In Spirit and in Truth

     Hello everyone, hope you all are having a fantastic kick start to the new year. I know I am. I'm super pumped about all my goals and everything 2017 has in store. I know it's going to be a great year, because I'm going into it knowing what I want out of it. One thing I want to be better about is blogging more. I want to stay consistent with this blog because sharing my writing and ideas is something I love, and sharing it with all you is even better. I do ask that you look to the right of this post and click the follow box to start following my blog. With every new reader and every consistent reader, you all are motivating and encouraging me to keep going with my blog. By following, it will be a huge support to my writing and would mean the absolute world to me. Increasing my blog audience is a huge goal for me, but I can't do it without you, so, please take a quick break from reading this, click the follow button, then head back here to continue reading. Thank you so much!!

-- But the time is coming - indeed it's here now - when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship Him that way. John 4:23 --

     This year, I've continued starting my day in God's word, and I've started a new reading plan where it takes you through the entire New Testament in a year. A little less intimidating than the entire Bible, but just as fulfilling. With this reading plan, it starts with John then on the weekend it brings in an Old Testament passage that corresponds with the New Testament reading. I've only been at it for a week, but so far I'm really enjoying it. I love the slower pace after last year's plan. It allows me to really pour into the scripture and apply a more applicable view to what I'm reading. This Thursday I read John 2, an all too familiar part of scripture, but this time reading it through, I applied a new perspective to the word I was reading. Verses 13-22 portray the story of Jesus clearing the Temple. After the wedding in Cana, Jesus walks into the Temple to find it filled with merchants selling animals for sacrifices and people charging high rates for currency exchanges. Jesus, immediately filled with a righteous rage, drives the people from His Father's Temple. He yells out, "Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father's house into a marketplace" (2:16) I had read this part of scripture many times before, but this last week I stopped, read over it again and a thought occurred to me. My earthly body is a Temple for God as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19, "Do you not realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself." I don't belong to myself, I belong solely to Christ who has placed His Holy Spirit within me. 

     But much like the people in John 2, I have neglected the Temple's true purpose. I have filled it with unholy things and my own selfish desires. The Temple is a place of worship and praise and I've replaced that with my own pride. When I do this, God loses all credit for his creation and all authority over His Temple. I have filled my heart with worldly things, yet I justify saying "No, this is really for God," Who am I kidding. I know deep down this is all for me, and I know deep down it's only a matter of time before Christ comes in and clears His Temple. With passion and jealousy He clears our hearts and empties our Temple of all that is unholy. We stand empty and may feel lost. I know I've felt that way. So often we can get very comfortable in our way of life when we're in control, and when change makes it's way to center stage, we back down and shut out. I know I do it. I creep back to my old way of living out of fear all too often. After Jesus clears the Temple in John 2, He remains within the Temple. And today is no different. When Jesus clears our Temples creating a void within us, He fills the void with His presence and remains. Jesus becomes the things that will fill us, and I take so much comfort in that promise. When Jesus remains, we ourselves need to refocus our attention back to Him. Our bodies are a Temple, and a Temple is a place of worship and praise. My heart becomes filled with praise and glory for God and all He is capable of within my life. 

     Worship is a key part to our relationship with Christ. By our worship, it keeps us focused on who receives all the credit and who remains in the center of our hearts. To continue striving for a Christ like character, we must live out an active worship that is rooted in our Temples. Begin your day with reading His word, seek God in every decision you make, Remember to thank Him for all He's graciously done in your life. With daily praises such as those, we are filling our hearts with praise for our God, and worshipping Him in all we do. It may be a reality switch for some of us, it was for me when I decided to refocus. But, believe me, it's made all the difference. By refocusing my gaze on Christ, I've able to appreciate Him in all the little things around me. I've been able to recognize I don't belong to myself, but am able to act upon the Holy Spirit I'm filled with to better enhance God's kingdom. I've understood better that what fills my heart dictates my character, and I so badly want that to be God, so I can better show who He is. I encourage you stop and earnestly ask God to clear you and refill you with Himself so that you may be able to experience what a wonderful life He has to offer you.

      This year, I am going to actively increase my worship so I can then strengthen my relationship with God. Because I am His Holy Temple on earth, I want to be filled with gratitude for all God has done for me and for His constant presence in my life. No matter how many times I fill my heart with the things of this world, Jesus will still come in, clear me out, and remain because of His everlasting love and faithfulness. Now, I'm not saying that's an excuse to waver between God and this world, for we are not to have a double sided loyalty. But there is hope in God's promise of always restoring us and always remaining the center of our lives when we allow Him to come in and clear our Temples. 

      If you hadn't at the beginning, please take a moment to scroll back up and follow my blog. And you can also follow me on Instagram for updates on when a blog is posted and the going ons of my day to say life. - My Instagram Also, I love hearing from you all; so comment below what you thought or even what you'd like see in my blog this upcoming year. Thanks again!!

XOXO - Em

New Year, Better Me.

Happy New Year's Eve!!

Here is the beginning to my bullet journal, read below for
more details. Not only is it the beginning to my journal,
it's a great visual beginning to my year. 

