How do you feel about shopping online? How about shopping for clothing online? I normally like to try things on so it always makes me a little nervous to buy things online.
However, I have recently been introduced to three websites (through this blog) that sell modest, fashionable clothing. And let me tell you... I am IN love. I want so much of it. I am trying to resist, to remind myself that I am on a budget, to wait and ask for some of it for my Birthday or for Christmas.
But seriously... this or this or this. How cute?!?!?
Ok, so what are these sites? Here you go:
1) Shade Clothing
2) DownEast Basics
3) Tabeez
So, what do you think? Are you going (virtual) shopping with me?
9.30.2009
End of the Year
Ok, so it isn't Dec 31st. But here at the job our program year runs from October 1st - September 30th of the following year.
Well, today is Sept 30th.
The big question is... did I make my goals?
I am happy to announce that YES I in fact did make my goals! :-) They'll keep me around a little big longer I guess.
Happy Wednesday all!
Well, today is Sept 30th.
The big question is... did I make my goals?
I am happy to announce that YES I in fact did make my goals! :-) They'll keep me around a little big longer I guess.
Happy Wednesday all!
9.29.2009
Happiness!
Over on this blog, Jennifer Lynn shared with us her love for dancing and then asked... "What makes you happy?" And of course -- challenged us with "Go! Do it!" I thought I would take some of that challenge.
What makes me happy?
Today, it was this picture on cat.com:
-- dancing, especially when no one is watching
-- my new work out routine with Shawna (fastest hour spent of my day)
-- organizing photos
-- hopping into bed each night
-- wearing hoodies in the fall
-- music, especially David Crowder's new song ("How He Loves Us"); Jeremy Camp's newest ("There Will Be a Day"), Josh Wilson's new album-- go and get it!
-- Reading my Bible each morning and having the Holy Spirit speak to me each morning
I like simple pleasures... they make life worth living. I hope you have small pleasures that bring a smile to your face. What are they? Do you wish to share it with me?
What makes me happy?
Today, it was this picture on cat.com:
-- dancing, especially when no one is watching
-- my new work out routine with Shawna (fastest hour spent of my day)
-- organizing photos
-- hopping into bed each night
-- wearing hoodies in the fall
-- music, especially David Crowder's new song ("How He Loves Us"); Jeremy Camp's newest ("There Will Be a Day"), Josh Wilson's new album-- go and get it!
-- Reading my Bible each morning and having the Holy Spirit speak to me each morning
I like simple pleasures... they make life worth living. I hope you have small pleasures that bring a smile to your face. What are they? Do you wish to share it with me?
9.28.2009
Singleness
Overall I don't mind being single. Yea I have my moments where I think "my life will be completed if I only had ...a boyfriend ...a husband ...a wedding to plan ... children."
But then I remember all the awesome things you get to do as a single:
- spend money how I want to without consulting anyone
- go one trips with the girls (hello Disney, Tennessee, Maine, etc)
- drop everything to go and see a friend
- the joy of knowing I can do it!
- choosing to go back to school
- getting all the Introverted time I need
- decorating my room how I want
- not having to cook dinner every night (I have a very limited number of dishes I can make)
Sure, life isn't perfect in either boat. But I like where God has me. I read this quote quite some time ago... but it always makes me laugh.
It always makes me think, too... Let's celebrate being single! Or for that matter, celebrate where God has you! It is by no mistake you are there.
"Think about it. If you are single, after graduation there isn't one occasion where people celebrate you... Hallmark doesn't make a "congratulations, you didn't marry the wrong guy" card. And where's the flatware for going on vacation alone?" --Carrie, SATC
** Disclaimer: I am not a SATC fan, but the quote is great!
But then I remember all the awesome things you get to do as a single:
- spend money how I want to without consulting anyone
- go one trips with the girls (hello Disney, Tennessee, Maine, etc)
- drop everything to go and see a friend
- the joy of knowing I can do it!
