Enough of the Junk Food Shaming

February 22, 2016February 22, 2016Leave a comment

You feel as if that pint of creamy vanilla ice cream swirled with salty, sweet caramel and fudgy brownies in your freezer is just calling your name. You can imagine the smell of those fresh baked doughnuts dipped in sugary icing at your local bakery. Your stash of chocolate is waiting in your cupboard. You are slowly starting to give in to your temptations when you stop yourself. “NO. I can’t eat that. I would feel too guilty,” you think as you sit back down and try to distract yourself from “bad” things.

Since when did eating sweets or junk foods turn into feeling guilty about ourselves or making others feel guilty? I’ve seen so many women on social media apologizing for eating a slice of pizza, digging into a hamburger and fries, or enjoying an ice cream cone, or a doughnut. I’ve also seen so many women get criticized by other women for eating food that is “unhealthy.” A woman is out with her friends, and while they’re all getting salads, she decides to order a bacon cheeseburger. They stare at her, shocked. Or a woman is offered a cupcake and giggles, “Oh, I shouldn’t!” for fear that she may be judged.

Now, I’m not promoting eating chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, pizza for lunch, potato chips for a snack, fried chicken for dinner, and ice cream for dessert every day. But if you’re eating well throughout the week and want a milkshake on a Friday night, or buttery popcorn and Buncha Crunch at the movies, or doughnuts on a Saturday morning, treat yourself. And don’t feel guilty about it or apologize for it. I’m not a nutritionist, but I believe if you eat foods that are nutritious regularly and indulge in junk foods every so often, you’re pretty healthy. Shaming yourself and others for eating those foods is pretty unhealthy. So let’s encourage others to eat well, but not make them feel guilty for ordering cheesecake every once in a while.

I’m going to eat a Reese’s egg (cause they’re out now!), thanks for listening. 🙂

California Dreamin’

November 17, 2015November 17, 2015Leave a comment

Sooooo… can we go on a honeymoon every month? It’s been almost six months and sometimes we have major honeymoon withdrawals. Kyle and I went to Southern California on our honeymoon and ventured to three different locations-Disneyland, Laguna Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe. We had the BEST time. We had so much fun adventuring, trying new things, laughing, just spending time together, and not having to worry about a thing.

For our first leg of the trip, we went to Disneyland! For those who know me, you know that I am pretty much obsessed with Walt Disney World. When Kyle and I decided we were going to California for our honeymoon, I had to make sure we could visit Disneyland since we had never been before. I had to see the place where it all began!

We stayed at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which is a more Craftsman style version of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in Walt Disney World (one of my favorite Disney resorts). The staff was friendly and efficient, as Disney is known for. When I asked for celebration pins at check-in, the hotel clerk exclaimed, “I was just about to get those!” She went in the back and came back with so many pins for us and a signed Mickey and Minnie picture. I was pretty excited. When it’s your first trip to Disneyland and your honeymoon, you have to get pins and wear them everywhere. We had so many cast members tell us congratulations which made our time at Disneyland even more special.

Disney’s Grand Californian lobby

When we got into our room, it was decorated with flower petals, Cinderella carriage confetti, and filled with gifts like spa products, chocolates, and Mr. and Mrs. robes. My parents called every place we stayed at and had them put something in our room. My parents are the sweetest.

The biggest difference between Walt Disney World and Disneyland is the size. I was so astounded that you could actually walk to the parks. WHAT?!

We watched World of Color twice because we couldn’t see much the first time. It was everything I hoped it would be.

The next day we explored Disneyland, which is so tiny compared to Magic Kingdom starting with the train station and the castle! Also, some of the rides were outside. Once again I was so astonished.

I matched Minnie that day. She admired my ring, pointed at Mickey’s house, and I told her I would talk to Mickey for her. We became besties after that.

Mickey pretzels for life. I’m allergic to wheat, but MICKEY PRETZELS.

Also, Disneyland is cool because they have Mickey beignets. I spilled powdered sugar all over me about 40 seconds later.

PRAAAAAAAISE that Disneyland has Dole Whips too. We love our Dole floats. (insert praise hands emoji)

Ever since I heard about Club 33, I added it to my mental bucket list. A “secret” Disney club?! Um, of course I needed to go. One of my family friends works for a company who has a membership and so graciously gave us access to tickets. The price of the meal includes a five-course dinner (or six-course if you want the cheese plate) and free park hoppers for the day. The restaurant was gorgeous, the food was outstanding, and the wait staff was exceptional. Dining at Club 33 was one of the highlights of our honeymoon. It was such a perfect getaway from the heat and crowds at the parks.

