It's the end of the first week of December. That's a scary thought. I'm SO excited for this weekend, though, because my friend Nikki is coming to visit! You may know her as Mrs. Healthy Ever After. It was a bit impromptu. We've been hoping for weeks for a visit and it finally came down to the wire since, ya know, we're moving in THIRTEEN DAYS. I can't hide how THRILLED I am that she's coming to spend time with me and little man!



Dear Michael, The more you do, the bigger you get, the funnier things I catch you doing, the more trouble you find yourself in, the more I love you. This week Mama has been flying high on stress and you are my reminder to slow down. It's especially sweet when you start singing, "Jesus Loves Me" to cheer me up. I am especially grateful that you've been a good sleeper this week.

Dear Friends, If you want to see me (if you're local), please don't hesitate to send me an email or text or give me a call about getting together. My priority is my friends, even if it should be packing up our place. Boxes can wait for those I love the most! I know... big sacrifice, right ;)?

Dear Women's Bible Study, Words cannot express how I'm feeling. The fact that next week is our Christmas party and my last time with all of you is, well, depressing. I know God has a plan and that I will find another church home, but y'all are just so near and dear to my heart. Thank you so much for taking me in and helping me grow closer our Heavenly Father even more.

Things to look forward to!:


The Polar Express

Hot Chocolate Brownies

'Tis the Season #TBT: Germany

You last met Nikki in the summer of 2012 when she was about to get married. AND HERE SHE IS AGAIN! It's almost her one year anniversary and she has endured and shared so much over at her blog Mrs. Healthy Ever After. Make sure to hop over there and read things from tips to get your husband to eat healthy to comical stories that you can relate to.

How Juicing Got me to Like Celery
I never thought I’d be a juicing-type person. I mean, sure, my mom did hop on the bandwagon for a short stint when we were in high school to give us freshly made orange-apple juice each morning before school. But it was short-lived, mainly because orange prices had gone up and it became too expensive.

But here I am now, and I can’t get enough of my juicer.

It started innocently enough. I really just wanted to show my husband how important it was for him to eat more fruits and veggies, so I showed him the documentary “Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead” (one of my all time favorites I had seen before). The documentary follows Joe Cross on an epic juice fast as he cures himself of a rare disease and then helps someone else do the same.

When the credits rolled at the end, I turned to my husband with a smile basically ready to say, “And now this is why we’re having salad for dinner—“ but before I could, he said something shocking to me: “So when are we going to get a juicer?”

Juicers were too expensive for us, especially since we weren’t even sure we were going to like it yet. So, we bought a 30 year-old, hardly used, Jack Lalaine juicer off of the work classifieds.

After our first juice, it was love at first sip.

We started off with carrot apple—something I remembered liking as a kid when I visited my aunts house. But then we quickly went on to be more daring and started exploring the world of green juices. Who knew that green apples, kale, cucumbers, celery, spinach and lemons all comes together in a concoction that tastes very similar to Gatorade? It was fantastic!

We started juicing in the mornings for breakfast and maybe a snack in the afternoons. I never felt such a jolt of energy before when I finished one of the huge juices we’d get.

Finally I decided I really wanted to try a juice detox—not to lose weight, but to just see how I’d feel. Would it make me feel better like the documentary suggested? We decided only to do a short one, but in those three days, I felt like a new person. Sure, there was one day where I really didn’t feel that well (but hey, my body was DETOXING) and let’s be honest, my husband cheated the whole time, but the juice detox was eye opening.

Who knew that sweet potato, blueberries, pears and cinnamon tasted like apple pie? Since when did beets taste like the best thing in the world?

And yes, these were all very filling.

The biggest change for me was also the fact that I now don’t mind celery. That may seem petty to you—I hate celery, ever since I can remember. I hate it in soups. I hate it in salads. I HATE IT. When we started juicing celery, I’d have to hold my nose. Even the smell was gross to me. But after a while of juicing celery, I now no longer mind it. Juicing had literally changed my taste buds.

