If I Could be a Spokesperson...

I haven't always been really mindful about money- saving, spending, etc. I never really had a "budget" or anything like that. Then, I got married. Praise the Lord that I married a man who is so wise about how to be a good steward with the gifts and money God provides for us. After a few rocky months of getting used to this whole "budget" thing, I will be the first to tell you that it is so important and makes your marriage and life so much simpler and easier.  BUT, I did say there were some rocky months right? Staying within budget is HARD! It takes discipline, time, and practice, and by NO means am I an expert! In fact, I'm still learning and will always be learning how to be better about spending/saving.  With that in mind, I want to share with you 2 tools that I LOVE to tell people about.

So, If I Could be a Spokesperson...

I'd represent Mint.com. This is a FREE online budgeting tool that is wonderful! You can upload any/all of your bank accounts onto it and track your spending each month. It's nice to see how much you spend on gas, food, rent/mortgage, clothing, etc. each month. I love it because before the month even starts, we have a set amount we want to spend in each category. Hunter or I will check it weekly throughout the month, and we can track to see how much we have left to spend. It's nice to have a limit or else, knowing my spending nature, I'd spend more than I should! Check out the website. It is easy to navigate and is also very secure.

Another great tool is E-Mealz. I am very new at this but I can already tell that I LOVE it. You pay $15 every three months ($5/month), and you sign up to download a menu/shopping list for a week's worth of dinners from your favorite grocery store. I shop at Aldi a lot, so I chose the option "Aldi For 2". There are family options, low fat options, point system options, and they have most common grocery stores (Publix, Walmart, Kroger, etc.)
I can't stop talking about E-Mealz because: A) It has a list of 5 yummy meals I can make that week... and do I cook 5 times a week? No. I usually cook about 3 and then have leftovers. SO, I can usually spend less than $50 for about two week's worth of dinners!B) It has the grocery items that you need listed already, and how much you should plan on spending (and by where you find them in the store)C) I don't have to rack my brain for good/exciting/different meals. They do it for me! Yes, no more going to the pantry/freezer, seeing a ton of food, and saying, "Hm, what should we have for dinner." It's so easy. I love it... and I can already tell that Hunter does, too!

..time to Catch up!

My apologies to all of my awesome blog buddies who hate that I am such a blog post slacker! I plan to make it up to you somehow.. maybe.

So a lot has been going on in the Yarbrough family lately! I'll try to update from since the last post happened, which I'm ashamed to say was over a month ago!

Hunter went out of town at the beginning of April, so I spent some time around the apartment doing some fun projects. I bought some flowers for our deck and then did something I'd been wanting to try for a while. I made a DIY vase! I follow this blog, Thrifty Decor Chick, and saw a super cute Springy vase that I just knew I could do! Sure enough, it was so easy that I made 3 of them in one weekend (could've done it in about 2 hours, but I had to get more supplies!). All you have to do is get a roll of jute from the local craft store (I found mine at Hobby Lobby), brush on some clear craft glue, and apply the jute around the vase to whichever height you like. See where I got my inspiration here: Jute Vase (just scroll down a little bit and you'll see).

Here is a picture. It looks SO much cuter with fresh flowers, but I didn't take a picture when we had them a few weeks ago! 

Wow, what next? April was a surprisingly busy month for us! Hunter and I went up to Nashville a few times, and one weekend we went for the Music City Half Marathon. A whole group of us usually runs together, but this year it was just Hunter's dad, Mike, and I who ran. We started out and ran about 9 miles together and that's when my legs felt like bricks and I had to encourage him to keep on going. (I hadn't trained nearly as hard as I have in the past due to an unexpected cold/cough that ruled out a few important long runs... so this was actually the worst race time I've ever had). I walked/ran for the rest of the race and loved it! My favorite part is around mile 10 when you run past Belmont Baptist Church and the praise team is out playing worship songs. Man, it is so incredible! I am so grateful God has given me the ability to run and be active! I pray I am always willing and able to run and stay active throughout my life!

Ok, so now for the BIG announcement here on blog land. We've pretty much told everyone in person, so now I can blog about it. 

After praying for nearly a year about what God would have Hunter and I do for the next few years of our life, we have decided to move up to Nashville and be involved with planting a church in the Hillsboro Village area. We are thrilled about this opportunity, and are eager and excited to see how God will use us in this process. However, this will be so hard as Birmingham has become our home and we will be leaving behind dear friends, great jobs/coworkers, and an incredible church. 

                                               

So we'll be making the move from Birmingham to Nashville this summer, early July, after our Israel trip. We have been so encouraged by our friends and family about this decision, and we cannot praise the Lord enough for how faithful he is. 

Since this big decision has been made, we have been taking small and big steps to prepare for the move. One BIG step is that we are now under contract for our very first HOME! It is actually a condo, but it will be ours! Last week was the long-awaited tax-credit deadline, and we made it by the skin of our teeth! Hunter and I are so excited because our new 2 bedroom/2 bath condo (that's right people, a guest room AND a second bathroom!) is located in a really cool part of Nashville, just minutes away from Belmont, Vandy, 12th Ave South, Hillsboro Village and Green Hills. I'm so thrilled that we'll be able to walk to some local favorites like Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles and The Frothy Monkey. Birmingham people, you are ALWAYS welcome and we cannot wait to show you around Nashvegas! Once we get in and take some pics of the condo, I'll post some pics of it. 

