Friday, September 28, 2012

High Five for Friday!

First and foremost, Happy National Coffee Day! Seriously, go celebrate it!

Now for my High Five list!!
1. You guys were seriously cracking me up on Wednesday! I've never gotten such sweet comments and I treasure them all! For those who missed it, I wore a top knot for the first time, and was definitely not grungy. ;)

2. This beauty came in the mail!! I registered for Nicole's Classes and am SO sad that I have to wait until November to start! Until then, this book shall be my best friend. (I've recently decided to change my major to graphic design so I'll be using this class to build my portfolio for school!)

3. Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Enough said.

4. My church is going through some extreme changes, yet I couldn't be more excited to see what Healing Place has in store for us. It's so apparent that God has His hand on this house. The strength and faith of our church family will get us through this.

5. The Snugly Duckling is now offering free blog designs! I'm trying to make a name for myself in the design world and would love to start with a few gifts!! Click the little tabby if you're interested! :)

Linking up with Lauren, as always!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Grey, Yellow and Teal Pinspirations

Grey, yellow and teal is my favorite color combo! I've been dreaming of a room in these colors for a long time, but I'm a little complex in my decorating. I'm waiting until I have a queen bed to match the super cute duvet I bought from IKEA. But I'm waiting until I move to get my queen bed because I'd feel bad for whoever is helping me move! I'm just so sad that I can't have my dream room until then. However, until I can, here are some of my pinspirations. :)


This color palette for sure!

I love everything about this bed nook! It just looks so cozy and vintage.
In love with this accent wall! I'd be too sad to do it in an apartment though. I'd hate to have to paint over it!
I want this print from Livy Love Designs SO bad. I drive a yellow VW and just find it perfect for me!
Source: etsy.com via Kara on Pinterest

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

What I Wore Wednesday

Some days just need to be about comfort. I don't see the reason in dressing up cute every single day, even if it is a little more fun. Grunging it is sometimes just the best choice. I hope at least one blogger out there agrees with me!
Today's "grunge" led to me trying the top knot for the first time ever! I absolutely love it. Even if it makes me feel like a Who from Whoville (who loves Christmas a lot.)

Hi-lo top: Aerie (big surprise, I know)
Necklace: So old there's no way I would remember
Jeans: American Eagle

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Delirious Rhapsody this week!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Pumpkin Spice Cookie Recipe

A little messy, but oh so yummy!
This recipe has been in my family for at least ten years now, and they only get better with time! We make them at least once a year, and it's by far one of my favorite fall traditions. They can be a little messy while the frosting sits, but look at how cute they are after. 
Haha of course I had to break out my fall decorations again for the picture!
And without further adieu, the amazing recipe for Pumpkin Spice Cookies!


INGREDIENTS


½ C. sugar
½ C. brown sugar
1 C. butter
1 C. canned pumpkin
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 egg
2 C. flour
1 tsp. Baking powder
1 tsp. Baking soda
1 tsp. Cinnamon
¼ tsp. Salt
¾ C. chopped nuts


DIRECTIONS


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, beat sugar, brown sugar, and butter until light and fluffy.  Add pumpkin, vanilla, and egg; blend well. Lightly spoon flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; mix well.  Stir in nuts. Drop by heaping rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until light golden brown around edges. Immediately remove form cookie sheets; cool.


PENUCHE FROSTING

(This is what makes it best!)



INGREDIENTS


3 Tbsp. Butter

½ C. brown sugar

¼ C. milk
1 ½ to 2 C. powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS


In medium saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar; bring to a boil. Cook over medium heat 1 minute or until slightly thickened, stirring constantly. Cool 10 minutes. Add milk; beat until smooth. Beat in enough powdered sugar until desired spreading consistency. Frost cooled cookies. Allow frosting to set before storing. Makes 5 dozen cookies.

Let me know if yall decide to make this recipe. It's 100% amazing!

Monday, September 24, 2012

Oh, Apple

I bought my Macbook in 2009 when I graduated high school. It's only 3 years old. You would think it would still be fully functioning, yes? 
No. Because it's "so old," I am not allowed to sync my new iPhone to iTunes. My software is not recent enough to run the latest version of iTunes. Meaning that I lost all my contacts, music, photos, and all that. When I reasearched it, I saw that I'd have to update my software. That's something I've known that I should do for awhile. However, since I just bought their $200 phone, I'm trying not to spend any money on anything non-essential right now. Here's the messages my computer shows me when I plug her in, and try to download the new iTunes.



Does anyone else find it ridiculous that this company forces you to spend money in order to use their products to the full extent?! How would you do this without spending eighty dollars on new software?

PS My dad's Macbook is 7 years old, and now considered "vintage" by Apple. That just means they'll refuse to work on it if he brings it in. Such horrible customer service!

