Friday, February 27, 2015

The Guy Behind the Blog | 1


Happy Friday Friends!

Today I am doing something really cool!!  I don't know if you have noticed, but I have been joining a lot of blogging communities.  I really am enjoying staying involved in the blogging community!!  One of the groups I have joined is The Peony Project.  Betsy has been doing some pretty cool stuff, and one of my favorites thus far is her "Guys Behind the Blog" linkup.  You hear from me about Joshua all the time, but you never hear about Joshua from Joshua!  That is why this idea was really appealing to me!  So here is a little blog about Joshua, from Joshua!

1 - If you could write a book, what topic would you write about and why?

Cars!  Because cars are what interests me!

2 - What is one thing on your bucket list, or one thing that you'd like to do or accomplish in your lifetime?

To be a successful entrepreneur.   

3 - If you could look out your window and only see one view for the rest of your life, what would you want to see?

Caswell Beach in front of Oak Island Lighthouse because that is my happy place: where I feel closest to God.  

4 - Imagine you're opening a shop. what are you selling?

Food, because I love food.  Food is my passion!

5 - If you could have 50lbs of anything other than money, what would it be?



Watermelon!!  I love watermelon!!  I eat it like a cake!

6 - Time to brag on your girl...tell us one thing that makes you proud of your girlfriend/fiance/wife!

She is very, very intelligent, and I think that is one of her greatest attributes!

Aww!!  Joshua's post!!  Super proud and excited that y'all get to meet my man!!  He is a keeper for sure!

What are some interesting facts about your boy behind the blog?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,

Thursday, February 26, 2015

On My Mind | 2


Happy Thursday Friends!

I missed some of last week, so I thought I would make up with a rant and ramble of what all has been on my mind (because it has a lot this week!)!  Unlike last time, I have a few more pictures, but not as many as I would like.  If I could do a whole picture blog post...I would!  But I like words too, so I am trying to find a happy medium!

1 - The main reason I have been slow posting is because I have been enjoying time at home!  As you in North Carolina may have noticed, we have entered the Arctic Circle!  It has been snowing like crazy, and I am really enjoying it!  I have missed two days of work, and more days of classes simply because we have been snowed in!!  College brings back a love of snow because we don't have the make the days we miss up.  If we are out of class, then we are out of class!!  Yay!!!  New love of snow!  Joshua bought us some sleds and we went sledding last night, which was awesome and I got an awesome picture of our sled zone at Dorothea Dix.  It was super fun, but that hill was HUGE!  We could only go about four times because the walk back up it was long and hard.  Still, super fun!

2 - I haven't posted because I have been really focused on improving and advertising my blog.  That sounds strange but I only have so much time to give to my blog a day, and I have been spending that time trying to get my name and brand out there.  I have also been looking a lot at branding, and I want to develop a brand, but I don't know what or how.  I will get it all figured out, but for right now, I am just buying advertising space.  So look for me in March on Oak & Oats!

3 - I have been doing a lot of cooking lately!  I am not sure if it is the cold weather or what, but I am loving being in the kitchen!!  Last week, I totally made this awesome chili, with garlic knots!  I also tried my hand at some homemade carbonara, and I wanted a yummy snack so I made ice cream bread.  I feel like lately I have been living on Pinterest (especially in the food section) but I am really enjoying finding new recipes to try!  Some have been successful, and others could use some improvement.  Either way, lots of home cooked meals!  

4 - I cannot believe February is almost over!!  I have already taken down my Valentine's Day decorations and put up my St. Patrick's Day decorations (well almost all of them), and now we are almost to March!  I am almost halfway done with my classes, and it won't be long now until Spring flowers are popping up left and right!!  I just cannot believe that time is flying this fast!  I guess this makes me feel waay old because time just keeps ticking on!!!  

5 - Even though I have spent a lot off work and out of class, I am starting to develop cabin fever.  Seriously.  I am just about over not having anything to do.  I am cleaning, and cooking, but I am still really tired just from where I have not had a lot to do.  Meetings and things have been canceled a lot lately, and I just starting to be really bored.  That being said, I have a bittersweet feeling toward starting back up again.  I can honestly say that, school or no school, I will be on campus tomorrow doing homework (that I assure you I will not like) but it will be mine!

