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!

Tulle Me Around

As promised... Fall edition: Tulle Skirt

This was the best Hob Knob buy...Ever. If you have never been to Hob Knob.. That is for another post. There are so many combinations for this skirt. Its a fun, yet classy outfit.  I got it half off in a boutique booth, but can be found online just about anywhere! I bought a small and would say they are true to their size. These are just a few of my favorite ways to wear this.

Pearl necklace- JCrew

Denim button down

9 West heels- TJ Maxx

Flannel- JCrew

Black heels - Mom's Closet...

My "large and in charge" prescription glasses

Floral heel- Von Maur

Orange tunic- TJ Maxx

Necklace- JCrew

 Photographer: Nita K.

Coffee and Cupcakes

After one long and busy week it was so nice to have a girls day! We even matched in your leather jackets and skinny jeans. I absolutely love fall.. Scarves, warm colors, coffee dates..

My friend is one special gal! She always knows the best places to go to.. Cream and Flutter in Champaign has stole my heart. 

Happy Fall Y'all. 

National Coffee Day

Mug shot for national coffee day! Growing up with my mom having a coffee shop, coffee is more than just a wake up call for me.. 

It smells like home ☕ 

Love this mug from TJ Maxx.. Where else would I get it?

Old with Gold

My moms decor is southern chic.. Prints, rustic, and glitz. She has dark wood, cheetah, and farm paintings all in the same room (and yes she rocks it). If you look at my mini apartment in the basement you can see some similar style (on account to we do "shop" in the same storage area for decor). I love my beige walls, red checkered rocking chair, and white furniture and bedding. But I am obsessing over pairing gold with antiques. If I can cross anything crisp, fresh, and bright with something rustic and timeless I am one happy girl.

After changing my room color and bedspreads many times over the years, I swear by beige walls and white bedding. I can bring in any color scheme and style with that. The interior designer inside of me has wheels turning lately. So many fun, new ideas!

Love The Blush

I'm always looking for anything cute, but comfy.

This blush tunic and black leggings was perfect for dinner last night. Paired with Cheetah sandals (of course) and an opal-colored necklace.

I'm ready for more fall clothes!

"Cheese and More.."

I was pretty excited for Labor Day Weekend. Spent Saturday at the Arthur Cheese Festival, cutting cheese with Dee Brown, handing out cheese and crackers, hanging out with our favorite meteorologist (Derick Fabert), met a bird named Gaby and rode in the parade. The Vineyard worship team played on the stage that afternoon and it made my day to hear them across the festival.

Big shout out Matt Bernius for pancakes early Saturday morning! 

Thanks to everyone who makes this festival happen. I am so impressed with the Arthur Community.

Love bonding time with my Moultrie-Douglas family ❤

Labor Day Lift

Hit shoulders and abs this morning on our day off. After a week filled of being sick and working in the heat it felt good to get back in the swing of things.

Shoulder press, lateral raise, front raise, and bent over rear delt, and finish with an ab circuit.

Lately I like doing 20-40 mins of eliptical with weight resistance as cardio. Depending on what I've ate that day for carbs and my activity before being at the gym, I vary my cardio time. Ex: days that I am running errands and working, I'll do maybe 20-25 mins. Compared to days I am studying and doing homework I'll do 40 mins.

This program is designed for the first 4 weeks to have no cardio, but I've tweaked it to fit my needs.

On a sidnote, what kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn't steal his things? I love the reminder this bracelet gives when you look at it, but especially during a workout. #inJesusnameIplay 

OOTD

Disclaimer: I don't leave the house without cheetah.. Also, if you didn't know the Cheetah girls seriously were doing things right.

Say I "got it from my momma", but we love our prints. From sandals, flats, bags, clothing.. You name it we own it. One big reason I appreciate living at home still: sharing closets and being the same size as my mom.

This was taken before DuQuoin State Fair Southern Hospitality luncheon this past weekend.
Red dress: Vince Camputo
Sandals are cheetah (bought at Von Maur last season)

Welcome Sign

Think for a minute... Would you hire yourself? Would you make a point to greet yourself? What sign are you hanging on your door?

Oh how I love these questions God has asked me recently. I got to thinking, am I being welcoming? Approachable? These challenging questions made me see a much larger picture... especially regarding the gym.

Normally there are two types of people in the gym: The type who push each other, work as a group to reach a goal, and are so welcoming. Or there is the group that leaves their headphones in, works better by themselves, and is in beast mode when they hit the door. I have noticed I am a good combination of both these types. I find that when I am in the room with another person who the second type, I am very unlikely to introduce myself or start a conversation. How enlightening is that?

God built my character to strive to inspire others... I've always known that about myself. What I didn't know is that sometimes I show a "Closed" or "Unavailable" sign when I am working out. Lets just say I did not like what He was trying to tell me. Its very hard to inspire, motivate, and push others to reach their goals is your welcome sign isn't out.

#Rolloutyourwelcomesign
#Strivetoinspire
#Godisgood

Summer Recovery: SOS

About a month and a half ago I came down with mono, the week I was crowned to be exact. I then spent my sick summer relaxing and eating fair food when I was at events... Because I am still feeling wiped out and no motivation to get back in my fitness program, I decided I should just make my own plan according to MY goals and needs. My fitness journey really is not about anyone else other than me, anyways.

Obviously using my favorite journal and pens (Thank you, TJ Maxx).

I started with my goals... What do I want from this program?

Then planned out steps to take action.

Thought about my favorite supplements and decided which were going to help along with my goals. Disclaimer: IF you are not eating clean and exercising, supplements will not do their jobs fully.

I wrote out what I really need to drink more of and what I am going to allow.. Coffee..(for the safety of the people who have to interact with me) and one cheat meal per week.

There was a "Come to Jesus moment" when I had to ask myself why I fail to do this daily now. I came to the conclusion that I am simply unprepared.

"SO prepare or expect to fail."
Tomorrow I start my 3 Day Detox. Pretty positive the saying is "Anyone can quit anything for 5 days..." but 3 works too!

Here's to the next few days of getting back on a lifetime fitness journey. Tell me your favorite ways to jump back on the Gain-Train! #fairgainzgottago

Apple Dumpling

Saturday was one eventful day in Atwood for the Apple Dumpling Festival. Miss Atwood, Miss Cerro Gordo and myself all were involved in judging and emceeing the baby pageant. Always a lot of fun working with other royalty! That afternoon we had the parade (the first parade for Moultrie Douglas Royalty). Thanks to my sweet driver for sweating it out and eating candy with me! And big thanks to my little miss's mom, Sondi, for doing my hair and being the photographer for the day.

Next up: Cheese Festival, Arthur

What I Wish I Would Have Known

     "If what others say about you don't directly match up with what God says about you, then it is a lie."

     God says we are valuable, restored, and forgiven. This was so enlightening. I wish I would have known this much sooner.
      I had two choices every time I was hurt by others: I could feed off negativity and question who I was or to brush it off remembering that it's one opinion that doesn't compare to who I really am. It doesn't compare to what my creator knows or thinks about me.
     I remember starting every first day of high school dreading what was to come. I soon realized its all about the attitude you have. Instead of dreading everyday and just waiting for those four years to end, make the most of your time by doing what makes you happy.
     Here's to my next two years in the PTA program and to everyone who is kicking off their school year this week!