Friday, September 21, 2012

High Five for Friday

1. Have you met Erin from Sweetness Itself? She's probably the sweetest thing I've ever met. Every so often she has a #thankfulsweetness Instagram link up, and I'm so in love! Check her out!

 2. I found a fantastic recipe this week for Homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Check it out here!

3. I'm a Saints fan like 98% of the year, but whenever they play The Panthers I have to switch my allegiance. And we were all so surprised they actually won this week!

4. With my job at Jo-Ann's, I just discovered another great perk! I get to take one free crafty class a month. That includes sewing, knitting, quilting, crocheting, cake decorating, painting, anything! I'm so stoked. I will work there for the rest of my life just to take these classes. ;)

5. iPhone 5 is almost here! I've been checking the tracking information since it's become available, and it's so close!!

Linking up with Lauren again this week!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

What I Wore Wednesday

Even if Louisiana refuses to recognize it, it is fall! That means it's time to pull out your sweaters, scarves, boots, and all! Get your pumpkin spice creamer out, and cozy up with someone you love.
In honor of fall, I decided to break out my plaid flannel this week!
This top paired up with my jeans, made the perfect combo for going to work. I was so sad that it wasn't cold enough to put on my brown boots with it! I'm so so ready for chilly weather, after this hot southern summer!
PS Let's please take a moment of silence for my old iPhone. I've been stuck using a stupid Android until my 5 comes in tomorrow! #firstworldproblems 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes!

I woke up this morning, seriously craving a PSL. I started my morning routine while thinking how I could fit in a trip to Starbucks today. While checking facebook, I found the latest blog post from Sew Caroline. The post is all about pumpkins and totally worth looking at. Anyways, at the very end of the post, she linked a recipe for her favorite PSL. I knew right then that I had to try it! I ran to Albertson's quickly to grab some milk, and got to work. It literally took ten minutes, if that, to make, and was so, extremely, 100% worth it. Here's the recipe. And then, of course, I had to have a mini photo shoot with our cute fall decorations. Welcome to fall yall!



And just for a little giggle from the "Ermahgerd" Girl:

Do you have any great PSL recipes you want to share? Leave a comment with the link!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Calm Through the Storm

Everyone has had storms in their life. Whether it be a move, job hunting, a death in the family, or running out of coffee. ;)





I'm currently going through what feels like 8 storms. Perhaps that's an exaggeration, but with all the stress I have, I'm sticking with 8. I'm not on here today to talk about my storms though. I'm here to talk about what to do when you're facing a storm.

Yesterday, we had Pastor Chris Hodges speak at my church. If you've never heard the man preach, I strongly suggest downloading some podcasts or something. He's fantastic. After our church had announced some heartbreaking news, he spoke on grief and how to keep calm during life's storms.

Pastor Hodges was explaining the storms he's had in the past two years, losing his father-in-law, his father, and his mother-in-law in such a short amount of time. He also discussed what verses and passages helped him through it. I'm sharing them with you lovely followers, because they help in all circumstances.

1 Corinthians 1:7-9 (The Message)
Just think- you don't need a thing, you've got it all! All God's gifts are in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside you to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.

2 Corinthians 13:11-13 (The Message)
And that's about it, friends. Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure. Greet one another with a holy embrace. All the brothers and sisters here say hello.

Pastor Hodges also mentioned that in the storms of life, it's sometimes best to listen to worship music and just be in His presence. This is something I've started doing more and more often, and I'd love to share just a few of my favorite songs with you.





What about you? How do you keep calm during your storms? Any favorite worships songs I should know about? I'm always open to more suggestions!

Friday, September 14, 2012

High Five for Friday!

Oh my goodness. It's been such a long time since I've linked up with Lauren for my usual H54F! I'm so excited to be back, and I've got so much to tell. :)

1. I pre-ordered iPhone 5!! What's that? I'm not cool, and everyone has iPhones anyways? Well this is my first time ever waiting up for the pre-order and I am super stoked! Yay for 2:30 bedtimes! ;)


2. I found a new craft, that is so soothing, because it takes forever.
I can't wait to work on some for Christmas presents!

3. I made my hair wavy for the first time in a while, and I was in love. I can't believe I don't do it more often!
Please pay no attention to my tired eyes and no make up!

4. After searching 4 different stores, I finally found my Pumpkin Spice Kisses. Apparently they're a Target exclusive. Seriously, go buy some.

5. This one is from last week, but since I didn't link up I say it still counts. Free venti PSL, yes please!!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Remembering 9/11

We all remember where we are when breaking news happens, and unfortunately, we've had quite a few in our lifetime. To me, the most memorable is September 11th. Even saying the date sparks some sort of memory. Eleven years later, I'd like to share my memory with you, and how it affected a paranoid ten year old.

