Charming Confessions

Valentine's

2012-02-14T10:30:00.002-05:00

Source: crapivemade.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Would you, please, be my Valentine?

I'm talking to Joey (aka Dave Coulier), not you, reader!

So this morning I'm finishing up my baking and getting ready to go out for a day on the town in honor of Valentine's Day. I woke up to some sweet treats left outside my door from the ever-lovely Mauney and Lydia. Those two...they made my day! And they're sneaky...very sneaky.

Now I have my very own red recorder to serenade others with on this lovely February 14th, among other goodies. Doesn't that make you wish you lived in Knoxville so I could serenade you?

For Valentine's I adopted a love letter bundle from HERE. I'm recruiting friends in Knoxville to help me and spend a moment this Valentine's week doing a good deed for someone else. Because that's what Valentine's is really about to me...showing kindness and being sweet and doing something nice for someone else (even a stranger). You should check out the site linked above, you may want to get involved yourself.

I hope that you get a sweet little note today via text or snail mail or your desk. I hope you smile a little more and enjoy some yummy goodness in the form of chocolate covered strawberries or iced cookies.

Have a sweet day, friends!

Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

For all you lovers out there, here are some of my favorite reads on love and relationships and Valentine's!

Four Ways to Grow Your Relationship

10 thoughts on romance.

Valentine Gift Ideas from Brown Paper Packages

Hats off to you, Chipotle

2012-02-13T12:22:00.001-05:00

Did you see this commercial during the Grammys? It's creating buzz all over Twitter. I'll give credit where credit is due: Chipotle, good job! I do love that they use local produce and free range meat. I wish more places would take notice. Plus, everyone should use a Coldplay cover during their advertising.

Cousin Hannah has always loved this place and I was never really impressed (even though I greatly wanted to be) until December on my 3rd trip. It just took finding exactly what I liked, and now I'm hooked. Unfortunately, I can't afford to eat there very often (especially at this moment in time) but it's nice for a special treat. I'm most impressed with their food ethics, and that makes the price worth it.

So after this commercial, I'm officially impressed by Chipotle.

It's Valentine's Eve...are you getting ready for it!?

I just got chills.

Festive Fridays: Valentine's Around My House

2012-02-11T18:09:00.003-05:00

I don't do 'fancy' for Valentine's Day.

Just some simple splashes of pinks and reds,

a bunch of hand-stamped cards to mail out,

and lots of treats to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Can't wait to make iced cookies and chocolate cupcakes (thanks to J. Crowe and J. Phil for the mixes!)

Have you mailed that heart-shaped Valentine to your mom, friend, or sweetie yet?

It's not too late.

I'm a big supporter of the USPS,

and no day serves as a better excuse to throw a few cards in the mail than February 14th.

I've been to Hallmark and the Post Office quite a bit this week.

Even Mauney got in on the fun today, and we stamped it up together.

My love language is cards (or words, letters, mail in general).

I hope my husband speaks it loud and clear one day!

What's yours?

Assassin

2012-02-08T01:38:00.002-05:00

Unexpected moments.

These are some of my favorite things in life.

Tonight I had an email conversation with someone for over 2 hours.
An unexpected moment.
As I sat on my couch, snuggled up watching 'New Girl' I saw my smartphone notification light blinking at me and I figured it would be an email from Pinterest yet again, alerting me to just how popular I am via virtual pinboards.

Instead it was from an old, familiar name.
One that I don't see very often.
One that was in my life for over 6 years at one point.
One that has no contact with me via any source except email anymore.
One that I've only said two sentences to in the past year.
One that always pops up when I least expect it.

A simple 'hey.'
I gave a 'hey' back and took the bait.
I sent one sentence replies back and forth for the next two hours, listening to songs via links, reminiscing, catching up on the minor details.
I haven't allowed myself real contact with this person in over a year.
He's the reason I got a new cell number in 2011.
I refrain from ever initiating contact anymore and usually blow off the sparse emails I get.

But tonight was different.
I engaged.
I asked.
I allowed myself to see how far I've come.

The truth is, this person was important to me once upon a time, and sometimes its hard to let that go. To be honest with myself, I think about him on an almost daily basis. Not intentionally. It just runs through my head at some point. During a song, reading a book, driving. A flash as brief as a blink, and I remember, and I wish the memory away as quick as it came. I'm not hurting anymore, I'm not angry, I just simply don't want to waste more of my time on someone who was never good to me. He doesn't even deserve this blog post, but I promise I have a point. In fact, I'll share a real New Year's Resolution with you (one that I may be breaking right now, but we'll let tonight slide)...Don't talk, mention, or verbalize anything about him anymore to anyone. I've done really good. I've caught myself a couple of times, about to say his nickname (I gave up referring to him with his real name a long time ago...baby steps) in reference to a music group or a place and I stop. I remember, I don't want him in any part of my life anymore. I pray that he'll have a good life and I even like his current flame and wish that he will be better to her than he was to me.

So why am I mentioning him tonight? Why did I engage in his email conversation?

Because sometimes as much as we wish to keep the past in the past, it still pops up by surprise. Even though we wish that our hearts would stop caring about people that aren't worth it, memories have a way of creeping in and tugging at heart strings. I miss his friendship every now and then. I miss trading musical findings. I miss late night conversations with someone who made me laugh. Because every now and then I long for the days again where someone checked on me and wanted to make sure I was okay every day. He knew things about me that no one else has ever known and that's a deep connection to let go, even after a couple of years.

Sometimes it feels like who I was back then is so far removed from who I am today. Those feelings are so distant that I'll never feel that way again simply because I don't know if I would know how anymore. It's been so long since I was interested in someone romantically and vice versa. The older I get, the less crush opportunities I find. The less I crush on someone, the further I feel from finding love. It's just the way it goes.

But this past Sunday, they were there.
Those feelings, that hope, that longing.
Sunday, I went to lunch with a guy I barely know.
Just the two of us.
Do you know how long it's been since that's happened?
(Hint: such a long time that it's too embarrassing to give you a number)

It wasn't romantic by any means. It wasn't meant to be, either. It was a boy I know at church. We've only had a couple of short conversations and most Sundays it's usually a wave and a hello and then a couple of weeks before I see him again.

This past Sunday, Mauney was sick and I went to church by my lonesome. When he came in, I waved him over to sit by me and afterwards I asked if he wanted to get some lunch. He said yes. I offered to give him a ride to my favorite Mexican place and when we got to my car, he said 'Dave Matthews!' in reference to my firedancer sticker on my back window. We started talking about music and the conversation just flowed from there.

I felt it coming back. Those feelings. The flirty ones. The sweet ones. The 'I-deserve-a-good-boy' feelings. He held the door. He made me smile. He was mature. We talked church and God and Rob Bell and airplanes. We ate chips and learned about each other. I didn't even eat half my lunch because I was too busy talking. It wasn't a date, but it was so nice to have a boy want to know about my life. Unfortunately, most of the guys I'm around now are too young, married, or in the friend zone. He was none of these. And it felt refreshing. I felt a little nervous, but I was flirtatious and engaging and open. And it was nice to be with someone who brought that out. It felt good just to be open to the possibility of this nice man.

I realized there are still good guys out there. I realized that 2012 may be the year I put myself back out there and find someone to love...although, right now I'm very grateful for my single state as I search for jobs, knowing I have no one else to worry about when thinking about new opportunities or places to move.

So tonight, when that email came, I accepted it. It didn't bring up any old feelings. It didn't make me long for those days again because I've realized that I can find those feelings (albeit better ones) again. I always say that those 6 years dealing with the wrong person taught me what I want in the right person. Even tonight, when he responded that he missed my friendship often, I didn't feel the need to expound on that notion. Our conversations used to take a turn for the worst, down memory lane, just for the sake of feeling needed by someone. But not this time. I didn't need that false reassurance that I was desirable. I didn't need to hear it from someone who didn't mean anything to me anymore.

Because a simple Sunday lunch already showed me that I am.

I feel content with the men that 2012 has to offer.
I feel optimistic about what's out there.
I feel open to love and romance and dating.
And that realization alone makes my heart flutter a little.

p.s. Maybe you noticed the new blog title? 2012 is going to be the year I'm more honest with you and myself. I've decided not to filter my thoughts more than I have to, and that means you are going to be getting some honest blogging, even if it ain't pretty. These posts are my charming confessions.

Super Sunday: 02.05.12

2012-02-05T06:07:00.010-05:00

What my Sunday morning looks like

Ryan Seacrest on my radio while I shower

K-Love playing in Mauney's car when she picks me up

Coffee & Bible Study

Knowing the Spirit is working

Being reminded that Jesus died for me {and for you}

Writing down an unexpected inspiration in the margins of my ESV
Wondering about the greatness of God's love

Laughing with friends after church

Knowing that this journey God has taken me on recently is just the beginning

photo-shoot with Kirby

2012-02-04T15:37:00.000-05:00

Nephews are just the absolute best, aren't they? I can't believe he's already a year old and growing.

He's not much for looking at the camera on command.

No matter how many times or silly faces I tried, he didn't want to cooperate.

I guess he's just a rockstar like that.

But I still think he's pretty cute.

Don't grow up on me so fast, Kirby.

Festive Fridays: It's All About the Packaging {Valentine's}

2012-02-03T00:16:00.001-05:00

I've decided what I want to do when I finally get a job and have a little extra money. I'm going to spend it all on packaging and labeling and wrapping. I mean, I won't have money after that to buy anything substantial to wrap, but I could wrap an empty box with pretty paper and even prettier tags and maybe the receiving party won't even want to unwrap it because it looks so nice that they'll never be the wiser about what's really inside. This could work, it could really work.

For all you Valentine's lovers out there (I'm talking to ALL of you, whether you admit it or not), I hope this post may inspire you to put a little more time and effort into the packaging of your own gifts. Appearance of a present is really part of the fun, and these cozy and easy suggestions below are completely doable. I especially love the tag from the paint strip (I mean, those are free...you just have to go and get them, right?).

Enjoy the crafty ideas below! Valentine's is almost upon us!

These bags are adorable for some home-baked goodies.
Easy and simple, but they look oh-so-delightful.

Source: thepartystudio.wordpress.com

I love these tags. And I love that you can pick between love and adore.

Source: kirstyneale.typepad.com

This gift doesn't require much at all. A pile of love letters, tied together.
I think this one is my favorite of all.

Source: etsy.com

Here's the paint strip tags. How adorable are these?

Source: bellacarta.typepad.com

Here's some more Valentine's tags. I love the patterns.

Source: benignobjects.blogspot.com

currently.

2012-02-02T01:27:00.000-05:00

READING:

LISTENING:

Source: blog.chron.com

THINKING ABOUT:

Source: polyvore.com

WANTING TO GO:

Source: astonyen.tumblr.com

NEEDING:

Source: all-things-kate.blogspot.com

WISHING:

Source: etsy.com

FEELING:

Source: ashleyb1shop.tumblr.com

Note-worthy Tuesday

2012-01-31T20:18:00.000-05:00

First and foremost, I want to thank sweet Melissa who gave me an award over on her blog, On the Inside. She writes about some awesome and very real things over there, so you need to make yourself useful and check it out sometime. And by sometime, I mean now, of course.

So thanks for the Liebster (aka Love) award!

