Tuesday, September 1, 2015

September Goals



Oh! Hey friends!  It's September!  

It has been a hot minute since I wrote anything, and that could be because I have been too busy to really think about life.  Josh and I have been working on a new adventure...both working full-time and trying to find time in the day for everything we have to do.  This means we are constantly giving up something we want to do in order to do something else.  This is all so new to me, and I am still trying to find energy to still do as much as I can.  Still, somedays that is limited!  

Either way, the count down is ON!!  I have 32 days until Joshua and I get married, and I still have SOOO much to do!  Or at least I think I do!  Here are how my August goals went...please don't judge!!  lol

August Goals

1 - Send out wedding invitations! - Yes!  Mostly!  I still have three left to send, but that is a HUGE accomplishment!!  I will have to post them on here at some point for you to see!

2 - Finish "Thank You" notes! - NO!  I think I have six months to do these...and I suck at sending out notes!  This is not done...still!

3 - Book honeymoon flights! - NO!  I am going to start looking at rates, and I am planning on doing these on the Tuesday after Labor Day...I think the rates will be low!

4 - Do some more crafting! - YES!  I CRAFTED!!  I almost made a wreath, and I made some burp cloths for a friend of mine who is pregnant!  SUCCESS!

5 - Cook more! - YES!  I cooked twice, which was more than last month!  I didn't say 'Cook A Lot,' I said 'Cook more' and more it was!  Baby steps!

6 - Be better at corresponding with friends! - "HI FRIENDS!"  I did do a better job with this...I have spoken with a bunch of my friends, and I am even making plans to go a see some of them!  See guys...I am still a good friend! :D

7 - Read more! - I FINALLY finished "The Maze Runner."  That was the LONGEST book I have read in a long time, and I honestly have no desire to read any more of the series.  To say the least, I was thoroughly disappointed.  I moving on to other books though, and I am hoping I am going to make my 25 book quota!

Whoa!  August went by super fast!  It was a crazy whirlwind...and I only posted twice!  This month, I will try to do better!

September Goals

1. Complete wedding plans
2. Post more
3. Book honeymoon flights
4. Be happy with where God has me
5. Learn to "Let It Go"
6. Read more

What are your goals for this month?  How did August goals go?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,
Tricia

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Currently | 5

Hello friends!  

I have been a little bit better about keeping up with my blogging, but I still technically missed the cut off for Gold & Bloom and Anne in Residence's "Currently" link up.  Still, I will not be disheartened!  I will publish my "Currently" anyway!  lol  I feel like it is always better late than never, and honestly, I love this series!  



CREATING | wedding invitations!!  I am designing them and printing them this week with the hope to get them all in the mail by Saturday!  I wish I could say it will be simple, but y'all, this is me we are talking about.  Nothing is simple!

WISHLISTING | this awesome guestbook for our wedding!  I wanted to do some subtle Disney decorating for our wedding, and I felt like a "Beauty and the Beast" guestbook was just too good to pass up.  Still, I don't want to pay almost $80 for it, so I am looking for a much more affordable substitute, if anyone knows of anything good!  

HOPING | Joshua won't have to be in Raleigh too much longer.  I have really missed having him nearby and spending a lot of time with him.  I realize our wedding is right around the corner, but I will be much more ready when he is in Westfield full-time with me!  If only there was something we could do to help bring him home...

EATING | a super yummy Mexican dinner!  Joshua surprised me by coming into town just for the evening and taking me to dinner!  I can't say he loves Mexican food, but I sure do!  Arroz con pollo speaks my language, and I was really excited to have a date on Tuesday night! :D

WATCHING | God, Guns & Automobiles!  It is the show on Netflix, that Joshua and I have just really enjoyed.  It is about a car salesman in Missouri and how he and his city-slicker brother run a good old down home car lot.  I really like it!  

I hope some of you got your "Currently" posts in before the linkup closed!  If you didn't, don't feel bad.  Obviously, I didn't either!  lol  Feel free to post your "Currently" post here instead.  Next month’s currently topics will be reading, making, pinning, anticipating, loving and will go live the first Wednesday in September if you would like to participate!

What is going on in your life currently?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,
Tricia

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

August Goals


Hello Friends!

It is August!  I have 59 days until I am a Mrs. and I am just at the beginning of so many exciting things!  I was out of commission as far as blogging goes for a little over a month, but now I am bouncing back, and I am better figuring out how to balance life.  Since I missed most of July, I never posted goals, or even went over the ones from June, so I am actually going to do that now!  Then we will be able to see if I was successful at all!

June Goals

1 - Keep looking for an adult job - Got this!  I am currently working as a Management Trainee at Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Mount Airy!  I love my job, and I really love all the people I work with.  This is a great beginning to what will hopefully be an awesome career!

