Black Friday & the Beginning of Christmas

Today was an "in day" and by that I mean it was a "not go out at all, stay in pajamas and do nothing" day.

Aaah, how good it's been!

The freedom to stay home and online shop, clean house, eat leftovers and decorate for Christmas. Heaven!

A few things I bought on sale:

Tarte Color Vibes Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Palette
I have been eyeing this palette since it came out. The neutral colors with the few select deep colors—love!

AEO Knit X Jeggings in Olive and Black Onyx
What's in my closet? Pairs upon pairs of black jeggings. They are my go-to. There is something to easy about them. They go with almost every outfit. I don't have to do a lot of thinking. I can wear them with camel boots or flats... I just love them. I just don't love how they fade. And so I decided to try these, because I'm hopeful that they'll last a long time and if not, at least if I love them, I will have a new place to sustain my black-jegging-fix.

Persia Top from Ivory Closet
When I saw this top, I just knew I wanted it.The mocha color, it looks like a thermal. V-neck. All the things I love. I can't wait until I get it!

Then TL and I pulled down all the Christmas stuff from the attic and went through and set everything up.

Left to right, row by row:

• Rustic tree topper: one of my favorite Christmas purchases from Cracker Barrel. I absolutely love it. I think I got it two years ago, because I remember we had it up on the tree last Christmas.
• Our ring bearer pillow/commemorative Christmas tree ornament. I love this piece. Each year we put it on the tree, because it was there the day we got married, it means a lot. I remember how much time I searched and researched different pillows for ring bearers. I fell in love with this one, especially because it could be re-purposed as an ornament.
• Wreath I got last year from Michael's with added string of silver ornaments I really love from TL's mom.
• It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year sign from TJ Maxx, a favorite piece, my berry wreath.
• Christmas card hanger-upper, love this! I hope I get lots of cards this year!
• Handsome hubby in Santa hat.
• My view from my recliner.
• Our decorated fireplace. We're actually doing stocking stuffers for each other this year! I'm excited!
• A little silver tree that TL would put up when he lived alone in his apartment.

Thanksgiving 2016

Right now I'm sitting under my warm chenille blanket in my comfy recliner.

Today was a good day. An exhausting day, but a good one.

T and I were up around 8 and had prepped the wining and sitting areas for our guests. The only task that remained was the food.

It was up to us to cook the turkey, the giblet gravy and the stuffing.

One of the best and to the point articles I could find was 17 Thanksgiving Turkey Mistakes Everyone Makes on Buzzfeed. Such great information for first timers like us.

Because we followed the no-baste instructions, our bird cooked a lot faster because of the heat not escaping. Which means, instead of eating around 4, we ate at 3. 

If you have never been to our home, it is on the tinier side. And in addition to my fears of messing up on cooking the thanksgiving necessities, I was really afraid that our guests would feel cramped. But ya know what? Instead of feeling cramped, the space felt cozy. And warm. There are a few things I'd change about the house if I could, but that doesn't mean I love my home any less just because it doesn't look like the end result of Fixer Upper. A part of me loves my home more after tonight, seeing how 10 people fit. One thing is for sure, I have to work on getting a love seat for the living room so there's more comfortable seating rather than pulling in the stiff dining room chairs.

 

Really delicious wassel.

The Underdog

I went to the Thursday night spin class tonight. If you don't know, I really love spin. It's never the same ride twice. Even if it's the same routine, I always push myself in different ways.

It's really been a cool experience to go from no exercise to slowly transitioning into a class or two a week. I can tell my body is changing even if nobody else can. I don't know if I've written these goals anywhere, but here they are... I don't have a specific weight goal. My "fitness" goals are a little different:

-to be in shape enough that people stop asking if I'm pregnant

-to be able to slide my wedding ring off with minimal effort

-to fit into a skirt I bought

To be continued!

A Tradition of Growing

The sweetest year in my life was easily 2012.

It was in that year I had worked diligently at knowing who I was (God's beloved daughter), what I was all about (living my life for God), and even though I didn't exactly know what I wanted out of life, I at least knew what I didn't want (a relationship just to fill a void).

But the sweet spot I was in crumbled with the onset of 2013.

When you let someone into your life, when you let yourself be vulnerable, sometimes you get the short end of the stick. I let somebody into my life who hurt me, and not just once, but consistently. They had access to my every-day life and there wasn't much I could do about it. With the added emotional and psychological instability, there were no boundaries and nothing was safe.

For two years I lived in this place of fear, hatred, and uncertainty. And I began to lose who I was. The joyful, always-look-on-the-bright-side, caring, funny girl—I lost her. I could no longer see who I was to God and my perception of myself was dampened. I was insecure, sullen, pessimistic, and started to think, "If someone hates me this much, I really must be an awful person." I saw myself as unworthy. There was a deep shift in personality that reflected two years of inescapable torment.

