Thankful

Hello my loves! I hope you're having a great day!

I try to take the time every once in awhile to kind of count my blessings. I should do it daily, but I can't even remember to brush my hair every day, let alone be thankful for what I've been blessed with. So, I thought I'd take some time today to list a few blessings, and ask you all what you're thankful for!

{1} My current opportunities in life

I have some great things going on right now. Between this blog, my social media management company with Holly, my event planning business, writing for Sprocket Ink, and helping out with the Blank Canvas Tour, my plate is full, but it's full of amazing things. Yes, it does have a tendency to get a bit hectic, but I love it. Plus I have some awesome things on the horizon that I just can't wait to jump head first into!

{2} My family and friends

Y'all, I have the best friends and family anyone could ask for. Between IRL friends, bloggy friends (like you, you, and you!), extended family, close family, and my wonderful hubby and daughter, I am surrounded by fabulous people. They stick by me through thick and thin, and they're always there for me. If any of you are reading this, thank you for being such rockstars! I love all of you! 

{3} My poochies

My dogs are my babies. Before M, they were are kids, and they still are. They're great cuddlers, they can always bring a smile to your face, and they know when you need some love. It's like they can sense when you're down and needing a boost.

{4} Texas

Seriously, y'all, I love living in Texas. I definitely count that as a blessing!

{5} My life

I think it may be odd to count my life as a blessing, but I really do. I have an absolutely amazing life, full of amazing things, people, and adventures, and I wouldn't change a single thing about it. So many people feel like their lives are lacking something, but I don't feel that way. I've built a life with the hubby, and with M, and it's perfect for us. So, my life is definitely a blessing. 

Now tell me, my darlings, what are you thankful for?

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Did you see the IG photo of M and I rocking our sunnies yesterday? 

Mine are brand spanking new, and I love them! I got them courtesy of Nectar Sunglasses. They're absolutely perfect for me, and I've hardly taken them off! Nectar is "a lifestyle company, celebrating those who live in the moment". Seriously, could there be a better description for a company? I love them based completely on that! Anyway, they offer customizable (yes, customizable!!) sunnies at ridiculously affordable prices, and every single pair is so stylish! But, the best part about Nectar is definitely their return policy. You can exchange them for ANY reason. Yes, any. You break them? No worries, just send them back and they'll send you a new pair. And with a toddler, I go through a lot of sunglasses. Like, A LOT. 

I went with the Cypress, which was a brilliant choice because they go with everything. But, I'm already lusting after more pairs! (Like the Desperado, the Local, and the Coral!) You can even design your very own pair, they have over 150,000 combinations! Plus the lenses are impact resistant and offer UV400 protection for your eyes. Could they get any better?

Head over and check out their selection (or design your own!), you won't be sorry! And you can find them all over social media (a company after my own heart!), follow them on twitter, facebook, tumblr, and pinterest!

**Nectar Sunglasses sent me a free pair of sunglasses to review, but all of these opinions are my own. I like my readers too much to praise something that I didn't like. Which means I really do like my new sunnies!

Writing Down My Story

Hello m'dears! I have to apologize for being MIA the last week, between a sick kiddo, being covered in poison ivy, and my internet being out for almost two days, this week has been a bit hectic. But, M is better, the internet is back, and even though I'm still itchy as all get out, I'm back to blogging!

Today I wanted to share something very special with you. I was recently contacted by Katie from Making This Home about the journals that she makes. She owns Gadanke, a handcrafted journal shop. She asked if I would like a journal of my own. Now, here's the thing, I believe in fate. I believe everything happens for a reason, and at the exact time it's supposed to happen. I used to love journaling, in fact, I still do, I just haven't been doing it lately. Life kind of got in the way. But, a few days before Katie contacted me, I was researching my family line, and wishing I knew more about my ancestors. My great grandmother was a published author, yet all I know about her are her books. I know nothing about her life. I started to think that maybe I should start journaling again, so M would have a way of remembering me, and she could pass it on to her children and grandchildren. And then I got the email from Katie, and I knew it was fate. 

See, Katie has a very similar story. This is her's:

A couple of years ago, NPR's StoryCorp was in town. It was also my grandma's 90th birthday. The two of us decided to hop into the recording studio to capture some pieces of her story. I had all sorts of prompts to help her. The only problem? My grandma couldn't remember. Too much time had passed. Later, my dad turned to me and said, "Katie, I need you to write down your story." I knew he wished he had his mom's stories. So I started writing.

I started wondering about all of the other women who have stories deep inside of them. Gadanke was born with fabulous writing prompts and recycled papers.

So after reading her email, I clicked over to her shop to check out her journals. Y'all? I immediately fell in love. First of all, Gandanke's motto is "celebrate your story!" I love that. Secondly, there's everything from baby books, to prayer journals, to travel books, to diaries. The journals are filled with creative writing prompts and tidbits to make you think (and laugh!) and make your writing process more meaningful and fun! Plus they're totally eco-savvy with 100% recycled papers. You know I'm all about going green! They're a perfect way of documenting who you are and what you crave and believe.

I sent Katie an email back, and told her I'd love to tell my readers all about her journals. She emailed back and within a few days, I received my very own journal. I went with the She 1.1 in turquoise, and it's so..... me. It just fits, you know?

I love the inscription on the front!

I am already yearning for more journals! I'm thinking I need the Seeking Grace prayer journal (It would go hand in hand with She Reads Truth!),

the Become journal (a journal for finding your direction), 

and the Love Letter (a minibook for someone you love).

But until my new journals come in, you can find me writing away in my She journal!

You can find out more about Katie's story over at her blog, or you can catch her on twitter, facebook, or pinterest. She's also offering a discount code for y'all!! Use code 

OHHEYSUMMER10

for 10% off your order through next Wednesday! Trust me, you definitely want one of these journals!! 

Happy Wednesday, my loves, I hope y'all are having great ones!!

I received a free She 1.1 journal in exchange for this review, but, as always, all opinions are my own. I wouldn't tell y'all I loved something if I really didn't!