my friend, mindy kaling.

Ok, ok so obviously I have yet to post the second video from my trip to Atlanta for the Passion Conference. In my defense, that is because I have been deathly ill this week. 
I probably wouldn't have died, but in my over-dramatic mind, it sure felt like I might have.

So, maybe I'll post a follow-up video soon.
Maybe not.
Who knows. 
Honestly, I'm terrible at committing myself to something and following through most of the time.
Which isn't a great quality, I'm aware.
I just try to remind myself that I'll get better. 

Anyways, this morning I had plans to get up, clean my room up because it looks like the tornado from The Wizard of Oz came through it, do my large pile of laundry, and attempt to clear out the mess in my vehicle.
None of that has happened thus far.
It is 11:25am.

So what did I do instead?
Oh, I finally sat down to read Mindy Kaling's book.

Let me just say that I wish we were friends.
Like if I knew where to find her, I would be one of those creepy stalker people you hear about on television.
Of course I wouldn't be arrested or charged for anything.
Because she would find me in her house, probably in her library (I'm not sure if she has one, but I'm assuming), we would start talking, make jokes about our weight and how we will never be skinny, and become the best of friends that I knew we would always be. 
Yes, that is how it would go.
Afterwards, we would make arrangements to meet for dinner where she would introduce me to Zooey Deschanel. 

But for now, I have to go into town with one of my "real-life" friends.
Then, I will come home and clean.
Maybe...or nap.
It's raining outside, I don't have to work, and that basically means I should nap all day.
Oh, and then I'm meeting friends to go watch 'Pitch Perfect' at their house.
If you haven't seen that movie, then get off the computer now, go to RedBox (or wherever you rent movies), rent it, and then get ready to laugh so hard you'll cry. 
I'm serious.
You can thank me later.

Happy weekend, friends.
much love, 
colie.

Today.

[instagram: theplaidsparrow]

Today was filled with sleeping in (until 8:10am), not cleaning my room, crazy hair, eating sushi with a friend, book store shopping, fun nails, relaxing, soaking up the sun, falling asleep on the swing in the backyard, and spending the evening with great friends. 

How was your day?

PS. Feel free to follow me on Facebook, if you don't already. :)

xoxo

Thank you, John Lennon.

This morning, as I do almost every morning, received my Charlie mail.
You don't know what Charlie mail is??
Aw. Well, don't fret.
Head over here & see what it is all about!
You could be a 'Charlie' too! :)


Anyhoo, so I opened my mail and was so happy to find this photo + quote:

Of course, I have seen it before.
I've read the quote from the famous John Lennon...
& yet I forget something so simple. 


My life isn't perfect, but it is mine.
I work with what I have and try my best to change the things that bring me down.
Life is good.
It is even better when you live it happy.
So live it happy, friends. 


much love,
xoxo.

Lovelies.

Woozers!

Look how short my hair was back in October.

It is always longer when it is straight, but geez. 

That is super short, yo.

I now realize that my hair has grown a lot in the past 7 months.

But ... a bit faster would be nice.

Anyways, it seems like every post I'm talking about my hair.

Sorry. I just can't help it.

So, yesterday I worked all day and didn't get a chance to post a few links to my favorites this past week.

I figured before getting ready to head to my friends birthday lunch that I'd share some with you.

Enjoy!

Amber is the sweetest ... & oh-so adorable with her hubby!

How can you not just say "AWW.." over this?? :D

I am really loving DottieAdele!!

Sometimes I can relate to this feeling about blogging.


I love it ALL!!

Ladies, when Molly found the "Hey, Christian girl" quotes by some very handsome celebrities, I laughed so hard. They are the best! Srsly. Greatness!


I adore Kendi, her fashion, and this post. :)


Can we please talk about how adorbs Haley's new hair cut is??! I LOVE it!


I am over-the-moon excited that Mandy shared a new app for photos. Yikes! I am about to download it now!!


Christina shared the sweetest photos & story of her grandparents. 
Love is the most beautiful thing.


& I am loving this blog I came across, through luck of Instagram! ;)


This weekend will be spent working. :/ Boo.
I do hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, though!
Soak up the sun, eat lots of yummy food, relax by the water, and be happy with God has given you!
much love.
xoxo

Lovelies.

