Mustard

Last night, I burned my arm.  Badly.  It was approximately a 6-by-3 inch area of blister and bubbly red.  Well, I had no idea what to do! I desperately wanted the hurt and blister to stop!
So, I did what anyone else would do in a dire situation:
I googled it.
And I found out that mustard on a burn is supposed to help it.  Don't ask me why.

All I know is that it works.  It also stinks really badly, but it does work.  I left it on for over an hour, and when I rinsed it off, the red was gone and there were no blisters!  I could even tell an outline of where the mustard had not touched and it was still slightly red.

This morning, its almost all gone!

I'm so thankful for home remedies like this one.
Which ones do you use?  What works, and what doesn't?

I'm going to write the good ones down and use them.  If they are as useful as this was, who can afford not to know?!

love in fives

1.  Mint Milanos

When I was little, my mom used to eat these.  They were her favorite.  I wasn't allowed to eat them unless she gave me one.  I remember feeling like they were gold.

I still feel that way.  They're divine.

2. My Chair

I bought this chair from Target right after we got married, and I love it so much.

It's comfy and chic!

3. The Hubs' Style

He is a music guy.  But he doesn't always dress like one.

He's all guy, and I love it!  I love the rugged, manly look.  And a baseball cap.  So I'm actually thankful he doesn't always look like his worship leader friends.  Not that I don't like that style, I just really love his.

4. Hats

I love them (on other people).  I wish I could wear them.  Maybe I need more hat-confidence?

Either way, I do love looking at them and trying them on.

  So cute, yes?

5. Blog Design

I love my current one.  I love dirtandlace designs, who designed my header and button, but I think I'm going to replace them.  Only because I am loving designing blogs (bon blog designs) and I want to do my own, as well!  I don't know if I will change much else but my header and button, but all of you need to be prepared to replace my button (again, I know).

Wordless Wednesday: The French

The french braid, that is.

On busy days, I french braid my bangs into my hair and throw it in a messy bun.

It's my go to hairdo.

What's yours?

Places

Today, my head is in the clouds (and I have so much school work to do)... and I'm dreaming of being so many other places (other than here, studying, that is)!

1. Greece

Because, well, who doesn't?

2. Cambridge, UK

Yes, because I'm an English major.  Because I wish I were part of the Inklings Society. Because C.S. Lewis loved it here. And because I want to visit the Library!!

Plus, it is beautiful.

3. Mexico City

I've been here so may times.  It's my favorite place in the world.  And I don't even love big cities.  I don't know, maybe it's nostalgia.  I just love love love it here.

4. Star's Hollow

You get a million points if you know where this is from.

And yes, I want to be here, in this world, switching quips with these girls.

5. Switzerland

In middle school, I read Bloomability, and have wanted to go ever since.

Where are you dreaming of being today?

Mantra #4

This week is going to fly by, because I am so busy again.  Final exams are all going to be over soon, and I can't wait!  My head has been in the books like crazy.  Once Wednesday hits, I will never again have to deal with this guy:

I believe that God is going to fill me up, even though I feel empty.  

I'm addicted to Train's "Hey Soul Sister"... Is that cheesy?  Am I the only one?  I can't get enough of it!


I wish that I had time to read a book that is for entertainment and not education.  The next one on my list is Julie and Julia.

I'm jealous of my old self with super-long hair.  I go back and forth, but today I miss it.

Soundtrack/Mantra for the week: 

If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people's sins,

If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,

Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, 

your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.

I will always show you where to go. 

I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places— firm muscles, strong bones.

(from Isaiah--The Message)

My friend Chelsie did her own Mantra today!  Check her out!

Single Sentence Sunday: Lincoln

Today's Sentence:

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.

-Abraham Lincoln

Thanks to everyone who linked up last week.  Remember to add your site below if you participate!  The Sunday button is in the sidebar!

The Mr.

It's Friday, and I'm in love.

With this guy.

He's amazing.  I'm so lucky blessed.
I had a list when I was 15, and I used to standardize every guy against this list, and against Billy.
I knew him from 7th grade on, and I knew that I wanted to marry someone just like him.
Crazy, huh?
You can imagine how amazed I am to truly be married to the man of my dreams.

