Hey, hey!

5/16/2012


[instagram: theplaidsparrow]

I thought I would share some oh-so interesting information about myself.
*dosed with sarcasm, becauuse it's more funny, than interesting!!* ;)

-No matter what, I have to put lotion on my feet EVERYDAY!
-I hate actual cherries, but my favorite pie is cherry pie.
I also hate the taste of watermelon, but anything flavored watermelon is the BEST!
-The radio or tv volume must be on an even number.
-If I have plans to go to work or anywhere else, I must wake up 2 hours before I have to be there.
-I can have up to 20 dreams in one night, and not remember any of them.
-I think about cutting my hair daily. Then, I'm reminded that my teenage sister said she would shave me bald if I did. ha. (This is due to the fact that I cut it every year and hate it every time!!)
-I used to love Twilight. Now I don't.
I also don't plan on watching the rest of the movies.
-I pretend that I am a professional singer. 
In my room. 
Alone.
-I prefer ice water in a cup, rather than a glass.
-Sometimes I like listening to sad music or watching sad movies when I'm down and out. They actually make me feel better?? 
(Strange. I know.)
-I will always read the book before the movie, expect for The Lord of the Rings. I just couldn't get through it! :/
-I am addicted to those Girl Scout thin mint cookies. Its bad ... really bad.
-There are times that I randomly want to break out into dance. 
I don't...which is me doing everyone a favor!
-People think I'm lying to them when I say I am about to be 25. They think I'm 18. Sometimes I wind up agreeing so that I can feel "young" again. ;)
-Oh, and I wish everyone had a nickname. I just like them so much more than "real" names. I don't know why. It's just my thing, I suppose.


I hope you all have a lovely Wednesday!
much love,
xoxo.

Ruts are no fun.

5/15/2012

[instagram: theplaidsparrow]

Hey there. 
Could I be honest with you for just a moment?
Yes. 
Ok.
 Here it goes:

My life is a mess.
I do not have it all together, despite how it may seem on this little blog of mine at times.
I am just as broken, lost, flawed, and imperfect as everyone else. 
I beat myself down more than anyone I know.
I run from people who mean the most to me, because I feel like I can conquer my struggles alone.
I guess I don't want to drag them through the dirt, so to speak.
Some days, I am so happy and bubbly on the outside, but feel so hurt and sad on the inside.
I become overwhelmed with stress & worry

I don't like it.
Who would?
But I feel those things...
not everyday, but more often than I'd like. 

In spite of all that, I know that I have hope.
I have been given a promise by my sweet Father.
I am learning to love myself more through His love and grace.
I'm learning patience.
In all that I am also searching for healing.
It's taking a bit longer than I'd hoped, but I'm getting there.
Slowly, but surely.

Life really is a beautiful gift.

PS. Through this season, God is blessing me with wonderful friendships.
It has given me great encouragement just to know such strong & caring women.
For that, I would really love to hear what is going on in your lives.
Whether that be commenting below or shooting me an email.
& no matter how small it may seem, I'd love to hear about it!

as always, much love.
xoxo.

Happy, Happy Mother's Day!

5/13/2012




Dear Momma's,

Today I wish you nothing but pure love.
All consuming, squeeze your babies tight, greatest adventure: LOVE!
I can't wait for the day that I can share in all that is being a mother.
You are all lovely, and strong, and encouraging!
May you be reminded of that today.

much love.
xoxo

[photos: via]

Lovelies.

5/12/2012

[instagram: theplaidsparrow]


Well, this week flew by for me.
I'm so happy it is the weekend & I am off of work!
Though, next week will be a different story, I'm afraid.
Anyhoo, I have plans to run to town this afternoon and get my momma her Mother's Day gift! 
Yay! So fun.
Before I get ready to jet off & do that, I wanted to leave you all with some posts that have inspired, encouraged, and gave me few laughs this past week!

So, without further ado:

When Lauren plays matchmaker to the stars you better believe your in for treat ... & a bunch of laughs!


Haley is so lovely. She is someone I would love to know more. This post brought a sweet smile to my face.


Please do yourself a favor & check out Gentri Lee's trip to the Breathing Blogger Retreat here and here. Plus, more fun with instagram photos here.

Before stopping in Amsterdam, Nicole shares a few snapshots of Seville! So gorgeous!!


Katie never fails at bringing a smile to my face, and this post was no different. :)


Do you remember?


For someone who has struggled on and off her whole life with her weight, this post was most encouraging!!


When the girls shared photos of their Bali trip I just swooned over them all!
(Part 1 & 2 can be found here and here)


Molly & her mom are as cute as buttons, I tell ya! :)


I adore this lady & I love this outfit post! -- I hope she does more of them. ;)


If you haven't heard about The Influence Conference, then please do yourself a favor and read about it on Casey's blog!! 

Happy weekend, friends!! 
& Happy Mother's Day to all the lovely momma's or soon-to-be. 
much love.
xoxo

Guest Post: Ms. Lulu ... or Ash. (I'm sure she will answer to both ;)

5/11/2012

Oh, sweet friends ... you are in for a treat today! 
One of the loveliest ladies around is doing a guest post for me. 
I am over-the-moon excited about it!!
She is a dear & I am so grateful that God is blessing me with such a wonderful friendship!
Please pop on over to her blog after reading what her current favorites are lately.
You will be oh-so happy that you did!
xoxo


hello!

i'm ash from love.lulu. i am so honored that colie asked me to guest post. she is such a doll & is quickly becoming a dear, dear friend.

a little about my life? i've been married to the man of my dreams for three years. we have one sweet little boy (he'll be two next month), & a pretty awesome cat. oh, & i love god. a lot.

the spring in the air has caused me to have organizing on the brain, as well as wanting to try a bit more overall in my appearance & health (I know my husband appreciates it. haha.). with that, i've come across some pretty great things. here are a few of my current favorites.

my new cosmetic bag


i don't know how i've never heard of danica studio until now. it's pretty much perfect. & pretty cheap. which makes me happy.

my new necklace.


this actually just came in the mail a few days ago. from fab.com. i've been in desperate need of new jewelry, & this is so fun!

my new water bottle.


i got my husband the grey&black one for christmas, & have been secretly coveting it since. the other day, he came home with this for me. oh, i love him.

my new bag.


my in-laws got this for me for my birthday. they know me too well. it's my new favorite bag, for sure! & big enough for all my life-with-a-toddler essentials. & well, i think the toddler, too.

well, those are some of my favorites this week. hope you enjoyed.

have a lovely weekend!

love.

Guest Post: These Happy Times

5/07/2012



I am oh-so happy to not only share my very first guest post, but to introduce you to a lovely lady.
Britt is so sweet.
Srsly.
& she has the cutest, little family to boot!
She is someone I wish lived closer, so that I could sit and chat with her over coffee!
I know you'll feel the same.
& please take some time to check out her blog. :)
xoxo

Spread the news.


Please check out The Influence Conference.
It brought a smile to my face this morning!!

The hosts of this lovely event are:




If finances allow it, then you will definitely be seeing me there in October!!
What about you??

All photos found via The Influence Conference website, listed above.