About Me

Parenting

Food

Oils

Essential Oils With Young Living

Fun fact: Did you know that frankincense and myrrh are not just gifts from the magi? They’re also essential oils. I became obsessed with essential oils a few years ago when a friend of mine suggested using lavender to help with plane jitters. I was skeptical at first. How can smell really help put those butterflies at ease? (People use xanax for that, and last I heard, xanax did not work because of scent.) Despite my skepticism, I tried it.…

Read Now

Recipes

After-Thanksgiving Turkey Enchiladas

Thanksgiving is over, the excitement is dwindling down, and our tummies are slowly returning to normal size. The holiday may be done, but when I open the fridge, there it is staring at me: the turkey. Don’t get me wrong, I love Thanksgiving food. I love a good repeat meal of stuffing and mashed potatoes, but there is only so much I can take. Leftovers in our family is a growing art. I’ve seen mighty creative sandwiches and some darn…

Read Now

Recipes

Homemade Honey

Beekeeping and Harvesting Honey I’ve been beekeeping for over two years now and I will say, it’s so rewarding. I didn’t just jump into it blindly – I studied about beekeeping and harvesting for almost 8 months or so. Then, I took a beekeeping class, and found a local beekeeper to teach me a few tricks of the trade. There are some amazing organizations that will help you get started, and even come check on your bees periodically to make…

Read Now

Parenting

Adopting My Son, Gus

My first encounter with adoption was when Korie and Willie adopted Will. Jep and I were married for a little over two months when they brought Will home. I got the privilege of keeping him when they were out of town and I worked at our church’s daycare to take care of him. I loved having little Will-man around. He still holds a special place in my heart, and him joining our family definitely played a huge role in adoption…

Read Now

Fashion Parenting

Girls Day Picnic

My Girl’s Day Picnic! I love having picnics with my kids, planned or last minute (we get our fair share of both). I think spending time with my girls or boys by themselves pushes them to open up about things that they may or may not open up about when we’re all together. And it definitely builds bonds. Picnics are just one way to spend a little one-on-one time with your kiddos that’s simple, low key, but full of memory…

Read Now

Lifestyle Recipes

Our food truck, Jep’s Southern Roots, is live!

       To all our peeps and all foodies out there! Jep’s Southern Roots is open and ready for business. I’m so proud that he’s following his food truck dreams. The truck serves up some homemade delights like our very own meat pies, po’ boys, etouffee, and more! Plus, the food is prepared with heart and southern soul, all homemade, and our own, tried-and-true recipes! Stop by for some true Louisiana comfort cooking, and a taste of the south…

Read Now

Lifestyle

The Importance of Girlfriends

  The Importance of Girlfriends Females, raise your hand if you have a girl gang. Almost all of you? That’s what I thought. My girlfriends are like sisters to me, they’re a second family. I try to see them as often as I can, and cherish the days we go out for coffee or a meal, spending time together, just us girls. Our moments together are fun, precious, and, according to a Stanford University study, extremely healthy. There are many reasons…

Read Now

Recipes

Homemade Meat Pies

Meat pies are a staple in our household. Whether dinner or lunch, a meat pie is always a good meal. Sometimes we make this comfort food with beef, other times pork, and every pie is always slightly more delicious than the last. Jep makes a mighty fine pie, but I pull my reins, too. Below is my recipe for the perfect meat pie.   Ingredients Pie Crust 1 cup butter-flavored shortening 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tablespoon salt ¾ cup…

Read Now