hopeless domestic

I'm Engaged!!!!

2013-03-30T14:55:00.004-04:00

On February 9th, 2013, I got engaged to the most amazing man I've ever met! The story is priceless, however, in order to truly grasp the whole thing, I need to do a little back story. (sorry in advance for a very wordy post)

My girlfriends and I had been planning a trip to Savannah, GA for a much needed weekend vacay! The plan was to eat, laugh, drink, and just enjoy the beautiful city. (What I didn't know was Ben was behind the whole thing - he had asked the girls to take me to Savannah so he could propose). While I was to be in Savannah, he told me he was going to Louisville to visit my mom and dad and ask them for my hand in marriage. He went as far as to show me a plane ticket itinerary to Louisville. I totally bought the whole thing. He'd be away, I'd be away...perfect.

As the weekend got closer, I started to dread going - I was stressed from work, had deadlines to meet, and just couldn't fathom leaving for the weekend knowing I had things to do. I probably told him 30 times that week that I wasn't going to Savannah. Then Friday happened. There was a fight at school, and I broke it up -- in the process, I got hit pretty badly. That was it....I wasn't going. I had a miserable week at work and all I wanted to do was sleep it off and be at home. At this point, Ben was freaking out on the inside, all the while, continually pushing me to go, saying that "a girls weekend would be so good for me..." I still had no idea he was planning anything. I assumed he was just being super supportive.

I went to Savannah, and honestly had a blast with my friends! We ate beignets, drank wine, had the best hot chocolates ever, and walked all over Savannah. On Saturday, we had planned to go to Forsyth Park and eat dinner close by. Before we left, Ben called me from "Louisville" and told me that he had a great conversation with my parents and was getting ready to go through security to come home. He then handed his phone to my mom and I talked to her about how great the conversation went as well. It was totally believable -- of course they were in Louisville together, how else would they be able to talk on the same phone.

At this point, my friends are now rushing me out the door -- "we had dinner reservations we couldn't be late for," and they still wanted to walk through Forsyth Park. We got to the Park and it was breathtakingly beautiful -- so beautiful that we decided to take some pictures together. I was sitting on a bench, facing my friends, when I heard a speaker turn on and "Crazy Girl" by Eli Young Band started to play (this is one of my favorite songs, and ringtone for Ben). I instantly froze. I knew what was happening. As I turned around, I saw Ben standing 3 feet behind me in a suit and tie. I instantly started crying and walked toward him. (The song now switched to "Marry Me" by Train). The first words out of my mouth were "Are my parents here?" He told me to turn around, and there they were, walking out from behind a tree. It got a little hazy from here, because I was so filled with emotion and was truly dumbfounded, that all I remember was Ben getting down on one knee and asking me to marry him.

It was the perfect ending to a really fabulous weekend with my friends. Ben worked so hard to make the whole thing go off without a hitch, and had all my friends and my parents working together! I'm so amazed by him and can NOT wait to spend the rest of my life with this truly unbelievable and loving man.

Guilty Pleasures Update

2013-03-26T13:15:00.003-04:00

Embarrassingly, it has been almost 4 months since I've posted. So much has happened that I can't wait to share with you. But first, it's all about my new favorites. Check out my guilty pleasures page to see what I've been crushing on lately!

Pumpkin Streusel Bars

2012-11-12T05:30:00.000-05:00

I am on a serious Pumpkin kick lately, and stock up on cans of pumpkin puree every time I go to Publix just in case I find a new recipe I want to try. I made these bars for bible study a couple week ago, and then brought the left overs to school for my teacher girls - let's just say, they were a hit! If you make them, make sure to share, otherwise, beware -- these bad boys are super yummy straight from the fridge!

Ingredients:

Bar

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 eggs

1 can pumpkin puree

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3/4 cup canola oil

Topping

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup light brown sugar

6 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 13x9 inch baking pan.

2. Mix together the flour, sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a medium bowl.

3. Mix together the eggs, pumpkin, vanilla and oil in a large bowl.

4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until well blended.

5. Spread pumpkin mixture into baking dish.

6. Combine 3/4 cup flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut the butter into the mixture until it becomes crumbly. Mix in the pecans and then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pumpkin batter.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool completely, then cut into squares to serve. (Store in refrigerator).

