// #TotalSocial with Helene In Between
Showing posts with label Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blog. Show all posts
Weekly Wishes // Vol I
// #TotalSocial with Helene In Between
#TOTALSOCIAL // #GuiltyTotalSocial
Official Hashtag: #GuiltyTotalSocial
Laaaadies. I'm so stoked to be back for this session of #TOTALSOCIAL with Helene. And what can be more fun than showing of our guilty pleasures?!?!
So, let's dive into mine.. (& I hope we are still friends by the end of this post..)
1. Carrie Underwood. I'm going to be real honest. I don't like her for her music, or her looks per say.... I'm addicted to her LEGS. I mean hello!, I need to borrow her trainer for a few weeks.
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| Source: Glamour magazine |
2. Dr. Pepper. I have stopped drinking my beloved DP. I know, I know. I've had the occasional sip on Sunday mornings when Brian and I go for breakfast, but other than that it's been missing from my life. Have I lost any weight? No. Does that make me want to go drink an entire 2 Liter myself? YEP.
3. Puppies! And my "puppies" I mean every single dog, no matter it's age or size. They are all sweet little baby puppies to me. I'm way obsessed and would very well be the dog lady if Brian would let me...
4. iPhone. I mean, who the heck isn't obsessed with their phones? It's the best stalking tool out there today. :)
5. Notebooks. I can spend hours in a office supply store. And I snag pens ANYWHERE I go, even church.
6. Fried pickles. Do I have to tell you any other reason why?
7. Pretty Little Liars. I'm old enough to be their Mom, but that's okay. I still indulge myself in their little high school problems.
8. Apps. Yes, I said apps. I will download and try apps ALL the time. I'm obsessed with finding the newest ones.
9. Cookbooks. I can dig through a cookbook and cherish it forever. But I may never cook from it. I just like having them.
10. Lists. Which is why this one is at 10. I also am guilty of being OCD and liking even numbers.
Did you link up today? I would love to see your #TotalGuiltySocial posts!
August Goals
- Edit old blog posts.
- Update pictures / links
- Develop my media kit
- Re-open sponsorships
- Filter e-mail / contact information
And of course, it can't be a wasted month on boring things. So let's have a little fun...
- Drink more water
- Start working out on a regular basis
- Keep my devotional study up to date
- Wake up earlier for devotional time
- Schedule anniversary photo shoot
- Re-vamp front porch
This month is also one that holds two special birthdays to me. My mom, and Jenna. So there will be lots of birthday happenings. I can't wait.
What does your month look like? Any special goals?
Extra Post & A GIVEAWAY!
Ya'll, I have a treat for you today. One of my dear blog friend's blog is having a birthday today. I'm sure you know her by now, but if you don't then head over there and follow her today. Promise it's worth it. Rachel, you're a doll. Happy Birthday to Oh, Simple Thoughts!
And because what is a birthday without some goodies! Here is one awesome birthday giveaway for you all. One year subscription to the lovely printable library of Elle & Co. Design (if you want to learn more check out my previous post), motivational coffee mug, and a retro camper headband!
A big thanks to all these lovely ladies for celebrating my blog's birthday and helping to make this giveaway possible! Make sure and give them some love!
And because what is a birthday without some goodies! Here is one awesome birthday giveaway for you all. One year subscription to the lovely printable library of Elle & Co. Design (if you want to learn more check out my previous post), motivational coffee mug, and a retro camper headband!
COMMUNITY BREW : Vol. 2
I'm so happy to see you back here today for the Community Brew link-up. First, I want to say thank you to the ladies who keep this going, Madison and Rachel. I love that we can use this space and our lives to show off what the Lord is doing in each of our lives.
I also want to encourage you to read the verses listed above, especially the ones listed for Ephesians. This is used in marriages all over the world. It was spoken in mine. These words are DEAR to me heart.
What has God been teaching you about being single?
- Ladies, please hear me. If you are single then YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I thought being single was the worst thing at one time. I was depressed that all my friends had husbands/boyfriends/etc. to go and do something with on weekends. I was bitter.
And then I started realizing that life isn't so bad single. So, I used my time being single to focus on ME and MY dreams. I went out with friends, caught up with old friends, spent time reading, and just being ME. It was so beneficial in hindsight, and guess what? Brian walked into my life shortly after...
What is God teaching you about being a wife?
- Every day, God gives me a new lesson on being Brian's wife. Some days it can be something as silly as learning to be less control-freak when Brian leaves his empty glass on the table. Then, some days it's challenging when I have to be in a serious conversation with my husband over something personal to us. I am blessed for both of those days because I would be lost without him.
