Days With Elizabeth

Sweet Jesus

2012-01-06T18:21:00.003-06:00

My heart has needed a few reminders of who Jesus is to me...

and the reminders came this week in a few different ways...

As I read these words....

"I am both with you and within you. I go before you to open up the way, and I also walk along side you. There could never be another companion as devoted as I am."

Jesus Calling (Jan. 3)

As I looked at the sky this morning....

As I watched this video...

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,"

even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

Psalm 139: 7-12

Elizabeth in Public.

2011-12-06T22:30:00.001-06:00

Brake lights won't turn off?

Call a Dad then call the Subaru Dealership while reading a manual and enlisting two parking garage attendants to remove the fuse. That's not complicated- and it's the yellow one.

Mani/Pedi with a friend?

Eavesdrop on every conversation in the place while mouthing gossip to your friend only to have the owner of the salon realize what you're saying and interject the "correct" version of the story.
My version was so much better.

Dinner in the city?

Sit at one of those long tables. You know, the ones with multiples groups of people all eating at the same rectangular table. Of course you join in the political debate going on next to you. Who wouldn't?

Pick up your car at the parking garage?

Join another conversation while waiting for your car, obviously your opinion was needed.

Apparently Elizabeth shouldn't be allowed out in public.

At least the old man that told me to shut up at church wasn't anywhere to be seen tonight. Something makes me think he wouldn't have approved of any of it.

Bless my heart.

Thanks Giving 2011

2011-11-26T14:41:00.001-06:00

....Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving....

I've been overwhelmed by the many blessings in my life this week....

my amazing family, sweet friends, and silly memories of the people I love, along with God's provisions have my heart overflowing.

My parents next door neighbor is in the hospital right now and every time I think of him, a thousand memories from my childhood come rushing into my heart. As I pray for his healing, I count the blessing of his friendship.

Boomer and I met when I was about seven years old. My family had just moved into the neighborhood and I wanted to meet the cop that lived next door. So I went with my pestering questions and introduced myself and we've been friends ever since.

He showed up to my Church plays, my brothers baseball games, and let us drink soda pop on his couch when we locked ourselves out of our house while our parents were out for dinner.

(Which was my fault, we went to check out the possible burglar situation and I locked the door behind us.)

As far as adopted family members go, Boomer has always been the greatest. He's put up with a lot from me- he even let me paint his toes pink once. That's a good neighbor. When I was in the fourth grade and made him a card for Thanksgiving he sent me a card back. And this (twenty)seven year old little girl is so thankful for the Grandpa-ish friend I found that day in his driveway.

Get better soon, Boomer.

I'll be home to listen to some jazz music with you soon.

Happy birthday, Hannah!

2011-11-09T07:38:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday to the girl who makes me laugh so hard I fall off chairs and run into things.

Rome 2009

If you travel with her there's a chance you might miss a train for a totally random reason, there's also a chance that you'll have the time of you life. Just like Dirty Dancing.

Thanks for being the sort of friend that I only argue about stupid things with and who knows the entertainment portion of trivial pursuit as well as I do.

Who's that fourth guy on Mount Rushmore?

No idea.

Who really knows who that guy is anyway.

You know the kid from the Partridge family?

Yeah, Danny Bonaduce.

Thanks for also being the girl that lets me sob on her couch and who dances along to Mariah Caery on the weekends.

Love you Han!

Disclaimer: we know lots of important facts, just not that particular fact. And while we play up our silliness we're not bumbling idiots. Just in case that's what you thought I said... I didn't. Don't want to make my friend appear anything less than intelligent on her birthday. Thank-you-very-much. xoxo

Excuse me while I brag...

2011-11-07T19:38:00.000-06:00

I know, I know... I never brag and you're completely shocked, right?

Well, you can at least pretend.

It's only polite.

With out further ado I give you a glimpse of my uncle's creative genius...

A Plantation Ad in the NY Time's T Magazine.


page 11 yo

Isn't it just beautiful?

I could move in right now.

And to top it all off, my Uncle's a pretty good bowler too.

