My fitness story

I said I wanted to write more about my life (outside of design). I just hope its worth reading!!

Where to start....I have struggled with my body image ever since I can remember. I was never overweight based on the BMI chart but because I am so short petite it showed whenever I gained even a pound or two. I used to play tennis in high school which kept me active and I attempted to work out in college when I bought the gym "classes" pass but that tapered off after I moved off campus. At the time I thought I was "fat" and now I look back at those pictures and wish I looked like that again. I guess its all about perspective.

I know I gained the "freshman 15" and never really tried very hard to take it back off. It seemed as though I gained weight every year through college. VT actually has a very active, fit campus but I was so tempted by all of the amazing food and with all of the late nights I wasn't really doing my body good. It was a downhill spiral until finally I looked in the mirror and decided I DID NOT like what I was seeing. All of a sudden I was very uncomfortable in my clothes and especially a swim suit. I'm sure there were times when the number on the scale dropped but as a whole I had to buy larger clothes every few seasons.

After graduating, getting married, moving to Richmond and getting settled in, my friend Laura invited myself and some of my church friends to take a Zumba class that was super cheap on Groupon. I was so excited because it was my favorite class at VT and everywhere I has looked at in Richmond was so expensive. So what did I have to lose? Well, Laura and I consistently went and when the Groupon ran out we had a big decision to make. The price was going to go wayyy up so we decided to look elsewhere. It turned out we found another deal for an unlimited gym membership. We gave that a shot and I immediately knew that was it. Once that 3-month offer ran out we both chose to become members!

Meanwhile, I found out about the Tone it Up Bikini Series challenge through social media. I invited some friends to do it with me and Gabby and Veronica stepped up to the plate. This challenge was very daunting because not only were we supposed to workout twice a day but we had to record all of our meals. So each night we would email each other with our workouts and food. BUT THIS WORKED because I didn't want to tell them that I drank a coke and ate a brownie and sat on the couch watching tv! NO! I wanted to be proud of what I did. And we were able to share advice and stories. We were also encouraged to take before pictures (which I have) and measurements. And I was amazed when I started losing inches and pounds. However, this was just too much to keep up with and we were unable to consistently continue after the challenge ended.


The following winter was hard because I felt like I lost a lot of my progress. My pants were fitting tighter and I just felt bad. I felt bloated and tired and had no confidence. I was just hiding under all my layers.

This year I decided to give the Bikini Series another try and really commit myself to sticking with it. I took the plunge and bought the nutrition plan. This time I lost 8lbs and numerous inches and have kept it off. Now eating healthy and working out is part of my weekly routine. I've gone 5 months without coke. Of course I still indulge and maybe more than I should but I know that my motivating friends will keep me in check.

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Plus Karena and Katrina are fabulous trainers and I love the tone it up community. Its like one big girl party :) The workout videos are fun and there are a lot to choose from so that keeps it interesting. They are always posting new content and it's FREE! But how do I stay motivated when I get in a slump?

(livelifehappy.com)

-encouragement (from my husband, family, friends and co-workers.)

-accountability (I have a fitness instagram account. I post my check-ins there and connect with other tone it up girls to help keep them accountable)

-the gear (I got those awesome teal Asics and Tone it Up yoga mat *pictured at top* last Christmas so of course I want to put those to good use)

So here are my favorite workouts
-Cardio: Zumba!!! ALWAYS (and my new favorites are Pound and Hitty Bitty Bikini)
-Arms: Bikini Arms Routine by TIU
-Abs: The Best Ab Routine by TIU
-Booty and Thighs: Malibooty workout by TIU
-Stretching/Flexibility :Yoga

and my next journey??? The Fit for Fall Challenge!!! Who wants to do it with me??

(toneitup.com)

Blogtember- Catching Up!!

I am behind on the Blogtember topics so I am going to try and catch up in the next few days. Some posts I will lump together. Ready, set, go:

Monday, September 9: Take this short personality test and respond to your results. (at the end, find the detailed profile of your personality account - click "click to view" under "You" and "self awareness and personal growth." You can even google your type and find more info on it!)

