..."eat your veggies!"

     Six years:  that's how long it's been since I've had a hamburger, or hotdog, or steak, or any other red-meat food.  I decided to give up the "red stuff" after reading an article my cousin, Renee, posted online about how eating too much of the stuff may not be the best for your health.  Now I know what many of you are thinking... "too much of anything is bad for you, Casey," and I'm sure you're right.  But for me, I decided it was something I could live without.

 My Quick-n-Easy Vegetarian Taco Soup (tomatoes, corn, kidney beans, taco seasoning)

      Now before I get to harping too much here, let me just say that I'm not one of these people who looks at it as a moral issue.  My young-adult pastor and mentor, Tony, would tell me "that the Lord made every animal clean and put them here for man to eat."  (By the way, I love you very much Pappy Tony) And I would have to agree with him. But I do think we, as a society, have in some instances gone too far.  As a lover of animals, the horrible treatment some of them face is heart-breaking.  I remember seeing a story on the news one night, about the horrific treatment of cows at one slaughter house.  It truly broke my heart.  Some argue that these animals do not have souls, but friends, they hurt just as we hurt.  Many of you have pets, and I know you can't deny that they know everything about you.  My little dog, Tucker, sure knows everything about me.  When I cry, he knows I'm hurting and is there to lick the tears away.  And when I'm excited, he runs frantically like a chicken with its' head cut off (...bad analogy there...) and gets excited, too.  So yeah, for me, it did become something with a little more meaning. But ANYWAYS, enough of that.........>>>>>
      You're probably wondering where on earth this is going, so I will tell you.  I was talking with my friend and co-worker, Carrie, about my determination to eat healthier and make smarter decisions.  I mentioned that I didn't eat red-meat, but on occasion would opt for grilled chicken and seafood for protein sake.  Carrie shared with me that she had recently watched an interesting movie called "Forks Over Knives" (click to go to the movie's website) that examines the health benefits of not eating animal-based and processed foods. I've yet to see the movie, but definitely plan to watch it soon.  But it was our little conversation that put me to thinking, and more importantly, established this will within me to strive to make healthier food choices.
      What's great, is there's so many wonderful recipes out there that are good for you!  Veggie-based "pastas" and sweet potato "burgers"... recipes for which I've found a la' Pinterest! (click on link under the picture to see recipes for each)

Zucchini Pasta 

 Sweet Potato Burgers with Avacado 

    

     Lastly, I'd like to add that I'm not saying everyone should give up "real-deal" hamburgers or pork loin or good ole' fashion fried chicken, but I would like to encourage you to make overall healthier decisions, too!  Like reaching for fresh veggies and fruits (it's the perfect time since the gardens will soon be plentiful) instead of a potato chip bag, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or playing outside with your kids instead of falling down in front of the computer screen as soon as you walk in the door.  Because every little bit counts!
      As for me, I've picked one day of the week (Saturday) to indulge and enjoy an occasional cupcake or croissant.  Because really now, what's life without a little indulging, right?!        

"Nolita Fairytale"

     This past weekend, I spent my time wandering the fascinating neighborhoods of SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown and... Nolita!  I had been talking with some of the girls at Tribeca about doing some browsing and they were adamant about me visiting this section of Manhattan. 

     Of course, I was super-excited to embark on my little journey (especially since there was shopping to be done), so I got up early and headed out the door first thing Saturday morning. I was bound and determined to find the perfect little coffee shop (not a Starbucks or other everyday coffee chain), a unique little place with a certain quaintness to it. After taking the subway to Spring Street, I'm happy to say, I didn't have far to go before I found the perfect place! The scent of espresso drifted out onto the NoHo sidewalk, and one wiff and I practically ran inside.  It was the cutest little coffee shop; magazines and newspapers strewn across the bar, fresh-baked muffins and croissants staring up at me from glass containers, and one mean-looking espresso machine working overtime behind the barista.  I had already made the decision to indulge this day, so I happily ordered a beautiful brown croissant and warm mocha latte.  And let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious!     

