I am moving to Waco in a few weeks and am trying to figure out the style of decor that I want to use. I have a red microfiber couch that I am using and I have a yellow lamp. I didn't really want to go fancy shmancy, but I wanted to go livable. With that in mind I have found several pieces that I could see myself buying. I have recently fallen in love with Craigslist (Furniture) and Etsy (furniture) and of course Ebay, however my favorite is Etsy. Soo many fun things out there!
Here is the dilemma I have:
Kitchen:
I have a kitchen and nothing for it! I have one crockpot! Thats it haha. I will eventually need decor in there, but to get started I need a kitchen table and chairs. The place I am living has a bar, so I will also need bar stools.
I love the look of this barnwood kitchen table. I feel like it will last me a LONG time and this particular table with one bench is $200 which I think is very reasonable. And these bar stools are $30 a piece and I would only need 2! I would most likely paint them a really fun color - (yellow?) What do you think? If I go for this rustic chic look - will it compliment the red couch I have?
Door:
Right when you walk in there is enough room for a bench of some kind to place a basket on and a couple of hooks above it.
I love this red bench ($64) and it only measures about 34 inches long and they say it sits pretty close to the ground. What do you think about putting this by the door and placing a wicker basket on top of it and these hooks ($9) above it. Oh and I would love to get a framed mirror for by the door ($190 - obviously not this EXPENSIVE mirror)! I just think mirrors are so elegant taking up space!
Living Room: I have the Red couch, but nothing else. I was thinking I will need to end tables, a coffee table, a chair, and an entertainment set - maybe 2 chairs.
Going along with this shabby/rustic chic look - I am thinking about mimicking either of these 2 designs for my living room entertainment area... What do you think?
These are my thoughts - my red couch with some white and rustic pillows, 2 end tables (yet to be determined) with lamps (very symmetrical) and then to carry the rustic over into the living room - I love this barn wood table that has been sanded and refurnished. I could easily use that as my coffee table. For above my couch I love that barn wood and picture theme - I was even thinking of going to Staples's and getting an industrial print 3 feet by 4 feet and placing it on top of some old wood that I (doctor) up over Christmas Break.
For my entertainment set area - I was thinking of just using this bench and mounting my TV on the wall and placing things on the bench under the TV (like the picture on the left). I don't know if I would use lamps over there - but I have tons of pictures, that I could even hang on the wall - or it could just be really simple (I might aim for simple) What are your thoughts?
After that these are just some of my other knick-knacks that I have found that I like and I would like to use somewhere in the house.
I love this curtain thing in my room: The BIG question is if I don't have a posted bed like that will it look as cool? And I am not quite sure I like the Sun Mirror in the middle. But I love the black and whites over on the far wall! Very simple! LOVE IT!! (my cousin Meg always nags me, I love the way simple looks, but I am ALWAYS saying I need more on the walls!)
I ALSO LOVE THE PILLOWS on this bed :) I need more pillows on mine. All I have is 2 yellow and one green in the middle. And this full length mirror inside of a door - I really wanna try this - anyone with me?!
This Room is also a favorite - I don't know if I could be that chic though with the way my living room will look?
Which of the bed rooms are your favorite? I am looking for some honest feedback here because I move in a little over a month! AHH.
HELP HELP HELP. COMMENT COMMENT COMMENT!
You can find all of this stuff on my Pinterest - click the button at the top or just click here!
I thought since today is too fat Tuesday I would share with you the fat things that I like to indulge in during the holiday times, namely Halloween. Halloween is right around the corner, so I thought I could also share some recipes with you of some fun treats to try for your friends or with your little ones around the house!
First:
PEANUT BUTTER PUMPKIN MAN
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 tbsp honey or agave nectar
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 tbsp ground flax
peanut butter chips, for melting
a couple squares of your favorite chocolate
Melt the peanut butter and honey together in a small microwavable bowl until easily stirred. Mix until well blended. In another bowl, combine oats and flax. Pour the peanut butter mixture into the oat mixture and mix together. It may seem dry at first, but just keep mixing. Form the now combined mixture into balls and place on a plate. Chill in freezer overnight. The next day, melt peanut butter chips in a small bowl (I used a ramekin). If desired, thin the mixture with a bit of milk (I did this). Using a toothpick, fork, of your hands if you don't mind getting a bit messy, dip the frozen peanut butter balls into the melted peanut butter chip and twist a bit to coat.