Famous People that are ENFJ's:

-Abraham Lincoln
-Diane Sawyer
-Oprah Winfrey
-Ronald Reagan

-Martin Luther King Jr.

I know there is a lot to read below but I thought it was interesting to find out more about myself. Some things I definitely agree with and some I am not sure fit me, but just read what you feel like.

"ENFJs often find themselves in occupations that require good interpersonal skills to establish productive collaboration as well as to establish or maintain effective work process. ENFJs one of the most “universal” personality types and they build successful careers in a broad range of organizations and occupations. There are many ENFJs found among mid- and high-rank management roles. Sales, various social services, counseling, teaching, healthcare, community care as well as legal and paralegal services are just some of the examples of favourable occupations for ENFJs."- source

"Popular hobbies for the ENFJ include organizing social events, reading, the arts, museums, storytelling, listening to music, writing, and gourmet cooking." - source

All of this information came directly from http://www.personalitypage.com/ENFJ.html

"ENFJ's tend to be more reserved about exposing themselves than other extraverted types. Although they may have strongly-felt beliefs, they're likely to refrain from expressing them if doing so would interfere with bringing out the best in others. Because their strongest interest lies in being a catalyst of change in other people, they're likely to interact with others on their own level, in a chameleon-like manner, rather than as individuals."

"Which is not to say that the ENFJ does not have opinions. ENFJs have definite values and opinions which they're able to express clearly and succinctly. These beliefs will be expressed as long as they're not too personal. ENFJ is in many ways expressive and open, but is more focused on being responsive and supportive of others. When faced with a conflict between a strongly-held value and serving another person's need, they are highly likely to value the other person's needs."

"People love ENFJs. They are fun to be with, and truly understand and love people. They are typically very straight-forward and honest. Usually ENFJs exude a lot of self-confidence, and have a great amount of ability to do many different things. They are generally bright, full of potential, energetic and fast-paced. They are usually good at anything which captures their interest."

"ENFJs like for things to be well-organized, and will work hard at maintaining structure and resolving ambiguity. They have a tendency to be fussy, especially with their home environments."

"In general, ENFJs are charming, warm, gracious, creative and diverse individuals with richly developed insights into what makes other people tick. This special ability to see growth potential in others combined with a genuine drive to help people makes the ENFJ a truly valued individual. As giving and caring as the ENFJ is, they need to remember to value their own needs as well as the needs of others."

What is your personality type? Do you share the same one as me?

Guess what day it is??

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Haha...I couldn't resist!

I don't normally post when I don't have a specific topic but it has been a strange week so far and I need to share some things. It also just so happens to be Random Wednesday with the lovely Shanna!!

1. I had a flat tire Monday morning. Tim's cousin Joey saved the day. He came and put my spare tire on and even came to the garage with me to get it fixed :)
2. Tim's phone broke and he has been without one since Sunday...lets just say I DO NOT like when I can't get it touch with him.
3. I lost my watch yesterday....and I am embarrassed to say that after looking EVERYWHERE including our trash, I found it right where it belonged.
4. After so much hype about wanting to go the Band Perry concert, I missed it...it's going on as I am typing this actually. Oh well, still planning to see Darius Rucker.
5. Artie had his first trip to Virginia Tech's campus and HE LOVED IT! We took him to Burruss and the Duck Pond. He chased the ducks right into the water :)

We got him a hokie bandana!

He is on a leash, you just can't see it!

Some other things not related to this week...

1. Everything is happening on October 19th! Seriously.... we have been invited to 2 weddings on that day, its my Grannys birthday, its when the So You Think You Can Dance tour is coming to VA Beach and it's when Highpoint Market starts!!
2. I have been in a baking/cooking mood lately. I made chocolate chip banana bread, homemade chips (in the microwave) and Gabby and I fixed Mexican Black Bean Soup and 7up biscuits. I think its because fall is coming. I also want to make some homemade ice cream before it cools down. Got any good recipes??
3. I hit 300 followers on Bloglovin :) YAY! I LOVE YOU GUYS! You are the best!!
4. School is starting soon...and I want to go back! If you are in college, soak it all in because you will miss it!!

