A Weekend of Rest

Everytime I am able to escape to our land in Niobrara I can't help but feel blessed and at peace. It's so gorgeous, there is nothing around to obstruct nature's beauty, nothing to pull at my time and attention. It's the perfect chance to unwind, repriotize, and just enjoy this gorgeous place.

 

I mean really anywhere you can waunder around looking like a total fool in Halloween PJ pants and cowboy boots without a soul noticing seems like a win to me. The weather cooperated and we were able to enjoy long walks, ranger rides, and picnics. All very much needed for my soul after a few months of crazy.

Always hard to leave this place, especially with views and sunsets like this. I easily could have stayed one more day, or maybe a month! But it was goodbye for now Niobrara.

Arbonne 14 Day Clean Eating Challenge

I recently started using Arbonne products and I love them. I know with the upcoming holidays there will be treats galore and all kinds of bad food/exercise choices being made. I have decided to participate in a 14 day Clean Eating challenge with several others starting November 3rd to help combat these poor choices. If you are interested in joining me in this challenge just shoot me a message and I can help you get an order in.

Insta Snaps from Vieques

I have so many fun pretty pictures on my phone from Vieques so figure might as well throw some of them on here for all my nonInstagram friends to see.

 

 

Coqui Fire not only is your food delic, your driks refreshing, but you have one very cool funky floor.

Dinning outside on a dirt floor with a pallet table and walls may not sound appealing but this food was VERY appealing - Smoky's BBQ is a must on the island. BYOB

Fun funky stairway I passed on my daily runs.

Chicken feed is sold at the grocery store - why don't we do this in Iowa?? This would be lifechanging!

Loved this Share a coke with

Nothing but breezy lightweat dresses for me on the island

 

Cool old doors on the beach

I was more than happily to lazily lounge on the beach daily

 

Soaking up every last ray of sunlight each day was a must.

 

Pipe Dreams

I have a thing for broken down old houses. Everytime I see one I want to  save it, fix it up, make it beautfiul again. Of course what do we have next door to our new place in Vieques. This adorable broken down old house.

I without a doubt need to save this right?? Even if for no other reason than for the aesthitics of my home there. Plus how cool to have two side by side places, a perfect spot for extra guests. Now I just need to determine who the owner is and convince them to sell it to me cheap!

While I am at it might as well purchase this cute little gem of a shop. It is just a few steps from our street and on the main drag. A great place for the retail shop I always dream of. Import or source locally for great home furnishings and accessories. There is nothing simliar (that I know of) on the island.

 

 

Probably should at least see how much this building is.....Obvoiusly it too needs a little TLC but that's the fun part.

Sunday Dinners

 

We try to do Sunday dinner with my grandpa on a regular basis. It's a good tradition and a chance to spend quality time as a family.

I ended up hosting last week so decided to fancy it up a bit for fall with these fun little arrangements.

Sadly it was a dark dreary day so I don't really have any great shots of the set up but you get the general idea.

 

Might have to recreate a similar arrangement for Thanksgiving.

We Bought a House in the Tropics

We are officially homeowners of a cute little shack on an island full of gorgeous turqouise waters and palm tress. Never would have imagined this and sooooooo very excited. It's truly a starter house and needs a tad bit of TLC but it's all ours and truly that's all the matters. I forsee lots of tropical getaways in the future. 

Stay tuned for information on renting this little gem if you have any interst.

Guatemala Trunk Show

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to join you" John 14:18

 

"And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." Mathew 10:42

 

Last night I hosted a trunk show at my house with all kinds of goodies from Guatemala. Purses handmade by the girls at the orphanage to help them pay for college, pine needle baskets made by local widows, tortilla towels, gorgeous overnight bags, delicious coffee, and more.

We raised over $800! I am so excited that we were able to raise this money for the Hogar de Vida orphanage in Guatemala. I visited in July of 2013 and fell in love with several of the kids. Breaks my heart to think of what life they would be living if this orphanage wasn't there to provide them a safe, nurturing, Christian environment.

 

I have a handful of things left to sell. We have a few purses, tablecloths, and one large over night bag. If you're interested I can send you pictures of the remaining items. Based on the success I have decided this will become a yearly event and start hosting once a year to help raise awareness and funds for this orphanage and the amazing missionaries there - Vickie and Norm Sutton. For more information about the orphanage or how to donate directly click here.

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" 2 Corinthians 9:7