All In The Family

April 13, 2015April 13, 2015 / ktbuchs87

One of the biggest things that has helped me as I’ve started this blog and continued with my healthy lifestyle is the support of my family. My husband, Adam, has been one of the biggest driving forces. He has pushed me to do more, think bigger, and to truly believe in myself and this blog. I wouldn’t have tried some of things or expanded this blog without his support.

ubuntusoulphoto@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Jodie Buchanan

My parents have also given me a lot of support. They ask me for tips, try my recipes, share my blog posts, and again believe in me to do more than I think I can. They have always been this way with whatever endeavors I pursue.

ubuntusoulphoto@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Jodie Buchanan

The other person who is without a doubt one of my biggest supporters is my little sister, Jodie. I can honestly say that from the time she was born she has always been behind whatever I do 100%. At times, I ignored that support (stupidly) and didn’t realize how much it meant to me and what I do. As I have gotten older I have learned how valuable she is to what I do. I know that no matter what I have her there by me urging me to do more and be better and helping me when I fall. She is amazing and I am blessed to have her as my sister.

ubuntusoulphoto@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Jodie Buchanan

That’s why I am thrilled to support her in her dreams and goals.

ubuntusoulphoto@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Jodie Buchanan

Today I wanted to share one of her new pursuits and urge you to take advantage of her amazing talents. Besides being an awesome social worker, Jo has always been interested in photography. She has always liked to take pictures and stage photoshoots, even as a kid. She’s done a few amateur photoshoots like engagement pictures and family photos, and she is looking to expand and start doing more photography.

ubuntusoulphoto@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Jodie Buchanan

Last week she came out to Sycamore and took some pictures of me prepping and cooking as well as some headshots. They are awesome and I will be using these on the blog and my other social media sites. She is just starting out, but she does great work and is eager to learn more. If you are interested in getting some photos taken, for graduation, engagements, professional headshots, family portraits, or anything else and are looking for a great price and a fun person to work with, contact Jodie. You can email her at ubuntusoulphoto@gmail.com for more information and to set up a shoot.

ubuntusoulphoto@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Jodie Buchanan

Support is one of the most important things when you are starting something new. Whether that is becoming healthier, starting a new business, or diving into a new goal. Having people behind you to push you forward, pick you up, and keep you going can make all the difference. If you have amazing support, make sure that you are paying it forward and supporting the people in your life. You never know when you might be the only one keeping that person going.

Who is your biggest supporter?

ubuntusoulphoto@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Jodie Buchanan

A Very Dawson Christmas

December 29, 2014 / ktbuchs87

Hello! I hope that you all had a fabulous Christmas and were able to enjoy time with friends and family. I know that the Monday after a holiday can be a little bit of a bummer, so I thought that I would share pictures with you of my Christmas celebration to cheer you up. There are even pictures of cats, so they are automatically better!

Adam and I have started a little tradition by celebrating our own Christmas after actual Christmas. We spend the day in our pj’s watching Christmas movies, opening presents, and making delicious food. This was our third year doing this and it was one of the best!

Our Christmas tree and the stockings hung by the (faux) chimney with care. Plus the first of many pictures of Olaf. It was his first Christmas and I think he loves it just as much as I do. Our other cat Dot wanted nothing to do with the festivities and slept in the bedroom all day long.

Speaking of cats, of course they have their own stocking and we fill it with new toys for them. Olaf actually managed to get all of the stuff out of the stocking all on his own. He liked the laser pointer and this yellow stuffed dog the best.

He’s pretty adorable. Us humans open our presents over the course of the day. Every time we start a new Christmas movie we open another present. I would say that this year was a good year for both of us. Adam got a new beard trimmer, a t-shirt, books, and candy. I got a new teapot, oven mitts, and books/cookbook. Apparently we both think alike because our big gifts to each other were new bags. I got Adam a new leather messenger bag for work so he could look all fancy and professional and he got me an awesome new black purse that is much better than the bright orange paisley tote bag that I have been using for the past few months.

This is his happy face. Back off ladies he's mine

This is his happy face. Back off ladies he’s mine

Super excited about this book. And you can see my fancy new teapot down in the corner

The other fun part of our Christmas is making a bunch of food that we don’t normally make. This year we made pretzels, which were really easy and fun to make. I also made some fried plantains and egg nog, devoured before I could take pictures. For an appetizer I made spinach/artichoke dip without any dairy (so good, I’ll share the recipe soon!), and we had some pumpkin chips to dip. Then for Adam’s dinner I made slow cooker italian beef and he made homemade buns. I had some delicious butternut squash seasoned with some new seasonings I got from Adam’s side of the family. It was an awesome feast! There were also a variety of cookies and treats for dessert!

Pretzel maker extraordinaire!

Pretzel maker extraordinaire!

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and I really love that Adam and I have been able to start some of our own traditions. On actual Christmas this year we were able to spend the day with both sides of our family. We started the day with my parents and my sister and her fiance and then headed over to Adam’s grandparents for Christmas dinner and were able to see his (many) aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as his mom and his stepdad.

Overall it was a fabulous holiday. We were able to spend time with so many family members and shared and made plenty of new memories. My heart is full and I can’t wait to see what the new year brings! Have a great rest of the week and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

How To Have An Amazing Thanksgiving

November 26, 2014 / ktbuchs87

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I thought that I would share how to have an amazing day. It’s really quite simple.

Gather your dearest family and friends.

Throwback Thanksgiving!

Throwback Thanksgiving!

Add in some laughs, stories/memories, and lots of love.

Stir in some hot apple cider.

Mix in delicious food of all different kinds.

And finish off with a big piece of pie (pumpkin, pecan, apple…. you get the idea)

Our humble dessert table last year

Our humble dessert table last year

The great thing about this recipe, is that it does well with variations and changes. Whatever your traditions may be on this holiday, I hope that you are able to spend it with the ones you love and remember what you are most thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!