Exam Day {Music Monday}

Part of me always tries (pretends to try) to wake up early on the day of a test to look over my notes one last time. That never seems to pan out even if I try really hard. I don't consider myself a pessimist, but I've learned that if anything is going to go wrong it will happen on an exam day and that's a fact. But it may be for good reason that I never do end up fitting in that last minute cram session.

My public speaking professor once told my class that, rather than spending 20 more minutes flurrying over your notes, you should just take the morning off from studying. What's already in your brain will stay, and it's probably too late to have anything else really stick. 

With that being said, what I do end up doing on exam days has proven to be more helpful I think. 

I don't get out my study guide. I don't flip through my flashcards. I don't even mentally quiz myself.

M u s i c on my drive. When I come to class and the professor passes out the Scantron, I have a fresh mind. My mood is calm instead of anxious. Singing loud has helped to wake me up and keep me alert. It's better than coffee, y'all.

So, in honor of completing my second exam (one more to go!) in G107 today AND it being Music Monday, here's what got me through the morning. This song features my best friend from high school's older sister, Liz Navarra, and she is amazing! Grab it on iTunes here. Do it.

What music have you been loving?

DIY Animal Jewelry Holder

I have so many things that I have literally no idea where to put. Tell me I'm not the only one who has this problem.

This DIY screams, "Hey, I will help you keep track of your things!" (Well it doesn't actually say that, but if it could talk I think it might.)

You can use this jewelry holder to hold your keys, bobby pins (if you can actually accumulate them all in one place for long enough, good luck with that), other random junk, nail polish, chapstick, or if you're feeling literal - jewelry. 

I have a feeling it is about to become the new home for my keys. In all seriousness, I lose my keys just about every morning before I walk out the door. 

Materials needed for this DIY:
Clay Saucer (Micheal's, $0.89)
Animal Figure (Micheal's, $1.99)
Hot Glue Gun 
Spray Paint


To see how to make this Animal Jewelry Holder, watch the video tutorial below!

Happy crafting!
xx. Em

May Favorites

HOW is it June already?? Almost half of the year is behind us. Stahp, life. Just slow down. 

I am starting a new series for my blog - Monthly Favorites! I'm not going to promise these will come every month because let's be honest. I won't always be buying new and noteworthy things each month #poorcollegestudentlife. BUT when I have things that y'all need to know about, this is where I will tell you!

So here's what I was loving in May!

Greek Yogurt

Oh my, greek yogurt. If you had asked me a few months ago if I liked greek yogurt I would have wrinkled my nose at you big time. I would have said it tastes bitter, chalky, and don't get me started on the texture. This month I ate it several times and loved it! For one thing, don't buy plain greek yogurt - that was my first mistake. For you texture people, I found that putting a grape in each bite works wonders! I know, it's a little weird, but trust me. The sweetness and crunch of a grape really made a difference. 

B&BW Body Wash: Beautiful Day

Let's just lay this out on the table: I could spend hours and all of my money in this store. This. Smells. So Yummy. It was actually a Christmas present and it's already totally gone! The bottle says it smells like "sun kissed apple, sparkling cassis, and wild daisies brightened by fresh pink peony and creamy musk." So there ya go. 

Covergirl 3 in 1 Foundation

Finding a good make-up can be tough! Can I get an amen from all you girls out there with oily skin? This make-up acts like a primer, concealer and a foundation at the same time (hence the "3 in 1" name). It's around $10 at all drug stores, and it's totally worth it. I have repurchased it several times and haven't been able to find a better drug store option. And yes, that lid is extremely dirty, I'm aware. Fair warning, the way the pump touches the lid pretty much gets it messy every time. Still, it's the best drug store foundations I have found!

Ghost Stories, Coldplay

Holy smokes. I have missed you, Coldplay. This album shows the heart of what Coldplay truly does best. After their slightly different last album, Mylo Xyloto, it was refreshing to hear the Coldplay I first fell in love with. Some favorites of mine from the album are "Ink," "True Love," "Magic," and "A Sky Full of Stars." 

Not Your Mother's Dry Shampoo

No, that's really what it's called. and DRY SHAMPOO, omg. I have never been brave enough to try it before this month. Turns out I am a huge fan! This dry shampoo doesn't have the best smell, but I have definitely been converted. I was a wash-my-hair-every-day kinda girl, but no longer. I will probably not repurchase this one in order to find a brand that smells better though. Do you use dry shampoo? What's your favorite? I'm a newbie!

B&BW Candle: Watermelon Lemonade

Yum yum yum yum yum. I would pick fruity smells over flowery ones any day. This candle is Summer in a jar. The lemonade is a refreshing balance to the fruitiness of the watermelon scent so that it's not overpowering. Just good.

