Singledou[b]t

Thinking of Peyton

2013-05-08T10:36:00.000-04:00

Through the last year, I've gotten to know some amazing bloggers. I've grown somewhat attached to a few (see sidebar for a list of those). Either their writing or their story has gotten my attention. Sarah at Fontenot Four is one of those people/blogs. I've been such a follower of her and her newer blog about her daughter, Perfectly Peyton, that sometimes I forget I don't actually know them in real life. If you don't know Sarah or her story, I encourage you to get to know her.

This weekend she suffered one of the most devastating losses a mother could face. Her little girl, Peyton, went to be with Jesus. To read more about Peyton and her journey go here or here.

Today and tomorrow are the visitation services and funeral for Peyton. I find myself thinking of them constantly and wishing I could do more then just follow her story. Today I am dedicating my post to her. Please stop by her blog and get to know this precious family. Send them your thoughts and prayers.

Running The Distance

2013-05-03T17:00:00.001-04:00

I love to compare my relationship with the Lord to my running habits. In this stage of life, its kind of appropriate. This week I started running again and it brought to mind several parallels between the two.

GETTING HEALTHY
Like my faith, I start running because I feel its a good way to get healthy. The lethargic feeling, the extra padding around my waist, the tighter fitting clothes don't make me feel all that healthy and well. I want to live and feel better so running is one of the biggest ways I try that. The same goes with the way I live out my faith. When I am not actively seeking God's heart, I feel lethargic, directionless, and slow when it comes to who I see God as and even more so how i think God sees me. I stop trying. I stop feeling the urge to pursue a deeper relationship with him. When I start doing the things that bring me back into a true and deep sense of the grace and peace of God I feel more healthy and together.

MOTIVATION
I don't know about you but I have found a dizzying pattern with my desire to run. I feel the urge to start running again so I plan a day to run. I am excited about the opportunity and often will guard against anything getting in the way of that run. But then the day of the run hits and the motivation starts to fade. The closer I get to the run, the more I don't want to do it. I will do almost anything to get out of it without it being too obvious. But in those occasions where I power through the urge to stay at home, I find the run exhilarating and definitely not as challenging as I thought it would be. So I plan another run and am excited about the next run and the run after that.... but then right before that run, i not longer have a passion or desire to do anything requiring energy. The same often goes with my spiritual life. I see the need to grow deeper and I feel the pull of the spirit to learn more, go deeper, love more. So i make a plan. I pray for opportunities. But without fail, when the opportunities arise I find myself preferring to watch TV, surf the web, or anything really other than that. Like with running, when i power through the urge to be lazy, i am exited about what i see and what i learn. Yet the next opportunity comes along and I find myself desiring to do the lesser thing. I am not saying resting is bad but the absence of pursuit of the Father is not a good thing and I choose most things over Him many many times.

ENDURANCE
When running, I often listen to my body in regards to how long to run, how fast to run and even where to run. When I am running, I often experience muscle and joint aches. Most of the time, I am mentally aware enough to run through those aches. I know my body enough, typically, to know a good pain and a bad pain and when to give in or slow down. Often times the energy or the breathing is what gets me and many many times I am unaware that I have slowed down, even stopped running. The initial burn I am aware of. If its a good day I can train myself to think of other things or focus on other areas. But sometimes I will go from a steady run to a walk without even realizing I've done it. I think the same happens in my relationship with the Lord. I am moving along, sometimes aware of his presence, sometimes not. I feel confident, like i can take on the world. But then I start to lose energy or I feel the pressure of outside sources, or worse, sin (past or present) creeps in and my stamina begins to waver. If I am lucky, I notice it and begin praying for ways to move beyond the insecurity, the fear, and even the pride. But most of the time, I don't realize how bad things have gotten in my own life that i have completely given up. Not in a conscious way but in a subconscious way. I no longer am seeking or even desiring a daily life with Him. I am doing everything in my own energy and my own power which leaves me feeling deflated and exhausted.

RUNNING THE HILLS
Living in a place with lots of hills, I have accepted that in all of my runs I will face at least one hill if not 2 or 3. Some are super steep and others are mid-sized hills. As you are running, you can typically see the hill coming. I have this subconscious routine in my head where I decide as I approach the hill what my goal is. For the smaller to mid sized hills, I typically tell myself to make it to the top before stopping. The speed at which I run the hill is negotiable but running the hill is not. For the steeper/longer hills, I will give myself permission to stop at a certain point. The reality though of these hills is that I rarely live up to the plan. For the smaller/mid-sized hills I get about 2/3rds up and I am toast. I think I can't make it and like above, before i know it I stop mid run. The issue is that, nothing is broken and rarely do I think I will pass out or die so I know its all a mental game. This last week, i found myself stopping on a hill and as soon as I was conscious of the stop I said "NO, you have so little distance to go, get your butt up this hill." so I ran it. I have to have conversations with myself. Sometimes Jillian Michaels is in my ear screaming at me. These "hills" in my spiritual and emotional life are the hard times. I am running along enjoying life and then a problem arrises. Sometimes I can see it coming but many times I can't. If I am lucky enough to see it coming, I make a plan. I think of ways to guard my heart against the attacks I will face. Ways to punch the doubts and fears directly on so that they don't stop me in my tracks. Unfortunately though, life isn't always so subtle and the punches come out of nowhere, leaving me feeling winded, frustrated and isolated. I often stop there in mid crisis and shut down spiritually. I give in to the emotions I am experiencing and let them define me. Its never really a conscious thing. I don't realize i have gone there until its already there.

OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES
Like in running, there are times when you think you can't go any further. You're tired, in pain, and just feel alone. But something causes you to keep going. Something gives you motivation to run the last bit with more energy than you had the entire run, at least in long distances they do. The Spirit gives you the extra nudge to jump back into the routine of knowing and seeking the Lord. You pick up the bible and read with fervor or more simply, you pray for the spirit to give you those things; desire, hope, perseverance. You run the race for which you started and feel the excitement of getting to your destination.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverancethe race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Another day in the Park: Fort Tryon

2013-04-25T07:59:00.000-04:00

One of the things I LOVE about New York City is that its really just one big museum. It also has some of the prettiest parks. Fort Tryon is one of those parks. It is one of the largest parks in Manhattan and hosts The Cloisters. Fort Tryon is in my neighborhood but sadly I don't get to go nearly as much as I should. So yesterday, after a meeting, my camera and I went for a nice spring stroll up to the park. Because Spring is so late, the blooms were a little sporatic. Some were late and some were already on their way out. But I got some pretty great tight shots of the ones that were there. Some of these prints will be in my shop later this week for digital download. If you see something you like let me know and I will make sure it goes up soon. Enjoy and if you are ever in the city, make sure you take a stroll through the Fort Tryon Park.

Central Park in the Spring

2013-04-23T10:30:00.000-04:00

This summer I will celebrate 10 years in New York City and I still love it like I did when I first arrived. In NYC, Central Park is one of my favorites! Especially Central Park in the spring. Each year I love to see what they will do and what they will plant. About 2 years ago, I discovered the Conservatory Gardens at the North East part of the park. They usually have some amazing tulip gardens but this year they had other types of flowers. They weren't my favorite this year but I still had a great time checking them out. I also love Shakespeare's Garden. Its in the central part of the park near the west side. This week, I took a walk through the park and explored what Spring had to offer the park. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook then you probably got inundated yesterday :) I thought I'd share with you what I found. These guys are also available for purchase at my shop, City Girl Creations.

These photos helped me make a dent in 2 of my 13 in 2013 goals. I not only got to play tourist with my camera, but I am attempting to also build up my photography business. I am taking it slow but I am at least taking a step.

I hope you enjoy them. You can purchase a digital copy through my etsy shop. They would be great on many craft projects or framed on your wall.

New Years Goals Revisited: Learning to Crochet

2013-04-22T10:18:00.000-04:00

Wow! Its been a long time since I posted anything. I wish I had a good excuse, but I don't. BUT I have been busy doing things and one of those things is something that was on my 13 in 2013 list.

I know! Its April, Kim. We've all forgotten about our New Years resolutions! Well... I have not .... at least I am trying not to.

So one of my goals for 2013 was to finally learn how to crochet. I am a knitter and I am decent at it. I have a shop and everything. BUT I always wanted to expand my talents by learning to crochet. I've tried over and over and it just never stuck. I think the issue has been not that its hard but I am such a constant knitter that I would learn the basics in crochet and then get an order or another project and soon forget what I learned. So I wasn't able to practice or complete the learning. The slow down of purchases in my shop and the increase in wanting to create certain items using crochet helped me FINALLY learn how.

This little guy was my first finished project.

Isn't he cute? I wasn't a huge fan of the colors but I honestly just grabbed an appropriate weight yarn that i knew i didn't need for a future project. He's about 3-4 inches tall. I was pretty proud of him. I found the pattern here.

My next project was a little more complicated and a big risk. The daughter of one of my closest friends here in the city was turning 7 and LOVES my little pony. I was racking my brain, trying to figure out what to get her. I thought about trying to make a my little pony but I was way too new to crochet to figure it out so i set off on a google search and found a pattern that seemed just the right speed for me. I spent the next week making this little beauty.

For one of my first projects, I think she turned out pretty great. I know I have some learning still to do and if i made this again, I'd make some changes but i am pretty proud of her.

After seeing one of my instagrams of the pony, a friend of mine asked me if I could make something for her. It was something I had never seen before but was able to find some similar patterns online.

I am proud of myself for finally learning how to crochet. I see now why people think it is easier than knitting. Its definitely more versatile when creating items like the above. I love the look of knitted items but crochet definitely allows you to more easily make more complex looking items with basic stitches.

Thanks for stopping by!

Do you crochet or knit? If so, I'd love to see what you are working on or some patterns you love. Link them in the comments below or feel free to email me.

Have a lovely week!

Monday Meet Up 1 Year Anniversary

2013-04-01T08:25:00.000-04:00

Today, Since its Brooke at Covered in Grace's One Year Anniversary of Monday Meet Up, I am co-hosting along with some other lovely ladies the meet up and a giveaway. Come on in and join!

Hey Everyone!!

It's time for another Monday Meet Up... and A GIVEAWAY!!!

It's hard to believe that the Monday Meet Up has been going strong now for a year! You are all the reason that I keep it going. And I love browsing around all the blogs that are linked up. So, to say thank you and to celebrate a bit, I'm hosting a giveaway today!! There are some great prizes to be won and ONE WINNER TAKES ALL!!

Be sure to link up your posts in the linky!! And...

Yes, that is me. In footed, hooded pajamas...wearing a snuggie...with a shake weight. If you own any of these things, we should definitely be friends. This picture captures a little bit about myself that I would like to share with you. 1. Shake weight: Although I got this as a gag gift and it resides under the couch for the most part, it does represent my desire to work out and endeavors to try to be\get in shape. (Notice how I said desire and endeavors, definitely not always successful, but I do blog about my attempts and failure.) I would love for you to join along and share our journey. 2. Snuggie: I got this, and I had no idea how much I would use it. My husband always keeps our apartment super, duper cold! My snuggie definitely comes in handy for me! Don't make fun! 3. Footed\Hooded Pajamas: Did you know that they make this for adults? They are so comfy to sleep and lounge around in. If you read my blog briefly, you will know I am a big fan of comfort--Comfort food, comfortable clothes. Comfort is key. Do you own anything that is potentially embarrassing?? Care to share? Come on by and introduce yourself. I would love to meet you!

Alright yall, are you ready for the Giveaway Things?

First thing's first...I've got a few necessary rules to share.

You must link up a post in the Monday Meet Up linky to be eligible to enter. You must display the Monday Meet Up Button on your linked post to be eligible to enter. The Giveaway Raffle is open to US residents ONLY.

Check out our Gorgeous Giveaway Sponsors!!

And Oogle the AWESOME Prizes!

