Friday Favorites

Thank goodness it's Friday!  Hope all of you have had a great week.  I am super excited for this weekend, especially because of Valentine's Day and Mitch is able to get away from work YAY!!  I am linking up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci today for Friday Favorites :-)  If you haven't already, go check out their ADORABLE blogs!

Cliff Bars

Oh my word, these things are the best and I probably have at least one every single day.  I usually eat one in the morning if I'm running late or in the afternoon to tide me over and they are the perfect little boost of energy!  My favs are the Chocolate Brownie and Chocolate Chip flavored (for obviously reasons) ;-)  I know the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut is really popular and I've heard the Mint Chocolate Chip ones are pretty tasty as well!

Sister Necklaces

Brooke and I were in Francesca's and got the most adorable sister necklaces. They have a bunch of new mini cards with necklaces attached out right now and I wanted to get them all!  One of them said "Will you help me tie the knot?" and had the cutest little knot necklace attached. Another said "You're a Hoot" and had the cutest little owl necklace. I think these would make the perfect gifts. I couldn't find them online but if you have a Francesca's around you, go check them out :-)

Favorite Verse This Week

Phillipians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Ever since I was little this verse has been one of my favorites because my birthday is on 4/13 and it was always easy for me to remember. There is so much power behind these words and reassurance that has gotten me through so many of the hardships I've experienced.

I'll be the first to admit that I have the WORST habit of saying things like "I'm never going to get this done" or "I'm gonna fail this exam." This mindset fails to acknowledge Christ living in me, enabling me to do ALL things. I pray to replace "I can't" with "I can do all things through Christ." His power is made perfect in my weakness.

Dustin Lynch

I am so excited to be going to Dustin Lynch for the second time tonight!  When I found out he was coming to Bloomington, I knew I had to get a ticket.  I am a huge country music fan and I love his songs! "Where it's At" was my all-time favorite for awhile and I'd have to say "Mind Reader" is another fav. I'm relying on my excitement for this concert to get me through class today! 

 

Crazy Love

I first received a copy of this book during my high school graduation ceremony at church. I'm notorious for collecting all these books and never finishing them cover to cover. I think I got through parts of it, but never actually read it all the way through.

This semester, as part of a reading assignment, we were asked to select an inspirational book of our choice from a list provided by our professor and I was very surprised (and excited) to see this book title! I figured it was about time I got around to finishing it and I have heard so many great things about it.

With Valentine's Day this week, I figured it was the perfect time to start reading it!  I am completely in awe of God's "crazy, relentless, all-powerful love."  

"God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts--it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, you will never be the same.

Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything"

Happy Friday everyone! Enjoy your Valentine's Day weekend and don't forget to spread lots of love! XO Alex

Thankful Thursday

Yay!! It's Thursday...which means the weekend is ALMOST here :-)  I don't know about all of you, but I am ready for a couple days off!  I am linking up today with Maddie and Addie for "Thankful Thursday."  This series is a great reminder of the many things I have to be thankful for!
    
 
I am thankful for babies

Last weekend I went to my first-ever gender reveal party.  Such a fun way to find out the gender of your baby with the company of your family and friends!  Mitchell's brother is getting ready for his second child and they decided they wanted to find out the big news at the same time as everyone else.  They gave the ultrasound results to a friend so she could prepare a cake with either blue or pink in the middle.  We took a vote and I'd say everyone was pretty confident there was going to be another little girl running around.  They cut open the cake and..........
 

 BLUE.  IT'S A BOY!  I don't think they said a word for about 2 minutes straight because they were in so much shock haha.  Mitch was actually unable to attend the party because of work so I had his number on speed dial to give him the exciting news as soon as possible.  It melts my heart how much he loves being an uncle.


