Gluten Free {My Lifestyle Change}

Goooood morning beautiful babes!


Today I'm sharing with you my decision to go gluten free!
Over the past year or so,  I have really tried to clean up my diet; after having multiple gallbladder attacks, I knew that something was up. Now, many would opt to go the surgical route and just have the pesky gallbladder removed, but I've had enough surgery to last me a while (that's a post for another day) so with much help from my mother, who has suffered from cholecystitis as well, I changed things a bit.

I've found that 'eating clean' has helped with the nausea I had been having after meals, but I was still not feeling 100%. From childhood I have been intolerant to gluten, and though I continued to eat it, I didn't understand what it could be doing to my poor body.

You have probably heard a lot about gluten, and you've probably seen lots of gluten free products, but maybe you don't understand what the hype is all about- let me share a little bit of info for those curious minds!

Gluten is a protein substance found in foods, it's in just about everything these days, as it gives dough its 'doughy' consistency. For those who are intolerant, or have Celiac disease, a glycoprotein found in gluten irritates the lining of the small intestine and can cause a multitude of symptoms. Now, there's so much to be said about this, but I won't go into crazy details, but if you're truly interested, check out Wheat Belly which is a great book about the subject!

Being gluten free can be tricky, and some products are more expensive, so I'm aiming to stay away from gluten for 99% of meals, I'm leaving the 1% for special cases like if I go to a friend's for dinner I won't be expecting them to accommodate me, etc. This week I have been trying to prepare tasty gluten free meals that will satisfy me and my hubby! Here's a list of things I'm planning to make!

1. GF zucchini muffins- I made these last night using rice flour instead of regular flour, and I must say that they aren't half bad!

2. GF chicken pot pie- for this I'll be using gluten free Bisquick and rice flour!

3. Paula Deen's squash casserole- substituting ingredients as needed

I'll keep you posted with how these turn out!

Tell me, what new things have you tried? If you're gluten free I would love to hear about it!

Until next time,

LG

Wanting and needing.

Happy Thursday pretties!


For a while now I have been following the She Reads Truth bible studies- if you haven't heard of them, check them out! They have a blog with a short devotional and I have found all of the studies to be great, click here to check it out!

The most recent devotionals have been about women in the bible. Now I'll admit that sometimes (actually a lot of the time) I have the hardest time digging into The Word, especially the Old Testament, and ESPECIALLY Genesis. I'm not sure what it is, but it is something that I really struggle with. Sometimes as I read the scripture for the day, I find myself wondering what the take home message is, for example, it took me a while to understand that Sarai was not waiting for God's plan by giving Hagar to Abram, but rather she was placing her own plan into action. I struggle with seeing myself in some of the women in the bible, though I know we share many of the same qualities.

One of the biggest things that I have been struggling with lately is materialism. My family has always given me way more than I deserve and I have never really had to monitor my spending. I believe that the financial limitations that have come with my marriage have been the hardest for me to get used to. I've spent a lot of time thinking about this, and also thinking of the things that I want, only to become disgusted with myself. Shouldn't I want Jesus more than any of that?

I believe that marriage is designed to make us more holy people, to make us more like Jesus. Marriage requires you to die to your own wants and desires, and to consider the wants and desires of another, even before yourself. I mean, look at the image of Christ and His Church. If he behaved the way we do in our marriages, we would be in a much different place as Christians, and sinners.

My marriage is making me more holy. Not that I am holy in the least bit, but I feel that I'm learning more about sacrifice than I ever could have as a 'single lady.' God is using my struggle to transform me, and friends, there's not much sweeter than that.

Tell me ladies, what has been your biggest relationship (if you're not yet married) or marital adjustment?

Thanks for stopping by!

Xx,

LG

Wedding: Part IV {Sweet Moments}

Happy Wednesday!

Today I'm going to share with you some of my most favorite wedding photos! Though most of our night was spent taking pictures, I'm happy because we have some beautiful photographs to remind us of our special day!

One of my favorites!

Now we just have to pick the ones that we want to share in our home! Tell me, which ones would you choose??


Xx,

LG

Let's Gather: Women's Bible Study

Happy Monday pretties!

My hubby and I are back from vacation and I am not looking forward to tackling our laundry pile. I'm not entirely sure how two people (mainly me) can have so many dirty clothes.

A while ago, my lovely friend Rachel and some of her friends were going to put together a bible study, which is something I needed- unfortunately school and life got in the way and it didn't happen. As Rachel and I were chatting last night, we planned a girls night so that we could get together, especially because her husband is in Russia for a mission trip and she's all alone! I would die of loneliness, but probably not before I managed to kill myself from terror. I have a knack for convincing myself that there are ghosts, or other weird creatures trying to get me. I'm looney, I know.

My beautiful friend, Rachel!

Well, Thursday Rachel and I are getting together, and we are going to discuss books to use for our bible study together! I believe that there will be a few other ladies joining as well, I am so excited!

Tell me, have you done any women's bible studies? If so, what books did you use??

These are some that I was thinking of and I would love your input!!

