Weird is the Word

This is the end of the September blog challenge. Time sure does fly because tomorrow is the start of October! Fall in Colorado is always so weird to me, especially this year. We have been blessed with warm weather so far! I'm still able to run outside with a t-shirt and shorts on. However, I know that within the span of a day that won't be happening. It's just a matter of when the weather decides to make that change. September is weird to me because, like myself, it can never decide. I mean it can't decide whether it wants to hold on to summer or allow it to be crisp fall. Pumpkin Spice comes around and apparently that marks the end of summer. Silly little drink can change so much. I love the drink don't get me wrong it's just so weird. In honor of, in my opinion, weird September, I'm going share some weird/interesting facts. I asked my bestie Court to help me out and it was almost embarrassing how many weird facts she threw my way. Before you start to judge I'll give you my reasons for them okay!

1. I drink coffee, or any hot drink, through a straw. I fear my teeth will turn colors.

2. I'm deathly afraid of ET. You can argue that he's a nice little alien, but he's not. He's creepy. I was forced to watch the movie when I was younger and obviously haven't recovered.

3. I have monkey feet. I can do things with my feet that I can with my hands, like pick things up. Pinching my brother-in-law is probably my favorite.

4. I HATE when people touch their eye brows. I can't stand when eyebrows are rubbed the wrong way. It literally gives me the chills. I was pinned down by three seniors in high school who brushed mine the wrong way. Too much adrenaline allowed me to throw all three of them off me.

5. I own more t-shirts than I know what to do with, they're all too big, and I only wear a fraction of them. Whether I get a t-shirt for a race, soccer tournament, or a random free one, 99% of the time I grab one that's too big.

6. I can carry on clear conversations in my sleep. It's a gift really. When I'm sleeping I've been known to sing Lil Romeo or quote the Jersey Shore.

7. If I could live in any era it would be the 80's or the 20's. The outfits...need I say more?

Courtney has a list too

To spare me from more embarrassment I'll leave it at that. Thanks for reading all of our September posts. We hope you continue to follow us as we explore new recipes, discover new workouts, find the trends, and live life together.

--Holly

Fun Facts Friday

Here are 20 random and ridiculous facts about myself. Some things you should know if we are going to be BFFs:

1. I can make some of the most ridiculous funny/ugly faces when posing for pictures. My friends and family can attest to this.

2. I loving re-arranging furniture in rooms, I like changing things up!

3. I love to cook, but I don’t like to bake. If I can’t eat all of it in one sitting, it’s not worth my time 

4. I am constantly leaving cabinets and drawers open after I use them. My husbands pet peeve. Oops.

5. I don’t like to clean, but sometimes I just get in the mood and can go for hours.

6. I don’t like tomatoes or blueberries. But I so badly wish I did!

7. I didn’t use to like breakfast, but now it is becoming one of my favorite meals. I get excited about what I am going to eat the night before! This weeks current rotation: dippy eggs, turkey bacon and raspberries. Mmmm.

8. I eat every 3 or 4 hours. Literally. I pack a mid morning-snack, lunch, and afternoon snack for work.

9. I am mostly an introvert. If I don’t get at least one night at home by myself or with the Hubs with no plans, it stresses me out.

10. I want to be a stay-at-home mama one day.

11. I love watching the Real Housewives. All of them. Don’t judge.

12. I hate confrontation. More than anything. I would rather suppress feelings than bring them up. Something I am trying to get better at it!

13. I would much rather have a night in than go out. A night in a cozy house with friends and family is much better than a loud bar or restaurant in my eyes!

14. I am married to my perfect other half. He is good at the things I am not, and vice versa. He makes me a better person 

15. We keep a running list of baby names we love and may use someday. We have also decided that we will not be sharing our children’s names with the world until they are born. I value others opinions too much and fear someone might make me second guess  a name I love.

16. We love planning vacations, and start planning the next year’s anniversary trip immediately after we get back from the previous one.

