OhLaLaAli

All in a Year

2016-03-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

We made it.

Well, I made it.

I feel like I should have something profound to say.

Like I should have gained enough wisdom to tell you how to move cross country at 21.

I have to be honest and tell you that I have no life changing wisdom to share.

I've got a story, and it starts like this:

God is good y'all.

Today is March 17th.

The day that little leprechauns make mischief and we wear green.

But today also marks my one year Nash-iversary.

A year ago today, I was so scared. So happy. So unsure.

I boarded a plane in Seattle and wondered what in the world I had gotten myself into.

I would soon be renting my first apartment, working several nanny jobs, buying my second ever car, volunteering with equine therapists, finally attending my dream school, getting a roommate, feeling lost, moving apartments, meeting my best friend turned confidant turned big sister inspiration, nannying 7 children, and looking back on my first year in Music City.

Oddly enough, I don't have a lot of sappy wisdom to share with this post.

Usually I would drone on about the things I have come to realize and how my life has changed, all while in complete tears, but this time I'm going to give you a simple list.

Here it goes, Ali's Top 10 things (you must say "ten" in your head with an accent almost like "tin") to know about moving/life/joy:

1. Label everything before you move. Create a master list too

2. Collard greens are your friend, so are boiled peanuts and Chick-fil-a frozen lemonade

3. Double check before you go for a de-stress run/walk that you haven't left the stove on

4. Humidity is not your friend

5. Don't wait, don't settle, don't dally. Act. Live a life without "I always wanted to..."

6. Pray. A lot

7. Call your mama

8. Call your dad when you're in the hardware store/have a flat and ask for help, but stay on the line to tell him you're fine as well

9. Live local, don't go for the newest apartment complex, you'll miss so much of the fun and charm

10. A year is a little ripple in time, use it well, but don't try and squash a life into a year

Thank you Tennessee, I'm so glad you're my home.

I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings in with my new year.

Gossip in Gingham - OOTD

2016-02-29T03:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend Tennessee kissed us with a little taste of spring, finally.

If you know anything about southern weather, you have about 2.5 seasons. Winter, a month of spring and the majority of the year is spent baking in the humidity of summer.

So, as temperatures reached 60 degrees all of Nashville surfaced from hibernation to play in the sunshine. The bestie and I spent our Saturday in 12th South, shopping around, trying our first ever 5 Daughters "100 layer" Donuts and revisiting a favorite, Burger Up.

The warmer weather meant painted toes and sparkle sandals for me. But I still could not leave behind my favorite winter staple, the J.Crew vest.

The vest and long sleeve button up provided just enough warmth for me to be able to bare my translucent ankles and cold toes for the day.

The whole outfit needed a pop of color, and my gorgeous pink Kendra Scott necklace did the trick.

I adore my little Draper James key chain attached to my new bag, courtesy of my all to generous dear friend. Did I mention the bag is reversible?!

We ended our day at Centennial Park, in true southern style. Picnic blanket, sweet tea and good company make for the best weekend in my book.

Shop my outfit below:

DIY Gold Leaf Acrylic Monogram

2016-02-14T19:45:00.002-08:00

I am probably lagging behind the trends, but I love all things acrylic.

I love acrylic frames, staplers, file boxes, tables, chairs; make it acrylic and I will probably want it.

The only thing that makes acrylic even better is gold foil.

After our fourth snow day in Nashville, I found myself beyond stir crazy. I had gotten out and walked in my favorite weather every day, hitting up Starbucks too many times to count and tip toeing along hoping to avoid slipping on ice, but still I needed to get out. I did not care where I went, I just wanted to be at least five miles away from my apartment that day. So, the roomie and I packed into her car and made our way out to run errands. Low and behold, we ended up at Michaels instead of buying groceries, yet again.

Wandering the aisles, I stumbled upon acrylic monogram initials. I had seen these backed in patterns at Home Goods, but finding solid, good old plain acrylic monograms had been hard up to that point. I knew I had to get one right away. With Valentines day fast approaching, I snagged one for the goodie bag I was putting together for my bestie. A few days before our girls day, I realized the acrylic monogram on its own just was not enough. So, back to Michaels I went. This time, I found myself in the paint aisle, which also happens to house gold leaf in my local store. I knew immediately that the monogram just needed a little bit of gold and it would be perfect.

This DIY is so simple, yet it makes the best gift or glam desk accessory to personalize your space.

Supplies

Acrylic monogram letter

Gold leaf sheets (I used Martha Stewart's)

Mod Podge, or another glue/adhesive

Paint brush for glue & one for brushing off leaf

Start by brushing some glue or some sort of adhesive onto your letter.

Wherever you put the glue down, the gold foil should stick, so choose wisely.

Allow the glue to get slightly tacky. I found with Mod Podge this happened a lot more quickly than expected. Mine was ready to go in under a minute.

Lay your letter down flat onto the sheet of foil.

Try not to get glue all over your surface, or in my case pick up faux fur with the sticky glue.

Fold the foil sheet over, wrapping the letter in foil.

Using your hands or a dry stiff brush, smooth the foil down. At this point, you still have the plastic sheeting protecting the foil so really go at it.

Then, remove the plastic sheet and you are left with gorgeous gold foil.

I recommend flaking some of the foil off, very gently, with a dry stiff bristled brush.

This gives the whole thing a more organic, gold dipped effect.

Let dry fully and you have a gorgeous statement monogram for your desk or office walls.

Are you still riding the acrylic train?

Or am I the only one left?

two thousand and fifteen

2016-01-22T20:19:00.002-08:00

2015 began with a little seed.

A seed of wonder, excitement, nerves and potential.

I actually picked this little seed up in 2014, after traveling to Nashville to run the Rock and Roll half marathon and celebrate my birthday. I had always liked the idea of southern roots, tracing mine back to my mama's sun kissed hair blowing in the Alabama heat. After spending a few days exploring Music City, something got to me. Maybe it was an 'itch,' or intuition.

More likely though, it was God's simple nudge, letting me know that if I planted my roots, He would see to it that I would grow and be taken care of.

For a while after that, I set aside my Nashville dream. Not too far though, as it aways lingered in the back of my thoughts. I would see something relating to Nashville and think how funny it was that suddenly it was everywhere to me.

2015 began on the West Coast with my mama. I had no inkling that in just three months I would be miles away from her and those grey sand beaches, instead in Tennessee.

January passed without much excitement. My seed began to tug more and more in the pocket I had placed it, but nothing seemed to be right. If you have ever been barely twenty and trying to rent an apartment on a nonexistent credit score, you may understand why.

I spent my days delighting in the #littlebesties watching them grow into the two best girls I knew.

But my seed refused to change.

Have you ever watched a seed grow?

When I was in elementary school we used to take a seed in a baggie of water and tape it to the window to do just that. The first few days, nothing. Then, slowly but surely that little seed begins to crack open. Out grow tiny, spindly roots that ground the seed in its surroundings. Next, comes the bright green shoot out the top, reaching upwards toward the sun. Growing on and on as the days pass by.

In January, I was that stubborn seed, refusing to let anything break my shell.

Then, suddenly, February came.

Just like in the childhood experiment, fissures appeared. Certain people would trickle little water drops of knowledge and love down into it, forcing it to change.

I was terrified.

This little seed had been my safety, something that I liked to hold and think of, but certainly never intended to plant, let alone have mature into a real plant. But as nature goes, I had no control over what was happening. The sunlight continued to shine down onto me, chaining my carefully crafted world, whether I wanted it to or not.

March came right along, and it would be the thing that broke my seed in two.

I have mentioned before that God's timing truly was the only way I made it to Nashville in one semi-whole piece. To make a long story short, I found an apartment, booked a plane ticket and moved across the country in two weeks. My little seed shook and rattled in my jeans as I packed boxes, said goodbyes and listened to Ashley Monroe's "On To Something Good" as though my life depended on it. And, in a way, it did.

I would listen to her gorgeous voice signing out the upbeat lyrics, hoping they held some truth.

