Weekend Getaway

We spent the weekend in Branson and I didn't take a single picture, except the one you see above. #SorryNotSorry

I enjoyed myself, my time with my husband, my time away from our "real life." It was nice not to have to worry about getting up to let the dogs out, did I forget to buy milk for breakfast, how many dishes are in the sink, and the test I have tomorrow in Spanish. We took our time, we didn't bother getting dressed up, we ate when we wanted to, we slept when we wanted to, we took care of each other. No distractions. We didn't even plan any activities! And it was wonderful.

Taking a few days to focus on yourself and your spouse is a big deal. It lets you reconnect in ways you just can't in every day life. For me, vacations and weekend getaways are so necessary to keep my head straight, keep the peace, and remind myself that my life here is worth all the stress and mess.

As we transition from summer to fall, I encourage you to take some time away from the everyday norms and reconnect with someone special. Your spouse, your bestie, your mom, or even yourself. Disconnect from your normal routine and just focus on what you feel, what you see, what hear. You'll be amazed at what you discover.

I am so grateful that we have the means to do this on a semi-regular basis. It's something we plan to keep doing for as long as possible.

What did you do this weekend?

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Friday Favs

There are so many fun link-ups regarding favorites for Friday, it's hard to choose! But they all seem to be about picking favorite things, so that's what I'm going to do today.

Favorite Pins

Click image to see pin

waterfall crown braid - click image to see pin

gallery wall - click image to see pin

Favorite Insta Photos

@christian_matthew_cullen  |  @butchersniche  |  @mskellylouise

Favorite Blog Posts

Twelve Months of Bliss - Ember Grey.
Emily always has wonderful posts, sometimes it's hard to pick just one. But this week was the link-up for the #12MofBliss challenge for August. It's kinda close to my heart as I totally participated this month, but I plan to continue this little habit because, well, it's awesome.

You Didn't Know? - Kenji is Here
I LOVE learning new little tid bits about my blog friends. And this list from Kendra just proves why we were meant to be friends. Even the chocolate thing, more for me!

He Said, She Said, on Marriage and Love - Adventures of Bug & Boo via Heavens to Betsy
This guest post from Rebecca on Heavens to Betsy is so sweet. I love these little interview style posts, especially when they pertain to love and marriage.

Reasons I Know I'm a Crazy Dog Lady - The Daily Tay
Proof I'm not the only one.



What are you favorites this week?

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Twelve Months of Bliss - August

One special lady from my #tribe developed this awesome challenge: Twelve Months of Bliss. While I wanted to participate the first two months, life sorta got in the way. That's no excuse, really. I should have made the time to work on myself via Emily's challenge. Anyways, I did it this month. I made a space on the wall in my guest room/office to display all the things keeping me going right now.

 I have grown to love this little space, and what's awesome about the placement, is that I can see it from the bathroom when I'm getting ready in the mornings. I was amazed at how much I found strength and peace through such small items as these. And I have to thank Emily for bringing such a wonderful habit into my life.

1. This is the birthday card I got from my mom this year. The message inside reflected a little on the big conversation we had earlier in the month. The words brought me to tears and reminded me how lucky I am to have such a wonderful relationship with my mom now.

2. Priorities. I had written that on this little post-it note during one of our Blogger Pow Wows a few months ago, and it's been on my desk ever since. My priorities have shifted so much since I've moved here and then even more once I got married. Having them set and not wavering on them have brought me great strength and comfort.

3. Think Positive! This has been my mantra this month. You can't go wrong with that!

4. This little tag says "#WoodsGoCruisin, 12-26-15, From Missouri, To the Caribbean"
I am so excited about our cruise and am constantly thinking about what I need to do before we leave and making lists about what to pack. We also are spending a week with my parents before the cruise, and we're looking forward to that as well.

5. I was debating a new look for the blog, which I did implement earlier this month.

6. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. Jeremiah 29:11
Sometimes it's hard for me to let go of what I want and the time line I want it in, and trust that God will provide the things I need exactly at the perfect time.

7. My puppy calendar! Who doesn't love adorable pictures of puppies??

8. The 17th was my first day of school. I am loving school, and so enjoy working for my degree. I always look forward to my classes each session because you never know who you'll meet or what you'll learn outside of the set curriculum.

9. This weekend we are going on another weekend getaway to Branson, MO. We had such a wonderful time over the 4th of July, and we wanted to get away just one more time before our big vacation at Christmas.


This should really be a board full of happiness for me. Do you have an inspiration board?

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