Heavy Heart {But Full of Love}

Helloooo friends!

I hope that everyone's week is off to a great start, Monday was great for me but the rest of the week is looking a little busy!

Today I'm going to talk about something tough and sad for me, any many others, especially my sweet friend (and basically sister) Scarlett.

October 30, 2012 was a normal day for me. I rode my horse, went to class, and spent time doing homework, that day was normal until my best friend told me some of the worst news I've ever heard. Bravely, she told me that her 16 year old brother Jackson had been killed in a car accident. Honestly I was in disbelief, I knew that my friend wasn't be lying to me but I couldn't understand how it was true, even today almost a year later, it's hard to understand how it's real.

If you know me, then you might have heard about Scarlett and her family, they are seriously the strongest, toughest, most loving family and group of women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. You see, they've been through a lot. Our sophomore year of college Scarlett was kicked in the face by a horse and spent the following few weeks of her life fighting to stay alive. Not only did she come out alive and as beautiful as ever, she finished that semester, only having to drop 1 class. After what Scarlett had been through I thought that she had an easy pass for the rest of her life.

I constantly tell Scarlett how much she and Jackson were similar, for starters they looked almost like twins, and they both had the same silly smile and lighthearted outlook on life. Jackson and I only shared a few moments together but I always treated him like he was my own little brother, I constantly ragged on him and did everything I could to shoot down his teenage ego. Jackson was confident, and he had every right to be- he was a Nationally ranking wrestler (as a sophomore in high school) and an incredible football player, despite having a heart condition that would hold others back. To say he was a special kid is a massive understatement. He was a miracle.

As the one year anniversary approaches, I have a heavy heart, but I can only imagine the way Scarlett and her family feel. Pray for them, and if that isn't your thing, send light and love their way every time you think of them.

Hold the ones you love very tightly, tell them you love them, and enjoy every moment together!

Xx,

LG

It's Time to See

Good morning pretties- you know what day it is! (I'm not gonna say it)

I don't know about you but it feels like fall has come on full force this week, I've broken out tights and fall coats, and I love it!!

Lately I have been noticing how horrible my vision has gotten, especially when I'm driving and especially at night. I constantly tell my husband (as he's riding in the car with me) that I can't see very well, in particular, road signs. I'm sure that makes him feel super comfortable and at ease, ya know, just riding with a blind lady. It's definitely safe and totally legal as well.

I own glasses but they're teeny tiny and were definitely made for small children, so needless to say I'm in the market for new glasses! I've done the glasses.com at home try on but none of them worked for me, they were all so odd on my face and I didn't find a single pair that I liked, le sigh. I've gotten the courage to shop around again and I'm really looking into Warby Parker's! If you're not familiar with their campaign, check them out, and who knows maybe you'll be sporting a new pair of specs!

I've browsed around and narrowed it down to a few pairs that I like, I'm sure they'll be different "on" but which ones do y'all like? I can be so indecisive sometimes!

I definitely like the tortoiseshell, but we shall see! Stay tuned for another post where I try them on!

Do you have any favorite glasses brands? I'd love to know what you wear!

Xx,

LG

God is Funny- Here's a Bunny

Happy Monday Fall Friends!

Something funny happened to me last week, and I won't waste any time telling you my little story!

Last week my husband and I took as little trip to the pet store, per my request. I never have any intention of buying a critter, I just like to look at all the cute fluffy animals and dream about the day that I'll have my own little furry friend. I'm seriously pet deprived y'all. While we were at the store, I took a liking to a few little lionhead bunnies- they are just so stinkin' cute and their hair is a hot mess. We didn't buy one (for obvious reasons) but I left feeling a little sad because I didn't have a pet of my own.

