A Spring In Your Step

Hey Friends,

     Spring is upon us. Spring time in Arizona starts in late March and ends in early May due to weather, so April is about as springy as it gets in Arizona. I love spring so much. Pastel colors, everything is vibrantly blooming, fresh fruit with every meal, more enjoyable walks outside, and of course spring dresses. There's a simplicity about spring that makes it so attractive. Everybody during these two short months appreciates the natural and the simple. The vibrant flowers, the fresh fruit, the natural colors; it's the theme of spring and I'm lovin' it. It's times like these that has me missing Lubbock, Texas. In Lubbock, spring lasted the usual full three months. The weather was more than just bearable, it was perfect. I had a huge green garden, and five ducks with five personalities. It was perfect, and I realize now, I was embracing my inner Johanna Gaines in Lubbock. I may not have a garden any more, or ducks, but there are still plenty of ways to embrace spring in a place where spring lasts for a short while. 

    -- For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the LORD God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. -- Isaiah 61:11

     Spring is a beautiful time of the year and prolly the most bearable time of the year in Arizona. My mom and I have been hiking so much more, which is lovely, because you get to see a whole desert in full bloom. We've been taking bike rides every day after lunch. But, one of most favorite things to do in the spring time is to go to the Farmer's Market. It is so fun and fascinating to hear all the stories and to sample all the foods. It ranges from fresh local grown veggies, to natural jams and peanut butters. I would seriously eat peanut butter with everything if I could. Spring this year has really inspired me to embrace the season and all that it has to offer. 

     One of my favorite ways to hug the season is with some fun foods. Food is good, but is even greater when you can have fun with it. Most of you know my love for breakfast, and I've recently discovered a quick, healthy, and delicious staple for me. It's simple; yogurt and some fun toppings. All I do is start with a vanilla yogurt base (or any yogurt flavor ) and go crazy with some toppings. In the picture, I used strawberries, bananas, blueberries, granola, one of my favorite cereals, and some raisins. And that's it. A super simple, quick, healthy, and extremely yummy breakfast. And you can't really go wrong with yogurt. Another staple of mine are smoothies. Today, my mother asked me if I could live without smoothies. Silly question, I don't think I could. I love fruit, and adore smoothies. You can make a smoothie out of anything which is the fun part about it.

     Pictured here is a strawberry banana smoothie. Super yummy, super simple. 

Spring time is... messy braids, fresh fruit and vibrant colors :)

• A hand full of ice
• About six strawberries, thinly sliced (Add more if desired)
• One whole banana broke in half
•  lmond milk (a lot for a thinner smoothie, a little for a thicker smoothie, up to you)
• Two tablespoons of vanilla protein powder (optional)
• One heaping tablespoon of cottage cheese (I hate cottage cheese- on it's own, but I love it in smoothies. It makes a creamier smoothie every time, it's like a milkshake)   

     Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend together until the desired consistency is reached. I always thought smoothies were a hard thing to make until I had to start doing it on my own. Follow the recipe and there you have it; an easy, delicious meal. 

     Besides all the fun flavors and colors spring brings, I believe there is one more element to a fully embraced spring. Being you. I see spring as a season overflowing with joy. I mean, besides allergies, what isn't there to love about spring? When you are surrounded with that much positivity and joyous emotion, it's bound to affect you. Let it. Seize the joy and happiness and let it seep into you and overflow within you. Feeling an abundance of joy is not a bad thing. I feel that it really highlights who I am and what I'm all about. Therefore, when you are in a season (literally and figuratively) that is full of joy, vibrant personalities, and constantly blooming; carpe diem.

XOXO- Em 

P.S - Please check out my campaign and consider donating!! It would mean so much to me. I'm four months in and am making great progress, but I still need your support. All donations mean so much to me. Thank you!! Emma's Mission - link to my campaign