I know there are rules that go along with it, but I simply couldn't narrow down my top blogs to just 5. I'm totally going to be that person who breaks the rules (it's in my new rebellious nature I'm acquiring this year) and just graciously accepts the award and feels honored to have been thought of . Don't think of me as a wet blanket, think of me as indecisive. Better?

Today I took a break from looking at job postings and my resume (well almost, I did find one position that I applied for) and went to a double feature at the artsy-fartsy theater in Knoxville with my friend Chad. Thanks to his gift card and my Regal rewards, I enjoyed 2 movies along with popcorn and coke for a measly $10 (that's measly by movie theater standards). Ever since last Spring when I took a film class at UT, I've grown to have such a strong appreciation of movies and the aspect of going to see them in a theater. Today we saw The Artist and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Both were incredibly moving in different ways. Both brought tears to my eyes (which isn't hard to come by, as we all know too well...Yes, I wore waterproof mascara in anticipation). The Artist was refreshing (in case you aren't aware, it's a silent movie up for a gazillion Oscars this year) and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close was touching, maybe because I've known children with Asperger's, and it was more familiar than I realized. It also helped me understand more about how those people think and perceive what's around them, making me wish I'd been a little more patient and a little more kind in my reactions to the children I've dealt with who had it. And for people who think it's using 9/11 as a plot device and have an issue with that, well I say it's more about a boy's journey after losing his dad and learning how to cope and yes it's emotional because of the devastating circumstances, but it's not a film just about 9/11.

I read this article and I completely agree for the most part I got rid of it for a year a couple of years ago, and I've been dwelling alot lately on doing that again. It just gets old and I get sucked in and like the article says, I get tired of people assuming that I know something about them just because they had wrote it once online.

Between our double feature, we had 50 minutes to kill so we hopped next door to Target and I will tell you that we browsed the Valentine dollar aisle and I didn't go crazy. However, that reminds me that it's only 2 weeks until Valentine's day is here! Are you as excited as I am? Chad laughed at me while I oohed and aahed over red and pink junk with hearts on it. What can I say? I'm a sucker for the holiday.

Thanks to my daily devotion to the blog, C.Jane, I also heard about a new new memoir called "The Rules of Inheritance." I watched the trailer for the book on author Claire Bidwell Smith's website. I suggest you watch it too, which you can do here. It's a book about grief and it sounds simply inspiring.

I'd say it was a pretty productive last day of January 2012. Can you believe we're already on to our second month of the year?

resumes 101: or how job hunting makes me miss my college days

2012-01-31T05:30:00.002-05:00

Source: experthow.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

I'll share a little known fact with you: I never really wrote a real resume until this month. They should have 12 classes about this in college because I'm fairly certain I have worked harder this past month in job searches and resume writing than in the last year of my college experience.

Fortunately for me, my previous jobs simply required an application...or nothing at all (re: church secretary). Sure, I made a resume once upon a time, but that was back when I still only had high school credits to list to my name. This past month, working on my resume has been a learning experience in, and of, itself.

It's all about marketing yourself, and action verbs, and catching a potential employer's eye.

The 21st century resume is changing. It can be a video, a page filled with hyperlinks, or simply sending your resume via snail mail in the most unusual of ways (according to one source, a girl applying for a job in fashion sent hers in a high heel...now that's creative). Evidently, I'm behind because I don't have a LinkedIn account, which I will be setting up tomorrow. So it's safe to say, this is a whole new world for me.

Also, I didn't realize that January was deemed as such a high-job-hunting month, but according to the Internets (and you know they never lie...), it is.

I'll tell you that when I first sent out my resume to job postings, it was, dare I say it....4 pages long!? I know, I'm cringing just thinking about what the hiring department must have thought of me. I felt like calling once I realized this wasn't professionally acceptable and just asking that they pretend like it never happened. Yes, I thought it seemed long, but I'm what you might call 'wordy' and I used a lot of tabbing and white space.

After 2 days and a few disparaging glances from friends in reference to my resume, I cleaned it up to 2 pages. Wow, I had knocked off so much (i.e. references, redundant information), I thought. I felt a lot better and continued to blow applications and job postings up with my awesome new resume. A week after that, a dear friend offered to help me, and upon revising it, we narrowed it down a half-page more. This made me feel even better, despite the fact that sometimes she put her head in her hands after reading my descriptions. I'm a writer, not a seller, people.

But last night, well, last night was the end-all, be-all of tweaking my resume. First, because I can't handle much more of looking at my resume apart from some minor adjustments required when applying to different jobs, and secondly, because I just decided it was go-time. I researched, and read, and googled, and downloaded, and linked, all in hopes of finding the best resume advice out there (in case you were wondering there's about 20 lists of 10 words not to use on your resume...and surprisingly they're not all the same...which makes for head-spinning if you read them back to back).

I'm proud to announce that my little baby of a resume is now full-grown. I have it down to one page, and have added some personal touches to stand out. I feel so much better about it, it kind of makes me want to resend it to jobs for which I've already applied, but alas, I won't. I'm a believer in timing, and maybe it was necessary to get to this point before sending out the perfect resume, right?

No, this blog isn't completely about me and my bad resume. I actually meant more for it to be a resource and guide for anyone needing direction on resume help. I found a great site called The Daily Muse and they had such great information (where have you been all my life?). Below, I list the best references I found.

These proved the most helpful in my resume revision (and job-hunting ideas in general):

1. Stand Out With a Modern Resume
2. 4 Things You Didn't Know You Could Put on Your Resume
3. Get Your Resume Recruiter-Ready
4. Resume Revamp: How to turn your Duties into Accomplishments
5. 5 Steps to Crafting a Killer Cover Letter
6. 6 jet-setting career paths
7. Is a Skilled-Based Resume right for you?
8. How to Deal: Being a Grown-Up--Without a Grown-Up Plan
9. 3 ways to answer "What's Your Biggest Weakness?"
10. The old standby: Career Advice from Monster.Com

sparkle: why 2012 is different

2012-01-30T13:32:00.003-05:00

Source: thischarmedlife.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

The beginning of each calendar year brings us hope, a sense of a clean slate, and the notion that this year is going to be different. We write resolutions and solemnly swear that we will not fall back into old habits and self-destructive ways. Every new year is going to 'be THE year.' These changes are usually short-lived and it's more likely that 2012 will be nearly the same as 2011 for most people. This year, I'm not going to be in the in-crowd. My 2012 will be different, partly because I want it to be, but more so because it just simply is.

My 2012 is going to be a year of change for me. I don't mean the 'I'm going to lose 50 pounds and dye my hair blonde' kind-of-change, although that change would be welcome at this point. I mean 2012 is going to be a year of firsts for me.

In 2012, I will no longer be a student of any sort under the educational system in America. I've been in school since I was 3 (preschool) and even though I took a year off back in 2001 (think August-August), I've always spent some portion of my year sitting in a classroom or staring at a computer screen or studying for a test. This will literally be the first year I'm not involved AT ALL in any sort of schooling since 1985 (that's a long time, friends).

Also in 2012 I'll be entering uncharted territory. The 30s. Did you shiver at the thought, because I just did. I'm going to say goodbye to my familiar 20s, the ones I've grown up with over the past 10 years, the ones that housed my biggest changes in life so far. Come July 18th, it will be Hello-30s! I don't know why we place so much emphasis on age in our country, but we do (we're such ageists!). There's no horrible stigma attached to the 30s (they save that for the 40s), but I guess it's a little scary to enter into a whole new category in the age department. So long, youthful 20s, you will be no more after 2012.

I also wrote on my resolutions blog a couple of weeks ago (or maybe more like a week) that 2012 was going to be the year I let go. This isn't a false-hope or meaningless promise. This is my new life. This is something I've been working up to for years, and I'm at a place where there's no going back. Not simply because I don't want to, but simply because I can't. Losing my naivety doesn't allow it. Sometimes I miss the conformity and ease-of-mind when I thought I knew everything about religion and God, but more often than not, I can't fathom still being in such a spiritual state where I box God in. In 2012, I'm completely embracing the art of letting go with my religion and faith and spirituality.

So 2012...mine will be different. It might be a little scary at times, in fact I'm 100% anticipating that it will, but that doesn't mean I'm not welcoming it. Shine on 2012, shine on.

How's your 2012 going to be different?

*2012 also means a new blog design. Simple and clean. Thoughts? Suggestions? It may need tweaking, but I like it so far.

Super Sunday: 01.29.12

2012-01-29T00:46:00.001-05:00

I always need that reminder.

Have a blessed Sunday.

GulfCoast Getaway 2012 {or My Thoughts on Legalism}

2012-01-28T01:03:00.001-05:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I love GulfCoast Getaway?

It's a gathering of church of Christ campus ministries from all over the nation for a weekend of revival and praise and games and community service.

I went for the first time in January 2009, and have been loving it ever since.

The messages are real.

The people are inspirational.

The singing gives me chills.

I always cry, usually at multiple points during the weekend.

We always have a blast on the 10 hour car ride down.

I always come back refreshed and energized for God.

This year was no different.

The theme was simply 'Jesus.'

Nothing flashy nor fancy.

Just Jesus.

And how He loves us.

And it was powerful.

Before that weekend, I was a little stressed about my current predicament.

Loans, bills, no job, what in the world was I doing?

Then after I listened to how God uses us and Jesus moves through us,

I realized I was in the best place in my life.

I have no lease, no more school, no job I'm indebted to.

I could go anywhere, do anything, and do it for God.

That weekend changed my whole perspective.

I can use whatever comes next to glorify God and serve Him.

Why was I complaining?

I was thankful for friends who reminded me when I vented how scared I was about what came next that God took me on this journey and He has something planned for me still, He's not finished with me yet.

God's not done with you either.

Isn't it exciting to think that God has something for us?

We may have to be patient.

We may have to endure some rough patches.

But God is using us.

Every.

Day.

He has turned my mourning into dancing, and my sorrow into joy.

I decided 2012 is the year where I'm open about God.

I'm open about what I believe.

I'm letting go of insecurities and fears.

I'm not going to be bullied or intimidated about my faith anymore.

I'm not going to let others police my spirituality.

And I'm thankful for moments and weekends like GulfCoast Getaway that give me the strength and renewing to do just that. Being surrounded by 1700 college kids and ministries who believe the same thing I do. They believe in more love and more Jesus and more social justice and less arguing and bickering and condemning.

My Papaw once told me that Christians fighting Christians doesn't get us anywhere.

We waste too much time and energy on that.

It is basically going to be the death of the church.

He also said that people are going to be surprised when they get to heaven.

I firmly believe that.

God forgives others a lot more easily than we do, and I don't think we comprehend that.

Saved by His grace and obedience-not your opinion of who is living up to par.

Too many people, who have never heard the Gospel, are being lost because we are too busy trying to save every other 'Christian' but ourselves.

We're too concerned about so-and-so who is going to preach

at some mega-church that's not on the 'conservative' list.

We've got our noses in somebody's past sin they repented of 5 years ago but we won't let them forget.

We leave passive-aggressive comments on Facebook posts that silently condemn something someone has said or done or thought just so we can think we put them in their place and saved their soul.

It seems like legalistic Christianity is about measuring up to man's standards, and not God's.

I'm tired of seeing my friends and loved ones suffer at the hands of those who call themselves Christians,

but in turn, act like anything but.

I'm exhausted from reading statuses about people calling someone out who is stumbling.

I'm sick of hearing how when someone praises Tim Tebow, another's response is "too bad he's a Baptist."

Yep, that's going to help someone draw close to Christ.