2 - Move home to Westfield - Check, check!  I am living all by myself at the end of my parents' driveway, but at least I am home!  I was really worried about moving back here, but I am loving it!  Now if I can just get Joshua home for good, then I will be satisfied!

3 - Take a trip to somewhere fun - I have actually take two fun trips since we spoke last!  I went to Raleigh for July 4th, and I actually just got back from the beach last week!  So yay!  I am super ready to go back to the beach, but I guess I will have to wait until the honeymoon!!

4 - Work on wedding planning and blog about it - This is a half win.  I have been working a little on the wedding planning process, but I haven't blogged any about it!  I will though as we get closer to time!!

5 - Enjoy the start of my summer - This is also a success!  I had a great start to my summer, and now that it is almost over, I am looking back thinking it was a good summer!  Even with working 55 hours a week!  lol  

6 - Keep reading!! - I am still trudging through "The Maze Runner."  It is not a bad book, but I am just having difficulty staying awake long enough at night to read it!  I will eventually finish it though, and that will be great!

Yay goals!  Here are my goals for August!

August

1 - Send out wedding invitations!
2 - Finish "Thank You" notes!
3 - Book honeymoon flights!
4 - Do some more crafting!
5 - Cook more!
6 - Be better at corresponding with friends!
7 - Read more!

What are your August goals?
Like I said, let me know!

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Trisha's Table: Book Review



Good morning friends!

I know this is startling because it is the second blog post I have posted in over a month, and it is in the same week as the other!  *Gasp!*  Don't worry, I too am shocked!  Either way, I am trying to get back to my norm.  Part of my norm is cooking!  I love to cook!  Since Joshua and I started dating, we have been talking about losing weight, but it is so hard when the food you fix is so yummy but bad.  That is one of the reasons I jumped on this cookbook!

Trisha Yearwood is a county sensation on the music charts, but she is a mean cook too!  I fell in love with some of her recipes from Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood, so I was really excited to read Trisha's new book, Trisha's Table.  See how close we are?  I can call her by her first name, because we share it, just with different spellings!  Anyway, Trisha's new book is a new adventure for her family.  Here in the south, we all kind of cook like Paula Deen.  A stick of butter, lots of flour, and plenty of sugar in our sweets.  That is just the way life is here...taste is everything!  Trisha's new cookbook is taking southern favorites and southern classics, and making them using healthy options.

Trisha takes favorites like southern hamburgers, and she uses black beans as a substitute for the meat.  Something so simple, but healthy!  One of my favorites was Trisha's avocado pesto recipe.  I used whole wheat pasta, and followed the super easy recipe Trisha created, and ta-dah!  I had a beautiful dinner that Joshua loved, and was a healthy option for us!  Super good, and super easy!


Trisha also has several vegetarian options included.  As someone with vegetarian friends, I am always trying to think of yummy recipes to feed them.  My go-to is salad, but that is not always a "group friendly" option.  Trisha takes a lot of southern classics and substitutes things like tofu and beans for the meat in the meals, making her food healthier and vegetarian friendly!  If vegetarian means are no your style, you can easily add the meat right back to meal!  That is one of the great things about Trisha's whole cookbook series; all of her recipes are so easy to make your own.


Finally, the best part about Trisha's Table is that every recipe includes a personal story about how Trisha came across the recipe or about her loved ones that gave her the recipe.  Every recipe is one created with love, and love is the best things to spread around the table!  This is a wonderful cookbook filled with recipes made of love, and I am so glad it is now a staple in my kitchen!  If you would like more information about Trisha's Table or you are interested in adding this cookbook to your own collection, you can check out her website here!

What is your favorite recipe to share with loved ones?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,
Tricia


Note: I received a copy of Trisha's Table in exchange for this review through Blogging for Books.  All opinions are my own.

  

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

I'm Back!


Friends, it has been too long!

I have been keeping myself really busy lately, and I am still learning how to embrace all the parts of this new adventure.  I thank each and every one of you for being patient with me as I learn how to handle all of this.  I also want to thank each of you who supported me during this transition.  It is good to know that I am loved, and supported!  

Since we spoke last, I had so many changes happen in my life, that I kind of felt out of balance.  I felt like my whole life was spinning out of control, and I was having to relearn how to live in my own shoes.  I have a new job, and I have been building my own career for the last month.  I love the people I work with, and I am becoming more and more confident in my performance, so that is all good.  

Joshua and I are also working on plans to get him closer to home.  This has been a hard blow for both of us.  Throughout the last month, we have only seen each other on the weekends, and we have spent a lot of time apart.  I do not like this at all, but we are trying to have Joshua out of Raleigh and home by the end of August.  That is the plan anyway.  

