A story of love, friendship and courage..

I saw this story floating around on Facebook and am I ever so grateful I clicked on it. This beautiful story pulled my heart strings and had me in tears.

Gerdi McKenna’s friends not only told her how much they loved her, they showed her. Click play to witness the beauty of love, friendship and courage.

Coffee + Dessert + Besalu = BLISS

Strolling through the village of Besalu, Catalonia, Spain. I stumbled on a small cafe serving up bold coffee and divine deserts. The barista spent a few moments answering my questions about the cafe, the village and just everyday life in Besalu before recommending the coffee of the day and the fresh decadent dessert. The coffee was so smooth and nutty. Al Gra was worth the stop during my walk.

Highlights from my walk.

Change….. Fly

Your past may be the reason you use to act that way, don’t let it be the excuse for you to stay that way! Decide today to fly!

Mardi Gras Hash Stanley’s New Orleans

Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter in the Historic Jackson Square you will find Stanley’s -the first restaurant to open following Hurricane Katrina. So not only does this gem sit on historic territory it has made history itself.

You can get to Stanley’s via streetcar, car, ferry or ladder.

Riding the ferry or streetcar in New Orleans adds an extra perk to anywhere you’re headed. I opted for a ride on the water before our highly anticipated mouth watering brunch.

The menu has a few hash options; I was a little adventurous and created my own hash from items on the menu. Our server and I decided to call my selection the “Mardi Gras Hash”. The hash included potatoes, green onions, Cajun seasonings, fried oysters, eggs and soft-shelled crab. The crab was soft and tender with the right amount of seasoning and the oysters were just how I love them –hard on the outside with a moist center, same as the potatoes –Perfecto!

The huge serving was delicious! It was a Mardi Gras Mambo of flavors in my mouth!

In addition to coffee and mimosas we all ended up getting the same thing as we enjoyed the view that included street vendors, tourist, locals and even a parade.

This is definitely one hash I could wake up to every morning. I don’t think I would have ever ordered a dish with this combination had it not been for Hashcapades. I’m ready for more. If you are in New Orleans it’s worth heading over to Stanley’s. Ask for the “Mardi Gras Hash.”

Gods beauty in the form of Shannon & Limerick, Ireland

Four leaf clovers, Irish men and Gods beauty! I didn’t need to wait until St. Patricks day to get “lucky”, I hopped on a flight with my dear friend Sylvia and 7 hours later Gods beauty was within my reach… This was one of the most amazing places I’ve traveled, pure natural beauty.

      Hello Ireland!!!

I had the pleasure at lodging at the beautiful Absolute Hotel. The canal and neighboring views of rustic buildings were a bonus in this modern gem.

The staff were very friendly and professional, they arranged a driver for us who by the way was amazing and knew the history and facts in which he shared plenty.

The most break taking part of the tour was the Cliffs of Moher. Pulling up this to historic masterpiece without knowing  the outcome one would think they were driving up to a former medieval site prepared to tour castles or something of that nature.

In route to the cliff we ran into some ladies from Georgia.

It’s a little walk from the parking lot, but oh the blessing you get after walking a mile up stairs and hills.

The Cliffs of Moher!!!!!! Such a beauty!!! I did not want to leave.

After our breathtaking tour we headed to the Locke Bar and Oyster to have a traditional Irish dinner.

I enjoyed the Fillet of Hake with lemon butter sauce and chive mash.

I tried other local favorites sent to the table from locals, I was busy entertaining and be thankful I didn’t get any pictures but everything was delicious.

I left full and satisfied.

I enjoyed my time in Ireland and as I type this post I’m planning a retreat in my head to get back. It’s a perfect location to go and gather your thoughts, regroup and just bask in Gods beauty.

Love

We are born with a lifelong thirst for love. Our hearts desperately need it like our lungs near oxygen. Love changes our motivation for living. Relationships become meaningful with it. No life is successful without it.

