SPARKLE

For some reason, as of late, I cannot get enough of anything and everything glitzy. Especially gold glitzy. Perfect for New Year's Eve, although I'll take it anytime of the year. Here are a few items on Pinterest that have caught my eye and are begging me to buy them...

PINTEREST

It is rare that something comes along that totally transforms the way you do things. Ok, maybe in today's technology age that's not true. But I can truly say that Pinterest has transformed the way I collect and access information. I have been using Pinterest for quite awhile now, and not only is it addicting, it's actually useful. This post has been overdue for quite awhile now.

In case you don't know what Pinterest is yet, it is a virtual pinboard that "let's you organize and share all the beautiful things on the web." Being a part of a generation that is defined by it's ability to have information at it's fingertips through the world wide web means that this is a God-send.

Pinterest allows you to pin images that are on the internet that you want on your virtual pinboard, as well as re-pin images that other Pinterest users have pinned. And you can have as many boards as you like, therefore allowing you to organize your pics by whatever topic you would like (My most pinned-to boards are probably 'My Closet Wants It', 'Eat & Be Merry', and 'For The Home').

My food board, 'Eat & Be Merry', has allowed me to come across SO many recipes that I otherwise would never have seen. I don't have to search for recipes, I can re-pin others' recipe pins, or if I come across a recipe online that I like, on a blog let's say, I can pin that. I cook so much more often than I would without Pinterest, because I can collect and access amazing recipes with just a few clicks.

The shopper in me loves pinning clothing that I otherwise would not be able to buy. This has allowed me to better understand what my style really is so that shopping is easier. Not to mention online shopping, as I can just click on the pin and it links to the website where the item is available. The only danger with this is I have to remind myself to be grateful for what I have instead of always lusting after that beautiful top or dress that I pinned earlier. But such is life.

I have made boards of wish-lists, gift ideas, DIY (Do-It-Yourself) project ideas, inspiring photography, art, food, wedding inspiration, you name it. It's a great way to find, access, and share just about anything.

And no, I am not on the Pinterest advertising team- I just really, really love Pinterest, like so many others out there, and want to share the joy with those of you who have been thinking, "What the duck is a Pinterest?" Although, if you're reading my blog, then you probably already know what Pinterest is.

GRATEFUL PART II

Today I am grateful for my sister. Her life-long friendship that continues to flourish and bless me in countless ways. I am going to miss that girl when she moves in a month. A LOT.

THANKSGIVING WEEK - GRATEFUL PART I

It's Thanksgiving Week! Last year I attempted to post one thing I was grateful for every day in the month of November. This year I'm being a little less ambitious- I am going to post something I'm grateful for every day this week. I think recognizing the things in our life that we are grateful for on a regular basis, whether we are 'feeling' grateful or not, will lead to a greater sense of contentment in life. Not mention we owe our gratitude to God!

Today I am grateful for our living situation. Alan and I have been married for 3 months now. We have been living with my parents in their house ever since we were married. This is difficult for us to admit sometimes, however the more I think about it and pray about it, the more and more grateful I have become. It has been very difficult in this economy for Alan to find a job. Being able to live with my parents rent-free has been such a huge financial blessing for us. Not only this, but we have run into pretty much zero living conflicts with my parents. The house is laid out in such a way that we have our own space and they have theirs. But most of all, I am grateful for this time that we get to share with them. We don't know where the future will lead us, and if it leads us away from them, I will sure miss them a lot. Being able to spend time with them and live life as an adult with them has been such a blessing.

So would we like our own place? Of course! But I am going to choose to focus on being grateful for the blessing that our current living situation is, rather than on what it could be. Because it could be so much worse.

READING LIST

I LOVE reading. I always have. I feel like I haven't read as much as I usually do lately, so I have a growing reading list, which include the following:

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling. (AKA Kelly from The Office) She cracks me up. UPDATE: This book is really funny and an easy read.

The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God by Timothy keller with Kathy Keller. A topic I'm passionate about.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Didn't see the movie, but heard both the movie and the book are amazing.

Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen. Loved the movie, so now want to read the book.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I actually don't even really know what this series is about, just that it's supposed to be really good, and I've seen that a few of my friends have read them.

Has anyone read any of these? Any reviews?

SOMEDAYS I FEEL

S T U C K

"ONCE YOU FIND IT DEEP IN YOUR SOUL..."

Saw this today on a blog. Written to someone who was thinking about switching careers, and something about it really resonated with me.

"I know that the job thing has been bothering you for a while. I feel like in a way you are pregnant with the idea that you need to do something else, but the definition of what that is is still hazy enough to stay inside you. Once you find it deep in your soul nothing will stop you from giving birth to it – be it a business(es), new job, whatever. Right now you are just in that third trimester of uncomfortableness – but that’s a good thing! It makes the giving birth part a whole lot easier because you are so unhappy and “fat” with the possibility that there is something new around the corner. Give it time, eventually life, God, and your next step will come from within you so strongly that you’ll be in labor before you know it and never look back! You can’t stuff a baby back inside once it wants to come out."

