I’m linking up with Emily Freeman‘s blog to share the things that I learned in December.  It was going to be ten things that I learned in December, but then I thought of another thing and didn’t want to cut anything out, so it’s eleven things. YOLO, and all that.

In December I learned that:

1. Stressing out about making things (i.e. my 30th birthday, Christmas) perfect makes things stressful and, well, un-perfect. Sometimes I need to just chill the heck out.

2. I can’t eat and drink whatever I want, whenever I want, and still expect to feel good.  Or functional. Or evenly remotely human.

3. It’s OK to watch certain shows and movies over and over again. Gilmore Girls, Felicity (which might be on my TV right now), Elizabethtown, and The Holiday will always be OK. And on repeat in this house.

4. If Pinterest ever goes away, I pretty much won’t be able to function. It will be a sure sign that Jesus’ return is imminent.

5. I need to start investing more time and energy into my family relationships.

6. In order to keep our home (and my sanity) a clear, restful space, we have to constantly get rid of things. “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” ― William Morris

7. And, on that note, it’s time that I stopped holding onto clothes from college. It’s no longer “just a couple of years ago;”  it’s like, a really long time ago. And I haven’t worn that French Connection sweater since ’02.

8. I really, really love to write. And I want to get better at it.

9. Music peaked in the 90s.

10. If your (my) yoga pants are tight and feeling too small, it means you’ve (I’ve) hit rock bottom.

11. It’s time to start living intentionally (new post on this coming in the next week or so). 

Since 2011 I have sought the Lord before the start of each new year to get a feel for what He’s doing in my life, and to get my word for the new year.  Unlike resolutions, the word serves as an overarching theme and guide for the year. The word will usually come to me at random times, and it’s always turned out to be totally accurate.  My word for 2011–change–came to me in the shower, and that year I changed jobs unexpectedly (to a job I love), Jon lost his job and had a big career change, and we had some major family changes, as well.

Change, indeed.  2012 (order) and 2013 (new beginnings) were spot-on, as well.  And a bit less dramatic/stressful.

My word for 2014 is FREEDOM.  The theme of freedom and what it truly means for me, as a daughter of the King, has been coming up over and over in my life, and we all know that II Corinthians 2:17, “where the spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM,” has been a constant echo in my heart and in my head for quite awhile.

There are some major overhauls that need to happen in several areas of my life, and this year I am pursuing FREEDOM–in my health, my finances, and in my family relationships.  I want freedom from old habits, fears, and hang-ups that have been weighing me down for far too long.

So, how will this play out, practically speaking?  In everything I do, every decision I make large or small, FREEDOM is the ultimate goal, and I will be asking myself, “does this lead me into freedom or bondage?”

What are you feeling is in store for you in the new year?  Do you have a word?  I’d love to hear it!  Let’s chat in the comments.

 

 

This post is woefully–2 months, to be precise–overdue.  Without further ado, I give you: London (through my eyes).

There was an EPIC storm in London while we were there–record winds and lots of damage.

 We always stay in Notting Hill, one of my favorite parts of London, full of charming shops, cafes, and–of course–the famous Portobello Road Market.

One evening we visited Neal’s Yard, a delightful, colorful corner of London tucked away in a courtyard near Covent Garden.

The area of London near Liverpool Street is referred to as the East End, and it’s a grittier, artsier part of London than the standard tourist spots.  LOVE.

He’s the one! He’s the rescuer!

Most of my friends who have kids read to them from The Jesus Storybook Bible, which is pretty much the best thing of all time.  Seriously.  Even if you don’t have kids, you need to get in on the Jesus Storybook action.  They also make short videos portraying basic Bible stories, and they almost always make me cry.

Here’s one of their Christmas videos. I know you’ll love it (it’s only 5 minutes): “He’s Here” –Jesus Storybook Bible

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. –Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas, friends!

And, if spending time with family during the holidays is difficult for you (or if the holidays themselves are just difficult in general), hop on over to this post for a little encouragement.

 I was thirty.  Before me stretched the portentous menacing road of a new decade. –F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

I turned 30 last week. It doesn’t feel upsetting or sad–mostly it just feels weird.

