Happy Five

Happy Friday, Everyone!!  Today I'm sharing 5 things that make me so happy!

This concept is not a new discovery, but time spent truly focused on God's Word is the best way for me to start the day.  Lately, I have been reading Scripture on my phone, but there is something about getting out the Book and turning the pages that slows me down and helps me focus more on what the Word says.  I've also had a renewed focus on prayer this week and how soul cleansing it can be to come before the Father with our praises and our cares.  Oh how He loves us!  I'm so thankful for a God who loves each of us so deeply and longs to have relationship with us.

2.  This Guy

This man makes me so happy.  I am constantly amazed that God gave him to me and can't believe this is my life.  For so long I wondered if God's plan for me included marriage and I am so thankful it did!  Totally worth the wait!!

3.  Rain

This photo was taken from inside our garage last summer, but we got a little rain storm this week and it just reminded me of how much I love listening to the rain.  I found myself getting giddy when I heard some thunder!  There is something just so peaceful to me when I hear the rain fall and know that it is bringing life to the world around us.

4.  Sweet Surprises

My mister knows I love flowers and surprises, so what a treat to find flowers on my bedside table this week when I came home from work.  They just make me smile every time I see them.  And he knows I love pink!

5.  Coffee

After a fun, but busy weekend, a little cup of java gave me just what I needed this Monday morning and I'm happy to welcome this fantastic bevy back into my rotation.  I bought some Texas Pecan K cups at the store last night and was so happy to take one to work.  It didn't hurt that there was a coupon for free chocolate chip cookies with the coffee purchase!  Bonus!!

I hope y'all enjoy a fabulous weekend!  Thanks to Natasha, Darci, April, and Christina for hosting all the Friday fun!!

Happy Five

Happy Friday, Everyone!!  Today I'm sharing 5 things that make me so happy!

This concept is not a new discovery, but time spent truly focused on God's Word is the best way for me to start the day.  Lately, I have been reading Scripture on my phone, but there is something about getting out the Book and turning the pages that slows me down and helps me focus more on what the Word says.  I've also had a renewed focus on prayer this week and how soul cleansing it can be to come before the Father with our praises and our cares.  Oh how He loves us!  I'm so thankful for a God who loves each of us so deeply and longs to have relationship with us.

2.  This Guy

This man makes me so happy.  I am constantly amazed that God gave him to me and can't believe this is my life.  For so long I wondered if God's plan for me included marriage and I am so thankful it did!  Totally worth the wait!!

3.  Rain

This photo was taken from inside our garage last summer, but we got a little rain storm this week and it just reminded me of how much I love listening to the rain.  I found myself getting giddy when I heard some thunder!  There is something just so peaceful to me when I hear the rain fall and know that it is bringing life to the world around us.

4.  Sweet Surprises

My mister knows I love flowers and surprises, so what a treat to find flowers on my bedside table this week when I came home from work.  They just make me smile every time I see them.  And he knows I love pink!

5.  Coffee

After a fun, but busy weekend, a little cup of java gave me just what I needed this Monday morning and I'm happy to welcome this fantastic bevy back into my rotation.  I bought some Texas Pecan K cups at the store last night and was so happy to take one to work.  It didn't hurt that there was a coupon for free chocolate chip cookies with the coffee purchase!  Bonus!!

I hope y'all enjoy a fabulous weekend!  Thanks to Natasha, Darci, April, and Christina for hosting all the Friday fun!!

Spring Manicure Colors

Spring Manicure Colors by carrollb99 featuring an essie nail polish

Butter London pink nail polish / /Essie nail polish / /Essie pink nail polish // Opi nail polish / /

Essie nail polish / /OPI matte nail polish// Deborah Lippmann nail polish / /Essie nail polish

For today's Glam Series, we are focusing on nails.  With Spring on the horizon, I was automatically drawn to think of some happy nail colors I would like to try.  The top row above houses four of my favorite spring/summer colors:  Essie's Fiji, Essie's Peach Daiquiri, OPI's My Chihuahua Bites, and OPI's Cajun Shrimp.  On the bottom row are some new colors that I'd like to add to the lineup!  What are your favorite colors?

I actually experienced the joy of a manicure on Saturday and tried out "My Chihuahua Bites" with an accent nail in gold (I can't remember the polish color).  It was a little out of my comfort zone, but has been a fun look to try.

What cracks me up the most about any time I try to paint my own nails is that when I am very deliberate and allow plenty of dry time between coats, they always seem to mess up, but when I'm in a rush, they seem to turn out better!  Ha!!  I still prefer a professional manicure any day of the week to my feeble attempts. :)  My favorite is the gel manicure because it is near impossible to mess up -- that's the kind of manicure I need!!

Thanks for hosting us, Jordan!