I also lost a shocking amount of weight in those three days, but I won’t disclose that here because that’s not the point. And juice fasting isn’t really about the weight loss (especially since you’ll always gain some back once you re-introduce solid foods to your diet). The point is to get healthy. The point is to rid yourself of the toxins your body (did you know your intestines and bowels can hold undigested meat for years? Yup. It’s a thing).

The point is to be good to your body so your body will be good to you.

While we don’t juice as often as we like (we’ve been travelling a lot this summer), we still do enjoy our juicer and look forward to one day owning a newer model.

But before I go, there’s some things to know about juicing.

1) It’s not the same as having a smoothie.
While you could have a smoothie fast in theory, its not the same. Juicing is absorbing nutrients without consuming fiber, so you get the nutrients quicker. Does that make one better than the other? No. Is fiber bad? Of course not. Should you eat a lot of fiber even while juicing? Duh. Some people like to start fights over juicing vs. smoothies and that’s just silly. Both are fantastic.
2) Juice detoxes need to be done correctly.
Juice detoxes or fasts should not be used as a fad diet, and when done incorrectly can be dangerous. You need follow a legitimate plan (Like Joe Cross’ at www.RebootwithJoe.com) and don’t try to do less than that. It’s important to keep your calories at normal levels (minimum 1200 for women and minimum 1600 for men).
3) You don’t have to waste the pulp.
Many people think juicing is too expensive, especially with how much pulp you get out of it to discard. DON’T DISCARD IT. You can make sweet breads, sandwich breads, or crackers! You can even add it to soup for some added veg AND you can compost it too. It’s AWESOME.
4) You don’t have to do a juice fast to enjoy your juicer or reap the benefits
Seriously, all you need is one juice a day to feel FANTASTIC. Start with breakfast and maybe add one for a snack either pre- or post-workout.

Juice on!

Read more about my healthy adventures at www.MrsHealthyEverAfter.com!

Do you remember back in July when I asked the lovely Nikki over at Mrs. Healthy Ever After to be the Wife (to be) of the Month? Well now she's truly hitched! To add to it, I've asked her to write monthly (idealy) for me because, let's face it, she's pretty amazing.

Since I've been slacking on posts this past week or so, thanks to be Camera-less as well as being out of town, I thought I'd give you the treat of finally getting the most recent post Nikki wrote for me! So, without futer-a-do, here she is!


I grew up with independence always on the mind. I was always taught that I was in control, no guy could push me around, and I could do anything boys could do.
So imagine my surprise when I realized that my greatest honor as a wife was packing my husband’s lunch and doing laundry.

Say what? Ok…come on Mrs. 50s Housewife. What are you trying to say? Women have come too far to regress into the subservient doormats we once were.

It’s amazing how far we’ve come as a society. But it’s also amazing how much we’ve forgotten. Sure, it’s never okay to be a man’s slave. But believe me when I say, there is an amazing joy that can be found in serving your husband when it comes from the right place.

I honestly cannot take credit for this lesson. The month we got married, we joined a newlywed small group from our church led by a couple who has been married for 31 years (who claim that they are the 30 happiest years of their lives. Haha!).

We had a whole lesson on serving our spouse. The men were downstairs and the ladies were all huddled around the fireplace with cider upstairs. We had just spent a good while in a previous gathering talking about how awful it was trying to get our husbands to do the dishes. We laughed. We joked. We had a grand time.

I went into this particular lesson think, “PSSH! I got this. I do TONS of stuff for my husband. I already know how to serve him. Hopefully he picks up a few tips downstairs.”

But by the end of the discussion, I realized how wrong I was. Serving your spouse is more than just doing household chores. It’s a state of mind and a state of heart.

Our leader told a story about how she always hated doing laundry (because let’s get real, who actually likes doing laundry?). But when she visited a friend during a tragedy, her whole perspective changed. Her friend’s 18-year-old son had suddenly died. When she finally saw her, the mourning woman was sitting in a pile of her son’s dirty laundry, crying into it, trying to smell it and for the whole funeral weekend, she wore one of his shirts over her shoulder to dry her tears so she could salvage the last smells of her son.

