Do you ever find yourself feeling a little less-than-inspired at work? Even for those of us who like our jobs, there are times when the everyday routine just gets….dull. About two months ago, I was having a lackluster day at work when an idea suddenly popped into my head.
via
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Emily March Photography
This is the story of why I didn’t change my last name when I got married. Can I be honest, y’all? It took me awhile to decide whether or not to publish this because I was afraid it might make others feel judged. Like that feeling you get when your friend who’s doing Whole30 starts talking about how sugar is the devil right after you’ve scarfed down 10 pieces of leftover Halloween candy. That’s not the point of this post. Every person should be able to decide what their name will be, free of judgment. The reason I’m writing this is because I hope it will at least make people think about something that we take for granted as a societal norm. I hope that if someone out there feels incredibly uncertain and torn about whether they want to change their name when they get married, they can get a firsthand perspective from someone who’s totally been there. Read More
Do y’all like to talk about food? I do, so I’m hoping you’ll enjoy this food favorites post! I’m hoping to do one at the end of every month with my favorite foodie products and/or dishes from the month. I am not a gourmet chef and find myself very pressed for time when it comes to food, so for the most part you’ll find that these posts include quick meal ideas and favorite healthy snacks. Without further ado, here are my September favorites:
Suja Cold-Pressed Juice. This stuff makes me feel amazing. I have so much more energy, and it’s a great option for those like me and Wes who are too busy/lazy to actually cook vegetables. This is the most reasonably priced cold-pressed raw juice we’ve found. Local juicers sell similar products for up to $12/bottle, and the least expensive grocery store alternative is twice as expensive. It’s still pricey, though, so hubs and I usually split one when we buy it (he has his half for breakfast, I have my half with lunch).
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There have been moments lately when I’ve found myself feeling discouraged. Discouraged by the dire circumstances many of my patients are in. Discouraged by my own shortcomings as a human being and my failure to achieve a personal goal. Most acutely this past week, I felt discouraged by divisions within communities of faith. The particulars aren’t important, but I became so sad considering how humanity will always be divided by differences of opinions. It pained me to think about the anger, strife, and disappointment that surrounds these fissures, however large or small. And as I sat there feeling more and more hopeless, it hit me like a cool ocean wave on a hot summer day: God is bigger than all of this.
God is bigger than the petty things that members of faith communities squabble about. Bigger than my own failures. Bigger than the most dire of circumstances, from famine to mass genocide to horrible natural disasters.
My heart felt suddenly lighter. And dare I say….joyful? It’s not up to me to figure it all out.
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Hello belles! All of my favorite articles today have to with money…specifically, how to save it! Here are my favorite tips from around the Internet lately on how to save a few dolla dolla billls while planning your wedding and reception.
1. 6 Unnecessary Wedding Expenses You Can Totally Skip. Most wedding-related expenses these days are luxuries, not necessities, so keep that in mind as you hone in on what’s truly important to spend your precious savings on! This list can help you get started.
via Loverly
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Y’all, flowers can be expensive. If you’ve actually grown flowers yourself, you probably understand why. It takes lots of nurturing to grow a beautiful flower, which has to then be carefully cut and transported. And, if you’re purchasing from a florist, you’re also paying for the time, materials, and skill that go into professional arrangements. And you know where most beautiful wedding bouquets and reception arrangements go come midnight when the party is over? A big white trash bag. Yes, most wedding flowers are tossed in the trash mere hours or minutes after they stood in all of their splendor at one of the most important events of your life. That’s hundreds, often thousands of dollars worth of gorgeous flowers, headed to the landfill. Doesn’t the thought make you sick? Thankfully, I’m bringing you some wonderful alternatives today that will allow your gorgeous flowers to be enjoyed just a bit longer.
1. Donate. It would probably really make someone’s day to receive one of your beautiful arrangements! Thankfully there are programs out there that will come pick up your wedding flowers and deliver them to local nursing homes, hospice facilities, etc. I used one after my own wedding! The Flower Shuttle, based out of Raleigh, NC, has used recycled event flowers to create 123,802 arrangements since 2006. So amazing! Look for similar organizations in your area, or contact local Meals on Wheels groups, assisted living facilities, and other such programs to see if they might be interested in your flowers.
via The News & Observer
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Marriage equality in the Palmetto State has been a long time comin’ ever since a ruling from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this year effectively legalized same-sex marriage in Virginia. The Fourth Circuit also has jurisdiction over South Carolina. Under an order by U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel, gay marriages in SC were to officially being on Thursday, November 20th. However, our friends down South apparently got a little giddy over all the love being spread and started marrying couples a day earlier, some news outlets are reporting. The first wedding was held in Charleston.
Krista & Kayla – via WLTX
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As you all know, I’m all about saving money when it comes to planning your big day. As one of our smart featured brides put it, “it’s just one day, so there’s no need to break the bank.” I recently stumbled across these three money-saving websites and can’t wait to share:
1. Bravo Bride: Looking to recoup some of the money you spent on 200 navy crinkle linen napkins that you’ll never, ever use again? Or perhaps you’re interested in purchasing a worn-once designer wedding gown to get more bang for your buck? Look no further–Bravo Bride provides a space for past and prospective brides (and grooms!) to buy and sell wedding attire and decorations. I love the feature that shows how much of a discount you’re getting based on the original list price!
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via Freedom to Marry
Yesterday, October 10, 2014, some very exciting wedding-related stuff was going on in the Old North State. Read More
If you’re preparing to get married, chances are you’re going to be writing quite a few thank you notes in the near future. Today, we’re going to discuss how to write a sincere, gracious thank you that will leave both you and the recipient feeling warm and fuzzy inside!
VeronicaFoleyDesign on Etsy
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