Or in my case, it's the iPhone shuffle. Because, to be honest, I don't know where my iPod is. When I find it, I will be sure to do another post just like this one. I wish I could say that this was my great idea, but sadly, it wasn't. Amy did this over on her space and I most DEFINITELY wanted to play along. Now, I'm hoping that some NEEDTOBREATHE, Imagine Dragons, or The Civil Wars shows up and not just Taylor Swift. Because, I really do listen to those three more than that last one. Here it goes and I promise to not lie (maybe)! The only time I will skip is if that artist has already come up!
Put your iPod, iPhone, music device on shuffle and list the first 10 songs! Ready, set, GO!
That is a pretty fantastic playlist if I must say so myself! Let's go for 5 more! :)
Wow! This didn't make me lose hope in my music taste after all. Although, I'm still quite sad that NEEDTOBREATHE didn't make it on this list. Especially one of their new songs. Have you heard "The Heart"? It's quickly becoming my favorite!
Thanks, Amy for this fun idea! Make sure to go check out her list!
What would be on your iPod shuffle? Who is your favorite person or band right now?
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My state was bracing itself for a big Winter storm this week. My area in particular was supposed to get some ice and then about 2-3 inches of snow. Instead, we got all ice and a dusting of snow. Give me the snow, NOT the ice. The ice makes EVERYTHING bad, whether you know how to drive in it or not, or whether you are prepared or not. Friends in the central part of the state were not as lucky. They received ice as well as snow and our bigger cities were not prepared! Thousands were stuck and stranded on our interstates and highways because the cities were not prepared and jobs and schools were not cancelled. I had many friends who had to abandon their cars and walk miles to a nearby friend's house or their own. I'm glad to know they are safe now, but there are still some making their way home. Needless to say, we didn't know what to expect, but hopefully in the future weather plans will be better implemented. Also, I'm thankful to have spent some winter months in Tahoe where I learned how to safely drive in the snow. Although, I haven't left my house in the past two days, except to take these few photos. Stay warm and enjoy! :)
It wasn't completely a "winter wonderland" as you can see, not everything got covered. But, it did provide enough for some sledding. However, I will admit, that beyond taking these pictures, I didn't venture out in it.
Not even our whole yard got covered, but our streets were pretty treacherous in some parts.
Have you been experiencing winter weather in your area?
Do you LOVE snow or completely despise it?
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When I started blogging the first time, I was surprised by some of the wonderful "friends" I made. Although I stopped blogging for awhile, I picked it up once again. And it still surprises me that I continuously meet some wonderful "friends." This year, I decided to begin sponsoring on my blog. Although I can't financially sponsor anyone, I can swap buttons! I wanted to start using that space on my sidebar to show off the friends that I have been making. These girls are some of the greatest people and we have so much in common! I'm thankful that they want to sponsor me and allow my face to be on their blog! Although January is coming to a close (WHAT??!) and sponsoring for February is about to begin I wanted to take a moment to highlight one of my sponsors for this month. I was so happy that Kiki was one of my very first sponsors! She is a wonderful writer and a lovely photographer! She also lives in the Pacific Northwest and I'm totally jealous. Kiki also hosts The Circle each month! Make sure to visit her blog and keep reading to get to know more about Kiki and her wonderful space! 1. Introduce yourself by telling us THREE words that describe you. I'm Kiki and I'm the girl behind the blog, In Its Time. That blog pretty much sums up everything that I am, but if I had to choose only three words, I'd choose introverted, photo-taker, and simple. How's that for creative? 2. If you could only eat ONE food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Oh, that's a tough one. I have so many favorite foods, but my all-time favorite treat is my sister's fresh-baked homemade sourdough bread with a little butter melting on each slice. It makes me mouth water just thinking about it! 3. What are you most looking forward to in 2014? I'm looking forward to taking more photos this year! With a new camera in tow and a goal of enjoying and living life to the full this year, I'm excited to capture and remember each moment of 2014. 4. What are your TOP 3 FAVORITE blog posts that YOU have written? Ooh, another tough one. It sounds weird for me to promote my blog like this, but I love my posts on singleness, my first photoshoot post, and my first and only vlog, too. Thanks for having me, Jess! :) Follow Kiki! If you are interested in sponsoring Polished Arrow for the month of February, there are still spaces available! Click the SPONSOR tab up above to learn more about how to get your sweet spot on my sidebar. Check out the page above or e-mail me with SWAP as the subject!
