Blog Every Day in May: 16-18

Day 16, Thursday: Something difficult about your "lot in life" and how you're working to overcome it

I think my weight it something I have always struggled with in life. I've never been skinny. The best way to explain is to simply say I was always the Khloe Kardashian in my group of friends. My best friends have always been cute petite girls and I have always been the tall, thick girl. 

Loving yourself the way you are is something we all come to know in different ways. I think I have come to be so familiar with it as it is all I've ever know, at this point. 

Day 17, Friday: A favorite photo of yourself and why

I love this photo for vain and sentimental reasons. First, I like how tan I am...something that only happened during recruitment. Second, the three other women represented in the photo (pictured, and the new members we were wait on!) are all so dear to me. it was my senior bid day so I was dealing with a multitude of emotions. This truly was the beginning of an amazing year. 

Day 18, Saturday: Tell a story from your childhood. Dig deep and try to be descriptive about what you remember and how you felt.

I remember the day we got Savannah, my first dog. I was getting ready to start Kindergarten and my dad said we couldn't get a puppy until Mel and i were 10 and 11--which seemed like a lifetime away! Finally, we talked daddy into getting a puppy. His one condition--it had to be a big dog. His friend, who lived in Memphis, bred Golden Retrievers and just had a litter. In a few weeks, the puppies would be ready to go home. When the time came, my dad flew up to spend a few days in Tennessee before bringing home my angel. 

I remember my dad's navy Explorer turning the corner at our old house and seeing the sweetest little blonde puppy smiling as  her head hung out the window. Mama was instantly in tears and Mel and I ran to the truck to meet her. Being the big sister, I just had to be the first to hold her! That was, until Daddy said "Careful, she might need to pee." At which point, she was passed off to Melanie. 

We played and played and all our neighbors and family came to meet the new angel. I remember being so excited with this new toy. At the time, I didn't realize the amount of unconditional love that had entered my life on that day. 

It's not you...

This past year has been one of the best, and hardest, of my life. Above all it has definitely been the year of rejection. From grad schools and jobs, to boys and friendships nothing I've had quite a few downhill moments.

And last night was no exception.

The thing about rejection is that it never hurts any less than it did the time before. It might be a different person or a different circumstance, but it still has that initial breath-catching sting followed by the empty pit in your stomach. Always.

I was up late last night awaiting rejection, being rejected, and then talking about rejected and finally came to the conclusion that rejection really is all about the rejecter. I guess I knew this all along but I really just needed it to smack me square in the face.

It's not that I wasn't good enough. I am good enough.

The rejecter has an issue, somewhere, that keeps me from fitting in but that is not my fault. Whether it's jobs or cheating boyfriends, this is a truth.

My goal for post-grad year two is remember that I am good enough.



Catching up! {Instagram Style}

Thanks to my big move, I've been pretty M.I.A. the last few weeks!

Let's catch up on all the fun happenings with Instagram!

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon at work!

Packing allllll of my accessories!

My sweet angel turned FIVE!!

Finally got my keys! It's mine all mine! 

After moving, Sunday breakfast with Little Cotton was much needed!

I look forward to taking you all on a tour of my new place soon!

Today's Pickins:

1. The PERFECT Pink Clutch

2. DIY Sprinkle Art

When Stroke Strikes Young: My Sister and Friend

The young woman in the video below, Barbie, is one of my dear sisters and friends. I remember Barbie from before she joined Sigma Kappa. Yes, she is a legacy and, even better, was the FIRST new member to make it to our lawn on her bid day. I remember she was wearing a pink dress and in tears saying it was "the best day of her life."

I also remember getting news of Barbie's crash and sisters going to the hospital to see her.

But it wasn't until her sophomore spring, when she moved into the house and lived with my little that I really understood just how brave and kind she is.

Watching this video brought me to full blown tears last night. Mostly because I was just so proud to call Barbie my sister. 

This isn't mean to be a sad video, but rather, a reminder to appreciate the things in life that we often take for granted. 

