Posts in Denton Dallas Fort Wor...
DIY Chalkboard Wall
13346390_10206104056230906_4369190061768025661_o.jpg

I've had a lot of kindred-hearted DIYers out there ask me how I made my collapsable chalkboard Photobooth Wall, so I've put together this quick DIY for you!

This DIY is perfect for a portable photobooth or a temporary chalkboard wall in a rental home or home office. I learned a few good tips along the way, so I'd encourage you to look beyond the Supply List, because sometimes I skip over the Instructions when I read DIY's and I know you might be tempted to-- it's just painting a few panels right? How could that be so hard?

Time Commitment: This is a solid weekend project due to painting and drying time. Lay out a bunch of tarps in your living room, turn on crappy Netflix movies you don't mind not giving your full attention to, and paint.

Physical Commitment: Your arms will be looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger's arms by the time your done with all your painting. I painted my panels up against the wall and will NEVER DO THAT AGAIN. Next time they're laying out on the floor--- my arms wanted to fall off!

Supplies: 

Panels- Check out Home Depot's Foamular Boards. A friend of mine who used to teach theatre said she used these boards for lightweight sets all the time. And y'all, They are SUPER lightweight and WAY easier to carry than a wooden backdrop. SUPER PORTABLE. If your'e renting or in an apartment, these panels are great for a temporary chalkboard wall. They are the average height of most apartment walls, but I would measure your walls first to make sure the panels will fit inside your apartment if your'e hoping to make a temporary chalkboard wall.  I'm probably going to buy more of these to make my chalkboard wall even larger. 2 Panels = $22

Primer- 1 Can. $14. I asked for a cheap primer at Home Depot. Whatever they recommended, It worked out. 

Chalkboard Paint- 2 cans. $20. My Home Depot suggested I use Rustoleum Chalkboard Paint because it for sure works like a chalkboard. It was WAY cheaper than the Chalkboard paint I found at Hobby Lobby. It took my chalk perfectly!

Chalk- $6 for a variety pack of FUN COLORS at HobsLobs. 

Extended Paint Roller: $7-20. I highly recommend an extended roller. 

Overall Cost: $69

Set Up:

1. Lay your boards down on the floor, using an extended paint roller to paint them. I DON'T recommend putting any of your weight on them to paint because your knee or elbow could indent the boards if it stays there too long. 

Painting: 

1. Remove the plastic tape-like cover on the side of the board you are using. I was a goof, and didn't realize that plastic comes off so I spent time and paint on a bunch of plastic that peels right off. Don't be a goof. 

2. Use one coat of primer on each board. 

3. To get a stellar reliable Chalkboard Finish, I recommend using three coats of paint on each board. This is the part that takes so much time. Priming, Painting, Drying, Second-coating, Drying, Third-coating, Drying. That takes awhile! And you want to make sure you let the paint dry well to get the best chalkboard finish possible!

Make Your Photobooth Moveable and Collapsible: 

1. Use gaffing tape or duct tape to tape together the back of your boards. They should fold so the chalkboard is on the outside. 

2. Don't put any kind of tape on your chalkboard. I had paper flowers I attached with duct tape to my painted board and I successfully ripped off some of the paint. BLURRP. 

When Chalking: 

1. This isn't your gradeschool married to the wall/makes scratching noises/sturdy as hell chalkboard. Be gentle with the chalk (especially if your chalk has sharp edges!)--- you'll find that the chalk makes an indent on the board if you press super hard. I wouldn't use this for others to draw on unless they've been warned about pressing gently. 

Consider This: 

I'm definitely considering painting the other side of my boards a different color so I can flip the board around and have a chalkboard or different photobooth color on the other side. If I used this Photobooth for Brides, having two color options would be ideal. 

How did I make mine stand up straight? 

1. I made a PVC Pipe backing and ductaped the back of my panel boards to it. I would recommend getting weights to use on both sides of the PVC Pipe if you are using it as a Photo Booth. One of my customers knocked into it with her body and it almost came crashing down. SUCH A POTENTIAL NIGHTMARE. 