There are many reasons that people run. Here is why I started running.
It's healthy.
Running is not only a way to get a good workout in, but it has many benefits.
It's fun.
No, really, It is. I never really thought that I would start running. And still wouldn't classify myself as a runner, but it's beginning to be more a part of my journey. There are mornings now where I wake up and immediately put on my workout clothes and head out the door. A couple weeks ago, I actually got all dressed up and then was greeted with the sound and sight of thunder and lightening. All dressed up and no place to run. I enjoy running because it gets me out the house, let's me get my mind off my long to-do list, and puts my focus on me. That last one might sound a little selfish, but if I actually want to continue with the changes that I've begun, I've got to focus on me and allow myself to believe I deserve this.
It's given me a goal.
Right now I'm doing my run workouts using the Couch to 5K program. It's an 8 Week program that trains you for 30 minutes, three times a week, for eight weeks. The ultimate goal is for you to be able to run for 30 minutes or 3 miles successfully. And to complete a 5K. Now, my goal right now is NOT to run a 5K. If I was thinking in that mindset, I honestly probably wouldn't finish the program. My goal IS to complete each day and each week. IF I run a 5K at the end, that's just icing on the cake. My other goal is also to obviously keep losing weight. I'm not close to my ultimate goal weight, but I like to set short term goals. So, I'm actually only 4 lbs. away from my next short term goal weight.
It's more than a resolution.
I didn't start running just because it was a new year and a new, fun, and exciting thing to do. I didn't start running because all my friends were doing it. I didn't start running because of all the sleek and slim models on the covers of magazines. I started running because I want to change my life. I want to keep losing weight (safely). I want to live a more healthy lifestyle. I want to feel better about myself. I want to have more energy. But, mostly I started running because my body is a temple and God has entrusted me with this temple. He didn't give me this body to waste it away. He gave me this body to take care of in the best way possible. All so I can serve Him better. Isn't that why he created me? So that I can glorify him? Absolutely. I am called to honor him in every aspect of my life. Including my body. It's more than a resolution. It's a calling. It's a calling to be something great. It's a calling to be the daughter He wants me to be. It's a calling to live the life that He wants me to have. It's a calling to be free from sin and to live in freedom.
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Do you run? What made you want to start running? If you don't run, what is your favorite form of exercise?
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Some of the tips in this post were taken from this article here.
By the way, as I write this it is 10:45 PM on Thursday and it is flurrying in South Alabama. Meaning, I just saw two flurries when I squinted my eyes. By the looks of peoples social media accounts, you would think it is a snow-apocalypse. I miss seeing actually snow. The thick stuff that comes down in sheets and within minutes is up to your ankles. That my friends, is snow. And it is beautiful. And I miss it.
Wanna know more about your cup of Joe? Check out these articles to read these and more fun facts about coffee!
Here // Here // Here // Here // Here // Here
Are you one of the 1.6 billion people in the world that consumes coffee daily? If so, what is your drink of choice? If not, what do you drink often in place of coffee?