So those are just a few of the things going on in our life right now. It is such a busy time, but we are excited for what God has for us and what He'll teach us through it all. Until the next time, and I promise it will be much sooner... grace and peace. 

The Yarbrough's Best of Birmingham

Thanks to my dear friend Ashley (follow her blog here), I have been forced encouraged to post on our blog more often. I told her, gosh, I just don't have that much to talk about! So, she has given me a great topic: our favorite restaurants around Birmingham. That sure is easy, because I sure do love food and I love having date night with Hunter... so we're always trying out new places to eat and hang out. So here goes our "Best of Birmingham":

1) Cafe Lazio: located in Patton Creek; yummy and inexpensive Italian food, great outdoor dining spot, have daily specials

2) Taziki's: This is mine and Hunter's FAVORITE place to eat. It is definitely our "go-to" when we're trying to figure out where to eat. This is a casual Greek place with delicious... well, everything. I honestly cannot name one dish that I didn't like there.

3) Moe's Southwest Grill: "Welcome to Moe's!" This became a staple for me as I was going through school. Although I have ventured out to many more Mexican/texmex places, I always have to have my Moe's fix!

4) Bruster's: delicious ice cream... very close to our apartment!

5) Diplomat Deli: really unique and delicious sandwiches

6) Little Savannah: over by the Highlands area, this is a cute, yet expensive, place with very good gourmet southern cuisine. All of their food is made with fresh ingredients, mostly purchased from the local farmers, and you can tell because the food is very rich and tasty!

7) Bottega: (WARNING: THIS IS THE BEST ITALIAN FOOD I'VE EVER HAD IN AMERICA) Ok, so this is a great place! I would recommend saving this for a super fancy occasion because it's on the pricey side. However, it is worth every penny! Very good, fresh, and authentic Italian food!

8) Brio: Ok, since I'm onto the Italian theme, Brio is another very good Italian option located at Brookwood Village Mall. I love their mini desserts that give you just enough sweetness to complete the meal.

9) Baha Burger: This is one of Hunter's favorites. They have some awesome burgers, and we've even tried to make their signature "Baha Burger" (complete with grilled pineapple, pepperjack cheese, and tabasco sauce) at home. We also love their sweet potato fries!

10) Iguana Grill: this is a really funky, cool Mexican place in Hoover that has great food, elaborate decorations, and a lively atmosphere. This is a great place to celebrate birthdays or other fun occasions.

11) OPH (Original Pancake House): Located in Five Points South; I believe I first went here with my roommate freshman year, and I fell in love! They have a large pancake selection...and might I add that they are so delicious?! This is a great place to go on Saturday mornings!

12) Olexa's: Located in Mountain Brook, this is a super cute restaurant for lunch. They have great salads, soups, and paninis, but what I love most is their vanilla buttercream cake with peanut butter frosting on the side. Can I say to die for! Their cakes are the best I have ever tasted!

I could have probably listed several more restaurants, but this will do for now. Man, now I'm ready for a date night! Double date anyone?

Have a great week, and enjoy that weather!

...It's been a while!

So, like I said at the beginning, I wasn't sure how good I would be about posting regularly. Looks like I'm not so regular of a poster... so I thought I'd give an update to share what's been going on lately in our life!

Since GIC, we have been here, there, and everywhere. Two weeks ago we went home to Nashvegas to visit with family and friends, an always too quick yet refreshing trip. Then, last weekend, Hunter and I flew down to Florida to meet up with my parents and brother to SURPRISE my grandmother in celebration of her 70th birthday! I loved it! First off, I LOVE surprises and think they make life so fun and exciting. Second, I LOVE my family... so combine the two and I'm doubly thrilled. Grandma's reaction was so sweet and perfect when we showed up at her door. She couldn't believe we had all come to see her. We then proceeded to tell her of one more surprise... later that night, several of her closest friends and family would be coming over for a big party. Talk about a great night! We had so much fun reuniting with family that we only see about once a year and seeing good friends from when my parents used to live there. I also just loved watching my grandparents enjoy hanging out with friends they've known for many years. It was a successful suprise and great weekend to be a part of for sure!

After that, I had a much anticipated SPRING BREAK! It sadly FLEW by faster than you can say "spring break", but it was a great week nonetheless. I spent some time here in Birmingham, doing some stuff around the apartment (aka, cleaning, laundry.. the stuff that gets pushed aside when I'm busy with school stuff!). Then, I drove up to Nashville to spend some time with the family. It was wonderful to have some good quality time there. Now, it's Sunday, and school begins again tomorrow. God is so great to refresh us and give us just what we need to keep going. I am nervous because this week begins the big week of TESTING! ARMT, SAT, and bears, oh my! I am praying for my students (and myself!) that we'd all be calm, relaxed, and just do our best! If you happen to think about us this week, the testing dates are March 23, 24, 30 and 31. Thanks!

