have heart

Just a Little Happy List

2012-02-11T10:47:00.000-06:00

When change is constant and there isn't much good consistency in life, it's important to see the happiness in things.

-date nights with girl friends

-sweet emails

-watches (my next purchase might be this or this!)

-ichat dates like these:

-Spotify playlists that take two months to create and perfect

-chocolate covered raisins

-layers, layers, layers (& some flurries!)

-3:15 PM

-Tasty Crock pot stew

-A new roommate (that also happens to be my best friend!)

-Vitamin C

-Godiva salted caramel milk chocolate bars

-A brand new bra

-Black sparkly nail polish

Like Crazy

2012-01-26T20:34:00.003-06:00

Tonight, per the suggestion of my friend Jordana,

I watched the movie Like Crazy.

It's a love story about a girl and a boy and the distance and hardships that keep them apart. I basically cried through at least 1/3 of it. Bad timing since Nathan is gone for what seems like forever and all. Anyway, so it was an incredible movie. It felt real and was easy to relate with. I wanted to scream with how it ended, but buying the soundtrack has made up for it :) Especially when Dead Hearts by Stars started playing. My favorite.

another atlanta trip

2012-01-23T08:32:00.000-06:00

Nathan and I took a day trip to Atlanta over Christmas break just because.

While we were there we went to the usual Ikea and H&M,

and then to Flip Burger and Octane.

Anyone who's going to Atlanta should eat at Flip Burger. It was so amazingly good. We randomly saw some Nashville friends while we were in Ikea and all decided to go out to eat together there. It was a great experience. GET A MILKSHAKE! You won't regret it.

And then there's Octane. I love coffee, and this place has some of the best. Nate and I always split a french press and have a little date there. They have this awesome wall with a bunch of different coffee drink names on it. It's my favorite part. All the seating inside is vintage lab tables and chairs just like we had in chemistry class in high school. We had a date there this time last year and so I think from now on we will make it a tradition to go there when we visit!

wait, what?

2012-01-22T09:12:00.000-06:00

I never posted these cute pictures from Christmas?

Well you can just have 'em now then!

Nathan and I went to Opryland Hotel right before Christmas because they have amazing lights inside and outside the hotel around that time of year. Inside is the hotel and basically just a huge greenhouse so there's tons of trees, plants, and even a river running through the whole place. It's always decorated so beautifully and it's a nice to have a little date night walk through it.

We went last year so it's definitely going to be a tradition for us to go there together during the holidays. If you ever get a chance to visit Nashville, Opryland Hotel is a great place to visit. Especially with a cute boy like mine :)

Honey & Marrow

2012-01-21T10:18:00.000-06:00

Some dear friends of mine, Kelly and Danny, started an accessory line with gorgeous necklaces, wallets, and more. Their etsy is full of rustic, beautiful things. My dearest boy recently bought one of their necklaces and it's amazing. I feel like all of our friends are walking around wearing one of their creations. It's so fun to see friends doing creative and wonderful things.

Right now I am loving this piece.

I have a special place in my heart for old keys,

so something like this would be perfect!

Check them out!

Guess What!

2012-01-20T20:10:00.002-06:00

My boyfriend (playing guitar and singing on the left side of the screen) is on tour with Mat Kearney for the next six weeks. I am going to miss him oh so much. This is a video from their first show last night in NC. It's so exciting to see him pursuing his dreams in a big way. Sold out shows all over the country and then ending at Jimmy Kimmel. Thankfully I get to see him play one night in Chattanooga with some of our friends! Until then I'll watching him on youtube and hear his sweet voice on the phone ;)

Snow Day

2012-01-14T10:18:00.000-06:00

First, you might notice that the title of this post is indeed "Snow Day" but there is not one single picture of actual snow. At 5:20 AM I got an automated phone call from our school district informing everyone school had been cancelled for the day due to inclement weather. I looked out my window and saw.... my driveway and the grass and a grey sky. Whatever. I didn't care. I went back to bed and slept for a few more hours!

Since I leave so early every morning, us roommates never have breakfast together. Everyone was there, so I made chocolate chip pancakes for us all! Tasteeeyyyyy.

Sara-Taylor is the sweetest and had the coffee pot set for me again, but I didn't end up drinking it until around nine, but still, she is oh so sweet, and it was oh so good.

I like crispy edges. Oil makes that happen.

Go straight to my hips - I don't care. IT'S SO GOOD.

And halfway though - it was a successful breakfast. Let's have more snow days!

Just a Few Things That Make Me Terribly Happy

2012-01-09T22:30:00.001-06:00

1. My down comforter
2. Wedges
3. The gloves that allow your fingers to be exposed, but have the extra thing that can cover them up
4. Completing the first book of The Hunger Games
5. My oh so sweet and thoughtful roommate, who set the coffee maker for me this morning (I love coffee but still have no idea how to make it myself?)
6. Vitamins (specifically D3, folic acid, C, and L-lysine)
7. Packages in the mail from this sweet lady
8. A boyfriend who writes me love notes on lined sheet music paper
9. My job (even if I want to throw every single last child out the window)
10. Martin Luther King Day is Monday (that means no school!!!)

Chili Night!

2012-01-05T18:14:00.001-06:00

The other night my boyfriend Nathan and I got together and made some chili per his request. It was fabulous! The only thing is I didn't have any Fritos. I loooove chili and Fritos. So I made cornbread instead. It should have been awesome, but it was so gross. (I should have known - It was an expired mix that I tried anyway and it turned out so poorly.)

I have been a pescatarian (like a vegetarian, but I eat fish) for the past two years almost, but just recently have let some meat back into my system. This was one of my first times eating beef in almost two years! Ahhh it was crazy, but oh so good.

We didn't use any crazy recipe or anything, just one of those little chili spices packets, ground beef, tomatoes, and beans. Then we watched The Girl Who Played With Fire (we watched all of the Swedish trilogy this week - so nuts but SO good), snuggled, and called it a night.

Yum yum yum yum yum!

Today Was Not My Finest Hour

2012-01-04T18:22:00.000-06:00

I graduated and got my teaching license in May of this year. My first job was at this great school teaching kindergarten. It was so wonderful and I was beyond thankful for such a wonderful job. The only catch was that after Christmas, I was moved to third grade. I was hired to take over two maternity leaves so I always knew this would be coming, I just put it out of my mind until the day came.

Today was my first day in third grade. I had 22 kids ignore every word I said from 7:45 - 3:15. I am at the same school, so I saw my kindergarten babies walking in the hall this afternoon. They went crazy and hugged me and said they missed me. I lost it and cried for the rest of the afternoon. My heart breaks and I miss my class. I know I will eventually get the hang of these new kids, but it's really hard to be ignored and disrespected by an eight-year-old.

I had classroom management down when I was in kindergarten. My room was a well-oiled machine. My kids were awesome and did so well. Of course I had problems just like any teacher does, but I really connected with them. It's different now. I don't know how to reach these kids. I don't know how to make to listen or to just be quiet for one minute. My sanity was out the window today. I know the structure and order will come, but it's hard when I spent so much time establishing that in a class that I had to leave. I just have to prove myself- to myself, and to the other teachers and faculty. If I can survive this and succeed, then I can do anything.

(via Typewritten)

In other (better) news, a teacher on my team gave me The Hunger Games today. I started reading it and it's so good! I had to force myself to take a break from reading it so I could blog. I definitely see it rivaling Harry Potter. I mean, that's blasphemy, I know. But seriously, it's awesome and I'm only about twenty pages in.

New Year, New Things // 12 Things for 2012

2012-01-02T16:42:00.000-06:00

With a little convincing, I decided blogging regularly would be on the agenda for 2012. I am already pretty excited about it. It really forces me to document things that happen in my life and I have always enjoyed doing that. Rather than update on the past year or so of my life, I want to start fresh and move forward.

With that being said, instead of doing a traditional New Years resolution,

I have chosen 12 things to focus on for 2012.

All of them are pretty self-explanatory, but the first one I'd like to elaborate. Love can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. I have had trouble truly loving others. I honestly believe that getting closer to God and His word will make loving others a more natural thing to do. Being kind and thoughtful to others, spending more quality time with friends and family, and most importantly, with God, fit into that category.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

All of the things I have chosen mean something to me, I want to incorporate them into my life, and are tangible things that I could actually take part of and complete. Setting goals and keeping them for the year will be hard, but definitely worth it.

What are your goals and what are ways you help keep them?

DIY: his & hers

2011-06-27T17:36:00.003-05:00

My beautiful friend Jenny just got married to her best friend, Bennett. She is the sweetest, kindest lady ever. For their wedding gift I wanted to make a little something for them. I got the inspiration here and improvised when I couldn't find any carafes that I liked.

You will need: two tea cups, stick-on letters, masking tape, newspaper, and spray paint.

With patience and a steady hand, I placed the stickers in the appropriate places.

I taped off the extra area to make a little square around the letters.

Next, I sprayed the exposed area. I used spray paint that is made for the grill (it was randomly in my garage) so it would have a matte finish and could withstand high heat.

