FRI-YAY | 12.1.16

Hello DECEMBER!!! (wait, wasn't it just May?!) Hello, FRI-YAY! I'm currently curled up on the couch with a blanket, talenti in hand, and Christmas Vacation on abcfam (will still call it that as long as I live #sorrynotsorry). I'm so excited 25 days of Christmas is finally here!! It's been a couple of weeks  + I'm so thankful to be able to just relax tonight :) #weekendineedyou

#HOLIDRIZZLE | As I was perusing Whole Foods earlier this week I came across my favorite popcorn with a little holiday twist! Dark chocolate drizzled on top of popcorn?! Brilliant! It's so good and self control is definitely required :)

FLANNEL SHEETS | I forgot how much I lovvveddd flannel sheets until I snagged a pair from tar-jay a few weeks ago. I was instantly reminded why they are a winter staple. heaven.  Thanks, Elise ;) The ivory color won my heart because there's something so calming about white sheets. Oh, and they're under $20 right now....hollllaaaa! AND they're actually really good quality. Go grab yourself a pair. You'll thank me later! 

CULTIVATE WHAT MATTERS |  Saturday I got a lovely surprise...my 2017 powersheets came in the mail!!!! After working a crazy, long day I was so excited to look through them :) If you've never heard of Lara Casey or powersheets, go take a look, they will change your life! Ohhh, and let me not forget that sticker book. It's the real deal y'all and has THE cutest stickers ever! I want to buy one of each of my girls! They're so fun!

FREE PRINTABLES + DOWNLOADS | I love a good printable to simplify my life or new wallpaper to spruce up my phone or computer! 

You can find the download  HERE!

Okay, so how CUTE is  this?! New wallpaper + tons of others- yes please!!! Love me Evelyn Henson!

Linking up with April,  Karli,  Erika, and  Amanda!

Thoughts For Thursday

It's Friday Eve! And, if that isn't a reason to celebrate, I don't know what is! Wednesday morning, I woke up thinking it was Thursday- and you can probably tell how the rest of the week went. It's comfy clothes day at school, so that is another reason to celebrate!! Join along today for a bunch of randomness :) 

+ I started The Memory Keeper's Daughter and I'm hooked! My mom recommended it years ago but I decided to pick it up on the way to my hair appointment last week and seriously contemplating why I hadn't started it sooner! 

+ Starbucks dates and girlfriend time is like therapy- and way cheaper! Lately those have been happening alllotttt, and not even mad about it! One of my dear friends, Erica, is leaving in January for a year-long service trip to Peru. I am so excited for her and all that she will be doing, but I'd also be lying if I said I knew how hard it will be not seeing her! I don't know when it's going to hit me that she's leaving in a few short months! Thank goodness for technology :)

+ Yesterday was my Mama's birthday so I brought home beautiful flowers from my favorite (and her's too!) floral shop, Floribunda! Their arrangements are always stunning!!!! And the best part is- I told them her favorite colors were pinks and purples....and they create the rest. Of course I had to snag an iphone photo of them! 

+ Most recent purchase was a spiralizer, so naturally, #zoodlesonzoodles...but I'm ready to change it up so I turned to pinterest for ideas and came across this delicious recipe! Will let you know the results! 

+ This colder weather is really making it feel like Christmas. Hello 30's....what did you do with fall? I'd like it back! 

 Now that post was filled with a whole lot of random, let the day begin! Happy Thursday, friends!

[Linking up with Annie!]

CURRENTLY

Hello October :) Leaves falling, cozy scarves + sweaters, sipping on hot drinks, curling up with a good book + blanket - these are a few of my favorite things! 
CHEERS-ING | to girls weekends + exploring new cities! 
LOVING | Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst. I can't begin to say enough about this book. Y'all. You need to read it. I just started the study with small group last night and can already see how it's going to transform us in big ways. 
MISSING | Did someone say BOSTON!? Missing my girls. 72 hours wasn't enough time together but we made the most of it.  

BUYING | Welll, I should be sticking to a budget soo nothing after my recent purchase. While I was in Boston, we made a stop and Tiffany's and bought matching necklaces to commemorate our trip. I haven't taken it off since! Such a special piece to share with girls that mean so much!

LISTENING | Same old same old. Send some new suggestions my way, please! 

DREAMING | Of traveling. I was bit by the travel bug and now want to go basically everywhere. Caribbean, Ireland, Greece, Italy, Nashville, San Francisco/ Napa, Charleston...you name it, I'll be there ;)

Thanks Jacqui + Anne for hosting!!

