I Spy…

February 19, 2016 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres1 Comment

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! I feel like shouting from the rooftops! This week has been SO long and I have had Friday-itis all day! It’s sunny and beautiful and 63 degrees out right now and I want to be outside enjoying it!!

So with today’s quick post, I’ll give you a peek into the good ol’ outdoors with the most adorable thing I have seen in a long while – A bald eagle girl (at Berry College in Rome, Georgia) and her bald eagle husband just had two babies and this is a 24 live feed next cam!!

Click Here To See Mama & Papa Eagle, and their babies!

Seriously, how cool!?!?

I won’t keep you today…Just wanted to share some of God’s beautiful creation!! Have a BEAUTIFUL weekend – I hope it’s just as gorgeous wherever you are as it is here!!

What's Up Wednesday

Scary Movies & A Healthy Treat

February 3, 2016 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Happy Mid-Week Everyone!

Craig left for Texas this morning, but we have a special weekend away planned, and I just can’t wait!! #2DaysUntilFriday

Last night, we went to the movies and saw The Boy.

I love a good scary movie every now and then, and this one definitely had a twist at the end I didn’t see coming. Poor Craig’s hand is probably numb today from my squeezing it so tightly at the theatre last night! If you’re looking for a jolt, this is your movie.

We took this picture last night at the movies…I’m not sure why it looks like it was taken with a 1999 digital camera…but…there you have it. 🙂

In other news, we all know I love cooking and baking…and trying to make either of those things as healthy as possible is one thing I love to be challenged with! So, this week, I made SuperMan Breakfast Bars with coconut flour and all-natural clover honey for Craig to have a healthy, but travel-ready breakfast to bring on his trips.

SuperMan Breakfast Bars

These are SUPER simple, and according to my husband, extra yummy – not to mention healthy!

Here’s what you’ll need:

parchment paper
1 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup flax seed (milled)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup coconut flakes (unsweetened)
1 1/4 cup mixed nuts
2 TBS chia seeds
2 TBS dried blueberries
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup clover honey
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350*, and line a smaller baking dish with parchment paper. (Hint: You can make it a lot easier on yourself by spraying the dish with non-stick spray for to make the parchment stick.) In one bowl, combine coconut flour, salt, baking soda soda, coconut flakes, nuts, flax and blueberries. In another bowl, combine butter, honey and vanilla. Once well combined, pour dry ingredients into wet and mix well. Press into baking dish on parchment, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Once cool, place into refrigerator to chill (at least 2 hours), and then cut into squares to serve. These can be kept fresh for about a week in a zip-lock bag, refrigerated.

If you try them, let us know what you think! I have found ‘sugar-free honey’ at Aldi, and can’t wait to try this recipe for myself – Insulin Resistant Style! 🙂

Y’all have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Much Love,

My Choice Monday

My Choice Monday: Naturally Amazing Skin

January 11, 2016January 11, 2016 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Hello & Happy Monday!

I was so sad to see this past weekend end! Craig and I finally had a nice weekend together and we cherished every single moment – relaxing. It’s been awhile! 😉

I spoke with one of my best girls this weekend, who asked if there were any essential oils that would help with skincare… Well, yes ma’am, there sure are!

Whether you have dry skin or acne/problem prone skin, there is an essential oil remedy for you! Here are two I love:

Acne Prone Skincare

Let’s begin with tea tree oil. WebMD says, “The chemicals in tea tree oil may kill bacteria and fungus, and reduce allergic skin reactions.”

I, personally, use the following skincare regimen daily to tame my skin:

12 drops Tea Tree Oil

2 oz Pure Jojoba Oil

2 oz Isopropyl Alcohol

I mix these into a spray bottle and apply to my ‘problem areas’ everytime I wash my face.

Seriously, this works SO WELL for me – when nothing else has! I wash my face – using one of my favorite Christmas gifts, my Clarisonic (Thanks, Mama!) – and then spray this mixture on my clean skin – twice daily. Cystic acne caused by PCOS – gone.

2. Dry Skin/Psoriasis

Frankincense. You may be familiar with this essential oil – It was one of the gifts brought by the Magi to Jesus. This oil is known to actually repair cells, so it’s perfect for treating dry skin and specifically psoriasis.

Here’s my remedy:

10 drops Frankincense essential oil

10 drops Lavender essential oil

2 oz Pure Jojoba Oil

3 oz of your favorite unscented, moisturizing facial lotion:(I recommend this.)

Mix this lotion mixture into a clean small jar (like this one), and you can apply up to 3 times daily to affected areas.

And y’all, I am serious when I say that healing your skin naturally is the way to go. Hands down. And these oils, have tons more uses than simply skin care, too!