I spend too many nights weeping for people who are being driven away from the Lord because someone thought it proper to spread gossip about a person's choice in life or a past mistake.

I see people's livelihoods being destroyed.

I've watched as 'Christians' tell other 'Christians' they're going to hell and they can not be forgiven of their past mistakes.

These people are giving the church of Christ a bad name.

Yes, there are Christians who walk the walk and talk the talk.

There are Christians who forgive and love and give beyond their means.

These need to be the ones who speak louder and love harder.

I'm blessed to know many of these people and I don't want to underestimate the good that they do.

I don't usually write things that could cause a ruckus, but I can't keep quiet any longer.

I'm tired of not standing my ground.

I've been guilty of living a life that is representative of what I vent about for years.

I've been working on changing that for over 4 years now.

I've learned to trust God's grace more than I used to.

I've learned to forgive myself more instead of beating myself down.

I realized I was good enough in God's eyes and that's the only One who can judge me.

It seems like there's an awakening in the legalistic church over the past 5 years.

More and more people I know are realizing something has got to change for us to reach out to others.

We've got to stop putting people in their place and start letting God put us in ours.

I pray for the church often.

I pray that we become more accepting of what God wants us to be.

I pray that we accept people with open arms, no matter their past or mistakes.

I pray we stop policing churches and Christians and get busy helping those who are hurting and sick.

Pray for me as I still figure out what God is doing with me.

I'll do the same for you.

Music Monday: Oh Land

2012-01-23T06:00:00.006-05:00

This song makes me feel fun.

I like feeling fun.

It's Monday, we should feel fun.

Here's to having a ~~great~~ fun week.

2012 Resolutions

2012-01-21T01:06:00.002-05:00

I'm late to the game. I'm sorry.

I never make resolutions before the start of the new year, it just takes me a while.

What's important is that they're made at all, am I right?

1. Read More.

Source: dyingofcute.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

2. Be a better Disciple of Christ.

3. Let go.

Source: gatherlove.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

4. Love my friends and family more.

Source: etsy.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

5. Journal More than I Blog

Source: kinseygirl.typepad.com via Katie on Pinterest

Did you make a new year's resolution?

Whatever it is, don't give up on it!

Festive Fridays: Pink and Red

2012-01-20T09:56:00.004-05:00

Source: firefliesandflutterbyes.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

PROJECT DETAILS FOUND HERE

This is such a great idea for handing out treats on V-day!

I have always loved Frappuccino bottles from Starbucks.

This is the perfect way to recycle them.

Did I ever mention to you that Valentine's Day is absolutely, positively, without-a-doubt my favorite holiday of the year?

I'm pretty sure I've confessed somewhere along the journey of this blog that I once spent $98 in the $1 aisle at Target purely on Valentine's Day paraphernalia and goodies. I never even left that area before checking out. Over 90 items that later became a part of Valentine's packages for my friends.

So yeah...you could say I like Valentine's. Now you know.

Why in the world do I love Valentine's Day so much, you say.

It's not because I have the best Valentine or receive the biggest flower arrangement.

Maybe it stems all the way back to decorating that homemade shoebox in Elementary school to fill up with cartoon cards and cut-out hearts from classmates.

It's because it's a day all about pinks and reds and purples.

It's a day about chocolate and sweets and cupcakes with pink icing.

It's a day where people show kindness and love to other people.

It's a day full of unexpected surprises like balloons at work or flower on your doorstep or a red envelope in the mail.

It's a day meant to be sweet and fuzzy.

Every Valentine's I just feel pure excitement and my tender-heart rejoices at all the people who are sharing acts of love.

I'm a sucker for all things kind and sweet...have you caught on to that yet?

So Valentine's.

It's my kind of day.

And this year, I am determined, in keeping with my lack of income, to hand-make some goodies and cards to send out with my annual Valentine's Day mix CD. I love making a good mix CD, but this one has to be my favorite. I listen to it the whole week of Valentine's and imagine lovers and couples and friends all over the world being together and having the best time. (are you gagging yet?)

It's less than a month away, guys!

What are your Valentine's plans?

*want a copy of my Valentine's Mix in the mail? Just comment below.

Our Bibles.

2012-01-16T19:18:00.002-05:00

Do you feel this excited about the Bible you own?

Do I?

I want to.

This moves me to tears.
And it pricks my heart.

Take Me Down to Panama City...

2012-01-13T11:52:00.002-05:00

Clockwise (L-R) Me, Leslee, Ethan, Ben, & Mauney

We all got our stunna shades on! Thank you old Facebook photos!

This is my 4th year to go to GulfCoast Getaway in Panama City. with the UT-Christian Student Center.

Yes, I'm graduated...but you're never too old for #GCG2012.

Every year is such a blast. 2,000 college kids from around the country, all together to worship God and help others. It's pretty much amazing.

And every year I ride in the #PartyCar! Well, I make whatever car I'm in call themselves the party car and we eventually laugh and sing and have a blast on the 8-10 hour ride from Knox to PCB.

This year will be no different.

I can not wait for a weekend full of hope, love, singing, tears, late-nights, friends, full hearts, walks on the beach, salty air, and God's word.

Can you feel the relaxation and inspiration and renewal in your soul yet? I can.

And it's fun.

Soooooooo fun.

Last year I won a t-shirt for being the first person to hashtag #GCG2011. I even did a 'Price is Right' run to the front...without really realizing it. I never knew I would get so excited about a free t-shirt. We'll see what kind of fun, embarrassing moments happen this year.

I hope you have a wonderful 3-day weekend. I hope you find some of God's inspiration and love in your own weekend events.

p.s. Yes, I hashtagged my post. Blame it on Twitter.
p.p.s. I'm sorry I won't see you on the way down Amelia Bedelia. We had a good 2-year streak...

Being a Grown-Up

2012-01-10T14:01:00.003-05:00

Source: manabago.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Tomorrow classes start back at UT and for the first time in 3.5 years, I will not find myself sitting amongst a classroom full of students glancing over a syllabus and wondering how early we'll get out on the first day.

Not only that, but this is the first semester in over 10 years I won't be a part of classes of any kind.

I'm not sure how I should be feeling, other than ecstatic (obviously). But, a teensy, weensy part of me almost longs for the easy-breezy days of going to class over the tedious-draining option of job hunting.

When I made the decision to leave my full-time cushy job in the summer of 2008 to go back to school, I had a brief moment where I thought "What in the world am I doing?" The economy had taken a turn for the worse, but I convinced myself it was the right thing to do (and I still believe that now too). I also assured myself the economy would be better and I would have a degree with which I'd find a job soon upon graduation.

Fast forward to December 2011. After an afternoon of exams and long nights of studying, I had a mini-breakdown on Tuesday, December 6, standing behind the CSC by my lonesome. I stood, looking at my car, after being mentally drained by the last week of exams and started crying. In my mind I thought "I just took out $40,000 in student loans for a degree I don't even know what to do with. Forty---Thousand---Dollars." In all honesty, I probably should have wrote that sentence in all caps, because I was feeling nothing but stress and panic over that resounding (and terrifying) thought screaming through my head.

I pulled it together and drove home, only to stumble across a show on the OWN network where Suze Orman was chewing out a twenty-something girl who had recently graduated college and was living in debt thanks to student loans while working at Starbucks. I was convinced God was showing me this to help motivate me to find work, and I was pretty sure Suze Orman was also looking into the whites of my eyes through my 1987 RCA 20-inch TV when she said "Everybody uses the excuse that 'Oh-everyone-takes-out-student-loans-nowadays-and-I-can-just-pay-them-back-later' excuse. That doesn't make it okay and you don't have to do that." I think the rest of it went something like "you're an idiot if you do this" and "just because people do it doesn't make it ok" and "way to go Stephanie, you're next" and "why didn't you stay at your job and save money before you went to school?"

Alright Suze, I get it...jeez.

Needless to say, I felt like a winner even more that night.

So now, here I am a month after graduation, and I'm jobless. I babysit to keep me afloat and I've been fortunate to have the generosity of graduation presents to help as well, but it's going to run out sooner than later and that's a scary thought to someone who is looking for a job in this "still-not-doing-so-great" economy.

But I'm trying. And I'm looking. It took me a while, but I am. And I haven't gotten down about it really at all. Except for those moments when I lie in bed at night and toss and turn and people's words from the past couple of months run through my head like lyrics of a song.

"Nobody hires in January"

"It might be a while"

"What are you going to do with that degree?"

"I don't envy you for a minute in this job market"

"You'll be back in school, just watch"

"Back to the real world, huh?"

"When do you have to start paying back loans?"

"Get that resume going and get a job!"

"What's your degree in again? Oh..."
"Everybody wants experience but nobody will give you a chance."

Well.

Something like that.

I typically choose to pick up on the minor, scary details more than the positive words of encouragement that have also been offered. It's the way my mind works unfortunately. I'm trying to change that.

So today I'm finishing my resume (have I mentioned how much I hate resumes?) and I just printed off a 4 page list entitled "Psychology: What can I do with this major?" So...problem solved on that question! But in all seriousness, it does me give me some ideas.

So now it's just time for big, life decisions. Stay tuned to see what that entails.

And pray for me as I hunt for a job. It's scary out there.

Take Me Home Tonight

2012-01-09T01:18:00.001-05:00

Source: tvquotesftw.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

I feel like this more often than not. But I'm going to complain about it anymore.

Hello Two Thousand Twelve (or T cubed?)
How are things with you in the 0-1-2?

I haven't forgotten about you blogging friends, I just haven't felt rather inspired as of late.

Until tonight.

I think about picking up my computer, and then I opt for hanging out with friends or reading a book on my Kindle touch instead.

There's lots of thoughts swirling in my head, I just need to condense them and figure out how to write them so you can make sense of them too.

But tonight I picked a movie to watch in bed off of Netflix instant and it was exactly what I needed. Don't you love it when that happens? When something out of the blue speaks to exactly how you're feeling and what you're going through? All without even looking for it!

I will share that with you at another time, but for now enjoy my favorite song from the 80s. I could (and have) listen{ed} to it on repeat for hours, dancing around my living room.

I saw them perform this live two years ago in January. Nobody else really knew who they were, but I was standing up, singing along, patting my knee....I'm old and I'm scared to show off my dance moves in public.

Did you know I love all things 80s?
It's true. I should feel ashamed, but I don't. I embrace it. I wish I still lived in the 80s.
I love the fashion (it was totally rad), the music, the movies, the sayings, the teen-drama of John Hughes, the TV shows, all of it.

As for a quick update, I've been a college grad for a month and I'm still living the college life.

Hopefully that will change soon.

It's 2012 and I'm in it to win it.

Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!

2011-12-25T06:00:00.015-05:00

Source: ady1501.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.

Wishing happiness to you and yours.

Festive Fridays: Christmas Lights & Grinch Cookies

2011-12-23T10:24:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas Eve Eve, or Eve squared for all the math lovers (of which I never was one).

I found these adorable pictures of people wrapped with Christmas lights around them on Pinterest, and I promise you, if I ever get skinny and want a picture with my full body showing, I'd do the exact same thing. I'd even be willing to just hug myself in the picture, no boyfriend necessary.

For now I'm content with pictures in chest-up form, and only on days when my face isn't broken out (And to think I thought waking up to zits would end after puberty...I'm 29, kids, that's the harsh reality you have to look forward to).

How adorable are these photos though? I love it.