The Things I'm Grateful For

2012-11-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

5 more things I'm grateful for in this month of Thanksgiving...

6. A warm cup of coffee

I don't care if I've "brewed" it myself in my keurig, or I get it from Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, or Panera...I am so thankful for coffee. It is truly something I look forward to everyday.

7. Living by the Beach

I never thought I would say this, considering that I miss living somewhere that has all 4 seasons, but I am truly thankful for living by the beach. It is so fun to know that I can jump in the car and have my toes in the sand in a matter of minutes. I actually think that I take this for granted and I really want to make it a point to be more thankful for this wonderful state I live in.

8. My love of Baking

I am grateful for a family of women who love to bake. My nana was a fabulous baker, and made everything from cookies, cakes, and pies. She instilled in all of us a serious love of sweets. My mom has this gift also. I'm attempting to be half as good as they are, and it truly is so soothing and fun to bake after a long week of stress.

9. Books!!!!

I would be so lonely and lost without books. They are truly my escape after a long day or stress and craziness. They keep me calm, sane, and imagining!

10. My iPhone

I know this sounds crazy, but I am so grateful for my iphone. It doesn't matter where I am, my iphone gives me the ability to check all of my fav apps - pinterest, facebook, etsy, tumblr, instagram, and twitter. I know you get it if you have an iphone. It's just a simple thing I would be lost without.

White Chocolate Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

2012-11-09T05:30:00.000-05:00

I'll go ahead and warn you now...these are super addicting. I made these one night when my friends were coming over, and they were almost gone within the first hour. They are the perfect mixture of salty and sweet.

Ingredients:

16-18 oz bag of Snyder's Butter Snap pretzels

2/3 cup vegetable or canola oil

1/3 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 cup cinnamon/sugar for sprinkling

1 cup white chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Whisk together oil, sugar, and cinnamon.

2. Pour pretzels into a large microwavable bowl and pour oil mixture on top. Stir well until pretzels are coated.

3. Microwave for 1 minute, remove and stir. Microwave again for 45 seconds, and stir.

4. Spread pretzels evenly onto parchment paper.

5. While still warm, sprinkle cinnamon sugar generously over pretzels.

6. Melt white chocolate (on low heat) and drizzle over cooled pretzels.

7. Let chocolate cool and harden over pretzels, store in airtight container.

A Touch of Gold

2012-11-07T05:30:00.000-05:00

I like to start early when it comes to buying Christmas gifts - I think the earlier it all gets done, the more time you have to actually relax and enjoy the season. With this in mind, I thought it would be helpful to share some of my must haves for people who say I'm so hard to buy for!! (wink wink)

This adorable set of gold lustre mugs can be found from a shop called Luna Lighting. I personally believe that every cupboard should be filled with a variety of mugs that fit your mood each morning. These would be a great little addition!

This marley lilly cross body clutch is a serious must have for this fall! I love the brown and gold monogram!

No Christmas is complete without a little David Yurman. This Ribbon Bracelet is the perfect addition to my daily arm party!

The Things I'm Grateful For

2012-11-05T05:30:00.000-05:00

A bit of the 30 things I'm thankful for in this month of Thanksgiving...

1. My patient and God-fearing boyfriend

There are no words to explain just how much I love B. He has been such a fabulous example of a Christian man, and truly makes me feel like I'm the only girl in the world. We have so much fun together - no matter if we're on a cruise to the Bahamas or just watching TV. B is my best friend, and I can't imagine my life without him.

2. Chipotle

You may think it's weird to be thankful for a mexican restaurant, however, I think Chipotle might be God's gift to earth. I eat here at least once a week and NEVER get tired of it. Burrito bowls are the greatest thing since sliced bread.

3. Christmas Music

I have a weird tradition -- I allow myself to start listening to Christmas music on Nov. 1st. My family has always had a large collection of Christmas albums, so my list of favorites is pretty extensive. I truly think that Christmas music is so joyful and deserves 2 months to be listened to. I am extremely thankful for the memories I have of family singing and dancing around the kitchen to these great albums.

4. The Calming Scents of Candles

After a long day of work, the first thing I do is light a candle in my house. I've previously shared my favorite candles, but there are always new candles to try out. I recently fell in love with a lot of Bath & Body Work's candles: French Baguette, Leaves, and Fresh Balsam (to name a few).

