Five on Friday

1.

HAPPY ED SHEERAN DAY!!

Yes, the day has finally come, Divide is here!

And thank goodness because I was running out of versions of Shape of Me to listen to. 

2. 

March definitely came in like a lion with tornado sirens, flash flood alerts, and some Oz worthy winds. But at least your tech can look cute with Ashley Brooke's monthly lock screen!

3.

Everyone knows how much I love my main man Ed, but Lorde released new music this week too. Green Light had me car dancing, shower dancing, chair dancing, bed dancing, kitchen dancing... 

4. 

ICYMI: She Reads Truth's Lent study started on Monday.

Follow along online each day, you won't regret it! 

5.

The first Friday of Lent is here,  don't forget.. no meat! #fishsticks #cheesepizza #macandcheese

Lately: February

Listening:

Ryan Adams finally released Prisoner on Friday after months of teasing with singles.
My current favorite?  Shiver and Shake. But give me another day or so and it'll change.

Reading:
Ash Wednesday is right around the corner on March 1st and I still haven't decided what I'm giving up for Lent. However, I am all set with my study for the 40 days thanks to She Reads Truth's Lent 2017 "You are Mine"

Loving:
Dr Teal's Pink Himalayan Foaming Bath.
Heaven in a blue bottle.

Watching: 

Riverdale [The CW Thursday 9/8pm CST]
I stumbled upon this show looking for when Reign was coming back on the CW website a couple weeks ago. Four episodes later, I'm hooked.

Wearing:

Tory Burch "Love Relentlessly"

Eating:

If you're like me and crave a good burrito bowl but can't drop $8 at Chipotle let me tell you about Red's Burrito Bowls. Publix, frozen entree aisle, $4.00, 3:15 minutes, delicious.

Going:

Friday night I was lucky enough to see Maren Morris in concert downtown at the Bijou.
She is so little with such a BIG voice. She absolutely killed it and definitely took us to her church.

Counting down to:
The 2017 AAF Advertising Awards next weekend

Ed Sheeran's new album on March 3rd

Thomas Rhett concert on March 23rd

Season of Thanks

Today is November 3rd. Which means....Thanksgiving is only three weeks from today. And with the way this year has flown by I'm sure I'll be watching the parade at home in the blink of an eye. 

Next week I'll start my She Reads Truth Beatitudes two week study but as something to do the entire month I have Emily Ley's Month of Gratitude on my fridge. Every night while making dinner or before bed I write down I'm thankful for that day. This is a great way to challenge yourself and dig deeper and appreciate all the people and things in your life. 

Join me!

Lately: October

Listening:

The new One Republic on repeat, at work, at home, in the car, cannot get enough.

I might have already looked up tour dates for this album [don't get too excited, only LA and NYC have been announced.] I am a lyric geek and this album kills it.

My Top 5: Choke, Fingertips, Heaven, Let's Hurt Tonight, Human.

Watching:
Where do I begin? Fall TV is back and it is glorious.
Here's my current Hulu watchlist: American Housewife, Chicago Fire, Notorious, This is Us, Lucifer, Timeless, Scream Queens, Ben and Lauren: Happily Ever After?, Designated Survivor.

Reading:

Big Little Lies- Liane Moriarty
Sara read Liane's library of books last year and loved them.
Reese Witherspoon is producing the HBO miniseries version of Big Little Lies set to premiere next year and I am pumped.

Wearing:
If you know me at all, you know I'm a mascara junkie. I am that girl that at times has had three mascaras in her makeup bag to get the perfect lashes. My current tube dried out right before a client meeting last week so it was an emergency run to Target. The makeup gods were on my side because I found the greatest mascara ever:  L'Oreal Voluminous Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara.
[all the praise hands]

Loving:
Last week She Reads Truth announced the Advent 2016 study and I absolutely cannot wait for mine to arrive. The girls then one-up'd themselves by releasing The Beatitudes study leading up to Thanksgiving! Right now if you order both you get 20%.
These are studies you'll use over and over!

Celebrating:

Dad's birthday is this weekend!!!
Joe and I might have a surprise up our sleeves [or should I say jerseys.]

Traveling:

Tuesday-Thursday the Sun Tan City team road tripped to Louisville for planning meetings and some fun downtown. You know the client dinner was a success when dessert's a cotton candy horse mane. Only in Kentucky...

Waiting

I am awful at being patient. 

I want to be in control and know what's coming, after all my job title is "Media Buyer/Planner."

