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What I’ve Learned From Being a Homeowner in the First 7 Days

It’s an amazing, incredible, tumultuous, life-changing thing.

But let me back up first … we bought our first house!! It’s really amazing how mysteriously and perfectly God works. We had not planned on looking for a house at this time, but due to unforseen circumstances we began the search. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you the house we purchased is the very first house we looked at. Husband and I are opposites in a lot of ways, but we’re also alike in a lot of ways and one of those is our taste in design/decor/clothing, etc.

We had decided on a price range and several neighborhoods to look at, so one day we went driving around simply “window shopping” with mom. We ended up touring one house and loving the style, but it was out of budget and bigger than what we were looking for, so the realtor told us the house next door was just about to go on the market. We went in and it was literally love at first sight. It was the perfect size to grow into (4 bedrooms), a large backyard for our dog, open concept, hardwood floors, wrap-around porch, basically it couldn’t get any better than this.

The same time we were starting the house search, we were also exploring some other career opportunities that would take us out of state. You know those times when God is very clearly closing one door and opening another? This was one of those times. I truly believe the timing was not accidental and God was clearly telling us where he wants us for now. How awesome is it to have a God like that??

Screen Shot 2014-05-21 at 6.22.56 PM{our perfect home!}

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{first meal in our new house}

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{sneak peek of what will most definitely be one of our favorite rooms}

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{lounging on the porch watching the sunset}

7 things I’ve learned in my short time of being a new homeowner ….

1. The budget is in full effect. Being a homeowner is anything but cheap.
2. That feeling of coming home, to YOUR home, is indescribable.
3. For the first time in my life, I’m not thinking about spending money on clothes, but on furniture and decor.
4. Buying a home isn’t just about the home, but the surroundings – where’s the closest Walmart, what’s our new go-to fast food place, how long will it take me to get to work, etc.
5. The little things are ridiculously exciting, like having a garage to park in or hanging a photo in the perfect spot.
6. There’s no shame in stealing decorating or organizational ideas from Pinterest.
7. I officially feel like an adult – mortgages, mowing the lawn on saturdays and spending a paycheck on a refrigerator will do that to a person.

xo xo

life lately, stress + prayer

Hello luvvys, it’s been a while. I’ve missed blogging and my creative outlet. It’s been a whirlwind here as of late, more so than usual, and there’s really not an end in sight until June. Sigh. The busy-ness has been some exciting things (to announce soon), some monotonous things, some fun things, some work things, some of which you’ll see below.

I’m struggling with how to process everything. I’ve always been prone to stress. I often blow things out of proportion and focus on the negatives, not seeing the positive and not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I see the present and the present is stressful. I’m constantly looking for ways to de-stress – reading, walking, baths, ice cream – but none of them are long-term solutions. I always wonder if I’m just meant to stress. If it’s a personality trait like being persuasive, considerate or outspoken. Husband is the opposite and doesn’t understand stress, doesn’t understand how I can let it affect my sleep or my eating or my weekend.

I know deep down that the key is prayer. I think it’s being so connected to the Holy Spirit throughout the day that He’s constantly giving you exactly what you need in that moment – peace, joy, faith. “Pray without ceasing.” He is the only thing that can calm you when everything around you is a storm. Everything else is temporary. Everything else will fade away. But He is always there.

I know this, but it’s so hard to put into practice, and I’m really struggling right now. I’m writing this really for me as a reminder, in what sometimes feels like a diary in which I give away the key to anyone who asks, and as an open prayer.

I hope to keep my blogging consistent over the next few weeks, sharing updates and inspirations, but I’m not sure I can keep that promise. For now, here are a few photos of my life lately.

Screen Shot 2014-05-05 at 8.53.51 PM{celebrating // Easter with my beautiful family on Mount Sequoyah}

Screen Shot 2014-05-05 at 8.54.00 PM{reading // like crazy, review post to come soon}

Screen Shot 2014-05-05 at 8.54.10 PM{loving // these glasses for my vision center photoshoot}

Screen Shot 2014-05-05 at 8.54.21 PM{enjoying // a perfect evening on the Bentonville square with friends}

Screen Shot 2014-05-05 at 8.54.32 PM{remembering // my dad’s birthday}

Screen Shot 2014-05-05 at 8.54.43 PM{working // the sustainability expo with 4 of my Walmart Moms}

