Project Alicia

04/07/2024

Red, white and blue because I’m proud to be an American. I’m also a proud military mama with a son in the Navy. 🇺🇸

15/06/2024

This. “When you stop moving is when you start dying.”

01/04/2024

My favorite holiday. Such a beautiful day with my little family. Just missing my boy but enjoyed watching him attempt his own yummy potatoes this year. Happy Easter from Alabama! He is risen! Matthew 28:6

18/02/2024

Lately in snaps. Time is going at warp speed so I’m doing my best to keep up. Had a birthday, took a trip to AZ for a niece’s wedding and I’ve been focused on getting my Hashimoto’s into remission. It’s not fancy or glamorous, but I adore my simple little life. ✌🏻

04/01/2024

My dear husband finally caught up to me and turns half a century young today.

To commemorate the occasion, thought I’d share a story. It doesn’t happen often after 3+ decades of marriage, but every now and again my husband does something that actually shocks me. Hiring a photographer online in another state is one of those times. We were in Wyoming in August for a family hiking trip with both my adult children (who rarely get time off these days) and unbeknownst to me he had the foresight to book a photographer for the day prior to our descent into the wilderness. I had pert near given up on the idea of hiring someone again altogether because my kids detest the camera that much, but they actually showed up cooperative and cheerful and we captured some beautiful memories. I will treasure these photos for some time to come. Even more now, since surviving that crazy 25 mile Cirque of the Towers hike together. Family bonding at its best. Sure love this little family of mine. Only missing our fur babies.

So today I’m issuing a public thank you to hubs for making this possible.

If you have adult children, you understand how challenging it is to get everyone together, let alone coordinated for family photos. What a special gift. ❤️

01/01/2024

I snapped this on my last walk of 2023 tonight. Here’s to more beautiful days, more adventures, more growth and more smiles in ‘24. ✌🏻

27/12/2023

I’ve spent the last two days in the kitchen. I haven’t cooked this much in months. I’ve been staying up past my bedtime playing board games, watching old Christmas movies and getting better reacquainted with these adult kids of mine I love so much. The house is a mess- and I’m soaking it all in. All of it! As an empty nester, I’m not taking these moments for granted. In a matter of hours the house will be too quiet again.

“The irony of the holidays as a mother is that when your kids are little, all you want as a gift is a little break.

When you are a mom of a big kid, all you want is more time with them in whatever way you can get it.” -whitneyflemingwrites

Merry Christmas, friends! 🎄

21/12/2023

Yes to this!

16/12/2023

I love using dried oranges to decorate with. Today I’m sharing a few ways I’m scattering them around the house in a reel. If you missed it, go check it out here-> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C06ioN_rOPs/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

And if you’re new here, Project Alicia started as a photography blog many moons ago and one of the things that makes me most happy this time of year, is digging out the camera and capturing all the magic of Christmas through the lens.

13/12/2023

Today I’m making my go to snack— mini power balls. It’s so easy to make, has protein but also satisfies my sweet tooth.

Power Balls
2 Cups Oats
1 Cup Peanut Butter
1/2 Cup Flaxseed
1 Cup Coconut
1/2 Cup Honey
1/2 Cup Mini Choc Chips
1 Tsp Vanilla

Optional: Add Vanilla Protein Powder or Rice Crispies. Customize it for you. I added KOS protein powder (linked in stories) and mini m&ms.

Mix together and roll into balls. Makes 24-36. Store in fridge up to two weeks.

Watch how I make them here -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdvaplaDO-q/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

11/12/2023

Yesterday I shared a reel of my new mantel. If you missed it, go check it out. Thought I’d share some of the still photos here. Simple and festive using greens (real and faux combo) and neutral decor. Mirror, garland and bells linked in my Project Alicia LTK.it Page -> https://liketk.it/4qhMj

01/12/2023

These are a few of my friends that keep me accountable and encourage me to keep pushing forward. Today we’re wearing DFYNE leggings and tops because even old(er) ladies can wear cute workout clothes. (Let me know if you would like a coupon code.) Find yourself a buddy or two to workout with. It sure makes it more fun. ✌🏻

24/11/2023

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours. So grateful that all my birds are back home in the nest. One happy mama. ❤️

24/11/2023

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours. So grateful all my birds are back home in the nest. One happy mama. ❤️

11/11/2023

I’m a day late, but honestly one day doesn’t seem near enough to express appreciation. Thank you, Veterans, from the bottom of my heart. I’m eternally grateful for the sacrifices made on my behalf and have always tried to instill that same deep respect and appreciation in my children. Then my son shocked the heck out of me and joined the military. And a big shout out to my favorite Vet, my hubs. He went out on nuclear subs the first 6 years of our marriage- so I know how hard it can be on families. A huge thanks to the loved ones that stay behind as well.