Also, if you are looking for some great music, you must check out this CD- Passion: Awakening. It is soo good and I love the message of every song. I'll leave you with one of my favorite verses from the song "Our God" by Chris Tomlin:

Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God you are higher than any other
Our God is healer
Awesome in Power
Our God
Our God

Global Impact Celebration

We are so blessed to attend a church that puts so much emphasis on reaching the world for Christ. This week, Shades is hosting GIC (Global Impact Celebration), an event in which our congregation spends 5 days encouraging, learning from, being challenged by, and spurring on nearly 30 missionaries/families from around the globe. All the missionaries set up display tables and before/after each worship gathering, we can go around to hear all about what they are doing, how God is using them, and how we can be involved through prayer and volunteering.

Last night, Wednesday, was the huge kick-off event! I always get SO pumped because it is so awesome to gather with such warriors of the faith to worship our Father together. We sang the song by Casting Crowns, "Until the Whole World Hears," (click here to listen) and I was reminded that we have to keep living and shining our light until every person has heard the news of Jesus! It was so refreshing. Seems like I get so caught up in my every day life and duties that it is easy to lose sight of my job as Christ's ambassador. I am reminded of Colossians 3:1-3: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

I am really looking forward to the rest of the week: catching up with our former Sunday School teachers and hearing about what God is doing in Israel and the Middle East; having some awesome time of fun and fellowship with our NearlyNewlywed class; being encouraged and challenged in my faith... to live more sacrificially and wholeheartedly for God. Wow, I am expecting God will do some great things.

God is so good to meet us where we are and remind us of his truth. His grace blows me away.

Happy Birthday, Hunter!

February is quite a busy Birthday month in our family, which means lots of fun, food, and celebration!

Today is Hunter's birthday... the big 2-4! We started out the day with his favorite breakfast, biscuits and chocolate gravy. After a day of work, we enjoyed another delicious meal of New York strip, sweet potatoes, asparagus, and baked apples... oh and Funfetti birthday cake, too! So, on this 17th of February, 2010, I want to celebrate his life and tell why I'm so thankful for him!

Hunter is hilarious. I laugh at him.. well, always... and am grateful to be married to such a fun-loving guy. I love that I laugh at/with him more now than I did when we started dating... yes even more than those cute teenage years where every little thing is funny.

Hunter is a beaver. Huh? Yes, beaver. According to a personality test, Hunter has scored pretty high in the beaver category, meaning he is detail/task-oriented and very organized. With such gifts, Hunter is a great leader and manager of people, money, and time. I appreciate how he sets goals in all areas of his life and in our marriage. I am constantly encouraged and challenged by Hunter to reflect on what's going on and how it's helping achieve our goals.
(And it helps to have a hubby who is neater than me! Just imagine our closets for a moment... mine: clothes on the floor, shoes out of place, random things thrown in. Hunter's: clothes organized by type, sleeve-length, season, etc. Nothing on the floor except neatly organized shoes and a laundry basket. Sigh, if only I could do that.)
So, here's to all the beavers out there! I really appreciate you.

Hunter is the best husband. Period. Yeah, yeah, I know all you wives out there think that about your hubby.. and I know they're great.... but they're not the best. Hunter truly lives out the command in Ephesians 5:25-26 "Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word." I am constantly thanking God for allowing me to not only know such a great man, but to be his wife. I pray that I will be as much of an encouragement and help-mate to him as he is to me. 


Just 3 of billions of things about Hunter that I love about him. 


God, thank you for bringing Hunter in the world on this day just 24 years ago. May he feel loved, appreciated, and useful to your kingdom. Glorify yourself through him.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my mom's 51st birthday! In honor of her, I want to list just some of the millions of reasons I love her.

She is extremely selfless... she always puts other before herself, no matter what.

She is strong. Through some very tough times in life, she has shown me and others how to depend on the Lord for strength.

She is beautiful. Not only outwardly, but her heart is beautiful. She loves God and others fully and deeply.

She is fun. Growing up, all of our friends would say, "Your mom is the coolest! I love Mrs. Beth!" Mom knows how to have fun and bring the joy out of people.

She is gracious. Even when we don't deserve it, like Christ, Mom is quick to forgive, forget, show grace, and move on.

She's one heck of a cook! If I could ever be half as creative as she is in the kitchen, I will have "arrived" as a cook! Mom can take any random ingredients and present a gourmet feast. She uses this gift to serve others in a unique way.

She is giving. Wow, I've never met someone who would give away all she ever had if you just asked. I'll never forget going on a mission trip to Mexico, and Mom gave away her entire suitcase to a girl in need. She's always sending us little packages with snacks or gifts for my students.

She has never met a stranger. Mom is the friendliest person I know. Every time we go out or on vacation, Mom just starts up a conversation with whoever she's next to. Her warmth and joy overflow and leave everyone who meets her feeling refreshed and encouraged.

These are just a few things I love about my mom, and if you know her, you'll know what I mean. Here's to Mom! I thank my God in heaven for giving me such a beautiful, loving mother. Praise Him for whom all blessings flow.