Today's Pickins:

1. Five things to consider on company culture

2.  OBSESSED with this Map Print Scarf

3.  Needlepoint Gator Cuff

Weekend Recap: I signed a lease!

I signed a lease for my first, all by myself, big girl apartment!!

And I bought this sofa!

Talk about a crazy weekend!

Anyway, it's a short post because I have been dedicating so much time to this new apartment and finding ways to do it all "right".

So I ask this: What did you wish you knew when moving into your first apartment?

Let me know, please!

New Job Starts TODAY!

SO excited to be starting my new job today!! 

Hopefully I am back later with a million wonderful things to update you all on!

Wishing everyone and great Monday!

Today's Pickins:

1.  Victoria's Best Kept Secrets

2. How to Install Free Fonts

3. DIY Anthro Rope Necklace 

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  

Happy NYE!

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days! I have been out of town with TP helping him move! We just got in to his place now and are about the unload the UHaul. More on that later.

Anyway, wanted to wish you all a HAPPY NYE! 

Want some tips on planning the perfect (last minute) party? Check out my Guest Post HERE!

Does your new year consist of an effort to be more healthy/ lose weight? HERE are my favorite "diet friendly" cocktails! 

Have a happy and blessed new year, Y'all!! 

Thank you for making the second half of 2012 so much better than the first--you all are the best! 

Happy 2013! 

Today's Pickins:

1.  Anyone else excited for all of the bowl games tomorrow!? I sure am!! 

2.  This DIY Geode ring would be a perfect accessory for your NYE party! 

3. Last Minute Appetizers--perfect for NYE or NYDay Bowl Game Party! 

My BIG News!!

I've been waiting a little bit to share this news but....

I got my DREAM job!! 

I am going to be working in social media for an awesome national television network that just happens to be based out of my area! That should be a huge hint as to just who I am the newest employee of! 

With a degree in Agricultural Economics, I would've never thought I would have a chance to work in social media! I am just so humbled and blessed to have this great opportunity! Seriously, y'all. This road has been a bumpy one full of man tears and even potential plans to move to Texas. YUUP. 

Not to mention, I am off from now until my mid-January start date. A little PTO never hurt anyone...

So, I ask this of you, bloggers! I know quite a few of you work in social media/ digital marketing  and I would love any and all advice you are willing to give! Pleaseeeee!

Have a blessed Christmas Eve, everyone! 

Today's Pickins:

1.  Entry Level Resume Tips!

2.  Is your house on fire, Clark!?

3.  Check out my favorite Christmas Cocktails! 

Happy Birthday to Me!! + 100 Posts

Today is my birthday! It has been more than I could have ever dreamed of already and I look forward to all of the amazing things 22 holds for me! 

This special day has also caused my heart a little extra pain for those killed in last weeks tragedy. It is so sad to think of the children that will never make it to another birthday and the parents that will never get to see their sweet little angels grow. I feel extra blessed to be able to celebrate another year today.

Another reason to celebrate--this is POST 100!!

Thank you all so much for your kind words throughout this blogging experience-- I am so grateful for the many doors this has opened! You all have really made this facet of my life something that I look forward to each and every day! I look forward to sharing some FABULOUS news with you all soon! 

Have a wonderful day, friends!

Dream Board: Dream a Little Bigger

Today is a very nerve-wrecking day for me--but in a good way! 

I'm really trying to keep my sights set on my goals right now. Wish me luck :) 

Today's Pickins:

1. Loving this pink and gold iphone case!

2.  The PERFECT red lip! Always my go-to!

3. DIY Glitter ornaments.

Legoland Lovin'

I spent a great day yesterday with my boyfriend at Legoland--Florida!

He happened to have some free tickets and, with "high of 70" weather, it made for an amazing day together!

I wont bore you all with too much talk...here are some pics!

What has been your favorite date?  I'd love some fun ideas!

The Kid That Stood Me Up.

Ever since I made a side reference to this happening, I have been asked to share the story. Personally, I think it was a huge issue that was avoided, but, we will continue.

Met this kid at a party. Just graduated college as well and is working in the same area as me. Perfect.

