fall weather + good reads
Day 2 of the 30-day challenge: Today I’m thankful for B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L weather. J’adore!
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I’m also thankful for good reads. The first of which my mother told me repeatedly to read, but I kept putting it off because in all honesty I thought it sounded kind of hokey. When I finally started it, I flew through it in 4 days – The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.
Oh my goodness this is a must-read. The tale is a beautiful portrait of an orphan’s life and how flowers and the language behind them drove her well-being and ultimate happiness.Who even knew flowers had meanings?? I laughed, I cried, I wanted to read it again.
My current read is Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple. Though I’m only 50 pages in, it’s already a fun, easy read about a quirky mother and her family.
Now I’m off to end my Monday with the two things I’m thankful for today – sitting on our porch, book in hand.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
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I’m giving myself a 30-day challenge. Each day I’ll share something on my blog I’m thankful for, but it has to be specific to that day. From an unexpected compliment to a perfectly weighted cappuccino to clean sheets – there are no bounds.
Follow me on this journey (sign up to receive emails and don’t miss a post) and/or share in this journey with me. I’d love to hear the little and big things you’re thankful for each day.
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Day 1: I’m thankful on this gorgeous Sunday to belong to a church that believes deeply in missions and is willing and ready to spread the good news to the ends of the earth.
life lately: July
Traveled 1,732 miles
Found a new favorite place in Fayetteville, Tanglewood Branch Beer Co.
Celebrated husband’s birthday four times
Taste-tested for a new food truck coming to NWA
Wrote 8 articles for AY Magazine
Enjoyed my first family reunion
Books read: Fifty Shades Darker and started Fifty Shades Freed
Movies watched: Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Amazing Spiderman, The Dark Knight Rises, Moonrise Kingdom, People Like Us, Old School, Magic Mike
TV Shows watched: finished The Big Bang Theory, started White Collar
Re-connected with several old friends
Partied in Dallas for my best friend’s bachelorette party
Colored my hair ombre
Learned about a couple’s mission work in Jordan and how we can support them
Rejoiced that a dear friend moved home from across the country
Experienced my first mineral bath in natural springs
Ate: the best margherita pizza, grandmother’s grits casserole, bachelorette party cupcakes, baby shower cupcakes, birthday cake X2, tuna tartare, margarita popsicles
Joined the YMCA, and have successfully been … twice.
Danced, in a burlesque fashion
Weekend Getaway: My First Family Reunion
Family Reunion (noun): The awkward get together your parents make you go to where you stand around for hours with random relatives, some of which you either despise or don’t actually know. They come up to you and shout random things and kiss your cheeks. – via Urban Dictionary
Family Reunion (noun): The awesome get together you willingly go to where you eat, drink, play, swim (repeat) all weekend with fun relatives, some of which you know well and some of which you’re still getting to know, but all of which you love. – via Mille’s Dictionary
{the view}
{the mother-daughter stripes}
{the diving competition}
{the 25th birthday)
{the hot tub}
{the baby shower}
{the lake times}
{the 26th birthday}
{the boat ride}
{the sunset}
10 things you probably don’t know about me, but should.
1. I don’t like my food or drinks lukewarm. If it’s meant to be hot, it should be hot. If it’s meant to be cold, it should be cold, e.g. why I order my coffee extra hot.
2. My dream job from any time period would be an airline stewardess in the 1960s, wearing short shorts and go-go boots.
3. I’m a pessimist, and constantly need to have people telling me the positive side of things. (Luckily, husband is an optimist.)
4. I love airports and being in them by myself. One day I might write a book about everything I’ve seen in airports.
5. I hate cats. Even lolcats.
6. Every time I see a musical or play, I wish I was on stage performing.
7. If we’re good enough friends I will always ask to try your food. I’d rather eat something off of everyone’s plate than order something of my own.
8. Reading magazines is one of my favorite pastimes. Thus, if someone reads my magazine before me and tells me what’s in it, I’m not happy.
9. It is extremely difficult for me to chew gum without blowing bubbles. Despite my mother’s constant rebuking growing up.
10. I don’t ride a bike, I don’t ski and I don’t ride ferris wheels. And I have don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything.
Pray, and let God worry.
It’s been a rough week in the Alderman home. There’s been a lot of stress and a lot of worrying. I couldn’t sleep for hours the other night because I just couldn’t stop worrying about the tiniest things. When I get consumed with worry I always remember these words from Francis Chan’s book Crazy Love …
“Worry implies that we dont quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what’s happening in our lives.
Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace towards others, or our tight grip of control.
Basically, these two behaviors communicate that its okay to sin & not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional.”
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Matthew 6:27-29
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:31-33
So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
life lately.
{drinking this} blood orange san pellegrino. YUM.
{watching this} obsessed.
{wearing this} Lily & Laura bracelets + arrowhead bracelet from Riffraff
{eating this} smore’s brownies via Pinterest
{sitting on this} new chair in our second room that was my grandpa’s; perfect for an afternoon read.
{believing in this}
{looking at this} cutest little poodles ever.
{excited for this} we got to taste test for this new nwa food truck.
{planning for this} my best friend’s bachelorette party in Dallas next weekend.
inspired by my good friend Erin’s blog posts around here.
easy like sunday morning.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
– Romans 8 :28
Southern Glam
Saturday mornings are for daydreaming. Today’s topic: the perfectly decorated home. Here are some photos I’ve amassed via Pinterest onto my home board – Southern Glam.
Enjoy. xo
{office space}
{pool}
{high ceilings, large windows}
{outdoor getaway}
{lots of chandeliers}
{library}
{living room}
{movie room}
{secret attic}
{childrens room}
what’s in a bag: makeup
I feel old. I’ve found the makeup I like, and I’m sticking to it. No more turquoise eye shadow. No more sparkly lip gloss. No more thick black eyeliner. So, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite makeup essentials.
1. L’Oreal Extra Volume Collagene Mascara, $7
2. Elizabeth Arden Tinted Moisturizer, $30
3. Stila Eye Shadow Trio – Gilded, $20
4. Cargo – Sunset Beach, $30
5. Bare Minerals, Foundation $27 & Warmth $19
6. Jack Black Lip Balm, $7.50 **new favorite
All available at my makeup store of choice: Ulta
What’s your must-have makeup?
Pre-Weekend Pop Candy
I love pop culture. I love entertainment news. I love celebrity gossip.
So before we’re interwined in our own weekend gossip, let’s revel in some pop candy.
The young engagement? I approve. Aren’t they just dazzling? {Liam Hemsworth + Miley Cyrus}
Speaking of couples, here’s another cutie. Spiderman better not let me down. {Emma Stone + Andrew Garfield}
Okay, so this hottie is gettin’ all the buzz lately from True Blood to Magic Mike – but, who remembers him as bartender Owen from One Tree Hill?? {Joe Manganiello}
*sigh* Is anyone else dying without Revenge on Wednesday nights? Tidbit: the show is moved to Sundays in the fall.{Connor Paolo, Emily VanCamp, Gabriel Mann, Joshua Bowman}
Hot. Hot. HOT. As always. Blake is one of my girl crushes. Did you hear she and Mr. Reynolds just bought a house together in Bedford, NY? {Blake Lively}
How quaint.
Oh, just lunch in Paris for the famous Kimye. I still don’t approve, though I do enjoy reading about their lavish relationship. Check THIS out. That boy can spend money. {Kanye West + Kim Kardashian}
Until next time,
Obsessed (v): To have the mind excessively preoccupied with a single emotion or topic
“When you are truly in love, you go to great lengths to be with the one you love. You’ll drive for hours to be together, even if its only for a short while. You don’t mind staying up late to talk. Walking in the rain is romantic, not annoying. You’ll willingly spend a small fortune on the one you’re crazy about. When you are apart from each other, it’s painful, even miserable. He or she is all you think about; you jump at any chance to be together.” – Crazy Love, Francis Chan
- Give freely and openly, without censure.
- Love those who hate them and who can never love them back.
- Aren’t consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else.
- Care more about God’s Kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress.
- Believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to him.
- Are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo.
- Will do things that don’t make sense on this earth, in terms of success or wealth.
- Know that you can never be “humble enough” and so they seek to make themselves less known.
- Do not consider service a burden.
- Take joy in loving God by loving His people.
- Genuinely think that others matter as much as they do and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world.
- Orient their lives around eternity; they are not fixed only on what is here in front of them.
Are we living the profile of the obsessed?