2. In my office--- I've nailed it into the wall. It looks best straight up against the wall and makes it easier to change up the chalk drawing. I'm SO PUMPED to see how I can use it as an in-home photobooth when guests come over for dinner or events. I think friends will love it. And I love having it in my office as decor. I've considered writing out big business goals on it for weekday use. 

Overall, This project is a solid time commitment, but pretty budget friendly when you consider all that you can do with a moveable, changeable, chalkboard photobooth. I'm pumped for all the ways I can use mine! Especially as a photobooth when friends come over!

Fantastic Mr. Fox

What the Cuss?!

We LOVE Fantastic Mr. Fox for a bajillion different reasons and even though our costumes weren't spot on---- we figured dressing up all hipster fancy and throwing on tails and ears could still pass. 

And let's be real about the movie....If I can't STARE at George Clooney during a movie, listening to his voice for a full 90 minutes is the next best thing. ;) 

Here's to drinking lots of apple juice and robbing all the farmers in the land!

Outfits and theme Inspired by Girl Boss, Rachel, over at Fawn and Feather

That one time I yelled at Ryan Gosling.

It's true, I really did yell at him.

In 2008. My Freshmen year of college.

WHAT I yelled at him is probably what any young fan would yell if they'd pulled up next to him at the same Hollywood stop light they were stopped at, his car windows rolled down (his scruffy dog was in the backseat sticking it's head out the window). I giggled with my friends at how cute he was and I yelled like a free Texas-meets-California/Driving-through-Hollywood-with-your-windows-down freshmen girl would:

"I LIKE YOUR DOG!!!"

And that was it. He looked over at me, smiled and nodded. The light turned green and he was gone.

All I did in that moment was inform Ryan Gosling that I had a liking for his dog.

Yeesh.

You'd think I would have said something, ANYTHING, other than "I like your dog" to the one and only Ryan Gosling, but the thing is, my friends and I didn't know it was him until a week later when a girl on my hall ran into my dorm room and showed me a picture of that same guy, in the same t-shirt, with the same scruffy dog, taking a walk through Hollywood. It was Ryan. We both fell on the floor screaming and freaking out and I immediately thought.... of all the things to say to Ryan Gosling I told him I liked his dog.

I could have at least said, "If your a bird I'm a bird!"

I wouldn't have minded going for "Marry me Ryan Gosling, I'll babysit your dog --- I mean, our dog-- while you're filming your movies!"

That was back then of course, when I was a frivolous giggling freshmen. If I saw him today I'd probably say, "Ryan, I haven't seen you in so long, I'm a bird if your a bird."

What I love about yelling at Ryan Gosling, is that I feel this slight connection with him that's incredibly insignificant and totally not reciprocated in any way at all.

I know more about him than he knows about me. I remember him, and I can guarantee you he doesn't remember me. I can look him up on google and read all about his life or watch him play different characters in movies, but he'll never have the inclination to look me up on google or read my blog, and even if he did, he wouldn't really know me.

This whole Ryan Gosling thing really alludes to (ready for the curveball?!)... Jesus. Can't you tell? What I love about Jesus, is that he lived 2,000 years before Ryan Gosling and I know him like one of my closest and most cherished friends. He's someone I really care about and need in my life every day. What I love about Jesus, is that he knows me better than I know myself. He loves me in no way Ryan Gosling, my husband, my family, or friends could love me. He knows every thought I think (the good ones and the terrible, awful, and no-one-should-hear-those-thoughts thoughts) and still tells me He'd do anything to be friends with me. He died so we could have a friendship that lasts forever, actually. I don't have many friends like that.

