5 Tips for Meeting With Your Wedding Planner

As many of you all know, I am in the midst of planning a wedding. I am very excited to share that I will be beginning a STREAMLINE YOUR WEDDING series that will be sparked by my experiences as a wedding planning bride.

Originally, I didn't feel like I needed to hire a "wedding planner," but I quickly realized that I would require at LEAST a day of coordinator at the reception venue. I have been planning my wedding since I have been 5 years old, so I was on the hunt for a day of coordinator that would provide services beginning at least a few days before the wedding. Additionally, I was not sure if I would be able to find an individual I would click with and who would take the time to appreciate my eccentricities.

I HAVE FOUND HER!! This morning I met with THE MOST FABULOUS event planner in all of Central Texas. (Karla McNeill). We spent 2 1/2 hours discussing the details of the special day beginning with waking up the morning of the wedding. After my phenomenal meeting with Karla, I have compiled 5 simple tips to help make meeting with your wedding planner a fun and productive event!

5 Tips for Meeting With Your Wedding Planner

1. Reputation is EVERYTHING. Contact wedding planners who are recommended by friends, family, or other vendors. My day event planner was verbally recommended to me 5+ times by various vendors and I know a few acquaintances who have worked with her in the past. Everyone who has worked with Karla provide high praise and "would never recommend anyone else to their clients." Receiving advice from vendors you already trust helps narrow down the pool of potential day of event coordinators. 
2. Prepare a wedding binder: Having a list of vendors, contracts, ideas, and all other things "wedding" is a great resource when you are meeting with your event coordinator. My wedding binder has several scraps of paper stuffed in the pockets with random ideas and things I want to include along with typed graphics and charts to help organize the information. There is no RIGHT or WRONG way to pull this information together, it just needs to be done. 
3. Bring someone you trust along for the initial consult: Today I brought my mom and sister (MOH #1). These are two of the people I trust most in this world. I know that they would never allow me to place my trust in someone who they didn't trust. They are great people to lean on for advice, but also they are great people to evaluate how you click with your wedding coordinator. Remember ladies, this is the person who will be RUNNING YOUR WEDDING. 
4. Don't be afraid to be bold and creative: It's more than OK to have a theme that is unconventional as long as you have some ideas (even if they aren't concrete) about how you would like to execute your visions. Even though Pinterest is now the "wedding design bible," it is OK to break out of the box and try something you have never seen before. Most likely, it will be your favorite part of your special day and your wedding coordinator will love working with an "out of the box" bride. 
5. KNOW YOUR NON-NEGOTIABLES: For me, my non-negotiable item was integrating Samson into the special day in some form or fashion. It is important to me to have photos of him "with the guys" getting ready for the wedding. EVERYONE I have mentioned this to in the past has scoffed and given me the "crazy dog lady" look, but NOT Karla. She was able to work out the logistics to make this happen without overwhelming my perfect little yellow buddy. There are other things she is working her magic to make happen, but this is definitely one of my favorites. 

I hope you ladies find this to be a helpful tool in preparing for interviewing and meeting with potential wedding coordinators to help coordinate your special day. My hope is that this will help you be able to kick back and enjoy the day celebrating your commitment with your husband in front of God, family, and friends.

Please stay tuned for more posts to come in the STREAMLINE YOUR WEDDING series! 

6 Ideas You Can Steal from Your Dog

Many of you know I am a proud pet-parent to my best four-legged pal, Samson. (Sorry, I couldn't help including our holiday Christmas card photo in the graphic....) He is a brilliant yellow lab who fills my day with tail wags and nose kisses and he has taught me so much about life. That cliche "I want to be the person my dog things I am" quote that is absolutely everywhere-YES, it's the topic of today's discussion. In the 2.5 years I have raised Samson, I have pinpointed 6 key ideas that humans should steal from their dog.

6 Ideas You Can Steal from Your Dog

1. Greet each day with a tail wag. Each morning is a beautiful creation waiting to take  shape. Seize each day and it's opportunities with gr attitude and grace. I have never known Samson not to great me every morning (and every night after work) with a tail wag. "And Jesus said unto him, 



• Jesus said, No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day. (Luke 9:62 MSG)



2. Enjoy every meal (or treat). My little man thinks that EVERY meal is going to be his last. There is no questions that he is thankful for his food, he doesn't even leave a piece of kibble. Should I mention what happens if a Greenie Treat or a FrostyPaw is involved?! In the world where there is such a push for fad diets and other "quick" weight loss schemes, remember that eating the RIGHT foods in the RIGHT portions is what will help you achieve a HEALTHY lifestyle. 