...and Kambre is super excited for her "bubba" to arrive at the end of June :-)

I am thankful for God's perfect example of love

With Valentine's Day coming up this weekend, I've been thinking a lot about the true meaning of love-- what it means to love and be loved in return.  The sermon at church last Sunday described God's example of love and the ways in which we are able to imitate this love back to Him and others.  I am so thankful for a God full of mercy, a God who paid the ULTIMATE price, and a God who loves me unconditionally.  His example reveals the true meaning of love and I pray I am able to love Him and others like this!
 

Romans 5:8

 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 John 4:19

We love because he first loved us.

I am thankful for the birth of two of my favorite people

I don't know about you, but they're feelin' 22!!!  Two of my sweet friends celebrated their birthdays last weekend.  I'm so blessed by these friendships!
 

Taylor and I have a "long-distance" friendship and I don't see her nearly enough.  When we are able to get together, there's never a dull moment.  She's hilarious and I am so thankful we've become so close these past couple of years!  Can't wait to be reunited to celebrate :-)
 

I get to see Ashlee pretty much every single day because we have multiple classes together at IU.  We've grown so much closer since high school and for that I am thankful.  Glad we got to celebrate YOU this weekend!

 
Hahaha, the song "22" is fitting and this is so them!

I am thankful for Indiana University

Well as of this week, it's official.  I WILL BE GRADUATING COLLEGE IN LESS THAN 3 MONTHS!!  Where has the time gone?!  As much as school completely stresses me out and shaves hours off of my life daily, I have had such a great experience here and I wouldn't trade it for the world.  These 4 years have flown by and left me with unforgettable memories surrounded by so many great people!
 

This campus is beautiful beyond compare.  If you haven't visited, I definitely recommend it...you are missing out!
 

One of my favorite college memories is the dorm living days.  I loved meeting so many people on my floor and ALWAYS having something cute to wear because there were so many girls.  Having a meal plan was a huge plus as well...I'd definitely relive these days!
 

Another highlight of college, well my life really, was the IU-Kentucky game!  The experience was completely indescribable and I got to share it with some great company.  GO HOOSIERS :-)



Take time to reflect on what you are thankful for this week!
Happy Almost Friday!!
XO Alex

Tuesday Ten: Target Finds

 If you're anything like me, you could literally spend HOURS shopping in target!  This store has definitely caused some serious damage to my bank account, but it's always worth it ;-)  This week I found some super cute stuff and I figured I'd share some of my favorites!

EOS Lip Balm

Okay I think we can all agree this stuff is a must-have.  I have been hooked on my tangerine flavor since I got it in my stocking, but I recently heard Sweet Mint is the best.  I guess we'll see!

Ello Glass Water Bottle

I thought these water bottles were the cutest.  As part of my cleanse, I currently have to drink 1 gallon of water each day...might as well drink in style ;-)

buy online here

Denim Jogger Pants

Okay so at first I didn't know about these, but I tried them on and fell in love.  Can't wait for the weather to finally start warming up so I can break them out!  Super cute!!

buy online here

Printed Workout Leggings

My sister came home with a pair of these last weekend and I just knew I had to get a pair for myself!!  I found them online in so many cute prints!

buy online here

Pure-Clean-Soy Candles

Buying candles or anything to make the apartment smell good is definitely a weakness of mine.  I got this candle in "White Tea and Mint" and it's currently my new fav because it reminds me of going to the spa ;-)  Smells perfect in the bathroom!

Healthy Sexy Hair Leave-In Conditioner

This stuff is a must-have!  I've used this product on my hair for...well since I can remember!  For me, it's the most important product I use! (Plus it makes my hair grow, which makes it all the more worth it)

Printed Mini Bowls

I stumbled across these mini bowls for the first time when I was visiting my Grammie in Oklahoma over the summer.  I always love looking through the home section at target, and these bowls have been catching my eye for awhile now!  ADORABLE!

buy online here

Knitted Infinity Scarf

Who doesn't love a cozy, knitted infinity scarf?!  I actually picked up this navy and green scarf about a month ago but found it still available online in other colors as well.  One of my favorites so I had to share!

buy online here

Chick Flick Movie Pack

I was so excited when Brooke snatched this up last week.  I love these "classic" chick flicks.  Perfect for Valentine's Day week!!