Gourmet Fried Chicken Meal

Fried Chicken stuffed with  Mustard & Collard Greens &  Mac & Cheese

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had a blast preparing this and the family had a bigger blast devouring this meal.

Shallow-less Sunday 1/19/14

I love me some Jesus… Not only because He first loved me I just love Him.

Have you ever read a book that captivated your emotions strongly or watched a movie where the story line brought you to tears through-out the entire movie, better yet have you ever been in an intimate situation that brought you to another  place; had you head over heels for the person who took you there?

That’s exactly how I feel about Jesus… When I’m thinking about Him, when I’m reading about Him or watching something on television, don’t talk about when I speaking to Him..

It’s not one of those feelings someone had to tell me about, it’s one of those things I had to experience and feel for myself.

By getting to know Him and feeling Him in my being it’s hard not to go out into the world and offer anything less than what He gives me. I never find myself preaching down others when it comes to my relationship with Christ. When those trying to find their way or just looking for substance they don’t start asking questions until after they have been around me and see the genuine unconditional love I try to show every moment of my existence.

Yes I have trials (big ones at that), I’m tried, I’m let down, I’m talked about, I’m cheated on, I don’t receive the same love I dish out from humans BUT knowing that Jesus went through far worst and on purpose gives me the encouragement I need to push forward -live on purpose with purpose and love.

This feeling that I have I’m so grateful that the world can’t take it away. I wake up daily with the peace that surpasses all understanding. I could not understand it at one time for the life of me. I questioned it myself countless times, especially when others thought I was masking other emotions. I would even lie to others and dumb down feeling amazing just to please others… Glad I stopped that! I have the love of Jesus, I love Him! I love my life and  I love love this mission to love others, hopefully inspiring others along the way.

It’s okay to love Jesus… It’s okay to have Peace. It’s okay to Love..

On a quest to live a shallow-less life.

Blessings & Love, Jayda 💋

Dragging my feet Sunday morning because of a mushy love story…

So lounging, laptop (working) and watching movies last night with the kids was the plan. Bedtime by 11pm was what I told them… 4 movies it’s midnight and ABC Family channel is still on, kids are sleep mind you.. Just as I was about to call it a night for myself a image of a woman walking in a beautiful village caught my attention.

Two hours later, red eyes and a stuff nose from crying I’m realizing I stayed up to 2am to watch Love Letters to Juliet… This movie was such a girly girl movie and I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!!

If I’m not the only one late for class, this movie is a must see typical not so typical love story.

An American girl Sophie (played by Amanda Seyfried)  on vacation in Italy finds an unanswered “letter to Juliet” — one of thousands of missives left at the fictional lover’s Verona courtyard, which are typically answered by a the “secretaries of Juliet” — and she goes on a quest to find the lovers referenced in the letter. I really enjoyed this movie… Well worth staying up pass midnight..

Our trip to the shelter bringing gold.. ***golden potato soup recipe included

I wanted to prepare something festive for the moms and their children residing in the Hope House shelter.. I kept having a vision of the three wise men -after pondering I decided to go with “Gold” -Golden Potato Soup.

It always feels amazing to give back but preparing and delivering this soup with my family felt extra special.

This was their Christmas tree  (I’ve seen social  post with some complaining about their 6 or 7 foot tree. Mind boggling)

Golden Potato Soup Recipe

6 Yukon gold potatoes, chopped

2 Tablespoons butter

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

6 cups chicken stock

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon thyme

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 white onion, chopped

1/2 cup heavy whipping crème

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Green onions for garnish

Melt the butter with olive oil in your soup pot.  Saute onions in the butter until soft over medium heat, about 5 minutes.

Add potatoes and stock.

Bring to a boil.

Once you reach the boiling point reduce heat to a simmer and add cayenne pepper and thyme.  Simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

Remove from heat and add garlic, heavy whipping crème, cheese, salt, and pepper and puree soup with a blender until desired consistency.

Fill serving bowls with soup and garnish with cheese and green onions.

Enjoy  💋