I'm already thinking this would be great for my annual photo Christmas card next year...yes?

Source: haleysheffield.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Source: rocknrollbride.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

And what would a Festive Friday post be without a holiday recipe? Take two of my favorite things: Christmas and chocolate chip cookies-and you have Grinch Cookies! These make me think of my dear friend Amelia who has always absolutely, positively loved everything mint and chocolate.

Source: flickr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

What a fun treat for the holidays!

RECIPE FOUND HERE.

Have a very merry Christmas eve eve!

12 Days of Christmas: All I Want for Christmas are these 3 things!

2011-12-22T10:15:00.139-05:00

Have you done all your Christmas shopping?

I confess that I have not. I don't know if I have really started it either, but I definitely know I haven't finished it. What can I say...I'm better when I procrastinate (sometimes).

I asked some of my very best friends for ideas on gift-buying by asking them what they put on their Christmas wishlist. They have a lot more imagination and creativity than I do in terms of the gift department...I usually just ask for a dvd or a giftcard. Although, I did ask for a Kindle Touch and my sister already sent me one in the mail (gift wrap and all), so Merry Christmas to me. I will not use this moment as a vehicle to explain that I never thought I'd own an e-reader, and as an avid book store supporter, I feel like I'm succumbing to the dark side. More on that for another day. Back to wishlists...

Amelia-Bedelia

Little Amelia has been a very good girl this year while sportin' that stylish new haircut,

and asked Santa for:

1. A big file folder for collecting images that inspire her {she's such an artist...doesn't she know Pinterest is for things like this? ;) }

2. A mug from Anthropologie (ohhh, trendy!).

I don't know if this is the one she's talking about, but it's pretty cute.

3. Clothes.

Cousin Hannah

Sweet Cousin Hannah loves making Christmas wish-lists.

Sometimes, she even gets what's on them.

This year all she wanted for Christmas was to spend a warm, cozy, December evening by asking for the following:

1. Christmas pajama pants from Old Navy

2. Kindle Giftcard

3. Teas and Coffees for her new electric teapot.

J. Crowe

This past year, J. Crowe already got everything on her wishlist

with the birth of sweet, precious baby Amos.

However, she still came up with a couple of things to fill her wishlist.

1. An apron from Anthropologie

(all my friends love this store, probably because it's so adorable, and so are they)

2. Mindy Kaling's book "Is Everybody Hanging Out Without Me?"

3. The Family Stone DVD

J. Phil

Sweet J. Phil didn't ask a lot for Christmas, but I hope she gets much of what she wants.

On her Christmas wishlist, we find the following:

1. A nice bedspread to go with her newly re-decorated basement apartment

(she told me what brand, and it was really classy,

but being the unclassy lady that I am,

I forgot what it was...maybe Barbara Barry?)

2. A new camera (J. Phil is a wonderful photographer)

3. Andy Grammer

(I made that last one up, but it's probably true and she'd probably love it)

And me?

What did I ask for?

Well, first I want to stop dressing like a grand-ma,

and never sport khaki pants with tennis shoes again.

I will also have you know I had to talk smack to parents who kept trying to cut me off while I waited in line for that picture up in Gatlinburg. For some funny reason, a single girl standing by herself near a sled doesn't register for waiting in line for a

picture in a sled quite like a family with small kids.

And those tennis shoes, well, it's a little consequence of spraining my ankle back in October.

If I know I have to walk a lot, I wear reliable shoes.

But I digress (your Christmas present is the fact that I even posted that).

For Christmas, I'd like...

1. ~~A Kindle Touch~~ (fancy that, I already got it!)

2. A digital camera, so I have to stop using my phone as my only means of picture-taking.

3. ~~Starbucks giftcards~~

(fancy that also, I have been blessed with many hidden in cards in the mail lately)

What's on YOUR Christmas wishlist?

It's not too late to tell Santa, he doesn't come for 2 more days.

12 Days of Christmas: 8 Reasons Why I Loved the 0-1-1, Son!

2011-12-17T09:56:00.001-05:00

I finally graduated college!

Yes, you can applaud.

Baby Kirby was born and I am now an auntie to the best nephew ever.

His smile melts my heart.

I love him more than I knew I could.

I saw Cousin Elisabeth from Japan more times than I can remember!

We got to cousin it up from the spring time to the fall time.

She's a blessing!

(just like all my cousins!)

I totally rocked out in Chicago

with the Garners and baby Kirby

for a splendid week in July.

And I showed myself I could fly!

(with the help of anxiety meds)

J. Phil & I had multiple hang-out sessions again.

BFFLLDWB.

For life.

Lacey and Mauney made me smile all year.

We became like the Brat Pack.

Minus the Brat.

Maybe just a pack?

These two crazy kids had a kid!

Baby Amos was born to Matt and J. Crowe.

My heart rejoices for them!

Plus, he's pretty stinkin' cute.

Derek Dooley fell in love with me.

Well, not love, but I think he liked me.

Either way I have photographic evidence to prove we touched.

And he started wearing those orange pants this year.

My, my, my, those are hot.

Festive Fridays: Reindeer Food

2011-12-16T13:35:00.003-05:00

Source: sweetcheekstastytreats.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

RECIPE HERE

How adorable is this Christmas gift?

I always wanted a use for old Starbucks Frappuccino bottles, and now I have one.

I used to keep loose change in them, but this is far better.

Plus Reindeer food is a Christmas treat I always love to eat.

Sorry for the lack of blogging this week, surprisingly I've been far busy ever since I graduated last week. I'm attempting to finish my Christmas cards before it's too late.

What's your favorite homemade Christmas treat

to make during the holidays?

12 Days of Christmas: 12 Favorite Songs in the 0-1-1, Son!

2011-12-13T17:46:00.001-05:00

Let's countdown to Christmas with some of my favorite things...

On the 12th day of Christmas I give you my 12 favorite songs from this past year. No, that does not necessarily mean they were released in the 0-1-1, however, it does mean they had no relevance in my life until this year.

Some of them I've already mentioned on my blog before now, but some may be new.

Take a listen and maybe you'll find one you love too.

Love Song-Adele (Live from Letterman)

Paradise-Coldplay (Live from ACL Festival)

Mat Kearney-Sooner or Later

Alexi Murdoch-Wait

Sigur Ros-Goobledigook

Zee Avi-No Christmas for Me

Ben Rector-White Dress

Imagine Dragons-Tokyo

Andrew Belle-Oh My Stars

Florence + The Machine-Shake It Out (Live from SNL)

Little Boots-New in Town (Fred Falke Remix)

Kate York-My Best Friend

What was your favorite song from the 0-1-1?

Festive Fridays: GRADUATION! :)

2011-12-10T00:01:00.002-05:00

Let's take a break from posting about food and post about celebrating accomplishments.

I'm officially a college grad for the second time.

I earned my Associate's Degree in 2008, and now I've got a Bachelor's to match in the 0-1-1, Son!

It was a long ten years, but worth it in what I felt today.

I'll post more later about my day, but for now just appreciate my post-grad glow.

Are you doing anything festive this weekend?

Maybe celebrating an achievement, yourself?

Tonight.

2011-12-07T23:31:00.001-05:00

Source: tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Tonight is the last all-nighter of my college career. I could probably try and sleep, but is there really any other way to finish my 10 years of schooling?

2 exams on Thursday and Friday brings graduation and family and closure.

So close I can taste it...I can smell it. And it feels good.

I finally have room to breathe. Finally have belief in myself that this is happening.

But more on that later.

Back to studying...and praying...and relishing the last few moments of my time at the University of Tennessee as a student.

Next time I post, I'll be a bonafied college grad.

Can you handle that?

Me neither.

Hello, December.

2011-12-04T13:26:00.002-05:00

via Stephanie on Pinterest

I'm finally ready to welcome December, in all of it's snowy, cold, festive glory.

I've taken down all my fall decor and replaced it with one, large, leaning, unadorned green tree.

So welcome, December.

Welcome another year coming to a close.
Welcome change and cold nights.
Welcome Christmas lights and caroling.
Welcome more hot cocoa and marshmallows.
Welcome wrapped presents and gifts under the tree.
Welcome hustle.
Welcome bustle.
Welcome traditions and traveling.
Welcome parties and parading.
Welcome snow flakes and breath written in the cold night air.
Welcome Christmas classics and cozy comforts.
Welcome most wonderful time of the year.

I'm finally ready to embrace you!

Hello, December.

Festive Fridays: Peppermint Chocolate Coffee

2011-12-02T15:14:00.001-05:00

Source: pauladeen.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

RECIPE HERE

Could this be any more delectable?

Peppermint? Chocolate? AND Coffee?

Three of my favorite things.

And perfect for those of us who are suffering from cold and flu season, granted I can't taste much right now.

Hard to believe it's already December, DECEMBER!

Feels like yesterday was January 1st and I thought the end of the year would never come.

Now it's already Christmas season again and I'm not even prepared.

Graduation...Holiday shopping...Job hunting...I've got to get on it!

I love putting up my tree the weekend after Thanksgiving, and this year I still have fall decor out on December 2nd. You can shake your head in shame. I'm slowly letting Christmas slip by. I'm going to try and get my act together this weekend. Clean, declutter, organize, and decorate! It CAN be done!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Have any plans for this first festive Friday?

still alive {but barely breathing}

2011-11-30T20:18:00.001-05:00

Right now I'm using a lot of these:

Source: keeperofthehome.org via Stephanie on Pinterest

I may have even put some up my nose, just to save my face from feeling like it was rubbing off. I said may. I didn't say I did. But we all know that means I am typing with them stuck up my nose at this very second. {ahh..the joys of being single}

Don't judge me, I'm trying to keep you all healthy and well...I don't want you to suffer like I am.

I probably look like Rudolph at this point...but at least I'm festive, right? These are the joys of cold and flu season, and being around others who have it...I was destined to get it.

Even though I'm sick, I have been trying to do alot of this as well:

Source: google.co.uk via Stephanie on Pinterest

But mostly, it turns into this:

Source: nantucketyouth.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Did I tell you I was done with all my classes? Yes, I'm finished...with the act of having to go to class and take notes. I don't think it's sunk in yet, due to the fact that I've been writing endless amounts of papers and working on countless assignments left unfinished. Not to mention, I've got to ~~finish~~ start studying for my finals that will commence next Thursday afternoon. Then GRADUATION!

I have my very first final tomorrow...still working on the 12 page paper that goes along with it.

Yeesh!

So bear with me. I'm going to be bombarded with sneezing and reading, runny noses and note cards, sleeping and studying. But I promise to get back to blogging after this hectic 2 weeks ends!

Wish me luck!

Thankful Thursday on Monday: Vol. 2

2011-11-21T05:30:00.007-05:00

Source: etsy.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

So I'm getting to be quite bad at actually being thankful on Thursday.

Good thing there's only one Thursday in November left,

so I have one more shot of doing it right and ending on a high note!

Let's commence, shall we?

This week I'm thankful for:

1. Beautiful friends.

This weekend I had a great time laughing and vegging out with J. Phil and Mauney. These are some pretty awesome ladies who just so happen to be gorgeous-inside and out. It's nice to be surrounded by genuine, kind, loving people.

In fact, I am thankful for so many friends who share the same qualities. I don't know how I was fortunate enough to have so many amazing people in my life, but I'm always grateful for it.