The entrance to Club 33. You have to press a button and state your name. If you’re on the list, they open the door. Also, not many people know it’s there. It blends right in with New Orleans Square.

This was my sneaky picture before I knew we were allowed to take pictures. If I had known, I would have taken pictures of our first two courses. We had an insanely amazing frisée salad with the juiciest strawberries, candied pistachios, creamy California avocados, and a buttermilk dressing. Ugh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. It was the best salad I had ever eaten.

Our third courses. I still crave those cheesy grits and spicy shrimp nage.

My all-time favorite dessert is molten chocolate cake, and they had it on the menu. It was meant to be.

If you get the chance to dine at Club 33, make sure to go out on the balconies. It’s so fun to people watch and take in some fresh air. No one notices you are up there!

One of our nice waiters took this for us. Also, there is a dress code. Also, felt weird walking through Disneyland all dressed up. But, it was so fun!

This restroom (or powder room?) was the prettiest and most detailed restroom (powder room) I have ever seen.

After dinner, we rushed back to our hotel (because it was only a 5-minute walk. Weird) to change and waited for the fireworks. Disneyland Forever captured my heart. It was incredible.

Being in Disneyland for the first time during the Diamond Celebration was pretty incredible. I loved how Sleeping Beauty’s castle sparkled.

We sprinted to Splash Mountain and caught the last log of the night. Kyle’s face makes me laugh every time.

We rode the swinging gondolas on Mickey’s Fun Wheel. It was equally fun and terrifying.

Disneyland, you were magical.

After the fun and busyness of Disneyland, we knew we would want something more relaxing. During the second leg of our trip, we stayed at Montage Laguna Beach. The Craftsman-style resort is tucked away from the Pacific Coast Highway and is set on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was Kyle’s first time to the Pacific Ocean and my second time. I heart the Pacific Ocean.

Montage Laguna Beach was incredible. We had a stunning ocean view from our bright, coastal room.

The resort gave us chocolate covered strawberries. Those are my weakness.

Hello, view. This is the view from the lobby. Stunning.

The resort sits on a bluff with this gorgeous ocean view. We sat on a bench and watched the waves and surfers.

We ate at one of the resort’s restaurants, Studio, one night. The food was wonderful. For my appetizer, I chose the parmesan risotto, and it was everything a risotto should be, creamy and rich. We also made friends with one of our waiters who was probably around our age. I think he was pretty excited to see someone his age there. I ordered a dessert called a guanaja chocolate sphere. It was sea salt caramel ice cream covered in hard chocolate, and the waiter poured more chocolate over it and it all melted away and revealed the ice cream. I wish I would have filmed it because it was so neat.

They treated us to dessert on top of what we already ordered. Double dessert? Ok!

If you walk down to the ocean, there are little tide pools you can somewhat climb around. We saw purple sea urchins inside the pools and a seal sunbathing on the rocks.

We had breakfast on our balcony one morning because we thought eating breakfast with that view would be wonderful until birds wanted our food. We moved inside.

Take. Me. Back.

The Mosaic Bar & Grille on property is known for their fish tacos, so we had to give ’em a try. They were great. Also I love you California guacamole.

Of course, we had to watch the sunset one night.

We explored Downtown Laguna Beach a bit to try some restaurants and shop. We were not too impressed with the shopping, it was mostly art galleries, but we were impressed with this walk-up seafood restaurant, Slapfish.

I had the fish and chips. They’re not quite up to par with my favorite fish and chips from Epcot, but they were quite good. The batter was nice and light, and the chips were perfectly cooked.

Kyle ordered the lobster roll with chowder fries. I had a few bites and it. was. delicious. I’ll take some of that sweet, buttery lobster right now, please and thank you.

We wanted to go whale watching while we were in Laguna, so we took a cab to Dana Point and crossed our fingers to spot some whales.

We spotted a humpback whale. See its tail?

And a blue whale spouted for us. They’re the biggest creature on the earth. Wow. Neither whale breached for us, but it was amazing to see part of them so close!

