These Are My Confessions...

"Just when I thought I said all I could say..."

(if you aren't singing that right now then clearly you are too young to be reading my blog. Gotta love some throwback Usher!)

 

I just feel the need to get some recent confessions off my chest. I miss the Confessions link ups (they are probably still around...I'm just out of the bloggy loop).

 

I confess...

 

It annoys me that there are always haters in life.

 

I haven't been drinking hardly any wine at all lately, who am I? Summer brings out my inner beer lover.

 

Humidity is the devil. You'd think living in the South my whole life I'd be used it to... but you never get used to frizzy hair and sticky sweat.

You know Lebron is my boo... but I really can't be mad about the Warriors winning it all last night. If you don't have love for Steph Curry then you ain't living right because that boy is incredible. This whole playoff series was so fun to watch them battle back and forth.

 

And now that basketball is over...
80 days until College Football is back! Can I get an AMEN??

This guy has truly stolen my heart, y'all. He's just everything that is precious and I pretty much spend all my time with him these days. I'm completely that annoying girl who is newly in love. I apologize for blowing up your Instagram, Twitter & Facebook feeds with my heart eyed emojis for him. #sorrynotsorry

PS - NO I'm not naked :)

I have an obsession with neon bathing suit pieces. (Just a quick poll - does anybody even wear matchy bikini sets anymore? I am all about that mix & match life.)

Speaking of obsessions... The Weeknd and Meek Mill are high on my list right now. And little miss Kelsea Ballerini and her "Love Me Like You Mean It" jam. FYI - she's from Knoxville!

Again with neons & obsessions, I got a new pair of running shoes. You know, because all that running I've been doing??? (jokes) I'm a slacker and I've only used them once, but I love them. this is the 2nd pair of neon yellow and pink Asics I've had so I guess you could say I'm a big fan.

I'm finally reading The Andy Cohen Diaries. I love that man and all his Bravo magic - especially those crazy housewives. Can he be my spirit animal? The book is really good, so far.
 

Y'all heard of Firmoo yet? If not then you need to hop on over there and check out their selection of glasses! This is the 2nd pair that I've gotten from them to review, and I doubt I'll ever get glasses anywhere else again. They are GREAT - easy to deal with, easy to order, great follow up to make sure you're happy with the glasses. Plus, they have a ton of new styles, frames and colors to choose from. A girl needs choices in her life! Plus - as a new customer you can get 15% off instantly just for trying them out.

 

This & That

Long time, no see guys! I have to admit that life has been pretty hectic lately. Between work, church things, the boyfriend and friends - I barely have time to get enough sleep these days. But don't let me fool you into thinking I'm not ridiculously happy right now! Life is pretty great.

Mother's Day has come and gone and honestly I'm glad it's over. It was difficult for me and I wrestled with the anxiety for about two weeks leading up to it. It's just a part of what comes after losing your mama - the holidays, birthdays, family occasions, etc. will be difficult, especially the first time around. Now that people have moved on with their own lives and aren't constantly checking on me, I'm left not really knowing how to feel sometimes or how to act with how I'm feeling about not having my mama around. My heart has been a little heavy throughout the process trying to cope, but yet still trying to look for the positive that can come from this situation. I am so thankful for bloggers (Katie, Jennifer) who, unfortunately, have gone through this loss before me and have helped me to know what to expect through their writing. The Lord has been SO GOOD to surround me with people who are nurturing and supportive of me, some of them in the smallest ways they probably don't even realize.

One thing that's been convicting me so much since Mother's Day is that I am my mother's legacy. I was her first born child, her only daughter and probably the child that was the least close to her ultimately, but I am still her legacy. I want to talk more about that soon, but not right now. (Heavy Topic Alert!)

Let's get caught up!

Two weeks ago I saw NEEDTOBREATHE, Drew Holcomb & Ben Rector in concert - so so good!

