Why You Need a Summer Bucket List

| Rachel Boulos

summer bucket listIt’s June. Time to bust out the flip flops, sunglasses, and shorts. Dreams of beach days and barbecues are now upon us!

But before we know it, it’ll be July. Then August.

Soon the leaves will give way to color and summer will have turned into fall.

It happens every year.

In a few short months I will find myself wondering, Where did my summer go?

Don’t let summer get away from you this year. Create a summer bucket list the whole family can enjoy! Plan fun-filled activities this summer so that when it’s over you’ll be full of memories instead of regrets. Continue reading →

Why You Must Uproot Your Weeds

| Rachel Boulos

why you must uproot your weeds for successful life changeI love gardening. Creating our own patio retreat has provided a personal oasis of beauty and sunshine while the birds gather above in magical chorus.

This week I sank into the cushions, iced coffee in hand. As I breathed in nature, my eye caught a glimpse of a disturbing sight.

Weeds.

My ultimate arch enemy.

The one thing I hate even more than dirty dishes.

Sticking out like a sore thumb, those gnarly little rascals were ruining my view. Gleefully basking in the sunlight, they made themselves right at home as if to spite me. I’m pretty sure they were smirking as they burrowed their roots even deeper. Continue reading →

Simple Meal Planning in 5 Easy Steps

| Rachel Boulos

5 easy steps to simple meal planningIf there’s one question that makes me cringe inside, it’s the one that awaits me at the end of every day.

What’s for dinner?

Ugh. Another reminder that I forgot to plan. Again.

It’s not like I don’t know it’s coming. We literally eat every day. So why does the task of putting together a plateful of meals feel like nails on the chalkboard of my food soul?

Why is meal planning so dang hard? Continue reading →

What Uber (and Jesus) Taught Me About Life

| Rachel Boulos

what uber and Jesus taught me about lifeLast week we took a family trip to New York City. And since we had a rental car, we figured what the heck? Let’s drive in the city.

Never. Again.

Don’t get me wrong. We consider ourselves experienced city drivers. In fact, we’ve comfortably driven in the biggest cities of America; places like Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Boston, Miami, etc. But nothing compares to the stressful traffic of NYC. Continue reading →

67 Reminders When You Feel Like God Doesn’t Care

67 reminders when you feel like God doesn't care
| Rachel Boulos

I’ve been a Jesus-follower long enough to know that the Christian life ain’t all rainbows and sunshine. It’s a journey with mountain top experiences and their valleys below. And in those valleys, the struggle is real. Sometimes in long seasons of suffering, it can feel like God is silent and far away. And you find yourself wondering, Does He see? Does He even care?

I wrote this for a dear one of mine who has been suffering in the sea of adversity; drowning in wave upon insufferable wave. At times it seems unfair. Unjust. Undeserved. Left with a broken heart and a million unanswered questions.

In our darkest moments, it can feel like God has abandoned us. Or that He has turned a deaf ear to our prayers. Or that He isn’t moved by our tears. But just because we feel that way, does not mean it’s true.

Because He is there. He does see. And He deeply cares. Continue reading →

Good Morning Oatmeal: with coconut milk, bananas, & pecans (low-fodmap)

| Rachel Boulos

Want a fabulous way to start your day? A quick breakfast that leaves your taste buds happy and you full of energy?Low Fodmap oatmeal with coconut milk, bananas, and pecans

Oatmeal. You know…those little flakes collecting dust in your pantry?

This breakfast is classic but I just HAD to share this recipe. Watching my husband eat this concoction lately inspired me. I tried this combo at work and was all smiles. I may have greeted those around me with, “Good morning!” and then with added gumption, “I’m really enjoying my oatmeal!!” Awkward. Just awkward.

So in light of not scaring my co-workers, I decided to share my enthusiasm with you all instead! Be glad. Be very glad. Continue reading →

His & Hers Survival Kit: how to bug-out when you’re feeling stressed

| Rachel Boulos

His and Hers Stress Survival KitThe other day I was sitting at the table recounting all the current and upcoming events that were making me frazzled. Upon hearing my complaints, my husband grabbed a piece of paper and pen and began to write. After a minute of silence, my curiosity got the best of me.

“What are you doing?”

He slid the paper across the counter and grinned. I glanced down and laughed as my eyes caught hold of the first line: Eat a donut.

In a matter of seconds, my action-oriented husband had created a little go-to list for when I’m feeling blue.

Brilliant.

Wouldn’t it be grand if we had a bug-out-bag full of ideas on how to get out of dodge when our days go south?  Continue reading →

Gluten Free Pasta with Sausage, Cherry Peppers, & Red Wine

| Rachel Boulos

Ok, it’s official. I think I’m in love. With sausage and cherry peppers, that is. Whoever arranged this marriage was genius.

I discovered this meal at a fancy Italian bistro and truth be told, I was a little timid. I mean, who can pronounce all those fancy words like scarpariello? And what the heck were cherry peppers anyway?pasta with sausage, cherry peppers, and red wine

To my surprise, recreating the dish at home was quite easy and successful! Which left me wondering, what would Scarpariello taste like with tomato sauce and red wine? In one word? Awesome. Delicious. Fan-freakin-tastic. Ok, maybe that’s three words.

Did I mention this is also Low-Fodmap and Gluten Free? Continue reading →