WEEKLY WISHES 06




image via The Yarn Kitchen // text via 27th + LUXE

Before I get started with today's post, I'd like to direct your attention over to my sidebar. Are you looking? Great! You may or may not have noticed that I've created a reader survey and I'd love for you to take it. It's not very long I promise! 

Also, ad spots are currently 15% off using promo codes "CHICSPOT", "GLAMSPOT" and "LUXESPOT". 

And now on to today's post!


It's Monday again people! I AM BEYOND EXHAUSTED!! I had a blast this past weekend and I'm so thankful for my sisters and friends who made this weekend so special. I'm also starting my last class today, YAY!! 

I'm participating in Weekly Wishes with The Nectar Collective


LAST WEEK'S WISHES


// Finish this term of grad school strong and prepare for new class that starts next Monday. I have a few more things to do before class is officially over, but it shouldn't be a big deal and cause me any grief. AND I'm going to TRY to be proactive and get some work done for my new class so I'm always one step ahead. We'll see...

// Start working on a project I want to complete in time for my bridal shower.  So, I'm thinking this will get started on Tuesday night and be finished by Wednesday night, we'll see though.

// Continue looking for honeymoon attire. I'll start making purchases in a few weeks. I'm notorious for packing way too much, so the goal is to pick a color palette so that I can make multiple outfits out of several pieces and not take my whole house with me!

//Continue to eat clean and make it to the gym after work. Still going strong! It takes 30 days to form a habit right? I'm also starting the 300/30 Ab Challenge (gulp!!).

//Create quote for potential client. Things are moving slowly but surely! I've expressed my desire to work for myself more than once, so ya'll know it's super important to me. I also need to work on my plan for growth. I'll definitely have more time this term since I have one course and the wedding is almost here, so wedding planning has slowed. 

//Reflect on yesterday's post. I had a super tough week at work last week...really for a while, but it was bad last week. I need to figure out how to "Let Go and Let God". Sometime's I'm really good at it and sometimes I'm not so good. 

//Have a blast at my bachelorette party and bridal shower. I can't believe it's here! My sister has started sending me daily videos for the week - she started sending them yesterday. She is a major goof ball! I've also gotten an itinerary for what to wear lol! I'm so excited!!

So the last week of school wasn't nearly as easy as I thought it would be! It was a big deal to finish those last few things. But, I did it, it's over and now I'm in my final class yay! I've even started working on the coursework for my final class. Can you believe I was doing homework during my brief down times during my bachelorette party and bridal shower weekend? Crazy right, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. That stinking project...I was up until 6:30am trying to complete it. It was a bust, but I'm going to continue trying to get it done. The diagrams were the hardest for me to figure out, and I really do need a room for all things creative and crafty. One day. I did end up purchasing several going out dresses as an option for this past weekend so now they are all coming with me on the honeymoon -so my color scheme by default are bold colors (think, fuchsia, teal, yellow), white, black and gold. Eating clean went out the window once Friday got here, but I didn't go crazy! I have personal training tonight, so I've been drinking water like crazy since yesterday. Quote is on hold until I return from my honeymoon. The client seems committed, so I'm still excited about it! I did do some reflecting on last Sunday's post and there are definitely some areas where I need to grow. I also need to really focus on what I want to do so I can start making specific requests to God. I've realized I'm all over the place. Anyone else do this? And I most definitely had a fantabulous time at the bachelorette party and bridal shower, I'll be sharing photos here soon!



THIS WEEK'S WISHES


// Get ahead in new courseI started my new course today. I looked at the syllabus and realized that I have some major assignments due the week of the wedding and honeymoon. So my goal is to get a head start on everything this term so I'm not pulling my hair out later.

// Continue looking for honeymoon attire. I've picked out my color scheme by default due to bachelorette festivities so that will make it easier to shop now! Still waiting until mid April to make any other purchases. 

//Continue to eat clean and make it to the gym after work. Last week wasn't so hot. I ended up skipping the gym to deal with school work and that ab challenge...I started it and then I stopped LOL! IT'S SO HARD!!! But, I don't have too much to do this week so I'll be back to working out and I'll attempt to start that ab challenge again. 

//Send wedding program information to the designer. So behind on this. But since things aren't as hectic for me anymore, I need to get this done this week. 


Best of luck accomplishing all of your goals this week! And, if you're anything like me, you should consider linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. They don't have to be weekly-they can fit your schedule however you see fit!

SALE!!!

chic-grace

#TURNUP

turnup

Talk to you on Monday, have a great weekend!!

LINK LOVE



image via Creature Comforts // text via 27th + LUXE

// What? How easy is this?! I have the supplies too, so doing this...when my life settles down lol. 

// I really like this blazer!

// I am really loving prints + patterns this spring.

// Interesting perspective on getting a master's degree. I'm actually contemplating these very things and I'm almost finished.  

// Great tips on how to bless your significant other.

// I just discovered she reads truth. awesomeness.