     I'm so so so very excited for 2017, I cannot wait to see what's in store for the next year. Is it just me, or does anyone else forget about the week between Christmas and New Year's? I do every time. Christmas comes and goes, and then I'm on pins and needles for the new year. I get myself so hyped up, that I just get disappointed to find that I've got to wait one more week. AHH, practicing patience over here... Anyway, as you can prolly tell, I'm stoked for 2017 for a couple reasons. One being that 2016 has been a year full of many changes and realizations for me. Secondly, I've marked out my goals for 2017 and could not be more thrilled. I love setting goals because I look at the progress I've made and see what my next steps are. One way I've chosen to set goals for myself is through a bullet journal. All it is, is a personalized journal logging your own specific goals and really organizing your year to come. At the end of this post is a set-up of mine and some tips to tag along. I loved making this journal because I got to make it my own, and it's a great way to visualize my goals and my entire year. I sat down at a lovely coffee shop in Flagstaff with my family and took a deep look at what my next steps are, and made some very real and reachable goals for myself. But more about that in a sec. Let's stop to look at some of 2016's defining moments. Shall we?
     One of my biggest accomplishments of this entire year has been my reading plan, call The Bible in ONE Year generated by my church. One of my goals for last year was to be more intentional with my reading and to grow my relationship with God through my reading. Oh boy, did I. It has affected every aspect of my life. This reading plan was the first time ever in really any area that I've intentionally stuck with something. I sucked at staying consistent, and I was going to see something through this year. I finished today. I read the last sentence of Revelation and did a little happy dance. I felt so good to say I had seen something all the way through and grew from the experience. I'll be honest there were plenty of days where my reading plan was something I checked of my to-do list, but the majority of my days involved thoughtful conversations, plenty of convictions, and even a heart change in certain areas of my life. I finished my reading today and stopped to process the thought. I had read God's word in an entire year. I never felt so fulfilled. By doing this reading plan it opened my eyes to two things, how undeserving I am and how thankful I am that my God never changes. Throughout the entire story His people waver back and forth from Him, and He still reaches out to them, answers them, and even redeems them. He disciplines His people, but it's because He jealously cares for us. His love is unconditional, His grace undeserving, and His name is eternal. How comforting the thought. That even though I mess up plenty daily, I'm still His chosen people. My stern discipline from Him was this reading plan. I needed something to stick with and something that was spiritually challenging, and by the end of it I'm running to Him. By reading His word, I see that His story isn't over and I'm playing an active role. I am beyond grateful for His word and appreciate it in a whole new way. I encourage you to include God's word in some way this upcoming year, whether it be a verse a day or a reading plan, but make God apart of your daily life. It will truly make such a difference. You don't have to commit yourself to an extensive reading plan like the Bible in a year, but do commit yourself to God with the choices you make, keeping Him the center of them all.
     Okay, Okay... 2017 goals. Yeah I have the fun goals to read at least fifty books, try new recipes, and write fun letters to my pals, but then there are the necessary sometimes uncomfortable goals that require a change in lifestyle. After an extensive recollection of 2016, I feel so confident in my goals and how I'm walking into 2017. The way I set goals is by looking at specific areas in my life (physical, spiritual, professional, academic, etc.) and break it down from there. I'm not going to go into every goal, because this would quickly become a long and deep blog post that none of us need to delve into. Instead I'll explain a few that stand out.
      A lot of my goals have to do with my character and maintaining one that is Christ centered. From doing my reading plan, I realized that now I've read the word, I want to live it out. I want to actively make a game plan to enhance every aspect of my life in everything I do. I want to see the best in everyone, I want to practice generosity, and exercise leadership. My character is a reflection of who I am on the inside, and as much as that's defined by my passions it's equally defined by my personality. So, this year is gonna be my year. It's my goal to thrive in who I know I'm capable of being.
      Another area is my future... like college... yikes. Man, is it stressful. This is going to be my senior year, so I have to get serious about where I want to go and what I ultimately want to do. I'm very excited about college, but honestly it's nerve racking. Well duh, Emma, it's this major switch in your life coming up. But sometimes it feels better just to state the obvious. So, in response to the inevitable, my goal for 2017 is to be more intentional in all I do. I really want to soak up this last year and a half and get everything out of it that I can. I'm going to be better about investing more time into my relationships, encouraging my friends, and being super intentional with my fifth (soon to be sixth) graders. God has purposely placed all these lovely people in my life, and I'd be stupid not to be an active part of their lives in the best way I can.
      The most expected goal for every new year is improving one's health. Last year I got a really good idea of what a healthy lifestyle looks like. As a family, we're taking our health seriously so we can have a lasting energy throughout the day and better mentality about ourselves in the long run. A healthy lifestyle can become addicting and consuming, I've figured that out by becoming kinda consumed myself over this last year. So, my family is coming together and we are going to all support and hold each other accountable when it comes to a healthier lifestyle. I love leading a healthy life, because not only are the physical effects a bonus but more importantly the mental effects are the strongest. When you think about yourself in a healthy and positive way, exerting confidence, then you're bound be happier. I know I have been these most recent months and I'm stoked for building that even more in 2017. A healthy lifestyle requires a good amount of activity balanced by foods that are nourishing to us.  I love the eating healthy and learning to cook in a nutritious way part of shaping up, but the other side, the working out side, requires a little love. I like working out, but do I love waking up early and getting all sweaty (especially when I wake up and I know it would've been a good hair day)? I'm not sure. Let's get honest for a sec. Who seriously loves the part of getting in shape that gets you all sweaty, gross, and beyond sore. Like so sore you can barely move the next day, and why can't we just get the cute workout clothes and skip the skip the "workout" part?  Oh, well then, with 2017 I'm going to learn to love the active side of my health as much as I do the yoga pants. So, to all those out there who's goal is similar to mine, let's agree to throw our hair up and muscle through because we're going to be so much happier by taking care of ourselves. My mom, sister and I have become big fans of Tone it Up. It's super fun, offers great workout schedules for any level of fitness, and a great planned out nutrition plan. I highly recommend taking a look at it and giving it a try.
     I find it so important to make sure I know my priorities and to turn them into a lifestyle. By setting goals, it helps me see where I want to end up and where my priorities need to be. I'm really looking forward to 2017, and making the most of this year. It's going to be spectacular; I know it. How I know it- because with my goals I've prepped myself and now I'm eagerly ready to get started with being the best version of me in every way.
 
