Monday Motivation

In light of the new year and numerous resolutions, I'd like to take today to motivate you to rest. Just be. And reset. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the busy that we forget to be in the here and now and take some time for ourselves. Which isn't helping anyone in the end. So take a moment, an afternoon, an evening, or a whole day to stay in your jammies, take off your make up and keep it off, and cuddle with those you love, or just you.

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Our Time

An observation by George Carlin:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. 

Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.

-George Carlin

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Sunday Sermon

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Make time.

Sunday Sermon

As usual, my mom has shown me something that I have to share. This little girl is something else. So inspiring. And the films this organization puts together are amazing. I highly recommend taking 5 minutes to watch some of them, or take the 22 day challenge and have a film sent to you daily. Also, the Robertsons are coming up. Amazing.

http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/bailee-madison/

Sunday Sermon

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This link will direct to a page of amazing posts by Danielle Butler. This picture of a daily devotional is from this post. And this post I needed to hear.
While my previous post regarding a new chapter of my life was regarding my new career, we must not forget that a career is a career and provides a paycheck, not a life.
We cannot get caught up in the money. It's what we do with the time we are not at work that matters more.
Unexpected costs should not derail our lives. They are a part of life and should be expected.
Money provides a living, not a life. Sure, it helps us do and have things that we want. But in moderation. Shopping, for example, should be more about the company you are doing it with than what items you are bringing home. Even if the clothes are for a new job. :)
These are things I know and have been taught but needed reminded of over the weekend.

Trust in the Next Chapter.

Today ends a five year chapter in my life. It has been one of the most rewarding learning experiences thus far. While there are many things I will not miss, there are those (including friends that I have made along the way) that I will miss dearly. But there comes a time in life when things like where you work and what you do with the majority of your week needs to change. That time has come, at the prefect time and I have been blessed with an opportunity that I feel will be a beneficial change for me and my family for years to come. So as one chapter ends, I am beyond excited and thankful to God for the next chapter to begin.

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Keep praying. Keep the faith. God will take you exactly where you need to be, exactly when it is right. To the day. Trust me. And Him.

Closet Cleaning

I love, love, love this broad. She has amazing make up tutorials, great taste in clothing as well as home decor, and her personality is darling. So while browsing her blog today, I was thrilled to see her video regarding getting rid of the old, torn, tight (or loose) fitting and making room for the new. I love her mantra; if it doesn't make you feel good, get rid of it. And I can attest to the fact that cleaning out your closet feels amazing. With an upcoming day of shopping planned with a good friend (who is like a personal shopper-I adore her advice and great taste), I need to polish off my last clean out and this post was great inspiration to do just that. Hope y'all love it (and her) as much as I do!


TiffanyD: Let's Clean Out My Closet! Organization and De-Clu...:

Sunday Sermon

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Sleeping Puppy

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This istantly reminded me of my parents. I can just see their future puppy sleeping peacefully in one of their leather chairs.
Perfect.

October.

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Sunday Sermon

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Monday Motivation

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Dog with Shades.

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I really wish Duke would let me do this.
But he won't.

Think Less.

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As I'm grinding my teeth through this three day long headache, I saw this and took it to heart. The boyfriends brother is getting married this weekend and we are privileged enough to be in the wedding party. Which comes with a lot of things to do to prepare. It's crunch time and all I can seem to do is run through everything, over and over and over again. Too much thinking. Instead, I should focus on a wonderful addition to this crazy family and looking forward to watching these two amazing people build a life together. I'm truly so happy for the both of them and am so excited to be a part of the big day (weekend).

Sunday Sermon

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Sunday Sermon

Boyfriend Jeans

So in my quest to get in better shape, a couple of things have happened. I now weigh two pounds more than I did in high school (!) and I've found myself with newer pairs of pants that just don't fit anymore. Like I could take in a couple of inches kind of too big. My latest gripe has been about my work pants which are khakis, in a tall size, special ordered from Old Navy. So when I came across a tutorial on Pinterest (of course), I thought, perfect! But that I'd better try it out on something other than my only current pair of work pants. So I've decided to make my own pair of boyfriend jeans out of an older pair of jeans that are a size 11 (I'm a size 4-6 now).
Here's my inspiration! Wish me luck!

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Sunday Sermon

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Sunday Sermon

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Tin Cans

My mom gave me one of these with flowers in it a while ago and I just adore the way they look, with all sorts of things in them but especially a pop of colorful flowers. I currently have my can sitting on my nightstand boasting a vibrant red bouquet (of fake ones). Aren't they just the cutest? And so easy to get! Just save that can of green beans and bam! You've got a darling way to serve a mutitude of decor and storage purposes.

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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.