Seeing Sunshine

Even in the darkest of days

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When You Are Drowning

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When I wrote this post, I told you I was right in the midst of it -- in the hard, in the valley. Little did I know I still had farther to fall. I was honest and shared with you that I was trying not to drown. I felt like the waves kept breaking over me, and I was weak from trying to hold my head above the water. I told you I was praying that I would become a stronger swimmer. And I encouraged you that we will not drown and we will survive. I told you we would be stronger. But what happens if in the midst of that prayer to be a stronger swimmer, a tsunami hits? What if you feel more Continue Reading

Basement Reveal

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Basements. I'm glad I have one because, well, tornadoes. But I got to tell ya, my basement was down right scary. There was one single light bulb, a cement floor, crumbling stone walls, and wires going all over the place. I wouldn't have been surprised if it had been used as a torture chamber at some point. So when I found out that the washer and dryer hook ups were in the basement and that was my only option if I wanted to be able to do laundry in my own home, well, I was not looking forward to it. I knew I needed to brighten up the place or I would never want to do laundry, my clothes would Continue Reading

“Blue Without You” Care Package

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I had so much fun making a baseball-themed care package and a Fourth of July care package for Travis while he lives in South Korea. I've been looking forward to the next box I could send. I definitely miss Travis -- like a lot. So this care package seemed perfect. I really have been feeling blue without my hubby! When you open the box, it says "I'm so BLUE ... without YOU!" It's really simple to decorate and fill this box. I used blue scrapbook paper to cover the box and white sticker letters for the phrase. I included two blue ribbon bows to add a little something extra and fun to the Continue Reading

When You Don’t Feel Loved

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I'm a woman. In case you didn't know. I've been learning a lot about myself as a woman lately. Things that I knew deep down about myself, but I didn't realize I am that way because of the very fact that I am woman. While reading The Language of Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs I learned that I need love. I've always longed for love, for the feeling of being loved. But now I realize it's a part of the nature of woman. We all want to feel loved. When reading The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman I learned that we all (men and women) have love tanks in a sense. Sometimes, our Continue Reading

Front Porch Reveal

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Guys, I am SO excited about this room. It is my favorite room in my whole house. I love how it turned out, and it really didn't take much work. Check out the before photos. How nasty is that carpet? And those curtains were not working for me. Let's take a closer look. I took down the curtains and cleaned around all the windows. There wasn't anything I could do with the carpet. I thought about pulling it up, but the cement underneath had been painted at one point and it was going to need a lot of work. So instead, I decided to cover the carpet with one big rug. But here's the thing -- Continue Reading

Uplifting & Strengthening Playlist to Overcome Deployment

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This is my first time away from Travis for so long. It's been hard for sure. Although, this isn't technically a deployment -- the separation and lack of communication makes it feel like one sometimes. One of the ways I am getting through these months is through uplifting and strengthening music. Listening to certain music can change my mood and attitude. I think this playlist for deployment can help you overcome and feel strong. This list of more than 60 songs has many different genres of music, so you are sure to find something you like! Add these songs to your playlist for Continue Reading

30+ Signs You’re An Anderson University Raven

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Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana, was my home from 2007-2011. It will forever be a special place in my heart. Did you go to AU? You know you went to Anderson University when... 1. You've been sledding at Shady Side Park. 2. You know Ivanhoe's is the best place to get ice cream, and it's worth the drive. 3. You'd rather go to Deluxe Donuts late at night than a frat party. 4. You don't bother going to the football games because you know your team is going to lose, but if you do go it's for the drummers from third floor Dunn. 5. You only stay friends with one person from Continue Reading

Great Food in Dallas Fort Worth

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I recently got home from a trip to Dallas Fort Worth, Texas. We had a great time, and one of my favorite parts of visiting a new area is trying new restaurants and great food. Are you visiting the Dallas Fort Worth area? Or perhaps you live there? Check out this list of great food in the Lone Star state. Here are my favorite restaurants from the Dallas Fort Worth area: Katy Trail Icehouse -- the food was amazing and the atmosphere was so enchanting. This restaurants is outside with picnic tables and lights strung through the trees. It's right next to a running trail. Dogs are Continue Reading

Things to Do in Dallas Fort Worth

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Have I mentioned this is my year of traveling? I hope I have lots of years of traveling, but this feels like my first big "let's see how many places I can go" year. I've been to South Carolina, Korea, Hawaii, Tennessee, and Florida so far this year. Plus, I've lived in Georgia and Indiana. I've drove through even more states! In fact, I've visited three new states I've never been to -- Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. I went through those states during my trip to Texas. It's kind of random how I ended up going to Texas, but I jumped on the chance to take a trip down there. We went to the Continue Reading

Secret Spinach Smoothie

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Popeye knew what he was doing when he was eating all that spinach! It nourishes our eyes, builds our bones, and helps with our digestive system. Spinach is full of vitamins and minerals. Did you know that research studies suggest that spinach in juice form is one of the healthiest ways to consume the green goodness? It's true! Of course, I wouldn't want to drink straight spinach juice. That sounds gross. But I love this secret spinach smoothie -- it's full of spinach but you can't even taste it. Instead, it tastes like a chocolate, peanut butter, banana smoothie! Perfect to give those Continue Reading

Guy Behind the Blog: Episode 3

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The guy behind the blog series features my better half and best friend -- it's all about introducing you to the man I love. Travis, my husband, answers five questions for us so we can get to know him better. This post is linked up with other bloggers who are introducing their guys behind the blog. Unfortunately, this month Travis is an area with limited communication and was unable to send me his answers in time. So instead, I'm going to answer these questions based on what I think Travis would have said. Then, we'll see if my answers were correct when he does have a chance to answer Continue Reading

Tomato Basil Pasta

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My mom shared this recipe with me, and it sounded delicious. So I tried it out for myself, and it was definitely a winner. This Tomato Basil Pasta is easy to make and has lots of flavor. Here's what you'll need: Spaghetti -- I used veggie pasta, but you can use any regular or whole wheat Cherry tomatoes Garlic Basil leaves Olive oil Chili pepper flakes Salt and pepper Start by cutting the cherry tomatoes in half. Next, roll the basil leaves into tight cylinders and slice them into small pieces. Add the basil to the tomatoes. Mince your garlic into the mixture. Then add the Continue Reading

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