{my DIY extravaganza}

I'm usually complaining when I talk about my work schedule, but lately, I've really been loving it...the advantages of working 12-hour-shifts means that I only work 3-4 days a week. With this crazy beautiful Spring weather we've been having in Oxford and my addiction  healthy love of Pinterest, I've been making the most of my days off. 

I've really loved doing these...it's been my therapy lately, if you will. Not only have I enjoyed exercising my crafting muscles, I've also been blessed with sweet friends who love to craft, too...so we've had quite a few crafting dates lately--and if you know me, you know I love when friends come together over coffee (or a glass of wine) and a hot glue gun. 


I'm gonna link up with From Mrs. to Mama today to show off a few little DIY happies!

Want to see a few of my recent projects?

First up...my favorite. Favorite, favorite, favorite. I love this Valentine's wreath SO much!

I used a few different tutorials off of Pinterest, but this is the one I followed the closest! 

The Roseland Family blog (visit here)

And I think my favorite detail may be the little pearl pins I used to secure them--which happened by accident, because I couldn't find plain straight pins and stumbled upon these! And thank you, Nicole, for snagging me the heart shaped styrofoam wreath--you're the best!

Next up-- the easiest craft ever, by the way...

This is the little project Nicole and I worked on...it literally took about 3 minutes to create, but it's super cute! DIY Heart Map... I ended up doing two hearts--the top holds my hometown and Oxford, where I live now, and the bottom is Jackson, where I used to live, and Madison, where Andrew's hometown. I love the sentiment behind it!

I seriously love this one...easy peasy, again: DIY Earring Holder

I got the cheese grater at WalMart for less than 3 bucks, used a can of fab apple green spray paint that I already had, and decorated it with all of my favorite earrings! Simple, chic, practical, and SO cute...just my style!

You know I love me some holidays, right? Well, Valentine's Day is no exception...Valentine Apothecary Jars!

I got these apothecary jars from Sears.com...random, but they were on sale after Christmas so I snatched them up! Filled them up with our favorite colorful Valentine treats and added a little sparkle and glitter in pink and red, and voila! A festive addition to our coffee table!

Last up for today is a little bit of my favorite pattern and a pinch of glitter...does it get better?

My loving, caring, doting engineer of a boyfriend mapped out my Chevron striped canvas for me and even painted the background--guess he was wanting a little DIY time, too! I added some ModgePodge and silver/gold glitter to this little beauty and I must say, I really like how it turned out! I'm looking forward to adding this to my gallery wall (if I ever get it started!) I think it'll add a great pop of color and sparkle...and it's Chevron, hello--can't go wrong!

All of these ideas and projects are on my Pinterest page, if you get the creative itch! I kid you not--these were all quite easy to do, and (I may be biased but...) I think they turned out great!

Well girls, that's all I've got for you today. Martha Stewart signing off here...I'm off to enjoy my cup of coffee and last night's Gossip Girl, ahhh another day off! And yes, I've got a few projects up my sleeve for today...stay tuned for those!

Happy Tuesday, chicks! I sure hope your days are wonderful.

I'll leave you with my favorite Bible verse...

                                                                                                                   Source: redletterwords.com via Rachel on Pinterest

{good for the soul}

There are little things in life that make me stop, take a deep breath in, and thank the good Lord above for being in that moment. You know those moments--the ones that are just good for the soul. It's usually nothing earth shattering in my case, nothing to phone home about. But at the same time, it's the {simple little joys} that makes every day worth living through. Breathe, relax, and enjoy. 

I never did my "word of the year" post, but this year I'm so eagerly wanting to be content. To be satisfied. To not want for anything. To love and live in the moment. To say I'm blessed with my situation/friends/family/life would be me making the understatement of the century, so I need to learn to enjoy every moment of the ride.

So today, I'm going to celebrate the little moments. I sound like a broken record, right? I desperately need to realize how many there are in my every day--how many times my heart wants to jump out of my chest from joyfulness, how often I'm overcome by a feeling from inside that can only be described as pure happiness. It's a blessing that I don't even notice half the time--shameful.