You're gonna love this book!! I talk more about it at the

::Hint-Click on the Pic Where it Says "Used Book Haul"::

DON'T FORGET TO LINK UP YOUR POSTS BELOW!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Alright Lovely Ladies {and Gents}…

It’s your turn.

Link up your favorite posts-all week long!

Woo us to you blog. Let us get to know you!

Meet other amazing bloggers and extend your blogging community!

Party Rules

1. Link up your posts, link up your page…it’s up to you!

2. Link back to this post using either the MMU button

(code located in the MMU tab on the side bar) or via a text link.

3. Make sure you visit (and comment) on other posts linked up–

what fun is a party if no one talks to each other? Make some new friends!

4. You must be a follower of Covered in Grace to link up.

Are you interested in guesting for the Monday Meet Up? Click HERE.

Shaking Things Up

2013-03-28T11:00:00.000-04:00

As growing believers, we all go through dark times. Times when we feel like the Lord is far from where we are. For some its filled with doubt, some its filled with anger, some with fear and some its just deafening silence. I have definitely been in those places. Sometimes all of them at the same time. I've really called on God to come through on some things just to feel like I am alone in the silence. These "things" weren't all together selfish. Some were very real, very deep prayers for my spiritual growth or for other people. Areas I felt the Lord would be interested in.

Lately, I have really wanted to throw my hands up and say "SHOW UP." Somewhere deep inside I think I always knew He was there but my faith was waining, my resolve was all but empty. I couldn't understand why the Lord wasn't revealing himself in more real ways. I wanted Him to stir my heart. I wanted him to awaken my soul. Yet, i kept finding myself deeper and deeper in a world without his voice.

There were some things in myself and in others around me that I knew He needed to change. I felt strongly, and I thought scripture backed it up, that we couldn't do it on our own, that He needed to be at the heart of it. Still there was Silence. Nothing.

I wasn't truly seeking his heart, but I also was in a place where i didn't even know how to do that. I needed Him to give me a kick in the pants and was fervently asking Him to do it. I was becoming more and more aware of the fact that I COULD NOT do this on my own and was trusting and hoping he'd come through.

This week, I suddenly started to see just how in motion he was. Thoughts and desires I had were being displayed in very public ways. The visions of leaders and pastors were, sometimes from the pulpit, expressing the desire for change and renewal that I was desperate for. Devotions that I had long since given up on were speaking right to the heart of my hopes and fears. I was getting a tiny glimpse of what God is doing. He is totally and completely stirring things up. He wasn't silent before. He was just working in the background, preparing me and so many others for what he was doing in the hearts and lives of the church, the city.

Exploring My Neighborhood

2013-03-27T21:49:00.000-04:00

I was asked this week to take some pictures of some key identifiers of my neighborhood. After a meeting this morning my camera and I went for a walk. I had a great time not only shooting, but seeing my neighborhood from a different point of few. The meeting along with this little journey today has me super excited about the future.

Our Words Have Meaning

2013-03-26T11:13:00.000-04:00

I am a firm believer that we should always be students. Life s full of lessons and we have a choice to learn in those moments or stay in a land of immaturity, naivety, and ignorance. If we are honest with ourselves we all take the latter road at one point or another. Life or someone in our life may call us on where we are and we may choose to make excuses to stay just where we are. And if we are lucky, life, or the people in our lives, will continue to stick by us even as we live in a state of ignorance. If we are believers our relationship with Christ is hopefully that voice that steers us towards truth. Sometimes our selfishness or our patterns keep us from seeing or hearing that voice.

I've definitely been there lately. I've chosen the latter, sometimes intentionally and sometimes just simply stuck in my ignorance. One of the voices I've been hearing lately is the one gently correcting me as I rant and rave about the "issues" in my life. If I feel I've been wronged or misunderstood then I complain to someone I trust. Then that complaint seems validated because I feel better and somewhat confirmed in what I've said. Very rarely do I address the issue head on but rather I complain the feelings into life. I give them feet and hands sometimes. I start looking at the source of my complaint as the thorn in my flesh instead of the gift they are from God. I no longer look for reconciliation or renewal rather I look for ways to avoid and reject responsibility.

I am a person who believes the bible is the true word of God and is, among other things, meant to aid and guide us in the way of our Lord Jesus. I believe every word is God breathed and with purpose. I'll be the first to admit I don't get all or much of it and I scratch my head as to the reason for some of it but I also believe those parts have purpose and meaning only the Lord can truly understand. Given that, I often feel like I have a voice and live a life of a hypocrite because in my actions I am living blatantly outside of what his word speaks to. My words are not edifying. They don't bring renewal or truth. They are only used to advance my agenda and my desires. As I was thinking lately about how abrasive my words can be, I've had a few verses pop into mind. As I sat down to look them up I was reminded of the weight of those verses and the impact they can have.

The latter verse strikes a special chord in me! How easily our tongues can destroy any witness we have of the goodness of the lord!

The thought that started this process happened as I heard myself rant to someone very close to me. I trust this person never to repeat the hurtful things I was spewing but as I was talking I imagined a speaker being hooked up to me without me knowing it and screaming these sad words to the people I never really wanted to hear them. Just how hurt they would be. Then I imagined their hearts breaking at the pettiness I was displaying when a simple conversation would have awoken us all to the pain being experienced. I started to hear the pettiness, the miss represented behaviors and the lies in what I was feeling and in what I was saying.

As a Christian, God calls us to a higher standard. One that represents his desire for renewal, righteousness and peace, not one of selfish ambition, one upmanship and pride. Finding your way out from under the pile of waste built up over years of bad habits, false ideas and sin seems so daunting. Clinging to the One who brings revival of the spirit and the soul is my only choice and it's one I yearn to have. Choosing to no longer sit idle in the pattern of indifference is my next step; refusing to let spiritual laziness have its hold on me is my next goal.

