Asheville, NC
If you follow me on social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc..) you may have come across some photos of a surprise weekend away with my husband. He planned the majority of the trip to celebrate my birthday... and he did a fantastic job.
Both of us tend to appreciate experiences over things. Meaning, a trip like this one, full of memories and adventures, will almost always trump our desire for a tangible 'present.' That is not to say that either of us would receive a present and toss it aside... of course we love and appreciate gifts... but as we've grown up, we realize that we can simply buy what we want or need as we go along in life, whereas memories and experiences can take planning.
This trip was spent about three and a half hours north of us, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We spent the majority of our trip in little to no cell service areas, but also did some adventuring in the lovely town of Asheville, NC. We also have a tendency to find spots off-the-beaten-path and don't particularly spend a lot of time on super touristy locations. You'll see why we do this - adventure, of course!
Let me take you through our trip, and if you ever find yourself in this area, you'll have a few ideas of places or areas to see.
Day 1:
We spent the morning driving up north and slowly watched the land around us gain hills and mountains.
When we arrived in Asheville, we parked right away and I was led to a Beer Garden (and had no idea why!) where we were met by a tour guide and a group of other couples to go on a Food Tour! It was the Eating Asheville Classic Tour, to be exact. This was the perfect way to experience what Asheville had to offer, not only in the culinary aspect (which was amazing), but also in learning about the culture of the town. You'll find an incredibly 'hipster' population there, as well as 'eat local' as a focal point of their culinary scene. None of the buildings (besides one, that was truly an eyesore) were very tall which gave the city a small town feel. It's full of live music, breweries, and interesting history. Of course, the famed Biltmore estate is located nearby, but is sadly a major money pit. We highly recommend the food tour for acquainting yourself with the oh-so-charming Asheville! It seemed to attract an older crowd (we were the youngest couple by about 30 years), but Tom and I are old souls and had a blast talking to the others.
That night we stayed on a camping deck in Black Mountain. I found this listing on Airbnb (here's the listing) and it was about 25 minutes from Asheville because it was literally on a mountain. I cannot say enough good things about this deck and the entire experience we had there. The deck is large enough to fit two or three tents. It's newer (two years old?), partially covered in case of rain, very private, clean, there's electricity... up the stairs is a port-a-john (that is cleaned weekly) and not gross at ALL, and the owners have a box of cleaning materials, water, lighter, and other essentials for guest use. There is even a picnic table and several chairs. Honestly, as someone who isn't into minimal camping, I did not want to leave. The view of the mountains was breathtaking. We had stopped at a Trader Joe's on our way out of Asheville for baguette, wine, cheese, and fruit so that we could have a nice relaxing dinner while we watched the sunset over the mountains (at the urging of the deck owner). There were almost no bugs, but they provided spray. Because of the covered portion on the deck, we were able to leave the top cover off of our tent so we had a screened panoramic view. Plus, the time of year made the weather very comfortable for sleeping, and we had an air mattress with lots of blankets which made it very cozy. Of course, the sunrise was amazing as well. So stunning!
If this is something you'd like to do, or you want to try out an Airbnb listing in general, please use this link for $20 off your first stay... which will give Tom and I a discount on our next one as well. Win-win, right?!
Day 2:
I wasn't sure how Tom could out-do the fun we had the day before, but he managed.
After coffee on the deck, we packed up and headed towards Hot Springs, NC. There, he had reservations at Hot Springs Resort and Spa for a private one and half hour soak in natural hot spring water. After the soak we had a half hour couple's massage. Honestly, who marries such a thoughtful guy?? We had such a relaxing morning there and had great views of the surrounding mountains. The town of Hot Springs was incredibly quaint. The main 'street' was about 3 blocks in length and had only a few options for food, but we found a burger joint and took a long, slow lunch.
At this point, it was about three in the afternoon so we decided to head up to our accommodations to get settled before going to an event later for dinner.
*I should note here, that Thomas didn't want to tell me about these accommodations before we left, but he was being very vague about things like access to bathrooms or showers. Since I had booked the first night with no full bathroom, I had made it clear that the second night needed to have more amenities or I might get turned off from tent camping in the future. I knew I needed to be eased into it. However, I spoke my needs too late and he had already booked the second night. When he showed me the listing for the second night, I definitely freaked out a little, so I am very glad he showed me before we left so that I had time to mentally prepare. Haha! Oh, it was an adventure*
Thomas booked us at a yurt that was farther up in the mountains with absolutely no service, no electricity, an outhouse, and very 'primal.'
