Santa baby

'Tis the season! I thought I'd share a few gift ideas with you considering they've already been opened/received by my family, ha...

I saw this DIY wreath on Pinterest:
 

...and I just had to make one for my sister. I mean, how cute is that?! So I followed the steps on the blog (to read them click here), added my own little touch, and came up with this:

Jess LOVED it. I bought all my materials at Hobby Lobby. Total cost for the project (I already had the spray paint, lace material, and hot glue gun) was probably around $15. The flowers look intimidating but are seriously the easiest things to make. I wish that I bought some fun-patterned cotton fabric and made different flowers to accent the felt ones. But, oh well! I think it turned out great.

The second gift that I thought was easy and great to give to in-laws or your parents is a STAYCATION... they are the latest trend. Okay, so maybe not the latest, but just go with me. Choose a place that is close to them- a nice hotel, maybe find a nice restaurant, and plan a weekend far in advance for them. Pick a location that's close enough to drive so that they can get the most out of their get-away. And get family members to go in on it with you so you can get some place nice! So great.

My sister and I organized a staycation for our parents in Georgetown, DC. Here is how we presented it to them (wrapped up in a cute box with a cute bow, of course):

 

They were SO excited about this!! I think it's a lot more fun to get a mini vacay than a sweater or DVD, ha!! What are you giving this year?? Any cool ideas?! Spread the Christmas cheer- Christmas is coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(cue cute Christmas picture)

Christmas puppies!!! AH!

HAPPY HUMP DAY!

love you e (only 20 more days!!!!),
love, t.

Searching

Lately, I have been searching for answers to questions, reasoning, circumstance...monumental things to be searching for. I cannot get past the idea of wrestling through something without having any idea why or how or what lead me to it. It's not logical to me because it has a beginning, but the end is unknown.

My deepest thoughts are at night when my head hits the pillow... when nothing but myself and silence surround me. It's therapeutic in some ways, but more so a curse for when the searching begins, I have no control or decision over when it will stop- aka, no sleep. But in this time of searching and thinking come realization; "ah ha" moments, if you will. For that, I'm thankful.

 Last night's moment of truth: perhaps what we find ourselves searching for is not worth our searching in the first place; instead, they may be questions (or trials, losses, individuals, to be extremely general...things) that need to be completely abandoned in order to find something new... something of greater purpose. The true challenge is letting go of the questions that may never be answered. That, my blogging friends, is a bridge that I personally need to cross. 

On a lighter note, I finally saw Twilight last night with a friend from work. We were both having "blah" days and decided the best way to end it would be with McDonald's and Twilight, DUH! Thus, we sat in a cozy booth in the middle of Mickey D's, cheered our McDoubles and McFlurries, and shared in a moment of strength together. Moments such as these make crossing the bridge a little easier...

...praying you find those as well.

love you e,

love, t.

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving was wonderful. We headed over to the Knox home and ate until we couldn't fit anymore in our stomachs. Gluttony? Maybe. But truly, Cheryl... you are one of the best cooks/hosts I've encountered! And it was so nice to have both sides of our family under one roof for this holiday. There were tons of little ones running around, so that made it even more fun. The kids had us "adults" laughing all night long. And I even got to leave with a cookie scented Yankee candle courtesy of Cheryl! What a nice treat that was :)

It was my niece's first Thanksgiving, and it was so special to share in that with her. Obviously, she didn't get to enjoy real food yet, so her Thanksgiving feast was formula. She seemed pretty content with it :) Here's us on the couch last night settling down after all the excitement. I love building a relationship with her and that special auntie-niece bond. Yesterday, I rocked with her for almost two hours and sang her some Christmas songs. It was truly a precious day for me. Hope that your Thanksgiving left you smiling and thankful. 

