Faith

Sorry I have been MIA this week! I came down with a severe migraine (docs and  meds style) and the thought of looking at a computer screen made me even sicker. 

I finally kicked it and I am feeling almost back to normal this morning. I am excited to spend my first day back to "normal" going to church.

This post is geared towards my recently graduated and soon-to-be graduated friends, but can be applicable to everyone. I see so many of my friends going through the confusion and struggles that I went through post-college of figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life and how to get there.

Faith doesn't just have to be in God/Jesus/ your religious leader. I want to encourage my friends to have faith in themselves, their capabilities, their decisions, and the path they took to get where they are today. 

You will have an "aha" moment and it will all click at someone as to why the moves you've made were the right ones for you! In the meantime, don't lose your faith! 

Today's Pickins:

1. Blue Crab Doorknocker

2. Photo envelope liner

3. 100 Reasons to Blog  

{blessed}

Today, I want to give thanks to all of you out there that actually take time out of your day to read my blog. I am so thankful for this outlet in my life, the great network of people, and the peace that they bring!

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving, Blogging Family!!

The Versatile Blogger Award

Rules

If you are nominated, you've been awarded the Versatile Blogger award.

Thank the person {Ella, you are an awesome sisterfriend!!} who gave you this award and include a link to their blog.

{Check her out. You'll lover her, I promise!}

Answer the 15 questions the nominator left for you.

Next, select 15 blogs/bloggers that you've recently discovered or follow regularly.

Nominate those 15 bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award with a link to their blog.

Ask those bloggers 15 Questions.

Ella's questions for the me:

1.  What's your sign?

Sagittarius--My birthday is coming up! 

2.  If you could have lunch with anyone famous who would it be?

Tim Tebow. For obvious reasons. 

{No need for food, my dessert is already here}

3.  What is your favorite Holiday tradition?

We have an advent calendar of sorts that we call "Santa Pockets" because it is literally a Santa with a ton of numbered pockets on his outfit. Ever year growing up, my mom would fill the pockets while we were in bed with a goodie for the next day! Things like a pack of gum or bottle of nail polish were typical. She even wrapped each gift (and numbered them) individually for us when we went off to college! She says picking out little things throughout the months leading up to Christmas was fun and the two of us ALWAYS looked forward to the treats. 

4.  What was the last book you read?

I haven't read in a while :( But I read The Five Love Languages recently!

5.  Who do you text most frequently?

Lately, the new boy! Otherwise, best friend H!

6.  What are you most likely to do on a Friday night?

Lately, catch up on some R&R..working girl world is no fun! 

7.  What is your favorite childhood memory?

Getting my first puppy, Savannah!

8.  What is your favorite part about blogging?

Meeting new people! I just love sharing ideas between a community of people with similar interests! 

9.  Favorite meal?

A mexican meal. Que Bueno. 

10.  Football or Soccer?

To play, soccer. {I played for 14 years!}

and we all know I love watching {GATOR} football! 

11.  What is your go-to outfit?

Lately, it's been leggings, a chambray shirt, and a cute pair of boots.

12.  What do you want to be when you grow up?

A mom! I'd also love to work in social media.

If I could do anything, I would love to be a part of the branding aspect of product development--taking the product from idea to market! 

13.  Ideal date?

This is going to sound really cheesy coming from a Florida girl, but Disney! I almost got it once with an ex but a little twist of events at the beginning of the trip ruined all my joy even though we went

{Fun Fact Time: Ella and I are sorority sisters from college. She knows this ex and all the S#!T that happened with him. They make for good stories, though!}

{Being Formal Friends!}

14.  Favorite nail color?

I loved the white trend during the summer but I am a huge fan of any and all glitter polish! 

{Currently wearing Beyond Cozy from Essie!}

15.  Best or Worst Pinterest Project you ever attempted?

I tried to make the frozen margaritas that involved lime sherbet. What a waste of tequila! It was some nasty ish...super milky and gross!  Never make them!

All of the necklaces that I have made from pinterest have always turned out pretty well! I always get compliments when I wear them, too! 

Bloggers I Chose:

1.  EmCain

2. Gracefully Made

3. Miss Southern Prep

4. Pam from Simple Details

5.  The Cantrells from Southern Sunflowers and Coffee Beans

6. Katastrophe

7.  Kels from The Capital Barbie

8. The S Chronicles

9.  KGD from Sweet Pink and Preppy

10. Robin from The Sunshine Diaries

{Ok, I decided to bend the rules and chose ten. And I'm not sorry}

My Questions:

1. If you had to live in another state, which would you choose?

2. What was your dream job as a child?

3. Name a Guilty Pleasure!

4. What is the best book you have read recently?

5. Most Embarrassing Date story?

6. How did you get into your field of work/ study?

7. You just birthed a child! What would you name him/her?

8. Do you have any OCDs?

9. Favorite pair of shoes you own?

10. A trend you wish would die?

11. People would be surprised which song is in your itunes library?

12. Favorite exercise?

13. Morning Bird or a Night Owl?

14. Name something you don't like that people do at weddings?

15. Favorite {healthy} snack food?

I look forward to reading your posts! Let me know when you do them!

Fired Up!

Yesterday marked my first sisterhood event as a member of my sorority’s local alumni chapter! It was a bit bizarre speaking as a graduate and hearing the chapter advisor talk about her preparations for recruitment—especially when you won’t be involved this year! Luckily, I knew about half of the women at the event, so I was still comfortable but able to meet plenty of new sister friends.

We started out afternoon with lunch at The Wine Exchange where I had the best brie and turkey Paris sandwich! I was so tempted to take a foodie photo but didn’t want to be “that girl” especially at my first event. Lunch was a great way to meet so many new alumni, my favorite being those that pledge in the late 40s! I love talking with my grandma about her days in her chapter, especially once I was initiated into Sigma Kappa. Before that time, I had only heard about my grandma’s sorority experience post- college as the International President for Philanthropy. I love comparing and contrasting these times and seeing how much things have (or have not) changed over the years! 

For the second part of the afternoon, we headed to the other side of the village area to Color Me Mine ceramics studio. I’ve always loved ceramics and was enthusiastic for a chance to spend an afternoon in the studio! My grandbig, Erin, and I searched all the options for the right piece to paint and both settled on large, round plates for the functional factor.

Apparently we had similar ideas when it came to our plates, as we both created a chevron design. In total Erin fashion, her plate features a royal blue and white chevron with an orange accent circle. For the underside of the plate, she painted orange polka dots on a white background for a sneaky pop of color!

Unable to decide between pairing “London Fog” with “Turquoise” or “Pink Salmon” I ended up finding a way to use all three colors! I painted my chevron in “London Fog” and “Turquoise” and trimmed the circle in the middle with “Pink Salmon”. I then used the same color to free-hand my monogram on the white background of the circle. Lastly, for more of an accent, I used the same “Pink Salmon” for the underside of my plate. 

All in all, it took almost two hours to measure out and paint but I am very excited to pick up my plate once it is fired!

I am so thankful for the time I had to reconnect with sisters yesterday and look forward to future events. I highly encourage all the Greeks out there to get involved with their local alumni chapters and #PassItOn.

Cotton’s Pickins:

1.       Acrylic Sorority Lavalieres are an interesting twist on showing off your letters.  

2.       This DIY Sequin Ornament reminds me of the sequin orbs in my bedroom!  

3.       Synchronized Diving—Proud of the American’s silver but OhEmGee the Chinese were freakishly perfect!

4.       Working out in the car makes me glad I commute alone!