You like how I drop the BOYFRIEND bomb and then just peace out? A little suspense never killed nobody!! Announcing your relationship is official on the blog can feel like the kiss of death. But so far...boyfriend and I are good. So amazingly crazy good. (Pretty sure he doesn't read my blog, so I could literally gush about him for days, but I'll spare you.) You should just rest assured that I have not felt like this in a long, long time, years. Like since the Skye era. Knowing that it could all blow up in my face tomorrow is scary, but remembering what it feels like to be a smitten little kitten is worth it. Insert ALL of the heart eye emojis.

I apparently cannot get enough of TSwift and all the things she does. Anybody else completely in love with this song??

Finished Amy Poehler's Book Yes Please. I knew she wouldn't disappoint, but I was laughing out loud most of the time. My favorite part?

I've been partaking in quite a few happy hours lately. When spring rolls around and work days get long I really have to admit that I love to unwind on a patio with a cold adult beverage. Judge me, if you must.


Speaking of The Countess... I am so obsessed with the current RHONY season. I'm a little behind since life has kept me from DVR binging as much as I'd like to, but I just can't get enough of this cast. I think it's the best cast they've had in a long time! (Maybe minus Dorinda, not crazy about her.)

I can't promise that I will be posting very regularly throughout the summer, but you know I won't be able to keep my mouth shut for too long. In the mean time, I'm always available for stalking on Instagram & Twitter if you need more frequent life updates.

XOXO

Motivational Monday

It's Monday...

 

And after a week like last week, (which most people got to spend lounging at home, but I still had to make my way into work) I need a little motivation. PS - can you believe I'm blogging for the THIRD time with in a week??

 

Spreading the love today! Happy Monday my loves!

 

1. Treat yo self

I'm a huge Parks & Rec fan! I have adopted the treat yo self motto practically as my own. When you're single I feel that it really is necessary to treat yo self every now and then. You deserve it! That's what I told myself when I spend a crap ton of money last week during the snow/ice storm shopping online. A little treat yo self goes a looooong way in my book. Can be as simple as a Starbucks run, whatever your little heart desires. Indulge on a Monday!

source

2. After you treat yo self - treat someone else

After my Lent post last week, plenty of you little sweethearts reached out to encourage me. (I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!) It's so incredibly uplifting to be reminded of your magic when you forget. For someone from the outside looking in - heck, sometimes someone who has never even met you - to remind you that you're pretty awesome. Remember a time when someone reminded you of your magic - channel that today and lift someone up.

Source

Little Giveaway!! 

 Leave a comment and tell me someone you'd like to encourage this week & why. I have a $15 giftcard to Target I'm willing to give away to a random lucky winner just to brighten their day!

3. All aboard the healthy train - choooo chooooo

I have been eating like a horse. Also, I've been lazy. Lazy like a (insert animal that is incredibly lazy). We are about 3-ish months away from summer. Me continuing to eat like a horse will NOT make me a happy camper once lake season is here. I want to be proud of my body this summer! Even in a bathing suit. Back to the gym I go. I'm officially announcing here that I am training for a 5k in April. For the first time in like 2 years. Pray for me y'all - I MIGHT DIE! I probably can't even run a single mile right now. It's been many moons and many pounds ago that I even tried. I want to attract a boyfriend in the future who is into fitness too. It helps so much to have someone who can workout with you and encourage you.

 

My girls Cassie & Lindsay have been a huge inspiration to me with their fitness journeys so - y'all better keep me in line. Overall I'd like to drop 30 lbs from where I'm at right now. I know it won't be done overnight so please reach out to me and encourage me!