That's all for now! Happy Hump Day :)

Getting real

I saw the questions for this week's Sunday Social and knew I had to participate. I love this link-up because it allows you to learn more about me without me having to take hours writing a post.

1)What are 3 items you can’t live without on a daily basis (water, food, shelter, and clothes don’t count) I don't want this to be a superficial answer because I really don't need these things but they do make my life a little more enjoyable: my phone, my coach wristlet, 

2)What is your all time favorite book? Why? Am I really supposed to pick one? I really don't read much but when I do I get really invested the book. I guess I would have to say The Help. I also love Nicholas Sparks and Jodi Picoult books (even though I usually end up crying).

3) What is something you’d like to accomplish before the end of 2013? Well I made a list of 13 goals for 2013 but one that I am focused on right now is being more involved at church. I still want to join a small group and make some friends at Hope.

4) If you could go back and relive any year of your life which year would it be? 2012! This was actually a really easy question. It was my last semester at VT, graduation from VT, wedding, honeymoon, starting my blog, getting a job and moving to Richmond!!

5) What do you wish people knew about you without you having to tell them? That I get let down very easily. I can't stand when people make promises they don't keep.

Marriage Series- Learning and Growth

Ashley @ It Is What You Make It // Kalyn @ Love.Laughter.HappilyEverAfter  // Mallory @ From California to Kansas // Karla @ Forever Newly Wedded // Maggie @ A Weaving of Grace 

Samantha @ Designer in Teal // Veronica @ Passion.Pink.Pearls // Kaitlyn @ Wifessionals // Emily @ Newlywed Moments // Callie @ My Something New With You

Today we will continue the marriage series with Part 3: What Have You Learned From The Unexpected and How Have You Grown As A Couple. Last week we had to discuss the hard moments of marriage so far and the week before we shared the funny and happy times.

I think this is a great topic to share for dating couples and brides to be. I am sharing these personal experiences relevant to my marriage but I certainly don't know everything there is to know. I hope that this series has been inspiring to you so far. I cannot wait to recap our anniversary next week (which happens to be MY BIRTHDAY). 

First of all, what was the unexpected? One major thing that I never thought we would have so much of already is car troubles. Both of cars seemed to be in the shop constantly. How can I really learn from this when its something I can't control?? Well, it has actually made me realize that I am a grown up (darn...haha) and I have to do the responsible thing by fixing the problems our cars have had even if that means throwing away spending A LOT of money in the process. Before I was a Mrs. if I had car problems, my parents would step in and help out. Now the hubby and I have to be sure to budget wisely so that we can save enough money for emergencies like these. I have to give major props to him for keeping us on track with budget. Even though we have had some hiccups with expenses (like the car troubles) he makes sure we are saving money and not spending on things we don't really need.

Another (sort of) unexpected thing has been the job searches. When we got married last June, neither of us had a job. Yikes, right? Tim was going to be in graduate school for another year and I had an internship lined up but nothing permanent. I am not going to lie to you...I was scared. My internship kept getting pushed back to start later and later and I ended up with nothing to do for over a month. I wasn't complaining too much because it was nice to go to the pool or just spend my days as I pleased but our wedding money would last but so long. I started to get really worried when I found out that my internship in fact couldn't turn into a full time job. I felt like I had already searched every firm in Richmond and was losing hope. In the end, I obviously found Courtney's job opening and believe me it was such a blessing. It only got better from there. Tim was able to work part time while in school and now we both have full time jobs!! This experience made me learn to just hand things over to Him and the good will come in His timing. It took a lot of prayers and worrying but God provided for us. Now we are workin' on those school loans!

