I Am Thankful For…

November 23, 2015November 23, 2015 / ktbuchs87

My husband who always loves me, even when I’m being crazy and weird which is more often than not. Who works hard to provide for me and always puts my happiness before his. Without him, I wouldn’t be half the person I am now. I Am Thankful For... | Life Healthfully Lived

My family who has shaped my very being. They know me better than anyone on this planet and support me in everything I do. They have taught me how to love and live and I cannot imagine me without them. I Am Thankful For... | Life Healthfully Lived

My Faith which is the driving force behind every decision I make, every action I take, every word I speak, and the source of my hope and love. God is good all the time and all the time God is good. I Am Thankful For... | Life Healthfully Lived

My basic needs which are unfailingly met. I have never ever wanted for food, shelter, or clothing. I have never wondered where my next meal was coming from, where I would be sleeping at night, and I have the luxury of opening my closet and choosing from a variety of clothes. Not everyone gets that security.

My freedom which has cost me absolutely nothing but instead others have paid for with their lives. I can say what I want, believe what I want, and pursue my happiness because of the simple fact that I am an American. In a world that is wrought with pain and strife, where people are oppressed and killed for their beliefs and opinions, freedom is no small matter. I Am Thankful For... | Life Healthfully Lived

My dreams that propel me to do new and sometimes scary things. Having a dream can be tough but so worth it. And having people behind you to support those dreams? That is something to be even more thankful for.

I could go on and on with things that I am thankful for because I am beyond blessed. I know it’s cliche to think about all the things we have gratitude for this week, but these are things that I give thanks for every single day. I often take these things for granted because they are so simple. But for those that don’t have them, they mean the world. I Am Thankful For... | Life Healthfully Lived

Take some time this holiday season and be thankful for the little things you never think about. They might seem small, but they mean so much.

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving everyone!

Things That Are Making Me Happy Right Now

October 19, 2015October 19, 2015 / ktbuchs87 / 2 Comments

I don’t know about you, but I had a pretty great weekend. It was filled with family, laughs, and covered bridges. Adam and I spent the weekend in Brazil, Indiana and I got to experience the covered bridge festival for the first time.

Yes, there was a covered bridge. There was also a ton of food, crafty things, and pretty much anything else you could think of. I had a good time and was glad for the time to relax.

So while covered bridges have made me happy, I thought I would share a few other things that are making me happy right now.

Changing Leaves

It felt like fall would never really come this year. For most of October, our neighborhood has been surrounded by green leaves and summertime vibes. Just in the past week or so we have finally had leaves falling and changing color. I love how pretty this city gets in the fall!

Fall Running Pace

I love the beginning of fall and the cooler temps because it means I run even faster than normal. I can’t seem to slow down for the first few weeks of fall running and that’s just fine with me. I love feeling like I’m flying down the Lake Shore Trail.

New Quilted Sheet Set

This is how I know that I’m an adult. I am super excited about a brand sheet set. This was a covered bridge find and an early birthday present (12 days and counting). I have been wanting to change up our bedspread for awhile now to something more bright and cheery. I love the grey and yellow together and I think that Dot approves as well.

All The Baking

Now that it isn’t torture to turn on the oven, baking all the things can commence. I am not a strong baker, so I am always trying to improve. I gave you some carrot cake cookies last week and I’m working on a fall banana bread for you guys this week. You can also check out my cranberry coffee cake over on Girlish. Yay baked goods!

Kuri Squash

I am all about fall/winter squash and I’m always excited to try new to me varieties. I found this one at Whole Foods the other day and figured I would give it a go. Whelp, now I’m obsessed with it. I love that you don’t have to peel it, just scoop out the seeds, cut into chunks, and roast it at 425 with a little oil and your favorite seasonings. It’s creamy and a little sweet like butternut squash. I bet it would be great in soup or my gnocchi.

The Cubs

I was born a Cubs fan and have always hoped that maybe next year would be their year. It’s looking like 2015 could be it… I will be cautiously optimistic and just keep rooting for my Cubbies.

I don’t know why but turning 28 is sounding pretty good to me. I think there are some good things in store for my 28th year on this big blue marble we call Earth. Can’t wait to see what they are…

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!