 

 

4. I am the nerdiest of nerds - and I'm so okay with it

When I was younger, I was a little embarrassed by how nerdy I was. A lot of my friends weren't into school like I was. Much less dinosaurs, history, science, reading and all the awesome things that I loved to learn about. I tried to hide it. I actually pulled a little Lindsay Lohan from Mean Girls and tried to act dumb a time or two. Then I had a teacher in high school who really taught me how much better it is to embrace your inner nerd. Being intelligent is attractive. And awesome. We all like weird things. My obsession with US presidents & the civil war isn't weird - it's just MY thing. Well, one of my things. (I feel like I have more "things" than most)

 

LONG winded story short - I have decided I am going to reward myself with this mug. After I lose 15 lbs (half my goal), that is. It's a nerdy gift and I LOVE IT! Back on the healthy wagon, plus a sweet reward for a prize.

Source

How's that for a Monday???

Seasons of Clutter

Have you even taken inventory of your daily life and found yourself to be stuck in a season of clutter? Not necessarily physical clutter, but life clutter. I feel lately like my schedule is full of busy. I'm glorifying the busy in my life by keeping a tight schedule that lacks intentionality. I'm not a big fan of the way this realization feels when it hits me. I feel like I'm wasting time, saying yes to all the wrong things, throwing money away and not serving the purposes that I am here for. I'm always scatterbrained because I'm running on half as much sleep as I need, feeling ragged because I'm not taking care of myself and, if I'm being honest, I actually feel relieved when someone cancels plans with me because it frees up some time between hectic running back and forth. Nobody in my life is getting the best of me. Everybody is getting broken fragments of what I have left to offer. I find myself saying "I don't have time for..." constantly. I hate this feeling.

These seasons of clutter leave me feeling empty, drained, hollow. Like I have nothing to offer the people I love, the people I work with, the people who need me. Then it also leads to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, guilt and snowballs from there... I'm hard on myself, I know that. Too hard most of the time. I struggle constantly with showing myself grace.

Source

I am words person. You know this about me. I am good with words. I can comfort with words. I express myself through words. I can sit here all day and write a blog post that tells you exactly how I'm feeling and take myself on a journey as to why. But when it comes to real life, I feel like I don't have time for real, meaningful, gritty interactions with people. I don't have what it takes right now to put my words into action in my own life. And that disappoints me.

Then I read Stop Sleeping with Liars. Cue the tears. Stop whatever you are doing and READ that. Don't just read it, print it. Re-read it. Highlight the parts that speak to you. Send it out on social media. Memorize it. Make it the first thing you read in the morning, or the last thing you read before bed. Maybe you can't relate to this now, but one day you will. One day you will need these words to resurrect you.

"you’re human. That’s it. You’re not super human. You’re not subhuman. You’re just plain human. You make mistakes. You don’t scale walls. You hurt people without ever intending to. You get your heart ripped out of your chest. Some days the only language you can endure is tears and you’re like, “I’M SO FLUENTTT IN TEARSSSS. WHATTT ISSSS WRONNGGG WITHHH MEEE???” Like I said, you’re human. Go with it." - HB

I don't let the people in my real life comfort me. It's a lifelong struggle I have with letting people in. The hardest thing in the world for me to sit down and talk about what's on my mind and what's bothering me. I want to be a super human. And to me that means dealing with things entirely on my own, not discussing my weaknesses and not showing emotions. I have to remind myself that when I can display my weakness, it empowers Christ to work for me and through me (2 Cor 12:9). Lately, this season of clutter has left me feeling weak, full of emotions and not able to be comforted. My instinct is to retreat. But my friend Hannah Brencher can comfort me with her words like no other. Well, second to Jesus, that is.

(If you don't know Hannah, then you are missing someone who can speak life into you. I've said it before, but Hannah is my soul sister - even if she doesn't know it yet. Her words reach into the depths of my soul and inspire me to want better, do better - just be better. Her passion is contagious. I am convinced she was placed on this Earth to light a fire within me!)

"Accepting yourself will prove to be one of the biggest journeys of this lifetime. Pack the bags. Bring the toothbrush. March for the door and go. That journey is worth taking." - HB
 

So what can I do to remedy this?

