Lately

Beautiful bounty from my back yard. 

Eggs from the girls, squashes of all sorts, cucumbers, jalapenos,and fresh basil. I can't wait till my tomatoes are ready!

Well worth all the hard work!

Many evenings we have been spending cuddling on the couch watching Netflix movies.

Tonight we have Oz The Great and Powerful to view.

Love these family times!

The imagination of a seven year old.

 Better known as landmines for us adults to tip toe through.

But I don't mind one bit!

My life lately..

Blessings, Nicole

What I Wore....Tribal and Mint.

Tribal top Esprit (new with tags) Goodwill, mint skinnies Ross, sandals Goodwill, gold watch Fossil Ebay, sunnies some online discount store I can't remember.

Love me some tribal and mint! 

Tribal print still seems to be a big summer trend and I adore it.

Such a cute and simple "mommy outfit." 

What is your favorite summer trend right now?

P.S Does this resemble a maternity top?

Have a great weekend!

Blessings, Nicole

Linking up here: Watch Out For The Woestmans
Plane Pretty
My Greatest Hits

Grace

I posted a while ago about having some tough stuff going on in my life. When I say tough stuff I mean huge hurdles left and right.When it comes to myself I am an open book. Sharing my issues is actually a release for me. I just need to get it out!

But I respect the privacy of others so I will not elaborate on any specifics with regard to this situation. But I wanted to tell you all of God's grace and love that has been shown to me through it all.

Have you all had a time in your life you simply couldn't find a reason to get out of bed? Well, that was exactly how hopeless I felt. I was feeling bitter and angry. It was not a good place to be and surely not a good example of a Godly mother or wife. But with much prayer and some tears shed. My heavenly father was there and granted me grace. Not just grace for me but grace to give to others. And slowly but surely my sadness, anger, and resentment faded away into grace and love.

The definition of grace:

In Christian theology, grace has been defined as "the love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not because of anything we have done to earn it",^[1] "the condescension or benevolence shown by God toward the human race".^[2] It is understood by Christians to be a spontaneous gift from God to man - "generous, free and totally unexpected and undeserved"^[3] - that takes the form of divine favor, love and clemency.

What an amazing gift from Jesus!

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled

Grace is a gift we don't deserve but a gift given by a Father who loves his children. I pray everyday the Lord will show me His grace that I may have a heart spilling over with it. 

Thank you all for reading this and letting me share my heart. 

I pray that you may be touched and blessed by it.

Blessings, Nicole

What I Wore...fedora and flats.

Target top, fedora Charlotte Russe, shorts Aeropostal, flats Cynthia Vincent.

Thrifted head to toe baby, ha!

All purchased from my trusty GW outlet store.

Would you believe me if I told you the whole ensemble was $6? Yup, it was!

The flats alone retail for around $95! Aren't they just fab?!

I just adore this top, from the lovely mint color to the little cutouts on the back and sleeves!

Have a wonderful week!

Blessings, Nicole

Healthy Almond Joy Shake THM~S

Ya'll loved my Healthy Peanut Butter Cup Milkshake (<---- link) as much as I did, so I created another treat I love but THM style! Oh, Almond Joy! Coconut, chocolate and almonds....need I say more?

Don't let a fear of cottage cheese scare you! It creates a creamy base without the tang of greek yogurt, trust me you won't even know it's in there.

If you know me, you know I don't measure anything! I just don't. So, all my measurements are approximate, please make it your own and tweak, tweak, tweak!! 

1/2 c. lowfat cottage cheese

1-1 1/2 c. Almond Breeze Coconut and Almond Milk Blend or sub 1/2 coconut milk 1/2 almond milk

a heaping scoop of vanilla whey protein powder (please read the serving for your brand of protein)

a chunk of skinny chocolate for THM'ers or sub 1/4 c. sugar free chocolate chips 

Truvia or stevia to taste (I used a tablespoon of Truvia because I like sweet things)

a splash of vanilla

almond extract would be a yummy addition here!

two large handfuls of ice

Blend cottage cheese and milk till smooth and creamy.

Add all ingredients but chocolate and blend till smooth.

Add chunk of chocolate and blend till it turns into tiny chips.

Enjoy your Almond Joy!

This makes a large shake or two smaller shakes.

If you are wondering what THM is, Please read my review here: Trim Healthy Mama Book Review.

I appreciate any and all comments. In fact I love them and they make my day!

 So please let me know if you like it, or how you tweaked it!

Blessings, Nicole

linking up here~Stacy Makes Cents

Lately

 Ash got cozy in a puzzle box.

 Speaking of puzzles...Caleb has completed many this summer.

I'm reading this after watching the movie. 

Most people read a book then watch the movie, I tend to do the opposite.

I love both movie and book!

We purchased this pool at Kmart (for only $60!) and the Boys are loving it!

Perfect way to cool down in the summer heat!

That's our life lately.

Blessings, Nicole

What I Wore...One maxi two ways.

 I found this Gap maxi at The Salvation Army the other day for $7! Score! 

I just love the colors!

Here I styled two ways. 

Denim top GW, necklace groopdealz.com.

 For the first look: a denim top, green bubble necklace and wedges. 

My pink nails matched perfectly!

Belt Anthro, earrings thrifted, watch gifted.

The second look: big earrings, belt and sandals.

What look do you like best?

Blessings, Nicole

Linking up here: Watch out for the Woestmans
The Pleated Poppy