Gathering Wheat

National Donut Day!

2013-06-07T10:50:00.003-07:00

Donuts. We all love them – including me. However, I eat gluten-free. So, bummer – I do not get to partake in Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts goodness. Today is National Donuts day. Thought I would share some places to get FREE donuts.

ABC News compiled this list:

Krispy Kreme will be giving away a free doughnut of any variety to every customer at participating locations, while supplies last. No purchase necessary. Click here to find a store near you.

At Dunkin’ Donuts, customers will receive a free doughnut with any beverage purchase. The chain’s much-buzzed about Glazed Donut Breakfast Sandwich also makes it debut on the permanent menu at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants today. The 360-calorie sandwich features bacon and a pepper fried egg on a glazed yeast ring donut. (If you try one, let us know what you think in the comments!)

Tim Hortons is offering a free doughnut with any purchase on Friday, but be sure to print this Facebook coupon and bring it with you to redeem the deal.

LaMar’s is giving away one free doughnut per person with no purchase necessary. Plus, a portion of this week’s sales are being donated to The Salvation Army to the Oklahoma tornado relief effort. (Eat well and do good!)

For the third year in a row, Entenmann’s will donate $1 to the Salvation Army for every new “Like” on the company’s Facebook page through June 15, up to $30,000. Click here to check it out. You can also enter for a chance to win free Entenmann’s doughnuts for a year.

And you can visit DonutDayUSA.com for donuts in your area!

And for you gluten-free eaters - there is hope! A few select Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the Boston and Miami areas are currently carrying gluten-free muffins and donuts!

Kinnikinnick has some great varieties for you - if you live in other areas, like me! Yum - cinnamon sugar and chocolate dipped donuts! (These should be avail in A LOT of grocery stores!)

Sisters = Better Than Princesses

2013-05-30T06:24:00.002-07:00

"Sisters by fate. Friends by Choice."

This post is simply dedicated to my sister. We work very close to one another. So, yesterday, we decided to go out for a little wine Happy Hour at Sonoma and a healthy dinner at Sweet Green (avocado and chick pea salads anyone!?). I am sure men cringe when they read the choices of our special places!

Being around my sweet sister is a joy. She is such a talented lady – so beautiful, creative and kind. It is nice having her up in here in the city with me. Even though, we work all the time, it’s nice knowing she is a walk away or just down the hall.

I always read posts on Pinterest about sisters. This one rings true, “Sometimes being a sister is even better than being a Princess.” I would agree.

Hats Off to Women!

2013-05-29T05:23:00.003-07:00

A study in a recent Washington Post article says, "Nearly 40 percent of mothers are now the family breadwinners." Does your jaw drop like mine? 40% is not a number to scoff at. Wow. As times change, so does the role of women.

The article goes on to say,

"The number of married mothers who out-earn their husbands has nearly quadrupled, from 4 percent in 1960 to 15 percent in 2011. Single mothers, who are sole providers for their families, have tripled in number, from 7 to 25 percent in the same period."

Read the study here.

According to the study, a majority of those they polled think it's best for a mom to stay at home with her kids; however, nearly 80 percent of Americans don’t think mothers should return to a traditional 1950s middle-class housewife role.

So, what is best - for a mom to stay at home or help out with the family expenses? Or is there a middle ground?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!

2013-05-22T11:36:00.001-07:00

Paw Sensitivity and Benadryl

2013-05-22T09:04:00.002-07:00

Let’s just talk about dogs and Benadryl. I thought I would NEVER have a dog that was sensitive about his feet. I mean, really – it’s just a paw covered in hair. Right? Well, boy was I wrong.

Dallas was a rescue dog. I adopted him for Lucky Dog Animal Rescue (I would highly recommend this animal rescue place!) He is sweet as ever, but is a little jumpy with new people and environments – rightly so.

Well, while he was in Texas for Christmas with my family, he had a bad experience at the groomers. Though Petsmart would not say – I think someone pinched his paws with the nail clippers and he has never been the same since. My sweet dog, growls at me when I reach down to touch his little feet.

No one would groom him – because they could not muzzle him. Nightmare of my life because he is Cocker Spaniel and has pretty unruly hair (not really, I am being dramatic. But, it was a serious problem.)