     After catching up on all the latest happenings in the New York Times, I stashed my newspaper and hit the streets again, this time on a mission to find the best boutiques and vintage shops in all of SoHo.  If you know anything about SoHo, you know the area is known for its shops and street vendors-- and for good reason!  Every street corner I turned, I found beautiful handmade jewelry and boutiques out the wahzoo!  It was my own little paradise. I journeyed in to many of the stores, only to browse and gawk over the most intricate (and yes, expensive) blouses, dresses and coats.  There were, every now and then, pieces that were somewhat more in my price-range, but even still, I denied myself the pleasure in fear there may have to be some repenting done if I gave in.
      Instead, I opted for an awesome little arts and crafts market I found while wondering the cobble-stoned streets of SoHo.  And that's where I found this little beauty....

 ..............................a handmade, vintage-glass ring with the Eiffel Tower in the background.  And as you can imagine, I was pretty happy with my purchase!
     Lastly, I decided to head to Nolita for a visit to a "sweet" little local hot-spot.  Sex and the City may have made the "Magnolia Bakery" famous, but let me tell you, the "Little Cupcake Bakeshop" shouldn't be forgotten!  Upon walking in the place, I felt like a kid in a candy store, hardly able to contain myself for excitement.  There were all sorts of desserts, specifically cupcakes of all flavors and every shade of color.  Red Velvet, Blue Velvet, Peanut Butter and Jelly (yeah buddy!), and my personal favorite:  "Mott's Street", a.k.a. Tiramisu, complete with marscapone cheese frosting, an espresso-infused cake center and cocoa dust. This little cupcake seriously changed my life.  I didn't know cupcakes could taste that scrumptious!

      Finally I, of course, posted pictures of my weekend outing on Facebook, and a sweet friend (hi Amy!) commented that my cupcake extravaganza reminded her of Vanessa Carlton's song, "Nolita Fairytale".  So I thought, what a perfect title for this post of mine... because this day was definitely a fairytale in my book!

Cornerstone.

     Out of all the fancy words that could be used to describe our Savior, I love how the Bible chooses to use something as simple, yet solid, as a rock.  "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." (Eph. 2:19-20)   

     Today I went to my second worship service at Hillsong NYC.  We sang a song that moved my heart so, I'm pretty sure the ground may have even moved under my feet.  The lyrics went like this: 

"Christ alone, Cornerstone

the weak made strong, in the Savior's love

through the storm, He is Lord

Lord of all."

     Isn't it beautiful (and so refreshing), the realization that even through the stormy times in our lives, if we trust and lean on Him, we cannot fail.  He is our Cornerstone; the rock that holds us together. 

    Now in this life, we will face sorrows and hardships.  And there will be times during our journey that we ask "why", and may not understand what purpose a certain negative event may have in our life. But I promise-- more importantly HE promises, when we build our life on Jesus, we cannot be moved... because He is immoveable!  

    Praise Jesus!  For there is no other like Him.  He is our Cornerstone. 

"Mind the Gap!"

     Let me start by saying that if there was ever a moment in my life that I was as happy as I am right now, I can't recall it.  This is a post I've been hoping I'd have the opportunity to write for a few months now.  Back in January, I had been looking through my photos from when I had studied abroad in London three summers back.  It was the greatest experience I had while in college.  I sat there reminiscing over pictures of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, King's College Hampstead Campus, and my the faces of my "London sisters": Sarah L., Sarah A., Sarah T., Angela, Libby, Jessica, Tiffany, Katie, and Lindsay, and found myself longing to be back in that amazing city once again.  And suddenly it occurred to me, I had one last option of traveling back to London and being a part of my beloved CCSA once again!  And so, as quickly as possible, I got to work applying for the position of "resident assistant".