We made plans to meet for drinks after work one day a few weeks later and that went pretty well. He was a nice kid, a little awkward, but I generally prefer smart guys so it was fine. We sat at the pub and tried a few drinks and after about two hours of chatting and half off appetizers, we headed our separate ways.

I hadn’t even started my car in the parking lot before he texts me to apologize for being nervous.

Really?

Over the next week and a half, he wanted to make plans every other day. He also made these suggestion between his (not exaggerating) 60+ texts a day to me.

(Shoulda cut it off there.)

Finally, we made plans to meet up to watch the Florida vs. South Carolina game, since I wasn’t planning on going to the game.

The Wednesday before the game, I got a text from my mom saying my dad had two free tickets to the game and weekend and that I could ride up to Gainesville with them and sit with my cousin. I was soooooo excited!

My immediate reaction was to text the kid. He claims to be such a loyal NCAA Football fan, so I thought he would understand. Apparently, I was wrong.

He then sent this text back to me:

"is there any way i can convince you not to go?"

and I said “aww! Now i feel terrible!"

To which he replies:

"Well if you get the ticket and want to go i am not going to hold it against you if you go obviously. I was just really looking forward to spending my first day with nor work or anything with you. I realize watching it at home isn’t as fun, but i still think it would be a really great time."

"And that was the only time this week we figured we'd have a chance to see each other."

At that point, I just stopped texting. Bro, we’ve gone out ONCE. Therefore, Gator Football > you. Don’t make me feel guilty for it either.

He ended up sending me a text a few hours later apologizing for overreacting. By the time the next day came, we were both acting like nothing happened.

Fast forward to the next Tuesday. We had made plans to grab dinner after I got off of work that night. I had been in meetings all day with our managers and reps for corporate, so we weren’t texting.

I showed up to the restaurant on time, told the host that it would be a few more minutes, as I was waiting for someone. Once he was ten minutes late, I called and texted, to which I got no response.

I casually walked out and sat in my car for another ten minutes. Still no response then, so, I left.

I decided to call my mom and talk to her a bit on my way home, only to be greeted with the news that my Opa, who we had just found out had bone cancer, had taken a turn for the worse that morning (he ended up passing away that evening).

When I got off the phone, I had a new facebook notification. When I pulled up to the next light, I opened it to see that the kid that stood me up had sent me a message.

The message read:

“I know I've been distant today, but it's been one of those days. Picked up my bike, took it for a ride, took a nap afterwards, ran some errands, saw a movie with mom...all kinds of stuff going on. Sorry to leave you in the dark.

In any case...

I've come to the conclusion that it's not going to work out with us. I place the blame on myself and I don't want to place any more stress on you in regards to the situation. I appreciated having the opportunity to meet you, I don't regret having done so.

In any case, good luck with everything.”

I have a feeling I came out on top. Deuces, Kid.

Have you ever been stood up? I’d love to hear about it!

Today’s Pickins:

1.    This modern girl fashion Bible is making it’s way onto my Christmas/ Birthday list! 

2.    Now that Halloween is over, Christmas is already on the mind! Ilove this whimsical staircase! 

3.    This Florida Girl loves the idea of a LobsterDoor Knocker! A fun twist on a much needed aesthetic piece!

4.    A one-month thigh toning plan is a perfect way to get your fitness on heading into the holidays! 

Also, I want to do a giveaway once I hit 100 followers! Get your friends to start following, kittens! 

The ABCs of Me!

Read this on BBB and thought it was precious!

Go check her out ;)

A- Accent you wish you had

I like my American accent! It's pretty generic, but I don't mind it! 

B- Baking or Cooking?

Baking. Not even a question.

C- Can't Get Enough.....

Gator Football, Moscato, and Long weekends. 

D- Drink you can't go without

Peppermint Tea

E- Emotion you get when those Hallmark commercials come on

How cheesy. Men are not that nice. Just, no. 

F- Fictional Character you relate to

Jenna Hamilton is AWKWARD. Such a nerdy MTV show but I totally love it. 