 

iPhone Workout Armband

Workout essential!!  Plus it's pink :-)

buy online here

Happy Tuesday!! XO Alex

Friday Favorites

Yayyyyy!!  It's Friday and I hope you all have had a great week!  I am linking up again with Andrea, Erika, and Narci for some Friday Favorites :-)

 
#1 Cucumber & Lemon Water

My sister and I started a new 12-day detox this week.  Our eating habits have been out of control lately and we decided it was time to make some serious changes!  Part of our detox includes drinking a gallon of water each day.  And let me tell you, for someone who drinks a minimal amount of water, this is quite the challenge.  However, we stumbled across some detox water ideas and we've been adding cucumber and lemon...super yummy plus healthy!



 I found recipes here for a Watermelon & Mint detox and also Cucumber and Lime. Definitely going to be trying these out!


 


#2 Favorite Verse this Week

1 Corinthians 10:31
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

I love this verse and think it's a great way to put in perspective the ways in which we are serving the Lord.  EVERYTHING we do, whether its serving others, studying for an exam, or working a 9-5 job, should be for the glory of God.  With this mindset, I think our outlook and actions all begin to look more like Christ, which ultimately should be our goal!  When I am starting to get a negative attitude about the crazy amount of studying I have to do or a not-so-favorite chore that needs to be done, I try to keep this scripture in mind.


#3 Leather

 I have been OBSESSED with leather lately!!  I feel like it can be worn for so many different occasions and you can make it super edgy or cute & chic.  Either way, it's to die for.  Here are a couple looks I found that I loveeeee:


 

#4 When I Was Your Man Cover by Thomas Rhett

Well first off, anything by Thomas Rhett can be considered a "favorite."  I love, love, love his music and recently he came out with a new cover for Bruno Mars' "When I Was Your Man."  I think this version is amazing and I love the fact that his wife Lauren is in the video (I have a major couple crush on them)! haha

#5 bareMinerals' 'Marvelous Moxie' Lipstick, "Lead the Way"

My mom got me this lipstick for Christmas and I absolutely love it!  My lipstick obsession has been crazy this past year and I've been really wanting a darker, maroon color.  I wear a lot of black and this shade goes perfectly!


Buy this from Nordstrom here for $18


Hope everyone enjoys their weekend! XO Alex

Thankful Thursday

Today I am linking up with Maddie and Addie for Thankful Thursday!  These two ladies are actually the ones who inspired me to create my own blog!!  Their devotion to the Lord makes my heart happy and their blogs are must-reads :-)  
I'm really excited to be a part of this series because it's so easy to get caught up with the stressors and not-so-happy moments in life.  I pray to give thanks in ALL circumstances and that God opens my eyes to the many blessings in life because there's just way too much to be thankful for!

I am thankful for my relationship with Mitchell

Long distance relationships are super hard, especially on top of the craziness that comes along with being in college.  From two hours away, he still manages to encourage me, love me, and give me so much of his time.  If I looked at my call log, we probably talk on the phone 15 times each today (seriously).  I definitely don't tell him nearly enough how thankful I am for the effort he puts into our relationship!


I am thankful for pic texts from my mama

My mom, sister and I are always in a group text and she randomly sends us pictures of our little Faith and Zac.  She sent this particular pic earlier this week telling us she happened to snap this sweet moment of them talking on the bench.  She said it reminded her of Brooke and I when we were little.  These texts always melt my heart and put the biggest smile on my face!

I am thankful for my sweet friends
 
Over the past few semesters, I have become super close with these two.  Being the same major, our schedules are almost identical so I get the privilege of seeing their beautiful faces EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.  We've had a lot going on lately, which means lots of study parties resulting in super late nights.  Nobody else I'd rather freak out about school with than Julie and Ash!!