I made the mistake of taking the stickers and tape off too soon so I would definitely suggest leaving it on for 24 hours just to be safe. There you have it! A sweet, little present for the newly weds! Don't forget to put a note with the cups telling them they were hand-made so they needed to be hand-washed :)

bffs

2011-06-21T20:35:00.000-05:00

I can say I usually try to stay away from the most personal of personals in this space, but I need to work some things out. I feel lonely. It is no one person or a group of people that can fill that space, but having those people are wonderful. In the past year I have had huge transitions in my life and lost what I would consider my "group" of friends that I spent the majority of my time with. I have tried to assess whether it's growing up or whether I have just become some hated person and maybe I'm just completely unaware of it. I am very social and love being with friends. I put a lot into relationships. They hold so much weight in my life, and to feel for this season that they are drowning is really hard for me to handle. Friends running off and getting married, starting families, getting serious with significant others, moving, getting busy - it happens to the best of us. Heck, it happens and is happening to me. We're all so busy and wrapped up in our own things, but when does it ever just settle down? Do I get those friends back? Will I gain new ones? What am I doing wrong and how can I fix it to make it better? Some people are so lucky and just have that group of people that love them and are there for them through thick and thin. I have never really had a best friend. I've had groups of people, but they never stick. They change with seasons of my life. I just feel like I am in a constant state of missing at the moment. Maybe everyone makes their lives look better through the web, but I am definitely missing out and my heart hurts for that.

day off

2011-06-14T14:24:00.001-05:00

Here's the deal: I LOVE Twizzlers. Almost anytime I make it to the grocery I grab a small bag. This time I just went for it. A two pound bag. Maybe there are 160 calories in 4 pieces but the bag says it's a "low fat snack" so....I have been snackin happy for the past two days.

Today is my day off so I slept in and have been watching the Pretty Little Liars marathon on tv. I don't watch this show and I don't think I really ever have before so I have been googling spoilers so I can understand what is going on. I miss Gossip Girl.

For now I'm going out to meet up with my friend Amanda for some Thai food and chats, and then dinner and seeing Super 8 with my boyfran <3

DIY: Candles

2011-06-09T12:17:00.001-05:00

As I said a few days ago, I am always finding fun diys that I want to try so today is one from Chelsea of Seablanket! She had a tutorial for making candles that I knew would be perfect for a mother's day gift.

In my parent's home they "went green" when it comes to energy (our house runs off solar and we use a lot of candles) and try to live sustainably (we get our veggies and fruits from a large aquaponics system in our backyard). Honestly, whatever my mom would want for herself she could just go buy, but she is so selfless and never does that. I knew she didn't need another bath and body works lotion/body wash set. I tried to think of something that was completely useful, thoughtful, and took effort to make. I hand-make all my cards and when I can I try to hand-make gifts. It shows much more thoughfulness and time than any giftcard ever could. That's where the diy came in.. I saw it and knew it was perfect for my sweet mama. Thanks Chelsea! :)

I bought soy wax for my candles. It burns much cleaner than regular candle wax. It's much more expensive though. I bought wick that you just cut to length. It's good in theory (you get more wick for your money) but unlike the premade wicks, it doesn't have the little metal things that keep it in place. The wicks ended up moving while in the freezer and aren't centered. I'd suggest getting premade wicks. Seeing Chelsea's cups I knew I wanted something just like hers. My mom loves glass like that. I picked them up for a few bucks at Salvation Army.

Melt down wax according to directions. I used a double boiler, but mine was the kind you could microwave if you wanted. I also added some vanilla oil to give it a sweet smell, but the soy wax smelled pretty good by itself.

Pour melted wax into cups and add wicks. Like I said above, I suggest getting premade wicks. These didn't work too well. Put cups in the freezer to cool for a few hours. Also, disregard the bags of film in my freezer ;)

When your candles have cooled all the way, you'll need to melt some more wax and pour it on the top. The candle cracks and shrinks while in the freezer. I got a little sloppy with that part and got it on the edge which you can see in this picture. I cleaned them up later before giving them to my mama ;)

Ta-da! There you have it! Suuuuper simple and easy.

I had a 40% coupon for Michael's where I got the wax and wicks, but it was still a very expensive project. Buying candles for a store is almost always more cost effective, but this was fun and I enjoyed putting the work in for my mom. She's the greatest!

weekdays

2011-06-05T12:41:00.000-05:00

Being a nanny can be such a fun job. Getting to tote around other people's kids, doing fun stuff and getting paid for it. Other times it's not quite so fun. Like when you work 7-7 and you doing 6 loads of laundry and a load of dishes everyday, sitting around watching movies on TV on rainy days spent inside because you can only watch them play video games for so long. But I am so thankful for this job. The pay is amazing and it's fun most of the time. I have technically never worked a full time job before. I have always worked since forever, but never a full 40 hours a week. It's so exhausting, but rewarding at times when I get to have good talks with the kids, or hold them when they cry, drive them to baseball practice and games, and get that check at the end of the week :)

What are some things you fill your weekday with?

2011-05-30T11:14:00.001-05:00

brb guys, gotta go kiss my bf for a while.

He just got back from Europe last night!

Oh how I have missed him.

xoxo <3

PostSecret

2011-05-29T11:17:00.000-05:00

PostSecret is something I have read consistently every single Sunday for the past five years. If you've been under a rock and have no clue, PostSecret is an art project started by Frank Warren. People anonymously mail in their secrets on postcards that they have created.

It's so beautiful to see all the different postcards sent in. People are so incredibly creative. The secret can be something simple to a deep desire or hurt that has never been expressed before. I love reading how honest people get on these postcards. Some of the postcards get posted on his blog and others are in an assortment of books. I have one of his books and I love it.

There are so many different secrets to read. One you can totally relate to, ones you cry over because you can't imagine someone is going though that, and ones you laugh at because they are so silly and ridiculous.

I personally have never sent in a secret. I know everyone has their secrets, but I honestly can't think of anything I'd want to send in. I do want to send in a postcard one day, though. When the time is right. I think it's such a great idea. It's something everyone can relate to.

Arrow & Apple

2011-05-28T09:40:00.006-05:00

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Sarah a few years back. We went to the same church and were in a home group together. Her and her husband recently packed up and moved to Washington and started Arrow & Apple, a photography and art collaboration. They are both completely amazing at what they do. I call dibs on her shooting my wedding ;)

seriously, click on the pictures and make them bigger,

my tiny blog cannot do them justice - so beautiful!

check them out!

website || facebook || twitter

sunnies

2011-05-27T09:26:00.002-05:00

Have I said I have an amazing boyfriend? Well I do.

He's not even in the country and I still am finding ways to brag about him.

For my graduation he bought me RAY BAN WAYFARERS!

I could not be happier. Tortoise shell frames, polarized lenses, and all.

I have been wearing Ray Ban knock-offs for years. Ones I literally found somewhere. If it wasn't those, then it was blublockers or some other random assortment of shades I happen to pick up for $5 at Forever 21 and threw in my purse 100 times and got scratched up and broken so I super glued them back together.

But these little babies have a hard case and I keep them safe in there at all times. And I even have the little cleaning cloth that comes with it so I can clean the lenses without scratching them up. The world is truly much prettier through scratch-free polarized lenses!

brb, y'all. gotta go sit on babies and get my tan on.

what, you though I'd post a real bikini picture? chyeah right ;)

***edit: pool day was a success! Sure, pay me $15/hour to take your kids to the pool. Too cold (for me) to get in the water but the kiddos loved it and I got some sun.

girl's night!

2011-05-26T21:59:00.002-05:00

Since I've gotten older I have noticed I'd much rather stay in and do something low-key by myself or with my boyfriend. The occasional coffee out with Chelsea and I'm perfectly content. This is completely different that I use to be - going out every single night spending hours with groups of friends. I have found that I really and truly care about a select few and want to invest my time in them rather than spread myself too thin.

Tonight I spent some wonderful time with Stephanie and Mary Love. They are girls that I have hung out with before in big groups but never really gotten to know them super well. We went to Taco Mamacita (our fav) and had tacos and sangria. It was such a wonderful time spent with sweet, genuine girls. I also got to meet a girl named Megan who will be my future roommate in August! I have never really had a "best friend" that wasn't a boyfriend so it's nice to have some new little girl friends in my life to share secrets and life with.

Do you have a best friend? :)

Fabric Wrapped Hangers

2011-05-25T09:40:00.001-05:00

Some of my favorite things on other blogs are DIYs.

I don't think I have time or am creative enough to think of things on my own,

but I try to give myself a break from my busy work schedule to do a fun little craft every so often.

An easy way I have found to keep track of a DIY I want to try is by pinning them on my DIY Pinterest. This idea is inspired by Corrie. I had two Urban Outfitters skirts that I've had for years that I love,

but decided I wanted them a little shorter so I did a quick alter.

The leftover material I used to wrap basic plain ole hangers to make them cute and pretty!

This takes practically no time at all and I did it while catching up on some episodes of Gossip Girl :)

Materials needed: Scissors, hangers with no hooks, fabric, masking tape.

Cut fabric into about 1 inch wide strips.

I wrapped a total of six hangers and found it easiest to tape the fabric

at the very top hook part of the hanger and wrap your way down and around.

Once the whole hanger was wrapped and the fabric met back in the middle again,

I found it easiest to cut the last little bit of fabric in half and tie it in a knot

right around the middle of the hanger where the hanger meets the hook part.

I sewed the fabric together on some of the hangers and that works fine,

but tying works just as well and it's much quicker.