Funny enough, I had gathered Ashley's seed the year before on that inaugural trip I had mentioned. She had been one of the many wonderful singers on the stage at the Opry the night I went. At that time, I barely knew who she was. But I recognized one song vividly. So, as she walked onto stage and began sining "Like A Rose," I was right there with her. Hoping that one day, I too would come out like a rose.

I honestly lived in a sort of bubble the first three months I was in Nashville.

I had the most delicate roots planted in my apartment, spending the days singing to myself or trying to forget the hours separating my family and I.

I found a couple places I deemed 'safe' for my new surroundings, and I would dutifully go to work and then volunteer as time permitted.

Eventually, a friend from home moved in with me and gave me one big root to plant close to home. We spent the majority of the summer exploring our new city, but finding comfort in each other's Pacificnorthwest bond.

As the days became increasingly more sticky, and I wondered why humidity was ever a thing, my seed began to shoot out the top. I found out that, for the third time, I was accepted to a college whose seed I had picked up in 2014 as well. For whatever reason, this time, I knew it was the right time to plant that seed. Semi-awkward orientation came and went, I overloaded my course schedule and found worth again in my intellectual abilities.

Around this time, I met a blogger friend in person. God must have had a good laugh that day, because He knew we were destined to be in each other's lives forever. Just like in the Kate Spade video. And so, leaves began to emerge. I put my hand out to a girl I had chatted with where I volunteered, and we too hit it off. A family I had reached out to needed a new nanny and little did I know I would soon become #nannyplus7.

October through December were the biggest blur.

I felt my little seed growing each time I dared let it, not to say things were perfect by any means.

There were a lot of downs. Of almost deep freezes, threatening to send us into a deep hibernation. But the sunny days far outweighed the storms.

I began to realize all the things I had done since picking up that first shiny seed a year prior.

No giant flower adorned my head yet. But even still, I had moments of shining, florescent, green beauty for all to see. I was braver than I had ever been. Stronger. Wiser perhaps. Yet, still so naive. I laughed a lot. I cried when I needed to let go.

But, most of all, I lived.

Really, deeply, in a way I never had before, I lived.

Two thousand and fifteen was, without a shadow of a doubt the best year of my life thus far.

Here is two thousand and sixteen being the year I finally let my seed mature, and let it's tale be witnessed by all who inquire.

Pictures following with short descriptions. After all, how will I remember it all with only words?

First Apartment:

New (to me) car, second car I purchased with my savings:

Running around town with Dad, scoring deals for furnishings:

An often needed reminder:

#LillyForTarget score:

Country Living Fair on My Birthday:

Greenway explorations:

Radnor Lake:

The Wasp Wall:

Summer Nanny Job:

Peach Truck!

Hiking Percy Warner w/ Roomie:

Burgess Falls w/Roomie (GORGEOUS):

Historical Tours w/Mom:

Just before moving out:

Care Packages for #LittleBesties:

And baby makes 7! #Nannyplus7

Popsicle & Some Perspective Amidst All the Changes:

A Cupcake (or two):

Snuggle Filled Visit Home:

First Sleepover w/Rachel:

Ben Rector Courtesy of Nanny Family:

Somedays were no good, so I studied my Bible:

Rachel's Showcase:

New Apartment!

PAYING FOR COLLEGE: 5 TIPS

2015-10-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

My road to college has not been the straightest of paths.

In fact, if it were a physical path it would probably include a slough of safety risks. Years ago when I took some time off, after breaking my foot, I wrote a post about paying for college. Having since added some laugh lines to my face, moving across the country, and starting a new college I decided it was time to add to that post.

FastWeb is my current favorite scholarship hub.

Like a dating website for free tuition money, if you will.

You create a profile, fill in your stats (but get to skip the cheesy about me blurb) and they match you to scholarships. From there you can see all the details including the due date, how much the scholarship is for and any requirements or rules. Love!

I have used CampusBookRentals since my first semester of college in Washington.

And I love them!

Their site is super simple to use and all books come with a prepaid envelope for when it is time to send the books back. Most classes do not have books that you find yourself wanting to use again, so renting them works out budget-wise and for your own sanity.

If you use my referral link you will automatically get 10% off your order, double score!

When I wrote the original post, I had no idea what I was talking about. I had either lived in a dorm room, paid for by my parents, or with my family while I was going to classes. Today, I have a little more experience here. I live in a two-bedroom apartment with a friend from home and we split living costs down the middle. Originally, we shared a grocery bill as well but have since gone to our own groceries to better fit our ways of eating and individual schedules.

Sharing a place to live is a huge saver in the long run.

Having a job in college is not the best thing ever. In fact, most of the time it is exhausting. However, if you can find a job to fit with your needs and schedule you will have one less thing to worry about. For me this has always been possible through nannying and sites like Care.com. Jobs on campus are also readily available, and attending college job fairs or poking around the internet for openings are also great places to start. If all else fails, or if you love caffeinating the student population, find the closest coffee shop and apply there. I would recommend going local as I know larger coffee chains often require students to stay at one location for a year or more, which may not be possible if you attend college in a different state.

Most college campuses have things going on almost every night of the week. Many times these include free movie screenings, concerts and interesting talks. Find out where these events are posted, for me it is on my student page, get a group of friends together and go. Haven't made friends yet? Fly solo or ask someone from one of your classes - you never know how you will meet your best friends!

Leave them in the comments below! Share and help us save even more money!

DO NOT BE AFRAID

2015-09-28T19:41:00.002-07:00

Tomorrow.

I am going home for the first time in six months.

I am so excited.

I am so nervous for the flight.

I am filled with this odd feeling.

Doubt? Fear? Reality?

Since I have been in Nashville, it is almost as though life in the Pacific Northwet has stopped. Rationally, I know this is not true but some funny piece of my mind thinks that maybe this can be true. That, if, I pray hard enough I will find my world frozen in time like one of those ceramic Christmas villages. Of course, I know this is not true.

What I fear so much of the time is that my life there will no longer continue to be.

I am so afraid that I am walking this path miles away from home and the things I love and hold so dear will all begin to cave under the distance. I am afraid that my Nashville adventure will have been a selfish and rash decision that I come to regret.

As I pack my bags to spend a few days nestled in the safety of the evergreen mountains, I realize that all of these fears are in vain. As Deuteronomy 31:8 says:

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.

{Dawn Klinge}

And how blessed are we for this fact.

If we can just remember throughout the fear and uncertainty in our daily journey that we do not walk through life alone, than that is comfort enough.

For me, this means trusting that God did not lead me to Nashville for nothing.

In fact, He has already shown me so many wonderful reasons He has lead me here.

The first time I really saw it was driving home from volunteering this summer. Things were a little unsettled, I had spent my birthday alone for the first time and I was hurting. On this particular hill coming home, you can sometimes see the iconic "Batman Building," and although I had always squealed in delight seeing it, on this day it struck me. The child I had volunteered with was pure joy and my favorite song was on the radio. And there, in all its glory, was that funny batman building. The last few moments of sun were reflecting brightly upon its surface as if to say, "its okay."

I remembered that I was not walking alone in this crazy journey.

It is this fact that I must remind myself of again as I sit half packed, tears rolling down my face.

The stark reality is, things have changed.

I do not have the power to control what happens at home, no matter how I try.

But I do have the power to let God lead me to where I need to be. And, above all else, isn't the greatest of all these things love?

The love I have for my favorite #littlebesties, the love for my family, for my friends.

The love for the familiarity of the pitter patter of a grey day spent indoors.

The love for the cold, crisp air.

That love is far greater than any fear I could think up.

That love is the love of God.

It will never leave, nor forsake me.

{she reads truth}

The very warmth of love allows me to clear the pathetic snot from my nose and pack one last pair of boots. I am so looking forward to that fall feeling in the pacificnorthwet. I am so looking forward to taking inventory of all the changes without any fear. I am so overjoyed with it all.

I wish you all safe travels wherever life takes you in the coming weeks.

Take comfort in the fact that you do not walk alone through it all.

THE BIGGEST ADVENTURE

2015-09-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

Today was an off day.