Julep Nail Polish

I know you're thinking, "EMILY. That stuff is 'spensive." Yes, regular prices are about $14 a bottle. Erm no. BUT if you sign up to become a member to receive monthly boxes, you get your first box free! A free box comes with 3 polishes and you only have to pay shipping ($2.99). After I received my box I cancelled my subscription. The polish itself goes on nice and milky, but I haven't noticed exceptional staying power. It still chipped. However, getting to sample high end things for free is well worth it.

Wallflower Design Co. Case - Taste of Summer

I love this company soso much. She's a high school girl who loves Jesus and is living her creative dream making phone cases with her handmade artwork on them. Heck yeah, I want to support that! Her cases are always adorable and her customer service is exceptional (she frequently offers discount codes on Instagram/Twitter - so watch for those!). This is actually the third case from Wallflower that I have purchased. Check out this case (and this company) here!

C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve
I have awful cuticles and this helped them tremendously this month! Every night before bed I rub this into my cuticles and in the morning they look ten times better. It can be used anywhere on your skin though. Sometimes I use it on my lips as well. The smell of rose is light and it has a heavier vanilla scent. Like I said, I don't love flowery smells, but something about this scent is really relaxing! You can grab this for $5.50 at Bath and Body Works!





I hope you have discovered something new to check out or finally found something you had been searching for!


What were you loving this month?  Be sure to let me know!

Life Update + To: Kevin & Amanda

Where have I been? 

Whew! It's been a while! My week has been absolutely i n s a n e. I had my first exam in my summer course (rocked it, FYI), have been helping with a wedding (keep reading!), and have had several sick people on my hands! Kudos to my immune system for keeping me healthy. Both of my grandmothers, my mom, and my boyfriend have all had it bad! Sinuses, headaches, coughing, scratchy throats, achy bodies, you name it. On Friday morning, I spent about three and a half hours with my grandma at the ER. We went to her normal doctor for bronchitis symptoms and were sent to the ER because they didn't have the medicine for the treatment she needed to be given. You had one job, doctor's office.

It feels like I have had my hands messy in one thing at the exact moment when someone else has hollered for help with something else. But that's part of being a big girl and having responsibilities I guess - which I am thankful for. The Lord has really used that to minister to me this week. It's not really my time. Even though the things I have had on my plate are well and good, I'm also called to help others and be a servant like Jesus - not just when it's convenient for me. Working on that.

Also, my radio in my car decided not to work this week. If you don't think God has a sense of humor, haha let me tell ya. I ALWAYS have my radio playing. Loud. Part of it is really just how much I adore music, but the other part I think is that I use it as a little mental vacation in the short 20 minute drives here and there (or 40 minutes if I'm going to class). I couldn't do that this week. I was forced to sit there and drive listing to just my thoughts. 

So, back to God's humor...how is that funny, Emily? This past Sunday's sermon was on wisdom, looking at James 3:13-18. As Samuel and I drove home, we started talking about feeling antsy, without peace, and uncertain in situations and how those feelings relate to a poor prayer life.  James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God." That was a reminder I needed to hear. Am I asking God first for wisdom, or am I just turning up the radio to not have to think about it? For the first time this week I was thankful that the Lord gave me some quiet drives. They were time to pray for patience during this hectic week, time to thank Him for his mercy, and time to reflect on how I saw the Lord work in me or around me that day. The quiet wasn't so bad after all.   

Anyways... this post isn't all about me. It's about my sweet friends, Amanda and Kevin, who just got married! Ahhh! I have been somewhat involved with their wedding decor and coordinating. What a joy it has been! Below is a little letter to them and a sneeky peeky at the table decor that my mom and I worked on for their wedding. Disclaimer: I'm not a photographer and I don't play one on TV. 

I hope you enjoy!

Dear lovebirds,

You're finally married!

I distinctly remember standing in the fellowship hall at church with Amanda a little over a year ago, listening to her proposal story and admiring her ring. Her mouth couldn't help but curve into a massive smile as she dished to the group of ladies circled around her. (Sorry guys, it's a girl thing. We go ga-ga over those little chats.) 

Over the past year I have had the pleasure of sitting next to you guys pretty much every Sunday, tag-teaming in the balcony. First of all- you guys make a great team. I could always count on you in a technology fiascos or if I ever needed last minute help. This was special because I truly got to see you all work (but also cut up;) together. 

Also within this past year we were in a small group together. There's really not a better way to get to know people than by studying the Word together consistently. I have seen you all grow in the Lord individually and as a couple. I was so blessed by hearing your testimonies for the first time and the great fellowship I had to look forward to at small group with you guys.

I am so happy that the Lord led you two to each other! May you have many wonderful/happy/crazy/exciting/adventurous years together. 

