Currently January

Y'all, I move this weekend. I seriously can't believe it. I've been so productive the past few days home and am so thankful I decided to spend them getting things set in CT instead of taking the extra week in OH. I've been cleaning, packing, reading, working out and even blogging. Let's keep this energy up, shall we.

Seriously though. Can I bottle it somehow? Work starts again tomorrow morning and I am already dreading that alarm.

I'm a little late to the game but still wanted to join in on Anne's "Currently" link-up this month. It's a great way to get some creativity flowing and even begin some of those to-do lists.

Choosing - joy. Actively, intentionally, and radically. I've been noticing how my body, mind and spirit are affected in certain situations and certain conversations. Rather than giving into negative thoughts and patterns, I am choosing to find joy in all things and to remove myself from those environments that simply do not bear fruit or bring light into my heart. Easier said than done, but the ever-present optimist in me is hopeful.

Tidying - my whole apartment. The movers are coming on Friday and after a final deep clean once everything is gone, I am officially moving! It has been a lot of work, but I will say it finally forced me to sit down and organize boxes and bins that have accumulated in the past 3 years and even from before that in previous homes.


Resolving - to not wait until New Years Day or a specific date to start chasing my dreams and goals. I posted a little bit about this on January 1st and hope to continue striving to make today and every day the best it can be - all for the greater glory of God (AMDG)

Refreshing - /reseting my focus on the wedding planning. We've had the majority of the big items checked off of our list since late summer/early fall which is such a blessing considering how much of my time and energy the new job, move and just life in the midst of it all has taken. I've been fortunate with the ease of it all (definitely a consolation and affirmation that this is the right move), but adding wedding planning on top of everything would have been overwhelming. Now that other things are in place, we can refocus on our special day and lifetime to come.

Exploring - possible Honeymoon destinations. As with most of the wedding planning, I am super indecisive/ happy with just about anything, so this has been interesting. I'd love to go someplace new to me, but would also love to show M around some of my favorite destinations. We are pretty active and love exploring, couldn't do more than a day or two on a beach, and hope to go abroad. Any and all suggestions are welcome!


So what about you, friend? What are you up to this month? How is your January shaping up? I'd love to hear!

Peace,

Sarah

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Currently September

September is here, school is in full swing and I'm wishing the weather would act like it's fall instead of summer in the desert - scratch that, there's no way it would be this humid in a desert. Bring on that dry heat!

On the bright side, I've never been so grateful for air conditioning. It's rough, kids.

Currently I am laying on my couch in the only part of my apartment with AC writing this month's edition of the Currently Link Up with Anne in Residence. It's keeping my mind off of the heat and on some fond memories and exciting things ahead.

Starting: To wedding plan again. After the stress of booking the venue so much sooner than anticipated, we haven't really done anything wedding-y (unless you count my random pins here and there). I think the shock of that has settled and I'm ready to dive in to more of the fun details and making our day special. Now to decide on a color palette - I like pretty much every one I see.

Buying: A few new back-to-school goodies. While I am no longer a student, I do work at a school and as an end-of-summer treat, found myself aimlessly strolling the women's section of Target which is something I try to avoid for the sake of my wallet. (I mean seriously, have you seen these shoes?!)

Rather than go all out, I decided to pick a few items I knew would compliment those I already own. I couldn't pass up the unique blue of this sweater. It's a great transition from summer to fall and I know I'll wear it multiple ways throughout the year, whether with a scarf in the winter, or over a dress in the spring - plus the color is amazing!

I also ordered these pants, these booties, and this top (for some school spirit). I'll let you know how they turn out!

PS - These flats are IDENTICAL to the ones I got from Madewell last year, for a fraction of the price! And this skirt is a pink version of the one I wore in the A New Day post last year :)

Sharing: Workout adventures with a close group of accountability babes. I am hoping to get more in shape for the big day next June and joined a text chain with a few friends from the BIS Team. It's been fun checking in and seeing how everyone is doing and cheering one another on. I've actually been pretty solid for a little over a month in consistent exercise (5-6 times per week) which feels great! Here's hoping it sticks now that school has started...

Reading: Honestly, nothing right now. I finished Crazy Rich Asians right before the movie came out (book and movie were both amazing) and bought the second in the series but haven't had time to pick it up. I have a pile of about 10 books I'm hoping to read, but haven't made it a priority a past few weeks. I'm sure that will change.

Recording: Each and every memory I can (usually in the form of a photo). Michael and I ventured to Portland, Maine this weekend for a Labor Day getaway and anniversary celebration of the day we met. Here are a few of my favorite snaps from the trip.

What about you, friends? What have your currently's been lately? Any book recs or things to share?

Peace,
Sarah

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Currently - August

Hello August!

School will start again in a few short weeks and y'all, I'm not sure I am ready to give up this slow, easy summer flow. I suppose I should just soak it in while it lasts and make sure to do some of the things on my summer bucket list before it's actually gone.

Linking up with Anne in Residence again for another "Currently" update because the blogging bug has caught hold of me again and this is probably my favorite link-up. 

following: lot's of lovely ladies via Instagram such as: Shannon, Nell, Laura, and Katrina. 