 

This year I am so thankful for God's hand and guidance, especially for his comfort. I am thankful to have a family that unconditionally loves and cares for me. I am SO thankful for my lovies- my girlfriends from college that continue to amaze me with what they're doing with their lives... for their spiritual guidance, continual support, for their laughter, for their comfort in times when I don't feel like getting out of bed. They are the best friends I could ask for! I am thankful for my job and the women there that have become like mommy's away from home to me. I am thankful for a roof over my head and food to eat, and that I'm able to pay all my bills. And most of all, I'm SO thankful to have a God that never leaves me. 

Today we are celebrating my birthday here in Chicago- no black Friday shopping for me. We're gonna get dolled up and have a nice dinner out. And we're also getting my sister's Christmas tree today! We have to have a tree in here because tomorrow we're doing Christmas with them too. So many fun things going on :) I'm not doing well with getting pictures this weekend... I will try and have more to share!

Blessings to you today.

love you e,

love, t.

Today's Daydream

Alaska.

This is one place I'm just dying to see. They say that winter is the best time to go if you want to see the Northern lights in their prime; however, they also said that winter is not the best time to take a cruise. I don't think I'm brave enough to cruise through Alaska though- I would fear that the ship would go Titanic on me and hit an iceberg. I mean, it's ALASKA!

But seriously, how beautiful is this place?! God has some serious skill if you ask me.

Leaving for Chicago in seven hours... rainy Tuesday, please go by quickly!

love you e,
love, t.

A Change Would Do You Good

This past weekend was... interesting. I chopped all of my hair off, did some Christmas shopping, went out for a night in Broad Ripple and I didn't have time for anything else. These weekends go by way too quickly- I didn't even get a chance to see Twilight. But here's my hair for everyone that's wondering:

I'm still getting used to it! I love the length in the front but there are way too many layers in the back. I know in a month or two I'll really enjoy it. And I'm calling my pony tail my little nub. Nub tail. It's okay- I think it's kind of cute sometimes.Change is fun though!

I went out and did some Christmas shopping on Saturday. I drove around the parking lot for almost twenty minutes just to find a spot! It was crazy, but when you have all the time in the world, it's fun to be in the crowd. I went and I conquered. Everyone is done! Ready to do Thanksgiving, Christmas, and my birthday this week in Chicago. When your family is scattered, you've got to do it when you can, ha!

As soon as I got to work this morning, I got a call from my mama saying that they were going to be driving through Indy and asked to get lunch! They were on their way up to Chicago today and hit me at the right time. It was such a nice break to my day. We ate at Cheesecake factory, need I say more? 

Me and Mama!! Do not be deceived by the angle- my hair is so much shorter in real life! 

And big thanks to sissy for the sweater I'm wearing today. I yanked it off the tree it was hanging from this past summer at her annual yard sale, haha!!

Did you pamper yourself this weekend?! I want stories and pictures. :)

Monday, monday.

love you e,
love, t.

Let's Rally Together

This is mainly for my lady readers

I'm having one of those weeks where I'm not happy with my hair, I'm not doing well with my exercising (as you all know), my pale skin is getting whiter by the day, and my gosh I just can't seem to find one thing in my closet that I think looks good on me!

Can I get an Amen?

During these occasional moments of whining and self-loathing, I turn to something that always seems to do the trick: pampering. I will be going to get a hair cut tomorrow morning, I purchased a Groupon for a GINGERBREAD facial (yum), and I even bought a Groupon for 4 spray tans, ha!

Pampering is not cheap; however, by taking advantage of internet coupons/packages, you can really make out with a steal! Always be looking around for a deal- they are nice to have on file in case you encounter a time like this :)

I vote that all of you  pamper yourself this weekend- do a little at-home facial, paint your nails, take a bubble bath, go buy some new make up or a new shade of lip gloss! As women, we deserve these things every once in a while!

With Thanksgiving coming up next week, we're all starting to plan out what we're wearing, yes? This weekend I'm going to attempt at putting some new outfits together with the clothes I already have. Maybe you guys can help me pick which one to wear, yeah? I'll let you know what I come up with.

Last night was a blast, by the way.

Check Jon McLaughlin out on iTunes if you haven't yet. He's pretty freaking talented.

Happy Friday.

love you e,

love, t.