Slowing Down, New Ideas

2013-03-25T10:16:00.002-04:00

Over the Christmas holiday, my little etsy shop took off. I was pretty overwhelmed by the amount of sales I had. Keeping up was proving to be a challenge. Once the New Year came, I thought things would slow down significantly but i still had a steady flow of orders. My biggest sellers were my cowls and scarves. Now that spring is ~~around the corner~~ here, those orders have dropped off significantly. This, I am hoping, will give me some time to try new things. I'd love to expand my inventory to other items. I do have some items but they aren't huge sellers. Items like my scrubbies, dish towels, toys and my photography. My biggest non scarf seller is my swiffer covers. I've loved experimenting with colors on those.

I've been exploring on Pinterest and other sites trying to find my next project or idea. I love a challenge and I love to learn new things. So I thought I'd show you some items I want to begin working on this spring. Some are ones I can figure out on my own and others I will have to find just the right pattern to explore with.

c/o Knitting-bee.com, bysmallmeans.wordpress.com, & craftisart.com

c/o deramores.com, http://jadoreknitting.blogspot.com, & knitty.com

c/o itzbirch.blogspot.com.au, ravelry.com, & knitingirl.blogspot.com

If you are in the mood to shop, stop by my little corner of the shopisphere, City Girl Creations. Use the code SPRING15 for 15% Off your next order.

March Madness Birthday Celebration With Big Apple Mami

2013-03-18T03:30:00.000-04:00

It's a March Madness Birthday Celebration over at Big Apple Mami and I'm joining 16 other bloggers to celebrate and give you an awesome prize! There are actually several reasons Kristina at Big Apple Mami is celebrating this month including two birthdays, an 11th wedding anniversary and her sweet little 1 month old, Mateo who was supposed to be born in March, but arrived on Valentine's Day instead! :)

So let's party!!!
This Giveaway will run from March 18th - March 28th (Kristina's actual birthday) and once all entries have been verified, the winner will be announced.
Enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win!
Good luck and Happy Entering!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Palmolive Fresh Infusions Review

2013-03-15T13:35:00.001-04:00

Back in January, I received my Influenster box of Palmolive Fresh Infusion dish soaps. I knew they were coming but when I opened the box, i was surprised to see large bottles of soap! I was super excited to give them a whirl.

I picked the first scent based on what I assumed would be my favorite. Because the bottles were so big, i realized soon that this was going to be a bad idea. I needed to try the other scents but I was already in love with the first one.

We don't have a dishwasher, so finding a soap that works well and smells good is a challenge. My biggest need in a soap is its concentration. I tried getting a cheaper soap once but found that i ran through it too fast. One squirt of soap in my dish scrubby washed only about 2 dishes. That won't work for me.

That wasn't the case for the Palmolive Fresh Infusions soap. I did the entire set seen above with one nickel to quarter sized squirt of the soap. That to me is SCORE #1 for a soap.

We were given three scents. Lime Basil, Lemon Thyme, & Ginger White Tea. I am not a huge fruit scent girl. I like floral and clean scents. The issue lies in that my roommate likes the fruit flavors and not so much the others. My favorite was the Ginger White Tea, by far! In mid February I left for vacation and asked my roommate to try out the other two. She did! I wish I had remembered to take a picture of her chalkboard review. It was pretty comical. Her favorite was the Lime Basil mainly because it reminder her of her summers with Lime Popsicles! The Ginger white Tea, in her words, smelled too fancy to be a dish soap.

Because the concentration is so amazing, we haven't had the need to buy more but it will definitely go on our list... at least I think so. I did try looking for it in the store the other day to see if buying it was even and option. It wasn't sold in the store near me but that's really not surprising. If I am serious about this stuff, i might have to hunt it out. You can definitely find it at Walmart, unfortunately there isn't one close to me. But if you are close to Walmart, pick one up!

*Disclaimer - I did receive this product complimentary through Influenster but the comments and opionions of this product are soley my own and the opinions of those in my household.

What is Normal for Me?

2013-03-11T12:23:00.000-04:00

Life (overall) is pretty easy and fantastic compared to most people in the world. I get that, but I am really ready to have normal back. I am ready to have my routine back. The one where I work 2 days in the office, three at home. For the last several weeks life has been too unpredictable. I haven't known what was going to happen in a given week and I am realizing my personality doesn't like that long term. First with the sudden labor of my dear friend and watching their kids, then a trip to see my parents, then the loss of my grandma and the loss of my roommate/best friend's grandma, then jury duty and now sickness and jury duty.

I am not complaining or trying not to at least. I like that I have a life that can be flexible, that can be of help to people. Half of the things mentioned above I was happy to do or be a part of but quite honestly, I need a normal week or two where I know what's going to happen. One where I can make plans or not make plans. One where I can go into the office and see my staff and not feel rushed or out of sorts. One where I can make plans for my shop, my blog and yes even writing.

What I am trying to do, in my human effort, is get a grasp as to why 1) its getting to me 2) why some things happen all at once 3) what and where does God want me?

I am in a place where I am blind to what He is doing. Mostly because I have let myself get there but I also think he has me in a place of purpose, I am just not sure what that purpose is and how I can make it known.

An Up & Down Kind Of Week

2013-03-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Its hard to believe last week was my birthday. I had intended to write up a post last week about it but had some bad news which lead to some distractions... I'll get to that later.

I first just wanted to share about my great birthday! It was a pretty awesome day. My best friend/roommate took the day off and spent it spoiling me.

First, we went to the Harry Potter Exhibition in Midtown. We both enjoy the books and the movies so this was a nice little treat. Its a great little museum if you are in the city.

Then we went to Schnippers. Its a great little restaurant near Times Square that has great sweet potato fries, mac n cheese and a chocolate peanut butter shake.... mmm. I am hungry now just thinking about it.

The rest of the day was more chill. Ashley made her Birthday tradition, Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding. I prefer this over a cake any day :) It makes such a big batch that I just finished it yesterday. My roommate had to go out of town on Wednesday so I basically ate the whole thing... but luckily over 7 days.

Later that night, we had dinner with some of my favorite women in New York. It was a great relaxing evening at one of our local restaurants, Le Cheile.

The next day my beautiful staff got me some Baked By Melissa Cupcakes. I am totally in love with these guys! Needless to say I am hopped up on sugar!

