Category: Monday Lovin’

I’m halfway done with 6 straight days of work in retail, the first three of which were a weekend. That’s not always fun, and even though I’ll work 40 hours in the next three days, it’s a good Monday. In case you haven’t realized by now, my mood largely depends on the weather outside. And the 10-day forecast is looking positive, so this Monday does not feel as dreary. I love warm weather and spring clothes.

1. I watched Monica Lewinsky’s TED Talk last week. If you haven’t watched it, it is well worth the 22 minutes. She was my age when the sex scandal broke. I’ve never involved in a sex scandal, and hope never to be, but I know that being 24 is hard. She was so young. Youth does not excuse poor judgment, and she takes full responsibility for what occurred, but the way the media handled the situation is shameful. The scandal was one of the first to ever break online instead of radio, newspaper or television, and as we’ve seen the years since, the internet is unpatrolled and dangerous. As I have continued to reflect on her talk, I’ve found it ironic that the internet has made us self-absorbed, which has led to increased insecurity. Out of that insecurity, we try to shame others. Hurt people hurt people.

2. My addictive personality means that once I start to like something, it can sometimes turn into all that I want. Like food. Chick Fil-A has been one of my favorite things as of late. I have it at least once a week. I love that it is real food, quick and also relatively inexpensive. Even three years working for the company can’t scare me away. When I was in college, at the end of a long week, I would treat myself to Chick Fil-A for dinner on a Thursday. At that point, I had to go to the mall to get it, and yet it was worth it every time. Now I’m thankful to live so close to a store that has a drive thru. My current favorite is an Original Chick Fil-A Sandwich with CFA Sauce.

3. While I do not work directly with kids at MLJ, I work with kids. Which means that I have fun with kids names. Sometimes too much fun. Nameberry is a current obsession! It allows me to look at the names that other people are searching at any time, and that can turn into mocking. Clementine, really? But it is a fun break from the serious work.

4. Florals and stripes. Give me all of them. I love spring style! I love layering with bright colors. I love mixing prints together and mixing colors. I just planned out a few outfits over the next couple weeks, and I’m hoping the weather cooperates. I also moved some of the winter clothes so that I can more easily look through the items I can wear (and want to wear) right now. See my new favorite scarf obsession below and at Old Navy.

I hope your week is full of sunshine and fun spring outfits! Easter is this coming weekend, how special! I hope this week God draw you near to Himself. I love this season, on Sunday we will be singing, He is risen!

It’s Monday and the ten-day forecast only shows highs in the 50’s and 60’s, that means DRESS SEASON! I’m a dress wearer; they’re my favorite, they’re my go-to, so I am very excited that I will be able to wear them for the next couple days to work. I get sick of wearing pants all winter, especially COLD winters like this one. So, as I outfit plan for the week, I’m excited to incorporate some of my favorite items in my closet.

1. In addition to dresses, I’m loving Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together. I’m not surprised that I am really enjoying it, as I am a big fan of community, but I’m learning a lot, too. The only reason we can be in community is because of Christ.

2. After talking about it all winter, my hair is blonde. I love my hairdresser and she did a great job lightening up the color. This winter my hair got VERY dark, which isn’t always true, and it was also pretty dull. I’m thankful that it’s lighter; it’s true what they say, “Blondes really do have more fun.”

3. I’ve been under budget for clothes the past two months, and I’m still under budget for March. This is a huge success for me. I’m also loving the ways that God is changing my heart towards new stuff, and stuff in general. Move stuff is scientifically proven to increase our stress, and I do not need more stress, I want less stress, I want to simplify, and an easy way to do that is to limit what I’m allowed to buy. I’ve also been disciplined in reading the books I already own instead of buying new ones. New is not always better.

4. I have a sweet friend who has been in my life for 5+ years. We spent great time together on Friday evening. I am beyond thankful that God sees me, and cares for me by providing me with fellowship. I appreciate experiencing God’s faithfulness in enduring friendships.

5. Here’s my cliché spring shout out! Spring is here! I am SO EXCITED! The snow can go away while I enjoy the sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Hope you have a wonderful week full of sunshine!

It’s Monday. I’m lacking motivation to write today, so instead of writing about things that I’m lovin’ right now, I decided to share 10 fun facts about me. I know that there are some of you who read my blog and who do not know me in real life, and perhaps even for my real life friends, maybe a couple of these facts may surprise you!

1. I am messy. My bedroom floor almost always has clothes on it and depending on the day my desk may look like a disaster zone.

2. I am not good at routines. Doing laundry on the same day of the week, getting prescriptions filled, and workout schedules are the death of me.

