Easter Tablescape Using Pieces From Around Your Home

The Easter Countdown is on! Are you ready?? Honestly, this year it totally snuck up on me. I treally thought I had at least another week and it turns out this is the last week soooo... oops! This whole week I've been scrambling to find my girls matching Easter dresses for church and it was ridiculous how many stores I had to go to just to find some that are decently priced and decently cute. Alas, I found some and all is well in my 4 year old's world. As far as their Easter baskets go, I at least have the baskets... Clearly I have a busy next few days... 

I preach all the time that holidays will be as special as you make them. As the mom, or dad, or grandparent, or whoever you are reading this... you have the power to make your holiday as special as you want it to be. I personally try to make every holiday have a special meal. Some examples are heart shaped pizzas on Valentine's Day, a BBQ on the 4th of July, a fancy Christmas dinner, a chili dinner on Halloween, etc... Everyone does Easter a little bit differently but the most common meals are Easter dinner and Easter brunch. While I'm obsessed with Christmas, Easter is quickly becoming my favorite holiday to decorate for. I looooveee spring colors. The muted pinks and soft yellows mixed with robin's egg blue and sage green are just gorgeous with all the white and cream. I decorate my home with mostly white and grey and other muted colors so this holiday is so easy for me to just grab things I already have [or what my mom has ;) ] For this tablescape I chose to make the middle of the table a statement of all things Spring. I collected cake stands my mom and I already had, greenery we already had, bunnies we already had, and then just arranged them all together to look extra springy and extra well... EXTRA! The only penny I spent was on the silverware pockets which are from the Target Dollar Spot and were literally $1 for 8. So what should you be looking for around your house to make a pretty Easter tablescape? Start with a tablecloth. My mother in law had this rose pink one and some vintage lace doilies I threw in the middle. If you don't have one, go grab one from the dollar store for a dollar. They always have SO many colors. You can also go to a local thrift store. They have the best priced linens and a lot of them are super unique. If you want to invest in a tablecloth, here's a cheap option. Next up find some chargers and dishes. I used my moms white dishes because mine are still boxed up but here's an affordable option for white beaded plates that work for any occasion! The chargers are also my mom's but Amazon has a ton of galvanized charger options! I also just used some regular silverware in a paper pocket from the dollar spot. These would be super easy to make too! My mom had these adorable place card holders and I searched the internet for more with no luck... however I did find these adorable wood round place card holders as well as these burlap bow ones! Next Up you're going to want to find all the vases, cake stands, greenery, light colored florals, and other Easter/Spring decor from around your house. If you don't have any florals or greenery... head outside or to the store! I'm sure you'll be able to find bushes, trees, and other wild flowers in your yard to arrange together. If not, trader joe's, sprouts, and other grocery stores have great flowers for cheap! Baby's breath is one of my favorite cheap Spring options. Don't have any vases or cake stands?? Head to your nearest dollar store or thrift store! The dollar store always has vases that are begging to be spray painted and you can make your own cake stands by buying a plate, a candle holder, glass glue, and some white spray paint! I made some for Oaklyn's first birthday party and have used them numerous times since. When arranging, just let the creative juices flow. Work with the different heights and designs you have. I added some inspo photos below and hope that it gets you excited for your own Easter brunch of dinner! I'd love to see photos of what you come up with, so send them my way! 

All my love, 

Aleigh Joy

3

Oh Mary, Did You Know?

Every Christmas season I begin feeling overwhelmed and a bit stressed with all the money spent, gifts we have to buy, and activities I feel we can't miss out on.

It just becomes a lot of work and time for one holiday that's over in a blink!

However, once I start focusing on the real reason we celebrate Christmas, I notice my attitude change and my love for the spirit of Christmas increase.

This holiday is such a special time to reflect on our Savior's life instead of making it feel more like a "Hallmark" holiday. 

The first Christmas I spent as a mother, was the first time I really thought about what it must have been like to be Mary.

Ever since that Christmas, I love reflecting on her life and what an amazing example she is to mothers everywhere.

Like holy cow, can you even imagine being her??

The video I shared below does a great job of really helping us understand her role.

She was the mother of literally the only perfect man on earth.

She was the mother of our Savior, the Son of God.

Like guys, I can't even put my thoughts and feelings into words!

I just can't even imagine.

