boasting about tomorrow

{ scarf/watch/clutch: Nordstrom; blazer/bracelet: Target; top: JCrew; trousers: Loft; heels: Jessica Simpson; lipstain: Revlon gothic }

"Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.  What is your life?  For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.  Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."

{ James 4 v.14&15 }

Today is Wednesday.  It's not yesterday [Tuesday], or tomorrow [Thursday], or a year from now [2012], it's Wednesday.  I've been in this really annoying mindset lately of only being able to focus or think about the future.  I have been getting so caught up in my "to-do's" that I've been missing the opportunities that have been arising in the "right-now's".  Do you ever feel that way?  Or am I the only crazy woman who stumbles and gets so self-centered on my own tasks ahead of me?  If I am, you might as well stop reading, because you won't relate to this post at all.  Just sayin'.  But I have a hard time believing that I am the only one that gets wrapped up in my own little personal agenda.  

Here's a brief one-sided conversation that goes on in my head with God, "Sorry God, you're plans for me today are going to have to be put on hold, because I have so many other things to do besides listen or spend time with you."

  I hate when I have that mindset.  I'm never happy, never content, never satisfied when I get set in my stubborn self-centered ways.  

The first thing I thought of when I woke up this morning was, "What do I need to get done today?" Sound familiar? Story of the beginning to every day of my life.  There's nothing wrong with thinking those thoughts, but I truly want the first things I think of in the morning to be, "Okay God, what's your plan for me today.  How can I be used by you?  How can I serve you?  How can I glorify you?  Thank you for today."  Is there any way I can get that engrained in my little head of mine?  I would love that.  Instead of dwelling on the fact that I have spent too many of my first thoughts every morning focused on my own agenda, I'm going to move forward and pray that those thoughts can be refocused on my maker's agenda for me [because I'm sure His agenda for me is way more exciting, amusing, and fulfilling than my own! Let's be honest! Who doesn't want the ruler of the Universe ruling their day-to-day life?]  

I've been going through the book of James, and all I have to say is it's so convicting [but in a really good way, I promise].  Going through some of it, I'll be honest, I cringe.  I pretend that the scripture isn't yelling at me through the pages.  Seriously, though.  All I have to say is, praise the Lord for grace, or I would be long gone.  It's reassuring when James writes in 4v.6 "But he gives more grace."

This morning was one of those mornings where I couldn't stop stressing about my "to-do" list.  It's the end of the term, and this term is ending differently than any other term.  When I opened my Bible and read James 4, it couldn't have been a clearer message from the Lord.  The Lord's timing is so perfect.  As I sat on my couch, rereading the passage again and again, I was left with a sense of contentment.  

So long boasting about tomorrow, or the next day, or the day after that! I'll let tomorrow worry about itself.

holiday nails

I love painting my nails red for the holidays. Adding a bit of sparkle is always a good thing as well. I am such a fan of red and gold [all of my presents are wrapped in those colors this year! Yes, I've already wrapped some presents. I can't help myself, I'm so excited for the holiday season. Half the fun of presents is looking at them under the tree anyways, right?] Moral of the story, I love having an excuse Christmafy my nails for the holiday season.

1. Pick a solid color [I chose red for the holidays], and a metallic.

{Revlon Red; Gold Coin}

2. Apply one coat of your solid nail polish.

3. Once your nails dry completely, paint a diagnol line with your metallic polish.

4. You have yourself some festive nails for the holidays!

thanksgiving break is such a tease

{ sweater/wedges: Old Navy; necklace: Target; pants/bangle: F21; clutch/watch: Nordstrom }