I feel like this really could apply to any big life changes that you know are just around the corner, that you are uncomfortably and anxiously waiting for. But the waiting isn't necessarily a bad thing.

the little things

I have been neglecting my poor blog because I've been busy blogging about life as a married couple right here! So sorry blog.

Things that Currently make me happy:

• coffee
• foggy days
• big cozy sweaters
• Sissy time (Tonight we are making these for dinner)
• Watching Friday Night Lights with my hubby
• Contemplating grad school
• Cuddling with my cat
• The pumpkins that my sister and I decorated with gold spray-paint (pictures to come)
  

TTHOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Saw this quote today and thought that it's a good reminder.

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
-- Helen Keller

FIRST DAY OF FALL

Happy first day of Fall! I'll be honest, I have always been a summer girl my whole life. But for a little while now, Autumn has grown on me a LOT. It feels like fresh beginnings, crisp air, cozy fires, cozy knits, cozy cuddle weather... basically a whole lot of COZY!

Even though it's still been really warm here, I have been in "fall mode" for a couple weeks now. Iced pumpkin spice lattes have been a great way to get in the "fall spirit" without completely melting in the heat. And every time we have a foggy morning or a cold night, I know that fall is just around the corner.


Ok so get ready, I'm going to bombard you with pictures of the things that make me think of fall. These are being posted because a) I want to wear it b) I want to make it and eat it or c) it remind me of Fall. Actually they all make me think of Fall. What are some of your favorite things about Fall?

Yum. Gotta make this sometime.

Would be really cute paired with some tights, ankle boots, a blouse and a long necklace.Too bad they cost an arm and a leg from Anthropologie.

Pumpkin Spice Latte cupcakes. MUST make these ASAP.

I'm digging the maxi-skirt trend.

I am a big fan of cognac leather anything. Especially bags.

Layers!

Beautiful ring in Fall colors.

When Fall came around my mom always lights candles around the house and put some cinnamon apple cider on the stove to make the whole house smell good. I love it.

I love a good butternut squash recipe, so I'm anxious to try and make this Butternut Squash Pizza. Looks delish.

Boots!

Apple drinks

All images via Pinterest.

P.S. If you want to hear about my new married life, visit our new blog: http://www.hellofromthehickmans.blogspot.com/

Gettin' Married

This weekend Alan and I will celebrate our three year anniversary by getting married. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with this man, starting in four days! Not to mention celebrating with our closest friends and family.

quote of the day

"When I understand that everything happening to me is to make me more Christlike, it solves a great deal of anxiety."

AWT

Today I woke up in a stripey mood. As in, I woke up with the desire to wear stripes. Unfortunately there were no clean, stripey items in my closet, therefore I'll just have to get stripes out of my system with a blogpost. Love these images found on Pinterest!

Drowning in Wedding Details

I have not posted in ages. I have been so crazy busy with wedding planning, work, etc. Right now I feel slightly like I'm drowning in things I need to do/figure out for the wedding, which is my own fault for planning the whole thing. But I know with a lot of hard-work, focus, and the help of family and friends, it will all get taken care of. If you know me, you know that I LOVE planning the vision of what I want my wedding to look like. The design, the decor details, the theme, the favors, etc. Now i feel like I'm stuck in all the not-so-fun logistical details of making sure everything goes smoothly (technical stuff, getting help with transportation, set-up, break-down, etc.) But I have to remember that there's only so much I can do- I can plan what I want, try to do my best to create my vision, but at some point I will have to let go of it all so that I can enjoy what is really important- getting married to my best friend and the love of my life! (Transition from event planner mindset to Bride mindset)

As you may know, the "theme phrase" of our wedding is: "We're Tying The Knot!" We felt that a somewhat vintage nautical theme with knots felt appropriate with the location of our wedding and where we met (by the ocean in San Diego). Recently came across this knot that will be incorporated in the wedding.It's tied with two separate pieces of string.

True Lovers Knot: a complicated ornamental knot not readily untied and symbolic of mutual love —called also truelove knot.

I am just so excited to get to be with all our favorite people, in what is probably my favorite place, celebrating such an exciting, sacred thing!

Here is a sneak peek of the "feel" of the wedding...

Goals

My goals for year one of being married (that don't necessarily have anything to do with marriage):

- Spend regular quiet time with God and reading more of His word, and more time in prayer
- Learn how to re-upholster a chair with awesome fabric and do so
- Cook one new meal/dessert per week
- Always be reading a book on marriage
- Create a home out of a house, and do so as creatively and inexpensively as possible
- Intentionally pray every week about our future (specifically our career paths and where God can use us most)
- Learn how to balance becoming one while still always being and becoming our own very different and unique people inside of a marriage. And always appreciate those differences.
- Continue exercising on a regular basis. Learn how to make this a lifelong aspect of my life.
- Go on a road trip or even a mini road trip with Alan
- Have regular date nights
- Design and create my own set of stationary/cards
- Save money

This list will most likely grow. Any suggestions?

dreaming of summer

Can't wait for summer. Even though it will be my first year without a summer break of some sort (tear), the sunshine, beach visits, iced drinks, shorts, and warmth make me happy.

