Monday, September 30, 2013

Content Heart {Wanting What I Have & Feeling Overwhelmed}

Although this blog is mainly about fun new finds and our adventures, I wouldn't be staying true to myself unless I shared about our life. Our faith. So, this morning I would like to share what has been on my heart lately and encourage you with a few verses that have been encouraging me.

Having a a content (and joyful!) heart when I feel overwhelmed.



This is where I'm living at lately. On the corner of worry street and overwhelmed avenue. As corny as that sounds, that's a little real talk for your Monday morning. I have felt overwhelmed with keeping our life together (working a crazy/fun full-time job + making the weekly grocery list + meal planning + paying the bills + laundry pile up + toys everywhere + washing my hair). Comprende?! Just Life. Crazy, beautiful life can get  a little overwhelming at times. And, in this moment, I've been working on JOYFUL contentment. Being content with the things I have. Being content at the place in life where we're currently dwelling. Having JOY here. Joy in this moment. I want my life to radiate joy. I struggle with this.

In our present society it's almost a faux-pas to let anyone know that we struggle. Have struggles. We live in a "polish the surface" society. Make it look pretty and neat from the outside. Honestly, I think we make it more difficult on ourselves. That instinctive desire to make our life look perfectly pretty. Comparing our life. You've heard that comparison is the thief of joy, right? It is! We gloss it all over. Play pretend. Life is difficult and at times we will have struggles. Everyone, y'all. Not one person is exempt from struggle. We're human. Right? So, why all of the hiding and fear of judgement if someone knows we struggle?!

Well, my heart is not always perfect. Just gonna go ahead and let you guys know. It's a daily work. You know, it's not easy to have joy and peace. Sounds so lovely, but in the hidden nooks and crannies (don't you love that word??). Crannies. In those hidden areas I have struggled with being at peace, at ALL times. And being joyful. I get overwhelmed and feel alone. I get overwhelmed and snap at Jeremy. Sometimes I try to fill a hole with something else. A new thing. Really, I'm not kidding myself. I know, KNOW that some thing won't suffice. And I'm not NATURALLY joyful. Not gonna lie. Struuuuuggle. I just want to encourage someone. God knows your heart. Your intent. He knows tomorrow. Holds it in His hands. And, He IS Joy.

"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk They have secretly set a snare for me." Psalm 142:6

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”  Isaiah 43:1-3 

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore." Psalm 121


“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:5

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What scripture is encouraging you today??

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Fall Treats {Pumpkin Overload}

In betwixt traveling and hanging out with my fellas I've been baking up a storm. There's just something about the seasons changing that inspires me to bake. Especially Fall. Fall is my fave. I'm a sucker for pumpkin-anything. Annnything. I thought I would share two of the pumpkin treats that I've whipped up lately.

Pumpkin Poppers and Pumpkin Bread. I hope you're baking up delicious fall goodies for your peeps, too!!

Happy Weekending...

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Take Note Tuesday {Three Things}



1. A cheery rolling pin, perfect for fall baking!
2. Fall Leaf Piecrust Cutters. How stinkin' cute are these little guys?!
3. Matching Poppy pie pan to complete your set. 

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And, a quick update on my crazy life. It's crazy. That's the real deal. No, but seriously. I was in Dallas two weeks ago, in Birmingham last week. I'm headed to Dallas again next week. Uhh. Lots of sleep in between and playtime with my guys. That's the life before our huge January shows. I'm not a show girl. Buuut, I really am! Blogging takes a back seat to my real like jobbity job. Being a Wifey & Momma comes first. Then comes design. I'll be posting regularly as soon as I can get a moment to catch my breath.

See you guys around. Promise!!


Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Take Note Tuesday {Three Things}


1. Leighton Jute clutch in the most adorable pattern!
2. Oprah's favorite BOOT CUFFS!!
3. The perfect neutral Cheetah Scarf!


I thought it would be fun to share three of my favorite The Royal Standard products this week! All of the items above can be found on our retail website (exciting NEW website coming soon!!). I can't wait to add these three to my fall wardrobe!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Boot Cuffs and Oprah

Yesterday was a beautiful day. I knew it was coming, but it took me by surprise. Heading to checkout with a cart full of groceries I spied the October issue of O Magazine.

I flipped out.