And there you have it! Simple simple simple.

I have hung some pretty dresses on them

and it's much better than the yucky plastic one!

2011-05-24T09:05:00.003-05:00

The beautiful Elise was the first person I knew that posted about Pinterest. I fell in love with her boards and how organized they were. It seemed like the perfect way to keep track of DIY I wanted to try, pretty pictures, and inspired ideas. I requested an invite, got one, and have been in love ever since. Whenever I see something I like on a website, I just pin it to one of my boards that are separated into different categories.

Do you have a Pinterest? Do you find it helpful like I do?

Check mine out here!

Here's the Deal -

2011-05-23T02:11:00.003-05:00

I love my blog. I do! I really really really do.

It's been wonderful to post things I've done and memories of the sort.

I apologize for not being here for five months. FIVE MONTHS!

Guys, I was SO BUSY last semester. Like, it was unreal.

I can't even begin to describe it. Student teaching, online class, working,

lesson plans, trying to sleep - it was never ending.

But that's done and over with (for now!)

Currently:

Part-time nanny turn full-time nanny at the end of May to two crazy boys.

They are older so we do fun stuff. It's pretty great.

Lots of extra babysitting on the side to another family I nannied for a while,

just trying to make up for the five or so months

I didn't get to work consistently while student teaching.

I GRADUATED!

I have a degree in early childhood education (certified pre k - 3rd)

from Trevecca Nazarene University. I am so incredibly happy, thankful, and blessed.
I had an awesome experience and education and couldn't ask for anything more.

So now I am studying for the MAT so I can get into graduate school

(also at Trevecca) to get my masters in ELL (English Language Learners).

Basically I would have a class full of students who
English is not their primary language that they speak.

Their parents speak another language or they moved here from another country -

whatever the case, English is not their first language.

These students need extra special help and attention to understand and do well in school.

I have such a huge place in my heart for these kids.

It is my absolute passion and I cannot wait to start!

The graduate program starts in the fall so if I get in then I will be working full time
and taking classes every Saturday all day for 15 months to get in my 30 hours for my masters.

It's going to be crazy, but I'm so ready.

I'm also trying to get a job as a teacher here in Nashville.

It's tough out there. Wish me luck!

I have a crazy cute boyfriend named Nathan who is amazing and I adoooore him <3

We have been dating for about five months now and I couldn't be happier.

He is the absolute sweetest ever and I am so lucky.

He goes to Belmont which is another university here in Nashville.
He also plays guitar and is amazing at it.

(Take a listen if you'd like: Mariah McManus, Ravello, Robert Kelly, The Sleep Design, & this video)

Last but not least, I know this song is older but it's been on repeat for DAYS.

I don't know how I wasn't obsessed with it before, but I sure am now.

I guess that's about it for now.

How are YOU? :)

Oh Hiiii

2011-01-28T23:56:00.000-06:00

I'm sorry

(not sorry at all actually)

Student teaching and my online class and life have been kicking my butt in the best way. I have never been more excited about where my life is headed. Things are well on their way and I'm on the right track for sure. I just have to keep up with my never ending amount of papers and things due. My notebook is a disaster and everything is wonderful. I wake up everyday at 5:45 and don't leave school most days til 4:30 or 5. I nanny a lot and am writing lessons or reading my stupid geography textbook for my online class constantly. I literally don't do much of anything else except see my wonderful friends occasionally. My days are like...

I get to make up math questions and add whatever names I want ;)

okay bye! <3

two thousand and ten

2011-01-01T17:02:00.003-06:00

In January I spent lots of time getting to know new sweet little Desmond puppy, took a trip to Atlanta, watched the last episode of Conan, stopped wearing "new clothes", and my parents moved into a new house.

In February I was busy with school, believed in a lot, my blog turned one, watched LOST for the first time live, and had the best Valentine's Day celebration.

In March I began my obsession with sewing, took my first Praxis, my roommate Kristin got married, I planted lots of trees, and spent tons of time in the garden. And I spent lots of time with friends doing tons of other different fun amazing things.

In April I got a new sewing machine, planted more trees and then had an amazing weekend, made a list of my favorite things, did fun things a lot with friends, and celebrated a day that changed everything.

In May my city flooded (1+2), I had the best birthday ever, my best friend got married and we celebrated, worked a lot and LOST ended, did a prom for grown ups, Jordan and Katy got married, and started little projects for Summer Camp.

In June I went to Florida (1, 2, 3), got my hair cut by a professional for the first time since the 8th grade, nannied, celebrated 365 days, and my face was in a magazine.

In July I spent time with friends and nannied, took a Home EC class, and then spent more time with friends. Then I went to Gulf Shores, Louisiana, and Texas. Then I made a little something special for Baby Ben.

In August I was broken, everything fell apart, and was a mess. I focused my attention to some big projects and moved into a new apartment. I worked myself to the bone. I also had the greatest friends ever that save my life. There was still a lot to be happy about.

In September I went back to school, Desmond turned one, my love for reading was sparked once again, spent lots of time with friends, filled my time with little projects, and learned so much.

In October I went to Next Big Nashville, started having warm drinks on cool nights, went to St. Louis, started to feel again, had a fall party, Pinkberry opened in Nashville, took a trip to Atlanta just because and spent lots of time with friends, wrote a letter to myself, and was a zombie.

In November Parker came to visit, I was happy, I was busy, went to Florida for Thanksgiving, started reading Twilight, and Astrud Gilberto was never far out of ear shot.

In December everything changed, things became clearer, and I went with it. I felt more than I had in months. I saw Christmas lights and took a trip to Atlanta (again) just because. I finished my last semester of classes, went home, shot guns, did fun Christmas things with my friends, and had a wonderful white Christmas day with my family.

{photo via Parker Fitzgerald}

Another whole year has come and gone. The older I get the quicker they go. Three hundred and sixty-five days full of any and every emotion and feeling imaginable. I wouldn't change a single thing. It has been a wonderful year and I have learned so much. I cannot wait for this year. This year I become a real adult. Here goes nothing!

2009 recap

2010-12-25T23:10:00.000-06:00

Oh My Deer blog & shop

White Christmas!

2010-12-25T23:06:00.001-06:00

This morning we woke up to a white Christmas! I have never had a white Christmas before since all my Christmases have been in Florida. This was early in the afternoon and it just continued to snow more and more as the day went on. We tried to go see my brother at the station, but we got about 30 minutes out and it was just too icy and snowy so we turned around and went home. I was really disappointed, but he'll be home early in the morning so we'll celebrate Christmas with him then!

My parents and I did a little gift exchanging this morning and it was so fun. I got some super comfy owl pjs. I prefer to go shopping with my mom and pick out things I want instead of her buying them and wrapping them for me. I like the quality time and shopping with my mom more than thinking of her stressing in the mall on what to get me. We're going shopping sometime in the next few days and I'm really excited. It's like a continuation of Christmas!

I also got a baby hippopotamus!!!!

Merry Christmas babies!

What Does Christmas Mean To You?

2010-12-24T19:24:00.001-06:00

I have only known two Tennessee Christmases. All of my family lives in Florida and we go there every year. I have a very large family so it's always fun and chaos and loud and happy all the time. Tonight is Christmas Eve and I'm at home with my parents in Franklin. My brother had to work a 48 hour shift (he's an EMT) and so we didn't get to go to Florida this year. I have spent the majority of the day with them and it's been wonderful. We have traditions as a family and they have changed some since I've gotten older. The day after Thanksgiving we always decorate the tree together while listening to Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman Christmas. Those two have been our families main Christmas albums. I don't know a single Christmas without them playing as we decorate the tree. Christmas to me is Florida. It's going to the beach and barely ever having to wear long sleeves. We always have homemade cinnamon rolls the day before Christmas Eve and make chocolate covered pretzels and peanuts. I got my love for coffee from my dad. When spending any amount of time at my house the question "Ashley, do you want some coffee?" is asked several times a day. Our home runs off solar power, so we have a fire in the fireplace going all the time. We spent several hours yesterday chopping wood to keep the fire going for the rest of the winter. It's so cozy and comforting to me. Even when we lived in Florida we had a fireplace and I love it. It's home to me.

Most importantly, Christmas is remembering the birth if Jesus and celebrating His love for us. It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle of everything and forget what this time of year is truly about. We read the Christmas story every year as a family out loud together and talk about what it mean to us. I treasure the time I get to spend with my family and remembering how important God's love for us is.

A Little Baking Party

2010-12-21T18:27:00.000-06:00

My dear friend DaNae had a baking party at her house the other night. When did we become such Suzie homemakers?

All of us girls brought over a few different supplies and worked together to create some tasty treats! Seriously, I have some of the greatest friends ever. They are just simply the best. We had such a wonderful time.

We all had things that we enjoyed doing. I dipped the crackers and pretzels in chocolate while DaNae and Lisa rolled and cut the dough for cookies. We all decorated and Aimee cleaned up the mess when we were done. We made SO many little goodies. I was so sick from licking chocolate off my fingers and dipping cookies in frosting. It was sugar overload!

We chatted about boys and life and caught each other up on everything that has been going on. It's so nice to spend quality time with people you truly enjoy being around. That's what the holiday are all about!

