My College Ring Day

A couple of weeks ago was a big day for me! I finally got my college ring. It's a huge deal at my school, friends and family come in town for your big day. Me and my roommate Katie were both getting our rings, and we looked forward to a day full of sunshine and a bunch of pictures. 

And that definitely did not happen. 

God definitely likes to teach lessons and this one was to not expect anything! The ring day was a day filled with thunderstorms. Not just a little rain that lasts for an hour or so, but huge thunderstorms that lasted from the early afternoon until late at night. My family had to tough out the weather in the hour and half drive, and although we thought we had been clever and ordered a taxi to pick us up from my place the taxi never showed.

 These pictures may not show it completely, but my dress was soaked from the waist down, and my mom had to run in the rain after parking the car in order to make it in time. But, I GOT MY RING! I can't help but to look down at my hand everyday and smile. I remember being stuck in traffic in my car that day, torrential rain pounding on my windshield, and then I looked down and there was this little piece of gold shining up at me. I'm so thankful for those that came to my big day, and I can't believe I'm a senior. I'm determined to make the most of these next couple months. 

Right before my sister put my ring on

 In this picture, my sister and I are screaming in excitement. Did I mention getting my ring is a big deal at my school?

My lovely mother and sister 

Me and my roomies (Katie, the one in the red dress, also got her ring that day!)
Shop my outfit: Dress Bag Similar Earrings Similar Bracelets

Things Happy People Do

I just finished reading over this article and found it extremely interesting.

I found that I do almost all the things on this list quite regularly.

I do however have one that I felt stuck out like a sore thumb.
"They devote some of their time to giving." 
I hardly volunteer. I'd like to use the excuse that I'm a busy college student, but aren't we all busy? I would truly love to find something to connect with and get that "helper's high". What a feeling... feeling so overjoyed because you helped another person? What a vague concept for us selfish human beings. But, isn't it so awesome that all the things that lead to depression, loneliness and sadness are self-seeking and it is the opposite of those that lead to happiness? Sure, you may argue that a few extra z's are self seeking, but at church this morning the pastor mentioned how you are really abiding by God's plan for you if you rest. We all need to recharge our batteries and think ourselves sometimes, but the key is to not make it all the time.

I also heard this week from my yoga instructor that people who are anxiety ridden do better on tests if they take the time to write down things that mean a lot to them before starting the exam. Crazy huh? I think I shall try it.

Just a thought of the day.

Ps. A few things that make me happy:
Clean sheets
A purring cat
Bubble baths
A dancing flame on a scented candle
A good book
Plugging in the Christmas lights above my bed
Going on a walk
Fall winds
Making a painting for a gift
Having deep conversations with my roommates
Listening to good music
Driving with my windows down
Yoga class
A good cappuccino
Playing my guitar
Cuddling up in bed and watching Netflix
A starry night
A harvest moon
Changing leaves
White Sheets
Picnics
The Sea
Worshiping the Lord (especially on the top of the parking garage during a windy, clear night).  

All pictures from this wonder tumblr. Just looking at this website makes me happy.

My DC Trip

A few snapshots of some of my favorite things and places I visited when I went to DC.

 This picture doesn't do the coffee art justice... I had kind of sloshed it around when walking around the DC Union Market.

 Peonies peaking out into an alleyway from a lovely flower shop.

 Serendipity frozen hot chocolate and my beautiful sister.

 Old Town Alexandria

 And of course... the monuments.

I was so nervous going on this trip... No one really seems to mention the scary part of traveling alone. I'm a 22 year old that is scared to travel on my own. I feel like i should go to an AA meeting about this, but I can't be the only one ... right? I think it's the anxiety in me; I find myself imaging everything that could go wrong, and I know that's not healthy.

But, I cannot tell you how accomplished I felt getting off the plane. Well, to be honest, maybe not the first plane, but when I returned home I felt so proud of myself (and maybe a mixture of relief as well). And you know what else? I realized that I truly love to travel. I love finding the best cup of coffee in town, the coolest boutique, or that small unknown spot that locals go to to eat their packed lunches and escape the mundane of their desk jobs. We all need to travel. It's doesn't matter if you live in the biggest city in the world or a rural town; there's something out there that we haven't seen and that's pretty cool if you ask me. 

An Update

Wow, life seems to zoom past. I felt like I just posted to this blog yesterday but obviously I did not. I've started my senior year of college and have a strange combination of itching to be done with classes and the unsettling feeling of not being ready to leave behind the friends, memories and fun.

Last week I was talking to my roommate Katie about the stresses of school and she turned to me and said,

"Our lives are glamorous right now. Think about it, if we want to lay by the pool one day; we can make it happen. We don't have as many responsibilities or spouses or kids to fill our days... We get to live with our best friends and hang with them every week. Soon we'll all be in different cities."