3. I have a crazy creepy memory. That’s what I call it. It can be such an asset, but I also have to remember to preface some conversations with, “I only remember this because I have a crazy creepy memory…” I rely on my memory to avoid organization sometimes, but I’m thankful for my ability to recall details and remember special comments that friends have made.

4. When I moved to college, my 8 year old brother told me that he was going to miss my high pitched sneezes. No lie, I sound like a mouse.

5. Running is one of my favorite hobbies. It is a huge stress relief, keeps me disciplined and helps me love my body well. I’m currently training for a half-marathon.

6. I try to plan my outfits at the beginning of the week. I do this in hopes of wearing a variety of the clothes in my closet and not just wearing the same thin each week. It also prevents me from buying things spur of the moment at work just because “I have nothing to wear.”

7. Not a morning person. I hit the snooze button at least twice every morning. Thank goodness our day at the office doesn’t officially start until 9am, an 8am arrival time would be the death of me. I’ve tried to get in the routine of morning workouts, and I do love them, but see #2.

8. I will almost never turn down a margarita. I like flavored margaritas, but plain ones are great too. They’re my favorite alcoholic drink, which is perfect because Mexican food is also one of my favorites.

9. Beach sunsets are my favorite. Beaches are my favorite, too. The sand and waves crashing is like walking on holy ground for me.
10. I am deeply relational. I thrive on connecting with others. Good conversations bring me joy. Friendships energize me. There’s something so special as a friend saying, “I love you and I trust you.” I joke that my goal at both my jobs is to make a friend. I want the people I’m talking with to trust me, whether it’s information about a country program or which jeans look best. Relationships, they’re what keep me going.

Thankfully it is the last Monday of February. These bitter cold temperatures are killing me, and making it difficult to be creative with the clothes in my closet. I’m ready to be able to wear dresses and skirts without tights and sandals instead of boots. I can handle the cold weather through February, but into March and I start to say, “I can’t even.” It better not snow into April this year. After taking a brief break from Monday Lovin’ last week, I’m excited to share with you the things I’m enjoying right now.

1. Indianapolis does not do a good job plowing the streets when it snows, but the Monon Trail gets cleared pretty well. After 7 miles on the dreadmill last Saturday, I ventured outside for 8 miles yesterday. Even though we got at least 3 inches of snow on Saturday, I was beyond thankful that the Monon was pretty clear. It was a bit chillier than I prefer to run in, but it was better than running inside.

2. Lazy days are my favorite. Two in a row and I can tend to go stir crazy, but yesterday, after church, a Target run and my run outside, I showered and then laid on the couch all afternoon. I had a chance to make some food for the week and treats for work today. I am learning how to rest, and yesterday’s rest involved lots of West Wing, coffee and comfy clothes.

3. The West Wing’s season 3 has some of my favorite (and in my opinion, best) episodes of television. I binged watched them today, falling back in love with some of my favorite television characters. I like the witty banter of Gilmore Girls, but West Wing is sharp, smart and oh so good.

4. My new Sorel snow boots have been keeping my feet warm and dry during these arctic days. I’m excited to have them, especially since Indiana has been getting snow each week the past couple winters.

5. I spent a lot of time sitting around a table with good friends this weekend. Some were old, some were new, but I am convinced that we’re not meant to walk this life alone. Important conversations happen in relationship. It is one thing to put something on Facebook, but to share your story through relationship and to listen to others share, is to be able to begin understanding. I am thankful to have friends a lot like me, and to have friends very different from me. Being in relationship with all types of people helps me see the world differently; it strengthens and challenges my beliefs in a healthy way.

I am thankful for another week. I hope your week is awesome!

Movie night, game night, Bazbeaux’s, and football all make for a full weekend! If January is any indication, this year is going to be a great one! I’m excited for the first Monday of February!

1. I remember the Mia Hamm and Michael Jordan Gatorade commercials. They taunted each other, playing different sports and singing, “Anything you can do, I can do better, anything I can do, I’m better than you.” Mia Hamm became such a significant role model for me; she challenged me to be better and to dream bigger. Her ability to compete at a high level for a decade sets an example for women and men. My favorite commercial during the Super Bowl last night was the #likeagirl campaign. I love strong women, in all careers, in all spheres of influence. I hope the #likeagirl commercials can influence another generation of girls to dream and to become the best people they can be.
2. This song.