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

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!

My Weekend

November 10, 2014 / ktbuchs87

I don’t know about you, but I had a jam packed weekend! Last week Adam was able to get me a free entry into the Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k/5k race and the race was this Sunday. I had wanted to run this race, but found out about it too late and the race fee was just a little too much for us so I was super excited when I found out I would get to run. This was my first Chicago race and it was a pretty good experience. On Saturday we went to breakfast at Anne Sathers Bakery and had a delicious meal and then we headed to the McCormick place to check out the race expo and pick up my bib. We of course stocked up on all the free goodies and Adam had copious amounts of chocolate. I have never been in a race this size so it was a bit overwhelming to see so many people! While we were downtown, we also went to a modern photography exhibit, hit up Barnes and Noble, and then headed back to our neighborhood and did a little shopping.

Adam’s breakfast which was 2 cinnamon rolls stuffed with mascarpone. He may have slipped into a sugar coma…

At the race expo

Sunday morning we got up bright and early to head to the race. It was just a little (ok a lot) chilly and because I was in the second wave of runners we ended up standing around for a little over an hour. I will admit, I was slightly cranky by the time that I finally got to the starting line but that was mostly because my hands and feet were blocks of ice! Once I started running though I was able to warm up. It was really neat to run through downtown Chicago, but I did have to fight through the slower runners/walkers. Once I got used to weaving in and out of the walkers, it was really cool to run through streets that are usually busy with cars. I ended up with a time of about 30 minutes and while that is a little slower than my normal pace, I was still pretty happy with my finish. Next year I hope to run the 15k part which will be my longest race yet.

Up early for the race!

Trying to stay warm while waiting to run!

Ok, now for the mushy part of my post today. Today is Adam and my two year anniversary. I know it’s cliche, but it feels like it was yesterday that I was getting ready to walk down the aisle. The memories from that day are so vivid in my mind and I still have to pinch myself to remind me that it actually happened. I got to marry the man of my dreams and these past two years have been amazing.

Adam supports me in everything I do, plus he wakes up at 5:30 on a Sunday to come and stand out in the cold while I run a race. He loves me unconditionally and accept all my little weird quirks and shortcomings. He makes me laugh daily and always puts a smile on my face even when I’m having a bad day. Whether we are out and about or sitting quietly next to each other on the couch reading, I enjoy each minute with him. I’ve heard that the first two years of marriage are some of the hardest, and while every single second isn’t absolute perfection, I’m still waiting for all this hard stuff that people talk about. Maybe Adam and I are lucky, but I think it’s more that we are totally committed to each other and making this marriage strong. We both promised that we were in this for the long haul and that no matter what we would do what needed to be done. I mean it as much as I did two years ago, I love my husband and can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him! Thanks for saying I do Adam!

You and I

November 11, 2013 / ktbuchs87

Yesterday was Adam and I’s one year anniversary. Seriously, this year has gone by so fast and we have been lucky enough to have an amazing first year of marriage. We spent the whole weekend celebrating our marriage, so I don’t have a regular post for you guys. Have no fear though because I do have pictures to share with you! I will have the regular recipe post up this Friday, but for now enjoy the pics and Happy Veterans Day!

When I got home from work Friday, this awaited me. All you Doctor Who fans will get the angel and don’t blink reference

On the train Saturday on our way to Chicago!

The first anniversary is the paper anniversary. Adam stuck with this theme and took me to the Chicago Public Library

He also took me to a used book and sheet music store. I could have spent all day here!

Adam liked it too!

More books and music. So awesome!

We also stopped by the Buckingham Fountain where he proposed to me!

Then we had lunch at an amazing vegan cafe called Native Foods. I had blackened tempeh tacos and he had a meatball sub. So delicious!

While waiting for our train home, we found these terrifying stuffed dolls for Disney. This was demon Ariel

Sunday, we just spent the whole day together at home. We watched the DVD of our wedding, had fresh made juice in our toasting flutes, and shared a bite of our wedding cake for dessert. It was one of the best weekends ever and I am so blessed to be Mrs. Dawson. Love you Adam!