Getting Grease Off Suede

I got grease on my otherwise pristine suede boots. Palm-to-face.

Here's what fixed that disaster:
1. Dabbed with paper towel that had a little water and dish soap on it. Let it dry.
2. Then I put some cornstarch on. I had to do that twice, including overnight. That did the job and my beloved shoes are good as new! Grateful it was a fairly easy fix!

Part 3: My Trip to Lincoln, NE

The Haymarket District had a little shop called, Licorice International. I LOVE licorice, so I was excited to check out that store. Thankfully, they also shared samples. I bought a multi-flavor pack and one of cinnamon licorice. Unfortunately, I'm out of my supply now, but the licorice was legit.

Also, within the district was a train engine which made for a great photo op that I took advantage of. It was freezing when I was there, so I didn't get to read anything about why the train was there...next time!

Who doesn't love a good mural? That also is a great photo op.

Writing this made me remember all the fun I had there in one night. I really hope to make it back to explore more soon!

Part 2: My Trip to Lincoln, NE

Our only night in Lincoln was so blustery and cold! The Rabbit Hole Bakery was a great stop for a warm beverage.

We stopped and got hot tea and I got a macaron. They had an extensive bakery case with so many yummy looking options. The macaron was tiny, expensive, but good.

It had a cute Alice in Wonderland theme with clocks.

They also had live music. Definitely a fun stop in the Haymarket District.

Part 1: My Trip to Lincoln, NE

On a seriously cold weekend, my best friend and I headed to Lincoln to work a track meet. They put us up in the Haymarket District. I'd never been there before, but it was a really cool area with lots of restaurants, bars, shops, and bakeries/coffee shops. I'd definitely like to go back in warmer weather and explore the area more.

Rooms were provided at the Hyatt Place Lincoln Haymarket. The rooms were very comfy and had a little living room area with a couch. They provided a nice, warm breakfast, as well. I was impressed that an upscale hotel like that would provide a complimentary breakfast.

We had a nice dinner at Leadbelly, which was nearby. One of their specials was a warm pear cider; so nice! I ordered their tacos and enjoyed them! I feel like lately, tacos are my go-to order.

Floral Painting

Since I'm still fairly new to painting, I still need a lot of inspiration. For that inspiration, I always go to Pinterest. I have a whole painting board where I save everything I'd like to try to paint. There, I found this cute somewhat abstract floral.

Source: thecheerfulspace.com
I followed this step-by-step

Not perfect, but here's how my attempt went:

Georgetown Santas

Last year, before Christmas, I went to check out the Georgetown Santas in Salina, Kansas. My best friend lives in Salina and said I had to see it. As a side note, Salina has really impressive Christmas lights!

So, what are the Georgetown Santas? They are a street in Salina, Kansas where several male residents dress up as Santa. Complete with elves, they hand out candy, and popcorn out of a cute, little Christmas cottage.

They even have a Facebook page, click here. Definitely, something cool to see at Christmastime.

Recipe #38: Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boat

I've really come to enjoy spaghetti squash. I also like finding new recipes for them, as well. I happened upon this recipe for a Mexican version of spaghetti squash. It's so good and perfect for fall! Got so many great meals from this recipe!

Recipe from Delish.com
YIELDS:
4 SERVINGS
PREP TIME:
0 HOURS 15 MINS
TOTAL TIME:
1 HOUR 10 MINS
INGREDIENTS
FOR SPAGHETTI SQUASH
2 medium spaghetti squash, halved, seeds removed
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
FOR FILLING
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. ground beef
1 tbsp. taco seasoning mix
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 (15-oz.) can black beans
1 1/2 c. chopped cherry tomatoes
1 c. corn, canned and drained or frozen
1 c. shredded Monterey jack
1/2 c. shredded cheddar
2 tbsp. freshly chopped cilantro (optional)
GET INGREDIENTS Powered by Chicory

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400°. Drizzle cut sides of spaghetti squash with oil and season with salt, chili powder, and cumin. Place cut side down on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Roast until tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool slightly. Using a fork, break up squash strands.
Meanwhile, make filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add ground beef, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until beef is no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Drain fat.
Stir in taco seasoning, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in black beans, cherry tomatoes, and corn.
Fill each spaghetti squash with beef mixture and top with cheeses. Return to oven to melt cheese, 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Finding Peace with Singleness

I have spent my entire life fighting with singleness. How to become un-single (lol) has occupied much of my thoughts; that and my ticking biological timeclock. Surprise, surprise all that worry amounted to NOTHING, but an endless cycle of stress. With each passing birthday, I felt I was missing out on something that may never happen. That thought was devastating. All I dreamt about was a husband and family of my own, but it felt so out of reach. I felt sorry for myself all the time. I felt lame for each night I was at home alone. Overall, I was just super unhappy; that was the last 20 years of my 35 years of life, in all honesty.