Go check out their accounts and show them some love! #followfriday

ordering: nothing at the moment. But I am daydreaming about this embroidered mini skirt, these tassel earrings, and this yellow dress. Oh, and these scalloped booties are so cute!

pinning: ALL the wedding inspo. My wedding board is private (I may or may not have had it for years) but you can follow my other boards HERE. When I'm not pinning wedding things, I pin a lot of interior design for our someday home.

watching: Travelers. A colleague introduced M and me to this show this winter, but I gave up Netflix for Lent and are getting back into it. It's about a group of people from the future who take over current bodies right before they die to try to end certain tragedies that affected the future. Sounds super nerdy, but it's REALLY really good. 

counting: down the hours until Michael is done with work so we can start the drive back to Ohio. We haven't been home since Easter and are both excited to see family and friends along with visiting some potential reception venues and meeting with a few photographers. It's going to be a long short visit.


And there you have it. My "Currently"s for August 2018. What are you up to this month, friends? Any show recommendations or Instagram accounts you can't get enough of?

Peace,
Sarah

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Currently - October

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables.

How on earth is it October already? I feel like these first few weeks of school have flown by and I'm only now catching up. Thank goodness for the changing leaves and crisp air and their welcomed beauty amidst the chaos.

I'm linking up again with Anne from Anne In Residence and Dana of Something Good for this month's currently's.

styling: photos of the new Blessed is She Advent Journal. If you are looking for a beautiful way to enter into the season of Advent, I cannot recommend this journal enough. It's a beautifully rich, yet simple way to pray, whether alone or in community, and really prepare our hearts for the joy that awaits us in our Emmanuel. You can shop the journal here.

saving: money (sort of), thanks to the Anthropologie Sale on Sale. An extra 40% on their sale prices? Don't mind if I do. I stopped in our local store the on Thursday and got 3 tops for less than $5 each, plus this beautiful dress for under $30. I'm loving this dress, this top, and this skirt.

searching: for a Halloween costume. I have a few ideas, but nothing has stuck yet. Suggestions are welcome. Pending travel arrangements, it'll be a couples costume. 

picking: apples! M came to visit this weekend and I persuaded him to do ALL the fall things. He was a great sport and I got some delicious goodies. It was a good weekend, friends. 

making: banana bread. I let a few bananas get a little too ripe for my taste and have been patiently waiting for them to get to the banana bread stage. 

What's new with you all? Any currently's you're diving into?

Peace,
Sarah

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Currently - September

Happy Tuesday, friends. I hope you all had an only semi-monday-ish Monday and are ready to knock this week out of the park. My week is going to be pretty crazy with everything that I need to get done for work before heading to Ohio on Friday. Not a ton of time. 

I feel like the school year just took off and I'm holding on for the ride. Luckily there are a lot of really great things I'm working on for this year, so I'm staying focused and on top of things so far (knock on wood). 

Today I'm linking up again with Anne over at Anne in Residence and Lowanda from Sunshine and Elephants to share some "currently's" this month.

celebrating: My sister's 25th birthday. We may not always get along, but I am truly blessed to have her - plus she brought my favorite little peanut into the world so I'm forever grateful ;)

watching: Netflix (typical). I just jumped on the West-Wing-train, and y'all, I am HOOKED. Trying my best not to binge watch, but it's just so good!

welcoming: Fall. All of the pumpkin things. Crisp air. Warm colors and clothing. The list goes on and I can't wait for more!

preparing: for everything I have planned (hopefully well) from now until Halloween. Between some huge work projects, heading home to Ohio, a work conference, the BIS writer retreat, M visiting, and you know, life... it is going to be a whirlwind around here friends. All good, just a lot all at once. Prayers appreciated. 

photographing: My cat, Zelie. 


What have you been up to, friends?

Peace,
Sarah

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Currently: August

Happy Saturday, friends. It's been a paradoxically fast yet slow week here in CT mixed with just about every emotion imaginable - so that's been fun.

Today I am joining in on the Currently link-up with Anne from In Residence and Shea from Shea Lennon. I've seen a few bloggers I follow participate in this one and think it's such a fun way to look back at the month and reflect on a few things.

Here goes: Currently, I am...

Snacking On: Pudding and Yogurt. I had two wisdom teeth removed yesterday and am still on the soft-food-train. (Plus I love pudding and yogurt, so win win.) Specifically, tapioca pudding is my jam and I just started eating this yogurt from Whole Foods and love it.

Anticipating: My cousin's wedding next weekend and the beginning of school at the end of the month. How is it already August?! So much to do before the kiddos return!

Borrowing: Honestly, I'm not sure how to answer this one. I live pretty remote from family and friends so there isn't much occasion to borrow... Still paying those loans from undergrad though, so that counts, right?

Admiring: Artists. I follow lots of Etsy Shops on Instagram and have been loving the art these women have been sharing - Brass and Mint Co. Brick House in the City and Be a Heart, to name a few. What beautiful talents they share!

Purchasing: Craft supplies. I stopped at Hobby Lobby about a week ago and went a little crazy. There was a lot of "Oh, I could just make that," thinking happening as I shopped. Whether or not that was a good thing is yet to be determined. I did make this cactus though, and I am pretty happy with how it turned out.

Bonus:
I am currently (see what I did there) driving to Ohio for the trip delayed by pesky wisdom teeth. It's 8 hours and basically all through PA all with my cat, Zelie... Prayers for smooth travels and safety are appreciated.

What's going on with you, friend? Any great snacks or non-monetary borrowing? (Or monetary - We can commiserate on the cost of a college education.) Road trips? I'd love to hear!

Peace,
Sarah

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