This Time Last Year~ A Majestic Place

 Hello, Beautiful friends! I hope you have lovely weekend planned. Maybe it is going to be slow and cozy or packed full of life (nicer way to say you are busy😁) I hope it is filled with joy. With further ado, I would like to share a small post about where I was last year at this time. I would like to keep it as a memory on my blog. So, enjoy and share if you have been before to the place before!!

Our daughter last year did an internship in Estes Park, Colorado, for the Rocky National Park. We are deep southern people, so this was a wonderful experience. We took a road trip to see her this time last year. I have soooo many pictures and so many more beautiful ones compared to these. But the ones I am sharing are the ones that are easily accessible and have a special moment. I will probably do a longer post about my experience but for today a short glimpse is all I planning to share. 

I love to hike. I have been hiking on and off for years but over the last two years I have hiked consistently and experienced so many amazing places. This was my first time visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park. A picture COULD NEVER explain the way I felt. This was literally one of the most beautiful and refreshing places I have ever visited. I loved the hikes and the view. We drove a sketchy road all the way to the Alpine Center at 11, 796 ft above sea level. It was fantastic. Oh, and yes, you will see me in shades a lot even when it is cloudy. I was having major altitude sickness and vertigo. Keeping my shades helped alleviate the brightness from the clouds. I know that makes no sense. But it did. 

The weather was nothing I like I have ever experienced. One-minute, warm 70's and sunny and then in a few minutes it would be snowing and 28. It was majorly overwhelming hiking like that. It would rain one minute, snow mix one minute, sunshine and beautiful one minute. I am serious all in one day and all in a few hours. 

We came across a moose literally right in front of us. Like 30 ft away. We had stay put for a long time to let it cross. We came across two elk bugling and fighting. It was rutting time. Literally, they were locking antlers. It was pretty nerve wracking. We also had to stand still for a long time until they moved off the path. If you have never heard an elk bugle. Look it up. It can be intimidating for sure.

I love funny hiking shirts. I also collect Bigfoot things!!! I just think it is fun and cheesy!!!

While this saying is funny, it can actually be dangerous. :) 

This photo was after I finished a hike. It was an achievement. A moment I will treasure. 

Last year (2024), I hiked 168 miles total. I hiked in Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Colorado. I set goals every season of miles I wanted to hike. It was a great challenge and one I hope to do again next year. I took a break last year just to enjoy hikes and not focus so much on clocking mileage. I also burned myself out a little. I have hiked a good bit this year BUT NOTHING like last year. We also had a milder summer last year opposed to this summer. I did a ton of hiking last summer. But this summer was very minimal. I try to hike at least weekly during my hiking seasons. In the hot summer months, I like to hike at least one hike a month, but I like to hike two times. I didn't do that this year. My last hike was the last week of June. I am itching to get on the trail. I can't wait...

Floridia Hiking is coming up in a few days. I will hit a state park and then hike some in Everglades National Park. 🥾 

DO YOU HIKE? DO LIKE NATURE WALKS? ARE YOU AN OUTDOORSY GIRL? HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO THE EOCKY MOUNTAINS? MAYBE YOU ARE A WATERFALL CHASER??? I would love to know your answers!!!

With Love,

Chrissy T

Early Fall Finds ~ Still Loving My Word Wall Art ~ Baked Potato Bar ~ Lunch Date

Hello Beautiful Friends! I hope this Friday finds you SUPER well. If not, His mercies are new every morning and His Oil of Joy never runs out. Run to the Father. I have a "little" of a lot of different topics here today! Get cozy and visit with me!!

This week has been a little pleasantly busy. My last few weeks have been slower. I am preparing for a vacation soon. Preparing and returning from a vacation is a lot of work. Sometimes I question the vacation, but I am excited! I have a lot to do beforehand to prepare to leave because I am the bookkeeper for our church and secretary as well as a Pastor's wife. It takes a lot to juggle and prepare for us to leave. We are actually going to be gone longer than we have ever been before. So, a lot of prep work has to be done!!!

Anyhoooo....while preparing and shopping for vacation needs some fall things caught my eye. I am not one that really likes to overspend or go overboard on seasonal decor. I try to be mindful and use what I already own or use natural elements. But there are times you need a cozy sweater, candle or a pillow. Something that just celebrates the New Season coming. 

I always like to get one or two festive seasonal shirts. Look at this DARLING LIGHT SWEATER!!!!! Hello Pumpkin.....

I also found the SOFTEST COZIEST not over the top "fallish" throw pillows. I have had my previous pillows for years. I knew that this year I would replace them! These can transition to winter. They are so SOFT and just my color scheme. Soft and neutral with a little interest. 

I had blue and white throw pillows from the spring and summer. They were actually throw pillow covers. I usually like to use throw pillow covers as they are cheaper and washable. 