• So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV)

3. Exercise your paws and be joyful about it. My favorite activity with Samson involves taking him to the park. Every evening he and I go to the park to throw a tennis ball down the hills of one of the nearby parks in my neighborhood. I don't think I've ever seen a dog more joyful to be out in the open and stretching his legs. I know personally, I wish I could attack my daily runs with his same level of fitness enthusiasm. 

• She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. (Proverbs 31:17)

4. Love others more than yourself. My little buddy has this one under control. There is no doubt when you look in his brown little eyes that I'm the most important thing to him in the world (except maybe a FrostyPaw treat). His love is unconditional. This is an area where I think all people struggle at one point or another. I'm sure everyone can look back over the past week, heck the past day, and find a time when they should have put another person's interests ahead of their own. 

• Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

5. Every dream is attainable. I can't tell you all how many times I have watched my little buddy growth, twitch, and run in his sleep. He dreams with determination, even though not all of them are attainable. Attack every dream like it is something that can be achieved, you never know what will become of the effort. In the interest of corny quotes, shoot for the moon, because if you miss you'll still have a place among the stars. 

• But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded. (2 Chronicles 15:7)

6. Protect the ones you love. Samson brings a level of security to my life that has been unmatched previously. I know that he would go though great lengths to alert me to danger and protect me. It is important to realize that the ones we love are WORTH protecting. Loved ones are precious gifts that need to be fostered and developed in order to grow and be protected in order not to be torn apart. 

• Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. (Psalm 138:7)

Even though Samson is a 4 legged pal and not a person (negotiable), it is safe to say that I have learned a great deal about life though raising him. Although it is cliche, I truly hope that I am the person Samson thinks that I am. I hope he sees me greet each day with a smile, give thanks before every meal, exercise to remain HEALTHY not skinny, lay myself down for the sake of others, and chasing my dreams. My charge is to evaluate how you approach day to day life. As the New Year approaches, I hope that you find yourself to truly be the person your dog thinks you are! 

Christmas Shopping Tips & Tricks.

If you are like me...you are always searching for a bargain, especially during the holiday season. With the pressure to provide great gifts at a reasonable that look and feel expensive, Christmas shopping is often a very financially stressful time. Add the shoulder-to-shoulder combat that is department store shopping and you have a recipe for the opposite of Christmas cheer. This year, I have decided to do quite a bit of holiday shopping online. If you are a last minute Christmas shopper-I hope that I can give you some tips and tricks to help navigate your Christmas holiday shopping season. Remember: THERE ARE ONLY 12 MORE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS DAY.

• You can shop for the deal.  This holiday season I did a lot of price comparison during my lunch break at work on my iPad and iPhone-bookmarking the sites with the best prices and online savings codes. I then compiled the links I researched and found that I saved around $200 this year in price comparison shopping and buying the item at the store that offered the best deal. I have included some of my favorite sites and tips below!
•  My favorite discount site is 6pm.com. I bought several gifts online from this site. If you don't mind buying "last years model" this is a GREAT way to save anywhere up to 75% OFF your favorite holiday items. I can't wait for people to open the gems I have bought on this site this year!
• If you don't have AMAZON PRIME, it is time that you join. The FREE 2 DAY SHIPPING and competitive prices allow you to get a GREAT deal and save the shipping.
• If you don't already, ALWAYS check Retail Me Not and other coupon online sites for savings. On average, I would save about 10% with every purchase AND I commonly scored FREE SHIPPING utilizing sites like Retail Me Not.
• There is more of a selection. Forget being forced to chose another sweater because the one you like for your sister only comes in XS and XXL in the store. When you shop ONLINE, you have the benefit of being able to select the size you need without having to compromise on the item as often as when you shop in the stores themselves. This is especially true for popular stores such as JCrew and the LOFT.
• I Christmas shopped in my PJs, my favorite coffee mug, and my yellow lab. What did your Christmas shopping look like this year? Where you one of the many people battling the department stores? Picture this, shopping online allows you to miss mile long lines, people with the flu who are most likely going to cough on you during that 30 minute long line, and it saves you money in gas and time. 
• My favorite PJs.  
• My favoirte mug. With an "O" of course!
• My yellow lab.  