God doesn't give us more than we can handle. If you think He has, then I assure you that your lesson is yet to be learned. God pushes us, test us, and angers us sometimes. But being a wife is my priority right now and I will ask God to guide me any way He can.
- My time while engaged, was a huge blessing to me. I can see now that I was taught patience. When Brian and I got engaged, I was ready to settle the deal and just have a wedding and become his Mrs. But I stuck with my plans and waiting 11 months to walk down the isle to the man of my dreams. To some, eleven months is long and to some it is short. I think for me it was perfect. God knew I needed the time to adjust and let me learn a valuable lesson from it in doing so.
You can catch my entire Love Story by clicking here.
I also want to encourage you to read the verses listed above, especially the ones listed for Ephesians. This is used in marriages all over the world. It was spoken in mine. These words are DEAR to me heart.
How has your "life stage" helped you grow in your relationship with Jesus?
- I turned thirty this year, so to say that my life stage has changed is an understatement. I think in the last two years, I've found an even deeper relationship with God that I ever thought i would, honestly.
- I turned thirty this year, so to say that my life stage has changed is an understatement. I think in the last two years, I've found an even deeper relationship with God that I ever thought i would, honestly.
What has God been teaching you about being single?
- Ladies, please hear me. If you are single then YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I thought being single was the worst thing at one time. I was depressed that all my friends had husbands/boyfriends/etc. to go and do something with on weekends. I was bitter.
And then I started realizing that life isn't so bad single. So, I used my time being single to focus on ME and MY dreams. I went out with friends, caught up with old friends, spent time reading, and just being ME. It was so beneficial in hindsight, and guess what? Brian walked into my life shortly after...
What is God teaching you about being a wife?
- Every day, God gives me a new lesson on being Brian's wife. Some days it can be something as silly as learning to be less control-freak when Brian leaves his empty glass on the table. Then, some days it's challenging when I have to be in a serious conversation with my husband over something personal to us. I am blessed for both of those days because I would be lost without him.
God doesn't give us more than we can handle. If you think He has, then I assure you that your lesson is yet to be learned. God pushes us, test us, and angers us sometimes. But being a wife is my priority right now and I will ask God to guide me any way He can.
What lessons have you learned while being engaged?
You can catch my entire Love Story by clicking here.
A Shout Out to Shutterfly
A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from Shutterfly offering a free product, with just only paying shipping. I decided I was going to take them up on the offer and ordered myself a new mouse pad for my desk at work.
I am so thrilled with the quality that it turned out to be. The material is thick and feels nice to work on during the day. I would definitely say that if you want to make your work space feel more at home, this is the way to go!
And no, this was not a sponsored post. I just genuinely like the product and wanted to let my readers know of a good deal when I find one!
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Now on a separate note, I'm participating in the Mingle Monday with Life of Meg. Want you come join in too?
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Now on a separate note, I'm participating in the Mingle Monday with Life of Meg. Want you come join in too?
Fish Flops {Review}
I was given Fish Flops as compensation for an honest review.
A few weeks ago, I was contacted and offered to review the brand FishFlops sandals.
I was surprised to open the package and find TWO great pairs included. I must admit, I love shoes and when it comes to flip flops, I'm all in. So this was music to my ears!
Here is a shot of my shoes I received.
.JPG "Fish Flops Sandals")
.JPG "Fish Flops Sandals")
Now you can see why I was so excited, right? Totally cute shoes. And to make this post even better, I have an opportunity who those of you interested to meet with Madison Robinson.
· Madison is an uncharacteristic entrepreneur, who founded FishFlops at just 8 years old. The sandals are inspired by sea creatures and select styles feature embedded LED lights that light up when worn. Quickly finding a home in the marketplace, the company has rocketed to success. Through her can-do attitude and entrepreneurial successes at a very young age, Madison has become a source of inspiration for many kids and adults alike.
· As Madison was preparing to launch her latest line, she was thrust into a very adult situation when her best friend Shayli (age 16) was diagnosed with having a 3 cm hole in her heart. It was thankfully caught through a special heart health screening program at Shayli’s school, and she underwent life-saving open heart surgery just last month. That is why Madison’s visit to the Flip Flop Shops in Biloxi is an extra special one – heart health and heart disease is a cause near and dear to both Madison and Flip Flop Shops. Flip Flop Shops co-founder, Brian Curin, himself underwent emergency open heart surgery two years ago at age 38, and the company has since had a keen focus on raising funds and awareness for heart disease and heart healthy living.
