Looking Forward

"He who begun a good work in you will bring it to completion..." -Phil 1:6

(This verse holds an amazing promise. I'm taking this verse with me into the new year.)

(via weheartit)

Looking forward to:

-walking each day with Him

-working on being a better friend, sister, daughter, lover

-taking all that I learned from 2010 into 2011

-blogger meetups

-random road trips

-baking 250+ cupcakes for my friends' wedding

-GRADUATION in June!

-saving money to get a new car

What are you looking forward to?

Somewhere

When I close my eyes, I am always somewhere with you...

Your crazy!

This is my favorite scene in the movie, Old School. And yes, Will Ferrell is one of my favorite actors.



"You're crazy man, I like you but you're crazy..."

I cry laughing every.single.time!

Blessing Box

(LINK UP HERE)

As 2010 comes to a close, I can't help but look back at this year. It is nothing I expected it to be, which really I should expect nothing, as God is the only one that knows the path of my life.

Anyways, I was in love and then my world came crashing down and my heart was shattered to peaces. I thought I would be engaged this year. Now, I think how crazy I was to think that. I tend to hold onto to the things that broke my heart...so I wanted to share the many blessings I recieved this year:

*I entered into the blog world the beginning of this year and it has forever changed me. I am blessed beyond measure for the friendships gained from this community. You all inspire me, make me cry, laugh, think, bake...the list could go on and on. It's funny how talking about blog friends has become part of my everyday conversation. Some just don't understand. You all were my support group when my world came crashing down. I will never be able to thank you enough. Love you all so very much.*

*"The breakup" has been very bittersweet. My relationship with Christ has grown enormously. I can't even put it into words. He has taught me to let go and trust in Him, has given me an enormous amount of strength and amazing sisters in Christ. His love is overwhelming.*

*I also learned A LOT about relationships and myself. (Everyone should read The Five Love Languages and Love&Respect) I have so much to give and bring into the next relationship that God blesses me with. So very thankful for this much needed wake up call.*

*And of course, I can't forget about furbaby. I was blessed with a sweet, sweet puppy. (My parents might think otherwise, haha!)*

What are some of your blessings this year?

Miscellany Monday

*ONE* At least once a year one of my ex boyfriend's sister always sends me a picture of my name in snow. They live in NC and got like 6 inches of snow!! Crazy! So this year she had to add some food coloring so that it would show up! Love it. Thanks Keely!

*TWO* Speaking of snow... let me just say, a white Christmas is beautiful, but I am for once happy I live in a state where it doesn't snow. Crazy Blizzards!!!

*THREE* I conquered the Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls!!! They turned out GREAT! Nom nom nom!

*FOUR* I have realized that Jax hates lights...like the flash on a camera, laser pointer, flashlight. Hence why I had to hold his sweet face in this Christmas Eve picture. I love my lil bear!

Jax on Christmas morning, wondering where his presents are.

*FIVE* Christmas day here in FL was gorgeous! It was about 70 degrees. So I took my new Ohio State Cycling Jersey and Trek out for a ride. Love Love Love.

Hope you all had a very wonderful Christmas and are staying warm!!

Merry (early) Christmas!

WILW

(link up here)

*I am loving the award I was given from the company I work for. I have good work ethic and value that in others. I believe you have to work to get where and what you want. I have been working since I was 15 years old. No matter what job I have had, I do it to the best of my ability. This was the first award I have been given and it felt so amazing to be appreciated.





*I am always loving my sweet furbaby...Jax!





BUT we have had some problems. He is the complete opposite of my parents dog. I had to buy him a shock collar the other night (those things are NOT CHEAP!) because he is having some problems listening to commands (he stubborn like his mommy) and doesn't realize when my parent's dog wants nothing to do with him. This has led to some very serious fights. My brother and I have been bitten the last couple of times while trying to break them up (Praise God they were minor bites). This week my parent's dog got hurt pretty bad. So far, the shock collar is doing some good. Hoping for the best out of this! Any thoughts/tips on shock collar training is much appreciated!


*My co-worker came back from her Hawaii vacation and I am loving this decal she brought back for me!




"HE>i" HE is greater than I. Isn't that just awesome??
You can check out more information HERE.


*I AM LOVING ALL OF YOU!!!! A special HELLO to my new followers!


Have a lovely Wednesday!!

Be Still

BE HERE NOW from blaine hogan on Vimeo.

It's okay if you don't have speakers or are at work. You don't need those to get the powerful message of this video.