This woman would never get to do her son’s laundry ever again. Not everyone gets to do their loved ones laundry anymore. It’s a sobering thing to think about.
It was from that moment on, my leader said she viewed laundry completely differently. Doing laundry for her family was a privilege that she won’t always have. And now, instead of begrudgingly doing it and folding the clothes, she decided to use that time to pray for her family and for her husband.

I was completely convicted by the idea of praying while doing household chores—and even by the idea of finding a way to do it with a joyful heart. I mean…who does the dishes while think, “Boy, I am SO happy to clean the house…again.”

But I gave it a try and an amazing thing happened. Changing my perspective actually made me love doing chores and things for my husband. Sure, I’d be lying if I said 100% of the time I’m like “Oh, yay! Vacuuming!” But finding joy in the mundane housework that I used to nag my husband about changed my entire demeanor. If I found myself slipping into the “#@%&” thoughts of a slightly angered woman, I tried to pray instead, or switch on positive music.

And the most amazing thing? It had an effect on my husband too.

Sure, guys don’t always notice the hard work we put into things all the time. But something happened to where my joyful efforts made my husband want to do more for me too. He started saying things like, “You work too hard” or “you do so much” and then try to surprise me by doing the dishes before I got home.

Forget the fact that I had definitely done the dishes before now. But instead of making it World War III in the Miller house by nagging him about the dishes or throwing it in his face that I had done it AGAIN, by just happily doing it myself, it made him want to do more for me and for our house.

The same came with making my husband’s lunch. Yes, I make my husband’s lunch like the mother of a third grader. I used to do it when we first got married because I thought it was cute and then it became a huge burden at one point and I’d holler at him to make sure he made his own lunch on some mornings when I was particularly rushed. Come to find out, if I don’t pack my husband’s lunch, he won’t eat for the whole day until dinner. Really? It would piss me off like you couldn’t believe.

But after trying to change my attitude about chores, I decided to give packing his lunch a second try. Because let’s be honest, making him a sandwich takes less than a minute. How can something like that be a burden? Throw in a few apples and maybe some crackers and you’re done. Where did I get the idea that I was too busy for that?

And as a result of a few minutes of my morning, my husband would have a reminder for midday that he was loved.

That simple act does so much for my marriage. My husband shows his appreciation more, we live more at peace and we’re just generally happier. Why? We’re not arguing over the things that “normal” people argue about. Instead, we work more at finding the joy within ourselves to serve each other instead of working extra hard to win points over who does more and who’s turn it is to do what.

Best lesson I ever learned. I’m not going to lie. It takes work. I still struggle with it from time to time, but it can be done and it makes a world of difference.

Do you find it hard to serve your husband with a happy heart?

I admit, Clark and I are pretty awful when it comes to grocery shopping. We're those people who the cashiers know by name because we're in there five times a week.

I'll make a list. I'll make a meal plan. Yet somehow we end up always straying from what I write down.

This is how it happens.

Take, for example, I planned this:

Monday: Stuffed Peppers (no meat)
Tuesday: Chicken Lo Mein (new recipe)
Wednesday: Enchiladas
Thursday: Left Overs
Friday: Chicken Taquitos with Black Beans
Saturday: Eat Out
Sunday: Firecracker Burgers

Here's how it happens:

Monday: Rough day. Don't feel like cooking. We get Chinese (Veggie Lo Mein, no meat).
Tuesday: Enchiladas
Wednesday: Left Overs.
Thursday: Don't feel like cooking something new. Something quick from the store.
Friday: Firecracker Burgers
Saturday: Left Overs.
Sunday: Chicken Taquitos with Black Beans and Rice.

See what I mean? Within that time we'll run to the store for new stuff to eat, stuff for Michael to eat, snacks because we're craving something.

We are terrible dreadful ridiculously awful the worst when it comes to sticking to plans.

But this time we had to.

We joined a Sam's Club. I wasn't too sure about it, but my older sister really talked it up. And then I read Mrs. Healthy Ever After's post about being a budget meal beast, which included a list of key items to keep stalked. I thought, "I can totally do this."

