Peace

Everyone knows these mean peace…


And the hippie movement was brought back into fashion/pop culture a lot in the past few years. My father hates the peace sign because of what it stood for in the 60’s but my sister’s and I have always thrown it up in pictures. It’s the gangster, celebrity, hippie go-to sign. I guess if Madonna does it, it’s cool?!

For my sister’s 20th and 21st birthday I planned a scavenger hunt of sorts and on her 21st birthday peace signs were really popular. We went a little crazy…

And while that is all good and fun there is a different kind of peace. A peace that comes only from Jesus. A peace that I never felt in my life until a few months ago. Sure, I’d pray right before a test asking the Lord to help me to stay calm and remember the information a studied, I’d take a deep breath, and plunge right in. But that wasn’t this kind of peace.

This peace is complete and utter surrender to the Lord. I no longer worry about what will happen with my future. I don’t fret about going back to college, picking a major, working, etc. I know that God is going to show me everything. He will open doors and close doors. He will guide me. I need to trust Him, serve Him, and love Him. The rest will all fall into place.

Here are a few verses that I have really been holding too lately:

2 Timothy 2:22 - So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those you call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Colossians 3:15 - And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

John 16:33 - I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

These verses are such an encouragement – especially that last one! I have never felt such peace and guidance in my life. And for that I am SO thankful!! I have decided that I want to be baptized, so I’ll be getting baptized this Sunday! I’m sure I’ll post about that sometime next week! 

Hope you all have a great Thursday and I hope these verses encourage your day!

Peace out ;)

Bandwagon Wednesday

Here is a playlist of my favorite songs of the week! And here’s an explanation cause who doesn’t love to brag about the stuff they love?!

1. PYT – My mom and I hear this all the time and we turn it up real loud in the car… We sing at the top of our lungs… we’ve also turned my eleven year old sister into an MJ fan. It’s just a fun song… and Glee did it. So it’s a favorite.

2. You & Me – I sing this on warm days with my car windows down. Stress is GONE. Non-existent. It’s magic. You should definitely try it.

3. Don’t Dream It’s Over and Something’s Missing – Pandora favorites…

4. For the First Time – Fell in love the first time I heard this… “Oh these time’s are hard, don’t give up on me baby” has really applied to my life these past few months…

5. Oh the Deep Deep Love of Jesus – I love this song. I love when my dad plays it on the piano or sings it in church. Maybe one day I’ll get to sing it with him. This song beautiful and has Easter written all over it. I love it.

Hope you enjoy!! Happy Wednesday :)

30 Memories

So a bunch of bloggers have been doing the 30 photos thing…  It’s kinda like the 30 day challenge on facebook – and so I figured why not?! I love taking pictures and I love looking back at them… they’re snapshots of really great memories :)

1. Someone you spend a lot of time with – Marky Mark

2. A picture of you – On the way to a wedding in a literal blizzard… so fun!! and pale… especially compared to the first picture!! HAH!

3. Random picture of you and your significant other – I miss summer…

4. Something that makes you happy – Michele and I sang a farewell song, accompanied by my dad, at our Senior Ceremony the night before graduation… think my gown was a little too big :)

5. Old picture of you – I was obsessed with Barney… hence the coat and gloves…

6. Picture of siblings – This is old but is my favorite picture of them!!

7. Picture you’ve never put on the blog before – My 18th birthday – Brother-in-law-to-be jumping over me with only a running start… I was really scared he was gonna knock me over and we would look like complete idiots as everyone waiting in line at Target watched us through the front window!!

8. Someone you miss – college roommates :( SAW THEM THURSDAY and Seeing Rah Rah TONIGHT!!!!!

9. People you know now and then – Catherine and I have been friends since middle school… We go to the Phillies together every spring!!

10. Picture of your favorite place – Ocean City, New Jersey – Sarbear told us “look sassy”

11. Someone you can tell everything to – Maja and Faja

12. Everyday life – the fam all sitting around the table, playing a game, or talking after dinner :)

13. A place you love – home – ESPECIALLY at Christmastime :)

14. Picture that reminds you of great times – I love weekends in Lancaster!!

15. Picture of one of you favorite foods – Pesto grilled chicken sandwich with red roasted peppers – and basically ANYTHING from the Manayunk Brewery – if you’re in/near/driving through/visiting Philly it’s a MUST!!