1. On Saturday, I spent time with some sorority sisters who were two years younger than me. I discipled a couple of them, and led the Bible Study that they were in my senior year. I loved having the opportunity to hear about our chapter, how things have changed, what is still the same, and to catch up about what God is doing in their lives. Hearing about how their faith has grown points me to God’s faithfulness.
2. New spring clothes at J.Crew. Yes. This is one of my new favorite things!
3. Hebrews 10. We studied it on Thursday at small group and I was reminded why I love the book of Hebrews and how special this specific chapter is. “Let us spur each other on to love and good deeds!”

Yesterday my day started with one of my best friends handing me coffee in a Happy Birthday mug and it ended with a celebratory glass of wine after working out with Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred. It was a full day. It was the perfect 24^th birthday. I live such a rich life that taking time to thank God for all that He has given me almost makes my heart explode. I am excited to start this week as a 24 year old, and even more excited to see what this year will bring. This week I could go on and on about what I’m lovin’, but I decided to limit myself and just share a couple.

1. My parents got me a new pair of running shoes for my birthday. I went on my first outdoor run with them on Saturday and I love them! New running shoes are so bouncy, and I ran my fastest 5 miles ever. They are also gray with bright pink; I’ve learned over he years that fun work out clothes make me enjoy exercising even more.
2. Kilroy’s is my favorite Bloomington bar, followed closely by The Vid. This year as part of my birthday festivities, we went to The Vid. They may make the best Amaretto Sours, and I enjoy playing darts and enjoying time with my friends. Fun fact: 3 out of the last 4 years my birthday festivities have involved time at The Vid. I like traditions and being able to recall specific moments at places over the years. Time in Bloomington is like looking through a life-sized scrapbook, full of vivid memories that have shaped me into the person I am today.
3. The moments that have shaped me would be nothing without the friends who have walked through life with me. I loved feeling celebrated by friends near and far this weekend.
4. My closet is an example of my addictive personality. I get on a kick and then I can’t stop shopping for it. Examples: Coach bags, North Face, Patagonia, ballet flats, statement necklaces and now puffer vests. My new red and black gingham puffer vest from J.Crew Factor is one of my new favorite things. I wanted patiently for it to go on sale and luckily they still had my size. It came just in time for me to wear it on Saturday night. I am making strides towards simplifying my life starting first with my closet and while I’ve made progress, I could not resist the gingham puffer.
5. My senior year of college, I lived in this picture perfect Bloomington house that was nicknamed, The Dollhouse. I loved the house and I loved my roommates even more. In 2 months three of us are having a reunion in Texas, complete with a night at the rodeo! I am very excited to catch up with them and make new memories with two of my best friends!

So much to love, such a rich life. I am thankful for the discipline of gratitude in the midst of cold winters and seemingly long weeks.

 

With a great friend at The Vid on our two year “Frieniversary!” Look at that puffer vest 🙂

Happy Monday! The weekend was unseasonably warm in Indianapolis, so this sunshine addict is one happy girl. In celebration of my birthday, my parents are coming to take me out to lunch, so today is truly a great Monday! I cannot wait to see them, show them my office and eat lunch with them. The following are also things I’m lovin’ this Monday.

1. I saw American Sniper on Saturday night. I haven’t seen a movie in the theaters in 2 years (the last one I saw was Lincoln… I may be a sucker for biopics) and this was the one to see. Man. Go see it! I have a completely new appreciation for those in the US Military and their families. The sacrifices that the men and women who don the uniform inspire me. The acting and production of the movie was intense and beautifully done. Even though it’s the only movie I’ve seen that was nominated for Best Picture, I think it should win hands down.
2. It’s half-marathon training season, and Saturday it was fifty degrees with sun. My five-mile run was enjoyable, especially for January. I’m hoping for some more unseasonably warm Saturdays in the next couple months. I am also remembering how much I love training. Last year I was studying the book of James while training and the verse, “Perseverance must finish its cause so you can be mature and complete, not lacking in anything,” became the theme of my spring. I am waiting to see which verses I am able to memorize through this training season.
3. Last night was 3 Party for Indiana University Sorority Recruitment. Seeing the photos blow up my social media reminds me of such a special season filled with wonderful women. The Phi Mu sisterhood played an integral role in my faith, character and who I am today. I am thankful to be a part of something bigger than me.
4. Mark Batterson’s The Circle Maker. I wish every Christian could read this book about the importance of prayer. The author does a great job weaving his own narrative throughout his exhortation of the power of praying through your dreams. Sometimes I question why I have to pray for something, thinking, “God is sovereign, it will all work out the way He wants it to,” but Batterson pushes back against that mindset. He reminds the reader that our hearts change in prayer. Being in a season of dreaming with open hands, asking the Lord to lead me where He wants to, this book reminded me that if my dreams can be accomplished without God, then they aren’t big enough. I highly recommend this challenging read.
5. Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Fun fact about me: my freshman year I was a AAADS minor. AAADS stands for African American and African Diaspora Studies. Yes, this sorority girl, who loves party tanks, shops at J.Crew and whose favorite movie is Legally Blonde, took quite a few AAADS classes and in the process gained a basis for my senior thesis, which I wrote on the role of Black pastors in the Civil Rights Movement. Much can be said about Martin Luther King Jr., and much will be said for decades to come, but the way he fought against injustice lights a fire under me to stick up for the social justice issues of our time, not just because its popular or trendy, but because God cares about justice. He is a God of mercy, compassion and freedom. Jesus came to set the captive free.