Some things that have surprised me about 30:

I’m still childless, and that’s ok.  I always thought I would have at least two kids by the time I turned 30, but the bitties are still the closest thing to children in our home.  I don’t feel sad about this; I’m grateful to have had this time alone with Jon, as I know the next decade will hold sleeplesss nights and many (many) trips to Babies R Us and the change of everything. And, let’s be honest–the bitties are awesome.

I don’t feel grownup.

I don’t have it all together.  I’m out of shape, I’m still in debt, projects I started years ago have been left undone and are still cluttering up my house. I’m totally not the amazing, together person I thought I’d be at 30.  Turning 30 has been a good wake up call to stop putting things off.  I want FREEDOM in every aspect of my life, which I know will require me to buckle down and do some hard things first.  Bring it, 30!

I’m just now figuring out my style and learning how to put clothes together.  Bless.

Eating poorly now makes me feel like crap.  It’s been pretty wheels-off, food wise, around here the past few weeks with my trip to Asheville, my birthday, and Christmas treats galore.  And I might actually die.

I’m still holding onto that beautiful French Connection sweater I bought when I was 18 that’s always been just a bit too small. Maybe it’ll fit when I’m 40?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My best friend from college, Cara Maggie, has done me the favor of living in two lovely places–Washington D.C. and Asheville–since we graduated, which has made visiting her an extra-special treat.  Earlier in December I spent a weekend (the last weekend of my 20s!) in Cara Maggie’s adorable Asheville home, which she shares with her man Alex.  Alex makes us pasta from scratch and loves cheese, so he gets my stamp of approval.

I mean, how charming and inviting is their front porch?!

My first morning in Asheville Cara, Alex, and I went to their favorite local brunch spot: Biscuit Head.  Imagine giant, buttery biscuits and this slightly overwhelming/most exciting thing that’s ever happened to me buffet of delicious spreads and jams:

If you’ve never been to Asheville, you need to plan a trip ASAP.  For a smallish city, it has sooo many incredible restaurants and it’s one of my favorite places to shop in the world.  Seriously.  I spent two days in London this October searching for a chunky silver necklace, with no luck; I found the perfect necklace in Asheville. Seriously.

Asheville: the only town with a mini farmers market in the mall.

And let’s not forget my very favorite place in Asheville, The Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar:

Last night in Asheville–there were deep-heart confessions, cocktails, and truffle mac & cheese.

And, let’s all take a moment to admire the perfect necklace (yes, those are bullet casings).  Amaze.

I’m throwing this together super quickly because my mom’s about to pick me up (lunch and shopping–hooray!), but it’s been so long since I’ve posted something, so I just had to get this up before I head out the door.

I enjoy a good pattern mix, and I decided to play around with it a bit during our Thanksgiving trip to see Jon’s family in Kerrville.  The results are below. (a couple of thoughts: I feel like I look mean/snooty in a couple of these. Having your husband take pics of you while strangers gather around and stare is just super awkward.  Ditto for my Stitch Fix photos.  Also, now that it’s growing out, I need to learn how to do my hair instead of just air drying and hoping for the best.  I mean…)

The photo above and the one below was taken in Lost Maples National Park, which is supposedly known for it’s beautiful autumn leaves.  This tree was *literally* the only pretty tree in the park.  People were standing in line to take pictures with it.  After my turn at the tree, I sat in the car with the bitties and read The Hunger Games while Jon went hiking.

This big cross is on top of a hill in Kerrville.  There is worship music playing, and there are large bins full of Bibles that anyone can take. It’s the most peaceful, joy-filled place.  It’s hard to tell in the photo, but this dress is covered in little birds.

As most of us are about to dive deep into the potentially treacherous and terrifying black hole that is Christmas shopping, I’ve put together a list of some of my very favorite online shops that donate a portion of their profits to wonderful causes all over the world. These businesses all have super cute items that I love.  Happy shopping!

Beautiful & Beloved: “[their] vision is to make a simple path for you to support individuals freed from slavery who are now empowered to earn a living in a safe, clean and just way.”  I bought this fab Beautiful & Beloved necklace at The Influence Conference:

fashionABLE:  “The fashionABLE mission is to create sustainable business for Africans so they aren’t dependent upon charity, but instead earn the dignity of a job. We offer opportunity to everyone, with a primary focus on empowering women.”  fashionABLE sells beautiful scarves and leather products (iPad sleeves, wallets, clutches)–all made in Ethiopia!

