Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

     This week's recipe courtesy if my sister @booboomce, is Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream cheese Frosting.  They are AMAZING!! and I'm so proud of her hard work and care to make sure that you will absolutely love them! Also, the incredibly beautiful cupcake stand and cupcake topper are from "A Life So Simple" on etsy. They add the perfect touch and make cooking so much more fun!! Make sure you check out their etsy shop!!! www.etsy.com/shop/alifesosimple 


Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
pinch of ginger
1 5/8 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oil
1 egg
3 drops of Thieves (edible) Young Living Essential Oil
1/2 7oz can pumpkin

Frosting:

2 packages 8 ounce cream cheese
powdered sugar
dash of vanilla extract

Directions:

Combine all dry ingredients then set aside. Mix sugars, oil and egg on medium speed until blended.  Then add to sugar mixture 3 drops of thieves essential oil and 1/2 can pumpkin.  Blend. Then mix dry ingredients into sugar mixture.  Put in cupcake pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.  



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New Weekly Food Post

     Hip hip hooray!!!! As the cooler months arrive, the weather can become a little iffy and we tend to spend a little more time in the cozy indoors. Well, for those days that you don't feel like bundling up to head outdoors, why not try expanding your cooking/baking skills!! Each week, I will be posting a new original recipe by my little sister (she's such an amazing cook) for you to try and enjoy!! I'm so excited and can't wait to see photos!! If you try a recipe, post a photo and tag me so I can see the yumminess!! 

Photography

     This photo by @thekastenbees is really making me feel that crisp fall breeze and warm cup of hot chocolate in my hands!! Love this photo and can't wait to see the beautiful color changes of fall!! 

Explore

     Went exploring last night with my family. It is wonderful to discover nature and relax in God's creation! It's so good for the soul and helps remove those little distractions we pile up in our lives.

Question for You

     Fall flowers make me so happy!!! What is your favorite fall flower?

Photography

     Photo by @hnnh_fth This photo makes me ready for pumpkin, hot chocolate, warm chunky sweaters and lots of lace layers!!

Jewelry Collaboration with LazuliHandcrafted

     Ok folks... I am not usually a necklace kind of person but THAT HAS CHANGED!! When I received this gorgeous necklace in the mail, I couldn't get over the beauty of its design. It's now one I wear all of the time! Check out @lazulihandcrafted Instagram account and also her etsy shop to see more stunning and beautiful pieces of jewelry! www.etsy.com/shop/lazulihandcrafted

Photography - Alexandra

     Stunning photo by @my_piece_of_vintage_prairie Hop over to her feed if you want to see more gorgeous photos of flowers!! 

Photography - Madlyn Jane

     Beautiful photo by @madlynj Her feed is absolutely whimsical and refreshing!!

Fashion Collaboration with AmorDress

     Friends!!! I have something SO exciting to share with you!!!  I teamed up with @amordress to design this gorgeous 70s inspired dress!! PLUS, all of you can enjoy 10% off any dress in their shop by using the code "IWONDER"!! This is something I've dreamed about for a long time. At one point when I was trying to decide where God was leading me, I thought perhaps it was cute modest fashion design. Well... my first attempt looked as though I had made a dress that should be a bedspread. It was a complete failure! Dear friends, head on over to their shop to check out their adorable dresses and find the one I'm wearing in this pattern along others!!! I will link their shop in the comments!

Photography - Hannah Emily Barnes

     Oh this photo by @ohtobehannah is making me long for the beach!!!

Free to be Me Journal

     Here is the official hashtag for "Free to be Me". This account is to celebrate YOU so here are a few things to keep in mind when submitting: 

1. Women entrepreneurs that you would like to highlight 
2. Photographs 
3. Your business 
4. Encouraging words 
5. A special story about seeking God through business related success or struggles 
6. DIY 
7. Your item/s that you sell in your shop (send me an email about collab to freetobemejournal@gmail.com) 
8. Organic anything 
9. Fun things to do in your town 
10. Books 
11. Anything else you can think of that keeps on topic with this account Most of all, I want to hear and share your dreams so that we can build a community of support for one another and encourage each other in the ups and downs of life. 

Beautiful Story - Dawne Broadfield

     Beautiful photo by @adeltadawne Here is a little bit about this photo that she shared on her account: The update on our little Dark-eyed Junco: we have been laboring about when to release her. One leg is useless so she has a hard time balancing. One eye is useless, as well. This causes her to have depth perception issues. I am pleased to report she is much stronger now and actually bites when we catch her. What a little spitfire! We know that if any bird can make it with physical limitations- it is her so we have decided the release will happen soon. 

Art in Shop

     SNEAK PEEK!!!! Here are two prints/canvases (various sizes) I will be listing!!! I can't believe this day has arrived!! It's scary but exciting sharing something that is so close to your heart that it's almost a piece of you. A part of me is afraid but... the journey that God brought me on to be here is too important not to continue. If you feel Jesus calling you to do something, don't shut out the voice but instead welcome it with open arms. It's not always easy and that is an important reason why I created this account - for us to encourage one another, lift each other up in prayer and offer support. Please let me know what you think!

