Top Two Tuesday

This Week: Top Two Favorite US Cities

New York City

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In 2008 I decided that I had lived long enough without seeing one of my favorite cities. So, I booked my trip and spent one glorious day in the city! Even though I was by myself, it was still a blast. I woke up bright and early and toured The House That Ruth Built, ate lunch at Serendipity, took a ferry to Ellis Island and saw the Statue of Liberty, and topped it off with The Little Mermaid on Broadway. It was one of the most amazing days of my life. Can't wait to go back!!

Laguna Beach, California

When I was 18, I lived in Laguna Beach as an Au Pair (otherwise known as a nanny) for a little over 3 months. (No, I didn't see the camera crew. Yes, I did see LC) This entire move is a long story. While I didn't enjoy the materialism, the scenery was breathtaking. I'd love to go back one day and visit all of my old favorite spots!

Busy Bee

1. Over the weekend I created a lovely calendar so that I can keep up with my studies, editing, volunteering with my church's student ministry, and also my marathon training. Here's what I've come up with for September.I know it's hard to read, but September is going to be nuts -- not a free day on there! Keith has been very supportive and has already told me he'll take care of dinner, laundry and whatever else when needed. :o) (And the Best Husband Award goes to....)

2. Due to the fact that my schedule will look like this until next March, I have decided that I will no longer be taking the LSAT in February. If I'm going to study for this brutal test, then I'm going to do it right. I'll be enrolling in a Blueprint prep course next year and taking the LSAT in June.

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3. Speaking of law school, I've made my top 10 list and lately I've been very interested in Brooklyn Law School. Their Public Interest program is ranked among the top 4 in the country...not to mention the location isn't too shabby either. ;o)

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4. Yesterday I watched an awesome video about Lillian Yonally at one of my favorite blogs. She was apart of the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) in the 1940's. If you love history, the 1940's, aviation, or photography, then this video is for you!

Getting to Know You Sunday #6

1. If you accidentally knick a car in a parking lot...Do you leave a note or do you get the heck out of there? I would most definitely leave a note. I've had this happen to me in the past and I hated that the person just drove off and left my car injured. Not. cool.

2. Love your body or plastic surgery? Hmph. Well at the moment I do not love my body. (I had no idea marriage came with a Freshman 15!) However, I do like my shape and with a little exercise I'll be good as new. I'm not against plastic surgery, but I don't think I'd have it. I've considered having a nose job, but I've come to terms with that.

3. What about your favorite blog(s) continues to drive you back? The blogs that I love the most are the ones that are full of hope, honesty, love, reality, and humor. Life isn't perfect and it's okay to write about it.

4. What percent of your blog is BS just to make your life seem more interesting that it really is? None of my posts are BS. I do try to tone down my whining and complaining so that my blog is a pleasant place for readers, but other than that this is 100% real, 100% me.

5. If you had to give up one type of meat for the rest of your life, what would it be? Right now it's a toss up between chicken and pork. Lately I haven't been a big fan of meat in general so I don't think giving either of these up would bother me.

6. How often do you eat out? Does fast food count? If it does, then probably a few times a week for lunch. I typically always cook dinner.

7. Skinny jeans or boot cut jeans? Boot cut. My thunder thighs eat skinny jeans for breakfast.

8. If you caught your spouse cheating, would you forgive, divorce, or plan to kill? Cheating is completely unacceptable in my book. Other than hitting me, Keith knows that these two things are grounds for separation. I hate to think that one mistake would end my marriage, but I've grown up around this type of situation and it's something I swore I'd never go through again.

Let's Go Back

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Have a great weekend lovelies!

Wordless Wednesday

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Happy 1st Birthday!

Happy 1st Birthday to my sweet nephew, Baby Joe!

Joe and his mom (my sister) lived with Keith and I briefly, and we had the privilege of watching him grow up for a short while. After living with this kid for a few months I now know what a bundle of joy is. Joe Joe, we hope you have a great birthday!!!

And as promised, here's a picture of my new hair! It's not completely blonde, but it's definitely quite a few shades lighter.

Please forgive me for posting a poor quality computer photo. I literally took 15 pictures with a regular camera, and then about 15 more on my computer. This was the only one I deemed acceptable for posting. Needless to say I'm my own worst critic.

So do blondes (or people with blonde highlights) really have more fun? I'm not sure yet, but I'll let you know!

Monday Funday?

1. Thanks to the awesome Kate Voegele Pandora station I have been introduced to Sara Haze. I'd say she sounds like Colbie Caillat, but with a little more raspy-ness. Definitely my new fave!

2. On Saturday I had a hair appointment for a highlight and cut. I was there for 3 hours and am very pleased with the lady who did my hair. She was so great! I went to L'Paradise salon in Summerville and I highly recommend Rebecca. I walked out of the salon with much blonder hair and a smile on my face. Pictures coming soon...

3. Today is the first day of classes for Keith and I. (So proud of you baby!) I love the flexibility of online classes, but it's days like today that I would really love to attend. First day of school excitement is priceless. Only 4 semesters left until I graduaaaate...then it's off to law school. YAY! :o)


4. Can I just say WHO DAT? Saints 38 Texans 20

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5. That's pretty much all I've got for today. I went to bed way too late last night and I'm feeling it this morning. :o/ I hope you all have a great Monday!

Instead of giving myself reasons why I can't,
I give myself reasons why I can.
Author Unknown

Getting to Know You Sunday #5

1. If you could host a Reality TV show, which one would it be? Cake Boss!! I love this show and think it would be so fun to watch Buddy and his family in action! (Not to mention all of this awesome food I would hopefully get to try!)

