Browse Author by Brooke Noble
Thoughts

August Travels

Hello there!

This week the pace of life has suddenly quickened as school begins and our fall schedule comes together. But after finishing my summer classes last month I had an incredible, cup-filling  3-week break. I am grateful for the Lord’s goodness in giving me this special time with family and friends. I took so many pictures and made so many memories.

First I spent a few days with my aunt Kathy, uncle Jim, and cousin Anna at their home. Then we girls went up to see our grandparents at their farm. Our families joined us there a few days later.

Anna is one of the loveliest girls I know, inside and out. I am grateful for the friendship we’ve had and deepened through the years. I love being able to walk through every season of life together. Spending a week together encouraged me more than I can say.

I will share some photos and highlights from my time with Anna and family. :)

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Going on an 18 mile bike ride out on the katy trail.

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Visiting the largest tree in Missouri!

Deep talks.

Singing ‘Blessings’ while driving along old country roads. Bliss!

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Midnight walks under the starry sky. *note: the flash on my camera was blindingly bright, hence the closed eyes. :p

Staying up late watching chick flicks.

Doing makeup and hair together.

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Game of spoons.

Giggling in the dark.

Matching outfits without even meaning to.

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Special one-on-one time with Grandparents.

Raspberry picking.

English breakfast tea in the mornings.

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Being goofy. Hehe.

Spending one morning at a volleyball camp.

Seeing how fast we can snap green beans for Grandmother. :)

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Picking out Grandad’s B-day cake for a family party.

Discussing the royal family with my wonderful aunt.

Making (and eating!) chocolate avacado pudding.

Discovering old photos of my daddy and uncles when they were little boys.

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Listening to the stories of many a peice of clothing that my grandmother hand-stitched.

Walks at dusk.

Encouraging devotions and Bible discussions.

Looking at pictures together and catching up on each other’s lives.

Thoughts

Popping In

Hello there!

I am enjoying a wonderful break with family and dear friends, hence the absence from posting. Here are a few pictures with the sweet, lovely girls I’ve been spending time with. I have been so encouraged and refreshed by renewing friendships and making memories. I’ll post more pictures when I get back!

Hope y’all are having a wonderful August!

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Homemaking

Ways to Use Coconut Oil

Welcome back to the last of my series on coconut oil! :) If you haven’t read the other posts in this series, here’s part 1, part 2, and part 3.

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photo credit

So in my last post I said that I would cover some good coconut oil sources. Since (unfortunately) most of us do not have palm trees in our backyards, we must buy coconut oil. We get ours from Nutvia. It has regular sales, so be watching for when the prices go down, as coconut oil is not cheap. You can also buy it from Tropical Traditions. These are only a few of the many sources out there.

There are sooo many ways you can use coconut oil in your baking and cooking. I prefer using it not only because it’s healthy, but also because it gives food such a great flavor and texture.

Here are some foods I like to use coconut oil in:

Granola

Whole wheat chocolate chip cookies

Cinnamon baked oatmeal

Deep frying doughnuts (it’s a safe oil to heat because of its high smoke point)

Frying eggs, pancakes, and french toast

Popping popcorn

Stir-frying vegetables or meat

Blended in coffee. Yes, I thought it was a weird idea too until I tried it. Now it’s one of my favorite ways to drink coffee! For an energy boost that lasts, blend 1 cup coffee with 1-2 Tablespoons coconut oil and a few drops of stevia and vanilla extract (optional) for 20 to 30 seconds. The oil emuslifies, producing a rich, creamy drink. What a treat!

Coconut oil fudge: this is a delicious AND healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth or chocolate craving! Wish I had a picture to show you…that would really tempt you into making it. :p

2 cups softened coconut oil
1 cup chopped nuts (any kind, we like walnuts)
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar
1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (I like rasisins, cherries, and Craisins)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, optional

Simply stir all ingredients together, mixing well. Spread into an 8×8 or 9×13 inch pan. Refrigerate or freeze until firm. Enjoy!

Alrighty, well that wraps up this series on coconut oil! I hope y’all enjoyed it. I certainly enjoyed writing it, and the lovely comments you left were very encouraging. :)

So tell me, if you buy coconut oil, what are some ways that you use it? I’d love more ideas!