Cara Carroll

lifestyle

I Am Who You Say I Am

How we define our identity is where true peace and contentment can be found. It's easy to allow ourselves to be characterized by the talk of man if we're not careful, but the words spoken by people to convince us who we are, are rarely grounded in truth. They're fickle and too easily influenced by emotion. There's freedom in the identity we've been assigned by God. Who He says we are NEVER changes. It doesn't shift based on His feelings. It's not influenced by our social media following. There's no failure or success that can make it budge. It's not affected by the number on the scale. And it certainly won't waver based on how we feel … [Read more...] about I Am Who You Say I Am

2020 Holiday Gift Guides – The Cozy Edition

With the holidays right around the corner, I wanted to start rolling out my annual gift guides so that youā€™ll have plenty of time to shop for your family, friends, and everyone in between! Today's gift guides are all about the cozy things and with many of us being forced indoors this year, you can never have too much cozy. When I think of cozy, wrapping myself up in a warm blanket and enjoying a hot cup of coffee or tea with a book is what comes to mind so these gift guides are a reflection of that! Hope they're helpful! *This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission.Ā Ā Thank you so much for supporting my … [Read more...] about 2020 Holiday Gift Guides – The Cozy Edition

Mouth Watering Waffles

Whether it's breakfast in the morning or enjoyed as a dinnertime meal, these mouth watering homemade waffles are a family favorite. Hands down, this is probably my most requested recipe by all three of my boys. This is one of those tried and true recipes passed down through a couple of different generations and it definitely stands the test of time! … [Read more...] about Mouth Watering Waffles

Veggie Chicken Pitas

I was looking something a little lighter to make for dinner and when I found this recipe I thought it fit the bill. I wasn't disappointed! I love the ease of prep for this one and from start to finish it was ready in about 20 minutes. The best part about this meal is that I cooked it all in one skillet. Easy to cook, easy to clean...definitely my kind of meal! … [Read more...] about Veggie Chicken Pitas

Chicken Fajita Pasta

The easiest meals to prep and cook always tend to be my most favorite. Ā Don't get me wrong. Ā I love to put a little elbow grease into my meals when I have extra time...the juice is almost always worth the squeeze when a few extra ingredients and a little extra time is required. Ā But on nights when the kids have practice until late and I still want to get something hearty and and homemade on the table before bedtime, an easy to prep and cook wins every time. Ā  This meal right here couldn't be easier. Ā Minimal prep time is involved which is always a bonus. Ā In all honesty, I found this recipe and thought is might be a little bland so I'd … [Read more...] about Chicken Fajita Pasta

Where to Stay in Breckenridge, Colorado

We visit Breckenridge at least three times a year. Iā€™m often asked about the best places to stay, but I can only recommend what weā€™ve personally experienced as a family of four traveling alone and with a bigger group.Ā Ā Thereā€™s plenty of lodging in and around Breckenridge, so you wonā€™t find yourself short on options. Here are a few of ourĀ Ā recommendations based on personal experience. IN THE SUMMER... We typically visit Breckenridge in the summer with another family, so we need extra space to sprawl out.  We use VRBO/Home Away to book all of our summer lodging and weā€™ve always been happy with where weā€™ve stayed.  One … [Read more...] about Where to Stay in Breckenridge, Colorado

Packing for a Summer Trip to the Mountains

If youā€™ve never visited the mountains in the summer, I canā€™t recommend it enough. The weather, the views, the endless amount of opportunities to be active outdoors.Ā Ā Itā€™s a breath of fresh air and breathtaking all at once.Ā Ā We visit the Colorado Rockies every summer and Iā€™m often asked what to pack, so I thought Iā€™d share our essentials packing list if youā€™re planning a trip, too. This is obviously not an exhaustive list as every familyā€™s needs/wants/preferences are different, but I personally think itā€™s a great starting point. LAYERSLayers are essential when visiting the mountains any time of the yearā€¦yes, even in the summer.Ā Ā The … [Read more...] about Packing for a Summer Trip to the Mountains