Love y'all.

Our house was a war zone for a while. 

Table runners for days.

Under the big top.

This was not our creation, but it was beautiful (and yummy)!

My sister and I at the wedding!

Photo booths are a fantastic idea, y'all.

Weddings are the best. :)

xx. Em

DIY Travel Pillow

There are several really crucial things a girl's gotta keep in mind when it comes to traveling. 

1. BE CUTE.
2. BE COMFY.
3. BE READY.

Obviously. And this DIY is perfect for all of those. Your travel pals will be so jealous of how cute your homemade pillow is! 

I chose to hand sew my pillow, which was actually my first attempt at sewing something besides a button on a pair of pants lol. And If I can do it, you can do it. But sewing may not be your favorite thing. Never fear! This tutorial even has a no-sew option with a hot glue gun that will work just as well to save time and make life easier. 

Here's what you'll need:

• Fabric - fleece, cotton, your choice! (The piece I had was around 40" x 40". I randomly had the piece of fleece that I used and wanted to repurpose it. Thank you, good friend, who gave this to me a few years back. It has served me well!)
• Pen or pencil
• Scissors
• Needle & thread *Alternative: Hot glue gun* (I would not recommend using the glue gun method if your fabric of choice is fleece. They probably won't get along too well.)
• Pins - this will help hold the fabric together as you cut & sew.
• Poly-fil - the pillow fluff! (I got my huge bag at Micheal's for $4.99, which I then used an extra 30% off coupon on. Love me some coupons.)
• Stencil (like the one here) or an old pillow to trace. (I used an old one we had to get an idea of how big I wanted mine to be.)

The Fun Part

Step 1

Lay out your fabric good side up. If it needs ironing, go ahead and do that now (unless you are using fleece, which I don't think irons well).  

Next, fold the fabric in half so that the good sides are now sandwiched in the middle.

Step 2

Begin tracing the shape of your pillow directly onto the fabric. I used an old pillow to outline. You can also print out a picture to make a stencil (like the one linked above). Pen worked well for me, but pencil might work better if you are using a different fabric. You only need to trace on the top layer of fabric.

Step 3
Pin the two layers of fabric together. The more pins you use, the more secure it will be! More security will help you keep everything lined up and intact as you are cutting out your shape and sewing. This is a very helpful step!

Step 4
Cut 'er out. Leave the pins in and pin more if it starts acting crazy on you. Cut about an inch away from the line you traced. 

You will end up with two pieces pinned together that look something like this! Keep it inside out and pinned, and let's get sewing (or gluing...cheaters).

Step 5
Get to sewing. If you don't know how to sew, there are tons of tutorials on YouTube that are really helpful (I checked out a couple, one specifically for sewing fleece). Sew along the line that you traced. The excess fabric outside of that line can be trimmed down once you're done (or not, if it doesn't need it).

Leave one edge unsewn! I would suggest the bottom edge of one side. This is how we will be able to flip it and stuff it later. 

*Hot Glue Gun Option* Leave your fabric with the good sides sandwiched in the middle. It's not as necessary to keep the pins in if you're gluing. Lift up the fabric as you go to put the glue in between the pieces and press them together. Glue fairly close to the edges, small sections at a time. Try to make the lines as smooth as you can. If you want a visual of this, check out LaurDIY's tutorial (skip to about 1:50). She's one of my favorites!

Step 6
Once it dries or you're done sewing, flip it right side out. 

Make sure to pull out all of the little edges now before you stuff because it will be MUCH harder if you try to correct this once you've already started stuffing. It should finally look like a pillow!

Step 7

Stuff, stuff, stuff to your heart's desire!

Step 8

Sew or glue up the open end - and you're done! 

I'm beyond happy with how mine turned out. I will definitely be using this A LOT on my vacations this summer. It's so much cuter than a store bought boring pillow and come on, seriously, how cute are those elephants? 

 

Travel cuteness raised to level 1000. 

Happy pillow making! xx

Rise Again {Music Monday}

I am a huge NEEDTOBREATHE fan. They just released a new album back in April and it has been my jam these past few weeks. Their sound may not be for everyone. But everyone would probably agree that you can hear their feelings when you listen to their songs. "Rise Again" is about broken people becoming whole. It reminds me of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17:

The Summer Lists

I am officially on summer break! That means that I am halfway finished with my undergraduate degree (gulp). I hope to be in the School of Education this fall! The Lord has been so kind to me during the past two years of college. I have now been a student at IUS for a whole year, have made some wonderful believing friends, and have gone a year without taking out another student loan. Praise the Lord! Transferring is one of the most frustrating, hair-pulling experiences, but that was something that Lord put on my heart and He was faithful through the whole circumstance.