BULLET JOURNAL
For 2017, I made me a bullet journal. Besides turning super pretty, I think it's a lovely way to tangibly interact with your goals and keep track of where you're at. You can get so creative with your layouts and what it is you want to track, the options are endless. Below is a layout of my journal and how I set mine up. Hope you can find some inspiration down below.

First of all, you're going to need a journal (mine is a 250 pages) that is unlined so you can get creative in there. You'll also need pens for writing that won't bleed through and a color scheme (only if you want, I'm a tad bit OCD, so I opted for a theme.) On your first page make an index logging where your contents can be found.
Then move on to a yearly spread. to the left is my set up. Um, yes I did write 365 numbers in one sitting, I don't recommend doing so. I do recommend using a ruler to make sure you get even lines, and outline everything in pencil first. With my record of misspelling and and uneven lining, the ruler will become your best friend. the two pages after the yearly over view, I made a list of all your typical holidays plus birthdays for 2017. You can set that up any way you'd like. I set mine up similar to the picture above with twelve boxes lined up, and filled them up with respective holidays rather than numbers. Now we get to the fun part. The goal setting part!

This is my fitness page, logging where I want to be within a year, within each
month and within each week. It includes 60 minutes of activity everyday, and
hiking more regularly! If you choose to include this as one of your pages, make
goals that are fitting to your lifestyle, and ones you know you can reach.

    

I gave each goal page two pages so would have plenty of room to fill them up. My first pages following are my general goals for 2017, then the following pages hold more specific areas concerning my general goals. I have four areas filled with what is important to me for the upcoming year, and have set it up in such a way that's easy to keep track and to log progress. These are the fun pages. I have one for my health, recipe exploring, reading, and spiritual. You can choose these topics or come up with your very own. The next few pages are just what's a priority to you and how you're going to keep track throughout the year. My tip to you is split it up into categories. As you can see with my spiritual page, I have one page devoted to general goals, the the next page is a place to keep track of my progress. I did this set up for most of my layouts, and I'm very excited to see it all come together and be filed out with the year to come.

This section gets my very excited. Here, as you can prolly tell is my place for recording
my reading progress. I've got a cute little set up to keep track of what I've read, and right
next to my bookshelf, is a place to keep track of genres I've read. I'm super excited to fill
this one out!

Now we have reached the set up for each month and week. I loved setting this up because I have a weird love for planners. I love seeing my whole week written and planned out, and love it even more when it's set up in such a beautiful creative way. On one page, following your goal pages, label which month we're dealing with. As you can see I've set up January. Then I made a list of all my monthly specific goals, things that I want done by the end of January. Following that was the weekly set up. You can get super creative with this part. Set up your week in such a way that will fir your lifestyle. For me, setting up boxes would give me enough room to fill it with school assignments, friend dates, church events, and workout schedules. Phew, that's quite the week. I also made a place for important dates, and an area to write any blog or recipe ideas I thought up through out the week.

Bullet journals are such a fun way to stay consistent and on track with your goals. I want to make the most of 2017 and by setting up my journal, I can see all my goals laid out, and eagerly waiting to be reached. I can stay organized and on top of my schedule with such a pretty journal. I hope you find this inspiring and give it try yourself. It's worth it, even though the set up requires time, it's definitely worth it. Because not only are intentional with coming up with goals for yourself, you're becoming intentional on how you're going to meet those goals. This year is going to be our year, so let's own it and soak it all up. Happy New Year everyone!!

XOXO- Em

.