Standing at the checkout line in HEB. I was THAT crazy lady. Ran to the magazine, and started flipping through. Found it. Towards the back, on the bottom of page 178 next to "Genius Ideas!". HAPPY DANCE ensued!!!





A crazy surreal moment when I saw our product and our name in print. I am so proud of the Product Development Team (and proud to be on the team, y'll!). We work hard every day, and this is our first mention in a BIG publication, so it's an incredible honor for us.

Sooo. Go GET YOUR BOOT CUFFS before they sell out!! I mean. How stinkin' adorable, right?!!!


I'm heading to Birmingham in the morning for the week. Tons to be done. Lots of amazing things happening at The Royal Standard!! Super excited about our future. Did I mention that I just love my job?! 

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Working Girl


I'm off to Dallas for a couple of days. I'm a working girl this week and the BIG Aggie v. Bama game is this weekend. Lots to be excited about! Sooo, back to work. I will be taking a blog break for a couple of days. I'm thinking of keeping track of one of my market days and doing a little "day in the life of Lindsay" post when I return. Yes? Any thoughts on the subject? I hope everyone has a happy weekend, and GIG'EM AGGIES!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Take Note Tuesday {Three Things}



1. This Ikat Pillow from Target. Super stylish and versatile (+ affordable!).
2. I really love this tee from Anthro. It's ikat + chambray. The best of both worlds!
3. Organizational Baskets. And, they're striped. Need I say more?!

Monday, September 9, 2013

Cinnamon Apple Danish Braid

This recipe is not quick to make, nor, is it low calorie. It has apples in it so that counts for something, right? Buuuut, I'm sure the amount of butter + sugar just drowns out any "good" in those poor little apples. Regardless of what isn't, it IS good. So, SO good.

I had a box of "Hot Roll" mix on hand. I've never worked with it before, but picked it up the other day thinking I would bake something new. I googled for a recipe and found one immediately...


Cinnamon Apple Danish Braid

My parents came to visit us for the day and it was a perfect combination. The house smelled like fall, the weather was rainy and we had the very best Sunday afternoon together!!

Happy Monday, y'all!

Friday, September 6, 2013

Fall Faves

Soooo, I live in Texas now. Honestly, I'd forgotten how blazing hot it is here. I miss Birmingham terribly. It's a bittersweet realization. Fall was my absolute favorite there.

Alas, here in Texas we're not even remotely close to Fall weather yet. The temps are still in the 100's all day e'ry day, but I can still pretend, right?! Okay, good. I'm glad you agree.



Heart Sweater // Necklace Tee // Outfit by JCrew // Outfit by Gap


Wanna discuss?

This season I'm buying those adorable wedges from Target ($30!!). I tried them on last night and they are so adorable (cuter on, than pictured!!). I also love the sweaters/cardigans at Target right now. You can't beat the price points. I will probably splurge on a few pieces from JCrew & Anthro and mix it all up, together. I went in Kohl's the other night looking for a cute shirt that I saw on insta, and OH BOY!! Have you guys been in there lately?! GO. TODAY. In my opinion they have the cutest things right now. Tons of chambray shirts and fun polka dots (plus sequins & jewels!). The leopard flats and clutch from Gap are classics. They would probably last a couple of seasons. Navy and black will (of course) be staples in my wardrobe this fall mixed with denim and lots of stripes. I'm pretty predictable + classic.

What are you guys wearing this fall? I can't be the only one sharing! Spill it...

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Sesame Noodles


I have a secret weapon weeknight winner. It takes 10 minutes to make and we LOVE it around here (yes, even Jonah loves it!!). I make Sesame Noodles anytime we're hungry for Asian food and need dinner ASAP. Here's the scoop...

Sesame Noodles

Step 1:  Boil 1 pkg linguine noodles (we prefer whole wheat)

Step 2:  In a bowl mix together:
1/4 c light soy
1/3 c rice vinegar
1 tsp brown sugar
1 clove of fresh garlic, minced
1 Tbsp sesame oil (I keep this on hand and use it often. Have you tried it?)
1/3 c vegetable oil

Once your noodles are finished mix them with the above ingredients. Add 1/2 bag of shredded carrots (you can also add sugar snap peas, or cucumber strips, or even zucchini! YUM!). Garnish with limes (sometimes I also add chopped scallions and cilantro if I have it on hand!)

