A Personal Shopper ~ Stitch Fix!

I've been talking to several of my close friends about how I actually enjoy shopping for clothes now, but to find the time to do so is such a challenge.  Plus I get so frustrated going from store to store and from one dressing room to the next.  Some of the items are a little expensive but I also factor in the fact that I saved on fuel, time, meals and additional unnecessary impulse buys of traditional shopping!  I also have absolutely no fashion sense and definitely need some help in that department.

After reading a blog post written by Candace Cameron Bure (DJ from Full House) about the company Stitch Fix, I was SOLD!  Here's how it works:

1.  You sign up and provide them information regarding your size, body shape, style preference, the type of items you're looking for, your preferred budget by item type, etc.  The more information you provide, the better experience you have.  You can even give them the link to your fashion board on Pinterest so that they can see the outfits/style that you like!

2.  You then schedule a 'fix.'  This requires a $20 design fee, which can be deducted off of your purchase on an item(s) in your 'fix.' You can also decide on the frequency of your 'fix.'  It could be monthly or it could be a couple of times a year, it's entirely up to you!

3.  Then the fun begins!  Your personal shopper at Stitch Fix picks out 5 items based on the information you provided.

4.  Once you receive your fix you have 3 days to try on the items with other items in your closet (in the comfort of your own home) and decide what you want to keep (oh, and it's free shipping both directions).  My first fix consisted of a necklace, a pair of skinny jeans, two tops and a sweater/jacket.

5.  You also get two styling ideas with each piece, which is what I so desperately need!

6.  Then you log back into Stitch Fix and check out.  You decide what you want to keep and give specific feedback on each piece.  This feedback helps the personal shoppers improve on your next fix.

7.  Also, after you sign up, refer your friends and receive a $25 credit towards your next fix!

I REALLY enjoyed my first fix and have already scheduled my next 'fix.'  And this time I let them know what colors we're doing for our fall family pictures.  I can't wait to see what they come up with!!!  It's going to be so much fun overhauling my closet... gradually :)  

I enjoyed this process so much, that I just had to share!

Blessings,

Krystal

A 17 Year (and counting) Journey!

As women, we all go through periods of life where we find ourselves feeling unworthy, lacking beauty or undeserving of God's blessings.  In hopes of helping just one woman understand that she IS beautiful and that God loves her even more than her spouse could possibly love her, I would like to take you on a little trip down memory lane and how my journey over the last 16 months has impacted my marriage.  As you can see over the last 17 years Joshua has always been pretty fit and incredibly good lookin' (yes, I'm a little biased), but over the years I was up and down a lot, but how he loved me and treated me never every changed!

1996

2000

2001

2002

 



2003

2006 

2007 

2008



2009

 

2010

2011



Fall 2011 

June 2012

 

Fall 2012

 

2013 has been another incredible year full of blessings but not absent from challenges either.  I've lost about 32 pounds since beginning this journey in May of 2012 but it's what I've gained that's been far more praise worthy.  Not only did I learn that my husband has always loved me and has always thought I'm beautiful regardless of my weight, size of clothes, exercise routine, etc.  But the change that my husband has noticed and has enjoyed is my change in attitude!  When Joshua shared this with me, I don't think he quite understood just how much his comment touched my heart.  God used this man to speak directly to my heart!  No matter what we look like on the outside, God cares more about our heart and chances are, so do those that are closest to us.  Part of me feels like I wasted so much time (even years) feeling inadequate, unworthy or lacking beauty.  The other part of me is so very gracious for this journey that God has brought me through.  God can (and does) use all sorts of avenues to change our hearts and draw us closer to Him.  I never dreamed He would use my fitness (or the lack of) to change my heart forever!  No matter where you are in your journey, please take a few minutes to look back, reflect on where you've come from, be encouraged to where you're going and simply thank God for every step!

Our marriage is even stronger now and I couldn't be happier to stand next to this incredibly good lookin' guy!  Thank you Joshua from the bottom of my heart for ALWAYS loving me and ALWAYS thinking I was beautiful.  I love you... more!

 

I can't thank this man enough, as he has supported me on this journey.  He's even improved his fitness and health as well.  In January of this year he quit drinking pop completely, periodically runs with me too (and lost over 20 pounds), and we've enjoyed running several races together.  AND he's not afraid to try some of the new recipes I've been cooking either!  Ladies, keep it up... you never know who's life you're touching.

Chances are, it's those that are closest to you.



Blessings,

Krystal





 







Homemade Flat Bread

My family really likes flat bread, and so do I!  It's been a while since I've made some homemade flat bread, so I was glad to get some more made and put in the freezer.  They are great for lunch or a quick meal when we don't have much time.  I make 4 or 5 batches at a time as this recipe doesn't make a lot of dough.  This recipe was adapted from http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/kathleen-daelemans/homemade-flat-bread-recipe2/index.html.
 