I couldn't let Fall pass by without sharing this pic of Mauney on CBS sports from our game against LSU. I love that freeze frame of her, and her classic 'Welp...' look. Not to mention most of her air time involved watching her text. Classic.

And Ms. J. Phil has so much class, and always looks adorable-no matter what! I love her scarves and boots and sunglasses and smiles. Thankful for her road trip to Knox this past weekend!

Source: flickr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

2. Cupping Something Warm

One of my favorite things about fall is the sensation of cupping something warm. It brings peace and warmth. Sometimes holding a mug of hot cider or hot cocoa seems to take away all of the worries and stress that come with a long day and a sleepless night. After an all-nighter spent on a paper I'm not confident about, nothing felt better than holding a warm caramel latte from Panera at 8am on a Thursday morning. I could feel the tension slip away. And ending the long day with a cup of mulled cider, well, it was perfection.

Source: idontwantrealism.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

3. Fallen Leaves

This week they covered my car, the walkways, the streets, and I even found a couple in my hair walking on campus. After a blustery Monday, the golds and reds are gone from the trees because they now cover the ground. It reminded me of Christmas' impending return. That was reason enough to be thankful for those wet, sticky leaves that found their way into my foyer.

Source: instagram.heroku.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

4. Little Reminders

As much as I am relishing in the fact that I only have 2 days of class left until my FINAL finals, there's a scary reality hiding in the euphoria. It's simple: I have no idea what I'm doing next. I'm trusting God again in this one. I know He'll provide, but I just wish maybe it would move a little faster. And I'm thankful for the reminder above.

Source: ilovezooey.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

5. Zooey Deschanel

We all thought she was adorable in Elf (granted she looks so much more better as a brunette...glad she went darker), and we all loved her in {500} Days of Summer. Then came She & Him. I haven't listened to their regular albums, but I did download the Christmas album this weekend and I must say it sounds simply wonderful. And now we have New Girl. Hilarious. She's so quirky that it's more adorable than awkward, and if you're anything like me, you find it eerily familiar. She's our quirky America's sweetheart if I do say so myself. And I love it.

HAPPY MONDAY!

Happy 8th Anniversary to Amelia & Cortez (first name Michael)!

Love ya'll, you two crazy lovebirds!

Fall Fridays: Mulled Apple Cider

2011-11-18T13:04:00.002-05:00

Source: tastykitchen.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

RECIPE HERE.

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is less than a week away!?

I've enjoyed posting my favorite autumn recipes for Fall Fridays.

I'll continue 'Food on Friday' tradition starting next week with 'Festive Fridays!'

Can't wait to start sharing Christmas recipes!

(Yes, it's almost here friends!)

Last night I had a small pre-Christmas/Thirty-One party with some friends

and I made my own mulled apple cider.

Lucky for me, I bought a carton of Aspen mulling spices at my favorite local Hallmark store in Knoxville and all I had to do was add it to a gallon of Apple Cider and simmer.

It was delicious.

Like harvest time in a cup.

I'm excited to have leftovers to share with friends coming in this weekend. Perfect drink for the last real weekend of fall until Christmas blows into town.

I'll be celebrating with two of my very best friends, Lacey and J. Phil. Our wild plans include going to see the new Twilight movie and enjoy Starbucks' Red Cup over some much-needed girl talk.

I think my Christmas tree may even make an early guest appearance this weekend so we can all decorate it together.

Nothing like a little Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack (my favorite by the way), drinking mulled cider, and watching the holiday lights dance over a cold Saturday night.

What are your plans for this pre-holiday weekend?

I'm sure whatever they are, you're probably going to be busy like me.

I love that feeling this time of year.

Let the Holiday festivities begin!

~TefMarie

Thankful Thursday on Monday

2011-11-14T10:21:00.006-05:00

Source: redheadscraftmorefun.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Thursday came and went last week and my blog left blank on Thankful Thursday.

That's what Mondays are for: to make up for what you forgot to do last week.

Last week I was thankful for:

1. Doctor's appointments.

I was taking care of business and making sure I was healthy. Something I don't always get to do since I'm part of America's uninsured. Therefore, I'm extremely thankful for my last semester at UT so I can visit the health clinic and get the best care.

2. Friends who coupon.

One of my close friends loves to coupon, LOVES it. I love a good Target run with coupons in tow for savings but I don't always spend my hours looking for the best deal. That's why good friends who are coupon-savvy make my day. I'm thankful for the mail system that sent those coupons my way and grateful she was willing to share!

3. Starbucks and bonfires.

Nothing like sitting around a fire-pit with my cousins and drinking hot coffee under the stars and talking life. We had a lot of laughs and meaningful smiles shared over that fire pit on a cold November night. Impromptu and delightful, that's what I'm all about. Thankful especially for my ski-jacket that kept me warm in the freezing temps.

4. Texas Roadhouse and Derek Dooley.

That explanation requires a whole other blog post...more on that to come.

5. Friends who are willing to 'cut a brother.' (Not literally...)

Love Amelia. Love her loyalty. Love her gangsta ways.
Thankful she's my friend (and not an enemy! ;) Sheesh!)

And overall, thankful for this song I heard on K-Love last week.
Might have been exactly what I needed to hear sometime during the mid-week.
Maybe you do too?

Did you remember to be thankful last week?

~TefMarie

I've been feeling real good...{outasight}

2011-11-13T09:19:00.000-05:00

Source: zazzle.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Basically.

Kidding...

Hope you have an AWESOME Sunday.

If you listen to this you will.
Makes me feel fun.
And it's a nice hook...{everybody go...}

I woke up in time to Pinterest and get coffee before church,

so it's turning out to be a fab Sunday.

Now it's off to figure out what church outfit will go best with my one pair of black tights. The joys of falltime.

~TefMarie

Fall Fridays: Layered Pumpkin Pie in a Jar

2011-11-11T08:43:00.000-05:00

Source: afarmgirlsdabbles.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

How adorable are these fall treats? Perfect for gifts, happys,

or your very own pick-me-up!

You can find the recipe here.

I'm trying to hold on to the feeling of fall-time, harvest, pumpkins, but Christmas is trying to sneak in there any way possible.

I'm fighting the urge to listen to Christmas music (I always think this isn't allowed until the week of Thanksgiving). I haven't allowed myself to really peruse the aisles of Target that are filled with Christmas decorations and goodies. I haven't made a Christmas list, nor tried to do alot of the shopping that goes along with it (I have bought a couple of goodies for baby Kirbs, but it's his first Christmas so this is completely justified-shopping for cute nephews doesn't count).

But friends, it's oh-so-hard. I am ready to embrace Christmas, put up my tree despite the clashing with my cornucopia that sits out on the table. I love fall-time so much, I don't want to short change it because it will be gone and replaced by bare trees and snowy moments soon (which I also love).

Have a great fall weekend, it's one of the few left before Thanksgiving comes, and the Macy's Parade brings Santa marking the official beginning of the Christmas season.

~TefMarie

wishful thinking

2011-11-07T13:35:00.001-05:00

Today I wish it was already...

Source: chiccoles.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

And I was spending an evening with the cousins watching:

Source: cinematicwallpaper.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

while enjoying:

Source: howsweeteats.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

~TefMarie

self-destructing, one bad habit at a time.

2011-11-05T22:45:00.001-04:00

The one thing I can say about my self-destructive tendencies is that when they flare up, they go big or go home.

This week has been nothing but a display of my very worst habits and weaknesses at their best. I remember when I moved to Knoxville I thought I could leave everything I wanted to change about myself back in Memphis. Somehow it would get left in the dust as the Honda traveled across Tennessee, packed with everything but little nuisances like laziness and lack of self-discipline. My move to Knox symbolized a new slate, a new beginning.

I wasn't going to be the Stephanie that....

Over-ate.

Left her checkbook unbalanced.

Flirted with old flames.

Used credit cards.

Skipped class.

Procrastinated.

Cared too much about what other people thought.

Watched mindless reality shows.

You get the idea.

Well, friend, I have some bad news to share with you. I've not only done ALL of those things while living in Knoxville, but it seems some of them have magnified.

And this last week some of them even took off like a rocket ship, with what seemed like no going back.

I made a plethora of bad decisions. My inner conversation went a little like this:

School? If I stay in bed, cover my pretty little head with my white down comforter and just close my eyes, then it doesn't exist. If I sleep, school goes away. 5 hour naps in the middle of the day never hurt anybody. School doesn't exist in dreamland. Papers due? I can turn those in late for points off. What's a few letter grades when I've got decent grades on everything else. It's my last semester, I'm just trying to finish, not get on the Honor Roll. Let's roll back over and snuggle in. Man, these bamboo cotton sheets are soft.

Money? If I don't balance my checkbook, and ignore my online banking options then somehow the money will just magically replenish when I need it. God always takes care of us, right, so no worries. Been here before, I can do it again. Let's keep swiping my debit card as if it were invincible. $2 charges, those don't hurt. I have one more month to blame my brokeness on the 'college student life,' might as well do it up big.

Exercise? I have a bum ankle. I'm down and out for the count for a little while, duh. That pre-hypertension report the doctor gave me last week, I'm too young to really think about it now. Don't mind this junk food I keep stuffing in my body as I sit on the couch and in the classroom. And hey my face is broke out again, what gives? Why don't I have clear skin when I keep putting preservatives and chemicals and fats and sugars into my system? Like Madonna said, life is a mystery. Guess I will skip weighing myself for the umpteenth day in a row, it's more about how you feel, not what the numbers are.

Anybody else fed up with my excuses as much as I am...and I'm the one who comes up with them?! My butt is getting back in gear, but not without some serious repercussions. Let's just say it's bad enough that I finally got back to blogging on my other blog again. If you want to follow my journey to learning self-discipline and facing some really harsh realities then you should start reading it.

Something has got to give. SOMETHING!

I just needed to get that off my chest. It's been a while since my blog has had some raw honesty on it, and it's been a while since I wrote any. This sticky situation would probably be a good starting point for getting back to journaling again...expressing my mistakes and setbacks in hopes of self-awareness. So this Saturday evening I am leaving all the negatives behind.

Tomorrow is Sunday, the LORD'S day. It's about time I started putting my faith in the Lord again rather than in chance and myself to take care of all these bad habits and worries. It seems that I should have learned this lesson long before now but it's never too late to change. Tomorrow morning is a new day, a new week, a new outlook.

Here's to kicking my bum into gear and breaking old habits!

Source: imgfave.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Don't forget: You can follow my other blog HERE.

~TefMarie

Fall Fridays: Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins

2011-11-04T14:45:00.016-04:00

Source: annies-eats.net via Stephanie on Pinterest

Recipe Here

Maybe you've realized that one of my favorite desserts of all time is Cheesecake. It's delicious and sweet. Combine that with pumpkin muffins and you have heaven on a plate for breakfast. This might make a good breakfast/brunch item for Thanksgiving and Black Friday. I'll be trying it out!

Hope your Friday is fabulous!

~TefMarie

Thankful Thursdays in November

2011-11-03T23:32:00.002-04:00

It's the month to celebrate Thanksgiving. Not just the holiday, but the action.

Let's celebrate the tradition of gratitude this month with Thankful Thursdays. Sometimes it's the small things in life for which I find the most appreciation.

Today was one of those days.

This Thursday I've been thankful for a number of things:

1. Surviving my first spray tan with Mauney. I look like I spent an afternoon by the pool, despite the cold and rainy day it turned out to be.

