To My Fallen Homies

On days like these, there is nothing more I want to do than keep my family close. My brother keeps asking me, "Why are you here?" He's confused as to why I would choose he and the kids over my friends. It's because I've realized the importance of family... and because I have the cutest, most ridiculous nieces and nephew on the planet. When I was close to death in Kenya (that story for another day) all I wanted to do was to see my niece one last time. I wanted to make her laugh while doing my silly dances in the kitchen as we baked cupcakes together.

Friends can always walk away, but family is forever yours. Don't miss your chance. Seriously, I don't care how cheesy that sounds. When was the last time you told your momma you loved her? When was the last time you gave your dad any time of day. They aren't here forever.

In memory of one of the most genuine souls, my7th grade crush, great friend, and all around amazing man. Daniel, you are forever missed.

<3
Steph

my GAWD, we're cute.

We celebrated the Cinco de Mayo, with tiny hats (sombreros diminutos), and bicycles (bicicletas), of course. It was almost the perfect night when I thought I had found Nick from the New Girl... I'm convinced, if anything, this guy was his twin brother. But I tend to see things in other's many people don't...

Homerun, Stephanie HOME. RUN.

Cute guy - "Have you ever seen Fever Pitch?"

Steph - "I think so. Is that the one with Drew Barrymore where she's never been kisse....

"oh, wait..."

Comic relief - 1       Stephanie - 0

Meet Elijah

This is my newest cousin. He was officially adopted last week by my dearest cousin Michael and his wife Amy. Elijah was found abandoned in the bush near the border of Somalia in Ethiopia. His mother left him in a bank parking lot for reasons unknown to anyone, but I can without a doubt say it was because of poverty one way or another. I am so grateful this little boy is alive and will soon come home to be a part of our family.

This precious little baby boy brings so much joy to my heart today :)



I made a map for those who are geography inapted.

Bachelorette Pad Recipes

I've been conjuring up recipes with the little food I have stored in my freezer. Most of the remaining parcels in my fridge are condiments or some sort of expired milk product. It's quite depressing. Tonight has been the best concoction: 

Curried Coconut Broccoli over Pan Roasted Marsala Chicken

• One can Coconut Milk
• 3 Tbsp Curry
• Kosher Sea salt to taste
• Black pepper
• 1 1/2 Cups finely chopped broccoli

Cook and stir together. Pour over cooked chicken seasoned in Marsala and pepper

This is the first time I've not lived in community in almost 6 years. I'm still learning how to shop for just myself, but quite frankly, grocery stores/products are not designed in a way which gives favor to the single - especially fruit. I try to keep fresh food around, but have found myself throwing away more than I purchase (which is not like me considering a large chunk of my current food is actually from the dumpster). Last weekend my best buds and I hit the jackpot at Trader Joe's. We made watermelon strawberry smoothies while juggling apples and hoola-hooping at 1 in the morning. Literally.

Wisdom//Tradition

My soul needed these words tonight.