I hope that you have found some tips and tricks that will serve you well during your last minute ONLINE holiday shopping. If you've already completed your holiday shopping for the year-tuck these gems away for next year. Wishing you nothing but the warmest of holidays! 

Holiday Facebook Cover.

Right click and save. Dimensions are SPOT-ON for a holiday inspired Facebook Cover.

I BELIEVE.

Picture this. Christmas morning at my house growing up consisted of Santa Christmas china, sticky buns, LLBean slipper socks, 2 cats, and my family. After my sister and I waited patiently for my mom and dad to wake us us, we would indulge in our day of festivities to come. My mom would cook (and still does) an over the top Christmas dinner and we would all eat until we couldn't move and the night would end with hot chocolate or coffee in those same Santa Christmas china mugs. Additionally, add the blankets of Minnesota snow, Christmas lambs, real horse drawn sleigh rides from the neighbors, my family could have popped right out of a Thomas Kinkade painting.

Why am I telling you this? I want to point out that the most important thing about this day was not the day itself, but the preparation that had went into making the day (and season) something special. Although the day itself was miraculous, my mom and dad put so much work into making the WHOLE season a memorable experience. In my house, December was filled with two things-Jesus and Santa. A 7 foot evergreen was cut and decorated. Cookies were baked. Stocking were hung. The barns were padded with extra hay and feed so that the reindeer could rest (my dad provided Carrots-which he even nibbled for effect). I told the story of Jesus being born in a barn about 20 different ways to my mom. My dad explained to me several times that Jesus wasn't at risk of frost bite when he was born in the barn like our lambs in the winter (country girl problems). The chimney was greased with leftover bacon grease so that Santa wouldn't stick in the tight chimney. The 8:00pm Christmas Eve service was attended so that I would make it in bed in time for Santa. Finally, the last touch was my mom helped me draft a Santa note and place the cookies out for my beloved Santa (she even put the milk out before she went to bed so that we wouldn't give Santa the stomach bug-GROSS!). 

Looking back, my parents did an impeccable job of intertwining the two into a beautiful package, that allowed me to continue growing in Jesus (the real meaning of CHRISTmas), even when I outgrew my beloved St. Nick. In fact, I owe Santa for teaching me to believe in things that I can not see and Santa was the FIRST belief I ever had to publicly decent (granted I was 12 and still an avid believer), but the point is still the same...Santa was an integral part of making me a Christian. Sure, when I found out the jolly man in the suit did not actually squeeze through my chimney, I was devastated, but eventually the devastation went away and I was able to see the love and hard work my parents had put into the season to help make it special, and to bring me closer to Jesus. Reflecting as an adult on the joy I felt as a kiddo preparing for Santa still warms my soul and today preparing for the King at this time of year and making him a place in my heart is something that I find to be even more warming. Jesus has "filled me with an inexpressible and glorious joy" through believing in him and I am thankful for the role Santa played in helping me develop this rooted faith. 

This holiday season I am feeling extra nostalgic as I am working with needy kiddos at non-profit clinic in East Texas for one of my clinical rotations. I have been overjoyed to share in the excitement of kids preparing for Christmas and humbled by their level of true need for basic necessities such as HEALTH CARE. When reflecting on my memories of Christmas, I don't remember one "special present" or "one PERFECT gift," I remember the time spent with my family, learning the story of the manger, and preparing for Santa. For this reason, the next time one of my kiddos asks me if I believe in Santa-I am going say YES with all my heart. 

End of story. I BELIEVE. 

A "Southern Lady" Thank You

Thank you cards. The act of writing a thank you card is such a lost art in today's society. Why? Thank you cards are something that need to remain a part of life. Although they seem trivial, there time it takes to write out a sweet sentiment and the paid postage makes the thank you so much more meaningful. I can not tell you how many people have told me lately that they have not received a thank you card for this or that. People still desire to receive a thank you note. No matter how "high tech" our society has become, nothing can replace a handwritten thank you note. 

