on being real

Everything always seems to look so perfect in the blogging world. Pretty women with interesting lives, happy babies, killer style sense, and a witty joke to boot. And that's where I struggle with this whole blogging thing. I started this blog so I would have an outlet for writing, creativity, and everyday thoughts and happenings. I've always loved to journal/keep a diary, and while having a blog is a super way to do that + put pictures with my thoughts (which I love), it feels a little too vulnerable to pen my thoughts on the days when I've had a rough day or when I'm angry or when all I want to do is sink into the couch and cry.

But I have this thing for "realness." It's my favorite. I have always been drawn to people who are real, who don't put on a front. I admire those people. And I would like to be known in the same way.

I say all of this to say that in my being real and sharing my thoughts about the not-so-good days, I'm not looking for sympathy, but more for encouragement and wisdom. I'm not one to ask for help or even to voice what's wrong, but that's something I need to get over. Easier said than done, of course. I shouldn't shut people out just because I'm scared of looking needy or stupid. And I don't have to look like I have it all together all the time. After all, no one can read my mind and the only way to receive help is to ask for it. And in my limited life experience a). there's always someone who's going through the same growing pains as me and b). that person never thinks I'm needy or stupid, and is always willing to listen and come along side of me.

So tonight, at the end of this long week, I have a weary and tired heart. Things like uncertainty, loneliness, and feelings of not being good enough have been wearing me down. Even as I'm writing this, I'm shaking my head thinking, "Who am I to complain?! I have SO much to be thankful for when so many others are suffering. And I'm whining about having no friends? I'm so pathetic." And so the cycle continues.

Lord, you know my heart and I take such comfort in that. You also know the future and I know that you've promised to prosper me and guide me. You know my frustrations and my worries. You store up my tears in a jar. God, I pray for patience and peace, and that you'll keep teaching me how to speak up when I need help or advice or prayer. That's why you've given me brothers and sisters in Christ - to lean on and learn from. Thank you for your blessings that surround me daily. I never want to take them for granted. I love you.

friends of rodentia

You know how every year at Christmas there's that one gift that you really excited to give? Well, this year, Bob was the lucky recipient of that gift and anticipation. Quick backstory: Bob is the squirrel whisperer. Seriously. On any given morning, there are between 10 and 20 enormously fat squirrels feeding in his yard. One evening, Tim and I were picking up a few things at Menard's and happened to find this little gem of product sitting on the shelf - the "Cobs A Twirl."

After nearly rolling on the floor with glee and awe that such a product even exists, we quickly threw it in our cart and counted down the days until Bob would open it.

And giving it was every bit as good as I imagined it would be. Tim and I could hardly contain ourselves. Maybe the best part - Tim modified the product name to be "Bobs A Twirl." Perfect.

Pinterest projects

I'll be the first to admit to the greatness that is Pinterest. I honestly love it. I still remember the days pre-Pinterest and they were just plain confusing and clumsy. I would make separate folders on my bookmarks bar so when I would find an article to stash, a recipe to make, a blog to follow, or a logo that was really inspiring I could save it to the corresponding folder. But you know what happened oh so soon? The folders started getting massive and things would get buried in the mix.

Enter Pinterest. Now everything is neatly organized, easy to find, and even has a pretty picture to go along with the web page/recipe/design. However, there is one small issue with using Pinterest: I forget what I've pinned. I'll be perusing blogs and sites and come across GREAT ideas and AWESOME recipes and then completely forget about them. So one of my unofficial new year's resolutions is to be more intentional with actually using the ideas, suggestions, inspirations, and recipes that I've bookmarked.

And with several free weekends coming up, I think I'll try tackling:

colorful painting for the office or one of our many blank walls

hanger magazine holders - now that I actually have space

cultured veggies

start a "good things of the year" jar. love this idea!

actually start using the coconut oil that I bought

bamboo volume spray / product review

A couple of weeks ago, I went in to get my hair cut and styled for the first time in a year (yeah, I know). After cutting my hair, my stylist asked if she could put some wave curls in my hair. Ummm....do you even need to ask me that? And while they were full and gorgeous for the first 20 minutes, I thought that the curls would never last. My hair is thick, but too smooth to ever hold curls. However, those big waves stayed for 2 full days! And the best part was, my hair didn't feel greasy or sticky because of an overdose of product.

So I went back to my stylist a couple of days later and said, "How did you get my hair to do that?!" She laughed, promptly handed me this bottle, and without hesitation I said, "I'll take it!" Often times when I ask a stylist to suggest a product for my finicky locks it either doesn't deliver or it weighs my hair down. Not so with this stuff - it honestly doesn't feel like I have any product in my hair and it really does work for 48 hours. A product that actually does what it says, and it's free of parabens and all that nasty stuff? Yes. Seriously love this stuff.

hello volume!

a new year

I always get a little nostalgic in the last few moments before a new year, looking back and remembering all the thankfulness, blessings, trials, and challenges. And then thinking ahead to a new year, a fresh slate and the perfect time to set new goals and aspirations. I've never been too big on resolutions, however the only one I've actually ever kept was when I began my Project 365 back in 2011. It was such a sense of accomplishment (not to mention a great way to document everyday life) that I've decided to make that my resolution again this year. Boom, there it is.

Watching fireworks over Lake George at 12:01am. Happy New Year!