Have they deactivated my blog yet?

I know, I know.

I've neglected this blog. One thing I said I would never do.

But shh-life happens, and here we are. 10 millions days later from the last post and really - I have nothing new to say. 

I'm still in school, still working 10 jobs (okay, 3) and I'm still alive & kicking. 

I can't believe it's December already. Christmas is right around the corner and I don't feel too prepared at all. I put Christmas lights up last weekend, and that's the most "holiday-ish" thing I've done lately. 

I haven't even watched a Christmas movie yet. 

Tragic. 

Lately, my life has consisted of working and going to school. And sleeping for a max of 4 hrs every night.  

!?$%^*&@#$! 

But one thing I know, there is grace for me in this crazy season. And that's the promise I hold onto when I feel like things are starting to fall apart and I feel like pulling my hair out. 

Thank God for grace. 

Serve;

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

Where can I serve? Where can I be useful? Where can I volunteer my time?

*Important questions to ask yourself.

Babys Mocs.

Every now and then, I'll wander around the kid section at consignment/thrift shops and looks for good deals. Yep. I'm that girl. The girl who thinks about her future home, her future shop that she'll own, her future husband and her future kids. 

Those are some of the important things in life to me. 

And so - if I see something that I know in a few years I'm going absolutely need, I'll get it now. Why pass up a good offer when it's readily available to you? 

Those Minnetonka Moccasins were $4. 

FOUR DOLLARS.

Of course I bought them for my kids that I don't have yet...

;)

Election Day.

This morning, I came across this passage. And it spoke volumes to me, especially on such an important day like today - Election Day. 

No matter what passes or who becomes president... the choice to love the world should remain a constant thing. 

Reading this, I'm reminded that Jesus sat down with people who weren't like him, spent quality time with them, valued them and spoke truth & love to them. Emphasis on people who weren't like him. 

If you call yourself a Christian, don't get so caught up in who you think should win this election that you forget to love the people who don't think the same as you.

Don't get me wrong - I'm grateful for the power behind voting. I voted. And I strongly stand behind who and what I voted for.  But no matter who wins & what passes, the only way lasting change will come to this world is when we will take the time to love the people around us.

Happy Election Day!

Ho Hey!

Guys. Yes, I'm late to the "We Love The Lumineers" Party.... but I'm now on board.

I love this song. And I found a cover that I love as well.

Happy to share it with you!

Xo.

cute things to decorate your tree!

Holiday season has arrived at my job... and I'm SUPER happy about it.

Loving these cute new ornaments!

            

What are your favorite holiday things?

hello there lovely home.

Sometimes I just need to be reminded of how cool I want my house to be...

...Alright. I'm reminded. 

follow me on: pinterest!

Where has time gone?

I think the older I get, the more I realize that time quickly passes. I remember when I was a kid, it seemed like my day took forever, and my birthday wouldn't be here until 10 years passed, and Christmas... well, that was just never ever everrrrrrr going to hurry and get here. Now, it's only in a matter of minutes that it's a holiday, another season passes and one comes to replace it, my birthday comes and goes and age is nothing but another number... you know, times flies. 

And I don't like that. 

But it's inevitable, with every passing second... time, well, passes. But today, I've thought a lot about making those seconds count for all they're worth. Why not? What do I have to lose but time? There is something in the art (yes, I do believe that it's an art nowadays) of slowing down, smelling the flowers, listening to the wind, stopping to actually talk/listen to someone, etc. It just feels good. 

I never want to forget how valuable time is. My time, your time, their time... time. I'm currently in a busy season of life, but I don't want to look back at it and not remember it because I let it fly by. I've challenged myself to take notes of things happening, to write letters, to meet with people for coffee (yes, face to face dates and actually conversing with real life people - what a concept), to go for long walks without my phone in hand, to sit and watch nature, to enjoy the peace and quiet of driving w/o my ipod playing...

It's lovely. 

Never forget to slow down. It's valuable and I seriously believe it's necessary for our own well being. 

Take the time people.. 

Rainy Mondays.

Let's be honest. Life can get pretty boring... and I feel like I'm in a boring season. 

