tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20071845776468205502024-02-07T17:04:30.626-08:00Sweet Home Santa BarbaraAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.comBlogger620125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-45434299032485220742016-05-23T07:01:00.002-07:002016-05-23T08:00:42.692-07:00Marriage Mondays - Many Advisers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">PJ & I had a combined 22 people in our wedding party, 11 on each side. As we would share that number with people leading up to the big day, we were typically met with "woah! that's a lot of people!" And yes, you could definitely say it is. But for us, there was just no way to cut it down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each of these people carried a significant place in our heart. They were either family, or pretty much family. They are the ones who we shared every detail of our relationship with, from "I met a cute guy!" to "I just bought an engagement ring." They were the ones who listened, who prayed, who advised, and who laughed with us along the way. And we just couldn't imagine our big day without each of these wonderful people beside us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having these people beside us in dating made it so that there was also someone to go to with a prayer request, or when needing advice. Nothing in our relationship was kept secret, we made sure people knew the happenings of our lives so that they could advise when necessary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think there's a fine boundary between overly sharing, and being overly private. There's wisdom in not sharing<i> all </i>things with<i> all </i>people, but there's one particular verse that I've seen proven true in my life over, and over again in regards to sharing life details. And it continues to make itself useful & relevant in marriage, as well:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The older I get, the more I realize that I simply need advice and counsel from other people. I now see that the moment I think I have it all figured out, is the moment I've been deceived by my own pride. I never have it all figured out, and I never will until I see my God face to face. Until then, I will fully utilize the community that has been given to me to walk through life with many, many advisers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Friends, this is so true within marriage. Whether you are simply vulnerable enough with a friend to divulge the happenings of your marriage, or humble enough to seek outside counsel (I'll say I have already done this in less than 3 months of marriage, ha!), there is such wisdom in sharing with other people. Humility comes from allowing others to speak into your life, and humility will help a marriage <i><u>thrive</u></i>. Pride on the other hand? Not so much. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before I end this post & have you dishing all your deets to anyone who will listen, let me caution with one last point. In my life, I've come to learn the importance of considering the source before I go for advice. Many, many people can advise you in life, and the reality is that advice can take you in all. sorts. of directions. You can tire yourself out by trying to put into action the counsel given by <i><u>too</u></i> many advisers, or the situation can worsen with only one piece of poor advice. Don't forget that w</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e're all human, and we're all susceptible to incorrectly advising.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One way you can turn over-sharing into wisely-sharing is by asking yourself, "will this person give me wise advice?" It can be so easy to talk just to talk, but there is just as much danger in that as there is staying overly private. When you talk, be sure it's with someone who you can trust to steer you in the right direction. For me? That means I'm talking with someone who I know will steer me to Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you to the many advisers that I have in my life. I know that this marriage would not even be in place had it not been for the influence you have all had on my life. </span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-54973544313034926402016-05-02T07:01:00.000-07:002016-05-02T10:01:37.166-07:00Marriage Mondays - Getting Ready<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This weekend, we got all of the pictures from our wedding. Our friend <a href="http://beckydavis.net/">Becky Davis</a> did an absolutely <i>incredible</i> job; we are SO happy with how they turned out and captured our big day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I thought it would be fun to share some pictures each week for Marriage Mondays, and tie them into the topic of the post. Today, I want to chat about getting ready, and how we did our best to prepare for marriage leading up to March 5th. I want to share about what that looked like, and how it actually ended up playing out now that we're married. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For us, I would say preparation began fairly unconventionally on the night we met. I've shared about that night a few times (such as <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2015/03/love-without-sex-3.html">here</a>), and if you know about it, you probably already know that we got real deep, real quick. Sitting on a bench, me in my bridesmaid dress & him in a fancy outfit he had bought at Target hours before, we chatted about what we envisioned our future marriages looking like. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For him, it was probably the liquid courage. ;) And for me, it was nothing more than my love of heart to hearts. But there on that bench, we realized that we had a lot in common for how we wanted dating & marriage to look. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having broken the ice, we had no fear of talking about marriage for the entirety of our relationship. As a matter of fact, leaving our "first date" weekend a few weeks later, we made a game plan of how the rest of our lives would look, starting with marriage. It was a common topic of conversation for us, probably because we were long distance & discussing marriage meant discussing the mutual hope that we would be living in the same city one day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had a lot of friends go through pre-marital counseling, so I knew the gist of what was covered. As engagement got closer, our conversations got more specific. Instead of dreaming about what marriage would look like, we'd cover the heavy topics like finances, children, roles & responsibilities, and yes, intimacy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No question or topic was ever off the table, and I think that's what gave us both such confidence of where we were headed. It seemed odd to know at such an early stage in the relationship that we'd one day be married, but neither of us ever wavered from that hope & expectation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We didn't begin formal marriage preparation until months after we were engaged, but as you can imagine, those conversations really paved the way for that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We started pre-marital counseling with our (amazing!) pastor a few months before we got married. We went through the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Preparing-Marriage-Dennis-Rainey/dp/0764215507">Preparing for Marriage</a>, but we also kind of just went through life, too. PJ moved down to Santa Barbara 6 weeks before we got married, and even though we weren't living together, we sure shared a lot of space & time together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think it was about then that we realized that as much as you can talk, and imagine, and dream, and prepare, there is <i>always </i>going to be things that pop up that you didn't expect. We grew a lot in those 6 weeks, and got a better glimpse of exactly what we were preparing for with marriage. We never walked into a pre-marital counseling session without some event from the prior week (or day!) to discuss.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm so grateful for those 6 weeks! They were entirely different from our long-distance dating experience, not to mention with the added stress of moving & planning a wedding. There were quite a few growing pains along the way, but that almost made it more fun & more real. Seeing how we processed conflict in this new season made me even more confident in our relationship, and upcoming marriage. And the topics we covered in the book were very helpful, too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One thing I learned in the book that has related to our marriage is that there is a difference between truly communicating, and talking. Being long distance for so long had me suuuper confident in our communication. But I've found that living in the same town, and now living together, has communicating taking on a whole new form. It can be super easy to either a) talk at each other, or b) just sit & relax without talking at all. Communication, or at least authentic communication, can take some real intention!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All this to say, even with an abundance of preparation, there is still a lot of fumbling and learning our way through marriage. I relate it best to parenting. You can read all the parenting books in the world, but until you have your baby with you, waking you, needing you for every little thing, it's very hard to <i>truly</i> understand & <i>fully </i>prepare. You simply prepare the best you can, and learn as you go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As are we. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love that man with all of my heart. Last night, I went to bed still stunned at & praising God for the fact that I get to live life with him every day. There is absolutely no one else I'd rather be fumbling & learning my way through marriage alongside. ;)</span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-86587411369112133362016-04-21T21:29:00.000-07:002016-04-21T21:29:02.203-07:00Black Bean Taco Recipe<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Friday, friends! I was going to post this on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/teamfitformore/">Fit For More's new Facebook page</a>, but then I realized it's been<i> forever </i>since I shared a recipe on the blog (or anything other than Marriage Mondays, really). So, here we are! Today, I want to share a favorite recipe of mine. It's a great way to get in some protein as a vegetarian, and a tasty way to have some Mexican food while still watching your health, too. Wins all around, yes?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, and to keep things real honest, I eye ball when I make this. So the measurements listed below? They are 100% "I thiiiink that's how much I use?" status. Feel free to use what feels good to you. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>Black Bean Tacos</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For 2 servings, you'll need:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 corn tortillas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup black beans</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bragg.com/products/bragg-liquid-aminos-soy-alternative.html">Liquid Aminos</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Garlic powder (I used <a href="https://flavorgod.com/shop/product/garlic-lovers-seasoning/">this</a> kind)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things that mix in well:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Step 1</u>: Chop whichever vegetables you are choosing to mix in with your black bean tacos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Step 2</u>: Add a teaspoon or so of the olive oil to your frying pan, and preheat. When the frying pan is hot, add your chopped vegetables and black beans. Pour in a few tablespoons of liquid aminos, and a teaspoon of garlic powder. If you've never used liquid aminos before, it basically is a healthier version of soy sauce. No need to add salt with this delicious flavoring! Let saute for 5-10 minutes, or until all liquid has evaporated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Step 3</u>: Add tofu if you're including that. I prefer my tofu to be pre-cooked, and I'll be posting a recipe on that soon! Let saute over heat for an additional 2-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stirring will prevent the beans from sticking to the pan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Step 4</u>: Heat up tortillas, either over the stove or in a microwave. Pour a forth of bean / vegetable mixture into tortillas. And voila! Black bean tacos. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even PJ approved of this meat-less recipe, so you know it's good! What are your favorite vegetarian recipes? I'd love to hear them!</span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-83015494260207217482016-04-18T07:03:00.001-07:002016-04-18T07:05:49.984-07:00Marriage Mondays - On Marrying Your Best Friend<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Growing up, I think I romanticized the idea of the person you're dating also being your best friend. I would say it with nearly every person I seriously dated, that they were "my best friend." And I would genuinely believe it, too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Looking back, I think a more accurate statement would have been that they were the person I spent the most time with at that time, or my favorite person to be around. It wasn't until I began dating PJ that I first experienced the beautiful merge of friendship & romantic love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perhaps it was the long distance between us that led us into deep friendship, or perhaps it was just how our relationship progressed, but either way I am forever grateful for this aspect of our relationship now that we are married. Because now, I can say without any hesitation that I married my best friend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Romance gives me butterflies when I walk in the room, and friendship has me going to him for advice. Romance has us slow dancing in the living room, and friendship has me laughing at all of our inside jokes. Romance has us holding hands while driving along the 101, and friendship makes him my all-time favorite travel companion. Romance is what sparked our connection at first sight, and friendship is what gave me a deep sense of security in our relationship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even in just our 6 weeks of experience, I can already see the importance of being intentional with both romance, and friendship. I see how easy it is to slip into the day-to-day routine without leaving room for romance, and I also see how important it is to have a foundation of friendship to help during arguments or "off" days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am so grateful to have gotten to marry the man who caught my eye from across the room, but I am equally, if not more grateful to marry the man who has faithfully pursued both my heart, and my friendship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am ending today's post on a question, because I'd love to hear it! What are some ways that you intentionally pursue both romance and friendship in relationship? A girl could always use some new ideas, right?</span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-77408898660778877952016-04-12T20:15:00.002-07:002016-04-13T08:02:14.920-07:00Marriage Mondays - Trust & Control<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the first lessons I learned about marriage is the importance of grace. "Extend grace" is one of the most common pieces of advice aside from "don't go to bed angry." And that advice becomes extremely applicable as you are learning each other's habits and preferences, noticing what ways you irk one another, and what unintentional ways you can hurt one another. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another area where grace is helpful? When you write a post for your "Marriage Mondays" series on a Tuesday evening, ha! Such is life, yes? Good thing there's grace. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today's post has to do with the 4 legged addition that came into our family last week, and how adopting a puppy reminded me of a valuable lesson for not only marriage, but faith in general. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We adopted our sweet Koby boy from Santa Barbara's <a href="http://www.sbdawg.org/">Dog Adoption & Welfare Group</a>. Our apartment has a strict 25 lb. weight limit (we were so relieved Koby met that requirement!), so after some failed attempts due to hesitation at how big a puppy would grow, we decided to keep our options open and look at some full grown dogs. The first one we spotted was a beautiful year and a half old spaniel / dachshund mix named Woody. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He had a gorgeous, long-haired coat (something I'm a total sucker for), and a seemingly calm demeanor. He looked perfect for us! We were nearly ready to fill out the paperwork before an employee came over & gave us some fair warnings on some behavior issues. Woody had already been returned twice, and they wanted to be sure they found the right owner to ensure he found a forever home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As she explained to us the type of training and atmosphere a dog like Woody would need in order to thrive, she said something that really caught my attention and stuck with me. She didn't emphasize the immense amount of behavior therapy that he would need, nor did she drill us on the extensive amount of training we would have to give him; she said, "with the <i><b>right relationship built</b></i><b><i> upon trust</i></b>, Woody will learn to <i><b>feel safe</b></i> & respect boundaries." {Or something like that.}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She was saying that <b style="font-style: italic;">relationship leads to obedience. </b>And that concept has stuck in my mind ever since. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We didn't feel in the right place to step into that role in Woody's life, but we have stepped into that role in Koby's life. And I'm so grateful for that employee sharing those wise words with us, because it has helped me focus on building a relationship built on trust with my pup versus trying to control him. And in doing so, we have seen awesome results!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was this past weekend that I drew a connection between this concept of dog training, and having a relationship with God. It's not only dogs that require trusting relationships, but us humans, too! For so long, I struggled with obeying the Lord. Now, I can see a direct correlation with my <b>obedience of the Lord</b>, and <b><i><u>my trust in the Lord</u></i></b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I began to trust the Lord, I began to obey the Lord without a second thought. If I trusted Him, what reason would I have for not obeying Him? Why would I struggle giving up control to someone I trust? Just like a dog can relinquish control to a loving owner, I can relinquish control to a loving God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And ding-ding-ding! That's when this lesson related to marriage, for me. Because as one can imagine, sharing your life with another human being involves a <i><b>lot </b></i>of giving up control. You go from having total control of everything in your life, to sharing it. You share your finances, you share your time, you share your food. The chores you used to do yourself? The ones that you didn't even realize you were particular over? Yeah, you share those duties now. Sometimes, you do them your way. And sometimes, he does them his. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I didn't think I was controlling before, but boy! Do I see it with new light now. It's something I'm consistently working on, how to surrender control gracefully instead of forcing my hand, and my way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So this lesson? For me, it showed that if I have a loving, trusting relationship, I can joyfully yield control. My dog does not fight me for control of his leash, does he? And just as I hold the leash directing him, I know Who holds the reins in my life. So whether it's yielding control to my husband, or yielding control to my God, either can be done when I remember how much I trust, respect & adore them both. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And on that note, another guy I adore? Koby. Here's a video of our first week together as a family of 3, if you'd like an extra dose of cuteness for your day. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Humpday, friends! Thanks for reading. It blesses me more than I can say!</span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-37203443301641012792016-04-04T00:00:00.000-07:002016-04-04T08:01:59.048-07:00Marriage Mondays - The First "Fight"<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hi, friends! I got the idea a few weeks ago to start a weekly series called "Marriage Mondays", partly to hold myself accountable to consistent blogging (which I miss SO much!), and partly to chronicle our first married year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I always loved reading about the marriages of other bloggers during my single years; it was so raw & real, and yet HEALTHY too. It inspired me as to what to look towards in a marriage of my own one day, and I'm so grateful for those bloggers sharing their lives with little ol' me. It impacted me more than I could say. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't guarantee the content of these posts, mainly because I can't guarantee the content of this first year! But what I can guarantee is an authentic look into how God is moving in the marriage of PJ & A. I can guarantee a transparent view of two human beings trying to merge into one life, and the simultaneous beauty & mess that can transpire as that happens. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And, what I can guarantee the most is the mush & the gush of how <i>insanely </i>grateful I am to have Philip James Cosentino as my husband. Because boy, did I marry up. ;) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had a total vision for this first post. It was either going to be an account of our first married date night, or a letter to single me encouraging her to be patient. Both of which likely would have detailed the flowery parts of our first {almost} month of marriage, which would have been entirely accurate because boy have there been a lot of that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But then, life happened. And I find myself actually sitting down to blog after an incident that taught me much, and deserves to be recounted. An incident that shows that for anyone like me or PJ, with a dating past that wasn't the healthiest, there are very real consequences for that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't mean consequence in a bad way, like a punishment; I mean more of a chain-reaction series of events. Our hearts get marked by dramatic times in our lives, and even though some people can walk through break-ups without a single scar, most can't. Most of us walk out with new emotional responses to situations that we may not acknowledge until they stare us straight in the face. Like mine did last night!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't get mad at PJ often, and when I do, it's often my own moodiness to blame. He is so dang wonderful at being a human being, that he's hard to get mad at. Don't get me wrong, I still find ways to get frustrated. It's just usually harmless things (most of the time that don't warrant frustration), so we move onwards from it quickly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last night, I found myself deeply angry at my husband. I put the word fight in quotation marks in the title because it was pretty much me fighting with myself, but my level of anger felt like it warranted the description of our first fight. And my level of anger was not warranted, given what happened. It was a simple absent-minded mistake of PJ's, having to do with miscommunication, that was in no way, shape or form intended to hurt me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And yet it did. And instead of responding with the buckets of grace that I would have liked to, I felt like I somehow time traveled 6 years in the past to 21 year old Amy handling relationship drama. I praised Jesus for removing alcohol from my life, because being at a birthday party, things could have gotten reallll sloppy. Or at least sloppier than sober Amy made them, ha! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I couldn't put the pin point on WHY I was so angry, I just was. I was in a state of mind that the genuine words "I'm <i>so</i> sorry" couldn't even penetrate. And it wasn't until later in the evening that I realized that my anger 100% was a defense mechanism. I was not angry, I was hurt. And I was not treating PJ like my loving husband whom I trust with all my heart, but like my past. Like the relationships where I never felt stable & secure as I do with him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I share this to show that our marriage is just like any other marriage. We are two human beings coming together, and learning more about each other every single day. We are two human beings with nearly 25 years of life lived before we even knew the other existed. We are two human beings with triggers, scars, and lessons that came out of those 25 years of living. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BUT, we are also 2 human beings that have been bought & redeemed by the blood of Christ. We are 2 human beings that seek to live transformed lives every. single. day. We are 2 human beings that know that we need Jesus more than each other. And in a world where the divorce rate is climbing by the minute, THAT is where my hope comes from that my marriage will not add to that rate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am thankful for grace this morning. PJ needed it last night, and I did too. And thankfully, God never fails to extend grace like I did last night. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), and by His grace, we get to continue growing & learning how to move from the unhealthy situations of our past to the opposite. We get to take those emotional responses learned from the past, and retrain them. Because PJ is not my past, and I am not his. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By the grace of God, we get to be each other's future. And that will have me happy dancing and raising all the praise hands into eternity. </span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-43916794608386719902016-03-15T20:01:00.001-07:002016-03-16T07:54:48.336-07:00Get to Know PJ & A (1/2)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hey friends! The last couple weeks have flown by, and lots of life happenings have gone down with them. As I'm sure the majority of you know through social media, I am now officially Mrs. Cosentino! (Actually, not legally officially, thanks to the good ol' name changing process. But a pastor pronounced us man & wife, so that works, right?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seeing as PJ is now my huuuusband (boy that has a nice ring to it), I thought it was time for you guys to officially meet him! As in, through the internet. Because that's how all of us bloggers do things, right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, I give you part 1 of the 2 part "Get to Know PJ & A" vlog series. It's divided into 2 parts because this was our very first vlog, and we are clearly both talkers. My far-too-serious face in this video can be accredited to my brain thinking "this video is going to be wayy too long", as displayed by my abrupt ending of this first part. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But don't you worry, I'm much more cheery faced in the next video, when I decided to heck with the timing. Maybe we'll be the only ones who listen to 10 minutes of Q&A with PJ&A, but if you happen to join us, I do hope you enjoy!</span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-73249959165752914952016-02-20T22:52:00.000-08:002016-02-20T22:55:02.346-08:00Our Engagement Photos (1/2)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Exactly 2 weeks from today, I will officially be Mrs. Philip James Cosentino. <i>Ah!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the last 2 days, we've picked up our marriage license, finalized our reception timeline with our DJ, and I picked up my wedding dress. As I looked at that dress in the mirror at my final pick up, I was equal parts relieved that it still fit ;), and amazed that the next time I put it on, I will be getting married. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I thought it felt real this whole time, but truth be told, it's <i>just</i> starting to register that I'm getting hitched! And not just getting hitched, but pledging to spend my life with the best man I know. <i>Swoon. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I shared about <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2016/02/our-engagement-party.html">our engagement party</a> last week, and left off by saying that we closed out the weekend with our engagement photo shoot. It was so much fun, and I am so grateful for our amazing and talented photographer, <a href="http://beckydavis.net/">Becky</a>. Excited to share her work with you! I have so many favorites, that I'm going to break them into 2 posts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Becky, thank you for making us feel so natural in front of your camera! These pictures are so special to me, and I'm excited to share more with you all later this week! </span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-69339410844541015172016-02-17T00:00:00.000-08:002016-02-18T08:53:09.770-08:00Our Engagement Party!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seeing as how we officially have only 2 and a half weeks remaining of our engagement (say whaaat?!), I figured it was about time to start documenting it. ;) Our engagement will be just under 5 months, and one of the most common questions I get is, <i>"has it been stressful?" </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My answer is no more than your average engagement! I can whole-heartedly say that 5 months gave us <i>plenty </i>of time to plan this wedding. It was the perfect amount of time where we never felt rushed, and yet it never felt too far away. I always felt like it was close enough that I didn't have to wish the days away, because I knew it would be here before I knew it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think the only thing that can be difficult about shorter engagements is booking vendors, and I will say that we lucked out with tons of availability (& deals!) given that March 5th is a few weeks shy of busy season. That being said, I know people who have done 6 month engagements with a June wedding. It's doable, peeps! If you're newly engaged & wanting a shorter engagement, go for it! ;) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anywhooo, onto the topic of today's post: our engagement party!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being long-distance for 3 and a half of our 5 month engagement, and having my family multiple hours away, it made for some suuuper wedding-filled weekends. The first was the weekend of November 7th. It kicked off with one of the wedding activities I was most looking forward to; dress shopping!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was never the girl to imagine her wedding dress. I've been day dreaming about my groom since I was a little girl, and I had my bridesmaid dress picked out since I was first a bridesmaid myself, ha! But when it came to my wedding dress, I couldn't let myself look until I <i>knew </i>it was the real deal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So you bet that the Monday after we got engaged, I was browsing David's Bridal and screen-shotting my favorites. ;) I wanted to wait until I could go with my mom, so I spent the month between our proposal & our engagement party narrowing down my favorite dresses and styles via their online gallery. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had one immediate favorite, and a second that was an entirely different style, but I fell in love with the more I saw the picture. Things typically look different in real life, but even after trying on multiple dresses, my two favorites from online were my two favorites on me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Luckily, there was an undeniable, unanimous winner. And therefore, it was an easy task to say yes to the dress!! :) I can't wait to show pictures after the big day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After dress shopping, it was time to get ready for our engagement party. Truth be told, I debated if an engagement party was necessary. We likely wouldn't have had one if our sweet friend hadn't of texted me offering to host (thank you, Natalie!!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am <i>so </i>glad we did! <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-day-he-asked.html">Our proposal</a> was wonderful, but engaged life did come with its own unique stresses & challenges. I wouldn't have had it any other way, but there's no denying that we had our fair share of sobering moments in that first month of engagement. I believe the proper term is called, <i>adulting</i>? The engagement party was a moment to push pause on adulting, and simply <b>celebrate</b>. We were surrounded by countless friends & family, and we felt tremendously loved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our friends Natalie & Levi were so hospitable to use their home to celebrate our engagement, and we both drove away feeling overwhelmingly blessed. Our friends commented on how sweet it was that even extended family came for the occasion, and our family was raving about how wonderful all of our friends were. We felt incredibly lucky to have such amazing people in our lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We closed out our wedding-fest-of-a-weekend by meeting up with <a href="http://beckydavis.net/">our fabulous wedding photographer</a> (& friend!) for an engagement shoot. I'll save those pictures for next time, because they deserve a post of their own!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy humpday, friends! Thanks for celebrating this exciting season in our lives alongside us. Feel free to leave a comment with any exciting news from your life, because I'd love to celebrate alongside you, too!</span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-55260829298144715112016-01-03T18:13:00.002-08:002016-01-03T20:14:13.244-08:00The Letter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New Year, friends! I have <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/search/label/Yearly%20Letter">a yearly tradition</a> of writing myself a letter each year around this time to reflect on the year that has passed, and dream about the year to come. It's become something I truly look forward to, a time to pause and process all that God did in the prior year, a time to give Him the abundant praise that He deserves. And it's a time to embrace the beauty of a new year, the hope & anticipation that come with the unknown.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear Me, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2015 began with so. much. expectation. Didn't it? From the get go, I somehow conjured up a plan that I was sure would unfold, and didn't give much thought to how I'd feel if it didn't happen precisely as I thought it would. Most plans in life I hold loosely, having learned from experience that things don't always go the way you think they will. And there's an undeniable beauty in that! But for some reason, the plans for 2015 felt so solid. Not from stubbornness, or from a stand point of forcing my hand. But perhaps from a blissful, naive, hopeful view that of course things would go the way I thought they would. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spoiler alert: they did not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2015 was a beautiful, wonderful, blessed year. But it was also a year full of learning to walk through unmet expectations, restlessness, and at times, disappointment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And for that very reason, I think it was one of the most monumental years of my life. Not because of the engagement, though that absolutely goes on the Amy Reed lifetime highlight reel. But because let's be real, life is full of unmet expectations. I see people around me dealing with them every day, from the last minute cancellation of lunch plans, the spilled cup of coffee, the scary health diagnosis, or one of the most heart wrenching, the realization that procreating isn't always as simple as you thought it was. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In 2015, God taught me the immeasurably valuable lesson of how to walk through unmet expectations with contentment, a gracious heart, and hope. In 2015, He reminded me that His plan is always,<i> always </i>better. He showed me that dreams are beautiful, and it's okay to grieve them when they don't pan out. In 2015, I tangibly saw that God's dreams for me are bigger & better than my own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past year, I fell more deeply in love with my future husband than I ever imagined possible. My gratitude for him & my family grew, and I come out of 2015 feeling insanely blessed for the people I get to call my people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I learned about the "word of the year" thing through the blogging community, and these past few years it's been amazing to see how accurate the word proves to be at the conclusion of the year. This year, I felt nudged to claim a rather strange word for 2015:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbb3jBMeRbnUPVYLfoyP9BhdE2FLK2RlGms7p1D0sxmRmzGiVwUQCqOURLwqaqdpMGn4YnSg0qmhBdhs7Y5C2CKbzFm2RpL8tZVyyIdCLSI2KAQ2kS9hbgPRY7E_hJ3nNzEA5z7AtwLeK/s1600/a+p+p+l+y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbb3jBMeRbnUPVYLfoyP9BhdE2FLK2RlGms7p1D0sxmRmzGiVwUQCqOURLwqaqdpMGn4YnSg0qmhBdhs7Y5C2CKbzFm2RpL8tZVyyIdCLSI2KAQ2kS9hbgPRY7E_hJ3nNzEA5z7AtwLeK/s400/a+p+p+l+y.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I felt as though I had been learning & learning, but now it was time to truly <b><i>apply</i></b>. To soak in the water as a sponge does. For what good would a sponge be if it never absorbed the water it was immersed in?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hardly blogged this past calendar year, but when I did, there was a recurring theme of slowing down. During the months of slowness & waiting, it's almost as though there was nothing to do except ask God, <i>"what are you teaching me right now? What do you have for me in this season?"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2015 was absolutely a year of not only learning, but applying lessons. I will forever be grateful for how God met me and molded me over & over again this past year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And now, hello 2016! Talking with PJ this past weekend, I realized how different this year feels from last. Perhaps it's lessons learned, or maybe it's just different place, different time. Whatever it is, I feel so much lighter going into 2016. I without a doubt know it's going to be a life altering, pivotal year, but there is <u>so</u> much less expectation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The slowness has followed me into this season, and I truly feel a stark contrast from the busyness that has marked prior years. I feel called to be present & purposeful. Even when life is busy with planning a wedding & preparing for married life, I feel myself choosing a life of intention over a life of busy. I pray that theme continues through 2016. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to be intentional with my time, with my marriage (ah! I can say that now!), with my friendships, with my health coaching business, and with my mission of sharing Christ's love with others. I want to be a better listener, someone who shows up & is present and engaged. I want to seek God above all other things, and ask Him, "what do <i><b>you</b></i> want with my life?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I found my 2016 word through a hashtag on the screen while watching Demi Lovato perform at the New York NYE party. I read #Confident2016, and God and I had an uber spiritual moment (thanks, Demi!). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqH3Uhb4j2Cn2zyXWceM8KzyF8mGbloN6uy5D7kwiENcS_0VrjUBXr62GaS-VCY-5x64s6vsGxDGIwwfg0jHb-V6sZW_BQRin1OS8nlqRbZfDR9rfjfm_PptZvdrHp6PykitcQhfCV7A90/s1600/a+p+p+l+y+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqH3Uhb4j2Cn2zyXWceM8KzyF8mGbloN6uy5D7kwiENcS_0VrjUBXr62GaS-VCY-5x64s6vsGxDGIwwfg0jHb-V6sZW_BQRin1OS8nlqRbZfDR9rfjfm_PptZvdrHp6PykitcQhfCV7A90/s400/a+p+p+l+y+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first book I read in 2015 was "So Long Insecurity," by Beth Moore. Reading that beautifully written thing was like a big ol' wake up call to how much of a grip insecurity had over me. I've seen progress since then, but I truly feel like there is so much more room to grow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to spend 2016 really asking God to show me what confidence looks like. Not just for myself, but because I believe confidence changes ev-ery-thing. It breeds healthier relationships, combats competition and comparison, and because I believe that true confidence can be found in confident <b>faith. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to know what that looks like. So 2016, let's pursue it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Considering it's going to start with getting married, I think this year is going to be a pretty darn good one. ;) Let's enjoy every minute, mmkay? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">XO, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Praying all good things over your 2016, friend. And if you happen to meet disappointment along the way, know that you are not alone. And know that our God is <i>beyond </i>trustworthy & faithful. <3</span></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-62750853687398620272015-12-30T23:06:00.004-08:002015-12-30T23:17:14.546-08:002015 Year In Review<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time for by far one of my favorite annual activities: the yearly recap. This is my 4th <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/search/label/Year%20in%20Review">"Year In Review"</a> post, and each time it is such a joy to sit back and reflect on all that the prior year held. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels like each year tends to speed by faster than the last, and taking the time to look back on the happenings of each month reminds me that it truly was 365 full and eventful days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So let's see what those days of 2015 held, shall we? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><< </span><i style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">January: </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2015 started with a festive bang in the form of a belated Friendsmasgiving (mentioned <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2015/01/currently.html">here</a>). Two of my close friends moved up by where PJ lives, so my first trip up of 2015 included a reunion and a tour of Google. I said yes to being a bridesmaid in my best friend Kristi's wedding, and helped her pick out her wedding dress! The month ended with an amazing weekend at <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2015/01/i-dont-want-to-be-guilt-tripped.html">Jesus Culture Conference</a>. >></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><< </span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>February:</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Cheered on my Patriots as they (controversially) won Superbowl XLIX, and sent out <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2015/02/valentines-day.html">fun Valentine's Day cards with the roomies</a>. Had the amazing experience of being VIP on the Ellen Show, and had a positively wonderful <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2015/02/our-first-valentines-day.html">first Valentine's Day with my love</a>. >></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><< </span><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>March:</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Celebrated PJ's birthday, which fun fact, happens to be the same day as my brother and his mom. Participated in some fun bachelorette festivities for my friend Natalie, and watched the Bachelor finale 3 whole days after it aired! Managing to make it those 3 days without discovering the outcome through social media was a real success in my book. ;) We ended the month at Natalie & Levi's wedding, and I also wrote the <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/search/label/Love%20Without%20Sex">Love Without Sex</a> series this month, which is near to my heart. >></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><< </span><span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>April:</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Ran a 200(ish) mile relay race called <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2015/04/dont-chase-me-bro-ragnar-relay.html">Ragnar Relay</a>, and started my second seminary class on 1 Corinthians. I noticed and documented a new theme in my life of <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2015/04/on-slowing-down.html">slowing down</a>. Cheered on my guy's team at AT&T Park, & had some much enjoyed time with girlfriends. Also wrote one of my favorite posts this month, <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2015/04/dear-man-whose-car-i-hit.html">a letter to the guy whose car I hit.</a> >></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><< </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>May:</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Had lots of family time this month, both at my cousin's wedding & on Mother's Day. Coordinated my dear friend Claire's wedding (how stunning does she look?), and ran the Rock & Roll Half Marathon with my PJ on our one year anniversary. This month, I also felt the pull to take <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2015/05/one-week.html">one week completely unplugged from social media</a>. It was pretty liberating! >></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> << </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>December:</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Thoroughly enjoyed a festive holiday season packed with parties & pot lucks, and ran my very first Spartan Race! Saw Star Wars on opening weekend with my love (& ended up watching the other 6 as a result!), and spent Christmas with my family in San Diego. The holiday season is never complete until we celebrate my baby sis' birthday on NYE, which we kicked off last night! >></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2015, you were mighty good to me. I look forward to giving you many more words & thoughts in my <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/search/label/Yearly%20Letter">yearly letter</a>, but for now I'll just say that you were awfully memorable, and awfully packed with lessons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for recapping with me, friends! I wish you ALL a very Happy New Year! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">** Previous Years In Review: <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2014/12/2014-year-in-review.html">2014</a>, <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2013/12/2013-year-in-review.html">2013</a>, <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2012/12/2012-year-in-review.html">2012</a> **</span></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-27931934457533129722015-12-11T14:35:00.000-08:002015-12-11T14:35:17.628-08:00The Day He Asked<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On October 10th, 2015, a long-time dream of a man getting on one knee and asking me to be forever his came true. Years of dreaming about who this man would be (and wondering <i>if</i> he would be), followed my months of anticipation and wondering when the event would take place, all were met with a moment that surpassed anything I could have hoped for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And not because it was perfect by the book, but because it was perfect for <i>us</i>. My sour mood earlier in the day didn't subtract even the tiniest bit from the magic that unfolded as my sweet PJ got on his knee in the middle of a sandy shore, and held out the prettiest ring I ever did see. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think that was one of the biggest lessons I learned in the months leading up to our proposal. I felt this bizarre pressure to make it perfect, like if I said the wrong thing or woke up in a bad mood, then the moment would forever be tarnished. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welp, I did wake up in a bad mood. And that mood wasn't improved when we walked into Starbucks & I ordered my favorite breakfast, only to find they were out. <i>Out! </i>(Gasp, how-dare-they.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought something like that would damper our proposal story, but it turns out, it adds to it. Because as I reflect on that car ride to the Capitola Beach coast, the one where I was trying to put my big-girl-pants on & muster up a good mood for the remainder of the day, the one where the gloomy sky turned into a gorgeous, sunshiny one in a tangible reflection of God redeeming the day, I think about my sweet fiance sitting in the driver's seat, smiling knowing that regardless of the mood of the girl sitting beside him, he wanted to propose to her that day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And propose, he did. ;) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That man who has every bit of my heart said some of the sweetest words, of which we only remember about half ;), got on his knee, and asked me to be forever his. The biggest question he'd ever asked, was met with the easiest YES I've ever said. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a few moments of embracing & beginning to process what had just happened, he pointed out my dear friend Michelle who had so sweetly captured the entire moment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so grateful for the pictures from this day. The moment passes so quickly, and is every bit as surreal as it is magical. It has been so nice to look back on these photos, and relive the moment that so tangibly altered the course of our lives. The moment when I got to say yes to being the wife of the best man I've ever known. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gah, it still gives me chills. ;) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTwFEK8bomne1ZxPk_Dp4y7Seo_c0xkifL2jG6vH-WhrkbmKvKF0vItvbukumnVA-h9EEGCHyHblB8u7xjOndKKvcNjFdd-7xpOrjE8GP8fnaUDGK_SnsA1kieffnDq1nH9MJx4bRJG_C/s1600/DSC_2242.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTwFEK8bomne1ZxPk_Dp4y7Seo_c0xkifL2jG6vH-WhrkbmKvKF0vItvbukumnVA-h9EEGCHyHblB8u7xjOndKKvcNjFdd-7xpOrjE8GP8fnaUDGK_SnsA1kieffnDq1nH9MJx4bRJG_C/s640/DSC_2242.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglw4QOYwaQGpvbZcPKtEud_zZz0mw5tpL30uU5OohW-7JaYBwPnHHKADVWiVvdGA-QVXg0k7O6MwCmUnuSOMj2lIcoYgq_d3fk3z7WPERjrvxWxJEZsXFdy6D5dHE-qZxh525vlcJ3JLqe/s1600/DSC_2287.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglw4QOYwaQGpvbZcPKtEud_zZz0mw5tpL30uU5OohW-7JaYBwPnHHKADVWiVvdGA-QVXg0k7O6MwCmUnuSOMj2lIcoYgq_d3fk3z7WPERjrvxWxJEZsXFdy6D5dHE-qZxh525vlcJ3JLqe/s640/DSC_2287.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sweet PJ, I love you so much. I daily learn how to love well by watching your example. You serve those around you, putting other's needs above your own without a second thought. You are kind, and considerate. You are hilarious, and so. darn. handsome. You are a better dancer than me, even though I fight you on that. You make life fun, and you romance me & make me feel like the luckiest girl alive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could never adequately thank you for choosing me to spend your life with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am <i>so,</i> crazy excited to be your wife. </span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-14097783302818943072015-11-09T00:00:00.000-08:002015-11-09T00:00:15.102-08:00Fear vs. Trust<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was journaling last week when I had a sudden moment of keen awareness of a trend in my life. I tend to adjust my expectations to avoid disappointment. In my hobbies, goals, and even interpersonal relationships, I see this common theme of setting low expectations to avoid potential undesired outcomes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I adjust my health coaching goals to avoid failure, or disappointment. I adjust my expectations in my friendships to avoid feeling let down, or rejected. And I can adjust myself and my behavior to avoid stepping outside of God's will. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that last one miiight sound a teensy bit wise, right? Sure, it's good to want to stay inside God's will! But sitting on my really-blue-but-has-a-brown-cover couch during the wee hours of last Friday's morning, it was as though I suddenly saw the clear underlying issue in all of these behavior patterns. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">F E A R. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I adjust my goals out of fear of failure. I engage in friendship while simultaneously operating out of a fear of rejection. And I am constantly analyzing myself & whether I'm on the "right" path because I'm afraid of going the wrong way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FEAR. FEAR. FEAR. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tend to think of fear as this overpowering emotion that leaves you paralyzed and trembling in a corner. I thought it was easily identifiable, and didn't think it was something I struggled with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It turns out, I was wrong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I <i>don't </i>think fear in and of itself is bad, just like I don't think any emotion in and of itself is bad. But I <i>do </i>think that when an emotion becomes the driving and controlling force behind our behavior, it's dangerous. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My fear became louder than my God.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But luckily, my God is not afraid to get loud for His children to hear Him. ;) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sitting on that couch, I felt God ask me a hopefully life-changing question. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I operated out of trust, I would trust that my disappointments and failures would be used for God's glory. If I operated out of trust, I would trust that God's acceptance means far more than any rejection ever could. If I operated out of trust, I would trust that if I go the wrong way (<i>when</i> I go the wrong way?), God WILL redirect me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It would literally alter every. single. area of my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trusting God would enable me to trust myself, knowing that He is bigger than me and fully capable of leading me. Trusting God would enable me to trust others, knowing that I have nothing to lose with all my worth in Christ, and simply <i>everything </i>to gain from community & relationships. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trusting God would make it impossible to operate out of fear. I truly believe that it's that simple. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living it out? I'll be the first to admit, "not so much." But I'm on a quest to get there! To find this life that operates out of trust instead of fear. This life that doesn't hide from fear, but also is not controlled by it. This life that really, <i>really </i>lives out of the knowledge that God is trustworthy, and oh so good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's where I'm at on this Monday. What's God got you chewing on?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">XO,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amy</span></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-66561474967175712322015-09-25T07:22:00.000-07:002015-09-25T07:22:21.133-07:00Mindful Eating - Collin McShirley<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Happy Friday, friends! Today, I am so excited to feature someone I recently met whose heart and passion align perfectly with my own. Those that know me well, or have been here for a while, know that me and food used to have quiiiite an unhealthy relationship. For almost a decade of my life, I struggled with emotional / comfort eating and extreme food-related guilt and shame. It was a cycle that viscously fed itself, and at many times resulted in <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/search/label/Eating%20Disorder%20Awareness">a full-fledged eating disorder</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">As the years went on, I began to realize that I was not alone. I began to see what an issue this was, and found so many women who also shared my struggles with food and body image. Some women shared my struggle with emotional eating, some with food guilt, some battled an eating disorder of their own, and many shared the common thread of body-image related insecurity.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is why I began my journey in health & fitness coaching. After tackling this issue in my own life and tasting freedom for myself, I now crave that freedom for others. I want other women to feel the same level of confidence before <i>and </i>after a meal. I want other women to know that their worth is not in a number on the scale, or a size written on a tag in their jeans. I want other women to be able to <u>enjoy</u> food <i>without</i> feeling guilt or shame afterwards. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">So when I met Collin McShirley, and heard about her passion and her work in precisely this area, I got excited! Collin is a Santa Barbara local, and is passionate about changing the way women and men look at their bodies, their self esteem, and their relationship with food. I am so thrilled to feature her here today, and share some of her wisdom regarding mindful eating. </span></span></div>
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Two first steps on the path of Mindful Eating:</div>
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1- <span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pay Attention</span></span>:</div>
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Mindful eating is learning to eat in the present moment. Become a connoisseur of every meal you have the privilege of being able to appreciate, no matter how inconsequential or routine it may be in your day to day process. Relearn how to appreciate the subtle tastes and textures of your food, even if its something you may have eaten before, try to experience this particular meal as if its the first time again. Also, adding new flavors and experimenting with your meals in small ways can help add to this rebirth of your culinary experience.</div>
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2- <span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ask Questions:</span></span></div>
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Why do I feel like eating – Are there any emotions triggering the eating?</div>
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What am I eating – Is it healthy for me to consume or is it junk food?</div>
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Notice the sensation of the food you’re eating – What does it look like? Smell like? Feel like? And, of course, taste like?</div>
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Be present both during, and after – How does it make you feel as you’re tasting it? As you digest it? Important: How do you feel <span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">after</span> eating it?</div>
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Over or Under eating – Notice if you’re feeling too full or ‘stuffed’? Or is your stomach still empty after eating?</div>
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Emotional response – Do you feel a sense of guilt and shame? Do you experience regret or self-criticism?</div>
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Collin Christine McShirley grew up in Santa Barbara, and received her masters in clinical psychology. She also is certified in body image, emotional eating and self-esteem. Collin now works as a coach helping men and women change their lives and become happy and healthy. Her coaching sessions are available in person in Santa Barbara, CA in a private office, or on phone and skype for those who live outside the area. In your work with Collin you will be supported, empowered, and given strategic methods to help make positive changes in your life. One example of the strategies you will learn is the concept of mindful eating. Above is an example of some of the tips you'd pick up.</div>
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If you're interested in learning more about Collin and her services visit her website at <a href="http://collinmcshirley.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">collinmcshirley.com</a> she has offered to do a free 20 minute discovery session for Sweet Home Santa Barbara Viewers. Call her today and give promo code "SweetHome SB" to receive this limited offer. </div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-25158336402191586312015-09-21T00:00:00.000-07:002016-02-11T14:38:41.075-08:00Contentment in Waiting<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This past weekend, I had the privilege of standing beside one of my very best friends as she said the two powerful and pivotal words, "I do." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ever since her engagement last December, I've imagined this day. And so much of it turned out precisely as I thought it would. Her looking positively radiant in her gorgeous white dress, the epic reunion that would unfold between college friends who haven't seen each other in years, and the amount of fun that would be had as we danced the night away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a wonderful, wonderful wedding day. And I couldn't be happier for my two friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But here's what <i>didn't </i>pan out the way I expected it would. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I thought there'd be a pretty, shiny ring on that bare left hand. I thought there'd be another wedding in the books for these final few months of 2015, <i>mine. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And at this point in the post, I'm sure there are many minds wondering why I'd confess such a personal detail of my relationship and life on the internet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So here's why:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I want to write about this now. I want to write about this <i>before</i> that pretty, shiny ring takes up permanent residence on that left hand. I want to write about this <i>before</i> there's any wedding in the books for me. I want to write in the midst of waiting to proclaim that in a waiting season, there is <i>absolutely </i>hope for contentment <b>before the happy ending. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">PJ and I have talked about marriage since legitimately the night we met. Call us crazy, call us unconventional, but it's just how things worked for us. So everything I write in this post has already been processed between us. Together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are so many details about this time in our lives that I would love to document one day. All of the details that led to my expectations, and all of the things that I have yet to know about that brought us to where we are today. It's all such a beautiful story, and I don't believe any of it was a mistake or a coincidence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't regret the amount that PJ and I have talked about marriage. I don't regret the dreams that we discussed together, the conversations that created this timeline in my mind. I don't for one second wish that things went the way I thought they would. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let me say that one more time, even if it's just for myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I don't, for even one second, wish that things went the way I thought they would. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have learned more in these past 4 months about patience and contentment than I have in my entire life. If PJ and I had gotten engaged when I thought we would, I would have missed this. I would have missed these precious things that God has been teaching me through this process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My relationship is stronger because of this. Our communication is stronger because of this. My trust in PJ is stronger because of this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When my plan was torn up, I started to trust. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because when a very plan-oriented person is left without a plan, that's all she can do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I started to trust PJ when he lovingly told me to be patient. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I started to trust him when he assured me that he is seeking God in every detail of our relationship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And on an even bigger and more important scale, I started to trust God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remembered that this life isn't about my plan, it's <b>all </b>about His. And His plan is a good one, even <i>and especially </i>when it doesn't look like mine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I've come to look at contentment as not something to strive for, but instead, something to praise God for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Through the rough points in this waiting process, I would get so frustrated with myself. Here I was, with a boyfriend far beyond what I could ever ask or hope for, and I found myself battling discontent because I was aching for him to be more than my boyfriend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would get loving, <i>good </i>advice from others to seek contentment, and to be thankful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I was, I was and still am <i>so </i>thankful. Even through this process, I have never once stopped considering my relationship a pure gift from God Himself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yet my heart still had (and has) moments of aching for more, aching for the future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So now, I have a different approach. Now, I consider contentment a gift. And therefore, whenever I find myself feeling truly and blissfully content (and it's often these days!), I stop and praise God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I thank Him, knowing that it is nothing I can muster up on my own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And when I don't feel it? When I'm stuck mourning my expectations, when I'm stuck wishing away my present for my future, I press in. I don't shame myself for it anymore, I simply let the tears fall. I blast the worship music. I let myself feel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remind myself that it will pass, and that it's okay. It's okay to mourn expectations that don't pan out, it's healthy to grieve and feel and cry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Waiting is a part of this life, because whether we recognize it or not, we are all waiting for a perfect world where every fiber of our being is satisfied in the God who created us. Where there are no more expectations to wait on, because every expectation is met by our being in the presence of our loving Creator. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So in this life, we will wait. We will have expectations that don't pan out, and we will find ourselves battling discontentment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But guess what else? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In this life, we <i><u>can</u></i> find true joy. And in this life, we <i><u>can</u></i> find genuine contentment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And today's post is all about the fact that </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">contentment does not hinge on circumstance.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I am not engaged yet, and yet I spent this past Saturday praising God for that very fact. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here I was, in a situation that could have very well sent me into a crying spiral over the fact that my plan didn't work out as I thought it would, and instead I was praising God for that very fact. Instead, I was thanking God that my plan did not work out. Because for that reason, I have learned valuable lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When our plans don't work out, we see more of His.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> And we remember that every. single. detail of our lives give glory to Him. Even our disappointments can be used to praise Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> So friend, if you are in the midst of a waiting season, I hope to encourage you that </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">contentment is in the hand of your Father, not your circumstance.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> And perhaps your situation is more painful than mine, and if so, I truly wish I could listen to you and hug you and wait with you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I truly believe that that statement still holds true. So I pray that today, you can rest in that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Love you, friends. Thank you for venturing through this life with me, the ups and the downs and the things in between. I'm thankful that they all have purpose, and they all bring God glory. </span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-26063291282512470092015-08-24T00:00:00.000-07:002015-08-24T00:00:07.160-07:00Healthy Product Spotlight (& Giveaway!) - Squarebars<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi, friends! Happy Monday! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I'm excited to share another <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/search/label/Healthy%20Product%20Spotlight">"Healthy Product Spotlight"</a> post. I can't remember exactly how I found out about <a href="http://www.squarebar.com/">Squarebar</a>, but I'm sure glad that I did! I recently snagged a sample box that was advertised during an Instagram flash sale, and got to try all 5 organic, vegan flavors. These bars are <i><b>delicious!</b></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDl-GVE6tjUAG9dJrzb6HWObLPdYgXKURkmeKCSmvcxYa9Cri11bNNkFLa0wc5eJgD_29YTxnEzKqQGn422fKQKXqe6PeDvPIlhUZW3s6Q4TuAvpDhT2rDj2ii62R3Nz2r8XVSNi5WLU9V/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDl-GVE6tjUAG9dJrzb6HWObLPdYgXKURkmeKCSmvcxYa9Cri11bNNkFLa0wc5eJgD_29YTxnEzKqQGn422fKQKXqe6PeDvPIlhUZW3s6Q4TuAvpDhT2rDj2ii62R3Nz2r8XVSNi5WLU9V/s640/IMG_0038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As mentioned above, these bars are made with only organic, vegan ingredients. The five flavors of cherry, almond spice, mint, crunch and coconut are all chocolate coated and uniquely flavored to perfection. Though I loved all 5, my favorites would be crunch, almond spice and mint. The mint one tasted like a healthy version of a thin mint!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>{And all girl scout cookie lovers celebrated}</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The size of the bars are perfect for a mid morning snack, which is how I enjoyed mine all of last week. They are a satisfying treat that will leave you full for hours. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another thing I love about this company? They make a quarterly contribution to the nonprofit <a href="https://notforsalecampaign.org/">Not For Sale</a>, which means that each time you make a purchase, you are helping to end slavery & human trafficking. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtLdQjquW6PkT36mMUcIe0d6ZaHVs-3vhIZl5UE0w-pepnOVh-y3GuRoMwWJLsAExxBhCGgvhyphenhyphen8Yt-FsOloz2ZohVBRTykTf14S-da9NJeQO8NJ6A4R24oWrcdFg1CEpaJYj1fEmu8OWO/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtLdQjquW6PkT36mMUcIe0d6ZaHVs-3vhIZl5UE0w-pepnOVh-y3GuRoMwWJLsAExxBhCGgvhyphenhyphen8Yt-FsOloz2ZohVBRTykTf14S-da9NJeQO8NJ6A4R24oWrcdFg1CEpaJYj1fEmu8OWO/s640/IMG_0037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Considering that I was such a fan of these bars (& what they help support!), I'd love to give one of my readers the opportunity to try them. Enter below for your chance to win!</span></div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="2ffd1e574" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2ffd1e574/" id="rcwidget_d0ks7z7t" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And have yourself a very happy Monday, my friends!</span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-63075888063278994012015-08-12T00:00:00.000-07:002015-08-12T07:39:45.944-07:00Everything You Want To Know About Shakeology<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYlLypBFnQ6n74O3qPZQxg7XpTMsS5u4Tb_WoZRb0aIiffnuJoEqmZRbBkVr4c4AxHmjd53YSV4RrKj4HxWCIjkIRByC3QvNp52-TfalCFSNqun_9LxAqRCVODq-8sO78vhjF11fw-uAB/s1600/Shakeology.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYlLypBFnQ6n74O3qPZQxg7XpTMsS5u4Tb_WoZRb0aIiffnuJoEqmZRbBkVr4c4AxHmjd53YSV4RrKj4HxWCIjkIRByC3QvNp52-TfalCFSNqun_9LxAqRCVODq-8sO78vhjF11fw-uAB/s640/Shakeology.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel like the real title of this post should be </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Everything You Want To Know About Shakeology, Including The Price" </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">because everyone knows that the classic sales move is to provide all the deets <i>except </i>the price so you're only option is to reach out and ask. But it just didn't feel right to use the word "everything" and leave out such a fundamental detail, so yes! We are gonna talk about <b style="font-style: italic;">everything</b>, including money. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My goal through out this Beachbody coaching experience is not to sell, anyway. My goal is to provide authentic & genuine information up front, and encouragement & friendship through out the process. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, let's get to it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>Ingredients</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shakeology is not your typical protein shake, or meal replacement shake. In preparation for this post, I looked up every. single. ingredient. listed in these shakes, and compared it to some other products. Unlike what I saw elsewhere, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">everything has a health benefit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are absolutely no artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in these shakes. None! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are no forms of soy, or gluten. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{Though the manufacturing facility may work with these products, so if you have a severe allergy, you may want to avoid}. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though I recognized several ingredients, such as whey protein, chia, spinach and goji berry, many others I was not able to initially identify. So I did my research, and in researching them, I found that these ingredients can be used for alleviating gastrointestinal upset, musculoskeletal pain, and allergies (<a href="http://www.drugs.com/npp/methylsulfonylmethane-msm.html">source</a>). They have been used alongside cancer treatment, relieving the side effects of chemotherapy & fighting tumor growth (<a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-560-maitake%20mushroom.aspx?activeingredientid=560&activeingredientname=maitake%20mushroom">source</a>). And they are jam packed with antioxidants and vitamins (<a href="https://www.sunchlorellausa.com/what-is-chlorella">source</a>). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are just some of the many, many health benefits I saw from these superfood ingredients, and I am proud to represent a company that does not compromise quality when it comes to composition. </span><br />
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">How Is It Different From Other Protein Powders?</u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The answer to this question directly relates to the ingredients mentioned above. Some protein powders can be artificially sweetened {even Splenda, or Sucralose, is an artificial flavor}. Others may not have artificial ingredients, but might not have the drastic amount of health benefits listed above, either. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The protein component is just one part of Shakeology when looking at the various antioxidant, probiotic, vitamin, and other whole, natural ingredients. </span><br />
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Texture / Flavors</u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am commonly asked about the texture, and to be honest, I think it's something you have to try for yourself. I personally enjoy the texture! Especially when blended into a smoothie consistency. Others can be more sensitive, and I have definitely heard of some who are simply not a fan. I say try it for yourself and see how you like it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for flavors, there are currently 6. I have tried Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry. They also offer Vegan Chocolate, Vegan Tropical Strawberry, and Greenberry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite flavor would be a tie between Chocolate and Strawberry, which is funny since I am definitely a Vanilla person in all other areas. I love both of these flavors, especially when mixed with some ripe banana and a spoonful of almond butter. Ohhh my yum!</span><br />
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Effects</u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the reported effects of Shakeology are </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">increased energy, reduced cravings, loss of weight and improved digestion.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> For me, personally, I have noticed <b><u>all</u></b> of those things, but none have been as dramatic as the noticeable reduction in my cravings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was pretty skeptical of this, since I have used many health products & most just end up having me shift my craving from the sweet or the carb to the product. This may sound like a positive thing, but when you're eating or drinking multiple health products each day out of craving, this is not a sustainable or healthy lifestyle. This is taking the existing problem and redirecting the focus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Shakeology, I can honestly say I do not crave it. I look forward to my daily Shakeology, but I also look forward to my other meals and snacks. What I am not doing any more is experiencing severe, controlling cravings, and <i>that </i>I am thrilled about!</span><br />
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Price</u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hopefully the above information has answered any questions you may have about the product itself, and shown my genuine love & appreciation for these shakes. So now, let's answer the question that you're wondering. How much do they cost? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 month supply of Shakeology is $129.99. This may sound like a lot (who am I kidding, it does!) but I've noticed a few things about the price that I was originally very hesitant to fork over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I started using Shakeology, I was eating out for breakfast every day. I simply did not have the time or energy to get up early and make it myself, so I was running to Starbucks or driving through a local coffee shop (where I would actually buy, you guessed it, Shakeology) and spending $6+ dollars each day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The $129.99 price divides out to just over $4 / shake. I'll bump my average cost up to $5 for the extra ingredients I mix in, and I am still saving myself upwards of $30 each month. And that's just the financial benefit, I would be willing to pay for the health benefits that I've experienced. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used to think that Shakeology Home Direct (monthly shipments) was the only way to place an order, but I have recently discovered that you <b><u>can</u> </b>order 1 month supply if you'd like to try it out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can also order a Shakeology Sample Pack if you'd like to try the various flavors before committing to a specific order. The full 6 flavor pack is $30, and the Vegan Sample Pack is $20. </span><br />
