THE DREAMER

You have a dream right? I most certainly do. One that is tugging at my heart every day, ideas leaping around in my brain all day too. I find myself wishing for more free time so that I can get my stuff together, so I can focus on pursuing my dreams. I used to be very patient as a child but as an adult, not so much! I want it all now. Maybe it's because I'm so excited about what I envision this dream to be.

I've also been thinking about taking a coaching course to help me get my thoughts, dreams  and plans in order. I need actionable goals. I've done this for myself already, but I need some guidance! And if I have homework and someone to report to, I'll be golden! I've also thought about seeking out a mentor who is where I want to be and has launched their 

self-employment with the help of their blog. And then there's just doing it - just getting it done. I'm a risk taker like that, especially now that I'm realizing more and more what I want to do and want I don't want to do. It also helps when you get blatant reminders between the hours of 8-5, Monday through Friday!

But, there is that sense of fear, I'm not going to lie! Fear that my dream won't be accepted by others, fear that I'll be a huge failure, and even fear that I'll be successful and end up in way over my head! I guess the key is one day at a time and then two weeks at a time. 

How do you deal with your dreams and fears? Have you linked up with a mentor who's also a blogger? 

THE START OF A LUXE FRIENDSHIP

A few weeks ago A Chi Mom (thanks lady!), nominated me for another liebster award. Since I've been nominated twice, I thought it would be fun to just answer the questions. This will be what I do whenever/if ever another nomination comes through. 

1. How long have you been blogging? 

// I have been blogging consistently here since November 2013. 

2. What's your favorite dessert? 

// What's really up with these "favorite" questions?! LOL I am the queen of not having a favorite anything. But I really like Italian cream cake. 

3. What is your favorite blog to read?

// I have several blogs that I like to read so I'll name a few! vmac and cheese, the nectar collective,  lovely indeed, one beautiful life, etc etc. I could go on and on for days!! 

4. What is gadget you can't live without?

// my cell phone. It's my portable computer and it gets me out of awkward situations because I can fake text and/or get an "urgent" phone call. 

5. Your favorite color? 

// I love white + gold together. I'm actually thinking of transitioning my wardrobe to white, gold + black. It's seems like it would be so much easier and I wouldn't have to do any thinking other than what color jewelry I'd like to wear. 

6. What is your favorite Movie? 

// Again with the favorites! You know, I really enjoy the hunger games movies, and I like the silver linings playbook-I think Jennifer Lawrence is awesome. 

7. What is your favorite Social media platform?

// I really like Pinterest and I'm curious to see how it will be used going forward for branding + engagement. I'm also learning to like Twitter. I still have a hard time with it because during the day, I can't be as active as I'd like to be and sometimes I even forget to check in and connect. 

8. Where do you go to get some quiet time and blog? 

// Right now that would be my room. Now that it's warm outside, I really want to go somewhere to blog. I am hardly at home so when I am here, I don't want to leave! 

9. What's your favorite food?

// Now I do have a favorite for this!! Baked mac + cheese!

10. Do you have a favorite restaurant to eat at? Name of the place? 

// Hmm...well, Aaron + I have been frequenting Ruggles Green lately just to make sure we're getting a healthy meal. 

11. Name one thing you look forward doing during the summer? 

// Vacation! We're going out of the country right around the end of summer. I can't wait! But before then, just fun at the pool + get together's with friends. 

Thanks again CeCe for the nomination! It's always fun filling these things out and reflecting on the things I enjoy. I don't think about it much, so I'm always amazed by my answers!

27L FIT FILES No. 1

It's that time again! Time for another fitness update. Here's what I've been doing:

// Attending personal training 2 times a week.

// Attending Pure Barre 3-4 times a week.

// Trying to eat healthier by watching calories, and cleaner by eating more protein, fruits + veggies. 

// Water - definitely trying to drink more of this, such a major challenge for me! 

We're going to pretend that I just started working out and technically that's not the case, but I've been devoting more time + energy to it since I signed up for Pure Barre in March that I'm just going to roll with it, so you roll with it too!

I've definitely noticed some significant changes in how I work out on my days with the personal trainer since I've started attending Pure Barre (and I promise I'll post about this soon!!). And, I've lost 3% body fat!! Most of it has come from my midsection which I am thrilled about. If my stomach was already flat, I'd be worried about toning rather than losing weight. Pure Barre has given me more strength within my core and quite possibly more endurance too. So while my personal training sessions are getting harder, I have noticed it's easier to do some of the newer moves because now the strength is there. 

Now that it's warming up outside (aside from this random cold front) I plan on starting to attempt to run on the trail behind my place. The goal this Spring/Summer is to do more outdoor activities rather than just stick to the gym. I don't do long distance running though, never have. If I can work my way back to sprints, then I'll have it made!

I've also been tracking everything via Fitbit - I'm also wanting to start using the LoseIt app again - have you used these? 

FOR FUN + INSPIRATION


// Here's my personal trainer's Instagram if you ever want to get a kick out of me working out, visit! I'll be your comedian for a night. 

// My health + fitness board on Pinterest. I've found all sorts of awesomeness here and have even squeezed in some time to try a few!