Have a great week!

Happy Monday! I hope you’re staying warm during the arctic-like temperatures from last week and heading into this week. The theme of this weekend was rest. On Saturday I hit a new level of laziness by wearing pajamas until I put on workout clothes and then putting my pajamas back on after I showered. My body and spirit needed the rest.

1. This Old Navy scarf was a favorite of mine from my junior year of college. I had semi-forgotten about it, until I was going through my closet last week (part of my simplify goal of 2015). I remembered how comfy, warm and colorful it is. If you see me in the next week, it is likely that I’ll be wearing the scarf.

2. I grew up in Ohio. I grew up on Buckeye Football. I was in 6^th grade when Ohio State won the National Championship. In Ohio, football is king. Then I moved to Indiana, where basketball is KING, and graduated from a university with a legacy of basketball championships. You can’t live in Indiana and be indifferent to basketball. My senior year of college, #iubb was ranked number one. The pride that the campus took in our top ranked Hoosiers highlighted the year. The past two basketball seasons have been disappointing, but on Saturday, the Hoosiers beat the ranked Buckeyes, reminding me once again, that despite my Ohio roots, I live in the basketball state. Complicating matters further, on Monday night, I will be rooting for the Buckeyes in the National Championship game.

3. During my lazy day on Saturday, I watched some West Wing. I figured that I after two months of binge watching Gilmore Girls, I needed to switch things up. I’m glad I did. Why? Because Rob Lowe. That’s all. I could watch Rob Lowe, specifically as Sam Seaborne all day, every day. On the show, he’s a very smart, very good-looking, optimistic dreamer… Marry Me, Rob Lowe.

4. I’m not usually a beer girl. I like it, but usually prefer a sweet wine or a fun fruity cocktail. However, this weekend, I bought the Leinenkugel Winter Sampler Pack and fell in love with the Cranberry Ginger Shandy. It was sweet and wheaty, but with some ginger. I highly recommend it for people who are fruity beer fans.

I hope your week is off to great start and full of warm winter clothes to keep you warm during this brutal weather!

 

 

It’s the first Monday of 2015! It’s my first full week back to work in over 2 weeks. Holiday season is over in retail. It’s my first official week training for the Carmel Half Marathon in April. It’s going to be an awesome week. I’m excited to be back into my routine

1. Folgers French Vanilla coffee is the best! I used a Target gift card to purchase a basic coffee maker for the weekends when I want to drink coffee as I bum around my apartment. I’m loving the coffee more than I expected. And it is so fun to drink out of the abundance of cute mugs I’ve collected in the past couple years, including my brand new white mug with my monogram in gold.

2. I don’t like New Years Resolutions, but I really like goals. I love that the beginning of a new year gives me an opportunity to look back on the past year and look forward to the next. I’m always eager for a new start, and redefined goals give me that opportunity.

3. Every family has traditions of some sort; those things you do every year. They put a smile on your face and create memories year after year. I love that my group of friends from college (thanks Cru at IU) has started some traditions of our own and fought to maintain them even as situations have begun to change. Before Christmas, we celebrated Christmas with Christmas at the Crossing for the second year and we rang in the New Year together with a party for the 3^rd year in a row. Not everyone can make it to each years events, but it is a special thing to look back and tell stories from years past.

4. This may be the most random thing I’ve admitting to loving on a Monday, but I’m a big fan of vulnerability. Right now, I’m very thankful for Proactiv. My face and I have a love/hate relationship and I’m one of the lucky adults who still has acne. I love that Proactiv clears up breakouts and helps boost my confidence.

5. One of my goals for 2015 was to declutter my life. My first step was clothes – what’s in my closet that I do not wear and what can I get rid of? I already have one box of stuff ready to go to a new home – either friends, a consignment shop or Goodwill. Baby steps forward are often times the only way to start.