Friday, March 28, 2014

An update four months in the making

Happy Friday blogging world! I sure have missed you, and I'm sure you've missed me. It has only been four months. Ha ha ha. I think the quickest, most effective and most fun way to jump back into blogging is to join a link-up and make a list. So here you go... Five on Friday!

[ONE]

This whole post may or may not be prompted by my dear friend Sarah who blogs over at Sometimes Screaming Helps and is the Creative Editor at SheLoves Magazine. She is an incredible writer and blogger and photographer and coffee dater. Just saying. She is a world traveler and leaves the country just about every other weekend. (Okay, so yes... we live in Washington and she jaunts up to Vancouver, B.C., but that's still another country!) Our weekly coffee date conversations range from our beliefs about Jesus and where He is leading each of us... to the struggles of crossing your legs when you are wearing tall boots. I'm not making this up. She is cooler than she knows.

[TWO]

All Sons & Daughters. If you don't already listen to them, stop what you're doing and go listen. But maybe finish reading my post first. Then go look them up!

[THREE]

This past December, Aaron and I started a new adventure in nutrition- Isagenix. Considering that we were already eating really healthy, I was skeptical. What difference would a shake in the morning and a protein bar here and there make? Lets just say that a total of 16 lost inches later, I am no longer skeptical. By replacing part of our monthly grocery budget with Isagenix products, we're able to use the rest of our budget to buy the most high quality foods we can find without breaking the bank. Think organic, fresh, local produce and dairy, eggs, etc. And I can workout like a champion, so that's cool.

[FOUR]

I finished another of my 25 books while I'm 25, A Year of Biblical Womanhood. I'm currently working on a review that I will post later. I really enjoyed it though! And I may be a little behind on my reading list, but I'll explain at a later date. 

[FIVE]
Aaron and I traveled to a couple of my favorite southern states this past weekend. Here are a few quick snapshots for you.
 It will be a holiday in the Ruff household when Chick-Fil-A opens their restaurant in Tacoma. 
That is all.
 Our first night in Alabama we trekked around Montgomery late into the night. Tyler and Katie Gray, and Tyler's fiancee Lauren were the most gracious of hosts. We had an absolute blast with them, so much so that Aaron suggested we come back to visit before I had the idea myself! We love the Grays! This photo is in downtown Montgomery by the river and the riverboat.
 I am missing this sunshine. And my sandals. But I know it will be here soon enough.
 Auburn, the most beautiful of college campuses. Brick buildings make me swoon. And they make me look up real estate in Alabama. Oops.
 Dark and blurry, but such a fun memory of drinks and dessert (skillet cookies!) at The tipping Point in Montgomery. Our waitress was the most hipster of all hipsters, down to her PNW attitude. It made me a little homesick. Aaron got her to crack a smile, it was great! 
The Tipping Point a little coffee/drinks/dessert place outside of Montgomery with almost all outdoor seating. Imagine this Washingtonian's delight when we were able to sit outside in short sleeves and sandals in MARCH under a clear sky. I keep reminding myself that those days will be here in July. Only a couple more months.
 This sweet blonde baby girl stole my heart. The youngest Isbell and long awaited girl is sweet, spunky and downright hilarious. She posed for every picture, and encouraged her equally adored cousin Ellie to joined. It was late and Ellie was very interested in the legos. 


So there you have it. A quick list update.