Book Reviews: Summer '21 Edition
As some of you may know, I am in the process of trying to get a book published. Obviously a big part of that process was actually sitting down to write my book. I worked with a writing coach and was told early on that I needed to be reading as much as I am writing. This was an adjustment as I normally only averaged 1-2 books per year. I'm proud to say I've gotten much better and am able to read a book every couple months or so. Even with that progress, I have to admit I was a little nervous when I found myself signed up for not one, not two, but three book clubs over the Summer!
Splitting A Bee Hive & Bringing Home Bees!
I am not exactly sure when I decided I wanted to keep bees someday. I do remember when I first learned about how important bees are to our food system. Without bees, we would likely lose entire links to the food chain. Our precious earth would struggle even more to feed all of its inhabitants. As scary as that is, and even with as long as we've known it, we are still managing to kill off the bee population in droves. Between pesticides, pollution, and even construction - these busy beauties are having a hard time. If keeping a hive on my land could help keep up their population numbers and help pollinate my crops, then why not?
Our Home & Farm Pallet Wood Designs!
If you're on Pinterest or follow home design trends at all, then you know that pallet wood projects are hugely popular. Pallets are just so versatile! You can simply leave them in their pallet form and paint them as a decor piece. Or you can disassemble them and use the wood for countless projects. This is typically what we do. My family and I happen to have a really good hook up with consistent, large pallets. If you're looking for the hook up, I suggest searching online on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. You can also simply drive around your town looking for places that have pallets out by their dumpster. Many times you can approach that business about taking their pallets off their hands! If you're feeling really brave, you can ask that they call you going forward anytime they have pallets. Hook up secured!
Book Teaser: Announcing "Crooked Paths Straight"
If you've been following me on social media then you may have caught that I am in the middle of trying to get a book published! I am holding out for a traditional publishing deal, but I am also considering other publishing options. For now, I wanted to share a little about my overall vision for "Crooked Paths Straight." The title is based on Isaiah 45:2 where God says, "I will go before you and make the crooked paths straight."
1 Year Later: What Quarantine Taught Me
Listen to podcast episode here!
For most people here in Kansas, sometime in March 2020 marked the beginning of all the lockdowns and restrictions. When I first started taking notes for this post, we were only about a month or so into quarantine. My notes kept growing as I kept thinking, "I don't want to post this while I'm still in quarantine, I want this piece to be a look back on my complete quarantine experience." Well, here we are one year later!
Behind The Scenes Of My Former Life
One day over a cup of coffee my new friend asked, "So do you think this town is a good place to own a business?"
I took a long pause as I thought back over the past few years. I had opened and had been operating a small digital marketing firm in "the biggest small town" in South Central Texas. It was fairly successful, but it had come with costs."
On paper, I think this town has all the resources needed for a new business to be very successful. But in reality, it's not exactly a fair playing field." I replied."
Our Late Dog Wesley: A Cautionary Tale
Okay friends, between Vegas and wine tastings, my last few posts have been fairly fun. I am afraid I have to bring us down a little this month, but I promise I am only sharing to help spare another family from heartbreak. If you aren't one for sad stories, then I suggest you skip this post altogether or skip down to the pet health and safety tips. Also, please note that I am not a veterinarian or animal medical professional. I am simply sharing what we learned in an effort to spare you some mistakes.
Inside My Intentional Kitchen Design
If you follow me online at all then you likely saw my kitchen remodel reveal. We took out an entire wall, so of course the before and after pictures are impressive. But there are a lot of other intentional details that went into the design that I want to share with you.
Navigating Adult Friendships
Guys, making new friends as an adult is hard. Making new friends as a wife and mother is even harder. I have stayed in toxic friendships for years because it honestly felt easier than cultivating new friendships. In the past, my husband and I struggled to find even just one couple we could both connect with and that was in the same life stage as us. And what about once you’ve made a new friend? Once the “honeymoon stage” has worn off and you’re dealing with real life issues, how do you navigate the complexities of keeping a friendship?
My Personal Redemption Story
I recently did a bible study through If:Gathering called, “Redeemed.” This study was all about looking at how God has impacted your life, writing it out, and sharing a story that will glorify God. So, here goes…
Introducing... LOXLUX Jewelry! (Also Farm Update + Note On Wood Chips)
I have to admit that I am historically not one for too many accessories. For example, I used to only buy bags and shoes in black or brown. My thought process was that if I am going to spend money on an accessory, it might as well go with everything in my closet. Nowadays whenever shopping for accessories I ask myself, "can I wear it with at least 3 pieces I already have?" In my opinion, this is a great question to ask yourself, especially if you are on a budget.
Happy Homecoming: Derby, Kansas
A few months ago, I shared my family's heartbreak at a real estate deal gone wrong that shattered our dreams of homesteading. Since then, with the help of our friends at church, we turned to the Lord and asked him to reveal his will to us. It only took a couple days of intentional prayer before my husband said to me, "I believe the Lord is redirecting us, and telling us that it's time to move closer to our family in Kansas."
City to Homestead: A Family's Dream Stalled
This is not the post I thought I'd be writing. I thought I'd be writing to tell you that in a just a week's time, my family and I would be moving out onto our own perfect piece of the Texas Hill Country to begin our next stage of life. I wish I could tell you all my feelings about the real estate deal that fell apart...but for now I will just share those thoughts with Jesus (and my therapist) in hopes that they subside.
A Note About Being 2nd Generation Mexican-American
This post comes as a result of growing up a light skinned Mexican American and after many conversations with close friends and family members of similar heritage. When #blacklivesmatter started trending, I set out to understand the struggles of African Americans and figure out what I could do to help. I was surprised to see that in some documentaries and articles, the black and brown struggle were grouped into the same plight.
Hometown Disillusionment - New Braunfels, Texas
It's no secret I moved around a lot when I was younger. But to my memory there was no sweeter a time than growing up and being a teenager in New Braunfels. From early morning taco runs before school to late afternoon floats on the river after school, I have many fun memories. Even though my family ended up moving to Kansas around college age, I always said that when it was time to settle down with my own family I would come back to New Braunfels.
Hello World!
Except not really, more like hello my one or two readers. But still, hello! Pardon my blank space as I get this whole thing up and running.