2. Delilah playing some of my favorite songs back to back. 'Turn Around Bright Eyes' by Bonnie Tyler, 'If You Leave' by OMD, and 'Hands' by Jewel. Yes, we've been through this before, I like to listen to Delilah. Call me an optimist and hopeless romantic, but she provides a nice alternative to unwinding at the end of the day besides becoming a complete vegetable in front of mindless television.

3. Good friends and mentors who listened to me whine and pout this week when I felt like I couldn't go on anymore in regards to school. Yes, I'm self-destructive. I shut down at the start of the week, spending a couple of days in bed, sleeping, pretending that if I wasn't awake then school, assignments, readings, and papers didn't exist. Surprisingly, the academic world does not work like that....you would think I'd figure this out after 10 years in undergrad. I'm thankful for sweet friends who provided encouragement and kind words to motivate me for my last month! {SO CLOSE!}

4. On that note, thankful that I only have 7 more days of class (the beauty of Tuesday/Thursday only classes).

5. Finding a box of Nerds in the Halloween candy of the kids I nanny. Even better, the Mom encouraged me to save her from a sugar rush and spilt purple and pink balls of goodness and take it home with me. Nerds are my favorite and it's been a while since I've enjoyed any.

What were you thankful for today?

~TefMarie

Happy Halloween! {Day 31}

2011-10-31T11:29:00.035-04:00

Source: delish.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Happy

Halloween!

Source: adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Source: brownpaper--packages.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Can you believe it's already the end of our 31 days of blogging project?

I can't.

Also can't believe I kept up with it so well {minus a couple of snags}.

31 days of Autumn.

Hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have.

~TefMarie

Pre-Halloween Weekend {Day 30}

2011-10-30T23:22:00.000-04:00

I made the Pumpkin Dump Cake that I posted a week ago.

Minus one burnt edge, it was delicious.

Anything that calls for 2 sticks of melted butter & pecans on top

is yummy goodness in my book.

Baby Kirbs and great-grandmother

This cutie-patootie came to visit.

He sported his Halloween attire as we spent a Saturday shopping in Sevierville.

Happy 1st Halloween Baby Kirby!!

I just thought the fall colors were in bloom when we drove

through Cades Cove a couple of weeks ago.

Now that it's finally gotten really cold, the leaves have changed even more.

I couldn't have drawn the sky over Wear's Valley on Saturday.

This was what we saw on our scenic drive into Gatlinburg.

GORGEOUS, right?

I also got one of these.

A favorite from my childhood trips to Gatlinburg with the fam.

The Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is soooo good.

In fact, even black bears think so.

Need Proof? Watch HERE.

And I even carved my very own Jack-O-Lantern.

Simple design, I know.

I didn't say I was good at it.

Not sure why I made the nose so big, but it happened.

It makes me feel festive.

I haven't carved a pumpkin since 2 years ago with Hannah.

Cousins Hannah and Elisabeth came over on Thursday to eat dinner and watch the Halloween episode of 'The Office.' Despite frequenting my apartment, they got turned around in my neighborhood and stumbled upon this Griswold-esque Halloween-decorated house. Upon Hannah's story, Mauney and I found it this evening. Pictures really don't do it justice, it is amazing. Can't wait to see how they decorate for Christmas.

What'd you do this weekend?

~TefMarie

Halloween Parties {Day 28 & 29}

2011-10-29T21:45:00.001-04:00

Source: marthastewart.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

This weekend has been so busy. I meant to do a Fall Friday post yesterday but upon waking around 8 am, I was so busy I didn't have a chance to sit down until the Garners came around 8 pm. It's amazing what you let slide in your apartment when you walk around with a gimp leg for 2 weeks. Finally on Friday, I was able to get around without hobbling and it felt glorious to feel like a completely self-sufficient human being again.

The Garners and I have spent our time visiting family, showing off Baby Kirbs, and traveling through the mountains to heavily populated tourist attractions like Gatlinburg and Sevierville. {If you thought the fall pictures from Cades Cove I posted last week were pretty, just wait until I show you the fall colors we saw today!}

Now we're watching the Vols play South Carolina on ESPN2, and relaxing. Unfortunately we don't have a Halloween party to attend, but if I was going to host one, I'd totally use the adorable pumpkin drink holder seen above. Perfect for your bottled drinks like water, root beer, orange soda, etc.

Maybe you are spending your Saturday evening with friends, with jack-o-lanterns lit and the Monster Mash playing in the background. If so, I hope you are having a glorious time. Hard to believe that the day of spooks is only 2 days away. Got your costume yet?

Happy Halloween weekend!

~TefMarie

Fall Fashion {Day 27}

2011-10-27T11:43:00.005-04:00

I love fall outfits. Neutrals, browns, grays, earth tones, they all create a sense of bliss in the fashion realm in the fall months. I love pinning fall outfits onto my fashion board on Pinterest.

Yesterday I had an impromptu dinner date with my always-stylish friend Mary Beth. I loved her outfit so much, I took her pic and wanted to share.

Love the jacket. Love the skirt. Love the boots. And she had an adorable side braid.

What's your fave fall fashion?

~TefMarie

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown {Day 26}

2011-10-26T10:49:00.000-04:00

I need to buy some of these:

Source: None via Stephanie on Pinterest

So maybe I can do this with them:

Source: None via Stephanie on Pinterest

And at night they'll look like this:

Source: None via Stephanie on Pinterest

~TefMarie

Halloween Costumes {Day 25}

2011-10-25T05:30:00.007-04:00

Source: blogs.starbucks.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

How adorable is this costume?

It's officially less than a week until Halloween. What are you dressing up as?

I always like the idea of dressing up, but I usually have little follow-through on it in my adult years.

One year I was my friend Matt Rogers (aka Mattie Poo), another I was balloon boy...remember the kid who was 'supposedly' floating above the earth in his dad's large UFO-like silver balloon contraption? I achieved said costume by tying a balloon to my belt loop. The balloon was a black bat so I also told people I was bat girl. So much for creativity, huh?

Growing up I was your traditional ghost, witch, a Carebear, UT football player, and maybe a clown one year (it all blurs together). Jem was my favorite, though. I remember the pink star earrings and thinking I was so cool at my Kindergarten class party. This was before Hannah Montana, kids. Disney ripped off the premise of my favorite cartoon of the 80s.

So I hope you've figured out what you're going to dress as next Monday evening because I sure haven't.

If only the costume above came in adult size...sigh.

**this is my 300th post...wooo hooo!

What was your favorite Halloween costume?

~TefMarie

Falltime Blues {Day 24}

2011-10-24T06:00:00.003-04:00

Source: flickr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Studying.
School.
Books.
Papers.
Assignments.
More Studying.
Reading.
Printing.
Listening.
Watching.
Studying Again.

This is my last semester after a long (and I mean loooooong) string of years spent in an attempt to obtain my bachelor's degree. Needless to say senioritis hit about 4 years ago and it's been an uphill battle ever since.

But this semester it's really happening. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm really graduating, and that means I have to get it right the first time for the classes I'm in this semester.

All these factors combined and it creates the perfect storm for apathy and stress (if that's even possible).

The start of a school year is one aspect of fall I hope to never have to meet again.

Hopefully you are doing something far more interesting or relaxing on this Monday than studying.

*I don't know about where you live, but Saturday night I got in my car after a late night of babysitting and experienced my first 'car chill' of the season. You know, the one where you get in your car, shaking and brring and hoping the heat kicks in really quick while your hands shake on the steering wheel. That means the cooler weather is here to stay. But maybe the 35 degree evenings we experienced this weekend will wait a while before making a permanent appearance.

~TefMarie

Peace, Quiet, and Confidence {Day 23}

2011-10-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

Source: mymagicaljourney.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

I have set the LORD always before me:

because he is at my right hand,

I shall not be moved.

Psalm 16:8

~TefMarie

Race for the Cure: Knoxville Style {Day 22}

2011-10-22T15:21:00.004-04:00

Adventures of the Ta-Ta Sisterhood

When I think of Fall, I think of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

I actually participated in the race last year for the very first time.

And it was a blast.

I wanted to participate this year, but didn't train for the Couch25k like I should, plus the sprain did not help.

However, I did wake up early this morning, bundle up,

and went downtown to support my team, the Ta-Ta Sisterhood.

My friend, Lisa, coordinated our team, made super cute shirts, and handled the fine details (muchas gracias Lisa!). I know this cause is very dear to her heart as her mother passed away from breast cancer a number of years ago. I was so proud to see her this morning, decked out in her Ta-ta shirt.

I was proud to be a part of the Ta-Ta sisterhood and watch as our team ran/walked/trotted across the finish line.

If you haven't supported our team, you still have time! There's a button at the top of the left column that you can click and donate any amount to help raise support for research, mammograms, and treatments. We're all affected by this somehow, even men, so it's important to support this cause as much as possible. Any amount is appreciated and needed!

Even if you don't participate in your city's Komen race, you should go just to watch and cheer on the breast cancer survivors as they finish the race. It's an emotional moment, and also so uplifting.

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month-Check Yourself!

And a VERY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY wish for Mrs. Leta Fay Anderson (who is one of my favorite readers and supporters). She's a young 84 today (right?). I hope your birthday is wonderful and special Mrs. Leta! Love you bunches!

~TefMarie

Fall Fridays: Pumpkin Dump Cake {Day 21}

2011-10-21T05:00:00.007-04:00

Source: cookiesandcups.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Sweet fall, will you never end?

Recipe found here!

I love making old-fashioned dump cake. Pineapple, cherries, cake mix and butter. Easy and so divine when served warm. So naturally I was thrilled to find this recipe for Pumpkin Dump Cake from...where else, of course? Pinterest! A little more involved than regular dump cake, but still totally worth it. I plan on making this treat for the Garners when they come into town next weekend.

I enjoyed last week's Fall Friday recipe earlier this week. It was really good, but I think my crock-pot is a little bigger than the recommended size so it cooked a tad faster than expected, leaving it thick and dry (which is fine, I don't like runny oatmeal). I even refrigerated the leftovers and had them again the next day, after sprinkling some water over them and warming them in the microwave.

I hope you have a delicious Friday!

What's your favorite fall treat?

**Hey blogging friends, Baby Kirbs still needs your help! My nephew is in a costume contest on a photography page on Facebook, Ramblin' Rose. All he needs is good people like you to like his picture and he could win a free one-hour session. Voting ends today at 5, and he's currently in 2nd place. This is where you come in! Yes, I'm shamelessly plugging, I've turned into 'that person' on facebook who is sharing the link with everyone I know. But if for nothing else, click this link and at least see how adorable he looks in his giraffe costume. Thanks in advance, because I know you all are good people and will do it. No, I'm not above a guilt trip! :)

In case you missed the first two links, you can like the picture HERE.

~TefMarie

Cades Cove Fall Colors Tour {Day 20}

2011-10-20T05:20:00.000-04:00

I marked number one off my fall-to-do-list already.

I drove with the cousins to Cades Cove on Saturday.

Well, I rode, rather. We had planned this before my fall that Thursday so I was determined to make our trip happen. I had yet to see the leaves turn in the Smokies despite living right next to them for the past 3 years.

Hannah, Elisabeth, and I picked up Subway and headed to the mountains.

It was the most beautiful fall day for a drive through East Tennessee.