(If you're gonna brag, you might as well go all the way.)

For even more beautiful shots of Plantation, check out Plantation's website or their ads in Elle Decor.

Shout out to Ryan, the master of the Online Store and all things wonderful!

The makings of a good Sunday night.

2011-11-07T18:24:00.000-06:00

1. Pauper's Dinner.
Baguette's, cheese, and meat. Some people like to include mustard, I do not.

2. Friendsies that make you laugh so hard you pee your pants.

3. The cheesiest/best Christmas movie you've ever seen.
I'm going to make it my goal to watch one Christmas movie a day between Thanksgiving and Christmas... I think I can do it.

The countdown to next Sunday begins...

Christmastime

2011-11-05T10:58:00.000-05:00

The red cups are out at Starbucks.

I've got Angel Tree families to call.

I've been listening to Christmas music for a month.

Thank you Matt Wertz and Justin Beiber for your recent Christmas albums.

I love them.

And thank you Hannah and Rachel for loving Christmas just as much as me...

This is for you.

Judy Garland singing Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

(you have to click it)

Maria's Africa Bound!

2011-11-04T22:02:00.001-05:00

For some people tomorrow might just be an ordinary Saturday, but it's not. Tomorrow one of my besties is getting on a plane and going to Africa. Africa!

We've been talking about Africa for as long as we've been Maria's, so this trip is a dream coming true. For both of us.

She's going to meet her Compassion kids, which has to be one of the coolest things ever.

2011

marias circa 2008

My crazy may run wild and deep, but I'm gonna miss you wild and deep.
Have a great trip, Mars.
xoxo Abs and Mark's wedding style.

For realz, giggle about that when you're beating the heat.
That and the fact that I'm trying a new all natural deodorant. Eww, gross.
Miss you already.

Kick it in the pants, Guiliana!

2011-10-17T22:50:00.000-05:00

Wishing a victorious fight and a happy ending to one of my favorite reality stars!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

US personnel to Africa to target LRA

2011-10-17T22:06:00.002-05:00

For anyone who's ever had the conversation, what about Africa:

President Obama Targets the LRA from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

LRA Crisis Tracker Web Page
Invisible Children Website

Ebenezer.

2011-10-16T22:02:00.001-05:00

The problem with the last two weekends is that I've been able to see people in my family. Which isn't really a normal occurrence in my life. Now it's been almost a week and I'm in withdrawal. I miss my brothers who make me grumpy and happy all at the same time. And my uncle who is the funnest (I know, it's not a word) person I know.

Now I'm listening to Christmas music and getting all sappy.

Because really, I hate Halloween and there is no such thing as Thanksgiving music.

And basically I want my Mom and some dogs to cuddle with and a fireplace.

Nine more weekends and I'll get to see one of these faces.

Happy Holidays yo.

A stop at Plantation

2011-10-08T21:09:00.003-05:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again, my Uncle rocks.

He's creative, kind, and has great taste.

And I could practically move right into his La Brea Store!

I kind of love this sign

Yes, please.

So comfy!

I know you're just dying to order a custom piece (I'm a fan of the Elizabeth Sofa myself) lucky for you they have an online store.

Check the website, yo.

Weekend in Review: Big Brother Style

2011-10-03T22:53:00.001-05:00

In case you don't know what to do when your brother drives through Chicago en route to Idaho, let me tell you. Since Idaho is a super popular state, I'm sure you all have brothers on their way there right now.

First off, don't take him to your favorite sandwich place... he'll think it's weird that they put the french fries in the sandwich. (not cool like you suspected)

Photo: Junky Trinket

His interest in the Field Museum might surprise you, but once you realize he only wants to see the man eating lions, you won't be that surprised.

The el. train and all things downtown will not impress this guy, skip all things trendy and find a country bar. We should have gone to Pitchfork.


Oh look, a place to sit.

The recent instillation of cable tv, tickets to the bears game, and Giordano's pizza will be your saving grace. If you don't have cable, get it. If you don't have ticket's to a Bears game, get some. If you don't like pizza then there's something wrong with you.