One last thing that was actually kind of expected, but I learned a lot from was "the holidays". Luckily, our families live really close by to each other because we are high school sweet hearts and from the same town. I knew we were going to have to come up with a game plan for splitting the time between both families. I think we did really well but it took a lot of listening and understand each other and finding out the most important moments in each family's traditions for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I learned that as long as we are together, everything will work out and that family time is so precious!!

I think all of these things have helped shape me even in such a short amount of time and have definitely caused us to grow as a couple. Tim and I have been dating since November of 2005 so we already know each other really well.....Therefore we may not have seen as much growth as "newer" couples. With all that being said, I do think that our communication is stronger. 

I love that we get to spend EVERY day together. In our dating relationship, there were lots of times we had to be apart for school and that helped us to grow as a couple but I am SO thankful to have my best friend by my side forever. 

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Hardest Moments from the 1st Year

Ashley @ It Is What You Make It // Kalyn @ Love.Laughter.HappilyEverAfter  // Mallory @ From California to Kansas // Karla @ Forever Newly Wedded // Maggie @ A Weaving of Grace 

Samantha @ Designer in Teal // Veronica @ Passion.Pink.Pearls // Kaitlyn @ Wifessionals // Emily @ Newlywed Moments // Callie @ My Something New With You

In continuing with our One Year of Marriage series, I will be sharing some of the toughest marriage moments so far. It doesn't sound like a very fun blog topic but I really think some dating/engaged ladies could benefit from knowing these. After all, when you tell someone you are getting married, their reaction won't be "you are going to have to work at it" or "it's not always fun" And honestly in the newlywed year it is 99% fun. Last time I took my own spin on the topic, but today it's going to get real.

Be sure to link-up your toughest moments at the bottom!!

If you want to read the happier side of things, check out these posts:

52 Happy Moments

Celebrating One Year with my best Friend

Disclaimer **I am SUPER happy in my marriage and do not want this to come across as me complaining about life. I am just trying to constructively talk about some of the not so glamorous parts of marriage for the purpose of this blog series**

*Also, these are in no particular order*

1) One of the hardest parts of being married is having to put someone else before yourself. Now if you have been dating someone for a long time before getting married, then you may have already known this or been working on it. But, its human nature to deal with your own needs first. Yes, we do good deeds for others (family, friends, charities) but not on a consistent-as in 24/7- basis. Sometimes I just come home and want to rest and do my own thing but it's not too long until I am in the kitchen fixing dinner, preparing lunches for the next day or just tending to the hubby. Most of the time I don't mind because I would be doing these things if I were on my own but sometimes its hard putting his needs before mine. Overall, I think he does a better job of putting me first but I want to really focus on making sure he is the priority!!

2) Another tough aspect of marriage is making new "couple" friends. Other bloggers have addressed this issue and I think it is one of the most difficult things to do. Separately, its easy for me to find girl friends and Tim to find guy friends but to find couples that we both mesh well with is daunting. This past year, we have mostly done our own thing, but I would love to have a few couples to double date with or have over for dinner that we no one feels like a 3rd wheel, ya know? Why has this been so hard in the first year? Because last year I was surrounded by my friends and people my age at Virginia Tech and now we are in a new city and have to really look for other young married couples. This is definitely something I want to work on a lot more in this next year!

3) The last difficult aspect of marriage that I am going to share today is on making big decisions. I don't usually have a hard time making decisions. I am not one to ponder on the consequences. However, when you get married this changes-big time. NOW you are talking about decisions that will impact both of you. You have to listen to your spouses reasoning and come to the conclusion together. One major decision we had to make this year was whether to move or not. We moved into our current apartment last year right after we got married and our lease was going to be up this May. Tim really was pushing for us to find a new place. I wanted to be on board because I really wanted something with more space and a patio/backyard/deck. However, I did want to move again for a while and told him that we could look but it would take a lot to convince me. It took us almost 2 months of looking at townhomes and larger apartments before realizing what was best for us. Ultimately, we decided to stay put and save all of that money up. I think we are both really happy with the outcome of that decision. 