I mean, I've stayed busy and I'm working my butt off because I just started school - but today I was thinking, "Dang, nothing exciting has happened lately." 

Then I decided I'd look through my photos and was quickly reminded that, actually, though semi-non eventful, I've got a lot to be grateful for and happy about. 

When I was in 7th grade, I decided that I wanted to paint my room bright green & pink. Yes. It looked like a watermelon. I remember my mom trying to talk me out of it, and I wish I would've listened to her. (It's true - moms are ALWAYS right!) In high school, I ended up in a different room in the house and just recently moved back to the watermelon room. After a year of putting up with the horrid colors, I decided it was about time to paint. 

And here's the end result.

Peace. Calm. And a good night's rest. 

I get to nanny the coolest child in the world. 

This is my friend, in the middle of trying to fake laugh so that I could get a non-awkward smiling photo of her. Still awkward, Mad. Haha. 

I work with a company called The Invisible Hostess - my favoritest job in the world!!!! I asked these two lovely people to come on board with us and lookie here - I got to work an event with these ladies! Ash & MacKenna - you guys were amazing! 

Look at our little Seahawks baby. She was pretty happy about that victory over the Patriots yesterday. 

First time at RockBox and I LOVED it. Such a fun thing... and no, I didn't karaoke, I just sat around and enjoyed everyone else. I'm not much of a singer, though I like to think I can...

And yes. Molly Moons for the win. Love their seasonal Coconut Chunk! YUMMO.

Those are my random thoughts on this rainy Monday. 

Xo. 

nothing short of an adventure.

{i remind myself of this when i feel tired}

Morning, Interepputed.

So I'm house-sitting this week. 

All is well. Nothing to complain about.

I'm getting ready to leave for work, walk out the front door and am greeted by a busted car window.

And my backpack stolen out of the car.

Out of the car, that's not mine.

And if that wasn't too much for me at 6:30 in the morning..

I go to try and start my car,

andddddd nothing happens.

Perfect.

Sometimes, our mornings get interrupted and we have to learn how to choose joy instead of wanting to wring someone's neck. 

It took me awhile. 

Ok, scratch that. 

It's taking me awhile. 

God bless the person who broke a window with a cement block, to steal a backpack that has nothing in it but my school notes. 

Maybe they'll learn something about skincare. Or just find my backpack a piece of crap and throw it back on the front yard.

Happy Thursday, hope yours started out better than mine!

Happy Birthday!!!

BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT TO TWO OF MY BESTIES. 

Rosie & Mad - I'm soooo happy you were born! I celebrate you :)

A quick hello!

It's late, and I have to be up at the crack of dawn...

but there's nothing worse than a neglected blog. So, hello!

I swear September just started. October is quickly approaching, and I seriously don't feel at all ready for the onslaught of fall festivities {i feel like they all start in Oct}. 

And, I don't like not feeling ready for fall fun. 

Fall is my absolute favorite - and because of all the craziness going on in my life, I don't feel like I've had a chance to breathe in all things fall. 

So after long days like these, I have to remind myself that the busy-ness is only for a season, and it's necessary. 

I just recently started school and I'm absolutely LOVING it. I mean... let me give you a little taste of what my school is like:

Get to class.

Have some skin theory lectures.

Then for the rest of the time, we practice facials & massages techniques on each other. 

Talk about some serious relaxation. It's awesome. 

So there you have it. 

A little update. 

Nothing too cray cray but it's been busy. 

Oh wait. Yes, one crazy thing. The other day, I was going 70 on the freeway (shh, don't tell the SPD) and a crow, from God knows where, flew right into my windshield. I was shaken up the whole day.

That poor bird. 

Ok. Goodnight. Xo. 

gratitude, thank you's and the little things in life.

This morning, I woke up with gratefulness on my mind. 

Someone on Facebook posted, "I woke up this morning. Grateful for that." 

Seriously. I took a breath this morning. I hugged my mom this morning. I got into a warm shower this morning. I drove down the street in my well-working car. I got a good report from the doctor this morning. 

I'm alive. 

