Monday Motivation

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Sunday Sermon

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Cafe

Wouldn't you love to be sitting on this street, with these quiet views, enjoying conversation wiht your better half, or enjoying a good book? Sometimes, you just want to be somewhere else. I wouldn't mind being right here.

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Monday Motivation

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One day we will have this.
We will look on back on right now and be glad that God put this dream into our hearts. It is exactly what we are meant to be doing. And will only lead to our being able to accomplish bigger, and better things.

Popscicle

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This makes me so glad it's almost 

s u m m e r.

Monday Motivation

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Fresh cut flowers and a nice, cold glass of wine. 

Looks like a good way to start off the week to me.

H a p p y   M o n d a y.

Sunday Sermon

This morning, Duke and I settled in with breakfast and a cup of coffee to watch "church" (a recorded sermon of Joel Osteens). I usually get a feeling that I need to hear Gods word and today was one of those days. All day yesterday, I felt blue. For no particular reason. I unfortunately allowed it to have an effect on those around me, which, while it was easier than mustering up the strength to be nice, made me feel even worse. When today's sermon was about being good to people, I teared up. I knew what I did yesterday was not what God would have liked to see. I have since asked for forgiveness and the strength to be good to people at every opportunity.
God did not create us to be selfish takers. We are meant to be givers. This is why so many of us are unhappy- we feel good when we give to others, not when we focus on what we don't have. By being a blessing to someone else, you sow the seed to be given a blessing from God. By not taking the chance to be good to people, however small, we are missing the opportunity for our own miracles and breakthroughs to come to pass. Be a blessing and a blessing will be bestowed upon you. It's simple, really. And makes sense. Did letting my attitude get the best of me yesterday make me feel better? No. I actually felt so bad that I had a dream about it so that it has been with me into today. Being good to people feels so much better and will stay with you for just as long, usually longer. It is not only beneficial to those your are being good to, but also yourself.

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Dining Room

My dream one day is to have a large enough dining room to have more than two or three people over at a time to enjoy food together. Our dining room/ foyer only has seating for three right now and we usually end up eating in the living room in front of the tv or laptops anyway. But as our families grow, the southern belle in me is dying to be a hostess. Here are some dining rooms I envy.

Love the centerpiece here. And direct access to the outdoors.

How about those beams and the floors! And the covered head chairs.

Smaller table but the patterns and pops of color are so inviting.

This one is my favorite simply because of the wicker chairs that my family used to have that I sat in for many family dinners that I hope to recreate.

Picnic table, bench seating and directors chairs. So different.

I adore the class and simplicity of this. The chairs, nailhead, flowers and French doors leading outside.

Metal chairs, stripes, lightbulbs and a wreath.

Grand ceilings, chalkboard, giant clock. I love how overstated everything is. But with neutral colors and natural textures, it's inviting and not overwhelming.

Happy (future) Hosting!

Twinkle for an Office Space

If and when I ever get to set up a real, functional office space, I'd love to have some twinkle like this to brighten things up.

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If I have to share it with the business partner (and boyfriend), I don't see this happening. Oh well.

What We Need

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I think this is what we all need right about now.

Happy Weekend!

Shopping Alternatives

Shopping for clothes isn't something I do on a regular basis. For various reasons, one of the major ones being I don't have money to do so. But also because strolling around the mall trying to find stuff that fits and I can justify paying that much money for isn't all that fun. So online shopping has become a nice outlet for me. I can find deals, coupons, sales, discounts, freebies, all kinds of sizes, colors, designs, you name it.
And once again, Pinterest has introduced me to a new love; boutiques. What I would give to run on of these things...

Hopes

Hopes

Bella C

Bella C

Modern Vintage Boutique

Modern Vintage Boutique

These places all have up to date, somewhat trendy pieces that you might not necessarily keep as classic, forever items. But they're reasonably priced (I've adjusted my budget from never paying more than $5 clearance prices to reality) and definitely cute additions to those looking to expand and update a wardrobe.