Follow Me :) I have to admit. One of my favorite things about Facebook is when people take quizzes and then pass along their results. I love taking the quizzes and finding out which TV character I'm most like, where I'm really supposed to live, what Disney Princess I was destined to be, or what my personality type is. Today, I'm passing along some quizzes that have been circling the inter-webs and some that I've had bookmarked for ages. Keep in mind that the majority of these tests are NOT serious; they are strictly for fun. However, the last FOUR tests are more on the serious side. So, if you want to dive right into those, skip ahead! Don't forget to tell me your results on any quiz/test you take! It's always fun to see what people's results are. Which Disney Princess Are You? I mean, of course, we all love Disney (I hope). My result was Belle. "You're a beautiful bookworm...completely comfortable in your own skin. You're imagination takes you to fantastic places..." What City Should You Actually Live In? Wouldn't we all want to live somewhere else, even if just for a short time? I got Portland, which I'm totally okay with. I would move back to the West Coast in a heartbeat. "You're a free spirit, but not in the L.A. way...you're up-to-date on all the latest coffee brewing techniques, have a long list of local blogs you love to read, and can taste the organic goodness in every bite you eat." If you take this quiz, please let me know your results! I would love to know what all the different results are. Which Harry Potter Character Are You? It's HP. Enough said. I'm apparently Ron. "You're the funny one in your group of friends, but sometimes you use humor to hide your insecurities...you've got a truly sweet and sentimental heart." Which Hogwarts House Do You Belong In? I mean, naturally, we need to know what house we belong to. I got Ron, so obviously I should be in Gryffindor. Well, apparently I have two sides, because I got put into Slytherin. I clearly was not satisfied with this, so I found another sorting quiz and was put into Ravenclaw. Clearly I'm just not unique enough for Gryffindor. The only thing that really fit me about being in Slytherin was this, "you're smart and ambitious and not afraid to put your all in." Which Star Wars Character Are You? You may not be into this one if you weren't a Star Wars fan. I got Yoda. "A natural teacher, you've learned to use the force for good, and to pass that gift to future generations." Which FRIENDS Character Are You? Seriously one of THE best shows to ever come on TV. I love it so very much and laugh hysterically every time I watch an episode. I am Joey. Which, I was VERY happy with. He was my favorite of the guys. I mean his relationship with Chandler is one of the best friendships of all time. My best friend and I say we are a lot like them. Which Jennifer Lawrence Are You? I mean I love her. I really think we could be friends in real life. Naturally, I wanted to get Hunger Games Jen, but I got Silver Linings Playbook, J-Law. Which, I haven't seen the movie yet, but she did win an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and more for that performance. Did you guys see the movie? Now for the ones that are more on the serious side, yet still a lot of fun and interesting to take! How Y'all, Youse, and You Guys Talk: What does the way you speak say about where you're from? This is probably one of my most favorite tests to date! If you don't take any other one, take this one! I'm such a fan of languages and culture and this is both of those combined. At the end of the quiz, you will get a personal dialect map. After I took it I made my parents take it and my oldest sister as well. Each time we all varied by one city that perfectly made sense. Take it and make the people around you take it! Tons of fun to see how we all call the same thing, different names, depending on where we live. Myers-Briggs Personality Test Psychology, social psych especially, was one of my favorite courses I took in college. We are all so different and that is what makes us unique. I am an INFJ, which is apparently the rarest of types. Learn more about your type here. Adult Spiritual Gifts Test Many Christians are interested in taking a spiritual gifts test. The results can greatly help you determine where you can best serve. It doesn't give you a specific job, but it shows you areas where you can excel and serve the Lord and your community better. My top three gifts were: Administration, Faith, and Wisdom. What Is Your Love Language? This is another test that was popular among Christians, especially married couples. However, more and more people have taken this test, Christian or not, single or married. Like the spiritual gifts test, it can show you areas you excel in and how you "speak" to others, without speaking at all really. My top love language is "words of affirmation." So, I guess in this case, you would be speaking. Right below words of affirmation, my other love languages are "quality time" and "acts of service." Do you have a favorite quiz that you have taken lately? Did you take any of the ones above? Let me know what your results were in the comments below! Follow Me :)
