Adventures · September 5, 2016

Australia: Part One

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Earlier this year I was fortunate to venture off to a country I have been wanting to visit for 18 years:  Australia! My friend and I packed our bags and headed south for two weeks. Most of our time was spent in Sydney, but we did head north for a few days to visit Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

Sydney is a gem in itself. The landscape of the city is a beautiful blend of luscious greenery, cliffs overlooking the Tasman Sea and sprawling beaches within each suburb. Locals, with their captivating accents and adorable mannerisms, are quick to offer assistance and hospitality.  “Australia: Part One”

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Food · September 4, 2016

Roasted Hatch Chile Guacamole

Roasted Hatch Guacamole || Joyfully So

What’s better than guacamole? Hatch chile guacamole! I love the amount of recipes you can make this time of year using hatch chiles. Thinking of all the possibilities reminds me of Forrest Gump where he references all the foods you can make using shrimp, this time it’s…hatch chile burgers, hatch chile enchiladas, hatch chile poppers, hatch chile mac and cheese, hatch chile chili… Today we are going to combine these seasonal chiles with one of my favorite foods – guacamole. Let’s kick it up a notch by using roasted garlic and bacon.

“Roasted Hatch Chile Guacamole”

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Adventures · September 3, 2016

Day Trip to Magnolia Market

Tips for visiting Magnolia Market of Fixer Upper || Joyfully So

Between their incredible talent for home design and carefree sense of humor, Chip and Joanna Gaines have captured the hearts of America through their show, Fixer Upper. Visiting the Gaines’ store, Magnolia Market, has been at the top of my day trip list. Waco is nestled approximately 90 minutes between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin. For those on long I-35 road trips, it makes for the perfect pit stop to stretch your legs as it’s only a few minutes off the interstate.

“Day Trip to Magnolia Market”

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Life & Style · September 3, 2016

DIY Boxwood Wreath

DIY Boxwood Wreath || Joyfully So

Boxwood has always been a long time favorite look for landscaping due to its lush green color and ability to be trimmed into desired shapes or walls. Recently, after being inspired by Joanna Gaines, I started to think of ways to incorporate boxwood into the home. One easy place to start:  a boxwood wreath.

“DIY Boxwood Wreath”

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Food · September 1, 2016

Chicken Pesto “Zoodles”

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One of my favorite things about traveling is the opportunity to try different foods. While visiting Manly Beach in Australia, we ate at a cute cafe where my friend and I both ordered their zoodle dish. The entree used spiralized zucchini to make “zoodles”, and added sun-dried tomatoes, pesto sauce and parmesan shavings. My friend and I loved this hearty dish so much that we decided to emulate the recipe from home.

“Chicken Pesto “Zoodles””

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