I feel such an intense amount of love and respect for Mary. 

Ever since that Christmas, "Mary Did You Know" became my favorite Christmas song.

I get the chills every time I listen to it, especially the Pentatonix version!

One of my favorite lines is "This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you."

SO powerful! 

Every Christmas now, I try to really think about Mary in that stable. Not in a hospital bed with an epidural, but in a stable. 

I try to imagine what it must have felt like to hold the Son of God, the one that now holds each of us in our trials and hardships.

I imagine what it must have been like to see him on the cross (cue tears), wondering why this must be. 

I imagine how it must have felt to see crowds bow before him, to see him give sight to a blind man, and to know that he overcame death.

I mean, I feel proud when Oaklyn pees in the potty by herself... I just can't even begin to imagine what she felt. 

Now, when I see a nativity scene, I see a mother holding a brand new baby boy.

I see a mother who was probably scared and had gone through long suffering just to bring him here... but a mother who is brave and faithful.

I see a mother that I aspire to be like.

Every Christmas I think about how I can be more like Mary, a mother who is one of the greatest examples of all time.

Mary was trusted with THE Son of God, and raised him in faith.

I just can't help but ponder the same question, "Mary Did You Know?"

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

Here's a few videos I LOVE!

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I Hate Being A Parent In This Day

Photo By Kiely Ro Photography

I was talking to Hunter's grandma the other day on the way home from a baby shower, and the conversation we had really stuck with me.

We began talking about motherhood, pregnancy, and children. 

She said something along the lines of "I had no idea what any of you girls were talking about with your pregnancies. It's like I didn't go through it 5 times with how little of the medical terms I understood."

I then told her I was just about as clueless as her and I actually went through a pregnancy in this day and age.

Giggling, I then said: "Yeah you should've seen the look on the nurse's face when she asked for my birth plan and all I said was, an 'epidural and a healthy baby.' " 

Her response: "Birth plan? What the heck is that? Isn't everyone's plan to you know, have a baby?"

I chuckled to myself... "yep, you'd think so."

The conversation took turns all over the place surrounding the topic of motherhood, but she then shared a story with me I might never forget.

She told me about a time when she was a young girl. They had a pool in their backyard and she was swimming in it alone. It had never dawned on her that neither of her parents were out there watching her. Not even a sibling. She went on top of the roof of the shed and dove off into the pool. She instantly realized it was a bad idea because she smacked her head on the bottom of the pool. She swam to the top and caught her her breath from being terrified. She then said, "And can you guess what I was thinking about when I was holding on to the ledge gasping for air?"

I answered: "Well, that was probably the first time you realized your parents maybe should be out there watching you."

Her answer: "Nope, I realized I should never do that dumb dive again. It taught me to figure it out for myself and I made sure to never do it again. Sure if my parents were out there they would've told me not to do it in the first place, but I wouldn't have known why. I instead figured it out for myself. Nowadays, if someone heard that story they would've called CPS."

I laughed with her as we exchanged a few more ridiculous motherhood moments such as the time a lady made sure to come up to me as I was putting Oaklyn in her car seat and asked if I was hurting her because she was crying.
I wanted to smack her and ask if she's ever put a tired 10 month old in a car seat but I decided to let her think she was the best dog mom around instead.
There was also the time I gave Oaklyn one of those lollipops at the grocery store checkout and the woman behind me decided she should advise me not to give my one year old sugar.

I "can't wait" to see what other stories the rest of my motherhood journey will bring but I can almost guarantee it'll bring several more nights I fall asleep feeling guilty because I'm not cut out to be a mother in this era.
Sure, there are several gadgets we have now that our grandmothers could have only dreamed of back when they were mothers.
My mom couldn't believe they didn't have something as simple as a pacifier clip when I was little now that it's always attached to Oaklyn.
We may have all this awesome gear to "simplify" our lives now, but we also have too many "Nazi Moms" that are right there to tell us our child is going to die because we gave them goldfish in their lunchbox, used the off brand of sunscreen, or gave them a sippy cup that isn't bpa free.
Then there's the people that either have never been a parent, or think they're the perfect one (because they got lucky and got an easy kid) that give you dirty looks because your child dared to actually make a peep while you were shopping.
Or maybe you've all come across someone that thinks you could have been watching your child better when they get hurt.
I'm sure there was a little of this judgement back in the time Hunter's grandma was a mother, but by the sound of it, I should've given birth in that era.