Now, isn't she someone you would love to meet? Well, guess what? You can!
**Photo Opp Media Alert**
Inspiring Young Entrepreneur Heads to Biloxi in
Name of Flip Flops and Heart Health
FishFlops ® designer and creator Madison Nicole Robinson to meet fans
June 28 at Edgewater Mall Flip Flop Shops
What: Flip Flop Shops invites fans and young entrepreneurs to come meet 16-year-old FishFlops founder Madison Nicole Robinson on Saturday, June 28. The inspirational Madison Nicole will be celebrating the launch of her next generation FishFlops collection for kids and adults, complete with music, fun activities and giveaways for the crowd.
FishFlops will donate a portion of all sales that day to the American Heart Association. The heart health cause is near and dear to Madison, as her best friend recently underwent lifesaving open heart surgery at age 16. She shares this commitment to the cause with Flip Flop Shops, whose “the Heart To Sole: Creating a Stress Free America” program raises funds for the American Heart Association year round.
Who: Madison Nicole Robinson is a 16 year old designer best known as the creator of FishFlops, a popular line of footwear for kids and young adults. She was born on Galveston Island, Texas and spent many days on Galveston beaches with her family. Inspired by her surroundings, Madison created a series of charming sea characters brought to life in her drawings and the idea for FishFlops was born in 2006, at the age of 8 when she drew an outline of a flip flop on paper and added her sea characters and called them "fish flops."
Madison's message is be creative, work hard, give back, keep a positive attitude, and have fun with a smile and believes that one can be successful if you have a good idea and you have a "never quit attitude". Madison strives to inspire others to pursue their dreams and to believe they are achievable. To date, Madison has donated more than 20,000 pairs of FishFlops to various charities all over the world. For more information visit www.FishFlops.com.
Cost: FREE and open to the public
Where: Flip Flop Shops at Edgewater Mall, 2600 Beach Blvd. #87, Biloxi, MS
When: Saturday, June 28, 2014 from 1 - 3 p.m.
More: For more information visit www.flipflopshops.com or call the Flip Flop Shops Edgewater Mall (228) 388-1940 or visit its Facebook Page athttps://www.facebook.com/
“Flip Flop Shops is inviting fans and young entrepreneurs to come meet 16-year-old FishFlops founder Madison Nicole Robinson on Saturday, June 28. The inspirational Madison Nicole will be celebrating the launch of her next generation FishFlops collection for kids and adults, complete with music, fun activities and giveaways for the crowd.FishFlops will donate a portion of all sales that day to the American Heart Association. The heart health cause is near and dear to Madison, as her best friend recently underwent lifesaving open heart surgery at age 16. She shares this commitment to the cause with Flip Flop Shops, whose “the Heart To Sole: Creating a Stress Free America” program raises funds for the American Heart Association year round.”
YOU KNOW IT'S A GOOD DAY
Today I'm linking up with two of my favorite gals to read, Rachel and Brittany, for their link up....
SO let's get started, shall we?
-- I get to sleep past the usual 6:45!
-- I discover it's a really good hair day, with no extra efforts!
-- I finish a REALLY good book and it's everything I wanted it to be.
-- Getting a new book and the excitement that goes along with that.
-- My legs are shaved and have that extra silky smooth feeling.
-- I get to have a date night with my husband.
-- Brian cooks me my favorite meal.
-- A good cup of coffee just starts off the day right.
-- You hear a sermon and just KNOW it was meant for YOU that day.
-- Getting to have a wonderful conversation with my husband with no outside interruptions.
-- Sleeping in the middle of the bed after my husband leaves for work.
-- When I find great friends and link-ups via this wonderful blogging community. Thanks for hosting, girls!
eShakti {Review}
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Personalized Cutting Board {Giveaway!}
I am so excited to bring you all another giveaway with the help of some amazing contributors! Make sure to check out all of these girls' blogs because they are quite something!
