Cheers Not Jeers

I originally came across this awesome link-up/brag-about-other-bloggers/feel-good deal when I was "cheered" by Anne at Love the Here and Now. What an amazing thing to do! Lifting up other bloggers, and people in general, is so invigorating that I just had to have some of this kool-aid.

 

Therefore, this week I am cheering on my dear friend Ashley at The Grits Blog.

Ashley and I have history; we go wayyy back! She is who inspired me to create this little nook of the Internet and call it my own. She's also my blog designer!

 

Ashley's the kind of girl who will tell ya like it is, ya'll. And I love her for that! She is a lover of her fur babies and her family.

 

She's currently building her dream home with the hubs and I know she's dying to be in it. We all can't wait to see the final product! I know that she'll be excited to do some baking in her new kitchen- let me tell ya'll, girl can bake!

 

Did I mention she's my blog designer?! She has an eye for design and knowing what her clients want. If you haven't already just swooned over how cool she is, stop on by her blog to say a quick hello!

 

Cheers Not Jeers, folks. Drink the kool-aid!



 Linking up today with: 

ESFJ- Extraverted (E), Observant (S), Feeling (F), Judging (J)

 

The other day, Shane at Whispering Sweet Nothings introduced us to the Meyers Briggs personality test. Of course, I just couldn't help myself and clicked my way on over to their website to check it out. Here's what I got:

 

ESFJ

 

ESFJ strengths

• Always look for win-win situations. ESFJ personalities value harmony and do their best to avoid conflict wherever possible. They are natural team players, trying to get along with everyone.
• Very loyal. ESFJs value relationships and stability very highly and try hard not to disturb the status quo unless absolutely necessary. This makes them very loyal and trustworthy employees and partners.
• Sensitive and warm. ESFJ personalities seek harmony and care deeply about other people’s feelings, being careful not to offend or hurt anybody.
• Know how to connect to people. ESFJs are social and friendly individuals who have no difficulties with small talk or following other social rituals. People with this personality type also tend to have a strong need to belong, e.g., by playing an active role in the local community.
• Take their duties very seriously. ESFJ personalities tend to be responsible and reliable, paying a lot of attention to their duties and responsibilities. They can be very hard workers, often putting their duties above their own needs.
• Good with practical matters. People with the ESFJ personality type have excellent practical skills and do not mind dealing with routine, daily tasks. They will always make sure that people close to them are cared for.

ESFJ weaknesses

• Often obsessed with their social status. ESFJs tend to have a very strong need to be seen as responsible, respected and successful individuals—they will do everything they can to increase their social status and influence.
• May be inflexible. ESFJs place a lot of importance on traditions and may often worry too much about what other people see as acceptable. Consequently, they are likely to be very careful, or even critical, when it comes to unconventional methods or non mainstream views.
• Unwilling to improvise. People with the ESFJ personality type dislike venturing outside their comfort zone and taking bold steps, usually out of fear of being (or appearing) different.
• Very vulnerable to criticism. ESFJs strongly dislike conflicts and criticism. They can get very defensive and hurt if someone (especially a person close to them) criticizes their habits, ideas, or favorite traditions.
• Often too selfless. ESFJ personalities may care and worry so much about others that their attention will become overwhelming and ultimately unwelcome. This is also likely to lead to the neglect of their own needs.
• May be needy. ESFJs need to know that they are liked and their efforts are valued. Consequently, people with this personality type may often fish for compliments or try to attract other people’s attention.

I felt that this personality test pretty much hit the nail on the head in the majority of the areas. After looking over the strengths and weaknesses, the only thing I could think of was

"Dang, I sound like a dog. Loyal, takes duties seriously, needy... Oh man."

 

But in all seriousness, the test did seem to be pretty accurate. Go try it for yourself! What did you get? Do you feel like it was accurate?

#GHM

Monday's are always so tough to get going. The leftover of the weekend's festivities or adventures can leave you wanting and wishing for more. So today, I want to welcome it with open arms and a grateful heart with the lovely Ember Grey.