Step 1: FIND FABULOUS THANK YOU CARDS

Every fabulous and Southern lady should invest in stationery. Especially personalized stationary. There are several great websites where you can find unique stationary that can be personalized to meet your needs. If you aren't quite ready for the commitment of stationary, I suggest that you stock up on thank you cards whenever they are on sale! Target almost always has some adorable boxes of thank you cards on sale!

Step 2: KNOW THE TIMELINE

It is best to get these little letters of thanks out no later than 7-10 days after the receipt of the gift/random act of kindness. If you want to earn a gold star, 3-5 days is ideal! It is important that the recipient of the card knows that their actions made you feel special. After 10 days, it is apparent that they probably didn't make you feel "THAT" special....HOWEVER, a card sent is ALWAYS better than no card!

Step 3: WRITE SOMETHING HEARTFELT

There are many different backbones for a thank you note. Normally, my draft consists of something like this....We will assume for the sake of the draft that I'm thanking Santa for the $25.00 Ann Taylor Loft gift card he left in my stocking.

Dear Santa,
Thank you so much for the gift card to Ann Taylor Loft. I always enjoy shopping at my favorite store. I hope to use this money to help buy an outfit for my upcoming PA clinical year. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
My sincerest thanks,
Olivia 

You want to make sure that you 1)  State why you are writing the letter, 2) Make the note a bit more personal, and 2) Give an example of another reason you are thankful for the recipient other than the gift!

Step 4: MAIL THE NOTE

I am not always 100% on time with my thank you notes, but I try my best. I am certain that the recipients appreciate them AND I always enjoy sending the cards out.  The thank you card should be a tradition every Southern lady embraces.

Few Words to Say

GOOD EVENING FRIENDS!

I've been missing from the Blog world for quite some time now. I'm afraid that Term 6 of PA school took over my life in the most brilliant way. I can not wait to share the adventures of my 5 week break! Please be prepared to read about WEDDING DETAILS, workouts, and all of the literature I will be reading. (Hopefully you all don't mind reading reviews of surgical textbooks and journals!)

I look forward to being back conversing with friends and sharing a small piece of my world with you all! 

What to Wear: "Casual" Pediatrics Workshop

If you're like me, the word CASUAL in the professional setting always makes me nervous. I have never quite understood why people are unable to use a descriptive terms with casual. For example, BUSINESS casual, WEEKEND casual, BRUNCH casual. There are so many terms that help make CASUAL so much less vague.

This weekend I embark on my first pediatrics experience in physician assistant (PA) school and guess what the dress code is....CASUAL. We have been encouraged to wear jeans and a "t-shirt like", but it is against my DNA to interact with patients (and their health care professional parents) looking as if I am attending an undergraduate lecture. If you feel similarly, THIS POST IS FOR YOU.

How did I decide to tackle the word casual and dress for my first pediatrics workshop? 

1. Dark Denim: My favorite pair of dark denim is from Ann Taylor Loft. I got mine on MEGA sale ($2.88), but I still recommend this denim (even at full price)! The cut is PERFECT and the pockets in the back are flattering on any time of booty!

2. Professional & Easy Top: My favorite "professional and easy" tops come from Kohl's. Often, I can pick one up for under $20.00 and they look great with dress pants AND denim. The best part about these tops is that they are wash and wear and require NO IRONING to look fresh. I would encourage you to pick up a few Daisy Fuentes at Kohl's. They will quickly become closet go-to staples!

3. Favorite Flat: I swear by Antonio Melani flats from Dillard's. Even though they are a bit pricey, they LAST FOREVER and they commonly put them on sale around Christmas time and around the start of summer. This past Christmas, I got 3 pairs of flats for $68.00. This is less than one pair of flats FULL PRICE. You have to be willing to shop and wait to get a deal on these babies.

I opted not to wear any jewelry for fear that a kiddo would get death grip on one of my dangle earrings and rip it out, but this outfit would be easy to accessorize with a great dangle earring and bracelet for a more "dressed up" look!

My easy and practical outfit was a hit! Thankfully, I didn't feel overdressed or out of place...BUT like my dad always says "You can never be TOO overdressed, or TOO educated." Thank you all reading!

{Restful Souls}

The past couple of weeks have felt completely overwhelming. I have struggled with exhaustion, fatigue, and a to-do list pages long. Looking at my schedule the next couple of weeks, I don’t see anything slowing down soon. (Well, at least until my white coat ceremony in late July.) Lately, even enjoyable activities have become to feel burdensome.