Ingredients:

* 2 teaspoons active yeast

* 1/2 teaspoon sugar

* 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (next time, I'm going to try using whole wheat flour for an even healthier option)

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 3/4 cup warm water

Directions:

In the bowl of a food processor combine first four ingredients.  Pulse to combine.  Gradually poor the water in a steady stream.  Dough will form a ball.  Knead dough a few times and place in a bowl that has been coated with oil.  

Cover bowl and let rise until double in size (about an hour).  When the dough has doubled in size, punch the dough and knead it lightly.  Cut into pieces and roll out to form very flat 5-6 inch circles.

Preheat an electric skillet to about 300 degrees (do not oil).  Place bread on hot skillet and cook without touching it until you see bubbles on the surface (about 2 minutes).  Turn and continue to cook about 2 minutes until bread has puffed up.  

Serve immediately or store in freezer safe container or freezer bags!

Blessings,

Krystal

Good Mornings Come From Great Evenings!

We all go through various changes and adjustments to develop new 'normal' routines.  This summer has been packed full of trips, mini vacations, time with family, home improvement projects, family workouts, and so much more.  But the time has come!  School has been in session for a few weeks now, AWANA has started, year end at work, and of course our home improvement projects continue.  This new season of life requires my entire family to be flexible and patient as we all adjust our day to day lives to maintain our focus on what's important!  Our time with the Lord and time as a family are of course the first priorities.  If we can keep those priorities, everything else will fall into place!

Over the last couple of years I have read MANY blogs and tips on ways to save time or be more efficient as a wife and mom.  I've appreciated the wisdom shared by other women and the time they take to touch another woman's heart, family and home.

Like most families, our mornings can definitely be the most challenging.  I get up at 4:00 AM to get my run/workout in, then I head home to get showered and ready for work, grab breakfast, take Kylee to school and then to the office by 7:45 AM.

Without further ado, here's a random list of things that have made our mornings pleasant, timely and possible with a smile (most days)!  I certainly don't have all the answers or tips, but if one tip helps just one mom, then it's worth sharing!

1.  A new haircut!  I've had long hair for as long as I can remember.  After reading about another mom cutting her hair shorter to save time every day to help balance her day it really got me thinking.  Having four inches cut off was a big deal for me, but let me just say that I love the time it saves every day!  And it's also been fun changing things up a bit.

2.  Smoothies premade and ready in the freezer!  Breakfast can definitely be a challenge for me to squeeze in before heading to work.  Once a week or every other week I've been making smoothies, putting them in a ziploc bag and putting them in the freezer.  When I get home from working out, I sit one of them out and then it's thawed just perfectly by the time I need to poor it in a cup and head out the door.

3.  Clothes picked out and ready for the week!  I typically do laundry on Saturday's.  Then Sunday afternoons/evenings we check the weather and then the kids get their clothes all picked out for the week.  This has been such a time saver!

4.  Meal planning & food preparation!  I definitely dislike going to the grocery store, but planning my meals and having a list has helped so much.

5.  Most importantly give grace to your kids, your spouse and YOURSELF!  We all know that even with the best planning and best intentions some mornings just don't go well and that's okay.  With God's grace we'll get through the rest of the day!

I would absolutely love to hear any other tips or pearls of wisdom that you may have for us to add to our list!

Blessings,

Krystal

Granola Energy Balls

I've been wanting to make Granola Balls and/or Bars for quite some time for several reasons.  First of all, I love being in my kitchen.  Second of all I've began to strength train (which I REALLY enjoy) to gain strength and in hopes to prevent injuries from running and need to make sure that I look for ways to increase my protein intake and fuel properly.  And finally, they're just YUMMY!

There are a lot of different recipes out there and it really is fun to try different ingredients and I already have some ideas of what to try next.  Here's the first recipe I tried.

Granola Energy Balls

Adapted from http://themarathonmom.com/granola-energy-balls.htm

Ingredients:

*  2 Cups Oats

*  2 Cups Coconut flakes (I used the unsweetened ones)

*  1 Cup peanut butter (can substitute almond butter)

*  1 Cup ground flaxseed

*  1 Cup Chocolate Chips (I made one batch with chocolate chips and another one with raisins)

*  2/3 Cup honey (I used raw, unfiltered)

*  2 teaspoons vanilla

*  1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

*  Mix all ingredients thoroughly

*  Roll into bite-size balls

*  Store in fridge 

I've stored mine in the freezer and grab a few to take to work for an afternoon snack.  They are so yummy!!!  

Blessings,

Krystal