Spring Manicure Colors

Spring Manicure Colors by carrollb99 featuring an essie nail polish

Butter London pink nail polish / /Essie nail polish / /Essie pink nail polish // Opi nail polish / /

Essie nail polish / /OPI matte nail polish// Deborah Lippmann nail polish / /Essie nail polish

For today's Glam Series, we are focusing on nails.  With Spring on the horizon, I was automatically drawn to think of some happy nail colors I would like to try.  The top row above houses four of my favorite spring/summer colors:  Essie's Fiji, Essie's Peach Daiquiri, OPI's My Chihuahua Bites, and OPI's Cajun Shrimp.  On the bottom row are some new colors that I'd like to add to the lineup!  What are your favorite colors?

I actually experienced the joy of a manicure on Saturday and tried out "My Chihuahua Bites" with an accent nail in gold (I can't remember the polish color).  It was a little out of my comfort zone, but has been a fun look to try.

What cracks me up the most about any time I try to paint my own nails is that when I am very deliberate and allow plenty of dry time between coats, they always seem to mess up, but when I'm in a rush, they seem to turn out better!  Ha!!  I still prefer a professional manicure any day of the week to my feeble attempts. :)  My favorite is the gel manicure because it is near impossible to mess up -- that's the kind of manicure I need!!

Thanks for hosting us, Jordan!

Tuesday Tulle Twirls

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!  Is anyone loving this tulle skirt craze like me?  If I had my druthers, I would wear a skirt like this to work almost every day.  I just love their whimsy and airiness. And with these different ways of styling the skirts, it looks like you could wear them year round!

Tulle twirls by carrollb99 featuring a tulle skirt

Tulle skirt / Tulle skirt (original source here) / The Feminine Skirt All The Bloggers Are Wearing WhoWhatWear (original source here)

Today, I'm linking up with some sweet gals (Khala, Samantha, Renee, and Jenni) for their brand new Tuesday Tea get together where we are discussing whatever is on our mind today.  Thanks for hosting us!!

Tuesday Tulle Twirls

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!  Is anyone loving this tulle skirt craze like me?  If I had my druthers, I would wear a skirt like this to work almost every day.  I just love their whimsy and airiness. And with these different ways of styling the skirts, it looks like you could wear them year round!

Tulle twirls by carrollb99 featuring a tulle skirt

Tulle skirt / Tulle skirt (original source here) / The Feminine Skirt All The Bloggers Are Wearing WhoWhatWear (original source here)

Today, I'm linking up with some sweet gals (Khala, Samantha, Renee, and Jenni) for their brand new Tuesday Tea get together where we are discussing whatever is on our mind today.  Thanks for hosting us!!

Kenra and Kate

Today's Glam Series focuses on hair.  I will say that I struggled with fixing my hair for a long time, but I can point back to a few things that turned into absolute GAME CHANGERS!!

ONE

My sweet friend and stylist Ashley

Having a stylist you trust completely is essential.  It means the absolute world to me that I can bring Pinterest ideas of styles I love and she is able to create them to perfection.  Not only is she incredibly skilled in her craft, she is also able to easily communicate the steps I'll need to take each day to recreate the look.  She always makes sure the styles will work with my hair and gives me great recommendations for fantastic products.  She saw me through each step of the way when I was figuring out what kind of style I wanted for my wedding and it means the world to know that my hair is one thing I am never worried about when I am in Ashley's capable hands!  Also, you can tell she loves what she does and I think that makes a huge difference, too!

TWO

Kenra

Once Ashley introduced me to these products, I found I was able to style my hair with the volume and look I had always hoped for!  

from l to r:

Kenra Root Lifting Spray:  I spray this amazing product at the roots of my hair after I've towel dried it.  It makes a huge difference in the volume department when I style my hair the next day!

Blow Dry Spray:  Due to some fantastic genetics, I have grayed early and choose to color my hair. :)  While changing up my look with color and highlights is so fun, it does cause my hair to be a little more fragile and this blow dry spray protects my hair from the heat of the dryer and helps it to dry faster, so I don't have to use the dryer as long!

Dry Shampoo:  This product is so great in a pinch if I don't have quite enough time to shampoo my hair, but need to freshen my look.  I'm so thankful for whoever invented this product!  It also helps give good volume.

Volume Spray 25:  This spray offers fantastic hold to your style without it feeling stiff.  I always love using it.

Another necessary product for me is this one.  Of all of these, this one provides the greatest volume at the time I am styling my hair.  You just put a little of this powder at the roots and tease away!!  It holds up great throughout the day and gives my style the oomph it needs, especially on humid days!!

