Weekend Update

It's a bit later than I usually post these but today was my monthly intensive cleaning day (super fun, I know you're all jealous...) so, better late than never as I always say.

Friday - "Catch up on The Office and Parks & Rec Day" - was a success!
I also ate pizza that Dave ordered to "help him study" instead of making dinner. Fail or win?

Saturday was a great day. I went for a run, enjoyed the perfect weather (70+, sunny, no clouds), and met with a friend to discuss being mentored. We hung around her apartment talking and getting to know each other better for nearly two hours and it was lovely. I also left with a small library of books and devotionals to sort through. I have been praying about finding a mentor and what exactly I should be studying with them, but I'm not quite sure which (out of the three I've narrowed it down to) I will choose. I will keep you posted, though!

Oh, and on a totally unrelated note, she shared this photo with me and it's too adorably hilarious not to share with y'all

Pretend I said something funny...

Sunday was my first day training/working at Anthropologie and I don't think I can express how impressed, excited, amazed (and other adjectives) I am! There are several new hires including myself, three of which I got to meet yesterday and they all seem awesome. Also, everyone on staff was super friendly, and helpful. And I get a pretty sweet discount. (Definite win.) Beyond all the basic day-to-day stuff, they seem like a really great company to work for and I'm excited for the variety of task and jobs I'll be able to take part it!

Oh, and I loved my outfit

In case you can't tell, the pants have cute little polka dots on them!

(Also, I told Dave not to worry about getting all of my face in the photo, cause I might crop it out...)

(...I didn't have to worry about it since he avoided it altogether! haha)

In the evening we got to have dinner with one of Dave's oldest friends who was in town for business and despite the fact that I was feeling a little under the weather (and it was raining, so I literally was under the weather lol) we had a really nice time catching up. 

What did you do this weekend?
-N

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is just a few weeks away and instead of procrastinating and crafting something out of popsicle sticks, I figured I'd share some gift ideas for the moms in your life!

 (1 | 2 | 3 | 4)

Now, if your mama is anything like mine she loves flowers, and gardens, and nature, well, you get it. So, if you're noticing a theme to my gifts here, it's because I was inspired by a nature/garden theme.

You might think the first item is just a card. But it is so much more. It actually has rannaculus seeds in it (one of my favorite flowers) so you can plant it after you've enjoyed it and it will grow flowers!
How stinkin' cool is that??

It's also made by my favorite card shop - and one of my biggest inspirations - so that's pretty cool, too.

Then you have a bundle of flowers.
Kids, guys, friends, sibling, aliens... never underestimate the impact a beautiful bunch of flowers can make! I'm not talking about the $75 dozen roses (that die the next day) but instead a thoughtful bunch or your mom's favorites. And yes, they can even be picked right from a garden! (Since it does have so much less of an environmental impact! But of course if it's her garden, you might want to ask first.)

The third item I chose is listed as wedding jewelry, but I think it is just stunning for any occasion.
Every woman needs a great statement piece, and is this timeless or what?
Also, the tangle-esque details reminded me of vines and the pearls of sweet little buds.
(Sticking with the theme here.)

Lastly, some darling herb labels. Minimal with a pop of color - you can't go wrong.

How are you celebrating your mom this year?
-N

Runners Encouraging Runners

For as long as I can remember I have been I awe of the strength, kindness, and love that runners have & share all around the world. The way so many runners reacted to the Boston tragedy are just more great examples of this. 

However, when I'm out running (in what I consider to be the most friendly city) I can't help but wonder why as runners pass each other, they don't shout a word of encouragement, smile, wave, or even nod.

 I understand that running is a very much a mental battle. I really do. And I understand that most of the time I'm in my own little world, running to my music, and trying not to walk. (True story.)
But I can't help but think that I'd go that much further if I had a fellow runner cheer me on, or say "keep up the great work" or "woohoo!" or even smile, really. 

(And even though I'm usually in my own little world, I always notice when I pass a person - ya know - so I don't run into them haha)

I think that runners, as a whole group of people, present a great picture of community, but individually, we don't feel the same. Why is that?

