SPRING BEDDING INSPIRATION

March 21, 2015

Since my bedroom is still getting a makeover and I'm not quite done yet, I thought I'd share some Spring bedding inspiration. Let's be real. It will probably stick around until early Fall. As you may know I am terrified of color. I don't know why, I just always feel like a lot of color makes a space look juvenile. I have always seen beautiful, colorful spaces, and just get scared I won't be able to pull the same thing off. I browsed online at www.Target.com and decided to check out their Spring bedding on sale.

I know that I want a neutral comforter and shams because that gives me a lot of room to play with other colors when the seasons change. I have had an all white bed for as long as I can remember, but I feel like its time to change things up a little bit!




I love the mismatched pillows and how they are all different, but somehow they work. I can't get enough elephants lately and it kind of brings the outdoors in. Also, it lets me get a little bit of my safari out. Who doesn't love that during Summer? The curtains are gold lattice. Gold! Yeah, that's all I have to say. This is one way I can bring in color without it becoming too overbearing. Throw pillows and throw blankets can help change up your look without costing too much. 

What do you think?

Happy weekend, xx. 

PAWPAW

March 20, 2015

Grandparents are such special people in our lives. When I was younger I had four grandparents that loved me, spoiled me, and took care of me. Grandparents really are an extension of your parents, except they let you get away with a lot more and hop you up on sugar before you head home. My Pawpaw is a man I look up to so much. I have always appreciated his strength and his willingness to do anything for anybody. I think he is rare and there aren't many men like him, except for my dad, of course. I would say they are pretty alike.

My Pawpaw started me on coffee when I was just two or three years old. It was mostly milk, sugar, then a little instant coffee, but I like to think he started the love affair for coffee and me. He always said I was a good eater (which I still am), and he always bragged on me being his first granddaughter growing up. He always reminded me that I was first. I don't think I have been first in anything in my life, but whenever my Pawpaw was around I felt first. He just had a way of making people feel that way. I would say that in most things he put himself last. He worked at Southern Railroad for 40 years and it was rumored that he may have taken one sick day. I don't know if many people can say that about their job, but he was immensely dedicated and dependable. He grew up during the depression and even took two years off from school so he could stay home and take care of his little brothers and sisters. He would milk cows and do the household chores, and to me, that says a lot about his character even now. He always did the right thing. I don't know of anyone who dislikes my Pawpaw, and I am sure others would tell you that very rarely would you ever hear a bad word about him.

Growing up he had a garden that he worked very hard, even in his 60s and 70s. Gardening vegetables is no easy task, and he won several awards and was even in the paper for his garden. I remember him having so much during the Summer months. We would stay out there for a week or so and he and Memaw would have us shuck corn and pick grapes. All of the easy stuff. My sister, cousins, and I would run through the corn and chase each other. We would eat grapes and make faces when we got to the pit and very ungracefully spit them out all over each other. He took us to his church's VBS and church camps and all of the kids would swarm him. I kept feeling a sense of pride knowing that so many kids loved my Pawpaw, but only I would have "first" in his heart. I like to think that God allowed him to survive such difficult times because He knew it would make him a better man for it. He's outlived most of his siblings, a wife, his friends, other family members, and faced far more tragedy than I have. I have never fought in a war, or lost siblings at a young age, or endured the Great Depression, or seen 9 decades of rapid change in the world. He is a rare man, and he is so incredibly loved.

Now he is in hospice care and there isn't anything I can do to save him. Although he's lived a long and full life the heart still stings a little. Hospice care is something I have witnessed before and its hard to see someone you love in that way. He's always cared for others, but now its our turn to care for him. I'd appreciate your thoughts and prayers for me and my family at this time. We don't know how much time we have, but we will cherish everyday that he is still here.

Thank you for reading about such a special man, xx.

COFFEE TALK

March 19, 2015

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FEELING: I know this is so out of left field, but I don't think I have mentioned my confusion and shock about the upcoming season of the Bachelorette. Two bachelorettes? Has ABC lost its ever loving mind? Go for Kaitlyn. What the hell is Britt good for? Exactly. Nothing. Kaitlyn is gorgeous, actually has a personality, and last I checked she didn't BS her way through the Bachelor either. Kaitlyn is the obvious better choice. Let's just hope all of the guys on night one agree.

Rant, over.

THINKING: I have been thinking about my grandpa a lot lately. His health is not so good and he is currently in hospice care. He is honestly the best man I know. He has a heart of gold and has given so much to others. He's the man that would give you the shirt off of his back, stay days on end with you at the hospital, and give you half of his pantry before you leave his house. There aren't many men like him in the world and he's just so special to me and my family. Being sick and hearing the news of my grandpa and work being a little crazy is just a lot. I am honestly ready for this week to be over. Hopefully, this weekend an Auburn Softball game with my man will cheer me up for a few hours!