My new goal is to try to keep up with this blog.  I love it so, and I have definitely missed writing.  As part of my new "life transition" I am going to make it a point to do something I love.  My posts might be a lot shorter, but I am going to try to write a post twice a week.  Right now, I have been living exhausted, but hopefully all that will change!  In the meantime, bear with me a little longer as I begin to figure all of this out!    

Any suggestions for balancing work life with non-work life?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,
Tricia

Friday, June 26, 2015

The New Normal


Hello Friends!

I cannot believe I went over a week without writing a post, but that is just where I was last week!  I have had so many little things change in such a short period of time that I am a little overwhelmed myself.  I know everything will be great in the end, but these changes were just enough to leave me a little dazed!  I figured I would share some details with you, and get your take on this roller coaster!!

1 - I moved!
I am no longer a resident of Raleigh, NC!  I actually moved home to Westfield, NC so now I am a city mouse living in the country.  It is very different because instead of having a Food Lion within walking distance, I am about 15 minutes away from the nearest grocery store!  That is a big difference!  I also left my beautiful little apartment in Raleigh, and traded it for a smaller one in Westfield (technically at the end of my parent's driveway).  My roommate Rachel stayed in Raleigh, so it is just me and Phoenix for this one!  Joshua and I packed and moved me home all day on Saturday, so I don't know if the reality has really set in yet, because I am still pretty wiped!

2 - I got a job!
Yep, I am now a Manager-in-Training for Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Mount Airy, NC (about 20 minutes away) and I am pretty excited about it!  I am doing a lot of learning, which is exciting and nerve-racking!  Either way, Friday was my last day with my previous employer.  I worked for Surry for 3.5 years, and so we had a pretty tearful goodbye, on both sides!  Joshua and I took him out to barbecue dinner and homemade ice cream before we left, but it was still a little sad!  I am excited about this new company though, and this new adventure!

3 - Joshua and I did not buy a house!
Unbeknownst to y'all, Joshua and I had put in an offer on a house here in Westfield.  We are trying to get a house so he can move home from Raleigh too, but this offer did not work out.  That being said, we had to get back on our feet and move right along.  We looked at two really cute houses yesterday, and we are hoping to put in offers either this week or next, so y'all keep your fingers crossed!!  The sooner we close on a house, the sooner we can start a new adventure in Westfield!

4 - Joshua did not move home!
Did y'all notice that I said "so her can move home from Raleigh" above???  Yes, Joshua is still in Raleigh, and I am here almost three hours away from him.  This is probably the biggest adjustment, because I am used to seeing Joshua everyday.  We haven't been apart much longer than a week the whole time we have been dating, and this is going to be a big adjustment.  I realize that this is like him working out of town, and then I will see him on the weekends, but this is still new!  Today he will be coming to Westfield for the weekend, so our first week is over!!  It was a little rough in some parts, but hopefully we will have a great weekend with each other!

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

A Little Bit of Life


Hello friends!

It seems like it has been a long time since I posted, but I literally posted last Thursday, so it really hasn't been a long time!  I think it just feels like a long time because so much is happening so quickly.  So much is changing!  I love it, but it all terrifies me at the same time!  I was thinking about making this an "On My Mind" feature, but the only things on my mind are packing and cleaning, so this is more of an "On My Plate."  


Last Thursday, I went to an Alumni Career Fair, and I handed out my resumé and looked for jobs!  Fortunately for me, I found two seriously interested parties, and Monday morning I had a physical interview with one company.  This morning I have two phone interviews, and I am hoping if things go well, I will have a job in a week or so.  A big girl job!  


My diploma came in the mail this weekend too!  I didn't think it would be mailed until the third week of June, but since I already received it, I am guessing I win!  My little sister finished the 11th grade and is now a senior in high school!  It is hard to believe she is growing up so fast!


I am still packing and I have no new pictures of the process.  Instead, I will show you a cute picture of my cat in a box, because she does NOT want to be forgotten!!  This is my second to last week in a city that has been my home for almost eight years.  I don't know how I will say goodbye!!  So much of my adult life has happened here, and now I am leaving it behind.   My world is here but my life in home in Westfield.  Joshua has a few more weeks in Raleigh before he can move home, so my heart will be with him here.  It will just be strange to go from seeing each other every day, to seeing each other on the weekends.  There will probably be a large amount of blogs during this time because I won't have anything to do without Joshua!!  lol  But seriously.

There is a lot of life still ahead of me, but there is a lot of it I am going to leave behind when I leave Raleigh.  This is a new chapter of my life, and I am ready for it, but I would be lying if I told y'all I wasn't nervous.  Still, that is why God leads us on and leads us forward.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Currently | 4



Happy Thursday friends!

I always feel crazy at the beginning of the month because I am shocked that it is already the beginning of another month!  This is the first June in a long time where I do not have summer classes.  This means it is like vacation month!  This is not a huge month, but it does involve some important changes!  