Wednesday began a whole new type of week for me. As my roommate was about to leave for a trip home for her grandmother's funeral, I got a phone call that my grandmother passed away. My grandmother's health had been declining for years and in many respects this wasn't a surprise but in some ways it was. Her passing hit me in a way that i wasn't expecting.

I think that compounded with some other issues sent me into a little bit of an emotional tailspin.

I am not able to go to the funeral which is today in Illinois. I wish more than anything that I could be with my family saying goodbye to my sweet grandma but life didn't allow that this time. I am happy that my grandma is in a better place. She hasn't been herself for a long time but I still will miss her.

So that's a glimpse into my week.

While you are here, stop by Big Apple Mami, and check out my guest post centered around my little bitty shop, City Girl Creations. I am giving away $20 credit to shop!

A Little Get-a-Way to the Mountains

2013-02-25T16:23:00.002-05:00

I got to spend the week in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, TN last week with my parents. It was somewhat of a birthday present/getaway for all of us.

We stayed in a cabin outside of Pigeon Forge. Our cabin was amazing with about 10 rocking chairs on the porch and back deck. I had two beds in my room, one of which was bigger than any king bed I have ever seen. I think it could have been two doubles put together.

We got lots of opportunities to rest and just enjoy cabin life.

In the middle of the week, my dad took me on a helicopter ride over Pigeon Forge, with a great view of the Smokies.

The views from our cabin were stellar! All of the ones above were taken from our cabin at different points of the days. The stars were amazing. I don't get to see those very often in the city.

I was uber spoiled with relaxing in front of the couch, great meals out, and shopping with the parents. I feel sad I have no pictures of my mom but she was totally there and enjoyed her time as well!

I hope you enjoy the pics. Today is my birthday and will have more pictures to share tomorrow or wednesday of my fun day with my bestie!

Resolutions in Motion

2013-02-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of the Year (can't believe we are 2 months in) I decided to strive for 13 goals in 2013. I knew 13 was a lot. Hec, one is alot for me but I figured I had a year and they weren't huge accomplishments.

One of those was to lose 13 pounds and get healthy. I joined the Resolutions in Motion to help motivate me to actually get it done. I also created little helpers to help keep me on track.

Weekly Goal Tracker

Fitness Rewards System

MyFitnessPal Calorie Counter and Food Diary

I did great for the first 3 weeks, running 3 times a week and working out 3 days a week. I lost 5 pounds in the first 2 weeks

Then life happened and the running and work outs became less. The goal tracker was forgotten.

As I was reflecting this week, I realized that losing weight isn't really my goal. Eating better and treating my body better is my goal. So although I would love to lose 13 pounds and I think it will happen this year, I really want my goal to be changing my lifestyle. I want to eat better. I want to exercise more. So my goal now is to work hard at changing those things. Using the tools above and a few more. I didn't lose my 13. But my plan is, over the next 10 weeks, to make running and working out my goal. I think the change in diet will come when those change. I tend to crave healthier foods when I am working out. I signed up for a half marathon the end of April so running will soon be my reality, whether I like it or not.

Did you have any goals for 2013? I'd love to read about them. Link your comments in below.

I look forward to sharing with you soon. Make sure you check out the giveaway happening at Covered In Grace or Shaping Up To Be A Mom.

I Wish I Had More To Say

2013-02-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Its been a crazy week. I haven't had time to write much of anything. One of my great friends had a baby, a month early, and I helped watch her kids on my off days.

Today I leave for a trip to Garlinburg with my parents. I'll be cozying up in a cabin like this baby.

I hope to check in later this week!

Evolution of my Little Blog

2013-02-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

I was just thinking about the evolution of my blog. At various stages of its life, this blog has had very different focuses...foci...

When I first started blogging, it was honestly as a stepping stone to letting the world know I liked to write. I blogged mostly about what God was teaching me and the creative side of life.

These posts were written on my original blog. One that no one knew about. I was writing "publicly" but the public had no idea.

Then my blog became about a new start. A new career, a new blog, a new focus.

Then beginning with this post a whole new focus for my blog emerged. I started writing about my love for cooking and photography. I was reading a lot of Pioneer Woman at the time and loved what she did with her blog so I started going down that road. I think it was the real beginning of my blog.

I mixed in some true Kim with some honest posts about where I was at but it was mostly about my food. It got to the point that all my friends called it a food blog. To this day people still call it a food blog. ITS NOT A FOOD BLOG.

Somewhere along the way, it just got to be about life. What I loved, liked, wished for.

In all of this, i was randomly writing reflective posts on what I was learning in the midst of life

I even began using my blog to be the main advertiser of my growing Etsy Shop.

The late spring of this last year I started getting more involved in the blogging world. Joining link ups, entering giveaways, etc. My blog changed almost drastically. In some ways it was great. I was getting exposure. I was seeing other writing styles, other ways of expressing yourself but i was also getting more readers.

I went from 30 something followers to the 200s in a matter of weeks.

I even got to the point of taking on advertisers & sponsors. Many days my blog was about the giveaways and the sponsors. I found it hard to keep up with it and started to lose my voice as a writer.

Once the high of the growth dwindled down, I started reflecting more on who I was as a writer, a blogger, a friend. I am still reflecting on who that is. I am still trying to find out who I am and where I want my blog, my writing to go. What I love about the blogging community is that I can take my time to figure it out and I don't have to be boxed in to one specific style. My followers will change. My focus will change and that's ok.

How has your blog evolved? Have you found your own niche? Are still trying to find your voice?

Weekend of Snow

2013-02-11T10:05:00.002-05:00

Lucky for New York City, Nemo* wasn't so bad. Just another big snow and is currently being washed away by the now 40 degree weather and rain. But I thought I'd share with you Pics from our "Big Storm"

In the ten years I have lived in NYC, I don't think I have owned a good pair of snow boots so I bought a pair from a boutique under our apartment building. They were having a huge sale.

Friday, in NYC, wasn't supposed to see much, on the ground, accumulations but the "wintry mix" was more snow than rain and we definitely got some nice snowy sludge.