5. The Church of Eleven22

I have been praying for a church to call home ever since I left Louisville in 2005. I grew up in the most amazing church and truly felt like nothing could compare. After much searching, I was led to The Church of Eleven22, and have been blown away at the fellowship and amazing presence that God has there. I am so thankful to be a part of a community where God is truly alive!

I would love to hear what you're thankful for this month!!

Pumpkin Cake Cookies

2012-11-03T22:14:00.000-04:00

I've been in a serious baking mood lately, and have some great recipes to share with y'all in the next couple of weeks. These pumpkin cookies are truly noteworthy, and fall in the midst of the best season ever...Autumn. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups chilled pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin)

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil together. Add the pumpkin puree and whisk to combine thoroughly. Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until well combined.

4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture and whisk until completely combined. (Dough will have a wetter consistency - not like average cookie dough).

5. Use a small cookie scoop or a large spoon to drop a rounded, heaping tablespoon of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.

6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, making sure that the cookies are just starting to crack on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cookie comes out clean. The cookies should be firm to the touch. Remove from the oven, and let the cookies cool completely on a cooling rack.

sweaters to swoon over

2012-10-23T05:30:00.000-04:00

Despite the fact that I live in Florida and the weather is a consistent 80 degrees, I still like to pretend that I can dress for fall. With that being said, it is no wonder that I am swooning over JCrew's latest additions to their fabulous sweater department. When the adorable French Hen showed up in their September catalog, I knew I had to have her. She has been sitting pretty in my closet just waiting for her big debut. I thought that this little hen would be the only French inspired sweater in my closet this fall until I saw La Parisienne and Frenchie!!! Oh là là is all I have to say. I can't seem to get enough of JCrew's French inspired fall collection.

Is anyone else swooning over these sweaters?

Teaching Takes Over

2012-10-22T18:57:00.000-04:00

It's official...my job is taking over. In the past month, I have worked more 11 hour days than I can count, and still have lessons to write, and a stack of papers to grade that refuses to get smaller. My only saving grace - my friends and family. I am so excited about the new friends I've made this year. I just recently started a bible study with a group of girls from my church, and it's uncanny how perfect we are for each other. Four of the seven girls are teachers, and we all get a long so well. Then, I have my coworkers - we meet at least once a week for a little thing I like to call "9th period" -- we meet and mingle at various restaurants around town, eating good food, sharing funny stories, and complaining about the hard stuff. I am also so blessed to have such supportive parents. I had to switch classrooms in the middle of the year a couple of weeks ago (I know right...talk about stressed), and my parents jumped in the car, drove 12 hours, and helped! Without the people in my life, I don't think I could make it the rest of the year.

I teach in a really rough area of town and work with students that truly need my support, not only academically, but emotionally as well. God has blessed me with the support system I need when I can't make it alone. Even though I can't say I get to go home at 3:30 and relax, I can say I get to go home at 5:00 and be around the people that understand.

My Favorite Soup

2012-09-18T18:09:00.001-04:00

This soup has been a staple in my kitchen every Fall & Winter, and I get rave reviews every time I bring it somewhere or someone makes it. I think it's the perfect way to start off the best time of the year.

The Best Bean Soup

Ingredients:

3 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 cups diced carrots

2 tsp sugar (I use splenda)

2 clove garlic, minced

2 cans chicken broth

1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (14.5 ounces) can mexican style stewed tomatoes, undrained and cut up

1 (16 ounces) package frozen white corn

1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (I prefer cannellini beans)

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies

1 tsp thyme

Directions:

Place olive oil in a large dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion and carrot sauté 5 minutes. Add sugar and garlic. Stir in broth and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 2 hours to 4 hours.

{ENJOY}

What to Wear...

2012-09-17T05:30:00.000-04:00

My boyfriend and I try to play tennis at least twice a week. It is such a fun activity that we both can enjoy together. I wish I could say that we both take it seriously, but it's mainly just him running around after the ball due to the fact that I'm not so great. Oh well, practice makes perfect. Just because I'm not a tennis pro doesn't mean I can't play in style. Here are some things I've found you can't go without when playing tennis...

