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.