Woah. All this time, I had sat down in front of the TV (while stuffing my face) and thought the lives of The Hills stars or sports stars as glamorous. But me? Never. But, she's completely and utterly correct. Lets spell it out:

• I can spend my weekends attending football games and hanging with friends 
• I get winter and spring breaks
• I get to live in a bachelorette pad with some of my best friends 
• I have access to one of the best ministries in the world, Breakaway Ministries - and I am lucky to live close enough to go to it every Tuesday. 
• I don't have Friday classes 
• I am in a Pilates AND a yoga class 
• I'm surrounded by Christ loving, kind-hearted and beautiful women  

When I lay it out like this, it's really hard to argue with myself about how lucky I am. I also saw a quote the other day and it's been my mantra as of late; 

"The things you take for granted someone else is praying for." 

Every time I want to complain about my classes or homework I think about this quote. Someone else may be praying for this opportunity to learn and grow, and I am sitting here wallowing in my own self pity.  

Just a few thoughts. 

Hope everyone is doing lovely. 

Book Quotes

Have you ever read a line in a book that you had to re-read? Not because you couldn't understand it, but because it was so beautiful? Sometimes this happens to me, but currently I am reading  Les Misérables, and I find myself doing this all the time. So, I've started a notes (one of those yellow notepad things) on my iPhone to write them down and remember them. Here's just a few: 

"M. Gillenormand...was one of those men who have become curiosities, simply because they have lived a long time; and who are strange, because formerly they were like everybody else, and now they are no longer like anybody else" 

"What a spectacle is night! We hear dull sounds, not knowing whence they come; we see Jupiter, twelve hundred times larger than earth, glistening like an ember, the welkin is black, the stars sparkle, it is terror-inspiring" 

"The soul helps the body, and at certain moments uplifts it. It is the only bird which sustains its cage."  

"Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise" 

I think it would be so great to do something with quotes like these... maybe some thing like:

& 

& 

Of course some of my most favorite quotes come from Pride and Prejudice: 

A New Opportunity

As a junior marketing major, I knew it was time to start looking into internships. I have always had an interest in small business because I ultimately would like to open a store of my own one day. I blessed to hear about the store Northgate Vintage in my city and I started my internship there earlier this month! So far, I have helped the owned with the finishing touches of renovating (she recently added men's clothing to the store and wanted to make sure the store wasn't as feminine so male customers would feel comfortable shopping there), I've also started managing the social media, and I've worked on a couple of odd and ends involving managing of the store! It's been such a great experience so far and I've only been here for a week! I wanted to share a couple pictures of the place!

 

 

 

 

As you can see, the place is adorable and has a great selection of clothing and accessories! I'll keep everyone updated!

Beauty in the Everyday

The other day I woke up from a long nap, got out of bed and turned to see this:

The beauty of it caught me off guard, and made me appreciate that even everyday things can be beautiful. 
Cheers to you finding beauty in your life. 

My New iPhone Case

Well it's official, I have an iPhone 4. And, since I'm very clumsy- it was an urgent matter to find a case. My iPhone 3 case from Uncommon worked wonderfully for me so I decided to give them a go again.

This process... took me forever. I'm just too picky. I wanted a NASA photo of a nebula. I came up with like 15 different designs

But I ended up with this guy:

Hope you guys like it as much as I do! If you want one, simply go to NASA's site, pick out a photo you like, save it to your computer and use it on uncommon. NASA photos are free to the public!

Church and After Church Outfit

Recently my guy and I decided to try a local church that I've heard great things about. Last weekend my mother whipped up this amazing mustard skirt for me and I've been itching to wear it. So, I decided to pair it with a crop grey lace tank, a coral necklace that I made, mustard flats and because the sides of the tank are open, a navy cardigan.

Church time:

In the sermon, the pastor talked about how we need to be discipline in studying, memorizing and meditating God's word in order to become his disciple. (notice the play on words? He said this is on purpose and its that way in Latin as well). He gave a couple sources to help with these steps that I wrote down and thought I'd share.

net.bible.org - includes scripture on the left and notes on the right to help you better understand the bible

navigators.org - this one I found really interesting, it has popular verses you should memorize

soniclight.org - free bible study notes from a theological professor

He also mentioned the apps Logos and Accordance (these both cost money but he mentioned that he used Logos everyday) and blue letter bible (free). 


After church I wanted to get out of my cardigan (its summer in Texas...) and throw on some heels and accessories. For some reason I've started wearing heels lately. I use to never understand why women would want to wear heals when you could wear comfy sandals. Maybe I'm becoming a woman? Or maybe I just want to trick people into thinking I'm an average height. Maybe its both. ;)


After Church:

The pink and taupe beaded bracelets are Lily and Laura they come in all sorts of great colors and go to a great cause. I wear mine all the time.

PS- these pictures make me look even shorter. (which I didn't think was possible) It's a weird angle. My apologizes.

A project....

It has always been a dream of mine to start a charity. This summer, I have started to inch closer to this goal, but I need help! To give everyone a bit of a background of the goals of this charity, I am wanting to give art supplies to children who have gone through tough experiences or who could use a bit of happiness in their lives.

