Five for Friday // Favorite Things of the Week

Hi, everyone.  Hi.  I hope you've had a great week!  Mine's been spent spring breaking in Texas, doing everything from acquiring a really awesome tan line by the pool to learning how to clean shrimp and spending several hours in the car driving semi-aimlessly around the hill country in search of a really big field of blue bonnets.  (I'm still not sure this place actually exists, although I'd like to believe it's out there somewhere.)  Adventure has been had.  Also, I'm re-watching The Office, which I think is almost as good of a life decision as watching it in the first place.  

In the spirit of enjoying this week of no school and extra sunshine, some of my favorite things:

// Decaf Vanilla Mocha Lattes.  That exists, and I've been drinking them every day.  Jealous? We're living at my grandparents' house this week, and they have lots of fancy coffee things that we don't have, so I've been taking this opportunity to channel the inner barista that I never knew I had.  It's been really fun and the highlight of my mornings.  So, yes, I've been feeling very grown up while drinking my decaf coffee with hot chocolate mix and steamed milk and 4+ pumps of vanilla syrup.  

// Sitting in a hammock.  More grandparent house perks.  I think that when I'm a real adult who drinks actual caffeinated coffee in the morning, I'm going to have a hammock instead of a bed.  Because that is the kind of decision an adult gets to make.  

// Time with Jesus.  Sometimes, I forget that taking a few minutes to spend time with God every day is really, really important.  Well, guess what?  It's really, really important.  As in, key-to-living-a-fulfilling-life important, and essential-to-being-remotely-okay-towards-other-people important.  

// Being a flower photographer.  When you go south of Michigan, there are actually things growing everywhere and it's so beautiful and foreign to me after 5 months of winter that I have to take pictures of all of them.  

// Eating all the ice cream. Our family has an unspoken tradition of eating as much ice cream as possible while on vacation.  (Apparently, almost anything can be justified by the words, "It's tradition.")  When we're traveling, there is absolutely no wrong situation, time of day, or price point for ice cream.  If it's there, we're eating it.  It's one of the things I love about my family.  

I'd love to hear some of your favorite things this week!  What have you been up to?

Cheers!

Allie

It's a Fine, Fine Life // Link-Up & Camp

Did I mention that I went to camp last weekend?  Because I did, and it was great. I'm sorry - sometimes I forget to communicate really important details like that with the people around me.  It's not that I didn't want you to know that I was going - that couldn't be further from the truth, because all I've wanted to do since arriving home on Sunday is to talk about what a great time I had.   I just forget sometimes.  Allow me to remember and bring you up to speed. 

Making the best time to camp meant rushing straight home from school on Friday, spending a frantic half hour packing as much as I could, and meeting my fellow camp goers in a church parking lot less than an hour later. We all piled into cars and vans and started the four hour drive to northwestish Michigan.  I spent the majority of the time sleeping, and it was wonderful because I needed it so badly.  School is hard.  

Making the best of our time at camp meant spending hours and hours and hours with cold, raw faces, racing down a snowy mountain on tubes made for doing just that. It meant early morning competitions and early morning hot chocolate to warm us, the spectators. 

                         

It looked like new friends and old ones to encourage us in what we're all trying really hard to do.  

It was captured in jumping just because and feeling so happy and so, so at peace. 

Making the best of our time at camp saw relationships built or rebuilt, now friends grown closer or old friends brought back.  

It resulted in tie-dye shirts (and hands - mine are still a gross shade of green) and one step closer to a challenge completed.  

Most importantly, though, a weekend full of time used in the best way focused on the important things.  It focused in so tight that room wasn't left for things that don't matter - a great reminder to me as I'm constantly crowded by things to do and voices to hear.  Less isn't bad: simplicity, unoccupied moments - that leaves time and opportunity for the people and things that need it.  Emptiness creates a space for rest and joy where before there was busy, occupying, life-draining noise.  

Psalm 62:1,5 // It is surely true that I find my rest in God. He is the God who saves me . . . Yes, I must find my rest in God. He is the one who gives me hope. 

Allie

P.S. Keep an eye out for this:

It's a Good Day When // 28 Things That Make Me Smile

So, it turns out that the things that you learn in school actually are helpful for real life.  Who knew, right?

I'm taking my first psychology class ever this year (and absolutely loving it,  nerd alert).  We're currently learning about memory in there, and I happen to think that it's really, really fascinating, (nerd alert: code red*) especially this weird thing that tends to happen to the things that we remember.  When we think back on a given day, the emotional high or low point tends to color the way that we remember the entire period - that's why throwing up on a ride at the fair causes you to remember the whole experience as a disaster even though you actually loved every other second, or the one nice thing that a person said to you on a first date can make it seem like the entire date was good, even though it was actually a little on the awkward side. 

