What I Wore

Hello friends! I have been without my laptop all day, until right now. Eek. What a relief that my tech-savvy husband knows what to do when the computer will not start. Praise Jesus that we are up and running again after a long new operating system download. What a huge relief!

On to my outfits from the past week . . .

Shirt - hand-me-down

denim jacket - old

skirt (which is really more teal than this photo portrays) - local thrift store

boots - Steve Madden (similar)

Earrings - TJ Maxx

Silver nail polish - Silver Lining by Cover Girl 

sweater - Thyme Maternity (nope not pregnant, but believe it or not, it's one thing I've hung on to from the old pregnancy days that doesn't look like maternity)

t-shirt - Target

jeans - Old Navy

boots - Steve Madden (similar)

earrings - TJ Maxx

bracelets - gifts, H&M and Charming Charlie

nail polish - Silver Lining by Cover Girl

Hope you are enjoying a beautiful Wednesday! 

Love and blessings. xo

Linking up: What I Wore Wednesday

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support!

Rigatoni with Chicken, Goat Cheese and Rosemary

Macaroni and Cheese? I've loved it since I was a little bitty girl. We make a homemade version for lunch sometimes, and I have passed on my love for it to my children, as well.

I posted this recipe on my menu plan last week and we made it Friday night. You could call it a "grown-up" version of Mac and Cheese. It was delicious and something I know will be requested in the future. I made several changes, so I will share my version below.

Here are the ingredients (minus the chicken, which was already cooking when I thought to take this):

Rigatoni with Chicken, Goat Cheese and Rosemary

1 box Rigatoni (1 lb.)
2-3 chicken breasts, cooked (I put mine on a baking sheet, sprinkled them with a little salt, pepper, oregano and dried rosemary and baked in a 350 degree oven until no longer pink.)
1 Tablespoon butter
3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
3 Tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
1 pint heavy cream
1 pint half and half
4 ounces plain goat cheese
4 ounces herb and garlic goat cheese
salt and pepper, to taste

Bake chicken (as instructed above).
Boil a large pot of salted water, add pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente. 
In the meantime, melt butter in a large skillet. Add garlic. Sauté until soft, one to two minutes. Add rosemary and cream. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, being careful that it doesn't boil over. Add both packages of goat cheese and stir until cheese is melted. Add in cooked chicken. Add salt and pepper, if desired.
Drain pasta and add to creamy mixture.
Serve and enjoy!


We made a Caesar salad to go along with our pasta and it made a very enjoyable meal. This is comfort food, in our book. It's amazing how something so simple can taste so scrumptious.

Did you try any new recipes this week? I'd love to hear about them, so feel free to share in the comments.

Love and blessings! xo



Linking up: Try a New Recipe Tuesday, The Gathering Spot, Good Tastes Tuesday and Hip Homeschool Moms

Weekly Menu Plan {28 October}

(We made this delicious dish last week and I'll share the recipe tomorrow.)

Happy Monday, my friends! 

I hope you had a lovely autumn weekend, enjoying the season. We didn't have anything too out of the ordinary. This week we're looking forward to spending Halloween with friends. I think everyone now has their costumes together. It's a good thing we have a well-stocked dress-up box!

We are excited to see Bob and Ben later tonight and hear all about their adventure in Mexico!!! 

Here is the plan for this week:

Monday - Baked sweet potatoes and black beans

Tuesday - Homemade cheeseburgers, baked beans and potato salad

Wednesday - Grilled chicken Caesar salad

Thursday - Nachos or something simple before we go out for trick-or-treating!

Friday - Lasagna, salad, green beans, French baguette

Saturday - Pumpkin soup, salad

Sunday - Snack-y supper

Do you have special Halloween activities going on this week?

Love and blessings. xo


Linking up: Menu Plan Monday at Org Junkie

Holy Spirit, You are welcome here

What a glorious experience of the Holy Spirit we had today in our church service. I mean like hold-on-to-the-pew-in-front-of-you-or-you'll-have-to-sit-down kind of experience. His Presence is real. It's palpable. And He wants us to experience more of Him in that way here on earth. Glory!!! 

I am amazed by God, once again, and thankful to be a part of a church where humility is visible, praise to Jesus is evident and enjoyed, love for everyone who walks in the door is stunning, genuine joy shines on faces, pain is acknowledged, prayers are offered, the Word is preached and the awe of the Lord is a part of every meeting. Glory!!!