In lieu of skipping my {things I loved about this week} posts the past two Fridays, here's a little conglomeration of loves from the past week or so for my Monday morning. Hey, it's Monday, I'm feeling grateful with a side of miscellany. 



I love a good list. And I love some blessings.

...having heart talks with a friend that knows you from the inside out {you can visit her blog here}

...hearing the excitement and love in his voice on the phone first thing in the morning when he calls to tell me good morning

...spending a day or two at home, acting like I still live with my parents. Being home-home does something to me that not many things can do...I'm a new person after a visit home!
...spending weekends in Starkville with wonderful, best friends
...new OPI nail polish...pleases the girly girl in me!
...late night laughs with my roommates
...seeing a few pounds drop off the scale after working hard to accomplish my goal
...having the fun opportunity to plan showers for sweet friends that are getting married
...having God change my perspective on faith {more on that later...}
...the thought that Andrew and I will be at the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 10 DAYS!!!!!
...getting to celebrate my precious Papa's birthday with my family
...roadtrips with my sister
...sleeping in on a rainy day--pure BLISS!
...crafting/Pinterest therapy...I'm telling you, it keeps me sane!
...the feeling of accomplishment when I finished Week 5/Day 1 of C25K. I am determined to reach this goal!
...reading sweet comments from all of you--nothing makes me happier!
...early morning reruns of Saved by the Bell
...spending hours on Etsy and spending too much money through PayPal {I totally use it as if it's Monopoly money or something...}
...finding little love notes all over my house from my honey


I'm feeling blessed and happy on this early Monday morning. I have today and tomorrow off work, so everything is looking sunny and happy. I have a crafting and coffee date with the wonderful Nicole {visit here} in a few hours...a lunch date with two of my besties tomorrow...and a Pinterest cooking date with my lovely Rebecca {visit here} tomorrow night! Oh, and I get a little bit of quality time with my main squeeze, too. Does life get much better than this? 


Happy Monday, loves! 

                                                                                                         Source: cookingwiths.blogspot.com via Rachel on Pinterest

{open letters}

My favorite, AP, over at I Love You More Than Carrots (visit here) is having a little fun with open letters this morning...letters to the universe, if you will. And just because she's so fabulous and I feel like writing a post at 6 am, I think I'll follow suit. Heck, why not? Time to gab, dish, confess, and complain for just a few minutes, all in good humor, of course. 

Dear Internal Alarm Clock,

Maybe it's the black out shades in my room in Oxford...maybe it's because I went to bed at 9 pm...maybe it's because my home room is hot pink--either way, I'm not okay with this waking up at 5 am thing on my days off. I've become all too familiar with early morning infomercials.  All I ask for is a little sleeping in until noon...is that so much to ask for? 

Sincerely,

Bags Under My Eyes

Dear Victoria's Secret,

Thanks so much for the free coupons you send out in the mail. Especially the one for the free Valentine's Day thong. I'm just about to burst with excitement over getting the piece of string that you call underwear! I have only this one request--next time you send me one of those little postcards, can you please include Miranda Kerr's ass? That would be greatly appreciated. That's not too much to ask, right?

Please and thank you,

FatBottomedGirl

Dear Pinterest,

Why must you make all of your DIY projects so alluring? And why must you give poor, amateur crafters like me false hope that these endeavors will be easy? Sure, some turn out great--but then again, some just don't. Nevertheless, I will continue to craft and sometimes fail miserably.

Your loyal fan,

Wannabe Martha Stewart

Dear Treadmill,

I have a feeling you're just being cruel and lying to me when I've totally been running for 4 miles already and I look down and see the distance measured--1.2 miles. Come on, help a sister out. The aches in my thighs are telling me it's further than 1.2 miles. Way to make me feel out of shape, friend. Thanks for the encouragement {sarcasm}

All my love,

Miss Outofshape

Dear Coffeemate Coconut Creamer,

Thank you for making getting up each day a little bit easier. The sun wouldn't be bearable without your glorious flavor. I always seem to stray away from you, but, as all true love goes, I can't help but come back. Your faithfulness astounds me. You never let me down. I will cease to exist the day those mean coffee people discontinue you.

