While this picture may be from a walk I took in October, I just found the appropriate way to post it. I fell in love with this shot because of the color of the water and sky and the way the leaves were just starting to change that day. And, honestly, because Josh was with me. Sometimes we just leave home, leave the tv, and take a walk. There is something so peaceful about going outside on a cool fall day (or cold winter's day as it has been of late) to really decompress after a long day. Recently, though, we have not had the time to do this. I have been in the middle of my busiest college semester while simultaneously studying for the LSAT, and Josh has been busy at his capstone project and working quite a lot. I think that is what has made this walk so special, looking back on it. That day we just put everything down and allowed ourselves to relax: we took our time, had some really good talks, and fell in love with every dog we saw.
In short, I think it is imperative that we all take a step back sometimes. It is so easy to get caught up in the everyday bustle of life and forget to (mind the cliche) appreciate the small things. Doing something as simple as walking around a local park, going grocery shopping with someone special to you (or by yourself), starting a show on Netflix with that person (or, again, by yourself), or going inside a coffee shop instead of the drive-thru can make all the difference. You never know when something out of the ordinary will happen that you will talk about for years. I think it is important that eyes are kept open to even the things in life that seem mundane because even those can be something special.
I remember the exact day I woke up and realized that the entire world was waiting for me. It was a cold winter morning and I was in sixth grade. I had never thought that big before, in fact, I hadn't ever thought to think bigger than where I live.
These songs aren't really summery, but I think they're perfect for every nighttime drive, no matter the season. I hope you give them a listen and get the same relaxation and enjoyment out of them as I have for the past year or so.
Summer is a time where I don't want to wear a lot of makeup. I find that a full face often conflicts with Tennessee's hot and humid summers, so I have found a solution with these products.
1. Face
Last month, I had the opportunity to travel to Chicago. While there, I had to stop in at the Art Institute to see some of their amazing works, including a special touring exhibit, Van Gogh's Bedrooms. This exhibit featured many of Van Gogh's paintings, including his series of the Bedroom in Arles. I wish I could have taken more photos of this portion of the museum, but it was too full to get any good shots.
This morning I woke up to an email with the definition of the day, joie de vivre. It is such a simple phrase that I've heard countless times, but this morning it struck me. Never before have I realized just how important being happy is, no matter where you are in life. Waking up and deciding to be happy might be the hardest decision you'll make all day, but I promise you that it will make a world of difference.
Reading this definition I was reminded of the past few years of my life. I feel like I have been able to mature and grow a lot in the past several years since being in college. Looking back, freshman and sophomore year went by in a blur, and now here I am two weeks away from registering for my first semester of senior year. It's unreal.
Here are a few things I've realized over these last few years:
1. Most importantly, always keep God first. No matter how busy you get with school, don't feel like you have to read a whole chapter in the Bible, read a verse and meditate on it. Pray often. God will bring peace to you in times you think there could be none.
2. Be around people that make you happy. There are so many more important things in life than wasting time on people that bring negativity into your life.
3. Don't stretch yourself too thin. In all areas in life, be it with friends, school, or work, take time for yourself and those most important to you.
I'm going to close up this post by putting into words how thankful I am for the people God has put into my life who bring me an endless amount of joy. I could not ask for a more supportive and loving family or boyfriend, and I couldn't ask for a better friend than Abby.
I implore you to choose happiness, it's never too late.
Reading this definition I was reminded of the past few years of my life. I feel like I have been able to mature and grow a lot in the past several years since being in college. Looking back, freshman and sophomore year went by in a blur, and now here I am two weeks away from registering for my first semester of senior year. It's unreal.
Here are a few things I've realized over these last few years:
1. Most importantly, always keep God first. No matter how busy you get with school, don't feel like you have to read a whole chapter in the Bible, read a verse and meditate on it. Pray often. God will bring peace to you in times you think there could be none.
2. Be around people that make you happy. There are so many more important things in life than wasting time on people that bring negativity into your life.
3. Don't stretch yourself too thin. In all areas in life, be it with friends, school, or work, take time for yourself and those most important to you.