Jesus is a celebrity I don't even deserve to be friends with, but He really cares for me, so He is always available for me. Always ready to listen, comfort, rejoice, mourn, and dance around to techno music with me. He is patient with me when I'm a frustrated mess that can only offer rude sarcasm to my husband. He is never rude and sarcastic to me. He is only firm and loving. I am in awe of His loyalty and dedication to help me maximize on my strengths and gifts. He's like the best barista ever because He not only fills up my coffee, He makes sure I have enough all the time. My mug is always overflowing with the best of the best roasts. When I go through my days feeling as if I'm not enough, He reminds me that His friendship and love for me is enough.

Do you only know facts about Jesus, just like you know facts about Ryan Gosling? Or, have you ever taken the time to know Jesus and His love for you?

I'd love to help you find the answer to that question if you ever want to go get coffee... I know a really great barista to hit up. ;)

ryan-gosling-dog-scientology-center1

This picture was LITERALLY taken the day I saw Ryan Gosling. Crazy huh?

If I were Ben Stiller.

If I were Ben Stiller I would pinch myself to make sure it wasn't a dream that I was Ben Stiller. Then I'd call up Kristen Wigg and ask her if she wants to hang out or get coffee or go sing karaoke with me.If I were Ben Stiller I'd try really hard not to make the Zoolander model face at everyone I stand next to on public elevators. But it would be too fun not to make that face at people. So I would.

If I were Ben Stiller I'd definitely cast Kristen Wigg as the coolest love crush ever in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty... so good job, Ben Stiller, for steal'n my idea!

If I were Ben Stiller four months ago, I'd provide a free pre-showing of Walter Mitty to a ton of high school, middle school, and college teenagers. The kind of teenagers who need inspiration, need a reason to travel, or need to know real life is allowed to have a little risk and adventure (and a little bit of Kristen Wigg's humor too). And half way through that free showing I'd bring in a bunch of FREE Papa Johns cause teenagers can get hungry during movies. And a little bit later I'd bring in a bunch of coffee and Cinnabon for dessert. And if Ellen decided to chip in, maybe we'd take them all to Iceland afterwards.

If I were Ben Stiller, I'd make an alternate ending to Walter Mitty. What if Walter never found the lost negative 25? What if Sean O'Connell meant for there to never be a negative in that spot? What if the very gap between negatives 24 and 26 was the true beauty of Sean's work? What do you see when an empty frame is held up to your face? You see past where the picture would be to the other side. You see the real world beyond the frame. You see life just as beautiful or messy as it is. You see the Quintessential to Life. Sometimes I wish the movie would have been just as good if it would have ended like that.

If I were YOU, in the midst of your busy life this week, I'd make sure you squeezed in a movie night for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Maybe it'll help you slow down, think, and remember to live.

walter mitty

 

ben stiller

Wedding & Funeral.

Image-1-52On a Saturday a few months ago, Brett and I attended a wedding and a funeral.

It's a challenge to describe the beauty and depth of such paradoxical events. Whether you hate God or you love Him, it's awfully hard not to think about Him when death and love are so nearly intertwined in the same day. When I think about that Saturday I think about God and the word "PURPOSE" and how a lot of people in this world are looking for purpose. I think of how ironic it was that we sang the same song, "10,000 Reasons", a few hours apart at the grief-filled ceremony and the love-covenanted one. I think of our aesthetic and comforting need to have  flowers when we're happy and when we're sad.

 The funeral was for our friend Jacob's brother. Brett and I had never met his brother, however, Jacob was in our home group and, in my opinion, you don't just call your HomeGroup your "HomeGroup" because you meet in someone's house every Tuesday. Homegroup is about having people present to say "we care about you and are here for you when you are at the end of your rope or climbing your highest peak (Or just to encourage you and read the Bible on Tuesdays... whatever season we're all in)."

So Brett and I were there for Jacob. The funeral was everything it needed to be. As different neighbors, family members, and mentors talked about Jacob's brother we learned that his story was difficult to take in, and, depending on which way you look at it, tragic. His brother struggled for years to find purpose in life, often warring with two different personalities. We found ourselves crying for his family who fought to love him when they could and prayed for him when fighting wasn't an option anymore. We sang songs and people talked about how deaths like his are hard to understand, but how God's purpose is still valid and fiercely beautiful.