Another source I have to mention is Etsy. I received several darling gifts from Etsy over Christmas and for my birthday and love that they continue to grow. This is a great place to find originals or cheaper not-so-original pieces. My latest discovery is one I'd rather keep to myself because I have to, well, would like to wait to purchase it until after changing my last name. But it's too dang sweet not to share.

Etsy

Etsy

Etsy

You can pretty much get anything and everything monogrammed now! I'm most excited about the pullover, even though spring is coming. It's the perfect outfit for shopping, running errands, actually running, etc. I'm gonna need one.

Hope this inspires y'all to broaden your shopping horizons! (Just try not to do too much window shopping. That's just as defeating as real life window shopping).

Monday Motivation

" My greatest victory has been to be able to live with myself, to accept my shortcomings. I’m a long way from the human being I’d liked to be, but I’ve decided I’m not so bad after all. "

— Audrey Hepburn 

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Puppy PJs

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Even though he's pretty much full grown, I think Duke needs these. As much as he naps, he should probably have an outfit for such things.

Monday Motivation

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I may have over three hundred pictures of Duke from the year that he's blessed us with that little face (and that personality!), but I don't have nearly as many as I would like with the fam and with the boyfriend. Granted, two of the three years the boyfriend and I have been together, I was a bit (thirty pounds to be exact) heavier and didn't feel like taking many pictures that involved more than my head (but only on my good side...). And he's a guy so, he's not one to pull out the camera phone and snap a "selfy" (learned that social media term on the Today show a few weeks ago).
I thoroughly enjoy looking at old pictures, even if they make me cry and especially if they make me smile. I have a couple years to catch up on. Better get to it.
Happy Monday!

Sunday Sermon

via- Please take a look at my Pinterest Board "Faith"!

They are all a part of His plan. Be aware of how your reactions to various personalities and the circumstances they may present you with. This will only help you grow and make you a stronger, better version of you.

Half Door

One of my many design elements required to make an appearance in one of our future homes is a half, or Dutch, door. My second childhood bedroom had one which I distinctly remember. I would love to have one as a back door. Here are some inspirations.

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 I love the rustic look of this one- almost like a stable door.

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 Indoor and outdoor color contrast.

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 Looks like the dog's loving the view.

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 Windows in both halves.

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Beadboard detail.

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The best inspiration of all.

Somewhere warm.

I found this picture the other day and haven't had the heart to file it away in one of my many blog picture folders and have instead, let it grace me with it's lure of spring/summer (and relaxation-she looks so happy and peaceful) right on my desktop. I simply can't get enough of it.
I have had a crazy irrational need to go to the beach recently. I need sunshine. I need waves. I need sand to lay on. And more sunshine. We finally had a good bit of it the other day and I relished in it while taking Duke out for a potty break. I probably looked borderline insane with my face pointed to the sky, while my dog did his business. I wish I had a picture of this moment. ha.
Anyways, I thought I'd share this picture with y'all in hopes that spring then summer and a trip to somewhere warm will be here soon.

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Monday Motivation

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Love this quote. Love the man.

Sunday Sermon

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DIY Peel-Off Mask

In my desperate search for something to get rid of my out of nowhere overly huge pores (I think it's the weather...I'm hoping it's the weather), I've seen a lot of do-it-yourself stuff and tried a couple of things to no avail. I did, however, come across a diy peel-off mask and tried it this morning after working out and cleaning my face with Sea-Breeze and a cotton ball. That alone helped and I would recommend cleaning your face with soemthing light before trying this mask.

