Not A Happy Camper-- Your Help Needed!

Last week I signed up for a google plus account.  That's where the trouble begins.

I signed up for it because I wanted to see what it was all about and how it would tie to all of my other google accounts (blogger included).

When I created my account, I noticed that it posted every photo that I had ever posted on my blog onto my google plus profile.  I thought that was unnecessary seeing as there were no explanations to go along with the photos.  So I deleted the photos.

Then I come to my blog and notice that all of my photos are gone and are instead replaced with an annoying exclamation mark.

I did a bit of research and discovered that since google ties all of their products together, that if you delete an item on one account, it is deleted on all accounts.  So my years of recipes and tutorials and stories are now pictureless, rendering some of the posts useless.

Does anyone know how to restore these photos and make google give them back?

I am not happy, google.  Not happy one bit.

Peaches & Cream // FroYo & Smoothie

It's getting warm outside, and a cold treat is the perfect way to cool off!  Why not make that treat at home?!   Make some frozen yogurt!

I keep fruit in the freezer.  You don't have to worry about the fruit going bad, and you can throw it in a smoothie, which keeps you from having to use ice (which waters down the flavor).  Win win!

Peach Frozen Yogurt

-2 1/2 cups of frozen peach slices

-1/3 cup of yogurt or Greek yogurt (I used non-fat, vanilla flavored)

-1/3 cup of milk (I used vanilla almond milk)

-Sweetener to taste

Throw it all in your blender (I have an awesome Ninja).

The entire batch is 240 calories, which is just 60 calories per serving if you share it with three other people.  The best part is that you know exactly what you're eating.  You're getting your fruit, dairy, and some protein and no hidden ingredients!

If you don't eat it all at once, store and freeze it for another time.

You could replace the peaches with other frozen fruits.  I'm going to try strawberries and grapes!  And pineapple!

To make a smoothie, just add a bit more Greek yogurt and milk until you get the desired consistency!

Don't forget to try out the other smoothie recipes!

Easy Homemade Salsa

One of my favorite things about summer is the fresh produce.  This year I'm growing lettuce, cabbage, strawberries, and tomatoes.  I'm like a proud mama when tiny green tomatoes start budding and when I'm picking lettuce for a salad!

Whether you grow your own produce or get it at the farmer's market or just pick it up at the grocery store, there's something satisfying about eating something fresh and simple and not over processed.

Here's a simple salsa that you can make in a snap.

-1 large tomato

-1 jalepeno pepper (I left the seeds in, but remove them or only use part of the pepper if you don't like it too spicy)

-1 tbsp minced garlic (I used jarred)

-1/2 red onion

-juice from a lime

-cilantro (I didn't put it in, because I put it in the tacos I was making)

Roughly slice or chop the ingredients (well just squeeze the lime!) and throw everything in a food processor and pulse to the consistency you want.

Mmm fresh!

It's good as a condiment or just as a dip with chips.  It's even good leftover if you seal it well in the fridge.

New Things

Last week I started my new job and started working on my new adventure.  I've been busy adjusting to the newness, so that's why I haven't been posting or reading other blogs.  I have been cooking and working on projects, though, so I'll be sharing all that soon!

Do you ever just have to take a break?

photo

Leaving Lifeword

This is a big week.

It's my last week working full-time at Lifeword.

I started an internship at Lifeword when I was 20.  Just a month and a half later, I turned 21 and was hired part-time in addition to my internship.  A year later I graduated from college and began working full-time at Lifeword.

Thanks to Lifeword, I've met a lot of people, traveled the world, and developed lifelong friendships that have become like families.

I've been able to put into practice what I studied in school, as well as learn new things and continually grow in my craft and as a person.

I don't remember a time when I didn't know about Lifeword.  I have a Lifeword shirt I wore as a toddler.  To eventually work for the organization was a blessing and dream come true.

Since my visit to Romania in fall 2010, I knew that I wouldn't be at Lifeword much longer.  God spoke to me on that trip and began working in my heart.  He also began working on my husband's heart to get us to the same place and to bring new things into our lives.  God also orchestrated each detail at Lifeword to make it easier for me to leave.  I'm not sad a bit, which most people just can't understand.  It's just that I'm so sure that this is what God has planned for me that there's no place for sadness or regret or second guessing.  If anything, I'm excited about what's in store!

Life has gotten so busy and my health hasn't been good, so Colin and I knew it was time to change some things and felt like each step along the way has been a confirmation from God.  I'll be going to work part-time for some friends, and I'll be embarking on another new adventure that I'll be able to share with you soon.

I was so blessed to be able to be a part of Lifeword, and that's why I'm so excited to see what God has in store for my future.  All good things come from Him, so I'm not relying on Lifeword or some other adventure to fulfill me.  I'm relying on God and His timing to use me where He puts me and to find contentment in that.

one of my first video shoots in 2006

my first international trip in 2007- the Philippines

I was blessed to see much of the world.

my coworkers

Lifeword will always have a special place in my heart.  To those of you who have been a part of the experience with me over the past 6 years, you have all had an impact on my life, and though some of you live on the other side of the world, I'm sure we'll see each other again!

Love,

Marla