It's hard to believe that we are already approaching the end of spring!!! I have to say, spring has always been a favorite season of mine for so many reasons. One of which is the renewal and birth of new life all around us! It is such a depiction of the beauty that God can create even in the midst of what seems to be too far gone or lost!
To me, spring is the ultimate display of how God turns ashes into beauty!
So, before I get into the highlights of this spring over here at Dashing Dish, I want to share a few personal faves of the season! First, if you haven't checked out the adorable (and affordable) tanks at Target, be sure to check them out! Perfect for the weather warming up and the perfect blend of cute, casual, and comfy!
Another personal fave that I just recently discovered is this Kitchen Aid Spiralizer! I got it from Crate and Barrell, but I also found them on Amazon. They are more pricey than the hand crank ones, but if you use this gadget often enough, it might just be worth the investment for you! So much easier, and quicker!
Another personal fave of spring... fresh vegetables that are actually in season, and grilling!!! Yay!!!
And speaking of vegetables, can we just give a hooray for being able to grill again!?! Oh how I have missed the flavor of grilled chicken and veggies! These balsamic roasted chicken and veggie foil packs are one of my new faves! Be sure to try out them out if you are looking for a quick and easy clean eating grilling recipe!
One of my favorite things about spring is celebrating the resurrection of Jesus! Easter is such a beautiful depiction of all that spring encompasses...God's ability to bring life when all hope seems lost!
And can we check out this little cutie for a moment!?! I can't believe how much he is growing already! And if I thought I couldn't love him more, every time I see him, I am amazed to find that I love him more and more every time I see his sweet little face!
Now onto big events that that happened this spring around Dashing Dish! Back in March we took a trip to Texas, where we did a cooking segment on the show, The Difference. It was so much fun, and it was a delight to be on the show again after doing an interview with Kendal and John Haggee last year!
I am certainly getting used to being behind the camera and on a television set, and I have to say, cooking on set is quickly becoming one of my favorite things that I have had the opportunity to do!
In April Sean and I flew to Minnesota, where I had the honor of speaking at a women's Spring into Health Conference at Wooddale Church. It was such a blessing to be around the most loving group of women, and talk about health, nutrition, and honoring our bodies God's way!
The ladies at the Spring into Health conference did such an amazing job setting up the auditorium! The conference focused on getting healthy and caring for our bodies, so naturally the theme was an indoor farmers market!
After speaking my husband and I had a few hours to waste before going to the airport, which just so happened to be right next to The Mall of America! I was so excited to be able to walk America's largest mall, even though we only had a few hours, which means we only got to visit a handful of stores! If you have never been, it is quite the exhibit of attractions! It has everything from stores and restaurants, to a hotel and amusement park right inside the mall!
In May we took a trip to Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan, where I spoke at the Winsome Women Spring Retreat.
Winsome Women actually started as a bible study in someone's home 45 years ago, and God has grown it to an event that close to 5,000 women that attend at each retreat!
The retreats moved to Mackinaw Island years ago, where they are currently held every spring and fall!
One of the unique things about the island is that there are no cars on the island! We were picked up in a horse drawn carriage after getting off the ferry! Talk about stepping back in time!
The Grand Hotel is known for it's magnificent porch, which stretches across the entire hotel, and has rocking chairs where people sit and watch the sun rise and set!
I had the privilege of speaking alongside the gold medallion winning author Philip Yancy, and the author and speaker Shaunti Feldman, who were the other breakout speakers at the retreat. We were also blessed by the talents of singer/songwriter Robin Mark, and the Christian comedian Laurie Yost. It was a pleasure to be able to spend time with and get to know each one them during the course of the week and hear their stories!
One of the most extravagant parts of the trips was the dinners at in the Grand Ball Room! They were not only elegant, but they were also an enjoyable experience as we were entertained by the talented Grand Hotel staff!
In between all of the wonderful festivities, I had the honor of doing a breakout session in the morning and afternoon every day of the retreat. I spoke on Nourishing the Body and Soul, where I shared encouragement and practical knowledge on caring for our bodies God’s way.
During my presentation I shared tips on creating healthy easy meals and meal planning, in addition to providing a balance of spiritual and physical nourishment. It was my goal to inspire every woman to get fit and healthy for life, all while enjoying the journey!
I began each breakout session by briefly sharing my story. I will tell you, no matter who you are, or what you have gone through, God is in the restoration business... And He specializes in redemption! He can take the ashes of your life and turn them into something beautiful that will ultimately bring freedom to others and bring Him glory!
After speaking I had the privilege of meeting countless women as I signed their books. The best part about book signings is that I have the chance to talk one-on-one with women, and I often end up laughing, crying, and even rejoicing with them them as they share their stories! To me, this is one of the very best parts of traveling and being a part of women's conferences and retreats!
One really neat part about this particular retreat was that it took place in my home state, Michigan, so that meant that some of my family and friends were able to attend! My mom, aunt, cousin, sister, and family friends were able to travel up north to Mackinac Island for the last session of the retreat!
It was so wonderful to see some familiar faces, and to have them cheer me on in the front row of course! :) I feel so blessed to have such supportive and loving women in my life!
On the last day of the retreat, my husband and I took some time to explore the downtown Mackinaw area together!
We walked around and visited the little shops, got some dinner, and of course tried some of the Mackinaw fudge and peanut butter fudge ice cream! Yes...all things in moderation is key when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle! ;)
My husband and I wrapped up the spring season with a trip to Pittsburg this past week, where I had the privilege of being on Cornerstone Christian Television Network!
I had one interview with Don and Terri the hosts of Real Life, where I shared my story and the background behind Dashing Dish!
We then moved over into the kitchen, where I did a cooking segment with Tom and Amanda!
And we wrapped up with a cooking segment on the Sister to Sister show! It was such a blessing to meet and work with all of the Cornerstone team...they are truly doing awesome things for God's Kingdom, and everything they did was for His glory!
So my friends, that is just about all that I have to share with you about my spring events! I can honestly say that it was such a blessed season, and amidst the business I tried to take in the beauty of each moment! I hope that you too were able to take some time to enjoy the beauty of spring, and that it carries you into one of your best summers yet!
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