"And on that day when my strength is failing, the end draws near and my time has come. Still my soul will sing your praise unending, 10,000 years and then forevermore."

The wedding was for one of my high school teachers/mentors, Kristen. Kristen is someone who has always said "I don't want to live my version of how I think life should go, I'd rather live Your version, God." Well, she's a human being so she probably hasn't always said that... she's probably really wanted her version a lot of the time, but from my observations, she's always lived her life in a sort of loving surrender that's contagious and admirable. Single was her tune for a long time, but she chose joy in her singleness and desired to get married, she just hadn't found the right person to marry.

"Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes."

When she told me she was dating someone (some "Steve" to be specific) she told me immediately that she knew he was her man. Her main man. She shared how her heart had also fallen for his sweet daughter and how marrying a guy with a daughter wasn't what she'd expected, but she couldn't be more excited about it because God's plan was better than hers. Her wedding was packed with her past and present students, family, and friends, some of which (myself definitely included) were literally jumping out of their seats to watch her exchange her vows and see Steve kiss her. Brett and I apparently sat in the "If you're happy and you know it" student section as they screamed and thunder clapped like they were at a pep-rally when that kiss happened.

"For all your goodness I will keep on singing, 10,000 Reasons that my Heart can Find".

I sat there with tears (for the millionth time that day) as they exited the church, husband and wife. I felt the weight of the funeral and wedding overwhelm me. I've said before that I think weddings are like heaven, because you're surrounded by those you love and cherish most, having such a great time. That day had me thinking of heaven in every bitter and sweet way. My young heart rejoiced at the relief I will know when I find myself in the presence of a loving God some day. Face to face. In a place beyond hurt, violence, and pain. Surrounded by love. How grateful I am in the present though; confident in my purpose: to be loved by God and to love God for the rest of my life. And I really do believe that. And it really gives me overwhelming peace. A peace I've watched others search for their entire lives. A peace that makes the depths of my soul sing, "Bless the Lord O my soul."

Till death do us part.

Brett and I vowed that only death will part us.

a laugh

When I really think about that vow for too long my eyes widen and sink back into my skull as if I'm trying to look at our live and marriage in full but can't get far enough back... I wonder how long we have till death parts us.  Some days death seems so close, and some days it seems like a dream, far and fuzzy. I honestly think 'Till death do you part" is supposed to be overwhelming, unexplainable, and fear-inducing... because then it leaves room for the kind of love that's work, the kind of trust that takes time, and the kind of awe that points to God.

On our rainy wedding day, Brett and I covenanted "death in love, not death of love." And how abundantly we believe that we (and those around us) will live if we pursue one another in the ways in which we believe we were created to... never to let a "creeping separateness" as Sheldon Vanauken would call it, slowly come between us as the years go by.

I thought I'd share a few marriage decisions we made before we were married (and a few made since we've been married) in our fight for "death in love".

If life circumstances are permitting, we get into bed at the same time every night. He gets his homework done before bed so he doesn't have to stay up late working on it and I try my best to leave my work at work  so I can be present during this sacred time. So if I'm in bed at ten, he's there too, even if I end up falling asleep while reading next to him, we're there together. To cuddle. To talk. To get on the same page. To read the Harry Potter series out loud. To be still.

We won't call each other out in front of other people. I know how deeply this would hurt Brett if I called him out for doing something wrong, embarrassing, rude, or mean in front of others. Even if Brett or myself is in the wrong, bringing it up in front of others isn't the place. And let me be straight with you: Its tempting to bring it up right then and there, because being married to the person that said something stupid in front of everyone else immediately associates you with the stupid thing they said. You feel responsible. You wonder if everyone else thinks you're okay with that stupid thing they just said. Calling them out, even if we think it would make our spouse learn his or her lesson...would crush them. Pulling Brett aside, going into another room, talking to him about the situation afterwards; those are all ways I can show him respect without deflating his identity. He cares so deeply of what I think of him, and if his friends or colleagues see me put him down or argue with him in front of them, he loses self-esteem and confidence that is important to who he is. I can see the look of joy on his face when we are in front of others and I mention how grateful I am for him or how excited I am about what he's doing in our lives and marriage. This might sound simple, but I can't tell you how often in my lifetime I've observed couples who do this with each other and one of them ends up deflated and hurt. How often I'm tempted to nag Brett or get onto him for saying something I think he shouldn't have said in front of the company we are in. How often he works diligently to not criticize a decision of mine in front of my students or colleagues.