The 'driveway' was a jagged rock pathway that my SUV had a hard time getting up. The yurt itself was older and smelled moldly because the canvas was out in the elements year round. There were wasps living in it, but it did have a bed and a Culligan water jug and bowl 'sink' for rinsing hands and such. In the sunshine, it acted like an oven... and let's just say, I don't do well when I'm hot. The outhouse was also a tad moldy and the idea of doing my business and pouring sawdust over it was just too much for me to handle! They did, however, have friendly horses on the land and I was excited to spend time with them. But when we walked over to say hello, one of them was either old, or just starving because it was literally bones!!! About 10 minutes after we got there, we realized we couldn't leave for the event later because it would be very treacherous to make it back up the driveway in the dark... so we were stuck with what leftover food we had and stayed put. I only went running to the car in fear of bugs once, though, while Tom stood outside the car looking at me, feeling terrible. He knew immediately upon arrival that this was not a good place for me, and I looked at him from the car and laughed hysterically. We did debate whether we should leave or not, but I bucked up and said I'd make the best of it. Once the sun set over a nearby ridge, it cooled down, which made things better. Tom gave me props for not complaining (!) but when I made mention to how nasty I felt because of my greasy hair, the sweet man washed it in a holey-bowl we found under the yurt, just to make me a little more comfortable. We did end up enjoying the fire, but once it was dark we realized they only left us one lantern that gave off almost no light! It was dark at 8:40pm, so since we couldn't see, we just went to bed! HAHA! After laying there for about 5 minutes we heard something chewing or scratching at the tent, leaving me terrified. Thomas eventually scared whatever it was away, but he never saw anything.
In accordance with my post on camping a couple weeks ago, make sure you ease yourself into it and don't go too extreme if you aren't ready for it. Honestly though, even though it was a pretty awful stay, we made such fun memories. No regrets here.
Day 3:
Well, we packed up and high-tailed it out of the yurt as quickly as possible (also because I had been holding my pee for ages) and we meandered into another tiny mountain town looking for breakfast. Guys, everything in the regions we were in can only be described as charming-quaint. We ate at an adorable cafe called The Sweet Monkey Bakery in Marshall, NC. They weren't going to open for another half hour, but the owner offered us coffee and menus while we waited and casually chatted with us. Since we were starving like the horse at the yurt, we both ordered huge breakfasts and enjoyed the quiet of the ultra small town and perfect weather.
From there, we drove back into Asheville and got sucked into the Asheville Outlets. They have a West Elm outlet store there and we ended up with a king sized duvet cover, two shams, and a coverlet blanket for less than $100. We're lucky we didn't get MORE!
After grabbing another quick bite, we thought we'd take the Blue Ridge Parkway for one final scenic drive. It ended up being a much longer drive than we anticipated, but it was more than worth it. We stopped at so many overlooks and even hiked (in flip flops) to see some falls. The views were breathtaking and Tom was especially impressed. Having lived and traveled out West, he had no idea that there could be sights even more beautiful in the East. From there, our trip came to a close and I am so grateful for such a fun adventure. Truly, my husband knows his wife and that no amount of clothes could have been better than this. Well, maybe. I would have gladly chosen a shopping spree over the yurt.
And again, if you want to try Airbnb, please use my discount code for $20 off and enjoy :)
26 Things I've Learned in 26 Years
Today is my 26th birthday. Last year I talked about how my biological clock had a breakdown and I thought I was old as sin.
This year, though, I'm pretty at peace with it. I'm excited to be 26. I'm proud of my accomplishments and even prouder of my husband for putting up with me and being such an incredible provider for us. I'm another year older, so I'm supposed to be another year wiser... right? In light of that, here are a few things I've learned over 26 years. Of course, there are more where these came from... but the '26 in 26' was all cutesy. Enjoy!
1. You should be grateful you don't look the same as you did in 6th grade.
2. When you feel like no one loves you, not only does God remind you that you're loved by Him, He also places wonderful people in your life at just the right time. And those people make you feel love in a way you've never felt it before.
3. I regret not eating pizza crusts in my youth #breadandcheeseforever
4. Wine is never a bad idea.
5. God's timing is always perfect. ALWAYS.
6. Your dream job is probably nothing like what you imagined as a new college grad. Even when you think you landed your 'dream job,' time might prove it wrong.