1. A fun and colorful tennis racket. I don't know much about tennis, but I do know that the more colorful your racket, the more fun you'll have. I found some great options at Wilson!

2.When working out, it is essential that you drink plenty of water. Why not do it with a little flair? I found these adorable water bottles from Victoria Secret for only $12.50!

3. A good strong hair tie. Emi-Jay's seem to be the next big thing in hair accessories, and I can understand why. They are super colorful, come in plenty of patterns, and hold your hair up really well. Can't go wrong.

4. Everyone needs a good pair of classic sunglasses, and to me, Ray Ban's wayfarers scream classic tennis prep. Enough said.

5. I have heard a lot about Nike's new Free Run shoes, and I think it's about time I buy them! They come in bright neon colors and get rave reviews from anyone that buys them.

6. The final, yet most essential part of playing tennis, is the tennis outfit itself. I looked all over the internet and found so many amazing outfits to wear when playing tennis. One of the best things I found was Stella McCartney's tennis line with Adidas, and it's adorable!

Do you play tennis? If so, what are some of your favorite things to wear when on the court?

Faith Friday: Forgiveness

2012-09-14T05:30:00.000-04:00

Last year, I stood outside of my classroom, handing out candy canes to students as they walked out the door for Christmas break. A student (let's call him Thomas) came up to me and asked if he could go get something out of my classroom. Not thinking, I let him go in alone as I spread a little Christmas joy through the hallways. A few minutes later, Thomas walked out of my classroom and through the exit doors to enjoy his break.

It wasn't until I went to collect my things to leave that I noticed my iphone was missing. A wave of panic, hurt, and frustration hit me like a ton of bricks -- while Thomas was in my classroom alone, he had stolen from me. I remember thinking to myself, "How could he do this? I love my students more than anything in this world, and this is how they treat me?"

With much prayer, I decided I would put the whole thing behind me and give a little speech to each of my classes when I got back to school. I told them how much I missed them over the break and that I thought about them constantly. I told every class that my phone had been stolen and that I forgave the person who took it. I wanted them to know that I loved them so much and that no matter what, they could always come to me. When they asked me who stole my phone, I replied "I'm not sure," yet for the rest of the year, I made it my personal goal to love Thomas a little more each day.

Yesterday, a year after the whole situation, I was sitting in my classroom grading papers after school when Thomas walked into my classroom, sat down in front of me, and hung his head. I asked him what was wrong, and he replied that he needed to get something off of his chest. He went on to tell me that he was the one who stole my phone last year. He said it was Christmas and his mom needed the money, but he was so sorry and he had learned from his mistake. Y'all, I have never felt such a wave of emotions - I cried to him and told him how proud of him I was for telling me. I told him I forgave him a long time ago, but it was so nice to hear it coming from him. Thomas shook his head, looked at me and said thank you.

It took Thomas a year to confess what he did and ask for forgiveness. During that time, God gave me the grace to forgive him and attempt to show him love. I had hoped that Thomas would see that no matter what he did, I loved him. He felt comfortable enough to come to me and share something he felt guilty for. God commands us in John 13:34-35 to "love one another." We are commanded and able to love because God is love, first loved us, and lives in those that love Him.

What a great reminder that Christ loves us and forgives us. And because we are forgiven, we are COMMANDED to love and forgive others.

kindle or ipad?

2012-09-13T05:30:00.000-04:00

There is nothing like the smell of a new book, the feel of its pages in your hands, or the sense of accomplishment when you close it for the final time. Because of these things, I have always been against e-readers. However, after traveling out of the country and spending multiple hours on a plane, in a car, and on the beach, I think it's time to break down and admit I want one.

I lugged two books with me for a weekend trip, and realized after watching everyone else in my family reading from an ipad or kindle that I wanted to do the same. Now that I have made this monumental decision, it's time to decide which type of ereader to purchase.

Here is where the dilemma begins. I'm not sure if I want all the bells and whistles that come with a kindle fire or an ipad. I would use it strictly for reading...or at least I think I would.

I just need some recommendations for which e-reader is best for a book lover. Any suggestions would be helpful! Thanks y'all!!

My New Blog Design!

2012-09-11T22:00:00.003-04:00

On my gosh y'all....I have a new blog design!!