16. Best day of your life – not really sure I have one best day but this was Christmas Eve/Mark and I’s one year… Every Christmas Eve his family goes downtown and then we go to church with my family… It’s one of my favorite days of the year :)

17. Picture that makes you laugh – DOOT DOOT doot doot

18. Spare time – spending the day at Mark’s with Pugger

19. Picture from a great night – Not much I can say about this one… just a really really fun wedding!!

20. The Closest people to you

 

21.  Someone you always have a good time with – Kelsey Lynn :) since first grade!!

22. Parents when they were your age – Momma was 19 when they got married :)

23. Picture from last summer – WOODSTOCK!! Mark’s parents were born and raised in Liberty, New York so we spent the weekend there…

24. Closest friend of opposite sex – not significant other – Definitely my Dad :) Other than him and Mark, I don’t have any close boy friends…

25. Picture on a  favorite vacation – Disney Disney Disney – everyone in Italy at Epcot – so bummed I lost my Kardashian sunglasses :(

26. Picture of an Accomplishment – Graduation – cliché but true

27. Closest friend – We spent like $10 at the quarter game at the Memorial Day Fair

28. Photobooth picture – OCNJ boardwalk this past summer…

29. Picture that makes you smile – the day after they got engaged :) Mark and I took the night off from homework and surprised them!!

30. Someone you will never let go of : la familia

Hope you enjoyed the little trip down Memory Lane… Let me know if you do the 30 photo challenge! I’d love to see your favorite pictures!!

Can I get a Hoot Hoot?!?

Hoot Hoot like Whoop Whoop… Get it? And also two hoots because I’m posting twice in one day… about the same topic… Either overkill or super cool… I’ll let you be the judge :)

 

I really wanted to see what other cute owl stuff was out there and fell in love with a few things on etsy!!

Adorable Coasters: $12 for 8

Stylish Apron: $25.75

Whimsical Pillow - $30

Tea Bad Holders: $8.75 each

Wooden Clock: $58

 

This is a stamp set from Stampin’ Up that my mom just bought… Can’t wait to make note cards with this little guy on ‘em! There’s a special punch so he’ll come out just perfect!!

 

Obviously I’m on a bit of an owl craze… I wish Chamilia had an owl charm that I could add onto my bracelet!! Oh well, this will all probably pass in time… Maybe not :)

What a HOOT!!

Today I stopped at the thrift store by my church because I had a meeting after work. I was on my way out but this guy caught my eye.

Owls have become really popular over the past year or so and I love them. My Nana used to collect owls when my mom was a kid but they’re all gone now :(

Every time I see Owl jewelry my shopping buddy or my Jiminy Cricket reminds me that I already have enough… But I recently started keeping my eyes open for Owl Decor. My bedroom is small, but I’ll either cram it in, save it all for my someday apartment, or possibly sell it. Who knows?? I’ve  also been inspired by Three Men and a Lady and Busy Bee Lauren. I love Michelle’s idea of making it into a lamp and I love the pillow that Lauren has on her couch. They’re both so creative!!

Here are some of the other owls in my life…

Lenox Owl – was in my parent’s curio cabinet. The whole thing is ignored and neglected because they think it’s ugly…. mom had no problem when I asked for the owl :)


And the necklace and earrings are both from Charlotte Russe… I never realized the necklace was missing a chain on the right until I uploaded these pictures!! HAH! Oh well… A missing chain is less noticeable than having your shirt on backwards (Yep. That happened. Last week. Didn’t realize until I had an hour of work left).
           

I can’t wait to paint my new owl! I want to find out if I’d be able to make it into a lamp… I don’t know if the ceramic would crack…. whether a lamp or a cool decorative piece – I’m happy!!

And also – Harry Potter made owls cool, among lots of other things :) 

Blue

Today I am feeling blue. Wanna know why? Well a few reasons – and none of them are really that super important and have actually caused me to feel down because I had a great day – but still. Today I am feeling blue.