Screen Shot 2014-05-05 at 8.54.57 PM{celebrating // this bride-to-be getting married in 7 weeks}

Screen Shot 2014-05-05 at 8.55.16 PM{drinking // craft beer at foamfest with these boys}

xo xo

{spring things}

213030a9ab598b8f7925cf844a3cbdc4-1

{pretty in pink mani}

d5f5decd62aec611a90de5eee2773805-1{pink lemonade margaritas}

9fe6e4334f8bcb1b3ffbf92180043401

{colorful minis + windblown hair}

fe066a994276b9236204cd2760a4b765-1{breathtaking sunsets}
b5ba9c746f814e18563288b79810e84c-1{patio living}
728ccc840d2a72510f693f53911f9611-1{inspiration}

7e5dd9dcba950c8693b9bf4aafa267a7{farmers market flowers}

07e97ee28c5998c00cb0c97518fadb05{long walks with pup}

e0e3254181a34f39dbde7068abeace9e{outdoor brunch}

xo xo

derby daze

Friday night we went to the ArtInfusion Derby Party at Crystal Bridges. After our trip to the races a few weekends ago and this weekend being the Arkansas Derby, we were all in.

As Lorelai from Gilmore Girls says, “I’ll do just about anything if I can buy an outfit.” So that I did. I found a fascinator at Dillards (which, by the way, I didn’t even know what a fascinator was then I saw photos of Kate and Pippa wearing them and I knew that’s what I wanted instead of a hat) and a bowtie for husband to match his salmon pants (perfect for the occasion, right??).

Enjoy some photos below from our “night at the derby”! xo xo

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{obligatory pre-party selfie}

Screen Shot 2014-04-13 at 2.38.18 PM Screen Shot 2014-04-13 at 2.37.02 PM Screen Shot 2014-04-13 at 2.39.02 PM

{first round of mint juleps – cheers!}

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{love, love, love this photo!}

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{the girls and the boys}

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{the second round of mint juleps}

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{the amazing tour guide, featured: Boy Leading a Horse, Picasso}

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{look who we found heading to the after-party}

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{after-party with penguins at 21c}

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{what a terrific evening with these party people!}

Book Reviews: Short Stories, Love Stories + Horror Stories

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I have officially woken from my no-reading slumber. As I’ve said previously I get into habits where I either binge-watch or binge-read. I’m currently in the binge-reading. There have been a few factors contributing to this, one being that husband and I have made a “no more TV after 9pm” rule. (This rule was put in place due to some serious Homeland-bingeing.) Another factor was mom gave me a perfect book to start off my reading list …

Wonder – This book is it’s title, a wonder. I laughed. I cried. I laughed some more. I cried a lot more. I don’t want to spoil it for you, but just go read it. The ending is really perfect and will re-invigorate your faith in humanity.
Grade: A

The Fault in Our Stars – I love, love, loved this book. I’ve been wanting to read it for awhile after seeing the trailer for the movie. I thought it would be an easy, predictable young adult read, but it had so much more depth than any other YA book I’ve read. The characters, the plot, the writing – it was nearly perfect. I also bawled like a baby at the end.
Grade: A+

One More Thing – I’ve never read a collection of short stories before, but I’m now officially a fan. Since I never watched The Office, I didn’t know B.J. Novak’s style or sense of humor. What I did know was he created a trailer for his book and it was one of the best things ever – seriously, go watch it right now. (It also doesn’t hurt he’s bffs/secret boyfriend to Mindy Kaling) The stories were short, hilarious, witty, unique – I loved them all. He’s a talent I will continue to watch.
Grade: A

Dark Places – This is my current binge-read. A huge fan of Gone Girl, I have very high expectations of this book and they have not been met as of yet. Granted I’m only a few chapters in, but it hasn’t captivated me nearly as much as GG had at this point. I also do not like the main character at all, which is a big problem. I’ll keep you posted on my final analysis.
Final Grade: B-
What have you been reading lately? xo xo

my wednesdays.

Can I let you in a little secret? I secretly LOVE Wednesdays, and probably not for the reasons you may love Wednesdays.

Wednesdays are my night to do exactly as I wish. We’re always busy throughout the week with various things, but there’s one night I can always count on to relax and rejuvenate. Husband doesn’t come home until late, after teaching karate, so I get to spend the time with no one to answer to except myself.

