Cheers to 2013

I have never been one to go crazy about NYE. However, my sentimental nature absolutely loves reflecting on what I have learned this year, and what I want next year to be like. In the words of the great Taylor Swift, "you can plan for a change in the weather and time..." Other than that, it is completely unexpected what will happen in 2014. I have big goals. I have small goals. However, the goals aren't really that important. If you think about it, the top goals made on NYD are rarely met. Why? In my opinion, the reason is obvious. People don't think about and plan for the steps and daily tasks that will need to happen in order to get to that goal. I have been reading a lot of Emily Ley's blogs and her friend Lara, and a common theme seems to really be tugging at me: making things happen.

I have learned so much this year in my own life, and from others' lives as well. I am continuing to learn these things. I do not have it all together by any means, but I have had moments where the light bulb just came o and these truths became so evident.  Here are some highlights of that.

• Invest in a marriage, not a wedding.
• Communication is everything.
• Your words matter. Think carefully before you speak, text, tweet, email, etc. You never know who you are impacting with your words. 
• Friends will let you down, and sometimes, their words and actions will really hurt you. Forgive them. Whether they even know it or not. 
• Comparison is the thief of joy.
• Let go of things you cannot change. And stop trying to mold yourself into someone else's idea of what you should be.
• Social Media can be a wonderful thing. Are you using it wisely? If it were posted on a billboard, would you be proud or embarrassed? Again- your words matter.
• Love. Love with all you have.
• Work hard. You can take a break later.
• The only thing stopping you from being great is what sits on your shoulders.
• Don't wait for permission or acceptance. Just do it. ( unless it's with your husband ;) )
• You become the average of the 5 people you interact with the most. Choose Wisely.
• Failure is not a word in your vocabulary.

My goals for 2014 are broad. Each month I am going to focus on specific goals within each in hopes that I continue to grow. The past few weeks I have spent a lot of time thinking about a verse that would tie everything from 2013 to my goals of 2014 and this one keeps coming to mind. I have placed it where I will see it every day in hopes that I will constantly be reminded:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you O Lord... Psalm 19:14 

In 2014 I plan:

• To continue to learn.
• To invest in my marriage.
• To invest in relationships.
• To be intentional.
• To live a life of loyalty, integrity, and hard work. 

Circling back to my intro, I saw this quote on Lara's blog about making things happen. It is such a great motivation to me! I made it all cute and whatnot on an app.

 

Cheers to 2013, let's do this 2014! 

Pressing Pause

For the next thirty or however long it takes me to type this minutes, I am just going to press pause on life. Technically you can't do that, but I just want to sit and enjoy this past week/weekend. As I have mentioned before, I have been going through a really hard time these past two months. Yes, I know it could always be worse, and I am so grateful for this crazy life. But I just couldn't shake the funk I have been in. And let me tell you, this week has definitely been an answered prayer.

Patrick has officially been extended a transfer offer. Um, can I get a "PTL!!!" This has been such a weight lifted off our hearts. Traveling two hours 4-5 times a week has been really hard on us as a couple. Not only has it impacted us financially, but emotionally as well. I will actually get to see him, and we can both look at house together! As soon as he told me, I literally dropped the phone and started crying. It was that big of a deal.

Lila finally had her hip(s) surgery. Man, it's been pitiful watching her lay there absolutely helpless. I know it will be worth it in the end, but it's been a challenge!

We went to a Christmas party Friday night, and I am so glad that we did! Patrick made a few friends, and I got to catch up with some that I rarely get to see! Moving to a state where you know a very few amount of people can be difficult. So, I was really happy that Pat got that opportunity to meet people he has things in common with!!

I got my new Emily Ley planner in the mail! It is SO worth the money and wait. It is perfect for work and life!

Here is to appreciating the next few days, and taking time to realize what truly matters most!

Weekend Recap

This weekend was a blast! It was full of everything that I love most!

 

 I got to spend some quality time with one of my dearest and oldest friends, Jordyn.




We ran the Nashville Rudolph's Red Nose 5k. Well, we ran a little and laughed a lot.

Oh, Patrick graduated! Woohoo!!!! I am so excited about this next chapter in our lives. And want to know what is even better? I get to spend every evening with him this week! Talk about a blessing!

 

 

Cheers to a New Year Part 2

April, May, and June. The most jam-packed months all year.
Joining the Link up with the gals on the button at the bottom!

April:

My birthday month. Big 2-3. 

First time I had ran 8 miles.

Engagement pictures. In the rain. 

 

My Matron of Honor's (Bailey) bridal shower. 

We go to the Jason Aldean, Jake Owen, and TR concert in Knoxville. 

 

 

Caroline, maid of honor, buys her first home! I wasn't directly a part of this, but it definitely was worth recapping!! What a huge accomplishment!

Taryn and I start planning Bailey's bachelorette. 

May:

I went to Philly for a training for my future work. Loved the history of this city, so fascinating. 

My friend Jordyn and I decided to run our first half marathon in September.