The thing is, the mom groups are awesome, the ability to share knowledge with each other over the internet is great, and the freedom we get to decide how our child is born is exactly what some moms want.
But, the complexity of being a mother now is insane.
I mean come on, we have an entire aisle just dedicated to car seats.
How the heck is anyone supposed to know which one to buy??
I remember standing in the aisle when it was time to move Oaklyn out of her infant seat and feeling so overwhelmed with choices I almost just wanted to give up.
The mother next to me asked "Do you know what percentage of steel Chicco uses in their car seats?"
I looked at her with eyes wide open and said, you're gonna have to ask siri... I didn't even know car seats had steel in them.
Then I looked at Oaklyn and felt so sorry for her that I didn't know everything about everything and felt like I was inadequate to be her mom.
She smiled at me and drooled a little on her shirt and I remembered that I grew up on Koolaid and Lunchables with turkey that may have actually been rubber.
 And ya know what, I think I turned out just fine.

Being a mom nowadays means information you didn't ask for being thrown at your face every way you turn.
It means another mom disagreeing with your every decision or judging you for doing something different than they did.
It means wondering if you're doing the right thing at every moment of the day and questioning yourself with every move you make.
But it shouldn't be that way...

So here's me, another average mom, telling you that you are doing A-Okay mama.
If your baby is fed whether that be breast milk or formula, whole milk or goats milk, homemade purees or gerber jars, you're doing it right.
If your child gets sleep when they're tired, whether that's in your bed or their crib, in your arms or in their swing, with a sound machine or nothing at all, you are doing your job.
If your child is learning, whether that be home school or public school, charter school or private school, community college or a university, you should be proud of yourself for getting them that far.
If you think for one second you are failing according to the new standards of being a mom, you are not.
Keep smothering your kid with kisses, help them achieve their goals, give them a dang chicken nugget, and tell them how much you love them.
Because seriously, there is absolutely no right way to parent.
There are a million and a half suggestions if you want to listen to them, but being a mama is hard enough.
Instead just ask yourself "What would grandma do?"

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

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Buy a Bag, Help Save a Child | Barri Handbags

Happy Sunday friends! 

I am so excited to be talking about Barri handbags on the blog today!

As you all know by now, I am incredibly passionate about the cause, O.U.R (operation underground railroad), and doing all that I can to help support it. 

That's why I was so excited to learn about Barri, a handbag company that gives 10% of sales to OUR to help save children's lives!

Not only are these bags absolutely beautiful, but they are supporting the fight against the third most lucrative crime in the world.

How amazing is that??

I wanted to spread a little more awareness about Barri today, because their kickstarter fund is currently live and has 3 days left to go!

With your support and help, Ashley, the founder, will be able to produce these gorgeous bags and donate to O.U.R. 

With three days left, they have a little over $3,000 until the goal is reached!

If you've wondered how you can help end fight child sex trafficking, this is a great way to help!

Simply click here to go straight to the kickstarter fund and see the video where Ashley explains the mission and purpose of her company.  

I was able to test out and touch these bags on Saturday and I can honestly tell you that they are amazing quality.

They had awesome durability, the colors were gorgeous, and the hardware was very well crafted.

They are made of all high quality materials and are produced in fair wage factories. 

Ashley has tons of experience in designing handbags and after looking at them in person, it definitely shows!

So lucky for all of you, if you donate to the kickstarter fund you will receive 15% off your preorder purchase and be guaranteed a bag from the beautiful, b. brave collection. 

I loved talking to Ashley about her company and hearing how passionate she is about it. 

I absolutely know she is doing this with a purpose and doesn't want to start just another handbag company.
 She wants this one to be different and special!

Besides already deciding to support O.U.R, she also has a goal to support and uplift women everywhere.

She wants to create a community within Barri to help women know just how special they are.

Each bag has a metal plate inside to help you remember your worth, daily.

The plate reads: | b. inspired | b. kind | b. active | b. change |

Each bag also comes with a purse fob in front with the word "freedom" inscribed to always remind you of the cause you helped support with your purchase.

As you can see, a whole lot of time and effort were put into creating these bags!