G- Guilty Pleasure

Dr. Pepper and Jalapeno Cheetos. Seriously could be the biggest glutton ever with these two...

H- Hometown

A tiny town near Tampa, FL! 

I- Ice Cream Flavor

Cookie Dough! 

J- Jumpstart Go To (aka how you get your day started)

I'm a morning person so I get up and get ready right away. I also always make a hot tea drink for my drive to work to keep me up! 

K- Keepsake Item

I'm in the process of working on a set of sorority shadow boxes to reflect some of my favorite items and such!

L- Life Verse(s)

Lately-- "Be Still. And Know I am God."

I LOVE Miss Blondie's response...such a great quote!

"An Arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that it's going to launch you into something great."

M- Memory that makes you smile

When we moved up to Tampa over a Christmas break, my sister and I were really really excited to have a house with stairs! One of our dogs at the time, Dixie, was only two and still full on puppy. She had no idea how to walk down stairs and literally slid...all fours out, down the staircase! When she hit the tile landing, she slid across the foyer, too! It was adorable! 

N- Non-fiction writer you want to have dinner with

Ivanka Trump! 

O- Opulent Item You Want (something that is way out of your price range)

A private plane with an endless supply of fuel. 

P- Pattern You Love

I'm on the chevron bandwagon, like a lot of other people, but I think I will always love gingham! 

Q- Quirk You Have

I scrunch my nose when I laugh. 

R- Relaxing Spot

The big, comfy, couch at home! 

S- Snow or Sun?

Sun!! I've never seen snow! 

T- TV show you miss

American Dream, The Hills, and Joan of Arcadia! And I am ready for Dallas to start back up!

U- Unique Fact About You

I have really big feet. 

V- Valentine's Day ...big deal or not?

It's been nice when I haven't been single (except this past year). 

W- What's Your Love Language?

Quality Time!

Side note: If you have not read The Five Love Languages...I HIGHLY recommend it! 

X- X-Factor Song You Would Sing 

Six Months--Cassadee Pope

(I like her acoustic version more than when she did it with Hey Monday) 

Y- Yoga or Not?

I can't zen. But I like yoga pants! 

Z- Zealous Dream You Have

Start my own successful company at a young age! 

I'd love to see what your responses are to this! Fill it out and let me know!

Be Still.

After singing praise, Pastor Glenn's wife began Sunday's church service by reading Psalm 46: 10.

via

While I have heard this verse many times in my life, it really hit home for the first time on Sunday.

In this verse, "Be still" doesn't literally mean to "Be Still." It means rapha which translates to "to be weak, to let go, to release."

Let go, release yourself in God. 

Wow. If that wasn't enough to chill your bones, when the verse was first written in Hebrew, the emphasis was on the word "know" to show that you have no doubt in the Lord.

Release yourself and KNOW that God is in control. 

I've been so caught up in the hurt and uncertainty of life lately. I can't find answers and have been hurting even more because of it. Sunday's service reminded me that God's timing is perfect and that he has a bigger plan for all of us. He wants me right here, right now for some reason I may not get right now. I am tired and I am lost, but God has a plan. 

Have you ever received a message at the perfect time? What was the message? 

My {mild} Quarter Life Crisis

Have you ever had one of those times where you just felt that life wasn't on your side?

I’m going through a mild quarter life crisis right now so please excuse anything nonsensical I say.

A couple months ago, I had the first time in my life where I thought I finally had it all figured out—I had a great job, a boyfriend I loved, and all of the amazing things I wanted in my life were finally starting to surface.

I guess the higher you climb up the mountain, the harder your fall.

So here I am, back at the base of the mountain. Lately, I've been in a rut and never even thought about climbing back up.  However, yesterday, I decided to “do something your future self with thank you for” and strapped on my boots and got it going.

Here we go, again.

Today’s Pickins:

1.       Maxwell House International Cafes now has a Pumpkin Spice Latte mix that is phenomenal! I picked mine up at Target!

2.       I think the idea of cutting off the end of yourfirst Christmas tree and turning it into an ornament is adorable! 