Yesterday, I met up with my daughter for lunch on her lunch break. She works as an orthodontist assistant.  She really likes her new job. But the co-workers haven't been the best. Working in an office with women can be challenging. She is learning this. She has been so blessed working mainly alone or with extremely great co-workers. These are just life lessons that young adults have to learn. Please pray for her though. She breaks out in hives on her way to work so nervous and anxious about them. We have been praying together by phone every morning on her way to work. This week, God has stepped in and heard our prayers. I will share later what happened!

We went to one of our traditional places that we like to have lunch at.....none other than Panera Bread Co. It was a nice time. I surprised her with her first little fall kitchen hand towel for her new little home. She loved it. 

I think it is important to give young adults their space but I also think it is important to have set aside time to catch up and invest. This season has been a lot of mentoring. It can be challenging as I want to tell her what to do, but I know that I have to approach it in a mentoring way and let her decide. 

Tonight, we had our baked potato bar. It was so good!! We had some fresh hot bacon, seasoned chicken, diced ham, cheese, chives, and other toppings. French bread and salad were also in the lineup!

In closing, I want to share how I have decided that I am just going to like what I like and not worry about things. I have been reading and watching for about two years how people laugh, make fun, and even say people that use wall art signs with sayings or words on them are out of date. One designer said it was tacky. Well, being one who usually marches to my own beat, took it to heart. I slowly little by little began to take down my little signs that have verses on them and sayings that mean a lot to me, etc. I mean I didn't want my home to be TACKY. 🤣

But over the last few weeks, I just missed seeing this sign that I took down in my entry. You see, it has been my LIFE VERSE over the last three years. I have had some of the roughest years of my life in the past three years. Darkest, deepest desert moments! But the Lord sustained me with this verse. Every morning, I would wake up and see this as I came into the area, and my heart would smile or I would burst out in tears. I needed this hope and reminder. Well, my husband preached something last night at church and reminded me about it. I decided to put it back up. I guess I will just be TACKY. 🤣

The luxury of our homes is just that....THEY ARE OUR HOMES. We create our homes to fit our styles. So.....that BABY is BACK UP! 

I need it now as I needed it then. It may not always stay here. But I feel it is what this spot needs!!!

I love how it greets me!!!! 

I hope you all have a wonderful, wonderous weekend!!!! 

With Love, 

Chrissy T

Wordless Wednesday ~ 2

Hi Beautiful friends......

Pop over to Comedy Plus and join in on Wordless Wednesday!!!!

With Love, 

Chrissy T

Empty Nesting Tuesday~ Igniting Old Passions~Races

 *Good day, BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS. On Tuesdays, I will be sharing how I am Empty Nesting. Since this is new to me and it has been a rough season of getting accustomed to, I want to document things I did to cope and grow my best in this NEW SEASON! I hope to inspire other new empty nesters, prepare those heading that way, and inspire those who have been in this season a long time.* 

Happy Tuesday!!! It has been a good day today. I started my day with my quiet time and then headed out for a nice, BEAUTIFUL, almost felt like a fall morning!! There is hope on the horizon. 🍂 I saw a leaf fall off a tree and ran to catch it!! Is it not just a sprinkle of heaven for me.... Hope a New Season is ahead!

I brought it hope to press!! THIS IS A NEW PASSION of mine!! I got a new pressing kit to press flowers and such. I can't wait to press this and frame it!!

Here are some other images I got today on my walk!!!

Look at that HUGE LEAF!!! It really was a perfect morning walk. Cool, crisp, and refreshing. Walking IS A PASSION that I have always had and also did when I had a NEST full of kiddos. But of course, life would get busy and while I did make it a priority at times, there were many times it was shelved to do things for the family. 

Walking has become a MAJOR PART of filling my days during this season of EMPTY NESTING. It helps me mentally, spiritually, and physically. 

When I was in my late 20s, one of my passions was speed walking in 5 Ks that had a good cause. I decided this summer to do one a month. I had such a wonderful time, and it really kept me motivated in the summer when I wanted to hole up inside my little nest when temperatures were super HOT and when I felt lonely! Having something to keep me accountable to stay fit and be committed to participating in was just what I needed this summer.  I met new people! Kept moving! And seen some incredible views.            

In other news.....one of the luxuries of Empty Nesting....even though I miss our kiddos so much....IS MORE AVAILABLE time. I can afford and take more time for self-care. I am not selfishly saying this. I am very low maintenance, but it is nice to get some things done for yourself every now and then.

Today, I went to get my hair deep conditioned at a salon and shined. I have VERY LONG hair. My hair is inches past my bottom. So, taking good care of it is important. I go twice a year. 

It was so refreshing, I am ready for the cooler months ahead, which can make my hair brittle!!!  Here is a "selfie" of the finished product!!!