We're in disagreement about whose finger this is. I say it's his.

It doesn't really matter how he likes his sandwich or which football team he roots for, if your brother stops by, I'm sure you'll have a great time. I know I did.

Good thing I'll see him again on Friday.

Jonathon Franco's Memorial

2011-09-26T23:47:00.001-05:00

For those of you who haven't heard-
The memorial is on Thursday @ 1:30pm in Building 1 of Real Life Ministries.
1866 Cecil Road
Post Falls, ID 83854

Wish I could be there.

Love,
Elizabeth

And The Win Goes To...

2011-09-26T18:47:00.000-05:00

Straight from a Kiehl's bag comes the winner of the Smashbox Lid Primer....

*This is Hannah's second consecutive win for a Days With Elizabeth giveaway. You might think she's on a roll, but I'll tell you the truth... she was the only one who entered the last giveaway and she got three of the eight entries for this one. So I'd say the odds are in her favor.

Don't be a hater, head on over to Hannah's blog and give her a big smoochie-poo from Elza-boo. 'Cause that's completely normal.

Elz + Han circa 2006?

Keep your eyes pealed for another giveaway... I'm thinking of something Lushish. And maybe you can give Hannah a run for her money, but watch out folks, the girl's a winner. Obvi.

*To keep things fair, my roomie was the one to draw the name. If you're looking for someone to blame, I'll send you her address.*

See you on the playground, Jonathon.

2011-09-24T21:38:00.002-05:00

I met this kid on the playground once. Some other little boy was being mean to me and Jonathon came to my rescue with some Spanish sass.

There are memories of Jonathan sprinkled throughout my childhood. Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, co-op, hanging with my brothers, arm wrestling, and rollerblading through Post Falls with Clara and his sisters. And then there was the time he bleached his hair- which made him visible from a mile a way at Silverwood.

This morning Jonathan Matthew Franco died. Headed to Canada on his motorcycle to enjoy the last day of summer, or so his facebook page said.

Tonight while we mourn for our loss, Jonny is with the glorious Son. His summer didn't end, it's just begun.

Son, brother, friend, playground hero. He'll be missed, but if there's a playground in heaven then I think I know a few people who will want him to save them a spot. I'll see you there, Jonathan.

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.

I think I might be dead.

2011-09-21T23:23:00.002-05:00

Two lawyers came to one of my classes tonight to help explain our next paper. I'm pretty sure that whenever two lawyers show up to explain anything to you, the correct response is to run.

At least I was wearing my Stilla Sparkle Waterproof eyeliner. (It beats the Urban Decay liner from my new Book of Shadows by a landslide.)

If you're going to die a miserable death by education (in the company of lawyers) you sure as heck had better put some eyeliner on.

When I get up at the crack of dawn I like to tell myself that eyeliner will somehow make my day more exciting.

And has anyone even noticed my Smashbox eye primer giveaway? What is even going on the world?

Someone please tell me, am I dead?

"F" words

2011-09-19T19:47:00.000-05:00

It's Monday, isn't it?

I'm pretty sure it is and I'm pretty sure I didn't wash the conditioner out of my hair this morning. It could be worse, I could have forgotten to shave the sweater off my legs.

After accusing me of trying to kill a nearly suicidal squirrel, the kindergartener I nanny asked me if I know any "F" words.

I'm pretty sure I do.

But her little face looked innocent enough, so I went a different route and offered up Finland.

It turns out that her class is working on the letter "F."

Go figure.

It also turns out that this greasy and just recently hairless legged girl has something to give ya. Or at least one of you.

That's right, I went to Ulta last week and in the middle of buying Urban Decay's Book of Shadows IV I didn't realize that I didn't actually need the Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer I had in my hands. You guessed it, Urban Decay does it up right and has a primer in their new shadow book.

And rather than return it, I'd rather spread the love.

So which one of you Finland lovin' friends wants it?

Comment, Tweet, whateves... just tell me what you did and maybe you'll get it.

