Word of the Week: Fallelujah

Happy, Happy Tuesday my friends! 

 A few weeks ago I started a new series called Word of the Week! Each week I am defining a word with a variety of images and quotes that convey the personal meaning of the word and how it relates to my life. Last week I chose the word bridesmaid and this week I am talking all about the word FALLELUJAH! 

To read last weeks Word of the Week post about the word bridesmaid click here.

To read all about the word friendship click here.

If I am going to be totally honest with you, I think FALLELUJAH is my all time favorite word. Whoever created it in my eyes is an absolute genius. It just flows off the tip of your tongue so naturally & makes you want to do a happy dance! 

I feel as if this e-card is pretty relevant to my life right now. The sun hasn't stopped shining, but that isn't stopping me from all out embracing fall. 

And people who have this attitude, really need to realize that their negativity is bringing the rest of us crazy fallelujah lovers down. Come on people! We need everyone on board here. Fall and everything it has to offer is absolutely amazing & that includes pumpkin recipes! 

Here are some of my favorite reasons why I just adore fall & spend all my days singing FALLELUJAH...

Beautiful colors. Fall paints our world with stunning, refreshing colors. 

Surprise Pumpkin Pie Blizzards from the ones you love. 

Finally being able to burn a fire in your fireplace.

Carving pumpkins with your significant other.

and then carving your pumpkins with some of your absolute favorite friends.

Enjoying Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes with your Bestie!

Having 'Bring Your Own Pumpkin Spice Latte' craft days with your girlfriends. More to come on this later! 

Fall wardrobes and booties. My heart melts over ankle booties. To read my post on my favorite little booties for this fall click here.

Purdue Football games! 

and fall wouldn't be complete without a bonfire with smores!

These are just a few depictions of what Fallelujah means to me. Each of these not only convey fall in my eyes, but all of them remind me of sweet, and cherish-able memories that have taken place during the fall. 

Happy Fallelujah, Y'all!!!

Maddie

Fall Decor: Free Printable

Hello There!

As we are approaching October, and fall is officially in full swing, my heart is dancing around a million miles a minute getting more exercise that it ever has. There are so many aspects of fall that bring joy to my life. I adore the crisp breeze, sight of the leaves changing, and the result of a fresh perspective on our world painted in oranges, yellows, and browns. I love nothing more than the smell of a bonfire that you know is just perfect for creating memories and eating smores; and if I am being completely honest, nothing quite taste better than my first pumpkin spice latte of the season. 

My favorite adjectives that describe fall go on and on and on... and somehow I got most all of them to fit on this FREE 8" x 10" printable.

This printable is PERFECT for a cheap and fun fall decoration for your home! Here is how I used it to add a little festivity to my bookshelves in my room! 

Throw together this free printable along with an inexpensive frame from goodwill that is upgraded with a few coats of fresh paint and BAM, within the snap of a finger your bookshelves will be screaming fall and you will be doing a happy dance around the room. You think I am joking, but really, what is more fun than embracing the world around us & giving fall the credit it deserves! 

To get the printable click here.

Fallelujah Friends!

Maddie

Friday Favorites

Hello there Friday, you are just what I needed!!! 

 And another link up of 'Friday Favorites' with some of my fav bloggers is just what I needed too! Check out Andrea's blog called Momfessionals, Erika's blog called A Little Bit of Everything, and Narci's blog called Grace and Love. I just love their blogs to pieces and I admire their hearts for Jesus. 

#1. Okay guys.. I love TV shows and I have a lot of favorites, but Revenge is my all time FAVORITE.

In all honesty, never in my life have I watched a show where I literally could not peel my eyes away from the TV. I am telling you, for 40 minutes straight I don't blink. And for someone who adores sleep and can fall asleep during the time span of a 5 minute car ride, this show makes me feel like sleep is not a priority in my life. I will watch episode after episode after episode and never be able to stop.  Revenge is so my FAVORITE ever. 

If you haven't given Revenge a chance, and by 'revenge' I am speaking in terms of the show, not real life, you have to! The premise of the show revolves around a girl who's dad was convicted and killed for a crime that he did not commit. She spends her whole life getting revenge on the people that framed her dad. The show is crazy intense and makes me sweat profusely at times due to such high anxiety and nervousness.. but I promise, it is totally worth every bead of sweat and ounce of fear. 

#2 And speaking of things that are crazily consuming my life right now..Fantasy Football is one of them and is my total FAVORITE!  

I mean rotten e-cards say it's okay to let it rule my life, so that definitely makes it okay, right?

I am in a Fantasy football league with my dad, mom, brother, sister, Dave, and Sam (my brother's girlfriend). So far I am dominating with a record of 3-0, which I am sure (actually, I know) is out of pure luck, but regardless winning is fun, so therefore fantasy football is fun too. See the correlation? 