 It's this phenomenon that explains why small things have the ability to "make our day."  When our teacher first explained all that to us, I was a little disappointed that my memory was so dishonest.  However, the sneaky, manipulative part of me quickly realized that I could work that in my favor.  It only takes one little good thing to make a whole day seem great, so I'm going to take advantage of that!  I'll listen to a song that I can really belt or take the time to make myself a food that I really like or find a way to trick a stranger into complementing me, and - BOOM - instant good day! 

For example, making cookies.  I love making cookies. If we're being honest, I think it's mostly because I get to eat them later, but I sometimes share.  I just made a huuuugggeee batch of no bakes yesterday, and if you made my day I might be persuaded to ship you one or several. Here, have some ideas to get you started.  It's a good day when . . .

// The Target dollar section is 70% off.  Yes, that is a real thing, and, yes, it's as amazing as it sounds. 

// A stranger complements me.  Next time you see a stranger with extremely white teeth or really cool earbuds and you notice, YOU TELL THEM and tell them I sent you.

// My current most favorite song of all times is on the radio.  And then it's on again on another station, immediately afterwards and so I never have to stop listening to it for five minutes.

// Someone makes me breakfast in bed.  Or in any location, really. My little sister has been really good about doing this for me for most of my birthdays since she's been able to pour cereal, and I don't want to say that I love her more because of it but my taste buds beg to differ.

// I feel like I have my life together.  This feeling doesn't occur often for me, but when it does, it's one of the best things ever. 

// I laugh at something until I cry. (Every day.)

// I nail a joke and it makes someone else laugh until they cry. (Sometimes On occasion very rarely)

// School gets called off for -12 degree weather and I get to bury myself back under alllll the blankets. 

// Someone follows me on Bloglovin.  (Shameless advertising? Perhaps.  But, TBH it genuinely does make my day.  If you don't care what I have to say, though, don't follow me, because Bloglovin' tells me when people unfollow me and I try not to let it bother me but it does the opposite of making my day.)

//  I wake up and my room is really clean and I didn't even clean it. It's never happened to me, but if it did I would be happy for at least a week. (Hey, mom!)

// I find out someone else's favorite something is the same as my favorite something.  I'm pretty sure that the day I found another person who's favorite color was yellow I almost cried.

// I don't have plans on a Saturday morning and have enough time to sleep in, make a fancy breakfast, do my devotion, work out, shower, and actually try in regards to my hair and makeup before going anywhere.  More often, I have enough time before I leave for school to kind of brush my hair, make sure I have clothing covering all of the necessary places (that makes it sound like I dress like a slut but I don't because DRESSCODE and MORALS), and eat breakfast in the car.

// The sun is shining.

// Friends is on TV right when I need it to be.  (AKA, while doing homework.)

// My whole entire family is home on the same night and we play cards and laugh and act like our usual happy, harmonious selves. (and I win.)

// I get to wear my rain boots.

// Someone gives me a free drink card for Starbucks.

// Anything that is a positive surprise happens.  Positive as in good, not as in absolute.  Please do not surprise me with the news that my dog died and expect me to be happy about it.  That's sick.

From my surprise 16th birthday party. See, I like it! 

// I accidentally discover something cool before everyone else and get to tell all of my friends about it and be a hipster.

// I do strenuous physical activity and don't feel like I'm going to die.

// It's a good hair day.

// I wear tights that actually stay on without falling off or riding up when I walk. (I.e., not today.)

// Someone brings surprise food to a class or to lunch or anytime during school. 

// Along those lines, when my friend offers to trade frosting with me so that I can eat a vanilla cupcake with chocolate frosting, that's a good day.  Why do store bought cupcakes think the cake and frosting have to match?  They don't.

// I get snail mail from an actual person with actual handwriting on it.  My grandparents do birthday cards right - they write a TON of words on them - and it's the best! 

// Someone that I like gets really good news.  I'm not even trying so sound like a nice, sensitive person, because I'm actually not.  For some reason, things like that just warm my heart. 

// I accidentally get home late because of having fun.  (Except the time when I backed into a pole and cracked the back bumper in the process.) 

// It's Friday and I get my weekly Diet Coke fix after school.  It always tastes so, so good, but I can really stop anytime I want. 

On reviewing this list, I'm noticing that most of my favorites have something to do with food or surprises, so any combination of the two should guarantee you a no bake cookie or five.

Allie

P.S. What makes it a good day in your book?

*The most extreme level of nerd alert.

Because Not Everyone Watches the Superbowl // What I've Been Reading

So, Superbowl Sunday.   Is it a good idea to even post today, when 14 million humans are expected to be locked on their TVs for the better part of the afternoon?  I think yes, because I have proof that the non-Superbowl watching American does exist.  Because last year, I may have spent the entire Seahawks-Broncos match up in bed, reading The Fault in Our Stars on my laptop with a plate of football watching food nearby.  Because I am classy. 