Home Sweet Home

2010-12-20T12:43:00.001-06:00

Over Christmas break I've been spending some time at my parents home. This is my most favorite house we've had and I love being here to visit. They live only 30 minutes from me so it's not far to drive at all. Within the first thirty minutes of me being home (right after my mom made us pancakes!) my brother and I went out to shoot.

We have six acres, two of that being woods behind my house. I don't shoot animals or anything, but it's always fun to go out back with my brother and shot at a target on the tree. I remember when we lived in a neighborhood when I was probably 10 and we'd shoot BB guns at milk jugs. That might be against the law, I'm not sure. We now have a lot of our own land somewhat in the country of Franklin and it's acceptable to let out a few rounds whenever we want.

My dad had just got a new gun so my brother was showing it to me. We also got some new awesome noise canceling headphones that let you hear when someone is talking but block out the sound when you actually shoot. They were amazing because my earplugs never really do the job.

I know I look so incredibly attractive. My outfit is just so put together... ha, NOT. I was still wearing my pajamas. But I was excited because I got to wear my new heavy duty snow boots! They are amazingggg. It was so freezing and my feet weren't even cold at all. Such a great investment even though my feet look like I should be in Minnesota.

This is next to our front door. Yeah, really. Wow. Don't break into my house, y'all. This is for real haha.

After shooting for a while, I spent several hours crocheting by the fireplace trying to finish a little project in just two more days. It's become one of my favorite past times.

My house runs off solar energy so we don't turn the heat on fully in my house. We have a fire going almost all the time and I love it. It always smells so nice and is cozy and warm. And my sweet mama decorated the house cute for Christmas.

I always like our tree best because the ornaments are all sentimental. I know it's not super pretty but it all means so much. There are still paper ornaments I made in kindergarten on it! (my mom hides those ones in the back though haha)

Then we had a little Christmas party and I enjoyed lots peppermint bark and brownies and tons of food! I have probably gained ten pounds this month from all these Christmas parties! I don't mind! :)

ATL

2010-12-18T13:46:00.003-06:00

I took a little day trip with Nathan to Atlanta yesterday. He needed a new jacket and we were both craving some IKEA so we drove 4 hours south for a day full of our favorite things. With a 95 song playlist, crocheting, and some good conversation to keep us company, we were on our way.

Panera has become a regular thing for us, so that was our first stop. A bowl of tomato soup and a veggie sandwich on focaccia and I'm one happy girl. It was actually a little warm so we sat outside, but then it was freezing. Next stop was IKEA. I went to IKEA in October and spent a small fortune, so there wasn't too much I needed. Just the basics. Boring stuff really, but still oh so wonderful.

Then, we went to this cute little coffee shop in Midtown called Octane. We shared a french press and took it easy for a while. I can't say I was the hugest fan of the coffee, but the atmosphere was great.

The company was great as well.

Then it was off to H&M. I went to H&M this time last year and that was the last time I bought new clothes. I decided in 2010 I wasn't going to buy any new clothes and have stuck to that promise this whole time! I have to admit it was so wonderful to find something I love and it actually fit me. Thrifting clothes tends to be rather difficult at times. I got several dresses, a blazer, a jacket, and a cute new purse. We had a really nice dinner and dessert afterward at Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro and headed home. It was such a wonderful day.

recently,

2010-12-16T19:29:00.000-06:00

Inspired by this picture I decided to fill the large space I have above my bed. In between (not) studying for exams I gave myself a break and crafted for a while with random leftover scrapbook paper. I am quite happy with it!

This week has been an eventful one, for sure. Last night I took a trip with friends to Opryland Hotel to see all the pretty Christmas lights and decorations. I just love this time of year.

The Young International and Amy Stroup teamed up to make a pretty little song that I just cannot stop listening to so I thought I'd share it.

pretty pretty please

2010-12-13T10:45:00.002-06:00

For Christmas every year my parents always just give me money. I know it seems a little too easy, but it's what I want. One of my most favorite things about getting new things is shopping for those new things. I have been compiling a list of things I want to purchase with my Christmas money. I probably could only get a few of these things, but it's still fun to look! Thanks Mom and Dad! :)

This vintage Pyrex bowl. I have a few sets already at my apartment and I'm completely obsessed with them. They are always so cute and I adore the bright colors.

This amazing bag. I have seriously walked into the store like five times to buy this purse and just can't seem to justify spending $70 on a purse even though mine is completely falling apart and I really really love this one. This is the thing I'm most likely to purchase.

(If I had all the money in the world) These amazing shoes. I would wear these babies everydayyyy.

This perfect clock. I already have a vintage analog clock that I love but it gave out on me a few weeks ago. It still sits in the same spot as always reading 4:02 all the time. It's about time I replace it.

Some super cute boots. I have a similar vintage pair that is, once again, about to give out on me. They are literally falling apart at the seams but I just continue to wear them nearly everyday.

It would take a miracle, but I really want one of these posters but I can't seem to find anywhere that is selling them anymore.

This pretty dress. It's so simple and adorable. I'd pretty much take anything with a collar.

Urbanears headphones are the absolute best. I just want to walk around wearing them at all times.

And last but not least, some pretty bowls to decorate my kitchen with. Those patterns and colors couldn't be any better.

What are some items that are on your Christmas list?

Paper Paper Paper

2010-12-11T19:43:00.001-06:00

I was thinking today about my Paper Sparrow prints (I have Ever After and The Proposal) and how adorable it would be to continue on with the fox series and purchase a few more paper goodies from her shop when it reopens in a few days. I have always thought of myself and my significant other as cute little foxes doing sweet things together like in these prints. They make me happy.

(There will be a real post tomorrow, I swear.)

Here's To Feeling,

2010-12-07T12:11:00.001-06:00

+ Children's books
+ Heartbeats
+ Secondhand smoke
+ Christmas songs
+ French press
+ Vintage thread
+ Speak Now
+ 5am airport trips
+ Excedrin migraine
+ Family
+ Sephora by OPI
+ Girlfriends
+ Donuts
+ Reading all day
+ Lesson plans
+ Expired film
+ Any night that ends at 4am

Because It's Almost Christmas

2010-12-04T20:05:00.001-06:00

Today is the fourth of December and what better way to celebrate than with a mix! Like the last one, this was made for someone else, but I couldn't help but share with you. I have been listening to it non-stop today since I made it this afternoon.

Right now it's 40 degrees outside. I know we won't have any snow until January or February, but I am definitely craving some now. Layering all my clothes is my favorite thing to do, so I'm in heaven right now. I'm about to walk out the door in tights, tall socks, boots, skirt, cardigan, and jacket.

This is truly the greatest time of year. I am so thankful for my friends and family whom I love so much. Now if I could only get on top of all my school work I would be set! I hope everyone have a fun and cozy night!

Because It's Almost Christmas

(click the link then save file)

Give and Take Away

2010-12-03T11:41:00.000-06:00

I have experienced migraines for the past three years. It has become what I would consider chronic (at least once a week, if not more) in the past year and a half to the point where I went to the doctor to make sure I didn't have a tumor or something. When it happens the pain is unbearable. I get the smallest bit of relief if I have silence and complete darkness. It has become something I know how to deal with and can now somewhat function through the pain. Covering my eyes, pressing on the spaces above my left eye, concentrating really hard so I don't vomit from the nausea the pain induces. I don't take medications because I know my body well enough that it can get over the sickness in it's own time, but this is different. The pain literally doesn't go away until I take two Excedrin migraines and close my eyes.

A few days ago, Ross and I were having our regular nightly routine of Fido take-out and French films. He knows me better than most and saw the pain in my eyes the second I walked in the door. After some convincing on his part, he walked me to the corner gas station to get me some Excedrin. You'd think I would know better and would carry this stuff with me and not try to pretend like it's not happening. I took two and chugged a bottle of water. We continued with our night and took an intermission half way through so he could smoke. We were sitting in our regular spots, he in the white chair, me on the couch, as I watched him smoke like I have so many times before. In that moment I was overwhelmed realizing I no longer had the nauseating pain that had taken over my head just a few short hours before. I was so relived and thankful. I don't know why it happens, but when it's gone, I am the happiest. I have this fear that one day it will come and never go away.

When I drove home much later that night, I thought of my migraine pain in comparison to heart ache. I had been talking to my friend Chelsey earlier that night and she was commenting on how good I was doing in comparison to how I was just a few short months ago. I've got it together and I'm not on the edge of bursting into tears every moment of the day like I was before. Sometimes it's so easy to forget how low I felt and not focus on how great I'm doing now. Sometimes I feel like this is never going to go away, but it will. It's a pain that slowly fades in time. I've had some amazing people in my life encouraging me that things are going to be okay and remind me that I'm so much better now than I ever have been before. I cannot wait for the day I wake up and realize all the pressure has been lifted off me and I am brand new again.

Give The Gift Of Love!

2010-12-02T12:20:00.003-06:00

I have been in correspondence with a sweet little lady named Katrina Bookhout. She stumbled upon my blog somehow through the vast expanses of the internet and turns out she is friends with my old roommate! Such a small world.

She and her team work for a nonprofit called Krochet Kids international in Newport Beach and they are doing this winter project called Give the Gift of Love. They employ women in Northern Uganda to crochet hats, scarves and laptop cases that they sell in the states. The proceeds of these sales goes to paying them fair wages and to providing them with financial education courses.