I have a love/hate relationship with Thanksgiving break. As soon as I begin to relax, unwind, completely change my sleeping patterns, I'm thrown right back into my busy school schedule.  I get all excited for the holiday season, I start listening to Christmas music, buying presents, watching Christmas movies, and baking holiday treats.  The thought of attempting school makes me want to vomit, I can see the end... Two weeks... Two very long weeks, that are full of studying, final projects, presentations, and study guides. Ah!  Not to mention, this year, amidst all the chaos, we are trying to move out of our apartment. For a while, I didn't think I would be very sentimental about moving out, considering a fight goes on almost every night in our parking lot, and our neighbors smoke right outside our window.  But, I really am sad to leave.  It hit me as hubs and I were driving home last night from Salem.  I was so anxious to sleep in our bed, and be welcomed by all our "stuff" [emphasis on our "stuff", not someone else's "stuff"].  This little place of ours we call home isn't going to be home for much longer, and that makes me really sad.  It was our first place, and even though it's time to move on, it's not easy saying good-bye.  We have two more weeks of sweet memories in this little place of ours. I've been avoiding boxing up anything yet, because I'm sort of in denial that it's actually happening.  It'll be wierd, but a total blessing living in someone else's home for a few months.  Not bad, just different.  I know it'll be a great growing time for me, since I love having a place to call our own.  Hubby is just excited to live in a house where we don't share walls with our neighbors.  I would have to agree with him on that, it will be nice to have some peace and quiet.  But what if I'm so used to the chaotic college atmosphere that I don't know how to live in a peaceful environment? Seriously though. Even though it is really loud and obnoxious, it's comforting to know that someone is always around, I'm never totally alone, and that makes me feel strangley safe in a way.  I know I'm just being a worrier, because that's what I'm best at [thanks to my mother].  Believe me, I'm excited to move on, but that doesn't mean I don't have some anxiety that comes along with that.  Brad is so good at being calm.  He is so perfect for me.  As we were driving home, I was listing off all of the "what ifs" that could happen in this situation, talking his ear off like a fool.  When I was done, he said, "At least we're in this together.  At least we have a place to live.  The Lord is providing for us, and I know he will continue to provide for us.  I love you, and I'm excited for this change and unknown we're about to go through." I sighed [a big sigh]. I felt so much better, and pretty silly for even doubting our not-that-big-of-a-deal change that was about to happen.  I just need to slow down this fast moving brain full of worry that's in my head, and trust.  Just trust.  Why can't I have a fast moving brain full of knowledge about school in my head? Seriously though.  I need to get back to the books, and study.  Who knows, Four Christmases, and a piece of leftover pumpkin pie might join me to ease the study pain just a little bit.

christmas wishlist

1.  Capri Blue mercury glass candle from Anthropologie. $25

2. Titanium 'Boyfriend' watch from Nordstrom. $18

3. Winter sweater in Sequin Stripe from JCrew. $118

4. Poppy King lipstick from JCrew. $15

5. Crocheted Knitted Beanie in Lime from Forever21. $7.80

6. Sperry Top-Sider Short Shearwater Boots from JCrew. $138

7. Lumbercheck Tunic Shirt from Madewell. $88

8. Glitter iPhone case from JCrew. $25

9. Statements by DCK Stone Bib Necklace from Nordstrom. $22

10. Archie Grand for JCrew Notebook from JCrew. $10

11. 'Only Gold For Me' topcoat from Sephora. $9.50

Happy Thanksgiving! Love, your favorite Kidds

{That little symbol were making with our hands is supposed to be a turkey. Can you tell? gobble, gobble}

There is so much to be thankful for. Where do I even begin? Hubby and I just went to coffee to read our bibles, and do a little bible study on Thanksgiving. How refreshing it was to read about all we have to be thankful for. We were talking about how as Christians, we celebrate Thanksgiving with such a different view, such a different heart of gratefulness. Yeah, we're thankful for our little nest, food, friends, etc. But, we are beyond thankful for the gift of God's salvation on the cross. I would say that gift outweighs everything else on my little "things I'm thankful for" list I wrote on my Starbucks napkin. Here are a few things from my "things I'm thankful for" list: my hot husband {seriously, thankful}, our little nest, my family, friendships, the community of believers around me, my health, challenges, and gluten-free options {silly yes, but I'm so thankful for gluten-free bread!} Everything I have to be thankful, all goes back to God's faithfulness and goodness in my life. 