I went to an online forum and looked into “how to groom a dog’s paws” and found lots of methods…etc. One thing I saw as a sedative was Benadryl. Now, I am not one to medicate my dog. But, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Apparently, dosage wise you are supposed to give your dog 1 mg. per pound. That means Dallas needed to have one pill because he is 25 lbs. Let me tell you, after one pill he was not feeling a thing. I don’t know if my dog has some sort of pill resistance, but I doubled the dosage up. DISCLAIMER: I am not an animal professional.

However, two pills actually helped out a lot. It’s not like he was a peach to groom – but my boyfriend and I could actually hold him down to shave. And these are the results - ABOVE!

If your dog has paw sensitivity, I would highly recommend Benadryl. Remember 1 mg per pound. But, as a dog-lover know you want the best for your pet – and having gross hair matt up their feet is not the best!

Feel free to share your best practices below!

#PrayforOklahoma

2013-05-21T07:08:00.002-07:00

Yesterday, a violent tornado ripped through Oklahoma. Its winds destroyed neighborhoods and schools. Children were killed and lives shattered. This year has been full of needless sorrow. May we cling on to God tightly in these times! I pray he comforts the hurting and depressed.

While reading The Christian Post this morning, ran across a story that provides hope in such a trying time. A Bible was discovered among the debris – and it was open to Isaiah 32:2. It reads, "A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, and a cover from the tempest."

Remember to #PrayforOklahoma - specifically lift up the families who lost loved ones and their homes. God can restore. May we pray for His healing hands to comfort them in this desperate time of need.

If you have the resources, you may want to think about donating via The Red Cross or helping in the relief effort.

Read the FULL Christian Post article here.

What Does Your Favorite Yoga Pose Say About You?

2013-05-20T08:14:00.002-07:00

I found this article very interesting. If you can't tell from my posts, I absolutely enjoy yoga. It is by far my favorite form of exercise. If you have not tried it - it is more of a workout than you think.

I used to think yoga was easy - but in fact, it is challenging and competitive in nature (you just compete with yourself!). It is fun trying to master new poses. And, the way you feel after a workout is amazing.

My favorite pose is the pigeon pose - so that means:

You’re not intimidated by a little discomfort and crave the release that comes from working your edges. People who love Cobbler’s Pose, Pigeon Pose and Split Pose also tolerate emotionally charged situations well — the hips are often storehouses for unprocessed emotions, and many people shy away from these poses because they aren’t comfortable with accessing the hidden feelings they may have. Just remember that boundaries are healthy. You don’t want to overextend yourself, making you either overly vulnerable emotionally or prone to muscle pulls physically.

Click here to find out what your favorite YOGA pose says about you!

Bind My Wandering Heart to Thee

2013-05-17T04:47:00.001-07:00

I'm guilty of it - so often, I think we forget to cry out to God. We get busy in day-to-day life and praying is not the first thing on our agenda. We make to-do lists in our heads, brace ourselves for the trying day ahead and forget to call on the Maker of All Good Things.

This is a tragedy; because, He is the one that sets our life in motion. He is the one that blesses his children beyond compare. We get too busy scheduling all our blessings that we forget the Blesser!

We need to challenge ourselves every morning to praise our Father in Heaven for His hand of provision - for without his protection we stand undefended. Thank you Lord for your mercies every morning and at night. You make the sun rise and set. We will praise you for your abundant goodness!

Thrill of the Hunt

2013-05-14T12:06:00.003-07:00

So, I recently visited this little gem of a store in Virginia. Talk about cute! The owners of this little shop up cycle furniture! What is up cycle you say? They take discarded or pieces “bumped and bruised” and restore them into beautiful, unique statement pieces.

You can view the website here and the gallery here.

I think I might try my hand at up cycling some furniture soon. Let’s hope my little apartment can handle it. Time to get crafty.

