The Blogtember Challenge: Days 19, 20, 21

Hi friends, here is the second post to my catching up on Blogtember. I definitely think that this post includes some fun topics/ideas. And I cannot wait to share them with you all!! 

Monday, Sept. 19: A list of your favorite blog posts you've written.

1. Exciting News (Here) 

2. Living in the Kingdom Era (Here)

3. 6 Things I Have Learned in 6 Years (Here)

4. An Amazing Two Months (Here) 

5. Monday Morning Realizations (Here) 

6. Answered Prayers (Here) 

7. All of my Wedding Picture Posts- Pre-Ceremony, First Look, Ceremony, Reception

How couldn't these posts be my favorite?! I loved sharing with you all about the best day of my life! And I loved getting to go through all of the pictures again. Pictures are just so special to me, and I know I'll have them to look back on for years to come and so with my children and grandchildren. 

8. Blogtember Challenge: Day 9- World Travel (Here)

What are your favorite posts? What makes these posts your favorite??

Tuesday, Sept. 20- Something you wish more people knew or believed.

I wish that people knew/believed... how important it is to care about people. To not judge people based on how they may have treated you or their attitude. You truly never know what others are going through. I try, when I go into stores/restaurants, to be the nicest I can be to the workers. I know that retail/food are not easy jobs to have due to the customers and how everyone is so demanding. People should stop for a second to take time to thank or share their gratitude with those who are making it possible for them to go to Target, get their PSLs, or eat at their favorite restaurants. Life isn't easy, everyone knows that. But constantly nagging people because you want something better isn't the way to share love with the world. We need to share love with everyone around us, all around the world. Jesus shared his love with us. He shared his love by dying on a cross to save us. Thats what we need to share with the people around us, especially if they don't know Jesus Christ! That's what I want people to know and to realize. WE NEED JESUS, because all other and greater things can come through Him. He will show us how to have Peace on Earth!

What do you wish people knew or believed??

Wednesday, Sept. 21- If you were a flavor of ice cream, which flavor would you be and why?

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If I were a flavor of ice cream, I would be... Double Chocolate Chip (from Graeters)!

To be honest, I probably wasn't a true American around like 2 years ago cause I really didn't like ice cream - weird, I know! But I married into a family who LOVES and is ADDICTED to ice cream! Lol So I kinda had to give in and try to like it. Needless to say, I have come to like it, but me being me has become picky and I only truly like Graeters Ice cream. My favorite go-to flavors are Double Chocolate Chip and Black Raspberry Chip.

What are your favorite flavors of ice cream??

Thanks for sticking with me through these past two posts while I catch up! 

Now onto todays post... :)

The Blogtember Challenge: Days 15, 16, 17

Happy first day of Fall!! Today I am catching up on the posts I haven't gotten completed. I will have two posts of catch-ups. Btw, I'm SO excited that we can finally say its FALL! Now if the weather here in Kentucky would just realize that is fall and not be so hot. But let's move onto the posts...

Thursday, Sept. 15- What is the craziest adventure you've ever been on?

To be honest, I really don't feel like I've been on a crazy adventure. I am a pretty cautious person, and prefer to stay in my bubble of this comfortable life I have. It's kind of sad that I don't have a crazy adventure to share with you all. But I would love to do something spontaneous, that even surprises me in the future. It is my goal/hope in my life to go out and do something I've never done before, to grow myself and become more courageous and confident as a person. 

What's the craziest adventure that you've been on? 

Or what adventure is currently waiting you?!

Friday, Sept. 16- How do you de-stress/take care of yourself?

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When I think of de-stressing, I think of myself as just relaxing. I like to listen to music, drink sweet tea, and just stop and think. It's definitely something that I'm trying to involve more in my life because it can be common for me to let the stress overtake me. De-stressing is so important. When taking the time to de-stress you're able to realize how you're blessed in this life and what exactly the Lord has given you, to be able to Praise Him. I love praying in my journal. I like the opportunity to look back and see how the Lord answered prayers, or maybe even didn't answer prayers and how I grew from the experiences I went through. So basically, I love to relax to music and prayer.
How do you de-stress?! What are your favorite things to help relax you??

Saturday, Sept. 17- Vlog!

I wasn't able to complete this on this specific day because I was laying on the couch with a head cold... which I still have some of almost a week later. I do want to try and complete a vlog before the end of The Blogtember Challenge, though, so I will try my best to and will post it here! Someone hold me accountable to that?! (Anyone else nervous/anxious to put themselves out there through video???)