Choosing better, not bitter. My mom taught me this one and I'll forever cherish these words because they are some of the most difficult words to live out. Oftentimes, when expectations are not met, bitterness can creep in, making the heart seep with loathing & regret, sucking life from it's dweller and anyone they surround themselves with. That goes for marriage, friendships, work relationships, and family relationships. Already in my life, and especially in my marriage, I have been dealt cards that make me want to turn bitter towards my circumstances or situation. For short seasons of our marriage I've chosen pity parties and bitterness instead of choosing to positively take steps forward, accepting the hand I've been given. When I choose joy and choose to move forward (not loathing myself or Brett) I am living in the love I covenanted to Brett. When I choose to not regret and not just cope with my circumstances, I am choosing to live freely in the present for the sake of the joy-filled future. We could waste our lives being bitter towards each other. Many people do. We are choosing not to.

No blame or grudges. Pointing fingers at each other or blaming our circumstances on the actions of the other person (even if they did do something wrong or made a mistake) will be a temptation, but not an action. Brett will forgive me. He will offer me patience and grace when I mess up or even walk away from what we value or hold to be truth. He will continue to cheer me on, love me, and protect me as his wife like he vowed he would. And he will move forward with me, even if the consequences of my actions effect him. Blame leads to bitterness.

Date night. It's a mandatory must. Similarly to our going to bed at the same time, date night offers us a sacred time to slowly reflect on our week and ask, "How were you really this week?" or "Is our marriage making the most of this season?". Making DN a habit was easy for us after coming out of a long distance relationship, where busy schedules and intentional time to talk HAD to be scheduled. I need time to express my weekly reflections and I know Brett is unhindered in school work or tasks so he can freely listen and respond. And I care to know not just how Brett analyzed his week, but how he is feeling, which is sometimes hard for him to express without my asking. I love that date night gives us a space to do that. I value not just where his mind and heart are, but where his feelings are in relation to those things. This is a night where we attempt our best to not allow phones. Where we get off campus every now and then or order pizza in without feeling guilty about "being lazy" (because sometimes dates in are more of what we need than dates out). Where I beat Brett at MarioKart... most of the time.

Hospitality and Realness. Open doors, open homes, and open hearts. We desire to head up and initiate such deep and vulnerable community for those we live amongst and work with. That means being real with my students when Brett and I are having a difficult week. It means moving past surface conversations toward heart conversations that reach into joy, pain, and that sort of human authenticity we all secretly crave. It means taking them out to eat to celebrate or let them know that whatever circumstance they are in, we are for them. It's making posters in my apartment while watching Harry Potter. It's reaching out to hold their hand or play with their hair because that's what their mom used to do when they needed to know they were loved. If Brett and I are not doing these things with one another, we often are not doing them for others. We must have these in both our marriage and our community.

Romantic Things My Husband Says.

IMG_9959"Love is holding hands, brushing teeth." -Brett Stine, brushing our teeth before bed, while holding hands.

"What's wrongggggg?" -Brett Stine, a few minutes before studying for his Latin quiz, chasing me around the house with an open bottle of whipped cream in his hand.

"I'm sorry." -Brett Stine, often.

"I like how you put on skirts in the morning ....and I really like them ...and then I think it's funny when you change into jeans later." -Brett Stine; on those 'I feel like wearing a skirt" days, but realize later it actually feels more like a "I can only handle jeans today" days.

