Walking Through Unavoidable Stress

Hello everyone!

Since our major announcement, that had nothing to do with having children, life has flipped 180 degrees, upside down, crazy! We've left Napa, and are now living with my folks in Stockton. We're living in the apartment on their property, so while we totally have our own space, we haven't really un-boxed anything and won't until we actually move in the middle of August. That means our place looks like an episode of "Hoarders", In fact I have no clue where my Bible currently is. I took it out of a box . I know some of you are already feeling uncomfortable, but you know what, it's life!

Chalk it up to having never really done anything like this before, but I was shocked how I subconsciously want to get to a new normal that I know won't exist for another 6-8 months. It's an inner struggle that has left me very very stressed, and it completely snuck up on me.  I looked at my tired self in the mirror and it hit me, and maybe this is you, but when I'm stressed this is what happens to me:

This is a picture from when we still lived in Napa, but the mess communicates my life right now.

1. I don't sleep at all.
   My brain just won't stop. I'll find sleep randomly if I slow down for a little while, but when it's actually time to sleep I just keep thinking and thinking and thinking. (A white noise app if helpful for this)
2. I eat.
   So much emotional eating happening right now.(That's had turned it's ugly head in the mirror as well, gotta get find that inner peace/ Bible quick and get my butt to the gym!)
3. I shop.
   Obsessively. Retail therapy has always been my go-to. But after a little while everything looks the same, and shopping becomes more depressing than theraputic. Retail therapy is not real therapy. 

So.... I've been praying and reading about what to do and how to survive so my three not so healthy defense mechanisms don't kill me. This is what has worked for me.  Maybe your defense mechanisms are different than mine, but I hope maybe this is can help you if you find yourselves in this crazy state of extreme transition.

1. Read your Bible.
   I have been reading Nathan's. Turns out, it says the SAME EXACT thing. I bought myself a little journal. Starting my day with the Lord, with a cup of coffee, reading and writing a little. This changes everything
2. Tidying up.
   I don't have a ton of control over my surroundings right now. There is not a single thing I can do about the mess of boxes. But I CAN keep the kitchen clear. I CAN clear off the little breakfast nook. I CAN keep the desk in bedroom clear. Focusing on the things that I can do...that's the sweet spot.
3. Make To-Do lists.
   I don't know about you, but when I see a sink full of dishes I just shut down. I get overhwhelmed at the sight, and pretend like its not there. The reality is, if I just tell myself "one dish at a time" it'll take me no time at all, and before I know it, the pile is gone. To-do lists are what tell me that my "dirty-dish pile" life can be done. Just one dish at a time. 
4. Find/Create/Define a creative space.
   Nate and I need creative space. Looking at stacks of boxes has got to be the least inspiring thing in the entire world. My friend Alyssa, from college just wrote this FANTASTIC article for Trouve Magazine about getting back your creativity, and for me, finding or creating a define creative space just spoke to me in a very profound way. For now, it looks like I'll be going to a coffee shop, but I plan on defining a space in our new place in Bakersfield.
5. Find your jam.
   This is my worship playlist. When I need to just be quiet by myself, or actually do the dishes, or box up a million things, or separate my clothes into Goodwill piles, this playlist keeps my focus on the big picture. I'm not doing this more no reason. God is moving Nate and I in a brand new and super exciting an wonderful direction. God is showing himself faithful to us! This playlist reminds me of that.

• Pieces -Amanda Cook
• Out of Hiding -Steffany Gretzinger
• God I Look To You - Jenn Johnson 
• King of my Heart- John and Sara Macmillan
• Place of freedom- Highlands Worship
• Jesus is alive- Fellowship Creative
• Here-Kari Jobe
• Come To The Altar- Elevation Worship
• Make a way- Desperation Band
• Refuge- Parrish 

Well friends, thats about it for me today. Hoping to have some outfit posts and more women in worship soon! Have a fantastic week!