WATCHING: I have been watching Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and laughing my butt off. It is much needed right now with it being such a hard week. I love anything created or produced by Tina Fey and this series is no exception. If you love quick wit and awkward humor, check it out on Netflix!

EATING: Lots of soup. I have been addicted to Chick-Fil-A's chicken tortilla soup. It is so delicious and awesome for swollen tonsils.

READING: Hosea study on She Reads Truth, The Choice by Nicholas Sparks, #GIRLBOSS on Audible.

LISTENING TO: Actually not listening to much music lately. I have been so sick and just haven't thought about it.

LOVING: Fresh flowers. I need some in my life desperately.

THANKFUL FOR: Supportive friends and family. Downtime from work. Being able just to be. Quiet time. A good hug when I need it. Hot showers when my body is tired. Good antibiotics. A soft, warm bed. Sunshine to help me get over this rainy day gloom we've had recently. Warmer temperatures.

How's your week been?

Happy Thursday, xx.

RECOVERING

March 18, 2015

Being sick is the worst. I have to say the worst is over. I have been on antibiotics a few days and finally feeling more like myself. The worst part is just being so cooped up. I didn't want to infect my roommate, so I pretty much stayed in my room the entire time. It gave me a lot of time to think, pray, read, and just be.

I wrote a few days ago how hard that is for me. I always feel like I should be doing something. I know that it isn't 100% necessary to be productive 100% of the time, but I think we live in a culture that tells us we do. We have blogs, websites, planners, etsy shops dedicated to things to enable us to be more productive, more busy, more focused, more everything. Where is the freedom in that? I know that I am a big planner and I hate not knowing what I am going to do next. I had plans for my life years ago that have yet to come to pass. I have everything written down neatly in my Simplified Planner, but there are times when its okay just to be.

I read a lot of mom blogs because a part of me wants to know the truth about motherhood and another part really wants to look at their adorable pictures of their littles. I see the pressure. While I can't understand it, as a woman, I see the struggle between being a good, productive mother, and just being quiet, soaking in life, and letting things happen as they may. I know moms have to be organized and its best when your kids are on a schedule, but it can be binding to be locked into a schedule with no time for yourself. Being sick always forces me to slow down and just soak in life. It gives me time to do a self-check to see how things are really going inside. It's amazing what thoughts and feelings arise when you actually have time to think and feel them.

I encourage you to not wait until you are sick to just be. Even if it means taking 5 minutes to read a magazine article, or a 15 minute walk outside, or just sitting in a room quietly. I encourage you to do it!

Happy Wednesday, xx.

COOK, WOMAN

March 17, 2015

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I have always enjoyed cooking since I was in my late teens, early twenties. It all started when my boyfriend at the time and I would cook dinner for my parents on occasion. First, we started with easy stuff like hamburgers or pasta, then we moved on to grilling shrimp and vegetables, and making homemade pies (well as homemade as they can be). After a while I became more comfortable cooking meals on my own. When I got married I learned all sorts of things via cookbooks and Pinterest, and I have to say, they turned out pretty well. 

Since my lifestyle has changed so drastically, and I am no longer married, I find it harder to get motivated to cook for one. Cooking for one can be really hard, so I end up cooking for 45 and just eating leftovers for days on end. I tend to cook unhealthy things since its cheaper and easier, but I find that to cause me to feel like crap. Then there's the fast food. Oh Lord, the fast food. It's just getting ridiculous. This past weekend after being sick and spending way too much time on Amazon, I decided to purchase Bread and Wine and Savor by Shauna Niequist. I am so excited to dive into these two devotionals and cook up some delicious recipes. 

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I know that food brings people together and it also brings a sense of calm into my life. Whenever I cook I just focus on the task and everything else seems to melt away. Food is connected to so many great things in our life and I want to be able to focus on the different areas of my life that need comfort, calm, and community. Food can do that for me and for others. I hope to update you on the progress and maybe even share some of the outcomes of the recipes. 

Have you read and cooked the recipes from these books? What did you think? 

Happy Tuesday, xx.

BEING SICK

March 16, 2015

While being sick has its down sides, it has it up sides too. This past weekend I realized that I was again plagued by strep throat. Really. Who gets this twice in less than a year's time? This girl - that's who. So, after going to Urgent Care, which was surprisingly urgent this time, I ran to my nearest CVS to get my prescripts filled, and pick up some sicky essentials.


Of course, on the list was Powerade Zero (my most fave drink right now), SMART water, Good Housekeeping, Southern Living, Kit Kat minis, Milk Chocolate Raisinets, Bach Rescue Remedy Pastilles (for anxiety & stress), and Bach Rescue Remedy Sleep Melts (haven't slept great lately). I honestly went home planning to completely relax when my phone vibrated to let me know my prescripts were ready. Seriously? They couldn't wait another hour. None the less, I took my antibiotics and cough syrup and enjoyed the much-needed down time.