This little guy came to say hi at the end of our whale watching trip. Or maybe he just wanted fish. Sorry, buddy.

The last few days of our honeymoon were spent at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe. We loved this Mediterranean resort located about 30 minutes outside San Diego. Our room was huge and gorgeous. We had our own outdoor jacuzzi, an automatic toilet, fireplace, and a steam shower. I did not want to leave. Every morning, we had fresh squeezed orange juice waiting for us outside our door. It forever ruined orange juice for me; I can’t drink it without wishing I was drinking orange juice from the Rancho. It was the orangiest (yep, making that an adjective), sweetest, smoothest orange juice I have ever had. I need it again.

Our room!

It was gorgeous.

More strawberries!

Can I have one of these, please?

The best orange juice I’ve ever had.

We ate at one of the resort’s restaurants, Veladora. While I didn’t take any pictures of the food, it was incredible. We had this fruit board for dessert that included a variety of fresh berries, atop a tart lemon curd, with raspberry sorbet. I regret not getting a picture of it because it was beautiful.

Rancho Valencia had Porsches for guests to drive for four hours per day, so Kyle and I took advantage of that and tested all three models they had. The first day we took the 911, a convertible sports car, to Point Loma. I had been there when my family vacationed in San Diego when I was younger, and I wanted to go back and show Kyle.

While in California, we had to see what the In-N-Out Burger hype was all about. I still think it’s hype (Five Guys is way better). However, for how cheap it was, I can see why it’s popular. I’d eat it again, but I don’t crave it.

For our last hour of having the 911, we drove through Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. It was gorgeous, and I wish we would have had more time to go hiking.

The next day, we took the Porsche Cayenne out for a spin, which was our favorite out of the three Porsches.

We went to Downtown San Diego to shop in Seaport Village and find a place to eat.

We were craving Italian, so we got on Trip Advisor, which led us to Little Italy. Who knew San Diego had a little Italy?

We decided upon Bencotto and chose to eat outside so we wouldn’t have to wait. They offered gluten free pasta and handmade pasta. I got gluten free pasta with their tasty red sauce, which was fantastic, but I was jealous of Kyle’s handmade wheat-containing pasta with tons-of-dairy cream sauce.

Our last full day of our honeymoon (tears), we borrowed the hotel bikes and rode outside of the resort property. We rode past Jenny Craig’s house, and up a steep hill past ginormous houses, and lush, green lawns (California is in a drought, but these houses still used all the water they wanted.)

Later that afternoon, we drove the Porsche Panamera (our least favorite of the three Porsches, but it’s a Porsche so you really can’t complain.) We ventured to La Jolla Cove because I really wanted to see sea lions and they. were. everywhere. We could’ve watched them swim and bark for hours.

We then drove to Coronado and walked around, got some ice cream for Kyle and sorbet for me, and checked out Hotel del Coronado. I had been to Coronado and Hotel del with my family, so it was cool to see it again.

I made Kyle pose with this cow outside of the ice cream shop.

This flower stand was so cute!

Sadly, we had to leave California and the bliss of our honeymoon. But, we got to come home and start figuring out our daily lives together. While I miss our honeymoon, I love living my everyday life with my husband. It’s so fun being married to my best friend. I can’t wait for the many more travel adventures we will have together!

#Squads and #Goals and Why They Need To Go

October 11, 2015October 11, 2015Leave a comment

I’m 23 years old. Somehow, I’ve now reached the age where I don’t understand what kids these days are saying on social media. It seems like every month there’s a new phrase that I have to Google search. Which is kind of scary, but it also makes me thankful that I didn’t grow up in the era of “bae.”

I love Instagram because I can see what’s going on in my friends’ lives, pictures of food, snapshots of Disney World, beautiful photography, and cute puppies. But, there’s a trend that makes me cringe every time I scroll through my Instagram feed. Teens (or adults) hash-tagging #squad, #goals, #squadgoals, #relationshipgoals, #familygoals, and every single “goal” you can think of.

What happened to teaching kids that goals are things like going to college, saving money, graduating high school, helping others? What happened to deep friendships that are unaffected by making sure people see how much “fun” you are having? Why are goals now attributed to family pictures of model couples with adorable, matching children? Or of a couple’s weekend date? Or a group of friends fake laughing while holding their Starbucks cups? What happened to squads being a term for a group of cheerleaders? (Which I think should stay this way. A group of friends is not a squad. Come on.)

