I'm a Hippo!!!

Hi all! I was planning on posting something else today, but I'm rather short on time seeing as how I am leaving for a job interview in a little bit. I know I have talked about this before, but I HATE the interview process. It's not so much that I don't like being interviewed, it's that I don't like being judged in 20 minutes and then being rejected over and over. What's most annoying is being rejected without so much as a courtesy call so you're left wondering--so rude and unprofessional. I keep wanting to pray to get the job, but I know I should be praying that I get the job that God wants me to get. That might mean it's not going to be in the timing that I want. I just want to scream at my interviewers "Hire me!! I'm a Hippo!! There's more to me than meets the eye!!" I am worried that people just think I am sweet and quiet and that I wouldn't be able to handle a PE class, but they haven't seen me in action!! 

ROAR!!!

Any who, please pray for me today if you think about it. And I hope you all have a fantastic Thursday :)

 

Wednesday Wisdom

At twenty years of age
I'm still looking for a dream
A war's already waged
For my destiny
But you've already won the battle
And you've got great plans for me
Though I can't always see

'Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

When I was just a girl
I thought I had it figured out
My life would turn out right
And I'd make it here somehow
But things don't always come that easy
And sometimes I would doubt

'Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

And you're free to be you

Sometimes I believe
That I can do anything
Yet other times I think
I've got nothing good to bring
But you look at my heart and you tell me
That I've got all you seek
And it's easy to believe

It's funny, I choreographed a solo to this for a little girl when I was 19 and I didn't think too much about this song because it was a popular song on the radio at the time. Now whenever I hear it I feel like it was written about me! The funny thing is, that I have just figured out in the last couple of years that when you become and adult, you still don't have all the answers, and you never will. I thought I would have things "figured out" by now, but I'm still working on it.

Hope you have a great Wednesday :)

 

Memorial Day

I hope everyone had a lovely Memorial Day weekend. I especially want to thank my husband, cousin, and grandpa for serving in our military, along with a thanks to all of those who lost their lives while protecting our freedom.

This weekend I got to visit my parents, and I spent Memorial Day watching war movies with my husband. We were most excited to watch the "World Wars" mini-series on the History Channel, that started last night. I have been very excited for this to come on ever since I saw this commercial:

*For some reason, every time I publish this post, the video disappears, so here is the youtube link if you are interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRXyl98-4Sc 

 I love learning about history and seeing all of these notorious leaders and dictators come to life. I think the craziest thing that I learned from last nights episode is that during WWI, Hitler was a messenger in the trenches, and at one point he is injured and British Private Henry Tandey had the opportunity to shoot and kill him, but he couldn't bring himself to pull the trigger. Just imagine if he had. Would we have avoided the horrible events of WWII, or would someone else had stepped up and created a different evil scenario? 

The series paints Hitler as a misfit in his early years. It makes me wonder, if someone had befriended him would he have gone a different path? Maybe someone tried. We'll never know.

If you missed last night's episode, I believe it is airing again today at 7 PM (ET). The second episode in the mini-series is on tonight on the history channel at 9/8 central. You don't want to miss it!

Have a great Tuesday!

  

Hiking Iron Mountain

With Memorial Day Weekend coming up I am really hoping to get out & do something this weekend! I'm thinking maybe going hiking. I love hiking! Here is a hike that my husband & I did last summer with my parents. It's called Iron Mountain and it's located off of the High 20 on the Santiam Pass.

 We made it to the top! My husband would not be very happy with me if he knew I posted a shirtless pictures of him, but you know what? I'm pretty sure he never looks at my blog, so I think I'm safe ;)

The pictures I took do not even do the view justice. At the top summit, there is basically a 360 view of mountains all around you. It is gorgeous. I am so blessed to live in Oregon and to have grown up so close to such beauty!

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend & I hope you do something fun this weekend!

Recent Indulgences

In the weeks leading up to my birthday, I started getting those "It's Your Birthday!" emails where companies try to entice you to buy yourself something by giving you discounts or special gifts. Well they got to me and I made a few purchases. So here is what I have recently indulged in.

Chevron Paper Straws in Caribbean

 I adore pretty paper straws. I think they make parties and get together's extra lovely and festive. I purchased myself some lovely pink & green chevron straws from GroupDealz that are not for sale anymore. However, you can purchase lovely paper straws from Shop Sweet Lulu, which I have in the past, and they have a large variety of colors and patterns to choose from for a reasonable price.

Chevron Paper Straws in Watermelon Pink

My straws were actually a little lighter pink and I have them mixed with the green straws in mug on a glass cabinet. They look really cute. I will share a picture when I finish the painting I have hanging behind them that is only partially finished right now ;)

 My next purchase was the Go TropiCORAL Lip & Cheek kit by Benefit Cosmetics from Sephora. It came with a lip & cheek tint, highlighter, blush, and lip gloss. I love the colors, and it is a perfect travel size (not to mention the packaging is super cute!). Coral is one of my favorite colors right now and I think it is a perfect way to brighten up your look for the summer. I am wearing all of these products in my previous "26 things about me post". My only suggestion is, that is you use the cha cha tint for you cheeks you have to blend it right away or it will stain just the area you put it on a little darker than the rest of your cheeks! Below is another picture of me wearing the TropiColal set.