 

Today, I am thankful for friendships. Whether I've known you my entire life, a few years, or we've recently become bloggy BFF's... I value you and your friendship. Thank you for loving me as I am. Thank you for listening to my nonsense (girl, she ain't right!). And thank you for experiencing life with me!

 

Friends truly make the world go round. I love that if I haven't seen a friend in forever, that we can pretty much pick up right where we left off. God is so good to bring ya'll in my life.

 

What are ya'll grateful for on this beautiful Monday?



 

Liebster Liebster's Errwhere

Ya'll, there are some sweet ladies in my life. Thank you to Ms. Brooke over at Blissful Blonde for another Liebster Award! I'm truly humbled by all the love.

 

Let's get started!

 

The "rules" are:

1. share 11 facts about yourself
2. answer the 11 questions asked by the nominator
3. ask 11 question for your nominees to answer
4. nominate some of your favorite small bloggers

My fun facts:

1. My favorite color is green, but I don't own a single article of clothing that is green.
2. I am 3.5 years older than Hunter (my boyfriend) but I act younger than him probably 90% of the time. I'm a kid at heart!
3. I cannot watch cut-em-up, gross movies. I won't sleep for days.
4. A few years back on April Fools Day, I legit passed out from low blood pressure. When the EMT's called my mom, she thought it was a joke and told the medic, "Whatever dude!" When she realized that it wasn't some awful joke, she felt so bad. LOL!
5. I have had 9 surgeries in my 25 years of life. They range from removal of infected tissues to repairing a collapsed lung.
6. Which brings me to another fact... My lung collapsed when I was 20 years old. I kid you not, it felt like a heart attack. Their answer for this? I am the textbook definition of a collapsed lung- tall and skinny. Shoot me now!
7. I absolutely cannot handle hair on the shower walls or curtains. If it's my bathroom, I'll rinse it down the drain (without touching it mind you). If it's your bathroom, I'll just avoid all eye contact with that area. I'm so weird, I know!
8. My youngest (and only sister) is adopted from China. We adopted her when she was 10 months old and she's the best sister ever! I'm biased, but I'm just saying. We are 10 years apart, with 2 brothers in between us (they're my biological brothers).
9. Because of her adoption, I absolutely will be adopting a child or children. I fully support and believe in adoption. I will try to have children of my own, but adoption is definitely in the cards for me.
10. I actually like to hunt, and do hunt. I only kill what I'm going to eat. None of that "brown it's down." That just screws up the population in the area people!
11. I was engaged once before a few years ago, but called it off. The best thing I've ever done for my life and health.

Now let's answer some questions:

What made you start blogging and how long have you been at it?

I started blogging as a way for an outlet to let out what all I was thinking, experiencing, doing. It was a great way for my family and friends to keep up with me, for people to know my life song. I have only been doing this for... 4 months now I think?? Feels like it's been much longer though!

Do you prefer popcorn or candy at the movies?

Cherry coke icee with a small bag of popcorn. Extra butta, cuz I'm bad like that.

Who's your favorite celebrity that has your same name?

Hmm... Who is named Kelly? Kelly Clarkson? Kelly Ripa? Kelly Osbourne? Uhm, I guess Kelly Clarkson. She seems like she's got a pretty good head on her shoulders. I think we'd bond over love for Reba McEntire.

What do you have in your fridge door?

Condiments out the ying-yang ya'll! Hunter and I believe in spicing up dishes.

Could you ever be a medical guinea pig?

Dear Lord no.

What was the last thing you ate?

Oh man, considering I've eaten like a teenage boy today... Uhm, actually I'm proud to say the last thing I ate was a salad. Right after my 5th pastry, 12 pizza rolls, and piece of cake. The Sessions do it to me people!!

Who was your first kiss?

From what I remember, a boy in high school. We dated for a little while, broke things up. Young love, ya'll.

If you could breed two animals to defy the laws of nature, what animal would your create?

What a peculiar question- ha! Hmm... a bird for the wings. With a.... dolphin so it can swim. Boom!

What's your favorite accent?