Give the Gift of Love is their way of getting people stoked on their program and to boost their sales so that they can then hire more women and help more families rise out of poverty. After tearing through their website, I completely support and believe in what they are doing.

Right now they are offering 15% off when you buy a product and you get a chance to win a trip to Uganda and you help the ladies. It's a win-win-win situation. Just enter the code changealife at checkout!

Buy something here!

December!

2010-12-01T15:48:00.004-06:00

Even though winter doesn't officially start until the 22nd, I consider the first day of winter to be December 1st. It's so cold out today, but still sunny and bright. I wasn't properly dressed as I ran out of the house running late in a short dress, very thin tights, and heels, as the sky was quite deceiving. But it's beautiful and makes me so happy.

I finished reading Twilight this morning and my friend Jenna is bringing me New Moon when we meet up tonight. Needless to say, I'm on edge waiting for it. So lame.

Something else I'm excited about for tonight is the Ravello and Neulore CD release show at 12th and Porter. If you're in Nashville you have to come to this show. These boys are some of my favorite people and musicians. Details here.

And as always, in honor of the new month there is a new Lisa Rupp calendar available. My desktop is now prettier than ever. I love how clean and bright it looks. I've had my fabric calendar hanging up in my room since I got it back in September. Now it's almost time to actually use it!

Let's Talk About Twilight,

2010-11-29T22:18:00.001-06:00

I assure you I was ALWAYS the girl that was yelling at the other girls (ehem-Chelsey, Jenna, and Chelsea) to shut up about Twilight. I didn't care at all about vampires or Team Jacob or any of that stuff. I was sitting with Jenna one night two weeks ago and somehow she convinced me to read it. I don't know how, and now that I think about it, I don't remember even resisting a little bit. I have been reading a ton lately and didn't think twice about it. I simply agreed and went on my way. I was in the middle of reading three other books at that time, so I put Twilight aside. I have finished two of those three books and started Twilight over Thanksgiving break. I'm still working on Eat, Pray, Love. It's good, other things just distract me more like deadlines and required reading and, of course, Twilight. I don't have mass amounts of time to read this book like I'd like to. I assure you I could have finished it within the first day if I had the time. I'm half way done and am completely sold. As I sit here and type this all I'm thinking about is how I can't wait to be done typing so I can go read more. All I'm saying is don't knock it until you've tried it. Just read half the book before you tell me it's stupid. I haven't seen the movie or anything but the book is completely amazing. I still don't care anything about vampires, but Stephanie Meyer tells a pretty great story. I am literally holding my breath sitting on the edge of my seat and I fly through these pages. I can't believe I'm saying this. Just read it.

What's In My Bag :: Travel Edition

2010-11-29T17:32:00.002-06:00

For the past five days I have been spending some well deserved time away in Florida. I am from Florida and all my extended family still lives there so we go and visit all the time. Thanksgiving was the occasion for this trip and we had so much fun. I haven't done a What In My Bag in quite some time, so I thought I'd do it again. Seems I always carry the same types of things, just in different over-sized bags..

I thrifted this bag over the summer from a random shop I came across. I loved it because it still had the carry-on flight tags on it from the 80's. I used this as a regular purse for a while and then realized it's far too ridiculous to use a purse as large as this one. It's purpose is for traveling only now :)

What's in my bag?

1. I'm reading Twilight (don't judge me; more on that later) and my yellow composition notebook that I have with me at all times.

2. Macbook and Incase

3. 110 camera
4. Lomographic Action Sampler
5. Lomographic Fisheye

6. Film, antibacterial hand wash, nail polish

7. Raybans and off-brand Raybans

8. Camera charger, extra battery, and camera

9. iPod headphones
10. iPod

11. My planner! Something I NEVER leave home without

12. New cell phoneee

13. Aquaphor

14. My favorite huge wallet from Pangaea

15. Pens galore

16. iPod wall charger and cord

17. My keys

I know What's In My Bag is something a lot of people do and I always find them so interesting. What do you carry in your bag? Send me a link if you've done a post like this before!

Slap!

2010-11-20T01:12:00.006-06:00

Can I just say, I'm all kinds of excited about this new slap wristband from Griffin for the sixth generation iPod nanos that's about to come out!

I don't even have or plan on getting a nano, I just want this little baby for the plain and simple fact that it's a slap bracelet. Come on, don't you remember slap bracelets? They are a little something from the very early 90s like this. Just classic. I remember when I lived in Florida my Sunday school teacher gave me one. I loved those things. I think mine was silver sparkly.

And it's a watch and I love watches. GENIUS! I need to get me one of these now. I use to have a boyfriend a hundred years ago that worked at Griffin. Ex-boyfriend, do you still work there? Can you get me one of these? Thanks, you're a doll.

Boy Meets Boy

2010-11-19T09:55:00.001-06:00

"'This is such serendipity, isn’t it?' he asks. I almost fall off my seat. I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along."

The thing with this book is that I chose to read it strictly on what the cover looked like. I know, I know- don't judge a book by it's cover, right? Well I did. I've seen this bright baby blue book poking out of book shelves for years and finally decided to read it. I was once again way too old to be reading it, but I still really enjoyed it. I wouldn't have appreciate it when I was in high school the way I do now.

"I thought I could see him so well. But I didn’t see him at all, really. And he didn’t even try to see me."

A majority of the characters in this book are gay, but the book is not about that really at all. It's just about their lives and struggles and accomplishments. There were so many things that spoke to me throughout the book. There was love and hate and conflict and effortless friendship and drama. Pretty much everything you could ask for in a book. It didn't change my life by any means, but there were a lot of things that weighed heavy on my heart and gave me a new mindset.

"Sometimes the space between knowing what to do and actually doing it is a very short walk. Other times it is an impossible expanse."

All In Nine Hours

2010-11-18T14:50:00.008-06:00

I participated in Wanted This Week over at pretty little Elise from Pennyweight's blog. Go check it out!

My day has been so busy! I subbed a half day for a middle school gym class. The other gym teacher thought I was a student and the art teacher hit on me (he was wearing a lab coat covered in paint that had a patch on it that said "I Believe" with a picture of an alien- so cute). From what I can tell, these fifth and sixth graders are far too mature for their age and not in a good way. It was really strange.

Next I did a few hours of observing a kindergarten English language learners class. These children were so adorable. All Hispanic and only about half know English well enough to fully understand what is going on. They are the most precious children in the world. I can't wait to have my own class!

In the few moments I have had alone since I woke up at the crack of dawn, I've had a some great things to brighten my day...

It doesn't get much better than this song with those vocals and musicians.

This stuff never fails to make my face feel 100% better.

In gym class I jumped rope and did double dutch with the girls for the first time in years.

I ate this with muenster cheese, nomnomnomnom.

& wore my new shoes, simple and perfect.

I still have about five my hours of my day left packed full of class and work and then I'm going to crashhhh, just absolutely crash. I cannot wait.

2010-11-17T19:23:00.002-06:00

I was really really really considering pink hair until I saw this. Actually, it just made me want it more, but I couldn't be a copycat... or could I? We'll see :)

This is one of my favorites songs on their record and I spy lots of familiar faces! It's fun seeing my friends in music videos.

Swamped

2010-11-16T16:21:00.003-06:00

The final weeks of school are drawing near and my life has been put on hold temporarily.
I have time for nothing but catching up. I sat down to do work last night and I had so many things to do, I didn't even know where to start. Today it's rainy and cold and it's making me extra pouty, but tonight I am so looking forward to a break for a French film, some Fido take-out, and cuddling up in bed. Let's look at some other pretty things we could do with paper instead of homework... :)

|| 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 ||

Some Happiness

2010-11-11T23:23:00.001-06:00

1. Because everything is gloriously technological via Blue Art Studio.

2. Because you really do via papernstitch.

3. Because all of us are just characters in Annie Hall via Mike Oncley.

4. Because everything is vintage and color coordinated via Rachel Denbow.

5. Because I couldn't say it any better via Stanley Chow.

6. Because we all just need to be somewhere else sometimes via Amber Marie.

These Days,

2010-11-10T23:19:00.001-06:00

Parker Fitzgerald is just all kinds of great. We recently met up at Fido along with my best, Katherine, for chats and coffee and Polaroids. I posted one of my favorite Polaroid quotes of his previously and now I have one of my own! That's me in that photo and I have to say that quote couldn't be more accurate of my life right about now. I'm in love with it.

We took lots and lots of photos and it was so fun. K and I both snapped a shot of our view at our table after our photo excursion; mine above and hers below. Of course she has the cool iPhone picture.

The craziest part of our day was when I spotted Tania Raymonde aka Alex Rousseau from LOST sitting at a near-by table. I was a little bit freaking out that it was her and neither Katherine nor Parker believed me. Then Parker went up and asked if she was who she is and of course, she said yes. He asked her if he could take a Polaroid of her and she said yes! It was pretty cool. Her pictures are the reddish colored ones in the picture I took. And then Donald Miller showed up. Pretty stinkin awesome.

far, far away

2010-11-05T17:53:00.003-05:00

Today it feels like winter. I had a coat, leg warmers, tights, and a sweater on when I went out today. Where in the world did fall go? I officially have to turn on the heat. Today has been real low-key. Class was canceled so I did some homework, listened to some vinyl, and watched Gilmore Girls. Then I went to a friend's house and watched a few episodes of The Simpson's for the first time. Perfect for this gloomy day.

