Where Did The Time Go?

I graduated last night!

Two years ago I would have never imagined I would be packing up and moving 8 hours away from the only place I've ever lived.

I also would have never imagined I would be graduating with an associates degree.

Nor would I have guessed that in 72 days I will be marrying my prince charming and heading off to the most magical place on Earth.

God does some pretty amazing things when you let go of your plans, and let Him show you His plans.

I've had some crazy adventures these past two years, and I've met some crazy people who I now call friends. Although these two years have challenged me like no other, I'm glad I never quit. Working every other weekend on massive events, doing homework, and finding time for friend friends, and work all add up and it can become frustrating and stressful. In the end I would have hated myself for giving up, God gives strength to those who ask for it and I could not have made it without His help.

I'm going to miss this season of my life in some ways and some things I will not miss one bit, but that's life and I'm okay with that.

I will miss my three beautiful roommates! Lexi, Jess, and Frankie, you all are completely insane and I loved every minute of our year together. We may never live together again but we've made enough memories in one year to last us a life time of smiles.

My old roommate Cara, you're my boo and that's all I need to say.

My family deserve a shout out they are the ones who have encouraged me the most and cheered me on to the finish line, and I love each of them dearly.

Thank you to everyone else who encouraged me during this season and for those who never gave up on me, you people are amazing and I couldn't have asked for better friends!

 And last but not least, a huge thank you to my fiance Chris! I could not have done this without your constant encouragement and love! 

It's bee been a crazy two years but I wouldn't trade them for anything! Well.... Just kidding! 

I cannot wait to see what God holds for this summer and the up coming chapters in my life.

Stay tuned...

-Stephanie

My Life According to Disney's Frozen

 Since Disney came out with the movie Frozen Pinterest has been covered with funny memes based off the movie.

Chris and I love this movie, I confess we sing the duets and when I'm alone I attempt to sing all the parts.

Scrolling through these funny pictures I realized my life can be easily compared to these pictures.

And now...

When the movie first came out I was like....

During the movie I was like "THIS IS ME!!"

The time I texted this...

Every time I open the fridge...

The last month of school...

As you can see I basically can quote Frozen on a daily basis and I do.

Hope this can help brighten your day!

-Stephanie

50/50 Hindsight

College is crazy.

That's something I knew but didn't know. Does that make any sense?

The past two years have been a total learning curve and more than what meets the eyes.

Sleep Is Important
Shocker I know but sleep directly effects my grades personally. I realize not everyone needs 8 hours of sleep every night, but it took me a whole year to realize I need those precious 8 hours.

Groceries, Who Knew
Did you know when you don't buy groceries you don't have food? It's true, and when you don't have food you eat junk, which makes you fat and then depressed. Freshman 15, try freshmen 30.

Just Go
You don't have to raise your hand to use the bathroom in college, that was an awkward lesson learned.

What's The Answer?
People cheat the system, and they get away with it. That's still not ok and will cause you problems one day, don't do it.

You Only Get One Shot
Go have fun, you're only in college for a portion of your life make the most out of it, create memories and good ones at that!

Tea or Coffee
Find a drink that wakes you up. It's important for those morning classes.

LOL
These college memes are true, I promise.

Write, write, write
That 10 page paper isn't going to write itself, stay on top of your homework and you won't be so stressed when all your professors schedule exams on the same day.

What's Your GPA?
Your GPA gets your free money, that's important. Pay attention to scholarships and apply for them all!

I've learned many more things in college but most of them would make a dull blog post.

What have you learned in this season of life?


-Stephanie

You're Such a Catch

Contrary to belief I struggle giving Chris presents. I rack my brain weeks on end before his birthday, or any holiday.

 In the end I always end up making him something homemade to remind him of how amazing he is!

Here's a fun little idea I thought you might enjoy.

Tell someone they're a catch!

We cannot forget the wrapping, it adds a fun touch.

Don't forget homemade gifts will last much longer than a new t-shirt. 

-Stephanie

Work It Out, Work It Out

"I work out..." 

No seriously, I work out, and I happen to get my blog inspiration while I work out. A few months ago I really hit the gym hard with a mind set of determination. I want to look the best I can on my wedding day but that's not the main reason I want to workout. 

The way I see it, is that God only gave me one body so I might as well start taking care of it the best I can! 

With all that said I've noticed some changes within my own body after working out 6 days a week for a few months straight and I wanted to share some helpful tips and workout plans that I've been putting to action.

1) Workout when you can, and for as long as you can.

Your workout schedule is your own. You cannot compare how long your at the gym to anyone else, and you cannot make your life fit into anyone else's schedule. Make your own schedule, and make it fun! 

2) Sleep.