When I told my roommate this she asked me "how so?" as most people ask when you tell them you've had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Clearly, we're not the least bit dramatic around these parts. But when I really thought about it, I couldn't put my finger on it. So, being the rational person I am I blamed it on the weather, because today it felt as though the wind was blowing in the wrong direction.

Nothing concrete went wrong.

I did not trip and fall down a flight of stairs to break my foot. Nor did I forget my entire speech while presenting and told the whole class about my one true Kindergarten love. Both of these things have, of course, happened to me, but neither caused my mood today.

At about 7 tonight I lay down in bed, thinking of how off I had been all day and vowing to take a quick nap. Upon waking, something tugged at the back of my mind as if to say, I know why you're funked.

Today, September 17th, 2015 makes 6 full months I have been living in Nashville, Tennessee.

And I have no idea how to feel about it all.

The best way I can describe it is to relate it to a profound piece of television work, Gilmore Girls. In this instance, I am Luke Danes and 17th of every month is my 'dark day.' Of course, you will not find me off fishing in solitude and I am lucky in that no one had to die to bring about my dark day. Instead, something inside of me goes all out of whack and everything just feels off without reason.

The best way to start is to take you back 6 months with me.

6 months ago I woke up far too early and shuffled my 4 suitcases down to my grandparent's mini-van.

6 months ago I sobbed into my mother's arms and told her how terrified I was of it all.

6 months ago my Nonnie made me promise I would come back.

6 months ago I embarked on the biggest faith journey of my life.

6 months ago I wrote this:

"If you ask me right this second, the night before I leave for my new life in my new city I would tell you 100% that I will be back home after my 6 months are up. Yet, a part of me knows that in 6 months I may feel completely opposite. Someone check back in then and we will see what happens."

So, how do I feel now?

I feel proud and terrified.

I feel empowered and so lost.

I feel as though I am one strong person but I also feel so utterly alone.

Six months ago, I was lost.

I chose to come to Nashville in an attempt to run away from a world that I felt was crumbling around me in Washington. All I wanted was a soft place to land. In my crazy mind that place was half way across the country with no one familiar to me in sight.

Since then, I have tearfully moved out of my first apartment and into a place that I am still not sure I deserve. I have finally started at the school I have been accepted into three times and watch a handful of children on a regular basis.

Nothing about this has been simple though.

Above all else, for me, it has been a huge journey of faith.

Every single time I sat down to carefully plan things out, there was God, knocking on a different door leading in a direction He intended me to go.

Take the move itself as an example.

I had been tossing around the idea of moving for months before it all happened. In my mind, I would have a few months to move, find an apartment and settle in. I began the search and created endless lists regarding packing and shipping things when God knocked. He had found me the best place to live. Close to school, safe and with a landlord who He called to watch over me in my time of transition. The only catch? I had two weeks. From the time I closed my eyes and followed His lead with a "yes" I was to be packed, moved, and in an airplane within two weeks.

And so I followed.

He continued to provide for me upon my arrival in Nashville. Finding me several good jobs and a place to call my own through volunteering. However, I continued to wrestle with the logistics of school. I had my eye set on a certain school and even though I had been accepted twice before the whole thing never fit into my carefully laid plans. It was only when some logistical paperwork type things went wrong, and I vowed to finally enter school in the Spring of 2016 that God laughed and made me different plans. I was, once again, accepted and was to start in the Fall of 2015.

Once again, I went against my stubborn nature and followed.

I should let you know, that if you're reading this thinking "she's got it all together, good for her." You're so wrong.

I am still terrified.

Every night my prayers center around taking away my worry and anxiety.

I question my decision on the regular and I miss my family something awful.

Tears are as normal for me as getting dressed in the morning.

Nightmares are awful and are never made better by just a phone call.

But I know God has called me here.

Why? Only He knows for now.

But, in time, I know I will too know and my greater purpose will be revealed.

I do know that I am in His hands and He will lead me to where I need to go when I plan for something else.

Even on this dark and twisty day I have faith.

Happy six months Nashville.

Thank you for being my greatest adventure yet.

DEAR AMESY & LITTLE: FIND YOUR TRIBE

2015-09-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Amesy and Little,

It has been 6 months since this adventure began.

184 sleeps.

24 flips through my agenda.

And countless silly weekends spent on FaceTime.

We have celebrated two out of our three birthdays and each started new adventures in school.

I still find you in my weekly trips to Target, Little, and tell everyone I can about how brilliant you are, Amesy. I never could have imagined that even though 2,490 miles separate us, we remain a constant in each other's lives.

But then I remember, of course, that you are a part of my tribe.

So, what makes up a tribe?

Should we think about our tribe in a historical sense?

A tribe is traditionally defined as a "distinct people, dependent on their land for their livelihood, who are largely self sufficient and not integrated into the national society." I think the closest we ever got to depending on our land was picking blackberries on the way to the bus stop, so maybe this does not fit for us.

But I do find the self sufficiency piece valid.

You see, picking your tribe is an ongoing process. Like the Cumberland River in Nashville, things ebb and flow as they are meant to.

Coming to college I find myself once again searching for those to slip into my tribe. Some days, I feel like I am merely treading the water around me, overwhelmed by the rush of it all. Like my favorite Kindergartner I find myself thinking "what if I don't make any new friends?!" It is on these days that I have to hop out of the water, and re-evaluate what it means to be a part of my world.

I often do that by thinking of the two of you.

I find comfort in people like you Amesy.

I see you when I meet people who are kind beyond measure, and I wonder how they got to be so good. A heart of gold in your river is always welcome. Those who can offer a different perspective or stand strong in their faith will make you a better person. Their advice may not always be comfortable, but their endless quest for truth will guide you through the roughest rapids.

I also find you in those who are willing to spend the day just being with me. As you know that is often around the table, with snacks and craft supplies for all. I suppose not everyone needs a craft-obsessed friend in their tribe, although if anyone needs one I'm your girl. Instead, I urge you to find those who you share common interests with. Who will talk about silly shows with you, or share their prized sequin collection, or even take a long hike with you to revel in God's creation. These people will never need explaining, as there is an unspoken bond in the things you share.

The people in the world like you, Little, stretch me.

They are outgoing and bring unapologetic joy to those who surround them. Swimming alongside opposites will keep you forever changing and growing along your journey. They encourage you to try new things, but never leave you struggling alone. These people have a knack for making you feel included even when you stick out like a log in the current.

The head member of my tribe operates in this same way.

She meets no stranger and manages to keep me bold from miles away. I look for more adventurers like the two of you, to inspire me to say "yes" even when I do not feel like it and to make the effort without knowing the outcome.

If I could build a tribe of a million Amesy & Littles I would be blessed beyond measure. We would surely be self sufficient, like the dictionary definition of tribe proclaims, because you two make me complete. I find this idea sometimes hard to grasp, but I have seen it at work.

Your tribe should be there for you in all seasons and weather.

My tribe shows up for me whether I specifically call or even just by knowing me as a person.

Months ago, I was feeling homesick and a little unsure of it all.

I checked my email as I did everyday and found that a member of my tribe had done just that.

Your mama, yes your mom is a core member of my tribe too, had made it possible for me to come home and love on you in a time when I needed that familiarness more than ever. Not once did I call and beg her to come home, instead she was answer to my silent prayers without even knowing it.

Sometimes, your tribe shows up for you in your current state.

For me, this has been unexpected mail from home and from Nashville friends that reminds me why I am on this journey. Although nothing they give says "I believe in you," or lays it out in a stock photo motivational poster, their thought alone brings you peace. It is these gestures from your tribe that come like miracles, giving you a "yes, you are loved and right where you are meant to be" above the rest of it all.

More than anything, your tribe should forever grow and be there for you.

I look for those who will get coffee with me, even if it is almost $5 and we should be studying. Who will allow me to chat for hours, as we all know I can do, but will also add in their opinions and life stories while calling me out when I need it.

I look for those who will hug me, cry with me and support me even when I am completely unlovable. This does not just meaning loving grumpy, mean morning Ali, but the Ali who is running on no sleep, has 3 assignments due and is beyond reasoning with. In those moments my tribe does not have to like me, and bless those who still do, but they just have to love me and bear witness to it all without wavering.