Fast forward to the next morning, I couldn't sleep (and had to go to work later) so I just decided to get dressed and head over to Starbucks to get some work done. I finished up most of what I needed to do so I went back to our apartment so that I could make some lunch. As I was stepping out of my car I noticed a furry black object under the car next to me. HOLY THISTLE BUSH, IT'S A BUNNY! And booooy was he cute. I noticed that this bunny had lionhead hair and was definitely not a wild bunny. (I leave wild animals alone). Try as I might, the little guy wouldn't come out from under the car, so I let him be and went inside.

Telling my husband about the little snugglefluff outside, he suggested I try to coax him out with a carrot. (He later regretted this). Well, it worked. I went out to the car, offered the carrot to my furry friend, and he came out enough for me to grab him! He didn't kick or fight, and he seemed comfortable with me picking him up.

Well...I had the bunny inside, happily munching on a carrot, but I didn't have any sort of enclosure (I'm not a crazy enough animal lady to be fully stocked on the essentials), so little bunbun got to play in our bathtub while I went to work!

Little babybun

I went to work for a few hours, hoping that the rabbit hadn't hurt himself or trashed our bathroom but once I got home I found him just hanging out on his little blankie! I couldn't wait for my husband to get home so that he could meet our little friend, and being the gracious loving husband that he is, he let me keep little 'pumpkin'.

Sadly though, as much as I tried to give him everything he needed (as recommended by bunny experts on the world wide web) our little pumpkin never perked up and he seemed to be uncomfortable. I thought that I was smothering him with attention so we bought him a little cage and everything else he needed and we left him to get used to his new environment. The next morning he only seemed worse, and within a few short hours pumpkin had crossed the rainbow bridge into bunny heaven.

I was heartbroken. As stupid as it may sound, I was pretty sad about this little guy passing, I was also angry at the people who had let this poor animal loose while it was cold and rainy outside! (People moved out shortly before I found him and we think that they let him go).

I thought that God was blessing me with a companion, but in less than 24 hours he was gone. As sad as I was to see him go, I am comforted knowing that this poor little critter died in a warm cage surrounded by love, food, and water- instead of being scared, alone, and in the rain. It may seem silly to learn a lesson from a tiny bunny that I only had for a day, but I am reminded by this that life is short, it's precious, and we should be great stewards of what God has entrusted to us.

I hope that little pumpkin is happily hopping through fields of clover! RIP little friend!

Xx,

LG

Wednesday {Shine}

Good morning beauties!

I'm off for my first day of work, at my little part time job! Is it anything major? Absolutely not. But I am blessed and happy to have a little something until my big girl job lines up!

I just wanted to post a little mid-week inspiration for all of you! I hope that everyone is having a wonderful week!!

Xx,

LG

Fabulous Fall Recipes {Guest Post}

Hello Everyone! My name is Alina and I am the girl from The Sassy Gator Blog. I am so excited to be able to do a guest post today on Laurel’s blog. She was my first follower and is literally the sweetest person ever. All her blog posts are such a treat to read and with my upcoming wedding I obsessed over her amazing wedding!

 We decided we wanted to a do a post about some fun “fall” recipes and this is what I’ve come up with. They are pretty easy and above all super yummy!

Pumpkin Soup

1 can {29 oz} pumpkin puree

½ a large sweet onion {diced very finely}

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 can evaporate

1-cup water

1 can chicken stock

2 tsp. mild to medium Indian curry powder {this is optional, but trust me its makes it sooooo good!}

Get a large pot and sauté the onions until they are brown in the olive oil.

Add the pumpkin puree and stir.

Add chicken stock and about half a can of water

Next add the evaporated milk and use a whisk to blend this all together. You can add more water to this mixture to create your desired consistency and thickness.

Add the curry powder and cook for 20 minutes.

Turn off and leave in the pot for 2-3 hours.

When you are ready to serve heat it up and you are all ready!

This soup is so crazy easy I think once you taste it you will love it. My mom makes this all the time and I can never get enough.

Dessert time! Staying with the pumpkin theme this is a recipe for pumpkin pudding.