Sure, I’d love to be in Taylor Swift’s “squad” but that is not my life goal. My life goal is not to have a family that looks perfect in J. Crew clothes; or to hang out with friends just to take pictures; or to go on dates with my husband to have an Instagram-worthy moment. I love Instagramming these things, don’t get me wrong, and there is nothing wrong with Instagramming moments in your life. The danger comes when you let the picture become more important than the moment or the people you are with.

I can guarantee you, the “perfect” pictures you see on Instagram are not perfect. How do you know if the couple that looks adorable in every single picture is fighting? If the child in the puffy vest and plaid shirt threw a temper tantrum after taking the picture? If the friends who always look like they have the best time every weekend have that strong of a friendship? When scrolling through Instagram, remember that these pictures are meant to show perfection. Behind the filters lies brokenness just like every human being. Those people with the #goal worthy feeds and the perfect #squad are just like you. They have weaknesses, heartaches, struggles, and bad days just like anyone else.

Don’t compare your friends to #squads. Don’t limit your friendships to just social interactions. Make friendships that are meaningful. Don’t lower your goals for the #goals you see on social media. Don’t let those images of “perfection” make you feel like your life isn’t what it should be.

So #squad (readers), post your Instagram pictures, and I’ll post mine. But, let’s make our #goals to stop comparing, and instead to listen, to converse, to laugh, to love, to cry, to rejoice, to mourn, to help others, and to live our lives like our followers on Instagram aren’t double-tapping.

Learning to Shake It Off

September 29, 2015September 29, 2015Leave a comment

When Taylor Swift’s single “Shake It Off” came out a little over a year ago, it quickly moved its way up on my most played songs on iTunes, and into my mental list of favorite songs. It is one of the few songs that can get me to dance at a wedding, I blast it in my car, and shout out “THIS SICK BEAT!” Who doesn’t shout that part? I know it’s not just me. Besides the fact that the song is extremely catchy, singable, and danceable (and shoutable), it has some depth to it.

I got to witness Taylor’s 1989 World Tour in Nashville this weekend. It was a dream. I love how ok she is with being herself, quirky dance moves and all. I’m a firm believer that Taylor Swift is a genius. She knows how to craft songs, execute a mind-blowing tour, and market herself without looking like she’s even trying. She is also very well-spoken, not just in her lyrics, but in the words she says during her show. Before playing her song, “Clean,” she made a speech (dubbed by Swifties as the “Clean Speech”) She talked about how people will say mean things and things that aren’t true. Which is one of the reasons she wrote “Shake It Off” in the first place.

Taylor Swift gets more hate than I think I ever will, but I still relate to what she says. People have said things about me that are not true, have been fake with me, and not been supportive of things I have done. I believe that is common with everyone. We will always have people say things about us that are hurtful. People will be judgmental. People will disapprove of something we do because they do not know the situation or because they are jealous. People will be “liars and dirty dirty cheats” and sometimes there’s nothing we can do about it.

I’m learning to shake those things off. To shake off the fakers, to shake off those who do not take the time to get to know me or ask about what is happening in my life.
I am learning that I cannot control people’s opinions, but I can control the things about me that are true. I can control how I react when I have a bad day or when something doesn’t go my way.

So blast “Shake It Off” when someone says something negative about you, when you have a bad day at work or at school, when you make dinner that doesn’t turn out, when someone doesn’t have integrity, when it’s raining when you just curled your hair, or for any other reason when something doesn’t go your way. Also, yell “THIS SICK BEAT!” It’ll help, I guarantee. Or you could just take a deep breath and tell yourself to shake it off and let it go (I will not write a blog post about that song.) But I recommend jamming to “Shake It Off,” it’s more fun than taking deep breaths.

Shake It Off is owned by its respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Three Things We’ve Learned in Three Months of Marriage

August 24, 2015September 7, 2015Leave a comment

Today we have been married for three whole months. I know everyone says time flies when you are married. But seriously, three months has gone so fast.

I know we have a lifetime of lessons to learn from one another and with each other, but I’ve already learned a few things during these three months. I also asked my husband to share three things he has learned to make things more interesting.