Photography - Kelli Thompson

    Absolutely stunning photo by Kelli Thompson(@simplekellit).

Photography - Kirsten Rickert

     Take a moment and just gaze at this photo... Doesn't it overwhelm you with creativity? If you aren't following Kirsten's gallery, GO do so NOW! She is one incredibly talented gal Photo by @kirstenrickert Here is what she had to so about this photo: "I love how life blesses us if we look, and listen. Neither of the girls wanted to wear this beautiful crown I made today...so I ended up wandering around 'playing' with it and then this happened and like magic it was just what I was looking for. Excited to take it to the next level for an upcoming editorial when we get home!"

Value Your Struggles

     Psalm 119:67 When you are struggling or frustrated with your life, put your trust and faith in Him. He gives us battles so that we must look beyond ourselves and seek refuge in His arms. There is peace and love waiting. Our struggles make us stronger and are ways He teaches us lessons we need to learn. He draws us back through them.

DIY - Katie Ashmore

     Check out this amazing DIY!!  Photo by Katie Ashmore (@k8eashmore) Would love to learn how she does this!!

Introduction Thursday

     Photo by my dear friend Vanessa Warren (@butterflysparks).  

     I am a dreamer who pretends that the 70s are here and now while searching to find Jesus in every aspect of life.  I don't believe that finding success in life is simply like playing the lottery.  God has a beautiful purpose for each one of us and I desire to trust Him completely to reveal his path for my life.  I am currently preparing for the launch of my brand "I Wonder Original" where I will offer art, tees with my original designs, photography and eventually a beautiful e-course.  My desire is to inspire you and encourage you to pursue your God-given dreams because they are beautiful and I have faith in you!  I deeply want to join in your journey.  Most importantly, let your light shine for Jesus!  ALL of the glory goes to Him! ~ Kat - Founder of Free to be Me Journal

Photography - Carra Fay

     I absolutely cannot get over this beautiful dreamy photo!  Love the lighting and tones!!  Photo by Carra Fay(@carrafay)

Photo - Karen

     How wonderful is this photo?!?!  So peaceful and lovely!  Take time today to enjoy the little quiet things.  Photo by Karen(@thislittlecorner)

SNEAK PEEK!!

     SNEAK PEEK!!!!  I am so very excited to share with you one of the tees I have designed for I Wonder Original!!!!  I would love to hear your thoughts!

Photography - Anita

     Beautiful photos by Anita(@somnabule75). Love her feed!

Don't Worry

     Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life... Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Matthew 6:25, 27, 34

Photography - Jessica Sparrow

     Just look at this... doesn't it portray such beauty and mystery?  Photo by Jessica Sparrow(@sparrowvisionquest) of a home in Old Town Key West.

I Wonder Original

     I have been following along with each of your journeys and I'm so inspired by your dreams and passions in life.  You all are so amazing and encouraging!  I know God has incredible things in store for you.  Today I would like to share with you a piece of my dream... one that I was not aware of until God knocked me down and placed it in my lap.  I have a dream to open a shop "I Wonder Original" where I will set art, tees, photography, and a future e-course.  My desire is to inspire each one of you and to encourage you to follow your dreams because YOU are a valued part of this world.  I am so excited to share with you my brand new logo!

DIY Garden Party

     Photo by Vintage Whites  I absolutely love lights hung from trees... so whimsical and fairy-like!

DIY Garden - Zeynep Albayrak

     Loving this super fun hanging garden!  Photo by Zeynep Albayrak(@zynp).  Very creative feed full of colorful whimsical food, flower and decor photos.

Photography - Deborah

     Doesn't this make your tummy start rumbling?  Photo and delicious breakfast by Deborah(@larksnest).  She has such a beautiful feed full of inspiring photos!

Repost Logo & Share

     If you have been blessed or inspired by Free to be Me Journal, please share with others.  Let's continue building a community of supporting and encouraging women that offer kindness to each other as we pursue our God-given dreams.  It is a tough but exhilarating journey.  Be a light to one another and show love as our Father does for us.  You all inspire me!

Photography - Allison

     Photo by Allison(@rubyandpeach). Adventuresome little fairy!! Love the flower crown and flowy dress... always so whimsical!

DIY Renovation - Dreamy White Lifestyle

     Have you seen the renovations being done by @dreamywhitelifestyle?!?!  I'm blown away by her creativeness and vision!  You must hop over to her feed and see the different rooms she has drastically changed!

Give Thanks

     Sitting here thinking about how important it is that I offer thanks to God for all that He blesses me with.  So much of the time, I fill my prayers with worries, complaints or wants.  Anyone else with me?  From now on, more giving thanks!