A Thursday Sweet

 

:) 

I have always loved listening to her play. When I was little, I remember muting the TV when I could hear her start, or I would run into the living room and lay down on the carpet. It is the most comforting sound to me. Gram rarely plays anymore because she gets angry at her "crooked" fingers that get in the way of the keys and she can't really see the charts anymore (probably because they are ancient). To this very day, it is still a treat for me to listen to her. Maddie is a lucky girl! I'm jealous.

Wishing I was home with my family today, sigh...


love you e,
love, t.

AH!

 A blog of excitement today.

I'm going to see him tonight:

He's playing at the Vogue if you're interested...

And I'm going to "see" them tomorrow:

I'm so excited!!! But I'm also sad that I will have to wait a year after this for the final movie...SO MANY THINGS HAPPEN IN THIS BOOK, it's crazy. I'm excited to see how they do it all.

After today, there are only two work days between me and my little Thanksgiving/Chicago get-away. CANNOT WAIT!

love you e,
love, t.

E meets M :)

Gram met Maddie today for the first time (picture sent from my sis)! My sister and Steve flew home today with her, and they said she did great on her first plane ride! What a little cutie. It's so emotional seeing her in the house too- the one that my sister and I both grew up in. My sister and I were both little babies on that couch a long time ago :) Crazy how time goes by faster when you're older.

Happy hump day, all.

love you e (35 days Gram),
love, t.

First Vlog- I think that's what they call it

Let me tell you this- I know I am an idiot. My sister often reminds me of that. Just laugh with me on this, please. I am about to sit and enjoy my treats as I ready myself for yet another hilarious episode of New Girl. If you're not watching, spend some time and catch up! Zooey is hysterical. And last week, I got a glimpse of the couple I want oh-so-badly to be together! Eeek. Let's hope the story continues in that direction tonight.

Love to you all!

love you e,
love, t.

TCT: Exercise

[True confession time]

I don't enjoy working out. I have to make (force) myself to do it every time. Yesterday morning, I woke up at 5:55am, threw on some shorts and a tank, and did a workout DVD (Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred). It wasn't that difficult to do, but I still have a hard time waking up the next day and doing it all over again.

I know that in order to be at my fullest potential in life (present and future), I need to exercise consistently. BUT, I just can't seem to get to the place of enjoying it, which is where I would like to be.

Have any tips to overcome my funk? Do share.


Speaking of exercise and eating... THANKSGIVING IS NEXT WEEK! Funny transition if I do say so myself. The fam is gathering in Chicago once again this year and I am so excited. I predict we will all be fighting over the baby; I know that someday Maddie is going to be so annoyed with me kissing her constantly. I can't help it! Her skin is so soft that I just want to kiss her every second!

Anyway, I'm excited to sit cozy in the living room with candles and family all around, smelling all of the food cooking in the house, watching football, and bundled up walks around the neighborhood. One more week!

love you e,
love, t.

A Favorite

Writing you this morning from my couch. I'm sipping on hot tea, eating some warm oatmeal, all while watching Rachel Ray cook away on the tele (I like saying tele sometimes, it's more fun than TV or television- and it's kind of cute, too). As I wrote in one of my past posts, mornings are my favorite time of day. Time to snuggle up in blankets, light a candle, and sip on something warm. There's nothing that gets better than that to me! Heading to church today at Genesis, then getting lunch with some girlfriends, then I'm off to the store to buy ingredients to make a crock-pot dinner. Can't decide between a pot roast or pulled pork...decisions, decisions. Lovely weekending thus far. Talk soon.

love you e,

love, t. 

*And the Christmas tree you see-- yes, I caved. It's up and I love it! My little three-footer.

The Good

A quote that I've been reminding myself of lately is this:
 

For today's post, I wanted to share with you the good I've found in my day:

•  Dunkin' Donuts & warm coffee to start my Friday with
• Co-worker telling me that I brighten their day with my smile
• Free lunch at Panera from my reward card, & sitting next to the sweetest Grandparents who were taking their granddaughter out for lunch
• The smile I received in response to thanking Jessica, who was busing tables at Panera
• Listening to a long lost Christmas CD that a college friend burned for me our freshman year
• Finding the cutest Thanksgiving cards at Target 

What has been good in your day? Hoping you look for it and find contentment in it. 