Yesterday started the second week of She Reads Truth's Ruth study and today's devotional jumped off the page at me. 

"Waiting as Obedience"

Boom. There it is, that word, "waiting."

Looking back on my short life and career waiting has always paid off for me but it's really hard to look towards the future and have that hope when you're in the moment/present. 

I had to wait three years into my career to find the job/agency that was the right fit for me.

I waited almost a year to find my own place in Nashville. 

And am still waiting to find that person. But after reading today's scripture and the devotional I felt content in my waiting place.

"In your waiting place, cling to the hope that God will not leave our stories unfinished or unredeemed. They may not look how we expected but, as with Ruth and Naomi, our story is His story. We can wait with hope, and we can trust and obey with confidence. Thanks be to God."

After all, who knows what will come your way while you're waiting.

Five on [the last July] Friday

1.

Hills 10-Year Anniversary trailer is officially here.
I cannot wait for August 7th. Viewing party at my house! 

2.
A new month is just around the corner, or should I say weekend. And that means a new monthly calendar download from Evelyn Henson. Head on over and get it today.

3.
While you're there getting your August download, check out her new wallpapers too! Each wallpaper coordinates with one of her new mug designs; the toucans are my personal favorite!

4.
The 1975 is coming to Nashville in November and tickets go on sale today.
Hurry, because these will go quickly!!

"Well I know when you're around cause I know the sound
I know the sound, of your heart."

5.
She Reads Truth next study begins Monday.
I have heard wonderful things about their study of Ruth and I cannot wait to start it.
Hopefully it will bring me some balance and peace as work shows no sign of slowing down.

Five on Friday

1.

New Tom Odell hit Spotify's New Music Friday playlist this morning and it is so so good. 

I always know, of all the boys in my life, Tom will never let me down. 

2.
This weekend continues the April weekend warrior party:
Saturday- The Orange and White Game with my long lost desk bestie Maggie
Sunday- Food City 500 at Bristol

3.
May 2nd may still be a couple weeks away but I've already ordered my She Reads Truth: Proverbs study and I couldn't be more excited to start it.

"The pursuit of wisdom and the pursuit of God cannot be separated. In this way, the study of the Book of Proverbs is a journey to spiritual maturity—a journey to the wisdom that comes from God alone. This 4-week study, Proverbs: The Way of Wisdom, gathers a selection of wisdom sayings from throughout the Book of Proverbs into daily thematic readings. Each day’s reading is followed by a short series of questions to help you grasp the meaning of the text and the apply that day’s wisdom to your own life. This study is meant to be contemplative—light on the quantity of verses but heavy on the thoughts, questions, and prayers that flow from them."

4.

ICYMI: Mary-Kate and Ashley posted their first ever social media selfie as part of their Sephora Instagram takeover. And it was as fabulous as we had all imagined. I'll always love them. 

MKA 4EVA

5.

Forecast is calling for nothing under 75 and only sun for the next week.

Praise hands for that!

Five on Friday

1.

Snapchat's Spring Break filter was an un-welcomed reminder that half of Knoxville is heading to the beach this weekend/next week for some fun in the sun. So, naturally we found a Spring Break playlist on Spotify. This was the first song that came up on shuffle and I am obsessed.
Kacey Musgraves, I am now a fan.

2.

This Sunday is the Barley's St Patrick's Day 5K downtown in Old City.
Your registration not only gets you a t-shirt but pizza and beer after the race.
Win. Win. Win.
Grab your green nike shorts, ladies.

3.

Easter might still be two weeks away but She Reads Truth has already released their post-Lent devotional, The Resurrected Life. This study book is broken into two parts: "Part One: Together we will examine Christ's five encounters after he is risen from the tomb.
Part Two: Explore 1 Corinthians 15—one of the Bible's great chapters about the resurrection—and other key passages, to ask questions many of us have surrounding the mystery of the resurrected life."

"Then the One seated on the throne said, 'Look! I am making everything new.' He also said, 'Write, because these words are faithful and true.'"
-Revelation 21:5

4.

THE NEW PARACHUTE ALBUM IS HERE!
Wide Awake released onto Spotify this morning and I am already on my second loop through,
It. Is. So. Good. [also really loving their album artwork]



5.
Don't forget we spring forward this weekend!
I have a feeling the Starbucks line will be extra long come Monday morning, but that extra hour of sun [and fun] will be well worth it!

Five on Friday [with She Reads Truth]

Wednesday was one for the books. At 4pm I was called into my media director's office and told that I would be taking the lead on the media portion of the client presentation Thursday.  

