Hello/Goodbye: Looking Forward to 2012

Time truly does fly when you're having fun. This past year has come and gone by so quickly. Looking back at 2011 I see growth, grace, and fruit. I was such a young Christian at the beginning of last year, and it is amazing to look back and see how the Lord, has molded and shaped me, a sinful wretch, for His glory.  He is my first love, and He is so faithful, even when I fail.

2011 brings me so much joy, as I look at how full it was. I started meeting with a prayer group with 5 other women, finished my first year of college, started a small group with 3 other women, and cultivated friendships that will last forever. 

Gods grace has been evidenced to me each day that I have had to live this past year, and I am nothing but thankful.

But as much joy and fruit this year has brought, I look back and see my continued need for a Savior. Each and every day I HAVE to rely on Him to be my strength and portion, or else I will fail.......miserably. I see my own sinful heart and how many times I listen to it, and wander.

 My prayer for this year is the same prayer David prays in Psalm 139

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! 

   Try me and know my thoughts!

And see if there be any grievous way in me, 

 and lead me in the way everlasting!"

Its important for me to always have a spiritual game plan and be prepared -- or else I will be easily distracted or lose sight of the true destination or purpose.

Some of my goals for 2012::

+ Cultivate a greater discipline with Scripture Memory

+ grow in evangelism

+ quick to hear and slow to speak

+ cultivate a more gentle and quiet spirit

+ be more discerning 

[and on the practical side...]

+ re-do my room

+ read 100 books

 + travel

+ finish my AA degree//start culinary school

But ultimately my only goal is to be more saturated with Christ each day

"To live is Christ and die is gain."

Philippians 1:21

| Cilantro Jalapeno Hummus |

A few months ago we were at Costco and they had some "Sabra" hummus that you could try. I've always loved hummus, so i decided to try to make it. It could not have been more simple; or inexpensive.
Its such a refreshing summer snack that i love - and healthy too!

[Unfortunately I have no pictures of my hummus; sad day]

INGREDIENTS:

\\ 1 can garbanzo beans or chick peas 

\\ 1/4 C of the juice from the can of beans

\\ 2 T olive oil

\\ 3 to 5 T fresh lemon juice

\\ 2 cloves of garlic; crushed

\\ 1 1/2 T tahini

\\ 1/2 t salt

\\ 1 jalapeno; sliced

\\ 3/4 C fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS:

I. Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high for 3 minutes, or until hummus is completely smooth.

II. place in glass bowl and refrigerate until chilled

tips&&tricks; 

     \\ tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds; don't leave it out, or your hummus will not be the same.

     \\ i usually eat this with pita chips from trader joe's. its the perfect afternoon snack!

time to [[ breathe ]]

Okay, so i haven't posted in a few weeks, because life has been c r a z y! But now that I am officially done with school I can post lots of recipes I've been waiting to share :)

Here is an overview of whats been going on since I last posted;

My prayer group had our first meeting. I am so blessed by these girls, and thankful the Lord has sovereignly brought us together :) 

Farewell Holland Family!

Rick Holland is the [now] former pastor of the collegiate group at my church. He was there for 14 years and was such an incredible teacher, pastor and shepherd. Its a weird change, because all my life he was the only college pastor I ever thought I would have. But I am so excited to now be under Austin Duncan!

.All.grown.uP.

my friend Katherine threw this awesome costume even where we could relive our childhood dreams. 

Love these sweet girls. [and boy!]

My sweet friend Katrina Herrera came HOME for summer leave.

I hadn't seen her since Christmas, and wont see her again until next Christmas, but i am so thankful that shes home. I went to pick her and her family up at the fly away :))

She introduced me to El Charros. It was pretty amazing.

My friend Emily graduated high school! I've known her since 3rd grade, so it was pretty sweet to see her cross the stage. //congrats Em.//

Katrina turned 19. were all grown up now!

Katrina, Natalie and I took some sweet convertible rides

A group of us went to Ojai for the day. 

The adventure included: fruit stands//art shows//pizza//daisy chains// and good conversations.

and we stayed for sunset!! It was absolutelt beautiful

(Pictures courtesy of Natalie Valdez and Franzine Elaine DeGuzman)

Last but not least [[Lizzie]] graduated high school last night!!!

Congrats friend :)

I love you!

So that is a bit of what has been going on the past few weeks, plus lots more sleepovers and coffee//lunch//dinner dates.

Here is a taste of whats to come ;)

Salted. Caramel. Cupcakes. 

XO

B

{instagram}

obsessed.

Lizzie's { Homecoming }

This past Saturday was my best friend, Lizzie's, senior Homecoming dance! So about three hours before she had to leave, I drove over to do her hair and makeup!! With our lives being so busy the last couple weeks, we haven't gotten to spend much time together just talking and doing "girl stuff," so this was our catch up time. I can honestly say it was a much needed refreshment to my life! I love this girl so much! So we chatted, ate candy, and listened to Taylor Swift's new Album "Speak Now." If you don't have it already...buy it. I ADORE it. 

Well, Lizzie had a purple dress and wanted her makeup to be purple. I own quite a bit of professional grade makeup and brushes, and have developed a love for doing makeup and experimenting with it. So i decided to do Lizzie's makeup as a purple smokey eye. She seriously has the most amazing eyes, and those eyelashes aren't fake either. WOW!

She was a knockout!!! Seriously, so beautiful!!! 

Then Lizzie's Friends came to pick her up, and they were off to the dance!!! Pretty girls!! :)

"As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt."