17. A lot of times I will sing song lyrics out loud in a really weird voice, and I won’t even notice until Nick calls me out on it. He thinks its hysterical.

18. We like to “white boy dance” in the kitchen while making dinner. Think: the cheesiest most awkward dance moves ever.

19. I won my school spelling bee every year in elementary school, and even went to State in 8^th grade. Nerd alert.

20. I am learning to love the season I am in right now, without looking too far ahead to the next. It has always been a struggle of mine, but something I am working on!

~Lauren

Coffee and Conversations

My blog challenge today was to find a coffee shop and write about what makes me happy and what makes me sad. Part of the challenge was actually picking a coffee shop in Denver. There are just so many and because I can be indecisive sometimes- it was difficult for me to choose just one. However, with the girls’ help and recommendations I ended up at Two Rivers- Craft Coffee Company! It fit my mood perfectly. The coffee might be the best that I’ve ever tasted, probably because the owner roasts his own beans. He was the ultimate coffee courser and it was fun to pick his brain about the different roasts. This atmosphere was the perfect environment to write about these topics. 

Two Rivers 

So, what makes me sad? And Happy?

It makes me sad when I feel like I have to live my life through a mold. When I feel the pressure of our culture pushing me through a door I wasn’t meant to walk through. It’s like when we were kids and we would squeeze a round ball of play-dough through the square mold with all our force just get a small cube out of it! I feel the pressure of my age and the fact that everyone around me is getting married, I am miles away from having kids and I’m starting over in my career. At 25, the world is telling me to have my S*%$ together, check things off my to-do list, and to get married already! I don’t want to feel tied down to the boundaries around age and of our culture to achieve more and be better. I want to just be me. Free spirited, full of life, pursuing my passions while loving the Lord and people along the way. I’m vowing to move forward with my dreams, however big or small. I will not be bound the age, career or marriage mold that our culture has created.

A good cup of coffee makes me happy. A drink shared at happy hour makes me happy. Sitting on the couch with my roommate makes me happy. Talking on the phone to my mom makes me happy. What is central to all these things though is good conversations- deep and meaningful talks. Lots of laughter and if chatting with my mom maybe some tears too (she’s the one I cry to!) I crave community and I could talk 90 miles a minute if you would let me. I love the long talks with my girls over a strong brew of coffee early in the morning. It’s when I can really connect with them and share my heart. Coming home from a long night shift at work and talking to Nina on the couch, makes me happy. She cares so much about how I’m doing and we walk each other through every detail of the day. I want to have conversations that make me grow and challenge me. I am happiest when I’m laughing with Lauren on the roof top sipping delicious cocktails. My heart is pieced back together after an uplifting conversation with my sister; she is always is full of wisdom and encouragement. I am filled with joy when I get to talk to my girls before the sun rises on Monday mornings for bible study. So, what makes me happy…relationships with friends and family- deep, meaningful, life-giving, strength building, encouraging conversations. 

Thanks for letting me share! Happy Thursday, friends.

XO,
Erin

P.S. > I also wrote this post using Ommwriter. It changed the way I will blog forever. Try it out! http://www.ommwriter.com/

A Bias Review

I'm supposed to review a book, place, or product. I am going to be bias and use this as an opportunity to "review" a start up company of some friends.

We live in a consumer world filled with social movements not everyone agrees with. We can, however, agree that we are in need of some sort of social change. Consumerism has become a norm through social change but it doesn't mean that it's always coinciding with the change we want. If it's not something were passionate about or believe in then we don't really want to waste our time with it.


I wouldn't consider myself a "gung-ho activist" (is that even a word?). I do however have products, people, and companies that I believe in and support. That's why I want to review/present Share Brands, Inc. I may be bias since I know the brains behind the company, but I'm also pumped about what they are doing.
Share Brands, Inc is a start up geared at initiating social change. Their idea is to change the way people view buying products, meaning buying with a purpose. The purpose fulfilling the human need of supporting through conscious commerce.