If you have the means, please help support this awesome company with their kickstarter campaign! 

If you don't have the means, please share their facebook page, follow their instagram, or simply just tell your friends and family to spread the word!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

0

Become an Abolitionist

Hunter and I had the opportunity to attend a screening of the film, The Abolitionists, last week. 

To be completely honest, we went not really thinking we would get much out of the movie and used it as more of a date night.

However, we left with a completely different feeling!

Both of us left that night completely inspired to do our part in making a difference. 

So... what is the movie about?

The shortened version is this... 

Today there are over two million enslaved children forced into the sex industry around the world. 

If you ask me, that alone is completely sickening. 

So the movie is about rescuing these children and saving them from the horror they are living.

On December 10th, 2013 Special Agent Tim Ballard (aka Hunter's mother's cousin's son... ha did you get that?) turned in his Homeland Security badge and  resigned from his employment with the United States government. 

He had spent over a decade rescuing these poor children from child sex tourism both domestically and overseas. 

Though his job was difficult, he was proud that his country was one of very few in the world who was actually doing anything about this problem. 

However, mired in red tape and bureaucracy, Tim left to begin saving the children that he saw falling out of the purview of the US government. 

These children constitute over 90% of the children lost to child sex slavery and he could do nothing to help them while in the employment of the US government.

This is a story about the lost children from other countries and the rescue team’s exploits as they investigate and liberate enslaved children from around the world.

Okay, so you're thinking one of 3 things right now... maybe a few of them actually... but I'm sure you're thinking something along the lines of...

1) "Wow sounds interesting! I'd actually love to see this movie! Tell me more about where and when I can see it!"

2) "I'm a parent myself and I really don't want to watch this. It sounds like it would make me sick. How else can I help?"

3) "I'm not very interested."

So, here are my answers!

If you're number one, yay! 

You really will not regret it!

Click this link to buy your tickets today :)

Also, tell all your friends to go see it!

It will only be in theaters for one day at the moment, which is May 16th.

If we can fill those theaters it will receive a theatrical release and play longer!

If you're number two... I understand!

That's actually exactly how I felt after reading up on it before I saw the movie.

It's hard, as a mom, to think about the terrible situations these children are in.

However, the movie is very well done!

It is made in a PG-13 manner because they wanted to make it appropriate for young moviegoers to see what is happening around them as well. 

It is meant to caution them and wake the audience up while not scaring them away from the theater due to the darkness of the subject matter. 

The goal was not to sicken people but rather to inform them and motivate them to do whatever they could do as individuals, within their own sphere of influence, to stop this plague of human trafficking.

Not to mention, 15% of the profit of movie sales from theaters will be going directly to Operation Underground Railroad which is the organization that creates the missions to save these children.

However, if you see the movie at a Larry H. Miller theater 100% of the proceeds will go to "OUR"!

If you still don't feel like seeing the movie is a good fit... you can donate by clicking here!

And if you're number three... please hear me out!

This is something that isn't just happening overseas. 

It is happening right here in America too, and we need to protect our children from it.

In fact, Utah is actually the number one state where child sex trafficking happens.

Terrifying!

Please join me in taking a stand against this!

Check out this site to be even more inspired. 

Please join us in taking a stand against this horrifying crime that generates over 32 billion dollars yearly. 

There are also several other ways you can help... like attending events!

Here is a link to a few that sound pretty cool!

My little family will be attending the Rescue Run 5k in Lehi on May 21st and we are so excited!

I would absolutely love to see you there!

All money raised by the run will be donated to Operation Underground Railroad.

In just two years, they have already saved over 419 victims!

Just imagine how many more we can save if we just bring awareness to this subject!

To register click here and make sure to use code: INSTAGRAM to get $5 off your registration :)

I really hope you go see this movie in theaters on May 16th and attend the run!

I'll be there walking with my Oaks ;)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

0

Why I am Choosing to Still Shop at Target

I've questioned writing this post this whole week. 

I've gone back and forth between thinking it was a good idea and then a bad idea.

 I finally decided... That this is my blog, my little space of the internet, and I will say what I feel for that reason.

And just a friendly reminder, to each his own. 

When Target announced their policy on allowing transgender people to use whatever restroom they please, I must admit I felt a little... unhappy with the news.

I should start off by saying that I am LDS, or Mormon.

