Life Changing

We have to be fearless. We have to take chances. We can’t live life just being afraid of what comes next. That’s not what living is about. Its about enjoying each day. Not planning the future. Being happy when everything isn't perfect. Living without regret.

If you have followed my blog you know I have had a lot of life changing events happen recently. Some would be more like phases rather than events, but you get the picture. People who I thought would be in my life forever, left for good. I became a [grown up]. I lost 25lbs. And most of all I learned to appreciate each day.

I always had a timeline, a plan, a calendar but I wasn't living. I was going through the motions. I was literally living life described in this quote.
 

"The thing that screws us up the most in life is the picture in our head of how we think it should be."

Recently all that changed. The path I [thought] I wanted was hit by a tornado [not literally] and there was no going back. All the plans, the future...in an instant...was gone. And its hard. No one said it was easy, but it was for the better. I had to wake up. I had to turn back to God and my friends and my family. I had to rely on people who I had shut out and hope that would forgive me. I learned a lot about myself and a lot about the friendships and relationships I have with the people closest to me. Through this journey I have worked hard..it was a time in my life where I struggled in many ways, but God won't put you through anything he doesn't believe you are tough enough to get through. And I'm standing [or sitting] here to talk about it. People come into your lives for many difference reasons, some to test you and others to stay with you. Its sort of funny to look back and see how it all plays out. 

Here is a little picture I made along my journey. Before and After pictures of my weight loss. The difference is clearly visible on the outside, but even more so on the inside. Take time to notice other people's victories.

Don't judge others, for you don't know the things they are going through to make them act, look, speak the way they do. And if you don't feel like smiling, smile anyway, because your smile could be just what someone needs to keep going. Fight for what you believe in, dream [BIG], set goals and achieve them. Most of all, Enjoy your life one day at a time.

Threads Thursday

I went shopping at the outlets this weekend.

Shopping tends to be a major weakness of mine but I [LOVE] the feeling of new clothes=new you.

I found some really cute white cropped pants to replace my old ones that are now too big. Some black wedges which I was desperate for AND a red pencil skirt! Here are a few of my new items.

                       Shoes: Rack Room               Skirt: Banana Republic Outlet              Top: The Limited


Also.. I got an iPhone and I am obsessed. I already have an iPad so I understand how it works, but its so convenient and I can't wait to make this blog better with it! :)

Football in the spring

Football is probably my favorite sport to watch, attend games, enjoy with friends. The only negative thing about football is it's only in the fall. That is why I look forward to the spring game!!!

Here are some pics of the game! I know a few players from college classes so after the game we went to say hi!

What is a best friend?

What makes a friend a friend? How does a friend stay close? How do you make new ones?

I have always had "friends". Big groups or clicks I belonged to. The athletes in high school, sorority in college, etc.

But after all that-at the end of the day- I can probably count my REAL friends on 10 fingers. I wouldn't have it any other way. These people are my rock. My support system, voice of reason, family. Without them I'm not sure I could function. They all come from a different faucet of my life, with a special purpose and a unique connection.

One from work, others from college, a few from high school and another from elementary school. Then there is my friend from day 60. And yes, by 60 days I mean just that. I was 2 months old the day we met, the day she was born. We grew up together, inseparable for 5 years until my family moved. You'd think as 5 year olds you would move on and remember her as a friend of the past but this friendship couldn't be more different.

We saw each other at least once a year as kids, the older we got the longer time between visits got. We couldn't be more different yet so the same. We only went to preschool together. We saw each other sophomore year, then again last year.

 

Now, for the first time in 18 years we live 30 minutes apart. Different cities, but close enough.

Take time to reevaluate friendships. It's not about the quantity but about the quality. These are people I can count on for anything-through the joy, laughter, tears, ups and downs. Friendship is a gift but it should never be taken for granted.

Share what makes your friends so special to you :)

xoxo,

 

Distressed Wood Art

I recently created this piece of art [if you can call it that] for a friends sister who moved into a new place.

It was really simple and only takes a few hours [mostly so the paint can dry].

I think its a really awesome idea because you can make so many different types and they can all be unique.

Step 1: Find old [or new] piece of wood. [if new, distress with sandpaper and hammer].
Step 2: Paint initial color [I chose black] any kind of paint works, I did acrylic and house paint. Let dry.
Step 3: You will notice Vaseline. This is an easy way to get the old look. Rub some on [sparingly] and paint the next coat [green]. Let dry.
Step 4: Paint the final color of your choice [white]. Let dry. Then take a rag and wipe off board where you had the Vaseline. it will show the under color from whatever point you used the Vaseline. [so simple!].

 Step 5: Write on the board. I used a sharpie paint pen. it worked very well. At some points I used a stencil and others free hand. [whatever works for you].

Here is the final product! If you have questions let me know. It's simple, I hope you will try it :)

xoxo,

Fresh Start

Hello lovely readers!

I can't believe it has been OVER a month since I blogged.

I have had a lot going on, a lot of changes and a lot of growing to do in the last month. [A LOT].

I've recently decided to change my blog name--this sort of symbolizes some of the change I am going through. I am such a planner but you really don't know how quickly life can change. I am ready to take a new outlook on life and enjoy each day for what it is worth. I am truly trying to find happiness in the simple things while staying crazy busy and taking on a million things at once.

If you have been on my journey, I hope you will continue to stay... if you are new, great! I am definitely open to anything new these days.

xoxo,