Redo Your Closet

I don't know about you, but sometimes (pretty much everyday lately) I look in my closet and literally feel like I have no clothes. Here lately, I can't pick out an outfit to save my life. I feel like I used to be able to dress really cute, maybe I'm just tired of my clothes. 
If you feel like you are in a style rut, try these tips with me! 

1. Color code
This might sound silly, but if everything is color coded in your closet, it's easier to find things that go together. Color code your closet and you'll find pieces you completely forgot about! It's basically free shopping. 

2. Get rid of clothes you don't wear
Get rid of the clothes you never wear. Sometimes I form this attachment to clothes and it's hard to let go, even if I never wear it! Even though it's sad, this will set you free. Just take a deep breath, and do it!

3. See if you have the staples
You should have these clothes as the backbone of your closet. They are the structure!

4. Go shopping

Go to your favorite store, and pick out a few of your favorite pieces! 

5. Get inspired

Last, but not least, get inspired! Look at style icons that influence your look. You can either just be inspired by this, or you can base your outfits off of their! 

Hopefully after we try this, we will be able to find clothes in the closet that seems empty! 

Random Make My Day Better Thursday

Sometimes the most unexpected things in life are the ones that truly are great. Don't ever let unexpected things take you by so much surprise as to where you don't enjoy the moment. If you do this, you will have regrets. Remember to find fulfillment in all things you do in order to achieve true happiness. Enjoy the things that make you happy. Get Starbucks every week if that is what causes you happiness (it's what makes me happy)! Enjoy your Thursday! It's almost Halloween!!!!!

Fun weekend at home!!

Current Favorite TV show

The big long wait is finally over and before you know it we will be sitting at Christmas dinner; but let's not get ahead of ourselves because it is finally (insert Chevy Chase drumroll)....FALL!!! Can you believe it's finally here!? 

One thing that has to do with my love for fall is Halloween. That being said, my current favorite TV show is "The Munsters." I think everything about this show is great, oh and did I mention hilarious! If you are in need of a good laugh, watch this and try not to cry from laughter. 

If you are a person that has never experienced the joy of being a Munsters fan, then jump on the bandwagon (or shall I say coffin) and start watching. 

When I was little I must have been brain dead or something because I could not enjoy black and white shows. I hated every single thing about them, but here lately my viewpoint on them has changed tremendously. In dedication to fall, go watch one episode of the monsters tonight!

P.S. The episode (Season 1 Episode 4) where Herman thinks Lily is pregnant is probably the funniest thing I've ever seen.

Nature is beautiful

Snapshots of the Day!

It's beginning to look a lot like pumpkins, everywhere you go

So aside from the normality of Hobby Lobby constantly having some sort of fall item, you know that fall is right around the corner when you see the obnoxious bins of pumpkins parked directly in front of the lovey automatic doors at Kroger (and you know winter is around the corner when you walk past those bins and step on rotten pumpkin guts while reading a sign that says free pumpkins.) Besides the aftermath of these pumpkins, I love fall. I love everything about it; the trees, the colors, the smell, the weather, the movies, the food and the clothes! I've always told myself that I am a piece of fall due to my birthday being in October. Coincidentally, my favorite holiday is Halloween. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas and all, it's just fall is so exciting because it's basically the start to all of the good holidays. People might argue with this and say obviously New Years is the start to the best holidays, but I think of holidays in very simple terms; there is Halloween, Thanksgiving Eve(which consists of a day in fasting so your stomach can bloat up really big on actual Thanksgiving), Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Eve, Christmas Eve, Christmas, Christmas Cool Down, New Years Eve, New Years Day, and the Super Bowl. Since these are pretty close to each other and all chronological, it just makes since that fall is the opening to the most amazing time of the year. While I understand that all of the other holidays are very important, they just are not top priority on my list and I prefer to give the holidays mentioned above all of my love and devoted attention.

Hocus Pocus on TV while pumpkin candles are burning with caramel being made on the stove. Everything outside looks picture perfect; the oranges and reds, deep mahogany and amber. The crackle of the fire on the first crisp night of fall. The unforgettable sky with the full moon and the wolf howling in the woods.

Does anything else need to be said? Fall is magical and these are the reasons that I love it.

When you notice the leaves changing and falling on the ground, take a walk and listen to the crunch as you step on them. Breath in the fall air that's only here for a short while until we get to move on to the next beloved holiday.

It's beginning to look a lot like pumpkins
Everywhere you go
Take a sip of that tea again, cinnamon once again
With candy corn and pumpkins all to grow

It's beginning to look a lot like pumpkins
Leaves all on the ground
But the silliest sight to see is the treaters that will be
On your own front door

Ball game!!

Love sitting at the ball field with my nephew Drew!!!
Go Lauren!!!

Fights with the ref are also fun to watch.