I get it, that all sounds so wordy. So, I'll break it down for you a little bit. Basically for every product bought 25% of the proceeds go to the connected charity. They offer a variety of products such as yoga mats, head phones, tote bags, dog collars phone cases, and tee shirts. Each color of product is associated with a certain non-profit/social cause that are all listed below. 

Red-       POVERTY, their current initiative is Friendship Bridge

Blue-      MEN AND CHILDREN'S HEALTH, current initiative is Project Angel Heart

Yellow-  FOR EDUCATION, current initiative Rays of Grace

Green-   THE ENVIRONMENT, current initiative TBD

Pink-      WOMEN AND CHILDREN'S HEALTH, current initiative Project Angel Heart

Currently, Co-founders, Justin Hoffman & Connor Knutson, videographer BC Serna, and my favorite friend Zach Payne are on a Bike Tour promoting Share Brands to companies in order to engage business, people, and nonprofit solutions. Follow the tour on Facebook! 

With all that said I should probably tell you what I think, if you haven't already picked up on the message. I believe in what they are doing. James 1:27 says were called to care for the orphans and the widows. Acts 20:35 says were called to care for the weak. He is the protector of the impoverished (Psalm 12:5) and I want to be a part of that. I may not be able to be hands on with these non-profits but I can definitely contribute to social change. I want to be used for His kingdom and if buying and wearing a t-shirt can be a part of that, I think its worth the investment. The heart behind the movement is important to me. I cherish the fact that they are wanting to make a change, and have been faithful to the Lord's calling. I'm happy to support Share Brands and all they are doing! 

--Holly

Taking Stock...

Making : meal plans for the family I nanny. 
Cooking : spaghetti squash with cashew cream
Drinking : Water...trying. I'm terrible at drinking water. I go days and its a problem
Reading: "What Did You Expect" ... a really helpful and encouraging read on the expectations of marriage. I'm eating up every word! 
Wanting: Swooooning over this little black and gold number! OH and this...oooops, Happy Hatha!
Looking: For rhythm in a busy schedule.
Playing: ...with dump trucks and excavators and Thomas the Train and magic bubbles and the toy lawn mower...these are some of Brady's current favorites. 
Wasting: Time inside when I can be outside enjoying the last of these coatless beautiful weather days. 
Sewing: Nothing...unfortunately sewing isn't something I do. 
Wishing: For a mini getaway/staycasion.  
Enjoying: Frozen Yogurt Saturday's with Lee. 
Waiting: Impatiently...praying for patience. 
Liking: When I arrive to work and Brady says " You look cuuuuuteee Kiki" 
Wondering: What it will be like to live with a boy.... 
Loving: Post dinner walks down Pearl Street with Lee and Bailey the dog child sometimes stopping off for a coffee at Stellas. 
Hoping: For more humility 
Marvelling: At God's grace 
Needing: copious amounts of dark chocolate walnuts or dark chocolate coconuts...I keep finding myself in the bin section at Sprouts and Whole Foods for sweet tooth suppressants. Its not good. 
Smelling: Fall...its definitely in the air. 
Wearing: converse...my go to chase Brady around the house, play in the fort, walk around the zoo for days kind of shoe. 
Following: A workout plan... training for a half-mary and loving it. 
Noticing: The subtle hints of fall in the trees, in clothing changes, in the supermarket store fronts...oh how those pumpkins & ciders line up at the front to greet you. It's so wonderful! 
Knowing: I am blessed. 
Thinking: About my weekend away in Kansas City to celebrate mom's 50th. 
Feeling: So thankful, thankful for Colorado and its stunning beauty, for a steady job that I enjoy, for a fiancé that leads and loves me better than I could have imagined, friendships that are deep and challenging and consistent. 
Bookmarking: Blogs. I love so many. I've been book marking them and adding them to a page on my phone. I read at stop lights, in the bathroom (don't you judge me), during Brady's nap...I can't stop! Workout blogs, and cooking blogs, lifestyle blogs and fashion blogs. Oh how I love them. 
Opening: My heart and life for change and growth. 
Giggling: At Lee's car karaoke and dancing. 