Just this week, he has:

Done a sword-fight with my classmate for our Shakespeare film project (which I think he maybe enjoyed because, well, he's a little boy at heart).

Decorated our apartment with streamers and balloons to congratulate my induction into the English Honor Society (I didn't even think that the induction was that cool)!

Made dinner two times because I'm so busy studying.

Sat up with me to talk about everything I want to talk about (which is always a lot) even though he's worked 8 hour days and must get up 5 hours later.

Put up with my craziness (something he does every day - not just this week).

Prayed for me and read with me.

Been the best husband in the world.

That's right, mine wins.

Shut-Down

My brain is on overload.  It just took me three times to correctly type brain.
I can focus on anything that I don't need to focus on.  Ask me anything that is not about Shakespeare, Grammar, Charles Dickens, or Robert Lowell (who is wonderful, by the way), and I can answer.  Ask me how I'm doing on studying and my final projects, and I don't want to talk to you.  Go away, please, and come back when you are ready for me to ignore all things school.
I am currently working on something called "Invention Heuristics" which is not fun.  I am a little overwhelmed.

I need to take a deep breath, go to Starbucks, and work like a madwoman to conquer my mental list.

Mentally, this is me:

Dear Brain:

Let's just get through today together.  Please don't blow up on me.

Sincerely, me.

PS- check out my tab "bon blog design" - I'm just starting out.  Feedback, please.

Timing.

I am impatient.  I am action-oriented.  I get things done.  When I get excited about things, I make them happen, now.

+

I (we) have huge dreams: to go a certain somewhere, do be doing a certain something, to be in full time ministry, and to be used by God.

but...

God knows.  And God's timing is not my timing.  Maybe God's timing will never be what I think.  I read about David... He was anointed to be King, as a boy, yet for (I don't know how many) years he ran from the current King's death threat.  Yet God still fulfilled his promise.  I bet there were times when David thought that he would never escape, and surely never become King.  But God was still there, in the midst of things.  God had placed his promise in David's heart, and God was the only one to fulfill it.

I pray for God's timing.  I don't want my timing.  I want to be right in the middle of the will of the One who knows all and has the best in mind.  The gift and calling He has placed in our hearts cannot be revoked (Romans 11:29).  If His will is for us to wait, then it is for His Glory.  If His will is for us to move, it is for His Glory.  If His will is for us to be still, and know that He is God, He is working for His Glory.  And that is all I could ever hope for.

PS - Thank you for reading, if you did.  I know that these posts are not as fun for some of you.  It's a blessing to share my heart with you, though.  If any of you has a question about what I believe, please, email me.

Yellow

Dear yellow,

I love when Coldplay sings about you.  Really, it's a lovely song.

I love when you come in the form of a tulip.  You're my favorite in that respect.

However, lately, we have not been getting along.  I do not like you in this powdery, pollen-y form.

Over the past month or so, you have tinted my car that is supposed to be silver.  Yesterday, I got out of the car, and my black pants were quickly covered with you.  Not so lovely.

And you make me sneeze.  Embarrassingly loud.  Everyone around me keeps God Bless-ing me.  Thank you, people.  No thank you, yellow pollen.

As much as I like your color, I'm asking you to leave now.  It's really time to go.  You can come back in increments.  I just don't appreciate you in such big, powdery, overwhelming qualities.  It's not you, it's me.  Ok... it is you.  It's the way you make my throat itch on a sunny day.  It's the way you make my blue eyes turn red.  It's the way that you make me spend money on Sudafed, when I really would rather buy something happy, like M&Ms.

Love, me.

P.S. - Today is my (not so) little brother's birthday!  He's 18!  I'm a little emotional because he's just so old and mature and handsome and he's graduating this year... Anyway, he's a great little brother.  And I hope he has a great day!

Happy Birthday, Brock!

Mantra #3

This week my schedule is packed.  I am overbooked.  My planner is full overflowing.

I believe that I need to take my vitamins.  My immune system has been beating me lately.  

I'm addicted to html.  That's right.  I love it.  I want to learn more.  I'm a total nerd.  Maybe I'll offer to design your blog for you soon.