My coffee and I love you,

Professional Caffeine Addict 

Dear Cellulite and Tummy Jiggle,

We've had a long run--it's been real and it's been fun but it definitely hasn't been real fun. As per the letter up there to Ole Treadmill, you can see that I'm making every effort to send you on your merry way, so just go. Let's part peacefully. I'll make a deal with you--either make your way up to the boobage area, or just get the heck out. No, but really...it's time.

No, we can't still be friends,

Dimpled and Distraught

Dear Boyfriend,

I guess you deserve the only serious letter today. I love you, do I tell you that enough? I sure hope so. Every day you amaze me with how stressful and consuming your schedule is--and yet you never make me feel neglected. Thank you for working so hard. Thank you for doing everything with a smile, even when you're exhausted. You are the best man I know, and I'm the luckiest girl in the world to call you mine!

Love you til the end,

Your girlfriend

Happy soclosetofridayicanalmosttasteit Thursday, chicas!

{DIY: it's an addiction}

I've been bit by the bug...
The DIY bug. 
And I'm officially addicted.

Of course, along with every other woman in the world, I've been an avid Pinterester (like my word? I do, too.) for quite some time now.

But I've totes been guilty of pinning without planning...I pin, and then it goes to a board of mine to die. 

With exception of the recipe section, (duh, I would make all the recipes but nothing else...) I can't think of a single other thing I've made. Shame on me, I know, right?

But yesterday, something magical happened...I started looking at Pinterest and actually had the desire to create these fabulous pins I was pinning...they were realistic and fun! The bug bit me right square on the butt. I even spent a little time on Etsy ordering some fun supplies for a few projects...call me Martha Stewart (minus the ankle alarm.)

So today for Pinteresting Wednesday, here are some of my upcoming projects. Whether they are a success or not, I'm gonna try and I'm gonna post to y'all about them, so hold me accountable, chicks! 

{these are all on my "time to get creative" Pinterest board}

Chevron and glitter--this DIY was made for me.

                                                                       Source: pennypincherfashion.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Actually ordered a big bulk of multi-colored buttons off of Etsy last night for CHEAP! 
What word should I try for this? Any ideas?

                                                                            Source: thedailytelecraft.com via Rachel on Pinterest

I'm hoping that Oxford and Greenwood are close enough on the map so
they both fit in the frame :)

                                                                            Source: cinsarah.blogspot.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Wonder if my mom will notice when her grater is gone?

                                                                         Source: bedifferentactnormal.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Raided the hardware store yesterday--got a few funny looks for having a 
huge handful of paint samples, but whatev. I'm painting a rainbow room, duh.

                                                                        Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Cute for Valentine's Day! I may do it in my room colors to use year round!

                                                                       Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via Katie on Pinterest

These would be perfect in our household...

                                                                          Source: alwaysorderdessert.com via Lora on Pinterest

I have a feeling this is going to be harder than it looks, but I will try anyway!

                                                                                Source: rtroncampus.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Ahhh, a DIY Valentine's Day wreath. Going to buy some felt today!

                                                                                Source: theidearoom.net via Shanda on Pinterest

Have any of you fallen prey to the DIY bug? If so...share your DIYs, I'm gonna need a fix soon--I can tell this is going to be my new addiction. 


Do y'all ever shop on Etsy? What are your favorite stores?


I can't wait to hear all of your ideas! Share away, girlfriends. I'm off work today and expecting some crafting to happen SOON! 


Happy, happy Wednesday to all of you! 

{kari jobe}

Let's talk a little about music, shall we?

I've been waiting for this Tuesday for quite a few 

weeks now--a bit dramatic in words, but all the same true. I'm a huge Kari Jobe fan--so as soon as I heard her new album was on iTunes for pre-order, of course, I bought it. 

And last night at work, I may or may not have jumped up and down when I got en email from iTunes saying it was ready for download. 

If you love worship music, download this CD. Just go ahead and spend the few bucks that it costs, because I can guarantee it'll be worth that and so much more.

...I haven't even listened to it in its entirety yet, but what I have heard only makes me that much more excited for the remaining songs.

That girl knows how to praise God. She knows how to sing to His heart...she knows how to cut out all of the hoopla and really get into the heart of worship--a girl after my own heart. 