Creativity has been such a great thing in my life, I have danced my whole life (and still dance in my kitchen whenever I happen to be bored, depressed or if a good song just happens to come on Pandora), photography, painting and using an art journal have been great outlets for me, and sometimes I just feel like making a craft (whether it be jewelry or making a pillow). Because my creative side was encouraged and successful with my mother's guidance, I know that I have become a better person. Many kids aren't as lucky as I was though. Art supplies and dance classes aren't cheap.

So, in comes my charity. I will be working with local children's organizations (Scotty's House, Boys and Girls Club, etc) and I will also be taking recommendations from anyone who thinks they know a child in their life who could use a bit of creativity in their life. So, I ask you guys to please vote in this poll to make this dream of mine one step closer! I need everyone's opinion on picking the perfect name! Also, if you can think of a better one not listed, please feel free to comment!

Thank you

Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies with Caramel and Pretzels

Ummm... guys. Just read the title of this post. Is your mouth watering yet? No? Maybe a picture will help.

Relay for life is this weekend and I thought I'd do my part and contribute to the bake sale since I will not be able to make it to the event.
And let me tell ya, these cookies are...amazing. I seriously could go on and on about them. But for your sake, lets get down to bizness.

I "mimic"-ed this recipe to create these cookies.

However, I took the easy way out and bought already made cookie dough (shhh don't tell), and I added sea salt to the tops of my cookies.

Here's what you will need (+sea salt):

The caramel bits are located in the baking aisle!
I separated the dough into balls the size that I wanted my cookies to be.

Next, I just smushed the caramel bit and small bits of pretzel into the ball (I used approx 4 caramel bits and 4 small pretzel bits per ball- the pretzel bits shown I made smaller).
After that, you put your cookies on a greased baking sheet, and add sea salt to the top.

Bake according to directions on cookie package. 

This is how mine turned out:

The sweet and salty combination is just perfect. Some of you may be skeptical to add salt to the top of your cookies but trust me, it really finishes there cookies off. I tried one with out the salt and it wasn't nearly as scrumptious.

Enjoy!

Tribal Time

{Shop the outfit: similar blazer similar dress necklace tutorial to come soon!} 

Because this weekend was less than productive, (to give you an idea, a majority of it was playing Sims Castaway on the Wii) I've already had to start playing "catch-up". Sighhh I'll never learn.

However, I did attend this really cool music festival. The event was to raise awareness of sex trafficking. There were some local bands that played, and also some guest speakers that shared experiences they've had with God. It was insane because I just realized why I had chose Texas A&M this week (see this post) and one of the speakers spoke about the same exact thing.

Some of you may have been like me a couple months ago, and never even considered sex trafficing being a problem in our nation. But, it is. And, sadly, one of the biggest problem areas is in my home state, Houston.

Found out more also look at this

Also, while at this event, local christian groups, local businesses and other companies set up booths where many donated a percentage of their sales to stop sex trafficking. Lucky for me... Hello Somebody watches were there. I had been wanting one of these for a while so imagine my joy when I came across this fella:

In the words of Mr. Darcy "I wish to never be parted from you from this day on". That's me talking to my watch. Everyone does that right? Anyways, you should get one because the company has partnered with a organization in the Dallas Fort Worth area to stop sex trafficking and it's a great cause and a totes cute watch. Over and out.

"Twist Method" Hair Tutorial

I thought it was about time I shared my hair secret to the world. On Pinterest I've seen this:

Headband to make waves 
and
Hair straighter to make waves

Although these are great tutorials, I've found that I've still stuck with my method because 1. I can't figure out how to do this headband thing AND 2. my method requires no heating element, which means no hair damage. This is important to me because I'm trying to grow my hair out, and the less damage, the quicker I can have healthy, long hair.

SO...without further ado, I introduce the Twist method. (I came up with this name all on my own if you can believe it).

Here's a video of how I do this:

Or if you would rather look at the pictures here is how I do it:
1. Start with damp hair. I usually take my showers before bed, and wait for my hair to get a little dry before doing this.

(I know, I'm stunning with out make up) 

2. Take a section of your hair that is closest to your face (I tend to think what section is my "bangs" and grab that).  

3. Grab another section that is behind the first section (around the same size or little bit smaller) 

4. Wrap the second section around the first. 

 5. Now your first section and your second section are one "section" 

6. Grab another new (3rd) section similar to the size of your first and second section. 

7. Twist this third section around the major/combined section (section one and two)

8. Continue this process until you have done half of your head and twist all the way down to your ends.

9. Repeat this process on the other side of your head.

10. Take your two "twisted pigtails" and twist them around each other
*note- if you have short hair you can just take a hair tie and combine the two pigtails into a pony tail at the nape of your neck.

11. Take a hair tie and tie off your ends.

See how I left a good amount of my ends out? This is for two reasons: 1. its less likely for the hair to fall out of the hair tie and 2. when the ends are out, it results in a more natural looking wave.

Also, many times I have used a small hair claw instead of a hair tie, and its works just as well.


Here's a video with the results:

And here's some pictures of the hair.

Sometimes I go back and curl a couple sections to make it look perfect, but never on class days... I don't use hair spray most days either, it tends to look fine once the hair has loosened up during the day. 

Thanks so much for checking my blog out!
My cat, Cleo sends her love as well...