How often do you feel something similar?

What should we do to lighten our load?

What does The Lord say about being overwhelmed and “heavy laden?”

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30

I don’t know about you, but Matthew 11:28-30 sums it up. Upon reading this passage, I felt an immediate calm and considered myself “lighter.” The Lord wants us to cast our burdens to him and find rest in his love. He wants us to know that he would not bring us through anything that we could not handle with his help. It is so comforting to know that we have a father who is so GENTLE, LOVING, and STRONG who is willing to take our burdens and provide rest for our souls.

I have no need to feel overwhelmed, but for a second. I need to make a more conscious effort to take these items to The Lord as soon as I feel them. The Lord wants take my burdens and he wants to take yours. I am challenging myself (and you) to make a cognizant effort to not feel burdened longer than we need to and take our concerns to The Lord. 

Fitness Motivation: Tips That Actually Work!

If you all are anything like me, you have most likely tried to "get fit" several times over the past years since high school. In the past 5 or 6 years I have started (and FAILED) many different fad diets and have burnt myself out working out. In January, I decided to commit to living a healthier lifestyle. I felt that as a future PA, I couldn't be giving my patients advice about finding time to workout and make a conscious effort to eat better if I couldn't do the same thing. Since beginning my healthy lifestyle journey, I have lost 20 pounds, sleep better at night, and have embraced a renewed self confidence that had been lacking for several years.

HOW did I motivate myself to continue the lifestyle change when I had failed so miserably in the past? What are some things that made a difference THIS TIME?

1. FIND A WORKOUT BUDDY (or BUDDIES)

Sometimes you need someone to keep you accountable. Lord knows that I do! I can't imagine having made this journey without the help of MULTIPLE people. I have a running buddy from class, workout with my roommate, and talk workout plans with my sister. Having multiple people gives you variety, but it also guarantees that you will have someone keeping you accountable if you need it! In the past, I worked out with the same person day in and day out. Every time, we would eventually get too busy to workout and I would STOP working out completely. Having the support and encouragement of multiple people (and me keeping them accountable too) has been a GAME CHANGER. 

2. "TREAT YO SELF"

This is one of my most favorite motivators. Set goals and treat yourself when you achieve them. I have month markers. After successfully completing my first month of working out I bought new tennis shoes. After month two I bought a pair of yoga pants. After month three I allowed myself $100 to buy new workout clothes. Now, I treat myself in three month intervals, but the goal is still the same. You have worked hard. You are maintaining a lifestyle that is making you a healthier person. TREAT YOURSELF! This was a new concept to me. In the past, I would always reward myself with extra "cheat days" or "off days" that would tease me back into my previous lifestyle. Picking fitness oriented purchases I WANTED kept my eye on the prize, but didn't allow me to fall out of my healthy lifestyle habit. 

P.S.

I in NO WAY mean to cut out "cheat days" or "rest days." I'm just saying that giving myself extra days provided me an excuse to fall back into my old ways. I currently workout between 4-5 days a week and I always eat a fun, satisfying calorie ridden, "UNHEALTHY" meal one day of the week. 

3. WORKOUT WITHOUT HEADPHONES & MUSIC

In the past, I've always worked out with music. I couldn't imagine going to the gym without the security of music blasting in my ears to PUMP ME UP. However, this time I decided to ditch the music. Maybe it is because I live in Houston, TX and was afraid of getting hit by a car on one of my runs, but I made the change. The first month was horrific. I constantly battled my brain telling me that I couldn't. I had to PROVE my brain wrong. My body is a powerful machine designed by the most powerful creator, it has been designed to endure. Overcoming my brain was the MOST IMPORTANT THING I DID. Now in a workout, my brain and body are in sync. I am confident that I can complete a workout and feel accomplished when it is finished. The extra time also gives my brain a rest from the constant stimulation we are under in our social media driven, fast paced world. It's time for me.