All found at Mercola:

Tea Tree Oil :

Toothbrush cleaner – A drop of tea tree oil can disinfect your toothbrush, which is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
Mold treatment – Mix a drop with a cup of water, spray on moldy areas, and then wipe clean. For an all-natural disinfectant, you can also sprinkle a few drops of tea tree oil along with baking soda on your bathroom or kitchen surfaces.
Natural pest control – The strong smell of tea tree oil naturally repels ants and other insects. I recommend making a natural insect repellent by mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil.
Laundry freshener – Adding a few drops of this oil during the wash cycle will make your laundry smell crisper and kill organisms lurking in your washer.

Frankincense:

“It’s known for its comforting properties, and is useful for visualizing, improving one’s spiritual connection, and helping overcome stress and despair.⁸

In aromatherapy, frankincense oil is either inhaled or diffused via a vaporizer – a very effective sedative that induces a feeling of mental peace, relaxation, and satisfaction, and helps relieve anxiety, anger, and stress.⁹ ”

Lavender:

Added to your bath or shower to relieve aching muscles and stress.
Inhaled or vaporized. You can use an oil burner or add a few drops to a bowl of hot water, and then breathe in the steam.
Used as a compress by soaking a towel in a bowl of water infused with a few drops of lavender oil. Apply this to sprains or muscle injuries.

And it’s easy, you can purchase any or all of these powerful essential oils right here. And if you’re interested in trying some of my recommendations from both this week and last week’s post, you might just want to purchase a Premium Starter Kit. You’ll get all of these oils:

- Lavender 5-ml
- Peppermint 5-ml
- Lemon 5-ml
- Copaiba 5-ml
- Frankincense 5-ml
- Thieves® 5-ml
- Purification® 5-ml
- R.C.™ 5-ml
- DiGize™ 5-ml
- PanAway® 5-ml
- Stress Away™ 5-ml

Plus a diffuser, and MORE. You can find it here. You don’t have to care a thing in the world about selling essential oils, but if you plan to use even just two different oils, buying the starter kit is the best deal – by far. Not to mention that if you sign up, you’ll receive wholesale pricing…That’s a 24% savings right off the bat.

Check it out – I promise you’ll be glad you did – and so will your skin! 😉

Until Tomorrow,

Food For Thought Friday

What’s For Dinner?

August 14, 2015 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Friends, it has been a long week alone! And tonight, although Craig was scheduled to return home, it looks like the airlines had other ~~planes~~ (Ha! A true Freudian slip!) plans for him. Alas, I have an exciting night of cooking ahead of me anyway, and if I can’t be with my husband tonight, I am actually a little thrilled to be getting back into meal planning and preparing meals ahead of time!;-)

So today, I thought I would share with you the recipes I am making tonight for next week, and a freebie: A Meal Plan Printable & Grocery List!

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Obviously, I’m a big fan of Danielle at Let’s Dish! For this coming week, every meal came from her food blog, so if you see anything that looks yummy to you – and how could it not?!?! – check it out for yourself!

Now, perhaps you’re wondering how I eat any of this if you know anything about my dietary restrictions, and the truth is, that I won’t be eating the pizza or sandwiches, but the quinoa cakes, salmon and chicken should be DELICIOUS with a few minor modifications. 🙂

What are your thoughts on meal planning and cooking in advance for the week ahead? If you’d like to try it (and experience the lessening of pressure from not having to THINK about what’s for dinner or the last minute rush to the grocery store), check out my free printable:

Let me know what you think, and how this system works for you! And by the way, what’s your favorite recipe? You never know, we may add it to our next meal plan!

Have a great weekend!

Food For Thought Friday

Trust & Obey

August 7, 2015August 7, 2015 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres2 Comments

Happy Friday Lovies!

Are you as ready for the weekend as we are?!?! I don’t know about y’all, but for me, this has been the longest week ever!

Probably a lot of that has to do with the fact Craig was out of town. I’m not gonna lie – It’s tough being alone so much, and I can’t even begin to describe how much I miss my husband!

But last night, at about midnight, he finally walked through our front door! Yippee!!!

So needless to say, we are excited to be blessed with the weekend together before he heads back to Texas, and…we just might be doing a little bit of celebrating…

Just like we mentioned in our flashback to last year’s post, “Pack!”, on Wednesday, God works in amazing ways – and they look nothing like the expectations of this world! So, almost exactly a year to the day of having a signed contract on our Dallas, Georgia home, yesterday, we sealed the deal on a signed contract for buyers of our Maine home! WOOHOO!

God is good!

