June: 12 Things

appy June everyone! I hope you are excited for summer just as much as I am. I have a few fun events that are already in the works and I'm on count down. I am slowly getting back into blogging since I graduated from college. So, bare with me, because I feel like I'm all over the place. Anyways, I thought I'd share a few things on my mind.

1. The other day while shopping at Hobby Lobby, I came across an aisle that had a craft I use to love, cross-stitch. I decided to buy a tiny kit for like $2 to see if I could still do it. I haven't done one since Jr. High, but I'm obsessed. It all came back to me so quickly. Spending time on my phone while watching a movie or something just gets old. Now, I can do something productive.

2. As you saw from my last post, I have been Bible journaling a lot lately. Being creative this summer is my goal.

3. The other day I went on a solo trip to the beach and it was the first time I had ever done something like that. I have a post coming on my experience, so stay tuned.

4. I am just starting to watch Downton Abby! I know I am super late to hop on this trendy series, but I just discovered it on Amazon Prime. I am on episode 3, so no spoilers!

5. Right now, I am doing another 30-day challenge of eating no sugar. I am on day 12 and feeling so good. I have had a few cravings, but they seem to only pop-up on the weekends.

6. I was a bridesmaid in my best friends wedding this memorial weekend. The whole week leading up to the wedding was the best, because of the bachelorette party and rehearsal dinner. I love weddings so much. I can't believe I have been a bridesmaid twice now!

7. See that corkboard in the photo above? I just created that little summer mood board, and I'm loving how it turned out!!

8. Lately, I haven't been super into blogging. I don't know why really. Sometimes I just hate being on my laptop. Perhaps, it's where I feel my anxiety rise more. Do you any of you ever feel the pressure, stress, or lack of interest on any platforms online? Maybe, I'll have to talk more about this sometime.

9. My closet is looking so good. I bought a piece of furniture from Target and put it inside my closet. It feels freeing to have that space all clean.

10. I really need to wash my car, haha.

11. I am getting so excited that June is here! I have a few really special occasions/events that I am going to. One is to attend a graduation, and then a Shakespeare play in the wineries.

12. Maybe later this year I will do it, but I am itching to cut my hair. I was looking back in high school and my short hair was just so fun. I am in need of a drastic change, and other than a haircut, I'm not sure what it's supposed to look like for me.

How I Express Creativity In My Faith

t's time to share a project that has been a long time coming. I have been Bible journaling for a few years now and I feel like now I can finally share some tips. Being creative just sparks all my inspiration. The purpose behind this DIY is to highlight something meaningful within scripture and placing a theme, word, quote, or prayer on the side of the margin in my Bible. Growing up, I've always memorized or highlighted my favorite verses, but this is something completely different. There is a huge community on Instagram who shares their Bible journaling, and it is how I actually became aware of such an art.

I only have 5-10 entries of my own, but through the years I've become more comfortable in not needing my pages to look perfect. I really got into Bible journaling because I loved the way I could highlight the most meaningful moments in my faith. Below are a few tips if you are just starting out or want to find out more about this. Also, check out my favorite Instagram account for more ideas and cute supplies to get started.

Perfection // Something you really have to tell your self is that perfection doesn't matter. If a word is spelled wrong, or your drawing turns out too big or small, or you stamp the wrong date, it's okay. This is a work of art, displaying God's beauty in the holy bible, which should be treasured no matter the tiny mistakes you make!

Comparison // As hard as it is on Instagram, you cannot compare. Your entries are going to be different, and your handwriting may not be as glorious as someone else. Remember, it's your Bible, notes, prayers, and relationship with God which should resemble your entries. Don't compare, or copy someone else's work, be creative and let God speak through your artwork.

Supplies // Don't be afraid to use all types of art supplies for your bible. Use watercolors, colored pencils, die cuts, alphabet stickers, date stamp, calligraphy pens, washi tape, ribbon, lose glitter, cute paper clips, and gelatos. Go crazy, have fun with it!

Life Lately

appy Monday everyone! It's been a hot minute since I began typing for this space. I needed to take a break, though this time it wasn't planned. It just happened. So many emotions have taken root since March (my last post) and the thought of pouring my soul onto a blank canvas was the last thing I felt like doing. Now that I'm here, I didn't realize how much I've missed it.

I honestly don't know what I desire for my blog. The typical how-to posts may not be what I'm after anymore, which is why I haven't created any content recently. I suppose this space is just going to be a place where I share my life happenings + feelings. More raw, real life stuff that isn't always glamorous. While I'm in the process of figuring out what I want that to look like, let's just dive into a few things I've been up to.

Watching: 
I just finished The Hart of Dixie. It was a little cheesy towards the end, but during the first two seasons, I was hooked. Honestly, I was just getting a kick out of the 2012 fashion trends and smokey eye looks, haha. Has anyone else seen it?

Reading: 
Summer reading can finally be a thing! No more college means I can choose a book to read for pleasure. I am planning on reading Masterpiece by Francine Rivers and Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks. These are two of my favorite authors so hopefully, they won't disappoint.

Listening: 
One artist that I found while searching for old music I listened to in high school was Austin Mahone. Many of you may not know who he is, but he reminds me of a blend of Justin Bieber and Ne-Yo. A few favorites include "Way Up, Do It Right, and Except For Us."

Struggling With:
All the feelings that come with being a post-grad. I'm not done by any means but I do have a little window of time before jumping into my next program to become a teacher. I'm still working in retail, but it feels weird not having any homework.

Looking Forward To:
Creating a travel art journal. I have been trying to create my own for years now but they never worked well for me. But, I saw this YouTuber begin one and it was more like a scrapbook/sketchbook for painting. I just ordered a blank sketchbook from Amazon and I can't wait to get started. I have two fun trips coming up this summer and I hope to share them on here soon!

I Graduated With My Bachelor's Degree

graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in English!!! These last four years have been the most challenging and the most rewarding of my entire life. Honestly, I have been trying to think of what to say for this blog post for a whole week now. Where do I start? Earning my Bachelor's degree has been my life long dream that I've been working towards since Jr. High. Over this past March, I seriously didn't even want to graduate. The fear of the unknown or starting something new felt all too much. I was comfortable in college. I knew what was expected of me. I felt safe.

But, if college has taught me anything it is that things never stay the same or end up the way I imagined. And that's okay. Because I've grown in so many ways, I barely recognize the girl I was when I started. Through this time I've gained a love of poetry, public speaking, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gilmore Girls. I've overcome horrible roommate situations, loss of a friendship, living on my own, and trying new endeavors through choir and journalism. I learned that I am so hard on myself.  I learned that my kindness may be taken as a weakness, but it is not. I learned the value of grace.

Here I am a few days post-grad and I feel relieved to be done. I imagined the feeling of being done more bitter-sweet than exciting. But, I am looking forward to this summer and enjoying some time to just breathe. I just have to say that I would not have been able to reach this point without the encouragement and support from my family! So beyond excited to see all the ways the Lord will work in me as I continue on throughout this journey of becoming a teacher!