"Remember how you said you can't remember what life was like before we got married? Well, I can't remember what life was like before we started eating six can soup." -Brett Stine, after finishing his 3rd bowl of six can soup in a span of two days.

 

 

It's not about the coffee, it's about the shop.

IMG_0033For me, coffee really hasn't ever been about the drink, it's always been about the shop. I can hear coffee gurus in Denton mourning as they read that sentence. "But Stacie, it IS about the perfect cup. Without the perfect cup you have NOTHING." Well, On a trip to Oregon 13 years ago I discovered my own personal truth about coffee.That Oregon trip is memorable, really, for lots of reasons... I went camping with my cousins, crossed into Washington and drove through snow covered mountains, and I went to the Pacific Coast for the first time. I also pooped on a trail next to a waterfall that was famous for being in Last of the Mohicans (and yeah, I really did poop ON the trail... while my dad tried to cover me up with his trusty trail map while other tourists giggled as they hiked by... it was horrifying considering how old I was. Embarrassing moments numbero uno for sure. Lets talk about coffee some more).

On that trip, we ventured into a  small Oregon-o-tized brick town to do some antiquing. We'd been window shopping for awhile when my mom stopped us with a dire excuse that she couldn't go any further without a cup of coffee. You know how middle aged mom's are on vacation. They need that coffee or else vacation starts getting stale real fast. So like a woman who needs her coffee... she found a coffee shop within five minutes.

And that's when it all happened. We walked through the doorway and I found myself. I looked around and thought, This space must have been created for people just like me. Big glass windows lit the room with natural light. There was an enticing loft above the entrance that had a ladder leading up to it. I imagined that baristas would go up there to read, nap, and watch people. Every corner and wall was couch and comfy chair infested (just the way a living room should be) with book shelves and lamps shoved in wherever they would fit. Quiet, calming and warm. Inviting. And spacious. A resting stop. A safe place. A place I'd show up to dream at every day if only I lived there. I walked to the back of the shop and found a door leading to a porch outside, crammed tight with chairs and tables. We sat on the porch while my mom drank her coffee. To top it all off, every shop and building on that little street backed right up to a rushing river. We watched that river flow right below us for awhile as she sipped, I daydreamed, and sun rays lit up our faces. Beautiful and peaceful was this thing they call a coffee shop.

At that very moment my dreams, hopes, and desires started smelling like coffee.

I was eleven years old when I walked into that coffee shop for the first time. And from that day to this day, it's my dream to own a place of wonder like that (that maybe serves a not so crappy cup of coffee)-- where others can come in and rest. Where the sojourner can dream and be filled. Where quiet can be rediscovered and consumed. Where hearts can fall in love or sit quietly and mourn. Where light can give life and restore.

Honestly, I may never get to own a coffee shop, but I do hope that the home I live in or the office I work out of can be what that coffee shop was for me in the 30 minutes I spent there. I hope to be a person that can physically and relationally create space for others to rest and dream. A person who can value giving others space that is life-giving to them. So whether the gourmet, crappy, or booshie coffee happens or not, I hope I'll always be and embody... the life-giving, rest-giving, and dream-growing shop.

What is your dream? What is your coffee shop?

College-isms: Things I wish I would have done in college that I'm scrambling to do now.

Image-1-381. Asked for letters of recommendation.

I feel kind of super ridiculous asking my professors for recommendation letters almost two years out of college. If you're SO done with your undergrad and think you have surpassed the phrase "the struggle is real" so much so that you would never even consider going to MORE school down the road, go ahead and do your "future Spock" a favor and ask one of your favorite/best professors for a letter of recommendation. You might (as in, you definitely WILL) need it for a future job or graduate degree. And it's best to get it when your professors have you fresh in their memory (because you did super awesome in their class, impressed them, participated in class dialogue, worked with them in an academic society, and went out to lunch with them a few times to glean their unequivocal wisdom, right?), instead of two years later hoping they haven't forgotten how much they liked you (Or how much you think they liked you :) ). Getting your letter pre-applying to jobs and grad-school also just makes you look super prepared. So, go. Do now.