Enter to win below, as always all entries will be verified! Open to all US residents older than 18 years. Good luck! The giveaway will run until July 1st at 12 AM. Winner must claim their prize within 48 hours of being emailed.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Madison @ Wetherills Say I Do // Jenna @ Dearest Love // Rachel @ Oh, Simple Thoughts // Sarah @ Seriously, Sarah? // Kaitlin @ Sew My Soul // Teresa @ Crafty Wife // Aleshea @ Glitz and Grits // Lauren @ Sunshine Sweet Tea // Kayla @ Mississippi Mrs // Madaline @ Pretty Thing & Co // Alli @ An Alli Event
Enter to win a personalized cutting board designed by the Mr. & Mrs. behind Oh, Simple Thoughts! These would be a perfect gift for a wedding or bridal shower, or just an addition to any home! Winner will also win a $30 giftcard to Pier 1 (or another home-goods store of your choice).
Enter to win below, as always all entries will be verified! Open to all US residents older than 18 years. Good luck! The giveaway will run until July 1st at 12 AM. Winner must claim their prize within 48 hours of being emailed.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Community Brew {Vol.1}
YA'LL! I am so excited about this today. When Madison and Rachel started this link-up, I found myself so encouraged by all the women who participated. I love the idea of this virtual coffee date and getting to know one another, even if we are miles and miles apart!
The girls renamed the link-up to Community Brew and it will now be a more regular link-up. I love knowing there are other Christian women who want to share their faith and gain new friendships via this blogging world, like myself.
This link-up is created for bloggers to be open, honest, and vulnerable, and to build community with others.
Topic:
Community
Bible Verse:
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Brainstorming Questions:
What does community mean to you?
Why is it hard to pursue community or open up to others?
What does it look like to "live in a community" with other believers and non believers?
Why is community important to you?
What does it look like to love your neighbor?
To me, the idea of community is honestly scary. I have never done real well "in crowds" and I sure am not very comfortable letting just anyone and everyone inside my thoughts and fears. But that's what community needs to be. We need a community of believers who can lean on each other and offer a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen when times get less than great.
I'm a very private person, by nature. I don't let anyone in very easily and I sure have my guard up in any new relationship I plunge into in life. That's purely the fact that the old me was too trustworthy and it got me in bad relationships and caused a lot of hurt feelings.
I believe for this very reason, it is hard for people to commit to being part of a community. Sometimes the word "community" itself can come across leaving a bad taste in your mouth. I am from a small town and I have seen/heard things from those who "lead our community." Over the years, I've agreed and disagreed with movements and choices, but as I've aged, I've figured out my grumbling does nothing FOR the community. I need to stand up and be a part of things and show my own talents and suggestions.
Growing a town and growing religion in that said town is an even harder task. There will always be non believers around every corner to try and pull you down and steer you from showing just how wonderful God is to our lives. This is when we need a community the most.
My hope and prayer is for a community stand to show our love and gratitude toward God. I want non believers to see us and have to re-think THEIR lives instead of trying to change our views. The Lord works in mysterious ways and I think sometimes in the most uncomfortable settings.
While Brian and I were dating, we were attending two separate churches. I knew this was something I wanted us to fix ASAP in our marriage. He had responsibilities to his church by operating their sound booth so he and I didn't get to start attending church together until a month before our wedding. We bounced around to a few churches in hopes of finding "our" church home together.
While I LOVED my church pastor and his messages, Brian just simply wasn't comfortable in that church. It is the largest church in town and a drastic change from where he was attending. I knew this was God's way of showing me marriage was a compromise from the very beginning. We ended up settling at his home church. While at first that may sound "unfair" that I left mine and we now attend one of his choice, let me assure you it was my decision.
Walking into that church is a sense of community for me. Like I said, I've never been the center of attention or a crowd seeker, but when I walk in this church and people fling their arms around your neck and ask things other than "how are you?" then it changes my outlook. I feel at home at our church. I feel a part of the community.
Brian's membership was still at this particular church, so there was no process for him to join. I began to pray that the Lord would put it upon my heart to join this church if this is where Brian and I were supposed to worship. I'll be completely honest, there were a few times I felt like God was talking to me, but I turned my ear until this one particular Sunday night. God was pushing me to that altar and begging me to trust Him. And I did. The tears on my husband's face was worth every ounce of insecurity it took for me to stand before that church body. (Remember, I don't like all eyes on me.) It's a memory I hope to last a lifetime.
So I encourage you to BE a community yourself. Invite friends over. Put yourself out there. Trust in the Lord.
And speaking of community, I am so blessed and thankful for my fellow blog ladies who I really feel "a part of the community" with when I e-mail and text and read their blogs. Communities aren't always those physically near you. It can be those you don't even know in real life. But your worth in their eyes is one in the same.
So I encourage you to BE a community yourself. Invite friends over. Put yourself out there. Trust in the Lord.
