Morning mood.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
this is the power of Christ in me.
From Life's first cry, to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.

Dwelling on these words today. Control in all areas of life is a hard thing to surrender, a personal struggle of mine every day. If only the epiphany that I don't always see the bigger and much better picture would hit me this hard every day.

Best birthday ever.

I have had a lot of great birthdays in my lifetime. But this year tops them all, thanks to my Mister. I turned the big 2-3 on Friday; my first birthday married and away from my childhood home. I had off (thank goodness!) and was told to pack warm clothes for a weekend getaway! Lets be honest, a girl can't possibly pack sufficiently without knowing the destination, so I convinced Mr. to spill the beans. He planned a weekend in Baltimore Inner Harbor!

(this is also where my sister was proposed to and my Dad took my Mom on a surprise 1 year anniversary trip!)

As I was packing and relaxing I received a surprise package at the door, which turned out to be (just as beautiful as they were delicious) chocolate covered strawberries! Mr. just knows the way to my heart and happiness.

We made the trip down Friday night got snuggled into our hotel room and geared up for a day of exploring the city! Today we probably walked 10 or more miles exploring the harbor, the surrounding blocks, shopping, visiting the aquarium, climbing a lookout, and more shopping.

We had dinner at Phillip's Restaurant and happened to be there when the Ravens beat the Broncos. As classy and fancy as the place is, everyone went wild! Even the guys in the kitchen! Can't say I'm the biggest football fan, but it was neat to be in the city in the midst of all the excitement!

Basically, Mr. downright spoiled me this year and I couldn't be more thankful for him. We have always talked about wanting to travel lots and explore together. This was our first trip alone since our honeymoon and it makes me so excited for what the future holds.

I hope everyone had wonderful weekends!

xoxo,
Mrs. 23

Weekend getaway.

This weekend Mr. and I spent some time at his family's cabin with sister and her Mr. Up in the mountain it was a winter wonderland. Such beauty and fun times outdoors. Back to reality til next weekend! (Mr. is planning a birthday getaway...!)

Week 1.

So far, 2013 is off to a wonderful start. In one week we

-joined a gym. (I know, I know just like everyone else who made health related resolutions)

-bought cute new workout clothes to wear to the gym (yes this motivates me more than it should)

-got a haircut. (attached to my length so I just requested a trim to healthily my ends)

Simple accomplishments, yes, but I am more motivated for self improvement than any previous first week of January. I will be 23 (yikes!) this week and with my Mr. by my side we are ready to become our best selves this year! My tips to all of you new year optimists (advice which I will need to be following as well)

1. Find an accountability partner. Goals are a lot easier to achieve when you're not alone in the journey!
2. Take it one day at a time. It's easy to be discouraged when looking at the big picture.
3. Journal your progress. Baby steps can be discouraging along the way, but reflecting back on how far you've come can be the best motivation!
4. Be patient. Big changes that are going to last won't and shouldn't happen over night! (despite what advertisements may claim)
5. Be consistent. Whether its a note on your fridge or mirror or an alarm set on your phone, remind yourself daily of your goals.

“We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day.”
― Richard G. Scott

Happy Goal Reaching!
xoxo,
Mrs. Change

Hey there 2013!

2012, were we're good to me. So very good to me. Here's to 2013 and all that is ahead! This year I made some resolutions that Im planning on sticking to...

Happy New Year Everyone! 

xoxo,

Mrs. New Me

Fashion Friday.

Althought I often struggle with being bold in my day to day outfits, I adore fashion. The latest trends can entertain me for hours and well Pinterest? Don't even get me started. The fashion world allows expression of inspiration and individuality. A few week ago I posted about a modeling opportunity I won through a casting call [my first ever!] Today I recieved a package on my doorstep with the finished images. Here are a few of my favorites...



"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities.

Seize common occasions and make them great.
~Theodore Roosevelt







Photography: CHAR Photography
Style: YOU by Grace

 

Home Spa

Today I did something that I may be making a weekly tradition. I got off work early so naturally I was on Pinterest when I saw a recipe for a detox bath. Here it is:

2 cups Epsom Salt [I found chamomile scented kind at Wal-Mart]
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
Relaxing Pandora station [I chose Enya]
Large glass of water to replenish hydration and flush toxins

Put all ingredients into bath as its filling with water as hot as tolerated.

Relax in the amazingness for a half hour to rid your body of toxins! Tah-Dah! Right? Well, I was a bit skeptical at first, BUT I actually sweated a lot during the bath and showered after. It was incredible how refreshed I felt afterwards!

All you hardworking bloggers out there, take time to pamper yourself...no expensive spa required!

xoxo,
Mrs. Relaxation