Isn't the packaging fun? It also came with some tips on how to apply the products.

ASOS T-Shirt with Shadow Floral Sequin

My last purchase was from ASOS. I wanted something sparkly to wear for my birthday (I LOVE SEQUINS!). Which if you saw my birthday post you saw I chickened out and didn't wear it. I still love it though and I WILL wear it eventually! I love that it is sequinned all over, not just the front but the back also. I also like that the sleeves come down and cover my arms. The only thing I slightly disliked is that I wish it was a little longer but it is still super fun and cute and I love it. Oh and I was also a little bummed because I was enticed with a 10% off deal for my birthday, but since the item was on sale I couldn't get the extra discount.

Well that's all for today!

I hope you have a lovely Thursday!

 

Wednesday Wisdom

Heels: Nordstrom // Cocktail Glass: Amara

I picked this saying up from the birthday card my cousin gave me :)

Nordstrom is having their half yearly sale...just saying ;)

Happy Wednesday!

   

Book Review: Life Without Limits

I recently read this book "Life Without Limits". Nick Vujicic is inspiring and motivating. I first I was on the edge about his story because I thought "People are supposed to feel better about their lives because it could be worse? They could have been born without arms and legs?" I thought it was a little demeaning to the author as a person, but that was not the case. Nick Vujicic wants people to be inspired by his life not just because he was born without arms and legs, but because he didn't let that stop him from living life to the fullest. He speaks a message of love and hope. He wants you to know that whoever you are, you are loved, you are capable, and you are important. He relays this message through many anecdotes and helpful advice. 

One thing that really hit home to me about Nick's story is that, part of the reason why he has been able to be so successful is that he has a loving family and support system who were patient, and encouraging in helping him to become independent and achieve his dreams. It made me realize that not everyone is fortunate to have that support system, so we should always work hard to be kind and lift others up. Try to be a support to someone in your life that you think could use it. It makes me sad that there are people in this world who have never been told that they are loved and they are special. Please take the time today to say something nice to someone who might need it.

"Life Without Limits" is an inspirational read and I highly recommend it.

Have a great Tuesday!

 

My Birthday Celebration

I celebrated my 26th Birthday this weekend! To celebrate we went out to a cool bar/bistro with a few friends for drinks and food. 

I bought a cute new sequin shirt to wear for my birthday, but then I was worried about being over dressed, so being that I have been trying to make a point to wear old things that I just have not really worn very much, I met my goal by wearing this top that I got at Target (I think) several years ago.

And as long as I only have my husband to photograph my outfits, the pics probably won't be that great (he's not very patient when I'm picky about how the picture looks). Maybe I need to get a tripod and remote & start taking my own haha. Oh and please forgive my farmer's tan--we've had some sun the last couple of weeks and I am a PE teacher.

The place we went for dinner.

Me and the Hubster

My cousin and her husband

Us girls ordered the Lavender Lemon Drop--it was tasty! We also had bacon wrapped brussel sprouts which were delicious, but I was so caught up in the excitement of visiting and the lemon drop that I forgot to take a picture haha.

Me with my two best guy friends from high school. I don't get to see them all that often so it was treat to have them both there to help me celebrate (by the way they informed me that I have more pictures of them than they do haha.)

Had so much fun visiting with m cousin. We'll definitely have to go out together again soon!

I received some lovely gifts and on my actual birthday I got to have a day of relaxation! It was a great birthday weekend!

Have a great Monday!

 

Friday Fun

In honor of my birth I thought it would be fun to share:

26 things about me for my 26^th Birthday

1.      If you ask me what my favorite color is, I will say yellow. However, in reality I don’t really have a favorite color, I just like what yellow represents, which to me is sunshine and happiness.

2.      My birthday is on the anniversary of the Mt. St. Helens volcano eruption. In Seattle they sell jewelry that looks like emeralds made out of the Mt. St. Helens ash, which my parents purchased a necklace and earrings of and I wore in my wedding. Fun Fact: Emerald is the birth stone for the month of May.

3.      I LOVE all things glittery, sparkly, sequined, and bedazzled/bejeweled.

4.      My favorite drink is a Mimosa. I would order them everywhere I go, but I feel like it’s only appropriate at brunch haha. Whatever.