I know that the next couple of months are going to be about 50 shades of crazy at work, so I know the downtime will be much appreciated. Who knew strep throat could elicit such gratefulness? Honestly, I am the worst about taking time to relax and rest. I really don't know how to do it very well. I feel like I should always be doing something or cleaning something or hanging out with someone. Being sick forces you to stay isolated, watch way too many shows on Netflix, read too many magazines, and sigh way too often, but it's good for me. I have to learn to let go of my productive, perfectionistic self, and just BE. Man, its hard.

I hope you all had a much better weekend than I did! Did I mention I missed out on going to see Beauty and the Beast because I was sick? Yes. Biggest bummer of all!

Happy Monday to me, xx.

SPRING BUCKET LIST

March 15, 2015

I love the Spring time. I just love how the air smells (minus the pollen) and how new and fresh everything feels. This year I want to do things to celebrate Spring, and help me to embrace the milder temperatures before Satan himself blows fire on our state from June through September.


1. Hike at a local state park on a Saturday morning.
2. Buy fresh flowers and place them throughout the house.
3. Have a meal outside - i.e. picnic, eat outside at a restaurant.
4. Break in those rain boots on a rainy day.
5. Purchase a couple of Spring dresses.
6. Celebrate Easter with family & friends.
7. Open the windows.
8. Spring clean my room and house for a fresh start.
9. Attend a baseball or softball game.
10. Wash and detail my car (it needs it desperately).

What are your Spring time plans? I know there is nothing better than being able to enjoy the milder temperatures, flowers in bloom, and sunshine!

COFFEE TALK

March 14, 2015


FEELING: Excited! I am so happy to be getting a little makeover for the blog. I have been wanting to really simplify my blog and prettify it and now its going to happen finally. I have loved all of my designs, but I feel like I was trying a little too hard. It's time to just get a simple design that really showcases my taste while being pleasing to the reader's eye. I purchased a pre-made Blogger template from www.designerblogs.com. Check them out if you want a little update!

Also, my bedroom makeover is underway. I still have a few more pieces to get, but its headed in the right direction. I am really feeling relaxed now that my room is in order.

THINKING ABOUT: Eating healthier and decluttering my life. I have so much going on right now, and I just want to be able to dedicate my time and space to things that matter. I definitely need to eat better (eating more good and less bad than the opposite) and I still have quite a few things to donate/get rid of.

LISTENING TO: My March Playlist and 90s Playlist on Spotify!

WATCHING: Secrets and Lies on ABC. Have you watched this show? It's cah-razy, but in a good way. Welcome back, Ryan Phillipe. We've missed you. Also, watching my usual - finishing up Gilmore Girls soon (sad), House of Cards, Scandal, Revenge, and going to start Unbreakable Kimmy Shmidt on Netflix (love Tina Fey's work).

EATING: Fast food, again. Ugh. What is wrong with me?! I need to grocery shop and start eating better.

READING: Finished Something Blue last week on iBooks (YAY!) and now I am onto finish my Audible books (all 5 of them, yeesh). I want to go ahead and start on #GIRLBOSS. I have heard good things about it.

THANKFUL FOR: Rainy days and days off from work. I got Friday off this week for Spring break. I did a whole bunch of nothing, which isn't like me. It was fantastic!

LOVING: The warmer weather (minus the depressing 4 days of rain/clouds). I really am ready for Spring time. I am also ready to go and get me a bunch of Tulips today. It's Tulip season!

Happy Saturday, xx.

COFFEE TALK

March 6, 2015

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FEELING: I am feeling elated to be an aunt again. Meet little Hudson. I call him my huddy buddy. He is the sweetest, smushiest, most beautiful baby boy in the world. I was able to see him just 30 or so minutes after he was born and that made me so ecstatic! Babies are just precious fresh out of the oven, don't ya think?
THINKING ABOUT: When I will be able to get time off from work again. I know I have been off for about 5 days, but seriously, vacations are a requirement. Hopefully, I can get away to somewhere relaxing this Summer. Which also brings me to thinking about becoming more bikini ready. No, not perfect, but just better. Any suggestions? I am thinking about joining a gym again. I need to get back at it.

LISTENING: To my March playlist on Spotify. Its a mixture of all kinds of music, but mainly songs I have always loved, or am loving right now.

WATCHING: House of Cards and Gilmore Girls on Netflix. Both of those shows are awesome. I am pausing on Parenthood until I can finish these. Luckily, I have not binged as badly as I did last time on House of Cards. I have only watched 2 episodes since last Friday. SCORE!

EATING: Way too much Fast Food lately. It needs to stop!

READING: Something Blue on iBooks. I know I am like 372942975 years behind on this series, but I can't seem to put it down. I am also finishing up Yes Please on Audible. Amy Poehler is my girl crush right now!

THANKFUL FOR: My family and new nephew. He's so precious!

LOVING: I am loving that I have only had to work one day and now its the weekend. I am also loving that I will have my bedroom put together this weekend and you can guys can see it next week! YAY! I have been dying to get things how I like them and its finally happening!

Happy weekend, xx.