[instagram: theplaidsparrow]

So, I'm not sure where this week went!

Seriously.

It just FLEW by for me. 

Because of that I barely had time to read blog posts or find any new favorites.

Boo.

I just wanted to share a quick few that made me smile.

I adore everything in this Etsy shop! Eek. 

It is so perfect for sweet, little birthday gifts. *wink, wink*

I got all giddy over Kelli's blog!

It's a dream.

Recently I am obsessed with this blog & this one!! :)

They are good, I tell ya. 

I know this post is extremely short this week, but next week I will have time to add more.

Before I jet off I want to share something that made me oh-so excited.

Don Naylor is the guy who designed my blog.

Everyone knows I was over the moon about it, and still am!

Well, not only does he blog here, but about a month or so ago he finally got his website up and going!

It can be found at www.donnaylor.com, with his web designs, which features 'The Plaid Sparrow'.

Please do yourself a favor and check him out.

He is awesome!!

Happy weekend, friends.

Soak up the sun.

much love,

xoxo.

Hey, hey!

[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.

Guest Post: These Happy Times

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

Lovelies.

[instagram: theplaidsparrow]

There are so many lovely blogs across the internet.

Truly.

I swoon over a lot of them and secretly wish I were "real" friends with half of them.

I just refrain from saying so, because that is creepy and weird.

Right?! 

Anyways, I really should do this every week (or maybe even every other week) because there are so many fabulous things to share with you all!

So let's start:


I loved that Kylee shared this video from Paperback Weddings.
**I saw this video months ago and fell in love, while crying a puddle of tears. Srsly.


Just a sweet reminder that life is a beautiful journey.


I'm so grateful for the work Don did for my blog.
I also love seeing what is happening in the life of him and his sweet, little family.
Recently, he has accepted a job offer in Boston.


I adore this etsy shop by Kate.


Elizabeth looks stunning in this maxi dress!


Heidi is ALWAYS hilarious. Srsly.
See for yourself! :)


I adore Miss Lulu. Truly! <3


Katie was over on Tattoo Tuesday the other week.
I basically just swooned over all her lovely tattoos.
She is a doll!


When Jess & Rene made a trip to Baltimore, I about died when I saw the photo of the Barnes & Noble!
A-MAZINNNGG!!!


Before I jet off, please stop by and read Michelle's intermission post.
It will make you smile. :)
PS. Please being praying about grad school for her!

Happy weekend, friends.
xoxo

One of my favorites.

I have something special to share with you all! :)

It is the wedding video of Kelly Ann + Charles.

Oh my!

I just watched it.

There was laughter.

There were tears.

There were moments I just wanted to give them both the biggest hugs.

Goodness, they are the cutest couple.

It is so beautiful to not only see a couple who obviously love each other immensely, but who are also in love with their Maker!!

  

 

  

I really adore Kelly Ann.

I randomly found her blog one day and fell in love.

I know you will too!

So please pop on over to her blog & stay awhile!!

much love.

xoxo

Hola.

Hey there.

I feel like a week away from blogger is closer to a month. :(

So, it is time for a little update & some random thoughts.

[instagram: theplaidsparrow]

-Today I found out about a job opening and potentially having the opportunity to get it. :) It would pay a lot better + have a consistent work schedule! Amen. So please be saying a prayer or two for me starting ... NOW!! :D

-I had two cups of coffee today. 
Boy, oh boy did it make me oh-so happy! 

-I have been watching 'Supernatural'. I really enjoy watching it, but goodness... I can NOT watch it alone. That's all I'm saying. ;)

-I have been painting my nails all kinds of fun colors lately! I love it!! :D 
**see above**

-I went out to eat with my little sisters + Nathan last night. It was Prom for one of the local schools. I really enjoyed seeing all the lovely ladies in their gorgeous dresses. It made me miss high school...for just a moment. I definitely had fun at my Prom ... all those years ago. ;) ha. Good times.