**If the video isn't playing go HERE to view it**

Miscellany Monday

{ONE} I can't believe Christmas is this weekend! I have no Christmas spirit. It's really upsetting me because I LOVE everything about Christmas. Ugh...in other news, I am so ready for a new year. Can I get a hallelujah or an amen??

{TWO} I went to church twice yesterday... I believe I get 1 free sin. Haha, kidding! I went to STATUS last night with two pretty ladies, Baily (check out her blog! you'll love her!) and Savannah. Powerful message. Loved the music - they sounded JUST like Mumford & Sons!

{THREE} After today I get a nice break from my online classes! I plan to do some reading and spending some serious time in His word. Things have just been really rough lately.

{FOUR} By the end of Christmas weekend I think I shall give myself the title of Baking Queen.

Saturday I made my red velvet cupcakes in trade for an Orlando Magic game at the new Amway Center.



Sweet deal, literally!

(taken with my blackberry-don't act like your not impressed!)

Sunday I made red velvet cake balls with white chocolate (recipe found here), but didn't get to finish them so I will be doing that this evening. Christmas Eve I will be baking a red velvet layered cake and on Christmas day I will be attempting to make THE Pioneer Woman's famous cinnamon rolls!

{FIVE} TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE! Winter is bringing us a present!! Total eclipse begins at 11:41 p.m. PST Monday or 2:41 a.m. EST Tuesday. I plan to set my alarm to check it out if the weather cooperates, hopefully I will wake up...

Happy Monday!

Fashion Friday

ALL THINGS WARM!

I am heading off to NYC next week for Christmas and basically for the last 4 months I have been obsessing over what to bring. Since my boyfriend has strictly advised me to bring a carry-on instead of checking luggage (so we can get right into the city and not waste any time haha) I can’t bring as much as I’d like to. But I wanted to share with all of you my favorite winter accessories/apparel!

Fingerless Gloves
A MUST HAVE for those who have a touch screen cell phone. When I was in NY last year, it was snowing majority of the time and I had to remove my gloves before I could respond to a text message/take a picture. It was such an annoyance, I wish I found these then.

Flat Brown Boots
I bought these recently from Steve Madden and I am in love! They are completely comfortable and I can wear them with leggings, jeans, AND dresses!

Leg warmers
I specifically like wearing these with my leggings. You can pair different colors to coordinate with whatever color boots you are wearing. (ie: white with brown boots, grey with black boots)

Hat
You always need a warm hat (specifically one that covers your ears) when in the cold weather. Although they might not always be fashionable, they are essential. This one was only $3 from Forever 21!

A Rockin’ Jacket
A given.

(via)

I will be sending Michelle pictures from NY so she can post them for next week’s FF for me!

I hope you all have an amazing Christmas!!!

-HEATHER

Butterfly

(via)

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but
rarely admit the changes it has gone through
to achieve that beauty.

-Maya Angelou

WILW

Decided to link up with Jamie for WILW!

{one} Smashbox Brow Tech To Go - I pencil in my eyebrows to make them look thicker. I love days where they are perfect! Like today! I normally use Clinique's eye brow pencil but I ran out and was desperate so I ran over to ULTA and found Smashbox. I AM IN LOVE! Oh, the little things in life.

{two} Loving this: A Gentleman's Guide to the Holidays.

{three} Loving this cold weather because Jax (furbaby) cuddles up in bed with me at night. I love cuddling.

{four} I overheard an out-of-towner talking at work about how weird it is to see Palm Trees decorated with Christmas lights! Ha! I LOVE IT! That's how we roll in FL.



{five} I am loving the emails I get every day from Max Lucado and Proverbs 31 reminding me of what this time of year really is for. It's not that I forget, but I am seeing the meaning of CHRISTmas in a new way. HOPE is what my eyes have been opened to this year.

Have a fabulous Wednesday friends!

The Power of Words

(via)

I had to share something I read this morning that touched my heart and comes from Isaiah 58...

When we use words to encourage, bless, fill
—we are feeding the poor in spirit.

When we give hope, present truth, covered with love
—we are clothing the naked.

When we offer grace, tear down walls, replace lies with truth
—we are setting the oppressed free.

Offer these kinds of words, wherever you are, to your friends, your family, the stranger you meet on the street, on your blog, and in your emails.

Can words really change the world?

(A dear blog-friend of mine has a very broken heart. She has lost her Father and two Grandpa's within months of each other... Can you visit her blog today and give her words of encouragement, love, kindness, and prayers? Thanks friends.)