Eclair Cake

I remember my grandma and grandpa picking me up from school sometimes and it seems like we'd always head to Shipleys Donuts for an afternoon eclair. Ā Be still my heart. Ā Shipleys has the BEST eclairs (if you're from Houston, you know exactly what I mean). Ā It wasn't too long ago that I went to a family party and someone delighted the crowd with an eclair cake. Ā Took me back to those after school dates to Shipleys with my grandparents. Ā Of course, I had to grab the recipe so that I could have those edible memories at my fingertips whenever I wanted. Ā While this is no Shipleys eclair, it sure is amazing. Ā A definite crowd pleaser for sure!!! … [Read more...] about Eclair Cake

Summer Sunnies

I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for sunglasses. I'm also a sucker, period. I've found myself spending more $$ on expensive sunglasses that I either end up breaking or losing and then I wholeheartedly regret my purchase. It never fails. After my last two pair of Ray Bans went missing, I decided it was time to find something more budget friendly. I tried a few pair and finally found a winner! Not only are these sunglasses less than $15, but they're comfy and lightweight as well. I believe the lens size is 55mm. They're excellent quality and polarized, too. I love the classic style of the frames...nothing too trendy, … [Read more...] about Summer Sunnies

My Must Have Hair Care

*This post contains affiliate links* I've been trying to be more intentional about taking care of my hair in between cuts and colors. It's usually a fried mess by the time I'm due for another appointment, but since incorporating these products into my hair care routine, I've noticed a HUGE improvement in the overall texture and health of my mane. Here's what my hair looked like BEFORE using the CER-100 & Aveda Damage Remedy. I've overprocessed my hair for years. It's been all shades of pink, purple, red, black, brown and everything in between. All those intense color appointments have wreaked havoc on my hair. Especially … [Read more...] about My Must Have Hair Care

Blow Dry Spray Reviews & Comparisons

*This post contains affiliate links* Drying my hair has alway been a chore. It's the sole reason I started training my hair to go days in between a wash. The thought of blow drying has always been so intimidating. It would typically take me anywhere between 15-20 minutes to dry my hair after showering. As much as I wanted to shower before bed and let it dry overnight, that just wasn't an option. A while back I was convinced I just needed a new blow dryer even though my Nano Babybliss Pro Titanium was working just fine. So I asked my Instagram friends for their recommendations and they delivered in big ways. One message out of the … [Read more...] about Blow Dry Spray Reviews & Comparisons

Chicken Fajita Penne

This meal right here couldn't be easier. Ā Minimal prep time is involved which is always a bonus. Ā In all honesty, I found this recipe and thought is might be a little bland so I'd have to tweak it and add a few things here and there, but I was SO very wrong. Ā I could eat pasta every night of the week, but my husband has never been a huge fan. Not only did he rave about the meal as he was eating, but he took it to work for leftovers the next day and that says A LOT because that sweet man is not a leftover kinda guy (saves more for me!! ;)) Ā  … [Read more...] about Chicken Fajita Penne

Savory Breakfast Bake

I'm not a huge breakfast person. Ā I usually drink my coffee until about noon and then go straight for lunch fare. Ā When I am in the mood for breakfast, I usually stick with my favoriteĀ PBJ Oatmeal. When we're hosting overnight guests, breakfast is a must. Ā TheĀ most amazing cinnamon rollsĀ will likely be on the menu paired with something a little more savory for good measure. Ā I pinned this savory breakfast recipe on Pinterest months ago and couldn't wait to try it out and jazz it up. Ā  This was the perfect savory breakfast and SO easy to prep!!! Ā Bacon would be a great addition, too. Ā I've even toyed with the idea of adding in some shredded … [Read more...] about Savory Breakfast Bake