Dear Spring Santa,
{more lace}
{red blazer}
{dodocase for iPad}
{spring flowers}
{bright skinnies}
{a fun, outdoor soiree}
{rose gold}
{vaca}
{Vince Camuto flats}
{goldendoodle}
Wordless Wednesday: Revenge
I’m starting a new idea for my blog – wordless wednesdays. The images have to someway relate to my week, and I can only give a caption in 5 words or less. So, week 1…
Anticipation Builds for Revenge Return
How One Tree Hill Saved My Marriage
Okay, so my marriage didn’t exactly need saving, but it got your attention, right? How about this – How One Tree Hill Made a Great Marriage Even Better.
1. Inside jokes from an absurd, but loveable teenage drama like One Tree Hill are probably the best there are.
2. Within a season we go through all the emotions together – ecstasy, admiration, terror, amazement, grief, loathing, rage, vigilance.
3. We weave into daily conversation nicknames for each other from the show, feeling like it’s our own little secret.
4. Their issues are our issues. Many a times I’ve cried about something in the show and we discuss how it would affect our life and how we would handle the situation.
5. Suspense of a plot line kept us up talking way past our bedtime, multiple times.
6. Our bonding over music has magnified – OTH is full of indie music, some we’ve heard, some we haven’t, and we’re constantly identifying the song in the background.
7. We have laughed ’til we cried because of multiple, singular lines delivered. A week later one of us says the line, and we again, laugh ’til we cry.
8. Through seeing broken relationships, one-night stands, loveless marriages – we are so thankful we found each other when we did.
9. We’ve learned the importance of not letting each other’s dreams disappear, but more so the importance that the dreams aren’t enough when we don’t have one another for support.
10. It has given us time to relax together from our busy schedules.
Oh, and a little inside joke just for K: “Whatever mom, just clean it up.”
P.S. For all you TV lovers out there, you might also be interested in my posts about Veronica Mars and Desperate Housewives.
Lent: Prayer + Dance
Some party on Fat Tuesday.
Some use it as an excuse to eat everything in sight.
But for me, it’s a day of stress trying to figure out what to give up for Lent.
You name it, and I’ve given it up – soda, chocolate, junk food, caffeine, gossiping, eating out, all things presumably bad for you.
But this year, I’m putting a new spin on it. I’m not asking myself what I should deprive myself of for Lent, but instead, what can I add to my life to enhance it?
So, here it is, I’m making it public for a better sense of accountability, for Lent I am going to exercise every day for 20 minutes. This can be anything – walking, zumba, pilates, running, Just Dance (!!) or heaven forbid, weight lifting. (This also fits perfectly into my Operation Bathing Suit, OBS, but more on that some other time.)
It will be tough, but as is the focus of Lent, I’m surrending it all to God. Whenever I don’t want to get up in the morning, when I feel lazy after work or when I think I have a right to skip a day, I’ll call on God for strength, bringing myself closer to my health goals, but more importantly, a closer relationship with my Father too. It’s a time for reflection and renewal.
What are you doing for Lent? I’d love to hear so we can continue to pray for and inspire each other.
January Getaway: Sundance 2012
Oh, Sundance, how I’ve grown to love you so. It all started 5 years ago for my 18th birthday…
{one of our best memories – gangsta parents}
{at Robert Redford’s Sundance resort for my birthday}
{beautiful.}
{best trip ever!}
{wish it didn’t have to end…}
We vowed to go back, and now that we have for my 23rd birthday we would LOVE to make it a yearly trip. Here are some tips for your trip to Sundance, because trust me, you need to plan one whether you’re a film lover, celeb obsessed, winter-weather lover or simply someone who loves a unique vacation.
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1. Plan early. Ticket packages start with a sweepstakes you must enter into in the summer, and resorts fill up fast.
2. Didn’t get a package of tickets? Or didn’t get a movie you wanted? You can still stand in the wait list line. Yes it’s freezing, and yes there’s no guaranteed chance you’ll get in, but there’s always a way to make things fun.
{entertaining ourselves with Rock,Paper, Scissors}
3. Recommended movie showings: one in the morning, one at lunch time and one at night. Unless you plan on renting a car, it’s almost impossible to get through the city to see more than that with the city shuttles or resort shuttles.
4. Where to stay: Want to focus on shopping, the nightlife and the constant buzz of the festival? Stay on Main Street. Want more of a relaxing vaca with fabulous spa amenities, beautiful views and close ski lifts? Stay anywhere off Main Street, like the Canyons or Stein Eriksen Lodge.
