Cuando en Guatemala

It has been almost two weeks since arriving back in the States from Guatemala.  I was there on a trip with Pine Cove Christian camps and we were partnering with locals to do some sessions of camp. 

The Capital building, Guatemala City

     We arrived in Guatemala City on January 3rd, so we just missed New Years but it was all still decorated for the holidays-- lots of lights, Christmas trees, and tool.  The downtown area reminded me of the feel of Little Italy or Chinatown in NYC. It was smaller than Manhatten but still very city-like. There were parks and historical buildings strewn through the city as well which were like a fun little surprise of scenery every once in a while. We got to see the capital building and a church in the central square. Both were beautiful architecturally.   And the fact that all this was surrounded by mountains and even volcanoes in the distance made it seem so surreal. Nature met civilization so abruptly and they became one. 

The market in Antigua



 In Antigua the streets were cobblestone and there are stict regulations for building codes and so forth because they want to preserve the town and the culture. Here there were also parks and churches along the way. We also went to the markets and it was so fun to see all the stunning pieces of craftsmanship. I bought several vibrant headbands, a nativity scene for my mom, and a woven journal. There was so much more there though. from blankets, jewelry and backpacks to Messi soccer jerseys and machetes. That's not even the half  of it either. 

     One more place that we got to see was the black sand beach near the Sipacate Naranjo National Park. As you drive from Guatemala City our ears popped because of the difference in elevation. We got to the beach and watched the sunrise and rode the waves. It was absolutely breath-taking. 

There was a lot we didn't get to do while I'm Guatemala like hike a volcano or waterfalls but our reason for being there was to spread the gospel at a camp for kids. But I will most definitely be returning though to this gorgeous and diverse country with some of the most hospitable people I know. 

Hoping you get to visit as well!

Karsyn Penelope 

For more on the trip check out Oh Life at lifeisaknocking.blogspot.com 

Tis the Season

The hints of the Holiday season have been among us.  Getting in the Christmas spirit has never been an issue for me, as long as it comes after my birthday, November 7th. 

I have a love-hate relationship with cold weather. First I want it for a break from the never ending Texas heat, but then when it's here I'm miserable. But the fact that Thanksgiving was just around the corner and I would soon be leaving for home, which means my heating blanket and a constant fire (courtesy of mom), I was actually not minding the bone-chilling wind and eyelash-freezing sleet. 

Thanksgiving at home with friends and family were absolutely amazing and such a blessing. I ate to my little heart's desire and past my full bully's wishes. So with the cold rolling in, though it may not stay much longer, friends and family near, stomachs full of turkey, and being at home meant it was officially time to get ready for Christmas. Though I must admittedly say that I had been listening to Christmas music for a while, I didn't let my roommates decorate our apartment against their will until after my birthday which is still very early and very much before thanksgiving. So in honor of the officialness we celebrated. 

Some friends and I went downtown in Fort Worth for the annual Parade of Lights. It was very beautiful and family friendly!  It was a great way to kick off the holiday season. 

Bring on the good tidings!

Karsyn Penelope

Running The Race

If you've never trained for a half marathon, 5K, 10K, or anything of that nature, I highly encourage it. I have never been much of a runner but my roommates challenged me training for a half marathon. At first I thought no way, but now I am all in. It is super easy to Google and find a training plan. All you need to do is type into the search box "half marathon training in (amount of weeks you have until the race.)"

Training is hard mentally and physically but the feeling of accomplishment is so worth it. Every Sunday I have my long runs which get longer every week, and every week I run farther than I ever have before. Not only does it boost my confidence but it also taught me how to really take care of my body and listen to what my body needs.  I want to eat better to fuel my body better. I make myself drink more water. And I also take my rest days very seriously because your body needs that time to recuperate. 

There are so many lessons in training: discipline, accountability, motivation, and the list goes on. 