Remember that I am human. Give ALL my insecurities, fears and anxieties to God - every.single.day. Embrace God's sweet grace. Offer myself the grace that He offers me daily. Accept that I am doing all that I can, and maybe some days that just doesn't look like much. Don't continue to beat myself up for mistakes I made years ago. Fall back in love with people around me. Be real and honest when I feel like I'm just not measuring up. Don't believe the lies that I have to be everything to everyone. Be passionate about making a difference in a few people's lives and that will be my change in this world. Pre-order Hannah's book that is coming out in March 2015 (she really should just hire me to work for her!).

 

Motivational Monday

So many Mondays are filled with heavy eyelids and complaints. NOT THIS ONE! Maybe it's because I've been sleeping so good lately, or maybe it's because my body is starting to feel even just a little bit better from working out and eating better-ish, or maybe it's because my heart is so full of love right now... but whatever the reason I am on Cloud 9 today. Here's a little motivation for your Monday!

 

3 important life lessons that have been reinforced to me lately:

 

1. Be brave, no matter what the cost. I promise you, it's worth it.

 

When you don't feel brave, listen to this!

 

 

Source

 2. Be an encourager. Make someone's day today.

Source

 3. Be out of this world thankful for your home team.

Source

Take that, Monday!

Pearls of Wisdom - from a 30 year old

Yesterday was my birthday, in case you missed that memo. I'm officially the big 3-0 now, or as I like to say I'm 360 months old. I had to get a new driver's license picture and everything. My 29^th year ultimately delivered me to a place of grace, peace and – dare I say, maturity. (everybody who knows me in real life has my permission to laugh at the thought of me being mature). I mean, if Prince Harry can rock 30 then shouldn't I try to do the same?

 

I said it last year on my birthday, and I'll probably forever say it, but getting older is scary for me! The thought of moving into the 30's age bracket literally makes me want to vomit. It feels very "quarter-life crisis-ish". And by that I mean I'm definitely getting a new tattoo soon.

But even so, your birthday is YOUR day to feel loved and I definitely felt the love. Thank you to everyone who called, sent me a text, an email or a card - and especially Erin who sent me flowers!!

I am reminded of the great Carrie Bradshaw's quote about age brackets:

 "Your 20's are to make mistakes, Your 30's are to learn your lessons, your 40's are to pay the drinks."

I most definitely made more than my fair share of mistakes in my 20's. But isn't that what it's all about? Learning who you are and growing into who you want to be. My hope is that my 30's will bring me invaluable life lessons. Lessons of love, faithfulness, family and hope. I solemnly swear to eagerly pass those lessons on to others, over drinks of course, once I reach my 40's.

My only goal for my 30th year is to be in love with my life. Crazy in love with every single minute of it. The good, the bad and even the ugly - just to love it and know that every twist and turn serves a purpose.

 

An Age Old Question

The other day at work we had a full out debate about a question people have been asking themselves for generations. Can boys & girls really be JUST friends? As in close friend, BFF type of relationship, with no other feelings involved?

 

I gotta say I've always been an advocate for opposite sex friendships. I can't think of a time in my life that I didn't have a male BFF. I just relate to guys - I like sports and beer and it's easy for me to transition into "one of the guys". For a girly girl, I feel like I'm pretty masculine as far as my emotions and outlooks on some things go.

 

With all that being said, when it came my turn to defend my position for YES there is such a place as JUST friends - I felt torn. I'm starting to think I've been wrong my whole life and it's not actually possible for men and women to be JUST friends on more than an acquaintance level. To be clear, I'm talking two completely single people. Not single girls being close to married/attached men or vice versa.

 

I've come to realize that I might have developed a slight issue with boundaries since I've been single. Actually before I was single. Maybe this happens to all of us (hopefully?) or maybe it's just me. But I am pretty dang good at blurring the lines of a friendship vs. more than friends situation - without actually managing to turn anything into an actual relationship. For the record, I don't think this is a positive thing AT ALL!! It creates messes, hurt feelings and sometimes even voids relationships. This has been on my heart so much lately, and I've spent some time reflecting on how I've ruined relationships.