4. EAT CHOCOLATE (if needed)

GO BUY YOURSELF THE FUN SIZED CANDY BARS. In the beginning, you will have a sweet tooth and it will eat at you until you satisfy it. In the past, I always ignored the craving until one day I sat down and ate an entire sheet cake. This time, I decided to keep a small amount of chocolate in the house. In the beginning, I would eat one almost daily. As time has progressed, I have desired fewer and fewer candy bars. I am also proud to say, I haven't consumed an entire sheet cake during this lifestyle change. 

5. BUILD IN FITNESS TESTS

If you are like me, you like to see results. In the beginning, I didn't see body results as quick as I wanted because I literally was starting at ground 0 workout wise. In fact, my first month of working out consisted mostly of speed walking on the treadmill with various jogging intervals. As month two approached, I knew I had to build something into my workouts that would show my fitness level increasing. 

Thankfully, Pinterest came to the rescue and provided me with a workout that could be modified and made into a fitness test. This workout came from Blonde Ponytail. The site has GREAT workouts and fitness advice and I have personally found it to be very helpful. 

The first time I did this workout, I was only able to complete one cycle. At this moment, I decided to start doing this workout every two weeks to see how I was progressing. At month three, I was able to complete all six rounds. Even though I still wasn't seeing the full weight loss results I wanted, I could measure how my body was changing and growing stronger. This became one of my most powerful motivators. Knowing that I was becoming more fit as the weeks progressed was a huge proponent of me continuing!  

I hope that ya'll gain some motivation from this post! I know that these five changes have made such a difference in the way I view fitness and my healthy new lifestyle. I AM THRILLED that I have been able to continue and maintain my changes over the past five (almost six) months! I wish ya'll all the BEST in your healthy lifestyle endeavors!!

All You Need Is Love

Do you ever feel like you do all you can for someone you truly love and yet it somehow doesn’t seem like they are getting what they need? I know that this is something I struggle with. Have you ever felt like you aren't getting what you need from someone you KNOW loves you? How do you make the people you care for most FEEL that they are cared for and loved? How do you ensure that you are satisfied emotionally in your relationships as well?

Communication. The answer is communication. My momma has always told me that in life you need to tell people what you want and how you are feeling. {No problem. I normally wear my emotions on my sleeve!} However, when it comes to telling people what you need in order to feel loved, it just becomes so much more complicated for me. How do you say “you’re not loving me like I need to be loved” or “I need you to do this more so that I feel emotionally cared for” in a way that isn't “YOU ARE DOING EVERYTHING WRONG?”

Last year I read the “The 5 Love Languages” and was enthralled by how accurately something so basic could describe how I love and want to be loved. I would recommend this book whole heatedly. Regardless of the stage you are in in life, I’m sure that this book will be an interesting and enlightening experience. Even if you don’t read the book, I recommend that you determine your love language.

What are The 5 Love Languages?

Adapted from The Five Love Languages: Love Language Profile. Accessed May 18, 2014. Click Here

My Love Language Personal Profile

Words of Affirmation	“Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten. You thrive on hearing kind and encouraging words that build you up.”	6
Quality Time	”In Quality Time, nothing says “I love you” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes you feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed activities, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful. Whether itʼs spending uninterrupted time talking with someone else or doing activities together, you deepen your connection with others through sharing time.”	8
Receiving Gifts	“Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures. Gifts are heartfelt symbols to you of someone else’s love and affection for you.”	1
Acts of Service	“Can helping with homework really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most wants to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter. When others serve you out of love (and not obligation), you feel truly valued and loved.”	5
Physical Touch	“A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, and thoughtful touches on the arm—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive. Appropriate and timely touches communicate warmth, safety, and love to you.”	10

Adapted from The Five Love Languages: Love Language Profile. Accessed May 18, 2014. Click Here

Reading this book and taking the quiz helped me determine that my primary love language is physical touch. There is nothing in this world I love more than a hug after an absence {no matter how long or how brief}, holding hands in public, and being playfully nudged while standing in line. I also felt that this experience helped me EXPRESS WHAT I NEEDED IN A LOVING MANNER. Instead of “I don’t feel loved,” I was able to say “I feel really loved when you hug me like that.” IT HAS DONE WONDERS. The most important thing I gleaned from this was that when an argument occurs with someone I love {inevitable}, I don’t feel that the issue has been resolved until we have “hugged it out.” 