A Simplified Christmas

Happy Holidays Everyone!!
     Christmas is just one day away... oh my! I just managed to get everyone's gift decently wrapped under the tree. This Christmas season has just flown by, but it was definitely one for the books. The last month of 2016 has been jam packed, but spectacular. I adore Christmas as you well know, and this last month has definitely given me my fill of Christmas.
      Currently writing to you in my bed, because on this final week of the year, I am sick. Whoopie!! And of course I get sick right when my church is in full swing of Christmas Eve services. It's a lot, but honestly it's my favorite time of the year for my church. We get so many new people visiting us and it's our job to show them Jesus in such a way that is life changing. Christmas, I feel, is the perfect opportunity to show someone Jesus. Within the message shown, we're explaining why Jesus came, who He is, why His life was so significant, and the role He still actively plays today. And I love being a part of it all!!
     This Christmas season has felt different from all the rest, I've had a different mindset about everything this year that's left me overly satisfied, and I'm gonna share with you a few things I did that got me through the holiday season less stressed and more positive about what's ahead. They are simple ways to lead a more simplified focused life that can be applied to anything, not solely Christmas.
      This Holiday season I simply did more of what I love. As I've expressed before, I'm silly about baking. Nothing really gets me more excited (except maybe some new books ) than baking. It's something I've come to find I really love and something I want to pursue. So that's what I did! I recently attended a baking class at Sur La Table in Scottsdale, Arizona and learned the fine art that is chocolate, and oh boy... it's quite extensive, yet absolutely fascinating. I learned how to make peppermint bark and hand rolled truffles, sounds fancy eh? Well, the process is actually really easy once you get the hang of it. And chocolate being the beautiful thing that it is, pairs well with any flavor. After the class and taking home the goodies I managed not to eat, I realized I wanted more. Yes more chocolate, but specifically more experience in a culinary environment. While that requires a step out of my comfy zone and into the unknown, I walk in confidence for I know I'm walking into to something exciting; something that is shaping the person I'm becoming. So by simply doing more of what I love this holiday season (and all the days to come) I'm becoming this person I've been searching for. I'm becoming someone who's confident in her abilities and who's fear of the unknown is ever present but no longer controlling her decisions. By doing more of what I love I am leading a life of simplicity, because I'm finally focused on the passions in my life that make me happy.
      Also, throughout the holidays, I've kept my gaze upon Christ, and oh the difference it makes. This season especially, it's easy to lose sight of our Lord and Savior and get focused on those around us, the mounting to-do lists, and even the festivities. None of those things are bad, but none of those things should capture our full attention. This entire season is about the birth of our Savior, our Redeemer. With our eyes upon Him, our hearts will be satisfied our mind will experience peace. I cannot imagine going throughout this season without Jesus, I mean not only because it's His birthday, but also because He is the one who restores peace and security within me. Christmas is such an easy time to get wrapped up (get the pun) in all that's going on and watch it slip from your over filled hands. What I've had to do is to let it all slip, take a deep breath, then pick up some different things. I fill my hands and heart with Him. I've made an effort this Christmas to stay focused on the reason for this season and it's paid off. When I choose to keep my eyes on Him I see Him in every situation. When I fill my heart with Him, His love is revealed within me. When I fill my mind with Him, I see others the way He would see them. This Christmas has been simpler and more memorable because I've let go of control and became centered on Christ who has complete control of it all.
Here are a couple of verses I go to during this season, and they are such great reminders of what God is capable of and where He stands in my life.
-"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
-"I meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness." Psalm 145:5-6
-"The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!" Luke 2:11
     Another way to achieve simplicity in the craziest time of the year is to make an experience out of it. Yes Christmas can be stressing, but only stressing because if make it so. If we choose to have a stressful, get-me-through-this mentality, then Christmas honestly won't be all that enjoyable. Trust me, I've had Christmases like that. But if we instead see Christmas as a wonderful time to recognize our Lord, surround ourselves with spectacular people, and fill it to the max with experiences... well you're bound to have a happy Christmas. As a family we made it a priority to focus on experiences instead of expenses this year. By making that simple perspective switch, our Christmas has become more enhanced and intentional. We have found ourselves choosing to stay in a do movie days and abundant amounts of baking for the sake of tradition. We'd rather spend time looking at Christmas lights and walking around downtown without feeling the need to spend money in order to make it special. This year, my sister and I tackled a gingerbread village rather than the traditional house. We had to hot glue the houses together and watch the frosting drip comically from the rooftops, but honestly it was really fun. What made it so enjoyable was the fact I was doing it with Jill right next to me laughing the entire time, and watching a cheesy Christmas movie. Now, it's something I want to do every year. From experiences such as those, we, as a family, find our Christmas most fulfilled and every memory treasured.
     Our Christmas has become simplified because our perspective and mindset has become more simplified. This year, by keeping Christ centered in our lives, we experience the result that is an everlasting genuine happiness that will make our holidays and everyday that follows more memorable. Merry Christmas everyone and I hope your Christmas is stress free and filled with experiences that enhance your holiday and even your new year.

XOXO - Em

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A Few of My Favorite Things

Happy Holidays!!
      Can you guys believe it?! We're less than two weeks away from Christmas and I still have Christmas shopping to do. Oh boy, this is stressing. Thank goodness I've got good gift ideas, I just have to find some time to get out of the house and be away from the fam. Honestly, the struggle is real. Every day this week has been filled with something festive and as busy as it's been, it's been a blast. I love it so very much. We've made a bucket list of all the things we want to get out of December and I'm so proud of us! We are checking off so many boxes and fully embracing this last month of 2016.
   Today was my favorite day of the holidays: holiday baking!! Oh how I love me some festive treats and sugar cookie dough. Today was a blast and I couldn't have asked for some better pals to spend it with. My mama, Jill, and I baked all day and if I do say so myself came up with some pretty tasty treats for our upcoming Christmas party this Friday.
      Okay, so I love baking but I always seem to do a crap ton of it all on one day. Why is that? I always end up stuck in the kitchen for six hours straight making so many goodies. Alright, I love it, but man am I drained. The funny thing: I'd do it all again tomorrow.
      For this post I'm  going to share with you three of my favorite holiday treats that are bound to be a favorite at your next party or perfect for a day in! Also I've got some easy creative ways to dress up your gift wrapping this season. With new holiday treats under your belt and your wrapping to the next level, you're gonna be acing this season.

CLASSIC SUGAR COOKIES
Okay, I do Christmas for the sugar cookies. No lie; their seriously my all time favorites and an all time classic. You simply can't do the holidays without a sugar cookie topped with shiny royal icing. Lucky for you, I've got the PERFECT and only recipe you'll need this season. With this recipe there is no need to chill the dough and you won't get over sized fluffy cookies. Because who wants a Christmas tree that looks like and oval, and a snowman that looks like an oval, and an angel that looks like oval. See what I mean? Well with this recipe you are guaranteed true to shape cookies that are quite tasty too!!
Yeilds: 3 dozen
INGREDIENTS:
* 1 Cup unsalted butter
* 1 Cup granulated white sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
* 1 egg
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 3 cups all purpose flour

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. In the bowl of your mixer cream butter and sugar until smooth, at least 3 minutes
3. Beat in extracts and egg.
4. In a separate bowl combine baking powder with flour and add a little at a time to the wet ingredients. The dough will be very stiff. If it becomes too stiff for your mixer turn out the dough onto a countertop surface. Wet your hands and finish off kneading the dough by hand.
5. DO NOT CHILL THE DOUGH. Divide into workable batches, roll out onto a floured surface and cut. You want these cookies to be on the thicker side (closer to 1/4 inch rather than 1/8).
6. Bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet until firm enough to transfer to a cooling rack

ROYAL ICING
INGREDIENTS:
* 6 cups powered sugar
* 1 tsp vanilla
* 1 tsp cream of tartar
* 4 large egg whites
* any food coloring desired

1. Combine all ingredients to a stand mixer and mix on medium speed until icing becomes smooth. About 5-6  minutes. Then divide up icing and add in your desired colors. Then get creative with your sugar cookies!
     Sugar cookie decorating is one of my favorite traditions and memories. My favorite part is when I'm nearing the end of icing and there are about seven or eight cookies left. The icing is starting to dry up and sprinkles are littered on my plate. So in record decorating speed I iced all the remaining cookies dumping the assortment of sprinkles on top and called it festive instead of what it really was: tired. I did that when I was eight, I did that once again today and have every year in between. I absolutely love it. Oh they all taste the same no matter the amount of sprinkles or icing, they are the perfect bite of a soft cookie with the smoothness of icing, soooo good!