Three Things I Have Learned in Three Months of Marriage:

1. Saying you are sorry is worth it.

Arguments will happen. Sometimes I drive my husband crazy; sometimes he annoys me. We are not perfect, and we both fail each other daily. It’s crucial to humble yourself, admit when you are wrong, sincerely apologize, and work to be better. Even though it sucks to admit when I am wrong, it is always worth it.

2. Full-size beds are small.

We were spoiled with king beds during our honeymoon. We got back, I took one look at our full size bed and said “Nope.” A new bed will be our first major purchase. I’m a light sleeper, so I wake up multiple times during the night because of our tiny bed. But, I would take lack of sleep over not being able to share a bed with my husband every time.

3. It’s incredibly fun living with my best friend.

I love living with my husband and seeing him every day. The mundane things in life like grocery shopping, cleaning the house, and shopping for toothpaste is much more enjoyable with him. We get to laugh, sing loudly, cook, watch The Office, dream of the future, and go on dates whenever. It’s the best.

Andddddd for Kyle’s list. I told him he needed to explain his three lessons, and I quote, “I think mine are pretty self-explanatory.” So these are his exact words. Sometimes he’s a man of few words, but I know he means every one of them.

Three Things Kyle Has Learned in Three Months of Marriage:

The Best Part of My Day is Coming Home and Seeing You

Self-explanatory.

2. Goofiness is Infectious

Write something about tickle fights, weird accents, singing, listening to Disney music in the mornings. Something like that.

3. Have a Good Attitude When Doing Something the Other Person Enjoys (Even if You Don’t Enjoy It)

Yep.

Awwwwwww.

I am so happy that I get to have many more months learning silly and hard lessons with that man.

Here’s to three months!

Organizing Tips for a Newlywed

August 15, 2015August 15, 2015Leave a comment

Guys. I love organizing. Just about as much as I love new school/office supplies (see previous post). Today I asked my husband, “Guess what I’m going to blog about today?” He replied, “Disney.” Good guess. My love for organizing pales in comparison to my love for Disney.

Organizing is another one of my weird quirks. I get a lot of quizzical stares when I mention that I like organizing things. However, I’m nowhere near OCD. I let things go unorganized for a while, and then it drives me nuts. So, my organization is like a spring cleaning once a month. I think my love for school/office supplies is mutual with my love for organizing. I love cute little totes, folders, jars, and baskets.

When we got married and moved into our large, but small apartment, we made many trips to the store picking up things we forgot we needed. Moving into a college dorm is much different than moving into an apartment. You need a lot and all of that needs somewhere to go. (I still wish we had just one more closet, or two.) It didn’t cross my mind that we would need places to store our wedding gifts, new legal documents, and things we would accumulate on our many shopping runs. So for the brides-to-be; newlyweds; or even those looking how to organize your apartment, dorm room, or home, I’m going to show you some of my ways of organizing our first apartment.

I registered for these adorable little baskets at Target. They came in sets of three, and we received two of them. They're not only functional, but actually look presentable in our home. I use one of them to store cozy blankets in our coffee table. Side note: We do have a Disney trivia book on our coffee table. See? I LOVE Disney.

I registered for these adorable little baskets at Target. They came in sets of three, and we received two sets. They’re not only functional but look presentable in our home. I use one of them to store cozy blankets in our coffee table.
Side note: That is a Disney trivia book on our coffee table. See? I LOVE Disney.

The other five baskets are stored in our tv stand. It’s much cuter than having stacks of DVDs peeking through the glass.

I use them to store movies, games, stationary, and CDs. (Yes, I still buy CDs. Heyyyy Taylor Swift’s 1989.)

These next two organizational tools made my husband and my friend Megan laugh when she visited, but I find them quite helpful.

I bought a filing case with hanging file folders that we keep in our closet because we don’t have anywhere else to store it.

It’s SO handy for storing any important papers like warranty information, legal documents, receipts, etc. And it’s much smaller than a filing cabinet.

I bought this cute coupon book at Target for $5. (I love Target, but who doesn’t?) It’s small enough to carry in my purse, but big enough to keep lots of coupons.

Apartment kitchens are small. Finding places to fit food storage containers, a crockpot, and a food processor was a puzzle.

I got this plastic drawer tote to hold plastic bags, foil, wax paper, etc. under our sink.

It doesn’t take up drawer space, and you have room to store things on top of it.

Food storage containers are a must. My mom had these jars that she wasn’t using, so I snatched them. Also, I need to buy more sugar.