// There's been a lot of talk lately about mentorship vs sponsorship. I've had an awesome mentor before who was also a major advocate for me-so I guess that made him a sponsor as well. Read this on mentorship. 

// These planter projects seem simple enough! I don't have a green thumb, but I've been wanting to try to get one.


What links were you loving this week?

SPRING CLEANING


image via Martha Stewart Living // text via 27th + LUXE

Before I get started with today's post, I'd like to direct your attention over to my sidebar. Are you looking? Great! You may or may not have noticed that I've created a reader survey and I'd love for you to take it. It's not very long I promise! 

Also, ad spots are currently 15% off using promo codes "CHICSPOT", "GLAMSPOT" and "LUXESPOT". 

And now on to today's post!

Guys...this is not a how to. I hired someone to do my cleaning this year...I just didn't have time to clean the way I wanted to. I usually only hire a cleaning service to do my move-out clean. But it occurred to me last week that something had to give. Either I keep running myself ragged, or I just go ahead and get some help. I'm still going to need to take care of certain things like spring cleaning my closet, my "office" and the patio, so there are still some things to keep me busy. 

I am really wanting to give the place a new look as well, but with grad school, wedding expenses, and also the fact that we will be moving, I kind of feel like what's the point? So I've decided against it (*as I type I'm thinking well maybe I'll just get some new bedding...*). 
A girl can window shop though right? Truth moment: I hate window shopping!! I only go shopping when I'm planning on making a purchase. But I can window shop online-strange I know! Maybe because I'm looking for inspiration versus things I would like to buy.

How awesome is this bathroom? I've always wanted a bathtub like this and I love that natural light is flowing into the room.

floral-arrangement

image via lushome.com


I love modern and eclectic spaces with bright bold colors:


image via bhg.com


I like this dining room and the windows letting in loads of natural light and views of the lush greenery!

tablescape

image via lonny.com

Now back to reality, enough daydreaming for the day! But you can bet I've made some mental notes for after the move! Are you making some changes to your space this spring? Please share so I can live vicariously through you!






And now I'd like to introduce you to Icela of Shapely Alterations






Icela is a lifestyle blogger  who began Shapely Alterations to chronicle her fitness journey.  It has since transformed into a blog that encompasses her other interests like fashion and natural hair!  Icela is creative and passionate and loves to learn as many new things as possible.  



5 FUN FACTS ABOUT ICELA

1. I've competed in Figure Competitions.  You can check out my fitness history here.

2.  I have the WORSE voice but LOVE to sing. . .out loud. . .and I don't care who hears.

3. In conversations, I prefer to ask questions than talk about myself.

4. I'm currently a massage therapy student (class of 2015 baby!!!)

5. I can't go a day without either cheese or milk. 

For more interesting "Fun Facts" you can check out this post.


I hope you enjoyed getting to know Icela better today! Be sure to stop by her blog
If you’re interested in your own in post feature, like this one, check out my sponsor options.







WEEKLY WISHES 05


image via Penny Spooner Ceramics // text via 27th + Luxe


It's Monday again people! I thought this day would never come, seriously!! I have officially entered the final week of the term! And even though I start a new class AND my last class (yippee!!) next Monday, I'm so ready to be done with these two. They kicked my butt and had way too much work for someone with a major case of senioritis! 

I'm participating in Weekly Wishes with The Nectar Collective


LAST WEEK'S WISHES


// Finish this term of grad school strong. 2 more weeks to go. Focus is key!

// Read through at least 5 chapters of Divergent. This book is definitely a fast read. 

// Start working on a project I want to complete in time for my bridal shower.  I'm pretty excited about it, hoping it turns out the way I've planned! 

// Continue searching for bridesmaid gifts. Any suggestions folks? 

// Start looking for honeymoon attire. Oh my goodness! I am 7 weeks away. So excited about this! 

//Continue to eat clean and make it to the gym after work. Still going strong! I started going to Pure Barre. OMG! I'll share my story with you here on the blog. 

This last week was a doozy. I've never worked SO HARD on a course in grad school. I'm glad that it's almost over. I finished Divergent AND I saw the movie!! I haven't started my project yet (again - grad school ya'll!) but I WILL do it this week because I need it by this weekend lol. Ok, I think I'm just gonna go with some gifts I found on Etsy for the bridesmaids, I'm sure they'll love them! The honeymoon attire-I have been looking and making mental notes, I'll probably start making purchases in the next few weeks. Unfortunately I needed to miss several workouts this past week to make sure I got my school work done, but it's back to the grind today! 



THIS WEEK'S WISHES


// Finish this term of grad school strong and prepare for new class that starts next Monday. I have a few more things to do before class is officially over, but it shouldn't be a big deal and cause me any grief. AND I'm going to TRY to be proactive and get some work done for my new class so I'm always one step ahead. We'll see...