Collab: Food Styling Items

     Prepping for the future here with exciting things in store!  If you know or are someone who would be interested in collaborating, send me an email to freetobemejournal@gmail.com.  More details available through email.  

Fashion - Gardner and the Gang

     Seriously wishing that these amazingly creative girl's clothing items came in my size!  Photo by Scandinavian Minimall(@scandinavianminimall) and clothing by Gardner and the Gang(@garderandthegang)

Photography - Danielle

     Oh how I would like to melt into a sunflower patch and watch the clouds roll by!  Gorgeous photo by Danielle(@hippieindisguise)of her daughter in a complete sunflower wonderland.

Her feed is a must for its organic and nature oriented photos.  She has a way of taking ordinary activities and turning them into a work of art!

Happy Sunday Folks

     I hope you all have a day full of rest and basking in Jesus' love! Let your light shine!!

Photography - Lana

     This pic... Gee... It reminds me of how I allow little frustrations in life to completely overshadow the simple mundane things that give life such pleasure.  Thank you SO much, Lana(@mooninthemeadow),for sharing this photo! 

Thoughts at the Beach

     Well I'm back at home.  Sad but glad.  It was a wonderful farewell to summer and now I'm excited to prep for fall and get back on schedule.  Actually... I'm ready to hand everything over to my Savior and have Him plan my days.  Vacation is always such a time free from worry.  That's exactly how He tells us to live EVERYDAY!  Just TRUST Him!  Anyone with me?

Decor - Lindee

     Photo by Lindee(wildflowerhome_photo)!  Absolutely loving the green!  Her feed is full of DIY and decorating ideas.

Beach View

     View from our balcony.  Trying to soak in every second!

Wonderful Words - Amy Boliba

     Today I am honored to share with you something that has blessed me immensely.  How often do we not post a photo or have to "stage" a photo before we take it because we think it's not good enough?  For me, ALL of the time!  It's something I'm working on.  Well, I am excited to share with you Amy Boliba's (@amyboliba) thought provoking post about this subject.  I'm so happy she shared her thoughts - leave a comment of some way you struggle with this topic.  Let's build each other up instead of tearing each other down!!

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Here's me being real folks.  A couple of y'all wanted to see the outside of our home... and out of embarrassment or whatever I said something like it's not ready yet!  And now, I'm thinking what's to be embarrassed about?  This is what paying as you go looks like.  I mean, dream with me for a second, imagine a front porch going along the front with white wood siding on the house and yellow shutters to match the door.  Imagine some rocking chairs and a porch swing and big pots of flowers and ferns hanging.  That's what I see, thanks for dreaming with me! :)

Women Entrepreneurs Feature - Mary Wangerin

     Good Morning, friends!  I am giddy with excitement to share with you this week's "Women Entrepreneurs Feature".  I know you are going to love it and be filled with inspiration just as I am.  Today's feature is my sweet friend and artist Mary Wangerin.  I have been so very blessed by her sweet spirit, heart for God, and love for life that is clearly depicted in her brightly colored paintings.  Let's begin.

Me: Has art always been part of your life?

Mary: Oh my goodness yes. Life is art, after all! But in the literal sense of the question, I remember spending hours as a little girl with my crayons and blank sheets of paper. The desire to create with my hands runs deep. 

Me: How did you feel called to be an artist?

Mary: When I began to silence the noise all around me, and truly listen to my inner thoughts - what I felt was the push to begin creating again. 
I had just graduated college and my hubby and I had moved to a tiny town in the mountains. I spent hours in my little studio reconnecting with color and texture through paint, and I completely and totally fell in love. 

These words from Joseph Campbell resonate so much with what it felt like to choose this path: 
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”  - Joseph Campbell

Me: Where do you gather inspiration and can you explain a little about your creative process?

Mary: I am a mixed media artist. My favorite materials include acrylic paint, pastels, charcoal pencils, found objects + ephemera. Layers and layers of colorful goodness make my heart happiest. 

I'm inspired by so much of daily life - you know, the little things. A delicious cup of coffee in my favorite mug. Watching the leaves dance + twirl + fall. Good conversation. Togetherness. A field of wildflowers. Long bike rides. Road trips to nowhere in particular. The way the sunlight filters through the sheer curtains in the morning. The moon! The list goes on and on.

Me: If you had one piece of advice to share with women entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Mary: Tune into your own creative spirit. Listen to what calls you, and what comes naturally, and do that! Don't worry so much about what you think people will love, or want to purchase. Make art and don't worry about the outcome. That's where the real joy is.

Thank you, Mary, for sharing your beautiful thoughts about your artistic process and journey with us.  I have been blessed by your story and am so thankful for you! :)

Please check out Mary's artwork!

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaryWangerin?ref=ss_profile

Instagram: MaryWangerin

Blog: http://theturquoisepaintbrush.blogspot.com/