      My beautiful friend and London sister, Sarah L. (above), served as resident assistant for CCSA the summer after we studied abroad.  I even took a 2 week trip back over, (thanks to a gracious graduation gift from mom), and visited Sarah. I found it so inspiring, that she had the chance to encourage other students studying abroad to seize the opportunity, and thought it would be so cool to one day get to do the same.
      So long story short, I received the email that I had been praying profusely about for the past 3 months, TODAY!....
     "Dear Casey,  It is my pleasure to offer you a position as a Resident Assistant for the 2012 London Summer Program.  Congratulations!"   I have seriously read my acceptance email 20+ times since receiving it earlier, and it honestly still hasn't sunk in.

      Which brings me to the point of the title of my post.  Tonight after work, once I got to my NY apartment, I went straight for my computer and began looking through all my old London photos yet again.  I can hardly contain my excitement, just thinking about all things I will get to see and experience in London once again. But the one thing that will be like music to my ears, and will affirm that I am indeed back in London, is when I hear the 'tube' conductor say: "everyone, please "MIND THE GAP"!   

the Jersey Shore... (sort of)

     Last night, I took a drive over to the Jersey Shore--(OK I confess, it was actually Jersey City, but the Shore made for a more interesting title for my post...) with Carrie, my TFF co-worker. She had invited me to her "Connect Group" for Bible study, and of course, I obliged!  Let me start by saying that I know God put this new friend of mine in my path.  Carrie has the biggest heart and is seriously so witty, which has been perfect for me to be around because as we know, laughter is good for the soul.  She is also strong in her faith.  This summer, Carrie will be taking a trip to Kenya to visit some old friends, but more importantly to serve.  She's been on a few missions trips as part of a group, but this summer she'll go it alone (with the exception of one friend) -- she'll go on pure faith.  In her words, she explained to me that she's not sure what she'll do when she gets there, but she knows God will provide her with something.  Friends, now that's what I call FAITH!
     But back to my Jersey visit... Carrie and I attended her Connect group, where I was immediately welcomed as one of their own.  I felt so at ease, and was so happy to be studying God's Word with fellow believers all the way up in Jersey!  Our discussions warmed my heart, and I left there with a happiness inside I can't find words to describe.

     So I'd like to start the day by thanking the Lord for the journey He's leading me on!  Six months ago, I would never have dreamed I'd be sitting in a stranger's apartment, studying the Bible with a group of people I didn't yet know, in a little town in New Jersey.  Just goes to show, when you "let go and let God," He'll take you places farther beyond where you expected to ever go.

"Should'a... Would'a... Could'a..." == So why don'tcha?

    My longtime best friend sent me an email today with this little poem attached.  The words really spoke to my heart, and I loved it so much that I'm ready to go outside and shout it from the rooftops! (which I actually could do from my the roof deck of my NY apartment :)

Ever follow a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask: How are you? Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores running through your head?

You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.

Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time to call and say, "Hi"?

You'd better slow down, Don't dance so fast.
Time is short, The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life is not a race do take it slower.
Hear the music before the song is over.

 

By David L. Weatherford
From "The 4-Hour Week" - by Timothy Ferriss

    I wonder how many times in our lifetimes we utter the words, "I should'a"... or "I wish I would'a"... or maybe, "if I could'a"?  Friends, what's stopping you?!  Now, I'm not saying you should by any means throw caution to the wind, go out and quit the job you hate, trade in the kiddies, and go live in the woods like you said you were going to do when you were 12.  But if there's a friend you need to make amends with-- do it now.  If you're not sure your mom knows how much you love her-- call her.  Tell that co-worker, who has never met the Savior of the world, what she is missing-- tomorrow!  And for happiness sake-- have a scoop of ice cream (or two) every now and then... even if summer is right around the corner and you need to fit into that "itsy, bitsy, teenie, weenie, yellow polka dot bikini"! 
    Don't let another day go by that you're in so big a hurry that you forget to thank someone for holding the door for you, or kiss your kids goodbye before they head out for school in the morning.  For we know our kids grow up, our loved ones die, and our hopes and dreams sometimes fade into only 'what could have beens'.  You only get one life; one journey; one trip around the merry-go 'round; one dance; one song.  Live your dreams.  Shoot for the stars.  Go the extra mile.  Forgive and love.  Why don'tcha? 