Pumpkin Pudding

Traditional pumpkin pie mix found in stores

1-½ cups of walnuts or other nuts you prefer

½ cup dark brown sugar

Take a large, square baking dish and spray with your choice of cooking spray.

Pour the pumpkin pie mixture into the dish then spread the brown sugar and walnuts over top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes {or usual pie cook time} and your done!

This is literally one of my favorite things to eat during the holidays because it is so yummy!  It is kind of similar to sweet potato casserole with the marshmallows and nuts but with pumpkin.

 That is it for the recipes. I hope y’all will try them out and love them as much as I do, I love using ingredients like pumpkin in different ways and making it delicious.

 Big thanks to Laurel for having me on her blog today! I am sure we will come up with some other fun guest post to do again in the future! Don’t forget to check out my blog to see the amazing recipes Laurel put up today! You won’t want to miss it!

  <3

The Sassy Gator

I don't know about you, but Alina's recipes are making my mouth water, I can't wait to try these delicious treats out!! Be sure to check out her blog, she's getting married soon AND building a house, so her posts are always fun and full of adventure (like picking out bathroom tile!). Thank you so much Alina, I can't wait to work with you again : )

Xx,

LG

Reasons Why I'm a Complete Weirdo

Y'all, it's thursday! Where did this week go?

Apart from stubbing my toe (it's purple now), getting bitten by a spider, and catching a cold I would say it's been a great week. In all seriousness though, this week has been pretty great.

Anywho, lately my husband and I have been trying to keep track of some of the weird things I do, which led us to this list- I'm sure there will be more to come but I hope you enjoy part I!


1. Even though I have a fancy tempurpedic pillow, every night I roll over and steal my husband's pillow. I've also been known to snatch the covers. Which leads me to number 2...

2. Mine and my husband's pillows have to be lined up and touching, so that if I roll over my head doesn't fall off of my pillow.

3. I lay diagonally in our bed. This doesn't work so well when my husband is there, but every morning when he leaves, I flop over and take my position.

4. I talk in weird voices and make less-than-attractive faces, frequently. I just can't help myself.

5. I have to eat something as soon as I wake up from a nap. If I don't I will start to feel sick and I'll be very grumpy.

6. If I put on clothes, even for like 5 minutes, I consider them dirty and toss them in the hamper.

7. I never finish drinks. I'll get all the way to the bottom of them but I just won't take the very last sip, it grosses me out!

8. I always steal food (not from strangers, that's gross) my husband and my mom are my usual victims of choice. I find that food (and drinks) taste better if they're not yours.

9. I rarely answer my phone and don't listen to voicemails. period. They give me anxiety!

10. I don't like taking my own shoes off, it isn't that I'm super attached to them or anything, I just don't like the process of doing it. Sometimes I ask my husband to do it for me.


So...there you have it! What are some odd things that you do?

Xx,

LG

5 Necessities for Fall {Guest Post}

Woohoo, it's already Wednesday!

I hope that everyone is having a great week so far and I hope that this special post brings you joy!
Today I'm so excited to be hosting Lindy, from Trendy Lindy! She is just the sweetest little thing and since our first email exchange I have almost felt like she is one of my "real life" friends- definitely check out her blog and get to know her, I can't tell you how precious she is!

Lindy is sharing her "5 Fashion Necessities for Fall" and if you want to see what mine are, head over to http://www.trendylindy.com/ so without further delay, here we go!
_________________________________________________________________________________

Hello everyone! I am so excited to be guest blogging for Laurel today! We have created such a quick and effortless friendship over blogging and I’m so thankful for our random connection. Isn’t she the best? I love her blog and her sweet personality!

Today I am going to talk to ya’ll about my Five Fashion Necessities for Fall! These looks are simple, easy and ideal for autumn! I paired an item that you can go ahead and purchase with a personal photo showing how I styled it. I am so excited to share this with you! Let's get started, trendsetters...

Combat Boots

Buy these boots here.