I HATE taking up precious counter space, but we just do not have enough drawers. I found a simple, ceramic utensil holder at our local supermarket of all places.

I have to meal plan before I go to the grocery store. I got this magnetic white board for our fridge because I didn’t want to keep buying paper. P.S. We have tacos almost every week here. Tacos are another fave of mine.

An apartment means no junk drawer in the kitchen. I had this wire desk organizer in my college dorm room, and it was perfect for our countertop. We keep pens, scissors, take out menus, and keys in here. The planner also adds to the organization corner.

Two people equals double the laundry.

We purchased this triple sorter with wedding gift cards. It holds a lot of dirty laundry and keeps the floor clean (actually I have a bad habit of throwing my clothes on the floor.)

I got this hamper at Walmart of all places. I realized we needed something to throw our bath and kitchen towels in. I wouldn’t recommend throwing sopping wet towels in it, but it holds damp towels and keeps them separate from our clothes. Plus, it has handles for throwing its contents into the washer.

This last keeper-of-things was a wedding gift from my friend, Becca. I registered for this recipe box at Target, but it was out of stock. Sweet Becca found it on another website and bought it for us. She stocked it with blank recipe cards and a few of her favorite recipes. Seriously, she’s the sweetest.

Um hello, great wedding gift idea!

See I’m not too crazy organized, right? What organizing tips do you have? I would love to get some new ideas!

I’m going to go organize now. But seriously, our cabinets are a mess.

5 Things I Wish I Could Tell A High Schooler

August 13, 2015August 13, 20151 Comment

The stores are stocked with pencils, notebooks, juice pouches, and peanut butter and jelly. Parents’ tempers are short as their six-year-old asks for the 4th time, “Why can’t I get this 68 pack of markers?!” “Your list only says you need a 24 pack. Please stop shouting.” Every store is screaming, “IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL TIME!” While high schoolers are screaming on the inside, “NOOOOOOOOOO!”

It’s the beginning of August, and I can’t believe that school is starting so early. Back in my day, (HA) we started a week and a half later than these poor kids. Although, I’m jealous of these kids getting to go back to school shopping, (I LOVED getting new school supplies, a quirk of mine) I remember dreading going back to school and starting classes again. But looking back, there are a few things I learned in high school that have nothing to do with algebra, Shakespeare, or the history of the Roman Empire. These are things that I wish I could have done better, and what I wish for every high schooler to know.

Work on your foundation in Christ

I went to a Christian school and learned a lot about who Jesus is. I really began to build my foundation on Christ during these years, but I wish I would have worked at it more. You may think it will be easier in college or when you are out on your own, but it will be harder. You will have many more things vying for your time. So establish a regular habit of reading the Word and praying. Find out how you best connect with the Lord whether that be through journaling, playing music, or sitting in silence and talking with Him.

2. Don’t wish this time away

You may be so ready to start a career, move out, travel the world, get married, but don’t wish your time in high school away. This is a time where you have few responsibilities. Enjoy your time playing sports, going to high school games, spending time with friends, figuring out what you like to do, and not having to worry about money or a job.

3. Be friends with your parents

Your parents are there to help, not make your life miserable. Respect them and listen to them, they know a lot more about life than you do. I probably got into way more arguments with my parents in high school than I needed to, and I didn’t listen to them as much as I should have. Now, my parents are my best friends and I ask them for advice all the time. So high schoolers, be nice to your parents, they love you and know what is best for you. I promise.

4. Be nice to those younger than you

It may not be “cool” to talk to a freshman when you are an upperclassman. Who cares? Do it. Incoming freshman are terrified, and mostly because of you. So be nice to the kids younger than you. Help them out, be their friend, show them where their classroom is, smile at them. You’ll influence them more than you know.

5. Choose your friends wisely

Have discernment and take your time in choosing who you will be close friends with. Listen to your parents and respected adults when they say not to be friends with someone. I would have saved myself a few bad friendships had I done this. Once I learned this though, I made some really great friends, some of whom I am still friends with and one who is one of my best friends today. Realize that you do not need to be friends with everyone, but choose your friends wisely and still be kind to those you should not be friends with.

High schoolers, I realize this is a weird, crazy time in your life. You are trying to figure out who you are, what your life will look like in the future, and how to stay grounded. Let me tell you, you are loved, everything will be ok, and it’s ok to not be like “everyone else.”