Now, a quick brag on my sweet man. Long before I read this book and determined that physical touch is my ultimate language, my man had already figured this out. It wasn't 2 weeks into our relationship that he announced “Wow. You really like to linger during your hugs…” I WAS SO THANKFUL FOR THAT OBSERVATION. Weeks before we said the fateful words “ICH LEIB DI” has been officially exchanged, I had never felt more loved or understood in that moment. Walking with my man through our dating time has been so sweet and I could not ask for a better man to walk through life with. I have never felt MORE LOVED in my life. 

I know that if my sweet man would complete the quiz, he would find it helpful too... {Even though I suspect his love language is Words of Affirmation}

God & Shabby Chic

This past week I had the opportunity to antique with my dad and bonus-mom in various Central Texas Locations. The experience was full of good conversation, funny moments, and evidence of God’s faithfulness. Earlier in the week I reflected on Ecclesiastes 3, but I had no idea how this scripture would be so relevant in the time I spent with my family.

While antiquing, my bonus-mom and I were drawn to many of the same items. Things that appeared worn, loved, or “shabby” seemed to scream at us from the shelves. However, my dad was more focused on “period antiques” for more focused on finding PERIOD PIECES for the early 1900s historic home they are restoring. Even though my dad wasn't 100% on board with the shabby purchases, quite a few were made throughout the day. The highlight of the day being a beautiful antique lamp we found in Lorena, TX at Center Street Antique Mall.

From across the store, my bonus-mom asked my dad to come look at a lamp. From her voice, I knew she was very excited about her find. Curious, I too headed that way to take a look. She had spotted the most beautiful lamp. A period “base” supported a white porcelain structure with elaborate 3D floral detail. Nobody seemed to notice the shady wiring and the fact that the lamp didn't have a shade. My bonus-mom and I stood there mesmerized by the perfect “shabby” find. The next thing I knew, we were next door picking out a lamp shade at the antique lighting restoration store next door called The Village Lamp Lighter. {I know, convenient.}

When sitting observing the salesman placing different custom shades on our perfect find, I felt“God bumps” and had a realization that this experience was a gift from God. A symbol of the promise that is outlined in Ecclesiastes 3:11.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11

I feel as if you readers need some background information. I am a member of two blended families that comprise one large family unit. For those of you who aren't from a blended family, I don’t know if you are going to grasp how special it is to have such a solid relationship with my mom and dad, along with my bonus-mom and step-dad. In a nutshell, they are fantastic. However, the bond I share with my bonus-mom has recently grown much deeper. We have overcome great obstacles {16 year old Olivia wasn't a gem to deal with} and our relationship has undergone immense healing.

Back to the lamp.

When we chose “THE LAMPSHADE” I couldn't help but smile. The once “shabby and shade-less” lamp now was chic and beautiful. It looked as if it had never been stuck in the corner of an antique shop with faulty wiring and without a lamp shade. {The antique lighting place also re-wired the fixture for those that were concerned.} Just like the lampshade went from just shabby to shabby chic, I feel as if The Lord has transformed my special relationship with my bonus-mom from almost shabby to extraordinarily special and chic. I am thankful that he allowed my bonus-mom and I to discover and REDESIGN the lamp together. I LOVE WHEN GOD IS SO BOLD AND OBVIOUS.The lamp was such a sweet reminder that HE IS WITH US every moment of every day.

My purpose in writing this Blog post is to encourage each and every one of you to be patient in situations that might seem shabby, shady, or not ideal. Whatever your current struggle, God will make everything beautiful in the end. Maybe not right this minute, but eventually. I can only hope and pray that you will get to experience him SHINING THE LIGHT on what he has made extraordinarily beautiful in your life. 

Great New Blog: Left Brain DIY

Creative Inspiration for the Left Brained World!

My sweet sister has been bitten by the “Blogging Bug” and has started a new Blog titled Left Brained DIY. Follow her Blog for fun projects {along with DIY instructions} for re-purposing previously loved items and making them FABULOUS. I feel like you faithful readers need a preview, so please find a sneak peak below!

About the Author: 

My beautiful, athletic, and left brained sister (Carling Catherine) is an amazing woman who excels in almost all capacities. Whether it is on the Sam Houston State University volleyball court, in the classroom, or creating a new work of art, she is a force to be RECKONED with. I am thankful every day that The Lord allowed me to be her big sister. She is a precious daughter, sister, friend, and proud-puppy aunt! 