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

love you e,

love, t.

A Thursday Sweet

My mama sent me a little video from Grammie! I just want to squeeze this woman.

Notice her southern accent? I can't get enough of it. Miss you so much Gram- only 41 days until I see you! Please oh please, if you only feel led, make some of your homemade biscuits for my arrival! :) :) And your creme pie. And sausage cheese balls. And can we make your sugar cookies?! Ah, I'm so excited.

In other news, today there was frost on my car. That I had to scrape off. And it was like 30 degrees. Forcing me to wear winter coat, AND gloves. Not happy!

Not ready for this yet. It won't be long before I'll have to wake up earlier to go start my car to get all the snow off. Did anyone else hear "light dusting" in the forecast for tonight? Or did I imagine that in my groggy commute this morning...?

We're almost to the weekend! Keep on...

love you e,
love, t.

"Thou Shalt Read"

There was an article in Relevant Magazine today (click here to read it in full) that I found challenging. Not only is the author, Karen Prior, profound in her writing and concepts, but she is straightforward with her words, which is something I value in Christian-focused literature. She emphasizes the importance to be well rounded in literacy (biblical and other forms) from those in different cultures who hold different beliefs.

After reading this article, you'll have a new desire to understand and to be more open-minded; for others, to become more knowledgeable about the neighbors surrounding you and what they believe. For myself, it challenges me to not only embrace pieces outside of my comfort zone, but to learn how to read and interpret well while gaining understanding, appreciation, and perspective at the same time. She concludes the article with saying:

"Literary works that are well-crafted, substantive, and that require some investment on the part of the reader for the good reward of understanding are most worthy of praise. Such are truly the lovely books. Such are the ones that Christians should be consuming and creating—and enjoying."

Essentially, this is a great read. So click and read it. Now!  

On rainy days at work, I listen to a rainy day mix on my Spotify account and pour myself a cup of coffee. If you don't know this about me, I am not a coffee drinker; however, when I do consume it, I feel... cozy. The smell of it also reminds me of home, of my parents, and my sweet gram (e). 

Also, a funny thing- notice the color of my coffee. It's really light. I think you can separate the veterans from the rookie coffee consumers based on the level of darkness. Ha! I don't think I'll get darker than this though; I'll gladly accept my rookie title.

Go read that article now! Happy hump day.

love you e,

love, t.

Getting by

Being on my own has forced me to overcome many obstacles alone. Being away from my loved ones has allowed me to realize how much I relied on them- I always counted on my mother to help figure out my taxes/finances, and my dad to be my Mr.Fix-it for everything- and how much I cannot do on my own at times. It has given me the opportunity to lower my pride and accept the fact that we all need help at times. As Joe Cocker sings, "I get by with a little help from my friends."

However, in moments when I am able to conquer something on my own, it's empowering. Gaining independence has been a unique learning experience for me- one that has provoked me to stand straighter and hold my head higher.

Last night's victory:

A space heater. Assembled in 30 minutes using my mailbox key as a screwdriver. No longer will I freeze in my room at night! Be both empowered and humbled today.

love you e,
love, t.

A moment of Truth

Weak, broken, and helpless are titles that I choose to let enslave me. Titles that paralyze and sting me to my core.


I am much stronger than I realize,

            for I am responsible for my own contentment and fulfillment.

When waking in the morning, I have the power and the decision to meet each day with "I can," or "I can't."

              My fears and sorrows are only as burdensome as I allow them to be.

I have the strength to be free from them if only I let myself let go.

            Continue to search for the good, the beauty that is in the dark. It's there, He is there.

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12: 9 & 10




Keep looking up.

love you e,
love, t.