Manage your sleep patters, and stick to it! If that means going to bed early in order to wake up at 5am do it! Trust me you won't regret it! 

3) It's Not Just About Working Out.

You can't just work out and then eat fast food every day. It's important to create a balance, eat right and exercise. You will notice your energy levels will be higher and you will feel better about yourself!

I'm so excited to share some more tips and workout plans that I've found helpful with you!

How often do you workout? Got any tips?

-Stephanie

The Ultimate List

I don't know about you but ever since my life started to have its own crazy schedule my Mom always told me to make a list.

Going to the grocery store? Make a list.

Keep forgetting your homework? Make a list.

Your house is messy? Make a list.

Can't find your first list? Make another list.

You get the point?

Because of this training I see lists everywhere. (it's like a sixth sense) I was studying my Bible the other night and I was reading through Proverbs 31.

The ultimate list.

So many times, we as women, get overwhelmed and intimidated with this chapter. Thoughts overcome us such as..,

"I cat do that"

"No woman can be all of that"

"I don't want to wake up early"

As I thought through this passage in a new light I saw this as a different kind of list, not the kind we check off and mark as completed. This list will never be completed but it's a daily reminder of what we can mirror in our own lives.

I am a Proverbs 31 Woman and so are YOU because by the grace of God every day we have a fresh start to look at this list and try again. Everyday we have a chance to strive to be better. We do not need to worry or think of what a Godly woman should be because we have already been given the blue print and I don't know about you but that's a huge relief! 

I pray today you rise up and take hold of this list, rather than being intimidated by it, and realize you can reflect this list within your crazy chaotic life! 

-Stephanie

The Big Day Update

Spring break is over! Did you have fun, what did you do?

I can tell you my spring break was the farthest thing from beach and swimsuit weather, it was more like a high of 14. 

Although I was home and it was bitter cold that didn't stop us from braving the cold. 

As soon as my plane landed on Saturday I hit the ground running. With wedding appointments almost every day there was not time for a "break."

Saturday:

Flew into Chicago and ate White Castles. (Region food, gotta love it) 

Rushed to our 3:30pm appointment to seek out decorations for the wedding and ceremony.

Ate pizza with family then tried on my Mom's wedding dress for fun.

Had a sleepover with my nine year old cousin ad watched the classic movie Clue. 

Sunday:

Went to church and heard my favorite speaker (my Dad)

David's Bridal appointment for junior bridesmaid and flower-girl dresses.

Monday:

Florist day

First appointment was amazing! 

Second appointment not so amazing.

Third appointment a nightmare.

After taking a lunch break went back and booked the first florist for the wedding! 

Tuesday:

Fat Tuesday! 

Visited grandmother and enjoyed packzi in honor of Fat Tuesday.

Finished up registering with my Mom.

Coffee with friends.

Wednesday:

Cake day

First appointment yummy.

Second appointment average.

Lunch break delicious.

Third appointment FABULOUS! Booked cake for reception.

Trip to the hospital with Mom and Dad for plating for radiation starting on Thursday.

Thursday:

Radiation appointment at the hospital for Mom.

Flower girl dress shopping with a successful ending! 

Friday:

Radiation appointment at the hospital for Mom.

Meeting with wedding coordinator to wrap up the week. 

Back to registering because it didn't update on line.

Saturday:

Finish packing and fly back to school.

As you can see my spring break was crazy, and I wouldn't have changed one thing about it. Now it's back to the grind of things!

Days Till The Wedding: 115

-Stephanie

What I'm Loving This Week

Hello my dear friends!

I feel as though I haven't been on here in forever, oh wait it has been forever!

Between midterms, and a spring break filled with nothing but wedding appointment after appointment my poor blog took to the back burner.

But with all the time spent away from my blog I thought up some really great posts so stay tuned!

Enough of my rambling, here are a few things I'm loving this week and I thought maybe you would care!  

Drink: Sweet Tea! (Every day, all day)

Website: Simply Clarke's blog!

Song: Human by Christina Perri.

School/Work Related Thing: Making a power point for my Literature class. (I know I'm a nerdy it's been duly noted)

Beauty Product: Naked 3 Pallet by Urban Decay.

Tech: Designing my own Valentine's Day tags.

 Favorite Workout of The Week: This arm workout. It was a pain to get through but so worth it! 

Guilty Pleasure: Watching Chuck on Netflix.. .

 Random: There's 47 days till I graduate and 121 days till I get married.

Purchase: XO Earrings from American Eagle.

What are you loving this week? Write a blog and link me to it so I can find something new to love!

 -Stephanie

DIY: Cards

I LOVE making cards,

My Pinterest board is growing with inspirations for handmade cards and I now want to quit college and make cards all day....