"Do not freak out." 

Easier said than done, right? After calling mom on the drive home, getting some real food in myself, and carrying on my pre-client meeting tradition of watching The Devil Wears Prada I picked up my She Reads Truth devotional. It truly felt like the scripture was chosen just for that moment. I went to sleep with a sense of calm and when the time came for my portion of the presentation I felt calm and ready, for he dwells within me. So this Friday, instead of the usual five things, here are five of my favorite scripture verses from this week of She Reads Truth Lent devotional.

1.

"You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."

John 14: 17

2.

"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."

2 Corinthians 7: 10

3.

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

James 4: 10

4.

"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."

Hosea 6:6

5.

"For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

1 Samuel 16:7

Five on Friday

1.

TGIT is BACK. 

So many questions to be answered.

So much drama to still happen.

AND in true Shonda fashion, a Meredith Grey crisis!

2.

Happy Valentine's Day weekend!

We woke up to a sea of white this morning, but snow or not the Hot Chocolate 5K is tomorrow morning! Registration is still open so grab your gloves, we're running for chocolate here!

3.

My Spotify Discover Weekly has been on point lately. I feel like I end up just copying my weekly playlist song for song every Sunday night. Here are some of my current favorites. I am seriously loving the lyrics on First Class, Songs I Can't Listen To, and New Year's Eve.

4.

 Today is Day Three of my She Reads Truth Lenten devotional and I am really loving the scripture and devotions from this week and in the week to come [Yes, I read ahead. Some days you need more than one reading]. The books are sold out but I encourage you to follow along on She Reads Truth. 

5.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are back to looking flawless on the red carpet after a post baby James hiatus; and she is looking as gorgeous as ever. She is perfect from her hair to her sparkly toes.

Fat Tuesday

Today is one of my favorite holidays, Fat Tuesday. 

In high school Mom, Joe, and I would all pick our poison [fast food] of choice for dinner with paczkis from Publix for dessert. In college it was trips to the Cupcakery and Chipotle and Froyo. And now in post grad life it's Mexican rep dinners, full size order of mixed fajitas please. But after you've consumed enough calories to play the fat suit in Shallow Hal it's time to reflect on Lent and your plans and goals for the next 40 days. This year I knew exactly what I wanted to give up, eating out. No more Zaxby's, Sonic, Soccer Taco, brunch, soft pretzels at trivia Tuesdays, or random Insomnia Cookie orders on Friday afternoons at the office. Any and all money I save from strictly brown bagging it will go directly into savings. 

The other side of this Lenten promise is cooking more at home, trying new recipes, and eating healthy. I had always complained that by the time I got home from work and a run I didn't want to take the time to cook, so much easier to microwave I would claim. This week I proved myself wrong, 10 minutes of "meal prep" [defrosting and marinating chicken] on Sunday and not even five minutes on the stove last night and I had lemon pepper chicken and rice. My own "I don't have time" myth debunked. 

Every year I feel like my "take on" for Lent is going to mass. But this year my "take on" has an after Lent goal: a daily devotional, mass on Sundays, and continuing going to mass after Easter. I have always shy'd away from small group bible studies because my faith and time with God was very personal. I used to think the same about running, and then I tried a running group. So why not take Lent as an opportunity to try a small group study every week, led by a friend so no fear of being awkward and crying. 

I have always viewed Lent as a time to better yourself to prepare for the salvation that comes with Christ's death. I want to really take the time this Lenten season to better myself as a daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, and person. 

"Behold, I am making all things new." 

Revelation 21:5

Lately [in 2016]

Watching: The Bachelor is back!

All you need to know is .."we already have a villain and she's named after a fabric"

Eating: T Marzetti's Southwest Ranch veggie dip and celery sticks. I'm addicted. 

Smelling: Target's Cozy Nights candle, this became one of my favorite scents last year. This line of candles is great 1. because they're only $10 and 2. it only takes about 15 minutes for the whole house to smell amazing and the aroma stays long after you blow it out.

Drinking: Peppermint tea all day every day. It's the perfect morning wake me up or 8pm Netflix and chill. 

Wearing: OPI: Guys and Galaxies

Reading: The Choice by Nicholas Sparks. The movie adaptation comes out next month, just in time for Valentine's Day, and I was instantly intrigued. I always love a good love story, especially when it's 36 degrees outside and you have a bed full of pillows.

Listening: The greatest thing Spotify ever did was create the algorithm for the Discover Weekly playlists. My playlist this week is the best it's been in a hot minute and I already have four songs added to my songs list from it. My current favorite right now is this track from BANNERS.