Photo was taken this weekend at a little treehouse in the woods near Chattanooga prior to our night out for our 31st anniversary.

29/10/2023

I’ve spent the last few days outdoors, soaking up all of God’s goodness. Colors haven’t been as vibrant this year with such little rain but it’s still so beautiful! I hope you get a chance to go outside, wherever you are. I believe that God knew we would need refuges from the world, so he scattered beauty all across the earth. It’s up to us to find it. 🍂

13/10/2023

I’ve been on a mission to find a few new pair of jeans and I find the whole process exasperating. Don’t even get me started on sizing. I’m 5 ft tall so that alone poses some challenges. I found these at Buckle and gotta say, I’m actually liking that they brought back the boot cut. These are so cute. They fit TTS but run long (at least for me). I got the Short and had them cut an inch or so. They’re a great style for fall booties. If you’re also on the hunt, you can find these over on my Project Alicia LTK.it Page —> https://liketk.it/4kYYg. Sorry to say I can’t link the shoes or sweater because I’ve had them forever. If I have something I love, I wear the heck out of it.

26/09/2023

I’m always a step behind so this is par for the course, but I sure love this girl and I’m so blessed to call her mine. Happy National Daughter’s Day to my favorite. She’s a beauty inside and out.

23/09/2023

Happy Autumn! Such a photogenic season! I love digging out the camera to capture all the crisp leaves and rich tones that come this time of year. Here’s a few of my favorites. 🍂

23/09/2023

We’re just over here trying to live our best empty nesting lives. We barely had time to unwind from the backpacking trip in WY and were on a plane heading to Italy. It’s been a dream of mine since I can remember. And it did not disappoint. Our first stop was a tiny island off of Naples. Procida is quaint and charming, filled with culture and history. And the best part, it doesn’t have the crowds just yet and has retained its sense of local life, making it appealing to those wanting an escape with a slower feel. We stayed in the fishing village of Marina Coricella. It was all so perfect. The sunsets are exquisite and there’s a perfect spot to sit and watch the show, just a short walk up the road, overlooking the town. We then ferried to Amalfi and stayed in an old convent from the 1200s that was in the family six generations before being converted to a hotel. Our balcony provided amazing views. We walked the Path of the Gods, a five mile trail along the Amalfi coast starting in Bomerano with a 2000 ft drop in elevation and ending with 1700 stairs in Positano. Stairs seemed to be a general theme in Italy and my calves noticed. Our last evening was spent in the mountains in a beautiful town called Ravello. We saw old ruins and dined overlooking the Mediterranean at sunset. I was wise to ditch the heels. And aside from having front row seats to a car crash in Amalfi, a major road closing in Italy, a man dying on our plane ride home, having someone steal our credit card and wire money to Kenya, and coming down with covid immediately, it was a pretty fabulous trip. Thanks to hubs for doing such a great job planning and executing our recent trips. He really missed his calling. He should have been a travel agent.

02/09/2023

Happy September! It’s officially time to start decorating for my favorite season! I love using natural textures and colors in my home. Nothing over the top. I’m slowly working my way through the house. I’ll be adding white pumpkins and indian corn soon. When do you start decorating for Fall?

01/09/2023

If you’re wanting to do a backpacking trip, the key is to use the lightest supplies possible. It took us a while to accumulate them but it certainly made a difference. (See previous posts for more details about our epic trip hiking the Cirque of the Towers in Wyoming.) I have all our fav supplies saved over on my Amazon Storefront (link in comments).

01/09/2023

Last week I went off grid and backpacked the Wind River Range in Wyoming with my family. If you’re an empty nester, you know how rare it is for your adult children to get time off, so this was kind of a big deal. I didn’t realize just how epic it would be until we started. The Cirque of the Towers is a 25 mile loop. Some people do it in a day or two, but we broke it up over five days and it still tested us in every way possible. Altitude, weather that brought hail and rock slides and required us to relocate tents, little sleep, pack weight, long exhausting days exerting our bodies to the breaking point. Being vulnerable and exposed, at the mercy of mother nature. We crossed over two difficult mountain passes. Hands down the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But we did it. All of us. When asked why he would want to do something like this, hub’s response was, “So you know you can do hard things.” Even when we feel inadequate, scared and broken, we are capable of so much more than we realize.