The rest is painted with a little science fiction

Hi Everyone!! It's been a few days since I've posted anything, and since I know you've be desperately waiting at your computers for an update, I will now indulge you. wow. Anyways, sometimes you just need a break right? After recording, and trying to keep up with my blog during that whole crazy process, I just needed  a week to get my brain around school, and starting my internship. You know, pay attention to things that I've invested thousands of dollars in, and gone into major debt over.

ANYWAYS! On to funner matters! This is what I've decided to wear today! I'd seen Coury over at Fancy Treehouse wearing red over the knee socks, and was instantly inspired. That actually happens often at her blog (I've kind of adopted a WWCW what would coury wear mindset). But since I hate what my legs looks like in over the knee socks, I decided to go for the full-on red tights. Red tights are bold, and i know that, but I actually can't get enough of them! I'm no scouring my closet for what else I can wear with them. I tried them with over the knee boots... a little bit too "Mrs Incredible" for me...

 There was once a day when I was a full-time musician, and I wore this little dress on TV! I've had it for 6 years now. It is offically the oldest item in my closet, and I cannot sell it. It's also my most faovritist dress ever. I got it from FINA, a fancy schmancy boutique in Stockton. Thats where you go if you're gonna be on TV. It was the only way I could Justify buying something from a Boutique.

 I tried to ombre my hair over the weekend... and I didn't think you could even tell... until I look at this picture right in this moment.

 Thought you might want an update on the doggies! Chico (front doggy for new readers) just got fixed...he's totally fine. I was afraid it might change his funny personality, which would break my heart into a majillion peices... but turns out, he was good as new!

That's about it for me today! Dont forget the Valentine's day sale going on over at my Companion Shop at Etsy. Just click on the collage and it'll take you over!  See you soon!!

Is Bigfoot Real? Can 27 People Be Wrong?

Hello Everyone! I realize that it's almost 9PM, but hey better late than never for a post, right?! I've really had quite the full day. Coffee, Friends, Shopping, Forcing people onto this blog, babysitting, wow. Really super great way to spend the last day of break, if I didn't have the option of spending every single second with my husband, which I didn't. AND since I didnt, I went to coffee with the ever wonderful Erin, who I always go to coffee with, at the ever delicious, Shady Coffee and Tea, where I always have coffee! I actually have significantly cut down my Starbucks drinking this break. I mainly made my own coffee, and I'm very happy about the money I saved doing so. Easily over 100 dollars. double wow.

Also: Last night I rented the Movie Joody Moody and the Not Bummer Summer. Nathan hated it. It's a movie for 12 year old girls! Of course he hated it! But... seeing past the very obvious silly facade of the kiddiness, I loved it. It was so sweet, and Heather Graham as the Crazy Aunt Opal was awesome. I really do like kid movies not like Spy Kids kid movies, but kid books turned into movies, like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. PLUS, it scores majorly with the kids that babysit. However, I asked Luca and Dario if they were into Joody Moody....evidently it's only for girls, and they have no interest in it.

Despite their lack of leaves, the Trees really add to the beauty of old roseville.

 Erin and I are embracing an incresing internet trend that I've noticed hasn't really caught on here in Roseville...Yet. Trust me. My prediction is the next expensive "ugly" shoe trend will be these Dansko Proffessionals. I know they're not the most beautious shoes, but gosh, they are so comfy. And, for the record, I find them cute. Especially in black paten and leopard print! Ours are actually the knock-offs from Kohls, but they look identical, and there were literally 95% cheaper.

 Dancin it up in our Danskos. Celebrating our comfort and our frugality. Go us.

Well everyone, thats about it for me. Tomorrow Nathan has a Tattoo appointment in Stockton, so you know what that means! Hooray! Family time! Seriously, nothing funner. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend everyone! See you soon.

I make up for lost time when I come home

Hi Everyone!! How are you all? I've been having a pretty stellar week myself! Things really seem better when your start off your week relaxing with your family. I know I should probably wait to tell you about thing exciting partnership when things actually get going, but I just can't wait! If you look to the side bar on the right of this page, you'll see the shop www.shesinside.com on the side. I've just partnered with them to do a feature on this page and I'm really stoked about it. I'm really excited about it because it's the first time i'll be partnering my blog with a website. Let me tell you, it was really tough picking out just one thing, everything was so cute, but I managed to do it!

