Thankful

For the past three years I've written a "thankful" post the week of Thanksgiving. However this year when I would sit down to write I would hit a mental block. Not because I couldn't list off the countless blessings I have in my life, but more how to say it. This year it was more about experiencing life moments and being happy with the life I'm creating for myself than material things.

I am incredibly thankful for the family God blessed me with that I do not deserve six days out of the week. I am thankful for parents that support me in building a life and career that is my own. A brother that always tells me exactly what I need to hear when I need it the most. A sweet Sophie who looks at me like I'm the greatest person in the world.

I am thankful for the incredible people I call friends. I am so thankful for being included in amazing life moments of theirs' and being able to share mine with them. I am thankful for texts and calls and cards and snapchats from Pittsburgh, Memphis, New York, Nashville, and Knoxville.

I am thankful for the jobs I've had that lead me to the incredible agency and team I am now a part of.

I am thankful for my growing faith and the incredible example of a Catholic wife, mother, and woman I was so blessed with in my mother.

I am thankful for every date and failed relationship. I have learned more about myself with each one. And more importantly about who I want as a partner in life.

I am thankful that I can type this post in a warm house with food in my stomach. I am thankful for the life I have been so blessed with. I am thankful for all the experiences and moments to come.
I am very thankful. 

Five on Friday

1.

Hello, it's Adele.

The much anticipated third studio album from the queen herself [yeah, I said it Beyonce] released today and I cannot wait to get my hands on it. Target released :60 clips of six songs over the last two days and they were all incredible. Sweetest Devotion is my pre-listening session favorite. 

2.

This weekend is the hot weekend for premieres apparently because the final chapter in the Hunger Games saga released last night. While they took some creative license with certain aspects of the book, still a great ending to such a wonderful series of books and now movies. Added bonus to see one of my favorite Game of Thrones leading ladies make an appearance in District 2! 

3.

Hold on to your leggings ladies, LuLuLemon is officially open in Knoxville!! 

The store looks amazing and those leggings are like wearing clouds!

4.

The Royals is BACK! I got hooked on this E! original this past spring and am so glad it's back. 

5.

FRIENDSGIVING WEEKEND IS HERE!

I mean what's better than good friends, good food, Tennessee football, and crisp fall weather?

Maybe a Tennessee win.

Friday 11/20

The Guide to the Gift Guides

Gift guides have been popping up everywhere it seems like this week. I am definitely not clever enough [or let's be honest, have the time] to put one together so instead I'll just share some of my favorites. These are from some of my favorite bloggers and favorite brands as well.

Comment below if you have a favorite or one of your own!

Jcrew Factory

Tory Burch

Lilly Pulitzer

SummerWind

Bows & Sequins 

Lately

Watching: More like what are we not watching? All the fall shows have sucked me in, no mercy. I wanted to list my new favorite Wicked City, and then it was the first show to get the axe. #fail
So instead Vanderpump Rules, HTGAWM, Scandal, Scream Queens, Blood & Oil, Reign, and RHOBH will have to do.

Eating: Chunky guacamole and tortilla chips have become my new favorite snack. Kroger had Wholly Guacamole BOGO last week and I am hooked. 

Smelling: Peppermint everything! I covet my peppermint twist candle from Initial This every year. I splurge and get one every year during their open house aka 20% off,  the only way I can justify a $16 candle. But lord do they smell good. 

Drinking: La Croix Curate, Kiwi Watermelon and Pineapple Strawberry are my favorites at the moment. Keep your eyes open, these go on sale all the time. 

Wearing: OPI gel polish has changed the game. I am almost two weeks with the same manicure. This is heaven. I already have a list of colors I can't wait to try: Lincoln Park after Dark, My Gondola or Yours, Russian Navy, Black Cherry Chutney.

Reading: It's all Southern on my bedside table. Southern Living's Christmas Double Issue and Southern Weddings V8. Yes, it is my guilty pleasure and visually stunning. 

Listening: I can't just pick one for this, and yes I am a working 25 year old, but the new One Direction and Justin Bieber are so good.





Loving: Evelyn Henson hid four precious downloadables in her Holiday Gift Guide. Just scroll down to the Deck your Tech box and ta-da these precious prints will appear. I am loving the string of lights and holiday sparkle patterns. And while you're there don't forget to order something for your favorites. I already have my eyes on a print for someone on my Nice list.

Wanting:
A Fit Bit.
Yes, a Fit Bit.
The more friends I have that get one and love it the more I want one.
Dear Santa, 

Five on Friday

1.
While I reserve the annual decking of the tree until after Thanksgiving [aka the next morning] I can't help but get in the Christmas spirit this week because it's Christmas Village weekend!! There are so many amazing vendors with more and more being added each year. I discovered one of my favorites Brittany Fuson, whose illustrations have now graced the banner of the event for three years in a row now, in Building 1 almost two years ago!