FRI-YAY FAVES

Happy FRIDAY! Happy FALL! It's been a hot second since I've visited this space, let alone sat down to write a post! So it's good to be back for a good ole fashioned friday favorites post. Sharing my random loves from this week. Grab a cup of coffee + stay awhile!

FALL NAILS |
First day of fall? Check! Officially time for fall nails! Love summer and hot pinks but I was ready to retire my brights until next season. I went with OPI gel "What's the Hatter with You?" from the Alice in Wonderland collection and I have been obsessed ever since! Might be a new fall staple :)

LATEST READS |
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a reader, but I'm trying to get better #owningit. Since creating my 25 in 2016 list, I've grown to love reading and will choose a book over logging into the computer #whoami? But I love it. More on that later! Over the summer I read three books and loved each of them for different reasons. I started the summer with Eight Hundred Grapes. While on vacation, at the beach, I scarfed up The Hopefuls. Most recently just read The Finishing School. Look for a review coming soon :)

BOSTON |
Next weekend, I'm heading to Boston (for the first time!!) with two gal pals and I.cannot.wait! So if you live in Boston or have ever visited...help a girl out! What are the must-sees? Places to eat? What to skip?

via

LAUGHS, LINKS + OTHER RANDOMNESS | 

+ I'd be lying if I said this wasn't true...because I was totally guilty #seeabove ;) 

via

+ Mrs. Myers soap + weird looking grapes- I'm totally a bath and body works gal when it comes to soap but this one really makes me consider picking up one for the spring! The basil scent was so clean and refreshing- win win! Ok, so these grapes- am I the only ones who have never seen these grapes?! How do they taste?! AMAZING!! So much sweetness. While I was babysitting my cousin had them in the fridge. I probably could've eaten the whole bowl in two days! Totally won out to green grapes from now on...when I can find them in the grocery store ;) 

+ If you work in retail, then you can probably agree on this too ;)

+ One of my favorite bloggers, Shay, over at Mix and Match Mama, (and their family) just welcomed home another adopted babe. She hadn't talked about this second adoption at all so when I saw the post I was shocked, like everyone else! So, so happy for her family! She's the sweetest and while reading her posts I always feel like she's an old friend that I've known for years! be so fun to sit down and drink a PSL with :)

+ I'm not sure how I haven't seen these kitchen canister labels yet from The Creative Exchange, but it makes me want to organize the kitchen, print these labels + have a little crafting sesh! They're adorable + easy peasy! 

via

+ Amen. Amen!

Link ups: April, Christina, Natasha // Friday Favorites: A Little Bit of Everything // Oh Hey, Friday: September Farm // Friday Favorites: Meet at the Barre

Hey There, Friday!

This week has been filled with so many sweet moments. Let's get to sharing! 

ONE | BIRTHDAY  My birthday was on Wednesday and my class surprised me by singing "Happy Birthday" when I walked in that morning. It. Was. Precious. Hearing their little voices + the excitement they had all day! They also made the sweetest cards! Made this teacher/kid lovin' heart smile! Moments like those just make you melt!! I get sappy when I think about the school year being over because they're the sweetest cherubs. I'm sure come June, I might be saying something different though ;) #bringonsummer

TWO | GRADUATE SCHOOL UPDATE  I haven't talked about the graduate school process lately because there hasn't been a whole lot going on. Until about two weeks ago, when the acceptance rejection letters started coming in the mail. It's a difficult process and I somewhat expected it, but still doesn't feel any better. Wellll, Tuesday I got some hopeful news! While I was at lunch, scrolling through emails, I saw the subject line, "Appalachian State Admission Decision"....insert heart sinking. Too anxious to wait until the end of the day, I of course opened and started scrolling. I was WAITLISTED!!!! (insert: almost choking on my salad.) Getting waitlisted doesn't sound exciting at all, but it's far better than a rejection. Praise God!!!! Moving to North Carolina has been a dream of mine for a long time and I can't believe it could maybe come true!?! Excited to see how God's plan unfolds! I know I'll end up where I'm supposed to be- even though NC feels a lot like it. Still waiting to hear back from 5 schools--fingers crossed! Say a prayer for me, please!!