So, I made a list to go by. We went to the store... and we were overwhelmed.

I had a list, though. I was pretty determined to stick to the guidelines of the list.

So, here's what we bought (most of it, anyway).

1. A large box of Penne Pasta.
Our favorite and easy to whip out quick and easy recipes when people were coming or when last minute I didn't REALLY feel like cooking.

2. A large container of multiple tomato sauces.
To go with the above pasta, and to have in the house for last minute easy recipes (which always seem to require tomato sauce).

3. A pack of cracker packs as well as a large box of granola bars.
To have for Clark to take to class and work as snacks.

4. A large container of Goldfish and a pack of Gerber Squeezables.
For Michael.

5. A large thing of Chicken breasts packaged per pound.
We eat a lot of chicken, and it ended up costing like $1 per pound. So, we can stick it in the freezer and pull out a pack come dinner or lunch time, even.

6. A large bag of potatoes.
While I don't normally buy potatoes, I thought they'd be easy to have for lunch or dinner if I don't completely feel like cooking. Plus, there's a lot you can do with potatoes. They're also good for when company is visiting and you need something easy yet delicious (prepared in numerous ways).

7. Fruit
While I normally don't buy fruit in bul;k because it could go by, we promised to eat some every day. This was an excellent idea because we are determined to eat a healthy snack so we didn't waste money on it.

8. Yogurt
Greek Yogurts, to be exact. I LOVE Greek Yogurt. At the store the brand I like never seems to be 10 for $10, and plus this pack was a lot cheaper.

9. Cheese
Those Bonbel mini cheese wheels? Clark and I love to have those for snacks or with lunch.

10. Bread
We always go through bread so quickly, and this way we were getting two packs that would last but not go bad. With this we also included tortillas for wraps, quesadillas, and so forth.

There you have it! Those are my top ten for "buying in bulk" at the moment. Thus far they have really proved to be worth it!

When one of my closest friend's inquired about being a guest blogger, there was no way I could turn her down. This woman is one of the most amazing ones I've ever met. Not only does she always push me to do better than my best, but she is one of the most understanding, devoted, loving... I could gush on and on and on... women to everyone she meets. So, without further a do, meet Nikki.

The Calling of a Wife
(Nikki and her fiance, Addison.)

Not to toot my own horn, but I’m a pretty driven person. It’s an addiction really. I've won journalism awards, I've presented at international conferences, I've been punched by a photographer who was trying to steal my spot when I was taking a great picture of Michelle Obama. But after years of living with an immense pride and addiction to success (read: fear of failure), I have finally realized a calling God has truly placed on my life.

Above all else, I am meant to be the world's greatest wife to my husband and eventually mother to our children.

I never realized being a wife was such a calling until this past year during my engagement. I had been raised to be a kick butt, independent woman who makes her own opportunities and changes the world. No man would get in the way of that ever.
(Nikki interning at Parents Magazine in NYC.)

And so, I found a man who supported me and my dreams, and as God showed me, he was the man I was meant to marry. Over time, my dreams started to change. Sure, I’m still a writer. Yes, I still make my own opportunities and have big plans. But I’ve realized if your family suffers…… what’s the point?
(Addison's proposal.)

It took me a while to get to this place. And looking back on it, I now understand what my premarital counselors were meaning when they suggested, "We think you may be a bit delusional."

Needless to say, almost a year later-- a year filled with a hell you cannot even begin to imagine-- I was nearly reduced to tears when I read the words in parentheses after a sentence my premarital counselor had written about something I had done: “(signs of a good wife).”

Even though I thought I wasn't delusional back then during that first pre-marital counseling session, I cannot deny that this year leading up to my wedding, I probably learned more about life, love and commitment than I think most engaged couples do before the big day.