2. Written thank you's to my professors.

This isn't because you're wanting to bribe them. Or maybe it is. It's because you really don't realize how necessary and great they were to you in college, and you wish you would have thanked them in the thick of it all. And sometimes, they could use a little love and encouragement in the thick of the chaos too.

3. Enjoyed FREE TIME like it was a box of peppermint Oreos.

Lately a lot of people in my life have had children. One of my "new mommy" co-workers was telling me last week that she has no recollection of what she did with her free time when she wasn't a mom... and it's only been a few months since her life got Fresh-Princed "switched turned upside down" with a baby. She's already forgotten what free-time looks like? I think back now and am amazed at how much wonderful free time I had in college. Free time to learn, to laugh, to go on adventures, to be carefree, to work, to not work, to grow, to reflect, to rest. Now I work a lot and am married and don't have as much of that. And I can't imagine if Einstein and I have kids what that will look like. But gosh I miss that college free time a lot sometimes. So enjoy it. And learn to use it well.

4. Gotten a scary internship(s).

My mom told me I needed to get an internship while I was in college, so in defiance, I tried my best not to get one. But what you should know, is that most colleges require internships. And if they don't, you really should pursue one anyway. IN college AND out. If you're like me, you tend to make life decisions that lead to easy escalator steps instead of rigorous climbs. I was SO afraid of what a real internship might require that I interned for the middle school youth ministry at the church I grew up at because it was easy to secure. And trust me, I probably learned more about myself that summer than any other summer. MIDDLE SCHOOLERS ARE ENERGY SUCKERS AND NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. BEWARE. I wish I had thrown myself into corporate fire or taken the difficult steps toward intimidating businesses or organizations. Pursue internships that makes you feel uncomfortable. Step into your vocational fears instead of away from them. Pursue opportunities you don't think you're qualified for. Pursue internships you really would want. Pursue internships that have nothing to do with your major but you still find fascinating. Pursue more than one.

5. Studied Abroad.

Traveling changes lives. As do the Harry Potter books, the Olsen twins, and campfires. Traveling during college is a must. Even if it means not eating out three or four semesters before or after. It's worth every cent. If I tell my students to do anything while they're in college, I tell them to study abroad. And I'm the number one hypocrite preaching this stuff, because I never did. But I've traveled. And changed the most from immersing myself in other cultures. So go sign up or start planning a trip right now.

6. Communicated to my closest friends how much I'll suck at talking to them after college.

Really, I think this happens with a lot of people who move away from their college town. Their friendships get tested. And I mean  the deep "I went to the beach with you illegally when it was closed at midnight and we bonded" kind of friendships. It's not that I don't care about them. I actually stalk their lives a lot and am cheering them on from a distance, even if that's just by liking their pictures on instagram (the obvious equivalent to saying "YAY you! I love what you're doing in life!). But if you are like a Stacie Stine in this area of your life, you might want to let your friends know ahead of time so they can prepare themselves or come up with ways to help keep you better accountable to calling them. My friends are sweet and keep bombarding me with reminders that we need to talk. And I love that. Need that. And will take grace in that area because I need grace in that area.

7. It would have been nice to take the GRE fresh out of that one college math class I had to take. Because studying for that ridiculous GRE (that usually has nothing to do with what you majored in) four years after that math class is like trying to lick peanut butter off your entire face in less than 30 seconds.... impossible and frrrrruuustrating.

The truth about the freshmen fifteen...

Image-1-27...They just aren't as scary or real as the Sophomore 20, Junior 25, or Senior 30.

#watchoutdonutman #dontjustworkoutfreshmenyear #runforestrun

And apparently there's a Hall Director 10 I didn't know about until recently....so watch out for that too.

She is loved.

Four words: Long Distance Relationships. Eeesh.

I've rocked an LDR before. For two years. It ended pretty well. We're married now, so....

Here's what it looked like....