 

Lots of variables come into play here, in my mind. And let's just have some real talk -

 

1. Ex-boyfriends of the serious nature. I'm not one who can be too chummy with my serious ex-boyfriends. There's just too much history and the dangerous enemy of nostalgia always sneaks in when you even entertain that idea. We broke up for good reasons, and let's not forget those. I have one who still loves me and one who hates my guts, but my feelings are firm on being friends with both of them. Not happening!

 

2. Ex-guys I've dated, term used loosely. Not talking on a serious level or for years. Whether it be off and on, or just a matter of months, or a handful of dates. These are tricky. I have a couple who I've kept in my back pocket for backup dates, but you know these things will never play out. These are guys you've been out with for the sole purpose of going on a date. You aren't REAL friends, but you don't really want to date them either.

 

3. Old friends. Then there's those guys that you've known since 1st grade. You're comfortable with them. You've probably kissed them a couple times throughout middle/high school and college. Maybe more. They are comfortable, they know your history, they get you. Oh, how comfortable makes it easy to open some doors that never need to be opened. And you can always say "we have always just been good friends". LIE.

 

 

If you are married or have been in a relationship for years, then you might turn your nose up at me, and this post. And that's fine. I remember very clearly having tunnel vision too when I didn't have to experience certain things. It's not your fault you haven't, and it's not a terrible thing that I have. I wish I was more innocent and hadn't made mistakes. But when I can look at the mistakes I've made and see a pattern and realize that I want to fix that problem, then that's progress.

 

I think it all comes down to healthy boundaries in relationships. Clearly, I don't know a lot about those, but I do know: I need positive male relationships in my life, and ones that I don't try to manipulate for my wants/needs. I need to work on being more intentional with my feelings and actions. I need to work on filling my heart more with God's love vs. seeking a man's attention. I need to mantra myself to death with not settling.

 

I read this and it really hit home with me. It brought tears to my eyes, even. Especially this:

How we treat men is how they are going to treat us back. Our actions speak volumes into a guy’s ear telling him exactly how we want to be treated. Flirting with every guy, or even just one guy, who you know is not the one for you is simply selfish. Some will say, “I just have a flirty personality.” I’m just going to be real here and say that notion is absolutely and totally ridiculous.

 

The truth hurts sometimes, and this is my truth. I'm 29 years old and it's time to stop playing games. I think I have a little self help to do in the boundaries department! 

Unconventionally Thankful

Last week I was skimming through my blog roll and came across this post by Erin about being Quick To Say Thanks. I loved the idea and told her I was going to steal it and create my own list. Shutting down negativity in you life can be HARD. Every now and then, I just want to complain all the live long day, y'all. Even on those days when I am in that mood, I still have to deal with life. And the complaining just makes me irritable! But I do find that when I pause to notice the little things then I am much happier. Of course I am thankful for the "normal" things in my life - my family, friends, job, house, etc. - even though I often take them for granted too.

 

I wanted to focus more on the little unconventional things that make me smile! I have friends and family members who are going through hard trials right now and their struggles can offer me some perspective every now and then. I always want to take a little moment of my day to count my blessings - one by one.

 

The huge windows in my office. (totally stole this straight from E's list!) Back in December when I got my promotion at work, I upgraded offices. There are things I've wasted time complaining about this office, but the thing I adore about it is the big windows. There is nothing like natural sunlight streaming in to make me a happy girl.

 

The Pinterest Humor section. One word: lifesaver. These funnies have gotten me through some tough days. Days when it was all I could do to drag myself out of bed and make it work. Days when my life was a wreck. My best friend (who lives in a different state) would always tell me when I felt like I was going to cry to go to Pinterest Humor, and it worked! You can find me on Pinterest {here}.