Coffee Mountain

2013-05-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

This picture made me happy. As, I sit in my icebox cold office, this picture really brings peace to my mind. I can almost imagine myself there – about to slide my hand over one warm mug of coffee. The pine in the distance invades my senses. I imagine it smells like a crisp spring morning – wet, crisp, clean and earthy. Birds sweetly sing, creating a background song of pure serenity. Oh, to be in the mountains right now, gazing on God’s beautiful creation! My soul sings:

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. –Psalm 90:2

Teamotions

2013-05-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed sipping on this warm, soothing tea this afternoon. All of the proceeds of the blends Courage, Honor and Commitment go to the Semper Fi Fund. Read the FULL story of this charity HERE.

If you have a special person or friend in your life serving in the United States Military, there are a few special blends made just for them.

This would make a great birthday or Christmas present. It would even fit nicely in a gift basket (house warming, care package, get well...etc.)

If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you. - Gladstone, 1865

Watermelon Cooler

2013-05-03T06:09:00.001-07:00

This looks absolutely fantastic! It's a WATERMELON drink - for the summer! Perfect thing to cool off those HOT days - especially if you don't have central air. I have window units, so know how piping hot it can be if you are trying to conserve on energy and make sure those bills are not through the roof high.

These drinks are 90 calories per serving - awesome! And have a coconut taste to them (even better!)

3 cups cubed chilled watermelon
1 cup coconut water
squeeze of fresh lime
Sprig of mint

Put all ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth. Makes two servings.

Viola! Delicious. I am definitely going to try these when headed to the beach. (Which I hope is soon!)

It Pays To Be Healthy

2013-05-01T14:32:00.001-07:00

Wanted to picture some of my favorite products. Well, one is a sparkling sports drink! I cannot get enough of Kevita's Pro-biotic Drinks. The sparkling coconut water is simply amazing. Coconut KeVita is certified organic and non-GMO, low calorie, vegan, and dairy, lactose, and gluten free. Stevia sweetened. Contains no added sugar.And, it's GOOD for you! If you don't know too much about probiotics - read here.

Another product I enjoy is Tom's toothpaste. This toothpaste is fluoride-free and made of natural ingredients. If you think about it, would you want chemicals swimming in your mouth and likely in your stomach? I wouldn't. My favorite flavors are: Cool Peppermint and Cinnamon Clove! Check them out here!

Tiny Earrings & Internet Sales Tax

2013-05-01T05:26:00.002-07:00

9,646 Reasons to Dislike the Internet Sales Tax

I am such a fan of little dainty earrings. Ran across some really cute pink tea cup earrings this morning that I wanted to share with y'all (posted them below). Absolutely love Etsy for things like this! You are almost guaranteed that no one else will have something quite as unique as you.

Also, think it's a good idea to support artists online because of "The Marketplace Fairness Act." Yes, you heard me right. It would, "result in the taxation of Internet sales, driving up costs for consumers." Government, once again, encroaching on entrepreneurship. This bill is going to be taken up in the Senate. So, support artists while you can!

From a Heritage Foundation article: Etsy, an e-commerce hub where individuals can sell handmade items such as arts and crafts, warned yesterday that the legislation would “unnecessarily burden small businesses.

Only $12 - buy here!

Rain, Rain Go Away

2013-04-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

RAIN. Yuck. It makes my hair frizzy - especially living in the city. Straightened my hair this morning and now it looks like Shirley Temple!

Sweet Shirley!

My curly hair!

Oh well. It's times like these that I wish I had one of those HUGE UMBRELLAS (you know, the kind that swallows your body). So, I can shield my hair from the humidity before going to work.

HOWEVER, Ikea offers a GREAT deal on umbrellas. A few months ago, purchased a large polka dotted umbrella for $2.99. No joke! It is really that cheap! It has made walking to my car (street parking) so much more enjoyable.

This is a must for people who live in regions that have frequent showers. Guarantee it will keep you dry on a budget! It is also great as a stocking stuffer or cute addition to a themed gift basket!

Purchase these here

It's Friday!

2013-04-26T08:43:00.001-07:00

It is a beautiful day in Washington, DC. Woke up to the sun shining behind the Washington Monument and a clear blue sky! That view from my apartment will never get old. First order of business is to walk my sweet dog Dallas. We had a good walk this morning – tulips were out in full bloom and the little streets of my neighborhood never looked more refreshing. It’s the weekend, well after this work day. Time to rest and relax from a crazy, hectic week.