Screen Shot 2013-11-04 at 8.00.36 PM

photo

Screen Shot 2013-11-04 at 8.00.52 PM

For those of you who are unfamiliar with what an LDR feels like, read EVERY WORD in this paragraph:

Long Distance Relationships are the best.  Anyone can do them. They aren't draining or frustrating at all. Hard work? Nah. Everyone who gets into a long distance relationship either gets married or engaged, and LDR participants practically never cry ugly face when they long for and miss their significant other. Making out too much never happens. Ever. LDR's are just as romantic as Rachel McAdam-y movies.

Now forget that paragraph, it lies.

Thanks to Brett and I's LDR, I'd like to think I have an amazing perspective on what it is to choose patience and trust, to work through deep frustration, and to choose present over future. But what I so intimately have learned from Long Distance, is that my desire and yearning to see Brett at the end of every four to five months, was, and is, nothing compared to the Fierce Love God has for me every second of every day. To me, everything comes back to the love of God.

During those two years of LDR-ing I wrote something that contrasts the love I had for Brett with the love God has for me, and it gives me peace and gratitude tonight as I re-read it again:

Patience is one of the most difficult virtues in light of passion and love. Miles away turns into light years. Heart beats move beyond pitter-patter to soul-deepening Cello strokes. Eyes close not wanting to open until one's love is standing before them. Motivation for all else is a flickering light, threatening to leave me in darkness. 

But there is a Light that is Greater, a Motivation that is Stronger, a set of Eyes that see beyond me, a deeper Soul Melody, and a Friend that is so close I feel them inside me. The Someone who created passion, who holds more passion for me and the rest of the world than I could ever have for just one person on this earth. 

Jesus. He saved me and gave himself for me. He has more patience with me than I know. 

These are words from a woman in love...

...because she IS, SO loved. 

Do you believe God is fierce for you? That He screams love at you and for you? Do you get what that means? The intensity of it? Do you long for some sort of love like that?

I do.

"God’s love is meteoric,     his loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic,     his verdicts oceanic. Yet in his largeness     nothing gets lost; Not a man, not a mouse,     slips through the cracks.

How exquisite your love, O God!     How eager we are to run under your wings, To eat our fill at the banquet you spread     as you fill our tankards with Eden spring water. You’re a fountain of cascading light,     and you open our eyes to light."

When Fashion Gets the Best of You vs. When Fashion IS the Best of You

I'm confessing that more than once in the past few weeks, I've found myself cornering innocent college students in my office, interrogating them on whether or not they saw So-and-So's new line during September's New York Fashion Week. I've pressed their precious freshmen faces into my computer screen, trying to convince them that it's worth their time to start following every street style blogger....ever.I'll confess that my eyes and fingers were style hungry as I sifted through what different fashoin bloggers were posting on instagram.

And finally, I'll confess that I caught myself finally starting to believe that ankle boots are an okay part of a woman's wardrobe. AND THAT'S A REALLY BIG DEAL OKAY. 

Do you know what I mean when I say that I love the creativity designers put into their clothes, but I hate that fashion is a thing I feel like I have to keep up with as trends change and colors come and go? I just can't and don't want to put all my money into that. I want the most bang for my buck, and to be honest, that means not hopping on every fashion trend, but working the clothes I ALREADY have to keep the fashionista in me happy, not broke. Fashion is my morning paper crossword puzzle, and I love the challenge and creativity it brings every morning. THAT'S WHY I HAVE TO SHARE, Coast2Coast's Style Guide of the week... because it's fashion friendly on how to stay trendy: Style Guide: 11 Fashion Essentials For Every Lady.

Screen shot 2013-09-29 at 9.47.32 PMIt's easy: a go-to bag, black blazer, high heels, white top, go-to boots, go-to jewelry, making sure you smell like you feel... I love all of it, except maybe the facial cream tip... women will spend their money on face cream all their lives, and what will I do? I will spend my money on coffee and Six Flags. And maybe a puppy. When I become famous, you can use that quote in my biography.

Here's to a week of dressing classy, creatively, and without wrinkles!