Thanks for sticking with me through my blog post catch-ups. Its a goal for September to complete the entire Challenge, and I would love to show myself that I am capable of doing so!

If you're doing The Blogtember Challenge, how do you keep up with the posts??

The Blogtember Challenge: Day 18- Product Simplify

Happy Sunday, friends! Hope you all have had a nice restful weekend. I know I certainly have... I've been dealing with a cold that has just knocked me out! Hopefully I'll be able to rest up some more today to prepare for this week of tutoring and subbing!!

Sunday, Sept. 18: One product that simplifies your life.

There really isn't too many products that do help to simplify my life. And when I think about it, I really don't use products that complicate my life either. But after some thought, there is one product that has made my skincare routine a lot easier! 

The Philosophy Purity Face Wash is perfect for me! I have been using it for years now, and it makes washing my face at night - ya know, when all you want to do is go to sleep - a lot easier! What I love most about it is that I can use it on my eyes and it's never irritated them... and for me that means a lot less products I have to use! It always takes all of my makeup off and leaves my skin feeling so fresh and clean. This product definitely is a great way to end the day and to keep my skin healthy!! 

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What skincare do you use?!

And what product helps to simplify your life??

The Blogtember Challenge: Day 14- Mood Board

Yay, Hump Day!! Hope you all have had a wonderful week so far, I'm definitely ready for the weekend! I've started to add on more subbing and on Monday and Fridays I tutor for a family. It's a nice little schedule I have going on. And I have to say that my Monday and Fridays have become quite relaxing and simple, which is very nice to have.

Wednesday, Sept. 14: Make a mood board! Are you brainstorming a room re-do, a capsule wardrobe, or already planning for the holidays? Show us your ideas! 

Gosh, there are so many mood boards that I could make! I love to daydream. There are so many things that I am excited to do in my life and with my family. So many memories that I cannot wait to make! 

One // Two // Three // Four // Five // Six

What are you dreaming about right now?! Enough to put it on your mood board?

P.S. So sorry that I am behind... its been an exhausting end of my week! 

Getting back on schedule today :)

The Blogtember Challenge: Day 13- Switch Lives with Someone for a Day

Whenever I get asked these questions... I just never know the answer. There are so many awesome people in the word, both past and present! I'm always drawn to woman who have started their own business, who work hard and have kids/families, or stay at home moms. A lot of that is because those are things in life that I aspire to have.

Tuesday, Sept. 13: If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be? Why?

So for today, I have decided that I would want to switch lives with Kari Jobe for a day. She is one amazing singer! I sang in the choir in middle school and high school, but never was I good enough to have a singing career. Plus what person hasn't wanted to be a singer/song writer before in their life?! She goes out and speaks truth to other women about our Savior. Kari has such a gorgeous family, and is still able to do what she loves and what God has given her the ability to do to share his love and truth to the world. But yah, that is pretty much it.. she's just to fun to watch sing and I can't imagine what it would be like to be able to be surrounded by the people she's with for work. 

Pictures from her Instagram @karijobe

Who would you want to switch lives with for a day?!

The Blogtember Challenge: Day 12- Three Books!

Happy Monday! I'm definitely not a book worm, so when I read books it takes me quite awhile. The only book I've ever read really quick was The Fault in Our Stars, which was like three summers ago. I definitely wish I was more of a book reader and could read them quicker, anyone have any suggestions?

Monday, Sept. 12: Three books! One you just read, one you're currently reading, and one you want to read.

Just Read: Lets All Be Brave by Annie Downs

Currently Reading: A Woman's Heart for God by Sheila Cragg

To Read: A Mary Heart in a Martha World 

Books that are also on my list to get & read:
Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
On Asking God Why by Elisabeth Elliot
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

What book suggestions do you have for me?!

The Blogtember Challenge: Day 11- Favorite Instagrammers!

Happy Sunday! First off, I want to send my prayers to anyone who may be having a difficult time with 9/11 today. I cannot believe that that was fifteen years ago. It's definitely something that brings us all together here in the United States. I urge you to enjoy time alone with the Lord today and praise Him for all that He has given you/done in your life!

Sunday, Sept. 11: Round up of your favorite Instagrammers! Who should we follow?

Let me just say that I LOVE INSTAGRAM! I am not a Twitter person, tried that and I'm really not a Facebook person except for the times when I want to see/post multiple pictures. So this post today is right up my alley, and I have quite a few people to share with y'all!! 