One area I have struggled with as an Empty Nest Homemaker is scheduling and balancing my days. I was always (still am) a very routine person and thrive that way. I always had a cleaning system, meal plan, and calendars I lived by when the kids were home. I homeschooled, so our days were planned out to the dot, of course, with flexibility. But I knew when things needed to be done and I had certain days, like in the old-fashioned days, that were themed. I had a weekly cleaning day, baking day, shopping and errand day, library day, yard day, project day, and so on. 

I do not know why, but little by little those schedules changed just like, ONE SEASON TO THE NEXT. I find myself at times feeling aimless. So, I have been thinking about this lately and trying to create a plan that helps me with this. 

ANY TIPS?? I do write out my to-dos daily. I think maybe one thing is that my house does not take long to clean anymore as it did with kids underfoot. No more schooling that my days are structured around or afternoon activities.  Sometimes I can feel like my purpose is gone. WHICH I KNOW IS A LIE! But it is a real emotion and thought I have. I want to document this to help others and to look back and know how I felt during this season. 

Anyhoooo.... I am off to warm up that yummy soup from yesterday!!! Isn't soup better the next day?! Do you agree?! 

Please, share your empty nesting tips and encouragement for myself and others BELOW if you are an empty nester!!! Have a super day!

Linking up with My Slices of Life Talk About It Tuesdays!

With Love, 

Chrissy T

Sunday & Monday~ It's a New Day! It's New Week!!

Welcome beautiful friends!! Grab a warm or cold drink & join me as I share the past two days!!! I hope this finds YOU well. Today is a NEW DAY!!! We have been blessed with a NEW WEEK. So, goodbye yesterday and hello....today!

Sunday started as always, as a pastor's wife and worship leader, I head out the door pretty early for music practice and then serve where needed. My husband preached out of Lamentations 3:23-24 and my HOPE was refreshed. I am so thankful the Lord gives us a new day every single day that He chooses to keep us alive on this earth. Great is His Faithfulness. 

I normally cook on Sunday after church or fix something earlier that morning for us to come home and enjoy BUT it was just my husband and I, so we decided to treat ourselves to Italian. Our church is literally next door to the place. So, we walked over and it was so wonderful. I got a new dish, it was so good. It was chicken piccata. It was so light and fantastic. 

I napped a little and then started working on my last summer puzzle. I bought two over the summer that I wanted to do for the summer. I love it. DO YOU LIKE PUZZLES? They have so many brain benefits!!!

We started a tradition of baking cookies on Sunday evening. We don't eat but one time all day, so this is a nice little treat. I did chocolate chip this week. The week before I did snickerdoodle.

I also have been enjoying this little Baking Newspaper subscription that I get delivered to our home. It is all about baking filled with recipes, tips, jokes, and old traditional newspaper puzzles. 

Today (Monday) I woke up and said out loud...."Today is a NEW Day!!!" It really helped my mindset for the day. After my quiet time I headed out for my morning walk. It was such NICE morning!!! It has been so bad HOT here; it was a treat to have a cooler morning. 

I had to pick our oldest from the airport this morning. He had a wedding on the east coast; then I had errands. We are preparing for our vacation coming up!!! I am so excited. So, lots of preparing happening. We will be gone 10 days!! 

I like to do lighter and healthier meals on Monday to balance out the weekend splurges we do. It was cooler and I had all the ingredients on hand, so Vegetable Beef Soup was on the menu! I add Lipton Onion Soup packs and it makes it soooo very flavorful!! I grabbed some sourdough from Aldi while I was out because it would be too late when I got home to make my own. It turned out delish!!!

~Menu for this Week~

Monday- Veggie Beef Soup and Sourdough Bread

Tuesday- Veggie Beef Soup and White Cheddar Grill Sourdough Sandwiches

Wednesday- Airfryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenderloins, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies

Thursday- Baked Potato Bar with all the helpings

Friday- Greek Chicken Kabobs, Pita and hummus, olives, cucumbers

Saturday- 3 Ingredient Pizza Dough Personal Pizza

Sunday- Family Day~ Taco Ring Pizza & Cupcakes

What is on your MENU? How was your Sunday and Monday??

Thanks for popping by to visit my little corner on the web,

Chrissy T

Word of the Week~ PUSH #WotW

This week I am joining a new link up called Word of the Week (#WotW) for the FIRST time. I have a huge love for words!! I often do word of the year and month! So, when I came across this from another blogger, I knew I had to jump in!

My word of the week ~ PUSH

This week started out like always, but I just felt kind of under the weather. I am not sick. I think it's the blasted heat of 100 plus temperatures we have in my state. I am having a little flare up in my body (health things) so I have to play a find balance of PUSH and rest. 