- choosing to go back to school
- getting all the Introverted time I need
- decorating my room how I want
- not having to cook dinner every night (I have a very limited number of dishes I can make)
Sure, life isn't perfect in either boat. But I like where God has me. I read this quote quite some time ago... but it always makes me laugh.
It always makes me think, too... Let's celebrate being single! Or for that matter, celebrate where God has you! It is by no mistake you are there.
"Think about it. If you are single, after graduation there isn't one occasion where people celebrate you... Hallmark doesn't make a "congratulations, you didn't marry the wrong guy" card. And where's the flatware for going on vacation alone?" --Carrie, SATC
** Disclaimer: I am not a SATC fan, but the quote is great!
9.24.2009
Glee!
Ok, I am going to admit it. I love the new show Glee. I can't help it! Is it ridiculous? YES! Is it far-fetched and unrealistic? YES! But are the dance numbers awesome! YES! And, are the parodies they make hilarious? YES!
So, I love it. And DVR it so I can watch the dance numbers over and over.
Really, I am 12 at heart. I have mentioned that before, right?
Anyway, here are a couple of the songs/numbers that have me on the edge of my seat...
What about you? Do you like Glee? Have you given it a shot?
So, I love it. And DVR it so I can watch the dance numbers over and over.
Really, I am 12 at heart. I have mentioned that before, right?
Anyway, here are a couple of the songs/numbers that have me on the edge of my seat...
What about you? Do you like Glee? Have you given it a shot?
9.22.2009
In earnest prayer...
Today and yesterday have been those type of days where I am just overwhelmed, tired and could throw myself a big old pity party. I have thought to myself repeatedly, "thank goodness I am a Christian and know that hope lies somewhere else than in this world and that He can provide me with more comfort than anything on this Earth, because if not I would be reaching for the bottle... or something else to comfort myself." YES! ME! Even though I don't like alcohol all that much, and see no point in "drowning your sorrows."
But then I am reminded that my problems are nothing compared to others on this Earth. There are people who aren't healthy, who don't have all of their family healthy, who are suffering more than my mere annoyances. I am fed, have a roof over my head at home AND at work, I get to choose my occupation and where I worship, I have freedom and liberty.
And more than that, my small, petty problems compared to other here are on Earth are nothing to my BIG, GREAT GOD who can do anything!
I found this blog and was brought to my knees for this family. Pray for them, that if God would choose to, to heal Sara and bring her back to her newborn. But if not, that He would be glorified and her family comforted. Pray they would turn to God in the midst of all of this, and that all of us, no matter how big or small would turn to God.
But then I am reminded that my problems are nothing compared to others on this Earth. There are people who aren't healthy, who don't have all of their family healthy, who are suffering more than my mere annoyances. I am fed, have a roof over my head at home AND at work, I get to choose my occupation and where I worship, I have freedom and liberty.
And more than that, my small, petty problems compared to other here are on Earth are nothing to my BIG, GREAT GOD who can do anything!
I found this blog and was brought to my knees for this family. Pray for them, that if God would choose to, to heal Sara and bring her back to her newborn. But if not, that He would be glorified and her family comforted. Pray they would turn to God in the midst of all of this, and that all of us, no matter how big or small would turn to God.
9.18.2009
Long Way Off...
But, I still am confronted with the home school vs. public school discussion. Mainly because homeschooling seems to be such a popular option amongst my subset of conservative, evangelical Christian friends.
I, however, tend to be the "liberal" one who seems to swim upstream.
I think I want to send my children to public school. I went, I survived... and hey, that's even where I found Christ (or more accurately, He found me!). I think there are invaluable experiences to be had there and I think it is important for Christians to learn how to be light in a very dark world.
Anyway... don't know what you think. And really, I don't know if I even care. More, I just wanted to share a very interesting article. If you have any interesting articles, please share! I am always up for reading opinions!
Read it here.