The second I start losing, I have a pretty good feeling that my love for Fantasy football is going to dwindle away faster than the blink of an eye... but until then... everyone cheer for team Maniac Madattack this week. I have a fierce match up against the parentals and my dad and I have already exchanged a few words of smack. 

#3. Giving hearts are one of my FAVORITE things ever! 

For about two years I have been working on a project to build a completely accessible and adaptable park for children with disabilities in my community. This park is my absolute dream. The love that I have for children with disabilities is deep beyond measure. The out pour of love and support from my family, friends and community, throughout all stages of my park project, have been so incredible.

Here is what the park design looks like! I can always picture the laughter and memories that are going to be created on this thing when it is finally built! 

On Tuesday, the high school girl's volleyball team did a fundraiser game night where they collected free-will donations, raffled off a few prizes, and had the local Dazzlers Cheerleading Squad (a cheerleading squad for children with disabilities..and side note: they are the most ADORABLE cheerleaders EVER) perform. 

The girl's volleyball team raised $1,608.00. 

I seriously about fell over when I heard that number, but in all honesty, it brought tears to my eyes. I am so overwhelmed by how selfless and servant minded people are in my community. When a large group of people come together, great things can happen, and Tuesday night proved just that. So anxious that dollar by dollar, and step by step, we are getting closer and closer to funding the whole cost of the park! 

#4. My parents relationship is one of my FAVORITES!

My dad was in Wisconsin with his brother for a few days this week visiting my Aunt and Uncle. He sent my mom flowers because he missed her. 

Melts my heart. 

Their love for one another after all of these years is still stronger then ever. So thankful for such a wonderful, Godly example of what a marriage should look like.

Look how sweet and happy they are together! I might be biased, but they are so stinking adorable. So blessed to have both of them! 

#5. Last but not least, the fact that some of my besties started their own blogs this week is so one of my FAVORITES. 

My dearest friend Rachel is blogging over at The Middle Sister. She is an absolute natural and not to mention absolutely hysterical. She is going to fill your life with so much joy through her blog! It is a total must read. 

Alli, who is absolutely one of the sweetest people I know, is blogging over at On My Way to Wherever I'm Going. Isn't her blog name so perfect? Her one of a kind stories and perspective on life is something you do not want to miss, so make sure you check out her blog too!!

I am still working on getting my favorite Katies to start their blogs, but if all goes as planned, their blogs will be up and running just in time to make them a Friday Favorite for next week haha 

I hope everyone has a wonderful, fun-filled weekend!!

Maddie 

Text Anxiety No More

Hey there, friends! 

If you are in college, you have been, or you've known someone who has or is, you know that exams are hard core STRESSORS. Like really, if I am being 100% honest, exams have a way of sucking all of the fun and happiness out of your life. 

Well...test anxiety no more.

With midterms right around the corner, I am determined to not let the pressures and stresses of school weigh me down. Instead, I am going to put my hope in the word of the Lord with 10 of my favorite, most encouraging Bible verses. 

#1: John 14:1  “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God, trust also in me.”

#2: Isaiah 40: 30,31  “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

#3: Philippians 4:6,7.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

#4: 1 Peter 5: 6,7  “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

#5: Proverbs 16:9  “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

#6:  James 1: 2-4  “Consider it pur joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

#7: Matthew 11: 28-30  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

#8: Jeremiah 17: 7,8. “But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.  He will be like a tree planted by the water and sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

#9: Proverbs 16:9  “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

#10: Psalm 46: 1-3  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and mountains quake and with their surging.”

I hope you find comfort in these verses in times of trial and stress!

Blessings! 

Maddie

Word of the Week: Bridesmaid Addition

Happy Tuesday, Friends!

Last week I started a new series called Word of the Week! Each week I am defining a word with a variety of images and quotes that convey the personal meaning of the word and how it relates to my life. Last week I chose the word friendship and this week I am talking all about the word BRIDESMAID.

To read last weeks Word of the Week post click here.

Bridesmaid had a much different definition to me a week ago, and then my sweet friend Katie asked me to be one in her wedding and the meaning completely changed. Seriously, the excitement inside of me is unreal. 

I shared this picture last week, but I am sharing it again because it is so precious! She is literally radiating happiness. 

Katie's engagement was literally one of a kind and I am SO happy that I was there and able to be apart of it. Look how happy her and her man were after they got engaged. Doesn't the perfection melt your heart? 

Okay.. now that you have a glimpse of the bride and groom to be.. I am onto the bridesmaid part... 