Most importantly, I look for those who will make me better. Who will challenge my beliefs and actions and keep me accountable. If a tribe is to be self sufficient, they must keep each other in check. Just like a river rises and falls with the rain, my tribe must be able to stand up for what is right and challenge the injustices around us.

So that is it.

Simple right?

If only!

Although I am still searching for a tribe who is crazy enough to spend nights with me crafting and discussing our journeys, I can tell you that the tribe always comes. The people who are meant to be in your life will be put there when you need them most. Like the two of you.

Thank you for being in my tribe.

Thank you for letting me into yours.

Keep your hearts forever open to those who are searching for a tribe like yours, and know that you are loved beyond measure.

xo,

PLANNER FREEBIES

2015-08-12T12:40:00.002-07:00

As a Type A my planner has always been my one true love interest.

I loved writing down all my assignments in middle school and checking them off one by one. More recently, I have discovered the "planner community" and become completely enthralled by the whole thing. I was already planning in my Lilly Pulitzer agenda and thought a few custom stickers would enhance the whole experience. After adding my first shot of my planner to instagram, follow me @OhLaLaAli, the positive response was overwhelming. Wonderful people kept asking me to start selling the stickers, which was beyond any response I could have imagined.

Week after week I find my few spare moments wrapped up in planning the next week's spread theme and designing little details to go along with. The first week I uploaded included many Lilly prints and designs that were not my own, so I could not in good conscience profit from the design. Instead, I thought I would throw it out there as a free download for all to use in their planning needs.

The amazing pink tassel banner is a free download on Holly Creative, go download it there from her lovely site.

As for the future themes and stickers, although I may not have time to physically create planner stickers to ship out to all of you lovely fellow planner lovers I am dabbling in the idea of sellign them as digital downloads on etsy, that way you all can print them at your leisure and as many times as you need. Let me know your thoughts below!

Please tag me @OhLaLaAli in any photos you get of your planner with my stickers, I would love to see them all!

PARTY LIKE IT'S 1776 - ETSY COLLECTION

2015-06-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

Last night as I sat under the trees in my backyard sipping a beer, I caught my first glimpses of the magic that is lightning bugs. Awestruck, I kept thinking to myself, now this is summer in The South.
And as summer arrives, so does America's favorite holiday, the 4th of July.
Whether your family grills out at home, or you are in charge of appetizers at the neighborhood party, you are bound to enjoy a little fun in the name of our great nation. In this spirit, I created the newest collection on my Etsy store, entitled "Party Like It's 1776."
This collection was created to be the perfect companion to any party on the 4th.
The cups not only make great statement decor, but can also double as a party favor for your guests to remember the night.
Unsure of my plans for the 4th, perhaps a Martina McBride concert downtown? Goodness knows the sort of talent that one can enjoy in the fabulous city of Nashville on Independence Day. Regardless of what I am doing, I will be rocking at least one of these cups throughout the celebrations.
So, read through the inspirations and tidbits about each design, leave a comment letting me know which one you like best and share them with your friends if you feel so inclined.
Get ready to Party Like It's 1776.

DEAR AMESY & LITTLE: FIND YOUR HAPPY

2015-06-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Amesy & Little,

My how you have grown! I look at pictures of you nowadays and you are both becoming these amazing real live, big, little people. You make me so proud when I hear about all the fun things you are doing and hear the happy ooze from your voices.

That unexplainable, overwhelming happy is important babes.

One of the ways I find that same happy is through volunteering. As you know, I spent a few seasons with Girls on the Run and hope to continue that for the long haul. Today, I volunteered with a new organization in Nashville that lets children with special needs ride horses with our help. It was amazing, and definitely made my heart glow. I spent two hours there, helping out with two different lessons and although both were different I found them to be equally touching.

What I mean to say is, giving my time is what makes me happy. Being around kids and making a difference in their worlds' brings me more joy that anything tangible. It is so easy for us to get caught up in our daily hubbub and routine that we often forget to find our happy. So I ask you now, what is your happy? Is it being outside in nature? Or maybe taking the time to make a new friend or help someone at school? Whatever fills your happy tank top full is what I want you to think about.

And then, make it a priority.

Squish things in your day around just so you can feel that boundless joy. Commit to it because you are so worth it. Finding your happy is worth it because it ensures that you run like a well oiled machine. When you are purposeful in your happy, you find everyday tasks like brushing teeth and doing homework are easier. Your happy will make those around you happy, like a little ripple in a pond that grows larger and larger each day. Do you see anything bad about finding your happy? I sure don't!

Make time for yourself, find your happy and always know you two are a huge piece of my happy.

NEW YORK CITY

2015-05-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Late Thursday afternoon I packed up my carry-on luggage and headed off to New York city.

I spent five amazing days in the city with my dear friend Sam, finally understanding the lure of the big apple. The main purpose of the trip was to see Sam graduate from college, a worthy excuse for any vacation. Sam and I met years ago as counselors at a summer camp and grew closer as each summer drew to a close. She is going to be a teacher in the coming year and I have no doubt that she will spearhead an amazing program in her first school.

My adventures began as I boarded the plane to LGA. In a groundbreaking turn of events I packed all my things in a carry-on duffle. I generally purposely bring my Longchamp tote and Vera Bradley duffel so that if the plane is overcrowded my non-rolling bag will not be gate checked. This flight proved that my plan is not airtight. I was halfway to my seat when I realized all of the overhead bins were shut and full. After begrudgingly gate checking my bag I settled in for the flight.

Sam met me at the airport with a smile and wine in her backpack, she knows me too well. After a gorgeous night cab right to her bite sized New York city apartment I discovered one of the biggest perks of the city, delivery. At any time of the day/night. This meant that we could get pizza and salads, which we did, at midnight. Wine and pizza is one of the more simple ways to my heart.

We woke up the next morning with one goal: bagels and iced coffee. Sam led me a few blocks over to Tompkins Square Bagels. Every Seattle bone left in my body flinched while jaywalking from street to street, the Seattle police happily give tickets to jaywalkers, but Sam assured me I would be more penalized if I waited for the light. Tompkins Square was crowded, which was a good sign to me. We moseyed on over to the counter where I ordered a sourdough bagel, classic cream cheese and a hazelnut latte. I quickly learned that my natural demeanor meant that people knew right away I was not from the city and quickly called me "sweetie." A city child I am not. Oh well! We sat on the sweet back patio area and throughly enjoyed our breakfast.

Later that day I had my first New York subway experience to the Plaza hotel for my birthday present, a Rawther Fancy Eloise Tea! The Plaza is just as magical as I had imagined and the whole basement was filled with a feast of varying cuisines. At first glance we appeared too old for the tea, but I assure you that we had the best time, if you love Eloise I would recommend this to you chid or grown up. Everything was pink, swoon, and we were served tea or pink lemonade along with a fantastic assortment of finger foods. The whole experience was tasty and wrapped up with the most adorable goodie bag! I am still swooning over those plates and plotting my next trip to the city around obtaining a set for myself. Sam and I could not resist picking up some decor items for our apartment that I am sure will show up in later blog posts.

That night for dinner I had my first Shake Shack experience. I have to say, the burger was pretty good but the Seattlite in me must say that Dick's has better fries.

Saturday morning we had iced coffees delivered to Sam's apartment, I am already going through withdrawal as I actually had to put on a bra and leave my apartment to get coffee this morning. We spent the good part of the morning relaxing at met up with Sam's wonderful parents at the Hilton Garden Inn in Times Square. I have to admit that Times Square never made my list of must sees and I quickly discovered why. The much less crowded hotel bar overlooked the crowded madness and that was enough for me. I had a Green Tea Mojito which was good, but not my favorite drink by any means. We hobbled across the street to St. Andrew's, which is a little unassuming Scottish pub type restaurant with completely delicious food. We started the meal off with buffalo calamari, amazing, a glass of cabernet and then Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi for dinner. I am not one for red meat but I tried a bit of steak and decided St. Andrew's was doing something right. After dinner we ducked our way into the M&M store for a treat and filled our bag with mint, almond and crispy M&Ms.