Don’t give your kids things. Give them experiences that will challenge them and build character. Turn off your phones and go reconnect under the stars.

10/08/2023

This week my babies both had birthdays. My boy is 24 and he’s stationed close enough to drive to him so I was able to actually gift him with one of my annoying mom hugs (see previous video). And my girl turned 22. Not really sure how that’s even possible but time just keeps marching on. Luckily my daughter is in close enough proximity that I was able to take her to lunch. It took us 7 years to get our son and after that traumatic experience I wasn’t sure I’d have anymore, but I was blessed with two. I gave up a career to be a full time stay at home mom and I put everything I had into raising them. When they left part of my heart went with them and I’ve been trying to find my new purpose now that they are out on their own. It’s been harder than I imagined. But I know it’s a blessing to have able-bodied, thriving adult children- and I see the fruits of my labors in each of them. Nothing about parenting is easy- not at any stage- but they are my pride and joy. My everything. And I’d choose this over and over again.

01/08/2023

Today I’m sharing a round-up of my favorite workout clothes because I’m determined to stay fit at 50 with this new Hashimoto’s diagnosis- and cute clothes make all the difference! You don’t have to spend lots of money to have quality, stylish clothes. Most of these are from Amazon or Target (and some are even on sale). And in case you couldn’t tell, I’m loving the brighter colors right now. Watch my previous reel to see how cute these look on!

Follow my shop on the .LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

ltk
https://liketk.it/4free

18/07/2023

If you want to make the Cottage Cheese bread with regular egg whites instead of dried, this is the conversion chart on our package. We tried it exactly like this and it completely flattened and got chewy. Not sure why the powdered seems to set up better. It’s 100% dried eggs, so there’s no chemicals. We used the Judee’s brand from Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3pLdrdj But if you try the regular liquid egg whites and it works, please share!

17/07/2023

Looking for some fun, budget friendly workout clothes? Today I’m sharing this skort (because temps are still warm here in Alabama and will be well into September). It’s an Athleta Dupe from the Target Girl’s All in Motion line. If you’re Anywhere from 0-6, you can wear kids. I’m also linking the women’s version from the same line. Find all my outfit deets here -> https://ltk.app.link/YEGfo5CTvBb

15/07/2023

Today I’m making my Power Balls. It’s a super easy, protein packed snack that helps stabilize my blood sugar. I opted for a combo nut butter without seed oils and added in some organic gf rice crispies.

Recipe for Power Balls:
2 Cups Oats
1 Cup Peanut Butter
1/2 Cup Flaxseed
1 Cup Coconut
1/2 Cup Honey
1/2 Cup Mini Choc Chips
1 Tsp Vanilla

Optional: Vanilla Protein Powder. My favorite is KOS (saved in my Amazon Storefront)

Mix together and roll into balls. Makes 24-36. Store in fridge up to two weeks.

Customize it for you. Today I added rice crispies.

Watch how I make them here -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdvaplaDO-q/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

09/07/2023

Gardening Tip: Soak your freshly harvested cucumbers in an ice bath for 15 minutes, then dry and store in fridge. This keeps them crisp and yummy and helps them stay fresh longer. I love using cucumbers in juice and salads as well as for snacks and eye masks. A low carb, versatile, nutrient packed little vegetable.

25/06/2023

Great message. ❤️

Life can be good again.

I think we have this idea that a “good” life looks a lot like our old one, the one before the unexpected up-ended everything.

That’s not the good I’m talking about. The good I’m referring to is not getting our life from before back but, instead, life anew.

Several years ago, one of my close friends walked through hell on earth. Recently, I visited her and I was just in awe of the life she has re-built and is building. It’s not what she expected. It’s unexpected. And also, so very her- full of frequent visitors and land and animals and kids. It’s so very good.

Life may never be the same after experiencing the unexpected. But it can be beautiful. It can be full of people. (Perhaps different people than you envisioned). And it can be full of love.

God doesn’t necessarily just take our broken pieces and put them back together. I think oftentimes, He works by adding in new ones. And the result is something different than what we started with. It has familiarity, yes. It has traces of what was. The darker shades remain in this sculpture. But He adds in new vibrant hues, full of new experiences and people, and new purposes, too.

He helps us to rebuild our lives while also rebuilding us in the process. The result is an ever-evolving, harsh and lovely and good creation.

There can be a good life, a new life on the other side of the unexpected.

Thank God for that.
This is the message of my book, ”The Gift of the Unexpected- Discovering Who You were Meant to be When Life Goes off Plan”: https://amzn.to/3Xuejy3 (affiliate)