1. Sad-blue… I have not blogged in days. I have been working like craycray and then on my two days off I’ve been partying like it’s 1999. Not really. But almost.
2. Duke-blue… Duke lost on Thursday night. Which means I will never ever get to watch Nolan or Kyle play for Coach K again. It also means Duke is out of the tournament which is really unfortunate. It also means my bracket is now shot- but I didn’t care too much anyways – I’m beating Mark and that’s all that matter. Also – UNC has not lost so they’re still in it. And that’s just not right.
3. Cold-blue… A week ago I was wearing a tank top and a light cardigan because it was 70ish degrees and I was in heaven. Today the high was 40. But it’s sunny out. So the weather totally tricked me into thinking there was no need for a coat. But it was freezing. And I just want Spring to come and stay forever. I’ve had it with winter.
4. Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue-blue… This entire week/weekend has consisted of one thing. The Wedding. Yes. It’s capitalized. Meaning it’s three months away. So it’s macho importante. And I knew this was going to happen. So I’m not being unreasonable. I’ve been saving up energy and patience for this very moment, but it’s gotten the best of me. As if every conversation wasn’t already about the wedding in some way shape or form – we’re now having 3 times as many conversations as we used to. And half  of them are about the same exact wedding stuff we’ve pontificated over before. AKA it’s nothing new or different. The decisions have already been made and now we’re just talking about them. And people’s nice limits are being reached. I always thought bridezilla was cruel and the “well known fact” that all the bridesmaids secretly want to stab the bride or tape her mouth shut was a lie. Now I understand. It’s not that extreme or too bad… but I’m all wedding’ed out for now…

And that is all. I am now going to get into my bed and sleep peacefully straight on till morning. And it is going to be amazing. And hopefully this week I will be able to blog more because I miss it. A lot. My creative juices are flowing my friends. It’s a good thing :)

The Old Man is Snoring

Yes. It’s raining. It’s pouring. It’s grey and cold and blah outside. And I am still in my jammies. I could NOT wake up this morning… but I’ve been working non-stop so it felt nice to sleep in. I just wish the sun would peak through the clouds…

Yesterday something semi huge happened and I can’t share yet. But either it’ll happen or it won’t and then I’ll be able to tell all the juicy secrets and share the pictures. Ahhh very exciting!! I really really really hope it happens :)

Ok moving on to more important business. Chipotle.

Right now I am craving Chipotle. 5 out of 7 days a week I crave Chipotle. And that is because it is THAT good. I get the same thing every time I go – I think I may have mentioned somewhere else before that I’m pretty boring in the variety category. I know what I like and I stick to it. But at Chipotle you really cannot go wrong with anything you order. So if you’ve never gone before – you have to go! The rice is delish. The ingredients are SO fresh. And basically I might just drive 25 minutes today to get a burrito. But maybe not. Like I said – still in my jammies.

Also if you haven’t heard of the show – you should watch America’s Next Great Restaurant on NBC. It’s like the food version of Project Runway. The owner/creator of Chipotle is one of the judges and this past week we got to see some behind-the-scenes action at Chipotle. It kind of furthered my cravings and obsession :)

Happy Monday!!

New Beginnings

Yesterday the whole family went on a little house hunting outing to see my sister and her fiancé's future apartment. The place has it’s ups and downs – but what first apartment doesn't? It’s a flat above a three car garage so it’s small and cozy/tight depending on how you look at it. BUT it’s on a beautiful private estate. The people who own the property raise sheep and have two dogs and have an apple orchard. And they rent out the huge barn-turned-house on the property. The people who live in the barn have two horses in the front field – both of which will be having babies this spring!! It is a beautiful estate, a great location for Kay and Bucky, and the landlords are such nice people.

I am so happy for them.

We’ve been planning and day dreaming out paint colors, curtains, and furniture layout ever since. We’re imagining their bedding, their shower curtain, their dishes, etc. in the apartment. It’s really exciting. Bucky will move in mid-May after we clean and paint and then before we know it the wedding will be here and she’ll have moved out of the house. Crazy.