My parents were missionaries as I was growing up, but nothing crazy. We lived in England for seven months, and Canada for a year. Dad later made a few trips by himself, but I'm getting ahead of myself! On September 11, 2001, my sister and I were alone at our duplex in England while our parents were grocery shopping. Our parents came home to our neighbors outside telling them to turn on the news immediately. They knew we were Americans and thought of us. They rushed inside and called my sister and I to the living room. Right then and there, we watched the second tower collapse live. 

We saw people jumping from windows. We heard screams and cries. We saw the firefighters go in, when everyone else was trying to get out. We heard news reporters trying to make something of it all. It was a moment that I've never forgotten. 

I was scarred and terrified. All I knew was someone was targeting Americans, and for some reason, the only thing I thought was that I was the next target. Every completely irrational fear came into my head. I had nightmares of Osama Bin Laden coming to kill me. I could barely sleep, because I was so paranoid. However, the scariest part of all this, I was living in a different country. 

There were talks of closing all international flights. My dad still had a contract with the Bible school he was teaching at, and chose to stay. However, he didn't want his family possibly stranded in a foreign country. On October 3, my mom, sister and I were on a flight back to America. Bringing the second most traumatic experience in my life, saying goodbye to my dad before entering airline security. It was a hard time for all of us. We decided to live with my grandparents in Ohio since our home was still rented out until Dad's contract had ended. It was a good experience to be so close to my grandparents, but I missed my dad.

I know most people don't agree with the war, but it's protecting our way of life. By finding and extracting these terrorists, America is safe. Al Qaida is still out there, and still planning attacks against our country. It is our duty as a country to protect the citizens. I know we've lost a lot of soldiers, and that's the worst outcome of any war. However, without those brave soldiers, we might not be the country that we are today. I'd like to express my gratefulness to the men and women serving, and those who served, for protecting us.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Restless Blog Hop!

A blog hop is a place to link up your blog, fb, twitter, whatever, and then you hop around to the other links and find blogs etc that you like! So its a place to FIND and be FOUND! yay!
--------------------------------------------------------
RULES: MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THE RULES! 
Grab this button and place it on your blog for the weekend! Its smart to make a special post about the hop and talk about yourself or post something fun to draw people in!

young and restless
MANDATORY: Be a follower of my blog! And follow the host of the hop! She's so sweet!!
young and restless

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Yarn Wrapped Wreath

I think it's safe to say that I have a craft addiction. I'm sure I'm not the only one out there, am I right? ;)
Anyways, this week at Joann's I saw a cute little owl (pictured below) who I just knew had to be made into a craft. My mom's recent obsession with owls and upcoming birthday made me jump onto the owl bandwagon. I bought him (like 70% off I'd like to add), a wreath, and some coordinating yarn. Way too excited, I got started on the gift right away. Here's what I needed:

After I had all my supplies together, I hot glued the first piece of yarn and started wrapping.
And wrapping.

And wrapping.

And wrapping.

Needless to say, it was a very long process. Maybe 2 hours for the entire wrapping part? And it was very important to keep gluing as I went. Maybe every 3 or 4 wraps would get a glob of glue. However, it was my first time, so I'm sure it'd get easier and faster as I get more experienced. Yes, I said as I get experienced, because this was a craft that I loved!! I definitely plan on doing it again, and for every holiday imaginable.

Anyways, after I was done with all the wrapping, I took my hot glue and globbed as much glue onto Fuzzy Harry's butt as possible and stuck him on. (Yes, we've already named the cute owl.) Here's the beyond cute finished product!

I wish my mom would've let me taken pictures of her response to it! (I was so excited for the craft that I gave it to her a month and a half early! No way I could keep it a secret that long.) She kept running around the house, peeking her eyes through the wreath yelling "Hoo-dee-hoo! Hoo-dee-hoo!"

Linking up with a few new linky parties today:

Monday, September 3, 2012

Labor Day Sales

So as my Instagram followers probably know, I work at Jo-Ann's and Aerie. Can you just imagine the amazing discounts I get? And the amazing amounts of money I get to spend? ;) Anyways, on top of my employee discount, everything is on sale for Labor Day this week, so I've just gone a little nuts! Here's some horrible quality pictures of my Aerie finds.
Silly iPhone didn't take the picture with any clarity (or even the right colors) whatsoever, so here's a close up of each!


And now the really exciting part,  my Jo-Ann's purchases!! I got all this for $30!
But sadly, I didn't get any fabric! I woke up this morning and realized I had all this elastic that I bought, but didn't take any advantage of the huge discounts on fabric! I just learned how to make cute little skirts by attaching elastic to the top and it's so easy! I'll have to post pictures of the cute skirts I'll be making this week. Anyways, all that to say that I might be going back this afternoon to grab some more, and if so I'll update the post for yall to see.