 

Mexican Fridays. (you already know food was going to be included on this list somewhere) Every payday, my girls at work and I go to our favorite Mexican place. Working with people who are some of my closest friends in this world is one thing, but just taking that time at the end of the week to celebrate a) our paychecks, b) the close of another successful work week and c) each other is pretty great.

 

Books. It's no secret that I love to read. I'll read anything I can get my hands on. There's no feeling like getting lost in a good book. It's such a stress reliever to disappear from your own life and fall into someone else's. Plus, I'm still a library regular and the only ways books are better are when they are free!

 

Freebies. If you don't already know, you can sign up for daily emails that send you alerts when companies have free samples to distribute. Freebies.org and Freeflys are two of my favs. I've gotten so many beauty products to try this way ABSOLUTELY FREE. And it makes for exciting mail days. Freebies > Bills.

 

Mascara & Fingernail Polish. Because ANY day can be made instantly better with a dab of mascara and splash of color on your nails. When you look better, you feel better.

 

People Who Are Huggers. I spent a good portion of my life not really wanting people I didn't know all up in my personal space. These days, I'm pretty much a full blown hugger myself.

 

Cute Panties. Every girl knows that nothing makes you feel on top of your game like rocking some cute panties. Gives you an inner confidence boost to conquer the day.

Really cute, crazy talented, athletic high school boys. Before you go calling the cops to throw me into perv jail - don't panic. These boys just turn into my favorite athletes and I spent many hours of my life watching them, yelling at them and supporting their salaries.

Bloggers like Hannah. Hannah has got to be my soul sister. She just doesn't know it yet. The way this girl writes just connects with my heart and the depths of my bones. She inspires me, she gets my life, she relates to my deepest and most real struggles.
 

Firmoo.com Review

Remember waaaay back when I said I needed new glasses?? Well my lazy booty finally got some. I hoped on the Firmoo.com train because let’s face it, it’s too good of a deal to pass up! In that post I was lusting after some Warby Parker frames, and I still love them, but I found some similar ones at Firmoo, and for much cheaper. Since we all know that I don't want to pay full price for anything, that's what made up my mind for me.

If you're not familiar with Firmoo, here's their basic info. Firmoo is the World's Most Popular Online Eyeglasses Store, gaining over 580,000 fans on Facebook. We have always been committed ourselves to offering customers with excellent quality products at the most affordable prices which start at 8 dollars (80%-90% lower than that in the local stores).

 

These babies won me over

 

Honestly I was a little bit skeptical about ordering glasses online because well, I can't see what they look like on my weird shaped face. But Firmoo has a pretty cool virtual try on deal where you can upload a picture of yourself and get an idea of how each frame will fit your face type. I'm so happy with them. It feel so good to be able to see again! They have so many cute options, and since I know how the process works now I will definitely be getting another pair.

Shameless Selfie

And y'all I have to be honest, their service has been INCREDIBLE. I'm a big customer service girl. A company can win me over and make me absolutely despise them based on the way the treat their customers. Everybody I dealt with was so helpful! My glasses came from China and they were here in a little over a week. I was impressed, to say the least.

 

The best part is, they are offering a $30 off voucher code to the first 5 people who comment with interest on this post! And $30 goes a looooong way on their site so you better snag it. Once you comment, I will email you the details on how to get your hook up.

 

First Things First, I'm the Realest

If you are at all like me, then you are seriously loving what Iggy Azelea has to offer right now - including the Fancy song with the post title lyrics. I mean, have you seen the video with her and TI? Whoa too much hotness! I can't seem to get enough of her. And just for your information - did you know that her real first name is Amethyst? Well now you do!
 

 

I loved reading all your comments on my catch up post. That's what I miss about blogging, my sweet friends! I'm not sure that I will end up coming back to blogging full time 3-5x a week like before. I'm just not at that place in my life anymore. I've seen so many posts about "is blogging dead?" and I'm not sure if that's true, but I know lots of us are in a transition time where we aren't on a regular schedule anymore.