Here are some verses we read and reflected on:

"Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name." {Pslam 30:4}

"Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High." {Psalm 50:14}

"Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving, let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!" {Psalm 95:2}

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever." {Psalm 136:1}

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." {1 Corinthians 15:57}

"Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" {2 Corinthians 9:15}

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." {Philippians 4:6}

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" {Colossians 3:17}

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." {Colossians 4:2}

"Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." {1 Thessalonians 5:9}

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hubby and I are headed to Portland for a yummy meal with our entire family. I can't wait. Enjoy your day of thanks, and I hope you get to spend it with all the people you're thankful for!

antsy

{ blazer/boots/ring: Target; lipstick: Revlon 'Really Red'; watch: Nordstrom; blouse/belt: F21; pants: Old Navy; bag: Thrifted }

I can't help myself. I am so antsy for Thanksgiving break.  Even though Thanksgiving break is only a teaser before winter break, it's still an excuse to do nothing for a few days. Tomorrow, hubs and I are headed north for the long weekend. But don't worry, I'm already pretending like the break has started. I didn't go to my workout class because I persuaded myself into believing that it was pretty much break [That persuading didn't take long]. I avoided my homework that I was going to get a jump start on that's due next week [Instead, I searched black friday deals and thanksgiving crafts]. Why am I so easily distracted? Why can't I be one of those people who never misses a class because they feel guilty if they do? I blame my poor school habits on my sister. She told me that the key to college is only going to class the day before midterms, the day of midterms, the day of the final review, and the day of the final. That method that I tried for a term didn't work out to well for me. I'm not blessed like my sister is. I can't not go to class and just cram the night before a big test. The one term I did try this method, I failed... miserably. I make about 85% of my classes, and I'm proud of that. Please don't compare me to hubs. HE on the other hand will go to class even if he has a fever of 105. This man puts me to shame.  While he's working hard on homework, I'm dilly dallying around, playing on pinterest, etc. Where did my motivation go? I promise I'm really good the first few weeks of school. Come on little voice in my head that pushes me to get homework done... You can stop hiding now... I need some motivation. I need to stop pretending homework doesn't exist. When and if that little voice of motivation returns, I'll be sure to let you all know about it. Don't keep your hopes up though.

give thanks

thanksgiving by urbannester 

1. Adorable place settings are a must. Check out these affordable pine cone place settings made by Emily over at Cupcakes and Cashmere.

2. I plan on painting my nails a dark color with a gold sparkly top coat. Very holiday-ish. This gold sparkle polish is Deborah Lippman, one of my favorites.

3. Anything and everything with fur is an essential layer for all of my cozy Thanksgiving looks. I'm in love with this fur vest from the Gap.

4. Put away your watch on Thanksgiving day, no need for checking time, you get to spend quality time with your family and friends. Black friday is a different story. I love this Nixon watch, it's so versatile.

5. Get lost in a good read. I plan on reading at least one book over the short break. 

6. Don't forget to give a nice "thank you" gift to your hostess on Thanksgiving. Something homemade and creative is always a great way to make the gift memorable.

7. Wear something a little sparkly on Thanksgiving. I plan on adding a little sparkle to my outfit. A top like this one would be perfect paired with a great pair of skinnies and pumps.

the belt knot

How to master the Belt Knot

1. Choose a belt

2. Wrap the belt around your waist, holding both ends with your hands.

3. Pull the tail end of your belt through the "belt holder" [I don't know proper belt language?]

3. When the tail end is through, pull it tight. Then, wrap it under the bottom of your belt, so the end is headed up towards your face.

4. Point the tail end down, and pull it through the metal part of your belt [sorry these terms are ridiculous!]

5. Pull the tail end of your belt tight.

6. Voila! You've got yourself a nifty belt knot. All your friends are gonna be super impressed. Just don't tell them how simple it really is to master :]

ps. One month from today is me and mister's 2nd wedding anniversary! When did it become the end of November? Why is this year going so fast? I don't really care why, I'm just happy it's almost winter break, which means lots of excuses for celebrating.

unfortunate and fortunate

{ beanie: Hurley; shirt: Banana Republic; leather dress: H&M; tights/bangle/necklace: F21; wedges: Old Navy; bag/watch: Nordstrom; Lips: Revlon "Gothic" Lipstain }

Unfortunate

1. Going to the doctor's today. You guys, I really really hate going to the doctor's. Probably because every time I go, I have something wrong with me. I'm not kidding. I'm pricked and prodded and uggghhh... I hate needles. So much so that I literally faint every time I have to get my blood drawn. I'm getting queasy just thinking about it. Let's hope I don't have any needles injected into my body. Blah.

2. Getting an average of 5 hours of sleep each night this week. Notice the huge dark circles under my eyes. I'm an old woman who needs her 8 hours of beauty sleep.