// Start working on a project I want to complete in time for my bridal shower.  So, I'm thinking this will get started on Tuesday night and be finished by Wednesday night, we'll see though.

// Continue looking for honeymoon attire. I'll start making purchases in a few weeks. I'm notorious for packing way too much, so the goal is to pick a color palette so that I can make multiple outfits out of several pieces and not take my whole house with me!

//Continue to eat clean and make it to the gym after work. Still going strong! It takes 30 days to form a habit right? I'm also starting the 300/30 Ab Challenge (gulp!!).

//Create quote for potential client. Things are moving slowly but surely! I've expressed my desire to work for myself more than once, so ya'll know it's super important to me. I also need to work on my plan for growth. I'll definitely have more time this term since I have one course and the wedding is almost here, so wedding planning has slowed. 

//Reflect on yesterday's post. I had a super tough week at work last week...really for a while, but it was bad last week. I need to figure out how to "Let Go and Let God". Sometime's I'm really good at it and sometimes I'm not so good. 

//Have a blast at my bachelorette party and bridal shower. I can't believe it's here! My sister has started sending me daily videos for the week - she started sending them yesterday. She is a major goof ball! I've also gotten an itinerary for what to wear lol! I'm so excited!!


Best of luck accomplishing all of your goals this week! And, if you're anything like me, you should consider linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. They don't have to be weekly-they can fit your schedule however you see fit!




The Nectar Collective

INSPIRATION SUNDAY: AN HONEST MOMENT

inspiration-sunday-honest-moment



Today’s scripture in one of my bible plans that I’ve been going through is Psalm 95 and the prayer is “ Sovereign God, we praise you for your wonderful world, and we pray that you will replace our grumbles with gratitude, and our questioning with adoration.” The reading also states that worship is about contemplating who God is and what he’s done, standing in awe and expressing that awe in thanks and praise.

I thought I’d be super honest on the blog today. I’m angry with God.

How crazy and stupid is that? I know that God is sovereign and has ordered my footsteps, but that doesn’t stop me from being angry. I keep trying to understand why I am where I am. Yes, I’m getting married and I am truly blessed in that area, I am healthy, my family is healthy – there are plenty of good things going on. I’m even employed and can pay  my bills.

LINK LOVE


image via Jose Gieskes // text via 27th + Luxe

Spring is officially upon us! I whipped out my yellow shirt yesterday! Even though it’s technically been pretty spring like in Houston for a bit now, I never feel comfortable pulling out my pastels + brights until it’s officially Spring. Is that weird? Now, here’s what I loved on the Internet this week!


// How cool is this business card scrapbook

// Need some consistency and cohesiveness on your blog? I wrote about content + editorial planning this week. And, The Nectar Collective wrote about how to make money blogging

// I got an email and immediately fell in love with these, these, and these

// Nicole over at A Dash of Gold rocked this look!

// In the Name of Glamour has some awesome pillows in their shop, this one is my favorite!

// Painting fabric for wall art?!?! Yes please! 

// These would look awesome on my patio. 


Have an awesome weekend! 


chic- grace




OH BABY!!




image via small shop studio // text via 27th + Luxe


Did I tell you I’m about to be an aunt? No? Well, I’m about to be an aunt! My baby sis is in countdown mode just like me. I’m hoping the newest little diva decides to make her grand entrance BEFORE the wedding, but we’ll see. I’ve been seeing all this cute baby stuff around. She’s having her second baby shower in a few weeks so I am on the hunt for something totally luxe of course!





And now I'd like to introduce you to Emily of Ember Grey! I just love her blog, especially when she writes "Conversations with my Husband" I'm literally laughing every time I read it. Her writing is hilarious and sincere. Today, she is sharing an inspirational post over on her blog, please stop by and read it!





Ember Grey is a lifestyle blog - a little bit of everything and a glimpse of the pieces that make up my life. It's a mix of DIY's, conversations with my (hilarious) husband, my faith, choosing happiness even on the hard days, and all of the moments in between. It's a crazy beautiful and messy ride, this life, and I am so enjoying sharing it with you all! One of my favorite things about blogging is the relationships and friendships I've made with other bloggers and readers. I look forward to getting to know you - don't be a stranger!









5 FACTS ABOUT EMILY

1. I could live in jeans, a tank-top and flip flops every day and be completely happy but I really do love to "spice it up" when going out. I love the heels, the big hair, and statement pieces and wear mostly black with a splash of color in lipstick. It's fun to switch it up every now and then!

2. My husband and I met in an alleyway. 

3. When I was in middle school, I wanted to be a storm chaser and still love to watch Storm Chasers on the weather channel. 

4. I modeled professionally for about 5 years, 2 of those were with Elite Model Management. I talked about that a little bit here and also about the time I swore (oops!) at a photographer here

5. I have been a pescetarian for almost 15 years but still crave red meat every now and then. (I never give in!)

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Emily better today! Be sure to stop by her blog
If you’re interested in your own in post feature, like this one, check out my sponsor options