And for anyone out there who thinks this is mere coincidence, think again. He tells us in Scripture not to be afraid, for He is with us! He has called us by name, and we belong to Him. (paraphrase Isaiah 43:1)

Can you take a moment to think about that and apply it to the context of your own life?

You are a creation of God, your Heavenly Father, who loves you so much, He never leaves your side. He tells you that wherever He leads you, He will always be right there. How amazing is that? The One who created the universe calls YOU by name, and knows every freckle on your face by heart.

He led us to Maine; He provided for us in what was a very daunting and seemingly impossible situation; We served Him; He opened doors of opportunity for us; We followed His command; He led us back to Georgia; We obeyed Him; He gave Craig a promotion, and He provided for our family, and He continues to provide and lead us step by step.

Trust and Obey. Just like the old, beautiful hymn:

Written By John Sammis, 1887

Lyrics:

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
- Refrain:
  Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
  To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

That hymn (not to mention that version), especially when I think back over this past year and to our future, gives me ~~goosebumps~~ Jesus-bumps and brings happy tears to my eyes. I hope it blesses you today too!

As a constant reminder of His Faithfulness, we have a little treat for you today – a free printable:

Just right-click the image above and choose “Save Image As” to get yours! When I read those words, I can’t help but feel like nothing can stop me!

After all, we are sons and daughters of the RISEN KING! Hallelujah & Happy Friday!

Uncategorized

Busy With A Capital Zzzzzzzzz…

November 12, 2014November 12, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

As you all know, Craig and I have a very limited number of relaxing weeks and weekends, and in that regard, nothing has been remotely out of the ordinary!

In the midst of getting to know our new stomping grounds, we have also kept busy with my Youth Ministry. A few weeks ago, we sang “Revelation Song” at Mass, and rounded out the day by volunteering at a local assisted living facility, and various other acts of service.

I am blessed with a great group of teens! Last week, we meet for a Pizza & Devotion Night at a local restaurant, and it was so cool to have a discussion about faith right in the midst of a busy and crowded restaurant.

As a matter of fact, this weekend, we will be hosting an overnight teen lock-in with another church…We better start resting NOW! 🙂

We also recently made a trek down to Georgia for what seemed like the flash off an eye! I drove down with the pups and was able to meet my best friend’s sweet and beautiful daughter, Willa:

I spent a relaxing afternoon of catching up and manicures with a dear friend in Atlanta:

And Craig and I both were able to spend some meaningful time with family…so meaningful we didn’t even stop and think of taking any pictures! :-\

After taking Craig back to the airport in Atlanta for work, the furs and I made the JOURNEY back to Maine…in ONE stretch! Thanks to our awesomely fuel efficient car, I only stopped once for diesel!

And since our return and my opportunity to speak at the Maine Catholic Women’s Conference last weekend, we have resumed our usual frenetic pace!

Well, back to that busy schedule we go! I have some crafts to make for this weekend’s lock-in, and presumably, a nap to take!

So, what keeps YOU busy? We’d love to hear! 🙂 Can’t wait to talk to you again tomorrow!

XoXo,
Pier & Craig

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Food For Thought Friday

A Great “To-Go” Recipe FOr Kids (& Some Adults)

August 8, 2014August 6, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Good Morning Folks!

We have a fun recipe for y’all today – Vlog Style! It was fun getting to pretend I had my own Food Network or Cooking Channel show for a little bit! 😉 Of course, you’ll need to view this video in a browser. So, if you received this post in an e-mail, simply click on the title (in blue) at the top of the e-mail, and you will be redirected to the website, which will enable the video to be played.

Wasn’t that such a quick and easy “semi-homemade” fix? I made these for Craig to take on his trip for simple, portable meals and they worked out great! He loved them and they are simple to make and easy to pack for lunch! All of you pilots’ wives out there, keep this one in mind! 🙂

Happy Friday and have a wonderful weekend everyone! We are off to Portland tomorrow for the day, and we’ll be sure to snap a few pictures to share next week!

Food For Thought Friday

Before The Honeymoon’s Over

May 30, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres3 Comments

Do you have a list – either on paper or in your head – of the things you ~~want to~~ have to do before you ~~get married~~, ~~turn 30~~, have your first child (or other milestone occurs)?

I’ve seen a lot of these “Bucket List” type of posts recently, and thought I would share our list with y’all:

Yep. That’s our To – Do list for our marriage before Jonah Elizabeth is brought by the stork 😉 Some of the items will be quite the feat; some are small yet meaningful; some are already in the works…

What about you? What’s on your list?

Have a wonderful Friday & weekend everyone!!

Love and God’s Blessings To You All!