Set back on plate. Repeat with each ball before returning them to freezer to let peanut butter coating harden (about an hour or so). Once hardened, cut chocolate pieces into rectangular chunks and place on top of balls to make pumpkins. You may have to melt the bottom of the chocolate a bit to get it to stick on top. Return balls to freezer until serving time.
These are the best treats ever!! (especially if you like peanut butter like I do!!) This next great has a lot of peanut butter as well! I promise last peanut butter treat!
GHOST COOKIES!!
My mom has been making these for ages! All you need is one package of nutter butter cookies and one package of white chocolate candy coating. Melt the candy coating (be careful and only melt 30 seconds at a time because it will burn and mess up all of your white chocolate). Then dip your nutter butter halfway in and let the excess white chocolate drip off before laying the cookie down on parchment paper. Before the chore chocolate drys - place two chocolate chip morsels on it for eyes! It is quick and simple and will make such a fun tailgate food, party appetizer, or even holiday gift!! Plus they are super delicious!!
The next treat is a great dish to make with your family during the holidays for the best meal... BREAKFAST!
One of my favorite favors this time of year is pumpkin. My mom makes a delicious pumpkin bread that I will share with you in a couple of days that is absolutely to die for! This recipe is a spin off of a classic breakfast casserole where you soak bread overnight and back for 30 minutes in the morning. Granted, it does have quite a bit of prep time. It is worth it. Especially for those mornings where you just want to lay around in bed, I lay around with Baylor, but those of you with sweeties - this is a great dish to make the night before - wake up and put in the oven, and snuffle for that extra 30 minutes you always want!!
Pumpkin French Toast Bake
Sweet and spicy pumpkin french toast is made the night before for an easy, early-morning preparation.
Ingredients
3 1/2 – 4 1/2 cups 1-inch bread cubes (about half of a loaf and use wheat bread for best absorbency).
7 large eggs
2 cups milk (any kind)*
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup pumpkin BUTTER (or 1/2 cup pumpkin puree)*
3-4 tablespoons brown sugar for topping
nuts, like pecan or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Cut any kind of bread into 1-inch cubes – I recommend a crusty, whole grain variety, but sandwich bread will work, too. Just use enough slice to fill a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish quite full.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla and pumpkin butter until well combined. Pour over bread and push down with a spoon or your hands until it’s all soaked and mostly covered. Cover with saran wrap or lid and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees, uncover and top with brown sugar and nuts (optional). Bake for 35-45 minutes or golden brown and no longer wet.
Serve immediately with maple syrup, honey or agave nectar. Store leftovers in the refrigerator covered for up to a couple days.
Notes
* I make my own pumpkin butter this time of year, so I use that, but if you are using the canned pumpkin I would use half of the can - I think it's like one cup pumpkin puree.
This is absolutely my favorite time of year! Try these recipes out with your loved ones !! I promise they will not disappoint. My sister loves this last one because coupled with some good old fashioned log cabin maple syrup you are in for a sweet and pumpkin-y treat! I love fall because with nutmeg, pumpkin, and cinnamon, plus of the different spices that we use this time of year - you can actually taste the leaves changing and the crisp air outside in every bite!
That is what makes cooking so wonderful! Especially this time of year!
Tomorrow is whatcha want Wednesday and I am going to show you some things that I want for my house. I will need your opinion though because I am a bit of a clutter-holic. I don't know when to stop and I dont know how to pick ONE theme! I just pick what I like and throw it together.
Because I am moving to Waco for a while, I really want this to feel like a cozy home. A place that I can have company and that I can "grow up" a little with. So I need your help!! PLEASE!
Also, I know we are a few weeks removed from the tragedy that struck the Turner family, but please remember them in your prayers. Julee has a long road ahead of her and the more prayers that are out there the more comfort that will surround her. I truly believe that Jesus sends us ANGELS to help us. let's pray for Julee and Preslee that angels surround them during this time. And let's not forget, Matt's mother. She has lost her husband, to leukemia (7 years ago), and now her son. What a heart break. If anything, pray for her sanity and her reliance on God and HIS PLAN AND HIS CONTROL during these times.