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">And there you have it, folks.</u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everything you want to know about Shakeology. Or at least I hope so! If you've got more questions, or are interested in trying it out for yourself, shoot me an e-mail at healthy.aims89@gmail.com, or leave me your e-mail in the comments below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would love to walk along this health journey together! Because I believe that our minds & bodies deserve to be as healthy as possible, as they were made to do strong & mighty things. </span><br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-87658536622869166382015-08-06T00:00:00.000-07:002015-08-06T00:00:12.010-07:00Legalism vs Redemption<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was chatting with a friend last week about the conundrum of grace. She vulnerably shared about a situation she was facing, and how sometimes, the deeper challenge is not in apologizing, but in accepting forgiveness. Sometimes, we feel so uncomfortable with the concept of grace, that we would prefer the playing field just be leveled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mess up, you mess up, we're even. We move on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may sound twisted, but I understood perfectly. I got how difficult it can feel for our human heart to be handed unwarranted forgiveness, a new slate so to speak. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought about how Jesus' love has taught me to lay down & accept grace when my heart wants to feel justified and "safe." I thought about how this has rolled into my relationship, allowing me to accept forgiveness where I previously would have fought it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then this weekend happened, and I realized that maybe I don't have as big of a grasp on this "free grace" thing as I thought. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNr_p-py4diGj_R4cay_0v4Bs6yvzOsVnQpVuR0GeMqJWi4W6AAwx8A7MT3fOdP80S1F4Gih3tkGKr8Juu2BuAl_3bsex8Pz8KOaZAv4MN2V4gAYkEo5txkq-MCeq7ifig9oO9b1fxEIoy/s1600/Romans+3-27.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNr_p-py4diGj_R4cay_0v4Bs6yvzOsVnQpVuR0GeMqJWi4W6AAwx8A7MT3fOdP80S1F4Gih3tkGKr8Juu2BuAl_3bsex8Pz8KOaZAv4MN2V4gAYkEo5txkq-MCeq7ifig9oO9b1fxEIoy/s640/Romans+3-27.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because the world is ridiculously small, a man that I had crossed paths with 2 and a half years ago on a pre-#adventuresofsoberamy outing somehow collided with one of my good friends. When she asked if I remembered him, I legitimately did not. It took a few Facebook profile pictures to jog my memory, though there wasn't that good of a memory to jog in the first place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt perfectly safe laughing with my two good friends over this drunken, relatively harmless escapade, but once I realized that this man's image of me did not include the previous 2 years of sobriety, I felt the need to justify myself. The words "tell him I'm 2 years sober and love Jesus now!" flew straight out of my mouth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt uncomfortably thick in shame that I haven't felt in some time. And in that moment, it seemed like the only way out of that shame was through self-justification. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am sober now, therefore my identity is no longer marked by drunken stories. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am sober now, therefore my transgressions do not define me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am sober now, therefore I am redeemed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And in that moment, I realized that at some point in the last 2 years of sobriety, I got things very, very backwards. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sobriety does not redeem my past, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jesus redeemed my past. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of a sudden, I realized that my salvation and redemption felt safe when seen through the lens of my sobriety. But when that was taken out of the equation, when all that was evident were stories of drunken escapades, I didn't feel redeemed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sobriety was a gift from God, but somewhere along the way, it started taking His place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God is my redeemer, not sobriety. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God is the one who frees me from shame, not sobriety. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christ is the reason I can stand before God with confidence, not sobriety. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sobriety came from the grace of God as a response to the redemption being accomplished in my heart. It was never meant to earn or justify my salvation. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB7qgTBQMCSKaxX-4oH4idkA3pJf54bCV_jsktytq6zrbN2wn-qm9ryoj90cgfyrqonlaPL5L4uaykwpHimDClF9NHKGPmSdGLSkPtdS9edZ_Rp7okNUuXWiaCmyQrRrqHRrAa1cQOHNt/s1600/FullSizeRender+%252820%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB7qgTBQMCSKaxX-4oH4idkA3pJf54bCV_jsktytq6zrbN2wn-qm9ryoj90cgfyrqonlaPL5L4uaykwpHimDClF9NHKGPmSdGLSkPtdS9edZ_Rp7okNUuXWiaCmyQrRrqHRrAa1cQOHNt/s640/FullSizeRender+%252820%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used to think legalism was all about putting on a front for others, but now I see that it can easily be used as a front for ourselves. Because accepting free grace? It feels uncomfortable and unnatural. We would much rather feel as though we've safely earned something than freely and undeservingly received it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to stop trying to earn grace. Because the fact of the matter is, thanks to my homeboy Jesus, it's already mine to receive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to stop using sobriety as a security blanket to hide from shame. Instead, I want to accept the truth that my identity has been reformed from the inside out simply because I am radically loved by God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Radically loved,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I tell you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{PS: you are too}</span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-90965302579017519642015-08-04T00:00:00.000-07:002015-08-04T00:00:02.611-07:00Kristen, Andrew & Baby Tucker<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week, I have the privilege of photographing my friends Kristen & Andrew, and their in utero baby boy, Tucker. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCuQ0sWxJT6_1M0j8vmJgIitKU-eLRGqdd1mSfbw2vKGQrfyXV6s55ZPoe0EMTupxhDZHCLd3hTQE13TGEfW5kZlaH7T6i_Ztr3Kywa88VmAXWBo2XIKSDGUrWf2pyWOGEjoqRg0DPYii/s1600/_MG_9198edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCuQ0sWxJT6_1M0j8vmJgIitKU-eLRGqdd1mSfbw2vKGQrfyXV6s55ZPoe0EMTupxhDZHCLd3hTQE13TGEfW5kZlaH7T6i_Ztr3Kywa88VmAXWBo2XIKSDGUrWf2pyWOGEjoqRg0DPYii/s640/_MG_9198edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kristen has been one of my closest friends since we met in college while working together at the always-classy-establishment of Kmart. Her friendship has been used in my life more profoundly than either of us could have ever guessed, as she was the one who brought me to church on <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2014/03/when-mercy-found-me.html">the day my whole world changed</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I watched and was encouraged as God wrote her a beautiful love story; we lived together when she got engaged (I got to play surprise photographer & witness the whole precious thing), and I was blessed to stand beside her last year as she pledged her whole heart & whole life to one of the best men I know. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kristen & Andrew, I love you both dearly. I have witnessed God do wonders in your relationship, and in your lives. I have been encouraged from the very beginning, and I cannot wait to walk alongside you as you guys become parents. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tucker is really, <i>really </i>lucky to have you guys as Mom and Dad. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And to have me as #1 babysitter. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right as we were leaving, the sky gave us the perfect sunset for some silhouette shots. And <i>man,</i> did they come out magical. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If anyone knows Kristen & Andrew, they know that they <i>love</i> to dance. Their happy place is in their boots, swing dancing along to some country tunes. And as we walked back to our car, with the sun setting on another beautiful Santa Barbara day, dance they did. </span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-56033128905809957322015-07-28T00:00:00.000-07:002015-07-28T07:41:37.522-07:00Healthy Product Spotlight! - Nikki's Coconut Butter<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi, friends! First off, thank you all <i>so</i> much for your support & encouragement on last Friday's <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/2015/07/my-24-day-journey-announcement.html">announcement</a>. I am so excited to be embarking on a new adventure with Beachbody coaching! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In all honesty, it's taken quite a few steps outside of my comfort zone to get here, but who wants to live inside their comfort zone, right? Not me, that's for sure. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I've begun prioritizing my health & nutrition, I've been discovering all sorts of delicious <i><b>and </b></i>healthy treats. I thought eating healthy would be tasteless and boring, but turns out I was <u>way</u> wrong. Discovering how flavorful and yummy real food can be has dramatically decreased / eliminated my cravings. So 3 cheers for that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to start highlighting the healthy products I find, as good news deserves to be shared! So today, I kick off the "Healthy Product Spotlight!" series with a recent favorite, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nikkiscoconutbutter.com/#_l_4e">Nikki's Coconut Butter</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WWs8fjA41bDT5ul-TGGqlVeefJhA4SWGZPmd8tzJ5uJeFeVS67GiHPwcD9yuCoqZLeBozighBaNBd4UHRuI8NFNYGCVsoEdCxbirqb0MttWP_DbglKq2beU1SwYmJHnCtfcuoAjkMmhU/s1600/IMG_9345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WWs8fjA41bDT5ul-TGGqlVeefJhA4SWGZPmd8tzJ5uJeFeVS67GiHPwcD9yuCoqZLeBozighBaNBd4UHRuI8NFNYGCVsoEdCxbirqb0MttWP_DbglKq2beU1SwYmJHnCtfcuoAjkMmhU/s640/IMG_9345.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I discovered Nikki's Coconut Butter while on my 21 Day Fix, and with flavors like "Vanilla Cake Batter" and ingredients that a paleo can eat? You bet I was sold. I have now tried 2 of their 5 flavors, and ohhhh my goodness. This stuff is heavenly!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've blended it in my <a href="http://www.shakeology.com/healthyaims">Shakeology</a>, mixed it with melted semi-sweet chocolate for a healthy dessert, and most definitely eaten it by the spoonful. It's amazing how ever you choose to enjoy it!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyI_4UQRA7A4T0YY-3iIz0GTIE_xVyaUlGcBmp27vEKZgXEeb-bnvp_hZf4XeUce_xvlVPfkgDTSeZB2f38ky7Yc_4nhtmBdewOzSoOYAxmtW2IqCJ_MwSh6MxnBBXuukgjrlJfXpZJGvp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-27+at+11.04.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyI_4UQRA7A4T0YY-3iIz0GTIE_xVyaUlGcBmp27vEKZgXEeb-bnvp_hZf4XeUce_xvlVPfkgDTSeZB2f38ky7Yc_4nhtmBdewOzSoOYAxmtW2IqCJ_MwSh6MxnBBXuukgjrlJfXpZJGvp/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-07-27+at+11.04.28+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you like coconut, you will <i>love</i> this coconut butter. Almost as much as your body will love the healthy ingredients!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nikkiscoconutbutter.com/#_l_4e">Try it for yourself!</a> You won't be sorry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are <i>your </i>favorite healthy products? I want to know!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*The links in this post are affiliate links, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">meaning that I will receive commission </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">on any sales generated from this post.*</span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-54186802665605128982015-07-24T08:11:00.000-07:002015-08-10T22:21:57.018-07:00My 24 Day Journey {& An Announcement!}<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've been following along on my Instagram (@sweethomesb), you know that 24 days ago, on the first day of my 26th year, I started a fitness, health, & overall wellness journey. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And friends, I've tried a lot of different health regimes. I've cut out sugar, I've counted calories, and to be brutally honest, the majority of my life I have bounced back and forth between feeling guilty about food and feeling restricted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And today, I can whole heartedly say that the last 24 days have</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">changed. my. life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not going to shove before and after pictures in your face, and I'm not going to list statistics of how much I lost. Instead, I'm going to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">praise my God</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, and I'm going to tell you about how much I </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>gained</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> from this experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been praying for freedom in my relationship with food for a <i>long </i>time. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrkLIPTFSOfrwYn0fYJdeUTwWjU5WAhzR-6rJyvEmIbqfTW5dEQ1dicc5qMC15Y89gofkKIPqDvar-SpF1tNk7E6RbV6_Gxm1xfjkmnHFFs7ftdXhCCQa5CLdG3L9Fx63BnWobnCdn2zr/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-24+at+7.42.04+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrkLIPTFSOfrwYn0fYJdeUTwWjU5WAhzR-6rJyvEmIbqfTW5dEQ1dicc5qMC15Y89gofkKIPqDvar-SpF1tNk7E6RbV6_Gxm1xfjkmnHFFs7ftdXhCCQa5CLdG3L9Fx63BnWobnCdn2zr/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-07-24+at+7.42.04+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those that know my story know that I battled a pretty brutal eating disorder for over 8 years of my life. Whenever I doubted if God was at work in this fitness journey of mine, whenever I wondered if I was doing this all for myself and my own desires, I was brought back to that fact. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over a third of my life was marked by an eating disorder, and my God, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He redeems everything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So let me shout it really loud, with literal tears streaming down my face. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is not a fitness story. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>This is a redemption story. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Man, my God is mighty good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the last 24 days (3 Day Refresh + 21 Day Fix), I have found myself in a magically foreign place of having simultaneous joy + self control with food. The color-coded portion control system is <i>so</i> easy, and it <u>really</u> works. I have finally come to a place where I can enjoy my food (because guys, this girl <i>loves</i> food) AND treat my body well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it feels so good, my friends. For a girl who has struggled in her relationship with food for nearly her entire life,</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>I feel free. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="http://beckydavis.net/">Becky Davis Photography</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was in a funk with my fitness routine before I started the 21 Day Fix, and was not looking forward to my work outs. I was doing them out of obligation, and that showed itself in the drastic decrease of my weekly work outs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These 30 minute videos? I love them. They have brought the joy back into my fitness routine, and I am <i>so</i> grateful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So yes, I lost weight in these last 24 days. But for me, that wasn't the goal. That was just the by product of the real success story here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's all that I gained: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Joy. Joy. And More Joy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Peace </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in my relationship with food. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for fitness, and for cooking, and for grocery shopping.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{Anyone notice that those are fruits of the Spirit? Galatians 5:22? I see you here, God.}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I Saved Money.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> My bank account was verrryy happy about how little I was eating out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Muscles. ;) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made so many new </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Friends</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, other people doing the program who helped keep me motived and excited. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Passion. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guys, I never <i>ever</i> saw myself in the health & fitness industry. But after experiencing this life change for myself, I want to be a part of it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite part of the 21 Day Fix program is that </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">it is absolutely sustainable. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The eating plan is 100% do-able, and yes, I allow myself treats when the opportunity arises. The work out videos? You get to keep them for life, and can continue breaking a sweat each day & building those muscles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This isn't a 21 Day thing, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">it's a life thing. <i>And I'm in. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So guys, as a result of how much I<i> loved </i>my experience, I am both excited and nervous to announce that</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am now a Beachbody Coach!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe in the programs this company offers. But I believe in them because </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I believe in YOU. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You make the program successful, it doesn't make you successful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And ultimately, I believe in these programs because I believe in something bigger. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I believe in a God who <i>loves</i> to change lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe in a God who is passionate about freedom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">this isn't a sales pitch, it's an invitation. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This health thing? It's a lot like the journey of faith. It's not a one-day decision, it's an entire life endeavor. And like I said, I'm in. With every fiber of my being, I'm in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want this freedom, guys. So this isn't me selling you freedom, it's me inviting you to join me on my quest for it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo by </span><a href="http://beckydavis.net/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Becky Davis Photography</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My wonderful coach (@carriemflynn) & I will be co-leading an August "Love Your Body" Accountability Group, beginning August 10th. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have any interest in being a part of it, leave your e-mail address in the comments below, and I'll be in touch! Or, you can e-mail me at sweethomesbblog@gmail.com. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love you guys! I really, really do. You've been there with me through so many life journeys, and I thank you for being a part of this one, too. <3</span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-26911940145970004732015-06-22T10:16:00.004-07:002015-06-22T10:21:41.721-07:00What I Learned - Round 2<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago, I finished my second seminary class (woooo hooooo!).</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seminary has been a completely different education experience than what I've known in the past. In college, I cared about the grade, and the degree. If I walked away with a degree in hand, and a semi-decent GPA to go along with it, I was a happy camper. Success was entirely output based. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God has thrown me for a loop with seminary, showing me that success doesn't have to be measured by feedback. When God called me to this, He didn't say, "Amy, I want you to go and get abuncha A's." Or, "Just don't fail." Or even, "I've called you to do all of your homework in a timely and organized fashion."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No. He said something entirely different, He said:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Amy, I want to show you more of Myself. I want you to know Me more."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And friends, you can't put a grade on that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So after each class, before I even see the grade result, I want to come back to this space and answer one question: <i>"what did I learn?" </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because for me, that's where the success comes from. Did I learn something? Am I walking out different than when I walked in? Do I know the heart and character of God better than when I started the class? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so today, we're talking about 1 Corinthians. And I'm telling you one of the many, many things I learned. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our final week of homework, there were multiple places for us to share take away points from our 10 weeks of study. I shared different ones each time, having enough thoughts to fill a plethora of assignments without repetition. I talked about how profoundly Paul's confidence inspired me, mainly due to the fact that he humbly recognized his unworthiness, yet was <i>still </i>immovably confident in God's calling over his life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wrote about the overarching theme of unity through out the 16 chapter book, and how I previously saw topics as random and unrelated, but now can recognize the common purpose of diffusing division in the church. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I didn't realize until after the class, was how this overarching theme of unity spoke to <i><u>me</u></i>, personally. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was driving home to visit my family, and reflecting on my final paper. I thought about verse 1:10, where Paul exhorts the church to be "united in </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">the same mind</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">the same purpose</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought about how verse 2:16 proclaims "but we have </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">the mind of Christ</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">," and how this profoundly affects our unity of mind and purpose. Having the mind of Christ, means that the church is to be united in the very mind and purpose </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>of Christ</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are not just to be united as Christians, for the purpose of Christians. We are to be united in the fact that our mind and purpose for life are both firmly rooted in <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Christ</span>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I probed a little deeper. <em>What is the purpose of Christ that we are to be united in?</em>, I asked myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">"For the Son of Man came <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">to seek and to save the lost</span>." Luke 19:10</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">"<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">This is how we know what love is</span>: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us." 1 John 3:16</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jesus came to pursue <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>us</em></span>, He came to share God's love with <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>us</em></span>. There was no self-centered purpose in His agenda, each moment of His life was entirely focused on serving <em><u>others</u></em>. Glorifying <strong>His Father</strong>. Making God's love known on earth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And so, I walk away from this class on 1 Corinthians with a renewed understanding of the calling of the church. The church is designed to display God's love to the earth, and we can only do that if His love is the very thing unifying us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We are to be united in His mind, and in His purpose. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And this is where it got me. This is where it got practical. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sharing God's love with the earth is absolutely the primary purpose of my life. But how does that manifest itself? Do I <em>truly</em> see that as the driving force of my behavior and thoughts through out the day? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">What is my purpose when I am feeling consumed with insecurity? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">What is my purpose when I am overly demanding due to jealousy for my boyfriend's time and attention? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">What is my purpose when I am comparing myself to the accomplishments of others? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Realizing the calling of the Christian has made me keenly aware of when I am <em>not </em>living out that calling. And the beauty of that is that there was no guilt or shame with this realization, there was only <em><u>freedom</u></em>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That pesky insecurity? I can let it go, it doesn't align with the purpose of my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That self-centered jealousy for the time and affection of others? My purpose is to <em>share</em> love <strong>with</strong> others, not demand love from others. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That annoying comparison? No reason to compare when my purpose is to build<strong> God's kingdom</strong>, not <em>mine.</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I walk away from this class with a greater understanding of the role of the church, and how I, personally, fit into that. I walk away with a stronger sense of self awareness, with the ability to recognize when I am <em>not </em>functioning in alignment with the purpose of Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I walk away feeling free to walk in my secure identity and calling in Christ, with hopes that sharing God's profound and life changing love with others will be the overflow. </span><br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-82848227522108140002015-06-15T00:00:00.000-07:002015-06-15T00:00:08.835-07:00Amy's Favorite Things - A Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey, friends! Happy Monday! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know that those two words aren't frequently found side by side, but I have something to share that I hope makes your Monday a happy one, indeed. A giveaway!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{Insert confetti blowing emoji that is my absolute favorite}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have some products that I've been meaning to share with you guys, and now that I'm done with school for the summer, I can actually follow through on some of the blogging ideas I've had. Yay!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These beauty products have been real finds for me, and I'm excited to share them with you! So without further adieu, I give you, </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Amy's Favorite Things</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2uPrpKDeGfJ6ASgdDfwNa9kHyioKECjWuTcgFRW_3ZWjd1SIR1de6l_Wia9ff49hZ_kzaVJxowIfQEvT6FmnlYxCrNz7sqGauJDQND-caSvTFE317Tx2tYQsZcO7guznAcmeelF0m5Pe/s1600/IMG_8813edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2uPrpKDeGfJ6ASgdDfwNa9kHyioKECjWuTcgFRW_3ZWjd1SIR1de6l_Wia9ff49hZ_kzaVJxowIfQEvT6FmnlYxCrNz7sqGauJDQND-caSvTFE317Tx2tYQsZcO7guznAcmeelF0m5Pe/s640/IMG_8813edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Item 1: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQIjMW54M6Ei0xdD7Ee2jHn9bN2x5ouuDmWjB3KK0aVZNYFUF9lcL8iQebRzurSCNIUXPNGopYZKAj9bWJ73dsov6njjs0Vkzrb5tmL9Qa-mhs-azl8PY2HBMmOjzDn-PY1jI3JjUqHV0/s1600/IMG_8794edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQIjMW54M6Ei0xdD7Ee2jHn9bN2x5ouuDmWjB3KK0aVZNYFUF9lcL8iQebRzurSCNIUXPNGopYZKAj9bWJ73dsov6njjs0Vkzrb5tmL9Qa-mhs-azl8PY2HBMmOjzDn-PY1jI3JjUqHV0/s640/IMG_8794edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This stuff is aweeee-some. If you've been following along on my social media for a while, you might remember the days when I would post a freshly gel manicured hand every other week with the hashtag "#sweethomesbnails." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved it! For a girl whose nails tend to chip before she even leaves the nail salon, gel polish was a game changer. Sure, it was more expensive, but it lasted <i>weeks. </i>And I loved getting fun new styles each time I went in for a polish change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cue: seminary school. Or rather, cue: paying for seminary school. And cue: crying bank account. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just couldn't rationalize the expenditure any more, so I started flaunting chipped and/or polishless nails instead. And I had no problem with it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But now, I've found a way to keep my bank account happy, <i>and </i>have that gel manicure. I'm spending $8-$10 on <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod10991395">an entire bottle of nail polish</a>, versus $35-$40 on a single nail appointment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{Insert confetti emoji again}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll be honest and say that it doesn't last quite as long as a regular gel manicure, but hey! Just means I get to mix up my colors more often. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In case you're curious, the colors left to right in the photo above are Hunger Flames, Rosey Riviter, Style Maker and the Top Coat (where the magic happens). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now, </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Item 2: Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lip Stick</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ecP-JcGnUmXncAhrb7iB5qFB-L8hd1ExuZ4hXqmTgUI0rvmlunEKMzd6m833_Gnker0iAfEagb2q9gzJY6ye3KI845lg1OJPJaWeoqhrlkdelYTaqr-3mgu5xiQbEKnvlXLu9_mtceGL/s1600/IMG_8797edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ecP-JcGnUmXncAhrb7iB5qFB-L8hd1ExuZ4hXqmTgUI0rvmlunEKMzd6m833_Gnker0iAfEagb2q9gzJY6ye3KI845lg1OJPJaWeoqhrlkdelYTaqr-3mgu5xiQbEKnvlXLu9_mtceGL/s640/IMG_8797edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tend to have the worst luck with lip stick. I'll find a great color, but it'll come off in less than a half hour, and get all over anything I try to eat, drink or kiss (ahem, PJ). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A while back, while perusing the #fridayintroduction posts, I found a girl with<i> gorgeous </i>lip stick on. I immediately commented asking for the deets, and promptly visited my local Ulta to get my hands on <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4950065&_requestid=745865">this baby</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$10 for a lipstick that truly does stay on all day! And, And! It <i>doesn't</i> get all over everything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Big win in by book! So much so that I went back a few weeks later to try out another color, and was equally happy with the result. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The color on the left is Boho Chic, and it's a gorgeous, slightly shimmery red. The coral on the right is called Cruise Collection, and goes with everything! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're a lip stick girl, you will <b>love</b> this find!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Items 3 & 4: Clinique Superpowder & bareMinerals Brush</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_lYzUBxDLsBMuHGMziqcshz7vUMD-iL1M0pVL7A1YbSbHD0hjb0zVM5oc5-t56YWHVS_uCTFRNZTtvV-oqbWSS2zitiMxE3pgMssEdp_cmW8wuxBrKUGXaC1ooepzIFEO-4nSCcmaiv-/s1600/IMG_8803edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_lYzUBxDLsBMuHGMziqcshz7vUMD-iL1M0pVL7A1YbSbHD0hjb0zVM5oc5-t56YWHVS_uCTFRNZTtvV-oqbWSS2zitiMxE3pgMssEdp_cmW8wuxBrKUGXaC1ooepzIFEO-4nSCcmaiv-/s640/IMG_8803edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used to get Clinique with my mom in high school. She'd take me make up shopping, and I'd come home with lots of fun new things to play with. {Thank you, Mom. I now realize how expensive this stuff is!}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through out college, and over the years, I've tried out <i>all </i>kinds of brands. And now, I find myself back to Clinique! They have some great stuff, but I particularly love their powders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod10791897&_requestid=756473">Superpowder</a> is great! I don't use anything else for coverage, no foundation or concealer necessary. And trust me when I say, I am not a "low coverage!" girl. I have my break outs, and this powder is my best friend when that happens (allthetime).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a sponge on the inside, but I choose to use the <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod810082">bareMinerals Full Flawless brush</a> for application. Applies the powder evenly all over my face, but doesn't leave a cake-y type look. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And lastly, </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Items 5 & 6: Covergirl Super Sizer Mascara & </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Ulta Eyeliner</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0Se6K8HIVrR_qzlpeyxmnxAjg5RTavqdFdnC4ur9QsZQ47IPspyNFXcIY8AtNDM_8P1vo73fRY4xMCwCyIZJtmvVYBDR0il_p_ty2QfqxCITvIcL0d4CyZbWdKGul3OOw6Qj0n9K5Esr/s1600/IMG_8805edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0Se6K8HIVrR_qzlpeyxmnxAjg5RTavqdFdnC4ur9QsZQ47IPspyNFXcIY8AtNDM_8P1vo73fRY4xMCwCyIZJtmvVYBDR0il_p_ty2QfqxCITvIcL0d4CyZbWdKGul3OOw6Qj0n9K5Esr/s640/IMG_8805edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These two are every day uses for me. I discovered the <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod11351169">Super Sizer mascara</a> through <a href="http://influenster.com/">Influenster</a> (which you should join if you haven't already! free products!), and am<i> so </i>glad I did. This mascara is less than half the price of some others I've used, and just as great!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have always preferred automatic eyeliner to pencils or liquid, and while many brands have stopped making them, <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=1612">Ulta</a> hasn't! I've been using this brand for years, and love it. It doesn't run like some others do, stays on all day, and is quick and easy to apply! Win, win, win. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now for the fun part, </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Amy's Favorite Things Giveaway!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to give away some of my favorite things to <b><i>you!</i></b> There's plenty of ways to enter below, and if you win, you get <u>your choice of</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish & 1 Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 Clinique Superpowder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 bareMinerals Full Flawless Face Brush</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>or</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 Covergirl Super Sizer Mascara & 1 Ulta Automatic Eyeliner</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I'll say it one more time, happy Monday!! Enter below, and I hope you win! ;)</span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-57082386560760081182015-06-09T00:00:00.000-07:002015-06-09T07:31:11.813-07:00Looks as of Lately<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once upon a time I had a <a href="http://sweethomesb.blogspot.com/search/label/Looks%20as%20of%20Lately">"Looks as of Lately"</a> series, where I would post outfits from through out the week. I used to love putting these posts together, and it really cultivated a fun hobby for me of getting creative with my fashion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately, I've been getting my feet wet with a different type of fashion, <i>hair fashion</i>. It's been so fun watching YouTube videos, and trying to recreate them on my head. There's always a fail or two before a success, but I kind of like that. It kicks perfectionism to the curb, and forces me to embrace the learning curve. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, in the spirit of documenting this new hobby of mine, I'm bringing back "Looks as of Lately." It may be clothing related, or hair related; it might be weekly, or monthly, or every other month. Basically, no rules! Whatever it turns out to be, I want to document the way I'm experimenting with my personal style. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always envied hair fashion on others, but never thought I'd be able to learn, or manage to get my thick, dead straight hair to cooperate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turns out, it's never too late to learn new tricks! Just takes some time to practice them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so, here we have it, my hair looks as of lately!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dutch Braid</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKincgQfdY9Fn0-6YvX4v__qgvz8zqkQ9IGeFqchBUKjCWdRIvAPw9E3LTg3eIL4smhyphenhyphenQpTTqlcoL776yNVXg0x6oG8nxycktPFYN6wjOYsqZhqTmV5lm7ppRqQmvd6GJuzOILwReNnEaI/s1600/dutchbraid2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKincgQfdY9Fn0-6YvX4v__qgvz8zqkQ9IGeFqchBUKjCWdRIvAPw9E3LTg3eIL4smhyphenhyphenQpTTqlcoL776yNVXg0x6oG8nxycktPFYN6wjOYsqZhqTmV5lm7ppRqQmvd6GJuzOILwReNnEaI/s640/dutchbraid2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XvvPb68xzakQv9MS61tHDok8rcpbA2g4rX1w1tPNHfU-1ChyphenhyphencnuifTyhzHJt7Bmi8Rtx26qPbiIQoSwlL2s7SHgP_soGM3hKLechBQa8M3WPICj-7tsZbJ3WUj2SS9puA_b9LZgIaOQo/s1600/dutchbraid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XvvPb68xzakQv9MS61tHDok8rcpbA2g4rX1w1tPNHfU-1ChyphenhyphencnuifTyhzHJt7Bmi8Rtx26qPbiIQoSwlL2s7SHgP_soGM3hKLechBQa8M3WPICj-7tsZbJ3WUj2SS9puA_b9LZgIaOQo/s640/dutchbraid.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7v-ny5Nkgk">this</a> video from <a href="http://www.twistmepretty.com/">Twist Me Pretty</a> to learn how to dutch braid. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fishtail Braid</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5gcwVIsVZpoMltP9if1kboRe2KqdE3J7SCh8PlKRlwNwDbb8KoP7BJKYuwS99St432a-dIENrD4D9hhR4FAtd0RjK7X5hYGXh_RWl0dHn93evGRIoXPIzAK0cXF1JoNtneR0A041u2ei/s1600/fishtail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5gcwVIsVZpoMltP9if1kboRe2KqdE3J7SCh8PlKRlwNwDbb8KoP7BJKYuwS99St432a-dIENrD4D9hhR4FAtd0RjK7X5hYGXh_RWl0dHn93evGRIoXPIzAK0cXF1JoNtneR0A041u2ei/s640/fishtail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, my hair is not at the best length for a full braid, and with my bottom layers varying in length, this baby didn't last toooo long. But it was great to practice!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I learned how to fishtail braid using the final look tutorial in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka820Ej6Aq8">this</a> video. I had no idea how easy it is!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Curls</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLbY8NjRFI9wkOAX64npsXtA8EAtOUyYh5tYGDLgtuVhRmJmfKeEpF23UmN9rXP2q2Fu1tDEeRjLPfMLeqeKi-Xy5W6cvMaark1diU54cexHnaKVkujTVT04OlcvpaGStze7CJnGK7Dha/s1600/buncurls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLbY8NjRFI9wkOAX64npsXtA8EAtOUyYh5tYGDLgtuVhRmJmfKeEpF23UmN9rXP2q2Fu1tDEeRjLPfMLeqeKi-Xy5W6cvMaark1diU54cexHnaKVkujTVT04OlcvpaGStze7CJnGK7Dha/s640/buncurls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought a BedHead curling wand from Ulta, similar to <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4220023">this</a> one. It was only $30, and works GREAT. I have tried curling my hair so many different times, using so many different methods, and I have never been happier! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I have so much hair, it can get tiring curling it all. I separate into three sections, starting with the very bottom layer of my hair and moving up towards the top. If I'm getting over it by the time I get to the top section, I can just do a bun or braid with that hair, as shown above. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a girl who <i>always </i>wore her hair straight, it has been <b>so</b> fun to have some variety to work with!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">What are your go-to hairstyles? And where do you turn for inspiration?</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd love to know!</span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007184577646820550.post-91404205904539640062015-06-08T00:00:00.000-07:002015-06-08T00:00:07.806-07:00Days Like These<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to remember days like these. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perfectly warm summer Saturdays, spent thoroughly enjoying Santa Barbara sunshine in the company of good friends. In this particular occasion, celebrating the birthday of one of my favorite people. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3HGmtX4DdIvcgkfC78KYL9oFVh5q_3GLDCjquSa-VFtcHGMsHkpIH-yPNV5awsSDSda8trQG1nnMi0Gkl4eF3Oe8WG_6cnDBqP6G6nzq0wkhz0PXkvYVkKG6FfIaFoaJjVEmwDVw9gmh/s1600/Mad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3HGmtX4DdIvcgkfC78KYL9oFVh5q_3GLDCjquSa-VFtcHGMsHkpIH-yPNV5awsSDSda8trQG1nnMi0Gkl4eF3Oe8WG_6cnDBqP6G6nzq0wkhz0PXkvYVkKG6FfIaFoaJjVEmwDVw9gmh/s640/Mad2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi954JSlh908pNf1jramiZUOhPO9g6XKW5N6X4CcNmamN1fxAKs7x8DvRjLdfCFN8v9NpX8cBSgl22BYQh55tYrbIzbpEK3TGRWtvFcFshf13-Z1QX2wEuaYE98aMgbQEegMZt4TnxKZja/s1600/Mad3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi954JSlh908pNf1jramiZUOhPO9g6XKW5N6X4CcNmamN1fxAKs7x8DvRjLdfCFN8v9NpX8cBSgl22BYQh55tYrbIzbpEK3TGRWtvFcFshf13-Z1QX2wEuaYE98aMgbQEegMZt4TnxKZja/s640/Mad3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip69Gr-dE-Mhv_YEi96_VqgKSzWmOw9dbIJQieDzSBAQGtP5PGdQ1nujbtVeyAt-nJHwXRzZRtceLOtK1MUXofXzv8zQRPj3CVr-s9o_u7-UBYhGqxwPwVugL35Deh6HkLP5jGGPHwK9mn/s1600/Mad1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip69Gr-dE-Mhv_YEi96_VqgKSzWmOw9dbIJQieDzSBAQGtP5PGdQ1nujbtVeyAt-nJHwXRzZRtceLOtK1MUXofXzv8zQRPj3CVr-s9o_u7-UBYhGqxwPwVugL35Deh6HkLP5jGGPHwK9mn/s640/Mad1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We wine-tasted (I water-tasted), filled up on appetizers, and sat around a table chatting and laughing and simply enjoying the day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PJ's attendance was missed, but his name was mentioned as people inquired how he's doing, how we're doing, and when on earth he will be gracing Santa Barbara with his presence permanently. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People often wonder when I suspect he'll ask, <i>well</i>, a certain question. I always chuckle when I say <i>"the boy doesn't have a secretive bone in his body," </i>and mean it whole-heartedly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or at least until now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I left the party early to work on some homework, and had only gotten a few questions in when I received a phone call. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"</i></span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you get a package from me today?" </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PJ asked. He's asked this twice before, and both times I rushed to the door expecting to see his handsome face with no such luck. So learning from my past experiences, I had zero expectation of seeing anything besides a package sitting at my doorstep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can imagine my complete shock when I found my totally-unable-to-surprise-me boyfriend standing on my welcome mat. It took quite a few school girl giggles and "nooo wayyyy"s before I registered that he was truly standing before me, ready for a<i> giant </i>hug. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The boy drove 4+ hours each way for a simple 4 hours together. 4 hours spent with little words and lots of cuddles, starting with an awestruck hello and ending with a terribly difficult goodbye. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's days like these that I want to remember. It's moments like tonight that I want to imprint into my memory, tucked away for preservation, so that stories can forever be told of two crazy kids in love doing what crazy kids in love do. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLInYrTCsPzTw4EhBsypose-5us9zW-UYup0lyi4cgy9fI8d6OHM0faOl7vUoeRTkn4hoxVg7JnSbDu3X4Na-MuUxmMmeNvZFDTWtokZxtZwcBmjBNbjGOjWfBa8ZYf2wecmaSAEUMDZT/s1600/PJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLInYrTCsPzTw4EhBsypose-5us9zW-UYup0lyi4cgy9fI8d6OHM0faOl7vUoeRTkn4hoxVg7JnSbDu3X4Na-MuUxmMmeNvZFDTWtokZxtZwcBmjBNbjGOjWfBa8ZYf2wecmaSAEUMDZT/s640/PJ.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I often think back to my days when singleness didn't feel like much of a blessing, to when waiting felt hard and painful, and when dreams felt like they may always remain just dreams. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And those days? They were all worth it, every single one. Every tear shed wondering if I would ever find my love story was undeniably worth it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because God's story? It's worth waiting on. Every single time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And when it happens? When His story unfolds before you, and dreams become reality?When your sweet man comes knocking on your door? Or that job lands in your lap? Or you get that apartment you've been dreaming of? Or that bill gets paid off that you weren't sure ever would? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember it. Tuck it away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because I can assure you, waiting is involved in every season, it just may appear different than it did before. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And when you're thick in that waiting? It helps to know, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>He's done it before & He'll do it again. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And His story is <i>always </i>worth waiting on. </span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012881863168747609noreply@blogger.com1