I just want to take a moment and declare again, 

"Holy Spirit, You are welcome here" 

over my life, my family, my home, my church and even this little blog. Jesus, be glorified and lifted high. I exalt You in my life, in my town, in my state, in my country and over all the earth. You are the One I live for and I want to know more of Your Kingdom here on this earth. Glory!!!




Love and blessings. xo

Staying home + nature and art

We had one day this week when no one had to leave the house (excluding Bob, of course!). Woohoo! No errands, no jobs, no social engagements, no babysitting, no classes. 

Just home. All day. {Happy sigh}

So I decided it would be nice to do something out of the ordinary. It is something we used to do more of, but during this season of our lives, it's been more rare.

We went out to enjoy nature, sunshine, autumn colours and fresh air, blustery though it was. Several of us had mitts on, and a couple even donned their touques, to keep warm.

And after we had gathered rocks, leaves of various colours, twigs, pinecones and branches, we drew, sketched and created. 

Then we enjoyed the first hot chocolate of this season!

Love and blessings! xo

Colorado Update and on to Mexico

Prayer Partners,

Thank you again for your interest and support in casting vision for deep spiritual awakening and revival in our country . . . especially while in Colorado Springs a couple of weeks ago.  Overall, 85 participants from 20 different communities across Colorado came together.  Our strategy is to share amazing stories of God’s transforming power and love from around the world.  

Over 8oo global communities have been identified where there has been an undeniable invasion of heaven coming down to earth!  Of these, only 2 have been identified in North America. We lovingly ask the diagnostic question, “Lord, if you are doing it there, then why not here?”  After communicating this message, our hope is to connect with individuals and small groups who will cry out for this movement in their own community.

One of the stories we share at these Discovery Weekends is from Almolonga, Guatemala.  Enjoy this 4-minute clip from our partner ministry, The Sentinel Group.

http://vimeo.com/73269915

I leave this week to head to Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, Mexico, for several days to share this message.  I will be connecting with community leaders for a few days, as well as speaking at an all day prayer and repentance gathering on Saturday.  Benjamin, our 11 year old, is coming with me.  We leave Thursday and return to DC late Monday night.  We appreciate you interceding for us and the beautiful people of Cuauhtémoc (as well as for Scarlett and the kids at home).

To join our support team, click on Field Staff Support at IFA Royce Team.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Bob

Bob Royce

Intercessors for America

Mobilization Coordinator

PO Box 915

Purcellville, VA 20134

800-USA-PRAY

540-317-2097 Direct

TransformingAmerciaThroughPrayer.com

Weekly Menu Plan {21 October}

October 21st is a special day for me. I don't always stop and take lots of time to remember and ponder, but this year my Daddy is on my mind because he would've turned 71 today. Wow. That's hard to believe, I guess since he passed so long ago. I miss you, Dad, and wish my children could know the amazing man you were. Thank you for the loving legacy you left us. I am proud to be your daughter.

My little ones have been a little under the weather this weekend, so I have been speaking healing over them, in Jesus' Name, and giving them lots of love and attention and rest. What an honour to be their mom and to be able to love on them. I'm so thankful for our life and how much God has taught me about His heart for us, His children, during the past 17 years of being a mom. 

We have another unusual week this week (or maybe this traveling is becoming more usual). Anyway, here is the plan for meals:

Monday - Penne Pinching Pasta, salad

Tuesday - Cast Iron Balsamic Steak (a friend gave us a bunch of beef from the side they recently purchased and so I have lots of choices for beef entrees right now!)

Wednesday - Mexican Chicken Soup

Thursday - Mac and Cheese with Roasted Chicken, Goat Cheese and Rosemary

Friday - Leftovers

Saturday - Tacos, Spanish rice, chips, guacamole

Sunday - Snack-y supper

Much love! xo


Linking up: Menu Plan Monday

Tropical Traditions: Buy One, Get One Free

Don't miss out on this fantastic deal!

Now through Sunday, October 20, you can Buy One, Get One Free Virgin Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditions! This is a $50.00 value for only $19.95! 

Check out these other great sales going on now, as well:

1 Quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil for only $29.50 (regularly $40.00)

1 Gallon of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil for only $75.00 (regularly $120.00)

1 Pint of Virgin Red Palm Oil for only $15.99 (regularly $19.99)

Not familiar with the benefits of Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil, click HERE for more information.

Let me know if you get one of these fabulous deals! xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you for your support!

Ebates

Do you do any online shopping? 

If so, you will want to know about Ebates! 