She Does Justice: I met Megan Burns of She Does Justice at The Influence Conference during the dinner for adoptive mamas.  She started a handmade shop to raise money when her family was fundraising for their adoption, and it was so successful that she’s continued it.  Each month, she donates a portion of the proceeds to a different charity.  The shop has adorable items for both adults and children (oh, the headbands–LOVE!); I bought this top at Influence, and it’s so cozy and soft. (the necklace I’m wearing is by Sassy Lemonade, and the coffee sleeve was made by my friend, Hannah)

Better Life Bags: Rebecca, the founder of Better Life Bags, is such a sweet girl!  I love the mission behind the company: “My family and I moved on purpose to a low income area of Detroit  in 2010.  Because the unemployment rate here is 20%, we have an awesome opportunity for BLB to give back to the community that we operate out of! We hire women, who otherwise cannot get jobs, to work for BLB.  We rent them a sewing machine and tools while teaching them a skill set that allows them to become a primary or secondary provider in their families.”

Finally, if you have (or a friend/family member has) a heart for Africa, the shirts Jon and I are selling to raise funds for our adoption have a powerful message.  Shipping is on us!

 

You know when you’re reading the Bible, and a passage of scripture just leaps off the page and punches you in the face? (In like, a good way.  Not a scary, horrible way, like actually being punched in the face probably would be. Anyway.)  I had that experience the other day with Luke 17:21, when Jesus tells His followers:

…the kingdom of God is within you.

I mean, seriously?  This is powerful.  The kingdom of God–the full presence and power of the Godhead–is inside of you.  When you’re drowning in work stress, financial worry, health issues, friendship drama, tough decisions, and sticky family relationships (holla to all of my sisters for whom the holidays are a time of stress and tension) remember the sweet truth that you are walking around with the love and power–the same love and power that pulled Jesus out of the grave--inside of you.

Even better–His grace is all we need, and His power works best in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we are weak, He can work for us, through us, stronger than ever.  Be still before Him, and let the freedom of that truth wash over you.  If spending time with family is hard for you during the holidays, invite His power into your weakness.  Ask Him to love those difficult family members for you, through you.

John 7:38

Everyone who trusts in me…rivers of living water shall flow from within him.

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all.  Feel free to leave any prayer requests in the comments, or send me an e-mail.

Y’all… could we please talk about Stitch Fix for a minute, and how amazing it is?  I met several of the Stitch Fix stylists at Influence, and they are just the sweetest, most delightful girls, who have a genuine desire to help the rest of us bust out of our fashion ruts (am I the only one who buys the same things over and over?).

How would you like to have a personal stylist who learns your style, your preferences, looks through your Pinterest style board, and then picks out and boxes up 5 items she thinks you’ll love?  And what if this delectable box of goodness is then delivered to your front door, so you can try everything on in your cozy bedroom, away from harsh dressing room lighting and pushy salespeople, with 3 days to decide what you want to keep?  (You can send back what you don’t want in a postage-paid package that they provide.)

Um, YES PLEASE!!!!  I received my first fix last week and discovered for myself that Stitch Fix really is just as amazing as it sounds.  In my box was a faux leather moto jacket, a multi-colored sweater, a plaid shirt, burgundy skinny pants, and a black and white striped top.  Jon and I headed to downtown Grapevine one night to do a photo shoot with some of my Stitch Fix goodies… I didn’t wear the pants or the black and white top at the shoot, and I forgot to photograph them separately.  Oops.

I paired the sweater with a mustard tank & sage green lace top, as well as with a coral dress I recently bought on sale ($12!) on piperlime.com.  I think this is one of those sweaters that initially seems like it will go with nothing, but actually goes with lots. (I kept it.)

The fabulous necklace is from Beautiful & Beloved.

I paired the plaid shirt with my mustard cardigan, as well as with the leather jacket that was included in my fix and a couple of necklaces from LuLu’s.

I love mixing edgy and feminine pieces, like the leather jacket with my pink tulle dress.

It all sounds amazing, right?! Ready to sign up for your first fix? (Remember, there is no obligation to buy anything–you can send it all back if you want to.)  Click here to get started!

Disclaimer: Stitch Fix kindly offers a discount to bloggers whose readers schedule a fix via their affiliate link.