This is my fourth installment of Gold & Bloom's and Anne in Residence's "Currently" linkup.  I always look for to these ladies' prompts, and it is a really good way for me to kick off my month!  Be sure you check out their "Currently" posts, and join us either this month or next month!


Playing: The packing game!  I am trying to fit all of my big stuff in small places, and I am debating on whether or not I really need the small things!  It is super fun (NOT!!)!

Going: Home!  For the first time in almost eight years, I am moving back to mine and Joshua's hometown for a more permanent period of time.  Joshua and I are still looking at houses, but for now he is staying in Raleigh and I am moving to Westfield.

Wearing: My super cute "Bliss" top from CATO!  I went shopping with my mom the other week, and we both bought some really cute outfits!  This is a cute top to wear when I am totally feeling a cute coffee day!

Sipping: Water!  At least nine cups a day!  I am trying to stay hydrated and flush out water weight!  I am really working on living a healthier lifestyle, and this is just a good start!

Reading: "The Hypnotist's Love Story."  I think it is good, but I am having trouble getting very far along in it!  I am really ready to start a new book, but I am not even half-way through with this one!

Yay!!!  So there you have it!  That is what I am currently into!  Next month’s currently topics will be craving, grilling, listening, planning, decorating and will go live July 1st.  If you haven't already, go check out Gold & Bloom and Anne in Residence to see what they are into currently!

What are you playing, going, wearing, sipping and reading currently?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,
Tricia

Monday, June 1, 2015

June Goals


Today is the first day of June!!

I cannot believe May is over!!  So much happened, and this is just the beginning!  The countdown to the wedding is on, and I am now looking for a "big person" job, and making plans to move home and out of Raleigh.  This is crazy to me because I have live in Raleigh for almost eight years...that is one third of my life btw!  One third!!  Anyway, I kind of made May a cheat month.  Everything I listed as a goal, I knew was going to happen...so...yay successful month!  Sometimes you have to do that with your goals though, so you won't be so disappointed when you don't meet all of your goals.  First things first, let's review May's Goals!

May Goals

1 - Graduate from college - On May 9th at 9:00 a.m. I graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelors of Science in Agricultural & Environmental Technology!  This is a total success!!
2 - Take an awesome post-college trip with my fiancé - Yes!  The weekend right after graduation, Joshua and I went on a trip to the Dismal Swamp and the Outer Banks!  We had so much fun, and the weather was perfect, so this is a win!
3 - Celebrate my family's birthdays this month - Success!  Two members of my family had birthdays this month, and we all celebrated on May 23!
4 - Participate in an awesome bridal shower - Yes!  I cannot wait to tell y'all more about this shower, but it was pretty awesome!  I was totally wiped out afterward, but it was so much fun to celebrate my upcoming wedding with family and friends!!
5 - Savor the moment...every moment - Yes, yes and yes!!  This whole month has flown by, but it has been wonderful from start to finish!  As I look back on everything we accomplished, I am so amazed by how much fun it all was!
6 - Keep reading!! - I finished reading two books this month so that is a super success!!  I read A Letter to My Mom and Three Wishes this month, and you can check out my review of A Letter to My Mom here!

See what I mean about cheating??  Haha!!  Here are my June goals!

June Goals

1 - Keep looking for an adult job
2 - Move home to Westfield
3 - Take a trip to somewhere fun
4 - Work on wedding planning and blog about it
5 - Enjoy the start of my summer
6 - Keep reading!!

What are your June goals?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,
Tricia

Thursday, May 28, 2015

The Guy Behind the Blog | 4


Happy Thursday!

Do you know what today is???  You do if you have read the picture and/or title above, but I am going to tell you anyway!  Today is Joshua's blog day!!  I always say I love these, but I really wish that he would let me vlog him so y'all can see his reaction to some of the questions!  He is also bad about being like, "I don't know!"  Still these are a lot of fun!  If you are interested in doing something like this, check out The Peony Project and then just be sure to read Besty's May edition!  Now here are Joshua's answers!

1. What is your favorite family tradition?

My favorite family tradition is going to see the musical Scrooge in Roanoke and then going up to see the Roanoke Star!

2. Who's your male celebrity crush?

Oliver Queen! I don't know. John Cena! I don't know.

3. What song best sums you up?

"Against the Wind" by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band

4. What three things do you think of the most each day?

Food, more food, and Tricia!

5. What is your most embarrassing memory?

I don't have embarrassing moments. Just kidding!  When I burped in your face after eating Cookout with you!  That was pretty embarrassing!

Y'all, I had to PULL that one out of him!  He didn't want to tell me one to write down, but he was really embarrassed about that!  I got laughing so hard when he did it that people were staring at us!  I thought it was funny, and I am full of odd noises myself, so I knew we would be a great match!  Turns out I was right!

