Girl Behind the Blog: Travel

Y'all 

I'm so stinkin excited that today my blog BFF Annie from What She Saw is co-hosting The Girl Behind the Blog vlog link up with Ashley at Written on Her Heart! This is my absolute favorite link-up and the only one I really keep up with :) If you don't know either of these ladies, go check out their blogs and say hello! 

Today we're talking about travel- where we've been and where we'd love to go. I apologize for gushing about my domestic journeys ;) 

And I totally forgot to include that this past year I traveled to Indianapolis for The Influence Conference and then spent a couple of days in Chicago (which was awesome). 

Some things I refer to in my video:

DECA- a business and marketing student organization

Megan I had dinner with in Cocoa Beach, of Megan Elizabeth Photography 

Inspired to visit Greece by Margaret

Thanks for stopping by! 

Blessings

Girl Behind the Blog: Non-blogging Passions

I'm so excited to be linking up today with Ashley at Written on her Heart and Mackenzie at Life of a Pint Sized Mama- both amazing women! We're discussing the passions that we may not share on the blog. I hope you'll link up as well- this is a great tool for meeting other women and connecting with them. 

P.S. I may not be able to come comment on everyone's vlog this round- getting tons of assignments done for the last couple weeks of school. I can see the light at the end!

Girl Behind the Blog Vlog, Part V: Begin, Accomplish, or Change

It's time for another vlog!

I am pretty excited about the prompt this month. It's all about the dreams and goals that you have that may get pushed aside because of practicality. I'm sharing a little bit about where my journey will take me in the next month and how I hope to respond!

Check out the others here and send some love and encouragement to all of the goals and dreams!

Prompt:

Introduce yourself and your blog

What is one thing you are hoping to Begin, Accomplish, or Change?

Why is this goal important to you?

What are your plans to achieve this goal?

I would complain about the thumbnail but aren't everyone's awful? 

* sorry about all of the umms, lost thoughts and repetition! definitely not a speaker ;) *

The Last Thing I...

Hey y'all!

It's my first ever Last Things Thursday! I'm linkin up with Jenna at the Life of the Wife. She has an adorable blog and a super snazzy jewelry shop! So here goes...

The Last Thing... 

That Scared Me To Death

(photo from here)

It has been storming the past few days in Austin. Well on Monday night, we ducked in from the rain into a little Chinese restaurant. As we were finishing up and getting ready to leave, I took the trash over to the trash can. I was looking out of the front windows when lightning struck an electric pole VERY close to where we were.  It caused a huge and bright explosion. All of the electricity went down. It was like a scene from a movie! Everyone gathered around the window in awe. It was then that we realized the lightning struck the electric pole with transformer boxes. Because there was a second explosion. So we decide to get out of the area as quick as we could! As we were driving away, the last transformer box blew up and the pole caught on fire. It was crazy!! Thankfully, the fire department responded before we were even out of the area and electricity was restored quickly. I'm just so grateful that nobody was hurt!

I Cooked for myself

Breakfast Pizza for a late dinner last night! Quick pizza crust brushed with olive oil, and topped with shredded white cheddar and mozzarella cheese, Canadian bacon and a couple of eggs cracked over the top. Bake til crust is crisp and eggs are over medium. Delish!

I Lost at

After we (the youth group and I) had some tacos and enchiladas at Get LOW (lunch on Wednesday) at the church, we played Taboo. I LOVE Taboo. David and I get really competitive because we're both pretty dang good (not bragging but we can each get 7 cards per turn). So we each captained a team of students and it came down to me on the last round. I needed three to tie or four to win, and our team got stuck on the word "PC"! PC?! So we got three, tied it and had to go into sudden death. 

David rocked his sudden death round. He got six. I epically failed my sudden death round. I think we got two. But it was all in good fun, my team rocked, and everyone enjoyed the game! And then we moved on to floor pong!

Got Stuck in my Head

Brady Davis led worship for my college ministry and has been at our youth camp leading worship the past two years. He has just released a secular, solo EP called Life and Death. I love the country, folksy sound and the thoughtful lyrics. I've had The City on my Spotify for weeks and I cannot get it out of my head.  Check out his whole EP and free downloads here. 

Got Excited About

My dad is turning fifty this weekend (!) and to celebrate our entire extended family is coming to New Braunfels, Texas for a weekend of good food, Schlitterbahn and lazy river afternoons on the Guadalupe and the Comal. I love Schlitterbaun- the use of the river water and it's so shaded and they let you bring your own food! It's just a great waterpark.

 I am attempting this cake so stay tuned for photos and my adaption of the recipe!

Hope y'all have a great weekend, because I know I will!

From Blog Life to Real Life Link Up

Ok y'all I'm linkin up today with these lovely ladies to tell you about some of my favorite bloggers! They supplied the questions and here are my answers.

1. Do you have any real life blog friends?

Yes, I do!

Alys at Beautiful Imperfections and I went to college together at UT! We went to the same church, were both involved with the BSM and our boyfriends lived together one year so we would hang out all the time at their place. Her and her husband are expecting their first child so check out her updates!