-I wish I could style my curly hair as awesome as a woman I saw in the store today. I would NEVER straighten it if I could get it to look that good! Srsly. It was soo pretty. :)


-I was at work the other day & heard the ring tone from the Scream movies.
The one that means the killer is calling.
Yea. I freaked out for like, point two seconds.


-I have been thinking of ideas and looking up different types of tattoos that I am interested in.
I keep feeling the itch for a new one. 
Here's to hoping my birthday gets here ... faster! ;)
Would any of you get a tattoo (or want a new one)??


-I have been reading my bible a lot more lately.
It makes a difference.
My days are better.


-I really need a friend that loves sushi.
Please. 
Anyone???!!!


-I saw Snooki's new book. After reading the back cover + the dedication (with an added *fist pump*), I pretty much doubled over in laughter. 
Ridiculous.
That is all I can say about that, folks.


-I love getting emails from blogger friends. It makes me whole day! Truly.
(If I haven't returned an email, I promise to do it soon.)


-I have been wanting to watch 'Hook' all week. I'm not sure why.
So, I think I will go do that now.


I hope you are all had a fabulous week & enjoying your weekend!!!
I will be back tomorrow.
much love, friends.
xoxo

One more thing...
I saw some photos of my nephews from a couple months ago.
It made me so happy that I just wanted to squeeze my phone as tight as I could, because that was the closest I could get to them. 
Goodness, I miss those boys so much.

the random thoughts of my life.

- Instagram-ed for the first day in a week yesterday. (breaks my heart)

- Got through an extremely stressful week last week

- Praying for direction, patience, and understanding

- Wishing so badly that I could just hop on a plane and travel the world!

- Missing my Dallas friends, oh-so much.

- Watched all the Scream movies. Had nightmares that someone was trying to kill me. Dumb decision. I know.

- Trying desperately NOT to cut my hair. (When it is at the "in between" stages, I just want to chop it off!!)

- The weather has been a bit chilly. It is making me miss the warm weather we were having around here. I suppose I didn't realize how grateful I should have been while we had it!

- Went to the gym the other day! I felt fantastic afterwards. :) I hope I continue doing so.

- Spicy Ranch Dressing is the BEST!!

- Coral & Mint fingernail polish is the cutest colors for spring.

- I remember how I read non-stop growing up. I wish I still did. I don't make the time anymore. :(

- I still LOVE coffee. (**prove below)

- I am getting four days off of work. It has been glorious so far.

- Zooey Deschanel and I should definitely be friends, along with Michelle Williams, Emma Stone, and Jennifer Lawrence. :)

- I want another tattoo. Srsly. Soon. I am thinking for my birthday next month!?

- Loving the fact that there are so many lovely women (and men) out there with encouraging, funny, and inspiring blogs.

- I dream about one day waking up and I being british. :)

- I have never liked my hands. They look old and wrinkled to me. :/

- I am looking forward to a fun roadtrip with friends this coming Saturday. It is much needed.

- I am going on a hike this morning and hoping I don't feel sore tomorrow.
- Bethany is coming home from Haiti in about 2 weeks, and I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET HER!! :D Srsly. I am pretty sure we are going to be great friends.
- I love Jesus. I'm glad he is my best friend.

That's it for now.
Nothing too exciting, but thanks for reading.
much love to you all!!
Happy Friday.

PS. If you haven't entered to win the giveaway for the $25 Forever 21 gift card, then you should.
Right here!
Today is the last day, btw.
Good luck!

Snail Mail. My favorite.

via

Let's write some letters:

Dear crappy-no-touch-screen phone, I dislike you. I miss my iPhone (4S) so very much. :( I might cry. Seriously.

Dear baby sister, please don't rush into another relationship. The last one was awful to you and I hate seeing anyone break your heart. You are beautiful, kind, and gracious. Be patient for one who is worthy of your heart!

Dear Hunger Games, I wish desperately that I could get you out of my head. So. leave. me. alone. I still love you, though. 

Dear boyfriend, thank you for being kind and patient with me. It means more than you know. Also, thank you for the new bed frame. Just remember that next time I will NOT be putting ANYTHING together. The photos on the instruction manuel makes it look easy. It lied.

Dear body image, please stop making me feel bad about myself. It isn't nice. This post helped, though.