Obligatory Kinky Boots Jumbotron photo for my Nonnie

Sunday was filled top full with cardio, and some good eats of course. Sam took me on an amazing walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, where we spent most of the time dodging and passing meandering tourists. We walked through Brooklyn, which hello is adorable and I want a townhouse there, to a food festival at the Brooklyn Bridge Park called Smorgasburg. Like most things in New York, it was crowded but worth it. We started with macaroni and cheese from Milk Truck which was upscale yet down home delicious. This was followed by elote, seasoned corn on the cob with butter and cheese, and a watermelon agua fresca that tasted like pure watermelon juice, no qualms there. We went for a wildcard taste next and tried shrimp teriyaki balls from Mimi & Coco. These were basically dough balls with shrimp cooked inside and teriyaki, mayonnaise and Sriracha drizzled on top. They were worth a try but not something either of us would indulge in again. The crowning glory of the trip was the ice cream sandwich from The Good Batch. Sam and I both got The Goodwich, which is an "oat chocolate chunk cookie, sea salt, drizzled fudge and vanilla ice cream." Goodbye Brooklyn bridge workout, hello delicious.

That night we had a simple dinner at Junior's in Time Square where I had a giant burger and way too many fries.

Monday was a big day of celebration. We got up early to get Sam ready for graduation and took a cab to Madison Square Garden. This was the only time I was alone in New York and I will admit I was a bit terrified. I was instructed to march myself three blocks to the nearest Starbucks where I would hitch up with Sam's parents. After ordering my usual I sat myself in a little corner booth and people watched. My bright Lilly for Target dress stood out in the crowd and I was enthralled by the different people living and visiting the city. Sam's graduation was wonderful. I felt this overwhelming sense of pride to know such an amazing person and it helped me to be less woe-is-me about my not graduating this year. We had more drinks at the Hilton following graduation, I had something called a Bramble Over Broadway? Delicious and stronger than the previous day's.

That night for dinner I had one of the best meals I have ever had at a Greenwich Village Italian restaurant called Arte. Per usual, I followed Sam's drink lead an ordered a Bellini. By the end of the night I would have two and a half more, making for a hearty celebration. We had something delicious for an appetizer that Sam picked out, topped with truffle oil and cheese. For dinner I had thought about ordering a ravioli on the menu with lobster and after asking the waiter about it he created an entirely different meal for me. It was amazing. I couldn't tell you what to order since it was his creation but I know that the most amazing ravioli was swimming in a puddle of butter topped with succulent crab meat. You will have to trust me on this and wander over to Arte if you are in the city.

After a very tipsy cab ride back to the apartment, I wandered into a wine store where I insisted on purchasing a bottle of red for Sam and her sweet roommate, who had also graduated. We ended the night playing some video game and planning a fabulous, but alas fictitious, wedding.

Tuesday was my last half day in New York and everyone was exhausted. That morning we ordered bagels from Tompkins Square straight to the apartment. I decided to splurge and get a french toast bagel with three berry cream cheese and it was worth every calorie. We did some errand type things and ended up at Cafe Mocha for one last drink and some finger food. After that I took a $55 cab ride that left me glad to be alive and spent too many hours at La Guardia watching one delay after another.

My time in New York was amazing and flew by. I would love to go back to the city again and explore more that is has to offer but I am so glad to live in a slower paced city. I am so grateful to Sam and her family for the unconditional warmth and hospitality they showed me on my trip, something I will forever remember.

FITBIT FLEX INITIAL REVIEW

2015-05-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

Some days it feels like I have been fighting to get back in shape for years. In some ways there is a lot of truth to this statement. I went from being an extremely active rower, to a sometimes runner and now feel like chasing a nanny babe or two around all day is fitness enough. In my heart I know this is not good enough for me personally and want nothing more than to be able to run mile after mile seamlessly. Insert the Fitbit Flex, my new best friend.

I was attracted to the flex due to its step counting nature but also its goal setting integration and ability to track foods and activities. I am two days in and generally pleased with this product, although we take New York tomorrow and that will be the true test.

The Fitbit Flex comes with two wristbands, size small and large, the computer portion, a charge USB cord and a wireless sync dongle. The two pronged silver piece is the clasp of sorts and interchanges between either wristband size to keep your Fitbit secure on your wrist.

Mine came pre-assembled in the large size wristband and I found switching over to the small wristband to be easy. The hardest part was figuring out how the Fitbit itself went into the wristband, arrow facing out and up for reference.

I was also happy to see the device came charged, which isn't always the case with electronics.

I had downloaded the Fitbit app ahead of time from the app store and found it to be very user-friendly and pleasing to the eye. The app walks you through the set up steps and in no time your device is ready to go.

The app comes pre-programmed to set 10,000 steps as your daily walking goal and so far I have left mine like that. You also enter your weight, weight goal and how 'difficult' you want the process to be, as in how many pounds a week you are aiming to lose.

I found all of the different lights the device puts out to be confusing as well and had to google what they all meant a couple times to get it down. As far as I know, two dancing lights mean the device is asleep and if you double tap your wristband you will see three chasing lights followed by how much of your goal you have achieved. I love this simple visual goal check in, its discreet enough that you can check it throughout your day without interrupting any part of your day.

The Fitbit Flex also tracks your sleep if you ask it to. Before you go to sleep, simply select start tracking sleep in the app and count sheep like normal. I will admit that I am a pretty particular sleeper, in that I toss and turn and have to have things arranged just so and found this to be a little cumbersome on my wrist. As for the actual tracking, after one night it is too hard to give any real analysis. I have used other sleep apps before to "wake me up in my optimal sleep cycle" and will be interested to see how this data compares.

You can also set silent alarms, supposedly good if you have a partner whom you don't want to wake, not something I have to worry about but I will try this feature out none the less.

So far I'm pleased with my initial impressions of my Fitbit Flex. It has a clean design and packs a fair number of features for its price tag. I plan on updating in a few months when I have a more concrete grasp on the product and its aid in my journey to fitness.

This post is not sponsored and the opinions are 100% my own.

Links may contain Amazon affiliate links.

DIY HERRINGBONE WOOD WALL ART

2015-05-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Like many of my good ideas this wood herringbone wall art came to me in a sleepless night.
My mind raced and nothing short of a miracle could will me to sleep. Instead of letting the night go to waste, I sat up in bed surrounded by my planner and various notebooks and made lists.

One of the lists happened to be ideas for my apartment. This list ranged from 'get door weathering' to 'spray paint entire apartment gold' but somewhere in the middle was an idea to cover up this eyesore "bar" area in my place. I was not even sure I could do it, or at least if I could do it without chopping a finger off but in the end this project far surpassed my dreams.
It started out as a wood herringbone wall, but being a renter I thought it had to be removable like a wood picture. So off to Home Depot I went. There I discovered these thin, inexpensive wood planks called laths. At my store they cost about 95 cents and are 2" wide by 8' long and 1/4" thick, perfect for my project. I ended up buying 14 in total and had extra when all was said and done.

I started by staining my laths with a homemade steel wool and vinegar stain. Any stain will do, most home improvement stores have a large variety of stains to fit any need or style. After my laths had dried overnight, say lath five times fast and see if you lisp too, I brought them inside and started measuring. My wall was 41" wide by 40" tall and I had the wonderful people at Home Depot cut me down a four foot board into those exact dimensions at no extra cost.

For my wall I wanted each strip to be 8" long. I started by measuring 8" along a board and ended up using one of the pre-cut strips to mark the rest of the boards. I have to be completely honest here and say I have never used a power saw by myself. Living in an apartment I do not have access to a large array of power tools but was lucky enough to borrow this adorable saw for a few days. If you do not have any power tools available to you I would suggest going to a local home improvement store and ask them to cut the boards for you, in the end your project will likely be a lot more even than mine.

