Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Weekend Snapshot

Hello Friends!

I meant to post this Monday, but I got a little swamped, really quickly!  I would eventually like to make this a link up and co-host it with several of my blogging friends!  I think it would be fun, and I have had a lot of interest!  We will have to see!  


Weekend Snapshots

1: Cupcakes
Friday, my friend Jessica and I went to Sugarland in Cameron Village.  Jessica recommended it, and all I saw was cupcakes, so I totally agreed.  We picked out these beautiful cupcakes, but guys, they looked better than they tasted.  I really wasn't in love with them, especially considering the price tag that came with them.  My two cupcakes cost me about $7.50, which I thought was really high, and then the cupcakes were actually dry.  Slightly disappointed, but I might give them another try before quitting Sugarland entirely.  Maybe they had an off day??

2: Wedding Registry
Saturday, Joshua and I officially registered for our wedding!!!  We went to Bed Bath & Beyond, and we really enjoyed it!  We didn't look so much at price tags though, so the beautiful Kate Spade plates you see, actually cost about $140 a set.  I don't think we will get many of those, but we had a good time picking out the styles/colors we want for our house once we get married.  This was a really good opportunity to think about the future as well.  One of the things Joshua and I had not considered was that our house will probably have more than one bedroom and bathroom.  I have lived the apartment life for so long now, I forget that houses have more than one bedroom, one bath and one common area!  I totally recommend registering at BB&B even if you think it is out of your price range.  We had a really good time working with their staff, and we learned a lot about planning for the future.  We also got to dream decorate our future home!  Who could ask for more?  You can check out our registry here!

3: Valentine's Day Decorating
Also on Saturday, I got some decorating done!  We are normally flip flopping back between Westfield and Raleigh, but being home this weekend, I took full advantage!  I will have to show y'all my decor, but for now, just know that the Christmas stuff is down, and the Valentine's Day stuff is up!  I even got new pictures printed for the entrance way.  I cannot wait to show you, and I promise, pictures will come!

4: DIY Project
Sunday, which was really more as a lazy day, I got some DIY done!  I have a cat, (obviously) and the cat litter comes in these really nifty containers.  I bought some chalkboard paint, and painted them up!  They look really nice now, and not some much like litter containers.  Of course, Phoenix had to help by laying next to the project!  I was so worried she was going to step on the paint lid or the litter containers, but she didn't!!  She is really a great big helper!  

A Look from Last Week

2014 Great Christmas Exchange: Update!
On My Mind | 1
Pre-Super Bowl Reflection


Pinterest Finds

I found this really awesome idea for a metal chalkboard!
I love fonts so of course I loved these scrapbook fonts!
One of the most wonderful things of cold weather is hot chocolate!
Definitely love this string heart idea!

Feature Blogger

Beth from Life With Bethie the Boo!  Some of y'all remember she was my Great Christmas Exchange blogger, but guys, she is really awesome!  I totally love reading about her life, and she really blogs about things that I think every one can relate to!  If you haven't already, go check her out!












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

XOXO,








Friday, January 23, 2015

Pre-Super Bowl Reflection


Hello Friends!

I was looking for things to write about today, and one of my friends, Gail, mentioned my Super Bowl "claim to fame."  Yes, I have one!  Many of you know, I LOVE FOOTBALL!  Seriously.  I love it.  This is important, because this is an off-week as we prepare for the greatest football event of the football year.  This event is the big kahuna!  Since I love football, I have to love a team right?  I do!  I love the Seattle Seahawks!  But really, I love Russell Wilson!  Ever since he was a student at State and our QB, I fell in love with the way he played ball.  He is quick, he thinks ahead, and most importantly, he makes plays happen!  Nothing would thrill me more than to be in Carter Finely, screaming my lungs out, as Russell Wilson decided to run the ball, and make a touchdown.  Beautiful things!  Now time for my story:



Years and years ago when I first started NC State, I was in a history class (imagine that).  I don't even remember what class it was or what it was about (that means it was a really long time ago).  All I remember is that this kid sat right in front of me, and one day I leaned forward and asked him to move his head so I could see the board.  He graciously laughed, and leaned over so I could see.  Later we were grouped up, and that same kid was in my group.  He introduced himself, and informed me that he played football for NC State, and I responded with the typical, "Cool.  Now back to this project."  Later, I asked what position he played, and when he answered, I responded with, "I actually know what that position is!"  First football game I went to that season, I watched that kid play, and he was awesome!  After watching him play for years at NC State, and very sadly watching him leave for that other school, and joyfully screaming when he was drafted into the NFL, I was overjoyed to see Russell Wilson achieve his dreams at last year's Super Bowl.  