Here are some more words of wisdom that I found on Pinterest:

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just look at it this way!

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Scripture Sunday {5}

Last week I skipped Scripture Sunday because of Mother's Day so if you have forgotten- May is all about commitment. 

This is a great verse that we can pray asking the Lord to guide us. 

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Lets break this down, shall we?

Show me your ways Lord: We must open our eyes so that we can see how he wants us to live our lives. He wants us to know him on a personal level. He is our Father and we are his children.

Teach me your paths: We must read and study the bible so that we can learn the commandments that God asks of us. Let the Lord speak to you and tell you which paths to take. Do not walk alone on your own path.

Guide me in your truth: If we know the truth about God and how he sacrificed his son for our sins then we can put our HOPE in him all day long.

So how does this relate to commitment? Because doing all of these things takes commitment. We can't just do them when we feel like it. We must strive to always see, listen and learn from God so that we can glorify him!

Hope you are having a great day and once again if you have any questions or want to talk about any of this further, feel free to email me!

Also, this weekend I am home celebrating one of my best friends marriages with a Bridal Shower! Can't wait to post some pictures of that :) She and her fiance also just graduated from Lynchburg College!! So proud of them and all of my Hokie friends that just graduated!! It's bittersweet to know that it's been A YEAR since my graduation! Would you like to see a post on my 2012 VT graduation??

My Blog Bestie and What I Do

Day 5, Sunday: Publicly profess your love and devotion for one of your blogger friends. What makes them great? Why do you love them? If you don't have blogger friends, talk about a real-life friend or even a family member

Can you guess who this is going to be? As much I talk about her I wouldn't be surprised. Before I brag on my BLOG BESTIE I want to also say that there are MANY many other bloggers that I have become great friends with and if I could talk about each of you I would. So now I will profess my love for Veronica @ Passion, Pink and Pearls. She emailed me shortly after I started blogging and asked if I wanted to swap buttons and told me how to make a button!! We emailed back and forth for a long time and I realized we always had something new to talk about. Finally one day I asked if she wanted to skype? So we did and guess what? She is one of the sweetest, most cheerful and kind hearted girls I have ever "met" and I do plan to ACTUALLY MEET her one day (hopefully sooner rather than later) :) We text each other almost every day and I am constantly discovering more and more things that we have in common. Now we have exchanged addresses and she will be receiving some mail from me shortly! So glad to know you girl!

Day 6: With out saying what your job is, what do you do?

What I do:

I love.

I comfort and cuddle.

I talk and listen.

I cook.

I eat...and eat.

I blog.

I shop.

I succeed and fail.

I laugh and cry.

I pray.

I create.

I dream.

I work and rest.
I dance and sing.

I teach and learn.

I am ME!

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Scripture Sunday {4}

Did you guess what May's topic is going to be??

Well if you didn't.....its COMMITMENT!

I really enjoyed diving into the scriptures last month and sharing Gods love for us with you. Now I want to talk about how important it is to commit yourself to Him. I am definitely not perfect and very guilty of putting myself and my needs first. We often think we should follow our own plans and goals and they may not be what God has in store for us. In talking about commitment, we must also focus on trust. If we fully trust God, it will be easier to commit to living our lives through him.

Here are 5 steps we can take to commit to God:

1. Pray and ask God what his plans are for you
2. Read and study the bible
3. Go to church 
4. Share your faith with others
5. Surround yourself with people strong in their faith

These are in no way definite steps you have to take. These are just guidelines to help take you in the right direction.

Do you have a topic idea for June? I would love to hear it!

My life....abridged!

Ready. Set. Go.

Post 1- THANKFUL!

You already know what this about, don't you? I reached 200 followers last night and I just want to say thank you. I will be emailing/commenting to you newbies soon!! I am also really close to 200 on twitter :) 

This is also how I felt about it!

