Cookies and Community

I've been exploring the importance of community, because it truly is one of the most powerful tools we're given!  Last summer was a little rough because I lacked community until I started working at the Bodyshop, which is hands down one of the best working environments with incredible people. This is my first summer staying in Clemson, and as we all know, it can be a little ghost town at times when everyone's gone home for break. I wanted this summer to be full of encouragement and growth, luckily, Alex and Emily had a similar summer in mind!

Alex, Em, and I at a wedding a few weeks ago!

A girl's community had been put on all of our hearts, so we decided to be obedient and move forward. We didn't want it to be exclusive or to put any maximum number of members. Naturally, creating a Facebook page was necessary, and our small group quadrupled into a massive small group of 43 girls!!! The Lord has blessed us all so much, and I'm so excited to meet new girls each week.

Instead of doing a book, our vision was to discuss a topic each week. The first time we all got together we each gave a topic, some of the topics we'll discuss this summer are contentment, what does conviction look like, finding joy in every season, body image, resting in the Lord, etc. This week we kicked off with what God is doing in your life right now - wow, each of us are in such different seasons / stages of life and it's so eye-opening at how BIG God is, and how he reaches us all in different ways. I am beyond excited to see how this summer unfolds, the Lord has huge things in store for this big group of wonderful girls!

Alright, I don't know about yall, but I love me some cookies! I recently used this recipe to make Braden a cookie cake for finishing up his second rotation at BMW. Even though it's a simple recipe, I was still super impressed at how good and moist the cookie turned out!

Giant M&M Cookie Cake Recipe

You will need:

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking soda 

1 tsp salt

8oz unsalted butter

1 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1 bag semi sweet chocolate chips

1 bag M&Ms

Start by preheating oven to 300°F

1. Mix flour, baking soda and salt together - set aside

2. Mix softened butter and both sugars, then add in eggs and vanilla with mixer

3. Add in flour mixture and stir

4. Add in chocolate chips and M&Ms

5. Put all the batter in the pan and press into a circle

6. Bake on center rack for 32-35 minutes

Mmm cookie cake goodness!

Twenty One

It has been quite a while since I've posted anything, so let's just say I have a lot of catching up to do! I finished up my Junior year in college, I still can't believe I'm a SENIOR.. wow where has the time gone?! I am working for the non-profit United Way this summer, which has been a huge blessing. Other than that my summer has been full of relaxing and days in the sun.

I just got back from Hilton Head Island where I spent my birthday weekend! I could not have asked for a better birthday where my time was spent laying out on the beach, riding bikes, and eating delicious seafood and yummy desserts!

Our first night on the island - heading to the Crazy Crab!

I'm so thankful to be able to witness their love of almost 50 years!

Corbin, Mary Miles, Braden and I one night before dinner

Key Lime Pie for our date night dessert at Ela's!

The best, I repeat, the BEST strawberry shortcake ever! Yummm! We celebrated my  birthday with cake before we headed to dinner, aren't you supposed to enjoy dessert before dinner?!

On the pier to watch the sunset while having dinner at the Topside Waterfront Restaurant!

My mama made it all the way to HHI to celebrate my 21st! 

The past few days have been wonderful, and now it's back to reality where waking up early is always on my schedule. But hey, I can't complain! I hope everyone has a wonderful week!