Loving: 2016. The first full week of this year has been full of new fun adventures and work days that leave me feeling fulfilled and successful. Oh and a wonderful new place to call home. 

Wanting: She Reads Truth's Lenten study book. Lent is a special time in my life each year and after reading the overview of this study I cannot wait to begin. Join me?

Lately 12/3

Gifting: Gifts get trickier the older you get. Everyone has bills and expenses but you still want to get in the Santa spirit. Bottles of wine or champagne with a cute stopper are always a great go-to gift! Target has all their $3 ornaments out and you can't go wrong with an initial ornament. I've learned as you get older, just being with friends is the greatest gift of all! 

Reading: She Reads Truth's Advent: Born is the King plan.
"Being born isn’t what made Him a King. The Prince of Peace made Himself low, taking on flesh to be Immanuel, "God with us."

Loving: My advent calendar from mom! It is the perfect end to my day and the perfect countdown to heading home for Christmas!

Watching: I am finally catching up on AHS: Hotel. I was about five episodes behind when it was announced this week's episode would reveal The Ten Commandments Killer so I had to get my butt in gear and catch up! FOMO took over hard core. 

Drinking: The snowflake might have gone off in my car on the drive to work yesterday but I am all about a good iced coffee these days. Some mornings you need something to quench your thirst and get you going at the same time. And I wouldn't recommend chugging a hot coffee before a 9am meeting. 

Eating: Publix's Organic Pizzas were 2 for $10 this past week and let me tell you the veggie is so good. And for all us single ladies out there, one pizza makes dinner for two nights! #winning

Listening: Cue the Christmas playlists, it's officially December! There are a ton of Christmas albums out there by lots of artists I love BUT The Maine's And a Happy New Year is my hands down favorite. Ho Ho Hopefully is a go-to of mine year round, no shame.

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.

Sunday Six

1.

October is in full swing which means a new playlist from Brittany Fuson!

I am loving Hide Away, Bow and Arrow, and The Stranger off October's playlist.

2.
I have gotten sucked back into re-watching Gossip Girl this past weekend since there has been nothing on TV. Which has sucked me back into my love for Blair and Chuck. I personally can't wait to see Ed Westwick on my TV again in Wicked City on ABC. Mark your calendar for October 27th 9 CST.

3.
Friday night I took advantage of a couple hours of downtime and finally got out all my Halloween decorations. Most are from the dollar section of Target last year but my little ghost lights and vases of candy corn make my house a little more festive.

4.
I love Lauren Conrad. I love her style, blog, books, clothes, and outlook on life. I found this quote of her's on Tumblr and think it's a pretty great way to think of things.

"I probably am pretty basic. But I'm also a pretty happy person, so that's ok with me."

5.
Taylor Swift landed to cover of GQ and I cannot wait to ready her piece next time I'm standing in line at the grocery store. Girl is killing it.



6.
If you aren't follow She Reads Truth on Instagram you should be. Their scripture quotes are exactly what every 20-something needs to hear. This was my favorite from the past week and is currently my lock screen, a constant reminder.

Five on [a Spring] Friday

1.

IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!

2.

I have been floundering in my devotionals. Don't get me wrong I absolutely love Jesus Calling and Jesus Today, but I've been having trouble focusing on the readings and feel like I should be doing something more Lent centered too. I had kind of just started to stay focused on my prayer journal. 

And then I found She Reads Truth.

I know I'm probably late to the party on this but I cannot say just how amazing it is. I love that they have an Instagram picture to reinforce the devotional from that day. I already have one hanging on my office wall. The Lent series is wonderful and I am so glad I found this devotional.

3.

This weekend we celebrate this sweet baby snake's birthday.

I cannot imagine my life without Sophie and still drive to my parents on random nights after bad days just to get some snuggles with this smidge. I love you Sophie, even when you put your paw down my shirt.

4.

March Madness started yesterday and while I was underwhelmed with the seedings this year I was emotionally exhausted after all the upsets and buzzer beaters and OTs yesterday. We've got the office bracket challenge going again this year and I must say the Media girls are killing it so far.

5.

The new Young Rising Sons song Turnin' is speaking to my mid-20's soul this week.

Give it a listen.

chasing these empty verses

some rows have crooked signs

we're loosing all this daylight

but soon the moon's gonna rise

these final puzzle peices

we tried but they're too tight

but if we ease the pressure

I bet they'll fit just right