Ever since moving back home, I really haven't had a room that felt like mine. Once I fully moved out, my room quickly became my mom's art space filled with paints and canvases, while I lived comfortably and alone in my apartment in Tuscaloosa. Oh, how I loved living by myself and wish it could have been for longer than just a year. When I graduated college and moved to California, most of my belongings ended up in a storage unit at the end of town. I knew as my time in California came closer to an end that I was most likely moving back home, although I didn't know for how long. I still don't know how long it will last. What I do know is that it is important to have a space that feels like your own. Sadly, since moving back home, I really didn't have that. Until now. Take a peek at the new space that once again feels like my own. (Sort of.) Whew. SO much better right? There aren't that many drastic changes and as you can see the color of the walls stayed the same. However, just by changing a few things and moving some stuff out, it opened up the room a ton and I feel like it is finally comfortable again! I wish you guys could have seen this left wall (where the TV is) "before." It contained a giant bookshelf, (with mom's art supplies) that was blocking my other window, the TV (that stayed) and a three tiered plastic container (that now holds my movies). My legit dresser is in storage, so for now my clothes are in those plastic bins that are beside the TV and in my closet. The brown little stand/desk that is in the center actually contains a sewing machine. It shows you how much we use that considering I now have knick-knacks on top of it. Ha! The biggest improvement is the bed! It sits up much higher thanks to a new bed frame we found (for $75!!) and I have a new comforter. Also, I got to personalize my wall beside my bed with some photos and prints. Always a plus. Let's look at some details closer up! This just gives you a better look at the other side of the room. Notice I didn't really give you guys pictures of the closet area. It's isn't exciting, believe me. Also, where that chair is, in the bottom corner, begins the table that holds my mom's art things. On the (hidden) sewing machine table, I topped it with my collection of Little House books (which my mom found for me this past Christmas) and books pertaining to California or the West Coast in general. Also, throughout the room I have some of my favorite hymns framed. I found an old hymnal in a thrift store once and knew I could do something with it eventually. The one here is "'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus.'" And the picture in the frame there is Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, one of my absolute favorite places. One of my most favorite things in the room is this framed map of the state of California! I found this old National Geographic map at an antique place my mom frequents and knew I had to have it. I LOVE maps. And globes. Well, the thing is huge, but I was able to find a frame for it and absolutely love how it turned out! Although my ceiling fan light is on in these pictures, I'm a big fan of just having my lamp on. It gives it a big cozy feel! We finally took down the aqua blue curtains that I had since high school. I like the look of no curtains and it seemed to open the room a whole lot! However, I think we are going to find some sheer curtains that will hang just to the window sill. I'm not really a fan of curtains that are so big and heavy and seem to just swallow a room. I was hoping for a solid color on the comforter, but we found this one. (Walmart, holla!) It's reversible, but I love the blue and white pattern on this side. It's enough, but not overwhelming. Mom found this headboard and bed frame ($75!) and that is what started this whole makeover. I love this bed frame for the fact that it does have all the cubbyholes (and another feature you will see in a minute!) and the wide mantle like top. I'm able to decorate it, but it not be overwhelming. The diploma IS going to get framed ONE day. I'm coming up on my two year anniversary of graduation, so that really needs to happen soon. Also, you can partly see another framed hymn. This one is 'The Old Rugged Cross.' And the other reason I LOVE this bed frame. Not only does this make the bed sit up higher, but who doesn't love extra storage?? Now, naturally most people might use this as places for more clothes or whatnot. Well, I didn't feel like rearranging all my clothes and I needed space for my books. So, both drawers are full of books, but I still have plenty of room to add more in the future. It's like a secret library! I LOVE it! :) I was so excited for this part of the room. I've had these prints and photos for awhile and have been dying to frame them and make a small gallery art wall. And finally, the perfect time presented itself! The two photos up top are shots that I took while I was living in California. The one on the left is of Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe and the one on the right is The Golden Gate Bridge (pretty much my favorite landmark ever). I got both of these photos printed from Shutterfly in a sweet deal they had of getting two 8x10s free! You can't get much better. These WONDERFUL prints were created by a very talented friend. After seeing her post so many awesome prints on instagram and facebook, many of us asked her when she would start selling prints. Well, it is finally happening! Not only does she have these lovely prints, she has a few others (like this one I want to add to my collection) and can do custom orders. Please go check out her shop on Etsy. Not only does she do wonderful and beautiful work, proceeds go towards her future trips to Haiti! Do you have a room that you recently gave a makeover? Leave me a link in the comments. I would love to see your before & after pictures. Want to be a SPONSOR for Polished Arrow and SWAP some buttons? It's never too late to add your button on the sidebar. Leave me a comment, click the SPONSOR tab up above, or send me an e-mail with the subject of SPONSOR and let's get to swapping. I still have room left for February. Follow Me :) Shout-outs to Shutterfly and DesignsByHilliary were all my own. They didn't pay me anything to say something nice about them. I just really love those sites and the awesome products they put out! Check them out!