It's been a lot like this in the best way:

octopus || locket || poster || acorns || print || dog || video

Sometimes I Read

2010-11-04T14:27:00.003-05:00

"Before and After, except I could barely remember Before... Someday, this will be Before, too."

I will admit I was technically too old for this book, but I still found myself relating to it and crying throughout the whole thing. What was a required read for a children's literature class, became something much more than necessary for a grade. I flew through it because it's really short. I mean really really short. 121 pages if I remember correctly. They deal with prom, projects, sex, sneaking out to smoke and drink, friends, lovers, annoying parents, and wanting to run away from it all. For 121 pages I got to pretend I had the high school experience that I definitely never had. But even if I got nothing from it, the quote above was enough. I sat in my car in a parking lot and read that line with tears in my eyes. Needless to say, I needed to read it at that moment, and I still needed to today. All any day consists of is just a before and an after, and right now, that's what's keeping me sane.

Happy November!

2010-11-03T22:58:00.001-05:00

I can't even believe I'm saying that. I was just talking to my friends about how much fun we had bringing in the new year. It's almost that time of year again. It's officially acceptable to talk about Christmas and presents which blows my mind. On the agenda for this month I've got a stack of books a mile high and so many school projects to drown myself in. Family, friends, work, crafts, and time with myself are also in the mix. Let's go, November!

{monthly calendar via lisarupp}

Halloween!

2010-10-31T23:25:00.000-05:00

And this wasn't even Halloween night. I got more blood tonight yessss.

Dear Eighteen Year-Old Me

2010-10-30T09:28:00.002-05:00

Oh hiii! You are driving down the road in your black Jeep Grand Cherokee listening to Feist or Manchester Orchestra or Brand New full blast and having the time of your life. Let me just tell you a few things...

A lot is going to happen to you in the next couple of years. Well first, you're in college now and it's totally great, but you shouldn't have taken 18 hours and worked at Carrabbas part-time. 15 would have been more than enough, but you were always an overachiever now weren't you? You're going to fall in love for the first time this year. When you look back, you'll wish that you could change a lot of things, but really, none of it was your fault. You couldn't have controlled a thing. Nursing school will be so hard, but you can do it! You won't keep that major, but it will make you appreciate what is to come. Oh and that boy you loved? Yeah well that didn't work out. No harm, no foul, but he will make all the difference. Yes, yes, he will open your eyes, but not right away of course. Good things come in time. Okay, so you change your major and your life isn't what you thought it would be- so what! It's a bazillion times better. There will be boys and friends and you'll lose them along the way, but things are really going for you. Then it happens. You don't leave to get a Coke and you meet him. Your life has changed forever. Thankfully you had that other boy, who was so marvelous so you thought, but just not the right thing, to make you realize that this, now this is really it. You cherish and appreciate every single moment. You went from a selfish girl to a selfless women in the time it took to walk the capital steps. Everything changes. You'll meet the most amazing friends in the world. You will always be second, third, or actually forth. Take it though, because you use to do the same to another. You'll learn from it and it will make you a better person (I hope so anyway). All those morals and hopes and dreams you have for yourself- don't lose those! They will be so important when you lose everything. You won't see it coming at all. Take in the sadness and dwell in it, but only for a moment. You've got so much to do! All your Praxis' will be completed and passed and your cooperating teacher will be the most amazing person in the world. You'll learn a lot from her, so keep your ears open. You will fall in love with the classroom and with those precious kiddos you're going to be teaching. (Fifth year) Senioritis will kick in but don't let it get you down! You'll be disconnected from school, so work extra had to stay on top of your work. I wish I could tell you which boys to avoid and which ones to hold onto, but I don't even know what will lead you to the one. You'll lose a lot of sleep and a lot of tears in this time, but you will be happy again. You find small glimpses of happiness in the 20 minute breaks for dinner and bossa nova and coffee and sunrises and secondhand smoke and walks and Paletas. Hold onto that faith of yours. It's hands down the most important thing you'll ever have. Always stand your ground. People love you for who you are, so never try to be anything but that. You've also got the best friends in the world. Never take them for granted and tell them how much they mean to you. Remember to let your heart heal, and it will, but it'll take a long time. Like, so long that it still is healing right now, but it will happen.

IT WILL HAPPEN.

2010-10-30T00:18:00.000-05:00

Lovelies

2010-10-29T11:02:00.004-05:00

Some prettiest for your eyes on this perfect Friday afternoon.

{via Misspaq}

I Only Date Tall Guys

2010-10-28T09:41:00.004-05:00

and my dreams are full of very expensive shoes...

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8

Leaves!

2010-10-27T20:10:00.001-05:00

Fall has quickly become my favorite season. Filling my walls and making my place "home" takes time. I was thinking about something quick and easy I could do to bring a little fall into my place and here's what I came up with! I'm such a teacher, it's ridiculous.

I used die cuts of two different patterns of leaves and a bunch of different colors of paper. I made a color pattern to follow and used a zig-zag stitch to sew them together.

Happy Fall!

Where Have You Been?!

2010-10-27T15:08:00.001-05:00

I've been so busy it's ridiculous. Let's recap.

Last weekend Ross and I took a day trip to Atlanta just because we could. It was so much fun! The night before we were up really late just like we always are and he was like "Let's go to Atlanta tomorrow." and I said, "Okay!!" and that was that. We took a walk around 5 points, ate sushi, went to Ikea, ate dinner at a diner and called it a day.

We had a little pumpkin carving and cider drinking night at my friend Cheryl's house. I didn't carve a pumpkin, but I did eat soup, and it was amazing. Katy read us conversation starter cards from a game called Chit Chat. We all know one another pretty well so it was really fun to get to ask and answer questions that you normally wouldn't talk about. It was so fun.

Partyyyy for Jonathan's birthday. Brent hates us, obviously.

Lots more has been going on, I'm just not always good at taking pictures. I'm off to get coffee with a friend, be back later tonight with a little fall craft :)

At Night

2010-10-23T13:30:00.000-05:00

Last night I went out with my girl friends. We got some sushi and then did a little shopping at Urban Outfitters. While I was there, I purchase this little beauty and I'm so in love with it! It's sweetly hanging in my dining room.

Then we went for some coffee at our favorite place and talked and talked and talked for hours. Here's Chelsea and I while my other friend Chelsey was talking to her hubs on the phone :) I just love my friends. They are the best.

2010-10-19T14:03:00.000-05:00

{via}

Jane Eyre

2010-10-18T23:57:00.002-05:00

Definitely, Maybe is currently on TV and I'm having a moment. This book is so completely beautiful, I just can't get over it.

It's just so glorious. I'm in love. I need to get a print of this for my wall. How romantic. Let me just stare for a little while.

{via Publishers Weekly}

Pinkberry!

2010-10-16T16:29:00.001-05:00

The other night Pinkberry opened up in Nashville! It was madness. Lillian, Chelsea, and I waited in line for forever but it was totally worth it. I can definitely say that it rivals and now beats Krave and Sweet Cece's (thought I still have a ton of punches in my card and can't wait for my free one!)

Plus it's about a billion times cheaper. I got coconut yogurt with all the fruit that they have. It was magical. Some video guy came up and interviewed me about my treat so maybe it'll be so good that I'll be on a commercial? haaaaa not.

More than their yogurt, I'm just impressed with the aesthetics of the place. The chairs were TO DIE for. You can see little glimpses of them in the corners of these pictures. They are so sixes, it's perfect. The walls were teal blue and everything had clean, straight lines. I was obsessed. Yummm I can't wait for more!

Let's Play Dress Up

2010-10-15T15:16:00.003-05:00

For the past month I have been struggling with some sickness. It's been a continuous thing just getting worse and worse because I haven't been treating my body well at all. Staying out all night til 4, 5, and 6 in the morning, sleeping next to nothing, eating rarely, etc. In the past two days I had three hours of sleep. Needless to say I crashed last night. I missed my class today for the first time and stayed in bed until 2 this afternoon. I rolled out of bed and ate some yummy breakfast from Bongo and have been on the couch ever since. I need to get over this sickness fast because I have too many things to do. Because I am feeling so down in the dumps, I was thinking about something that would make me feel a lot better and this is what I came up with! I already wear the vanilla spray and love coffee more than anything, so I just added a few pieces to make life even better! I could just walk around in this outfit all day long.

dress || shoes || perfume || coffee || clutch

2010-10-11T22:06:00.004-05:00

a party because it's fall

2010-10-11T16:59:00.001-05:00

Last night was our fall pumpkin carving cardigan wearing party! It was so much fun! Earlier in the day I made the pumpkin cookies from scratch and some regular chocolate chip cookies. They were yummy if I do say so myself :) I used Elsie's cupcake toppers to label the treats. Any excuse to use them, I will!

Later that night, we started the carving! Lots of treats were made and brought, yummy drinks galore, pumpkin carving and cardigan wearing and chats and friends all night long.

Here's my little guy. He's suppose to have big sunglasses and a mustache and a little tiny mouth. He's already shriveling up and part of it broke, but that's okay! It was so fun.

Pumpkins Galore!