After cutting too many strips to count I started laying them down. The easiest way to create a uniform herringbone pattern is to first find the middle of your board and mark it. From there, create a 45 degree angle off of each side. Your very first board will have its top corner touching the center mark and that attached long edge aligned against the 45 degree angle. The next board lies one short edge flush with the inside long side of the first board and so on and so forth down the middle of the board. It makes more sense to see this in a visual pattern so googling herringbone pattern, or using my finished project, for reference may help.

To get the boards to stick I primarily used wood glue, however the laths I bought were the bottom of the barrel and they had warped a little. So, I bought these things called 'wire brads' simply because they were only a 1/2" tall and wouldn't really show in the end. Although they create a fantastic seamless look they can be a pain to get hammered in. Per suggestion of my father, real talk I call him every time I go to Home Depot because I have no idea what I'm doing, I used a pair of pliers to reduce the headache. If you pinch the brad between your pliers' nose and then get it started with a hammer you can remove the pliers and hammer it all the way in. I ended up putting a brad in both ends of the boards except on the edges because I wanted it to look like those boards would hypothetically continue.

Hours later and almost a whole bottle of wood glue I ran into a snag.
This is where I recommend you take my advice and learn from my mistakes. I started to glue down those edge pieces that stick up higher than the board when I realized my little saw couldn't nicely go through those. After some choice words in my head I flipped my board over, marked where I needed to cut each board and then pulled the suckers off. I learned quickly that wood glue is great stuff as it took a fair amount of muscle to wiggle these off.
I would also recommend leaving the corners free for now. Make the needed cuts for the pieces to go there eventually, but this will make hanging it up so much more simple.
Now you get to hang your project up!
Mine was going above a 'bar' area in my apartment so I could rest it there while drilled the pilot holes. I put one hole in each corner and made sure it went into the wall behind as well. I used anchors to add some stability to the whole thing but I imagine plain screws would be fine depending on the weight and location of your 'wall'.

Add the corners back onto your project, I recommend lots of wood glue and even drilling a little cave in the back of the lath where the screw sits for a more flush design.
For under $30 you have a gorgeous, custom herringbone statement piece, or wall if you prefer.

Now to find a color to paint the bar... any suggestions? Leave them in the comments!

DEAR AMESY: ON WHY I LEFT

2015-04-26T07:37:00.002-07:00

Dear Amesy,

Thank you for the birthday gifts, they made me think of you and your wonderful faces. My most favorite part, as it always is, was the card. I love cards because they come straight from you and your heart, which is what makes you Amesy.

In your card you asked why I had to leave. I wish I had the perfect answer for that my chickadee. There are a lot of reasons I chose to move, and although it was never the right time to leave you and Little, I had to take a leap.

I think the love for Music City started exactly a year ago today, when I ran the half marathon on my birthday. It could have been the endorphins from all the running but after almost a week in Nashville something told me I needed to try the city on for size. I think when you come visit one day you will understand better. Although it is a city, it doesn't feel that way to me. The southern roots run deep and the history is so rich you could spend days here and not know it all.

I also fell in love with a school here. It has been no secret that I have been trying to work on becoming a pediatric nurse over the past few years. Something about that school feels "right" to me, if that makes any sense. After several attempts to attend the school I finally feel as though something will show its way to me and I will be able to attend sooner than later.

The best reason I can say I left, Amesy, was to try something new. Remember when we would talk about trying new things, from foods to activities, and I said it was always worth it to try something new or try again. After trying tomatoes over and over again Nashville became my something new. Like anything new, I am still deciding if I like it. But everyday I make a promise to myself to try again. Have you tried anything new lately? Did you like it? If not are you willing to try again?

What I want you to know above all else is that you and Little were never even a sliver of the reason why I chose to come live in Nashville. In fact, if I could shrink you down to the size of Tinkerbell and keep you all in my pockets I would. There is a quote that goes, "how lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" from Winnie the Pooh. I think what Pooh means is that no matter how sad or hard it is to say goodbye, we are lucky to have those feelings about another person. Because if goodbyes are so tricky that means that the love you have for that person is so large it could span to silly planet and back.

I gained two amazing sisters over the past two years who have hung with me when I was sniffling and sick and also when the sun is shining and we get to explore the city. And for all of that we are so lucky!

I hope this makes a little more sense to you, if you have any questions you call always call me or even write me a letter! I would be happy to be your pen pal!

Love you to silly planet and back almost 8 year old,

DEAR NANNY: FINDING A NEW FAMILY

2015-04-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that I fell head over heels in love over the past two years.

The subjects of my affection were two of the most wonderful children ever, the #littlebesties, otherwise known as Amesy & Little. Finding that perfect nanny match is beyond amazing. I knew pretty quickly that Amesy & Little were meant to be in my life forever. Two years went by and they grew, still haven't figured out how to freeze them in time yet, and suddenly it was time for me to move on.

Saying goodbye to my little besties was one of the more tough things I have ever done.

We still Skype regularly and I love hearing about their accomplishments via texts from their fabulous mother.

Lately, I have been searching for a new nanny job in Nashville.

As I read profile after profile and gear up to start a new job, I find that my mind lingers on one thought, they will never by "my girls" or "the babies." This is not to say that other wonderful families are not out there, in fact I have met with them and find them to be fabulous in their own right.

What I mean to say is that leaving a nanny family after building a connection is akin to a breakup.

Everything you do or see after the fact is compared to that initial love. After spending the majority of your time with a family you become so intwined into them that it is hard to remember your life without Little jabbering on in Target. And this is okay.

What I want to say, dear nanny, is that they will forever be a part of your heart. People say that with each child they have their heart grows a little bigger to accommodate and I find the same to be true with nannying. No matter how you feel you are "cheating" on your perfect nanny family by finding another great match, know that you will never replace them. Your love for a new family will grow in its own unique way, or if it does not than you owe it to yourself to be truthful and gracious in your feelings and needs.

Then there comes the time when your nanny family finds a new nanny. I cannot sugar coat this in any way nanny, it is the most bittersweet thing around. Being the wonderful nanny you are you feel such joy knowing they found a good fit and will be loved once again, but your nagging mind never quits. You worry that you will be replaced, be outdone or forgotten in place of the new love.

You are valid in your feelings, nanny, whatever they be. But you also must remember that the love does not go one way here. That perfect family has become a part of your family. If this nanny turns out to be the best thing since you, hallelujah! The family grows. When it comes down to it, all you want is for those babies to be loved the way you loved them. To be nurtured, protected and to live with permanent laughter on their faces.

So, dear nanny, do what you think is right.

Listen to your heart and gut.

Love without limits.

And always know that your heart will never shrink in size, but only grow with each family you join.

Never stop loving those littles.

GOLD IKEA RUSCH HACK

2015-04-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

Growing up we had a yellow chickie clock that we kept in the back of our kitchen. The little yellow chick would bob back and forth as the time passed, logging our memories in its bright simple face. Now that I am "grown" and have a place of my own I decided that my phone was not going to cut it as the sole time keeper in my house. So, like the typical twenty something I am, I wanted something inexpensive, but still glam. In the end I turned to everyone's favorite flat pack furniture store, IKEA.

I decided to purchase the IKEA Rusch Clock for $1.99. I figured if it became yet another Pinterest fail then at least I would only be out a few dollars in the end. With the help of my new cordless drill and my longtime friend Mod Podge, I was able to transform this mundane clock into a statement piece perfect for my upcoming bedroom gallery wall.

You will need:

IKEA Rusch Clock

Paint Brush

Mod Podge

Glitter

Electric Drill with Varying Drill Bits

Start off by prying the clock apart. I used a box cutter but a butter knife may be a better option if you are accident prone like myself. With some patience you can press the tabs into the clock and pry the front piece from the clock base. Then, remove the clock hands, they should come off with a little tugging. Do the same thing to the actual clock mechanism where the battery goes.

Find the center of your clock, to do this I played the front piece into the clock base and traced the opening for the original IKEA design. Then, starting with your smallest drill bit drill a hole into the center of the circle. Work your way up, bit by bit, until you have the correct sized hole for your clock mechanism.