6 - Yesterday, one of the blogs I read, The Blue Disheswrote a post about comparing your body to someone else's and that got me thinking.  I am not necessarily comparing my body to someone else, but I do spend a lot of time comparing other things in my life.  For example, I am a messy person.  Not even kidding.  I don't have a lot of time/energy to clean, but I feel like since all my friends have clean apartments then I should too!  But the bottom line is: I am not them, and they are not me.  I am one of the only people I know still in college, I have a job, I have lots of homework and projects, I am a member of an on-campus organization, and I have a roommate.  I cannot compare my home to someone else's because they are not the same, and what is working for them, may not work for me.  I also spend a lot of time comparing blogs, and trust me, that is no better.  I just have to take a step back, and stop comparing.  My life is the way my life is, and I just have to accept that and stop looking at everyone else's life! 

So just a look into my head lately!

What is new in your life?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

3 Years

Happy Wednesday!

So as I told y'all Monday, today is mine and Joshua's three year anniversary.  For some of you three years is nothing, but for us, it is our longest and most significant relationship to date!  Before Joshua, the longest relationship I was in was still under a year!!  So time flies when you are having fun, and I think Joshua and I have had an amazing adventure thus far!  I decided that today would be the perfect time to tell you how Joshua and I started dating, but there will be some side stories mixed in so just hold on!  Also, this is a longer post, but I promise it is worth reading! 


Let's start at the beginning!  Joshua and I both went to the same high school, but in Fall 2004, I was a freshman and he was a senior.  So we didn't have a whole lot in common, and didn't really get along.  We were in two different worlds!!!  I don't remember hardly any of our conversations, but Joshua and I did NOT get along...at all.  I just remember that I did not like that kid!  So flash forward about eight years!  My little sister was on a community basketball league with Joshua's oldest niece Taylor, and Joshua was the boys' coach for the same age category.  Joshua would have his team meet with the girls so that they could scrimmage and learn together.  That is where Joshua saw my little sister, who was at the time about the same age as I was when I first met Joshua.  Shockingly, Joshua took one look at her and asked her if she had a sister named Tricia.  Merritt introduced him to my mom, and that is where the real fun began!


So while this is all happening, I am a first year senior off at NC State in Raleigh.  My mom called me one night and told me that a Joshua Hauser had been asking about me, and she told him just to look me up on Facebook.  I was LIVID!  I literally told mom that she just couldn't go around telling people I was on Facebook!!  lol Hindsight my friends, hindsight!!  I couldn't remember why I didn't like Joshua, but I knew I didn't like him!!  So I added him on FB immediately in the hopes I would come on too strong and he would go away and leave me alone!  A few weeks later, I went to one of Merritt's basketball games, and Joshua was there.  My mom told me I should sit with him, so I literally walked up to him and said, "You are sitting with me."  Real romantic right?  NOT!  Anyway, we had a great time catching up and laughing, but at the end of the evening, he didn't get my number, and I wasn't asking for his.  I told my mom, "He is a grown man!  If he wants to get in touch with me, he will figure it out!"

A few days later, he FB messaged me and then we went from Facebooking to phone calls, and phone calls to a lunch date in Raleigh.  That was too funny in itself because he got lost coming to campus, and he was in Raleigh for a job interview and had brought his friend Larry.  Now, let me tell you about Larry.  Larry was in his sixties at the time, and kind of rough around the edges, but one of the nicest people I will ever meet!  Anyway, we went to Moe's, and Joshua wasn't quick enough to buy my food, so he bought Larry's instead!!  lol  The first real words Larry said to me when we sat down was "Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?"  I responded with a resounding "Yes!" and Larry informed Joshua he should marry me!  First date people!!!  lol  Anyway, our lunch went really well, and we met up for one more date back home.  I went with Joshua to one of his basketball games that he was coaching, and when one of the mom's asked me which one was mine, I pointed to Joshua.  That is pretty much what sealed the deal, and it has been an adventure from there!


