Day 7- Update

I'm still on track and haven't made any slip-ups. This journey has already proven to be quite the learning experience. I've eaten so so much hummus. I happen to love hummus- I may have already mentioned that- and it's easy to make and have on hand for quick snacks. I think the hardest part of this has been being prepared for meals in advance.

I'm having fun experimenting with different vegetables and grains. I've found a couple of very delicious recipes thanks to Pinterest.. and so far only one that didn't turn out so great.

I plan to upload pictures of some of the yummy things I've made very soon. Until then I leave you with a picture of some baby carrots (I promise I've eaten more than carrots this week).

Day 1 of Vegan

Today was the first day of my Vegan experience. I love hummus... so for lunch I made a "hummus sandwich". I spread some hummus on a pita loaf and added shredded lettuce and tomatoes.

I had my sandwich with a sliced red pear.

I was so surprised by how filling this little lunch was.

Wednesday nights are our Bible study night, and it's usually a potluck style. I ate later in the day so I wouldn't get hungry while I was there... but I was absolutely starving by the time I got home. I had plenty of left over hummus so I had another one of these for dinner.

Wonder Bread

I'm continuing to research vegan foods to prepare myself for Lent. I was surprised to learn that Wonder Bread is vegan! I had no idea. I've never purchased Wonder Bread... but I'm glad to know that it's an option.

Lent

I'm not Catholic... but I do fast for Lent. I love holidays- I love the decorations, traditions, festivities, and food that accompany them. For me, Jesus' sacrifice is the greatest gift in the world. It can be easy to lose sight of that during all of the excitement of Easter Sunday. Chocolate rabbits, colorful eggs, and pretty dresses are lovely, but His resurrection and assent in to Heaven is the true reason for celebration. I began fasting for Lent 10 years ago. It helps me to remember what Jesus did for me. He resisted temptation while on Earth so that He could die a perfect example of how to live- even fasting for 40 days in the desert after His baptism. When I'm struggling to hold to my fast I remind myself that Jesus did without food and water for 4o days... it makes it easier to not eat sweets or whatever item I've given up.

I pray before Lent for guidance on what I should refrain from. My answer this year is by far going to be the most challenging fast I've done so far. This year for Lent I am sticking to a vegan diet.

I have begun researching recipes and foods that are vegan. I know that educating myself on vegan-ism will be crucial to my success- I would be devastated if I accidentally slipped up.

I have also decided to blog my experiences to help hold me accountable.

This year Lent starts on February, 22nd. I have about a week and a half to fully prepare and stock up on the right kinds of foods. I am looking forward to this opportunity to be faithful and obedient to the Lord.

Check back for updates.

Tutus and Bluebonnets

This is my adorable niece wearing a gigantic tutu that I made. This pictures is from her third birthday pictures (shot by Courtney Moore Photography).

She had so much fun playing in the bluebonnets.

Paper Peonies.

I love peonies, and I have a passion for making paper flowers. I have known for a long time that I wanted to create paper flowers for my wedding. Not long after we started planning I decided that my bridesmaids would carry paper peonies. I set out on a mission to learn how to create my vision. Of course I didn't need to look further than Martha! I found a tutorial on her website for how to make tissue paper peonies. I tweaked the method slightly- and this is what I've come up with.

I am so pleased with how they turned out. I think each girl will carry a bouquet containing 6 or 7.
I am so looking forward to seeing how they look next to the aqua dresses.

Round 1 of Wedding crafting!

I saw a sweet sweet idea on Pinterest. One gal asked her friends to be in her wedding by sending them each a box. I knew immediately that I wanted to do this! Three of the ladies I wanted to ask live too far away for me to ask them as a group- and I wanted to do something more than a simple phone call or card.

I bought plain cigar boxes from Michael's. I painted the outside aqua and the inside pink. I decoupaged some pretty paper on the front and filled the box with notes and pictures.
I started with a note asking each girl to be a bridesmaid.
I've always pictured bridesmaids in cowboy boots. They are a favorite of mine. I knew that it would be difficult to get everybody together to try on dresses... and I know each of these ladies has their own unique style. I opted to let them choose their own dresses within my color scheme. I am so looking forward to seeing what they choose.
I included a brief paragraph describing what we are envisioning for our wedding.
My bridesmaids are spread out from "down the street" to across the country. It's very important to me that they not be strangers who meet a day or so before the wedding. I chose to include a small introduction and contact information for each of them. I chose six bridesmaids, and while each of them has met at least one of the others- they haven't all met.
I filled the bottom layer of the box with pictures of dresses that I like and some decor inspiration.

I mailed a box to each of the girls that I asked- and I can't think of a more perfect way to have asked.