Combat boots pretty much speak for themselves. Everyone knows how popular this accessory is right now, and I think they can be mixed into pretty much every ensemble. They give girly outfits a little edge, and edgy outfits the ultimate kick. I love them in black, but my color of choice is caramel. This decadent hue can be worn with browns or blacks and is an amazing neutral.

Oversized Glasses

Buy these glasses here.

I am 100% certain oversized glasses are my staple accessory! It doesn’t matter if they’re real or fake, large frames immediately make you look on trend. Tortoise shell, solid black, or icy gray, I love them in every style.

Perfect Lipstick

                                                                Buy this lipstick here.

I never used to wear lipstick because I had this silly fear that my lips were too big, but lately I’ve become a little bit obsessed with it. I wear it probably 4 days out of the week. I love pretty pinks and vibrant reds, and I think once you find your perfect shade you’ll become addicted as well! Don’t be afraid to try something different!

Oversized Sweaters

 Buy this sweater here.

I can never say no to a chunky sweater. Cardigans or cable knits, they’re always fun for fall! If you don’t want to spend money on one, head over to a consignment shop and pick one up for a couple bucks! It’s amazing how cute an old grandpa sweater can become.

Turban Headbands

Buy this turban here.

Many girls don’t think they can pull of turbans, but these headbands are nothing to shy away from! Wear them hippie-style around some long, wavy hair, or push back a topknot and wear it as a headband! Solid colors or crazy prints, turbans are a must have accessory for fall 2013!

What do ya’ll think? Do you want to go shopping now and try out one of my Five Fashion Necessities for Fall? Follow me on Intstagram, tag Laurel and myself, and hashtag #Five4Fall if you try out one of these fun trends! We can’t wait to see how you style it!

Isn't Lindy great? I know that I'll definitely be putting my own spin on these great fashion ideas! Thank you for reading and don't forget to check out her blog!!

Xx,

LG

Much Needed Time

Haaaapy Tuesday darlings!

Monday is over and we can rejoice! I'm particularly excited today because I have a little job interview-- nothing too serious, but it will be a fun job for me, so stay tuned!

Lately I have been feeling like I needed a little something more, yet I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but yesterday it hit me that I had been missing one of my best friends. Katie had moved quite far away to Alabama a few months ago but fortunately for me she is back in Lynchburg (for now) and we got to have some quality time yesterday...it was time that I desperately needed, without even knowing it.

We spent our wonderful girl time walking down the beautiful Blackwater Creek trail in Lynchburg- which is an absolutely beautiful path perfect for running and biking, and perfect for us! Apart from a yellow jacket incident, our walk was idyllic.

I didn't manage to take any good pictures but Katie snapped this one. Breathtaking, right?

I can't tell you how happy I was (and am) to have had that special time with her, so get out there and have some girl time, you may need it more than you think! 

What are some of your favorite activities to do with friends?

Xx,

LG

Downtown Brunch: Blogger Meetup!

Hey Y'all!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend, I know that I certainly did! The cherry on top of my weekend was getting to spend a lovely couple of hours with a few fashionable bloggers!

When I started my blog one of the things I looked forward to was meeting other bloggers and making new friends, totally lame right? Well, today that got to come true! I got to have brunch with Rebecca from Life With rMe and Breck from Whim of The South. Rebecca and I went to college together (and she is actually one of my "sisters") so it was great to catch up with her and all the happenings at my alma mater. Breck is in the Lynchburg area, so it worked out perfectly for us to meet up! I can't tell you how charming and adorable these classy ladies are, it was such a great time-- we are already planning our next outing!

Though the weather was a little hot for October, our brunch was perfect. We went to The White Hart cafe in downtown Lynchburg. If you haven't been, it's a really neat place with great drinks, music, and food- definitely worth a trip!

Here are some photos from our simply charming day:

Rebecca and myself

Rebecca and Breck

Me and Breck

Tomorrow I have a special guest post, so stay tuned!

Until next time! Xx,

LG