These instagrammers that I am going to mention are typically bloggers as well! They definitely inspire me and make me want to be more adventurous, spiritual, a better woman, a better wife, make me want to have kids, etc. etc. I love seeing what they share on a daily basis. The first three ladies that I am mentioning have all started their own business, and its definitely something I aspire to do and have on my goal list in my life!

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Nicole Cole- Nicole and her husband have a photography/video productions business called 314 Productions. If I lived closer to her, I would have definitely used them for my wedding and for all future things. They also are adopting a baby and are pregnant with one! I just have always learned so much about the Lord from Nicole, and the way she lives her life is so pure and centered for the Lord. Definitely go check her out, your heart will thank you! 

Instagrams: @nicolevcole & @314productions

Websites: http://www.nicolevcole.com/ 

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Gretchen Saffles- Founder of Life Lived Beautifully. She is amazing! She is so inspiring and just wants to pour Jesus' love into everyone around her. She is always pouring scripture out to her readers and followers. Such a blessing in my life, and truly inspiring for me. I would love to one day write up a devotional like she has done for us ladies! Please, please go check her out and her items that she works so hard and puts so much love and Jesus into. 

Instagrams: @gretchensaffles & @lifelivedbeautifully

Website: http://lifelivedbeautifully.com/ 

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Rachel Cox- Rachel blogs and also has become a BeachBody Coach. I love her as a coach because she wants to share Jesus through her business and coaching. She wants ladies to learn to glorify the Lord through their health/fitness. So inspiring and good for our souls! Please go check her out. 

Instagrams: @mrsrachelcox & @wholeandfree_

Website: http://www.wholeandfree.com/ & http://www.ohsimplejoys.com/#welcome

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Bailey- Well who wouldn't love Bailey? She's planned out this Blogtember Challenge for us and I'm loving it! She is so creative and makes me want to get my creative juices flowing. Bailey just seems like such a fun person, and now she's a teacher (Go Teachers! Elementary Ed Teacher right here!) She also seems so devoted and motivated to things that she works on. She just is someone who I am always so excited to see her Instagram/Blog posts.

Instagram: @lovebaileyjean

Website: http://www.braveloveblog.com/

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Ashlyn Carter- I found her somehow on YouTube. She is a mom of three and makes videos about pretty much anything. She loves the Lord and is so open and honest with her viewers about how she is feeling and what the Lord is teaching/showing her during this time in her life. 

Instagram: @ashlyncarter

Youtube Channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLMnnPUQMhK8lbl-F6rcKg

Hopefully I shared someone new to you all, but these girls are so awesome they may already be on your list!

Who are your favorite instagrammers?! 

The Blogtember Challenge: Day 10- A Day in my Life!

Happy Saturday! I'm excited for this weekend because we literally have NOTHING planned and thats the first time that we haven't been doing things since April. During this season of my life my summers consist of weddings... this year we had 7! So exciting, but definitely exhausting for this introvert of a homebody.

Saturday, Sept. 10: A day in your life! Take us through it with you by sharing a photo each hour of the day.

Started off my morning at 7:45 am taking Tucker outside.

10:30 am- Getting ready for the day. Tucker loves to sit in and watch me get ready. And then midway through I had to take a break to play with him. 

11:30 am- We went out to run a few errands. To be honest, I completely forgot to take any pictures of us in stores or what we were doing. But we went to Pets Smart, Best Buy, and Bath & Body Works. We got Tucker a new leash and I finally got me some fall candles! 

The scents I got were Pumpkin Woods, Autumn Sunshine, and Pumpkin Apple. Yay for Fall! 

12:58 pm- Lunch at Chipotle

1:20 pm- A little Starbucks treat before we headed home.

2:05 pm- We are relaxing, watching football games!

3:30 pm- Kickoff!! GO CATS (yes... our football team isn't the best, but gotta support them!)

5:27 pm- Halftime walk! It was quite difficult getting a picture with everyone... and then there was the wind, so excuse the hair! #reallife

7:28 pm- We decided to go get Thai food for dinner and bring it home. 

7:52 pm- Reese called to tell me it was going to be a 50 minute wait for take-out... clearly we didn't want to wait that long. 

8:28 pm- We decided to get Panda Express (definitely not my favorite...) and it took forever because they kept messing up our order. Oh well... at least we finally got to eat. 

11:45 pm- Finally off to bed! I'm exhausted.

I've really enjoyed sharing my day with you all today. And it felt so good to keep on top of things. How do you all normally share A Day in Your Life? Do you do every hour, a few times a day, etc?! I'd love to do this again!! 

What did you do today?!