~Thank you Fe-Fe for the email that inspired this post. Love you.~

"Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are Made of..."

     I can't really describe what it's like to wake up in the morning and know the greatest city in the world is waiting right outside your door.  I've been here for a week now, and still, every morning is the same.  My eyes open... and a big smile spreads across my face. 
     I walk down the sidewalk, ear-buds in, music blaring... "New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of... there's nothing you can't do... now you're in New York..."  This has been my song of choice each morning since I've been here, as I head out the door to catch the subway that will take me to my office in Tribeca.  There's an extra "pep" in my step.  A smile escapes my mouth as I meet each and every passerby.  I even singalong-- out loud, I might add-- "these streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you..." and could care less if I'm off-key.  I walk a couple miles from the subway station to work, and even as the sun beats down on my face and I'm damp with sweat by the time I arrive, I don't mind; in fact, I love it.  "Street lights, big dreams all looking pretty..."  Because this is my dream.

Enjoy the Journey...

    Today at work (in my precious little New York office) my new friend and co-worker, Carrie, (whom I already dearly love) emailed me this uplifting little story.  It was a nice little "break" for my busy day, and I wanted to share it with all of you. 
    Oh how I love the journey... but how great it will be, once we make it home! 

Click on the link to read:  "It's the Journey That Makes Coming Home Sweet"

Did Someone Say... Road Trip?!

     Since my last post, I have driven more than 1800 miles, crossed 7 states, and spent a straight 25+ hours in my car... each way.  Why you may ask... two words: road trip!

     There are few things I enjoy more than traveling.  So when I was booked to work an event in Las Vegas, I packed up the suitcase, grabbed the GPS, and hit the road.  I can't help but smile as I sit here and reflect on how these past few months have played out.  For my New Year's Resolutions this year I decided to try something new.  Instead of making the same standard resolutions I tend to make year after year, (lose 15 pounds, eat healthier, read more, etc, etc...) I decided to really think this one out and pour my heart and soul into what I would call my "Leap List of 2012".  I chose resolutions that would require hard work to accomplish, put me out of my so-called 'comfort zone', and require some serious chance-taking... or leaping.  Hence why I named this year's resolutions my "Leap List"!
     Now instead of sharing my entire list right now, I will focus on the one "leap" this post refers to:  "To drive cross-country to see the Grand Canyon."  When I made this resolution, I knew it would take a bit of planning, and I wasn't even quite sure when I was going to make the trip or how.  After all, driving practically to the other side of the country and back is... a LONG way.  Not to mention the thousands of miles put on your car, having to drive overnight and into the next day, all the while having a loving mama fret over which state you're in and if you've ran out of gas and are stranded on the side of the road. So I knew from the get-go this cross-country trip would take some work,... I just didn't expect the chance to come so soon!
     Now this is the part of my story that literally makes my heart skip and has me take pause and give a gracious "thank you" to our Lord.  Because friends, believe me when I tell you, HE made this trip... this crazy resolution of mine... possible!  To give you a quick look at another "leap" on my list, I chose to "let go and let God" for the entirety of 2012 (and from here on out preferably!).  The past several months have brought about many opportunities, some that have been amazing... others that have been a struggle, and all of which I have learned from and grown immensely.  God did some big tearing down and building up in my soul, and from which I've learned that we have got to live in complete surrender to not only Him, but His timing too!  Now I know from experience this can be hard.  We think we know what we want and where we should be at this point in our life and how successful we're adding up, but friend, I'm here to tell you-- we ain't got a clue.  I'm not saying we don't have an idea about what our true dreams, passions and desires are, I'm just saying that if we don't pray and ask Him to lead us to our dreams, passions and desires in the way He wants us to get there and at the time He wants us to get there... we'll be a hot mess!  We"ll stumble and we'll fall and we'll fail. We can't rush these important things.  That's why we must be faithful; because it's sometimes a long road, and we cannot go it alone!
      So why tell you all this... well, I've had this longing in my heart to visit the Grand Canyon for a loooooong time.  I had a geography professor in college who told my class once, "if you're someone who believes in nothing, go to the Grand Canyon, and when you see it, you'll believe in something!"  I had seen pictures and heard people try and explain the vastness of this world wonder, but could never fully comprehend just how glorious it could possibly be.  So at 24-years old and with a flexible freelance work schedule, I hoped this would be there year (like I said, in His timing) I would get to see it for myself.  And so I poured my heart into a prayer for an opportunity that would allow me to do just that. And praise be to God, from out of nowhere really, I was booked to work the grand opening celebration of the new Smith's Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas... which of course opened the door for the my trip out west! I'm not trying to say that things are always going to work out perfectly, but I do know the Lord gave me this opportunity which would allow me to make my trip to see His beautiful creation, the Grand Canyon!  And see it I did!  Talk about the perfect Artist!