I am so excited about it, and think it fits me perfectly!

A HUGE thank you to Kate from Katelyn Brooke Designs for her amazing work! She took all of my ideas and made them so much better than I could have imagined.

Check out all of the latest changes...can't wait to hear what you think!

Life Lately, and Where I'm Off To

2012-09-05T20:08:00.002-04:00

I know that everyone is busy, and that all jobs can get stressful, but the life of a teacher can get crazy hectic. Teaching my students is the easiest and most rewarding part of my job, however, I have been swimming in lesson plans and papers to be graded, and attempting to tackle the beggining of the year tasks. I've dealt with all of this while barely breathing due to the worst cold I've had in my teaching career. Let's just say that I am totally being tested this year.

A sneek peak into my life lately...

It's week three of school and I finally feel like I have the ability to slow down a bit. And that is exactly what I plan on doing!! At 3:30pm tomorrow afternoon, I am hopping on a plane to Aruba to spend a much needed weekend getaway with my family. I can not wait to lay in the sun, read, and relax. I can promise many pictures when I come back, and hopefully some fun family stories to share!

Where I'll be in less than 24 hours!

OH YEAH... huge news!! I will be launching a new blog design very shortly after I get back! Can't wait to get back to blogging after my long relaxing weekend!

Wordless Wednesday: Hurry up fall!!

2012-08-29T05:30:00.000-04:00

Anyone else ready for fall like I am??

Fall Essentials

2012-08-28T05:30:00.000-04:00

Fall is my favorite time of the year for clothing. There is nothing like a good pair of skinny jeans, riding boots, and a comfy, yet classic sweater. Here are my fall essentials:

1. Dark Wash Skinny Jeans: I am a true believer in a darker wash jean -- especially for fall/winter. You can't go wrong with J.Crew's Matchstick or Gap's Always Skinny.

2. Classic Riding Boots: I am a huge fan of Frye boots. They are expensive, yet classic, and last forever.

3. Bright Colored Solid Sweaters: You can find bright colored sweaters everywhere. Pick a few colors that look best on you and go wild with it. I personally don't think women need to shy away from color just because it isn't summer. For me, the brighter the better.

4. Gingham or Patterned Oxfords: Again, I am a huge advocate for all things J.Crew. You can mix and match all bright colored sweaters with funky/fun oxfords or classic/preppy oxfords. Give it a try...you can't go wrong.

5. Outerwear: Here's the deal...I love jackets and puffer vests. The only problem is I live in Florida (not much of a need for them here). However, I do find that it is an essential piece to your fall wardrobe. Find a color that you like best - I like reds, oranges, and golds. However, a classic navy goes great with all outfits!

6. Jewelry: I have always had my eye on a Michael Kors Tortoise Shell watch...and this year I think I'm going to give in. I think it is the perfect statement watch for the fall.

What are your fall essentials?

My tastebuds are ready for Fall

2012-08-27T05:30:00.000-04:00

The first things I start to crave when thinking about fall are pumpkin, cinnamon, vanilla, and spice. This is what fall tastes like to me. As I've been pinning on Pinterest lately, I've noticed that fall flavors seem to be the only things I'm gravitating towards. I thought I'd share some of the most exciting recipes I've found to get us ready for Fall.

Cinnamon Apple Cake
Apple cake makes me think about my Nana and how she always had something amazing baked and ready for the fall season. Her apple cake was to die for and I can't wait to make this for a little taste of home.

Vanilla Chai Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting
This cupcake seems to mix all of my favorite fall ingredients together - vanilla, chai and cinnamon.
I'll take one...~~or two or three~~.

Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Vanilla Sheet Cake
There are no words for this. It sounds divine.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Starbucks brings these back on September 9th and I couldn't be more excited! However, why not start a couple of weeks early and make some at home?

Wishing for Fall

2012-08-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Let me preface this week by saying that nothing gets me more excited than Fall. Growing up in Kentucky, it was so fun when the leaves began to crisp, the days began to chill, and the food got a little bit more comforting. Now that I'm in Florida, I don't see these things as soon as I would want to. School has started, and the next big thing I'm looking forward to is Autumn.

This is what I dedicate this week to...the Fall.