 

I did want to share with you a fundraising site that I made this past weekend for my Dominican Republic Mission Trip! I had several people ask me for ways to donate - which totally melted my heart, by the way. So if you feel so inclined - here you go: Nikki's Mission Trip. THANK YOU so much to anyone who even contemplates donating $5 to this cause. It's so special to me and I hope to continue to update you on everything - especially since it's coming up so soon.

I wanted to share a couple other good reads that I've come across lately. I've mentioned before but I LOVE reading single girl/dating posts. I life this single life and honestly it's not always easy. But I remember pleeeenty of days that weren't easy when I was part of a relationship either, so I'm sure the same goes for actually being married. Either way, it's nice to get encouragement no matter what phase you're in.

Single girl reads:
My girl Micah did this dating post, and I loved it. We all have these preconceived rules I think. I know I did/do.
In general:
Single or married girls - this is a must read. You are significant with our without a significant other. Sometimes we just need to hear that.

Until next time, my loves! XOXO

Life Catch Up

WOW I cannot believe it's been 28 days since my last post!! Am I even allowed to technically call myself a blogger anymore? Yeah...probably not. I have missed reading your stories and telling you mine SO MUCH, but honestly life has been happening! And I ain't mad about that!

 

So here's a little catch up for your reading pleasure ~

 

I know the big thing everybody wants to know about is this boy I've been vaguely tweeting about! Kinda funny that in my last Thursday Things To Love post I mentioned that I was taking a dating break. And I really had every intention in my heart to do that! But the boy I said had asked me out and I turned him down in that post? Well he asked me out a couple more times and after turning him down again, I recognized his persistence and agreed to go out with him. Well that was a month ago and we have been together almost everyday since then. I affectionately refer to him as my "almost boyfriend". I forgot how much fun it is to feel this excited! This is the by far the biggest risk I've taken in a year and a half, and honestly even though it's a little scary - it's mostly just filling my heart up. I already have my hopes up, don't get me wrong, but I really want God to be in control of this situation. I don't want to rush it or try to control it. I just want to enjoy it for the blessing that it's been. Maybe more to come on him later...

More good news is that I'm going on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic at the end of July. I cannot tell you how genuinely excited I am!!! I'm still not 100% how I am going to make all the money pieces come together, but I know they will. I feel so led to go and even if I can't spend a penny until then, I will make it work. Will you just pray for me? Will you pray that all the funding comes together and that our group stays focused on our mission and keeps our eyes on God during this awesome time? Thank you friends! I  would appreciate it so much!

Speaking of praying, please keep my mama in your prayers too. (I know I'm asking a lot of you guys today!) I can't remember if I shared the news here or not, but we found out at the end of April that not only is she still battling the stage 4 lung cancer after over a year - but now she's also been diagnosed with stage 2 leukemia. Some days are better than others, but she is really sick. I'm thankful that our relationship has improved so much during this sad time, but we still have rocky times. We really won't know more until later in June when she has another scan. The Lord is faithful, and I know He will take care of her during this time. That doesn't mean that her body will necessarily be healed of this awful cancer, but hopefully all the praying we are doing will comfort her and let her know she's not fighting alone.

Summertime is here finally! For me that means still striving to get my lake body back in shape after lots of neglect. I've made some good progress, and bought some new jeans but I still have a ways to go. I'm doing this challenge for June. My workouts have been so sporadic that I figure this is better than no workouts at all.

 

I think pretty much everything else is status quo around here. Things continue to happen at a rapid pace (feels like), but I think I'm just handling them better. Deep breaths!