7. Your actual dream job might be the hardest, most challenging, risky job... but those characteristics might be how you know it when you see it.
8. Learning how to cook and bake is a priceless talent. And it's a good one for impressing the fellas (truly, the way to their hearts is through food).
9. Your priorities will change with every new season, and learning to embrace those changes is detrimental to your happiness.
10. Loving people for just who they are instead of wishing they were different can help you love and appreciate them more than you thought you could.
11. You can never have too many back rubs.
12. Getting really sick can show you how strong you are... and it might be surprising how much you can handle!
13. Praying for your future spouse is never done in vain. Now, knowing the man for whom I prayed, I feel so much thankfulness. He is far better than any man I concocted in my head - hahaha! I'm happy to continue praying for the wonderful man that I call husband.
14. Your mother is always right. And she gets cooler the older you get.
15. Your voice tone can make or break a conversation... or a relationship.
16. Strong faith, good communication, honesty, and LOTS of laughter is the perfect recipe for a great marriage.
17. ...but that doesn't mean marriage is always easy! You reap what you sow. Arguing can be very important as long as you learn how to do it right.
18. Sadly, your metabolism will never be like that of the Gilmore Girls. I can only dream of eating Poptarts for breakfast every day.
19. Growing older also means growing more comfortable in being exactly who you are, unapologetically.
20. I'm not really me until I've had coffee.
21. Things are just that, and they can be taken from you or lose value. But places, experiences, and memories will last you a lifetime and can be shared with the people you love most. I'm grateful to have learned to always value experiences over things.
22. The power of forgiveness is truly astounding. What you can overcome by learning to forgive is incredible. And that we are forgiven, FREELY!
23. Fall is honestly the most superior season and living in Georgia extends it for months.
24. My dad was completely accurate in saying I shouldn't be allowed to drive or own a vehicle.
25. Thomas is the actual best. This should be shouted from a mountain top because I just love him to absolute pieces. In my 26 years, he has been the highlight by far.
26. That some of the best years of my life haven't even happened yet... and that is really, really rad.
Raise up a glass and let's toast to being 26! I know this year is going to hold exciting new adventures and lessons to learn. I'm thrilled to continue to share these moments with all of you lovely readers.
Do you have any other little lessons or pieces of advice that I should bring into my twenty-sixth year? Please share your wisdom with me today!
Things To Like About Camping --- If You Don't Like Camping
Growing up, my family rarely stayed in hotels on vacations. I'm the youngest of seven children, and the cost of staying in hotels for every vacation would have been a stretch on our single income household. Honestly, without the ability to camp, our vacations would have been few and far in between.
My favorite vacations have always included camping. Saving money on lodging made it possible for my family to go to Disney World, Colorado, The Black Hills, Canada, New York, Michigan, and countless other places. We had a private "home" to escape to at the end of a long day of touring that usually included a pool and a few strange campground friends.
So yes, I was raised on camping and have a natural appreciation for it.
Camping doesn't scare me away, but admittedly, I "had it good" (I've rarely camped without AC). Tom teases me and tells me I never really camped. Tent camping was a rare occurrence in my upbringing, and the times we did usually ended badly (roots in your back, freezing weather, rained the whole time, crowded)... but I'm willing to give it a chance. Last year, we bought a tent and are taking it on its maiden voyage next week in the mountains of North Carolina.
However, I have set up a few requirements for my use of this tent:
1. There must be an air mattress. No sleeping on roots for this gal.
2. A bathroom must be available.
3. We can only camp when it's cool because I don't 'do' sweaty sleeping.
4. No actual sleeping 'under the stars' because bugs. Tent stays zipped at all times.
The thing is, there will be no bathroom at our first site in N.C.
I've started getting a little worried about this aspect... like I'm setting myself up for an immediate hatred of tent camping by breaking one of my own rules.
Then I wondered how many other people have had a bad experience on their first time camping and have since sworn it off.
This post is for those people.
Who think it's dirty.
Who think it's more work.
Who are clean, tidy, and organized on trips to a fault.
Who think camping with kids would be a nightmare.
Who like to be prepared.
Who think you need tons of supplies.
Who just. don't. get. it.
Things to like about camping... if you don't like camping:
1. It (usually) saves money on lodging.
I already covered this in my life story above, but it's a huge part of why camping is great. If you have a tent, your own camper, or rent a basic cabin, camping can usually save you at least $50+ per night.