Alas, I feel as though no one will support me in this dream so I shall continue my schooling while making cards when I can.

I hope you become inspired by these cards!

-Stephanie

The Day Of Love

Hello there wonderful people of the internet, 

I hope this weekend someone showed you a little extra loving, whether it was a significant other or your BFF!

I was reminded by a fellow blogger on Valentines Day of 1st John 4:19 "We love because He first loved us." 

We don't need a holiday to show someone love, (although gifts are a nice perk) smile at someone today you never know what they may be going through.  

-Stephanie

DIY: You're My Favoite Book

Hello ladies!

Are you ready for Spring yet? I know I am! I've spent so many days in the house mainly because it's terribly cold out and I have no desire to go out. 

The up-side to long and cold winter days is it gives me time to make and create fun things.

Chris' birthday was this past week and I thought I would share with you what I did for part of his present!

You Will Need:

Paper

Fabric (I used burlap)

Needle & Thread

Pictures

First I cut out 5x5 squares of paper and fabric, I then sewed one square of paper onto one square of fabric making a pocket.

Once I sewed 10 pockets I glued a photograph to the side of paper that was pocketless.

If you want you can print the design I made for the cover!

After I finished all of my sewing and glueing I wrote a little letter/love note for each pocket.

Lastly I punched a whole in the corner of each page and tied them together with ribbon creating the perfect little book!

Homemade gifts are always my go to, and this one took a bit longer but it was worth it!

Stay warm folks!

-Stephanie

Life Is A Wild Ride

Can I just brag about my Mom for a bit?

This woman is amazing! About a year ago my Mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and from that day on all of our lives took an unexpected turn.

I drove home this week from school for my Mom's mastectomy and it blows my mind how calm and collective she was when I arrived.

Praise God for a smooth surgery! After one night in the hospital my Mom was discharged and we have been at home taking it easy!

Watching my Mom process the fact that she has cancer and deciding to beat it is something I will never forget. I was convinced my Mom was the strongest woman I knew even before this sharp turn occurred, and now I have no idea how she does it! Through my Mom God has taught me many things, how to love, who to love, how to listen, how to give advice, and how to be strong. I would never, and could never ask for a better woman to raise me!

   

Thank you to everyone for your constant prayers and thoughts! I'm excited to announce that the day before I left to return to school my Mom was diagnosed cancer free! Tears came to my eyes as we left the hospital that day, My Mom no longer has cancer and I praise God every day!

Although the surgery is over, and the results are looking good, there is still a long journey ahead!

If you have gone through, or know someone who has been through breast cancer share your journey with us!

-Stephanie

Valentines Day: DIY

Love is in the water... or air... or not... either way Valentines Day is quickly approaching, and for those of us who have significant others this can become a stressful gift giving event.

Although society paints us a picture that this special day is for the men to wine and dine the women we simply cannot leave the men out! They deserve some lovin' too! 

Being a full time college student and a full time engaged couple Chris and I are on a tight budget, like many couples, this doesn't mean that your gifts cannot be a smashing success!

Here are 6 DIY Valentine's Day gifts that will woo your man!

1) A homemade mug! 

All you need is a mug, an oven, and sharpies!
Set your oven to 350 degrees.
After you have designed the perfect mug bake it for 30 minuets and you're done!

2) A Jar Of Reasons Why...

For this lovely gift you will need a bag of suckers and a jar!
First you must decide what you want to give reasons for... (i.e. reasons why you're awesome)
Next write a reason for each sucker that you can fit into the jar.
Add some cute decorations and a touch of you!
And bam! You're done!

3)  A More Thought Provoking Gift

Giving a book to your man that you both can learn from is a unique and fun idea!
Choose a book that reflects your relationship and the stage in your relationship is in!

4) The Classic Coupon Book

You may find it cheesy but some guys love cheesy!
Make a coupon book geared just for your man and his needs!
DO NOT FORGET: To put an expiration date on each coupon. 

5) A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

Pictures bring back so many memories and will always be timeless. Make a collage of memories that were captured then frame them for a lovely gift.
You can make a picture college and print it for a very reasonable cost on Walmart online.

6) Mix It Up

Last but not least, a mix CD!
Create the perfect playlist of songs that will bring a smile to his face. Add songs that you two laugh about, and cry about, songs that bring back memories and good times. Don't forget to add that song you played on repeat once you realized you loved him.

There you have it! Six DIY gift ideas for Valentine's Day! I hope these have inspired you to spoil your man a little extra on Valentine's Day!

If you needs some more hints or tips on making your man feel special you can check out my other blog post!

Have a happy Valentine's Day!

-Stephanie