I've needed a little spiritual "umph" these past few days, and I think it's no coincidence that her CD showed up in my iTunes when it did...

Our God is a mighty, powerful, amazing God, isn't he?

I'll leave you with this song: listen to it and then go download her album.

I can say without doubt that this morning's run will be quite enjoyable with this going in my ears...running with worship--what's better?

Happy Tuesday, my friends!

{Pinterest Love}

I've always been a red and pink kinda girl. Pink has always been my default favorite color, so of course, a holiday that centers around all things red, pink, and lovely is made for me.

With that being said, of course, as soon as Christmas and New Year's passed, I was already jumping to the next holiday. Good ole Valentine's Day. And you better bet your bottom dollar that I've already been pinning said red and pink things since January 2nd. I'm a total holiday jumper--I just can't help but be festive!

So, in Pinteresting Wednesday fashion, let's talk a little Valentine's Day...after all, it is less than a month away. Can you believe it? I'm kinda loving love right now, so let's just dive right in, shall we?

                                                                                                                   Source: joeandcheryl.com via Rachel on Pinterest

                                                                                  Source: bing.com via Rachel on Pinterest

                                                                        Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Rachel on Pinterest

                                                                           Source: bakedperfection.com via Rachel on Pinterest

                                                                             Source: marthastewart.com via Rachel on Pinterest

                                                                              Source: nikkiinstitches.com via Rachel on Pinterest

                                                                                Source: iambaker.net via Rachel on Pinterest

                                                                                       Source: etsy.com via Beth on Pinterest

I apologize sincerely if you are a Valentine's Day hater, but I just can't help but get excited about all of those little treats up there. Aren't they precious? I have some apothecary jars on their way to my house as we speak that will soon be Valentine'd up, and I can't wait. And I'm brainstorming on how to make the XO wreath for myself--we'll see how that goes! 


Maybe it's the love of a certain fella, maybe it's just the pink and the red--either way, I'm loving all of these Valentine happies and I'm feeling mighty festive! 


I wanna know--what are your opinions about Valentine's Day? Love it or hate it?


Happy Hump Day, all of you lovely ladies! 

{would you rather...}

Well good morning all of you lovely ladies! Monday is here with a vengeance, isn't it? What is it about Mondays that gets all of our panties in a wad? Hopefully you haven't been bit by the Manic Monday bug just yet, but either way, I think we'll have a little fun this morning...

                                                                                                         Source: Uploaded by user via Kimmie on Pinterest

{this is me throwing a little fun into Monday, duh}

We're gonna play a game of "Would You Rather..." A friend and I were having a game of this over text the other night when I was at work, and it was quite entertaining. I figured why not bring a little bit of it to the blog and see what you gals think, too?

Leave a comment, post your own, do whatever your little heart desires. 

Just join in and have a good time!

So grab your orange juice and take a swig, we're gonna get into the nitty gritty now.

Oh, and of course, I'll put in my two cents in italics...

Would you rather be given $5,000, no questions asked or lose 20 lbs with the guarantee of never gaining it back?

I honestly think I'd pick the weight--I think being happy with myself is better than the happiness money could buy!

Would you rather be poor and work in a job you absolutely love or be rich and work in a job you hate going to?

Let me be cliche for a minute and pick the job that I absolutely love. You can't take the money with you, right?

Would you rather have your flight delayed by 8 hours or lose your luggage, only finding it after your trip is over?

Flight delayed, for sure. I take too long and put too much thought into packing. 

Would you rather go without Internet or car for a month?

Well, I'd be skinny if I picked the car one, but I guess realistically I'd have to say Internet. I'd just totally be out of the loop, in a sad, sad way.

Would you rather be a member of the cast of Friends or Sex and the City?

Ummm, hello....Friends, without a doubt. For sure.

Would you rather date someone 20 years older or 10 years younger?

Well, dating someone 10 years younger for me would be a 13 year old and that's just creepy, so I'll say 20 years older. Age is only a number?

Would you rather always have to say anything that comes to your mind or never be able to speak?

I have entirely too many inappropriate thoughts to say anything that comes to my mind, so I suppose I'll be learning how to mime or use sign language.