Basically, you get to control how immersed you get in nature. Tent camping can be a rude awakening for people who need a TV, three fans, and four blankets in order to fall asleep. Maybe start with a cabin and go from there...
2. You'll be forcibly disconnected.
You know those trips where you swear you'll leave your phone tucked away... and then... don't? Being out in the boonies gives you no choice. It's incredibly freeing and everyone should experience that disconnect at LEAST once a year. I promise it's super refreshing. We went on a ten day trip over the summer, and we camped for four days right in the middle. Even when we got service back, my husband refused to look at his phone for a few more days because he felt so relaxed without it. Plus, without the service, your phone is only good for taking pictures!
3. Nature is the focal point, not your accommodations.
Don't get me wrong, I love a trip where the accommodations are a treat in themselves. Camping causes you to relax in the sounds, smells, and views around you. You feel small in comparison to the surrounding beauty. God's creation takes the driver's seat and you could care less whether your hair is clean or not. Mountains, streams, trees, wildlife, flowers...
Take it as a chance to teach your children about the importance of caring for and enjoying the simple pleasures of nature.
4. Camping food.
Need I say more? S'mores, hot dogs, campfire casseroles...
This is one that can stress many people out though (myself included). Really, all it takes is a little planning. Bring a cooler with specific, necessary items. Instead of bringing milk, cereal, and bowls, just bring cereal bars or homemade muffins. You don't have access to running water? Just make sure you bring a few gallons. Have some wet-wipes for cleaning hands and faces (and a garbage bag). Use as few utensils for cooking food as possible, then simply wipe them off before putting them in a designated spot in the trunk of your car. Cook food inside tinfoil thrown onto some embers. Only use paper plates and plastic eating utensils. You might actually find that eating while camping is easier than at home. Again, it just takes a little planning. Your kids will probably love drinking juice boxes for a few days too!
5. It is completely acceptable to be 'grungy.'
This one can also seem like a stress inducer. You smell like a campfire, then sleep in it??
Yes. And it's glorious. Splash a little soap and water on your face now and then, bring some dry shampoo... it's completely doable (coming from a clean FREAK, guys). Camping is the only time I allow myself to sleep in makeup (even though I could easily go wash my face if I wanted to). You'll actually be surprised how clean you can keep yourself. Survival instincts kick in, I swear.
6. Sunsets and sunrises.
When was the last time you watched the sunset or rise? And on the drive to/from work doesn't count. Camping is about the only time you'll wake up ungodly early (by accident), feeling completely refreshed, and you step outside your tent to see the sun rising over the distant mountains. It's breathtaking. You feel like you're the only one in the world who's witnessing that moment. Cozy up on a blanket, drink your coffee (or pop some bubbly), and enjoy.
One of the most memorable sunrises I've seen was in the middle of a cornfield in Iowa, wrapped in a sleeping bag (a tent sleepover on a friend's farm). I mean, it was short lived because we got chased off the field by a crop duster plane... but still.
7. Pet friendly.
Do you know the pains of paying to put your pets in a kennel service while you vacation? Or finding someone to pet sit for you? Bringing your pets camping is not only cheaper, it's actually enjoyable for them. I'm speaking mostly to dog owners here, of course. Plus, having a dog with you can sometimes ward off unwanted wildlife from your site.
We had our black lab with us when we camped in Canada. He slept in my bed, and one night he saw a bear through the screen! I shined a flashlight into the woods and could see its reflective eyes... but my dog's warning growls sent him away. Honestly, I suggest bringing your dogs. I was so thankful to have his protection.
8. You can camp in areas where other lodging is scarce.
Some areas allow you to camp right on the coast of the oceans where hotels can't build because of code. Generally you'll find camping anywhere you'd find a hotel and then some. Jekyll Island is a popular tourist destination where you can spend nearly $200 a night for a hotel... or $30 a night for a campsite!
Cumberland Island (just south of Jekyll) is a protected wildlife area and can only be accessed via ferry. There is a waiting list in order to camp on this island that is home to wild horses! Sea turtles lay their eggs on these untouched beaches and it is rich in history.
9. Saved money goes to better use.
Go to a fancy local restaurant, take the kids to that amusement park, hit the nearest water park, check out the museums, pick up some one-of-a-kind art or souvenirs.