And I know it's hard to think of fun and run in the same sentence but here are things to look forward to during your training:

        - although training can be kind of expensive depending on how much registration for your race costs and how much you need equipment to run but looking for and buying work out clothes and running shoes is not only fun but very motivating.  I personally wear Nike running shoes I've had for a while but I'm debating on getting new shoes for the race.  My workout clothes include leggings and shorts (Nike, BCG, Old Navy brand, and  RBX.)  And I usually just wear a t-shirt but I plan on rewarding myself with more "cute" workout clothes after I reach my goal. (It's a good enough excuse for me)

        - seeing yourself improve is a major key to motivation. When you run longer distances and achieve your goals, you are encouraged and I guarantee your clothes will start fitting looser if you're eating right and following the workout plan. 

        - running is a serious stress reliever. Your brain goes numb, you release extra energy and hormones that leave you in a better mood. 

Here is an example of a weekly workout plan. This is also the one I am going by. When training make sure to do the cross train days witch should include weight training to keep your muscles in good shape. Don't overload yourself on running. 

Don't forget to do some research on how to take care of your body during this intense training!

Check out my latest two posts at Oh Life for some of the lessons I've learned during this challenging but very rewarding time of preparation. 

Trust me it's all worth it in the "long run!"

Karsyn Penelope

If I Can Do It, You Can Do It Better

I am not a crafty person. And when I try to be it doesn't always work out quite how id like it to. But crafting is fun and I'm working on my skills. So here's some encouragement for you: if I can do it, I promise you can do it too!

Baby steps: -Buy a canvas and wait for inspiration

                    -Buy some paints to have on hand as well

                    -Save old things such as jars, cans, ribbon, etc...

                    -Refer to Pinterest; it is a great resource

 Now a candle holder

 Simple and easy key rack or for purses or umbrellas ect.

Now go out there and get crafty! 

Karsyn Penelope

The Little Things (Towns)

Everyone loves those cute little towns. You know, the ones that you have to drive through and you always admire their quaintness but never have time or take the time to stop and explore. Well today I finally made time to do just that. A friend and I decided to put off all responsibility and just go. So drove about 40 minutes from College Station to a little town called Calvert. We did some shopping and picture taking and it was so relaxing and fun. I encourage you to take the time to just sit back and enjoy the scenery!

Enjoy the little things!

Karsyn Penelope

Healthy Cooking Alternatives

Recently, while trying to eat healthier and cleaner, I have discovered some cooking tips that make those desserts we all crave every once in a while less fattening and a little healthier to indulge in.  Now I am not advocating baking and eating these every day but when its seasonal or you just want to have something tasty here are two tips I have found that satisfy my sweet tooth but aren't quite as detrimental to my health.

Both alternatives are for when baking brownies, cakes, and special breads.

• When baking any of these three desserts you can substitute ALL the ingredients for canned pumpkin.  I know its crazy but its true!  All you do is dump the canned pumpkin and store bought mix into a bowl, stir, and bake.  Now some warnings: the texture is a tad different sometimes but it still tastes great! 
• I recently have used this method with chocolate cake, red velvet cake, and pumpkin bread-- this one turned out the best
• The other alternative for things like brownies is substituting every ingredient but the water for yogurt.  Yes, that's right yogurt.  You simply mix the water, yogurt, and mix in a bowl, stir, and bake.
•  A friend of mine was using this trick and realized she didn't have vanilla yogurt, so she used strawberry yogurt instead.  It was delicious, tasted like chocolate strawberry brownies!  Now, once again, the texture is a little different but they are so moist!

I hope you find these tips useful and that your desserts come out tasting delectable, and just in time for fall cooking! Yay! 

Happy Baking!

Karsyn Penelope


Passport Virgin

So I got my passport in the mail the other day! I'm going out of the country for the first time over Christmas break this year! I can't wait and having the passport in my hand makes it that much more exciting!
I will going to Guatemala for 10 days to help start up a Christian Camp.

Hopefully this will lead to many more
adventures globally!

Here's to Travel!

Karsyn Penelope