I, however, tend to be the "liberal" one who seems to swim upstream.
I think I want to send my children to public school. I went, I survived... and hey, that's even where I found Christ (or more accurately, He found me!). I think there are invaluable experiences to be had there and I think it is important for Christians to learn how to be light in a very dark world.
Anyway... don't know what you think. And really, I don't know if I even care. More, I just wanted to share a very interesting article. If you have any interesting articles, please share! I am always up for reading opinions!
Read it here.
9.17.2009
First Signs
It happened. Last night was the first official sign of Fall in my book.
As I was walking into our Wednesday night service at church I looked up and realized "it's getting dark earlier. It's only 7:30 and it is dark."
Sad.
But there are good things about the Fall.
The colors. I saw the first tree with changing leaves yesterday, too.
The football! Go Blue! Michigan has been playing pretty well! :-)
Halloween. My sweet tooth can't wait!
My birthday! I'll be 26 -- when did I get closer to 30 than 20?
What do you enjoy about fall? What is the first sign for you that summer is over and fall has begun? Have you reached it yet?
As I was walking into our Wednesday night service at church I looked up and realized "it's getting dark earlier. It's only 7:30 and it is dark."
Sad.
But there are good things about the Fall.
The colors. I saw the first tree with changing leaves yesterday, too.
The football! Go Blue! Michigan has been playing pretty well! :-)
Halloween. My sweet tooth can't wait!
My birthday! I'll be 26 -- when did I get closer to 30 than 20?
What do you enjoy about fall? What is the first sign for you that summer is over and fall has begun? Have you reached it yet?
9.14.2009
Maine
A week ago I was just getting done with my kayak trip around the Frenchman's Bay and Porcupine Island's in Bar Harbor, Maine. What a fun trip it was!
The middle picture are the islands we kayaked around.
I am so glad that Laura said we should go -- the scenery was just breathtaking. I think my favorite thing about Maine was that you didn't have to choose what was your favorite... you got the best of the mountains and the beach. And the colors! Oh my gosh -- the contrast between the browns of the rocks, the greens of the trees and blues of the ocean and sky -- WOW!The leaves weren't quite turning yet, but there were a couple of trees ahead of the game... and those only made me wonder... I am sure what I see in my mind isn't even close to what they really look like!
If you get a chance to go, I highly suggest you do! Maine was amazing! Here are some pictures:
Our amazing little inn -- nice and romantic. Oh well! I loved that the room looks exactly how I pictured the East Gable at Green Gables (and Anne lovers out there?).
The inn was quite the destination for weddings. On Sunday afternoon we watched on from our porch, and yes I of course took pictures. Sometimes I'm shameless!
There were, of course, lobsters (real and fake, the traps) EVERYWHERE! Our first night there was also the night we ate lobster. It was good -- I still prefer shrimp or crab.
9.11.2009
Things They Didn't Tell Me...
... when they hired me.
I like my job. Don't get me wrong. I am a little run down right now, but that is the time of the year.
However, there are a couple of things they didn't tell me about my job when they hired me. In no particular order, they are:
1. I am a pack mule. It is my job to cart crap from place to place.
2. I should be a mind reader. I should at all times know exactly what you want and when you want it.
3. I need to be able to kill spiders daily. Even if they give you the willies, doesn't matter. They run this building but we are slowly reclaiming it for the Girl Scouts.
4. Part of my weekly work out will be carrying boxes well over 20 pounds. Normally they are full of stuff we no long need and haven't needed for approximately 20 years.
5. Part of work wear is a parka. It is about a billion degrees BELOW frigid in my office and that is to be considered normal (not matter what time of year, hottest day of summer, frigid in my office. nice, beautiful fall/spring day, frigid in my office. cold, wet winter day, frigid in my office).
That is it for now. But if I come up with more, I'll let you know!
I like my job. Don't get me wrong. I am a little run down right now, but that is the time of the year.