3.       A Pearl Bauble necklace?! I thought this only existed in my dream…

4.       Totally buying these Alligator Bookends for my Daddy for Christmas! What a fun addition to his office.  

Latest Lusts - 9/17

Here are a few of the things I am lusting after these days!

1.       Brown Leather Tory Burch riding boots are at the top of my lust list! I really need a new pair of brown boots going into the fall!

2.       My trip to Key West is so close!  I have been counting down the days until this getaway!

3.       A few more skinny belts, especially this tortoise one, would be a perfect addition to my fall wardrobe.

4.       Kind of a constant lust, but I have been drooling over the dainty monogram bracelets! I like them so much more than the “super statement” monograms you usually see.

5.       More leopard.  More more more!

6.       Essie’s  “Fishnet Stockings” makes for a sexy fall nail color. I’ve been going with more muted shades but it already feels like it is time to brighten up!

7.       The Orange and Blue Dixie Dress from Twelve Saturdays has me dreaming of cool fall nights spent at Ben Hill Griffin!

8.       The obligatory “I am never going to buy one but I really really want one” mention of the Kitchen Aid mixer.

On a personal note, something special about today:

“Few people of our generation know, but on this day in 1944 Operation Market Garden commenced in Holland. My Oma rode on top of an Allied tank to celebrate their liberation from the Nazi's.Unfortunately the daring plan to end WWII failed, and thousands of American and British paratroopers lost their lives. The ensuing months of revenge the Germans had on my Oma and the Dutch people should never be forgotten.”

I think of/miss my Oma every day, especially when it comes to important “growing up” events.  She was always such an adventurous and courageous woman!

What are you currently lusting after?

Today’s Pickins:

1.     I am actually not a Michael Jackson fan, but this cover could make me one! 

2.     This glitter starfish mirror at the new Lilly Pulitzer store would be a fun DIY! 

3.     I actually won the “That’s why her hair’s so big…” sorority superlative last year. The thing is, I love having big hair!

If You Really Knew Me...

This post was inspired by something I read on THIS blog. I liked it and wanted to try.

If you really knew me....

You would know I hate riding bicycles with a burning passion. It gives me great anxiety. I once decided to no longer pursue a guy after he surprised me with a bike ride date.

You would know that I can be too rational for my own good. I have a tendency to believe everything has a reason, rhyme, purpose, etc.

You would know I was nearly a Longhorn and not a Gator. I am so happy a crazy twist of fate landed my butt in Gainesville but UT will always have a place in my heart.

You would know my sister is my best friend. At less then a year apart in age (she is adopted), we always had our ups and downs but no one gets me like she does.

You would know dancing was always my passion and that when I “got too old to dance” a little part of me died.

You would know I am obsessed with my dogs. I talk to them and they (non-verbally) talk back.

You would know I had my first love and heart break at a young age. It’s kept me from being blinded by the feelings of a first love as I’ve grown up, but, it’s also made me guard my heart more than I should.

You would know my hair is a mess. Seriously. I went through what my parents called the “Messy Bun” phase where I would wear my hair in a bun nearly every day because I hated it.

You would know I don’t breathe when I cry. I don’t mean to stop breathing, though. And then I hyperventilate and yeah, it’s not pretty.

You would know every guy that has been in my life has told me he loved me and that he wanted to marry me. Even if I was with him for a month or three years, every single one has said that. It’s actually become a joke among my friends. However, it worries me because most ended up cheating or whatnot and now those words don’t mean much.

You would know that I was meant to be at the beach. Forever. I don’t think there is anything more peaceful than the ocean.

I’d love to know, what is the one thing I would need to know to really know you?

Today’s Pickins:

1.       This Black Pepper Bergamot candle is my current scent. It makes me ready to cuddle up and enjoy hot tea. 

2.       Painting this inside of a dresser bright color is a great way to add pop without having to paint your full dresser that neon pink. 

3.       Outlet Antlers—I need this! 

4.       Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken just moved it’s way up on my “to make” list!