My Choice Monday · TTC Tuesday

Matthew 6:26

May 27, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

You’re in for a double dose of the Newlywed Lefebvres today! Being off for the holiday weekend meant finally getting to sleep in a little bit late, and completely spacing on writing our normal Monday post. To be completely honest, this weekend was such a blessing my mind was elsewhere. 🙂

So, better late than never, we have two posts for you today: Monday & today’s regularly scheduled programming!

Typically, neither Craig nor I are much of the movie-goer type. I think the whole time we were dating we went to the movies once – maybe twice. There just hasn’t been anything worth going to the theater for — until recently. Especially as Craig & I grow closer in our relationship to Christ, more and more of the aspects of “Hollywood” in the world hurt our hearts, and we steer clear of those items. Whereas once upon a time we were able to go to the movies and see anything that ‘sounded good’ to us, now we are more discerning about what we take in.

So far in 2014 we have been truly blessed with the amount of Christian movies airing on the silver screen:

Even the questionable Noah…

Last night, we had the privilege of enjoying this one:

We didn’t even realize this movie had a Christian influence until Casting Crowns posted about it on Facebook:

While Craig and I, obviously, aren’t parents – yet (Hurry up, Jonah Elizabeth!!! 🙂 ), this was a refreshing film for any Christian. It was funny without being vulgar. The language was colorful without being crude. The costuming was beautiful and vibrant without being immodest. This storyline was compelling without being full of sex or violence.

Trace Adkins even spoke about Jesus’ amazing love for us, in spite of who or what we are.

If you’re looking for a night out, this is a movie for the whole family to see! Be sure to support films like these!!

And now, for our regularly scheduled programming:

Folks. If you still don’t believe in the power of prayer, let me tell you know that you better open up your heart and your ears.

I have been praying for something to happen for about six months now – maybe a little bit longer. I won’t divulge what that is to protect the person for whom I have been praying, but know this: I knew I couldn’t change the situation. I knew God was the ONLY ONE who could do anything in this situation. I prayed for His Hand to work. For His Will to be done – not mine.

And the impossible happened.

In all seriousness, it would be like my telling you I wanted to wake up and find our neighbors on our doorstep, check in hand, letting us know they felt sorry for us and knew we were ready to move, so they were going to buy our house – with cash. And then that happening.

What I prayed for is something I felt God wanted to occur, but I knew it was just outrageous to even begin to consider. I didn’t know how to get from Point A to Point B, and so I asked Him to take over. I told Him that if it was really His Will, He would have to handle things because it would be a miracle if it happened.

And people, it HAPPENED. It may have taken a little time and a little patience. But it happened. My prayers were answered and His Will is being done.

To God Be The Glory.

If there is anything you are struggling with, ask for His help and have faith.

All our love to you friends. We pray for all God’s blessings upon you.

Food For Thought Friday

On The Road Again…

May 23, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres2 Comments

FRIDAY! I could shout it from the rooftops!! We are saying our prayers that Craig makes it home today – He was stuck in White Plains, NY last night due to fog and weather…Crazy to me, since it was 97°F outside and absolutely spectacular here in Atlanta, G-A! 🙂 We cannot WAIT to begin our BUSY, wonderful weekend!!

About twelve hours ago this time last week, we were up to another one of our crazy trips! Rather than fly to Minnesota for Craig’s dad’s birthday, we decided to make the 18 hour drive again – with the pups!

They are such good travelers!!!

Craig’s dad’s 60th birthday came in the form of a surprise party, so when we arrived on Friday afternoon, we met up with Craig’s sister, Mandy, and our brother-in-law, Mike, who took us in for the night. 🙂 Thank you SO much for letting us stay with you! (Especially with Lucy & Caroline!)

We went out to eat that evening in Downtown St. Paul with Mandy, Mike & Jenna too – Craig’s youngest sister! Great Waters Brewing Company was delicious!

When we got back to Mandy & Mike’s that evening, it wasn’t very long before Craig and I CRASHED! An eighteen-hour drive and no sleep was enough to do us in for about 12 hours! 🙂

Kevin’s 60th birthday party was held at Rockwoods Grill in Otsego, which is Craig’s hometown.

Here are some pictures from the awesome party – I sure do hope we surprised my father-in-law!

Back at the Lefebvre Farm, the next day after church, we had a big family lunch and took some BEAUTIFUL family pictures outside!

And then at 6:30AM the next morning, we were back on the road to Georgia!

We had a WONDERFUL time, and hope our Midwestern Family knows they are always welcome Down South – and that we would love to have them! 🙂

Have a FABULOUS Memorial Day weekend everyone!!! I want to especially say “Thank you” to my father who is a Retired Army Officer! Thank you for your service to this wonderful nation!