However, there are a couple of things they didn't tell me about my job when they hired me. In no particular order, they are:
1. I am a pack mule. It is my job to cart crap from place to place.
2. I should be a mind reader. I should at all times know exactly what you want and when you want it.
3. I need to be able to kill spiders daily. Even if they give you the willies, doesn't matter. They run this building but we are slowly reclaiming it for the Girl Scouts.
4. Part of my weekly work out will be carrying boxes well over 20 pounds. Normally they are full of stuff we no long need and haven't needed for approximately 20 years.
5. Part of work wear is a parka. It is about a billion degrees BELOW frigid in my office and that is to be considered normal (not matter what time of year, hottest day of summer, frigid in my office. nice, beautiful fall/spring day, frigid in my office. cold, wet winter day, frigid in my office).
That is it for now. But if I come up with more, I'll let you know!
How is this possible?
Ok, so I think I have discovered a new phenomenon.
For work, I spend a lot of time on email.
But can anyone answer me this?
How is it possible that I send one email and some how 5 more appear in my Inbox.
And no, I am not even kidding. I swear to you, I get close to being at the spot I left off yesterday and then I look up again to find 5 or 6 new ones. It's like email can breed or something. Or all my volunteers are on the phone saying "send it now!"
Let me know if you have this problem, too!
For work, I spend a lot of time on email.
But can anyone answer me this?
How is it possible that I send one email and some how 5 more appear in my Inbox.
And no, I am not even kidding. I swear to you, I get close to being at the spot I left off yesterday and then I look up again to find 5 or 6 new ones. It's like email can breed or something. Or all my volunteers are on the phone saying "send it now!"
Let me know if you have this problem, too!
9.01.2009
Good Things: August!
Can anyone explain to me how it is September? If anyone could let me know how time travels so quickly, I would greatly appreciate it.
That being said, Fall seems to have arrived early here in North Carolina. We set a record low yesterday in Raleigh; our high was only 72 and that was at around noon (versus the normal 3 or 4 pm). Has Fall arrived early for any of you?
August has overall been a good month, but it had its very rough start. About mid-month I decided to "pull myself up from the boot straps" and make it good again. Just recently I read this blog post from Donald Miller (one of my favorites) and decide I did the right thing.
Here is the good stuff that August has brought:
1- Jenn and Josh arrive! Mellow Mushroom w/ Jenn, Josh, and Angela; hard part: God said to let go...
2- lunch at Carolina Ale House; hard part: all hope was dashed
3- Hanging Rock... discovered I really like being outdoorsy
4- saw Harry Potter #6
5- I didn't fall apart!
6- COLDPLAY, need I say more?
7- lunch @ Bullock's (yummy southern bbq); hard: began making a new reality
8- had a quiet morning after Jenn and Josh left
9- dinner & a movie at Amanda's
10- felt like I could handle my new reality
11- dinner w/ Stephanie at Red Robin
12- very anxious day, but this is when I decided to pull myself up by the boot straps; good thing: I didn't have to go to my all day staff meeting for work!
13- AWESOME last trip to North Hills, I got to dance like a fool!
14- Potluck Dinner, a great convo w/ Anna!
15- study date w/ Rachel
16- dinner at Brian's -- again, felt like I can handle this new reality (which is totally unrelated to Brian)
17- Jenn's B-day Surprise B-day Party :-)
18- Got everything on my "to-do list" for the day DONE!!!
19- laughter with Teal and Laurie
20- had a slow, quiet morning at home
21- worked from home; lunch w/ Rachel; Hurt Locker w/ friends
22- Productive, Introverted Day -- it was glorious!!!
23- ACTS forum -- so interesting!
24- got my computer back! now, if only I would set it up...
25- dinner w/ Anna
26- Finished work registrations!!! Was able to say "I feel blessed to be single right now." (and I meant it!)
27- saw God's hand at work, He is just allowing things to fall into place and allowing me to continue to succeed!