Tom and I are more willing to shell out money on a nicer meal or other vacation expenses when we've saved on lodging. Vice versa - when we spend the money to stay in a great hotel, we usually have cheap meals in our room! Deciding where to spend and where to save helps us enjoy our vacations without coming home and getting a pit in our stomachs over the money we blew.
Camping can be hard to get used to. If I hadn't been raised to camp, many aspects would have probably turned me off because I would have lacked preparation. Bugs and humidity are huge turn offs to me... but remembering bug spray, closing doors, and only camping during cooler months can alleviate those issues.
So for those...
Who think it's dirty. It doesn't have to be.
Who think it's more work. Maybe a little, but not overall.
Who are clean, tidy, and organized on trips to a fault. This is a perfect opportunity to prove that skill.
Who think camping with kids would be a nightmare. Your kids will be too busy getting lost in the woods.
Who like to be prepared. It's no more preparation than any other trip!
Who think you need tons of supplies. You don't.
Who just. don't. get. it. Try it... you'll get it.
Also, don't forget you'll probably have your car. It can charge phones, has AC, and can double as a bed if all else fails.
Wood Feature Wall
Welcome to "the office"... better known as "the room that happens to have an unused desk in it and so it's laying bare until it one day becomes a nursery." We have a three bedroom house in a split level home - all of the bedrooms fan off from the upstairs landing. This little room currently has no use. However, it will eventually have use, so we puttered with ideas of how we can make it unique while still following suite with our vision to have a brightly lit home. Currently, the entire house tends to follow a brown or dark tan color scheme and we want to go as light, bright, and airy as possible (wait till you see our master). While browsing through Pinterest and Houzz, we came across rooms that had wood accent walls. Wanting to stick to a lower budget, we decided we would ONLY pursue that idea if we could find some wood floor or pallets for cheap.
Only days after making this agreement, I happened upon a ReStore by Habitat for Humanity. Lo and behold, they had unopened boxes of wood flooring for $15 per box (so cheap!!). I called Tom and told him what I found and he raced over on his lunch break to see for himself. There wasn't enough of one color to fill the whole wall, so we settled on two (dark brown and tigerstripe). They are actually real bamboo and much harder than typical wood... and this turned out to be a bit of an issue.
We had no idea how difficult this would prove to be...
First we had to measure and cut all of the boards into smaller pieces. Next, we decided on a "random pattern." Then we put "liquid nails" glue on the back, placed them on the wall, and used a nail gun (with a separate compressor) to attach them to the studs in the wall.
The thing is... we had to go through about four different nail guns before we found one that could handle the hard bamboo. Even the heavy duty gun that needed a mallet to shoot didn't work! Basically, it took over a week to finish this wall because of trial and error. Nevertheless, it is finally done, and we are very happy with the results... but we're more happy that it's just DONE.
What do you think? We painted the walls white, and when colorful decor eventually plays a part in here, it'll stand out so beautifully between the wood and the white. Also, can we just take a moment and appreciate those smooth ceilings? This room is so bright now. We are constantly remarking how dark it seemed and what a bright, fresh coat of paint can do.
Today we're trying a link-up for the first time, so go check out all the great links here.
You're busy.... and no one cares.
Oh my gosh, I am so busy.
My days are spent trying to settle in our house - which is a constant, uphill battle trying to get house project after house project done. If I'm not doing that, I'm trying to find a spare minute to get blog networking, reading, and commenting in. Of course, somewhere in there I'm trying to find the inspiration for a meaningful, intentional blog post... not to mention the editing and picture taking and social media managing. Plus, the additional time I spend volunteering my hours to others. Seriously though, keeping up with the ever-chaotic construction zone of our house is enough! Busy busy busy, I tell you!
Who cares?
The above paragraph is what I sound like when people ask me what's new. It's similar to what other people sound like when I ask what's new with them... and frankly, who cares?
Why is it that when we ask what's been going on in someone's life, it turns into a match between busyness? We pride ourselves in it. A short answer of "just work, really" suddenly doesn't sound like enough to us. Why in the world does this person only work 9-5 and not volunteer or spend every evening working on their house or landscaping or taking their kids to practices? They must be bored - because man, am I busy!
I get caught up in this as much as the next person. As someone who works from home, I feel as though I need to have an explanation for every moment of my day so that people know how dog-gone busy I am. The thing is... we don't need to defend every second of our day, guys. I know that I'm busy, but does sounding it off to others reaffirm it, or just make me sound insecure about it? When I see the Facebook posts that tout 'so busy' but 'so blessed' all I read is a bragging-complaint. Is busyness put on such a pedestal that anything less is not a blessing?