Katie casually invited us girls out to dinner last week. I was just anticipating a great night out eating Mexican food and chatting with my besties. Never in a million years did I ever imagine she was going to ask us to be bridesmaids.

Then she handed us this...

And look at the adorable note that was inside. I cried. About fell over. It took all of my will power not to scream YESSSSSS as loudly as I could in the middle of Pablanos!!!!! 

Of course I want to be her bridesmaid! Who freaking wouldn't...she is the best! 

Everything was so fun and so special and I am so excited to help her tie the knot!!!!

Look what came inside the little boxes. The most adorable knot rings!!! Do you get the irony? How clever and cute, right?

And this picture fills my heart with joy...

and because we are talking about Bridesmaids and I think the movie Bridesmaids is absolutely hysterical...I felt as if this E-Card was pretty relevant. 

              

Happy Tuesday, friends!!!

Maddie               

Fall Must Have: Ankle Boot Addition

Hello Monday...

We are talking all things booties today!!! I am giving you my top 5 favs for fall & winter!

But first things first, Monday, I think this e-card suits you well..

Monday's are always rough for me..especially when forced to snap back into reality after a fun filled weekend!

How am I coping with yet another week of school ahead? Well online shopping of course!

All of the fall trends are killing me. I am so in love with all of the layers and all of the comfort. One thing that sticks out to me that I am officially obsessed with are the adorable ankle booties that I see paired with every outfit.  I am in search of the perfect pair to snatch up for this fall and winter.

After doing some research here are my top five favorite pairs:

#1. These booties from Nordstrom are waayyyyyy out of my price range, but I am totally crushing on how adorable and country they are.

#2. I am dying to have these herringbone cuties from Nordstrom as well. They are definitely worth saving for! To order a pair for yourself click here.

#3. These sassy things are perfect. Love love the gold zipper and fold at the top. To purchase these booties click here.

#4. These booties are so classy. The gray suede will pair perfectly with your fall and winter wardrobes.  Seriously though, how stinking adorable is the bow on the back? Ahh! I am already planning out the perfect outfits to piece together with these gems. To purchase click here.

#5. Last, but not least, these booties are so rock star wanna be and who doesn't want to be a rockstar?  Paired with a leather jacket and skinnys, these booties are definitely going to make a statement. To order some for yourself, click here.

Can't wait to order a pair this week!! Happy Monday, everyone!!

Maddie 

My Friday Favorites!

Holy Moly! It is Friday and I am stoked!

 I am also stoked that I am linking up for the first time with some of my favorite bloggers in their series called 'Friday Favorites'. Check out Andrea's blog called Momfessionals, Erika's blog called A Little Bit of Everything, and Narci's blog called Grace and Love. I just love their blogs to pieces and I admire their hearts for Jesus. 

I have so many favorites, but this week, here are my top 5: 

1. First off, I am in LOVE with this fall weather and wearing fall clothes is one of my FAVORITE things. 

The weather is suppose to creep back up in the eighties this weekend, but I plan to bust out some boots and a scarf today before it's too late. I am in FULL fledge fall mode people. Watch out.

2. My friends are one of my absolute FAVORITES too. 

I am feeling extra blessed this week by all of my friendships with my AT girls. My girlfriends really are the greatest and I am going to cherish all the time I have left with them this year before we all graduate college. 

Ann Tweedale is such a special place for so many reason, but my favorite reason is because it brought me to each one of these girls. I cannot imagine my college experience without each of them being a part of it in some way or another. They truly are the best. and they have made Purdue the best too. 

#3. My morning quite time is so undoubtedly one of my FAVORITES this week.

 (well it is a favorite every week actually)

 One of my monthly goals for September was to start each and every day off with a cup of coffee and some Jesus time. It really has done wonders for me. I love starting each day off with a fresh, Jesus minded perspective. It helps wash away any stress or anxiety I may be having about the upcoming day, and it allows me to focus on Jesus and the endless love and support he provides for me. 

One of my daily reads during my quite time is Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It is remarkably phenomenal. 

To purchase a copy for yourself click here. 

If you are a techie person, there is also a Jesus Calling app available for iPhones and iPads. How cool is that? It provides daily bible verses, devotions, and it allows you to create and save notes about passages you loved.

Here is the hard copy that I own. I love the purple leather cover and the details on the spine. This book really is one of my favorites.

#4. I love pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks and there is no denying it that I am addicted. 

One of my FAVORITE things this week was Starbucks 'buy one get one free' fall drink special. 

I was able to embrace the great deal with one of my besties Taylor.

#5. Last but not least, fall nail polish colors come in as one of my top FAVORITES for the week.

I am obsessed with all things OPI and I adore their liquid sand collection. This one is my favorite this week.

Here is what it looks like on... I love the texture. 

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend, friends!