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Also, did anyone notice that it's MAY? WOW! I need to be working on a goals post ASAP and a new Design in Your Home (April Features and May link-up) so stay tuned for those. May is going to be a big month! Tim is graduating in less than 2 weeks. And Mother's day is right after that. This will be my first year celebrating with a mother-in-law as well. One of my best friends Olivia's birthday and wedding shower are coming up. Sorry in advance if I don't post as often.

Post 2- Five Truths

So glad that Kaitlyn tagged me for Five Truths. It was the perfect timing. You new readers are gonna learn a lot about me and fast!

1.  I am addicted to TV. Here are all of the shows that I have been watching lately- Big Bang Theory (ok I always watch that one), The Following, Walking Dead, New Girl, The Voice, Men at Work, Property Brothers, the list goes on....what are your favorite shows??
2. I am pretty sure I will never be content with my closet. I LOVE shopping and I actually just got some new clothes this past weekend. However, I have also been switching back over to spring clothes and trying to purge. While doing that I realized that quite a few pieces were lack luster. Maybe I should start shopping by outfits instead of individual clothes. Don't get me wrong I am SOO appreciative of what I have. I blame all of you fashion bloggers....haha
3. I am NOT a morning person. I shower at night and take only about 40 minutes to eat and get ready in the morning. If I can sleep an extra ten minutes I WILL. I do spend longer getting ready on the weekends and special events.
4. I have cereal almost every single morning. I rarely switch it up. And I love it as a night time snack too! Although it ends up leaving me hungry by about 11am.
5. I have very sensitive and dry skin. I can't get my eyebrows waxed because I will break out. I have very limited options of sunscreens/foundations that won't irritate my face.

I tag...

Sara @ You and Me are We

Veronica @ Passion, Pink and Pearls

Lauren @ One Sweet Fairytale

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Post 3- Every day in May Challenge

 

I can't guarantee I will be posting every day but I like a lot of the topics so I am going to maybe double up on some of them or add them into another post. 

Day 1: The story of your life in 250 words or less (or one paragraph... no one will be counting your words... probably)

I was born on June 26, 1990 in Charlottesville, VA and only lived there for a few months. I grew up on a farm with my parents and younger sister, Ashley. The house previously belonged to my great grandparents. My granny, aunts and uncle lived there as kids. I didn't move again until I left for college. I did ballet, cheer-leading, marching band and tennis throughout the years. I started dating my future husband in 10th grade. I also took my first missions trip that year with him and his church to NYC! I became really involved in Relay for Life my senior year and its still a passion of mine. I was 5th in my graduating class (of course it was a small school). I got into my 1st choice (only choice, jk I applied to 2 others just in case) of schools, Virginia Tech in Interior Design. I had 4 amazing years in Blacksburg and then married Tim a short 3 weeks later on June 9, 2012. The wedding was at Tim's parents house. We honeymooned on a Carribean cruise which was the first time I've ever left the country. Now we are living as newlyweds in Richmond, VA and I work as an Interior Designer for Courtney Ludeman. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me next.

Sunday Scripture {3}

Well, this is the last week to focus on LOVE. Any guesses on what the next topic will be? You will just have to come back next Sunday to find out!

Since this is the last week I will give you a scripture and a song!

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Remember the Overcome the Lie challenge I told you about? Well, today's specific challenge is to send someone in the challenge a note of encouragement. I think this scripture ties perfectly into this challenge. A great way to show someone you love them is to encourage them. As easy as it is to judge someone or ignore them if they are plucking your nerves, we must remember to love one another because God loves us. It is not our place to judge someone based on their decisions or situation. I challenge you to encourage those around you this week. Love and pray for them. 

How Deep The Father's Love for Us

Scripture Sunday {2}

In continuing April's theme of LOVE, here is today's scripture:

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AND it's also a FREE printable!