What does your guy behind the blog think?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,
your photo name

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Ten Things | Foods I Love

Happy Wednesday friends!

I meant to post this on Tuesday so I could have a "Tuesday Ten," but I missed it, so here is a "Ten Things!"  Excitement either way, because this is a ten foods I love!  Y'all know I love some good eating, so really that is the same thing as saying, "I love food."  Since I am trying to lose weight, this is a great way for me to daydream about everything I cannot have!  Don't worry though!  After I lose ten pounds, I am going to allow ONE cheat day.  It's not really a great system, but everyone needs a little reward, right?
  1. Chocolate - Nectar!  I LOVE all things chocolate!  It is such a weakness!
  2. Raspberries - I look forward to raspberries every year!  I cannot wait until they are ready to pick, because I can eat them for hours!
  3. Hamburgers - I love hamburgers so much, that I actually gave them up from Lent, which was REALLY hard!  This is my go-to when Joshua and I go out to eat, but I am having to switch that up since I am eating healthier!
  4. Cookies - Not only are these some of my favorite treats to bake, but I love to snack on them too!  I don't have a favorite type because I love them all!
  5. Pancakes - These bring back memories of home!  I love munching on pancakes, especially when they are drizzled in syrup!  Love!
  6. Potatoes - Whether they are fried or baked, I love all things potatoes!  I am super addicted to them, and I literally cannot turn them down!  It is a problem, but at least it is a delicious problem!
  7. Cheese - I love all things cheese!  This is another one where I do not discriminate, and I eat all kinds in all forms!  
  8. Strawberries - Nothing is better than strawberries with a little bit of sugar sprinkled on them!  This is a "Summertime is calling me" kind of food, even though they are a spring season fruit!
  9. Blueberry Muffins - I love muffins anyways, but blueberry muffins are definitely my favorite! I snag them whenever I see them!
  10. Nutella - Y'all, I eat this out of the jar with a spoon!!  If that doesn't say love, I don't know what does!
Obviously, I have a serious sweet tooth, but these are my favs!  Now I have made myself hungry, so I am going to have to grab a snack...maybe some celery (yuck!)??  

What are your food loves?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,



Saturday, May 23, 2015

Free Ad May | Highlights & Friends



Happy Saturday friends!!

I hardly ever post on Saturday, but today is a special exception!  I have been looking forward to doing this all month!!  I had so many people sign up for my Free Ad May, and I had a great time meeting them, and following all of their unique adventures!  Now it is time for me to introduce you to them!  They are a group of amazing and diverse women who are all doing amazing things!  If you haven't checked them out yet, you now have no excuse!  It is a MUST!  

This was such a fun thing, and I have really enjoyed having these women grace my sidebar space!  One of my favorite things about blogging is the community that you build with people in all walks of life.  As a whole, blogging communities look for ways to support their members, and that is what I wanted to accomplish with this free ad month.  I wanted to support other bloggers, and I lucked out by having an amazing group to support!  I can sit here and tell you they are all wonderful, but here are some highlights about my new blogging friends!

Abbigayle Rashae
I love Rashae's blog!  She is very inspirational!  Whether it is her Strong Female Figure series or her Motivational Monday series, she is always inspiring others to reach for the stars!  I was so inspired by her #TryItFor30DaysChallenge, and if you didn't follow it, here is your change to challenge yourself! Here is her little bio:
I'm Rashae, a seventeen year old, currently living in southeast New Mexico. I'm especially interested in psychology and web design. I've completed three semesters of college for the latter subject. I enjoy sharing my views on feminism, motivating others, drinking too much caffeine, and buying cheap tee shirts from the men's section at Walmart. I love meeting new people and having friendly debates, so please don't be afraid to say hello!

Maggie's blog was a new one for me, but she has some awesome recipes and tips!  If you love Greek food but you don't know if you can fix it on your own, Maggie's blog is where you need to be!  Here is a little more about Maggie!
Creating food for family and friends is always a joyous event and being Greek, food and family go hand in hand !! Cooking is a part of my daily life. I don't assume everyone knows how to cook, so my blog is set up to be easily read, by an expert or an amateur, with a step by step instructions( which I believe are the easiest to follow) All of my dishes have been tried and tested by family and friends at various occasions.  Food for me is an indulgence, not something to be overlooked and eating together at the table plays a significant role in our daily lives. At Mommy's Kitchen you will find wonderful homemade recipes, some are traditional while others represent a story or a certain time in my life. the comon thread is that each recipe is created to be enjoyed. Come and join me on my weekly cooking adventures!