You see, the year or months before a couple's wedding is usually used for making plans. You plan the wedding. You plan the honeymoon. You plan your first home and even whose family you'll spend the first holidays with. It's all about making plans. For my type-a personality that is all about planning the future, I had this down pat. Everything was going to be perfect. Addison was going to finish his last semester of school by December, I was already working a great job in Florida, we were paying for a townhouse in cash near my job and he would move from NC to FL after graduation. We'd live there for 5 years, reassess and probably move back to NC to start raising a family. It was a sound plan, we thought.

Well, November, Addison's mother was diagnosed with leukemia. It was a huge blow and shock to both of us and he could barely focus on anything at school. Eventually it was decided it would be best for him and his family if he withdrew from school to be his mother's caretaker. Addison stayed by her side for months. He slept next to her bed on a couch in the hospital. He ate hospital food and watched her soap operas with her. The only breaks he'd take would be for a phone call or web cam with me. It was definitely a rough time and it definitely changed our plans. How/when would Addison finish school? He didn't even want to talk about it until we knew more about his Mom. One thing was for sure. That beautiful townhouse we were about to buy in cash...we wouldn't be getting it. And in a week, someone else snatched it up.

What was worse was how I was seemingly harassed by "well-meaning people." Every old lady on the planet had a comment about the situation they knew virtually nothing about.

"He's not graduating college? Are you sure you still want to marry him?"

No. Of course not since God says, “Thou shalt not marry a non-college graduate.” That makes SO much sense.

"You know, he's not making you a priority right now."

No duh. His mother's dying. SHE is supposed to be his priority.

Oh…and my “favorite” rude statement was when his mother actually did pass away: “That’s going to be tough with him mourning this year. Are you still sure you want to marry him?”

Um… seriously? I’m pretty sure that is the dumbest thing you could possibly ever say to anyone. Ever.

People were ridiculous about the whole thing and it really just beat me down a lot. But honestly, while difficult, Addison’s devotion to his mother made me love him more even though I heard comments like this non-stop. I knew that his commitment to family was unbreakable. When everything was happening in the beginning, he told me that it was his duty as a son to take care of his parents, but when we got married, we'd find a solution that would be best for everyone since he said his priorities would change when I became his wife. This whole year, I grew a huge respect for Addison beyond anything anyone could imagine.

When I read posts on Facebook from newlyweds talking about how magical newlywed life is because it's like one big "party" or "sleepover" I just shake my head a bit. Sure, I'm not married yet, and yes I do want at least a few moments of bliss, but if there's anything I've learned this year, it's that love is this unconditional force that carries you through the most horrible parts of life. I've seen my fiancé break down completely during this whole ordeal. I held his hand as we watched his mother die in the hospital and I learned to tie a man’s necktie through Youtube so I could help him get dressed the morning of the funeral. This year has been hard. At times, we lashed out at each other over webcams. Other times, we were so tired we couldn’t even talk. But we pulled through and I think our marriage will be stronger for it.

Technically we have one session of premarital counseling left. We were unable to finish it because our plans had changed (big shocker). But like Addison says, "I think this year has been pre-marital counseling enough."

Now with a month until the wedding and his mother's funeral a month ago, we're picking up the pieces of the hard year that has happened and are trying to move on the best we can. He wants to finish school, which I think whole heartedly he deserves to finish the way he wants to. And of course everyone not involved who has a comment pipes in with their doubting statements. But yes, I'm picking up everything and moving back to North Carolina. Yes, that means I have to lose my job. Yes, that means life will be a little more uncertain than we had hoped starting our marriage would be.

We've learned a lot this year about each other. But if it's one thing we've learned the most, it's that God is going to be the center of our marriage. We had always heard that and of course it's a no-brainer to say, but I know I didn't really realize it's gravity until I had to pick up everything, give up everything, and step out in faith in order to marry the person I know God wants me to marry. Marriage isn’t just a thing you do. It’s a calling. I don’t think people understand that as much anymore.

While people won’t always agree with my decisions and will always say their doubtful comments, I know what I’ve been called to do and I have faith that if I follow God, then it’ll be alright.


Make sure to check out Nikki's blog Mrs. Healthy Ever After that launches July 29th, after she's officially married! Congratulations (in advance), Nikki and Addison!