Are you also classy?  I hope so.  I like to think that chivalry is not dead, or whatever, and there are still those of use who prefer the company of John Green and thick blankets to that of football and real people.  (Not that football and real people are bad.  I just really want you to see the links so we can talk about them!) There's no John Green here today, but the internet's always full of good, interesting reads - here are my favorites from this week!

{ DEAR YOU WHO DOESN'T WANT TO DO THAT HARD THING }

This article effectively caused me to get up off of the couch and start a workout at 11:30 pm.  Read it, please, read it, but be prepared to do a lot of hard things afterwards.

{ 9 WAYS TO MAKE LIVING OVERSEAS A REALITY } 

{ TRUE STORY: I CHEATED ON MY HUSBAND }

The fact that this interview is about a woman who cheated on her husband makes it sound like it could be trashy and degrading; in reality, it's anything but that.  This and the following interview, which tells the other side of the story, are installments in Sarah Von Bargen's "True Story" series, in which she interview people who have gone through unique or difficult situations.  They're always tastefully, respectfully done and give a really interesting insight into a situation that I usually have not been able to understand or empathize with before.

{ TRUE STORY: MY HUSBAND CHEATED. I STAYED + WE WORKED THROUGH IT. }

{ WALKING NEW YORK'S HIGHLINE : IN PICTURES }

P.S. What did you think of this week's reads?  Did anything catch your eye / bother you / make you think? 

25 Things // Week in Review

Friday is for lists: I present to you 25 things that made this week a lot cooler than it would have been if they never would have happened.

1.  Starting "The Office" on Netflix.  I'm mostly watching it for Jim and Pam, because clearly I'm a hopeless romantic.

2.  Spitting out my tomato soup because I can't control myself when mildly funny things happen.  Even more, the fact that I definitely did not regain control after the fact and ended up a teary, tomato soup-y mess.

3.  It snowed today!

4.  And now I am up to my neck in Christmas spirit and I don't hate it.

5.  The fact that school ended 45 minutes early today.

6.  This quote: "Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention."

7.  The purchase of a Mountain Lodge scented candle from Bath and Body Works.  It's gone now, but it was fun while it lasted.

8.  Running.  I haven't run in, like, 35 years, and I'm enjoying it a lot more than I should be, which is always a pleasant surprise.

9. Chocolate chip nutella pudding cookies happened, and also banana nutella upside down cake.  That's a good, good week.

10.  Frozen yogurt got gotten, baby gummi bears included.  All about the baby gummi bears.

11.  My nail polish isn't even that chipped.

12.  The school week had once less day than it normally does, so Friday is one day earlier and I am all over that.

13. I've worn pants (as opposed to skirts, not as opposed to going pantsless) every single day, and I have been so much more comfy and warm than I thought I could ever be. 

14.  Receiving a surprise valentine.  Valentines are so much more exciting when they're given on not Valentine's day!

15.  Long, lazy weekend, complete with late sleeping mornings and pajamas all day. 

16.  Learning how to lead my small group at school devotions better by listening.

17.  On that note, the chapel that spoke right to my heart yesterday.

18.  And the crazy story of Jonathan in 1 Samuel 14 that keeps on showing up in my life.  "Perhaps the Lord will work in our favor." Yes!

19.  The Insagram hashtag #doginablanket, courtesy of The Daily Tay. 

20.  Little to no homework, erreday.  Hellloooo, senior year.

21.  On that note, time to laugh with friends and to work out after school and to write in this place.

22.  I don't know about you, but we've had some mighty fine sunsets where I live (ahem at like 5:30 which I'm not okay with.) Premature, yes, but they've been beautiful!

23.  Hearing two of my teachers talking about a song being "their jam."  I love it. 

24.  Getting enough sleep.

25.  Filling out job applications.  It's not that fun, but it's helping me get a job and I can get behind that.

Have a great weekend!

Allie

Pictures of Elephants and Cookies for Days // The Sunday Paper

Sundays are for church, long walks, big dinners, last-minute homework, and clicking all the links.  I can provide for one of the four (and, no, I will not be making my specialty (that'd be these brownies) for dinner tonight.)

Isn't this beautiful?  And the story behind it makes things even better.

 Tiffany Han is doing one of the coolest things I think I've ever heard of, ever.  As in, she's making me actually want to get rejected 100 times.

 "I would like to look at this from a perspective of not being idle or a gossip/ busybody at any stage of our lives as women who have surrendered to Christ. Because really, we have so much more to aspire to. ...There is a major difference between investing in friendships and inquiring (or stalking), thinking ' "what's her deal?" '." She's so right.

True confessions.  One brave blogger stops lying to herself ... and then shares it with the world.

What do you think? This is a tough one.