This verse actually has been interpreted in many different ways but I will just give you my perspective on it. When we believe in God, we are born again. So, these fruits are what we gain from having the Holy Spirit within us. Without Him, we cannot fully experience what it means to love unconditionally. We have a new understanding of peace and patience because we CAN and DO rely on God and give it all up to Him!

*I also just wanted to thank you for all of the positive feedback about starting this series! Your love and support means a lot.*

What do you think May's focus should be on??

If you missed it:

Scripture Sunday {1}

Remember the 32 Hokies

This is not my first time blogging about a tragedy. It is happening very often these days. However, one was a little too close to home: the Virginia Tech shooting on April 16th. I want to share some quotes/speeches that are always on my heart this time of year instead of explaining this grief myself.  I hope that you will be a Hokie today and wear your maroon and orange to support our community! 

My thoughts and prayers are with Boston as well~

"When you all are out there in the world and you meet someone and you tell them that you’re from Virginia Tech, and they say, “Huh, isn’t that the school where” -- I want you to interrupt them right there and say, “Yes, it is the school where we have some of the best academic programs and professors in the country." That’s what you tell them. You tell them, "Yes, it is the school where students are passionate about serving their country and supporting each other. And by the way, which also has the best campus food you’ll ever eat." Who can say that?

You tell them, “Yes, it’s the school where we produce graduates who are leaders in their industries, and pillars of their communities, and who carry their Hokie pride with them every day for the rest of their lives." You say, “Yes, that is the school I attend. That is Virginia Tech.”

- Michelle Obama, 2012 Commencement Speaker 

"While 32 of our friends and classmates are in Heaven trying to explain what a Hokie is, I stand here sure in the fact that I wouldn't want to be anything else."

neVer forgeT ♥

"We are Virginia Tech.

We are sad today, and we will be sad for quite a while. We are not moving on, we are embracing our mourning.

We are Virginia Tech.

We are strong enough to stand tall tearlessly, we are brave enough to bend to cry, and we are sad enough to know that we must laugh again.

We are Virginia Tech.

We do not understand this tragedy. We know we did nothing to deserve it, but neither does a child in Africa dying of AIDS, neither do the invisible children walking the night away to avoid being captured by the rogue army, neither does the baby elephant watching his community being devastated for ivory, neither does the Mexican child looking for fresh water, neither does the Appalachian infant killed in the middle of the night in his crib in the home his father built with his own hands being run over by a boulder because the land was destabilized. No one deserves a tragedy.

We are Virginia Tech.

The Hokie Nation embraces our own and reaches out with open heart and hands to those who offer their hearts and minds. We are strong, and brave, and innocent, and unafraid. We are better than we think and not quite what we want to be. We are alive to the imaginations and the possibilities. We will continue to invent the future through our blood and tears and through all our sadness.

We are the Hokies.

We will prevail.

We will prevail.

We will prevail.

We are Virginia Tech."

-Nikki Giovanni

After the shooting, some of my family and friends asked me if I still wanted to go to Virginia Tech? I said there is no place I would rather be. I always felt safe there in spite of everything that has happened and that will never change. I am a Hokie for life!

Linking up @ Northern Belle Diaries

Scripture Sunday {1}

Remember on Easter I shared an idea to start a Scripture Sunday series? Well, here it is!

I have decided that for now I will elaborate a little bit and maybe give a reason or story as to help you relate to a particular verse for each week. Then, if you have questions or want to further the conversation, you can comment or email me :)

So for April, the focus will be Love! 

As a newlywed, it is important to remember that our relationship with God will help strengthen our relationship with our husbands or wives. It is so sad that today there are so many divorces and yes, they come about for many reasons but a lot of it is the couple giving up on each other. They do not want to endure the struggles of a marriage. But God wouldn't put them there if he knew we couldn't get through it. So the next time you are doubting your love for God, a spouse, family or friends just remember this verse. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for us because HE LOVES US! He endured everything to save us.

Will be back tomorrow with a BIG collaboration post! Get excited :D