THREE | PURE BARRE I went to a Pure Barre class once back in January 2015 to see what the hype was all about. After my first class, I was so sore- for like three days, but I genuinely loved the class and could see what the hype was all about! However, the classes are pricey, so I couldn't commit at the time. Fast-forward over the last few months, I really wanted to get back. But I was so intimidated. What's a girl to do? Well, when you get a birthday coupon for a free class, YOU GO! You face your fears and walk in the door. (Ok. easier said than done because I had to coach myself before going! Ha!) I never workout- and I chose to go on my birthday to workout...instead of going to dinner #whoami?  I loved it so much....that I'm going back tonight. And I. Can't. Wait!!! Shout out to the one month new member special!! (*not compensated at all- just sharing my excitement and love for PB). QUESTION FOR ALL PB/ HSM/YOGA/WORKOUT GALS: WHAT ARE THE BEST WORKOUT PANTS YOU RECOMMEND?! 

FOUR | FRESH FLOWERS Aren't they just the best?! Bring on SPRING!!!

FIVE | 25 IN 2016 Did you catch my reading list for 2016? Check it out HERE! 

Linking up with: 5 on Friday Darci, April, Christina, + Natasha // Friday Favorites: A Little Bit of Everything, Momfessionals, + Grace and Love // Oh Hey, Friday: September Farm + The Farmer's Wife // Friday Favorites: Meet at the Barre

Confessions

Happy Thursday + St. Patrick's Day! One more day until the weekend, yay! It's been way too long since I've been to this little space and I've been missing it a lot lately. Excited to be linking up with Jess today for a few confessions!
+ I confess that I have (way) too many drafts that need to get published. Oops!
+ I confess that yesterday was my birthday and I really didn't put together a "wish list". Which is weird for me. I did, however, ask for cooking griddle from Williams-Sonoma...does that make me an adult? #whoasksforacookingpanfortheirbirthday #callmeweird
+ I confess that I can't stop looking at Elise's post from her sister, Hope's baby shower. So dreamy!! 
+ I confess that I'm counting down to season two of Fuller House #noshame 
+ I confess that I wanted a new phone case last weekend and it took me entirely too long to choose one. Who knew picking a phone case could be so hard?! Pretty sure the Apple store guy thought I was nuts, but oh well! I went with this one and haven't looked back!
+ I confess that after weeks months of trying to curl my hair the right way (without it looking weird), I finalllly figured it out! It's the little things over here! 
+ I confess that I forgot how much I LOVE this stuff. It's the best hair conditioner, ever. Hefty price tag. But! Amazon Prime saves the day bringing it to half the cost. 
+ I confess that I screamed when Jojo was introduced as the next Bachelorette. 
Well that's all I've got for today! What are y'all confessing today?! Make sure you head over to The Newly to share or leave them in the comments! 

25 Books in 2016

If you've been around my blog long enough, you know I don't read that often. My hope though is to read more this year. I'm following Val's lead after seeing her reading goal from last year, and now this year! I'm being optimistic and thinking 25 books might be doable! Considering I'm not a reader, I'm accepting this challenge. Owning it. This list isn't set in stone but each of the books listed below have been recommended multiple times, so they must be pretty good! 
1. The Finishing School : Valerie Woerner 2. Make It Happen : Lara Casey 3. The Happiness Project : Gretchen Rubin 4. The Best Yes : Lysa TerKeurst 5. Made to Crave : Lysa TerKeurst 6. Simply Tuesday : Emily Freeman 7. Unglued : Lysa TerKeurst 8. The Fringe Hours : Jessica Turner 9. Seven : Jen Hatmaker 10. Bittersweet : Shauna Niequist 11. Love, Skip, Jump : Shelene Bryan 12. Rising Strong : Brene Brown 13. The Untethered Soul : Michael Slinger  14. Grace for the Good Girl : Emily Freeman 15. Restless : Jennie Allen 16. Sacred Singleness : Leslie Ludy 17. One Thousand Gifts : Ann Voskamp 18. Love Does : Bob Goff 19. You Are A Badass : Jen Sincero 20. Eat, Sleep, Move : Tom Rath 21. Girls In White Dresses : Jennifer Close 22. Barefoot : Elin Hilderbrand 23. The Antelope in The Living Room : Melanie Shankle 24. Satisfied : Jeff Manion 25. Wild and Free : Hayley Morgan and Jess Connolly
**other books that didn't make the list, but were super close! The Rosie Project, If You Find This Letter, Girl Meets Change, You Were Made for A God Sized Dream, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Big Magic
What books are you hoping to read this year? I'd love to hear! Open to all suggestions! xo

Hey There, Friday!