I'm going to close up this post by putting into words how thankful I am for the people God has put into my life who bring me an endless amount of joy. I could not ask for a more supportive and loving family or boyfriend, and I couldn't ask for a better friend than Abby.
I implore you to choose happiness, it's never too late.
I'm going to Chicago! This will be my second time to visit and I couldn't be more excited. In my opinion, Chicago is a very under appreciated city. Lake Michigan, the buildings, amazing shopping, delicious food, art museums...ahh!
Somewhere I'm looking very forward to visiting while I'm there is the Art Institute of Chicago. I wasn't able to make it there last time, so I plan to make up for it on this trip (they have a special exhibit called Van Gogh's Bedrooms right now!!). Chicago has an amazing Anthropologie that I'm just itching to go back to, as well as a Helen Ficalora jewelry store (a favorite designer of mine). Garrett's Popcorn gained a loyal customer three years ago--I can taste the mixture of caramel and cheesy popcorn now. Breakfast at The Corner Bakery is a must as well!
This was a very brief post, but I'll be posting pictures from the city soon!
This was a very brief post, but I'll be posting pictures from the city soon!
I thought I'd share some of my favorite everyday pieces of jewelry with you guys. There will be a separate post for my everyday necklaces. These are the things that I grab when I'm in a hurry or want to go a little casual and add a little something special.
Over the weekend, my family and I took a mini holiday to Asheville, North Carolina, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Living so close to these cities made this an easy weekend trip for us. While in Asheville, we visited the Biltmore Estate, an extravagant late 19th century mansion that is still decorated in its original manner. I can't begin to tell you how grand this estate is, it's really something you have to see in person to fully appreciate. Not only is the architecture of the house breathtaking, but the histories of the items inside as well as the technologies utilized within the home at the time are incredible. After taking a tour at the house, we went back to Gatlinburg, had dinner with some family that lives in the area, and then made our way back to our hotel. The next day, we spend time in Gatlinburg. My boyfriend Josh and I hit some touristy locations, but they were still very fun. After having breakfast with my family inside a cozy log cabin restaurant (which made me feel at home since I live in a cabin), went to the aquarium, took the chair lift to the top of the mountain (a scenic mistake that made a great story), had lunch, took the tram to go ice skating (I have a whole new respect for figure skaters), and visited a candy shop.
If you're anything like me, you're constantly struggling to keep your sensitive skin moisturized. I've found three products that have worked miracles for my dry sensitive skin, especially during the winter months.
2015 was amazing and I can't express how thankful I am that God blessed me in the ways He did this past year. My friend Abby did an amazing thing where, instead of listing her New Year's resolutions, she put her accomplishments of the previous year. I found that idea very inspiring, so I'm going to do my own list of things that I'm proud of from 2015.
On Tuesday, I got to eat at one of my favorite burger joints since childhood. Even after eating at trendy award winning restaurants in Nashville, TN, this little place still has my heart. I wish I had gotten to take pictures on the inside, but I wanted to preserve the old timey atmosphere. The calorie-conscious need not enter the door way of Dovie's, I have to warn you that the burgers are cooked in, to my eye, several inches of grease. But, be not dismayed, you can get your burger squeezed (taking out most all of the grease left inside). Dovie's boasts an average of 1,000 burgers sold in a single day and a shattering record of over 2,000. If you ever find yourself in the little town of Tompkinsville, Kentucky, make sure you stop off at Dovie's. My personal favorite is a burger with their special sauce only (squeezed).
I had a pretty lazy day today hanging out with Josh since he was sick. We spent our day sitting at the doctor and on the couch watching movies. Even though I dressed very comfortably, I was in love with my outfit today, so I decided to share a few elements of it with you all.
My friend Abby never fails to deliver at Christmas. This year was not an exception. She really focused on things I love, as per usual. The quote at the top of the notepad she got me really sums up her Christmas gifts for me this year.
I probably pack way too much when I go somewhere, even when it's just for the weekend. Here's a peek into my travel accessories bag.
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