My Wednesday evenings usually look fairly similar, with tonight being a prime example:

Go on a R U N*
{mindlessly blaring Queen Bey}

B L O G
{unfortunately one of the only days during the week I seem to find time to do so}

Pick-up an easy dinner and my favorite W I N E
{preferably sushi and a good cabernet}

R E L A X on the couch and catch up on my magazines + girly TV shows
{currently consisting of Pretty Little Liars, Nashville and Revenge}

Retire to bed early, with time to R E A D
{new post coming soon about my books of late}

*new addition with the beautiful weather and renewed sense of fitness

 

It does vary a bit each week, like next week I’m hosting a girls happy hour, and sometimes I get the urge to cook so I’ll spend my time grocery shopping and preparing a late dinner for when husband gets home.

Pretty simple, right? I don’t need much to rejuvenate, but I do need alone time – something I’ve learned means I’m actually an introvert, not an extrovert as I would have previously thought. Oh, and wine … wine is always good. (says mille davis and olivia pope)

Happy Wednesday! xo xo

Lent Update: Thankful + My Sweet Tooth

Lent is a little more than halfway over so I thought it was about time to give an update on my challenges. I’ve done poorly in one and very well in another … can you guess which is which??

Surprisingly, I’ve done poorly in something I thought would be so easy, too easy – taking a photo every day of something I’m thankful for. At first, it was a fun challenge, but now it’s gotten harder and I’m getting lazier. It’s not that I’m not thankful for so many things, but it’s often hard to capture that in a photo in the moment. I have my good days and my bad days of remembering. But overall it’s definitely served it’s purpose – reminding me to recognize the small things in my everyday life that I have to be thankful for. My last post showed days 5-13, below are days 14-24.

Screen Shot 2014-04-02 at 6.24.11 PM
{Day 14: I’m thankful for Spring so I can wear peep-toe wedges and bright polish! #lent #40daychallenge#springishere #shoelove}

Screen Shot 2014-04-02 at 6.24.48 PM{Day 15: I’m thankful for large Diet Coke Fridays – something I’m allowing myself only once a week these days! #lent #40daychallenge #dietcokeobsession #tgif}

Screen Shot 2014-04-02 at 6.25.09 PM{Day 17: I’m so thankful for this gorgeous guy I get to call my husband {all day and every day, but specifically thinking about him today} ❤️ #lent #40daychallenge#mcm #aruba #honeymoon #throwback}

Screen Shot 2014-04-02 at 6.25.26 PM{Day 19: I’m thankful for amazing opportunities to experience art at a world class museum in my little hometown. #lent #40daychallenge #modernism#crystalbridges #picasso #matisse}

Screen Shot 2014-04-02 at 6.26.02 PM
{Day 22: I’m thankful for this beauty on our mini spring break getaway. #lent #40daychallenge #hotsprings#sunset #lakehamilton}

Screen Shot 2014-04-02 at 6.26.17 PM{Day 23: I’m thankful for the little moments that make me happy. #lent #40daychallenge}

Screen Shot 2014-04-02 at 6.26.36 PM{Day 24: I’m thankful for a new month and a fresh beginning. #lent #40daychallenge}

As for this infamous sweet tooth – it’s killing me! So, when I first started this no desserts for Lent journey it was very hard. I was going through withdrawal symptoms daily. Then after about a week or so, they went away. I’d practically forgotten about desserts and how amazing they taste. I sighed with relief at how easy the rest of Lent was going to be. Then there’s been the last week or so and it.has.been.torture! The purpose of fasting for Lent is to rely on God instead of these other things. Well, I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve prayed to God to take away my craving and focused on Him instead. I’ve definitely lived out the purpose, maybe more so than other years, but even so I’m here to tell ya – nothing is going to stop me on Easter morning from eating ice cream for breakfast.

xo xo 

How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse, Part II

the-walking-dead-season-4-rick-grimes-2

As crazy as this sounds, The Walking Dead is a big part of our life. It’s the only TV show we watch live every week. We often watch it with a group of other zombie-obsessors. We spend at least 30 min-1 hour dissecting the episode and what’s going to happen next. And we even dedicate another hour of our Sunday to watching The Talking Dead. What is it about the show that makes it so perfect? I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it’s so.freaking.good!