Many people around here are Panther fans, and while they were disappointed to see their team lose, I was overjoyed to see my classmate from so many years ago earn himself another trip to the Super Bowl!  I don't know if you are Patriot's fan or a Seahawks 12th Man, but regardless, we are looking at an interesting game, because I have seen Russell Wilson do amazing things, both on the field and off. With all the love and support he and his wife give to the Seattle Children's Hospital, I know he is going on for greater things than I could imagine.  So folks, if you don't already know, win or lose, Russell Wilson is one to watch.  He told me that a long time ago, and I haven't been able to look away since!  Good luck Seahawks!  Go get 'em Russell!

Who are you rooting for at the Super Bowl?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,


Tuesday, January 20, 2015

On My Mind | 1



Happy Tuesday friends!

Sorry I have been so scattered this month!  School happened, and I was like "Whoa!" and all that jazz so it has taken me a few days to get back into the swing of life!  You know?  I have been wanting to start this for some time, but I didn't want to use "On My Mind" because that is what everyone uses.  I kept thinking maybe "In My Life," or "In My Thoughts," but they just don't flow as well as "On My Mind."  So I mentioned at the beginning on the year that 2015 is about big changes for me!  I wanted this segment to be a place for me to just say what is happening, because sometimes that is what you need.  I just need to word vomit, your know?  Yes, I am sure you do!  I apologize because I don't really have any pictures for these things, but I will get better at it!  Promise!

1.  Classes started back and I am super blown away by how much stuff I have to do this semester!  Like, I am only taking 13 credit hours and you would think I signed up for 20!  Between the online classes and labs, blogging might become a lot harder than I originally thought, but we are going to push through!

2.  My fraternity, Ceres Women's Agricultural Fraternity, is starting Rush this week and I am super excited to meet a bunch of new and (hopefully) awesome people!  So pumped!  Tonight we are kicking off Rush with a game night, and while I may not have mentioned it earlier, I love board games.  So much so that my wonderful fiancĂ© bought me Monopoly as one of my Christmas gifts!  Yes, I am that kid!  

3.  Friday I went to the eye doctor for the first time since 2011 (I don't like doctor visits very much), and it is official: I need glasses!  I was the kid who wanted braces and glasses when I was seven.  I totally had the braces, but I did not get the glasses.  Now it is happening though, and I am kind of excited because I will be able to see again!  I haven't been able to see in such a long time, I don't even know what the world looks like (Disclaimer: I actually do know what the world looks like)!

4.  Remember I said I was going to give up fried foods?  Y'all!  I love fried foods way too much for that to be successful, but we are trying to be more health conscious.  We are eating less, and we are trying to stay away from most fried foods (mostly fried chicken).  But here is the best part...

5.  I finally bought my wedding dress!  It was the first one I tried on!  We went to a consignment shop just to get ideas, and I put on this dress, and knew.  I cried and I knew!  It was the one!  I love it, and I I cannot wait to show you want it looks like, but, just like Joshua, y'all are going to have to wait.  See, Joshua reads this blog too, and I don't want him to see it until the wedding (actually I want him to see it, but I also don't want to break tradition!)!  I will tell you, it was originally from Alfred Angelo, and it is BEAUTIFUL!  I want to wear it forever, but I have to save it for an extremely special day that is only 256 days away!  

What did you do this weekend?  What has been on your mind? 
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,


Sunday, January 18, 2015

2014 Great Christmas Exchange: Update!

Hello Friends!