I use a flat iron most days and Ashley referred me to a great spray that protects your hair when using hot tools either flat irons or curling irons.  I can't remember the one she told me about, (it might be this one) but I feel a little better using all the heated tools when I use this spray. :)

THREE

Kate from The Small Things Blog is my other invaluable resource.  Her hair tutorials have taught me so much about hair techniques and products that I can honestly say they have changed the way I do my hair!!  If you have not seen her website, please go immediately!  She has an amazing stock of hair video tutorials of all different styles.  From curling to teasing to updos and everything in between, she offers amazing tips that have definitely helped me so much!

This tutorial was the first one I saw through a Pinterest link and I use these tips all the time.

Just looking back through her hair tutorial list makes me want to try some new ideas and retry my favorites!  I never thought I could do a cute updo before I started watching these tutorials and sometimes I am amazed at the styles I can actually accomplish!

FOUR

I always keep a running list of other hair products to try and this foam and these shampoos and conditioners are on my list.  

Thanks for hosting us, Jordan!

What are your favorite hair tips?

Kenra and Kate

Today's Glam Series focuses on hair.  I will say that I struggled with fixing my hair for a long time, but I can point back to a few things that turned into absolute GAME CHANGERS!!

ONE

My sweet friend and stylist Ashley

Having a stylist you trust completely is essential.  It means the absolute world to me that I can bring Pinterest ideas of styles I love and she is able to create them to perfection.  Not only is she incredibly skilled in her craft, she is also able to easily communicate the steps I'll need to take each day to recreate the look.  She always makes sure the styles will work with my hair and gives me great recommendations for fantastic products.  She saw me through each step of the way when I was figuring out what kind of style I wanted for my wedding and it means the world to know that my hair is one thing I am never worried about when I am in Ashley's capable hands!  Also, you can tell she loves what she does and I think that makes a huge difference, too!

TWO

Kenra

Once Ashley introduced me to these products, I found I was able to style my hair with the volume and look I had always hoped for!  

from l to r:

Kenra Root Lifting Spray:  I spray this amazing product at the roots of my hair after I've towel dried it.  It makes a huge difference in the volume department when I style my hair the next day!

Blow Dry Spray:  Due to some fantastic genetics, I have grayed early and choose to color my hair. :)  While changing up my look with color and highlights is so fun, it does cause my hair to be a little more fragile and this blow dry spray protects my hair from the heat of the dryer and helps it to dry faster, so I don't have to use the dryer as long!

Dry Shampoo:  This product is so great in a pinch if I don't have quite enough time to shampoo my hair, but need to freshen my look.  I'm so thankful for whoever invented this product!  It also helps give good volume.

Volume Spray 25:  This spray offers fantastic hold to your style without it feeling stiff.  I always love using it.

Another necessary product for me is this one.  Of all of these, this one provides the greatest volume at the time I am styling my hair.  You just put a little of this powder at the roots and tease away!!  It holds up great throughout the day and gives my style the oomph it needs, especially on humid days!!

I use a flat iron most days and Ashley referred me to a great spray that protects your hair when using hot tools either flat irons or curling irons.  I can't remember the one she told me about, (it might be this one) but I feel a little better using all the heated tools when I use this spray. :)

THREE

Kate from The Small Things Blog is my other invaluable resource.  Her hair tutorials have taught me so much about hair techniques and products that I can honestly say they have changed the way I do my hair!!  If you have not seen her website, please go immediately!  She has an amazing stock of hair video tutorials of all different styles.  From curling to teasing to updos and everything in between, she offers amazing tips that have definitely helped me so much!

This tutorial was the first one I saw through a Pinterest link and I use these tips all the time.

Just looking back through her hair tutorial list makes me want to try some new ideas and retry my favorites!  I never thought I could do a cute updo before I started watching these tutorials and sometimes I am amazed at the styles I can actually accomplish!

FOUR

I always keep a running list of other hair products to try and this foam and these shampoos and conditioners are on my list.  

Thanks for hosting us, Jordan!

What are your favorite hair tips?

Favorite Things

Today I'm linking up with Erika (tabanderika.blogspot.com) and Andrea (mcanallyfamily.blogspot.com) for their Favorite Things party where we share our current favorite thing under $10.  My first thought was a fun bottle of Essie nail polish or popping in to my favorite nail salon for a $5 nail polish, but then I thought of the latest treat I've purchased -- the $4 bunches of flowers at the grocery store!!

Picking up a bunch or 2 of these flowers just brightens my day and I love having fresh flowers around my house or office.  

Thanks for hosting this fun party, Erika and Andrea!  I can't wait to see what everyone's favorites are!!

Favorite Things

Today I'm linking up with Erika (tabanderika.blogspot.com) and Andrea (mcanallyfamily.blogspot.com) for their Favorite Things party where we share our current favorite thing under $10.  My first thought was a fun bottle of Essie nail polish or popping in to my favorite nail salon for a $5 nail polish, but then I thought of the latest treat I've purchased -- the $4 bunches of flowers at the grocery store!!