Love,

Eleny

Here's a picture of me at my high school graduation. I thought it was fitting.

That’s me as a high school graduate. I thought it was fitting.

Taking on Walt Disney World: 10 Tips

August 1, 2015August 1, 2015Leave a comment

For those that know me, you had to guess that this post was coming. I LOVE Walt Disney World. It is my favorite place in the world. My parents took me when I was three years old, and I’ve been in love ever since. No one in our family is quite sure how many times we’ve actually been, but it’s been a lot. I like to say I’m an expert, but I know there are many people with far more knowledge than I. However, I’m going to share some of my tips for first-timers, and even some tips thrown in for those that have been before! Some are fairly obvious, but I know Disney is a bit intimidating for first-timers, so I’m going to share the “obvious” tips anyway. We’ll split this up into tips before you go, and tips while you are there. P.S. I love talking about Disney, so excuse me if I ramble.

Before you go:

1. BOOK YOUR DINING RESERVATIONS

Disney dining opens 180 days in advance, and depending on the time you go, you may need to book at 6 a.m. in the morning. I’m not crazy, the popular restaurants book up fast. So if you know you want to go to certain restaurants, book them 180 days in advance of the day you go. If you don’t get in, keep calling or checking online. There are often cancellations, and you may just get into one!

2. Check the weather

This is one of those kind of “obvious” tips. But, Florida is not always sunny and hot. I’ve been when it was 35 degrees in the morning and 50 during the day. We bought hats, and gloves, and scarves. In Florida. So if you’re not going in the summer, check the weather!

3. Bring comfortable tennis shoes

I’ve seen people wearing flip flops, flat tennis shoes, boots, and even heels to the parks. Don’t do it. Just don’t. You walk miles each day at Disney, and you will want supportive tennis shoes.

4. Download the “My Disney Experience” app

This app is awesome. You can find your dining reservations, your Fastpass times, maps, wait and event times all in one place. That means you don’t have to walk all the way to the other side of the park only to find out Seven Dwarfs Mine Trains is a 75 minute wait. Make sure to have a backup copy of your dining reservation times with you, in case your internet is slow in the park. I didn’t have any problems getting the app to load, but I’ve heard of others who have had that problem.

5. Avoid busy seasons if possible

Summer is probably the worst time to visit, in my opinion. It’s ridiculously hot and lines are long. Not a good combo. Christmas Break is also PACKED. We went over Christmas once and I’ve never seen the parks so full. So, if you’re a first-timer and want to see and do as much as possible, try to go when it is not so busy because you may not get the chance to do everything you want or it will take much longer to get everything done.

While you are there:

1. Take breaks

Sometimes at Disney you just need a break from walking, the heat, or crowds. Sit on a bench and people watch, walk through the shops, or go back to your room to take a nap. Everyone in your group will feel much better after a break, believe me.

2. Don’t feel like you have to do everything

There is SO much to see and do at Disney, that it can be overwhelming. But, don’t feel like you have to see it all. Make a list of your “We have to do this or else” activities and do those! I still see things I’ve never seen before every time we go!

3. Don’t be afraid to let your inner kid come out

Disney is the perfect place to not care what others think of you. So wear Minnie ears or a Goofy hat, dance to the music of the parades, be in awe of the fireworks, take a picture with the princesses, and shamelessly eat a Mickey ice cream bar.

4. Take pictures

Disney has PhotoPass people everywhere, which is great for family photos. If you want a lot of photos, purchase the Memory Maker, which allows you unlimited downloads of your PhotoPass pictures. Downloads are normally $14.99 each. If you do not want PhotoPass photos, the photographers will gladly take a picture using your cell phone as well!

5. Take in the details

Walt Disney World is all about details. The queue lines are filled with little details, and some even have games! Each park has unique details from the music, to the trash cans, to the architecture. So keep your eyes and ears open!

Well. There is my opinion on top tips for Walt Disney World. I have many more tips and recommendations on what to do and see and where to eat, but maybe that will come in another post.

What are your tips for taking on Walt Disney World? I would love to hear!

Disclaimer: These tips are my own opinions and from personal experience. I do not claim to provide expert advice on Walt Disney World.

