Happiness in a Mason Jar

My core group leader - basically a spiritual mentor - made all of the people in our group some precious Valentine goodies. The entire concept of the gift was simple: mason jar filled with candy. How she put it together, however, is what sold me on why I need to do this for all future occasions. I couldn't resist sharing this fabulous and creative idea, and I hope you get a lot of use out of it!

What I like most about the idea is how versatile it can be. While ours is super girly and Valentine themed, you can easily fill the jar up with anything to fit the occasion.

It's easy. It's cute. And it's thoughtful.

Step 1: Save all jars. So for the next time you feel like throwing away a mason jar... don't. Or at least send it to me, I will message you my address.

Step 2: Buy relevant candy. Jelly beans, M&Ms, Skittles, etc - anything that has color and fits the situation. Then fill the jar with the deliciousness.

Step 3: Buy some burlap, get some sample fabrics at the store, or cut a brown paper bag. Put it around the lid of the jar for it to be tied up.

Step 4: Find some colorful ribbon, or string to tie the jar up with. Get something that matches, and it will create a crafty, happy and caring feel to the entire (and inexpensive) prize.

Dear God

I found this on pinterest, and it makes me smile.

We indeed need to learn to have faith like a child. So often we feel like we should only go to God in times of need, but we should turn to him in all the venues of our life. Just like these crazy children have done.

we <3 it

Start your journey today of letting God be a part of all that you do. 

Let me know how it goes.

Andrew & Kendra - Engagement Shoot

Love makes me happy, and when it is people you adore in love the happiness is enough to make you want to explode. Kendra and Andrew are so madly in love. They've been dating for 4 years, and over Christmas break Andrew finally popped the question.

After seeing them interact as a couple it is so obvious they are best friends. I was so honored to be able to photograph an engagement shoot for them, despite the freezing weather - it was literally snowing that day. For me, the entire experience was a learning one and I can't wait to do it again!

So here's some of what I captured of this God-fearing, forever-loving and continually-laughing couple. Enjoy!

Oh, it is love.

Today I got to go out with one of my best friends and her darling fiancé.

I did my best to capture their priceless love on camera. Here's a sneak peak of what I was so lucky to be a part of!

extra calories - extra delicious

By-golly-good-scott. It has been so long since I've posted. My life has been completely nonstop for the past 3 weeks!

I've had job interviews, overloads of homework, exams, along with my 2 jobs and busy life to maintain. Sometimes I feel like giving up on this blog, but at the end of the day - no matter how long I go without posting - I can't. I can't because there is more to this than having so few readers. It's a place for me to vent, explore and challenge myself. And I hope you get something out of it too.

I - at least - hope you take the time to bake some of the delectable dishes I post. I wouldn't post them if they weren't worth melt-in-your-mouth-good recipes.

This outstanding (and easy) chocolate-chip cookie dough pie is definitely something to make, and chances are you'll have most of (if not all) the ingredients at home!

The whole concept of making this pie is just getting a reliable chocolate-chip cookie recipe, and transforming it into a the right amount to fit into a pie crust. Really, it's so simple!

Not only does this baked good taste like a chunk of chocolatey heaven, but it has hypnotic powers - everyone who looks at it immediately has an overwhelmingly strong desire to consume it.

You'll need:

• precooked pie dish, I just got one of the crumb ones on sale
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 1/2 stick of butter (melted)
• lots and lots of chocolate chips, be greedy :)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325

Mix eggs, and pour in sugars. Mix well, until consistency is thick, yet smooth.

Beat in softened butter. This will make it creamier.

Add a hefty amount of chocolate chips - just enough that it will still fit in the pie pan!

Put mixture into your pie shell.

Bake for 60 minutes or until your toothpick comes out clean! ENJOY, preferably with ice-cream. 

Mix

Bake

Cut

DEVOUR!

I think one of the coolest things about the pie is how the chocolate chips melt to the bottom. It looks like a fun baking technique, but it's just gravity doing it's thing.

Now make a loved one happy today, or save it as a valentine's treat next week. Either way, make time to make this delectable pie.