I graduated college, Cum Laude. 

Started my career the following Monday. 

Bailey's Bachelorette.

 

June:

Bailey gets married.  

2 Minute Microwave Fudge

Yes, you read that correctly. Here is my favorite, quick & easy fudge recipe. And, it is literally fool proof. It may not be the most nutritional food I will ever put on here, but it is so yummy!

Ingredients:

3 2/3 cups of Confectioners Sugar
1/2 cup of Hershey's Cocoa
1/4 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Butter (1 Stick, I use 1/2 stick to save some calories)
1 Tablespoon Vanilla

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except vanilla into a large microwavable bowl. Cook for 2 minutes in microwave. Stir ingredients until smooth. Blend Vanilla into mixture. Spread into a pan lined with foil. I put mine in the refrigerator to cool. 

Tips:

If the sugar seems to be more "clumpy" than fine, sifting before microwaving may help smooth the sugar so it blends better.

You can also make this however thick or thin you like by how thin you spread into the pan. If you like thicker fudge, then do not spread it as thin.

Cheers to a New Year!

Joining a new link-up series. I love link-ups. It is refreshing to do something other than what you are in a routine of doing! Joining several ladies today, you can check out all the hosts at Peach State of Mind! This link up is all about recapping the year 2013, in a not so overwhelming way. What an awesome idea!

This week's focus is on January, February, and March!

January:

Oh my. Does anyone else feel like this was ages ago?!

1. We started our last semester (me)/year (Pat) of college.
2. We officially moved back to TN from school, to commute for the remainder of time there. Thank goodness.
3. We went to Seattle! This was Pat's Christmas present, since he hadn't been home in almost 5 years! We had so much fun, and Seattle is such a cool city to visit.
4. This is also the month I started my weight loss journey. Which I haven't really talked about, but I have wanted to really sit down and lay it all out there. Maybe this link up will be a great way to show my journey!

 

February:

1. I started running.
2. Nothing much exciting happened in February, other than wedding planning.
3. Oh, I had lost 5 pounds by the end of February. 

March:  

1. March was full of group projects and lots of coffee.
2. It was also the first time I had ever ran more than 3 miles. Woohoo. 

I am excited for next week's link up. Those months had a LOT of fun things happening in them!!

these are a few of my favorite things

Head on over to their blogs, and check out everyone's great gift ideas! I have had such a fun time looking at everything that has been posted. It has given me a lot of great ideas, and made this holiday shopping a little easier! Thanks ladies, can't wait for future link ups!

cheers y'all

down with the dearmores

This week's last, and in my opinion best, link up features a few of my favorite things <$100 that are perfect to share with family and friends! I like finding great deals on gifts. Inexpensive, but suit the person you are shopping for. Being a newlywed and recent college graduate, budget is always on my mind!

Here is a list of a few items that I absolutely love, and they make awesome *inexpensive* gifts for friends!

 

anthropologie mugs // these are perfect for friends and relatives. I saw these on the first linkup, and just knew I had to get a few! They are $8-10.

maybooks // perfect gift for the organizational minded friend is small enough for a purse but big enough to be useful! And they are under $20.

candle // No one can go wrong with a candle! And this scent is so yummy! Again, only $20!

pea coat  // got this nice pea coat for the hubs for Christmas! Originally 250, on sale for 79.99, plus 20% off and free shipping, total $64!

anything nfl related // come on, that's a given! 

What are some of your favorite gifts that you love to share with family and friends?!

Did you catch my stocking stuffer and favorite things posts? Check them out for other holiday gift ideas!

Long Weekend Recap

This long, four day weekend is just what I needed. I have been so overwhelmed lately. Sometimes in life it's hard to admit you've been struggling. At least, that is how I am. My closest friends didn't even know that I have been going through a tough time. It wasn't one particular thing, but an accumulation of things that were just beating me down. I recently saw a picture on Pinterest, and it was just what I needed to hear: Have you prayed about it as much as you have talked about it? Bam. Facepalm.

With that being said, this weekend was one where I just got to breathe. And I needed it. I feel refreshed, and ready to take on the rest of the year.

I went "Black Friday Shopping" with my mom on Friday. We started at 9 am and went until about 12:30. We aren't hardcore, at all. Just really went for fun, not really to buy TVs and get black eyes. I ended up purchasing a few things on my registry that were left over with some gift card money. Hello Fiesta Canisters!

 

I got all three of them, plus our Libbey 16 pc Glassware set for $130! I saved $157! Thank you Kohls.  I also purchased our first ornament as a married couple. I have looked essentially everywhere for the perfect one. I saw one on Coton Colors website, and I just didn't want to pay $25 for it plus shipping. Well, we went to a little boutique here locally in town, and I found the one I wanted and they were having a 20% off sale. Oh, and she offered to personalize it at no charge! Just because I was so nice to her! Um, thank you!!!!

 

And just for fun, here is the sweetest dog in all the land. She loved helping decorate for Christmas.