(and puh-lease, at least pretend to follow first)

I should probably go wash my hair or something, but I have homework to do.

My life rocks.

Hannah knows Jacques and I got threaded.

2011-09-11T22:42:00.000-05:00

I handed over my extra bottle of OPI's You Don't Know Jacques to Hannah this past week. Being the world traveler she is, I imagine her speaking in an accent at all time while wearing this polish.

I like to speak in accents too, but they don't generally make sense.

For instance, I can say... "I'm going to take a hit out on your life" in an Indian accent, but I cannot say anything else in an Indian accent. And I'm pretty sure I was trying to be British when I came up with that.

In other exciting new, I became a victim of threading this week... and I cried.

I will do almost anything in the name of beauty, especially if I think it will look good or work.

BUT

I don't know if I can do threading again, my eyebrows look a-maze-a-zing, but it was like my own personal torture chamber.

I found this video about threading and now I feel like a little girl.

Maybe I'll have to give it another shot.

That'll be twenty-seven thousand dollars.

2011-08-30T15:35:00.002-05:00

Or maybe just $18,326.45

But isn't it beautiful!

After my friend, Colie, made her InStyle Statement, I had to make my own.

(Here's the link for hers)

It turns out that people can vote on these style statements. And I totally think you should. Head on over to InStyle and vote for mine... or Colie's, or make your own.

You know you want to.

Wanna know Jacques? (giveaway!)

2011-08-28T19:36:00.000-05:00

Somehow or another I have acquired two brand new bottles of OPI's You Don't Know Jacques.

As much as I love me some OPI, I don't need 2 bottles of the same polish.

Which means... It's giveaway time!

Follow, comment, tweet, facebook... whatever... and someone will win my extra bottle.

(please tell me if you comment, tweet, facebook, or whatever so I can keep track)

Happy nails!

Claire was a sofa first.

2011-08-18T00:19:00.001-05:00

It's true. Before there was an Elizabeth Sofa, there was a Claire Sofa.

But before there was a Claire there was an Elizabeth, at least in our family.

And after gloating over the splendour of being a sofa for an entire week I feel the need to share the Claire. Both of them.

Meet Claire, the sofa.

Meet Claire, the cousin

Adoration- pure and simple.

Uncle Mark gets credit for the photog as well as the furniture. ~~We're~~ I'm only the punk that likes to holler, he's the mastermind.

In case you were somehow confused by that.

Doubtful, I'm sure.

I'm a sofa

2011-08-09T20:29:00.002-05:00

When I was with my family last week, I ~~politely asked~~ hollered at this uncle of mine to name a piece after me.

I holler a lot, so I forgot all about it....

And then I got a message that said "go see your sofa"

And look what he did...

Meet Elizabeth, the Sofa.

"Elizabeth Sofa"

Can you handle it? I'm over the moon.

The happs.

2011-08-08T22:19:00.000-05:00

Mom and 2 of her bros laughing it up

I think I need a moment to exhale. I'm not sure how all of you have been, but I've been busy. And now I'm tired.

The last couple of weeks have included a family reunion in the Pacific Northwest, moving, car problems, and pimples. Maybe you can't relate with most of that, but I think it's only fair that you relate to the pimples. Especially since I have a very painful one growing on my face. How's that for attractive?

With my dog-nephew, Vandal.

If you think I'm classy you should meet my family. I took some of them power ball tickets and announced that if they won I would never buy them anything again. They didn't win and now I'm stuck with a future of buying gifts. Good thing I like to shop. Or not.

My leg got peed on a few weeks ago- not metaphorically either- but my Grandma had it worse. "And I said, I'm wearing your poop."

Welcome to my family.

Plantation Designs remodel Drops it like it's hot!

2011-07-29T23:17:00.000-05:00

How cool is my Uncle and how much do you love his store?

The La Brea store in Los Angeles

Ads featured in Elle Decor

Can you handle these floors?

He's always been super talented and had the best taste... he just remolded one of his stores in Los Angeles and I'm oozing with pride! Check out Plantation Designs and you'll see what I'm talking about!