3. Biting into a soggy apple. That's seriously the worst.

4. Rain. Lot's of rain.

5. Regis and Kelly is officially over. Bye, bye, Reg.

6. Calf cramps. 

7. Having to trim my bangs every other day. I don't know if I can maintain these things.

8. Indian runs for 4 miles in my running class on Wednesday. I still have zero feeling in my legs. If you see me walking really unfortunately, don't worry, I'm just in a lot of pain from soreness. I really should stretch after class next time. 

9. Procrastinating with all of my final projects.

10. Realizing we won't get a Christmas tree this year, because we'll be moving in December. Not having that Christmas tree smell in our apartment is going to kill me.

Fortunate

1. Getting mail. I love getting personal mail. I'm kind of into the whole old-fashion-way-of-communicating.

2. Watching "Four Christmases" for the first time this holiday season. Here's to a million more viewings until New Years!

3. I finally bought a water bottle so that I can consume more water. That's my goal. Consume more water. I get the worst calf cramps, and I think it's because I'm so dehydrated all the time. Wait, coffee's not a hydrator? Who knew. 

4. This weekend is Dad's Weekend at OSU! Can't wait to spend some quality time with my pops. I see football, peanut m&m's, and action movies in the future.

5. This leather dress from my mom. How amazing is it? I'm so impressed that she picked this out for me. 

6. Lighting a new candle. I love candles, especially when they smell like Christmas.

7. Beanie weather. Meaning... I'll be wearing a beanie everyday until the sun comes out again.

8. Thai food is cooking in the crockpot right now for dinner. Do I need to say more? The smell is heavenly.

9. Hubby sleeping on my shoulder right now.

10. Thanksgiving break is next week. I can't even express to you how excited I am to eat lots and be with family. 

What are your unfortunates and fortunates from this week?

snaps

photo 1: walking on campus with my leopard print rainboots.

photo 2: the winter j.crew magazine came in the mail. somuchinspiration.

photo 3: my good friend Kelley just gave me this nail polish [Revlon "Jaded Midnight"] & one of my favorite necklaces I wore in my sister's wedding.

photo 4: new holiday drinks at work! caramel apple cider & peppermint mochas. christmas in a cup.

photo 5: leaves changing colors and falling on campus.

Have a great Thursday!

happy birthday SIL!

Happy birthday to the world's greatest sister-in-law! 

Amanda, all I have to say is, thank you for marrying my brother! I feel so lucky to have you as my SIL. It's not often that sisters are such great friends, but I really do consider you to be one of my dearest friends. I have loved spending more and more time with you, and every time we're together, it's so comfortable. You are one of the easiest people to be around. Thanks for always making Brad and I feel so welcomed at your home, I know we're always welcome, and I'm so thankful for that. You and Ty have been so generous and loving towards us, and I love all the time we get to be together. I love when we come to Portland and the boys watch football, and we shop/or go for walk/or watch a girl movie. I'm looking so forward to the holidays and spending Thanksgiving up at your beautiful new home. I'm so glad you're in my life, and I'm beyond thankful you married my brother. 

Have the happiest of birthdays! You deserve it :]

grow hair, grow

tribal sweater/green sweater/bracelet/glasses: F21; watch/bag/belt: Nordstrom; trousers: Loft; wedges: Target; nail polish: Revlon }

I'm one of those people who cuts there hair as soon as it gets long, and wants it long as soon as I chop it off. I can just never decide whether I like it better long or short. Right now, I'm in the process of growing it out. I've been trying to grow my hair out since last summer. To be honest, it's come a long way. These bangs are stayin, but the rest of my hair needs to grow, grow, grow! I dream of having my hair as long as it was in high school. It was SO long. Seriously down to where my belt is. I've been trying every trick in the book to make these locks grow. For example, horse shampoo. Weird, right? But it totally works. I swear by my beloved horse shampoo! A good friend taught me this trick in high school, and ever since I've wanted my hair to grow, I've been using the stuff. Another plus about horse shampoo,  is that it thickens your hair. I know, you all are going to run out to your local pet store and buy yourselves some bottles, am I right? This stuff is magic in a bottle... You can all thank me later.

tasty tuesday: S'more Krispies

First off, sorry for being so bad about posting a recipe on tuesdays. But, good news, I'm posting a delicious treat that will make up for past few weeks. 