Would you rather marry Kris Humphries or Scott Disick?

Can I pick neither? Okay, okay, I guess Scott. Kris drives me absolutely crazy.

Would you rather be banned from Facebook or Blogger?

Well, first, I'd die. But then I think I'd have to choose Facebook. I get really sick of FB sometimes, so maybe I could get over that obsession.

Would you rather skip Christmas or your birthday? 

Totes would pick my birthday. I'd much rather celebrate Christmas, because it essentially lasts a whole month, ya know? My birthday is measly compared to Christmas. Just as long as I get a piece or three of birthday cake.

So girls, what would you choose?! How about y'all join in and tell me what you'd rather do! It's bound to be entertaining. 

Happy Monday to you and you and you! Hope it's a wonderful start to a fabulous week!

 Remember...

                                                                                                                 Source: sweetpeachblog.com via Nicole on Pinterest

{reasons I've loved this week: volume II}

Friday already? {Just realized it's Friday the 13th--watch out for any black cats...} I swear, with another few blinks, it will already be 2013.


I'm not doing a very good job with keeping up my blog so far in 2012. I'm still here, girls, and I'm still faithfully reading your blogs and loving your lives, I promise. It's been a whole week since I last posted, and while there are a million things I want to say, need to say...I can't find the words or the energy to just get on here and write. 


I worked Friday night-Monday night of this past week, and that in itself absolutely wore me out. It's so hard for me to work night shift sometimes, much less 12+ hours on my feet, much less 4 nights in.a.row. I seriously only saw the people I work with for 4 days straight. I definitely had a moment or two where I questioned why I ever chose this profession (I was that exhausted and burnt out.)


 But then, in the next second, I remember why, through the hug of a pediatric patient or the laugh of a new mama holding her newborn, I am in love with what I do. It makes me me. And I have joy again, even though I am worn out past the point of just being tired, and I have a reason to smile. 


So in the midst of me complaining about the little things that steal my happiness, I have about ten bazillion other reasons to be joyful. So, friends, here are just a few of the reasons {little as they may be} that I've loved this week.


{one} I wake up to this little love note beside my bed... I am thankful for the sweet reminders he leaves me all over the place...my mirror, stuck in a book, hidden in a pocket of my scrub top. He's a keeper! 

{two} I've been off work for the majority of this week, and I can't even begin to tell you how refreshing and re-charging it is to simply sleep at night, instead of napping during the day. I sleep like a baby when it's dark outside, and that in itself is a blessing! 

{three} I took the GRE yesterday (after not studying enough...) The GRE is a test that is required for admission into a graduate school, in case you've never heard of it. 3 hours in front of a computer screen is enough to make your eyes cross, but it actually wasn't that bad. I scored higher than I expected to, and higher than I was aiming for, so I'm quite happy and relieved! One step closer to getting my Masters...

{four} My dad sent me this picture of my little brother last night...not so little anymore. He's the star basketball player, duh. So proud of my little T! {Isn't he handsome, btw?!}

{five} I've been on my healthy kick for 2 weeks now and I've lost 7.5 lbs! It feels great for my pants to be a little less snug...no muffin top is good news to me! I really have to figure out how to balance work and working out though, because with that many nights in a row, the last thing I have time to do/want to do is run. But I've managed to still work out at least 5 days a week, so I'm happy with myself. Btw, MyFitnessPal is a lifesaver--I don't know what I'd do without it now that I'm back on the healthy track! 

{six} Favorite movie. In 3D. In the movie theater. Tonight. I may or may not already have tickets to see it...

 

{seven} My sweet mama and grandmother are on their way to Oxford this morning to take me and my sister to lunch. There's nothing like a little quality time with my favorite girls. I may be almost 24 and out on my own, but I'll admit--I still get homesick now and then. I'm so glad they're coming to bring a little bit of home to me :) 

{eight} Andrew randomly decided that he wants us to go to Chicago in April...and of course I'm all in. Gotta follow up with my "travel more" resolution, right? Have any of y'all been to Chicago? What are some must-do things that we can't leave off our list? I'm getting excited...really hope this trip happens!

What have you loved about this week?

Happy Friday to my favorites!