Lindsey's Going Away Party

My very good friend, Lindsey, was given an amazing job opportunity in New Hampshire. Van and I threw her a little gnome-themed going away party on Sunday in Indy. I will miss this girl terribly, but am SO happy and proud of her accomplishment! Now I just have a great excuse to head out to the Boston area for a vacation sometime soon...

Chili Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Hi strangers! Last week was crazy busy in our neck of the woods, thus my blog posting was a little spotty. But, I'm back, and with a really yummy recipe. Lately, Jake and I are trying to be more conscious and proactive about what we eat. Switching out candy for fruit, that kind of thing. Sometimes you just want something crunchy and salty, so this is a great alternative to chips. I found this recipe from one of my very favorite blogs, Today's Letters.

Chili Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients:
2 Cups Pumpkin Seeds
4 Tbs Olive Oil
1 Tbs Chili Powder
2 tsp Sea Salt

Directions:
1. Put pumpkin seeds into a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir frequently over 4-5 minutes (the seeds will crack and pop, kind of like Pop Rocks but healthier).
3. Remove from heat and stir in olive oil, chili powder and sea salt.
4. Let cool and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Enjoy!

Bike Ride

I took a very nice bike ride last night around Morristown. I waved at neighbors, watched the little guys in the park at soccer practice, and enjoyed the sunshine. It was a little glimpse of summer, and I loved it. I'm excited to tackle all of those little projects and goals I have planned in the coming months (including riding my bike more!).

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter, friends! Jake and I spent the day with his family down in southern Indiana. It was great catching up with his parents and siblings, and we took advantage of the nice weather.

I also was re-introduced to a wonderful hymn during Anderson First's Good Friday service that I've had my head all weekend. Sums up quite nicely what we know will happen someday, thanks to Easter!

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on.

St. Joseph, Michigan

Our last stop on our Michigan road trip took us to St. Joseph, Michigan to visit with our good friends James and Chris. Chris lives in St. Joseph, the cutest little town that sits right on Lake Michigan. The beach area has a pizza shop housed in an old train station, a carousel, and all kinds of artwork lining the sidewalks. I'd love to head back here when the weather is a little more agreeable to really enjoy everything it has to offer.

Um, did I mention the tulips?

Holland is known for their Tulip Time Festival, where the town is covered in thousands of tulips. This festival usually happens at the beginning on May. Lucky for us, it's been so warm lately that the tulips decided to come out a little early!

Michigan Adventure: Holland

My favorite town of our trip was Holland, Michigan. Being from Dutch origins, I really enjoyed all of the Dutch signs, food, folk art, etc. in the restaurants and stores. You don't see that very often! 

In Holland, we...

...visited a (very cold) Lake Michigan and "Big Red" Lighthouse

 

 

...visited De Klomp Wooden Shoe Factory

...bought a cuckoo clock

...found my (maiden) name on a street sign!