The Temp

July 12, 2015July 14, 2015Leave a comment

I recently started a temporary job at a trucking company. HA. ME at a trucking company. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing swear words every other sentence and stories about hangovers and partying (Yes, I went to private schools my whole life). My day involves filing, copying, scanning, entering numbers in a computer, filing, pulling files, filing, copying, faxing, copying, entering more numbers, filing, and copying. Thankfully, a temp job is, well, temporary and I’m continuously reminding myself that this is just a season. Even though this job is not ideal, I know the Lord has placed me here for a purpose. I believe He is teaching me to be diligent in my work, though the work is mundane.

Most people there work because it’s a job. They don’t seem to enjoy what they are doing or find purpose in their work. In the three weeks that I have been there, I can kind of see why. During my frequent times of filing bills, I ask the Lord for patience and how I can be of help to those working there.

I believe He wants me to be joy in that office. He wants me to be positive and have a smile on my face even though I want to complain, or sigh, or get frustrated. It’s hard coming into work with a cheerful attitude, when I really don’t want to. But, I am thankful for a job and that the Lord has given me the opportunity to bring glory to Him. If you think about it, pray that I will continue to allow the Lord to work through me and to be light in that office. Also, pray for new opportunities after this temporary position is over.

P.S. I haven’t started an office fire.

The Most Perfect Day.

July 5, 2015July 14, 2015Leave a comment

June 27, 2014, my best friend got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. From then until May 24, 2015, I had been thinking, planning, and dreaming about the day where I would finally say “I do” to the love of my life.

Every little girl dreams of their wedding day. For a little less than a year, I had been picturing what that day would look like while deciding colors, cake flavors, saying yes to the dress, meeting with the florist and venue, and countless other tiny and big details. Thankfully, my mom has the organization of a wedding planner and the attention to detail of a designer, and spent hours and hours figuring out details like matching paint colors and ties and flowers (she carried around a Pantone swatch everywhere she went), and she pulled everything together so flawlessly. She deemed my wedding theme, “vintage romance” and more than succeeded.

Our wedding day was like a fairytale and a dream. It was more perfect and beautiful than I could have ever imagined. I was obsessed with my wedding dress and could not stop staring at my bouquet. I’m pretty sure I did not stop smiling that entire day. I mean, I was marrying my best friend and getting to spend the rest of my life with him! How could I stop smiling?!

Kyle and I decided to do a first look and have a moment to see each other and spend time together before the ceremony and freak out about how WE WERE GETTING MARRIED. I would highly recommend first looks. Seeing my man’s face when he saw me in my wedding dress was my favorite part of the day. I think the pictures can explain it better than I can, but it was such a sweet, emotional moment.

Our day was so joyful, and beautiful, and just simply perfect. It was better than I could have ever dreamed of. We were surrounded with so many family and friends that we love dearly, and were able to praise the Lord’s faithfulness and goodness and bring glory to Him through the start of our marriage.

Here’s a little look at our day.

The venue was breathtaking. White-washed brick walls, old wooden floors, painted beams, and lights strung around the beams in the reception room. It had such a vintage charm, which was perfect for our wedding.

These two frames were from Home Goods and my mom painted them with ivory chalk paint. I found a calligraphy font that I used for the table numbers and invitations, and we printed the seating chart on blush paper.

Our florist was the BEST. The ceremony table belonged to the venue, and it was gorgeous.

This room though. WOW. We kept the decorations simple to highlight the gorgeous flowers and venue.

Vintage and hobnail votives. And those flowers though.

These frames were actually from Kohl’s. The font is the calligraphy font on the seating chart. The color is the Pantone color my mom carried around. One of my bridesmaids is a graphic designer and created these table numbers and my invitations, and we had them printed locally.

My Mom and I found the picture frames at an antique shop. She ordered the wooden letters online and painted them with chalk paint. The card box is a terrarium painted with chalk paint. Now we have pretty decor for our house!

I wanted a small cutting cake, and wanted to keep the icing simple to make the peonies pop because they are my favorite flower. Mom found the platters and ivory cake stands at Home Goods. Our cake baker was incredible, I cannot wait to eat the top layer in a year because I crave her cake constantly.

The venue has an amazing bridal room. I mean, that mirror!

Our rings are from a local jeweler. My parents both got their rings there when they got married. I still stare at my rings, and I still love seeing that ring on my husband’s finger.