Youthful Aspirations

Celebrating the coming of Spring fills me with the utmost amount of joy. I couldn't ever obtain enough flowers, ripe fruit, or iced coffee during this season. Walks in the neighborhood and wearing hats around town causes an unbreakable smile across my face.

 The other day I got off of work, bought four of the most perfectly ripened red bartlett pears, a coconut water vanilla iced latte, and rushed over to Nate's apartment for an afternoon walk, before grabbing dinner at a local food truck (with the most incredible Mexi-Thai tacos!!). The weather was 73 and cloudy and we walked with bliss. Springfield is known for moody forecasts, so of course we were savoring this weather with the knowledge and probability that we might have to grab a coat for the next morning.

That evening, I met with a good friend who was in town from school. We had pastries and coffee and talked about dreams and our exciting youthful aspirations. Chatting about life and hazy desires always leaves me with a certain fuel of inspiration and motivation to continue to press on towards ultimate goals. 

 Spring is such a refreshing season. It's always a marvelous reminder of new beginnings and tangible hope. I'm welcoming Spring with open arms and bright eyes. I hope you allow Spring to bring exhilarating ideas and feelings into your hearts. 

Warmly // Sarah

Outfit Details : Hat/Forever21, Top/Forever21, Jeans/Vintage, Shoes/Target.

Recipe | Autumn Granola Bars

R E C I P E

1 1/2 c rolled oats, toasted (toast at 350 degrees until slightly brown,  ~12 minutes)
1 c roasted sunflower seeds
1 c roasted almonds, chopped
1 c pumpkin seeds, toasted (toast at 350 degrees until slightly brown, ~ 5-7 minutes)
3 cups of crunchy brown rice puff cereal (rice crispies are fine, or any similar alternative)
1 c of dried apples (cut or torn into smaller pieces)
1 c of dried cranberries
1 c of fresh almond butter
1 c of honey (local is better!)
1 tsp of sea salt
2 tsp of cinnamon

1. When all the items are sufficiently toasted, toss them with the brown rice crispies, apple pieces, and cranberries in a large bowl.

2. In a small saucepan, heat the almond butter and honey just to get melty, not cooked. (this is your glue ; if it boils or even comes close it gets hard and yucky) Stir in the salt and cinnamon, then pour over the oat/nut mixture and stir. You want to get everything incorporated and glued together with out crushing the tender crispies.

3. Turn into a 9x13 baking dish lined with parchment paper and press the mixture evenly and firmly. Again, trying not to crush the crispies too much. Cover the tray(s) with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours. Cut into 2 inch squares. Should make 30 2-inch bars.

Enjoy and Happy Autumn! 

Truly // Sarah

Back to School Trail Mix

Back to School Trail Mix :

Almonds

Cashews

Pistachios 

Dried Apricots

Dried Strawberries

Happy Back to School, friends // Sarah 

Morning Stroll on Elm Street

This morning my dear lady Leandra & I enjoyed the hot summer air while walking along one of our favorite streets in Springfield, Elm Street. 

We first got a couple of bagels and sat on the curb under the shade of a tree and talked. 

Leandra and I could talk for days about everything. Our hearts hold many of the same longings and we love to share about them. 

Leandra & I's friendship is a little over a year old now and it's crazy to think how much we've bonded over that time. I love this girl with all my heart & thank Jesus for her daily. 

  After munching on our delicious bagels we began our morning stroll, doing our best to subtract the thoughts of the increasing humidity. We walked to the local Home Grown Food's market and bought some freshly farmed peaches & blackberries, then we ventured onto Pickwick street to converse more and awe at the lovely old houses.

Spending precious time with friends is a gift I so often take for granted. Fellowship allows us to learn so much about one another and ourselves. I encourage you friends, to plan a refreshing outing with one, or many, of your comrades to enjoy the blessing of living & loving each other.  

Truly // Sarah 

P.S. Isn't Leandra so beautiful? Follow her on Instagram to see into her lovely life : @leandrawill .