For those of you who are familiar with the religion, you would probably agree with me in saying that most LDS people are quite conservative in their beliefs.

I contribute to validating that statement because most all of my beliefs are very much so conservative. 

When it comes down to religion and morality, I don't agree with the LGBT community.

If you want to think that is terrible of me... go right ahead, but that is where I stand.

However, I believe in the Bible and all the words in it, so I have chosen not to feel hate towards them but to try and show love and kindness just as our Savior does because even when you disagree, it is possible to still love. 

That being said, let's talk about the mean words people have been throwing around on Facebook statuses, blog posts, and articles all around the internet. 

I have been dismayed when seeing people so quick to judge and assume that just because someone does not agree with what they believe, they immediately assume they are being hateful and decide to call them things such as a bigot, or showing discrimination. 

I cannot speak for all of us, but I will say that most people are not actually any of those things.

They are merely stating what they believe and that is actually an okay thing to do.

I like being educated and though this may sound weird to my grandparents, social media is a great way to become educated on world wide topics and hear other people's opinions these days. 

So please, stop being so quick to judge. 

Whether someone is completely okay, or upset with this policy, I don't think they have chosen where they stand out of hate. 

Let's move on now...

I guess in writing this article I must state that I am not happy about Target's policy.

However, I'm not going to let it stop me from shopping in their stores.

So, why am I not okay with this?

I'm sure that most people like to believe that it is because I hate transgender people, but that is most definitely not the case.

I am almost positive I have been in a bathroom with a transgender person at one time or another.

I don't know if I have... but I'm pretty darn sure the odds are pretty great that I have been.

Does that bother me? Nope. Not one bit.

Why? Because they were in there to go to the bathroom, just as I was.

They didn't bother me, and I hope that I didn't bother them.

We both did our business, and left.

Target has now opened those (once slightly more secure) doors to anyone and everyone.

I like my privacy, but I like feeling safe even more. 

I now feel worry, and I just don't like that.

Not because transgender people are "aloud" to go in the same restroom as me now, I'm sure they were already doing that... but because the door is now open to anyone to walk into any restroom without being questioned.
I feel as though that may cause less secure circumstances in the walls of a bathroom.
And yes, to those of you thinking it, you are probably right that this scenario may not happen often... but it sure can happen easier now.
I honestly believe that Target didn't even need to come out with this policy because transgender people were more than likely already using the bathroom they wished.
Now that they have put it out in the open, the debate at this point isn't even about those that are transgender... it is about safety. 

Before rambling too much on that topic because I'm sure I have several of you disagreeing with me at this point, I just want to say this is not stopping me from shopping at Target. 

I love Target.

More than ever since becoming a mother.

I like buying things comparable to something I could find at Anthro at a way better price.

I also love that I can wander for an hour and not get bored.

Target usually leaves me feeling happy and inspired to redecorate my house. Every time.

I don't agree with this new policy, but I'm also not going to let hate fill my heart and stop shopping there.

Remember earlier, when I said I want to love as our Savior does?

I feel that this also applies to shopping at Target.

I am fully entitled to my own opinion on where I stand with agreeing or disagreeing with whether or not being a transgender person is right or wrong, as are you, but I don't think that it is our place to judge others opinions and choices. 

I think that is the Lord's place, and he will ultimately decide.
 So, I am choosing to spend my days loving instead of judging. 

Does that mean I don't have a personal stance on the topic? No.

I have my own beliefs and I am staying true to them, but I will continue shopping at Target because I am choosing to show love over hate and not judging Target for making a decision that doesn't align with my own thoughts. 

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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2

Easter Thoughts + Egg Hunt

I love spring!
I love the warmer weather (well, usually... come on Utah!), the flowers, the sunshine, the overall happiness, the excitement for Summer, and I love Easter most of all.
I feel like Easter, can actually be somewhat of an overlooked holiday.
Especially if you aren't religious.
I have always loved Easter traditions.
The baskets, Cadbury eggs, Easter dresses, the food, and the egg hunts...
However, over the past few years I have really thought deeper about why we celebrate Easter and I have come to understand better why I feel so much happiness on this holiday.

