The Trail We Blazed

Happy Monday!!

I know Mondays are the worst, but I hope that everyone is having a great start to their week!!

Last week was full of excitement, my husband and I were awaiting some very exciting news about a job, but unfortunately it looks as if things aren't working out right now. As much as I had hoped that we would be in North Carolina within the next month, it seems as though we will have to wait a bit longer. (Sorry Ryann, we will be neighbors soon!). The news really bummed us out, but we decided to make the best of things and get out into the beautiful outdoors for some fresh air!

This Saturday my hubby and I decided to hike Sharp Top mountain! It's a beautiful trail, and though it's only 1.5 mile, it is a TOUGH hike, especially for me and my old bones. The weather was perfect, the views spectacular, and it was just what we needed!

Here are some of the pictures I took:

A view from about 1/3 of the way up

Trying to pretend to be a mountain woman, I am seriously hopeless.

Above is the view from the top- I can't tell you how marvelous the views are. From here you are able to see so much, it's truly breathtaking!

We picked up some apple cider from a little country store, I can't even tell you how delicious it is!

How neat are these clouds??

This weekend was really amazing, and it put a lot of things into perspective. For now we are enjoying our beautiful surroundings and treasuring the blessings that we have! 

What fun fall activities do you have lined up? I know I have a long list! 

Xx,

LG

My Tried and True Brands

Heeeey Y'all!!

How happy is everyone that it is finally FALL?! That's right, PSLs and boots all day everyday!
I thought I'd do a little chipper post for the day since I'm currently working on a post that is a little difficult to write- so stay tuned, I'll be publishing it soon!

Now I'm a big fan of sticking to what I know, and buying quality pieces that will last, which leads me to my post for today, my favorite brands! Basically once I find something that I like, I stick to that and hey, if it works for you, why go astray?

1. Chanel. I am not fortunate enough to own any Chanel clothing, but their makeup is amazing! I got hooked on it a few years ago and even wore it on my wedding day! I am a big lover of Chanel cosmetics. If you're not in a place to splurge on tons of expensive makeup, I will tell you my favorites!

Their foundation is superb! You only need a little bit, and this will last you forever (I've had mine for over a year- though I do often use BB cream on days when I don't do full makeup) and if you apply with a brush, you will look airbrushed! They carry another foundation that offers a little less coverage, I have that one as well and love it just as much!

Volume Mascara- this stuff is like eyelash crack! I have long lashes naturally but this mascara sends them through the roof!

2. Joe's Jeans. My love for this brand is ridiculous. Joe's fit me really nicely, and they have plenty of washes and cuts to keep me happy! I'll also say that they color really doesn't fade and they don't get super stretched out like some other designer brands! Joe's also has outlet stores where you can find them for a bit cheaper! I have a pair similar to the one below and they have help up beautifully! I will say that these bad boys are veeeery skinny, skinny jeans.

3. Tory Burch Revas. They're classic, comfortable, and hold up for ages. These shoes are definitely a staple in my wardrobe- I've had my brown Revas for over 3 years and they're still going strong!

Definitely on my wish list!

What are some of your fashion favorites? I could write a very long list of mine!

Xx,

LG

Seasons

Happy Thursday Y'all!!

I hope that everyone is staring to enjoy the crisper, cooler temperatures like the ones we are having here in good ol' Virginny!

For some reason this fall I feel so...giddy. I'm excited for the new season, but I'm also excited for a new season of life with my sweet husband- especially because we are going to North Carolina TOMORROW for his final interview! I can hardly contain my excitement.

Now, I'm not trying to wish the seasons away, but I feel as though I have done that a little bit in the past few months, and I don't just mean that physical seasons, I'm talking about the ones in my marriage as well. See, instead of being a happy joyful wife when we returned from our honeymoon, I have been anticipating our move to NC. I have been plotting, planning, and looking for new homes instead of treasuring the one I'm currently living in! I was so bad that for the first 2 months of our marriage I refused to unpack everything because I just knew that we would be relocating immediately. Let's fast forward almost 4 months, we are still in Virginia, and though prospects of moving look great, it isn't all said and done yet.

I'm afraid that I'm not alone in doing this, whether it be overly anticipating a new job, or preparing to move into a new home, I believe that many of us rush into new seasons. Now I'm not saying that this is a bad thing, but it can sometimes be hurtful to those around us, and it may cause us to look back with a sense of regret for not living more in the moment!

To try and get a reign on my excitement I'm working on cherishing the last moments we have in this place, so with that being said, I'm compiling a list of things that I'll miss when we do finally leave!

1. My horse. I've mentioned before that my horse is being leased by a friend that I went to college with- well luckily he's only about 30 minutes away so I have been able to ride him some! If I move then we will be hours apart :( I mean, how can you resist this face?

Such a goob.

2. The Mountains. Hello beautiful, especially in the fall!

Source: Google

3. Dear Friends. We have made some amazing friends and I will greatly miss them!!

So, what can do you to keep yourself from "wishing away" the seasons of life?

Xx,

LG

He is Faithful

Hello and boy do I have some news for y'all!

I know that I've talked a lot about our life in Lynchburg and how much I'm dreaming of moving back to North Carolina, and after this past Sunday I honestly thought that we might be staying here for at least another year. I thought this so much that I was actually browsing through town homes and loft apartments for us to move into, simply because we can't stand our apartment!

You see, after this past Sunday I really felt God speaking to me about our circumstances and instead of fighting with God's plan, I started to plan a life in Virginia. I dreamed of  all the positive things I could do, like getting more involved in our church, joining a small group, and hunting even more for a job. After Sunday, I felt that I had stopped wrestling with God, and I had let it go; if He wants me here, then I will be a humble servant and serve Him right where I stand!

