Cookie Overload

My friends just left and I'm proud to say that my first cookie exchange as a host was a success! Mom's spicy queso dip was a crowd pleaser and so was the peppermint schnapps.

I have a few things to do tomorrow morning so I won't be able to blog until later, but I'm so excited to share all the happenings- and of course tell you about the delicious cookies.

Here's a quick group photo! I am so blessed to have such amazing friends. :)

XO

Guest Blogging

Good morning! Today you can find my post on My Beautiful, Crazy Life! Miss Breanna asked for a guest blogger and I jumped at the chance. Make sure to visit & follow her blog!

I hope you all had a great weekend. Today I'll be busy having lunch with friends, going to a wedding shower & preparing for my FIRST experience hosting a cookie exchange!

Here's what I'm making for the cookie exchange.... YUM!

Source: singforyoursupperblog.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Help Me Out!

Calling all experienced- or HTML savy- bloggers.
As you may or may not know, I'm relativley new to the blogging world. As great as these pre-made templates are through Blogger, I'd love to add some personal touches to my page. So instead of posting about me today, I would simply like to ask you all for help & tips to making your page personal. Because I share of my life with all of you, I want my blog to reflect who I am. If you could please give me some suggestions, I'd really appreciate it.

Source: insidetheloop.tumblr.com via Andrea on Pinterest

HAPPY FRIDAY, LOVES!

Life is Good

Prepare yourself- this is going to be a very disheveled post!

Here's the deal: I'm finally learning to accept the cards I'm dealt, go with the flow (as much as possible) & express my gratitude. Therefore, LIFE IS GOOD!

Here's why:

This semester was a challenge. I was entirely overcommitted and constantly exhausted. But, I had support from my wonderful family and friends- they constantly helped me to push myself harder. And even though I didn't get to spend much time with them, they supported me the entire way. Throughout it all, I accepted the cards I was dealt and those which I chose to play.

Although I normally strive for straight As, I just knew I wouldn't get a top grade in my Reporting Public Affairs class. No matter how hard I tried, I felt as though I was constantly falling short. There's much more to this story, but for brevity.... I GOT AN A! But here's the deal. I had finally come to terms with getting a B in this class. It was extremely challenging- there were many sleepless nights and tears. Even though I was awarded an A for my hard work, the journey taught me something. Although we like to think we can, there is no way for us to control EVERYTHING in life. One of my favorite quotes from the book Epictetus says, "There are things which are within our power, and there are things which are beyond our power." Sometimes we just need a little reminder that we are only human.

Oh yes, and I am learning to go with the flow. Ash (I came up with his pseudonym) and I did not get to spend the entire day together yesterday, as I'd planned. It was an extreme case of miscommunication... but that's okay. We did get to see Breaking Dawn and grab dinner. No, I didn't get my Christmas shopping done- I only purchased one present. But, I did learn a lesson last night: Don't go shopping with Ash again, or at least when I plan to be at the mall for more than 1 hour! Ha! I guess it just gives me an excuse to shop more before Christmas day!

And then there's gratitude. I think I've always been good at saying thank you. Since I can remember, my parents have always made sure that my brothers and I wrote and sent thank you cards before we used a gift. And to this day, I always thank anyone for driving me somewhere- even if it's my brothers or parents. But the art of taking the time to share your heart those in your life is crucial. Whether it's a quick thank you, or a long talk on a coffee date, make sure to share your appreciation with those in your life. I hope my friends, family, acquaintances and strangers accept my words of gratitude, even for the smallest things.

(Have I lost you yet?!)

Well that's my jumble of words for the day. I hope you have a blessed day! I am thankful for each you who inspire me on a daily basis.

Source: homegrownhospitality.typepad.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

Date Day Is Here- With Some Freshman Year Flashbacks!

Although I need to take care of some business first (I'm working from home today), date day is finally here! I finished my research paper late last night and slept in until 8 a.m., for the first time in months. I'm officially done with my coursework for the fall 2011 semester. I can't believe I only have one semester left of my undergraduate education. I might as well post a few photo for good measure...

Freshman year flashback!

After Chi Omega Initiation!

Here's my boyfriend and I after our first "official" date dash together! Can't you tell we're the couple that would rather be cozy and comfortable than dressed up! While other people went out, we cuddled up to watch Step Brothers, our favorite movie.

This was the sunset on the first night he said "I love you."

I can't believe that it's been almost three years since we've been together, and three and a half years since I started college. WOW!

But speaking of my wonderful boyfriend... I've been trying to come up with a pseudonym to use for him while I'm blogging. He's currently applying to medical school and I'd rather use a "fake" name, just in case I embarrass him once or twice! If you have any ideas, send them my way. He's kind, caring, a former fraternity guy, intelligent, great with kids..... you catch my drift! He's amazing. But for some reason, I just can't think of a suitable name to use.

Well, I'm off to begin my work from home! Sorry for the "mashup" of a post today.

Have a fantastic Wednesday.

XO

Finals Motivation

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm almost done with finals and need some motivation to get me through the end of today! The biggest encouragement is knowing that tomorrow I'll get to spend the day with my boyfriend. Because we've been so busy, it's been months since we've gone on a date. We've promised each other that tomorrow is OUR DAY!

What does my ideal Wednesday date day look like?

1- Finally getting the time to see Breaking Dawn.

Source: twilightguide.com via Lyndal on Pinterest

2- Christmas Shopping- My guy is in desperate need of new jeans.

Source: 7forallmankind.com via Patrick on Pinterest

3- Lunch somewhere?! Mexican food is our favorite, but we'll see what sounds good tomorrow. How cute is this photo!?

Source: marydougherty.net via Mary on Pinterest

4- A nice run- We're both training for our favorite half marathon in January! Too bad there aren't beaches in Arizona...

Source: Uploaded by user via Marisa on Pinterest

As of now, that's all that's on the date agenda! Thank goodness the fun plans will help me get through my 10-page research paper about the media leaking health information of public officials!

Happy Tuesday!

Mindful Monday

I think I've found it! It seems as though almost every blog I follow has a weekly tradition. Whether it's words of wisdom, a fashion tip or funny quotes, there's the weekly post that I am always excited to read- not that I don't enjoy everything else you all write. :)

After weeks of thinking, I think I've come up with something that suits me. I always like to have a goal in mind and for years, I've enjoyed starting the week off with something encouraging. So tonight, "Mindful Mondays" are born!

This week I'll focus on the small actions, words and touches that make a difference. Whether it's calling a good friend to catch up for a few minutes, or driving them from your garage to their parked car (shout out to my best friend for doing this tonight), the little things matter. This week I'll attempt to make a little extra effort to let my friends and family know they're appreciated. "The little things" are what warm my heart & I hope to soften the souls of others too.

My you be mindful of the little things this week & be encouraged by this fabulous quote.

Source: Uploaded by user via Shannon on Pinterest