1. Stronger- Angela Thomas

2. Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy- Beth Moore

3. Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World- Kelly Minter

Until next time!

Xx,

LG

Wedding: Part III {Reception}

Happy Hump Day sweet things!

Today I'm going to share some more of our wedding pictures with you!
Our reception was a lot of fun for me, though I literally only spent 5 minutes dancing because we were taking pictures almost the whole night. Everyone says that your wedding day flies by, but seriously, it does- you almost don't even get to enjoy your own wedding!

We had a few touches to make things more fun for the guests; cornhole was set up outside on the patio, we had a photo booth (done by Shutterbooth, highly recommend) and once the party got started we passed out GLOW STICK GLASSES! They were silly, but a lot of fun.

Pictures, shall we?

That's a lot of beautiful bridesmaids...

Sweet Briar College, my alma mater, has a tradition (we have like 1,000) where you sing a song, called a Holla to a woman who has done a good deed, or achieved something great. All of my Sweet Briar ladies did a Holla for me during the reception. It was one of my favorite moments!

See? Glow stick glasses. 

My parents were kind enough to rent us a cool getaway car- this was it! It's an old excalibur and was so much fun to ride in!

Next week I'll be sharing our 'portrait' pictures with you, trust me, these are some good photos and you won't want to miss them! 

Xx.

LG

All photos by Sam Stroud Photography

Simply Charming {Evening on the town}

Hellooooo!

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful week and beating the heat. I'm in the mountains and it is hot hot hot.
The hubs and I are still vacationing in Vermont, and I am falling more in love every day. I'm trying to get my 'golden brown' on, so a lot of our time has been spent lounging by the pool. It's wonderful because they have waiters that will bring you food from the club house, that way I can literally become a beached whale. Okay, just kidding.

Outfit choice for the night!

Tonight Michael and I went out to the marvelous Simon Pearce for a lovely dinner. If you aren't familiar with Simon Pearce, check it out! There's a shop in Quechee with a delicious restaurant, which can be followed up by venturing downstairs to watch the craftsman make the glass and pottery, right before your own eyes!

Here are a few pretties that caught my eye while we were browsing around.

This is the SP set that we have, so timeless and sturdy!

Going to Simon Pearce is also neat because you can walk right out to a balcony overlooking the waterfall. When hurricane Irene ripped through, a lot of buildings and bridges in Vermont were destroyed, in particular, the Quechee covered bridge (among many others). Luckily it has since been rebuilt, though the new one isn't quite as charming as the old one.

We also spent time walking around Quechee, it really is such a lovely town. 

Beautiful doors on a quaint little church in town.

If you ever get up this way, stop in for a visit!

Thanks for stopping by- be sure to check out the blog tomorrow for another wedding post! 

Xx,

LG

Blogger Spotlight-- Karissa from The Start of The Shaw's

I hope that this special post brings some light to everyone's Monday- I have my first blogger spotlight on Karissa from The Start of The Shaw's.

I recently found Karissa's blog and I absolutely love it- her posts are honest and uplifting, and her fashion posts give me some serious inspiration. Plus, if you wanna see a precious couple, she and her hubby are so cute! Karissa answered a few questions below so check them out to get to know her better!

Tell us a little bit about you: Hi Laurel's readers! I'm Karissa and I blog over at The Start of The Shaw's.  I'm a newlywed (for two more weeks) and am crazy about my cute husband Krieg and our rescue dog Stanley!  I'm a lover of fashion, coffee, and do it yourself projects, with a strong belief in God and His plan for me. 

Tell us a little bit about your blog: My blog is a lifestyle blog, meaning I blog about everything! Fashion on a budget, do-it-yourself furniture projects, running, marriage, being a new home owner - these are just some of the things I've been filling my blog up with lately. And of course lots of stories and updates on my family!

What inspired you to start it: I've always loved to write and after college I felt like I needed a hobby. My husband plays and coaches lacrosse so I have a lot of time to myself! My blog has become a great outlet where I can be creative and meet some amazing women! I love being apart of the blogging community. 

What is your favorite thing to write about: I really like to do fashion posts. I find a lot of great steals and I love to share them with other women to show you can look great without spending a small fortune. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a blog? 

Post pictures! I always think posts are easier to follow and more fun to read when there are pictures to go along with the story. Consistency is also important in order to gain new followers- so find what you love and get to postin'!

When you are not blogging, where can we find you?

On a date with my husband, watching reality tv, enjoying a glass of wine with friends, shopping or running - I'm a new runner and just completed my first 10k this past weekend! 

How would your husband describe you in one word:  I asked him and he took his sweet time thinking about it! And do you know what he chose? Clairvoyant.... I laughed! His reply 'you sense things, you get people. I don't have to explain things to you, you just understand.'  I guess that is a pretty great answer :)

Connect with Me:

Blog: http://kandkshaw.blogspot.com  

Instagram: http://instagram.com/karissaraeshaw

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaeraeshaw

Thank you for sharing, Karissa!

Isn't she great? Seriously, check out her blog The Start of The Shaw's and I'm sure you will love it!!

Until next time!

LG