In 2015, my antagonist was finally, completely out of my life, but the damage was done. They had succeeded and I hated myself. I questioned everything I did, everything I said. And that continued for a long time. Me questioning my intelligence, my worth, and my capabilities. For a while I was really akin to an abused dog—I was always expecting someone to hurt me or lash out. I felt like a prisoner in my own head. I couldn't escape the feeling of oppression.

As with all things though, time passed and as it did, coupled with distance, the wounds started to close. With no one around to constantly bully me, with lots of love and encouragement from friends and family, I became a happier person.

It's taken almost two years to get to this point where I've started to feel like the old me again and I realized I felt this way only a couple of weeks ago.

I was driving home after a good day, singing along with the radio, and I had the thought, "I feel like me again." I feel like me again! The thought caught me off guard. I started smiling because of the overwhelming relief I felt.

I feel happy, but more than that, I feel hopeful again. I'm slowly starting to open up and let people in after a long time of shutting down and shutting people out.

It's really fitting that I'm writing this today, on the anniversary of my one year challenge date. Five years ago I set myself on the trajectory to be someone different. And now I'm changing again. It's like the echo of a former me calling out and celebrating, a new chapter! A new story to tell!

I am so thankful for the healing and growth that have happened so far, and look forward to seeing where I am—and who I have become—a year from today! I'm prayerful that I get to be an even better version of myself. Thank you, Jesus, for all you've brought me through and how I know you'll continue to love me in the trials and celebrations to come.

Experiencing Jersey Boys

Day 4: Leaving MD

Well, I had a great visit, Maryland-Virginia-Washington-DC! It's an even split between having had a good time and being ready to get home.

Things I miss:

My bedtime routine snuggling with hubby

My dogs

Not lugging around heavy bags

Not this airport

I don't think I was built for big cities. Well, Memphis is kind of a big city, so maybe I wasn't built for northern big cities. I'm sure if I stayed around I'd adapt, but I'm much happier in a smaller or at least slower town.

Waiting for the flight on a Friday afternoon was not the best. If you're traveling out of DC and can manage to avoid Friday at rush hour, do it.

But I will say the sunset is beautiful. I think I have a thing for sunsets!

Feet, don't fail me now! At this point I was exhausted and had just scarfed down a tomato mozzarella panini from Fresh to Order. So good! I also got a vanilla latte from Dunkin Donuts in an attempt to stay somewhat alert on my last flight. My feet were also in a lot of pain. I can't say that I would have brought another pair of shoes if I had the opportunity, because these bad boys did the job and did it well, but I have a feeling after wearing any shoe for four days straight, walking through a convention center and walking around DC, my feet would have hurt no matter the shoe.

Atlanta from the plane looked like a land of shining stars. I was happy to be on the last leg of my trip. When I finally arrived, T and I somehow managed to time it just right and I hopped in the CRV just as I was walking out.

So happy to be home, sweet home!

10/28/17 11:24p

Day 3: Experiencing National Harbor

National Harbor is beautiful. I would love to go back and have more time to experience it fully, but the few parts I saw, it was so relaxing and serene.

This was in the Atrium in the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Every day, just to look out at the harbor--what a treat! This fountain was part of the scene, and the sound it made just made the atmosphere even more peaceful.

This was the sunset the night we went out to the event. Just look at the colors!

The event we went to was at The Sunset Room and I was just hypnotized by the sunset. The appetizers and food were really delicious. Even the salads were fancy. Look at this view!

Welcome to the Capitol Wheel. We were 180 feet above the Potomac River waterfront. I can say it was a little bit scary to be that high, but not as scary compared to Disneyland's ferris wheel with the swinging gondolas.

Purchases

So I splurged and bought some pretty things from Rifle Paper Co. I couldn't resist!

HONEYDEW WEEKLY DESK PAD 

2017 MIDNIGHT 12-MONTH AGENDA

HANGING GARDEN RECIPE CARDS

HOLIDAY SNOW SCENE POSTCARD

NORTH POLE MAP POSTCARD

Day 2: At the Conference

Woke up with a beautiful sunrise. Every morning I opened up the curtains so the sun could fill the room. It was comforting.

The convention provided breakfast and then we were off! We listened to the opening messages delivered by Mike Gianoni, Steve MacLaughlin and Aaron Sherinian, and then moved on to the sessions.

After we finished for the day, we took a cab to the Lincoln Memorial and walked along the Reflecting Pool. The weather was beautiful, but the sunset took the cake. I picked up a Peet's coffee along the way to dinner after walking by the White House (intimidating!). We ate pizza at Vapiano's and I had panna cotta for dessert (yummy!).

Day 1: Arriving in Maryland

Well, I actually arrived in Virginia at the Reagan National Airport after a very long morning.

The day started when my parents picked me up and we had to drive to my work, because that's where I forgot my laptop charger. Of all things to forget!