I love you, Uncle Mark!

Lasagna in a heat wave... I've lost my marbles.

2011-07-22T07:47:00.002-05:00

It may be hot but the stinkin' heat didn't stop me from making lasagna this week.

I was taking food to a house with a new baby in it and I decided to make an extra batch for my friends.

My general philosophy for cooking (and baking too) is to just make more.

I like leftovers and I strongly dislike when there isn't enough food.

You know, you have a party, all your friends show up, and you have nothing to feed them.

It's my italian/jewish thing.

(Confession: I'm neither Italian or Jewish)

So I turned my oven on to 375 and the fun began.

One minor stop at the grocery store helped me pick up the ingredients I didn't have.

Divided by steps, here's what you need:

Ready to bake lasagna noodles- 1 box.

Ground Turkey meat- 1 pound.

salt + pepper

crushed Garlic

1/2 an onion

if you have non-onion eaters in the house, you can use onion flakes.

Parsley- 2 tablespoons*

Fennel Seeds- 1/2 teaspoon

Italian seasoning- 1 teaspoon + a sprinkle

Dried basil leaves- 1 1/2 teaspoons

Sugar- 1 tablespoon

Salt- 1/2 tablespoon

Pepper- just a pinch

Tomato paste- 12 ounce can

Tomato sauce- 13 ounce can

Crushed Tomatoes- 28 ounce can

Water- just a few tablespoons... or half a cup.

Low fat Ricotta cheese- 16 ounces.

1 egg

Parsley- 2 tablespoons*

Part skim Mozzarella cheese.

(I used just over 2 cups and there are two cups in those bags of the shredded stuff)

Parmesan cheese

Step 1: brown the meat with sprinkling of salt and pepper, garlic, and onion.

Step 2: Add the tomato paste + sauce, crushed tomato sauce, water, and all the seasonings. You can let it simmer, or not if you don't have the time. I rarely do.

Step 3: mix the ricotta cheese, parsley, and egg.

Step 4: Spray pan. Sometimes I like to use the throw away ones from the grocery store. Dishes are a pain.

Step 5: spoon meat sauce into the bottom of the pan

Step 6: cover with noodles

Step 7: spoon 1/2 Ricotta mix onto noodles and spread out

Step 8: sprinkle mozzarella cheese

Step 9: spoon meat sauce

Step 10: sprinkle with parm

Step 11: repeat steps 6-10 + top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.

Step 12: bake it for about an hour. you can play the cover and uncover game with foil over the top for half + half. or you can leave it the whole time. Either way spray the foil with some PAM. The side that meets the lasagna.

*I think you're smart enough to figure it out, but just in case... 2+2 = 4 all together*

Make this for your friends and you're sure to be popular.

Love,

Elizabeth

Summer Sangria

2011-07-19T08:00:00.015-05:00

It's too hot.

I hate it and my life is miserable.

Or at least my sweat glands are.

(ewww)

How are you?

I'm going to assume hot and miserable too.

There's only one cure...

Sangria!

Normally I pack my Sangria full of all sorts of stuff.

But it's too hot and I don't have the time.

And really, who does?

So I pulled out what I had and mixed it up.


Pull it out.

1 cup of Rum
(or 3/4 cup)

Splash of Triple Sec

1/2 cup of Sugar (or splenda)

Frozen Fruit

1 bottle of wine

1 cup of orange juice

Sprite Zero

Ice

Mix it up.

If you soak the fruit in Rum, Triple Sec, and sugar overnight (or as long as you can) it's super de-lish!

Then I add the wine and o.j. and let it all chill together.

Right before I serve it I add the ice and Sprite.

Even white boy's got to shout.

Beat the heat and stay popular.

With this drink, it's guaranteed.

Custom Tanks and Coffee

2011-07-18T08:19:00.000-05:00

Human foosball... church picnic style.