Saturday morning we woke to somewhere between 7-11 inches. In New york, because of car and foot traffic, the mounds of snow get pushed to the street corners and turned into puddles of icy mess. This is the #1 and only real reason I HATE snow in New york. Having the proper boots helped this time. But the issue is finding a place you can step when crossing the street that isn't 2 inches deep of icy water. Sometimes you think it will be more shallow or even frozen just to find out you are ankle deep in water. NOT FUN. The top left corner and bottom right corner pictures above are proof of those disgusting messes.

New York was on the line of the storm that allowed us to get lower accumulations and less of a slap of snow. Further north got hit pretty hard. Most of this snow will be gone by the end of the day with the rain and warmer temps we have today. Bye Bye snow!

* PS - Can someone tell me why we are naming snow storms now? Also, why Nemo?

Life Giving

2013-02-06T13:42:00.000-05:00

I am coming out of a season of dryness, loneliness and disillusionment. I have spent most of my life wanting. Whatever my current circumstances are, I find myself wanting something I don't have. Whether its friends I don't have, a family I don't have, money I don't have, career that I don't have, faith I don't have, etc, I can always identify something that I wish I had. Rarely do I stop and look at what I do have and how God has blessed me. I have alot. Today, I'd like to share with you the things that are life giving for me. THese are things that wake me up in the morning and give me something to look forward to.

THIS BLOG
Although many days I truly struggle with where I am going with this blog, I do enjoy its role in my life. I love that its giving me an outlet to write. My writing is not where I want it but its definitely further along than its been in a long time. The fact that I am writing in a public forum is a huge deal for me. Also, the friends I have made through blogging has been amazing and so very encouraging. I look forward to being more intentional with those friendships that have formed.

MY SHOP
Over Christmas, my sales had gone up. It, at one point, was almost overwhelming but it was so much fun. Its opened up a creative side in me that I look forward to. I've been exploring new ways to create and sell and its truly been a joyful process. I can't believe God has allowed this to be an outlet for me. Although this will feel like a shameless plug, I did want to share with you my latest creations. I am deeply proud of these pieces and am just so super excited to share them with you. There are codes available should you want to purchase them (no pressure). I'd love love love if you tweeted, pinned, facebooked, etc about these new additions. I'll send you a 30%off code if you help plug my shop in 5 different ways. Links are available below if you want to go directly to the shop.

Large-Knit Chunky Wool Blend Infinity Scarf - $14 $12 with Code:LIFE15

Gray, Chunky, Cozy Infinity Scarf/Shaw/Hood - $23 $20 with Code:LIFE15

Misty Wool Blend Infinity Scarf - $25 $22 with Code:LIFE15

Moonlight Wool Blend Infinity Scarf - $25 $22 with Code:LIFE15

Taupe Large Knit Chunky Infinity Scarf - $13 $11 with Code:LIFE15

MY CHURCH
I recently was ~~able~~ in a place to communicate my needs and desires regarding my role in my church. For the longest time I held resentment towards where I felt I was and/or should be in regards to my role. It wasn't until I stepped forward and explained where i was and what i needed that I was able to truly feel connected and at home. It was such a growing step for me. I finally realized that we can't expect people to know where we are at if we haven't done our part in communicating the need. Now I feel like I am in the right place, doing what gives me life.

MY FRIENDSHIPS
This one, for me, will be harder to articulate because I am still in the process of figuring them out but I will try. I have a few friendships that I truly feel are God given gifts for me. The kind that I know are perfectly wrapped gifts from God to Me. They give me life and energy and show me a glimpse of what His love is for his people and for me.

I also have friendships that I am beginning to see are the other side of that. I know they are gifts from God but intended for the other person. They are entrusted to me for His glory and not my own. They require more energy, forethought and trust than the previously stated ones but they are gifts none the same and are precious beyond words. I am learning more and more each day the value of those friendships. They bring me outside of myself which, quite honestly, I desperately need.

These are some of the things I am grateful for and feel honored and blessed by God to have them in my life. What are the things in your life that make you happy, bring you joy or make life worth living? I dare you to write a post, comment below or tweet out what those are. Believe me it will open your eyes up to some amazing things if you take time to discover what they are.

The Rentals

2013-02-05T07:23:00.000-05:00

If you've been reading my blog lately, you've seen that I am attempting to write more. I keep saying I am trying to write more creatively but honestly, I am just trying to write more which I hope will then lead to writing more creatively. I am attempting to create good habits and part of that is making more time to do the things that bring me joy. Writing is one of those things. Writing about just anything doesn't always bring me joy but strengthening the muscle of writing does.

I am using the 30 days of blogging prompts that i ~~stole~~ found over at Covered in Grace. I told myself I wouldn't go in order but it actually helps to go in order because it takes the stress out of making decisions.

Today's topic: Describe your relationship with your parents.

Writing about this is tricky because I am pretty sure my parents read my blog from time to time. But I guess its a good thing that we have a pretty solid relationship :)

I do have a pretty good relationship with my parents (AKA: The Rentals). Its getting even better the older I get. There was tension in my younger years but we all grew up :) Tee Hee

My parents and I have differing beliefs on many things; Sometimes in politics, many times in religion but at the end of the day our respect for each other is so high that we can look past those differences and see the value in the other. My parents are very generous, loving and encouraging people. They are also very patient. Regardless of how they feel about what you are doing with your time or life, they encourage you to do or be who you are meant to be. I admire them for the way they love my brother and I!

I am not sure when the switch happened... you know the one... where they are no longer your annoying parents but people you admire. Almost all of us deal with it. Our need for independence builds up a wall even with the BEST OF PARENTS. We think we know better, they know they know better so there is tension. I am not sure when it was that I realized that i really like these people as people and not just my parents but it definitely happened. My first memory of the fruits of that was when they took me to the virgin islands. Just the three of us. We had so much fun. Yes they spoiled me but it was more than that. I enjoyed my time with them not as parents but as friends. That switch was beautiful for me. They are still my parents and I still have a respect for them as any child should have for their parents but when I realized that they were also my friends was when the great relationship happened.