2010-10-08T21:29:00.000-05:00

On Sunday I am having a little pumpkin carving, cardigan wearing, treats eating, warm drink sipping party! I am so incredibly excited for it. I was perusing FoodGawker and found a few recipes that I might just have to try... Yum yum yum! How good do all these sound?!

Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal

Chocolate pumpkin marble cake

Pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting

and when it comes to carving my pumpkin, do I go with a regular ole guy?

or show off my talent with some equations and a death star? ;)

Bulletin Board Love

2010-10-07T13:57:00.004-05:00

Two months ago I talked about using pegboard above my desk to organize my things. Turns out there wasn't a stud in the right place to hang up such a heavy thing. I was pretty bummed because I had such great ideas for that pegboard. I was going through my parents storage room looking for pictures and frames and odds and ends when I found my old bulletin board. I had written my name on it, painted parts of the edge with fingernail polish and it had a finger-sized hole in it. The wheels in my brain started turning and I knew I could do something with it.

I had just hemmed three skirts a few days prior and still had the scrap fabric laying around. I sewed the strips of fabric together to cover the board to give it a colorful look. I put nails in the back and hung it up with a few strands of hemp string. I covered the hook in the wall with a cute vintage button I got at a garage sale and proceeded to hang some of my favorite things up.

On the board: thirteen different color spools of thread on corsage pins (I use those instead of regular sewing pins. They are bigger and easier to find when you drop them on the floor!), my favorite vintage bird necklace, a beautiful and inspiring page from an Anthropologie magazine, two cards from It's Ok My Dear, Kidrobot Yummy Breakfast blind-box pancakes (best gift ever!), and my most favorite negative strip from last Christmas.

2010-10-07T10:44:00.000-05:00

"Someday I'll meet you on a telephone wire

Won't have to love you through a prayer

I can just touch you with my eyes

And we will talk about the world just as if we were still alive

And you will rest within my feathers

And I will take you for the keeping."

Meet Me in St. Louis

2010-10-06T15:39:00.005-05:00

I took a trip with my U.S History class to St. Louis over the weekend. It wasn't completely terrible despite waking up at 4am and traveling 12 hours total there and back in a 15 passenger van with a bunch of people I don't know. I had never been to St. Louis before so it was pretty fun once we got there. We arrived at the arch and walked through the Museum of Westward Expansion. That was pretty much the whole point of us going. It was whatever. Then, a girl in my class told me every time she goes to the arch she licks it, so we licked it together. Makes no sense at all, but it was funny.

I just walked around everywhere with my teal backpack and took it all in. Then we went to Illinois to go to the Cahokia Mounds. Again, that was the whole point of us going on the trip. It was whatever. I made some new friends and had an okay time. I need to go back when I can go for fun. I have so many friends that are from there. It seems like a pretty cool city! Much bigger than Nashville.

Happy October!

2010-10-06T08:59:00.005-05:00

I talked previously about how much I love Lisa Rupp's designs. I got my fabric calendar for next year in the mail and it's beautiful. Every month she releases a new calendar for that month and this one is super adorable. I know it's a few days late, sorry, but I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I currently have it set as my desktop background! Visit her flickr to download.

For Us In October

2010-10-05T16:55:00.007-05:00

I made an October mixtape. It's a compilation of some of my most favorite songs ever. It was supposed to be just a gift for a friend, but I liked it so much that I thought I would share!

There is music that defines certain time periods in your life and this mix definitely does that for me. Every song means so much in a different way. It's every season and place in my life all put together. Nothing could define me better than this.

Just click the link below!

For Us In October

Sly As A....

2010-10-05T11:15:00.004-05:00

I don't say this about many things, but I will right now.

I NEED THIS.

How cute would it be to prance around town when it's extra chilly outside while wearing this adorable "Sly as a Fox" hat?! I know I'd love to!

{via polkadotrobot}

Tiny Victorian Cottage

2010-10-04T22:42:00.000-05:00

Isn't this cottage beautiful? It's a renovated hunting cabin and only cost $3,000 to fix up! I would love to getaway for a weekend to this place just to be for a while. It's so lovely.

{via The New York Times}

Fall and Warm Drinks

2010-10-03T23:49:00.004-05:00

A few days ago my best Chelsey and I got together at our favorite spot, Fido.

She got a hot chocolate and I got a hot chai. We sipped them in huge mugs and chatted about life while I inhaled a delicious lemon poppy seed muffin. It was really truly fall that night. It was chilly as we walked outside; her in flannel, and I in a cardigan. I am so thankful for this time of year. Things are changing. Everything is changing. I will say that it doesn't get much better than this. Friends by my side every second of the day, having time to enjoy life and take it slow (my grades are suffering because of this one but who cares), all while I become whoever it is that I'm supposed to be. We're all just figuring it out, taking it one step at a time. I keep waiting for good things to come and for big things to happen, but they already have. Things are happening now. Things are good; not at all how I planned or thought they would be, but still nonetheless, they are good.

Next Big Nashville

2010-10-03T19:33:00.000-05:00

Here in Nash there's a little thing called Next Big Nashville. It's a glorious week/weekend packed full of music. There are shows that go on all night at a bunch of different venues. I got a pass to go to any and all the shows thanks to my friend Ross, so I took advantage of it.

The first night I went to Mercy Lounge and saw David Bazan. He played for and hour and a half and it was the best I had ever seen from him.

The next night I saw my dear friends, The Kicks, at The Rutledge. They are the best. I got to hang with all the girlfriends and it was nice to see them. They are my favorite group of people.

Then it was off to Mercy Lounge to see Uncle Skeleton. Ross is the one on the left playing Rhodes. They were fabulous. I didn't get a picture of it, but to the right of the stage there was a whole strings section, 15 people total! It was insanely good. I got Warm Under the Covers on vinyl from Ross and it's just about the greatest thing ever. Definitely check them out.

I saw a bunch more bands, but didn't take anymore pictures. It was a pretty great week of music. Too bad it's only once a year!

Anne,

2010-09-30T16:22:00.000-05:00

I think differently about life and love now in the best ways possible.

Some days,

2010-09-29T09:00:00.001-05:00

All I want are yellow hand-picked flowers.
All I want is to slow dance.
All I want is a picnic with my favorite meal.
All I want is that hand to hold.
All I want is a late night drive in the rain.
All I want is for my cheeks to hurt from laughing so much.

It's Fall

2010-09-28T12:29:00.004-05:00

Two days ago it was 92 degrees. Yesterday it was in the low 70s. Nashville weather has never made any sense and is never consistent so I just take it with a grain of salt. In honor of freezing my butt off all day yesterday, here's my ideal outfit for right now (sans coat until the sun goes down). Perfect!

Dress || Coat || Tights || Clutch || Shoes

Buzz

2010-09-24T17:53:00.000-05:00

in a galaxy far, far away..

2010-09-20T18:45:00.002-05:00

Lately, staying out until 6 in the morning has become a completely normal thing. Every night, my mind and conversations are filled with things like this:

(via Ross & Boston.com)

let me count the ways..

2010-09-16T00:12:00.008-05:00

+God
+conversation
+hand written letters
+reliability
+slow dancing
+consistency
+adventure
+romance
+thoughtful
+funny
+coffee
+intelligence
+responsibility
+music
+passion
+love

wedding dress

2010-09-15T18:50:00.000-05:00

My bestie Chelsey is selling her wedding dress. Can you believe it? It's so gorgeous and deserves a perfect home. It's super cute and vintage and I wish I could buy it from her just so I could dance around in it every day. If you're interested it's on OnceWed.com.

Up to Date

2010-09-15T16:21:00.000-05:00

I just purchased this beautiful 2011 calendar from Lisa Rupp Designs! It's printed on cotton twill and has such a cute little design. I cannot wait to hang it up. It'll most likely go up way before 2011 though... :) Her blog is full of lovely things so go check her out.

GG

2010-09-12T18:17:00.001-05:00

I know this is totally girly of me, but season 4 of Gossip Girl starts tomorrow and I cannot wait. I started watching season 1 back in January and have been obsessed ever since. But really, how could I not be? The drama, love, friendships, rivals, boys, and ahhhh the clothes.

stitches

2010-09-11T09:55:00.003-05:00

I received a cute little hand stitched Tennessee outline in March from Jillian. It was my first one and started my love for embroidery hoops.

I received another one from Malori in April.

I bought a hoop of my own a while back, but just now got around to doing something with it. I had the idea for a while and finally did it yesterday.

Cutting those vintage sheets was the hardest thing about this haha.

Now these hang above my desk in my room! I love being able to have cute things to hang on my walls. They are so bare from just moving in. This was so simple and fun to do so I definitely want to do more. I just need some cute ideas.

Park Day

2010-09-10T22:08:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday was gorgeous. The weather couldn't have been better and was a nice change from the normal 100 degree weather we had been having the week before. A group of friends got together and decided to spend the beautiful day at the park. We had blankets and food and wonderful conversation. Nothing beats these days.

tiempo

2010-09-10T15:03:00.001-05:00

I have taken eleven days for myself. A few crafts, friends, presentations, and late nights later, here I am, in repair.

Here's a little bit of what I have been up to the past two weeks:

Desmond's first birthday!

Paper Route show

Saturday picnic with friends

Little projects

Reading this fantastic book

And more dates with Desmond puppy.

More in depth updates soon. I have so much to share!

