Love You a Latte

One of my favorite things to do is treat my friends to a good cup of coffee. It's a nice gesture to show you're loved.. Plus there is always good company and conversation when coffee is involved. Nothing warms my soul like some girl time and a big latte. 

I think my boyfriend is catching on.. Such a sweet surpise to wake up to! Hint, hint for those boyfriends out there.. You can't go wrong with a surpise coffee.

What do you do to show your friends some love?
#mugoflove #loveyoualatte

12-7

Congrats! We made it through Monday... Not just any Monday- Finals Week Monday.

    

    Yesterday's message hit home in a few soft spots of mine. Hearing God speak into my life by others had me speechless many times. February, this year, I heard the Father speak directly to me. (Correction: I learned how to listen carefully and seek Him.) Most things being so special I just keep it between the two of us. Although, some promises have yet to be put into action, I see that it teaches me patients and tests my faith. He has provided me with what I knew I needed and things I didn't even know to ask for. 

     The message said that if God has spoken into your life and you have been waiting for Him to make these promises happen.. Rejoice in Him and have faith, for He will always make it happen. I love this reassurance. It always leaves so much excitement for what He has in the works.

    The second point being about spiritual gifts. As I'm still unwrapping mine everyday I realize I am someone who gives hope. I know when I am supposed to act on this because my heart starts pounding and I am asking God if I really have to go out of my comfort zone to talk to someone or ask if I can pray with them. I love that it was prayed over the whole church to step out with the Holy Spirit when He is telling you to use your gift. This week I am excited to use what I have been given and not be nervous when I am called to use it.

     If the sermon was inspirational for you leave a comment and share why! I would love to hear what others thought.

Sweet as Pie

Sweet as pie... Pie.. Which is what I will not be having for the next 30 days! I started the 30 Days Out program today in preparation for Miss Illinois in January! You can check out the program on Body Building. The boyfriend and I are going to try our best to get shredded. This is when my grandparents were back home from Florida.. Doing what we do best- eating dessert.  Can anyone guess where we were?

#Firefly #30daysout

Parade of Queens

A big part of my heart and soul is for the residents of my local nursing homes. After mentoring for a year in the therapy department of a nursing home, I was sold on specializing in geriatrics. In December I can finally say it will only be a year and a half until that is a reality. Trust me that sounds so much nicer than two years. The people I encountered every day in therapy shaped me into the person I am today. They watched me grow and taught me so much about myself. There were very memorable and funny moments I shared with each resident. More than that, they reminded me everyday why I am pursuing Physical Therapy.

So for every obvious reason, my community service project as Miss Moultrie Douglas is set right where my heart lies. Our local nursing homes will be having a Parade of Queens. We decorated wheelchairs and walkers, paraded up and down halls, and saw many smiles.

I couldn't of done this without all the help from some awesome people! Their support means so much.

Noteworthy in Navy

 Yes, I'm a proud fan of wearing dark colors... all the time. So I have to really try to add a pop of color into my wardrobe. Here are some of my favorite navy pieces with color.

I'll bet there is a gorgeous navy dress (or a few) at the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant come January... It's the color this year!

And NO... I was not referring to myself. Although, we have been hard at work preparing my community service project that will start this coming Saturday as we visit a local nursing home for a Parade of Queens. I am so excited to decorate walkers and wheelchairs and parade around with some of the most influential people I've ever met. Along with my service project, I've been reading my speech and perfecting every word the past two weeks. Walking on that stage some people will remember you by your dress, your pop question, or maybe even just your stage presence. I want people to remember me by my speech. It will tell the crowd a big part me, in exactly 60 seconds and that is so important to me. Lastly, we have been having such a boring time picking out my state wardrobe... If you know me at all you know that last statement is false. That is always one of the best parts of prepping for any event from prom, your county pageant, or even the Miss Illinois 2016 pageant!

To all of my new queen friends, I am so excited to see each of you in two short months!

Now that you've have been slightly updated on queen duties.. Here's some of my fall navy favorites...

Rain boots and lace leg warmers

Pink scarf

Denim-on-Denim

Jogger pant (So comfy- its like fancy sweat pants)

Mustard top- This season at Old Navy

Not pictured- Nude heels

Featuring my mom and I at the Sparrows Unlimited Reverse Raffle and my brothers beautiful girlfriend at homecoming

Blazer jacket

Green JCrew scalloped dress

Cheetah wedges

 Share with me your favorite navy combinations!

XOXO

G

Oh My, Gypsy Soul

Oh, you get me every time, Darby!

One of my favorite shops is right in the heart of my home town... It started as a mother-daughter duo living their dream of revamping antiques and vintage materials. Their shop is filled with anything from jewelry, clothing, antiques, and many more treasures. 

I have had my eye on one of these flannels for a long time. I love the color, fit, fringe, and the detail on the back. There are so many options and no two are the same! Every time I have walked into the shop, Darby has been hard at work sewing each of these. I admire her dedication, creativity, and passion to follow her dreams! 

You can check out their website at www.gypsysoulrevival.org to read their story, blog, and see all of their 

 goodies. Or stop by their shop downtown Sullivan at 10 S. Washington.

Last but not least... Watch for the November 1st Edition of Altered Couture Magazine, where their Bridal Collection will be featured.

Thank you, Darby and Sheri, for sharing your work with our small town! 

#gypsysoul

Pray Big

Hello Bloggeramigos...
I am not a morning person... Unless I get to lay in bed and have coffee first (Which is rare)! The first thing I see is this pillow from Gordmans. How awesome is it to wake up being reminded the power of prayer? It totally changes my morning. I believe I forgot how much I love Gordmans for home decor and gifts. This might have been bought for my boyfriends home, but somehow it made it to my couch...  Sorry Trav!

Another bright point this past week was I made it through the 10 virtues of the Proverbs 31 Women. My best friend and I discussed how we can take our personal time with the word to the next level. Starting everyday with one of these virtues and to journal how I can apply this to my everyday life, changed my heart. All day the verse is on my mind and keeps me at peace when things get stressful! I am so thankful to have a wide variety of relationships that are so open to reading, praying, and studying the word together.

Stay tuned for a new fall outfit update later this week!