Anyways, this is what I decided to wear the day I went on my thrifting excursion with my mom. I found this dress at the Stockton Crossroads outlet the day before, and let me tell you this: The crossroads outlet is the best store in the whole company. I don't care what anyone says. I always find really unique things there. This dress isn't exactly unique, but it sure is cute, and it sure was $3.78, so there.

 The trees on my parents street are so cool, even in then winter. When the weather warms up they line the street and it's just so shady and beautiful. For one second it makes you forget that you're in Stockton! The sun actually did come out later that day, but that morning it was sooooo cold, I had to sacrifice the natural light and go inside. There was no way I could stay out there.

Anyways! Thats about it for me today! Not really a lot to write about today, except for my exciting partnership stuff. I'm probably gonna celebrate by going to Freestyle, even though my wubby is already home from work. Like I told you yesterday, he's sick, so he can't really go crazy... as crazy as you can go working retail...well, I guess I could probably go crazy (in a good way) if I was working at my favoritist store of all time... who knows. Anyways! all that to say, I gotta get myself to freestyle. I'll see you soon!

An industrious sinner I much prefer to a lazy saint

Hi Everyone!! It's finally Saturday! I've been pretty busy these past few days getting things ready for school. It's been nuts I tell ya! I dont even have any of my books yet! I dont know what the heck I'm gonna do, books are expensive! Oh well, it'll work out.

Anyways enough about that, on to weekend fun times! Nathan has a tattoo appointment today so we are in Stockton. We haven't been to our hometown in such a long time it feels, so while Stockton may not be the funnest or most glamourous town, it sure is good to see family. My brothers are together this weekend in San Diego, I wish I were there with them.

ANYWAYS! This is what I decided to wear today. When my mom greeted me at my parents' house, she said I looked like I was going to prom. The last time I wore this dress, people were so complementary, I actually think it's pretty plain and kind of boring, but whatevs! It's a whole outfit in one peice. thats what kind of travel dressing I like.

 Chico thinks he's some kind of wild animal.

 Today is a lazy day, just ask our little buddy oscar. Have you ever seen a dog with a sweeter face? His personality is just as sweet. You'll never meet a better dog than Oscar.

Well everyone, enjoy your Saturday. I think I'm gonna just lay around and have lazy last weekend of Summer. If you're returning to school next week, I encourage you to do the same. See you soon!

nothing is certain but death and taxes

Hi Everyone! Happy Tuesday to you all. I hope you’re week is going well thus far. Mine was good... until I had to re-do my taxes!! Do you know how confusing the 1040-X form is?! Good grief it is seriously the worst! I just found out that I have to completely re-do my taxes because of a discrepancy of $12... Good grief. It makes my brain just melt... not. fun.

Anyways! Now for happy news!!! Nathan and I went to Stockton because he had a tattoo appointment, so naturally my mom and I went to go run errands! There’s a great thrift store is Stockton called Superior thrift. I’ve mentioned it before. The Name suits this place perfectly. I never ever leave empty handed. I find my greatest stuff at Superior. And this trip with my mom was no different.

This is what I decided to wear today. Just a few of my finds from yesterday. I feel like the wide stripes and the shape of this dress are right on trend for the summer. I’ve got to find a way to style this so its suitable for the Fall. Same with all the midi-skirts that I’ve collected this summer. Anyways! This dress could not be a more simple outfit to style. The stripes are busy enough that you really don’t have to do much. Minimalism. I like that.

 I just really love everything about this dress. It was one of those things that you see on the hanger and think "I wonder...". I love when that thought pops into my brain. It's my favorite part of the thrift store.

 These clog sandals were such a steal!! I was so thrilled to see them in the shoe bin, I almost let out a little squeal! Only $6 for shoes I'll own for the rest of my life. Not a bad deal.