It's a tie. I can drool on cue for an Irish accent or Southern accent. Not hick southern, but hot, sultry southern. Get my drift? Alas, why I'm dating Hunter, duh. He's got what I call the "Quincy accent." Just keeeedddinngggg folks! I like him more than for just his accent...

If you could learn any language fluently, what would it be?

I learned 4 years of Spanish in high school because I loved the language so much. After not speaking it for so long, I forgot a lot of it. When I went to Honduras last summer for a mission trip, I was able to pick up quite a bit after only being there for a week. I would love to be able to speak it fluently again.

Do you prefer straight or bendy straws?

Bendy! In bright colors please :)

Since I'm still somewhat new to the bloggy world, I only know a few "small blogs" to nominate and I nominated them for my last Liebster Award. At least I assume everybody that I follow are these awesome, huge bloggers that have this stuff together because, honestly, ya'lls blogs are all awesome to me! Thank you to everybody for the inspiration to be a better blogger and woman!

Happy Friday!

Just like Monday's now get their well-deserved loving with #ghm, Friday's will surely get it's loving. Let's recap on what happened this week:

 

1. Monday, being the wonderful day it is (no sarcasm-honest!) started the week off just right with a little bit of vino, a little bit of painting, and A LOT of girl time with my Junior Women's Club ladies. What a fun night!

 

 

 

2. Wednesday night was another Junior Women's Club night with just the meeting. But it's always a good time seeing the girls, and planning our next charity, fund-raising events. And guess who is a new member?!

 

3. This week has been, for the most part, a quieter week at work. That's always nice to have to be able to catch up on different things. Today is our only long day, and that works out perfect since tomorrow is Saturday. And my butt can stay in bed. Holla!

 

 

4. **All anit-hunters, skip #4 and proceed to read #5**
Jep is currently being trained on hunting and tracking skills and he had a big time hunting Tuesday night with Hunter. Nothing too exciting happened but his instincts apparently kicked in and as Hunter says, "That dog'll hunt!" (must say in Southern accent to get full effect).

5. This week (quite frankly the last couple of weeks) has just flown by. One minute I was waking up with my #ghm, and the next, I'm wrapping up the week with a HFFF. Wooowee time flies sister!

Ya'll got any big plans this weekend??



 

Liebster Award

 

Holy moly, I've been nominated again by Anne at Love the Here and Now! Anne has truly become a sweet friend in my life and I thank you for this. For those who are new to the Liebster thang...

 

What is the Liebster Award? It's an award designed to promote new and upcoming bloggers. We all started out small and look forward to growing our blogs; this is just another way to do this.

The rules are easy. Share 11 facts about yourself. Answer 11 questions from the blogger that nominated you. Then nominate 11 bloggers for the Liebster Award. Simple.

 

Here are some fun facts about me:

1. I'm a momma to 2 pups, a pit bull and a blue tick hound, and they are my world!
2. I'm a high school and middle school youth leader in my church. And I love it!
3. I'm a die-hard Auburn fan. Always have been, always will be. And yes, my children don't have a choice... Just keeedddingggg folks. Maybe... ;)
4. I owned my own home at the ripe age of 21 years old.
5. I legit have a fear of spiders. Like, I'll burn the house down if I see a spider and lose it.
6. I will pop all the bubbles in bubble wrap and it brings complete satisfaction to my soul.
7. I'm hearing impaired and wear hearing aids in both ears.
8. I have ridden horses all my life (and used to compete), until recently I sold my horse because time and money just aren't on my side right now. Maybe one day I'll be able to get back in the saddle.
9. My brain works weird. Give me calculus, physics, mix letters with numbers and I get it. Basic accounting and finance... Shoot me now.
10. I have only lived in one place my entire life. Am I willing to move? Absolutely. I just haven't had the need or opportunity to do it. Maybe one day??
11. My heart belongs to a man that makes me want to be a better woman every day. God bless him for his patience. 

 

Here are my questions, as posed by Anne, and my answers:

 

1. Why did you start blogging?
    I started blogging to have a place where I could share my life song. Whether it's a new recipe, good feelings, or a DIY project... I just wanted a place to store my thoughts. I never expected to meet such incredible women, like Anne!
 