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Now, how this broad got her tissues to fit perfectly around her mouth, nose and eyes, I do not know. Maybe it takes practice. I will reccommend washing and drying your hands thoroughly before tearing the tissues into smaller, more manageable pieces and fitting them onto your face.
I also did not use a brush to apply, just my fingers, and only used about half of the egg white (I saved the rest because I hate wasting and I thought I'd do the mask again at some point).
Do not expect to make any facial expressions once this thing starts to dry. And expect weird, slightly concerned looks from your dog. It tightens, a lot. Which feels amazing. Once the whole thing is dry (10-15 min), peel off. It will more than likely come off in pieces (not one, graceful piece as the picture depicts). You may need to use a wash cloth to remove the remianing egg white.
I defnitely noticed smaller, cleaner pores and plan on doing this mask once a week. Maybe when spring finally rolls around, my face will stop being such a baby. But this is a nice treat until then.
Happy Weekend!

Mason Jar

Browsing on the Target website (which I do way too much), I found maybe the cutest way to enjoy your beverages while traveling. It just might be the only thing I take my smoothies to work in.

Get it here

Monday Motivation

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We should always be improving, becoming a better version of who we were yesterday. Do not base this on your surroundings. Just because those around you may be at a certain level doesn't mean you should feel comfortable settling for the same when you know you can be and will be so much more.
So keep working on it.

Sunday Sermon

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Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Yet another recipe that I made for the boyfriend during his work trip, and also to try out for easy on-the-go breakfasts during our sure to be crazy summer months. I'd say it's a keeper!

The recipe is here. Apparently they're pretty low fat and fairly healthy. But still delicious. These can also be packed in a baggie for breakfast on the road or at work. Note: I used quick oatmeal that I bought at an Amish bulk grocery store and they worked just fine.

Oreo Bark

This is literally one of the easiest recipes I've ever made. It only takes two ingredients, about 10 minutes of work and the end result is delish!

Here's the recipe. This is a great dessert to have around for a reasonably sized solution to a sweet craving. It's also great on the go, which is why I made it (for the boyfriend to take on the road with him). Just throw it in a plastic baggie and enjoy!

Monday Motivation

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Sunday Sermon

Hunters

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Where were these things when I was walking schlepping to class in two feet of snow?!...?!?!

Dollar Store Deals

While living in a small town has it's perks, it surely has some downsides. One of them is not being anywhere near a name brand grocery store, or any name brand store for that matter. Our little market isn't terrible and when you can get stuff on sale, it's comparable to a giant discount store with gas perks and rewards that this one obviously doesn't have. We also have the privilege of being within 2 minutes driving distance from the largest Dollar Store in the state! Go figure. It has a freezer section and everything! It's like a mini Wal-Mart. I hesitated getting a whole lot of stuff from there, though, because, well, it's the Dollar Store. But I've found several things that can be a pretty good deal. And I was relieved to hear that I've been shopping wisely when I read this article. I definitely recommend reading it and then making more frequent trips to the smaller guys and steering clear of the big wigs. They've got enough business anyways. Why waste gas when I can get almost everything right here, and for a better deal?

Monday Motivation

I know I've posted this video before, but I love it so much. Miranda is darling in the beginning and brings tears to my eyes, as well as hope. I've been spoiled with getting to spend so much time with my other half the past few months and have definitely taken it for granted. Now that he's leaving for the majority of a month tomorrow, I'm getting a little sentimental. And blue. (So is Duke-he's not happy about his wrestle buddy leaving for so long and only having wimpy cry-baby mama around.) But it will be good. As my dad says, "Distance makes the heart grow fonder." We'll see. :)
Hopefully this motivates y'all to spend some more quality time with those that God gave to you.

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Spring Skirts & Dresses

I'm so over the cold and the snow and having to bundle up with at least two to three layers every day. What happened to kickin' your shoes off? I have to focus on not to taking out tables, chairs, a puppy and a stairway when trying to get some of my winter shoes off. So in dreaming of spring/summer, I've had my eye on some skirts/dresses to be worn out to eat with families, church, bridal showers (!), lunches with friends, etc. Here are some inspirations for spring shoppin'.

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