(Disclaimer: this is not me)

I wish that I could go back to the resort from our honeymoon.  They had this restaurant that I loved.  I even dream about it (ok, well I did only once, but that seems sufficient!).  It was really good.  Plus, I could use a vacation about now.

This was my favorite dish- Indonesian Fried Rice.

Of course, I would want to go with this perfect man.

I'm jealous of really good singers.  I cannot sing.  It's the only talent I'm truly jealous of.  I used to pray for a man who could sing (and I got one!) but I felt bad every time I asked God for one... I didn't feel that it would be fair for a singing man to get my voice.  God was on my side!

Soundtrack/Mantra for the week: Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. (-Jesus. Matthew 11:28-30)

Sunday.

Today's Sentence:

Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours.

(C.S. Lewis)

If you want to do a Single Sentence Sunday, Link up:

People Watching

Barnes & Noble is one of my favorite places because of the books/Starbucks combo.  What could be better?

At the one where I live, there is often a creepy man that sits in exactly the same spot every time I see him.  I say he's creepy because every time you look in his direction, it feels as if he was watching you.  I don't legitimately think he's a stalker.  I just think he's a creepy people watcher person.  One time, I even ran into him at the mall, and he said hello.  As if we were friends, because he sees me at B&N.

Well, he's not here today (thank goodness).  But I am.  And I just realized:
I'm a creepy people watcher, too!
I'm sitting here, trying to find out what the people around me are doing.
...I think one woman is here with her mother meeting a wedding planner.  I would like to be a wedding planner... like J. Lo:

...The old man in front of me is sitting weirdly (don't ask - it's just weird) and reading a book called "Discovery, Innovation, and Risk," so I feel as if he'd be interesting.
...There are people at the front trying to introduce the nook, and nobody seems interested.

...And there are two other people in the cafe with a MacBook, and I feel as if we have secret Mac connection.

Is that creepy?  Maybe.  But I love people watching.  It should be something I list in all of those "About Me" things as a habit.  I just pray that I'm not nearly as creepy as that man...

Remember, tomorrow is Single Sentence Sunday.  If you want to do it, let me know!  I've been thinking about having you who do it link up, but I won't put a McLinky unless I know you will.

Celebrate

Yesterday I forgot to celebrate my 100th post, so today I'm celebrating my 101st post!
I feel as if I should throw a party or something.  Maybe I'll treat myself to a cupcake from my favorite cupcake store... Cupcake!  This one's my favorite:

It's simply delightful.

As promised, I'm showing you my highlights today!  I didn't straighten today (due to lack of time) and I'm sitting in a coffee shop, so I took a picture right here:

Here's a picture from a few days back:

See the difference?

It feels huge to me!

Anyway, I have been tinkering with some blog design things.  I really enjoy it, and have been thinking about learning how to do the whole thing!  I don't really want to change mine much anymore (I'm pretty happy with it for now) but I would like to know how to do it!  

If you do your own blog designing, as far as design programs (or anything else), what would you recommend?  It would be lovely to learn your secrets...

Anyway, it has been lovely to share my highlights and my Friday celebration.

Today looks like it is going to be wonderfully relaxing.  And I hopefully will sell our couch tonight on Craigslist.  Wish me luck!

Oh!  I have a few real-life friends that have lately become avid bloggers, and you should check them out, because they are wonderful:

Anna

Chelsie

Lindsey

(ok, so I haven't met her officially, but we will be real life friends soon!)

Ranting

Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity. (1 Timothy 2:2)

I do not usually have a problem with authority.  I love following rules, and I really like doing the right thing.  However, I do not always agree with politics, politicians, or our country's leaders.  I have very strong opinions on some ethical issues, and I vote a certain way.  And sometimes, I don't get my way, or even what I feel is the right/ethical way.  This verse tells me, though, to pray for my leaders - even the ones that I don't agree with.
As I read this verse this morning, these people (below) came to mind.  They picket all around America, and claim that God has commissioned them.  Recently, they came to Charleston and picketed here.  They quote the Bible completely out of context:

And they involve their children!  Which makes me really angry.