Love mixing patterns and graphic illustrations with photography and typography.


pattern
mk&a
girl
sandpiper image

O To Grace How Great A Debtor Daily I'm Constrained To Be

Happy Friday! Here's my fav hymn, so beautiful.


Come Thou Fount

Verse 1
Come Thou Fount of ev'ry blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount I'm fixed upon it
Mount of God's redeeming love


Verse 2
Here I raise my Ebenezer
Hither to Thy help I'm come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wand'ring from the fold of God
He to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood


Verse 3
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be
Let Thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wand'ring heart to Thee
Prone to wander Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart O take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above

CCLI Song No. 3630228
© 2002 worshiptogether.com songs | sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
David Crowder | John Wyeth | Robert Robinson
For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights Reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License No. 128819

Hello, My Name Is Katie And I Am An Introvert.

Lately I've been thinking about introversion. This was triggered by the book I've started to read, "Introverts in the Church" by Adam McHugh.

I never gave much thought to introversion before, other than to resent that I have a slightly (well, maybe more than slightly) introverted nature. Even if it's not explicitly said, I think that introversion is not a valued personality in our culture. I think it's viewed as a handicap. I think that's why I never liked admitting to myself that I am introverted. It felt like I was admitting that I am shy. Or that I don't enjoy hanging out with lots of people. Or that I don't like talking to people (which is NOT true). It felt like I was saying that I don't like interacting with people, which is just NOT true.

Which is why, when I came across this Introversion Myth List, it clicked. Ohhh, that is SO me. Ohhh, this isn't bad. I have always known that God created me exactly the way he wanted to create me, but it was still hard to admit being introverted is not a bad thing. Hopefully this list (which I did not create, see source below) either helps introverts like me, or clears things up for some extroverts out there.

Source

Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.

Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.

Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.

Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.

Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.

Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.

Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.

Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.

Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.

Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ.

When I grow up... oh wait. I am grown up.

I want to be an artist. I want to be a ballerina. I want to be an Anthropologie window display coordinator. I want to be an event designer. I want to be a non-profit marketing and social media manager. I want to be a stationary designer. I want to be a letterpress expert. I want to own a coffeeshop. I want to be a missionary. I want to help people in need. I want to make people feel loved.

And yet,

I don't know what I want to be.

Does anyone else struggle with this? Some people figure out their paths, and just GO for it. Oh how I've struggled with longing for that for years. And yet I've come to a place where I understand that a lot of people don't know what's next. And that's okay. And that God will work all the pieces together, despite my overwhelming desire to plan them out and force them to fit together myself.

I've also had to remind myself that my value does not come from what I do. I believe God calls us to DO. He calls women & men to work, to create, to serve, to love in tangible and active ways. To bring light and love to the dark places that need them. But I often need a reminder that my worth does not come from that. My worth comes from the fact that the all-powerful, all-knowing, ALL-GOOD and ALL-LOVING God of the universe and beyond, loves and cares about me. He has plans for me. He wants what is best for me. He cares about my needs, and he cares about my character. He wants what's best for me, kind of like I imagine a parent wants what's best for their child, but has to let that child make their own decisions and live their own life the way they choose to.

So what's next (besides getting to marry my best friend and the absolute love of my life <3)? I have NO idea. Do I want to know? You have no idea how badly. But for now, I think I'll take things day by day, pray, and leave the rest up to God.

Live Like A Ballerina

Today's post is inspired by ballet. I have been having WAY too much fun collecting images on Pinterest, which is where I came across all of these. The neat thing about the creative community is that everyone pulls inspiration from one another, whether they want to admit it or not. Which is why I want to clearly state that none of these images are mine, I simply had the joy of coming across them and arranging them in a pleasing manner to my eye. I have listed the sources below.

Live like a ballerina. What does that mean? I would say it means to live with grace. There's something so beautiful about ballet. It brings me back to my childhood full of rushing from one dance class to the next, wearing slicked back ballet buns, tights, flowy wrap-around skirts, and baby pink slippers. Lately I've been sporting the ballet bun once again (something I never thought I'd wear again) and am just in love with pale blush pink. Maybe that's what inspired today's post. Who knows, maybe I'll take up ballet again someday, just for myself :)













Sources:
one: forest ballerina
two: candy ballerinas, bottles, water ballerinas
three: ballet bun with headband, ballet inspired outfit ensemble
four: christian dior ad, ballet shoes
five: ribbon hanging fixture, ribbon ponytail
six: beach ballerina