These S'more Krispies are to die for!

There are a few things that I have an unhealthy addiction to, one being chocolate+marshmellows [so basically, s'mores]. These bad boys are super filling, rich, and perfect for satisfying any sugar cravings you might be having. They're quick and easy to make [which are two things I like to hear when I'm cooking], and they're sure to impress the mouths your feeding. Enjoy these tasty, gooey, ohsogood treats!

S'more Krispies 

{gluten-free, of course!}

3 Tablespoons butter

4 cups mini marshmallows (or about 40 regular/large marshmallows)

5 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1 cup Honey Chex cereal

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

[Top layer]

4 oz semi-sweet chocolate [or about 1 cup chocolate chips]

40 large marshmallows [approximately]

{Directions}

1. Butter [or spray lightly with cooking spray] a 9"x13" pan.

2. In a large microwave safe bowl, place 3 tablespoons of butter [cut into a few pieces], and 4 cups of marshmallows.  Microwave about 3 minutes [stirring after 2 minutes]  watch the microwave, cooking times may vary.  Cook in microwave until butter and marshmallows are melted.  Stir gently. 

3. Add rice krispies and honey chex cereal and stir to combine. 

4. Add mini chocolate chips, stir quickly, and immediately pour mixture into prepared 9"x13" pan.  Press into pan [with spatula]. 

5. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave, 30 second intervals, stirring between intervals.  Heat until just melted.  Spread chocolate on top of rice kripies treats in pan.

6. Place marshmellows on top of the krispies.

7. Turn the oven on broil. Place the krispies in the oven until the marshmellows turn golden brown.

8. Wait until the chocolate hardens, then cut the krispies into squares.

9. ENJOY!

happy birthday to my cute red-haired friend!

Happy happy birthday to one of the most genuine, beautiful, accepting, christ-fearing women I know!!!

Laura, you are one of my best friends. I am so thankful for you, and the friendship we have. Praise the Lord that we were in all of the same classes fall term of our freshman year, or else I wouldn't have you as a friend. You are someone who always puts others first. You make everyone feel welcomed, accepted, and encouraged. You are one of the biggest encouragers in my life. Thank you for always standing firm in who you are. You stay steady and firm in the Lord, and it's so evident in the way you live your life. I am so envious of those auburn locks of yours! You are so beautiful [both inside and out]! Seriously though, I think everyone would agree that you are a stunning woman. I am so glad we're friends. I'm so glad you love birds, vintage-things, antique malls, and target as much as I do. 

I love you! Have the happiest of birthdays, my dear!

still learning how to do this whole married thing

I'm thankful for my "extremely hot" husband.

We've been married for almost two years now, and there is still so much growing, so much teaching, and so much learning that is taking place in our marriage. We are a work in progress, and to be honest, I think we will be for the rest of our married lives. You all know that this year has been really difficult, in the sense that we barely get to see each other, and when we do get to see each other, we're so tired that we have no energy to communicate. We continue to go and go and go, pour ourselves into others, and in the midst of all of this chaos, we forgot to just be with each other. Me, the emotional processor that I am, word vomited all over Brad last week, spewing out how I missed us. I really really missed just being with my husband. Friday afternoon, we went to Starbucks, grabbed some coffee, brought along our bibles, and just talked out how we could make things better. How we could spend more quality time together. How we could be more encouraging. How we could pray for one another daily. How we could pursue each other in this busy season of life. It was totally needed, and the Lord showed up and blessed us for taking this hard time to him. Even though our "game plan" may seem like nothing to you unmarried folks, to you married folks, I'm sure you can relate on how easy it is to forget to really check in with your spouse daily. On that little Starbucks napkin above is our "game plan". Every night from 10:00-10:15 pm [sometimes longer!] we will stop whatever we're doing to talk about our days and pray together. Every friday afternoon, we'll read our Bibles and enjoy some good coffee together [for some reason, going somewhere makes it that much easier to communicate]. And lastly, once a month we will spend an evening going on a "real" date [we'll go do something out of the usual, out of town].  Discussing how we can grow closer in our marriage, and actually putting our discussion into action is really encouraging. Regrouping and communicating is so necessary for us.

For all you busy married folks, what's something you and your spouse do to stay in tune with each other? Any tips? Words of wisdom? Please share!