Taylor Swift has me singing nonstop and making plans to book a plane or a train or walk or whatever it takes to see her in person.  Multiple times, if possible.  And I'm completely justified - here's why!

I made the chocolate chip version of these this week and was told that they had "the perfect texture and THE ABSOLUTE  most proportional cookie to chocolate chip ratio, EVER!" (At which point I humbly accepted praise for the recipe that I obviously invented myself.)  So, her you go: all the pudding cookie recipes.

Have the best Sunday ever!

Allie

Al's Ice Bucket Challenge // For ALS

You may have seen a million or few videos just like this one popping up around the Internet and social media lately, accompanied by #ALSicebucketchallenge.  Contrary to popular belief, this trend wasn't started by a guy named Albert in hopes of drumming up business for his overpriced frozen water and popularized by peer pressure.  It's actually in pursuit of a much worthier cause than that - the viral videos help to bring support to those suffering from ALS.

Side note:  If you thought that Albert the ice guy was responsible for all of this, I'm not judging you.  That's what I thought until my little brother told me that it was my turn to dump ice water on my head, which is when I started educating myself.  

The #IceBucketChallenge was started by the ALSA to raise awareness for ALS, and their system works pretty well.  Challengees are supposed to take a video as they douse themselves with cold water and then upload that video to Instagram, Facebook or Youtube with the hashtag #IceBucketChallenge, #ALSIceBucketChallenge, or #StrikeoutALS.  They then "nominate" four ish "friends" to dump ice water on their head, and so on until your entire Instagram feed is comprised of videos of your friends dumping ice on their heads with various degrees of creativity.  The whole point is to raise awareness for ALS, and I'd say they're doing a pretty darn good job!

So far, the Ice Bucket Challenge has been hugely successful, raising over 15 million dollars for research and support for those with ALS.  Amazing, right?  The idea is that, if you don't take the challenge, you donate anywhere from $25-$100 to the ALS organization of your choice, which you can do here.  It's basically a win-win-win, and it's kind of really fun!  For evidence, please see the GIF below:

Allie

P.S.  Have you dumped cold water on yourself yet? What do you think of the challenge?

Reckless DIY // Photo Board

I've been doing some room redecorating lately.  And by "redecorating," I mean I bought some cheap acrylic paint from Michaels and have been using it to cover everything in sight until I have a collection of coral colored things big enough to help me fully qualify as a typical female right now.  Some of those objects may have been mason jars.  Typical girl level: expert.  But I love my coral mason jars so you can stop making me feel like I'm not unique now!

One of the first pieces of decor in my room to fall victim to Hurricane Coral was this butterfly photo board. 

Kind of sad looking, isn't it?  To be fair to the poor little guy, this picture was taken after

The Dog Days of Summer // Literally, A Post Dedicated to Photos of My Adorable Dog

 You guys don't even know how much time I have spent wishing I was my dog this past year.  Throughout the last ten months, school got hard, friendships got complicated, and I got a bad haircut, all of which left me with this ridiculous jealousy of our Shih Tzu puppy who, by the way, is uneducated, rarely fights with his peers, and looks cute regardless of the way his fur is laying that day.  I'd look up from an impossible equation to see Eddie chilling on the air conditioning vent (pun intended), and ask him, out loud and very hopefully, if we could please switch places for the day.

Basically, I've been prepared for today's Blog Everyday in July prompt for quite a while.  It took about twenty seven seconds from the moment I started to thinking about who I'd want to switch places with for the day to the moment I decided to write about my dog.

If I was Eddie, I'd start my day off in the bed that I stole from the cat (who moved out shortly thereafter) to do some reading.

After that, that lady who feeds me every day would probably wake up and take me for a walk.  And I would prance around and smell / pee on whatever I wanted to and no one would care.  Not that that is necessary a high priority of mine, but I'm just saying.  That's how it would be. 

By the time we'd get back, the kids would be awake, and if I stared at them long enough like this:

or if that didn't do it, like this: 

they'd most likely play with me. 

After all that play, I'd get down to business and throw down with the soccer ball that I'd been trying to intimidate into submission since I could remember.

There! Got it. 

At some point, I'd have to pose with the fans.  You gotta think about the little people. 

I'd try to look very interested, of course, but I'd have so many important things to do! 

Like, for instance, tracking bugs in the grass . . . 

and being my usual heartbreaker of a self.  

And at the end of the day, I'd find myself a washcloth fresh from the dryer and fall asleep, because being a very cute black dog is apparently a lot more work that it's cracked up to be. 

The only problem with the whole switching places with Eddie thing is that I couldn't link up with Juliette, Faith, and Allie, despite whatever fantastical ideas Dog with a Blog is planting in impressionable little kids' minds.  Disney channel is just not the same anymore. 

Love, 

Allie

If you could switch places with someone for the day, would you?