MINT OREO TRUFFLES
Um, you can't do winter without some mint and chocolate. At least I can't. That quickly becomes a staple in the Surrett household. I don't know who said mint and chocolate had to get together, but whoever did, I thank them a thousand times. I don't know what I'd do without the lovely combination this time of year?? So I've whipped up a recipe that's bound to meet your mint chocolate cravings and be hit on any movie night or at any holiday get together. Okay let me spell it out. Cream cheese, mint Oreos, and chocolate all rolled into a chewy truffle. Sign me up for some! ( or three or four.)
Yields: 24

*1 (15.25 oz) package Mint Creme Oreos
* 8 ounces (224g)  cream cheese, softened to room temperature
* 12 ounces high quality semi-sweet chocolate1
* Optional: sprinkles and green candy melt

* Process the Oreos (the entire cookies, filling and cookie) in a food processor or blender. Pulse until crumbs are formed.
* break apart softened cream cheese and add to food processor with crushed Oreos. Mix until a thick sticky dough is formed. This might take a little bit, so make sure the cream cheese is room temperature.
* Using your hands, roll into 30-35 balls. Place balls on two large plates, a parchment paper lined baking sheet, or a silicone mat-lined baking sheet. Freeze the truffles for about 30 minutes. (Freezing the balls is the most important step of this recipe. If they are not cold and solid, the melted chocolate will not coat the balls properly.)
* Coarsely chop the chocolate and melt according to package directions. Working with 1 truffle at a time, coat in chocolate. Here's how I coat truffles: drop the truffle in the middle of the melted chocolate. Swirl the chocolate all around it with a fork. Pick up the truffle with a fork - do not pierce it, simply pick it up on top of the fork's prongs. Tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to allow the excess chocolate to drip off. Place on a lined baking sheet. Top with sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet or drizzle with the melted green candy melts, if using.
* Refrigerate truffles for at least 10 minutes so the chocolate sets. Truffles must always be chilled and will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. ENJOY!!

S'MORES CRISPIES
To be honest, this recipe was a what-have-I-got-left-in-my-pantry sort of recipe. I found me some marshmallows (in two different places), half a box of gluten free plain Chex cereal ( consisting of crumbs mostly), and half a bag of dark chocolate chips. That to me sounded like the making of a s'more...and a rice crispie treat....then the two became one. Oh happy day. These took no time at all to make (or eat) and your always bound to have these ingredients or some very similar to it on hand for a quick tasty goodie to throw together. Here's how it goes.
Yields: 16
INGREDIENTS:

4 cups rice Chex cereal
1 bag of mini marshmallows
2 tbsp butter
1/2 dark chocolate chips

Spray an 8x8 baking dish with non stick spray and set aside
In a medium sauce pan melt marshmallows and butter over medium heat
Once combined add cereal and mix together until cereal is coated with marshmallows
Place Chex Crispie treats in baking dish and press down until bottom of dish is evenly covered and place in refrigerator to chill.
Pour half a bag of chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 sec increments (stirring every 30) until totally melted.
Grab Crispies and pour the chocolate over the bars with a rubber spatula until top is totally covered.
OPTIONAL: sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top. Replace in refrigerator until chocolate has set then cut into 16 bars.

     I adore this holiday season because of all the goodies I get out of it. Baking all the time is fun, but it just seems like the proper thing to do during the holidays. Not gonna lie, the only reason I'm still working out in the winter is because my passion for baking has increased. Balance right? These three recipes are bound to be hit no matter where they end up. Hope you enjoy the recipes throughout this entire season.

BROWN PAPER WRAPPING
Brown paper packages tied up with string are seriously some of my favorites things. I can't help myself. Pretty paper with pretty decor...makes me heart go pitter patter. I met my love of adorned packaging by deciding to take a stab at some elevated Christmas wrapping.
Materials I used:
Brown wrapping - found in the packaging aisle, I had to ask. I found it at Wal-mart for about $5.00
Card stock paper - I used pink, mint, and white
A decorative piece of paper - I used black and white polka dots
Twine
Gold glitter
Liquid glue
Greenery - alive or fake, I used some generously provided by my front yard
5 boxes varying in size
Scissors
These are all the materials I used and here are the steps to a couple of boxes I did. This is super easy to change up and get creative with and use as a guideline. Wrapping is something you can easily make your own, and I don't see why you shouldn't. Have fun with it.
Okay here's what I did for a couple of mine.

I wrapped the box all nice and snug with brown paper, which can be a little difficult to use. I took the twine and wrapped it twice around the width, then twice around the length of the box. I then cut a square of my decorative paper fitting it smack dab in middle over the twine, gluing it down in the
corners. I then took a fuller piece of greenery and taped it in the middle of my square. And there you go. Give it a To and From and you have some simple and beautiful wrapping.

For this one, it required a lot of patience and light bulbs. You'll see. With my three card stock solids, drew out a twinkling light bulb and outlined them in black. I ended up with 24, eight of each color. I
then punched a whole in the end of them all, I long process, but the result is so pretty and unique, I just love it. From there tape the end of a piece of twine to back of your wrapped box, then string on four lights (any pattern of your choice), then wrap twine around with the lights on the front and an empty strip in the back. Repeat this process two more times until you have twelve twinkling lights hanging from you package.