After spending a year in Waco, I had decided that I was done with Texas and I would always be a Little Rock native and homebody. After spending nearly 6 months at home, I am moving back to Waco - to finish my degree in Sports Management and to start a life of my own. Here is my story and how Jesus has changed my heart...
Last spring, my heart was gearing up for one of the best summers and runs at Miss Arkansas I could have ever dreamed for. I was ready to be in Arkansas and I was ready to be with my family. Because I was already living my life in Arkansas, while still in Waco, I wasn't able to completely devote myself to my time and my friends there (Kellie and Rachael below). I was merely living day to day and going through the motions.
In July, after Miss Arkansas, a number of opportunities opened up for me in Arkansas, including an incredible internship at the University of Central Arkansas, so I decided that a much needed semester at home coupled with a God send internship was just what I needed.
In no time at all I quickly fell in love with a church family in Little Rock, my work family at UCA, and loved being at home with my sister and family. For the first time in a year I was able to go to family lunch and sit and watch tv with my mom at night and was included on the family chit-chat during the day. I loved every minute of it.
By the end of my seventh week home, some things in my heart started changing. People began asking me for my future plans after grad school ends in May. I answered very matter-of-factly every single time, I am moving to NorthWest Arkansas and getting a house and working for the University of Central Arkansas. It is where my friends are, my university (the state university) is, and of course a job! But something in the pit of my stomach was not right. I had this feeling once before, about a year ago, when I was saying (matter-of-factly) that I would marry a boy named Taylor Clark. This feeling had come back. Which meant that something was not right with the Man upstairs.
I began praying for discernment of the Holy Spirit and the work it was doing in my soul. And then I began the infamous Beth Moore JAMES study. It is amazing. (And I am a horrible student of it right now - I mean seriously, I have missed 2 weeks in a row!) The first week she discussed family and you can read about that HERE in my older post. I am learning that I shouldn't judge a place because I am not close to my family - you can make new family wherever you are. No, they aren't your biological and "real" family - but they are your spiritual family. They can pick you up in times you need and have fun and go see movies on Sunday afternoons. This family, I was beginning to shape and form in Waco last spring, however, I abandoned ship and I left Waco to come to a more comfortable place.
I feel like God is showing me that comfort is not necessarily what we need. I thought that God was putting my back in Arkansas to develop a sports network, to work on a job for May, but what God was really doing - was giving me a "GRACE PERIOD" a period of my life that I can take my glasses off, clean the lenses, and look through them with a new perspective. This perspective is the perspective that counts.
It is with God's help and his mercy, strength, and confidence I am returning to Waco in January. I am not just returning for the semester, or the year, but to plant roots. To grow as an individual and to grow as woman of God. I know that God will open a lot of doors for me as I take this HUGE leap of faith and head back down there. But I know now, more than ever, that Waco is going to be my home and that God is preparing big things for me when I get back!
Please pray for my continued efforts in discerning God's truth and the Holy Spirit's words. That I don't put words in Their mouths or emotions in the feelings that I am getting, but that I make decisions based one hundred percent on God's plan for my life.
I also want to ask you to pray for friends of mine. I have only met them a couple of times, but they are special to me in several ways. They are native to Arkadelphia - my families home town, they are best friends of my family, and the are in laws of some of my closest friends. But most importantly they are my Ouachita Family.
People often ask what is so special about Ouachita, well you see, no matter when you went there - you are always family and in times of need and tragedy and joys and celebration - Ouachita Family is there and supporting you. I ask that you take a moment and pray for Julee Bell Turner and her family as they mourn the loss of her husband, Matt Turner. Matt was an incredible Father and Husband and to learn more you can visit THV's website. Matt and Julee have a 10 month old precious baby girl named Preslee. As they prepare for the funeral and for honoring Matt's 32 years on this earth, friends and family are giving back.
Several Ouachita friends are donating proceeds this week to the Preslee Turner College Fund. If you want to donate: Please do. It is supporting a family in need and a family that needs more prayer and support than we can probably give them, but that is what is so neat about God.... He is ALL WE NEED. And his hands and arms are covering the Bell-Turner Family tonight.
Don't just remember them this week or next week... but the upcoming months will be the hardest and remember them in a year, in 2 years. They will still need your support then.