28- Pei Wei with Katy & Kris; didn't feel stellar so I napped for a while
29- fun, chill hang out time at Amanda's
30- met Reed's mom who is a HOOT! :-)
31- felt crummy, but was still able to be semi-productive
So there you have it! I am working on a post about hope and what it has looked like for me this month; I plan on being pretty dang open with it so maybe some of what I have said here will make more sense.
Hope you August was stellar! Enjoy the Fall weather!
That being said, Fall seems to have arrived early here in North Carolina. We set a record low yesterday in Raleigh; our high was only 72 and that was at around noon (versus the normal 3 or 4 pm). Has Fall arrived early for any of you?
August has overall been a good month, but it had its very rough start. About mid-month I decided to "pull myself up from the boot straps" and make it good again. Just recently I read this blog post from Donald Miller (one of my favorites) and decide I did the right thing.
Here is the good stuff that August has brought:
1- Jenn and Josh arrive! Mellow Mushroom w/ Jenn, Josh, and Angela; hard part: God said to let go...
2- lunch at Carolina Ale House; hard part: all hope was dashed
3- Hanging Rock... discovered I really like being outdoorsy
4- saw Harry Potter #6
5- I didn't fall apart!
6- COLDPLAY, need I say more?
7- lunch @ Bullock's (yummy southern bbq); hard: began making a new reality
8- had a quiet morning after Jenn and Josh left
9- dinner & a movie at Amanda's
10- felt like I could handle my new reality
11- dinner w/ Stephanie at Red Robin
12- very anxious day, but this is when I decided to pull myself up by the boot straps; good thing: I didn't have to go to my all day staff meeting for work!
13- AWESOME last trip to North Hills, I got to dance like a fool!
14- Potluck Dinner, a great convo w/ Anna!
15- study date w/ Rachel
16- dinner at Brian's -- again, felt like I can handle this new reality (which is totally unrelated to Brian)
17- Jenn's B-day Surprise B-day Party :-)
18- Got everything on my "to-do list" for the day DONE!!!
19- laughter with Teal and Laurie
20- had a slow, quiet morning at home
21- worked from home; lunch w/ Rachel; Hurt Locker w/ friends
22- Productive, Introverted Day -- it was glorious!!!
23- ACTS forum -- so interesting!
24- got my computer back! now, if only I would set it up...
25- dinner w/ Anna
26- Finished work registrations!!! Was able to say "I feel blessed to be single right now." (and I meant it!)
27- saw God's hand at work, He is just allowing things to fall into place and allowing me to continue to succeed!
28- Pei Wei with Katy & Kris; didn't feel stellar so I napped for a while
29- fun, chill hang out time at Amanda's
30- met Reed's mom who is a HOOT! :-)
31- felt crummy, but was still able to be semi-productive
So there you have it! I am working on a post about hope and what it has looked like for me this month; I plan on being pretty dang open with it so maybe some of what I have said here will make more sense.
Hope you August was stellar! Enjoy the Fall weather!
19!!!
With my stand against Jon and Kate, I had to find a new family to love. (although, I still love Jon and Kate plus their 8, but I just think the family needs to take a step back and reevaluate their priorities...).
ANYWAY, that new family is the Duggars. I have always been fascinated, but more and more I respect them. I am not saying I want 19 children... or agree with everything they do; but, I see in them a family who loves Christ and strives to be like Him. Here is a video from this morning announcing that they are expecting baby number 19.
WHOA! Who has 19 children? Evidently the Duggars. Excited, but also floored. Do you watch the Duggars?
ANYWAY, that new family is the Duggars. I have always been fascinated, but more and more I respect them. I am not saying I want 19 children... or agree with everything they do; but, I see in them a family who loves Christ and strives to be like Him. Here is a video from this morning announcing that they are expecting baby number 19.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
WHOA! Who has 19 children? Evidently the Duggars. Excited, but also floored. Do you watch the Duggars?
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