Fox Emm is my foxy lady featured in my latest Weekend Snapshot!  She is amazing at everything!  Since I told you all about her Tuesday, here is how she describes herself!
I'm a 20something freelance writer, blogger, and social media consultant who loves to write about writing, blogging, and share great resources with other writers and bloggers. I also write for a variety of horror-themed entertainment websites, so a google search might turn up results on pages like Wicked Horror or Gores Truly. I am currently living in Virginia with my boyfriend and two adorable Chihuahuas, and I would love it if you would take a moment to pop by my page!

Mitchael Journey
Andrea's blog is another new one for me, but I am already falling in love with it! She hosts a linkup on Tuesdays called Tuesday Talks, and I absolutely LOVE her Frugal + Fresh page! She has so many great ideas! Here is Andrea's bio!
Our little family lives in South Florida and leads worship at a church here. We are here to share the love of Christ and live life together. We have a 2 1/2 year old boy and a 1 month old baby girl! I share our ministry journey and family updates along the way. 

Lauren is another new blog for me, but it is right up my alley!  She gives her readers tips and tricks for living on your own, out of the nest, for the first time!  I haven't lived at home for seven years, but I still find so many useful tips on Lauren's site, including her cute DIYs!  Here is a little more about Lauren!
Hey everyone! My name is Lauren and I am a blogger and college student studying Psychology and Spanish and I write on Life Out of the Nest. I love writing and sharing DIYs and cooking and experimenting with new recipes. And I love helping people and giving advice so I love helping college kids save money and time and find ways to stay healthy. Hope you all check out the blog! :)

Hannah's blog is super cute and super awesome!  She is one of the admins for the Facebook group, Let Your Blog Shine, which is one of the blogging groups I am a part of!  She lives in the UK, and is always on an adventure!  But I will have to let her tell you more about herself!
Hey I’m Hannah. I live in Bedford, England with my three boys. There’s Chris my husband, Our Sidekick who is our foster son and Jaxon who is our son. My blog is all about our crazy adventures and finding out way through fostering and the unusual line up we have. When I’m not chasing around after them three I run my own business, Daisy Media, the idea behind it is to do social media for small businesses the idea being I can take it off their hands and they can focus on running their businesses. in my “spare” time I love to read, crochet and knit as well as play with my camera. I watch way too much TV and way too many movies!

Life According to Lina
Lina's blog was another new one for me, so I will let her introduce herself!
I'm a Child of God who loves blogging, giveaways, reviews, music, reading, baking, shopping, and crafting! I love offering my readers new ideas and recipes and enjoy reviewing family-friendly products that I know they'll enjoy!  I also love sharing about great products and amazing companies with my readers, as well as offering awesome giveaways and finding great deals! In my spare time, I love to read, bake, play games, cook, and play the piano. I live in Maryland with my family.

Eating to Live
Aisha's blog is also a new blog for me, but since I am trying to eat healthier, I am learning a lot about Aisha and her health journey!  She has some awesome recipes!  Here is her bio!
My name is Aisha LC and I blog over at Eating to Live. Eating to Live focuses on my journey of healing through food. I focus mainly on a grain-free and paleo lifestyle and share my testimonies, tips, and recipes. My goal is to inspire and encourage those to reach their goals and never give up on your dreams. My motto is that “It is journey, not a race. Not even a marathon. Enjoy each step!” I hope you will come and join me on my journey!

Brooke's blog is a great place to go when you need inspiration and motivation!  She is a life coach, and she has made it her mission to embrace, strengthen and inspire women all over the world!  I will let her tell you a little more about her blog!
Bye, Comparison is a place where women can come to encourage others and to be encouraged to live creatively, honestly, and fully (faith*fully) without the common and harmful Comparison game. We each have unique experiences, strengths and weaknesses and therefore we each have a lot to share and teach each other. Big stuff and little stuff and everything in between. Letters to our daughters (and each other), creative DIYs, funny stories, home, family, life---as creatively, honestly, and fully as we can muster.

Suzanna's blog is all about hooligans!!  She has two of the cutest little boys in the world, and they are always into something new!  She is another new blog for me, and I have definitely enjoyed following her adventures!  Here is a little more about Suzanna!
I'm Suzanna and I blog over at One Hoolie Mama where I share our adventures with our hooligans ("hoolies" for short). I'm a wife, boy mom, fur mom, runner and fitness enthusiast, lover of chocolate and wine, volunteer, who also happens to work full time.

This idea was so cool in that I discovered so many new blogs!  I realize there are thousands if not millions of blogs out there, but I discovered several blogs that spoke to me on a deeper level!  I found friends and I found inspiration around every corner!  These ladies are AWESOME, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to do this!  