Maybe sometimes it's out of fear that someone will ask you to add yet another thing to your plate. By telling them how busy you are, you get to shut them down before they can start. That being said, it is important to know your limits and how or when to say "no." The comfortable balance between work and play is different to everyone. Personally, I refrain from saying yes to engagements until I can really look at my agendas and give them a truthful answer. Saying no just because you don't want to, is entirely different from saying no because you just can't fit it in. Know your own limits and respond accordingly.
The inspiration for this post comes from an article I saved while in college. Apparently it spoke to me in those busy, self-centered college years, but it can still ring true for every stage of life. The article is called The Pride of Busyness and the author hits such amazing points... like in this quote, for instance:
"A life of constant overcommitment is not a sign of success, or something to be bragged about. It is a sign of imbalance, a sign we have put our faith in the gospel of busyness instead of in a God who dares us to trust Him and be willing to rest."
Beautifully said! You may find, in your willingness to rest, that God is reminding you of your purpose on this earth. That life isn't about working yourself into the ground, or having the money for the best and latest gadget, or getting your children to every.single.practice. Your time on this earth is a gift from God. Your life is for sharing the good news of salvation with others - whether you're busy or not.
So who cares if you're busy, and who cares if you're not. Enough with the pride of busyness... instead share the pride you have in knowing your Savior. The next time someone asks what's new, challenge yourself not to out-busy them. Instead share the blessings God has given you and look for the beauty in rest and contentedness.
How To Paint A Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans are weird. Honestly, it is so hard to go into a home improvement store and actually say the phrase, "Ohhhh that ceiling fan is gorgeous!"
They're fans, and they aren't super attractive.
That being said, we had been really on the fence about keeping the fans throughout our home (they're everywhere). In the guest room, the temperature tends to get a little warm because it's the only room in the house that gets a lot of light, so we are for sure going to keep one in there. Below is said fan:
Personally, I found the dingy, brushed silver to be pretty ugly... and in general, this fan has such weird curves to it. Of all the ugly fans in our house, this one was the ugliest (Tom disagreed). When redoing the guest room, after much discussion, we decided that instead of spending money on new fans, we'd just try to "update" them a little. Though ugly, the quality of them are actually pretty good. So until we could throw down a lot of cash on better looking, high quality ones, we're fixing up these babies.
I have to admit though, I really didn't think about the fact that you actually need to take the entire fan apart in order to spray paint it (oops!). Tom was all duh... did you just want to tape it up, spray paint it, and let it goop up all the gears?? And I was like uhhh... oh right, can you just like take it apart though? thankkksssss..
This guy puts up with me and I'm super blessed. Taking apart a fan and putting it back together is actually a real pain in the tush (not that I would know.. but Tom said it stunk).
Anyways, I found this color of Rustoleum on Young House Love when they sprayed some hardware on their door handles and such. It looked really great on their post and since I don't know the first thing about spray paint, I went with it. Here's a few photos for your general enjoyment:
After a good 24+ hours to let them dry, Thomas got to work putting it back together.
The thing we loved about this color is that it isn't completely matte (which I thought I wanted). It gives off just the smallest hint of bronze metallic... we both really love the final product.
What do you think? Big improvement, or not so much?
Not The Outside
Clothes can be a huge reflection on how you perceive yourself and how you want others to perceive you. They are a basic necessity, but more than that, they can affect how you feel. Whatever your body type or season in life, clothes have the power to raise you up or tear you down in confidence and insecurities.
In college, my style identity was anything classic, nautical, Native American (think feathers and leather fringe and moccasins), frumpy-but-with-hoop-earrings-and-curled-hair, never without high heels, and put together. Honestly, I could pull just about anything off. A lesson on modesty might have done some good (sorry mom..), but until college, I had never had a cute figure. My confidence was through the roof those years.
However, in the last several months I have had numerous conversations with friends and women my age. Most are in their mid-twenties and in a newish stage of life. Some of these women have had a baby, are pregnant, in the best shape of their lives, have been married for several years, or are still the same size they were in college. Bodies have changed, my own included. With those changes, some have seen confidence they never knew they had, while others have felt insecurities on a deep level.
