My Recent Take on Social Media

Disclaimer: This post is not meant to offend anyone, it is just my personal opinion, but it is also something that I am working on and want to improve on as well. Just a few thoughts for a Thursday.

When you have a blog... you are supposed to share it all. Share the good and the bad and happy and the sad. That being said, I feel like the world we are living in is becoming one huge constant share fest. From the many pictures of mundane things in our lives, to moments that are interrupted by the snapping of a camera flash, it seems like more and more we are not living in the present moment, but living for the moment so that we can share it on the never-ending social media.

Social media has gotten to be such a huge part of our lives, that it is hard to see past it. To understand what those before us ever did before they could share. Yes, there are good parts of social media. People can get answers, connect with those that they would never have been able to, and keep up with each other and the big events in our lives. All those things are great, but over-sharing, in my opinion, is something that needs to be dealt with.

shameless selfie

As individuals we start to constantly compare ourselves to others and for the most part social media has started to have a huge impact on this. We only see the good in others, how much they have, how many vacations they are whisked away on and how good their significant other was to them that day. It is a constant bombardment of greatness. I am all for being positive, and I don't expect it to stop, because that is what we as people want to be remembered for. I just think it is important when we sit behind the computer to remember that these people's lives are not perfect. We all have bad days, awful days even, we all argue, mess up our diets, hate our jobs, have weird families, think we are fat, want to scream at those we love, the list goes on and on. But from the outside it is easy to think everyone else is perfect. I want to always share the good, but I want you to know I have bad days too.

So back to the over-sharing. Let us be present in our lives, let us forgo SnapChatting every moment that we love. Let us snap a photo, but maybe wait until later to post. Let us live in the moment, because that moment actually matters most to those around you and will be best remembered in your own mind. It doesn't really matter the amount of "likes" you get online, but the amount of "life" you fully live.

A Recipe and Good Wishes

I think it is pretty safe to say I have mastered the one(two) skillet meal. Since becoming a partial vegan, it seems to be the easiest and quickest way to get all the vegetables I am constantly craving into my mouth. This is just a little something I stirred up on a whim the other night and it turned out pretty fantastic. 

Two-Pot Veggie Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

lentils

vegetable stock

tbsp coconut oil

2 cloves garlic

1 vidalia onion

1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes

1 can whole kernel corn

1 cup broccoli florets

Directions:

Cook lentils according to package using the vegetable stock in one pot, meanwhile sauteing the chopped garlic and onions in coconut oil in a large saute pan. Once the lentils are almost finished, add broccoli and cook until fork tender. Drain lentils and broccoli. Add corn and tomatoes to the saute pan and heat through, allowing them to get a little color from the pan. Once you are satisfied with them add the broccoli and lentils to the large saute pan to combine all the flavors. Allow them to cook together for about 5 minutes before serving. This could be served with rice, toast, or how I had it... all by itself. It makes enough for 2-3 portions depending on how much of each ingredient you add and can be made in advance. Pretty sure my leftovers were even better for lunch the next day.

This meal is all kinds of healthy. Lentils give you great protein, while the coconut oil is a great fat for you to substitute in. You are getting lots of nutrients from the variety of vegetables along with a healthy starch from the corn. It is full of flavor, but you can always add a little sriracha or red pepper flakes for a more spiced up version.

I would love to know if you tried it out. Email me a picture or show me using the hashtag #findinglavana.

Happy Thursday happy people. Smile today. Tell a stranger hello. Live in a good mood. 

Life Lately - According to my iPhone.

 I totally meant to have this up yesterday, but my internet failed me. Completely failed me. Pray for the people I have to talk to about it. AT&T seriously hates me. My service is always down. #firstworldproblems I know. Just needed to vent. Here are some photos. It's all I got in me today.

flower and a sickly looking arm

outfit with my thrifted purse. (in love)

mothers day arrangements for sale at the farm stand

scary face. (mine of course)

big smiles for a little cutie

flowers by my talented mother. flower photos are my jam

small town festivals with happy friends

graduation parties for a sweet bestie

cattle crossing on a rainy morning

birthday lunch edits with this favorite guy of mine

braves game with the best family ever

and him.

Love you all. Happy Thursday! It's almost the weekend!!

A Mother's Love

A mother's love I have come to understand is something that you just don't get unless you are a mother. And my mama is and has always been the most perfect example of a mother and the love that only a mother can have. This post is a tribute to her.

I am blessed to have you, I am blessed to have ever even known you, not only as a mother but as a friend, a confidant, a hero, someone to look up to, someone to trust, someone to laugh with (and sometimes at), someone that fixes the wrong in my world, someone who encourages me, who teaches me, who cries with me, and someone who is one of the very best people I know.

Growing up we didn't ever have it all, but we always had you. You have taught and passed on the true meaning of hard work, your love of the land and all it has to offer. I am constantly amazed at all that you do for each one of us. You encourage us to make good decisions without overpowering us. You support my never ending ideas, are always ready to buy something I make, learn something I am learning, or spend your very rare spare time doing something I love. 

You are my heart Mama, I am who I am today because of the person you have let me become. I am who I am because of your encouragement, your brain when mine isn't working just right, and your never ending faith in the good Lord above. I love you more than I could put into words and I am so thankful God paired us up. He sure knows what he is doing. 

Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous; is not proud; is not conceited; does not act foolishly; is not selfish; is not easily provoked to anger; keeps no record of wrongs; takes no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. ~I Corinthians 13:4-7

congrats kelsey!

This is just one of those moments you want to remember. A moment in my storybook of life that I get to share with all of you. This girl with me above has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. I cherish her and every memory we have ever made. She is graduating Vet School today at UGA. I am so proud of her and all the hard work she has put into the last 7 years. 
Just a little tidbit, make time for those you love, those who mean so much to you, and those who have made a difference in your life. I know Kelsey Savannah Pruitt has in mine. Love you Savene. Love, Montene.