5. What to wear: Fashion + warmth necessities – Tall, warm boots with good traction (i.e. lace-up Uggs); thick, down jacket with a hood (i.e. black, to go with everything, and preferably with a fur hood); scarves, scarves, scarves – these are the one thing that can set you apart and add fun colors and prints to your bundled up outfit, oh and to keep you warmer; a large purse to hold earmuffs, hats, hand warmers, gloves, festival passes, festival books, shopping bags, bottle of water, chapstick, bus schedule, sunglasses camera. Because baby, it’s cold outside.
6. Where to spot celebs: (Yes, this is a very important topic.) Movies are the best place to celeb-spot. Premiere weekend they’re almost always there to promote their films. (Side note: we went to see Ice-T’s documentary The Art of Rap and he and Coco sat a row in front of us! Awesome.) However, they’re also all over Main Street, on the slopes and staying at resorts. So keep your eyes peeled everywhere!
{movie: Lay the Favorite, cast: Bruce Willis, Laura Prepon, Joshua Jackson}
7. Most importantly, there is a lot going on in the small town the week of the film festival – VIP parties and concerts, midnight movie showings, music cafes, bar specials – go out, see it all, experience it all. The atmosphere of a film festival is second to none.
{at the Day One party}
{Shopping on Main St.}
{Natasha Bedingfield}
Ready to plan a trip for next year? Call me.
2012: resolutions via Kate Spade
Dear Kate Spade,
How do you know me so well? How did you so perfectly capture my 2012 resolutions that I couldn’t seem to form into words? Well, no matter that now, but thank you.
P.S. My birthday is this month, and if you’re searching for something to get me, Kate Spade will do ♥
2011: my year in pictures
{Sugar Bowl – January}
{Happy 22nd Birthday to me! – January}
{Wedding showers! – March}
{Randomly met Donald Glover (I thought it was a big deal!) – March}
{Bachelorette party to remember – April}
{Got a big girl job! – May}
{We’re college graduates! – May}
{First comes love, then comes marriage – May}
{Honeymooning in Aruba – June}
{Summertime at the Ranch}
{Got a second job – Associate Editor of NWA, AY magazine – September}
{Visiting the parents in Colorado – September}
{Christmas with two wonderful families – December}
{Celebrating 2011 – NYE}
Happy New Year, friends! I wish you peace, love and joy for 2012.
Birthday Cheers
Amid the busyness of the Christmas season something big happened – my mother’s birthday. In our family, when your birthday is this close to Christmas, Dec. 22, it’s very important to keep them separate, and by any means you can not give a birthday present that’s also a Christmas present. So this year I decided to do something special and throw a wine + cheese party in our newlywed apartment for my mother and her friends.
The best compliment I could have gotten after the party came from my mom and her brother – My grandmother Mary Ann would have been proud.
{with the birthday girl}
{all food purchased from Sam’s Club}
{sundried tomato asiago cheese}
{Artisan Fresh decadent cake balls}
{lovely parents}
{love this}
And I didn’t get a picture of the best appetizer of the night (because it was gone so fast!) – Daily Chef filet wrapped in bacon. Thumbs up all around. So one more plug – New Year’s Eve party? Sam’s Club has everything you need. 🙂
All I Want For Christmas…
… is my two front teeth!
I’m decked out in the Christmas spirit – I’ve had one Christmas party thus far, a company-wide holiday luncheon + fun holiday meeting with America’s Got Talent winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., our newlywed apartment is filled with holiday decor, I’ve already watched Elf once this season and most importantly, had the pleasure of serving families in need this season with my team at the Salvation Army.
But, what is it I really want for Christmas? That’s easy. “All I want for Christmas is you.” Simple, cheesy, I know. But it’s the truth, and I am so blessed to have my ultimate Christmas gift by my side forever and this year as my HUSBAND!
As we all search for the perfect gifts for our friends and family, let’s remember that it’s more important to cherish and spend time with them. Throw a party, invite them to coffee or after-work drinks and share the spirit with love this season. I may be sappy, but I’m in a sappy mood this evening – partially because of the videos below and partially because I get to spend the evening with the person I love. Our Friday night agenda? A night in – cooking dinner together (steak, fresh green beans + leftover mahi mahi) and relaxing on the couch with a movie.
Enjoy your weekend and enjoy the holidays with your loved ones. Oh, and watch the videos below to get into the Christmas spirit.
{the Biebs is one of my guilty pleasures}
{Oh Glee, how I love thee}
{What is Christmas really all about?}
m.davis xoxo 