                                                                Image- Courtesy of Pinterest 

I PUSHED through days I truly didn't want to get out of bed. But I did!! I had things that had to be done. Even if it felt like I was walking through syrup or quicksand. I had volunteer work Tuesday. I was glad I pushed myself to go and not cancel. I had a wonderful time and it actually helped me feel a little better getting out of the house. Wednesday was a volunteer luncheon that I forced myself to go to BUT was so glad I did. I learned so much and was treated to lunch. Later that night I had to teach youth a class at church. 

                                                      Trying to psych myself to get up and PUSH!

Thursday was filled with a doctor appointment and errands. Oh...this day was tough but I MADE it. I also hosted a Ladies Summer Book Club meeting. It was our final meet up for the book we finished together. I had to bake and all that. To help me get through this day I created a haven of cozy at home while I baked and prepared. This helped me a lot. To be honest, I almost cancelled because I really just didn't want to do it BUT again I PUSHED myself. I was so glad I did because we had a wonderful time. My soul was refreshed. 

                                                     Wanting to crawl back in bed after I made! 😏

I chose to be slower paced Friday, but things still had to be done. Bills, bookkeeping for our church, and a dinner date with one of our sons and husband. I survived. Haha!

This week was hard, but I kept moving and PUSHING forward. I am thankful. It is okay also to be still. I am a HUGE fan of stillness and slow living. I practice some form daily of slow and stillness. Then there are times you truly have to pull your big boots on and PUSH. This was one of those weeks. 

Go check out Anne from Raisie Bay and join in on the #WotW fun!!!

Creating Cozy~ Crescent Roll Cheesecake

Happy Friday! I had to do a 6-month checkup yesterday. I received some good news, but there are also some areas I need to improve. While I was there, I decided to work on a habit I have been trying to practice, which is using my time wisely and being less on my phone when I am waiting for things.

I am finishing up a book for my summer Christian Lady Book Club that I am hosting, and tonight is our final summer meet up. I will do a review on it soon! It was super good! It really ministered to my heart.    

Ohhhhhh........ Check out my bookmark! I started diamond painting this year. I love it. I made this bookmark in July. My mom has gotten me hooked. I have already created some beautiful things. She thought I might like it to help with my EMPTY NESTING. HAHA!!! Well, she was right. 

                                                      

 Do you like Magazines??? 

One of my favorite things I have been loving this past year is magazines.  They are almost a thing of the past BUT I'm aiming to keep them alive. HAHA! I have so many fond memories of my mom and granny having them on their coffee tables and stuffed in little reading baskets. My mom will fill a little basket for me when I come to visit. It means so much.  Here are a couple of my favorite current reads.

I love Bella Grace, Willow & Sage, Tea Time and Victoria.  AND yes, I like some of the older cheesy ones like Woman's World or First (something like that 😉) because these are the ones my mom had, and I remember always flipping through them.

                      

CREATING COZY

I was aiming for a cozy day after my appointments and errands. I love to listen to soft relaxing instrumental music. It was cooler today and so I decided to bake a dessert for my ladies book club meeting. There is nothing like soft music or jazz playing while I bake and cook! 

Do you like to listen to music, podcasts, or audio books when you are doing things?? I sometimes like just the QUIET, but usually when I bake and especially if I am craving cozy, then soft music it is!

You will read a lot about the love and creating of COZY and HYGGE Moments on this blog!!!  It is really a love language of mine. 😉 I have created my own love language and COZY is it!!!!!!!!

Doesn't this picture speak COZY?? I love COZY things. I think any time of year can be COZY. Even in the summer season. A lot of people think of fall and winter when they hear cozy. But COZY to me is a lifestyle. You can create it at any time, place, and season. Oh.....I just love the idea of COZY! 

  

Crescent Roll Cheesecake

2 cans of crescent rolls

2 room temp blocks of cream cheese

1 cup sugar

2 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup melted butter

cinnamon and sugar mixed to sprinkle on top

Preheat oven to 350* 

Spray a 9 by 13 pan with cooking spray

Press one of the cans of crescent rolls flat on the bottom of the pan 

Combine the sugar, cream cheese, vanilla and beat until creamy and fluffy. I used a KitchenAid mixer but any mixer will work

Spread this mixture on top of the crescent rolls and then layer the other can of crescent roll on top of that gently. Take the melted butter and gently brush the top with the butter and then sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture on top. Bake 25-30 minutes. 

Let it cook for 30 minutes and serve up!

*I cannot take credit for creating this recipe. I have been making it for YEARS. I believe the first time I made it was in 2010 for an event. There are tons of recipes similar or identical floating around. I just know it by heart. 

I highly recommend adding strawberries to the top or mini chocolate chips to the cheese mixture to give it a little fun. 

I hope you all have wonderful weekend ahead!!

Blessings, 

Chrissy T