The Blogtember Challenge: Day 9- World Travel

Yay, it's Friday!! We've finally made it through our short week.

Friday, September 9th- If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

This is a tough one! There are so many places I want to visit in the world, both in the U.S. and International. I think for this post though I am going to share some places I really want to travel to in the U.S. One of my goals is to travel to all 50 states and I also want to visit a lot of the National Parks. They're so beautiful, and so worth seeing! Some of these places I don't necessarily have a reason for wanting to visit... I just want to. Lol

one // two

One. Acadia National Park in Maine - I found this National Park when looking up all of the different parks in the US. I also have always heard about a certain place in the US where you could see the sunset for the first time, and that is at Cadillac Mountain. Definitely look up this Park if you're into hiking and the outdoors! Hoping that we're able to go to this place in the near future.

Two. San Francisco - Who doesn't want to go to San Fran?! Reese was able to go recently for work, and I am just dying to get out there! I love traveling around new cities, seeing the touristy places and the local spots. 

three // four 

Three. Grand Canyon - Because its just plain breath taking and leaves you speechless. Praise Him for this amazing place that He has given us to enjoy in His presence!

Four. Seattle - I know that its supposed to be a super rainy place, but I kind of think that this place is just a place I would enjoy. 

What places should I put on my Must Travel To List, especially in the United States, so that it is easier to travel to?!

The Blogtember Challenge: Day 8- Home Tour!

Happy Thursday! I'm excited to share with you all our new space that we've only been living in for a month now. I do have to admit that we've been very busy and haven't hung all of our decor yet, but I definitely will post updates when that is done! 

Thursday, September 8th- A house/apartment/room tour! 

This new space that we have has just been a blessing. Our first home together was great, but it ended up being quite small (700 sqft.) and had a lot of plumbing issues. So we are so grateful for this new space and excited to make it our home! There is still so so much organizing to do because we have so much space that I don't even know what to do with it! But it'll all be organized very soon. 

Our first picture together at our new home. This was on moving day about a month ago! 

Our living room definitely needs our personal touch added to it, but as y'all can see I have all my decor lined up and ready for my sweet husband to get his tools out!

Our kitchen is so open and has so much storage! I have a few things that I want to add around the table, but not too much needs to be done to this space.

Our back patio makes me so excited! I have such fun plans for this space and cannot wait to spend fall evenings out here with our new puppy and our friends. Lets just say that outdoor string lights will be added to this space. *Insert excited emoji*

And last but not least, our bedroom. I love this space! It is so open and has so much potential for decorations. I definitely want to get one of our wedding pictures printed big to put above our bed. And I have other ideas for this space as well! Also, does anyone have any suggestions/ideas for nightstand organization?! I hate that they always end up so junky! Lol

There you have it, our home! I can't wait to share an update with you all once we get things hung up and more decorated! Hopefully I'll be able to add some fall touch to this place as well. 

Anyone have any suggestions for how I should decorate our home? 

What do you love to put up for the fall season?!

The Blogtember Challenge: Day 7- Joy

Happy Wednesday Friends! I have finally caught up in my posts today to make it to this fun one! In this season of my life I have definitely found the true things that bring me joy, may they be the simplest of things, they still have brought me joy and continue to bring me joy in life. I am blessed beyond belief with the things that the Lord has given me.

Wednesday, September 7th- Five things that bring you joy.

1. My husband.

He uplifts my spirit and supports me. Even eight years later I still get giddy when he comes home from work. He's seriously my best friend and I have all of my favorite memories with him. I'm so blessed and grateful to have him as my husband! I cannot wait to see where the Lord takes us in our life together. Love you, Reese!

2. Bible Studies.
Ever since my sophomore year of college I've always been in a bible study. It is always so uplifting and a blessing to be surrounded by people who just want to know the Lord more and dig deeper into His word. Currently, I am in a bible study with some of my closest friends from college and we are going through Be Still: Ephesians 4:17-32. I am also leading a group of girls that go to the community that I was involved in while in college.

3. Sunsets.

Kentucky has some beautiful sunsets! I always love capturing them and wish that I could just print them out and put them all over my house. I think that the biggest reason I love sunsets is because it gives me such a sense of the Lord being present in our lives and reminding us of how he has blessed us! The two pictures I posted are from our old place that we just moved from.. I definitely will miss seeing the beautiful sunsets on the lake!