2.

I have been majorly slacking on my 25 While 25 the past couple months but last week was able to check off not one but two items!

-Attend a Tennessee football game as an alumni

-Start a 401K [again]

Only 21 more items and seven months to go!

3.

Speaking of my girl Brittany Fuson, her November newsletter came out this week and debuted her newest collection, Winks!

These cuties are double sided metal ornamental figures that could be used for virtually anything! 

"Tie one on a wine bottle to accessorize your gift, hang it from your desk lamp, or use it on your gift as the tag - the possibilities are endless...." 

I love "Professional" "Workout Girl" and "Birthday Girl."

4.

The internet all but exploded Tuesday night thanks to angel wings and a certain runway. Yes, it is officially countdown to the Victoria's Secret Show Fashion. While the show may not air until December 8, photos of the outrageous wings and the higher to heaven heels were every where. I followed the show live on Tumblr and already have my playlist made. Stay tuned for a scandalous recap of my favorites come December 9.

5. 

And finally for all my Knoxville loves, I couldn't leave you out since I am now one of you, My Kind of Lovely is having their Mingle & Jingle Open House this weekend! These ladies are the bomb and I can assure you they will have the cutest holiday decor, attire, and cheer!

I am off to the 615 this weekend with Sophie snuggles calling my name! 

Happy Homecoming to all my Vols.

Friday 11/13

And let the silence envelop me

Be still.

Sounds so simple right? But try it. Just sit there. No TV, no phone, no computer, no music, no email.

How long did you last? If you can make it past the 30 second mark, can you keep your mind from racing? Yeah, me neither.

I have had a post-it with Psalm 37:7 written on it in my office since my very first agency. One of my favorite songs is Be Still by The Fray, inspired by the very same verse. I listened to it in the shower before all my interviews. It has an instant calming power [and usually induces a good stress cry on certain days too.] Back in the spring when I was looking for a little something different in my devotional I stumbled upon She Reads Truth. Game changer. Today was Day 3 of their Hymns IV series and low and behold my favorite scripture was staring back at me half way through. 

“be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him”

With, what seems like, all of society caught up in the drama of the Starbucks' red cups this week was the perfect reminder to be still and prepare for the coming of our Lord. I find the drive to work one of the most peaceful time of the day. After my "good morning" phone call with mom, it's nice to have those five minutes of being still. The shower is another of my personal sanctuaries. I challenge you to do the same. The Lord is on thy side.

5 on [a Knoxville] Friday

1.

It is officially desk calendar season, y'all. I swear I got three emails about calendar releases in one afternoon this week. I love love my Sweet Caroline Designs desk calendar but now there are just so many options, I don't know. One of my long time favorites Ashley Brooke Designs released her first ever limited edition desk calendar this week and it just might take the cake for me. 

2.

In addition to the dozen desk calendar releases this week, the holiday gift guides are flowing in. SummerWind debuted her's on the the blog this week and Tory Burch released her's earlier this week. To. Die. For. 

3.

There have been new music releases galore lately. You've got new All American Rejects, new Ellie Goulding, and most importantly new Ed Sheeran. Once again, it's a collaboration but it's just so good I can handle Ed sharing air time. 

4.
I can finally check another item off my 25 Before 25 bucket list this weekend! Even thought the forecast is rain I cannot wait for the Tennessee v South Carolina game this weekend. Let's win out the season and go bowling boys!

5.
One of my favorite parts of blogging is connecting with other bloggers across the country. I feel like I know everyone through their blogs and Instagram pictures. I finally got to meet one half of my favorite blogger bestie duo My Kind of Lovely. They just opened their newest location in The Southern Market in Knoxville and it is on a whole new level of cute [those ornament letters >]. Caroline and Katie are true #squadgoals and if you're not following them Peach Love Travel Bug and Pearls & Twirls you should be! And be sure to follow My Kind of Lovely too.

Friday 11/6

Red Carpet: CMA Awards

I loved getting to see Nashville last night on the CMA Awards.

What I loved even more? The dresses. 

Here are my top 5 ladies of the night.

Tuesday Trending

I haven't done one of these in what feels like forever! 

But after a nice chill evening of scrolling tumblr in some comfy pink sweatpants I felt inspired [do not judge my taste by my evening attire, please.]

I am loving plaid layered under a solid sweater. It is that perfect pop of color but keeps you warm at the same time. Better yet, can be paired with dark jeans, light jeans, colored jeans, leggings, skirts, you name it. I might have to put my own spin on it for the Tennessee game this weekend.