2. If you could have coffee with any blogger, who would it be?
    Oh man, that's a toughy. Uhm, I would honestly have to say I can't pick. Every single person I've met is so unique and inspiring that I would love to sit over a cup 'o joe and just chit chat about life with everybody!
 

3. What's your favorite season and why?
    Well I like all for different reasons buttttt.... Being a Florida gal, my heart and soul are the happiest during summer. Beaches and warm weather is my happy place.
 

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
    Married with a mini me. Who am I to kid though- God may have me in a totally different place, and I'm perfectly ok with that!
 

5. What's the best vacation you ever went on?
    Disney with my family. When I was younger (and Disney was cheaper), my family and I would make frequent trips to the parks. So many of my memories revolve around those times with my siblings (I have 3).
 

6. You have a free night. Do you go out or stay in?
    Honestly, I stay in. I'm always going going going that when I can stop and sit, it's refreshing.
 

7. What was the last book you read?
    Oh gosh, I cannot think of the name of it but it was by Nora Roberts. I'm an avid reader so I'm really REALLY bad with remembering all the names of books I've read. Btw's, check back next week for my list of Top 10 books I've read (yes, I'm actually researching the titles to these books because I can't rememeber!!)
 

8. What's the first piece of advice you would give to a new blogger?
    Don't be afraid to click. Or ask for help. Seriously, clicking on things and asking for help has saved this blog.
 

9. Cat or dog?
    Dog all the way. Cats are cool... But they're just so catty (pun intended).

10. What's your favorite food?

      I'm 99% sure I was Mexican in my past life- ha! So anything Mexican. If it's authentic? Even better!
 

11. What is your best childhood memory?

       All the adventures and trouble my siblings and I got into. My poor mother and father spent more time in the ER with broken bones I think than any person I know. Hey, it makes for great memories right?? I'm very close to my family.

And the nominees? Since I'm still somewhat of a newbie to the blog world (going on 4 months kiddies!), many of the folks I follow daily have been doing this jig for awhile. Or at least they're really good in their blogging skills... Either way, here are a few nominees for the Liebster Award:

1. Meg @ Life, Love and the Webers
2. Lindsay @ Broke and Bougie
3. Tamara @ The Jolly James
4. Emily @ Ember Grey
5. Julie @ My Wilderness

My questions for ya'll:

1. Because I love to hear about everybody's life songs, what made you want to become a blogger?
2. Coffee or tea?
3. Looking back 5 years ago, what would you have told yourself then to look forward to in the coming years?
4. Summer or winter?
5. If you won the lottery, what would you do first?
6. Rain or shine?
7. What is your favorite, non-physical feature about yourself?
8. Jennifer Lawrence or Sandra Bullock?
9. You're on a deserted island and you have a choice between the following items (you can only choose one), which would you pick: deoderant, tooth brush/tooth paste, or hair brush? Why?
10. Channing Tatum or Channing Tatum?  :)
11. Lastly, what are your goals for yourself this year?

Thank you ladies for all the laughs, smiles, and great friendships that are forming. Hope ya'll have a fabulous week!

Hump Daayyy!!

Man oh man, I love Wednesdays! It reminds me I'm halfway through the working week, and that much closer to the weekend.

 

I decided to be crafty a.k.a. different this Wednesday and just share what I'm currently wishing for/swooning over/gotta have! In essence, it's a place to get my thoughts out of my brain and onto some "paper" if you will...

• Wood floors in the bedrooms of my home. Jep sure does love using that carpet as a potty place.... When will he EVER be house-trained?!
• Mint clothes- uhm can you say ca-yute color?! It makes me feel so springy and happy
• Caramel anything. Caramel brownies, apples dipped in caramel, caramel caramel caramel! Do you say "care-a-mel" or "car-a-mel"? Does it matter?
• This weekend- the sun's going to be shining, in the 80's... My hiney will be by the pool with a drink in my hand. Sorry house, you're just gonna have to clean yourself.
• Easter- I absolutely LOVE Easter and the meaning behind it for me. Plus, the peeps and chocolates are always a lovely thing to have :)

And I leave you with this...