 

"I Solemnly Swear, I Am Up to No Good"... In the Kitchen

     Well that's it folks-- I gave in.  After months of declaring that I would not be one of those people who fall under the addictive spell of "Pinterest", I am now... how should I put it... hypnotized by the "Pin".  I decided one day I'd give it a try, a test-run if you will.  But my test-run quickly turned into an hour long, glued to the computer screen, Daytona 500 pinning session!  I couldn't stop myself.  I pinned this, I pinned that; I even pinned the "Pin It" button to my task bar for convenience sake!  Cute outfits, crafty "DIY's", tons of delicious recipes... the possibilities were endless!  Yes, ever since that fateful first "pin", I have pinned with pinning fervor.  So how does my raving about this new addiction tie in to the title of my post, you might ask... for those of you who are "Harry Potter" fans, you will appreciate this.  As for those of you who are not-- you may want to stop reading here. (Thanks for visiting, and have a nice day.  And a word of advice-- do yourself a favor and go buy book: "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," RIGHT NOW.)

     Now where was I?... Oh yes, my Pinterest obsession.  I have come to learn that many people (young and old) have the same love for all things HP as I do.  Although I'm now at the tender age of 24, my childlike imagination is still very much alive in me.  Which leads me to tell you, when I see something referring to the HP books, I get super-excited! So you can imagine my delight, when I saw the number of pins posted to Pinterest dedicated to bringing a little bit of magic from Harry's world, to life for us "Muggles"!    

     Take for instance this yummy recipe that someone "pinned" for "Butterbeer" cupcakes from "the Pastry Affair" blog (click on the link for the recipe).  A friend of mine (hi, Brittany!) tried out this recipe for these tasty beauties and her's looked amazing!  So of course, I did what any Pinterest geek would do-- went straight to her Pin Board and found this amazing recipe.  I haven't the chance to make a batch of my own yet, but I'll post a pic when I do!  And just an FYI... the blog above also has recipes for other "HP" treats... including Honeydukes treats, Cauldron Cakes, and of course-- Butterbeer! (just a reminder these do NOT contain alcohol)

     So for those of you who have not yet made it down to Florida for a visit to the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter", you can now brew up your own Potterrific creations in your kitchen!  As for myself, who has made the trip (because really, did you expect any different? Like I said, child-like...) I, and my taste buds, can't wait to relive these magical goodies all over again!

Cauldron Cake and Butterbeer from Universal Studios' Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Butterbeer in the "Hog's Head"... HP imagination brought to life!

Bella enjoying her Chocolate Frog from Honeydukes

    One final thing, if you are not yet hooked on Pinterest,... indulge!  There truly is something for everyone... fashionistas, crafties, foodies... even "Muggles" too!