In March 2012, Joshua got a job in Cary, so he moved to Raleigh.  In May 2012, we experienced our first real heartache when we had to put our best friend and my roommate, Hanna, on a plane back to her home in Italy.  In September 2012, we adopted a stray cat and named her Phoenix.  In December 2013, Joshua proposed and I said "Yes!"  In June 2014, Joshua and I went on our first huge family vacation with my family (and it was to Disney!).  Now in October 2015, we will become husband and wife and our journey will only continue from there!  There have been so many more pieces of our adventure, and these pieces have put us where we are today.  


I wish I could tell you it has all been cakes and rainbows, but sharing your life with someone means letting them in, even when you are at your lowest point.  For those of you with your loves, you know what I am saying, and for those of you still looking, this is what you need to remember.  A relationship is a give and take.  If you take, you must be willing to give, and if you give, you must be willing to take.  Some days, you will both want to take, and those are hard days, but you figure them out then.  Don't go to sleep angry or with unresolved issues, and never underestimate the power forgiveness has on us.  Say "I love you," all day long, and mean it.  Sing together, laugh together, dream together and grow together.  Most importantly, love together, and make it a priority that you not only tell the other you love them everyday, but show them as well!  


Joshua, I know you have read this, even if you were just looking for your name!!  I love you more than I can ever express in words, and I want to spend the rest of my life singing with you, laughing with you, traveling with you, and making every day an adventure with you!!!  You are my world, and I only grow to love you more each day!  Here's to three years, and the rest of our lives, filled with adventures that we haven't even dreamed of yet!!  I love you!



XOXO,



Monday, February 16, 2015

Weekend Snapshot


Happy Monday Friends!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day weekend!  I know Joshua and I had a lot of fun, and I cannot wait to show/share it with you!  I am doing another Weekend Snapshot, but this time I am pairing up with Beth from Life With Bethie the Boo!  If you don't know her, she was my featured blogger last time I did this!  She is also posting a Weekend Snapshot today, so jump on over there and check out her weekend in Minnesota!!  As for me in NC, here is a snapshot of what Joshua and I got into!

Weekend Snapshots

1 - The NC Aquarium
So Saturday, Joshua and I went to Wilmington to celebrate Valentine's Day and our three-year anniversary (Our anniversary is February 18).  We always go to the beach for our anniversary, and it just so happened we went on Valentine's Day too!  Now, some girls get chocolate and some girls get jewelry, but my man knows me best!  He took me to the aquarium for Valentine's Day!!  It was so much fun, and the NC Aquarium has touch tanks!  I got to play with the starfish and stingrays, and we got to see sharks and turtles!  All in all, perfect gift for me!!

2 - Catching Seagulls
Also on Saturday (all of mine are on Saturday), Joshua and I took the ferry from Wilmington to Southport.  We stopped by Target and bought our box of Cheez-Its, and proceeded to our usual Wilmington pastime.  We love the ferry, and it is about a 30 minute ride to Southport, plenty of time to feed the birds!  Now, Joshua and I had been together about a month when we first went to Wilmington and road the ferry.  With a box of Cheez-Its, I snatched a seagull right out of the air, and I think that is when Joshua knew life with me would always be an adventure!  Every time since, I have caught a seagull out of the air.  You can see this pretty little beauty here as well as the other snapshots.  
3 - Oak Island
This is honestly mine and Joshua's favorite place in the world to visit!  We love Oak Island!!  We stop here every time we go to Wilmington as well.  For us, the waves and the environment is so peaceful.  We can see the Bald Head Lighthouse from the shoreline, and the Oak Island lighthouse watches over us as we play in (or around) the surf.  It is just perfect, and it is our little spot!  
4 - Sunset on the Beach
This is an unusual sight for the North Carolina Coast.  We normally watch the sun rise over the ocean in the morning, but this particular time, we watched the sun set into the ocean.  I guess with the winter, the Earth moves just enough that we can watch the sun set over the ocean.  It was the perfect ending to a perfect day, and after we left the beach we went to an amazing BBQ place!  It was also a wonderful thing, and we are definitely recommending Southport Smoke House to anyone in the area!!  Go and check it out!