If you missed the free ad month but would like to advertise with me in the future, you can find out more information here.  I would love to talk to you more, so feel free to email me at likeisaidlady@gmail.com.  If you did participate in the free ad month, thank you so much again, and I will be sending an email your way in a few days!  Your ads will stay up until the end of the month, and then starting June 1st, my sidebar space will open back up again!  Thank you for supporting me in this endeavor, and go check out these other amazing blogs!

What do you think about the free ad month?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,
 





Wednesday, May 20, 2015

The Circle Linkup: 15 Item Mood Board

Hello Friends!

I mentioned last week that house hunting is not as much fun as house decorating, and it got me thinking about mood boards.  Up until March, I didn't know what a mood board was exactly, but one of the blogs I follow (The Blue Dishes) posted her mood board inspiration for her new home office.  After reading that, I was hooked!  When I was looking at this month's "The Circle Linkup" it just happened to be titled, "Spring15 Mood board" which is best described as a mood board with 15 items!  Coincidence?  I think not!  

I jumped at the opportunity to create a mood board, but honestly, I didn't have a clue where to start.  I mean, I don't even have a house yet!  How am I going to imaginarily decorate a room that doesn't even exist and what am I going to use to do that?  So I turned to handy-dandy Google.  Did you know that when you Google, "mood board creator" you get 836,000 responses?  Yes, this is a true statement!  I did a little research, and discovered Olioboard.  Olioboard is like the Pinterest of mood board creations.  Basically you find an item you like, install the "Add to Olioboard" button, and click on the picture.  It selects the price and gives a link back to the item, and you are able to create JPEG for your own use.  It is really kind of cool, and you can choose between a free platform, or a paid platform.  I signed up for the free one, and it was easy to use, and just plain awesome!  If you haven't already, go and check it out!  So much fun!

Anyway, I created an Olioboard mood board for our Master Bedroom (you know, the one that doesn't exist yet?), I used Olioboard to select things off of our wedding registry!  I also selected items that are not on our registry, but they have the look I am going for!  Here are a look at the items!  

1. Olympic One Tinted Flagstone from Lowes Hardware | I really like this color!


3. Flip Face Crown Moulding from Lowes Hardware | Really just any kind of crown moulding!


5. Threshold™Traditional Shelves in Brown from Target | I think Joshua can build these!

6. Threshold™ Paper Rope Hamper in Dark Brown from Target | It's already on the registry!

7. Brookstone® BioSense™Deep Pocket Sheet Set in Grey from Bed Bath & Beyond | Registry item!

8. Tangiers King Duvet Cover in Grey from Bed Bath & Beyond | These are also on the registry!

9. Threshold Owl Figural Table Lamp from Target | I love owls, so this is also a registry item!

10. Threshold™ Bath Storage Basket from Target | I was thinking of this as a trash can: registry!

11. 12x12 Canvas Print from Shutterfly | I really want to have canvas pictures in our room!

12. South Shore Fusion Nightstand in Chocolate from Target | I already own this, but I will have to re-stain it to match!

13. Natural Floors with Prefinished Bamboo Locking Hardwood Flooring from Lowes Hardware | I love dark stained floors, and I think these are really simple to install!

14. Threshold™ Fretwork Rug in Cream from Target | Joshua doesn't want to put his feet on a cold floor, and this one matches the design!

15. Seedling by Thomas Paul Arm Chair in Dec Rose Gray from Target | I love this chair so much, I added it to the registry after I added it to the mood board.  Y'all, that's love!

There you have it!  Our imaginary design for our imaginary bedroom in our imaginary house!! Haha! Still, this was a lot of fun, and I have even started on a master bathroom design using our registry items!  I think it will be cute, and hopefully we will move forward on the house front!  

THE CIRCLE LINK-UP

What items would you put on your master bedroom mood board?  
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,

Note: I have not been paid to promote Olioboard, and these opinions are my own.


Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Weekend Snapshot



Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone had an awesome weekend, and is ready for the week ahead!  Joshua and I have had some big adventures the past couple weeks, and we are pretty excited about the upcoming adventures!  This past weekend though, we took a trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina, so I decided it would make a good feature for the blog today!  Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
 

Weekend Snapshots


1 – Kayaking Adventure
So our first stop Saturday was at the Great Dismal Swamp State Park in North Carolina!  I have never been, and when I was searching the website for things to do, I noticed they were having a free event on Saturday.  The “Spring Paddle” was a free kayak or canoe adventure down the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, and Joshua and I were number 1 and 2 to sign up!  It was so much fun!  The adventure was led by Ranger Katie, and she had the kayaks and life vests ready when we arrived!  We got to kayak 1.5 miles down the canal, and then kayaked the 1.5 miles back.  I cannot tell you how many turtles we saw, and Joshua even spotted a deer in the tree line.  We didn’t see any snakes, but there is always next time!  Super fun!

2 – Lighthouse Extravaganza!