We said our goodbyes and I started on my way. There's no better way than to start a day that got off on the wrong foot than with a Starbucks. I picked up a latte and watched the sunrise while waiting to be called to board.

My layover was in Charlotte, NC, so I picked up a bottle of water and a magazine. I was actually too tired to read it, but did enjoy staring at its beautiful cover.

When I arrived at the airport, I was overwhelmed. With all the traveling and being in an unfamiliar place, it was a lot to take in. I took a moment and ate at Wow Bao. I ordered chicken dumplings and they were really good. From there, I found the taxis. I was so thankful to be in a quiet space.

The driver dropped me off at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center and I was scared because I thought I was at the wrong place. My Google maps hadn't caught up with itself and it told me I was still ten minutes away. I had to hit refresh a couple times before it finally updated and I let out a sigh of relief to see I was where I needed to be. The hotel was beautiful!

As soon as I checked in, I took a shower, crawled into my king size bed, and turned on iZombie with a cup of chamomile tea in hand. I was so exhausted I fell asleep by 8.

Packing for DC

I scoured and studied the internet on the best items to pack for a short trip that could fit into a carry-on.

Building My Workout Wardrobe

When I went shopping yesterday, I was on the hunt for my newest love: workout clothes.

I ended up finding some really great pieces at Target and TJ Maxx. Reebok high-waisted skinny pants, a new sports bra and a flowy short sleeve shirt.

• Reebox pants: I actually picked these over a pair of Under Armour pants because of the high waist. I'm shaped so funny that normally all my pants fall and squeeze me, giving me an awful muffin top. High waisted is just what the doctor ordered.

• Champion Sports bra: What's not to love about hot pink? I love the band at the bottom because it makes me feel extra secure. I own a couple pairs of sports bras that have built in "petals" (aka those awkward things that add unnecessary shape to my already over-shapely chest) and I gotta say I like the bras without those better. So this was definitely a win.

• Cushion Active tee: This was my most joyful purchase! I hate compression tops. Absolutely hate, especially now that I'm working out and don't want to look like a suffocating sausage. This shirt is perfect for me. It's soft, complimentary, and doesn't hug my body. It's an understatement to say I'm super excited about wearing this tomorrow!

Day in the Life 1

Right now I'm lounging in my recliner, enveloped in the crisp, white quilt I found at Dirt Cheap today and drinking Clear Mind Kombucha. Spoiled. I feel so spoiled right now.

Today was a really great day. I cleaned house. Laundry, dishes, hanging up clothes...setting myself up for a good return home at the end of the week. I leave for DC Tuesday and get back Friday night.

Tonight I went shopping at Target and came upon some great stuff. I was able to get two discounted sports bras, one amazing workout shirt, and a Spanx slip. I am absolutely loving finding sales at Target for work out clothes. Since I've started working out and working out a lot, it's been great to grow my wardrobe, so that I'm not always having to do laundry.

Minimalism

If I were to show you a picture of my house two years ago, even a year ago, the image of the clutter would give you anxiety.

When my husband and I got married and moved into together, we had amassed two lifetimes of stuff...of things. I always thought more was better until this point when our 1950s home in East Memphis was bursting at the seams. I did what any girl would do and I got on pinterest and searched for ways to organize my life. If I couldn't beat the clutter, I would organize it.

What I found instead was not a way to organize anything, but the word minimalist. What does it mean to live a minimalist lifestyle? Simply, uncluttered. Simplifying your life and pairing your material possessions down.

I knew that I needed a change, maybe your like me and need a change.  These tips are for anyone, whether your house is in a state of distress or if You'd just like a tidier home, these tips are for you.

The first is release yourself from the myth of "this might come in handy." If you haven't used something in a year, chances are you are

T going to used. Second vacuum. On the off chance we might need it.

The second, Imagine the life you want. If you donT want to have to dig throuh your closets every day. For pots and pans for close, get rid of stuff.Everything we own requires time, money, energy and focus to maintain

Keep things that bring you joy and discard the things that don't.  This gave me th e freedom to part with things. A lot of times we keep things because we siren money on them. More harm than good.

If you do these three things, you'll find relief in not having to struggle 

Minimalism or decluttering is not about just owning less, it's about appreciating what you have. Everything you add to your life, more clothes, more decor, adds increased anxiety.

Seeing: Lauren Daigle

I have tried to remember when I was first introduced to Lauren Daigle, but I can't!

All I seem to remember is there was a time I didn't know who she was and now she's on constant rotation on my iPod.

Last Wednesday, I went with friends to see her in concert. I absolutely love her voice, and hearing her live—experiencing the powerhouse she is—just whoa! There's an itty bitty figure on stage, and all of a sudden she belts out this beautiful honey-full voice.

Destination: Pensacola

Strange Finale