooking spray. Broil 5 minutes.

5. Break fish into large chunks. Combine fish, orzo, asparagus, onion and lemon-dill vinaigrette in large bowl (I did not have dill on me so I left it out -- I would recommend trying it with the dill for more flavor). 

6. Enjoy! 

Cousin Picnic

Had a wonderful day this past Thursday spending time with my cousins and their babies! Went to Taylor's for a picnic lunch outside in her backyard. Wally wanted to be the center of attention, haha. We went to Jeni's [sidenote: Jeni's has some of the best ice cream in Nashville] for ice cream after our little picnic. I had Savannah Buttermint and Dark Chocolate ice cream. It was delish. Enjoy the pictures! Isabella loves taking "selfie" pictures on my iphone because she can see herself in the camera! It was quite funny!