Becky at Unveiled Faces was my prayer partner for two years during college. You know that friend that whenever you spend time with them, you always walk away refreshed? That's her. She is so humble, prayerful and beautiful! 

Lauren at Seek First was my Bible study leader in college and we lived together for a year. Love her shop and blog- so many great insights into what God is doing in her marriage and her life!

I wish I'd gotten to know Alyssa, Ashley, Heather and Hannah better while we were in college, but they've all got great blogs to check out now!

2. Which blogger are you just dying to meet?

Well I'm pretty dang excited to meet Annie, L, and Erin at Influence in October! (and the rest of you who are going!)

Erin has a beautiful way with words and stands strong in her faith in Jesus.

L is such a sweetheart and has a great series on the power of our words right now!

Annie could be my twin. We're both English majors, love us some Hispanic culture, value dessert for the blessing it is, and think we're Dumbledore when we use the word "alas". 

I'm also way excited to welcome Kerrie to Texas next year! 

3. Which blogger's closet do you want to raid? 

Sandy's from Sandy a la Mode! I love how she incorporate trends in classic ways. Share with me?

and 

Kim from Oh, Sweet Joy.  Seriously, can be she be any more gorgeous? 

4. You are stuck on an island. Which blogger would you want with you to help you survive? 

I'd go with Jessi from This Camera Tells my Story.  She could cultivate a garden, grind our meat and survive the heat. Plus, she'd be fun and interesting company! 

5. The first blogger you remember "meeting" and connecting with ? 

L was the first to reach out to me. She is so encouraging that a friendship naturally blossomed.

6. Any blogger that you admire and look up to? 

Well, of course. 

Kerrie at the Williams Post inspires me to daily live on mission!

Jessi at Naptime Diaries challenges me to embrace grace.

Hannah at Happy Days is so honest and beautiful and I love reading about her family's journey.

7. Who is the craziest/funniest blogger? 

I vote Lenora at Yellow Heart Art. There is hardly a post from her that doesn't have me giggling. Her tweets too! Love her. 

8. There's a reality television show for bloggers, who would you want to be casted with you?

I'd want Rachel from Along the Way with Rae there! We could have our morning coffee together and avoid any drama.


Oh, and Shawnda from Confections of a Foodie Bride. She could teach me her genius. 

9. Some bloggers have really cool jobs, anybody you'd like to swap careers with? 

Well, I love my job :) But if I have to pick... probably Ree. What does she do?  Cook, cooking show, cookbooks, give away awesome prizes, live on a beautiful ranch.  Yes, that sounds good!

10. Favorite blog design? 

I like Jenna's at The Life of the Wife! Her shop design is pretty sweet too! 
                                               ______________________________


This was such a fun prompt! Hope y'all check out some of these awesome girls!

Your Mom Style Link Up

My mom may not be the most fashionable woman on the planet

and my sister and I may give her a hard time about this

but we love that she always put us first, 

even if that meant sacrificing a budget for her own wardrobe!

This is one of my absolute favorite photos of my mom. It's from her wedding day in 1987. 

My parents had a very small wedding with just close family at my grandparents home.

I love how 80s all of it is

but I also love that she's just glowing and full of joy!

My mom is truly a beauty.

Here's how you can get this look!

Hair

• Curl with 1" round curling iron, curling away from face
• Finish with lots of Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Spray

Makeup

• Generously apply eyeshadow, blending to eyebrow
• Use MAC eyeshadow in Winkle 

• Lightly apply lipstick
• Use MAC lipstick in Lady Danger, a coral-red

• Get a healthy glow for radiant, bronze skin (she used the tanning bed)
• Avoid unhealthy rays and use Fake Bake Flawless or your favorite self tanner

Attire

• stay classy with simple pearl necklace and earrings 
• explore puffy sleeves with blouses like these!

 

• blue and white are perfect for summer

I hope that you have enjoyed a peak into my mom's style

and the ways you can emulate it now!

Linkin up with Erika at Rouge and Whimsy 

and Heather at Truly Lovely Things!

Have a great week, y'all!

Spring Fling Swap

My awesome bloggy friends, Erin from Sweetness Itself and L from All Glorious Within came up with the brilliant idea that is the Spring Fling Flip Flop Gift Swap. The idea behind it was to celebrate spring, make new friends, and send some sweet encouragement to our new friends! The only requirement was to send a pair of flip flops and to spend around $25-$30 on the gift. 

I was paired with Rachel from Along the Way with Rae. She is such an amazing woman! She's studying to be a teacher, loves the Lord and has a blog just radiates inspiration. You should definitely go check her out and see what I sent her! 

 

Yes this lovely lady! 


I actually got my spring fling package in the mail as I was on my way out of the house. The suspense was killing me as I drove with it just sitting beside me in the car so I had to pull over into a parking lot and open it!

I was not disappointed. Rachel spoiled me with some of my favorite things! She even sent a sweet card saying thank you for her package. 