Picking up a bunch or 2 of these flowers just brightens my day and I love having fresh flowers around my house or office.  

Thanks for hosting this fun party, Erika and Andrea!  I can't wait to see what everyone's favorites are!!

We Won!!

Y'all, I cannot even believe it!!  We won the photo contest thanks to you!  Thanks so much for voting for my bridal portrait on my wedding photographer's blog.  Now we get to enjoy another photo session with the amazing Kelly Hosch in 2014!  I am just tickled!!  Thanks again!

We Won!!

Y'all, I cannot even believe it!!  We won the photo contest thanks to you!  Thanks so much for voting for my bridal portrait on my wedding photographer's blog.  Now we get to enjoy another photo session with the amazing Kelly Hosch in 2014!  I am just tickled!!  Thanks again!

Favorite Scriptures on Love

Today, I'm linking up with some of my favorites (Natasha, Darci, April, and Christina) for their "Five for Friday" linkup and today's is a very special one because we are all bringing support to #TeamTeddy and awareness to Menkes syndrome.  You can also visit his FB page here.  Natasha wrote a great post earlier this week talking about this precious little one and his courageous fight.  Hopefully all of this support will help work toward a cure to this disease.

With all the difficulties in the world and today being Valentine's Day, I thought I would focus on some of my favorite Scriptures that focus on love.  No matter what we face, good or bad, we can rely on God's presence to guide us each step of the way.

ONE

This passage has sustained me through many desert times in my life.  The hope and assurance that nothing can seperate us from God's love is such a powerful truth that I feel such peace wash over me each time I read it.

TWO

The love chapter in 1 Corinthians is such a beautiful definition of what love truly is.  What a challenge!  Love is so much more than a fleeting feeling, but a sincere and active expression.  Reading these verse both convicts and encourages me in the way I love others.  I think more than anything, this verse provides a written representation to draw us into a closer understanding of what God's love is like.

THREE

Love is central to our two greatest commandments from God: love God and love neighbor.  No wonder Paul writes that "the greatest of these is love."

FOUR

"Love one another".  I still remember memorizing this verse as a child.  How simple it's message appears at first glance, but oh the depth of challenge when you begin to apply it.  Just reading these over again has brought a new challenge with the idea of Valentine's Day and how essential it is for us to love everyone around us.  I love the quote from Plato "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle".  This statement is as true today as it was in ancient Greece and seems to accent God's commandment to love each other.  God created us for community and how strong and beneficial that community would be when we can truly "love one another".

FIVE

And I end this collection with one of the first verses I ever memorized, which becomes more powerful each time I read it.  This verse captures the good news, the gospel story of God's love for his people that God loved us enough to give his only Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sin.  This love gives us our eternal hope.

May you experience the fullness of God's love on this Valentine's Day and every day!

Favorite Scriptures on Love

Today, I'm linking up with some of my favorites (Natasha, Darci, April, and Christina) for their "Five for Friday" linkup and today's is a very special one because we are all bringing support to #TeamTeddy and awareness to Menkes syndrome.  You can also visit his FB page here.  Natasha wrote a great post earlier this week talking about this precious little one and his courageous fight.  Hopefully all of this support will help work toward a cure to this disease.

With all the difficulties in the world and today being Valentine's Day, I thought I would focus on some of my favorite Scriptures that focus on love.  No matter what we face, good or bad, we can rely on God's presence to guide us each step of the way.

ONE

This passage has sustained me through many desert times in my life.  The hope and assurance that nothing can seperate us from God's love is such a powerful truth that I feel such peace wash over me each time I read it.

TWO

The love chapter in 1 Corinthians is such a beautiful definition of what love truly is.  What a challenge!  Love is so much more than a fleeting feeling, but a sincere and active expression.  Reading these verse both convicts and encourages me in the way I love others.  I think more than anything, this verse provides a written representation to draw us into a closer understanding of what God's love is like.

THREE

Love is central to our two greatest commandments from God: love God and love neighbor.  No wonder Paul writes that "the greatest of these is love."

FOUR

"Love one another".  I still remember memorizing this verse as a child.  How simple it's message appears at first glance, but oh the depth of challenge when you begin to apply it.  Just reading these over again has brought a new challenge with the idea of Valentine's Day and how essential it is for us to love everyone around us.  I love the quote from Plato "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle".  This statement is as true today as it was in ancient Greece and seems to accent God's commandment to love each other.  God created us for community and how strong and beneficial that community would be when we can truly "love one another".

FIVE

And I end this collection with one of the first verses I ever memorized, which becomes more powerful each time I read it.  This verse captures the good news, the gospel story of God's love for his people that God loved us enough to give his only Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sin.  This love gives us our eternal hope.

May you experience the fullness of God's love on this Valentine's Day and every day!