Miscellany Monday

(1) Hope everyone had a lovely weekend and is staying warm! I know there are some major snow storms going through up north and midwest! It's another chilly week for FL. A cold front came through last night. The wind was ridiculous, but the perfect white noise to sleep to. Tonight, temperatures are going to drop to 23 degrees...Am I still in FL?? And while I love this weather change... I am hating the lack of motivation to run/cycle outside!

(2) PLAIN JANE AUTOMOBILE! I went to PJA's last show this weekend with my girl, Heather, from Fashion Friday's! Her beau is the lead singer. This was my first time seeing them...it was AMAZING! I love them! Check them out on Facebook - Myspace.

(3) Starbuck's always takes my money this time of year. There is nothing better than a hot Vanilla Chai (with a shot of pumpkin spice) on a cold day. Oh, the little things in life.

(4) Needing to remember this: LOVE LIKE YOU'VE NEVER BEEN HURT

(5) I say MERRY CHRISTMAS! NOT Happy Holidays. Just sayin'...



Thanks for all the sweet thoughts and prayers last week.

Play along and link up at Carissa's blog!

Fashion Fridays

I’ve noticed lately that the wind has certainly gusted up a bit down here in Florida. With it being cold I would normally wear a hat but let’s face it, it’s still Florida. And I, my friends, am no sissy pants. So if you are like me and want to keep your hair contained but don’t want to have hat hair, go for the headband!

I am a big believer in headbands; I’ve always worn them and will stand by them forever! There are many different kinds of headbands:

The “hippie” headband:

The “greek-like” headband:

Headbands with accessories:

And of course, The “classic” headband:

I plan on picking up one of the “hippie” headbands this weekend! I will post pictures next week!

Have a great weekend everyone!
2 weeks until Christmas!

-HEATHER

So Let Go

"'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
So, let go, let go"

(via weheartit)

This month is a hard one for me. Each day I am praying I make it through without breaking down. I make myself take deep breaths. I am constantly in prayer, asking God to comfort my heart and hold my hand through this. I am having to let go again and for this time, it is for good. The person who had my heart, who had my love...had his chance. He showed me what I needed to see and it hurt. But I will get through this because I have HIM by my side. HE is all I need.

Anyways...

I had to post this picture because the other night I was really down. I love how animals have that sixth sense...they always seem to know when one is hurt, in pain, sad, etc. These sweet puppies kept me company that night (they rarely hang out in my room together).

Love you, friends. How can I pray for YOU today??

Live in Love

(via)

“Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

I am a lover of quotes and bible verses... I almost screamed for joy when I found that bible verse because (1) I strive to live a life of love...hence (2) the name of my blog.

Are you living a life of love?

Cold Hands, Warm Hearts!

I want to give a HUGE thanks to Sandy and Ilene for putting together this super cute and fun swap! You both are amazing, talented and most of all...I love our friendship!

The best part about swaps is you get to meet new bloggers! I absolutely adore my swap partner!

Meet Melissa from The Pleated Polka Dot!



She sent me lots of love! The hair clips she made are so cute. Check out her shop!

I am not a gloves wearing person...except for cold winter mornings.

But I adore the ones she sent me and am loving this new style of gloves!



The scarf was my absolute favorite! The scarf and gloves actually came in perfect timing because they got great use today! It's freezing in Florida!!!!! Don't laugh...We have freeze warnings all week. Serious stuff for us Floridians!

Jax wanted in on the picture too. Isn't he just too stinkin' cute?!

Miscellany Monday + Giveaway Winner

Post random and link up at Carissa's blog!

(ONE) WINNER WINNER! The winner of the Brittany Fuson giveaway, chosen by random.org, is my sweet friend and fellow Buckeye... ANNA from In Honor of Design! CONGRATS! Send me an email with your address. (pinkstarr403@yahoo.com) A big Thank You to Brittany too!

(TWO) My absolute favorite Christmas album:

(THREE) CUPCAKES! If you follow me on Twitter you already know.... but for those who don't, I will officially be doing my first cupcake gig! Cupcakes for my dear friends' wedding! I am SO EXCITED! This could be the beginning of my dream coming to reality!

I celebrated by eating a cupcake...or two!

(FOUR) My favorite time of year! Went to a Christmas tree lighting for the town of Altamonte Springs with my sister and her beau. Perfect temperature. So beautiful. They had a nice fireworks show. AND I saw SANTA!!! Also, got stared down by some firefighters...can a 25 year old NOT get excited about Santa?! Geee!

(FIVE) DOVE PEPPERMINT BARK....

is the best chocolate! I discovered it last year... Amazingness. Go try some!