What makes my heart happy...

It's been a sweet forever since I've updated this blog of mine. I'm a horrible blogger... I rarely post and when I do it's just a random assortment of thoughts. That's okay though because every now and then updating this piece of the world wide web makes my heart happy! :)

I like to occasionally update with products/things that make my heart happy! It's fun to look back on and see different things that I obsess over at different times of the year/seasons of life. Here's what is currently making my heart smile right now...

1. These flats! I mean, they are seriously one of the prettiest shoes I've ever seen. I can't wait to pair them with casual outfits..

2. I've been trying to do my nails at home more and save some $. This is THE best stuff ever. It works wonders on hands. I try to use it about twice a week in the shower. I just keep it next to my shower gel so I don't forget. Love, love, love it!! 

3. A couple of weeks ago I was ready for some spring bath goodies! I read about this on a blog and decided to give it a whirl. Holy smokes! Lemon Escape is my new favorite smell EVER! I have it in scrub, shower gel, lotion and spray.. Yep, I'm obsessed! This stuff is good for my soul...

4. These soft cargo pants from Target have changed my life. God really does want me to be happy! I bought these in green and black and I'm considering buying a second pair in each color... I want to live in these and I kind of have been. They look awesome paired with a cute wedge.. 

5. Bamboo's Smooth Kendi Oil is some great stuff! I'm loving this brand for hair products! I've been a Wella girl for almost 3 years, but Bamboo is becoming my favorite lately! I have the oil, shine brilliance cream, powder texture and the shine mist spray... Love, love, love it all.. so much!

What's making your heart smile lately? I'm heading into a six day school week. Yep, you read that right. We have school this coming Saturday. Here's to hoping for a lot of patience and laughter this week... Have a great week!

2014 Goals

Happy 2014! We had an amazing Christmas filled with a lot of family time + down time. It was so nice! I'd be lying if I said I was ready to go back to work. I've seriously only worked 10 days in the last six weeks.. It all started with a week off at Thanksgiving, 5 snow days and 2 weeks off for Christmas break. I feel out of my routine and even though I'm not ready... It's time for reality again.

Our big tree and fireplace this season. I will never tire of this view and you better believe that tree is staying up until the end of January!

Our New Years was great too. We spent the evening eating Mexican food and playing games with some of our friends. It was a great way to ring in the new year. I usually don't make any real resolutions that I remember and work on throughout the year. This year I have a few things that I've been thinking about and I know there are some changes to be made! I'd like to think of them as my goals for 2014...

+ Stop. Stressing. Out. I tend to stress over a lot of things in my life... I want to work on having peace with every aspect of my life. I need to let things go and realize at the end of the day I did the best I could with what I have and let. it. go.

+ Read my Jesus Calling book each day. I love this book and I read some of it last year but my reading was very spotty. Sometimes I read it, sometimes I didn't. When I went through spells of reading it each day, what I mentioned above improved. Funny how that works.

+Spend less money on clothes/shoes and save more for house projects, school, etc. I LOVE to shop. And I won't ever quit shopping. :) With that said though, I have A LOT of clothes/shoes. I want to be content with what I have and try to be more creative with my closet. Ty and I have a few projects up our sleeve for our house and the more we save.. the faster we can do those projects!

+Start a master's program. I'd love to start this in the Fall. Part of me dreads the idea of going back to school.. but, it's now or never! I choose now!

+Remember to always count my blessings and savor time with my family. I feel like the last couple of months my heart has learned a lot about being content and positive. I've learned how good I have it and I hope I always remember to stop and be thankful for the amazing people/things I have in my life.

So, there ya have it. My hopes and dreams for 2014!

Wish List

I'm on my sixth snow day and to say that cabin fever has set in would be an understatement. Yikes! I won't deny that the down time has been very nice. I very rarely spend a whole day at home.. I almost can't do it.. But when roads are covered in ice, I have no choice. It's been a nice change but the thought of all that's waiting to be done at school is taking over and I'm ready to go back. 

This year I've been doing most of my Christmas shopping online. There's nothing better than being in your pjs, wrapped in a blanket, watching a Christmas movie and shopping away! I used to hate online shopping, but now it's quickly becoming my favorite way to shop. 

I've put together a wish list of all things I'd love to give (all found online) this year! 

Let's do this...

1. Winter Hats

Nothing says happy winter like a beanie. Beanies make great stocking stuffers for the hat lover in your life! Click here for some of my favorite options! If they are embellished.. even better!!

2. Faux Fur Throws

Target has some great options that are affordable. Fur throws are chic and will add a perfect touch to most any room! I'd squeal this Christmas if I opened up a faux fur throw. 

3. Bath and Body Works Candles

These make my heart happy! I burn through them in about a week.. It's a problem. The first thing I do when I get home from work during the holiday season is 1. turn on the Christmas trees and 2. light a candle and turn on my scentsy. It instantly makes my house cozier. These make PERFECT gifts and they run them 2 for $22 always. An $11 gift? Yes please! 

4. Scarves

Gap's cozy scarves are the softest things you've ever felt. I put one on my list and I'm hoping it finds a way under the tree! If I'm buying for someone that's not my immediate family, I prefer to stick to stores that make things easy to return in case the person wants to exchange. Also, plaid is pretty safe because who doesn't love a little plaid in their life?

5. Pajamas

Every year I put a pair of VS flannel pjs on my list. In my opinion, you can't beat em! They are so very comfy, soft and hold up great! I have pairs from years ago that I still wear.. I actually put the pair in the picture above on my list. They come in precious prints and a variety of sizes/lengths. And at $50 a set... it's a great, affordable gift! They are also running a deal where you get a free pair of slippers with your pjs.. perfection!

6. Personalized Totes

I've never had a Thirty-One tote but I've seen them and they are great! Plus, everyone loves opening up something that's personalized. Get it monogrammed and it instantly adds a little something special! 

7. Bath and Body Works: Bath Products

This stuff seriously makes my heart happy! Even though it's a Christmas scent... this will be perfect all the way until March.. It's yummy, warm and cozy! Everybody would love to open up shower gel and body creme in Vanilla Bean Noel this Christmas. I keep a bottle on my desk and if I use it throughout the day, I'm guaranteed a FABULOUS day... 

8. Necklace

Please look at this Juicy Couture Pave ID necklace!! It comes in silver, gold and rose gold. This is the perfect necklace to layer or wear by itself. Juicy has all of their necklaces on sale and who wouldn't love a little juicy under their tree this year?

Happy shopping!!!