I survived my last first day of school!!  Yay!  I also survived my last first week of school, and while I am looking forward to this semester...I already have some serious senoritis!  Let's rehash last week, shall we?  I got a new planner, it was 14 degrees outside on the second day of class, and I got my haircut Friday (don't worry - it curled back up!)!  


I also discovered my new favorite store, but that is a story for another day!  Today is about rehashing about the 2014 Great Christmas Exchange!!  You will remember a few months ago, I signed up.  Now that I have received my gift, I can finally show you all what I sent/got!

First: Who Did I Get & What Did I Send?

I got Beth from Life With Bethie the Boo!!  She is super awesome, and is a very stylish lady if I do say so myself!  Beth is in a different area of her life than I am, but she is still super interesting and inspiring!  I am really glad I picked someone so amazing!  I also got so excited that I completely forgot to take pictures, so hope you don't mind Beth, but I am going to use hers!


So here is some back story on Beth.  She is from Minnesota, she loves to be stylish, and she has a son who just turned one!  On her Elfster, she listed Gone Girl and the 2015 planner as items she wanted, but I found both of those fairly inexpensively, so I wanted to buy her some other things.  One of the beloved drinks of North Carolina is Cheerwine!  It is not wine, but a cherry flavored soft drink.  LOVE!  So I sent her two of those, and she said on her Q&A that she loved scarves and owls, so I combined them and found this really cute owl scarf!  My favorite gift that I sent her was The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree.  It is an Appalachian Christmas story that my mom reads to us every year since we were children!  Even as an adult, I read it to Joshua this year.  So sweet!  I loved that she loved what I sent her, and you can read more about her experience here!  

Second: Who Got Me?

Tabitha Panariso!  Tabitha is a blogger, wife and mama!  She lives in Colorado, and in my opinion, she is really awesome!  Unfortunately, I went stark wild when I got my box, and I didn't really take any pictures (sorry blogging community!)!  Instead, I am pulling pictures off the retailers' websites!  The first item Tabitha got me was a Contigo Tranquil water bottle!  It is awesome because it opens with a wide mouth for filling and adding ice, but then I can drink out of smaller opening so I don't spill it all over myself.  Anyone who knows me, knows I have a drinking problem (somehow I miss my mouth!), so this is great, easy to fill and super easy to hold on to!  I love it!


Second thing I got was a set of three beautiful Botanical Notebooks from Rifle Paper Company.  They are beautiful, and right now I am using one as a minute notebook for Ceres, so they are really great!  Love them!


Last but not least, Tabitha sent me a cookie stamp!  Now I love to bake, and so as soon as I opened this gift, I had to bake some cookies!  I made peanut butter cookies, and stamped them with "Made With Love," and they were wonderful!  


Tabitha also sent some mistletoe (I think) and a very sweet note!  If you want to know more about Tabitha, you can check her out here!  I definitely recommend reading Tabitha and Beth's blogs, as they are both very thoughtful, thought-provoking, and encouraging to read!  Thank you ladies for making my whole holiday season bright!  

Did you participate in the Great Christmas Exchange?  
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,







Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Last First Day


Hello Friends!

School is starting back today, and I am actually super excited about it!  Today is my last first day of school!!  Finally!  Remember when I talked about my last first day of fall classes?  Well, I said then that in May I would be graduating, as long as I didn't fail anything!  I didn't fail!!  In fact, last semester was one of my best semesters at State so far!  And I have had a lot of experience!

Some of you may know that I am in my seventh year at NC State.  Little known fact is that Haley from The Blue Dishes was one of my suite mates freshman year at NC State.  She graduated two years ago, and go married this past summer, but she wrote a little something about post-graduation realization.  If you get a chance, stop by and read it!  It is pretty good!  I absolutely love Haley's blog as much as I loved her room freshman year!  She is a very trendy person, so definitely check her out if you haven't already!