A Look from Last Week

Valentine's Day Decor

Pinterest Finds

I am super eager to try making these watercolor mugs!
I always seem to find the best reads on Pinterest, and this book looks awesome!
Y'all no how much I love burlap banners!!  
Here's to get you super pumped about St. Patricks crafts!

Featured Blogger


Haley from The Blue Dishes is one of my favorite bloggers!  I love reading about her adventures as a newlywed, and y'all, she has some awesome stuff!  If you get a chance, definitely jump over to her site and check her out!  She is funny, and very outgoing!  She is also a State grad, so Wolfpack...represent!!  Definitely add The Blue Dishes to your Bloglovin' and stay up to date with all Haley's happenings!




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

XOXO,

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Valentine's Day Decor



Happy Day After Valentine's Day!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's weekend!  I know I did!!  I cannot wait to tell a little about it in tomorrow's Weekend Snapshot!  One thing I want to share with you today (because I have to take them down now and change them out) are my Valentine's Day decorations!  I love to decorate!!  I also love to craft, which means I love to craft my decorations!  Here are my favorites!


So last summer, I made two beige pillow cases for my couch pillows, and I bought some red and white fabric and I made these pillow sleeves to go over my pillow cases.  Anyway, each holiday, I have been buying some holiday fabric and making these sleeves.  Once I complete my holiday pillow sleeve collection, then I will be done, and able to decorate pillows for every holiday!  I love them!!  They really brighten up the room!



I love to decorate my mantle!  It has so much character and one of the easiest ways to decorate it is to add a banner.  I bought a yard or two of burlap years ago, and last Valentine's Day, I cut out these squares and painted letters on them.  The banner says, "Be Mine" and it is super cute!  Totally happy!!  



Another thing I love is my picture wall which is also my entrance wall.  I change the pictures for each holiday/season.  I save them from year to year and I just reuse them!!  Here is a closer look at my Valentine's pictures!  


This I did not craft, but it looks like I could have!  I bought it last Easter so this is the first year I got to use it!  It is hanging outside my front door, and I think it looks right cute!!  Definitely gives the vibe of love and welcome all in one!  I think it is super sweet!!


This was my gift to Joshua last year!  I wrote down as many reasons that I love him as I could possible think of at the time, and gave it to him.  Super simple and inexpensive, and Joshua was tickled with it!  He thought it was so sweet, and honestly it is sweet.  In thirty years, we will hopefully look at it and remember why we got together in the first place!  Super cute!

What does your Valentine's decor look like?  
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,








Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Signs I Am Getting Older



Hello Friends!

Happy Wednesday!  This post is a result of another prompt from Let Your Blog Shine.  I am really enjoying being a part of such a great group, and if you are new blogger or interested in starting a blog, I totally recommend joining their Facebook group!  They are pretty awesome people!!  I also love their prompt ideas because as a seventh year senior in college, I am constantly feeling old!!  As in all the time!  Here are just a few signs that I am getting older.  

1 - I remember Old NCSU Campus
This doesn't sound like much, but it is.  I went into New Talley the other week, and I was amazed!  I was here during Old Talley, Old Bookstore, Old Atrium, and Old Carmichael.  When I started school, D.H. Hill was the only library available.  For those of you who are current NC State students...where the steps are in the Court of North Carolina...that used to be the BEST sledding hill on campus.  Every State student would be out there in the snow sledding!  Don't believe me, here is a video!  See and believe!

2 - It took me almost 10 years to read the Harry Potter series
I got my first Harry Potter book in 1998, and I would re-read them in-between releases.  My little sister on the other hand read all seven books in the same year.  This is a long time people!  Waiting patiently for each release only to devour the book in a matter of days and be left with another year-long (or more) wait.  Those of you who have read a series from its release date to its final publication understand this, but many of my friends do not.  Many of them were not old enough to remember the killer wait, but those of us who do, we have an appreciation that tells our age. 