4. Fall. 
Fall is such a refreshing time for me. Typically in the past I would have started school, but since I'm not in school anymore it is just a nice change in everyday life. I feels so relaxing, with the weather changing and the leaves falling. You get to start making comfort food for dinner (ready for my crockpot soups- have any great recipes I should try?!), you get to light those fall candles, and enjoy the Halloween and Thanksgiving. I mean, why wouldn't you love fall?!

5. Tucker.

I've always wanted a puppy of my own. Once I began college, it was hard for me not to go out and get one since I wasn't living at home anymore and could have one in the apartment I lived in. Reese always made me realize how difficult it would be to have a pet while in college, working, and having a social life that you have in college. So finally six years later, I have my sweet Tucker pup. I know I've mentioned a lot of him lately, but there is just something about having a dog to come home to or to always keep you company that is just so sweet! He is such a great dog and I cannot wait to have him for years to come and for him to always be in the memories that Reese and I make together!

What are the things that bring you joy?? 

The Blogtember Challenge: Day 6- Playlist

Now to be honest... I'm really not the biggest music person. Typically in the car I have my radio on KLove (Christian station) or I will change it to a country station. This summer I had Spotify Premium for 99 cents, which I LOVED and caused me to really listen to Spotify more, but since premium has ended I haven't been using it as much and definitely am missing it! I tend to like calm, uplifting music. Nothing too loud! 

Tuesday, September 6th- Create a playlist. 

I love Gretchen Saffles (from Life Lived Beautifully) playlist, Morning Worship. 

I also am loving me some Bethel Music and Elevation Worship right now! I especially love Elevation Worship after seeing them on the Out Cry tour. If you haven't been to an Out Cry tour concert... You definitely should go!! So worth it, with so many amazing bands/artists. It'll definitely lift up your spirits and draw you closer to the Lord.

What are you listening to? Have any suggestions that I should look into?!

The Blogtember Challenge: Day 5- Most Memorable Birthday

Happy Labor Day! Here's my second post for today. Tomorrow I will be back on track! What are you all doing today?? We are visiting with Reese's family. Tucker got to meet his cousin dog (first dog meeting experience for him!) and all he wants to do is play with her... She on the other hand wants nothing to do with him! Here's a sweet video of him trying to get her to play...

Now onto today's prompt: Monday, September 5th- What was your most memorable birthday?

This is kind of a hard question.. I really just go to dinner with my family. But I think that the birthday that keeps coming to mind is my 20th birthday!! 

My birthday is on March 5th which can typically be when we get a lot of snow in Kentucky. This particular day we were supposed to get a TON of snow. 

I went out to dinner to Chuy's with my family, Reese, and my friend. It was such a great time! My aunt got cupcakes from Caramandas and we celebrated right there in the restaurant. The funniest part was that when I went into take a bite of my cupcake, Reese pushed it into my nose.. Lol I smelled that thing all night! 

After dinner, I had bible study. I made my way down to campus... and that's when the snow started!! But I made it there and the girls had snacks and brownies ready to go! While eating our sweets we had a wonderful bible study. It was such a great way to end my birthday in Gods word, surrounded by amazing girls!!

What was your most memorable birthday?! 

The Blogtember Challenge: Day 4- Currently...

Happy Labor Day! I have been so behind on these posts.. I was house sitting this weekend and the wifi would not work so I wasn't able to post anything! But don't y'all worry, I'll get back on this train!!

Sunday, September 4th- What are you up to currently?

Reading... in my bible I'm going through Joseph's life in Genesis. And I'm reading 
Playing... with my pup. 
Watching... Football. This is the first time I've actually been interested and wanted to know what's going on on the field. I also watched some of the Harry Potter movies that were on TV this weekend. 
Trying... to figure out a hobby. 
Cooking... this weekend I made for the first time this season Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies! Here is the recipe if you wanna try them. 
Eating... soon I'll be eating some Labor Day food!
Drinking... an Iced Skinny Vanilla Latte from Starbucks! 
Pinning... Home decor and puppy stuff. With us just moving I wanna decorate! And I've been trying to find a cute way to decorate Tucker's little area. #dogmomprobz 
Tweeting... I never tweet... I really should just delete my Twitter. 
Going... to Louisville to visit Reese's family. 
Hating... that UK football just can't win a game... 
Feeling... excited for Fall! It's my favorite season,  what's yours?!
Listening to... "I Wanna Love Somebody Like You" by Keith Urban.
Celebrating... Labor Day! 
Thanking... God for my family and sweet friends.
Starting... to wonder what God actually has in store for me. 

*Just thought I'd add in a sweet picture of my pup with his newest accessory!*

That's pretty much what's up with me lately! What are you all doing?!