Basket of Promises

2013-04-25T08:41:00.001-07:00

May my basket forever be open before you, Lord! I want to be close to the Fruit Giver and catch His ripe blessings. Fill the basket of my life with the fruitfulness of your promises!

SPERRY Laguna Style

2013-04-25T04:48:00.001-07:00

Just ordered these little gems. Look out beach, here I come: in 6-7 days of course. Got to wait for shipping and handling. SPERRY Laguna style. Looked all over the Washington, DC area for these. But ended up buying them online at Shoe Carnival.

Thank a Police Officer Today

2013-04-19T05:10:00.000-07:00

With all the hype this morning surrounding the manhunt for the Boston Bombers, it is easy to forget that a service man was killed – in the line of fire. He was protecting his community and murdered by the hands of hate. If you pass a police officer today, please – remember to thank him or her for their service.

This event reminds us, even more so, that the first responders are the most courageous.There is also another police officer in the hospital. Pray for his recovery.

Lord, we pray for your healing hands to be on him. And, we pray that you guide the surgeon's hands and that he makes a full recovery. We pray his family feels your comfort and strength, and that your power prevails. Amen.

West, Texas

2013-04-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

So much suffering. When will it end? I just wrote a post about praying for the people of Boston – now, we learn of another tragedy – a fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. My heart breaks for the people of this community. As a Baylor graduate, I spent lots of time in West – known to the Baylor students for their wonderful kolaches. The World Famous Czech Stop is open and running this morning – feeding the people and first responders in the area.

World Famous Czech Stop

Let us lift up this community in our prayers today. I pray that God’s hands of healing and comfort will ease so many broken hearts and minds today. Tragedy happens, but we know – it will not triumph. Amen.

If you want to help please click here for more information.

Standing with Boston by Kneeling in Prayer

2013-04-16T13:09:00.004-07:00

When tragedy strikes, it’s easy to question God. Why did this happen? Why do innocent people and children have to die? Why is evil prevalent in this world?

I find myself asking all these questions. I asked them when more than two thousand Americans perished in 2001 at the hands of hate. I asked them when beautiful children were murdered in Connecticut this year. I asked them just today – when a 15 year old boy committed suicide at a Texas high school.

Evil is alive on this earth. And, it rears its ugly head every single day.

As a Christian, I believe that evil originates from the “evil one.” And, we read in John that he, in fact, is the “ruler of this earth.” And, the only thing we can do to combat the evil one – is pray.

The posting on Gov. Mike Huckabee’s Facebook page, rings true –“Standing with Boston by kneeling in prayer.” Let us come together as one – in Christ – and lift up the people of Boston.

Gov. Mike Huckabee posted this touching poster on his Facebook page.

As of right now, we only know two of the victims’ names: Eight year-old, Martin Richard and 29 year-old, Krystle Campbell. May the prayers of our hearts go up for their families and loved ones! We ask that God places his hands of comfort upon them during this time and the tough days ahead.

Also – we must pray for the 170+ people who are dealing with serious injuries such as amputations, shrapnel wounds and much more. We pray that God will ease their pain. That he will guide the hands of the surgeons and sew up their lesions with little to no damage. We pray for full recoveries.

A verse that I cling to is Jeremiah 17:16. It states,

“I have not run away from being your shepherd; you know I have not desired the day of despair. What passes my lips is open before you.”

God does not desire suffering. In fact, I know, he is weeping over all the pain in Boston. He loves mankind. He died not just for one, but all. He made Martin and Krystle. They were fashioned by his hands.

May the hearts of the broken be comforted with God’s unfailing love! And may the evil hands who carried out such an act of malevolence be brought to justice!

Who Lives Here?

2012-09-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

"Should anyone knock at my heart and say, ‘Who lives here?’ I should reply, ‘Not Martin Luther, but the Lord Jesus Christ.’”
- Martin Luther

Dancing in the Minefields

2012-09-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Supporters of Chick-fil-A: Haters?

2012-08-01T17:32:00.001-07:00

I am sick and tired of people saying that if you support Chick-fil-A {you were among those participating the Mike Huckabee induced Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day} that you are somehow advocating “hate.” That’s not the case. The reason Americans showed up in mass numbers to buy chicken sandwiches and nuggets is because –we stand for free speech and freedom of religion {promised to us in the First Amendment.} How hard is that to digest?