The mountains were gorgeous. Not all the trees were turning yet, it was still a little green for autumn, but as we drove around Cades Cove there were glimpses here and there of yellows, oranges, and reds in the trees. Especially when we looked up towards the mountains, the peaks were red with changing leaves.

We pulled over on a halfway cut-through for a picnic in the midst of the Cove.

It was quiet and peaceful and spectacular.

We even saw a bear on the way out, but he looked more like a big moving black boulder underneath a tree in the cove from our distance. After riding around the cove, we picked up vanilla/chocolate swirl ice cream cones at the Cades Cove store and headed back to Maryville.

If you ever get the chance to drive through Cades Cove, do it. Just take some snacks and be prepared to stay a while. There are old primitive church buildings and homesteads you can tour, pull-offs to enjoy the view or have a picnic in a field, and trails you can hike.

I hope to go back the mountains in a couple of weeks and maybe then fall foliage will be in full swing.

*Here's a pick-me-up for Thursday. I originally posted this on MLK day back in January, but I watched it yesterday and figured it was worth a repost for you newer readers. You can't help but smile the whole time you watch this, plus it's pretty funny. Hamsters, Robocops on Segueways...see for yourself.

White Man - Michael Gungor Band from Goodwin Films on Vimeo.

~TefMarie

Rainy Days {Day 19}

2011-10-19T07:49:00.001-04:00

Source: weheartit.com via laura on Pinterest

As much as I love the sunny, blue skies of fall, I appreciate the rainy, cold, dreary days as well.

These days are perfect for lighting a fall candle, eating warm dishes, and snuggling under big, cozy blankets.

All of which I am doing this morning.

I looked at the forecast yesterday and saw that our weather was changing from 82 and sunny on Tuesday, to 55 and rain falling all day long today. I prepared in advance by stopping by Earth Fare last night for a couple of groceries (I bought some steel cut oats to make the delicious dish I posted on Friday) and printing off everything I needed for study purposes so that today I could hole up in my apartment, crack the window to feel the cool air and hear the rain drops, and enjoy this rainy day.

Fortunately, I don't have class on Wednesdays so I have absolutely no where to be until bible study tonight. Which is good, I need to rest my fat ankle from hobbling around campus yesterday and I absolutely, can't stand soggy pant bottoms from walking in the rain.

So I just woke up and I'm going to lay here in bed, eat my pumpkin coffeecake oatmeal that I woke up to in my slow cooker, and enjoy today's rain.

*And if I had to get out in the rain, wouldn't this make the best rainy day ensemble?

Source: polyvore.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

How do you spend your rainy, fall days?

~TefMarie

Harvest Moon {Day 18}

2011-10-18T06:14:00.001-04:00

Source: google.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Last night I was driving home late from being out with Mauney, and as I was passing through my quiet neighborhood after 11pm, I caught a glimpse of the moon through the trees.

My reaction?

"Hey, pretty moon!" I said, to no one in particular.

It was only half full but it was big and orange as it was rising. I know it wasn't a Harvest Moon, but I do love the moon phases of fall. They just seem magical.

I loved that orange moon last night.

I also love that God created these special wonders just for us. It's in these quiet moments that I remember His power and greatness.

What ways does God awe you in the fall time?

**Hey blogging friends, Baby Kirbs needs your help! My nephew is in a costume contest on a photography page on Facebook, Ramblin' Rose. All he needs is good people like you to like his picture and he could win a free one-hour session. Yes, I'm shamelessly plugging, I've turned into 'that person' on facebook who is sharing the link with everyone I know. But if for nothing else, click this link and at least see how adorable he looks in his giraffe costume. Thanks in advance, because I know you all are good people and will do it. No, I'm not above a guilt trip! :)

In case you missed the first link, you can like the picture HERE.

~TefMarie

Falling in the Fall {Day 17}

2011-10-17T06:00:00.069-04:00

**warning: this post may contain self-pity and snarkiness...you've been warned.

Something about falling down stinks.

The older I get, the harder it is to get up.

On Thursday, I was making my way to my afternoon class. It's so far from where I park that I normally ride the free T bus around campus, but that day I thought I'd take my time and enjoy the walk to class.

Now I know better.

Crossing a one-way street, walking downhill, I was almost to the other side when my right ankle completely turned underneath me, popped, and down I went, face first into the asphalt.

Hard. {it's a basic law of gravity, you fall further facing downhill...and it ain't pretty}

Just this past year, I've noticed I'm more prone to fall down...it's a sign of almost reaching 30.

I tried to sit up and pain started shooting through my ankle. I just started crying.

And crying.

Aaaaaaaannnnnd crying.

Ever been that person sitting in the street, crying, with people huddled around you? No? Well, it's overrated. And I gladly would have traded spots with anyone else.

Fortunately, my friend AnCharlene was walking by and stopped. A lady from the disability office happened to be walking out and had called the UTPD (not sure what they were supposed to do, but they came anyways, 2 of them, blue lights and all). AnCharlene helped calm me, and I scooted as far as I could towards the sidewalk.

The most amazing thing is how people look at you as they walk by.

Sympathetic? Concerned? Not so much, at least not this generation of UT kids. Many stared and pointed during the class change, some looked at me like I was an idiot (why yes, I'm sitting here crying in the middle of the street voluntarily....wait til you're almost 30, kid!).

Not having sprained, or broken, anything before, I realized I had to get it checked out. After coordinating someone to come pick us up (Thanks AnCharlene), being lifted off the ground by 2 cops, 1 friend, and 2 males (nothing like that to make you wish you'd gone on a diet sooner), I was driven to the UT Hospital ER.

There I spent my Thursday afternoon, in a germ-infested wheelchair, and luckily for me found out after x-rays that my ankle was only sprained. A pair of crutches and a special ankle brace later, I was on my way to recovery. And just a warning for all of you out there, the Doctor said the closer you get to 30, your ankles start to lose support and are easier to roll. I guess I'm going to have to start wearing high tops again :)

Thursday night was spent in pain. Having gone down on my left knee with all my weight after my right ankle had buckled beneath me, getting up was torture. This was one of the few times I wished I was married. It didn't fail that I'd get settled, foot elevated and realize I'd left the ice pack in the freezer. So up I'd get, nearly screaming from pain. I realized what a blessing it was to have one good working leg, let alone two.

Friday and Saturday were somewhat better, but I'm still hobbling around, sometimes with crutches, while Mauney drives me around. Sunday proved that I should be resting more, as my foot was still swollen and I had to break out the crutches for church. I'm dreading the thought of driving, but I'll be trying that out later today when I babysit.

I'm so thankful for concerned friends and those who've carried my purse/"suitcase" so I can focus on staying upright. Extremely grateful to AnCharlene and Mauney who sat by my side and traded shifts at the UT ER.

Here's to hoping my foot is healed enough to maneuver around campus tomorrow without further strain. Why must UT's campus be SOOOO big?

Here's to having a happy {fall-free} Monday!

~TefMarie

Baby Kirby's 1st Autumn {Day 16}

2011-10-16T06:00:00.109-04:00

Hard to believe Baby Kirby is already 9 months.

My nephew is mighty adorable.

And quite the little chunk.

I mean, hunk.

Sometimes, I think Autumn would be one of the most wonderful times to have kids.

Halloween, costumes, treats, hayrides, crafts.

The Garners are finding that out firsthand with Baby Kirbs.

The Garners took baby Kirby to his first pumpkin patch on Saturday.

Judging by the pictures, I think he had a wonderful time.

I just want to kiss those fat cheeks.

And watch him laugh.

Which I'll get to do soon.

The Garners are going to come & visit East Tennessee at the end of the month.

I'm looking forward to seeing him in my end of the state.

But for now these precious pumpkin patch pictures will have to do.

Cute, right?

What fun fall activity did you do this weekend?

~TefMarie

A Day Off {Day 15}

2011-10-15T21:22:00.000-04:00

Source: misscheekychic.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Having a great fall weekend?

I am.

~TefMarie

Fall Fridays: Slow Cooker Pumpkin Coffeecake Oatmeal {Day 14}

2011-10-14T08:47:00.004-04:00

Source: healthyslowcooking.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

You can find the recipe for this warm, delicious wake-me-up, here.

I have all the ingredients to make this except for the steel-cut oats. Kinda puts me in a bind. I would run out to the store to get some and enjoy this myself on this cool Friday morning at home, but I can't. I took a fall (in the fall) yesterday on campus and after a trip the ER, I am resting with my sprained ankle and sore body. More details on that to come.

Have a wonderful, cozy Friday!

P.S. I finally have some pics of my elusive friend, Mauney. She was one of the many kind souls who helped me out and played nurse to me upon bringing me home from the ER. She's a funny one.

~TefMarie

Fall Face Scrub/Birthday Shout Out {Day 13}

2011-10-13T06:00:00.036-04:00

Source: wholelivingdaily.wholeliving.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Fall weather brings dry and dull skin. I have eczema and I've already noticed an increase in dry patches, no matter what my daily lotion regime entails. Before long, it will be my face that suffers the most from this pitfall of cooler weather.

I receive daily emails from Whole Living Daily Challenge (I also subscribe to the magazine and it's a monthly favorite!). Yesterday's challenge was to 'Brighten Your Skin With Your Favorite Fall Veggie.'

What?

My favorite fall veggie?

Pumpkin?

This is what Whole Living had to say:

Pumpkins are great for more than carving! Mix a pumpkin-pie face scrub to not only exfoliate the dead, dull, and dry skin cells that build up over the summer months (from sunscreens, sun exposure, sweat, and pollution!) but also to moisturize, which is essential as the temperatures and humidity start to drop.

Just mix two tablespoons of cooked and mashed pumpkin (canned pumpkin works too) with two tablespoons plain, full-fat yogurt and one tablespoon ground, raw oats. Apply it to your face and let it sit for five minutes before using your fingers to gently scrub your face in small circular motions. The lactic acid in the yogurt, as well as the alpha hydroxy acids in the pumpkin will loosen the dead skin cells while the oats gently exfoliate and the fat in the yogurt hydrates.

So a pumpkin facial.

Who knew?

I look forward to trying this one out for myself.

Plus, today is this kid's birthday.

Happy 28 Mattie Poo!

~TefMarie

fall brings change {day 12}

2011-10-12T01:30:00.001-04:00

So these cute kids (they belong to one of my bestest friends from the past 11 years) might be moving to the other side of the globe today with their parents to begin a new work in China.

Fall always brings change. Whether it's trees and colors or new adventures, something is always bound to bring some type of modification to an already-perfect time of year.

Keep this family in your prayers. I've gotten used to friends living all over the world, but it still shakes things up a little bit.

Need a pick me up today?

I found this old post on NieNie last night and the picture cracked me up.

~TefMarie

Soup Warms My Soul {Day 11}

2011-10-11T05:00:00.002-04:00

Source: f0o0od.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

YUM.

Whenever it starts getting cool outside, I start longing for carbs and soup and big sweaters to cover up the excess poundage that results from it all. Especially those days when the blue sky is hidden by a vast cover of grey clouds and the leaves seem even oranger.

Yesterday was one of those days.

So for lunch, I ordered a breadbowl with Broccoli Cheddar soup from Panera with french bread as my side. Carbs, carbs, and more carbs. It was warm and so delicious. Definitely filling. But don't we love filling foods in the fall?

What's your favorite fall soup?