Anyway, I don't agree with this at all, and this verse shows that God doesn't either.  I'm frustrated that these people are representing (or claim to be) God and his attitude toward our country.  He is just, and that is why he sent his son.  He also says that vengeance is his (Deuteronomy 32:25), which means that even if we don't agree, he is the one that will repay people.  

God calls for prayer, so that we can live in peace and dignity.  I'm thinking that this doesn't qualify.  I don't mean to bash any people, and maybe they have some good motives, but this is not God.  This is not what the Bible says to do, even in the face of injustice.  This is not my peaceful, loving, caring, forgiving, graceful Jesus.  He does not command this.

Anyway, thanks for listening to my rant.  I have so much more to say about this, but I should stop.  I don't get angry over much, but it is not fair or right to have God represented this way.  And, it's just really unpatriotic.  I may not agree with every President.  I may even really dislike someone's stand.  And that's why I vote.  And why I pray.

PS - I'm posting a picture of my new hair tomorrow!  Get excited!

PPS - Today, Starbucks is giving away a free coffee if you bring in your own travel mug.  So for all of you budgeting coffee lovers (like myself), go for it!  

The Suspense!

Today, in 30 minutes exactly, I'm going to get my hair cut and colored.  It may not seem like a big deal, but I do not color my hair often.  I'm super excited, and way nervous!  I can't wait to see it!  I'm not doing anything too drastic, and I hope it doesn't turn out like:

or

Ok, so I'm not that worried, but I am a little anxious.  I'm only getting a few highlights and a trim, but I have thick, brown, curly hair that puts a confused, scared, "what do I do?!?" look on most hairstylists' faces.  

That being said, it shows how much I really trust my hair girl.  She really is awesome, and did this awesome hair-do for my wedding:

Yeah, she's amazing.

Anyway, I'm just in want of a change, but I feel a bit crazy!  Wish me luck!

Gracias

1.  Thank you: Kelly Anne for the advice to put vinegar on my sunburn.  It really helped, and the next morning, my burn was at least 50% less red.  I can't tell you how much easier you made it to sit down and get up!

2.  Thank you: person with a motorcycle in my apartment complex.  I get really excited when I see a great parking spot, and then I almost pull in, and you are there.  It's as if you are just waiting to surprise me and say, "Nope!  This spot is taken!"  We should get one of these, and this would never be a problem:

3.  Thank you:  Heidi from Wonder Woman Wannabe who wrote about taking your man to a sporting event on a date.  I totally did that last night, and he was ecstatic!  We had a blast, and I loved making him that giddy! 

4.  Thank you:  iviemade Etsy Shop for making some of the most adorable pillows.  When I have a little extra cash, I'll be thinking of you and this pinstripe one:

5.  Thank you:  Mom, for making me feel less stupid yesterday.  I called you after my doctor's appointment, and you were wonderful.  You told me that this is not all in my head.  You give great advice.  

Thank you doctor for looking at me like I didn't know what I was saying, and for telling me that I'm probably just stressed, and that you can try and help me, but you don't really think there's anything wrong (don't worry, it's nothing serious, I just have a few things that have been off, and I went to her for help, because that's what doctors do...)!!

6.  Thank you:  Lindsey for doing an awesome Giveaway for Tom's Shoes.  It's such a good cause, and the new line of shoes are also super cute!  

These are my fav. so far.  Love stripes, can't you tell?

Mantra #2

monday mantra...

This week I feel like relaxing and putting my feet up.  Maybe it's because of this gorgeous weather!

via

I believe in trying to eat healthily!  Unless you give me Starbucks, Ben & Jerry's, or bread.  Other than that, I'm on a health kick!

I'm addicted to Frank Sinatra.  If he were still alive, I'd kind of be a groupie (but the clean, happy, non-crazy kind).

I wish I could dress like my grandmother did at my age.  Gloves, pumps, pearls, and a dress = Jackie O = classic and chic.  I was born in the wrong era.  

I'm jealous of all of you mommy bloggers.  I have had the baby fever since I was 2, and it's never gone away.  It's not time for that yet, but I'll keep being jealous until I have my own baby in my arms.

Soundtrack/Mantra for the week: People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. (Maya Angelou)