Tick tock, tick tock

Tick
Tick
Tick 
Tick
Tick
The clock will always tick because time is immortal; at least that's how we treat it. We let time get in the way. We find no way to conquer it. Our lives are built around it. We take no time to enjoy the small things like noticing the beauty in a curvy road that parallels our life; full of twists and turns. A lot of the time we miss these twists; some of which that could lead to something amazing. Life is short and we should never put ourselves on the limits we are guilty of putting ourself in. Enjoy life and take risks! Not stupid ones ones, but enjoyable ones that make you smile and think what in the world have I gotten myself into. Never skip to the next song to see if you're missing a better one. Enjoy the song you are listening to now and live a life worth writing a book on.

Thoughts...

In one of my classes today, we had a discussion about Ernest Hemingway. Due to being such an outstanding author, most of us have at least heard his name. An interesting fact that I did not know about him, is that he was supposedly given a challenge of writing a 6 word sentence; not just any sentence, a meaningful sentence. Anyone who has ever written, knows how hard it is to get your point across in six words. Hemingway majorly succeeded in doing this and wrote, "For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn." There are so many great things about this sentence. This sentence makes the reader ask many questions that tugs at them emotionally. He created a sentence worthy of discussion and that is what makes him such a great writer.  At the end of class, we were asked to create our own six word sentence. In doing so, this made me gain great respect for Hemingway and I now realize why he is put up on such a pedestal in the world of writing. If you would like to challenge yourself, try and write a 6 word sentence that is comparable to Hemingway's.

Featured Artist of the Day: Agnes Obel

Whenever my week turns stressful, I always turn to music. This week my classes started and on top of that I have been sick. With all the craziness going on around, sometimes it's good to just unwind and become in tune with yourself. What is the best way to become in tune with yourself? That's simple! Listen to some good tunes. When you are trying to wind down and release some stress, the last thing you want to do is listen to some wild, upbeat music; you need something calming that feels like a breath of fresh air.

My favorite musician to go to in the time of crazy stress, late nights, and desperate need of coffee is Agnes Obel! In the moments I feel like I'm becoming insane, I simply just turn this music on and then all of the sudden I am transformed into this new human with the keen ability to stay calm.  

Agnes Obel is a Danish musician whose music is filled with whimsical gusts of piano classics to create an magical sound. If you need something to calm you down after a stressful day, this music will do that. On the other hand, Agnes' music offers variation in the sense that you can also get a little pick me up for the day through some of her more uplifting songs. I like to think of her music as my little cup of tea; there is a kind for the morning, afternoon, and evening.  I have not found one of her songs that I do not like. 

My favorite songs
-The Curse
-Avenue
-The Riverside
-Fivefold
-Brother Sparrow

If you are a fan of not so main-stream music and are looking to expand you music library, or you suddenly feel like the world is crashing down on your shoulders, definitely go listen to this music. You will not be disappointed. 

It's beginning to feel a lot like summer!

I love summer so much.  All of the trees are green, the flowers are out from the spring, the weather is warm...everything is just better!

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is go on my annual family vacation to Gulf Shores.  I love the palm trees and the ocean...just the overall feel of the beach in general!

To make myself get out more and enjoy the beautiful weather this summer, I have decided to make myself a summer challenge!

Summer Challenge 2015
1. June Photography Challenge (stay tuned to here more about this on the blog)

2. Picnic in the Park

3. Tons of Swimming

4. Drive-In

5. Walks in the Park

6. Reading outside

7. Going to the Beach

8. Running in the Park

9. Grill Outs

10. Bon Fire

Hopefully this summer will be filled with tons and tons of outdoor fun!!

Enjoy the beautiful weather today!

People Pleasing

In my life, I have realized that there are basically always two options on things; people pleasing, or self pleasing. I remember one specific example and that was doing this basketball camp that I DID NOT want to go to, but one of my friends did which means I did.

I was a pretty weird child and I would get upset about going to the dumbest things. What can I say, I'm a homebody. I personally don't like doing many social things; I mean I like some of them, but I would rather be curled up on the couch with my cat (uh-oh watch out, crazy cat lady headed your way).

Anyways, back to my example. I decided to go to this week of basketball camp and let me tell you; it was TORTURE filled with tears and snot and everything. I honestly have no clue why I went to it if I knew I was going to hate it so much.

Another example is the same friend wanted me to go to this camp with her done at my church and then on the last day we got to go to the waterpark. Yeah, just not a good time for me.
Something about me and camps don't mix well.

Now looking back on these times (and many others)  I realize that I should have always done what I wanted to do.  Let's face it, if you don't get a good vibe about something just don't do it.

Even though these are small, silly examples, there are tons of things that could go wrong if you choose to people please.

Self is most important in situations like this. You don't want to get yourself all worked up about something silly and just wear yourself down with the decision making process. If someone asks you to do something and you honestly don't want to, just say no...there are no excuses needed people; you just simply need some self time.

Take time today to appreciate yourself and only make decisions you are happy with...then you will live with no regrets!

Street Art is Neat

Arby's Gyro!

Okay, so if you haven't had one of these things you need to go get one now..I mean now..go get in your car and get one...NOW!