I am very grateful for my parents. They sacrificed a lot for me and my brother including their time, resources and sometimes their emotional wellbeing. I often feel sad that so many people out there don't have that relationship with their parents. Not to devalue the life they have but I am so grateful for mine that I wish everyone had the opportunity.

Thanks for stopping by! If you are a new reader, leave your link below. I'd love to check your blog out.

Have a great week everyone!

Adoption 10:10:1

2013-02-04T16:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends. Today I want to introduce you to one of my sweet blogging friends, Christie from Satisfaction Through Christ. She's definitely one of those bloggers that sticks with you and makes you feel like you have been friends in real life forever.

When Christie approached me about sharing her story with my readers I was quick to respond! If you read anything on my blog this week, this should be it!

I have a heart for adoption and hope one day to adopt myself. I see the value in the process and redemptive hope adoption brings to not only the child but the family. Christie and her adorable family are in the process of adopting their second child. Read about that here. In order to make that happen, they have to raise $35,000. I'd love to ask you to consider helping this adorable family reach this goal. $10 can go a long way!

So grab a cup of coffee (or tea or whatever makes your day), sit down and get ready to be moved by her most recent adoption journey!

------------------------------

Friends, I have been so overwhelmed by the generosity shown towards our family over the last few days. The response has been amazing and I'm at a loss for words on how to say thank you. I'm praying that the Lord will give me the proper words at some point. Words will never be enough, though.

For the full story and to read our adoption announcement post, visit here!

Today has been an emotional day, but I now know {without a doubt} that the Lord has called us specifically to bring this baby girl home.

Last night we had a $10 donation come in from a friend. I emailed her thanking her for her donation and she quickly expressed sadness at not being able to give more. I told her that every little bit helps...and it does.

If you're anything like me, all you've seen is $35,000 and thought, "There's no way I can help with that."

I get it and I know -- it's so much bigger than any one of us but it's not too big for God!

This morning the Lord laid an idea on my heart and I've fought Him all day about presenting it to you, but I know that He hasn't called us to walk this road alone. So, I'm excited to present our biggest fundraising effort yet....

Operation {Adoption} 10:10:1

10 Days: $10: 1 Baby Girl

Goal = $10,000

Our adoption agency has given us 15 days to raise the initial $10,000 we need. The remainder will be due in increments until she is born. But for now, we are praying for 1,000 friends to come alongside of us and donate just $10 each.

I know $35,000 is overwhelming.

I know $10,000 is overwhelming.

But $10 is a little less overwhelming.

So, would you commit to partnering with us and would you commit to praying for us?

If so, simply use the PayPal donation widget below (if you don't see the PayPal widget you can donate here, too).

Please leave a comment with your first name. I'd love to use each of your names in a special project for our little girl; something she can always have to remember how many people helped bring her home.

And, if you're so moved, would you share this post? On your blog, on social media, through email? May the LORD be glorified in it all...

-------------

You might be like me and think even $10 is tough on your budget... and to give it a stranger? But I want to strongly urge you to consider helping the Hill Family through this amazing and trusting venture. That $10 will go a long way and I am convinced God will bless you in some way or another for your gift. I gave $10, won't you consider giving!

Thank you for your time and for stopping by! I hope you were encouraged by their story!

The Weekend: My Pathetic Breakdown

2013-02-04T10:41:00.000-05:00

I am a classic introvert in an extroverts world. I work for a church and serve with another church. Introvert and extrovert are just labels but they are labels best used here to explain my mental state.

When I say I am an introvert, I don't mean I am anti-social. I simply mean I don't get my energy from groups of people or social interaction. I love one on one time with people but I wear out pretty fast when in group situations for long periods of time.

Graphic courtesy of questionablylate.tumblr.com

I have been feeling fairly disconnected lately from the people I care about. Some of it was my own doing. I had unconsciously backed away from things but some of it was circumstances which made it harder to connect with those people. Nothing dramatic or bad just life creating situations where it meant we had to be more intentional. Anyway, realizing that I was starting to be just that...more intentional. The lack of connection was making me bitter, sad and alone and that needed to stop.

But in true Kim fashion, life quickly got out of control. I had gone from not doing much to do doing alot in a short amount of time. Added to that work and church life was picking with the start of the new year causing me to have more on my plate. NONE of which I was complaining about. I was actually loving it. But before I knew it I was worn out. The odd part was I wasn't unhappy or depressed or sad but emotionally I was beginning to feel more fragile. I couldn't figure out why all of sudden I wanted to cry. I was enjoying myself but my emotions had another plan. I was physically and emotionally tired. That kind of tired where every part of you aches. You just want to close your eyes.

So this weekend, like every weekend this past month, was packed full of things.

Sunday, I reached my bowling point. I woke up early Sunday to get ready for a morning of work but one thing after another kept going wrong. In the grand scheme of things each of these were very very minor but built over the morning on a tired, probably hormonal female, I lost it.

I woke up to a script for our announcements and a time change that meant mentally I needed to be prepared which normally is fine but not this morning. Then I was late leaving because I was waiting on a file I would need for the service. Then missing my train, I waited 25 minutes for another train making me 20 minutes late for work. As I was preparing the 42 cup percolator, I realized a key piece was missing making the machine unusable which meant I had to quickly call in a Starbucks order, knowing it would take them 45 minutes. As I left I asked my best friend to cut bagels for me since I was then going to be running around. While I was gone, she sliced open her finger. When I left to get the coffee I was teetering on the verge of an emotional breakdown but the time alone was allowing me to calm down a little. As I walked back into the school I saw my friend sitting there and walked over to her where she told me she cut her finger. As I looked down to the bloody mess that was her finger I lost it. Tears came out without the slightest bit of control. My best friend was sitting there consoling me and she had the cut hand. This reality made me even more upset. I was losing it 1) at work 2) in public and 3) for something that wasn't happening to me but to her. The anger at myself made the tears come more freely in sobs. I couldn't gain my composure so I was forced to ashamedly text my boss to tell him I couldn't do my part in the service. I felt humiliated and stupid for having to tell him I couldn't do it for the reasons listed above :/. My boss is pretty cool and totally understood but still I felt humiliated. I don't back out of things easily. My sense of obligation is too high in me to ever do that but I couldn't stop crying and he didn't need that mess up there in front of 200 people.