Friday, it's good to see you as always! Between slowly recovering from a killer sinus infection, workshops all day yesterday and an early start to the weekend (yay for days off & flex days) it's been a nice short week. Regardless, I'm still welcoming the weekend with open arms! Let's get right to this weeks favorites:
ONE | RECENT PURCHASES

When I tell people I work at Coach, their immediate reaction is "I could never work there, I'd never bring home a paycheck!!" Me too. Me too. All about the self control. I'm really good at rationalizing my purchases...until I went in last weekend two things I wasn't expecting came in....hellllllo employee discount! I couldn't pass them up. Our store rarely gets jewerly in and when the ring came in my size, it was a no brainer....oh and the prices were fabulous. And that passport cover I was eyeing from retail came in...um yes!? I guess this means I should renew my passport asap...oops! Ring (sold out) | Passport cover (similar)

LOFT SCARF: Pink | Cream My mama gifted me the scarf above for Christmas, I loved it so much that I went back and bought another. Luckily for me, they were on sale the day I went + I also had a rewards card....I paid $1.20 for the scarf #winning. Oh, and I've worn it almost every day everyday since. No shame. It's so cozy! 
TWO | POTTERY BARN LAMPS
You might remember when I talked about needing new bedroom lamps, well, the PB ones came!! It's safe to say that I love them so so much. Simply gorgeous in person! Just seeing them in my room makes me happy. I also love how versatile they will be in the future. 

THREE | PARENTHOOD I think it's safe to say that I'm probably one of the only people that has never watched Parenthood, until now. I know... you probably think I live under a rock. Nope. I knew I'd love the show so much and I didn't have the time to binge watch until now. I watched the first season in about two days...so I guess you could say I love it already?! All. the. feels. 

FOUR | THE SIMPLICITY CHALLENGE Following Emily Ley's Simplicity Challenge through instagram over the past month has been a huge blessing. Each day she would post a small task to help simplify. I'm happy to say I've completed most of them...here are some of my favorites: 

FIVE | FAVORITE PINS

Linking up with: 5 on Friday Darci, April, Christina, + Natasha // Friday Favorites: A Little Bit of Everything, Momfessionals, + Grace and Love // Oh Hey, Friday: September Farm + The Farmer's Wife // Friday Favorites: Meet at the Barre

2015: Year In Review

Year in review posts are some of my favorite posts to read and look back on. 2015 had so many great moments, but it also came with a lot of struggle too. I want to be as transparent as possible but sharing those struggles is not something I'm fully comfortable with right now, especially with all of the internet :). I do, however, want to say how the Lord has taken those struggles and turned them into something wonderful. Thank You, Lord! 2016, I can't wait to see all that happens!
It might be February already, but never too late for a recap! Choosing imperfect progress over perfection, thanks Lara! Here's a few snapshots into 2015:

Other favorites include:  favorite moments: GRADUATION! + getting a job! (more on that later) favorite books: Nobody's Cuter Than You, Let's All Be Brave, Cold Tangerines  favorite trips: Savannah, Outer Banks

Life Through My Lens | Waves, North Carolina

I forgot I never shared this post from our trip this summer, but I still wanted to document it! So here we are six months later ;)

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Spending a week at the beach was just what the doctor ordered! This year my dads family ventured down to the outer banks to the little town of Waves. We had never been to the OBX before so we really had no idea what to expect. I really don't even know if I can put into words of how much I loved this vacation. It was so peaceful and relaxing. Filled with family time and so much laughter. Coming home was so hard. I also had every intention of using my fancy camera, but when it came down to it- my iphone was what I reached for. Simplicity. 

We've arrived!!!! And I get to see this view every day!? Wow!!!

My heart. I love them so

Celebrating birthdays at the beach is always better, right?

Three of my favorite things..Lissy, the beach and North Carolina

If you're vacationing in the Waves/Rodanthe/Avon area, you need to eat at Open Water Grill....it was to die for! Not to mention- gorgeous views! 

Happy hour + sisters

Watching the sunrise was one of the most breathtaking things...and of all the times I've been at the beach I've never watched it! I'm so glad Lissy and I got up early to see it!!

That time we got stuck in a rain storm on the beach. We got soaked but laughed the whole time! 

One of my favorite things was making up theme nights! So three of the nights we stayed in and one of the groups cooked- the other nights we went out to eat. We had a luau theme (seafood boil), italian, and a twilight themed night. Next year I'll remember my selfie stick s we can get better group shots :)

My sister brought her dog, Jax, also referred to "Puppers"...we loved having our coffee together every morning! 

Thank you Dad and Carla for the best trip!! We love you!!! Until next time, Waves!