I'm going to leave you with one of my favorite YouTube videos right now. You're welcome! :) Glad we got to take a few minutes to catch up. I won't be a such a stranger anymore, hopefully! XOXO
 

 

 

Current Favorites

I know I just did a Currently post last week, but this one is totally different. Well not totally, but different enough. My blog mojo is weak and when that happens I just make lists for you.

 

Current Favorite Song: (I can never pick just one song) Not a Bad Thing - JT,
Sing - Ed Sheeran, Burn - Ellie Goulding

 

 

Current Favorite Nail Color: Essie - Secret Story is on my toes right now

Current Favorite GIF: What more does a girl need? haha

Source

Current Favorite Starbucks Drink:  Iced Vanilla Macchiato with non fat milk
Current Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" I find myself often needing this reminder about my plan not always lining up with God's plan. It's such a comfort to know that when my plan fails, His plan is still in progress.

Current Favorite Thing To Wear: Midi rings - I only have one, but I want them all. So cute!

 

Current Favorite Place to Shop: Marshall's, always and forever

 

Current Favorite Phrase: I'm turning into my mamaw because I say "They lawww" ALL THE TIME!

32 Things That Make Me Happy - Linky

Linking up with my girl Sarah today for 32 Things That Make Me Happy -

let's keep it breezy on a Friday!

1. FRIDAYS!  Fridays are the first born child of the work week, and as the first born child in my family I can say those things.

2. Jesus. He's a pretty awesome dude.

3. French Fries. I'm chubby what do you expect?

4. Baseball season. hellllllllo baseball pants!

5. All things Real Housewives. I've tried to break this addiction (that's a lie, I've just tried to lessen it) but it ain't goin' no where!

6. Iced Coffee. Typical white girl status.

7. My baby brother - who will turn 24 in 2 weeks. Man I'm getting old!

8. A Workout That Makes Me Want to Die. Such a good feeling afterwards, not sure why I can't seem to remember that.

9. My iPhone. iPhone til I die.

10. Blog Friends. Seriously, y'all are the best. Probably better than some of my IRL friends honestly. Most supportive bunch of people eva!

11. Young Adult Books. Give me all your Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Divergent, Jodi Picoult, Lauren Oliver books. I'm a bandwagon jumper, what can I say? (also applies to TV shows, if people are talking about it, I gotta watch it)

12. Being Tan. Call me shallow if you will, but everyone looks better with some color.


13. Sports. I love em and won't apologize for it. Pretty much soccer is the only thing I don't watch. You know it's one of my THREE must haves that any boy I date loves sports like I do. Jesus, makes me laugh and sports. It's just a must. Bonus points if we like the same teams and the same sports talk hosts.

Just kidding, I want both :)

14. Cute Boys. DUH, not sure how many times I have to admit being boy crazy.

15. Pedicures. Got one yesterday - it's like I want to show my feet off to everyone now, which is oddly disgusting.

16. Not wearing socks.

17. Musicals. You know all Disney movies are musicals, right??

18. Hippos. I've always had a strange obsession with them.

19. Office Supplies.  

20. Bargains. I'm as cheap as they come.

21. 4th of July. My favorite holiday - combine sparklers, the lake and the love of America? Sign me up!

22. Patios. And we are definitely entering patio sittin' season!

23. Motivational Quotes. I can't help myself.

24. Verbal Encouragement. It's my love language.

25. Live Tweeting During Awards Shows.

26. All Things Southern. Comes with the territory.

27. History. I wanted to a history teacher for a long time. It's definitely something I am passionate about. I'm one of those nerds who wants to spend a vacay visiting Civil War Battlefields.

28. Hugs. I used to be a selective hugger, but now I want to hug everybody.

29. Yoga Pants. I'm not one of those girls who wants to be dressed up all the time. Yeah it's fun, but if I could wear yoga pants all day, erry day I would.

30. Walgreens. You would think it's my life's goal to spend my paycheck in that place.

31. East TN Happy Places. Norris Lake, the mountains, Neyland Stadium.

32. Lists. Like this one.