5.      In high school I did musical theatre and one year we put on Disney’s Aladdin. I tried out for Jasmine and got cast as the magic carpet. I was devastated, but guess what? I rocked it and I ended up stealing the show J

6.      I love to read.

7.      I love learning about history and different cultures. I originally went to college to be a history teacher.

8.      I prefer salty snacks to sweet ones (I’m a chip-aholic)

9.      I love all things Disney and Disneyland is one of my favorite places and I’m dying to go back.

10.  I am named after both of my Grandmas.

11.  I have 3 brothers and no sisters.

12.  I love old musicals and classic music: Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole to name a couple.

13.  I cry hard core EVERY time I watch Toy Story 3.

14.  Father of the Bride is my favorite movie.

15.  I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was 19.

16.  My favorite outdoor activity is hiking in beautiful places.

17.  Someday I want to go on a mission trip to India. I have ever since I saw all of the beggars on the first season of the Amazing Race.

18.  I’m slightly obsessed with the Hunger Games.

19.  I became a teacher because my heart is broken for all of the hurting and lonely kids in the world, and I hope that I can brighten their day in some way while I have them as students and be a positive influence while teaching them new things.

20.  Ultimate Frisbee is my favorite physical game to play.

21.  I am very fortunate to have people and circumstances that come into my life and push me outside of my comfort zone. I have anti-social tendencies and new situations give me anxiety.

22.  I love flowers of every kind. When I was younger I said that Tiger Lilly’s were my favorite because I love Peter Pan, but really just any flower is gorgeous to me.

23.  I love bluegrass and folk music.

24.  My mom & my husband are my best friends.

25.  I am a people pleaser and I like to make people happy (but if you start to push too far and take advantage of me then my inner hippo might come out…and then I’ll probably cry and apologize even though I shouldn’t, but if you’ve gone far enough I won’t.)

26.  That being said, I truly love people and want them to be happy. I feel that I am an empathetic person and I feel others’ pain when I hear about it. It bothers me and I want to do something to make their lives better. Right now the only way I know how to do that is to smile and be kind and pray.

That was fun! And also a lot to read--cudos to you if you actually read all of it! 

Do you have anything in common with me?
Well the next you hear from me, I will no longer be 25! 

 

Gallery Wall

Today I am sharing my gallery wall with you. I am in love with the gallery wall trend. I have a very eclectic taste and I feel that the gallery wall is the perfect way to display it! I like mixing the different frames and metallics. Also, being as how my husband and I are renting right now, it is the perfect way to add color to my walls since we can't paint.

 On my gallery wall I have mixed artwork with photos and I threw in a plate and the letter E. My last name initial is E so I love decorating with it. I find that letters add interest to my home decor. I got this cardboard E at Joann's Fabrics & Craft Store and then just spray painted it the color I wanted.

When I first set out to hang my gallery wall I was a little intimidated. To start I just laid out what I had on the floor in an arrangement I liked. Then I transferred to the wall and as I accumulated more things to add I just filled it in where it fit. In the picture above I originally started out without the bird platter or the picture below the E. Oh and also I use command strips to hang everything so I don't put holes all over my wall (I hung the E with tacks though!) I think the most important thing to take into consideration when hanging your wall gallery is to not worry about being perfect. When I first hung mine I was irritated because I didn't get all of the gaps exactly the same distance so it didn't look perfect. Then I saw more pictures of other people's gallery walls and I noticed that not a single one was perfect. Now it doesn't bother me any more and I actually think the different spacings add to the eclectic feel of my decor!

I hope this inspires you and have a great Thursday!

   

Wednesday Wisdom

Source: My original artwork

Just sharing a change in perspective today :)

Have a great Wednesday!

    

Birthday Wishlist

My 26th birthday is coming up this Sunday--ugh I will officially be closer to 30 than 20. I'm getting old! ;)

Any who, here are some lovely things that I would to have for my birthday. I didn't actually ask for any of it though--I am the easiest person in the world to shop for: if it's pretty, sparkly, or smells good then I like it!

bird breakfast pate / Philosophy body moisturizer /  Flower crown headband  / lucite jewels collar necklace

Press for Champagne Framed Vintage Button / Betsy Johnson Bucket Bag / 

Coach mini perfume set / Mug / I love the forest print /

Have a great Tuesday!

Weekend Recap

This is what I ended up getting my mom for Mother's Day. Everything is from World Market (I love that store!) except cor the mirrored tray which is, believe it or not, from the florist department of Safeway!

I love the gift wrap from World Market--aren't those colors s pretty?

My Mamma with her gift :)

We spent the day driving my younger brother's car up to Portland to help him move, and then we walked around a nice shopping area and went to dinner. It was nice enough to eat outside. Oh and like my "I <3 Mom" shirt? I got it at Old Navy like at least 10 years ago. Sometimes in high school I would wear it when my mom was substitute teaching haha. I know I'm a nerd!

Ending the day with a selfie! 

(My mom makes me look super pale--I need to get a tan this summer!)

Hope you had a great weekend & here's to the start of a great week!