Dan Cathy, President & CEO of Chick-fil-A, is being persecuted – and yes, I said persecuted by liberal media and LGBT groups for simply stating his viewpoint on traditional and Biblical marriage. It’s not a secret – Chick-fil-A is a Christian company. They are closed on Sundays – for heaven’s sake! Why should one statement incite such fury from critics?

These critics are the ones that want government mandated healthcare. These critics are the ones that want a nanny-state. These critics are the ones that don’t want to lift a finger and still collect an unemployment check. These critics are the ones that want to abort precious lives, while forcing Catholic and other religious groups to pay for contraceptives {even though, it opposes their core values.} These critics are the ones that want to give amnesty to all – without making people who have broken the law and mooched off the economy legally become United States citizens. These critics are the ones that are destroying the American Dream as we know it. There is something very wrong with this picture.

Chicago Mayor, Rahm Emmanuel, once Chief of Staff for America’s Commander-in-Chief {can you say scary!?} was among the scoffers that stated,

“Chick-fil-A’s values are not Chicago’s values”

He also went so far as to say he does not regret his comments made about the fast food chain restaurant. Classy Mayor – very classy!

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino fired off a letter to the Chick-fil-A president. He writes,

"In recent days you said Chick-fil-A opposes same-sex marriage and said the generation that supports it has 'an arrogant attitude. Now—incredibly—your company says you are backing out of the same-sex marriage debate. I urge you to back out of your plans to locate in Boston."

I live in a land of bi-partisan nature {Washington, DC} – although these days it feels like more of a dictatorship ruled by our “Tyrant King.” It’s funny because I thought that’s the reason our ancestors sailed across an ocean – freedom of religion and to escape the hands of despotism? Yet, we now have elected officials trying to reverse this freedom our fathers fought so hard and died for?

It all boils down to the fact that we have lost sight of who we are. Even some Christians have misplaced this truth. We feed into political correctness in order to “fit in.” However, Jesus told us –

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” - John 15:18-19

More troubling to me is seeing notable Christians posting articles and statements on their social media accounts not advocating that marriage should be between a man and woman. Jesus called us “the light of the world.” Conforming to the pattern of this world should not be an option. We should not see ‘both sides of the issue’ regarding something that is a Biblical truth. God’s word is black and white. Just like the Ten Commandments – there is a right and wrong.

One prominent Christian author notes,

“Again, what concerns me the most in all of this is the drawing of unmovable lines between the Christian community and the LGBT community when these lines need not exist. As Christians, we should be working tirelessly to find common ground instead of drawing battle lines.”

This is not accurate. We are to draw a line in the sand – for what is holy and what is unholy. No, we should never carry out hate crimes or treat someone who holds different beliefs as a “second class citizen.” But, we should not be forced in to accepting something that is a sin – in the eyes of Christianity.

It’s encouraging that newly elected Texas Senator Ted Cruz served Chick-fil-A at his victory party last night. This is an indication that Americans are not completely glazed over by the ideals of the “kooks” {as Monica Crowley would call them.}

Let’s not allow America to forsake her godly heritage. It’s time to claim that phrase that hangs over the speaker’s diocese on the Floor of the United States Representatives, “In God We Trust.”And, let's not forget that our First Amendment rights are precious. Once these cease to exist, America as we know it, will.

ShePAC

2012-06-26T03:59:00.003-07:00

Click here to learn more about ShePAC

Last night listened to one of my favorite role models – Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Talk about incredible! She is a physically little woman with giant intellect. Her speech was graceful and delivery was flawless. With her words she stirred the room of flashing cameraS and star-struck ladies to get out, vote and support Mitt Romney in 2012. Excellent VP material? I think so!

One thing she said resonated throughout my body [will be paraphrasing]. She looked at everyone with tears in her eyes and noted – this is a little girl who grew up in segregated Alabama; yet, her father told her that she could be the President of the United States someday. We live in a beautiful country – where someone who was not allowed to get food from a hamburger stand could grow up to be Secretary of State. Chills.