Next comes the best part, the decorating. I chose to create a glitter clock and began by spreading a semi-even layer of Mod Podge over the whole face and sides. This does not have to be perfect as glitter hides a multitude of sins.

Sprinkle the glitter to your heart's content. I ended up letting each layer dry completely and then applying another coat of Mod Podge and glitter to make sure the whole thing was as obnoxious and over the top as possible.
In the meantime I grabbed a can of spray paint I had left over from another project, though any paint would work just fine, and painted the hands white.
All that is left is to assemble your little glam clock. Put the clock mechanism through the drilled hole, attach the hands and hang on your wall. If you want to you could easily add some numbers to the face, I chose to leave mine without simply for the look.

All that is left to do is hang it on a wall. I used a nail from a picture hanging kit I bought at Home Depot, have you ever looked at the nail isle in that place? So many choices. The little picture hanging kit is much more newbie friendly.

This clock makes a great statement in any room and is the perfect pop of texture on a gallery wall. You also cannot beat the price. Glam on a budget? I am all for it.

Do you have any useful IKEA hacks? Let me know in a comment below!

DEAR AMESY & LITTLE: HAVE COURAGE AND BE KIND

2015-04-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Amesy & Little,

Before I left the pacific northwet my mom, nonnie and I went to see Cinderella in theaters. Just as I am sure you both agree, it was magical. Each costume was better than the last and I loved Disney's take on the whole thing. All throughout wicked things happened to Cinderella and yet she heeded her mother's advice to "have courage and be kind."

This phrase has become a sort of mantra for me and my latest adventure.

My mother wrote it in a card to me not too long ago and any time I feel afraid or anxious I repeat it to myself, sometimes out loud or other times I chant it silently in my head.

I know you both already have the latter portion of the phrase down, as you are two of the kindest girls I know, but I want to talk about what it means to have courage. Courage can be a lot of things; it can be climbing up the tallest mountain or singing in front of a big crowd. One of my favorite quotes says Courage does not always roar, sometimes courage is a quiet voice at the end of the day saying "I will try again tomorrow."

Recently I found myself needing an extra boost of courage in a situation where my needs were not being heard. So many times we as women, and girls, find ourselves unhappy with a situation and instead of standing up for our thoughts and happiness we repeat the famous phrase "I'm okay." But sometimes we are not okay and what I want you to know is that you have every right to speak up. This takes undeniable courage and is never easy, but you must remind yourself that you are worth more than gold.

Once you have gathered that courage like glass slippers upon your feet, you are set to change the things you dislike. It is amongst all the gold bravery and silver valor that you must remember to bring the most humble of things, kindness. Remember that you can state your opinions in a thoughtful, eloquent way. You do not have to be the loud, roaring lion. You can choose to be the field mouse, making your voice heard without shutting your ears to the ideas of others.

What I am saying is to listen to your heart. Nine times out of ten you will know what the 'right thing' is for you. This applies to friends, to jobs, even to what you do in your spare time and talk about with other people. Listen to that little thing inside your head and, even if it takes courage, speak up.

Wishing you fabulous weather on your break,

P.S. Your mom has me obsessed with this song and since its applicable to the topic I thought I would include it for some girl power.

HOT & HUMID HAIRSTYLES

2015-04-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that we are blessed with mild weather in the pacific northwet. On occasion it gets hot and slightly humid for a week and we all complain and raid Target's fan section until it is bare.
True story. Just ask about the summer of 2000.Its a rough life when your summer is 75-80 degrees during the day and 50-65 at night, not. All this mild weather also does wonderful things for our hair, minus the rain, and even those with obnoxiously long hair like mine find it to be more than tolerable.
Kiss those tamed hair days goodbye girls, we've gone South.
I have heard of the hot humid summers and have nightmares of the frizz and dreaded poof. So, in an effort to keep myself semi-put together throughout my first Southern summer I have scoured pinterest for the best styles. My beloved pony is a tried and true favorite, but anything that gets my hair off of my neck is a heaven sent. Welcome to something I'm calling It's Hot as Heck, Get My Hair off My Neck Hairstyles or Hot & Humid Hairstyles for short.
By Washington standards today would be a gorgeous shorts and flip flop worthy day, yet as I look around I notice that at a 75 people are still wearing jeans and jackets. Send help. So, although I do not find it to be overly hot or humid, yet, I still wanted to get my hair off of my neck for the day. Today's hairstyle comes from the pin below, called a triple braided bun from barefoot blonde.

Like most things I see on pinterest, I did not exactly follow the instructions. I did make three braids and I did wind them around each other but I did not follow her neat winding bun. I started with a simple front french braid, if you have bangs this is a good way to keep them out of your face, and ended that in a normal braid. After making two more braids I went to town with bobby pins. There must be at least twenty on my head right now. The easiest thing for me to do was to take the french braid into traditional braid and pin it over top the other two braids, tucking the non braided tail underneath. After that I took one of the other braids and did the same sort of thing. The third braid is the same story, except I made sure it covered any escaping tails. The result is shown below.

Do you have any favorite summer hairstyles?

DEAR AMESY & LITTLE: THANK YOUR PARENTS

2015-03-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Amesy & Little,

Whoo! What a week. I feel like I have been running around like a blind cow getting a lot done but nothing to show for it. The place is a mess and although I have most of the main things I 'need' nothing is quite done. How is life in your world? Started soccer yet Amesy? How is gymnastics going Little?

I have been spending a lot of time with my dad lately and although we get short with each other I am really glad to have him. Parents are funny, you know? God, or whatever you believe in, plucks you out of a hat and decides you will be part of a certain family. Sometimes your family feels like your favorite dress, sparkley and fancy, it makes you feel 3 inches taller just by having it on. Other times, that dress becomes scratchy and too tight - it becomes all you can do not to donate it to Goodwill. The family you are given can sometimes be a pain. But it takes something big, a scraped knee, a recital or a long distance move to show you just how much they care. They may not say it right out, but if you look really carefully at their seams, you will see all the ways they show love.

There is also the family you choose and create as you grow and meet people meant to change your life in some way. You are that kind of family to me. The family I chose, and how lucky am I for that

So look for those signs daily girls, and never forget how much you are loved.

Xoxo,

Highlight of my day would be the gorgeous weather. Sunny and 75.

The not so great part of my day was not getting to the place to get my car all registered to me. Bummer!

DEAR AMESY & LITTLE: THE FIRST APARTMENT

2015-03-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Amesy & Little,

This morning marks my third day in the new place, how crazy is that?! As much as I feel like I have been running around being productive I have very little work to show for all of it. Pretty typical as you two know how my crazy brain works most of the time.

On my first day I here I pretty much set my bags down in the place and whisked myself off to our favorite place, Target. There I got plenty of things I actually needed but also some things that Little would tell me I didn't need... like a pink bathmat. That night we ate barbecue, dad's choice, and went to bed early.

Yesterday we were up at 8 and running around until 7 at night. The best news of all is that I got a mattress, some barstools and a free couch. The couch is by far the shining star of the day, its a vintage couch that needs some love but has had its wood trim painted, you guessed it, pink! If that doesn't say me I do not know what does.

I snapped some pictures yesterday of the place, I basically have not touched it since arriving, so things are a little disheveled. And although you and Little may think sleeping on the floor is fun, Amesy, I can tell you that after two nights of camping out I have had enough. I'll leave the floor sleeping to you two :)

I have not had much time to interact with the locals, except in a shopping setting, due to the lack of time in general. People always say its hard to understand me because I talk fast, and yet I find myself having to really listen to people here through their slow accents. How long do you think it will take me to start saying "y'all"?

I miss you both! I will Skype you as soon as the place is decorated!

Love and hugs,

DEAR AMESY & LITTLE: ON TAKING RISKS

2015-03-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Amesy & Little,

Yesterday we said our "see you laters."

I say see you later because, as we have already established, you are a part of my family now and family can never go too long without seeing each other.