They met, became friends, started dating about two months later, got engaged about a year later, and now here we are. By the time they actually have the apartment they’ll have known each other for two full years. I remember the first time she introduced him to me. And now they’re getting married. My how time flies…

I'm getting really excited.

These are from this past January when we were in Disney World… In a few months we’ll be taking this picture at the wedding!!

When you know, you know…

 

Ya know when you just know? You just have this feeling that something is right or true or forever? And even though everything in your body might be fighting you to believe it and place your trust in it, you do anyways? Because you just know?

“They” always say “you just know”… “when you know, you know”

 

For a long time I think I’ve known but I’ve let too many other things form a huge BUT in my brain.

Tonight there was no but. And tomorrow I may feel a ‘but’ or a ‘well what if’ because the feelings of this day have passed. But right now I just know. There is no doubt in my mind.

I know I may get hurt, I know I will feel pain, I know I will cry, laugh, scream, sing, mourn, and rejoice. I know it won’t be easy and I know there are no guarantees. But none of that matters.

Tonight I just know.

Some things seem like they’re going to be forever and then they come to an abrupt halt and make us question everything we thought we knew.

And then there are other things that we know will only be for a time. So we soak in everything we can and store it away for the time when it’s passed.

Other things we hold onto out of fear of losing them. If we keep it close, we’ll have more to remember once it’s gone.

Some things we keep at bay. If it’s distant it’ll be easier to let go of. It won’t hurt as bad or won’t be as terrible if it wasn’t so important in the first place.

And sometimes we do them all. Our head tells us to keep our distance, but our heart tells us to soak up every second we have. Our heart tells us to keep it close because it could be gone in an instant, but our head tells us we shouldn’t get involved at all for that very reason.

I’ve felt all of this. I’ve done all of this.

But tonight none of that seemed to matter or apply. Tonight everything else just slipped away and for some odd reason I could place total trust, belief, and faith on one thing. I had no worries, no insecurities, no fears.

I just knew. And the only thing I could do was cry.

I doubted “them” when they said I’d just know. I thought it was ridiculous. But not anymore.

Now I know.

Spring Explosion!!

So today was my first day of work by myself. Before today I've been at the front desk with the receptionist being trained. Today I moved to the little corner office with the large window that looks out front and a large window behind me that looks down the hallway (AKA someone is potentially always watching me - little bit creepy). And my job is to work on projects that my boss brings in and answer the phones so the receptionist can do the things she's supposed to do. I'm the relief receptionist on tuesdays and thursdays.

Well my friends - the phone rang about five times an hour on average. And I stuffed and labeled and sealed about 100 envelopes. And I scoured Yahoo's homepage for something not depressing to read. And then I sat. And the morning went by really really fast BUT it's silent. I don't talk to anyone and no one really talks to me. I like quiet time to myself. But I also love being around my friends and family. So I thought I would love the quiet - but it makes me so bored and sleepy. And then when I get out I nearly explode - in a good way. I'm Chatty Kathy and super happy. I'm sure my family loves that - HAH!! Anyways I'm sure once I get into a routine they'll give me more projects and it will be totally fine. At least I hope so :) Being busy helps the time go by faster...

When I got out of work and it was WARM OUTSIDE. THANK YOU LORD FOR SPRING!!! I put all four of my windows down, drove a little too fast on the back country roads, blasted my Dave Matthews and had not a care in the world. I'm now gonna go for a walk and soak in some Vitamin D. Ah.

I love working.
I love working the day shift.
I love getting out of work in the afternoon.
I love this fabulous warm weather.

Also.
I love getting a pay check.

Amen?

Bandwagon Wednesday: Karen Kingsbury

I have always loved to read. Most of all, I love to read stories. When I was in elementary school I loved to read mysteries and I read the Little House books… In middle school I read the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, books by Meg Cabot, and eventually was introduced to the world of Christian Fiction. In high school I was recommended a book by Karen Kingsbury and since that day I have not ever refused a book of hers. I bawl, I laugh, I can’t put them down – they’re that good.

