“I Almost Didn’t Have These”
If I can be honest here for a moment… I really struggled with the decision to bring our children into our maternity photos.
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"Welcome to our cozy corner. We want to invite you to sit at our table and be part of our story. Here's our family story."
-Lauren
our family story.
Lauren Alonso
- Aug 8
- 3 min
Barefoot and Pregnant in the Kitchen
This is truly something I've waited my whole life for... to carry a baby with a man that I love.
120 views
Lauren Alonso
- Jun 28
- 8 min
Never Give Up, All Things are Possible
You may remember the little red barn that Joel painted for you all when he was trying to help save up for a down payment on this farm.
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Lauren Alonso
- Jun 21
- 5 min
26 Weeks and Counting
In case you missed it... We're pregnant! I'm officially 26 weeks and 3 days as I write this. And I thought I'd take a moment to catch you up
90 views
Lauren Alonso
- Jun 14
- 4 min
The Story of Us (part 2)
Our honeymoon and elopement photos from St. Pete Beach, Florida.
285 views
Lauren Alonso
- Jun 13
- 5 min
The Story of Us
So many of you have been dying to know how Adam and I met. Well, it's not that grand, so don't get your hopes too high...lol.
532 views
Lauren Alonso
- Jun 9
- 3 min
Hi Y'all, Allow Me to Re-introduce Myself
So we sold the farm, moved, I got married and we blended our family, bought a house and now we are expecting!!! It's been a while ride!
366 views
Lauren Alonso
- Sep 17, 2022
- 7 min
Culture Shock: I don't belong here
It's not just you, friend. I have found ostracized amongst friends, amongst family, in church groups, in work settings.
225 views
Lauren Alonso
- Aug 6, 2021
- 2 min
Goatin to Sell this Place
South Carolina farmhouse and homestead for sale, situated on 9.72 acres of picturesque rolling land.
1,540 views
Lauren Alonso
- Jun 10, 2021
- 7 min
An Adventure Meant to be Shared
In May, I went out the Pacific Northwest for the trip of a lifetime to Tillamook, Oregon.
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Lauren Alonso
- Mar 20, 2021
- 2 min
Banana No Banana Pudding
This is probably the easiest recipe I'll ever blog, and yet it's the most delicious! This week we celebrated Joel's 32nd Birthday (in...
63 views
Lauren Alonso
- Feb 12, 2021
- 4 min
When Life Seems Heavy
Can I get real for a moment? The struggle is real. I feel depression seep into my bones. I feel sluggish. I feel unmotivated and...
84 views
Lauren Alonso
- Jan 13, 2021
- 1 min
Step 5: little by little
In this last and final step to goal-setting, I will help you break down your ONE big focus goal, into bite size chunks to make your goals fe
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Lauren Alonso
- Jan 12, 2021
- 1 min
Step 4: writing goals that stick
Here are some tips to writing out your goals for success- goals that stick. So, go find a comfy quiet place, and dream BIG, friends!
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Lauren Alonso
- Jan 11, 2021
- 2 min
Step 3: choosing a word for 2021
I was able to cope with grief and begin healing because I had a vision for my life, because I had a single word to focus on- grow.
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Lauren Alonso
- Jan 7, 2021
- 2 min
Step 1: a flourishing mindset
you're going to learn how to create an abundant mindset of gratitude to be open to making big dreams with simple steps!
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Lauren Alonso
- Jan 7, 2021
- 3 min
5 Steps to Flourish in 2021
I also really want you to understand the magnitude of setting yourself up for success by WRITING your goals for the year.
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Lauren Alonso
- Nov 12, 2020
- 4 min
Tennessee: My 2nd Cosy Home
10 years ago this year, my dad bought a farm in Washburn, Tennessee with his business partner. They named it COSY Farms- for the acronym...
190 views
Lauren Alonso
- Nov 5, 2020
- 8 min
5 Boundaries for Peopling through the Holidays
I want to encourage you, as always to seek joy in EVERY season- especially the holiday season. So, I've put together a list of 5 simple boun
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Lorie Ward
- Oct 14, 2020
- 9 min
E-I-E-I-Oh!
When most people think of places they want to visit on their bucket list, a farm in Donalds, South Carolina (population 326) usually isn’t i
73 views
Lauren Alonso
- Sep 5, 2020
- 4 min
Freddie's Yummy Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Frosting
My boy turned 16 last month. Seriously?! His one request besides a new microphone to record on for his music production business was a vanil
46 views
Lauren Alonso
- Aug 28, 2020
- 11 min
Happy 2 Years, Freddie!!!
Today is the 2 year anniversary we brought Freddie into our family, so I thought it was time for a tribute to celebrate and an update.
174 views
Lauren Alonso
- Mar 24, 2020
- 2 min
9 DIY Plant-based Cleaners
Hey friends... so last week my sis, niece and I all re-stocked our DIY cleaners. I promised I would get you those recipes to make them...
71 views
Lauren Alonso
- Jan 8, 2020
- 6 min
Guided Meditation: Personal Mission Statement
It's no shocker that I'm totally a sucker for personal-growth, goal setting and daily practices that make my life a little less chaotic.
161 views
Lauren Alonso
- Dec 1, 2019
- 2 min
A Christmas Gift from Joel to Freddie
So every single Christmas, my husband would paint Christmas cards.This year these ornaments will buy a gift for Freddie from Joel.