This is super easy peasy and delicious if you love sesame + Asian noodles. WE DO!!

*Note- I've also added stir fried chicken to these noodles and I will often sear flank steak if I have a little more time + the ingredients on hand. I think it would be great with shrimp too!

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Take Note Tuesday {Three Things}

I'm a little tardy with our Tuesday post. You'll forgive me, right? Okay, good. I like friends who can forgive. Without further ado..

1. Chair cushion in sunny mustard yellow
2. Wide- Eyed cookie jar to add to my owllection. Get it? I'm a hoot. 
3. Pouf for Hubs chair. AND it's on clearance. Hooray!

Thanks to Labor Day, this is a short week. I LOVE short weeks!! Happy Wednesday, party peeps!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Zucchini Enchiladas

You guys. I can't even tell you how much we enjoyed this recipe.

These. Are. The. Best.

I made 'em on Tuesday night and I had more than one. Or two. I had three. And, I didn't even feel guilty about it. The amazing thing about these enchiladas is they taste SO GOOD, yet they're super low in fat. High in veggies. You shred your zucchini up with fresh garlic, then add lots of cheese. One recipe made two pans of enchiladas so we ate one and froze the other. Win win, right?!


Cheesy Zucchini Enchiladas (modified by ME)
Ingredients: 
  • cooking spray
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 medium zucchinis, grated
  • kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
  • 2 cups grated mexican blend cheese (Sargento)
  • Corn Tortillas
  • 2 cans enchilada sauce

Spray a baking dish with nonstick spray. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a medium nonstick skillet, sauté garlic and onions in olive oil over medium heat for about 3 minutes; add grated zucchini, salt and pepper to taste and cook about 4-5 minutes. 

Remove from heat and add 1 cup cheese; mix well.

Stuff filling into corn tortillas (I opened one can of enchilada sauce and dip my corn tortaillas in the sauce, stuff, then roll them in the pan). Continue stuffing until all filling is gone. Pour the other can of enchilada sauce on top of enchiladas. Sprinkle remaining cup of cheese on top.

Bake until hot and bubbly (about 25 mins).



Monday, September 2, 2013

Pom Love {Pom Pom Tutorial}

Please raise your hand if you love pom poms as much as I do. Yea?? Good. Cause I'm showing some pom love today. Let's discuss.

I don't own a pom maker. That hasn't stopped me from making hundreds of poms over the last three years. I mean... why let a little thing like that squash your creativity?! I've made poms for Jonah's nursery, poms for gifts, pom garland for parties & decor. I have no idea why I haven't just gone out and purchased one, but I haven't. Honestly, it's so easy I didn't even think about one. Anyhow, I thought I would share how I currently whip out quick + easy peasy poms. They aren't perfect but they sure are cute!!


Step 1: Gather your yard, and start wrapping around the base of your finger.
Step 2: Make sure to keep your fingers spread (to make the pom larger) and wrap the yarn around your fingers 50-60 times. (You can play around with the thickness as you start to make them. I've found that with my palm size, this is the perfect number of wraps to make full poms.)
Step 3: After you've wrapped it all up, cut your yarn.
Step 4: Cut a 6-9" section of yarn and lay it on a flat surface. Carefully remove the yarn that's wrapped around your hand and lay it on the cut portion.
Step 5: Wrap the cut portion around your yard and tie in a tight knot. (Make sure you pull tight when you knot it! This is the key for secure poms that don't fall apart easily!!)
Step 6: This is a photo of what it should look like once you've tied it up nice and tight.
Step 7: Take your scissors and cut the looped portion of one side. This released all of your little yarn squiggles. I know. That's pretty precise directions, right? Thank me later. Do the same for the other side.
Step 8: Trim your pom. Play around with the length. You can make it super trim or leave it a little messy. I usually leave mine messy. Y'all know.

Annnnd, then make a bunch of other colored poms and delight in them. String them up. Make a garland. Add a single pom to a gift box. Fill a vase with fun fall colored poms. The possibilities are endless and this is SUCH a fun + cheap project. One roll of yarn is $3, and makes TONS of poms.

Instagram your photos with the hashtag #pompomsarefab

GO HAVE A POM PARTY!
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ps. Happy Labor Day!!