3 - I prefer early classes
Yes.  I said it.  I would prefer to take early classes rather than late classes.  Why you may ask?  Because classes that start at 1:30 pm are literally starting at the beginning of nap time.  I cannot tell you how many times I arrive for class and think, "I would much rather be napping!"  I also go to bed fairly early if I can, therefore getting up at 7:00 is not really a big deal to me.  I have had 8-9 hours of sleep, and I feel like I can conquer the world!  So I start my day early, finish my classes early and try to go to bed early!

4 - My day revolves around cleaning
People who know me might think that this is debatable, but it is true.  Cleaning is a thankless job.  No one notices when you clean something, but everyone notices when you don't clean.  I literally did four loads of clothes the other day, and when Joshua was helping me put my sheets back on the bed, he asked me why I didn't wash the comforter too.  I try to do everything once a week, but those weeks that I miss, people notice.  I didn't appreciate my mom's clean house and the fact that I always had clean outfits when I needed them, but now, I totally do!  So, shout out to my mom!  I love that your house is clean and well decorated!

5 - I have to make to-do lists to remember everything
Clear sign that I am getting older!  I used to survive without a planner, and now I have a small planner for my pocketbook, a big planner to fill in details and a massive calendar hanging in my apartment.  This does not include the calendars on my iPhone or my laptop that send me constant reminders of all the things that are due!  Today, I have a page long to-do list of everything that I need to get done today and tomorrow, and it even includes "Take a Shower."  I have to make a list where I schedule shower time.  I even wrote down my wedding date...just in case!  That my friends, is when you are officially old.  Several of my classmates comment on how organized I am, but I don't think they realize that if I wasn't this organized, I wouldn't get ANYTHING done!  Because I wouldn't remember!  Because I am old(er)!

What are some signs that you are getting older?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,


Thursday, February 5, 2015

10 Things I Believe


Hello Friends!

As I said Monday, I joined an online blogging community that sends out a newsletter each month with blog prompt suggestions.  This week, the prompt is 10 things that I believe, and I think it is a good idea.  I feel like I have some pretty strong convictions, and I want to take the time to share them with you.  

I Believe in Jesus

This has to be my number one belief because this is the one that matters most to me.  Without Him, I am lost and will remain lost.  Jesus is my rock and my guide, and I believe that in order to get where I am going and do what I am suppose to accomplish, I need Jesus in my life.  

I Believe in Love

This is also super important, because in today's time, we need to believe in love.  I see love every day, not only in my relationship with Joshua, but my interactions with different individuals.  In today's society, we read messages of hate everywhere, but it is important to close your mind to all of that, and see the love that is radiating in the stories around you.  That love it going to send your places!

I Believe in a Well-Read Woman

First off, I love to read, so I might be bias.  My favorite Disney movie was always Beauty and the Beast, because the Beast totally gave Belle a library (a symbol of true love).  Some of my favorite stories are classic novels like Frankenstein and Dracula, but I also believe that as long as you are reading, you are learning.  As long as you are learning, you are becoming a stronger person.  Josh may laugh at me reading all the time, but he definitely encourages me to continue reading, and learning and growing.  

I Believe in Cookie Dough as a Cure for Anything

Yes, cookie dough!  Best.  Thing.  Ever.  For heartbreak, heartache, headache, flu, life, anything.  I crave it, and I will even settle if it is part of my ice cream!  Cookie dough saves lives every day!

I Believe that Every Woman Needs One True Friend

My grandmother and mother always say that if you have one true friend at the end of your life, then you have lived a successful life.  I believe this whole heartedly.  I have friends and acquaintances, but I have very few true friends that would drop everything to be there for me in a moment's notice.  Ironically, one of my best friends is Joshua's best friend.  He is the only person I know that I can call from hours away, and ask for a stupid favor (i.e. break into my parent's house to get my little sister's car keys, go make sure my mom is okay and safe until the highway patrol gets there, etc.) and he does it.  If the apocalypse breaks out and I can't get to Joshua, he is my first go to!  Friendships change over time, so if at the end of your time you still have a friendship that has changed with you, then you did well!