My favorite books by her are about the Baxter Family – The Redemption Series, The First Born Series, and The Sunrise Series. They are phenomenal. And there are so many books. Its like a month long or (depending on your reading speed/free time) summer long movie. I highly recommend them.

For Christmas I got Take Two from her Above the Line Series – my mom didn’t realize it was the second book... I also got a Border’s gift certificate and was able to buy Take One in the Philly Airport before we left for Disney this past January. When I got home I bought Take Three…. and then the semester started and my reading time became non-existent. On Monday when Mark and I were in Barnes & Nobles I stopped by the Christian Fiction section, but they didn’t have many of Karen’s books. I was surprised because they usually have at least one of everything. Then as we were walking out they had a whole table of Christian Fiction 50% off – and there sat Take Four. I was so happy that I found it and SO happy it was on sale!!!

Bailey Flanigan was a minor character in the Baxter Family books, was a more prominent character in the Above the Line Series, and now has her own series!!! I have always loved Bailey and will be reading her series next. I can’t wait!!

Karen Kingsbury is a phenomenal author and if you’re in need of new reading material you should definitely try her out. I would recommend Between Sundays, Shades of Blue, and Ocean’s Apart- they’re the stand alones that I’ve read. Between Sundays was the first book I ever read by her and like I said before, I was hooked. The other two (Shades and Oceans) seemed a bit harder to get into… But that may have just been because I read them after the Redemption, First Born, and Sunrise series and was in Baxter withdrawal… There are so many more that I haven’t read… but I have my whole life so I’m in no rush :)

As I mentioned in Monday’s post when referring to the Bachelor – I love happy endings. And the Christian fiction novels that I began reading were all about people meeting, falling in love, trial, blessing, and God’s ordination and control in their lives. They were happy ending books.  The individuals may get married and end up happy, but also have profound life changing experiences that deepen their faith. These books were romantic but also challenging and I loved the stories.  God calls us to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer” Romans 12:12. I think that Karen Kingsbury really explores the way that Christians can and do live this out as they face trials in their own lives.

You can find out more about Karen Kingsbury HERE. She is also on Facebook and Twitter.

E-mail me if you have read or do read any of her stuff! I’d love to hear what you think!

A little bit of both worlds…

First of all – THE BACHELOR. Brad and Emily. Happily Ever After. I teared up. It was sappy and pathetic. I really hope they get married!!! AND I loved her pink dress. She is so classy, so poised, Ah. Love them.


As I  mentioned yesterday, Mark came today and we went thrifting!! We hit four thrift stores this afternoon AKA The Thrifting Extravaganza. The one place has kind of become a dump because someone new took it over and they accept any/all donations  and everything is dumped anywhere BUT there is really unique furniture and random stuff. I got a small footstool that I am going to make over as the ottoman to match the chair I got a few weeks ago… pictured here. There was no price tag on it so the man sold it to me for $3!! I was really really happy and I’m looking forward to giving it a makeover once I get paid and can go to JoAnn’s… Mark also found a throwback Denver Broncos strap back hat. He almost had a cow. Evidently they’re back in style and aren’t too cheap. He got it for $1.50 and on Amazon they’re $30.00. Needless to say he was no longer bored to be on my outing but was actually excited about the treasures waiting to be discovered. Which makes me excited. It’s nice to introduce something new to him that we both enjoy doing…  and we enjoy doing together…

Tonight he is going to help me fill out my NCAA March Madness Brackett – because evidently “It’s the girls who know nothing that always do the best”… and that’s me!! I get the game and I know Duke but other than I’m kind of a “do we want the team in red to win or the team in white to win?” girl… And I’m ok with that :)

Thrifting is part of my world. and College Basketball part of is his. I had a great day…

Also… We found a bunch of canes and so I had to take this picture…. Harnessing his inner Scott Disick - Haha! The elderly people running the store probably thought we were loco…


I’ll take pictures of my ottoman as I go through the makeover process. Hopefully I’ll be able to finish that project in the next week or so…. I’m really excited about this… It’ll be my first real project… Here goes nothin!! Do you have any advice for me?