~TefMarie

Fall-To-Do-List {Day 10}

2011-10-10T06:00:00.003-04:00

Cades Cove, TN Source: google.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

1. Drive around Cades Cove and have a picnic amidst the fall colors of the Smoky Mountains. It's one of the best places to appreciate the beauty of East Tennessee.

Source: marylandpinkandgreen.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

2. Tailgate. Surprisingly, I realized the other day in a discussion with my friend Mauney that I've never tailgated. How can I love football so much without participating in one of the age-old traditions that coincides with fall Saturdays?

Source: flickr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

3. Pick a pumpkin out of a pumpkin patch. There are various ones around East Tennessee, but I've never been to one. Along that same note, make a day of it and spend an evening at the corn maze as well.

Source: the-wilson-world.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

4. Make my own caramel apples. I did this for the first time last year for a fall party. It was a bit ~~harder~~ messier than I thought it would be, but they were so delicious, I'm doing it again!

Source: gatlinburgpressroom.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

5. Spend a day and night in Gatlinburg. Ride the aerial tramway, eat at the Pancake Pantry, window shop, and drink some hot cocoa while riding up the ski-lift overlooking the city lights at night. Sounds like weekend bliss. Maybe Cousin Hannah would take me up on a girls' weekend.

What's on your fall list?

~TefMarie

Fall Colors {Day 9}

2011-10-09T08:00:00.003-04:00

Source: jonathanandshalay.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

How beautifully leaves grow old.

How full of light and color are their last days.

~John Burroughs

p.s. the Vols didn't beat the Bulldogs, but I still love 'em.

~TefMarie

Gameday Saturdays {Day 8}

2011-10-08T19:59:00.002-04:00

Source: life-love-laughter.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Are you like me? Do you live for college football season?

Are you tempted to spend your fall Saturdays indoors, watching games from morning til midnight?

I love football.

My first memories of these gameday Saturdays are from my elementary years.

I would sit in the den with my dad and papaw, listening as they bantered back and forth about runs and downs and school stats.

We always rooted for the Vols, although there was a brief moment in time when I declared myself a Crimson Tide fan hoping it would gain the attention of my crush at school {spoiler alert: it didn't}.

I especially love watching SEC football {yes, I'm a SEC snob, I hope you will still accept me}, but most major games will do.

Today I've spent the afternoon on the couch. I had a ticket to the UT/UGA game this evening, but I just didn't feel like crowds and parking and traffic, so I'm watching the game on ESPN2. Maybe you are too, if so, you have good taste-unless you're rooting for Georgia.

Source: google.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Go Rocky Top!

What's your favorite football team to watch?

~TefMarie

Fall Fridays: Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate {Day 7}

2011-10-07T05:00:00.032-04:00

Source: closetcooking.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Does this not look delicious?

I think I might try and make this over the weekend

(if I get a minute to slow down and enjoy it).

Otherwise, I'll wait for a cool evening when I can invite a friend over,

sit outside under the stars,

and enjoy a few quiet moments sipping this warm goodness.

You can find the recipe here, and make it for you and yours.

Happy Friday! Enjoy the weekend.

What Fall activities do you have planned for this weekend?

~TefMarie

A Quiet Day {Day 6}

2011-10-06T05:00:00.029-04:00

Source: decidedly.tumblr.com via Kim on Pinterest

Yesterday I decided to make a date with myself for some much needed time off.
Time off from obligations, commitments, schedules.
I lounged around my apartment all day and it felt glorious.

I decided to celebrate the fall season by spending a day with the windows open, soaking in the quietness of another glorious bright, calm autumn day. The breeze was slight and cool and I spent my time perusing blogs and pinterest, scouring over words that I needed to read while listening to nothing but God's creation. It was just one of those good-for-your-soul type of days.

Autumn always renews my soul.
The peace of it all.
The unwinding from a busy summer.
My spirit starts longing for dark nights and cozy sweaters.
A time when it seems like the world slows down a little bit.

I like slowing down a little bit.

And I topped it all off with a Caramel Apple Spice, extra drizzle from Starbucks before Wednesday night Bible Study.

How do you spend your autumn days?

~TefMarie

Autumn Obsession {Day 5}

2011-10-05T11:45:00.000-04:00

Source: lovelylittledetails.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

I spend entirely too much time on Pinterest.

It's my new addiction, I'll admit it.

However, it may be the best thing ever invented on the internet.

I just spent over an hour pinning and repinning, searching and scrolling.

My favorite thing to search right now is 'Autumn' and 'Fall.'

My Fall Favorites board is going crazy with all hues of orange, yellow and red; leaves and trees, pumpkins and lights, craft ideas, food, you name it.

I think that autumn has to be one of the most welcomed and celebrated seasons.

And I think with Pinterest, all 'fall' things are possible.

All those decorating ideas you've always wanted to try.

All those pumpkin-flavored desserts you long to bake.

All those fancy hot cocoas you crave.

It's all found on Pinterest.

What's your favorite fall item you've found on Pinterest?

Mine might be this:

Source: weheartit.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

~TefMarie

Fall Decorating {Day 4}

2011-10-04T06:00:00.003-04:00

Source: bhg.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

I wish I had a front porch for a display like this. It's so country and homey.

Before I go any further, let me first apologize for missing Day 2 of my 31 days. Being out of town always throws me for a loop, and I went to bed that night without even realizing I didn't blog. I hope we can still be friends. Moving on...

I totally anticipate getting home late from school this evening and lighting some autumn candles (my favorite scent is from Bath and Body Works, you can find it here), turning on Delilah and unpacking all of my fall decorations. I don't have as many as I'd like, but for now they will have to do. Maybe another day, I'll go shopping for more cozy autumn pieces and I promise I'll share those with you.

I can't wait to hang up wooden pumpkins and harvest signs around my apartment. What kind of fall decorations do you have?

~TefMarie

Fall Skies {Day 3}

2011-10-03T14:29:00.002-04:00

I don't know about you, but I love the deep blue skies that come with October and fall time. It's one of the reasons I look forward to fall time so much. This past weekend has been exceptionally blue-skied and sunny and I can tell fall has finally settled in to stay.

This is the beautiful sky I saw today as I enjoyed my last day of fall break in Memphis.

Autumn Favorites in 31 Days

2011-10-01T12:03:00.001-04:00

Source: chandelierjenny.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

October 1st.

1st day of my '31 Days of Fall.'

Fall is my favorite time of year.

I hope it's yours, too.

If not...it will be after this month.

~TefMarie

Fall Fridays: Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

2011-09-30T06:07:00.004-04:00

Source: hostessblog.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Want to make some of these

delicious treats for yourself?

You can find the ingredients,pictures,

& a how-to guide here.

~TefMarie

...and coldplay, for the win!

2011-09-26T21:26:00.002-04:00

I'm not going to lie. I was so excited when I heard coldplay had a new album coming out this year, however I wasn't as impressed as I should have been with 'Every Teardrop is a Waterfall' (the first release). I mean, it's Coldplay, I'll love it, but I didn't want to listen to it on repeat all day, everyday.

I tried to remind myself I felt the same way about their last album, Viva La Vida, until I saw them perform it live in concert on November 11, 2008 in Atlanta. It quickly became worn out in my CD player after that.

But this week, I heard 'Paradise.' And it made me feel like I was in paradise. I'm not sure what it is I love about it the most: Chris Martin's vocals (which are always a favorite), a synthesizer-like keyboard sound (I do love 80s music), or just the intro. 'Paradise' made it's way onto the #2 spot on my "Fall Mix for the 0-1-1, Son" CD, so I CAN listen to it on repeat.

Well you can listen to it, and decide for yourself. Chris Martin is a foxy, foxy man. And at the 1:00 mark, he reminds me of B.M. for some reason. Something about the eyes and the smile (if you knew B.M., do you see it too?) But Chris Martin is way hotter. Enjoy...

And let's take a minute to appreciate the fact that it looks like Chris Martin may have been working out over the past year. He's not quite as scrawny as he appeared before, and I like it. I also like anybody who sweats that much when they perform, because you know it's from the heart. And I always love it when they harmonize, so it's a win-win situation. It's just a lot of love going on, all the way around.

Their album comes out in October and I will be downloading it ASAP when it does.

I can't wait to see them live in concert again. Who's with me...

~TefMarie

your heart is a lonely one {ben rector}

2011-09-24T19:51:00.001-04:00

Tonight I'm going to see this cool guy...[Ben Rector, friends]

It's been WAAAAAAAY too long since I heard some amazing live music. I'm excited about a night out on the town in Knox, at a venue I've never been to, with a friend I barely see, listening to music that makes me happy. Here's to a fun evening with Ben Rector and Laura Hawk.

Want a free mp3 sampler with some of Ben Rector's most fun songs? I got one, and so can you! It's easy, just enter your email addy and zipcode at NoiseTrade and you can have your very own Ben Rector music on your own computer. See below...

Hear the full song below:

~TefMarie

31 Days of Autumn

2011-09-23T16:43:00.001-04:00

Source: etsy.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

So there's a blog challenge circulating the internet for October.

Blog about the same thing for 31 days.

Sounds simple enough until you really start to think about it.

I, too, agree with Annie at Turning Pages, that my blog sometimes doesn't have a distinct purpose, other than the fact that I write about what I want and how I feel when I desire. It's not about college or love or God specifically, rather, it's an assortment of all the above. Sometimes that hurts me in the sense that I don't always have a focal point for blogging, therefore I can go a long period of time feeling uninspired and apathetic towards my blog (maybe you've noticed by all the missed days from the past few months). Writing is a process, and especially when you don't have a distinct purpose, that process can be hard to come by.

Not only that, but blogging about the same topic for 31 days IS really quite the challenge.

I thought about what I would write about for 31 days. It would have to be something I'm interested in, something you're interested in, and something that is constant but diverse.

Therefore, I settled on Fall.

Autumn is really my favorite time of year (as it seems to be with most introspective people in the blog-sphere) and I thought the ideas were endless. I have a Fall Favorites board at my Pinterest, and that inspired me to want to blog about Fall for 31 days.

This means fall recipes, fall decor, fall pictures, fall wisdom, fall adventures, fall crafts...you get the idea.

I think most of you might love this idea, but I apologize to the rare reader who perhaps hates fall with a passion, and therefore will find no use of reading my blog for the whole month of October. But I promise, even if you feel this way, I could convince you to love Autumn with as much fervor as the rest of us do, if you just give me a chance.

So I hope you enjoy October, a blogging month devoted to coziness and warm drinks and pumpkin smells. 31 days devoted to the most wonderful time of the year!

~TefMarie

Fall Fridays: Autumn Bliss

2011-09-23T15:58:00.002-04:00

Source: mochatini.org via Stephanie on Pinterest

Delicious autumn!

My very soul is wedded to it,

and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth

seeking the successive autumns.

~George Eliot

~TefMarie

An Open Letter to Derek Dooley

2011-09-20T06:59:00.000-04:00

Dear Derek Dooley,

Can I be frank for a minute? Those orange pants are hot. Like 80s-Tom-Cruise-in-Top-Gun hot. Classy hot.

I think they're the best decision you've made since you got to Tennessee (well, maybe right up there with choosing Bray to start as quarterback over Simms).

They're fabulous and just the right shade of orange.

I just wanted to officially thank you for bringing back the SWAG at Tennessee.

It looks good on you. Stay classy.

Rocky Top forever,

~TefMarie

And if you'd like to see how those $1500 pants were made, you can watch the video they showed on the UT JumboTron on GameDay, below.