Go shop and donate - and give to this family that needs your support and prayers.
Guys - I am terrible at this blog thing. But here I am. I am officially doing it now!
Most people know that I am currently at Baylor University getting my master's in Sports Management - and for some reason people are always surprised by that interesting fact. It could be because when I attempted to play sports in high school... I sat the bench. Or it could be that when I run this is how I feel ::
When people think about Sports Management - they think athletic, coaching, in shape, or even professional athlete. I, however, I am none of the above. So why am I Sports Management? Because I love sports. My favorite of the sports: Baseball. That sport, more than any other, raises more questions because it is often associated with being the longest, most boring sport - yet, it is and has been my favorite.
I decided to answer the most popular question - how did you start to love sports... namely baseball..
So here is my TOP 10!
10. Spirit
There is nothing better then a school or a team with a lot of spirit. Not only does spirit provide a sense of connection with the team and the players - but it is the soul of the sport. It also provides an outlet for my credit card and shopping habits. I experienced this first with my first love: St. Louis Cardinals and then my growing up with the Arkansas Razorbacks everything is Red and White and Woo Pig and so connected to the university. I love seeing someone in another state with a razorback shirt on - you immediately know that you will have one thing in common... spirit.
9. My Dad
When my parents got divorced I made a decision to start involving myself with things that my dad liked so that I could do something with him that he enjoyed and would enjoy doing with me. That included going to Cardinals and Razorback games. I started teaching myself about the sports and wanted to be able to carry a conversation with him - so I learned, and overtime sports became apart of my life and something I loved!
8. Dedication
It amazes me how much time and effort and dedication athletes put into things. Watch this video.
When I first watched this video I cried. I know it's crazy - but the drama, the emotion, and the willpower behind training for an event for 4 years is something to admire. And I admire the dedication of athletes, and it makes me want to get involved and be involved.
7. SportsCenter
There is no other tv show or station on television that provides as much drama and as much entertainment than ESPN. I love it. At first, SportsCenter overwhelmed me because I had no idea about most of the things they talked about. But then I figured it out. The lightbulb went off! If you follow the scroll on the Left on the tv - it shows you what they are talking about and in the order they talk about it! Every show should have that. It keeps you intrigued. If I see something baseball in 4 minutes - I am going to continue to watch it. It also doesn't drag out - they talk and move on! The best of both worlds.
6. History
The history of sport has been my favorite class in grad school. Learning about how Aristotle, Plato, Socrates all believed that sport was crucial to the development of a person - excites me. I am already a history nerd. I love learning about what people did to survive and how they fought for their lives and livelihood. I would like to think that we are still a generation who does that - but sometimes I doubt that. But even with the turmoil in the world - sport remains the same. Dirt, jerseys, and sweat all combine to give the
5. The Athlete Persona
This is a lot like Dedication. However, athlete's act differently. It is something that I want so badly. And is #2 on my list - so keep reading. But one of my good friends played soccer in college. She is so funny but so dedicated and I love that (#8). But the thing that makes the athlete persona different - is they live and breathe their sport. They live and breathe to be on the field playing, to eat healthy, work out in off season, and to strive to be the best at what they do. They have this drive and this determination to win and to compete and push themselves beyond what typical people do. That encourages me. That is why I love sports. That persona makes me want to be an athlete however, I am not. But thats why I am involved.
4. My Family
Every boy in my family, plays a sport - my cousin Alex recently got signed to play baseball for the Razorbacks next year. I grew up around the game. I love the game. And I love my family - so I was always around.
3. For Love of the Game
It's a perfect display of both handwork, dedication, love of the game, and love of the girl. It's my perfect movie - and in 1999 when it made its debut - I loved it. I love sports and I love romance. Even though the scenes with Kelly Preston are kind of cheesy and definitely prolong the perfect baseball scenes and Kevin Costner's date with destiny on the mound on Yankee field - it is still a great movie - if you allow yourself to look past the terrible acting and love the game that is depicted. (I also love that Kevin cries at the end - it is a perfect portrayal of the heart of an athlete - which I admire so much!) This movie only made those two stronger - and is probably why the only guys I have ever dated - have been baseball players. I decided to broaden horizons after my prince charming became to famous to even consider me.... haha - I know I know, David Freese, is probably so caught up in himself to date right now - I am not holding my breath. If you haven't seen this movie - GO SEE IT. It will open your eyes to my LOVE OF THE GAME.