I Believe the Day Doesn't Start Until Your Coffee is Brewed

Coffee starts every morning for me, and that is a wonderful way to begin the day.  When coffee is shared, that is an even better beginning to the day!  The perfect beginning?  Sharing coffee and sipping from a favorite mug!  So put on the coffee, invite your friends, and share a warm mug of tasty coffee!

I Believe that Heated Car Seats are a Must

Does this have to be explained???  Warm butt.  Cold outside.  Life is sweeter with a "hiney heater!"

I Believe that Everyone Needs at Least One Show to Binge Watch

I am a chronic binge watcher.  I binged on ten seasons of Grey's Anatomy one summer.  I just got finished binging on nine seasons of Criminal Minds.  Everyone needs one show to sit down and mindlessly enjoy.  

I Believe that I am the Most Blessed Woman in the World

Joshua is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I am truly blessed to marrying such a wonderful man!  Seriously!  He supports and encourages me, and he is always my #1 fan!  I couldn't ask for more, and as long as he is by my side, I can do anything and everything!

I Believe that Life is Always Worth Living

No matter how hard life is, it is always worth getting through.  No matter where you are in the world, your life will always matter to the people around you.  You touch an unknown amount of lives in your time on Earth, and you will never know the full impact you have on others.  Your life matters to me, and to God, therefore it is always worth living!

What do you believe?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,

Monday, February 2, 2015

February Goals



Hello Friends!

I cannot believe today is the second day of February 2015!!  January flew by!!  I also cannot believe that I am on time this month with my goals post!  Normally, I stay so swamped with things that I miss the chances I have to blog about my life.  I guess that is a good thing because I am totally out there living it!!  Anyway, here is a look back at my January 2015 goals.

1 - Be Healthy

So this is a success in my mind!  I haven't gotten back into Zumba again yet, but I am watching what I eat a little closer.  I also scheduled and went to my eye doctor appointment!  So check!  I still need a few more appointments, but going to a second one is good!  I was not able to give up fried foods entirely though!  I think I just love them too much!  I didn't give up sugar either...so not too happy with that, but Joshua and I are much more active and we are both feeling good!

2 - Plan Accordingly

This is a total success!  I have stayed on top of everything I need to do, and I am happy to say, I have not let anything slip through the cracks!  So yay!

3 - Be Happy

I have pursued my blogging dream really well this month.  I posted 7 times in January, and I am pretty happy about that.  I found that it is really hard sometimes to find good strong ideas to blog about, but I am working on it.  I joined two blogging communities, Let Your Blog Shine and Authentic Bloggers, and both have been really helpful.  I definitely enjoy asking others questions, and I am enjoying the new friends I am making from it!  I also hosted my first Linkup, and I am hoping for several more successful Linkups in the near future!  Success!

So on to this months goals!

1 - Participate in LYBS Blog Challenges

Let Your Blog Shine posts a monthly newsletter with challenges and writing prompt ideas, and I really want to participate in that.  Some of it is Instagram related and some of it is blog improvement related.  Either way, I am pretty excited to get started on that!

2 - Stay Organized

I have worked so hard getting organized, and I actually got my okay for graduation in January.  This means that as long as I pass everything, I will graduate in May!  I am literally at the final lap, so I have to stay focused and keep pushing to the finish line.  I also need to stay on top of all the extra things that I do throughout the month/year.  So I am keeping up with my calendar, and I am working hard to stay focused.

3 - Eat/Live Better

This is still important to me!  Joshua and I have done so well so far, and I only want to see us do better!  I know we can, and I am prepared to go back to my exercise routine, and get Joshua back in the game as well!

4 - Create Good Content for Blogs

I am excited about participating in the LYBS Challenges, but I also need to work on writing good content for other blog posts.  I did a really good job in January, but I need to keep it up!  I need to post things that I am interested in reading and writing, and I need to make sure that my audience is satisfied, and growing!

5 - Finish (at least) 2 Books

This year, my Goodreads goal is 25 books again, and I totally think I can do it!  I am well on my way too!  I have read 2 so far, but I need to keep up all my good work, and make it happen!  You can check out my Goodreads info here!

These are my February goals!

What goals did you set for this month?
Like I said, let me know!

XOXO,

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