We had the best day yesterday, from the amazing dinner your mom and dad made to our special girl time. Little, I think the park will forever be one of our favorite places and I am so glad to have someone who loves swings as much as I do. The surprised look on Amesy's face when I grabbed her early from school was about as fun as it gets. I love crafting and chatting with you chickadee, and so yesterday's time together was a treasure. I look forward to more one-on-one girl time when I come to visit, until then one-on-one Skype time will have to do.

Since I made the final decision to move across the country I have gone through a roller coaster of emotions. Does that ever happen to you? Maybe with a recital or something? You start out excited and the next day you are nervous about the whole thing.

With only two sleeps left in the pacific northwet I am feeling pretty nervous about the whole ordeal. I am worried I might not like being so far from home, and the people I love, and want to come back. I worry about too many things that have not even happened yet. A wonderful woman, you may know her as mom, told me something wonderful recently. She told me that sometimes, you just have to try.

She said that you cannot be afraid to make mistakes or worry about being imperfect. You have to try out for musicals that you have never heard of simply because you have always wanted to preform. To try new activities that you may not be good at right way, but as you practice you love regardless of your skill. I want you to try things that you love to do and never worry about what your friends might think. Because, at the end of the day, even if you do end up "failing" you have a safe place at home. A place where you can be loud and silly and dance around to Disney music.

One of my favorite songs as of late is a country song, as you probably guessed, by Ashley Monroe called On To Something Good. Funny enough I saw her preform last year in the very place I am moving to. In one of my favorite parts she sings "lost or found, I'm better dancing when I don't look down." What does that line mean to you? To me it means that even when we make mistakes, or feel like we want to go home, we have to believe in ourselves. By looking up into the world and being proud of what we choose to do and say. (P.S. this song makes great dance party music)

So take risks. Try something new everyday. Do what you love to do and always know how many people are there cheering you on.

The highlight of my day was going to see the new Cinderella with my mom and Nonnie. The costumes were amazing! I think I need some of those dresses in my closet.

The not so great part of my day was that I did not get any more boxes packed. I think I have about two more to go and really need to get those done.

I love you more than you will ever know,
A

DEAR AMESY & LITTLE

2015-03-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Amesy & Little,
This time next week I will be in my new apartment in a brand new city a plane ride away from you. Wow! Little - I know you would say it was such an adventure, one of your favorite words whenever I ask what we should do for the day. An adventure it is babe.
Lets rewind and figure out how we got here.
Almost two years ago I replied to a nanny "ad" your mommy had posted. A few days later I was at your house for our official interview, knowing only that you had two of the sweetest smiles I had ever seen and the schedule I would fill. I was greeted at the door by your sweet puppy dog and quickly sat down to chat with mom and dad. People say you "just know" things sometimes and I think I knew you were meant to be mine from the moment you both shared my favorite color, pink.
Fast forward to present day. You are so intertwined in my life that I cannot remember a time without you. I cherish times spent wandering through Target with you Little, even if when you convinced me I needed pink glitter plastic cuttlery. Amesy, I love just being with you. We both enjoy crafting so much that I think we could probably spend a whole day working on a project if we could. You are so alike me in so many crazy ways.
As I sorted through places to live, I found myself wondering what Little would say and how Amesy and I would laugh and laugh at her comedic response. I knew one thing, she would tell me frozen yogurt was a must in the new place. Little, I am proud to report that I live within walking distance of a brand new frozen yogurt place. Do you think they will have pumpkin, or mine and Amesy's favorite, red velvet? I will have to check on that as soon as possible.
I bet mom and dad have already showed you pictures of the place but for my own crazy mind to remember I am putting a few here as well.

The highlight of my day has been thinking up our surprise day on Friday. Shhh! You won't see this until after, thank goodness.
The not so good part of my day has been trying to pack. Goodness gracious I have a lot of shoes! And vests, but you already know that!I love you more so much!

- A
P.S. Don't forget to give the royal palace dog some extra belly rubs for me!

Pink October: 2014

2014-10-01T10:34:00.002-07:00

Two years ago I pledged to wear pink everyday of October in honor of my mother and her battle with breast cancer. This year, I am bringing pink October back and would love to have you join me, even if just for a day!

Read my family's story here and feel free to share your own.

This post was originally posted in 2012 and has since been edited.

Eight years ago my mother entered into her greatest battle ever, the fight for her life. It was April of 2006, and I was in my final year of middle school. I had the opportunity to go to France for a week with my charming french teacher and having gone the preceding year, I was itching to go once again.

After hopping off the plane at Charles De Gaulle, I see you Miley, I rediscovered the Parisian charm and remembered just how perfect the city was. We flitted from Nice perfumeries, to the swanky beaches of Monaco (pro tip: retire in Monaco, its fabulous) and spent Easter afternoon on the quaint Spanish coast.

A week before I was set to leave for the trip I had gotten home from school earlier than usual.

Most days, my mother was there after school with various snacks, ready to pester us about our days. That day, I was greeted instead by a message on our answering machine. It was from a doctor's office, whose I was unsure, but right away I knew something was out of sorts.

The words stuck with me, but the cogs in my head would not let them process.

Sure enough, the day after I got back from France, a week before my birthday, they said it.

She had the big "C," stage three.

Much of that year was a blur and even as I reflect back on it now many of the scenes have been blocked out, the only thing I truly remember was how unsure and scary it all was. And for some reason my mother chose to hide her story among her strength. October became a touchy month in our house, as soon as everything went pink and my mother's mood went south. Other women seemed to wear their ribbons like badges, they were proud of their fight. Sometimes I thought that perhaps I would never forgive her for the permanent frown fixed upon her face.

But this year feels different to me.

Remorse and anger is no longer fighting its way through my body. Instead, I feel nothing but pride. My mother is the strongest woman I know, by far.

So, for everyday of October, I will feed into the pink campaign. Something in my outfit has to be pink. From my unmentionables to my headband, just to remind myself just how strong my own mother is.

Below are the first few days of my pink campaign from 2011.

31 days, 31 ways to wear pink and raise awareness.

Day One 10.1.11

Day Two 10.2.11

Day Three 10.3.11

Day Four 10.4.11

Day Five 10.5.11

Day Six 10.6.11

I think most everyone is affected by cancer in some way. Although it may seem unfair and daunting, I think that knowing that you are not alone is the biggest thing. I would love to have all of you, and your friends, join me in Pink October. You do not necessarily have to go full out Elle Woods pink like I plan on, but even just putting in an extra prayer for those who are suffering and even one to encourage those strong survivors.

If you do choose to participate in Pink October this month, use the hashtag #OllaPinkOctober on social media.
I would love nothing more than to see your pinch of pink!

A Monday Love Affair

2014-09-30T02:00:00.000-07:00

Monday was a good day.

I know, that sounds like an oxymoron, how can saying goodbye to the weekend ever be a good thing?

Well, let me give you a run down of the events leading up to my amazing Monday.

Early last week, I was contacted by a lovely lady who works in FYI's marketing division. She had seen my posts about my love for Married at First Sight and wondered if I would like to collaborate with them for the next week's episode. A quick phone call later, and many many emails, and I was officially given the link to the video and free reign to write an editorial post about the coming episode.

Talk about a total dream.

Needless to say, when my picture was posted on their social media accounts I woke up with the biggest grin on my face.

That same excitement continued on into the first practice of this season of Girls on the Run.

I love Girls on the Run so much and could not wait to return to coaching with Rebekah, who I met through the program. The girls did not disappoint, we had a wonderful first day of the season and I cannot wait to watch them grow and understand just how wonderful it is to be a Girl on The Run.

The cherry on top was a screening of the IndieFlix documentary The Empowerment Project.

I heard about the documentary moths ago when they were featured on The Mom's View.

Judge me all you want for being 21 and watching something called the Mom's View, but those ladies are too fabulous to pass up!

I immediately fell in love with the whole premise.

Then I watched the preview and ended in a blubbering mess. It was exactly the sort of thing that I loved. Five girls, going on a month long road trip where they met, and interviewed, some of the most amazing strong women.

I will have a whole post dedicated to the film tomorrow, because its just too wonderful to squeeze into this post.

How was your Monday? Ever have a really good Monday?