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First off, HUGE shout-out to Kiki and Amy for the topic of this month's The Circle. Is it not perfect? Well, it is for this barista.
:)
Coffee Date
1. Where are you seated (near the counter, near the window, near the door, against the wall, etc.)?
I'm the girl who has found the last table in the corner, by the window. I most likely have my head buried in a book, a bible study, and my ear buds in listening to NEEDTOBREATHE. Every once in awhile, I look up from my world to people watch or stare out the window watching people do life. But, I'll take the ear buds out for today, so I can hear you as you join me on this coffee date.
2. What are you sipping/munching on?
I have a big cup full of a delicious Vanilla Bean Latte (or a Chai Tea). You really can't go wrong with these, as they are just smooth and are comfort in a cup. Also, a banana nut muffin is somewhere nearby. Possibly already devoured.
3. What do you want to get off your chest first (can be as deep as you want)?
Where do I even begin, friend. There is this whole issue of waiting, first off. Why would I even choose that as my "word?!" Waiting is seriously the hardest thing to do sometimes, but what the Lord can do in those waiting times is incredible. I keep reminding myself that that is why I'm waiting. For Him to keep revealing himself, just as He's always done.
Then, there is just life in general. It's only the beginning of the year and already different opportunities have revealed themselves. Things that I never thought would come my way. But, here they are. Most will probably not be fulfilled, but the fact that they have been mentioned shows just what God can do! He truly knows the desires of our hearts, friend. I will always stand in amazement at the opportunities that He places in front of me. And I pray I never pass up on those chances. Wherever He leads me, that is the best adventure I could ever ask for.
4. If you could choose anyone (besides us of course) who would you have a coffee with?
Right now? My best friend. We are distanced 1400 miles from each other. Technology is amazing and I'm thankful for FaceTime, but sometimes, you just want to be in the same room as each other.
5. What is inspiring you lately?
So many things! Nature, books, photography, friends, writing (blogging), music, my jobs, pinterest. (ha! go figure on that last one.) I get to this point every once in awhile that I will have just sooo many ideas, wants, dreams, that I just can't narrow it done. I want to do nothing but lay in my hammock (with warmer weather though), read a book one hour, write in another hour, draw in another hour, and lay in silence another hour. I haven't created anything that is my own in awhile and its all building up inside and that creative flow just needs to come out before I burst. I honestly have so many thoughts and words in my head for some upcoming posts, I just can't find the way to get the words to screen.
6. What are your plans after coffee?
Well, after this coffee date I'm off to get ready for work. Then, after my first job it's lunchtime and then off to another job. After that, hopefully it will be an evening of relaxing, catching up on blogs, and maybe some reading. Oh, and I can't forget. It's Thursday, so that means I'll be watching Parenthood tonight! :)
I'm so glad you stopped by and had this little coffee date with me! If this is your first time here, please look around and I hope you will stay a little while. Follow Me :) {here} What do you say when you can't find the words? What do you say to a friend who's mother was put in the hospital? What do you say to a friend who's father has passed away? What do you say to a friend who feels like the whole world is crumbling around them? What do you say when you can't find the words? How do you encourage, without sounding cliche? How do you love from a distance? Yet, seem close by at the same time? How do you serve your hurting friends, when you can't be there to sit with them? Sometimes, silence really is the only thing I can give. But, in that silence I want my friends to know something. You are remembered. You are worthy. You are protected. You are prayed for. You are loved. Sometimes, the only thing I know to do is to sit in silence and wait for the Lord to give me the words. Because the words He speaks are so much better than my own. Follow Me :) |
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