A pair of gorgeous flip flops with gold braided straps-  perfect for a breezy look

They even take your attention away from my chipped pedicure!

Rachel loves coffee as much as I do and included a lovely coffee mug 

with pretty flowers on it. New favorite!

And a precious knit coffee sleeve. With a mint heart. Love.

(ok so there's not really anything in that jar... but I HAVE used it that way. Just pretend!)

And some pretty pretty matching earrings- gold leaves and mint/gold hoops

Swoon!

THANK YOU so much Rachel for the amazing gifts you sent. They've already ALL been used. I'm truly grateful to have been partnered with you for this! I'm looking forward to continuing our friendship!

And the winner of the missions supporting giveaway is....

Ashley! 

Congrats, girl! Email me and I'll get your prizes shipped out to you as soon as possible!

The Girl Behind the Blog: Beauty Products Edition

Today, I'm linking up with Ashley at 5ohWifey and Jenna at The Life of the Wife 

for part three of the Girl Behind the Blog series! 

Today's topic is about our favorite beauty products

I'm no expert but I'm sharing what works for me and is super affordable!

Also, please note.

I normally look something like this

So you may or may not want to take my advice ;) 

Enjoy! 

If you don't have time to listen, 

I recommend Revlon's Color Last Eyeliner in Brown

and Maybelleine's Great Lash mascara! 

Oh, and a microfiber washcloth for taking it off. 

*note- I do know that just because you wear black eyeliner does not mean you party every night, nor do I judge said party-goers. And it looks really awesome on lots of girls! When I wear black eyeliner it's a bit much! Sorry!*

**that "bye" is ridiculous. I thought I edited it out! ha, that is a glimpse into my East Texas background. Enjoy :)**

Thank you Ashley and Jenna for hosting!

Happy weekend, y'all! 

The Girl Behind the Blog- What I'm Learning

Hey y'all!

I'm linking up today with 5ohwifey and The Hollie Rogue 

for the second part of the Girl Behind the Blog vlog series. 

Better late than never! 

I was really looking forward to sharing what I've been learning 

the past few weeks through our youth events, especially our spring break mission trip

... but then life happened 

and I learned something pretty crucial today! 

I sincerely hope God speaks to you through my situation,

and I can't wait to check out all the awesome things you're learning!
(you can check out the other posts here!)

Please forgive the quality- I did this on my iPhone while sitting at the church

I haven't been able to blog the past couple days! 

Also, it was my fuel pump that got replaced- not the fuel filter.

If you didn't do the link up,
what are you learning?
I'd love to hear!

What I Wore Wednesday: Belts and Cardigans

I'm guest posting over at The Williams Post today!

Go check it out and send Kerrie some love!

Last week was super crazy.

Sunday through Tuesday I was at the 

SBT Evangelism Empower Conference in Frisco, Texas.

Then Wednesday morning I left early to go tour 

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with my dad.

Wednesday evening I got to hang out with my bestie, Danae, in Mineral Wells.

Thursday I met Brittany in downtown Dallas for lunch and mall time

Thursday evening, David and his family got into Dallas for the state mock trial finals

Friday and Saturday we all supported his sister, Erin in her competition

and then finally made it back to Austin.

Whew.

Since most of the week I needed to dress like a grown up 

I have a few outfits for today!

I'm all about belts and cardigans, y'all.

just look and see.

Sunday: church

black cardigan: Rue21, tee: Target, belt: came with a dress from JCPenney, skirt: Old Navy, thrifted at Buffalo Exchange. Not pictured- black flats: Payless

Monday: Committee Meeting and Empower Conference Day One

white cardigan: Rue21, ruffle button up: clothing swap, brown belt: Forever 21, khakis: American Eagle, Not pictured- brown flats: Payless.

Tuesday: Empower Conference Day Two

pink cardigan: Old Navy, black and white polka dot top: BCBG via Ebay, black tank: Wal-Mart, Grey Slacks: Banana Republic from clothing swap

Wednesday: Seminary campus tour with Dad

grey cardigan: Old Navy, purple top: Old Navy via garage sale, black tank: Wal-mart, skinny belt: Forever 21, necklace: Forever 21, Jeans: Old Navy via Goodwill, Faux suede boots: Rue21, sunglasses: Sam Moon

What do you think? Did the belts bring it together? Did I overdo the cardigans?

Have an awesome Wednesday, y'all! 

The Girl Behind The Blog Vlog Link Up

Today I'm linking up with Erin from Captivated By Grace and Ashley at 5ohWifey

Go check out all the other vlogs and get to know some super sweet ladies!

In case you were wondering,

here's what the prompt was!

Introduce yourself and any other "regulars" on your blog (spouses, kids, pets)

Tell us a little about your blog. Main theme? Do you have a niche?

Tell us why you started blogging and why you have continued to blog?

How do you envision your blog evolving in the future? What hopes do you have for it?

What is your favorite thing about blogging?

What is the most challenging thing about blogging?

What inspires you to blog?

Is there anything else you'd like readers to know?