Last night's love

Here are some clips of sounds I melted to last night. They were so unbelievably amazing; yes, I know that's the typical cliche thing to say after a concert... but sincerely, they were phenomenal. And it was just the two of their voices, a guitar, and a piano on a few songs. Simply divine. The sound quality is definitely not the best considering that we were standing in the middle back (by choice- I like the whole view of a show). But please, if you ever have a chance to see The Civil Wars, do it! Also check out Milo Greene who were also incredible.

In addition to the concert, there were several food trucks parked outside in the lot. I really want to go back downtown when they're out next with more time to try everything. What a fun night that would be- walking around, sampling all types of stuff, sipping on some wine... cute date idea for sure.

I left the concert last night inspired (as I usually am after hearing good musicians) to find more opportunities to sing and also with the desire to seek out more artists to see live. I guess you could say I'm picky in deciding if artists are worth the money or not, but in reality, I find good in almost every artist I hear. Or something to appreciate about them, at the very least. Why not just go out more and do this? It's clearly one of my favorite things. I'm silly.

Anyway, hope you're enjoying your Saturday. I just ate a yummy brunch and did a little shopping with Amanda who came in town for the show. I have some handymen coming over soon to help me out with a few things... thank God for friends that can use power tools :)

lots of love to you

love you e,
love, t.

Vent on Professionalism

Our office encounters some strange people both on the phone and in person. The ones that boggle me the most are the door-to-door sellers- the ones that walk in to sell their business to us: office supplies, landscaping, insurance, advertising, health stuff, blah blah blah. You would think that professionalism- looking nice, speaking properly, providing business cards, information to leave, etc.- would be a priority for these people considering that they go door-to-door all day long. It doesn't seem to be.

A few personal experiences to explain- 1) Married couple came in to sell their cleaning service. Parked their beat up van directly in front of building, wife got out to smoke a cig, and the husband came in wearing jeans and a hoodie holding a printed word document (that was wrinkled) with their contact info on it. 2) Today's visitors. Two people selling office supply services. No business cards to give ("I'm my own walking/talking business card," and they reeked of cigarettes. [For the record, I'm not being snooty or mean to any of these people that come in. I actually enjoy talking with them to see what they have to offer].

Where has professionalism gone? Do these people honestly not know? Yes, I empathize with them- our economy is bad and door-to-door selling is not a fun job. But if you're going to put all of that effort into traveling place to place, clean yourself up! Maybe you would actually make a sell! Do you value professionalism? I find myself looking for it constantly and appreciating it when I do encounter it. Perhaps I understand the value of it through my education, but it seems like it should be universal knowledge.

Anyway, that concludes my venting on professionalism. Hope I haven't bored you. :) Tomorrow is FRIDAY! I'm going to see one of those bands that I melt to- The Civil Wars. Gosh, I can't handle my excitement! Enjoy your day everyone.

love you e,
love, t.

Welcome, November

[If you are one that becomes frustrated when people get excited for holidays that are far away, stop reading :) ]

Welcome, warm fuzzies. I love these next three holiday months! They embody the best things in my world- family and loved ones and bringing them all together. I get really giddy this time of year as the holiday decor comes out, music slowly transitions on my radio to Christmas tunes (true confession- I listened to an old Christmas CD on my drive home from Chicago on Sunday), and as the thought of my family being all in one place gets closer and closer.... I just can't handle the excitement!

warm fuzzy

 I know that I'm jumping the gun here; however, I am a planner and thinking ahead is what I do best. I'm already brainstorming Christmas gifts for people, birthday celebrating, and even New Years ideas are coming out. These holiday seasons go by so fast, and I often get so caught up in the chaos that surrounds them. I blink and it's over. That is why I like to prepare ahead of time so that I can just enjoy everything (I particularly LOVE to walk around malls without having anything that I HAVE to purchase for someone- it's the best).

 Side note- I cannot wait to host my first Thanksgiving when I have my own house. I drool over these ideas I see on Pinterest: (source is Better Homes and Garden )

... whoooo's excited!? Me.

love you e,
love, t.