I’ve written two other posts about the show (How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse, Sundays are DEAD to me), but with the Season 4 season finale last night I decided to follow up the former with a Part II. We’ve learned a lot since I wrote that post 2 seasons ago. While those tips are definitely still relevant, below are some more advanced lessons we’ve learned.

1. Keep your legs closed. I understand the need for intimacy in a time like this, but without protection, it’s just a no. Babies are way too much of a hassle in this situation and will put others in danger.

2. Don’t trust anyone outside your group, and if you’re considering inviting others to join your group, don’t forget to ask them the 3 questions: How many walkers have you killed? How many people have you killed? Why?

3. However, if you do find people you can trust – stick together at all costs.

4. Get over yourself. You’re going to have to do things you never thought you would (and I mean NEVER thought you would … case in point, season finale). That does not make you a bad person, that’s just life now.

5. As with #1, I also understand the desire to drink in a time like this, but again, it’s just a no. Is it really worth it to lower your inhibitions with zombies and other people trying to constantly kill you?!

6. Ration your food. You may get overly excited when you find a 112 oz. can of chocolate pudding, but you’re going to want that later when there’s nothing but a rabbit leg to eat.

7. Get creative. Unfortunately these days, shooting and stabbing aren’t the only ways you’ll need to kill.

8. If you’re staying in one place for a while, always have a getaway plan that can be executed very quickly.

9. Get a bow and arrow and practice shooting it. It will be invaluable.

10. Trust your gut. If something doesn’t look right or feel right, it’s probably not right.

xo xo

Weekend Picturebook: Hot Springs

Screen Shot 2014-03-30 at 5.49.57 PM{started the weekend off right with margaritas!}

Screen Shot 2014-03-30 at 5.53.08 PM{then back to the house for pool and beer … among other things}

Screen Shot 2014-03-30 at 5.53.27 PM{love this pic – as someone said, it either looks like a rom-com or a psa for underage drinking}

10153382_10201815113006043_561263744_n Screen Shot 2014-03-30 at 5.49.48 PM{beautiful home we were so fortunate to stay in}

1555835_10201815923346301_1606689307_n Screen Shot 2014-03-30 at 5.49.24 PM Screen Shot 2014-03-30 at 5.52.23 PM Screen Shot 2014-03-30 at 5.49.37 PM{day at the races!}

Screen Shot 2014-03-30 at 5.49.13 PM{dinner at backporch grill}

Screen Shot 2014-03-30 at 5.52.31 PM{downtown hot springs – superior bathouse and brewery}

Screen Shot 2014-03-30 at 5.52.47 PM{sunday morning mimosas}
Screen Shot 2014-03-30 at 5.57.01 PM{brunch at fisherman’s wharf before heading home}

xo xo

You might also enjoy: Weekend Picturebook: Cabin in the Woods, Weekend Picturebook: Little Rock

I’m doing okay.

Remember that post I wrote about two months ago? Where I led with, “You want real, here’s real: I’m not okay.” Well, it’s two months later and I’m doing okay.

Guess what, friends, time works. Time heals. Not all, but it heals. It’s a Friday night. I’m laying in bed writing this after a great evening at home – taking Olli on a walk, cooking dinner barefoot in the kitchen (which Mom thinks means I’m pregnant … but I’m not) and relaxing with some favorite shows.

I’m trying so hard to be thankful every day for things in my life. I’m trying so hard to work through my grief. I’m trying so hard to praise God in all circumstances. It’s still hard, but I’ve definitely made progress.

I’m not here to sugar coat it and tell you it’s not all gone. Lord knows it’s not. I still feel a little hollow inside. I still feel sadder than I use to, lonelier than I use to, more reflective than I use to.

There’s still bad days. Days when all I want to do is cry. But those days are getting fewer and farther between. The perplexing part though is, I’m not sure if that’s what I want. I’m not sure if I want to be okay. It makes it feel more real and it makes it feel like I’m forgetting him. So some days I hold tight to my grief, letting it bury me because I don’t want it to go away.

I need to learn how to hold on to it and let it go at the same time. That’s where I am. Caught in the divide. I can see the light though. I can see the Lord pulling me in the right direction. He’s been so evident lately, putting specific people in my life at certain times to talk about certain things. I just love that. Love that I have someone looking out for me like that.

It’s getting better, friends, and I have all of you to thank as well for your continual love.

As Henry David Thoreau says, “Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.”

xo xo