Away We Go

2010-08-31T16:15:00.003-05:00

"What is the point?" is a question I ask myself very often when writing blogs. I feel very self-centered talking about myself and all the things that I do and go through. I am in no way saying that I feel that others are self-centered when they blog, it's just how I feel about myself. I have appreciated the countless emails and comments I have gotten from people who love what I write. I guess I have helped people as much as writing has helped me. All I know is that I am tired of the internet. I am so frustrated with it and drive myself crazy hourly checking anything and everything. I personally need a break from the internet. No facebook, twitter, or blogging. I need to focus on the things that are truly important and work on myself and figure out who I am and who I am becoming. I also feel I put way too much out there and want to take a step back from everything and keep somethings to myself. The world doesn't need to see everything I sew or need to know when I cry or spend time with my friends or watch a movie. So for now, this is goodbye and see you soon.

Hold Nothing Back

2010-08-31T01:59:00.003-05:00

When I was in high school I had a boyfriend for two years. He "loved me" but I never told him I loved him back. I had decided long ago that I would only say I love you to the person I knew I was going to marry. I know it's far fetch, but at the time that's something I wanted. I wanted to be so careful with those special words. He and I laid the seats back in my car and listened to this song on repeat. I realized in that moment that I wasn't in love with him and I never would be. I didn't feel the way he felt about me and there was no reason to continue.

When I got to college I dated another guy for two years. I was in love with him and though I had found the one. I was sadly mistaken, but don't regret a single minute of it. I learned so much from him and finally learned how to really open up and love someone, but it was with condition so it didn't work.

In the past year I have learned how to truly love without condition. I have loved with my actions and not with my words. Even when that love was not reciprocated, I still loved, and at the end of it all I wouldn't change a thing except for everything I held back. I feel like I have had all the parts of the equation, just at all the wrong times.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 God is very clear on what love is. He leaves no room for questions or guessing. I have read this verse many times but saw it in a new light this weekend. It got me extremely excited for LOVE. Don't get me wrong, I'm in no rush to "be in romantic love" because it will happen when it's right, but boy when it's right, it'll be amazing. We often forget all the wonderful things that God has planned for us. We try to rush His perfect timing. I'm keeping my heart still and focused on Him and in that I know everything will fall right into place. Love will be ever so clear that I will wonder what I was ever feeling before I got to that point.

AF

2010-08-30T14:49:00.001-05:00

Prepare to have your mind blown by Arcade Fire (once again)

THE WILDERNESS DOWNTOWN

Make sure to use Google Chrome so it plays properly. It's pretty freakin awesome. It makes me miss home.

Heart

2010-08-30T00:01:00.004-05:00

Could this print from Ork Posters be any more perfect?! We all know I love the alphabet and visceral hearts more than anything. I need this poster. It makes me miss nursing school.

I did a little revamping and made a new header image. I totally suck at anything design and know nothing about photoshop, but it's the best I can do by myself! I was begging a certain someone for them to make me an awesome header, but it obviously wasn't important enough and never happened so I decided to take matters into my own hands! I also made a new little button from it so feel free to use it if you'd like! Just copy/paste the bottom code onto your side bar :)

Friends

2010-08-29T23:07:00.004-05:00

I spent some wonderful time with Bran and Kmez at Cracker Barrel Saturday. I just love these girls. And thanks to Jason for being "one of the girls" and taking our picture. Obviously we all love aviators.

I think often about people who don't have friends. People who are alone most of the time and keep to themselves. I have never been this person and I don't know what it's like. I'm really sad for those people. I rely on God first, my family second, and my friends third. I would be a crazy mess right now without them. They are there for my rants and tears and smiles and laughter. They are consistent, reliable, and trustworthy. I have known the girls above for four, almost five years. Over the years states, countries, and time have separate us but we are still close and pick up like we were never apart. I appreciate friends like these. People you can always count on. You never have to worry about them leaving you or forgetting you or changing their mind about how they feel about you. It's always the same and it's always wonderful and for that I am forever grateful.

yaaayyy!

2010-08-28T01:20:00.003-05:00

I am now the owner of this little beauty...

Yes, yes it is mine! I'm going to paint the ugly oak bottom white, but besides that I'm super stoked! I thought long and hard about potentially getting a vintage one but I actually want to use this dress form, it's not just for looks. The vintage ones are cute but can be very unsteady and be falling apart. Plus they are so expensive and really heavy! I have been working on reconstruction of a lot of thrifted clothes (more on those later!) and I have found it's really hard to pin a dress all by yourself when you're wearing the clothes! I had an especially hard time shortening the length of a skirt. When I would bend down, the skirt would go down with me. This form will really help with resizing and being able to get the correct length of skirt or how much to take in on the sides. I'm just so pumped, I absolutely cannot wait!

Tonight was an awesome girls night. We went to The Cocoa Tree and got some truffles. We got some PM to-go and we headed to my friend Katy's for a movie. It was such a great time of laughter and fun (and some tears on my part). I am blessed to have such an incredible group of girls that I get to call my friends.

Tomorrow I am soooo excited because my good friend Brandi is in town from LA and we're getting some Cracker Barrel lunch and are going to chat for a while. It'll be so nice because I haven't seen her in forever! Then off to spend some time with my parents and going out for another girls night again! This never gets old :)

Things to be happy about

2010-08-25T11:09:00.004-05:00

Inspired by the wonderful Elsie. I read her post and realized good things are really something I need to focus on right now, because there are some pretty amazing things in my life.

1. Family

My family is wonderful. I am really close with them and have no idea what I would do without them. I love spending time with them. They have always been there for me and I am beyond appreciative for them.

2. Friends

My friends are amazing. They have always been there for me with great conversation or some crazy fun. They are truly genuine and trustworthy people and I am so thankful that I have found them.

3. Desmond

I sneak over (with permission of course) to see Des as often as I can. I walk him and play with him in the backyard. I see him less, but spend more one-on-one time with him than I ever did before and that's nice. He's my little baby and I love snuggling and playing with him.

4. Work

I am thankful to have a job and to work for such a great family. Little Lulu is just perfect and I love that I get to be apart of watching her grow up.

5. School

As lame as it sounds, I love school. I love going to school and learning and I love my ability to go into school and teach little kiddos how to learn. It's such a blessing and I am so thankful that I have found my purpose.

Seventeen Days

2010-08-23T01:00:00.004-05:00

Most days I'm okay. Maybe not most, but some. There have been a few at least.

I laugh and my cheeks hurt and my heart is full. And if it's not that, then I'm walking around Target in four inch heels for two hours by myself for no reason carrying a bag of dog bones. I eat all the time or not at all. I stay out all night with the people I love and then come home sometime in the early AM to crash in bed. Or I lay in bed for hours and wonder why I ever thought it was a good idea to get a full size bed. There aren't enough pillows to fill the spaces. I smile at babies and wear my favorite outfits when I go out to have the time of my life with my friends. I have fulfilling conversations with genuine people that I don't know what I would do without them. I don't remember driving from Brentwood to Nashville but all I know is I no longer have makeup on anymore. There's salt in my eyes and mascara on my skin. My heart skips a beat and there's a song or a movement or a feeling. Some days I can't feel enough or I feel too much. There are days that rest assure and fill me with hope of beginnings that I never knew possible, then I remember the beginnings that I always wanted and never got. I can't move for hours or don't sit still for days. I fake a smile because I am really good at that. A lady stops me in the grocery to make sure I'm okay.

My family is a constant and God is Love. That's about all I know at this point.

Self Improvement

2010-08-22T17:36:00.000-05:00

(just some things to make myself feel a little better)

-retouch my nail polish every other day
-shave my legs even though I don't have to
-spend time doing my makeup correctly and stop doing it in the car
-buy less stuff
-eat more regularly
-continue to love those around me
-work less so I don't go crazy
-organize my life, thoughts, and room
-slow down
-invest more time in the people that have proven they deserve more
-change my hair. not drastic, just different
-sew more regularly
-listen to more good music (like Sufjan's new record!)
-take more baths
-cook dinners for myself
-laugh

Lazy Saturday

2010-08-21T14:20:00.000-05:00

I was on a roll this morning. Watching a marathon of Rachel Zoe and sewing anything and everything and actually having time to mend some things that have been needing a little TLC. I was going going going until my machine jammed, the needle somehow pushed to the right, and it bent. This isn't a big deal at all. I just need to run to Jo Ann's and get a new needle, but I was just on a roll so it was a bummer to have to stop for the day and I'm in a slip and no where near ready to go out in public yet.

Tonight I am going to see Paramore. My friend Jenna got free tickets and invited me along and I'm super excited. I have seen them a few times, but never at such a big venue before, so it'll be fun and hopefully I'll get to catch up with some friends while I'm there. Hometown shows are always the best.

This weekend has been so eventful already, which is very needed. Sweet Cece's two nights in a row, games, sushi, and friends. Lots and lots of friends. I think we have 15 at our table last night. It's been so good to have these amazing people surrounding me every day. I really am a workaholic. I don't know when this happened, but it did. My friends get me out and we have a great time together. They are so genuine and amazing and I don't know what I'd do without them. But I do think that me and my friend Bryan were the only non couple there last night which was weird and will take some getting use to, but it'll be good in time. I'm embracing it for now and wearing heels as much as possible.

TransitionTransitionTransition

2010-08-20T23:50:00.000-05:00