You can earn cash back on your online shopping purchases. If you shop at Amazon, Macy's, Groupon, Kohl's, Walgreens, Omaha Steaks, Clinique, Walmart, and many, many other stores, check out Ebates today and start earning cash back on your every day purchases!

If you are ready to start buying all the items on your Christmas gifts list, there is a holiday sale going on now that you won't want to miss. Sign up is free and fast and you will be on your way to making money on your Christmas gift purchases. Check out Ebates today!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support!

What I Wore Wednesday

I have two outfits to share today, and I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy, so click over for more fashion inspiration! 

(Is it just me or is iOS7 making my photos grainy???)

Purple long-sleeve tee - Target

Jeans - hand-me-downs

Vest - Target

Flats - Payless

Earrings - TJ Maxx

Bracelets - mix of gifts, H & M and Charming Charlie

Top - hand-me-downs

Sweater - Winners (Canada)

Jeans - hand-me-downs (Aeropostale)

Boots - Steve Madden (similar to these or these)

Earrings - TJ Maxx

I hope your week is going splendidly! xo


Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support.

Giveaway from Easy Canvas Prints

This giveaway is now closed!

And the winner, chosen by random.org is #4: Stacy A.!!!!! Congratulations!!! I will contact you shortly with your giveaway information, Stacy.

Thank you all for entering! I loved reading your ideas for the canvas you would choose. Right now you can get 25% off your order from Easy Canvas Prints, which makes an 8x10 only $33.53! Also, if you are a blogger who is interested in doing a review for Easy Canvas Prints, please email me today: scarlettroyce(at)gmail(dot)(com). There are opportunities open now.

I have more giveaways coming very soon, so stay tuned!

*****************************************************************

Here is another fun giveaway, my friends! 

You may remember that I had the opportunity to review a canvas from Easy Canvas Prints not too long ago. They offer custom canvas prints and my experience with them was all positive. If you missed it, you can go back and see it HERE. 

This is my beautiful canvas from Easy Canvas Prints . . . 

And now I have the opportunity to offer a giveaway to my readers for a free 8 x 10 canvas (retail value: $43.59)! Woohoo! This would be a great opportunity to either mark one item off your Christmas gift list or get something new for that bare spot on your own wall!

Giveaway Details:
Do you have a photo in mind for a canvas? Please leave a comment letting me know which photo you would choose and please include your email address so that I have a way to contact you if you win! This giveaway is open to US residents only (Alaska and Hawaii not included) and is open until October 31, 2013 at 11:59pm ET.

Weekly Menu Plan {14 October}

Happy Canada Day to all my dear friends up north! I hope you've had a wonderful weekend full of family, friends and feasting! I am also wishing a happy, happy birthday to my sweet niece Kendall and my beautiful friend, Carol B. today. Much love from Virginia!

I am late getting this posted today, so on with the plan for this week.

Monday - a rare dinner out at a local Mexican restaurant (yippee!)

Tuesday - Turkey Dinner, in honour of my little Canadians!

Wednesday - Stir Fry with Chicken with Bok Choy, jasmine rice

Thursday - Leftovers

Friday - Pumpkin Soup, bread sticks

Saturday - Maple glazed salmon, rice, salad

Sunday - Snack-y supper


Have a wonderful week! xo


I'm linking up with Menu Plan Monday at Org Junkie. Pop on over and check out all the great menu ideas. 

Audrey Bunny {Review AND Giveaway}

This giveaway is now closed! And the winner is:

Comment #5 (chosen by random.org): Merry

Congratulations, Merry! I will be in touch shortly.

And a big thank you to all who participated! Stay tuned for another children's book giveaway coming soon. And don't forget about my other giveaway going on now, just in time for Christmas. xo

*****************************************************************

Wow! Do I have a treat for you today, my friends. 

I was recently given this precious book, Audrey Bunny written by Angie Smith and illustrated by Breezy Brookshire, for review. You may have heard of Angie Smith before, as she is an author, popular blogger and conference speaker, as well as wife to Todd Smith, lead singer of the Dove Award-winning group, Selah. This is Angie's first children's book and is written in memory of her new-born daughter, Audrey. You can read that story here.

This is the story of Audrey, a stuffed bunny who is full of fear because she has an imperfection which she thinks will keep her from being wanted and loved. I have read this adorable story to my younger girls several times now. It is so sweet and has the precious message that we are all created by God as unique and special and loved by Him. 