Arby's, being known for their roast beef sandwiches, made me skeptical of trying the new foreign food (that we all have trouble pronouncing) coming out for a limited time at participating locations.

I couldn't decide if I wanted to try it or not, but after my mom told me how good it was I immediately had to go get one.

I decided to get roast beef on it (you have the option of roast beef or turkey), and it was delicious.

The Arby's gyro is layers of roast beef, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, tzatziki sauce, and garlic seasoning all stuffed inside the softest pita bread you will ever have in your life.  I even added a little Arby and horsey sauce to mine and it made it even better!!

This gyro is paired perfectly with some curly fries and a doctor pepper!

These sandwiches are also only $6 for two right now! You can't beat that!!!

Dear Arby's,
         You once again have wowed me with an amazing creation that equals up to my love of the reuben.

Seriously, go get one.

Some laughter for that bland Thursday

Before you start reading this, why not go eat a pickle (they aren't bland at all).

Have you ever wondered what your food is thinking when it see's those scary teeth about to bite down on it.

What would you think?

"Oh yay! I'm about to be engulfed by someone's nasty intestines and be thrown into a pit of dark slimy goo!"

NO!!!

You would be thinking "Please don't eat me, please don't eat me, pleaseeeeeee!!!!"

An example of this was a pickle that found itself about to be engulfed into Austin's stomach yesterday (but luckily for the pickle, he doesn't eat them). 

Look how yummy (I mean sad) it looks.

Will you sign up for cucumber awareness week and not eat your pickles on your chicken sandwich to be an activist for this little guy (I sure won't! Nom Nom Nom... I love pickles).

Since there are not many people out there like Austin who choose to save the cucumber world, I just thought I would make a little petition that I whole heartedly do NOT stand by.

Shall you save the cucumber one bite at a time.

Or please your palette one taste at a time.

I choose option 2...:):):)
Sorry Dill. 

The Luck of the Bird

Today I was walking outside and noticed the prettiest little red bird sitting on a tree branch.  I stopped to take a picture, and of course just as I got the camera ready the bird flew away.
I tried to follow the bird with my camera and snapped the photo not knowing I would actually get a decent picture that you could visibly see him.  
I thought, "Red birds are supposed to be lucky, so maybe I got him in the picture."  

I guess I learned my lesson; red birds luck never fails!...and never give up, because the impossible picture (so you think) is just one click away!!!

Look for your red bird tomorrow as a sign to get through this week.  Only 3 (basically 2) more days until Friday!!!

   

Why meditate?

I randomly woke up one morning and decided to start meditating.  

I got this app on my phone where you can either do guided meditation (someone will talk you through it), or just set your background music and your time limit.  The app is called "Calm" and if you decide to start meditating, this will definitely motivate you to do it almost everyday, if not everyday. 

From meditating, I have realized how much my mood has improved and I really have got to learn a lot about myself that I don't think I would have known without this.  I think it's good to have time daily with yourself and really get to know who you are.  I try and meditate 10 minutes a day.  When I feel really stressed, I just go and meditate.  Sometimes it makes me fall asleep, but once my time is up, I feel so much better and ready to take on the day.

I have found that the best time to meditate for me is right when I wake up, but I'm sure this would also be great to do at night to help you wind down from your busy day.  The sounds that come on this app are very relaxing.  My favorite is the beach sound.  It honestly puts me in the mindset of laying on the beach and who doesn't love the beach!

When starting out meditating, it is good to really focus on you (if you get the app and do the tutorial it will explain all of this to you in more detail).

Some good things to do while meditating- 
1. Pick one Bible verse and really focus on it and dissect the meaning of it (I promise you will get a whole different meaning out of it than what you thought of it before)
2. Count (this will relax you and your mind will eventually just start wondering and you will come up with some really creative ideas)
3. Ask yourself questions. This may sound a little silly, but try it! This is how you get to know yourself! Ask deep, deep questions.

Also, if you light a candle while meditating, especially a lavender scented one, you will feel even more unstressed when you are done!

If you have a pretty stressful life, or feel like you just need to get to know yourself a little bit more you should definitely try this!

10 minutes a day to happiness:) 

Wondering thoughts

Have you ever just took the time to think how happy animals are? They hardly have any cares, at least not the cares us humans have.

Let's take a look at birds. They soar through the sky with the wind in their face. When they get tired of flying, they simply go and rest on a tree branch. For food, they eat the things that are out in nature; there is no need for a stove or for a microwave, they simply just eat like a bird. For housing, they use nature again.  No money is used by birds; they don't even have to pay in bird seeds!

Notice how birds don't use any man made products; they simply just need one thing and that's God's creation.

Us humans put too much emphasis into man made items, when in reality all we need to survive is in nature!

Food is provided in nature (yes, we can survive without Doritos and mountain dew:)).

Everything is in nature.

Today it felt nice outside and the windows were down.  Sitting at a red light, I noticed the strong smell of pollution.  

I wonder what it would be like if we just solely survived on nature.  No roads, only grass.  

Sometimes I think that was how it was supposed to be.
Life would be a lot more calm and beautiful.