1 Samuel 18: 1-4

XO.

B

Beauty of Creation

Yesterday afternoon I took my bunny outside to let her run around, while I read.  After being in the rain for about a half hour, I went back behind our garage to check on her, when i spotted one of the most beautiful things Ive ever seen! It was a dandelion covered with raindrops! So i ran inside and grabbed my camera and snapped pictures around my backyard. The rain makes everything truly beautiful! Our God is a great creator, wow!

And of course i had to get one with bunny girl before we went in :)

Psalm 96:11-12 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

XO.

B

{Phantom of the Opera}

     Ever since I was a little girl, my mom has always loved Phantom of the Opera. She saw it twice when we were little, and would always tell us interesting things about the set, or how much she loved the music. Several years ago when the movie came out, I learned to love it too.  Well as many of you know Phantom is on its farewell tour and is currently playing at The Pantages Theater in Hollywood. 

Well, about two months my mom and I were sitting in the living room, and a commercial came on advertising the show at The Pantages, and my mom mentioned how much she would love to see it. So I had an idea to surprise her with a trip to the show.  Several days later i went down to Ticketmaster, picked out seats, and bought two tickets to the show; all the while my mom had no idea what was going on. I told her that I had a surprise planned for October 7th, and that she had to be ready at 6:15, and to dress up!

So when Thursday, October 7th came, I was SO excited. She had no idea where we were going, but I knew she would LOVE it. On the drive down, I made her wear a blindfold, and off we went! My dad dropped us off on the curb, in front of the building neighboring the Pantages. When she got out she looked around, and then saw the signs for Phantom and her face lit up!!! I can not explain the joyous feeling that I had being able to do this for her, it was great!

We had such a fun night.  She was so happy that we got to go together, and definitely loved the surprise. The show was amazing, and theres nothing like the first time they play the organ and the music fills the theater. If you haven't seen Phantom, I would definitely recommend you do! It's so fun! All in all it was a great night, and I'm so happy that my mom and I got to share that special memory!

Lastly, I forgot the camera, so we only got one picture on my phone! Oh well! :)

xo.

B

Bunny Girl

LOVE my sweet bunny. shes so cute <3

My Favorite Things (:

The nice thing about summer is that you can do pretty much whatever you want.  This summer especially, I am free to indulge in some of my favorite things. In no particular order, here is a VERY modified list of some of my favorite things, and why I love them so much. (:

sushi, with lots of wasabi!! I love everything about sushi, and pretty much every kind of sushi. Its so delightful (:

Peacock feathers. All the colors are perfect, and its such a beautiful display of our Gods creativity

Starbucks Passion Tea. First of all, its pink so it MUST be good. But also its super cold and refreshing. I drink probably at least 10 cups a week!

The beach. My favorite thing about the beach is the water. I love that its so cold and untamable.  Its such a serene beautiful place to relax and appreciate our creator! 

This photograph by Scott Mutter.  I have it hanging over my bed and something about it, i love. I'm not sure why but from the time i first saw it, I adored it.

I love all zoos. I seriously could watch animals for hours upon end. But the Santa Barbara zoo is my favorite! Its not too hot, so the animals aren't sleeping, and during the week is usually isn't over crowded! I love this place (:

Deer! Over the many road trips my family has taken Ive seen thousands of deer. I love watching them graze and just walk around because of their graceful beauty. They're such calm and lovely creatures.

The Twilight Saga. I love the movies and the books. I could never read/watch them enough.

Don Cucos!!! My favorite restaurant EVER! All the food is delicious and mouthwatering. While waiting for you food there is endless chips, salsa and sour cream.  I would definitely recommend this place!

 

Avocados. Aside from being delicious, they're also good for your skin and hair. I eat them on EVERYTHING.  And theres also a salsa i make with avocados that is YUM!

The Grove. If you've never been to the grove, you're in for a real treat. Located in the heart of LA Its a beautiful shopping strip along with tons of yummy places to eat! I love going here on a summer night and walking around and grabbing a bite to eat with friends. 

Yes To Carrots skincare line.  All their products are buttery smooth and naturally good for you!

Sunflowers. Theres no flower that really looks like a sunflower, and they're so beautiful! I love the joyful air they give off.  

Quarterback Sacks in football. I am WELL aware that it is not football season yet, however I am anticipating its arrival!  My favorite part of the game is when the quarterback gets sacked and pounded to the ground. I don't know why I love it so much I just think its the most non-textbook part of the game. It doesn't seem refined or planned, which is my favorite thing about sports: everything is unexpected.

Bleu Cheese. I think this is a love it or hate it kinda food. And i definitely love it! I could eat bleu cheese by the pound.  One of my favorite treats is a bleu cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, cooked on thick cut sourdough bread. Its so rich and creamy, nothing beats it.

The Habit! If you haven't eaten at the habit, you are either living under a rock, or you don't have a pulse yet.  They make the best burgers and fries ever. Its the perfect combination of ingredients, and not expensive at all. I really wish i ate here more than I do. Its by far my favorite fast food restaurant, and if you have yet to try this place, please do! For your sake :)

 

Last, but certainly not least: Oneighty.  Oneighty is the youth group at the church i attend: Grace Community Church.  The staff is a group of the most godly people I probably will ever meet.  They always show us an example of what it truly meant to pursue personal holiness in every aspect of our lives.  Each and every event they plan us is a blast and the fellowship with the other students in the group is always great! The best part is only about 9 days away; Summer Camp in New Mexico! Best. Week. Ever.

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