It's a good day to be a duck!

Rather than complain about the rain, be optimistic!

Think...It's a good day to be a duck!

Happy First Day of Fall!

Let me start by saying I love summer. It doesn't get much better than a lazy day on Sullivan's Island with a good book and one of Tim's famous hotdogs from the Green Heron, followed by a crazy night at HomeTeam BBQ. But that being said, summer in Charleston is H O T. And it lasts forever! I'm gladly welcoming fall this year...probably because I don't live on the beach anymore, so I might be subconsciously harboring some bitterness? Anyways, I was thinking of why I love fall and thought I'd make a list! :)

1. FOOTBALL. 

There's nothing like sitting in a stadium saturated in orange, hearing the cannon shoot and the flood of football players run down the hill, seeing a million balloons in the sky, tailgating, seeing old friends, hearing the drumline play, and watching the cheerleaders flip and fly. I LOVE football season. (although Clemson has a history of choking in overtime...don't get me started)

2. PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

Well, anything pumpkin spice really. Muffins, candles, etc. I love the smells of fall - bringing memories of family and togetherness, along with cooler air!

3. SUMMER SALES

Just a few days ago, thanks to a tip from a co-worker, I got two pairs of summer shoes for 70% off! My bank account said thanks. This is one of the adorable pairs I got!

4. NATURE'S BEAUTY 

(including cooler weather!)

Charleston doesn't get much changing of leaves, but Clemson's got to be one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen in the fall. The whole town turns red, orange and yellow, and you can feel the fall breeze sweeping the summer humidity away!

5. TV SHOWS

Ok, go ahead, make fun! One Tree Hill has been my favorite show since Dawson's Creek ended! But other than that, 90210, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, GLEE...and more! Too bad I don't ever have time to watch tv. I have to force myself to cut out time for OTH!

6. CAMPING

1. 

Two weeks (from today!) until I'm NC bound with my love and best friends to camp for 4 days! I can't wait to crawl out of a cozy sleeping bag in the morning and inhale that cold, clean mountain air.  Blue Ridge, here I come!

7. HALLOWEEN

Carving pumpkins, dressing up, and candy on sale? Yes, please!

8. THANKSGIVING

Turkey. Cranberries. Pumpkin Pie. Stuffing. Rice & Giblet Gravy. Buttery Rolls. My mom's homemade Mac 'n cheese. Pecan Pie. Sweet tea. 

Need I say more?

9. FALL CLOTHES

Time to put away the bikinis and flip flops! I can't wait to bring out my cardigans, leggings, boots, and (lightweight) scarves! I'm definitely ready for a wardrobe rotation!

10. THE FAIR

Who says I have to put myself on the deathtraps they call rides? Not this girl. I'm the coat/purse/phone holder. I do thoroughly enjoy participating in funnel cake and corndog eating! (And people watching....you know you do it too!)

Happy Fall Y'all!

"...something we need in large and daily doses."

My mind has been all over the place all day. After a great relaxing weekend with friends in Clemson, Monday morning hit like a freight train! Lots to do for work, lots to do after work each day, lots of deadlines coming up, and a forecast full of late nights up ahead. I felt my anxiety kicking in, and after working diligently all morning - at lunch I knew it was time for a re-fill. So, I began looking for something to lift my spirit a bit - and stumbled upon this quote by Staci Eldredge from the book "Captivating".

"Nature is not primarily functional. It is primarily beautiful. Stop for a moment and let that sink in. We’re so used to evaluating everything (and everyone) by their usefulness that this thought will take a minute or two to begin to dawn on us. Nature is not primarily functional. It is primarily beautiful. Which is to say, beauty is in and of itself a great and glorious good, something we need in large and daily doses." 

(this is the Angel Oak David took me to see a couple weeks back)

"Nature is primarily beautiful...something we need in large and daily doses."

So, I'm gonna take a breather and remember to see the beauty in not only nature, but life in general.

Who says resolutions have to begin in January?

So, David and I joined a gym! His dad works at Pivotal Fitness in Charleston, so he got us a super awesome deal for 2 years! We both just wanted to start getting healthier, after a lazy summer, so we decided to go for it. This morning was the first morning - and let me tell you 5:15 came early!!

I already feel good at work today - I had plenty of time to get ready and enjoy my coffee and quiet time this morning. David has to be at work way earlier than me, so in order to work out together, I have to meet him at the gym earlier than I would go alone. So afterwards, I had about an extra 45 minutes or so. But it's so much more fun to work out with someone else. [I don't think he'll be going to hip hop or yoga classes with me though] ;) So it's an added bonus - now I get to workout and actually have peaceful time with God in the mornings too.

So, our resolution to get in shape started in September. Who cares if the New Year was 9 months ago? ;)

Yay for being healthy and in shape! Now, if I can just stay away from cupcakes....