Hope you enjoy this post and elevating your holiday season in such a simple, creative, and festive way. I know these are going to become some annual staples for me, hope they do for you too.
Happy Christmas!!

XOXO - Em

The Holiday Season

Hello everyone,
     Don't get me wrong, I heart thanksgiving, but I have been ready for Christmas since October. Like seriously. Christmas is my most favorite and I go to the nines with this holiday. As I stated in my previous post, my house could safely pass for a Hallmark card. Ornaments from five generations adorn my tree. Lights outline every window. A whole collection of various snowmen have gladly taken up residence on the coffee table. Seven different Santas, six classic Christmas books, four sets of holiday coffee mugs, two sets of Christmas china, and a partridge in a pear tree. Not really, I don't quite know what a partridge is. But you get the picture. Christmas is my jam, and I get it for an entire month, so I'm soaking it all up. Ok, I have a question. How is it that I listen to Christmas music once a year for one month and remember every word and song, but I can't seem to remember geometry from last week? Priorities, I guess.

Time to break out those red
Starbucks cups

     Our thanksgiving was a different one this year. For the past five years it's only been the four of us for dinner, then out to the movies shortly afterwards. This year's dinner was entirely made from scratch. No Libby's pumpkin pie, no box mix stuffing, no canned cream of mushroom. Don't hear me wrong; I'm a huge fan of both flavor and convenience of all afore said, but my mama and I challenged our culinary skills to undertake thanksgiving from scratch. Two days and twelve hours later, a homemade thanksgiving was made. We were awfully curious to see if all the work would be worth it, or if we'd even notice a difference between the meals. Um...you can. I don't know if we can go back now. But reflecting on the recent twelve hour excursion, a box mix and a frozen pie crust is still quite scrumptious. All of the recipes we used were found on the highly acclaimed and delicious America's Test Kitchen . I highly recommend every single recipe for homey comfort food goodness!!
     I am going to the max with this Christmas season and I am going to be sharing with you all the ways I'm going to embracing the holidays ranging from decor to recipes. I have a couple of each already at the end of this post!!
     This holiday I'm really taking initiative to realize the things I love to do and to do them more frequently. I love baking, it brings me such a genuine joy that gets me all smiles whenever I get the chance. What better time to embrace that hobby than at Christmas time? I'll be D.I.Y-ing like nobody's business, decking my halls with boughs of holly, twinkling lights, and strings of cranberries and popcorn. Oh yes; cranberries and popcorn! I encourage you to take a look at this all too joyous season and do a whole bunch that truly makes this the most wonderful time of the year. And continue doing what you love even after the holiday, making every part of the year the most wonderful. Take this holiday to practice sincere joy and true happiness so you're all geared up for 2017. Make the most of this last month to make your hobbies habits and your personality character.
     So jam out to Mariah Carey on repeat, bake dozens of sugar cookies, Hallmark Store your house, and in the thick of it all embrace it. Don't take a single moment for granted.
     "And now," cried Max, "let the wild rumpus start."

- D.I.Y. Golden Ornaments -
Alright, if your a fan of all things glitter than this one is for you. This is such an easy project that takes no time at all, and results in four (or more if you're ambitious 😉) simple preppy ornaments adorned with a simple holiday message. These ornaments quickly became some of my favs and I'm sure you'll love them too after you see how effortless they are and how they make a lovely addition to any tree.
Materials:
• Four white clay ornaments (can be bought at Hobby Lobby)
• liquid Elmer's glue
• Gold glitter
• A thick paintbrush
• Painters tape
• Styrofoam plates
• Sharpie
Direction:
Place an ornament on a styrofoam plate and take a piece of painters tape. Tape the piece at an angle on the ornament (any way you'd like) and smooth out all bumps. Once tape is smoothly applied, apply a thin layer of glue across the bottom of the taped off section and spread even lay with your paintbrush. Then the fun part: the glitter ✨ Sprinkle the gold glitter over the glue until no more glue is visible and shake it off. I used the excess glitter on mine for the other ornaments you end up having enough to go around. Wait 10-15 to let glue completely dry before writing your holiday message. Once completely dried, grab your sharpie and write right above your gold space your fave holiday message. See, these are super easy no if deal projects that are great additions to your Christmas decorations and even great for gift ideas. Let me know in the comments below if you tried this out and what you thought!!

- Protein Energy Bites - 
     Energy bites are these fun sized bites of yummy and they are probably some of my favorite things to make because there are so many variations and SO EASY  once you have a base recipe. Lucky for you, I've whipped one up and I've even thrown in a couple of holiday energy bites.
Ingredient for Base Recipe:

This is the batter of the Mint Chocolate Chip
energy bites.

• 1 cup of oats (any type is fine, I used rolled oats)
• 1/2 cup of peanut butter (any nut butter substitute)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 scoops of Designer Whey Protein Powder ( the flavor of the protein powder depends on what other flavored you want to add in to the base recipe)
Directions:
Combine all the ingredients to a medium sized bowl and mix until thoroughly combined. I strongly suggest using your hands for this part, for they are the best tools in the kitchen. The consistency should resemble a sticky dough.

-GINGERBREAD ENERGY BITES-
Yields 10
Ingredients:
• Base recipe - for protein powder, use vanilla flavored
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 1/2 tsp Gingerbread
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp of cloves
Directions:
Combine all ingredients to a medium sized bowl and mix until
thoroughly combined. Again use those hands 🙌 After you have
your sticky dough, take a small portion and roll in between your
hands until a ball is formed. You should get about ten bites.

-MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP-
Yields 10
Ingredients:
•Base recipe - for protein powder use chocolate flavored
• 3 tbs Mini Dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 tsp Peppermint extract
Directions:
Combine all ingredients to a medium sized bowl until desired
dough-like consistency is formed. Grab a small portion and
begin rolling between your hands until a ball is formed.
Should get about ten.

These energy bites are a great addition to a breakfast, easy to grab on the go, and good little snacks to keep around. I  love these flavors because you know, it's the holiday season and why not. Try out this recipe and let me know what you thought either in the comments below or on my Instagram ( emma_surrett ). With the base recipe you can add in any flavor combos you want, that's why these bits are so addictive. They're crazy easy to make and dangerous to leave out.
     Hope you enjoy the recipe and ornament idea. If say it's beginning to lol a lot like Christmas around here. 🎄

XOXO - Em

Hey There

 Hello,
     Finally, I'm breaking out the sweaters because Arizona has just recently realized it's winter and it should start acting as such. Holiday vibes are in full swing, the sweater cravings are real, and 70 degree weather is becoming a reality. About time. I cannot wait for my first Starbucks drink of the year. PSL is out, bring on the Gingerbread Latte! I'm so looking forward to everything season has in store.
      I've not written in awhile and the urge to write something could never be stronger than it has been this past month. God is doing some pretty cool things with me right now and I'm super stoked about what's going on. I'm not going to fill this up with excuses for my absence, instead I'm just going to let you now what's new in my little world. This November has been unexpected in most ways. A lot of little things have popped up where I thought I had control but quickly found out I did not. The result turned actually better than what I had been planning. Funny how that works out, when you release control and results turn out better for you. That's been a reoccurring theme for me this month.

These lovely kiddos stole my heart the minute

I met them. Shortly after this picture was taken, they all

started building a house of their own with whatever we weren't

using. Seriously the cutest thing ever.

     Last week, I on went on the annual Rocky Point, Mexico mission trip with my youth group. I felt this Mexico trip was unlike any other. I felt I knew my God better and I knew myself better too, and that played into every part of the experience. I went on this trip stronger and more confident. Before the trip is was a kind of in an unhappy place about certain relationships and ended up blaming myself for things that weren't my fault. My whole demeanor had lacked energy and enthusiasm and I was losing a little bit of myself to things that I wasn't responsible for. I was really looking forward to Mexico, because Mexico has always been a happy place for me. It was a place I could go and serve my little heart out. So, I went with an attitude of this weekend is all about building God's kingdom and this is

something that brings you joy. I went looking at the mission trip as an outlet for my joy that comes from serving and building relationships. I grew closer to so many people I hadn't really talked to much before the trip and went out of my comfort zone on the work site. I stepped up in ways I knew I could and really embraced the leader side of me. Nothing felt better. I loved every second of the trip, because every second of the trip God was at work and His hand was evident in the lives of everyone there. This trip meant so much to me, because I went in with set mindset of this is all so much bigger than me. When I returned home I had a renewed joy about me. I saw what I was capable of there, and knew there was no reason I couldn't bring that home with me. I'm choosing to be intentional about everything and the genuinely find joy in everything. Mexico showed me I have plenty to be grateful for and I take to much for granted. I need to embrace every big and little blessing and apply that to my character. Oh, I brought home some authentic handmade Mexican tortillas that can literally change one's world. So yeah, God gets all the credit for my renewed joy, but man do those tortillas bring a smile to my face. I'm pretty positive they had something to do with it all too.
     A few days when I arrived home from Mexico, I lost my job. For about four months I had been working as a social media manager for a wonderful gal who is doing some pretty amazing things. I was very excited about the job and everything it had in store, and was getting really good at it. But after four months, the pace had slowed down dramatically and I was becoming uncertain about when I would begin back up again. Unfortunately, I didn't. Where my boss was at with the business, another employee didn't make sense at the time. It stung. It was my first job and I felt myself maturing and becoming as I like to put it: adulty. I had a bank account set up, I got my first debit card, and my official title was Assistant at a Productions Firm. Super fancy, I know! But when it all ended, I felt annoyed at first, but the day after it came to me. Of course this is all part of God's plan and this is where He needs me right now. Work was taking up a lot of my time and I was neglecting time for myself and time for others even. Out of the job feels like a welcome break. I feel like I'm finally catching my breath and becoming more intentional about what's important to me. So, this is what a break feels like? I like it, I'm taking full advantage of this. For the rest of 2016, I'm taking my time in it all, not feeling the need to rush anything. With the renewed joy from Mexico and the gift of rest from my job I'm feeling pretty great. I'm focusing more on how I can lead and be more intentional with the here and now.
      With this new found joy and perspective and I'm looking at all the things that make me a happy lil' bean. Recently, I found that baking does that for me. It's my jam. I don't know if it's the incoming holiday season (which I'm ecstatic about) or if it's just the slowing way down and God's just like "Em, you like making sweet goodies; do more of that." So here I am baking more and expanding my horizon. I got a little taste of extreme baking from my Sweet 16, when I made everything entirely from scratch and I loved it!! I realized, if baking is something that brings me this much joy, why am I not doing more of it. I've stopped hesitating and doubting and just did it. This is gonna be my homemade holiday season. When I think about baking I get all giddy. I'm convinced that something made by hand is bound to taste better than anything from a box; though one can never go wrong with a box mix brownie. Once I get a few recipes under my belt, I'll share with you. But as of speaking I an expert when it comes to licking the spoon and need a little more practicing. With this upcoming holiday season, I promise I'll throw you plenty of goodies your way.
     AHHH!! This holiday season! I'm so excited for this Christmas, because we are doing it up proper this year. The bucket list and the FOMO is real. We, Surretts, are not leaving anything out this season. We're cramming it all in and making this Christmas Halmark Card worthy. I will definitely keep you updated with more regular posts, because I want you as involved this Christmas as I'm going to be. I see that I have a lot of international readers (which blows my mind!!) and would absolutely love to hear from you in the comment section below about any holiday traditions you have or any plans you're coming up with to make this the season that trumps all seasons. I love hearing from everyone and want to know you all better. If you want updates on my blog you can follow me on Instagram - @emma_surrett. Or if you wanna know where I'm getting all my holiday inspiration this year, you can follow me on Pinterest - Emma Surrett.