Dear Michelle Williams, I watched 'My Week with Marilyn' yesterday afternoon. You are absolutely gorgeous and shine like the stars! PS. I found out that you are now dating Jason Segel. I wanted you to know that I am okay with that. I hope it works out for you! ;)

Dear coffee shops, I wish that you weren't so expensive. It breaks my heart that I can only go once or twice a week now. :/

Dear patients, please don't come into the pharmacy today and cause me problems. I know you want your drugs, but please realize it isn't my fault if you don't receive them. There is a good reason why.

Dear chapstick, I beg of you not to disappear on me again! I always seem to lose you & my lips just can't take that. 

Dear blogger friends, I am so glad I have you. There may not be many of you, but I'm more grateful than you could possibly know!

Until next time...
much love.

Giveaway

GOOD MORNING!!! :)

I got to sleep in today.

For me, that means 8am. ;) ha.

Sad, I know, but all those years waking up for college early just seemed to stick.

I know Mondays aren't always the best since it is usually back the grind for most people.

However, I do hope that this giveaway will start off your week on the RIGHT track. :)

So, I am making it simple, especially it being my first giveaway.

I thought all week about what I wanted to do.

I know how much I love this store:

:D:D

So, why not giveaway one of these:

So, my sweet friends ... if you are interested in a $25 gift card, then you should definitely be apart of this little giveaway.

I'll be honest with you all...

I might be a tad bit jealous because I would love to purchase another cute dress from Forever 21. ;)

However, I am oh-so happy to give you all the chance to buy one for yourself (or a shirt, or a pair of jeans, or some pretty jewerly... just whatever you can't live without!)

I just have two rules for this giveaway:

1. You need to be a follower of my blog.

2. I want to know what you are most looking forward to for this spring season!! :)

That's it!

The winner will be announced next Friday, April 13th (whoa. creepy. I just realized that will be Friday the 13th!!)

Happy, happy Monday!!

much love.

xoxo

PS. You have no idea how hard it was not to say: "...and may the odds be EVER in your favor!"

I'm still stuck on The Hunger Games, after watching it twice now.

I was able to refrain myself, though. ;)

Tumblr Thursday

I thought it was about time for another one! ;)
All photos found via my tumblr. 
**Credit is always given, if requested!


Enjoy, friends!

Smile.

& have the happiest Thursday.

xoxo

Happenings.

Lately:

- I am trying to work towards my goal of losing 35 pounds. 

-In that process, I'm letting go of sweets ... slowly. :/

-Wishing there was more time in each day to do more of the things I love.

-So happy to have my brother, sister-in-law, and nephews back home. It has been wonderful having them here. :)

-Stressing over finances (same ole, same ole)

-Happy that I get to dress up for work this Saturday, but sad to have to miss church on Sunday!

-I watched 'Moneyball' & 'Reel Steel' this week. Very different movies. I enjoyed them both.

**PS. No matter how you feel about Brad Pitt, I still believe he is a phenomenal actor. & Jonah Hill's performance was awesome. 

-Working on my posture because I'm pretty sure I stay slumped over far too much.

-Dyed my hair all black. (It pretty much looks the same, though)

-After today, I wish I had bought rain boots. 

**I ALWAYS say that when it rains. Do I ever go buy any? Obviously not! :/

-Reminding myself to find the good in others, even when it isn't always evident. 

-Trying to read about 6 different books at the moment.

-Finding new & interesting sites + blogs this week. :)

-I miss watching Top Gear, the UK version, so bad!!

-Thinking we need a Chick-fil-a, then deciding on breakfast wouldn't be so hard!

-AND ... waiting patiently, but on the edge of my seat, for the release of 'The Hunger Games'! Aw. I'm beyond excited & praying that all the actors hold true to each character. So, of course, I had to leave you with the official music video for Safe & Sound by Taylor Swift ft. The Civil Wars!!!

Lovely, right?! :)

Its strange because I used to not be a huge Taylor Swift fan. I just didn't think she was that great of a singer. However, there is such a genuine quality about her that I can't help but like.

She has definitely grown on me.

I'm so happy she did this song and included some of my favorite people!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thursday. 

much love.

xoxo