Well, that’s about it for me. I have to get to working on my financial aid.  It’s very frustrating. But when you go to a private Christian school, and you’re newly married, you pretty jump through any hoop to afford it! So… that’s gonna be my day, Boo. Well… I hope you all have a much more fun day me! See you soon!

the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart

Hello everyone!! Holy shoot, is it hot today! For those of you who read from anywhere other than the central valley, this area gets notoriously hot during the summer, and it makes doing anything without air conditioning a real burden. Thankfully, Mine and Nathan's apartment is never in direct sunlight, so we're able to keep our place cool with minimal AC usage.

ANYWAYS!! How was your 4th of July? I hope it was as fun as mine. I just hung out with my family, but it was definitely one of the best 4th of July's I've ever had. I think I say that every year, because I definitely remember saying that about last years. I think 4th of July is so fun. Barbeque, Swimming, Family, and remembering how wonderful our Country is... Don't get me started. When I see parades honoring our soldiers, I get all teary. Their bravery on our behalf... man, pretty amazing (I try not to use that word too lightly). Thanks boys!

Well everyone here's a recap of my day yesterday. this is what I decided to wear for all of our festivities. I don't know why I didn't think to wear Red, White, and Blue, I'm above dressing patriotically... no siree. Anyways, I'm on a real pink and white kick these days. It's just so sweet and girly and lovely.... I dont know, I just cant get away from it.

 I'm not prepared to commit to the high waisted shorts just yet, so I wore this lacey little number over it. My idea of commitment at this time is the tying it in a little knot on the side, that way if I feel a little bit too...whatever, I can just untie the knot!

 One this that is always a little but new for me is, the real full on actual lipstick on a casual day! I usually wear nude lipgloss, but for the 4th of July I put on this pink lipstick. I liked it! I think I'll keep it for now:)

 This little seahorse necklace is special to me for a very silly reason: its the first thing I ever bought at Freestyle ages ago when it first opened. Little did I know what a huge role it would be in my life!

Here's a few pics of our 4th of July Festivities with our nephews! We thought we might go down to Santa Cruz and spend the 4th there, but the traffic deterred us. So expect a Santa Cruz Post next week, when it's not so crazy!! We actually drove down to Stockton (like you're all shocked) to celebrate, and I'm so glad we did. It was so wonderful to just spend time with the ones we love:)

Well everyone thats about it for me today! I hope your 4th of July was super great, and that everyone was safe and sound! As for the rest of this week... I'm just gonna try and stay out of the heat!! See you soon!!

Madame Blueberry

Happy Saturday Everyone! Are you gearing up to celebrate America? I am, though we have to plans... Oh well. Maybe we'll just go on a 4th of July Date! I don't know why that sounds so fun... maybe a date to the lake? I'll suggest it.

Anyways we are still here in Stockton, you know, staying close to Family. And I thought that before we headed back to the Sacramento area, I'd take a few pictures for the ol' bloggy blog. My mom and I are watching a thing on the travel channel about festivals around America... did you know that there is a Hot Dog Festival in Frankfurt, Indiana? did you also know that Hot Dogs happen to be one of my most favoritist foods?! I know, healthwise, it's pretty shameful, but I dont have them very often.

Anyways, this is what I decided to wear today. I have to be completely honest, this may be the most boring outfit I have ever worn. It's just a dress and sandals. Very little actual styling going on here. HOWEVER, this dress is a great shape, and it's going to transition into fall really well, so I really like it. Isn't sad that fall fashion is already entering my mind? I should move someplace that's kind of warm and kind of cold all year long, so all my clothes get more wear... San Diego perhaps? I dream, I dream.

 What drew me to this dress was the cut and print. I bought it from Superior Thrift (it truly is superior), but it's technically from the Gap.

 My hair really growing out, I haven't worn in such a long time, I didn't realize how long it was getting! Hooray! Long hair, here I come. ALSO, I haven't seen my natural hair color since... who knows, maybe my Junior hear of high school, 10 years ago? So, it's been nice not ever having to touch it up.

Well thats about it for me everyone. It's about time fore me to get going back to Sacramento. Have great rest of your Saturday, and try to keep cool! It's supposed to get over 100 here... oh gosh. See you soon!