Now, things happen to work out in very funny ways, especially because not even 2 days later my husband got a call from a job in Raleigh that we have been praying about for over 3 months! I see what you did there, God. So yesterday I happily loaded up the car with snacks and a freshly bought suit for our trip to North Carolina for the interview!

To say that it went well is an understatement. It looks like my husband will be offered the position, though he has one final interview next week. I know that nothing is certain at this point, so I'm really just hoping and praying that this all works out, in His timing of course ; )

I am happier than a frog in a beetle bin! Things are looking up, and yesterday I got to spend time walking around Raleigh, enjoying my home state.

A cute little park near city market, in downtown.

Hang in there y'all, it's almost Friday!!

Xx,

LG

Falling for Fall all over again

Happy Friday princesses!!

I hope that everyone is coming up with stellar plans for the weekend, even if that includes becoming glued to the couch eating sour patch kids (no judgement).

This weekend we are going camping (cabin-ing) with some very dear friends in the beautiful mountains of Virginia. We've gone with them before and it is such a blast, the cabin is right on the river and the scenery is to die for.

I feel like our camping trip is the kick off for fall, and let's face it, I am ready for Fall. Though I might be kicking myself once it gets below 45 degrees, I'm embracing it as of right now. I've gotten my PSL, tried to wear a sweater already, and pulled out my boots. I am prepared for the crunchy leaves and outdoor adventures.

With that being said, I'm going to share with you some of my Fall favorites! I hope you enjoy!


1. This cardigan. Seriously, go buy it NOW. I have one and it is the most comfortable thing ever, it's soft, fits perfectly, plus it's pretty stylish. I'm definitely going to be getting more of these.

Asymmetrical Cardigan

2. Desert boots or booties. I've been on the hunt for some good booties, which has proven to be difficult because I'm incredibly picky and not entirely convinced that I can pull them off. With Clarks being one of my favorite shoe brands, I'm considering these!

3. Sweater Dresses. Need I say more? They're comfortable, easy, and look fab!

This one is by Joules, I have a similar one and adore it!

4. Leaves. Can I get an Amen?

What are some of your Fall favorites??  

Xx,

LG

Pretty Pieces

Happy Hump Day!!

As our apartment is slowly (but not so surely) coming together, I am finding pieces that I absolutely love, the pieces that really just make me happy to look at.

I mentioned in another post how I've been sort of unhappy with our living situation, while I'm trying to find happiness in the smallest things, I've discovered how nice it is to have additions to our home that I adore. So, here are some of my favorite pieces (some on my wish list) that bring me joy!

1. Trays. I'm a future tray hoarder. When my mountain of trays collapse on me, someone please retrieve my body, or just send me snacks.

Lovely Bee Tray

Bedside Tray

2. Painted Furniture (I recently painted a small bedside table Tiffany Blue- I can't wait to share it!)

3. Fabric Headboards. The hubs and I are about to embark on making one of these babies- I'm so glad that the lovely Allie has already done a tutorial on how she did hers!

4. Candles. With fall on its way I am wasting no time busting out my pumpkin spice candles! 

Tell me- what are some of the "little things" that bring you joy! 

Xx,

LG

Bad Wifey

Hey y'all!!

It seems like forever since I've written a post, mainly because it has been forever! I'm so sorry for my absence but I have been very busy, and I've also been very ill. My mean old gallbladder has decided to be a bully again so I'm going for an ultrasound this week so see what's going on. Womp womp.

Today I want to share with you what a horrible wife I've been lately, hopefully some of you can see my mistakes and learn from them yourselves!

Recently I have been wicked unhappy. I don't have a job, I don't have many friends in the area, and all I do is sit around our apartment feeling sorry for myself. I sit around stewing in bitterness, counting all of the things I want instead of counting my blessings and looking around at all of the beautiful things that I have. I am so fortunate because I have a ridiculously hardworking and loving husband, a reliable car, a safe apartment with 99% of the amenities, and I always have food in my mouth and a comfy bed to lay my head down on at night. So what was my problem? My heart had begun to grow hard and I had began to distance myself from Jesus. Instead of giving in to the Holy Spirit, I have turned away from the things I needed to face. I had begun to feel entitled to things, like I deserve to have fancy throw pillows and curtains, I deserve to be able to shop at J.Crew whenever I want and get Starbucks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Wrong.

All of my husband's hard work and sacrifices were taken for granted and I was being an outright B-word. My actions and thinking were really starting to tear a rift in how we acted together (we are fine y'all, it was just a rough patch) and I was making my poor tired husband feel taken for granted. I hate myself for this, but after feeling convicted and having the good Lord break me down, I feel like I am working my way back up, this is such a good thing.

Where did I go wrong? Well, I stop listening to what the Holy Spirit was trying to tell me. I stopped reading The word, and I started keeping score in my marriage instead of trying to be more like Jesus. I have a history of this and I know how it always ends up- I always have a breakdown and then get built back up. That's the beauty of having of having a God that loves me though, I can be a rebellious pain in the rear and He always calls me His, He always forgives, and He always makes me better than I was before.

It's so easy to become lazy in marriage, it's so easy to forget about all of the wonderful things and to focus on what you don't have. It's easy to let your partner do all of the work, but friends, when you're both working 100% marriage is so much sweeter. In this upcoming month I'm trying to work on being more intentional in my marriage, I'm going to find new ways to love and serve my husband, and I'm going to remind that man why he married me in the first place!

I hope that y'all help keep me accountable, and I hope that if you're struggling with things you can rest assured that God can and will get you through it!

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deut. 31:6


Xx,

LG