ENJOY BEING A MEMBER OF THE LEFT BRAINED WORLD! 

Relaxation: Front Porch Style

2 Labradors + 1 Shot Gin + 1 Cup Tonic + Bundle of Mint + 1 Heirloom Rocker = Relaxation

What a blessing it has been to be home with my family on the farm. A generous dose of home is always a good idea and sometimes just what the PA ordered! I hope you all have been able to enjoy family, friends, and Labradors this weekend!

Front Porch Gin and Tonic (Seriously Refreshing)

Ingredients: 

• Mint or Basil 

• Cucumber

• Lime

• Tonic Water

• Gin 

To Begin Relaxing: 

Squeeze a lime wedge over ice into a glass. Add four slices of cucumber and a couple of crushed mint-basil leaves.  Then fill the glass with a 1:2 ratio of Gin and tonic water. Garnish with a slice of lime, cucumber, and a sprig of mint. 

What's Happening May 18th-May 24th, 2014?

"A Time for Everything"

Timing.

Does anyone else ever feel like they are lagging behind or pulling ahead too quickly? Do you ever feel like your timeline just isn't right?

I always feel that my timeline isn't matching up with those of my friends and family. I am CONSTANTLY aware that I am not yet engaged, a member of the work force, and that I have not lost the last 10 pesky pounds residing in my hips. It is too bad that I’m not CONFIDENT in the fact that God has placed me in a wonderful relationship with a Godly man, has allowed me the opportunity to learn and participate in graduate school, and has granted me with a healthy and able body that can put in the work to achieve fitness goals. On a more SERIOUS note, I constantly worry about what the future will bring and how timing will play out.

Throughout my adult years, I have seen God’s timing work in beautiful ways (1811 Woodsman roommates *hint hint*). His timing is ALWAYS PERFECT and he has never once let me down. Even in the times I have felt completely abandoned and out of control, I have been saved and pulled back into his arms at just the perfect time.

When I need perspective, I wish I said that I always went to the Bible first. I often find myself searching for answers from my family, friends, and even the Internet. I am currently working on making the conscious effort to get back into the habit of flipping through the gold edged pages of my Bible for the answers.

Now. Back to Timing. Where can I find information about timing?

Ecclesiastes is always a solid place for me to gain perspective on how much The Lord values HIS TIMELINE, especially Ecclesiastes 3.

1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. 9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God.14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. 15 Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account. 16 And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment--wickedness was there, in the place of justice--wickedness was there. 17 I thought in my heart, "God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed." 18 I also thought, "As for men, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. 19 Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless. 20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?" 22 So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?
Ecclesiastes 3, New International Version

Top 3 Items Gleaned from Ecclesiastes 3:

1.    GOD HAS MY TIMELINE UNDER CONTROL. He has ensured a time and place for everything.

2.    GOD WANTS ME TO BE JOYFUL, not to worry about my timeline. He doesn't want me to worry about the “should” and the “wants.” My fretting will not make God’s timing anymore perfect or arrive any sooner or later than it should.

3.    GOD MAKES EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL. Even the things in my timeline that I wish had never occurred. They are woven intricately into my story and testimony to help others come to The Lord.

Thank you all for diving into Ecclesiastes 3 with me. I would love to hear your comments and thoughts about this beautiful passage!

Introducing "Stethoscopes, Labs, & Miles"

Why stethoscopes? 

I am currently a PA Student at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Pursuing a career in medicine has always been a passion of mine and I am lucky/blessed to one day be able to serve in the physician assistant role. Funny stories, PA school fashion (#whitecoatdays), and general information regarding the life of a PA student (#BCMPATweets) will be highlighted on the Blog. 

Why labs? 

I have a 2 year old Yellow Labrador Retriever names Samson. As I am without children, I consider him my "fur-baby." His favorite things involve going to the park, sniffing out rabbits, and watching TV with mom. Lets consider the "labs" part of this Blog a "Samson brag-book!" 

Why miles? 

I have recently picked back up long runs (and have about lost 20 pounds). I am not a exercise physiology expert, but I will be posting my favorite workouts (possible results?) and snacks on the Blog! 

Please know that I am SO APPRECIATIVE of EVERYBODY reading and following this Blog! My hope is that is brings joy to your life.