It is a beautiful message and the whimsical illustrations in the book are perfect, I tell you, perfect! Breezy Brookshire is a talented artist and is now at the top of my favourite illustrators list. Seriously, folks, check out these illustrations. Gorgeous!

Now on to the giveaway! FlyBy Promotions has one copy of Audrey Bunny to give to one of my readers!!! If you have a child or children in your life, this would make a fabulous gift for Christmas, birthday or simply just-because. The message is one we all need and the book is one that will be treasured for years and years.

Giveaway Details:
Please leave a comment below and please include your email address (otherwise I have no way to contact you, if you win). This giveaway is open to anyone in the USA or Canada and ends Friday, October 25 at 11:59PM ET. I will announce the winner on this page.

For additional entries (please leave a separate comment for each):
Follow Angie Smith on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and/or Instagram.
Follow Breezy Brookshire on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and/or Instagram.


Disclaimer: FlyBy Promotions has given me one free copy of this book. All opinions are my own. No other compensation was given. This post also contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support.

Exploring The World of Astronomy {Review}

I am honoured to be included on the Moms of Master Books review team, and today I have the opportunity to share another exceptional product from Master Books (a division of the New Leaf Publishing Group) with you. This time I received Exploring the World of Astronomy: From the Center of the Sun to the Edge of the Universe by John Hudson Tiner. Because I am new to this group, this was the first of the Exploring series that I have received, but if you are interested, the other great titles are listed HERE. 

From the publisher:
Think you know all there is to know about our solar system? You might be surprised at some of the amazing details that you find when you begin Exploring the World of Astronomy! From the rugged surface of the moon to the distant and mysterious constellations, this book provides an exciting educational tour for students of different ages and skill levels. Learn about a blue moon, the 400-year storm on Jupiter, and what is meant by "the zone of life." Discussion ideas, questions, and research opportunities help expand this great resource on observational astronomy into an unforgettable educational course for middle school to high school students!

Chapter titles include:
  1 - Exploring the Moon
  2 - Mars
  3 - Terrestrial Planets
  4 - Jupiter
  5 - Saturn
  6 - Jovian Planets
  7 - Plutoids and Denizens of Space
  8 - Telescopes
  9 - Breakthroughs in Astronomy
10 - Deep Sky Wonders
11 - Stars
12 - Extrasolar Planets
13 - Starlighted Nights

My thoughts:

This 176-page book is great for ages 10-18 (and older). I am going to use it as a reference book in our homeschool, although I will say that I am already learning some interesting facts as I have looked through it. It is well-written and an important aspect to me is that it is written from a Christian world view. I do wish the pictures were in colour, but that is not a deal-breaker for me, just a personal preference. This is a great resource for a science curriculum for middle school through high school ages (it includes quizzes after each chapter and parent/teacher lesson plans in the back), a reference book to be perused as needed, or a book to keep out on the coffee table for a child who doesn't have a current book to read to pick up and engage on their own. Since we live in an area that is great for star-gazing, we are ready to identify more constellations, with the help of the charts in this book. This is a wonderful resource to have on our science shelf. 

You can purchase this title for $14.99 (and add the digital download for only $4.50 more).

Mark your calendars!!! There will be a Books and a Treat Facebook Party on Tuesday, October 22 at 9PM EST! Come and chat with the review team, learn fascinating facts about astronomy and enter to WIN some great prizes, including a copy of Exploring the World of Astronomy!

Disclaimer: I received one copy of this book from Master Books. All opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

Weekly Menu Plan {7 October}

Happy Monday! 

I hope your week is starting out well, friends. We have been enjoying some much-needed rain today and now the temperatures are cooling off once again. It's down to 63 F. this afternoon! Yes, I am sitting by an open window right now. *happysigh*

It was a super-busy weekend for us, so the kids and I have been having a slower day today. Bob was in Colorado for the last half of last week at some important meetings. The children and I enjoyed hosting my uncle, my aunt and her sister and brother-in-law Saturday night and Sunday, as they were passing through on a trip to view some autumn colours. It's been almost a year since we had seen them, so it was fun to have this spontaneous visit. They were able to go to church with us, as well as stay for a delicious lunch at church after the service. Then last night Bob and thoroughly enjoyed attending the 40th anniversary dinner for Intercessors for America. What an honour to be in the room with several individuals who had been a part of founding the ministry 40 years ago. It was fascinating, as well as inspiring, to listen to those who have gone before us to pave the way for what God is doing today and will do in the future through IFA. I am very thankful to have been in attendance last evening.