While at a Christian women's conference, last month, God changed my mindset about things. I was in a session about my favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:11. The session leader shared her journey of faith. The handout from her session had some key points that started the change in my mindset. The session topic was: God Meets Us Wherever We Are. The description was: "Come and listen as I share how God met me right where I was and how that brought freedom to my life and for the people around me, and can do the same for you." Some of the key points were, 1) "God will meet you and use you right where you are, 2) That will bring you freedom, 3) That will bring freedom to those around you, 4) How is God meeting you where you are?, 5) How is He using you or can use you right where you are?, 6) How can this verse bring you freedom, 7) How can this verse bring freedom to those around you?"

In that session, I realized that in Christ, I am complete and whole. I had been living my life as if I wasn't enough. As if I wasn't a complete, whole person because I'm single. I didn't enjoy my own company, because I wasn't comfortable in my own skin. This new mindset has brought me peace in Christ and in my life. While I still dream of a family, I'm trusting in God's plan and timing for my life. If His plan for me doesn't include a family, God is still good and gracious. I hope that what I shared helps you in your walk with Christ and helps bring His peace to your life and soul.

Part 2: My Trip to Wichita, KS

With time in the morning before the track meet, we ventured out to the Nifty Nut House. A referral from my cousin and my research using TripAdvisor told me that'd it'd be an interesting stop. It was essentially a large cinder block nut and candy shop. What was so interesting about the building was the extensive murals.

Inside, I found an extremely large variety of nuts. In addition, they had all types of candy. It was a little overwhelming, so I decided to focus on my favorites: nuts (since they're known for them), licorace, gummy bears, and toffee. Even with that fairly concise mission, I was taken a bit aback by the vast selction. Everything I bought I really enjoyed and I can't wait to make it back there.

While there, we were told about the Spice Merchant which was said to also have many varieties of tea. It was a lot to take in. There I found a cool, new tea mug from their vast selection, as well as lots more tea! Such a cool spot!

We were surprised to see some cool murals while heading back to the car. Such a cool art form.

Part 1: My Trip to Wichita, KS

I work part time as a track and field official. I met my best friend through being an official, last spring. Since, we've worked a lot of meets together and have traveled to a few meets together also.

My friend talked me into working a meet at Wichita State for the Shocker Club. That matched up with a John Crist comedy tour. So, we made a overnight trip of it.

Last year, was when I started following him on social media and he's fantasically funny, as well as a Christian. If you haven't heard of him, you're missing out! Enjoy!







His show was an experience unlike anything I've ever seen. It was essentially like a hip hop concert with loud music via a DJ and colored lights. The opening comics were so funny. It was definitely a high-energy experience.

Mike Goodwin was one of the opening comics. Here are some of his funniest clips.


We stayed at the Best Western Plus Eastgate Inn & Suites. It was super affordable, but not the nicest place I've ever stayed. We did feel safe there and used their gym which was small, but adequate.

We researched restaurants a lot before this trip, since my best friend has a gluten allergy. After looking at restaurants that listed being able to work with those with a gluten allergy, we picked Bite Me BBQ.

We found the restaurant pretty easily downtown. We went in and inquired about their gluten free offerings and the waitress was clueless. We talked to a manager who was a little more helpful, but what they had shouldn't have warranted them marking that they have gluten-free items on the TripAdvisor website.

Now to the food. After reading reviews, we had really high hopes, but unfortunately the food had no flavor. To be honest, the food didn't set well with either of us that evening. We were disappointed and would not go to Bite Me BBQ again.

After the comedy show, we decided to find a local place to get ice cream at. We settled on the cool-named, Churn & Burn. Churn & Burn was a cute, little shop with gelato and lots of fun flavors. I settled on their peanut butter truffle flavor. It was SO good. Unfortunately, I think the ice cream was too rich for my system, because I got sick after eating it. My friend was fine though.

Well, this encompasses our very full first day in Wichita.