I'd love to say that we came home and chilled out the rest of the day but alas, I had other things I had to do but the rest of the day was filled with less emotional outbursts and more fellowship with people I love which seemed to help. Knowing that Mondays are an off day for me helped get me through the day.

I can't say that things are a mess in my life and that was what lead to my breakdown. It really was exhaustion. My ability to process what is happening around me is next to nonexistent when I am tired. Its the first thing to go and is usually a sign that i need to slow down. My issue lies in that i don't want to slow down, I am enjoying myself but I guess my body disagrees.

Its so funny to me how differently we are all made. How we adjust and react to life and situations. We often want people to react emotionally the same way we do but yet we all have different perspectives, different values, and different personalities. Times like these help to remind me that we all are different and require different things from the people around us. We bring different things to the table which is what makes a great community. Celebrating and honoring those differences should be more of what we strive for instead of forcing each other into the same box.

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!

I {Love} New York

2013-02-01T09:59:00.000-05:00

I moved to New York almost 10 years ago. When I moved to the city it hadn't been my first choice nor did I think I'd be here more than the 2 year job I was taking. Flash forward 10 years and I am as close as a lifer as i think i can get.

New York to me is a person, family even. I talk about her like she's a person. I feel about her like I would a close close friend. So it shouldn't have surprised me when I got offended when someone put her down.

I was walking to the subway last night when I overheard someone say "I really don't like the city." You could tell the comment was made by someone who lives here or around here and not a tourist. When she said it I had a physical reaction. I almost turned around and glared at her.... but then the rational side of me realized. "Kim, she's entitled to her opinion."

I don't get upset when people visiting the city or those who don't live here say they don't like the city. I mean I feel sad for them :) But I don't have a reaction to their dislike but coming from someone who lives here I was deeply offended. It equated emotionally to her saying "I hate your mom." I wanted to argue with her and tell her all the reasons she should love the city. I felt bad for the city that this person said a mean thing about her.

Ok I know I sound a touch crazy right now... and I kinda am... but it surprised me as much as its confusing you I am sure. I've always known I had a deep love and affection for the city but I didn't realize just how deep it went until that moment. I get that people don't like the city but I just love it so much that I apparently have instant reactions to it :)

Now, I do like the suburbs. I secretly want a house with a yard and the ability to get in my car and drive 5 minutes to the store. It took me an hour and a half to go 1 mile uptown to pick up dinner for a friend and then back down a mile to deliver said meal.... if i didn't live in the city it would have taken 20 minutes TOPS. I miss the convenience of living outside of the city. I also need a vacation once or twice a year to re balance... but I do love the city... The funny thing though is what i love about the city is not really NYC related but the community of people here. Yet I still get offended when people put it down.

The city is a pretty great place and in many respects I kinda grew up here. I might have been in my late 20s and 30s while I've been here but I learned more about who I am here than I did before. When people ask what i love about the city I can't tell them this museum or this show or this attraction. Although lovely, what I love more about the city is the feel, the people, the heart. Something you can't really taste until you've spent time here.

Have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Fears, Oh My!

2013-01-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

In an effort to exercise my writing muscles, I've decided to take on the 30 Days of Blogging Prompts. I got the idea from Brooke from Covered in Grace (30 Days of Blogging Prompts) who got the idea from @ Lashes & Beard. Today I am doing "Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and describe how they became fears."

This one is sort of a struggle to write not because of the fears but because I am not really sure what they are... at least not legitimate fears.

MICE
Sounds silly, right, that I am afraid of mice. Now, I am not afraid of mice that have been pets or caged up. At least I don't think that I am. But I am afraid of the ones who hang out in my kitchen and scurry around in the dark looking for food that is not theirs to eat.

I live in NYC and having mice in your apartment is pretty likely no matter where you live or how clean you are. My last apartment had an infestation. They had done construction on the basement that I think must have stirred up a colony of mice. To top that the apartment right next door had been under construction for the entire 4 years I lived there. So I think they migrated up the 5 flights and decided to make my apartment and that gutted apartment theirs. We had weeks where we saw 1 or 2 a day. Our landlord refused to do much more than give us sticky traps.... so in turn i killed 1 or 2 a day... i am not kidding. So this made me a little jumpy. The straw happened when i was in my room and my hangers started moving on their own. Yes they made it to my room. I moved out soon after. In my current apartment we have had a problem too but not to the extent as before. They show up for a week or so and then disappear for 3-6 months. Its usually a tiny little guy that lives in and on our stove.

Still i am afraid of them. I am more afraid of how sneaky they are. I am afraid that i will step on them or that they will scurry up my leg. Not rational and I know it! Yet I am still afraid.

DEATH OF A PARENT
Over the last few years the reality that my parents are getting older is becoming more real. In the grand scheme of things they are still young. Most people live to be in their 80s but they are reaching ages where the risks are higher and the reality is, well, more real. With my mom's health scare this year, it has become even more obvious that I am not promised to have them forever. The fear of losing them is becoming a daily thing lately. I often find myself wanting to call them every day just to make sure they are OK and doing well. I also find myself wanting to play parent to them. I want to beg them to take very good care of themselves. Not in judgement but purely out of fear that i could one day lose them. I watch my mom struggle with taking care of her ailing mother (95) and hope that I get to do that with her one day. I know that's not ideal for my mom but I hope that I have plenty more years to be with her.

NOT HAVING A FAMILY OF MY OWN
I am turning 37 soon and the reality that I will be single and childless for the rest of my life gets more real every year. I won't go into it too much here but this is an overwhelming fear of mine. I legitimately want a family. I am not overly proactive nor do I complain about my current status much but it is a fear on mine that is very real. You can read a little more about this here.

What are some of your fears? If you've written a post about it, link them up below in the comments section. I'd love to hear them!

Have a great week!