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2. Do you put your seatbelt on before or after you start the car? I put it on right after I start my car. The first thing that I do is lock my doors. Ladies this is a great habit to pick up!

3. Shave or hair removal cream? Definitely shave. I've tried hair removal cream before and it smelled weird, burned my legs, and didn't remove all of the hair.

4. What's your favorite feature in a house? Hmmm...I would have to say the front porch. Although Keith and I never use ours, I would love to get a swing and rocking chairs so that we could sit outside and just enjoy each other.

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5. What is your favorite "Fall" scent? Pumpkin spice candles. Hands down!

6. What TV show are you looking forward to seeing most this Fall?? Chuck!!! Season premiere is September 20th and I can't wait!

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7. Personal Shopper or Personal Chef? Neither?

8. What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of "Fall"? The first thing that came to mind is "crisp air". Here are my likes and dislikes about this wonderful season!

October Faves
Cool weather (sometimes)
Mellowcreme pumpkins (LOVE these)
Going to the fair
Candy candy candy
MLB PLAYOFFS
Pumpkin spice candles (like the one in my office.)
Leaves changing/falling (sometimes)

October Dislikes
The Halloween display at Walgreens (sooooo scary...)
Creepy people who take Halloween to a whole different level
Did I say Halloween?

Don't Worry, Be Happy

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Choose to make today a good day.

Happy Friday lovelies!

A Letter From Luz

See that beautiful face? That's Luz, and she's amazing.

Keith and I began sponsoring Luz in June through Compassion Ministry and this week we received our first letter from her! :o)

Luz is a beautiful 12 year old from Colombia. She's is the oldest child we've sponsored thus far, and I am excited to be able to have conversations through letters with her. (We sponsor two younger children and sometimes their letters don't make sense...still absolutely wonderful though.) This is what her letter said:

"Lindsey Christmas. Hello, I thank God for sending me a new sponsor because I know that with you, I will share about my life and about God, who I trust in a lot because he is like our Father because he was who gave us life and the daily bread. I leave you with it, may God protect you and keep you. Bye-bye, bye-bye. Luz."

She also answered the following questions:

Favorite Hobby: VolleyballFavorite Food: All of them (LOVE this girl!)
Favorite Subject: Math, Dance, and Physical Education
Favorite Animal: Dog
Favorite Color: Blue

Drawing: TQM (It stands for I love you so much)

I cannot describe the joy I felt when I received this letter. It's completely indescribable. I have never met this child, nor have I built a relationship with her yet, but already her heart is open to me. I cannot wait to build a relationship with her and read about her life. I cannot wait to talk about our God and share our favorite verses. This child has already brought so much joy to my life, and I am so thankful that God led me to her. :o)

And the Winner Is...

Annnnnd the winner of my 100th follower giveaway is.....

Chloe from Trying to Throw My Arms Around the World!!!!!

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I am so happy for you! Please contact me at the email listed in my sidebar with your mailing address, and confirm your apron choice! :o)

Thanks to everyone who participated in this giveaway! I really had a fun time hosting it and meeting new followers. :o) I love having giveaways and will most likely do another when I hit 200 followers.

I would also like to give a special thanks to Boojiboo's Etsy shop for donating Chloe's lovely apron!

I hope you all have a lovely night!

The King's Daughters

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Last week I was reading Chloe's blog over at Tryin' to Throw My Arms Around the World and I stumbled upon her post about Team Samaritan's Purse. Team SP is basically a group of people who put their athletic ability to use by raising funds for Samaritan's Purse projects. I love the way Chloe words this:

"Team Samaritan's Purse is more than raising money. It's also about showing those around you that you care enough to do something about this world we live in, and opening doors for people to see & understand the suffering all around us. Not all of us can serve as missionaries in third-world countries. But many of us can make the sacrifice to give much of our time and plenty of effort in the name of Jesus, and for His precious children around the world. Or as they say on their website, "Our mission is to provide athletically minded individuals a mechanism to take their training and competition to another level, impacting the world with the love of Jesus Christ, and supporting the ministry of Samaritan's Purse."

After reading this I was completely inspired. Back in 2008 I was a member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. They trained me for a marathon and I raised money for cancer research. Due to a leg injury I was unable to compete, but wanting to run a marathon for charity is always something I've wanted to do.

So, here we go again!

I will be running in the 2011 Georgia Marathon as a member of Team Samaritan's Purse! Not only this, but I will be training and running side by side with my awesome friends Rachel and Melissa and my sister-in-law, Ivey!

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Together we make up our own team called The King's Daughters. We have the opportunity to donate $8,000 for clean water projects in Uganda!!! How amazing is that? (* Click here to check out my fund raising page*)

I am not going to lie -- I'm really nervous. I will need to pay extra attention to the leg that I've previously injured, as well as keep up my cross training. Although running 26.2 seems impossible, nothing is impossible for my God. I know that His hand is upon this decision and He will guide me, protect me, and help me succeed.

Time Is Running Out

Tomorrow is your last chance to enter my giveaway for...

A beautiful vintage apron

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A copy of the book Cake Pops

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A $30.00 Gift Card to Victoria's Secret

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For more information on how to enter please click here! I will be announcing the winner on Wednesday at approximately 6:30pm, but it may be earlier! ;o)

I hope you guys had a fantastic weekend!

I'll be posting tomorrow about some very exciting news!