Sunday, November 24, 2013

Letting Go Of Control and Embracing Vulnerability

The life of Holly...a look behind the scenes

If you would have told me back in 2005 when I was graduating from the University of Colorado, Boulder, that at the age of 30 I would be single, living in Medford, OR {which just so happens to be the 3rd worst place in the nation for singles, as well as having the 4th highest  divorce rate}, I probably would have laughed at you in disbelief.  Why!? Because I had my life perfectly planned out, and by the age of 30 I would be married, with 2, perhaps 3 children.  

I have gone through the season of weddings, where I have stood by my friends as they walked down the aisle to start a new journey with the love of their life.  Nothing brings me more joy than to celebrate this wonderful occasion, and happiness, with each of my friends.  I have also gone through the season of new parenthood, as my friends have welcomed precious lil ones into the world, giving me my most cherished title, auntie.  I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart, I love celebrating in the joy, happiness, and blessings of my friends, but recently I have been asking myself, "when is it my turn?" "Will this ever happen for me?"

My life is truly overflowing with blessings, but I have realized recently that this void is starting to {occasionally} rob me of joy on the inside.  Tears have been cried as I ask myself, "What is wrong with me?"  As my own toughest critic, I find myself chiseling away at my self-esteem, focusing on what I perceive to be my flaws and failures, losing sight of the fact that I was perfectly created {everything about me} in God's image.  The more time that passes, the more hopeless the situation appears. I find myself questioning if I am being too picky; instead of having it all, do I need to choose between attractive and fun, or nice and respectful, as though all 4 would be too many characteristic traits for one person to have?  I start questioning, "was he really that bad!? I mean, someone is better than no one, right!?"  I've reached the point where I have taken the situation into my own hands with the perfect fairy tail ending in site, rather than wanting to sit and wait for God's perfect plan, in his perfect timing.  I am {well working on being} willing to delay instant affirmation for a relationship that is full of life. 



God has blessed me with the desire of my heart to be a wife and mother, and I am working on letting go of control, embracing vulnerability and fully trusting the Lord, as I know His plans are far greater than and beyond anything I could imagine. I am not looking for my idea of perfection, rather for the  Lord's idea of perfection, and I do not want to settle for less than God's best for me.

With all of that being said, if you would have told me back in 2005 when I was graduating from the University of Colorado, Boulder, that at the age of 30 I would have a job that is one of the biggest blessings in my life working for the garbage company,  and I would be the President of 2 non-profit organizations, a CASA, a runner for two amazing companies {traveling the country running and making new, lifetime friendships through all of it}, a marathoner and a {half} Ironman Triathlete...all while being surrounded by the best friends and family a person could ask for,  I also probably wouldn't have believed you! My life is overflowing with blessings, and while somedays I find myself questioning and doubting things, I wholeheartedly strive to live each and everyday in the now, fully embracing & appreciating every opportunity that comes my way. As I live my life to the fullest, I pray I can touch and enhance the lives of others along the way as well.



I know that God is bigger than a statistic, has a truly amazing love story planned for me, and ensures all things work together for His good.  

So I wait, for God's best for me....

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Love At First Spoonful


Calling all almond/peanut butter lovers...those of you, who like me, eat it by this spoonful...if you haven't already discovered Wild Friends Nut Butter you are missing out! When I discovered these all-natural nut butters,  with wild flavors and friendly ingredients {no additives, preservatives, or extra oil or sugar}, it was truly love at first spoonful! 

They had me at their Honey Pretzel Peanut Butter ...the perfect combo of sweet and salty! I mean, pretzel chunks IN the peanut butter...heavenly.  Make sure to check out all of their fun, one-of-a-kind flavors {like Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter, oh my!}




What's even more impressive than their product, is their story! And perhaps some of you remember them from Shark Tank? Two friends and college roommates, Erika and Keeley, whose dorm room experiment turned into a leap of faith and them pursuing their dream and love of nut butters.  

Now they need YOUR help to bring their SAVORY & SWEET combo to a store near you!

Check out how you can help:


Contribute today and score some pretty cool prizes!! 

Don't forget to check out all the amazing recipes on their site as well! 

Like these Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter Cups:


While you're contributing to their crowdfunding project, I am going to go enjoy a spoonful of Honey Pretzel PB! Catch you later! 

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Pumpkin Palooza Scarf Exchange

FALL...my favorite season! I love the rich colors of the leaves, the cool crisp mornings, wearing a scarf and sunglasses at the same time, pulling out my puffer vests, football, and of course, anything and everything PUMPKIN! I also love any excuse to have a party/get together, so when I read about Shay's {yes, The Bachelor's sister} scarf exchange, I knew I had to do something similar! I spiced things up a little bit, and incorporated a pumpkin recipe exchange as well.

Everyone brought their favorite pumpkin dish, with recipes to share:


Pumpkin Pie Martinis



We enjoyed great conversation, fellowship, and yummy pumpkin treats! 


We are all busy, and while I do my best to make time for friends and meet for a cup of coffee or lunch, its always nice to take time out of our hectic schedules to get together. 



And who doesn't love a fun, new scarf to kick off the fall season!?  We did the exchange white elephant style, allowing people to steal a scarf if they wanted to! At first, everyone was so nice and sweet, opening a new scarf on their turn...but it didn't take long before the ruthless, heartbreaking stealing started.  

I picked based on the wrapping, and went with the cute box :)



A sea of scarves {or is it scarfs!?} 


I love to play hostess and any excuse to throw a party.  While I enjoy the smaller details, like the cute labels, decorations etc., I really don't have time in my schedule right now to play Hostess With The Mostess, but I don't want that to be an excuse to not entertain and have people over, because after all, what is most important is time with friends.  Don't wait for the perfect time, perfect situation to have friends over, because it will never happen! Invite people over, have them bring a dish or bottle of wine,  do a quick cleaning of your bathrooms, and voila, you have yourself a party! 

Life can get crazy, but it's important to stop and take the time to be with those nearest and dearest to you.

Make sure to stay up-to-date on all of my leaps of faith and follow me on bloglovin and feedly