Now why am I bringing this up?  This is where I am.  I am at the final lap of the marathon, and it is really scary!  I have spent seven years trying to obtain a degree, and make my future look as amazing as possible, but here I am at my future, and I not ready!  I have four more months.  Four months!!!!!  Then, I will graduate, and my life will change drastically!  I spoke with my wedding caterer on Sunday about what I want for our wedding, and I can't help but remember, I am getting married in 9 months.  I am graduating in 4 months, and I am getting a real job and possibly moving somewhere within those two things.  Joshua and I are also talking about houses!  

Has anyone ever heard of Kayla Montgomery?  She is a long distance runner with multiple sclerosis, and ESPN did a documentary on her called "Catching Kayla."  Because of her MS, Kayla loses all feeling in her legs and most of her body as she is running her marathon, and she literally falls into her coach's arms at the finish line.  That is how I view my relationship with God.  I am running, and I can't end the race without Him.  Throughout this journey, God has been in constant control, but he has also been my cheerleader, my fan and most importantly my coach who will catch me at the end of the race.

So what do we do when we are facing the unknown?  We hold on and realize that God is in control.  He has the steering wheel, and He has the road map.  All we have to do in buckle up and be in charge of the music.  That is a scary thought, but as my life drastically changes, I constantly have to keep in mind that I am taking life one day at a time.  I am taking each day as a step, and I am praising God for every step I take.  At the end of this seven year marathon, I am going to sprint into God's arms, and I am going to trust that everything will be okay.    

Here's to the last first day of school, and to the final lap!  Are you ready to fall into God's arms this semester?  Like I said, let me know!

XOXO


Monday, January 5, 2015

January Goals


Happy January friends!

I cannot believe that 2015 is upon us!  This year in going to be a big year in my books!  I am graduating from NC State in May, I am finishing up wedding planning all summer, one of my best friends is having a baby in May/June, and I am getting married in October!!  I am also looking and hoping to get a big girl job, and hopefully it will be closer to home!  Whew!  That is a lot of changes! Not to mention that I have so many friends getting married in 2015 as well!  It is going to be super busy!  

One of the problems I have is that I shut down when I am super overwhelmed.  Seriously.  I look at everything I have to do, and my little mind says, "Nooooo!" and my body says, "Let's take a break!"  And...I do!  That is why one of my New Year's Resolutions is to take the time to make goals each month, and only worry about achieving my goals!  So here are my plans for January!

1 - Be Healthy
This has so many meanings it is not even funny!  In December, I went to go see one of my doctor's for the first time in two years, and it was terrifying what he was going to find.  I was so worked up about seeing him, that I almost talked myself out of going the day of the appointment.  My appointment went great, however, and all my results were good.  That is only one doctor in a long list of doctors I need to see, so one of my "Be Healthy" goals is to schedule my appointments this month!  Joshua and I have also decided to give up fried foods (I could totally cry about this) and sugar (I gave up artificial sugar...only exception is my coffee).  We both want to take a jump start in being healthier, and I guess this is how we are going to do it!  One of my friends did Whole30, and I am hoping that maybe by Lent, Joshua might want to do a Whole30 for 40 days with me!  Maybe!

2 - Plan Accordingly

This is so super important for so many reasons. I am graduating in May and planning an October wedding. I need to make sure that my schedule is working. I missed out on one caterer, and I am currently talking to another one. I cannot let any of this fall through the cracks! At the same time, I am a bridesmaid in a friend’s wedding, a photographer in another friend’s wedding, and I have to plan a baby shower! I am super busy, so taking good notes in class, and keeping up with a planner is a big deal! Joshua and I also have to be sure we stay on top of communicating with one another, because in this transition period, it is important that we are one the same page.

3 - Be Happy

This is critical. I have to be able to enjoy my life! I have to be able to find the joy in my life, and enjoy the things I do, because at some point in time, everything is going to get stressful.  When that happens, I need to be sure that I have some "me" time planned out, and one of the outlets I really want to pursue this year is blogging.  I absolutely love this y'all, but it is so hard to stay on top of life, and blogging just slips away!  At the end of the day, I have the choice to spend time doing what I have to do, or spend time blogging.  I want to stay on top of this so bad!  Last year, in August, I posted 14 posts, and in June, July and October, I posted two.  14 is too much, but two is not enough!  I like a happy number between there.  If I post twice a week, then I am posting 8 times a month.  I think that is a good idea to try!