On to the plan I have on tap for this week (with lots of input from the younger family members) . . .


Monday - leftovers from the church lunch yesterday (thank you, Jackie and crew for sharing these with us! What a blessing.)

Tuesday - Pesto grilled cheese, salad

Wednesday - Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, green peas, veggie tray

Thursday - Fall Vegetable Curry, basmati rice

Friday - Stir Fry Chicken with Bok Choy, jasmine rice

Saturday - Leftovers (or maybe Papa John's Pizza)

Sunday  - Snack-y supper


I've heard of quite a bit of sickness going around and thought I'd pass along these natural remedies I recently came across (I, personally, hate all the chemicals and junk in the store-bought stuff):

Homemade Herbal Throat Lozenges from Keeper of the Home

Homemade Cough and Cold Syrup from Keeper of the Home

And this is from Beni Johnson's IG . . .

Let me know if you try any of them.

Love and grace. xo


I'm linking up with Laura and the ladies at Org Junkie for Menu Plan Monday, Erika at It's a Mom's Life and Jen and friends at the Craft-O-Maniac Monday Linky Party.

Marker-Miller Orchards

We started a beloved autumn tradition 10 years ago when we lived in Canada . . . going to the apple orchard to pick our own apples, buy fresh apple cider, play with our dear friends on the playgrounds, pet the farm animals, and enjoy the crisp autumn air. Thankfully, we have been able to continue our family tradition here in Virginia. This year we went out to a farm we had not visited before and it was a lovely experience.

Marker-Miller Orchards is located in scenic Winchester, Virginia. We took the drive out last Saturday for part of Maya's birthday celebration and it also happened to be the farm's annual fall festival. We were thrilled to see that we were not the only ones out enjoying the beautiful weather and this wonderful farm. 

 The beautiful stone house on the farm dates back to 1811 and the land has been in the family since 1908. I have said before that I enjoy supporting family-run businesses, and this is no exception. The Markers have been farming the land for five generations, with Mr. Marker's father planting the first apple orchards in the 1930's. And I am no farmer or expert in any way, but I have visited quite a few orchards over the years and these, by far, are the most beautiful and healthy-looking apple trees I have ever seen.

We thoroughly enjoyed the festivities of the fall festival and I have already been asked if we can plan to go again next year! My answer: Absolutely!

Yes, those are apple cider doughnuts you see! Oh my! We also enjoyed their delicious apple cider.

I just want to say a huge thank you to the Marker Family for not charging an admission fee to the farm. (I have been so surprised and quite appalled by local farms charging anywhere from $8-$12 per person just to enter the farm. For this family of seven, that is next to impossible. If I am going to your farm, it's not to just hang out and then leave. I will pick apples or whatever produce is in season and probably take part in other activities or buy other products sold in your store. I go there as a customer and to tack on another $70, give or take, is absurd.) So, thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Marker for offering your farm free of charge! We will be back soon.

Here are their upcoming events:


Apple Harvest Festival: Saturday, October 12th (9am-5pm) and Sunday, October 13th (10am-5pm)Everything apples!!!!!!!!!!! 20 varieties of apples to choose from, with pick your own available. Apple cobbler and apple cider slushees can be enjoyed while sitting on the front porch or listening to the music each day from 1-3 P.M. For the kids we have the cow train, a playground and room to run. A variety of food will be available at the food building. Wagon rides around the farm scheduled throughout the day.

Pumpkin Festival: Saturday, October 26th (9am-5pm)
Come find the "great pumpkin." Choose from ones already picked or pick your own. Enjoy pumpkin pie, pumpkin rolls, pumpkin bars and pumpkin donuts from our bakery.  A variety of food will be available at the food building.

Bakery Festival: Saturday, November 9th (9am-4pm)
Grab a plate and help us celebrate the Bakery Festival!  Enjoy a free sampling of some of our baked goods. We will be taking orders for Thanksgiving and Christmas.


Market Hours:

June – October 
Monday – Friday: 9:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
**Open Sundays in September & October: 12:00-5:00**

November:

Monday-Friday: 9:00 – 5:00

Saturday: 9:00 – 4:00

December: 

Friday: 9:00 – 5:00

Saturday: 9:00 – 4:00

3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, VA 22602
(540) 662-1980 

Connect with Marker-Miller Orchards on Facebook or sign up for their newsletter. 

Disclaimer: This post represents my own thoughts and opinions. No compensation was received. I just want my friends to know about this great family orchard!