A blank list for you to copy and paste...!

Making :
Cooking :
Drinking :
Reading:
Wanting:
Looking:
Playing:
Wasting:
Sewing:
Wishing:
Enjoying:
Waiting:
Liking:
Wondering:
Loving: 
Hoping:
Marvelling:
Needing:
Smelling:
Wearing:
Following:
Noticing:
Knowing:
Thinking:
Feeling:
Bookmarking:
Opening:
Giggling:

- Mekenzie

Life as of Lately

Still reminiscing on one year of marriage
with my handsome huni! 

Got my TIU! sample pack in the mail!
Super stoked!!!

Evening strolls and hand holding

Ree came a long way to celebrate me
on my 25th!! Love her so!!

                                                                                             

I turned 25!! 

Happiness at 25 :)

Celebrating at dinner with ones
I love... many not pictured

Getting excited for the approaching new season!
Fall is in the air people! 

<3 Gabrielle

A Love Letter...

There you are... sitting there so unaware of the way you've changed my life,
Not so long ago did you come into this world and give us all a big surprise!

Your ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes, and that adorable squished nose,
You bounce around with each bitty step like a dainty unsteady rose.

The way you reach for me when I arrive.. and how you cry when I have to say goodbye.

Your kisses are so tender and your bitting is so tough,
But I love everything about you and you will always be enough.

To watch you grow into a little girl makes my heart leap and cry,
When I think about the day you were born, I sit. Stop. And sigh.

I love you Eliora, as if you were my own sweet angel,
And this love letter I write today is for you.

 

 

 <3 Gabrielle

Quarter of a Century Birthday

Today is a special day. Today marks 25 years that this world has been graced with the life of our sweet Gabrielle. Today is her birthday. In leu of doing the “Blogtember” prompt, I think it is appropriate to do a tribute to a women that will change your life, if you ever get the blessing to meet her. She is beautiful. She cares deeply about making people feel celebrated and special. Today is a day dedicated to loving the heck out of this girl and making her quarter of a century birthday one for the record books. 

This girl shines Jesus and pours love through her words and actions. She’s an amazing best friend, a stellar wife, a caring aunt, a faithful daughter and a women who we all admire. She is bold in beliefs and gentle in her words. Gabrielle possesses a zeal for celebration that can’t be matched. I cannot wait to see what this next year holds for our sweet best friend. I know that God is going to use her talents to knock the socks off of everyone she encounters. Cheers, to 25 years, Gaby!

You light up our lives, Gabrielle. Thank you for being born! We are so thankful that God brought you into our lives. Enjoy this day- we pray you feel celebrated and special. Love you!

XOXO,

Your Bests.

Our History Through Pictures

3 bible studies, 5 soccer seasons, dozens of birthday celebrations, 3 engagements, 2 weddings, 1 cancer scare, about 3 dozen job interviews and job offers, many wine glasses, hundreds of dinners, thousands of cups of coffee, 5 races, 1,000 wardrobe swaps, 5 bachelor seasons,  3 wedding dress hunts, hundreds of happy hours, church searches, 1 torn ACL, homeownership, 2 bachlorette parties, many slumber parties, 15 or more trips and vacations and so so much more. Our history together has been full of ups and downs, truth talks and joyful celebrations, tears and laughter, cooking and eating, workouts and chats, party planning and training, moving and re-uniting. It's been a history with a lot of changes brought about by new seasons and new relationships and new situations and new jobs, but here we are so excited to be faithful friends cheering each other on and pushing each other for growth. I couldn't be more thankful for these girls. They each are uniquely creative and passionate and Godly and beautiful. Here's to many more memories!

- Mekenzie