I know I don't say anything to runners I pass, (probably because I don't want them to think I'm weird), but why should I feel embarrassed when trying to encourage others? I try to smile if we get a chance to make eye contact, but even then I feel a bit weird because they usually don't smile back. (Do I really look that terrifying when I run?? - The answer is a unanimous "no".)

I know that not everyone I pass while running is just an unfriendly grump - so I think I'm just going to go for it, and see what happens... 

via

I'm fairly certain I wouldn't look that crazy - but you get the point...

Do any of you have similar experiences?

Thoughts?

I'd really love to hear from you
-N

April Update!

I cannot believe May is just four days away!!
This month flew by (and so did some of my motivation! haha)
Hopefully the rest of Spring and all of Summer can slooooooow down and I can get back on track.
And soak in all the lovely sun, of course!

For my new friends who have no idea what I am talking about, on the last Friday of each month I link for the Resolution Revolution - so here's how I did:

 Blog: I have written 18 posts so far this month (compared to 10 last month) and I have actively been searching for new blog to follow and friends to "meet". I'm also co-hosting a link-up! (Here.) So, I think I've made some great progress this month!

Run a 10k: I am happy to report that I have been running quite a bit these past few weeks (thanks in part to the warm and beautiful weather!) and am looking forward to next Sunday (May 5th) when I get to run a relay in the Pittsburgh Marathon! Although I'm running the shortest leg, it will mark the longest distance I've ever run and help me get one step closer to my 10k in September!

Also, we're working with our church to raise money to build solar powered water filtration systems in Haiti! So, if you're feeling lead to donate any amount at all, please shoot me an email! 

Make & Follow a Cleaning Schedule: Made and half-followed? That counts for something, right?

Open Etsy Shop: Hm, the summer is quickly approaching, and I'm not sure I'm where I want to be with this one... I have a lot of ideas but not many final designs. I did attend a great workshop a few weeks ago which definitely sparked my creative spirit, so we'll see.

Pray More: I'm not sure if I've done better or worse compared to last month... So we'll say I stayed about the same. Which is okay, but not great. I want to start making prayer part of our dinner and sleep routine. Suggestions anyone?

Start Teaching: I have applied to literally every open teaching position (part & full time) within a 2 hours radius. I'm hopeful I'll hear back from someone for at least an interview, but who knows. There's only so much I can do and then it's out of my hands, ya know?

Read More: Epic fail. Basically this month I was like, "Books? What are those?"

I just lol'ed.

Work on our Scrapbook: Another fail. I say it's because I don't have a space to spread out and leave my materials besides our dining room table (which is true) but is that just an excuse? I'm not sure. What do you think

Study the Bible: I am feeling good about this one guys, praise God! I started a little plan on my iPhone with my YouVersion app that takes me through the major events/people of the bible. I am still a part of a wonderful women's study, and tomorrow I meet with a great, Godly woman who I recently asked to mentor me!

Explore Pittsburgh: Well, I haven't explored many new places, yet, but I am making great use of my Phipp membership! Once Dave is done with finals, we're planning to go explore more new places!

Volunteer: Still working with CPJ and loving it!

Start Composting: Check!

Get off the Couch: When I am not running, I can be walking around Phipps (as I mentioned before) or wandering around town. It's impossible for me to be lazy when it's so beautiful outside! Also, not sure if I shared this with y'all yet, but I got a part-time job at Anthropologie! So that'll keep me off the couch, too.

Did you make any "resolutions" (or as I like to say, "goals") for this year?

I'd love to connect with you guys and give/get some encouragement!

-N

Let's Be Friends Bloglovin' Hop!

Hi Friends! I'm super excited to be co-hosting my first blog hop with some lovely ladies this week.

This blog hop has an emphasis on Bloglovin' (because we can all agree it's pretty awesome. Also, it's great for those of us with OCD since you can create groups for all the blogs you follow!) But of course, feel free to link up your blog for GFC also!

 Jamie from Bugs and Beans

Amanda from My Show

And me ツ

 

Have fun hopping!

-N