And speaking of community, I am so blessed and thankful for my fellow blog ladies who I really feel "a part of the community" with when I e-mail and text and read their blogs. Communities aren't always those physically near you. It can be those you don't even know in real life. But your worth in their eyes is one in the same.
#9TO5TOTALSOCIAL
I'm so excited to be back for another #TOTALSOCIAL with Helene. Today's topic is your "9 to 5" and what that means for you.
So, here is where I spend my 8-4:30 (ha!) since I don't work 9-5!
Looks glamorous, right?
So, I work at a bank if you haven't figured that out by now. I'm the drive-thru teller and I work as a back up CSR for new accounts/CD/IRA/etc.
Most days, I have a really easy job. I am one of "those" tellers who has my daily customers that I baby and know what they want to do even before they drive up. I love working where I get a view of the world outside (even though my view pretty much stinks!)
It may not pay the most, or be the most rewarding job. BUT I like it and have been here for almost seven years, so something must be right about it. :)
I can't wait to see what the rest of you do every day.
Life Break : Blogging
It almost feels weird to be back staring at this blank page. I have been MIA from the blogging scene and this time I actually won't apologize for it. You see, I had gotten to the point that I was feeling like blogging was just another thing on my to do that I had to check off. And that's not how I want to feel about this blog.
I started blogging to be an outlet for myself, to write for me, to document the memories that I may one day forget, and to keep anyone who wants to read up to date on my life.
Blogging was never meant to be a chore, and I let it become that. And I exhausted myself.
I think our bodies have a way of telling us to SLOW down and I had one of those moments about a week ago. Brian and I had been on the go for what felt like weeks. He and I are very much homebodies and don't like to always be somewhere. In fact, I've come to really love my recliner at home. Now, had you asked me this ten years ago, I would have laughed (a lot!) at you for thinking I wanted to be at home. Now, it's the place I want to be most.
So, Brian and I had been dealing with a full schedule and I felt my body just desperately seeking more sleep, but I never had the time for the sleep. So, my body shut down.
Last Wednesday, we took Ben (Brian's little brother) to the airport to drop him off. He is currently gone on a month long training session to Fort Knox. We had to leave our home at 3:30 AM in order to get him there for his flight. I don't regret going at all, but I should have listened to my body a little more. I had a pounding headache and was sick feeling the entire trip there and back. When we got back to town, I went on in to work. Mistake.
I ended up having to leave at 1:00 that day and just go home and sleep. My body was done. Exhausted past it's limit. That day's sleep made me feel a lot better, but I can still tell I'm not 100% caught up yet.
I know this also goes hand in hand with the fact that I need to get up and be more active. I've gained weight since our wedding and I think the excess weight on my body is making it tire out quicker as well.
So, that's where I've been lately. I'm coming back this week, but I'm going to allow myself to ease back into this blogging world. I'm in no competition with anyone and don't want to feel like I have to slave to prove myself here.
I started this blog for me. I will write when I want in this blog, for me.
Thanks for understanding! And to those of you who have text/email me to check up on me- You are SO SWEET! And that is exactly the reason I love this blogging community.
Have a great week, friends!
Mississippi Mrs.: The Story Behind the Name.
Mississippi Mrs. isn't where this little blog of mine got started. If you've followed me for long, you know I used to host "Keeping Up With Kayla"for a long time. Well, the simple fact is that I chose that name because I was clueless as to what else I should call myself.
I hated the name. It was too generic for me. I wanted to change my name for so long, but never had the nerve. When you have all your social media tied to a name, it becomes a hassle to change without a lot of thought.
And then it happened. I got engaged. I got married. I got a new name.
I was a married woman now. My blog was about more than "Kayla." I was talking about married life and things Brian and I were facing as a married couple. So Mississippi Mrs. was born.
I spend my moments on this blog just really living life and documenting the trials we face as a married couple.Of course, I like to throw in our date nights, family vacations, and other fun things we get to experience. I would LOVE to have you follow along with me too.
I am in the process of working on getting sponsors back up and running on my blog. I took off prior to the wedding because I didn't have the time to devote for anyone. But in the meantime, I'm all for swapping buttons with whomever wants! Send me an Email and we will get it worked out!
How did your blog get it's name? I'd love to hear!
I am in the process of working on getting sponsors back up and running on my blog. I took off prior to the wedding because I didn't have the time to devote for anyone. But in the meantime, I'm all for swapping buttons with whomever wants! Send me an Email and we will get it worked out!
How did your blog get it's name? I'd love to hear!
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