They have expressed frustration in their bodies changing by no fault of their own - they have a baby that is growing inside them! Others enjoyed 'dating' in those first few years of marriage and indulged a little more often than they should have. Still others have seen the aftermath of having a baby and the work it takes to get back to their pre-baby body. Then, others have discovered the beauty of nutrition and fitness and curated a slim figure for themselves. I have witnessed my own body change with age, and the bodies of women around me.
...and it's the most beautiful thing.
It's hard sometimes... but rewarding at others. I'm not as tiny as I was in college, and for a while, I mourned that 'loss.' One day, though, I looked at myself differently.
I saw the curves and the flaws I hadn't had before and I realized that it was happiness, memories made, and experiences that got me there. Sure, my pants not fitting was frustrating for a while, but I learned that throughout life, this is just going to happen. Next year, I might be as tiny as I was in college, if I choose to be. For now, though, this is the season I'm in and it's my choice to embrace it. Someday I'll have babies that will change my frame. But I will still be me. Fearfully and wonderfully made. Just because I was small in college doesn't mean I had more value. In fact, as a wife and a woman with more maturity now, I feel that my value has increased... despite a change in appearance. I can look back and remember that past season in college was one of triumph over what could have been a dangerous eating disorder. I am better where I am now.
Based on my chosen career and changes in interest, fashion has taken more of a backseat in my life. My definition of 'dressed up' can sometimes mean that I actually put on pants today or dried my hair. This realization was weird at first.
"Since when did I stop shopping? ... This skirt is so short. Did I really wear this in public? ... Why are all my heels so high?"
But guys, it's stages in life! In a year, I might be the biggest fashionista in Georgia.
Obviously, clothes made me feel great when everything in the world fit me perfectly. Now, however, the stores I once frequented not only seem to have ill-fitting pieces, but they look very tween-ish. Again, stages of life!
Two years ago, 'dressed up' meant heels, perfect hair, lots of makeup, and a different purse for every occasion. Today, flowy, loose, fabrics and flattering pants with sandals are my version of 'dressed up.' In two+ years from now (God-willing), I'll probably be lucky if my hair is even remotely clean (#motherhood).
The thing I've discovered, though, is how impactful clothing really is to your self-esteem. Once I stopped wishing I was college-sized and just bought some clothes that fit my new curves, I felt like a million bucks (read: bra fittings!!!).
I want to share the importance of that message. Clothes matter! This doesn't mean you have to spend gobs of money on designer brands, but to be intentional about what makes you feel beautiful and valued. Maybe that means owning several dresses or pairs of pants that fit perfectly. Maybe that means only buying fabrics that make you feel comfortable and chic. Maybe it means your shoes need to be trendy, but adequate for carrying a baby on your hip all day. It could even mean just owning a cute pair of pajamas that makes being home with a new baby all that much easier.
A friend and I recently happened upon a store in my town. As I walked around I noticed that the clientele was incredibly varied. Their clothes were very in-style, but they seemed to have something for everyone. The fabrics, styles, and colors were similar, yet unique. Even the prices were ideal (my rule of thumb: if a store's most expensive shoes are $50 or less, the prices of everything else should be in my sweet spot). It was a boutique, but larger than others I'd seen.
Since visiting their store, the thoughts in this post have been on my mind because their mission perfectly aligns with my thoughts on fashion and confidence as of late.
From their website:
"At the core of the company, Dress Up had one main mission - to show the love of Christ and to help women realize their worth. The couple wanted to make sure that each woman walking in the doors left feeling more confident and loved than they did walking in. It was this mission that shoppers began to fall in love with. After just a little over a year since creation, the brand had built a loyal following of locals, who were excited about expansion."
Isn't that beautiful? Honestly, I did feel more loved after I left and I am excited to go back to Dressed Up. The girls working there were the sweetest and the other customers were lovely too. I just cannot get their message out of my head, so I needed to share my thoughts. By the way, I was not asked to write this post and am receiving nothing from Dressed Up - I just really loved this store and left feeling so encouraged and happy that I had to say it!
I felt like I found a place that catered not only to my stage of life and changes in my body, but it catered to the woman who just had a baby and the girl who started her first day of college. It was unifying and it helped me remember that clothes can do so much in showing love to your body. It was a reminder that no matter what stage of life I'm in, God created me as me... just as he created that girl, and that mom shopping on either side of me.