// Saw this yummie smoothie recipe. I'm wanting to try it, but will probably add a few extras of my own...I'm in desperate need of potassium! 

WEEKLY WISHES 08 + A GIVEAWAY

image via Rooted In Succulents // text via 27th + Luxe

This past weekend was very hectic! I was running around and finally sat down at about 5pm on Sunday. Can't wait and counting down to May 1st. I'll be on vacation from work and getting married in 3 days!

LAST WEEK'S WISHES

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//Send wedding program information to the designer. Still so behind on this. I have to get this done ASAP.

//Order last of the items for the wedding day. Jimminy cricket! The wedding is right around the corner. If I want it here on time, this week is the latest I can order it. 

//Remind Aaron to get his stuff together to go get that marriage license. So I brought this up last week and of course he doesn't know where his papers are...*side eye*. 

//Send music list to the planner so she can forward to the DJ. I'm almost done, I just need to organize it so it makes sense. 

//Be up in the gym working on my fitness and eat clean..er. I'm thinking it's time to detox. I've had some fun these past few weekends, so it's time to get back on track. 

//Spring clean. I need to clean out my closet. I was just looking at it the other day and there's tons of stuff that I don't use, so it's time to do a big clean and give a lot of things away. 

//Get ahead in new course. This will probably be on my list for a while. I don't want to be scrambling at the end like I was last term, especially since this is my last course. 

//Get ready for 2nd dress fitting. The first one was great! The dress fit looser and I picked out my veil! This time I want to bring my jewelry with me so I can get an idea of the completed look. 

//Get wedding shoes cleaned. Yes. The new white shoes arrived with subtle stains. 

//Apply for jobs. It's really time to ramp up my search. I'm even looking for internships. If you have any suggestions, email me!

//Do something creative. I may try another sewing project or do some painting. 

I FINALLY sent the wedding program information over to the designer, yay me! I BELIEVE I have ordered everything wedding related. I'll be making a list to double check tonight so that I can make purchases for anything I might have missed. I've reminded Aaron and I can't believe we're getting our marriage license this week! Good grief that song list! I'm very detailed and can be overly analytical so it took me some time to get the vey short list together but it's done. I made it back to Pure Barre and boy oh boy am I sore! I've started cleaning out my closet, but I didn't finish. I really want to get this done before we leave for the honeymoon. I've started working on this weeks school work already - the plan is to start week 4 before the weekend. The second fitting was awesome! The minor adjustments that were made ensured that my dress fits like a glove! I have one more fitting to go before the big day. Man oh man, I can't find anywhere to clean my shoes. I've done a DIY...but I'm terrified! Since the stains are so subtle, I'm contemplating just letting them be. If anyone knows how to clean white satin shoes, do share!! Yay, I was contacted by a recruiter!! Hopefully something new comes about soon. It's time for a change. I've been doodling, working on some things. Being creative is very relaxing! 

THIS WEEK'S WISHES

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//Double check wedding item list. I just want to be sure that I've gotten everything so I'll be making one final list and checking it twice.

//Go get that marriage license. This is happening on Friday, yay!! 

//Be up in the gym working on my fitness and eat clean..er. So...I have to slow down a bit so that my dress doesn't get too much looser. But the plan is to continue to workout up until the wedding. Thank the Lord for the final fitting. 

//Spring clean. Ongoing-needs to be done by April 30th before I am consumed by the wedding weekend. 

//Get ahead in new course. This will probably be on my list for a while. I don't want to be scrambling at the end like I was last term, especially since this is my last course. 

//Makeup + hair consultation. This is also taking place on Friday - so exciting!!

//Dallas Pre-Wedding Festivities. Headed to Dallas on Saturday for a wedding event.

//Continue to apply for jobs.

//Do something creative. I may try another sewing project or do some painting. 

Yay for a MUCH shorter list this week!! Most of these to-do's I just have to show up for. 

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!

I'm also sponsoring a birthday giveaway with Chasing Happy! Best of luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

// THE WEEKEND //

Photo by Mary Costa Photography, DIY Projects and Styling by Studio DIY for Balloon Time 

So thankful for Friday! This has felt like the longest week and it's likely that the next three weeks will feel that way as well as I count down to the wedding + our honeymoon!

I wanted to leave you with some links for the weekend. If you're planning on at least a few hours to yourself like me, you'll love these!

// Vacation time is upon us. The Well had a great post about how to prepare your blog for your vacation. 

// Found this post about Facebook business pages...interesting. 

// I discovered Sissy + Marley via Made By Girl. This is so my style and what I picture for my future kiddos. 

// Have you heard of Brand Market? They recently held the workshop in ATL. See the recap here and here. I'm really hoping to attend someday. 

// I shared some basic but essential blog design tips this week. Check it out, there's also a free + quite handy worksheet!

// How cute are these easter eggs? She's ALWAYS got awesome stuff on her blog. I'v got so many of her projects on my "to try" list. 

// Need to track your site stats? Here's a great post on how to do it without becoming obsessed. 

// Need some tips on creating a routine? This post offers some great ones.

// If you're a business owner, you'll appreciate this post on cultivating great client relationships. 

Have an awesome weekend, do something for you + remember to love yourself!