So there they are!  I have a bulleted list written down, but this is the ultimate game plan!  Hopefully, I can do this, and maybe you want to do this with me!  Be healthy, happy, and organized!

What are you January 2015 goals?  Are they also your 2015 resolutions?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,
Tricia

Thursday, January 1, 2015

2014 Reflection: Part Two

Happy 2015 friends!  

We did it!  We made it through another year, and we welcomed in the New Year with a blast!  Yesterday, I posted the first part of my 2014 adventures!  Joshua and I had so many wonderful adventures, that I just felt like I couldn't get it into one post!  So, here are the rest of the 2014 adventures!  

July started with the end of our Disney vacation!


We had so much fun, and Joshua and I are definitely excited about going back!  We even got to see the July 4, 2014 fireworks at Epcot!  Super fun!

On the way home from Disney, we got to stop and see one of my best friends, Ashleigh in Columbia!  

Rachel and I participated in our first Wine & Design class in Raleigh, which was great!  I think our pictures came out nice too!



Also in July, I finished reading Bread & Wine, which was wonderful!  You can see my review of it here!

August started off with a beach trip!


I am writing this post from my cold home in Westfield, so this hot beach picture is literally leaving me drooling!  I wish we could back to this!  So much fun!  You can read about the wonderfulness here!

August also brought about the beginning of a new school year!  Another great event, because it is the beginning of something new!  You can read about the new school year here and here!

September is birthday month!



Joshua and I had a wreck at the end of August, so Joshua got me an early gift to kick off birthday month!


I also started pledging CERES Women's Agricultural Fraternity in September!  Another one of the best decisions I could have made!  I gained a whole support systems of women that I absolutely love!  

In October, Joshua and I finally had our engagement photo session!


Finally!  We got our pictures taken and I have absolutely loved them!  My mom took the pictures, and I did the editing so together, I say we make a great team!  This is the official start of #ourhauserstory!!  Since we got the pictures taken, we went ahead and ordered and sent out Save the Dates too!


Boom!  And they looked amazing!  You can read more about that here!

Also in October, I officially became a sister of CERES!
My brother married the love of his life!
And my 19 year old cat passed away, and joined her twin in kitty heaven.  You can read about all three of these things here!

Phoenix and I also dressed up for Halloween, and really had a blast hanging out at home with Joshua!


November is pretty awesome because my sister's 17th birthday was the 13th!


Yep!  Little Merritt is growing up!  It is hard to believe!

As a belated birthday gift to himself, Joshua bought a new truck!!  Big, beautiful Ford!  My man has good taste!


Also in November, I participated in Operation Christmas Child, and I signed up for the 2014 Great Christmas Exchange!  

For Merritt's birthday, my family went hiking at Hanging Rock State Park!  Beautiful but cold weather, and oh so much fun!!


Thanksgiving also happened, and for the first time in a while, I spent the holiday without Joshua!  It was difficult, but hopefully this will be the last year that we spend it apart!

December brought more excitement!


Joshua and I went to Roanoke to see Scrooge with our family and friends!


I got my 2014 Great Christmas Exchange gift sent off, and I got a response!  I still owe you an email back Beth!!!  So...that will happen!

Christmas was wonderful, and Joshua and I really enjoyed spending it with our families!  Joshua even made a Christmas Day dinner that we are still eating on!!  


We decorated our Night Tree with our family, which is a really sweet tradition that I think we both enjoy!  The idea is to decorate a tree with edible ornaments for the animals, and my family sings Christmas carols and drinks hot chocolate while we do it!  


We wrapped up 2014 with my daddy turning 53 on December 30!  All in all, it was an awesome year!  

It was definitely a year filled with lots of love, and adventure!  And I mean filled!!  I don't think we could have squeezed anything else into this year!  I absolutely had a fabulous 2014, and I know 2015 is going to be even better!!

Is your 2015 is looking bright as well?  
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,
Tricia



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...