Your value doesn't depend on how you look, what you wear, what size you are, or your stage of life. You are valued by Christ. Just remember to value yourself... and find some clothes that help you do so!
If you're curious, go check out their website and read their full story.
Do you have any thoughts to add? Have you been in a stage and felt less confident, but instead chose to embrace and love yourself? Tell me about it - the inspiring stories of the women in my life are so beautiful!
How to Travel Every Day
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of taking a blogging class that went over the basics of blogging, but also brushed over the importance of branding, advertising, etc...
Anyways, during this class we were asked to group up and quickly create a blog, a mission statement, and a corresponding post. My group had varying interests, but we all agreed that travel was a common one. We knew we needed to create a unique 'niche' for our faux blog, so we somehow came up with the idea of finding ways to travel every.single.day.
I quickly threw together a post with jumbled words and half-thoughts. Afterwards though, I realized that the idea was actually really inspiring. So what does a girl with a lifestlye blog and a (dusty) travel category do? She brings you this inspiring post about traveling without even having to leave your hometown... or even your living room chair.
When you think of traveling, you think of the act. Did you fly somewhere? Roadtrip? Did you visit a well known monument?
The fact is, we don't all travel to somewhere new or exotic every day.
But we do travel every day.
Did you read a novel recently that you traveled into vicariously? Did you grab coffee with a friend? Did you connect with someone on a level of faith or beliefs?
Then dear friend, you did travel. Maybe not in the literal sense of the word, but you can travel every day and feed that wanderlust inside you. In fact, thank you for traveling to my blog today - because you're not in your frame of mind right now - you're in mine (welcome, by the way!). Part of the definition of travel is to make a journey. And a journey can be many things. Some people make a journey of health, of faith, of imagination, or a journey in a conversation.
Maybe I'm reaching for the stars here, but as someone who desperately loves the excitement of traveling to new and distant lands, I am limited by time, money, or connections. So I'm going to continue to challenge myself, personally to find the ways I travel each day. Here are some steps to take - I invite you to join me!
1. Start at home.
Without even getting out of your pajamas, how can you travel? For me, this is a challenge to delve deeper into God's Word. I need to remember that He gives me all that I need, and answers all my prayers in the ways He sees fit. By doing a study with my husband or by myself, I can travel to places (spiritually, mentally, etc..) that are not of this world and bring me closer to Him.
You can also try reading a novel, reading blogs, calling a friend, even taking a break from chores and play one-on-one with your children. Travel to THEIR world!
2. Step out out the front door.
Anything listed above can also be done outside, of course.
Or how about creating a garden space with a tropical theme? A nourishing garden with fresh fruits/veggies? Make your own property an oasis that exudes travel. A porch swing and a glass of sweet tea can take you on a journey in the same way a seat on the beach can... almost, anyway. Get to know your neighbors. Their every day is different than yours, so their perspectives and thoughts can bring you to a 'new place.'
3. Go local.
This is one I frequent. It includes some literal travel, but it doesn't break the bank. Grabbing coffee or lunch with a friend can fill a portion of that wanderlust in you. Plus, meeting up with friends leaves you feeling refreshed in body and soul.
Tom and I love trying unique restaurants and stepping outside our comfort zone a little. By myself, I love the trip to Whole Foods for one or two items, a swing through a cute boutique, or simply turning a typical errand into something extra special. When I go to the store, it's fun to make it seem novel by grabbing something small for my husband or a little treat for myself. Since it's not like that on every trip to the store, it feels like something you'd do on a trip.
4. Plan trips.
Some of the best trips are totally spontaneous, so use the word "plan" loosely. I just mean that you should make it a priority. Whether you drive 2 hours away or fly halfway around the world, be intentional in making literal travel a priority. Even the act of planning a trip can give your wanderlust a sense of fulfillment. Create Pinterest travel boards, look for nearby BnB's, checkout some campgrounds in otherwise expensive destinations, etc...
Take detours. Give yourself time to make stops that weren't necessarily part of the plan.
Bottom line:
Travel can be your state of mind. It is more than possible to travel every day. You know how certain foods, smells, or phrases can evoke memories and take you to another place or time? Meeting up with my best friends brings out that college giddiness again. Baking makes me feel like I'm spending the afternoon with my mom, even when she's 900 miles away. Maybe you don't find these ideas as ways to travel, but for me - and my restless soul - I'm going to challenge myself to see it that way.
I'm going to intentionally travel every day.
What are your thoughts on this idea?