I am thankful for no Friday classes

Labs during the week = NO FRIDAY CLASS!!  And this week just happens to be one of those weeks.  I've had a crazy schedule lately so I am looking forward to some "me time" and birthday celebrations over the 3-day weekend!!


 


Take time to think about what YOU are thankful for this week! 
XO Alex

Valentine's Day Pinspiration

I am such a sucker for cheesy Valentine's Day gifts, or really any occasion for that matter.  I've always found that making gifts are always way more meaningful too.  If you're anything like me, you wait until the last minute to come up with something so some quick and easy ideas are always a plus!  Since Valentine's Day is coming in hot, I figured I'd share a few of the super sweet DIY gifts I've stumbled across on Pinterest:

 

 (source: here)

 

(source: here)

 

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(source: here)
 You can find free printables for all of the above ideas via their sources! :-)

 
(source: here)
I think cards might be my favorite ever!  I could spend hours in the card aisle when I go to the store.  These free printables are adorable...I think my favorite has got to be "without you, I'm toast" hahaha.

 

(source: here)

 

(source: here)

 I love the idea of this movie basket.  Super romantic and a perfect excuse to get him to watch a chick flick ;-)

Seriously though, how cute AND easy are these ideas?!  Happy Tuesday!!
XO Alex

Sunday Funday: Superbowl Edition

Kicking off the week with a little Sunday recap!  I didn't have class on Friday so I've been able to enjoy an extra long, relaxing weekend!  I've spent the weekend in Muncie visiting Mitch and we started off our day visiting a new church on Ball State's Campus.  Coming to college, it's often hard to find a church to call home.  We've been researching and he's attended a different church while here at school, but I have really been wanting to try this one.  It's called "The Revolution" and meets in the Student Center on Sunday mornings at 11.  We loved the service and it looks like we might have found the church we will be attending from now on while we are here in Muncie...super exciting :-)  

This church is currently in a series called "Beginnings: Stories from Genesis."  I believe this was the third week so we have a little catching up to do, but today we looked at the 4th and 5th chapters in the book of Genesis.  These chapters tell the story of Cain killing his brother Abel out of anger and how the path of self-reliance leads to destruction.  The message was very convicting and I pray that I grow in my walk with Christ and that I constantly look to him in every aspect of my life...through the ups and downs, decision-making, relationship building, everything really.

After church, we ate lunch on campus and went outside to realize Storm Linus a.k.a. Blizzard of 2015 had hit at full force.  We had been hearing of the storm all week, but with the accuracy of the weather reports this winter I wasn't going to believe them until I saw it.  Well I saw it people, and now it looks like my stay in Muncie will be extended by an extra night...I'm not complaining :-)  

Sundays usually consist of lots of studying for both Mitch and I because we tend to be the WORST procrastinators ever!  We had planned a study date at the library today, but that soon got deleted from today's itinerary when the blizzard hit (I didn't think it was that horrible, but Mitch insisted on staying in haha).

After working on homework for awhile, we got all geared up for the Superbowl by making some Buffalo Chicken dip (my fav)! I'd say it's an essential for some Sunday football and I posted the recipe we used below :-)  We weren't too excited for the game this year because I think we were still sad the Colts lost haha.  We aren't fans of the Patriots, so I guess it's goooo Seahawks!!

(Super Yummy AND Easy) Buffalo Chicken Dip:

Ingredients:
-1 large can shredded chicken
-2 small boxes cream cheese
-1 cup shredded cheese
 -Red Hot Buffalo Sauce
-Ranch (if desired)

Mix chicken and cheeses together in small/medium crock pot.  Add desired amount of buffalo sauce, depending on how spicy you would like it (we kinda just eye-balled it).  We also added ranch to add a little somethin-somethin.  Cook on high until melted..enjoy!!

Hope everyone's week is getting off to a great start!! XO