XOXO - Em

     

Not Weird - Just Homeschooled

Hey Friends,
     Fall is official!! Hello September 21st and good riddance summer. I know I say this about every season I've written about, but I love the fall season. I really do adore all the seasons, because they all have their anticipated qualities. Spring offers florals and blooms of all kinds. Summer is the season of travel and adventures. Fall is flannels and pumpkin everything. Winter is simply centered on Christmas and all it entails. Currently, we are in the season of flannels and pumpkin everything. I'm not exaggerating. Pumpkin has somehow slipped into many of our bakes lately and let's not even mention the PSL and all it's pumpkin spice splendor. I've indulged on a few already this month... this week. Not ashamed. In this particular part of Arizona where I live, leaves do not change color. I would have to drive at least 2 hours to see Fall in action. I've yet to do so this year, but it's definitely on my bucketlist. Now the weather has decreased ever so slightly and Arizonians are seeing glimmers of hope of wonderful weather that is to come. I'm stoked for this season and am definitely going to make the most of it.

      I'm coming up on the year anniversary of The Art of Simplifying and have just passed the year anniversary of being back at homeschooling. Nothing has felt more right. I love homeschooling and wouldn't want it any other way. This semester I'm pushing myself harder academically by adding in three AP subjects and really exploring the things I love in an academic way. We're really taking advantage of our flexible schedules by focusing on those subjects that make us smile. Also, we're we are taking the growth of our character and faith much more seriously, and I love it. 

     But I'll be honest, homeschooling has gotten a bad rep. Not many people know that is how homeschooling can be. A lot of people I know base homeschooling off these stereotypes:

1) I wear p.j.s all day

2) I can start and end school whenever I'd like

3) School is super easy

4) Totally anti-social

5) I have weird hobbies

6) And a Dugger like lifestyle. 

     I can't blame you if you've ever thought these things about homeschooling; I have too. There are homeschoolers out there who fit that criteria, and I've met some of them. We've all seen the Duggers and praise them on their godly boundaries and unique lifestyle... but is that the lifestyle for every homeschooler? Sure isn't mine. All I can do though is giggle a little and then let them do them. And I'll do me.

     There are plenty of homeschoolers out there ( like me ) who are relevant, social, and likeable that don't get much credit and are just labeled as the "weird homeschooled kid". But my normal day doesn't differ much from that of my friends attending a public school. I take normal subjects, and I do book work. I wake up at 6:30 and get dressed. I can't imagine walking around in my P.J.s all day. I'd think I was sick or something. I hang out with my friends on the weekend and have normal hobbies that don't involve fangirling Lord of the Rings. ( Though I am a sucker for Harry Potter. ) I'm a writer, a reader, a baker, a hiker, and a normal kid. I hate math because it's hard and useless. I take AP history, English, and physics and it's difficult. Being a junior in highschool requires the student to push themselves and strain for those credits. I'm looking at colleges, applying for scholarships and freaking out over PSAT. 

     I can relate to my friends a lot more than I think they realize. 

In much need of Barnes and
Noble school days.

     Now, homeschooling isn't just sucky math and waking up early. It has it's perks. The reason homeschooling is so magnificent isi because I can create the schedule and I can set the pace. I can spend an hour on one subject and half an hour on another, or vice versa. Even though my material is mostly chosen for me, I can tell my mom "Hey, I need to split this up into two days of work," or "Hey, can I get more work, because this turned to be easier than I thought," Hello to my favorite part of homeschooling. Because of homeschooling I'm able to move quicker in some subjects and slower in others because that's the pace that works best for me. Also, my schedule can be really flexible.  We learn in many different ways and environments. When our house gets boring, we just head up to Barnes and Noble and do school there. While every other kid is in school, we take our fields trips to wherever we want out of genuine curiosity not because it's an assignment. We do school throughout the summer but our winter break is the whole month of December and out fall break last about two weeks with occasional day trips here and there. That's the beauty of homeschooling. Making it entirely your own. Creating an environment where you can learn best and become your best. 

     

Built in 1895, The Rosson house stands as a
beautiful portrait of Victorian era.

      Today we took a long overdue field trip to downtown Phoenix to tour the Rosson house. Currently we are studying the Industrial Revolution ( my fave ) in history and all agreed that this field trip would coincide harmoniously with school. Built in 1895 and reconstructed in 1974, the Rosson house is a superb example of Victorian life and is furnished with several antiques from the era. It's beautiful exterior was enough to suck me in. The house did a marvelous job of making the late 1800's seem romantic and enticing. I fell in the love with house and have decided I'm moving from Mesa to live in the Rosson house. There was a simplicity about the era I crave today and a loveliness about the way the family lived and operated.  It was a great day, We were in no rush, we had no essay to complete when we got home.

     I love field trips like that where I'm not worried about taking notes or trying to think of a thesis statement for an essay. I can just go and simply enjoy. 

     That is homeschooling. That is why I love it so much. Just because my education environment is different doesn't suddenly make me this weird, anti-social kid. Homeschooling is a wonderful thing and it fits my lifestyle like a glove. I've flourished, I've grown, and I've learned a little more about who I'm becoming. So I hope this gave you a better picture of what homeschooling really is and gave a better rep to those homeschoolers like me. 

XOXO - Em