stories about life's minute beauty, maintaining mental wellness, and cultivating a positive mindset--so we can all experience more peace, joy, and contentment.
ALL BLOG POSTS
All new blog posts will appear below. Scroll through, or pick a specific category to browse.
At the Fair: Trashing the Dress
I had the best time ever shooting my debut Trash the Dress Session at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. It was even more fun because this blushing bride {she was actually married about a year ago} is my sister! It truly was a day spent trashing the dress, as we trudged...
Blessings & Barn Cats
I've had a good deal of sad news come my way lately. But I'm not quite ready to dive into all of that. So tonight I'm going to tell you a good "Sunday-night" story. It's one of those heart-warmers. A little backstory is required to fully appreciate this tale. Just...
You, Me & Gabby Douglas
I cannot even believe that the Olympics are nearing the end and I have yet to write a lick about them. Someone should give me a solid kick in the booty. So tonight is the night. I'll share something that I've been thinking about since the 'Lympics began this year. ...
A Sunny, Happy Place
Sometimes I get nervous about things. I know...for those of you who know me this may come as a shock. Just kidding. Those of you how know me best know that I'm a bit of an anxious bird. So, even though I've been in my new house and new town for more than a month,...
Christmas Is Coming
Every December I find myself in the same predicament. Maybe you do too. Christmas is only a few weeks away, I've purchased no gifts. I know at one point I had a great idea of what to get everyone...but suddenly I can't remember a thing. I'm stressed out and my...
Campfire Cones
Tonight I am going to change your campfire world. Ready? Let me introduce you to s'more's younger sister...The campfire cone. I originally saw the idea here...and since I was in charge of bringing dessert for one night of our camping weekend, I thought it would be a...
On the Road
If you are reading this...I may be dead. The possibility is there, but chances are I'm still kicking. While you read this, I'm off on a grand adventure with my favorites people in the world. My family. We are biking the El Roy Sparta trail in Sparta, WI in honor of...
Unleashing Happy
I've had a great time being back home in Indiana. I've gotten to do so many things that I love about summer....but have not gotten to do for years and years. I've done the things I grew up doing. Things that just feel like summer. Swimming and laying out by the...
Carrot Ribbon Salad
Summer is salad season. And, as I've been trying to eat more raw {produce washed, but uncooked or altered in any way}...this salad was a good find. I can only do so many spinach side salads before it gets old. I saw a salad like this in an issue of Better Homes. I...
Craft-spiration
I'm a 10 year 4-H member. I've been to a lot of fairs in my day. Yet...I'll be honest. I've never seen a better display of projects and crafts than that at the Elkhart County Fair. Seriously, there are great projects. I'm always inspired by what these student...
Special Friends 2012
There are two distinct schools of thought on what I'm about to show you. #1: This is awesome. #2: This is the lamest thing I've ever seen. I, obviously go with #1. If you are more of #2 person, that's fine. Just know that I'm a little lame sometimes. In 2008 my...
Trash the Dress {Sneak Peek}
Here. Take a napkin. I know you are drooling. I had a blast yesterday shooting this awesome trash the dress session at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. If you haven't been, you should go. It's worth traveling cross country for. And who is that stunning bride, you...
Frustrating Situation or Answered Prayer?
Yesterday I got a lesson in perspective. Frustrating situation or answered prayer. It's all a matter of perspective. My answered prayers were a irritating situation to a lot of others. And it got me thinking that maybe when I'm frustrated and things are working...
Yesterday’s Full House is Today’s Empty Nest
The super full house is now an empty nest! And now that everyone is gone…1200 square feet feels pretty big.
Come on in.
Hello there. I hope this welcome will be well received by old readers and new readers alike. I'm thrilled to be launching the all new amy allender {dot} com today. So, have a look around. Here's what's new and why I made the shift. My lovely husband pointed out...