I have been to the Outer Banks before, but it was long enough ago that I don’t really remember a whole lot about them.  Joshua and I went all the way from Corolla to Ocracoke, and I really wanted to see each of the lighthouses along the way!  We stopped in Corolla on Saturday evening and snapped a picture of the Currituck Lighthouse before going to drive on the beach in search of wild horses!  Sunday, we woke up early and got to the Bodie Island Lighthouse before it even opened!  Then we drove down to Cape Hatteras and hopped the ferry to Ocracoke!  We were going to catch the ferry from Ocracoke to Cedar Island, but we didn’t realize we had to have a reservation!  Needless to say, we didn’t catch that ferry but there is always next time!

3 – Wildlife Viewing
Anyone who knows me knows I love animals!!  One of my favorite species is stingrays.  I think they are absolutely beautiful!  They fly like underwater birds, and I have never seen a school outside of the aquarium.  We were on Bonner Bridge on the way to Hatteras on Sunday morning, and we saw not one but TWO schools of stingrays!  They were beautiful!!  I totally just about stood there on Bonner Bridge and cried, but I held it in!  We saw so many different wild animals on our trip, but I think the school of rays was indeed my favorite!!

4 – “There is no place like home!”
Sunday, Joshua and I drove from Kitty Hawk to Orcacoke, back to Hatteras, to Roanoke Island, and then back to Raleigh!  We were in the car for hours, and at the end of the day, I was so happy to be back!  I don’t know who was happier to see each other though, Phoenix or Joshua!  They both were pretty excited to sit with each other!  My sweet family!

A Look from Last Week


On My Mind | 6
A Letter to My Mom: Book Review

Pinterest Finds


I am really wanting to jump start my weight-loss, and these looks like good tips to curb my appetite!
I love strawberries, and I cannot wait to try this frozen yogurt recipe!
Now that I am a graduate, I am looking at these tips to help establish a morning routine!

Featured Blogger 


Fox has one of my favorite sites!  She writes about writing, and is constantly into something!  If you plan on writing a memoir, she is your lady!  She is also a freelance writer, so if you are looking to hire someone awesome, I totally recommend her!  Stay up to date with all things Fox Emm, and keep Blogging Onward!


What did you find this weekend?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,








Friday, May 15, 2015

On My Mind | 6



Happy Friday friends!

It has been a while since I wrote one of these!  A lot of awesome things have happened, and I have a lot of awesome things coming up!  Last time I was talking about pigs and upcoming graduation and now, I am a graduate of NC State!  To say a lot has happened might be a slight understatement!  


I graduated!   I feel like this is the most important because y'all have heard so much about it recently!  On Saturday, my family came to Raleigh, and I participated in the big ceremony at PNC Arena, and I participated in my departmental ceremony from the BAE&AET departments.  I cannot believe I am a graduate, and I still have no idea what I am going to do forever.  I don't think I can just apply for jobs forever, but hopefully I will find something soon!


Joshua threw me a surprise party!  That sneaky man of mine planned, put together and then surprised me with a graduation party!  He even invited my friends and my family so I could have everyone who loves and cares about me there!  It was so much fun!  On the eve before graduation, it was so important to see all the people who supported me and were proud of my accomplishments!  Joshua definitely gave me one of my favorite gifts by giving me that!  


Since I graduated, it is time to go back to the beach!  See because that is the life!  Actually Joshua planned a post-graduation treat for me as well!  Joshua and I are heading to the North Carolina coast this weekend, and I am so ready!  We are stopping by the Great Dismal Swamp and taking a kayaking adventure through the canal (which I don't really understand where or what that is), and then we are off to the Outer Banks!  I haven't been since I was a teenager (young teenager...like 12 or 13) and I don't really remember a whole lot about our trip.  We are staying in Kitty Hawk, so if anyone knows of some good places to eat close by, let me know!  Joshua and I love good food!  


Wedding planning is the next big thing!  With 141 days until the wedding, it is the start of our next big adventure!  My aunt is throwing me a bridal shower in two weeks so that my California family can participate, and I am really excited about that!  It will be exciting to see all of my friends and family!  Joshua and I have already booked our honeymoon cruise, but now we are setting out to book our flights.  I have a lot of things to do, but as far as I am concerned, this is just another step in the adventure!
Side Note: This is not in our price range so don't get excited!
House hunting is not as exciting as house decorating.  I say this very sincerely.  I love to walk into a house and think, I am going to decorate this house like this, but I am not a fan of the offer and wait game.  Don't get me wrong, I totally want to go and look at all the houses with Joshua, but I also want to immediately decorate them!  I think I am just going to start making mood boards for things like our bedroom, the kitchen, the living room, etc.  Then maybe I won't feel so much like, Oh we can put this here!

What's on your mind?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,





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