Stella & Dot Love

2012-08-21T05:00:00.000-04:00

My mom was in town this past weekend, and brought with her a little present for yours truly...ummm, OBSESSED with all three. I honestly couldn't be happier with her choices! Of course, I had to go to the website and check out what other goodies Stella & Dot had to offer. I was not disappointed.

What are your Stella & Dot loves?

A Peek into my Classroom

2012-08-20T05:00:00.000-04:00

After a very long week of pre-planning and running around like a crazy person, the first day of school is finally here. I feel like I'm actually prepared for the year, and owe a whole lot to my mom and dad for coming down to FL and helping me with my classroom - I wouldn't feel half as prepared if it weren't for them. With that said, let me introduce to you room 213!!

a view from my desk

the reading area

my little nook

the word wall - the owl is saying "whooo's using context clues?"

student work board - the owl is saying "let's see whooo's doing great work!"

found this on pinterest and knew I had to write a letter to my students! I hope they know how much I love them already!

I'm looking forward to sharing my crazy year with y'all!!

Here's to the 2012/2013 school year!!

Faith Friday: Fear

2012-08-17T05:53:00.002-04:00

My daily thoughts this week: "I have so much to do, there's no way it's all getting done." "I don't think I can teach this new class they've given me - I don't know anything about it." "I don't feel like doing this today."

As a teacher, it is easy to get stressed out the week of pre-planning. In fact, it doesn't matter what we do, our first instinct is to worry, get stressed out, overwhelm ourselves, and get anxious. It's all part of human nature, but it's not something we got from God.

2 Timothy 1:7 says " For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Um...I don't feel like I have a spirit of power and a sound mind right now. And in fact, after reading this verse, I got so frustrated. Why in the world do I feel fear of a new year of school? Why do I fear all of the things God has put on my plate? And then it hit me...I haven't really been praying. I have been too stressed to pray. I have gotten it all backwards this week -- I should be following Philippians 4:6 every day.

It's so easy to get caught up in our daily lives and forget that God is there for us all the time. He is waiting to hear from us - he wants to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. We are so blessed to have a merciful and loving God.

My new thoughts for the week: "I can do all things through Christ who streghtens me. (Phil.4:13)" "If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)"

Wordless Wednesday: Keep Calm

2012-08-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that I need to keep calm...and maybe go to the beach this weekend before school starts? Where do you go to keep calm?

Stress Relievers

2012-08-14T05:00:00.000-04:00

School starts in less than a week, and I have made so many to-do lists that I honestly need a list just to keep up with them. I can't even describe how I'm feeling. There is so much that needs to be done and planned that stress and anxiety would be an understatement at this point. After a long day of running around like a mad woman, it's nice to come home and do some things that help me unwind a little. What are my stress relievers?

1. A strong cup of coffee or tea in a whimsical mug. Nothing is better than a warm cup of coffee after a long day, but there is something about drinking it out of my favorite mug. I have an assortment of mugs that I've picked up here and there -- each of which brings a little smile to an especially tiring day.

2. A favorite TV series. I'll admit, TV is my guilty pleasure. Sometimes, when I am overly stressed, I tend to procrastinate and get hooked on a TV series. Lately, I am on a Downton Abbey kick. Y'all...it's perfection. Downton Abbey is a period piece filled with drama, history, and a little taste of what life was life for in England for an Earl, his family, and his staff. Please join me on this bandwagon, you won't be disappointed.

3. Music has always been my #1 stress reliever. I remember in high school, after a long day, I would blare The Moulin Rouge soundtrack and belt out the lyrics like no one could hear me. Although apartment life really doesn't allow for Broadway productions in my room, music is still the best way to put a smile on my face and allow me to forget my crazy day.

4. Journaling. I had a teacher in high school that really showed me what it meant to love writing. For graduation, she gave me a journal and told me "God has blessed you as a writer - do it!" Now, I feel like the only way I can truly get my thoughts out is when I put pen to paper.

5. A warm bath. What girl doesn't love to relax in a warm bubble bath filled with their favorite scent? It's the perfect de-stressing treatment right before bed.

6. Reading. Nothing takes you away like a good book. I am an avid reader, and always have a stack of books next to my bed in order to take my mind off things. Some people say reading makes them tired, but I find I get so enthralled in a book that I could stay up all night reading.

What are your stress relievers?