 Easter is a celebration of the wonderful promise we have of eternal life through Our Savior, Jesus Christ. 
Because of him, and his great sacrifice, we are promised that there is no end.
What a powerful promise!
He died, so that we may be free from our sins and live forever.
I get teary eyed just thinking about it, and how much He loves each of us.

Today is something people call "Good Friday"
We don't necessarily "celebrate" this holiday in my church, but I always recognize it and reflect on it and all it means.
It is, more or less, a day to think of all the Good that Jesus had done, and all the happiness he brings us still today.
 A day to think about the atoning sacrifice he made, and to remember that he truly does love each of us more than we can comprehend. 

About 2000 years ago, on a Thursday, Jesus sat down for his last meal with who he thought to be his closest friends. One turned his back on him that night. Another claimed he would die alongside Jesus, only to deny that he even knew him in the next few hours. That Thursday night and into Friday morning, Jesus was betrayed, arrested, denied, endured trials, and sentenced to death. Friday he was mocked, tortured, and crucified. Matthew 27:50 tells us that he “gave up His Spirit” for every flawed person who would ever walk the earth. Yes, you. His atoning sacrifice was for me, and you... all of you.

I am incredibly grateful for the sacrifice our Savior made for us, and for the suffering he endured.
More importantly however, I am thankful that He has risen. 
I am so happy that He lives today!
Our Savior is the one who unlocks our passageway through death, to eternal life.
I know that the atonement and resurrection we essential to fulfilling the glorious plan that Heavenly Father has laid out for us.
I know that They knew this had to be, and that they made a sacrifice I can't ever imagine going through, because They love us that much.
I am so thankful that because of Him, I get to be with my sweet little family forever and ever. 

A few friends and I had a fun little Easter egg hunt today!
It was so fun being all together and watching our littles interract together.
I love this bunch of friends and I am so grateful I met each of them.
Obviously most of them were little babies, so we basically threw all the eggs and watched as they sucked on them and shook them unsure of what else to do haha.
One friend stuffed her eggs with cheerios and every baby loved those eggs!
We also brought picnic lunches and laid some blankets out to talk and eat.
Other than the wind, it was such a fun day!

So, Happy Easter my friends!

I hope you have a great day with friends and family and are reminded of Jesus Christ's love for you :)

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

ps. take a few minutes to watch this video. It's my favorite of all time along with this hymn. Ahh chills!

0

Corned Beef Hash Waffles

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HowDoYouHash #CollectiveBias

A Tasty Tuesday recipe on a Thursday??

I know, I know... but just let it be because I'm super excited to share these corned beef hash waffles made with HORMEL® MARY KITCHEN® Corned Beef Hash!

These waffles are very flavorful, hearty, and filling.

They are perfectly seasoned and so simple and quick to make!

They are also very versatile because you can choose what toppings to add creating a unique waffle to fit everyone's taste buds.

They are perfect to make for a family brunch and will treat everyone to a hearty meal they don't get to experience every single day.

So how do you make them?
It's super simple!

What you need:

• 2 cans  HORMEL® MARY KITCHEN® Corned Beef Hash
• 2 cups assorted, sauteed veggies of your choice
• 1 cup Italian Style Breadcrumbs
• 4 fried eggs to your liking
• Shredded Cheese
• Any desired additional toppings
• Cooking spray

Directions:

1. Begin to saute your assorted veggies in cooking spray and salt. In the mean time, heat up your waffle iron.
2. Open your two cans of hash and put it in a bowl. Mix in 1 cup of Italian Style Breadcrumbs.
3. Once waffle iron is heated to medium high heat, spray it with cooking spray. Then form a ball of the hash and put it directly to the middle of the iron. Close shut and let cook for 8 minutes.
4. While the waffle is cooking, start frying your egg. Cook it however you like your egg. You can even try scrambled eggs to mix it up!
5. Once the waffle is done, carefully remove it from the iron using a fork. Add your veggies, fried egg, some cheese, avocado, salsa, and anything else you think would be good on top! The options are endless!
6. Enjoy your  HORMEL® MARY KITCHEN® Corned Beef Hash WAFFLE!

I purchased all the ingredients from my local Super Target and found everything I needed quickly and easily to make these hash waffles.

They had plenty of  HORMEL® MARY KITCHEN® Hash products to choose from and they were well stocked!

When I was younger, I really despised breakfast.

What?? Yes. I really did!