When I think about the crappy things in my life, it really doesn't get me down compared to the amount of things God has been so faithful to bless me with. 

Couple things I'm particularly grateful for:

1. My school. Ah! I couldn't have asked for a better school to go to..

2. My parents. Out of all the s%$! I put them through - they haven't killed me yet. And surprisingly still really love me. 

3. My caring and loving and sometimes, crazy sibs. Michael, Reese, Dee, Gloria, Lil ... you guys are amazing. 

4. Coffee. Seriously. Whenever I'm having a tough day, coffee is my rescue. Okay, you're right... coffee is my rescue at every second of the day. But nevertheless, I'm grateful for it. 

5. The smell of fall. It's the little things in life people. 

Those are just a couple things. 

What are you grateful for? 

Write them down. Shout them from the rooftops. Send someone a thank you card. Do something to keep your gratitude at a constant high. 

Xo.

Dooooo the Puyalluppppp

If you know anything about me, you know that I absolutely

L-O-V-E the local fair. 

For you non-Washingtonians, The Puyallup Fair is a big deal for us up here. At least it was and is for me. As a child, I couldn't wait until September got here. 

It meant "doin' the Puyallup." 

And even though I'm not a kid anymore... I still feel that way. With no shame. 

Fair. Scones. I HEART YOU. 

yes... i know i can make you at home. but something about buying you freshly made, at the fair. i could easily eat 10 of you.

i wanted this little piglet! i'd call him polka. 

HOLY ELEPHANT EAR. My word. 

Something about eating fair food, at a fair, cancels out all calories in my mind. As long as I'm at the fair, everything is free for all. No guilt, no nothin. Anyone else feel that way? 

This year, they started to make the elephant ears somewhat healthy. Whole wheat flour, good oil... Ok. Not that different, but it makes me feel even WAY better about eating it. Hah! 

Oh... Fair, I love you. You're one of my favorite ways to start the fall season! I can't wait until next time :)

Oh. And after the fair, I found these cowboy boots and fell in love. In recent times, I've realized I was made for the country life. I want these boots.

Then I'll feel official. *sighhh

I've been drooling over Frye boots ever since I can remember. 

And I'm on the verge of just breaking into my savings & buying a pair.

A well worth it investment ... I think. 

I just won't eat, drink coffee or buy anything else for a couple months ;) 

*Sighh. 

Let The Journey Begin

I started school this past Wednesday! And I'm LOVING it. I know, I know - I'm in the "honeymoon" phase of school .... BUT, I find myself so intrigued & passionate about the things that we talk about - all things skin care! 

I have to remind myself to not get ahead of myself - I find myself wanting to own my own shop, be a waxing queen & create skin care products. Those are some of my goals in life regarding skin care. 

Exciting times, people! Exciting times!

New things! Exciting things!

I love food.

I love to try new foods.

When I say I'm not a picky eater, I really mean it. 

And, with some help from my friends (their encouragement & constant teasing at my overwhelming amount of food pictures) - I've started a blog, completely dedicated to great Seattle eats. 

206 Grubbin, baby!

I fell in LOVE.

This past weekend was probably one of my favorites of the summer. 

I went to my first ever rodeo, and found myself wishing that it wasn't my first... 

I sat there watching all the little kids around me thinking how cool it was that they grow up going to things like this. Yeah, call me a little emo, but seriously - I was semi-jealous of their upbringings. Haha. 

And so now, I'm inspired to marry a cowboy, live on a farm & take my future kids to rodeos. 

Who would have ever thought, right?

{Ellensburg Rodeo}

Theme for Sunday was Tough Enough to Wear Pink {for breast cancer} .

And after seeing this momma hen & her chicks, I decided that I really miss the chickens that I used to have, and want to have more!!! 

And then on our way home, Tyson decided that we should hike up Rattlesnake Ridge to watch the sunset. Unfortunately, the sun was setting on the other side of the mountain, but we still got a pretty amazing view! 

Love these people. Love this hike. 

My weekend was amazing folks!

I'm still recovering. My poor feet are as well. I feel like I've been non-stop since Friday night! 

Tomorrow is a much needed day off... thank the Good Lord.