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Lauren Alonso
- Sep 16, 2019
- 2 min
Strawberry Croissant Brunch Bake
It was goat yoga weekend again at the farm and I love to greet my guests after a workout with a surprise brunch. This is something that I've
48 views
Lauren Alonso
- Sep 16, 2019
- 4 min
Ditch & Switch Challenge: Household Cleaners
If you walked in your kitchen and found your toddler playing under the sink, where you keep all your cleaning supplies and bug sprays and
174 views
Lauren Alonso
- Sep 14, 2019
- 22 min
The Anniversary Sequel: The Pursuit of Unfailing Love
My prayer is that if you ever doubted us sharing our story or were worried for us, that you will see what impact your Joel had on this world
506 views
Lauren Alonso
- Sep 13, 2019
- 2 min
Instant Pot Pineapple Coconut Chicken Curry
In the mood for something spicy?! One of Joel's faves was curry. I loathed making it with its 256 ingredients, and to be honest,
31 views
Lauren Alonso
- Sep 10, 2019
- 4 min
DIY Bath Bombs
Bath bombs you find on the shelf of your local super market are actually incredibly dangerous for you mama, and your littles!
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Lauren Alonso
- Sep 9, 2019
- 7 min
To Those Who have Abandoned Our Son and Me
He loved harder in those last 8 months of becoming a father and you never got to see it. His greatest calling in life was fulfilled and
1,152 views
Lauren Alonso
- Sep 9, 2019
- 5 min
Free Ditch & Switch Challenge
Your skin absorbs whatever you put on it and it reaches your bloodstream in just 26 seconds!!! What?!
66 views
Lauren Alonso
- Sep 7, 2019
- 3 min
DIY Wood Ledge Letter Wall
Being able to change the words on my wall for whatever suits the season or mood I am... in is everything to me.
472 views
Lauren Alonso
- Aug 1, 2019
- 10 min
I don't wear my rings
My friend Emily, who recently just lost her baby boy, unexpectedly, after 30 some odd hours of life and I talk daily. I allow her to ask...
1,028 views
Lauren Alonso
- Jun 27, 2019
- 2 min
Chicken Parm
This Chicken Parm recipe is so yummy that you'll be able to have your family choose yours over Olive Garden's- plus it's healthier and...
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Lauren Alonso
- Apr 26, 2019
- 1 min
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
This one comes from my mother-in-law's recipe box. She taught me this super simple recipe and it has become a staple in our home. Enjoy!...
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Lauren Alonso
- Mar 26, 2019
- 1 min
DIY Essential Oil Vapor Rub
It's pollen season. My boy's nose is all kinds of stuffed. And I need a topical solution when allergy meds aren't cutting it. Sound...
31 views
Lauren Alonso
- Mar 16, 2019
- 15 min
Joel's Last Days with Us
As I begin to write this, it's 3 weeks after our last conversation (I've been holding onto this blog for over a month). You see, Joel had...
2,381 views
Lauren Alonso
- Feb 14, 2019
- 4 min
Joel's Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake
You know I'm always up for a good story. And I don't mean to discourage you right off the bat, but this recipe isn't for baking haters. I...
16 views
Lauren Alonso
- Feb 8, 2019
- 2 min
4 Ingredient Instant Pot Pork Loin
This was something Joel found for me and had added to his list of things to make. Freddie and I had it last week and it was delicious. I...
70 views
Lauren Alonso
- Feb 8, 2019
- 2 min
Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin
This was a yummy side Joel had chosen to go with our Instant Pot Pork Loin. Prep Time: 30 minutes Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Yields: 8...
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Lauren Alonso
- Jan 14, 2019
- 11 min
5 Steps to a Clutter-Free Lifestyle
Remember my dream kitchen, guys? This is what I (Kenzie) long for, every day. However, I'm not single and I'm a mother, and so chances...
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Lauren Alonso
- Dec 20, 2018
- 1 min
Nana's Yummy Pecan Pie
I'm ashamed to say it, but it took me 28 years to try pecan pie. Ouch. But y'all, Joel's Nana makes the best. Today she delights in...
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Lauren Alonso
- Sep 4, 2018
- 10 min
Our Adoption Story, Part 2
In case you missed Part 1, read it first here. Let's pick up where we left off... In the same breath that our adoption coordinator told...
104 views
Lauren Alonso
- Sep 3, 2018
- 8 min
Our Adoption Story, Part 1
This is the story of how we became a family- in 2 parts. Let me start at the beginning... In case you haven't heard our story, Joel and I...
165 views
Lauren Alonso
- Oct 12, 2017
- 7 min
Three Positive Alternatives to Time-Outs and Physical Discipline
In week 6 of our PRIDE classes (our adoption training) we tackled discipline. It's just after that halfway mark and a fun topic to listen...
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Lauren Alonso
- Oct 31, 2015
- 5 min
Our Story: The Wedding {Part 3 of 3}
Nearly 10 years after the day we met and one day shy of 7 months after Joel proposed, we were finally about to tie the knot. But, it...
104 views
Lauren Alonso
- Oct 24, 2015
- 5 min
Our Story: The Proposal {Part 2 of 3}
When most couples start dating, they are getting to know each other, but not us. Knowing each other wasn't part of the process. We had...
96 views
Lauren Alonso
- Oct 9, 2015
- 6 min
Our Story: The Notebook {Part 1 of 3}
So many of you have just joined us on our voyage and want to catch up on the entire story of how Joel and I met and how we ended up where...
576 views
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