I knew it meant cold cereal, frozen waffles, or a muffin I didn't even really want.

I've also never really been a morning person, so if I had to be somewhere in the morning, I was running out the door in a hurry with a granola bar in my hand or I'd just skip breakfast all together.

As I got older I found out that there wasn't really a specific time you had to eat breakfast and so many doors were opened!

Brunch is now one of my favorite things and I love all the different foods you can make for a brunch!

I'm so excited to make these hash waffles again for friends and family sometime because they really do make a flavorful, and special meal.

I'm also excited to find other ways to use HORMEL® MARY KITCHEN® Hash products in other brunch recipes. 
It is so versatile and convenient to use.
I love that all you have to do is pop open the can and stick it in a skillet, and you already have a hearty and flavorful brunch right in front of you.
The hash is sold in just about every store so it is very easy to find.
Everyone you treat to brunch will love the flavor and think you spent all day making it!

Make sure to try out these hash waffles and use this coupon that ends on March 17th 2016 to SAVE $1.00 on the purchase of any two (2) HORMEL® MARY KITCHEN® Hash products!

What is your favorite Brunch recipe? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

All my love,

Aleigh Moore

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Mary Did You Know?

And... on to another Christmas video that is incredible.

I saw this video two years ago and it has stuck with me ever since.

It hit me for the first time what it must have been like to be Mary.

Can you even imagine?

Giving birth to the Savior of the world, raising him, then seeing him die right in front of your very own eyes.

My goodness.

After seeing this video I thought more deeply about her role and how much trust God put in her to carry his only begotten son.
It's amazing to me really.
Also, I really love how this video displays his life.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Grab some tissues.

Maybe I'm just a cry baby, 

or maybe I'm just really emotional,

or maybe mother nature's time is right around the corner...

or maybe this is really just a beautiful video that I felt needed to be shared :)

"Every time a child is born, so is a mother."

Unfortunately youtube is just being stubborn so I have to provide a link instead of putting it right on the blog.

Take a few minutes to watch it Here!

Also, if you have a few more minutes...

I thought this one was absolutely beautiful.

Mother's truly are amazing.

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Real Beauty.

I wasn't planning on blogging tonight, I didn't have anything in particular to say.

Then, I came across a video, and I got an impulse to type. I've learned better than to deny those thoughts and feelings so here goes nothing.

A woman is her own worst, and most harsh critic.

Not many women can look in the mirror and say to themselves, "I look beautiful today" and truly mean it. 

Most of the time, a woman doesn't live up to her full potential because an abundance of necessary self-esteem is lacking.

My fingers are stumbling over the keys so slowly as I try to figure out the right words to type.

Trying to enlighten others on a topic I struggle with myself is not the easiest task.

You are more beautiful than you think.

and why was that so hard for me to type?

Because, I belong to the majority. Just like you, and you, and all of you. 

So let's work together. It starts with one simple step.

Take a couple of minutes to watch this video.

   

Seriously, how powerful is that?

It got me thinking on a whole new level.

I wondered what my sketch would come out as, as I thought about the way I would speak of my features. 

She probably would have chubby cheeks and a nose like Pinocchio. 

But why do I perceive myself that way if others don't?

I remembered something I had written in a journal some time ago and stumbled across it tonight as this topic danced around in my mind. 

"I have been thinking A LOT about insecurities lately. Isn't it funny that we think we are the only ones on the face of the earth with an insecurity of some sorts? Here's the problem: We are so down on ourselves because we only see the very best of people. They can't show us what is going on on the inside, they make us believe their life is perfect and ours is no where near it. Funny because truth be told, we are all fighting our own battles. Everyone has insecurities because we believe that nobody else does... sound about right? I think so."

We truly are, as women, our toughest critics.

So stop.

Stop degrading yourself, judging yourself, comparing yourself, starving yourself, overworking yourself, hurting yourself, and trying to be someone other than yourself. 

Because you are you, and the only person you should try to be better than tomorrow, is the person you were  yesterday.

We are all beautiful in some way or another and all of our strengths are different.

That is what makes us unique.

Let's all do ourselves a favor and treat ourselves a little bit nicer.

After all, life is way too short to spend another day at war with yourself.

Whether it is beauty, talents, fashion, your figure, or anything else...

You've got to be kind to yourself.

:)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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