No Bake Oreo Pie

If you need a dessert to take to potlucks, or one to make for a crowd, let this one be it.Ā I promise it will be the hit of the party and there won't be a single crumb left in the pan by the time it's all said and done. The icing on the cake...er, pie...on this one is that it's NO bake. An obvious NO brainer as well :) … [Read more...] about No Bake Oreo Pie

25 Reading Activities for Home and School

Encouraging reading at home is a foundational step to instill within your child a lifelong love of reading.Ā Ā Providing our kids opportunities for reading in any form (whether it be a book, comics, graphic novels, newspapers magazines, recipes, etc.) is critical for establishing a solid foundation.Ā Ā Reading for the simple pleasure of enjoyment is so important, but if youā€™re looking for a few ways to extend a reading experience with your child, or students, these ideas might help. Challenge Accepted!Designate a specific number of books to read within a given time frame.Ā Ā This can be done individually, as a family, etc. Keep a running list … [Read more...] about 25 Reading Activities for Home and School

Fiesta Creamed Corn

My grandma passed along the MOST DELICIOUS fiesta corn recipe to me a few months ago and I couldn't wait to try it. Ā I'm not a fan of the fiesta corn in a can...maybe the only kind of corn I don't like...but this one sounded too good to pass up. Ā I mean, how can you go wrong when bacon is part of the recipe?! Ā Needless to say, this was a HIT. Ā There was hardly a bite left when it was all said and done. Ā This is definitely a go-to side dish now. Ā Perfect for dinner at home or for entertaining a crowd. Ā It would definitely be the hit of the party! … [Read more...] about Fiesta Creamed Corn

Building Relationships – Use Your Spidey Senses!

Creating opportunities to share an experience together is one of the best ways we can help build relationships with others. Whether it's establishing connection with our kids, co-workers, spouses, or family & friends, shared experiences are the building blocks in the foundation of relationships. As teachers and parents, it's important for us to create opportunities that allow our kids to engage in those experiences. Whether you're a parent with kids at home or teacher with kids in school, it's important to be intentional in the experiences you're providing. One of my favorite relationship building activities for both home and school … [Read more...] about Building Relationships – Use Your Spidey Senses!

200+ Conversation Cards for Kids

As parents, we have a strong tendency to fall prey to the familiarity of routine. The monotony of the normal day-to-day tends to set the tone for the interactions we have with each other & our kids, too. Oftentimes, I can predict how a conversation with my boys will go before I even initiate it. As a mom, I crave authentic communication and conversation with my kids. Sometimes I feel like I'm pulling teeth to get more than one word answers from them. I also realize that asking them the same questions over and over again breed the same answers. I'm always trying to engage my kids in conversation one way or another and I've … [Read more...] about 200+ Conversation Cards for Kids

100+ Activities For Kids to do at Home

As COVID-19 continues to shut school doors, many parents are finding themselves with their kids at home and struggling to keep them engaged in meaningful activities. I put together a list of 100+ ideas to help you keep your kids occupied in meaningful ways. While these ideas aren't necessarily academic, they will learn from them. Real life skills, patience, problem solving, creativity, perseverance, and so much more. I hope these ideas are helpful, as well as enjoyable, for both you and your child(ren)! Get in the Kitchen!- Scour Pinterest or sift through old cookbooks & magazines for new recipes. Some of my favorite kid … [Read more...] about 100+ Activities For Kids to do at Home

30 Free Virtual Learning Resources for COVID-19 School Closures

As schools all across the country continue to shut their doors amidst growing concerns of COVID-19, I've been encouraged to see so many individuals and companies provide virtual opportunities for kids to continue their learning experience even when they aren't in the classroom. I thought it would be helpful to share a landing space here that would provide both parents & teachers with free resources that can be accessed while your students/children are at home. If you'd like to add any additional resources in the comments, please feel free to do so as well. I hope this helps make things a little easier for us all. Before sharing … [Read more...] about 30 Free Virtual Learning Resources for COVID-19 School Closures

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