2. My Desire
I have tried every thing when it comes to playing sports. I tried Golf, I tried basketball and even Powderpuff football. I was terrible. All of them. I want so badly to be athletic. Yet, that is not the gift God gave me. So - I decided to get involved in creating an atmosphere that people learn to love sports and love the game. If I can help the sport become entertaining and attractive to all people - I have done my job. Don't ask about these pictures - I am so dumb.
1. The Language
There is something that I love about knowing that K's stand for strikeouts and that in a small box you can depict every single action that happens in a play. I love the language of sports. The way that sportscasters talk about the athletes, the competition, the plays... I love it! I live for their dissection of every play. I also think it is incredible how so many athletes come together during the Olympics every 4 years and are able to compete beyond their language barriers. To see 8 different flags in the pool or 4 different countries represented on the bars and beams in gymnastics, or even the different languages represented in basketball or wrestling. Sport. Something that will continue to bring the world together beyond political and governmental controversy.
Sport Transcends language, countries, cultures, and people. Its about competition, it's about the love of the game and dedication that you as an athlete put into succeeding and reaching goals you never thought were possible.
Our cute little front porch!! I am headed to Hobby Lobby tonight to make a cute Baylor Bears Wreath to put on the door! I'll blog about it tomorrow :)
When you first walk in our door this is what you seen. To the Left is my roomie Christa's room and the downstairs bathroom... then you walk straight into our living room.
This is our dog Piper! She is Taylor's (my roommat not boyfriend) dog! She is the cutest thing ever and has a mind of her own! I have grown to love her so much :)
My Beautiful red couch! It is sooo comfy! I love it :)
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Our kitchen - isn't it cute :)
Different view - but that is our tv. and that picture has been on the wall - not sure what happened to it.
Our dining room table:
This is our upstairs... which is to your left when you walk in the door. Taylor has decorated our home beautifully!! Thank goodness for her :)
Then you make it up stairs and if any of you designy people have an idea of what can go here where our ironing board is... Please let me know - because it is definitely dead space right now :)
This is our laundry room! It is such a blessing that the house came with a washer and dryer!! And I am very good and wash my clothes every other day :) Be proud.
This is my bathroom - This picture resembles me and Taylor walking in the rain. Have you ever kissed someone in the rain? Is it romantic? I have never kissed someone in the rain (hint hint taylor) haha But itll have to wait until I come back home - because it DOESNT EVER RAIN in waco! which means I have to go to school EVERYDAY.
All I know is that Audrey Hepburn makes it look soo romantic!
Notice my Sieze the Cupcake sign. I made it :) It is maybe my most favorite piece in my whole room.
this is more of my bathroom. Notice I still have my pledge class and my EEE's with me :) I also like this fun earring tree my mom gave me for a fun present - it is from Urban Outfitters! It holds all of my earrings - so it will hold all of yours too!
My bathroom point of view from my room!
This is my mirror/makeup table/do my hair/work space (yah right) I don't ever do my homework. I was watching Risolli and Isles which I have become obsessed with on TNT and Taylor (my roommate) was studying (law student) and she said Abby do you ever have any homework ... and i replied - umm none that I am going to do haha. Oh the fun difference between a Law student and a Sports Management Student!
This is my door to my room with my favorite red chair! LOVEEE it! and my closet! So organized! and my armoir thing that holds most of my clothes!
My night table with all of my pictures ad favorite sayings around it. Love waking up to encouraging words and my sweet honey bee! have you heard that song... if you haven't go listen to it :)
And the last stop in my humble abode... my bed. I love it - and I think it turned out great! Even with the tri chi green pillow that my mother made me buy... I still love it - it's like a little piece of Jonesy in my room with me :)
Hope you enjoy. I'll leave you with a small piece of encouragement today:
I have a kitchen and nothing for it! I have one crockpot! Thats it haha. I will eventually need decor in there, but to get started I need a kitchen table and chairs. The place I am living has a bar, so I will also need bar stools.
I have the Red couch, but nothing else. I was thinking I will need to end tables, a coffee table, a chair, and an entertainment set - maybe 2 chairs. 