This weekend I...

drank way too much coffee...

searched for an apartment...

got a lame-o parking ticket...

died of heat exhaustion....

watched 50+ people get baptized in the lake...

then cried hearing some of their stories...

hung out with Hannah mucho....

went to the church picnic...

cooked lasagna...

went to a rooftop bbq and hung out with some sweet friends all while rocking my Etta Grace tank...

there may have been a few other things that I've already forgotten about.

It was a busy weekend, but it was fun!

Adorable baby + Etta Grace

Orange-y porangey

2011-07-13T06:00:00.005-05:00

I'm such a fashionista that I forgot that I owned orange shorts.

All week long I've been day dreaming about my old orange corduroy pants. I got them off a clearance rack, in the men's department, when I was seventeen. That's how you spell fashion icon, right?

Maybe not, but I love them still. Bless their heart, wherever they may not be.

After racking my brain. I decided to wear a bright orange top with a flowered skirt (it had orange on it). The only problem was that I didn't wash those things or take a picture of them or actually wear them.

However, I did paint my toes orange. In honor of Sarah!

I didn't take a picture of that either.

Here's what I did do.

I remembered that I have a pair of light orange shorts that I almost never wear. They require a certain amount of confidence, which I normally don't have.

After a pep talk, I mustered up enough confidence for the living room, my only problem... my only camera is on my computer and I am way cheesy. Like way.

Here's what I got, I call it the spiiiinnn and rest.

Spiiinnn

And rest

Did I just blow your mind?

That's what I thought.

In case you weren't totally amazed by that, check this out. Cheetah print nails. Totally Hannah's idea, totally awesome. Totally.

Apparently I'm Jersey.
Someone help me!

Giveaways and baby love.

2011-07-12T06:00:00.006-05:00

I got a sweet email from my friends over at Etta Grace last week about a friend of theirs. One of the things I appreciate the most about Hannah and Rachel are their sweet hearts- today is no exception. In an effort to help one absolutely adorable little boy receive some much needed medical help they are hosting an amazing giveaway today. Ama-za-zing. Spelled just like that. And because you're so cool, I'd like to invite you over to head on over to their blog and check it out.

I generally count any friend of Hannah's as a friend of mine, but this story- this sweet mom- gets to my heart in a unique way. You see... Cole has Cerebral Palsy... and kids with CP and their mom's hold a special place in my heart.

I sat with a couple of these mom's when I was overseas in 2005-2006 as they received their children's diagnosis. I watched them cry and try to understand what it meant for their children. And then I watched as they tried to learn from the doctors and nurses how to best care for their children.

Little Cole getting some Mama love!

A mother's heart is a fierce thing- it's a love that's not to be messed with.

When I read Cole + Megg's story I thought of these women and their children. And I imagined what a treatment like this would do for them.

I've never met Megg, but I want to help this mama out. And I'm hoping that you do too.

Imagine yourself in her shoes... imagine that fierce mama heart that loves and cares and gives all she's got. Imagine a chance for your child. Now, please, dig through the cushions of your sofa, clean out your car, and skip a trip to Starbucks and pass some love on to a family that could use it.

And by all means...

Read Cole's story.

Click here to donate.

He is just precious. I can not even handle it.

This is your chance... do some good and enter the giveaway.

For each of you that donate, I'd like to ask you to leave a comment below. And on Monday, July 18th I'll announce my own winner. Prize to be determined by how many of you participate!

Much love,

Elizabeth

PS. Please, please, please pass the story on.

Makeup Monday

2011-07-11T08:00:00.003-05:00

Okay, okay... I'm finally writing a post about makeup. Sheesh, stop hounding me about it. It's harder than I thought. And bless my heart, this post is going to include pictures.... we've all seen my makeuped versus non-makeuped face before but a few pictures make this post more entertaining. For who, I'm not sure.

Moving on... let's talk about eyes. For me (the chapstick type) the eyes are the most important part of good makeup. That and a nice foundation to even me out. Bless this freckled and sometimes pimpled face.

For eyes there are two basics that you just have to start with- concealer and primer. The concealer hides the under eye darkness I get from my olive toned complexion and the lovely vain that lives right under my right eye. It basically rocks my socks off.

I started using eye primer about two years ago. I think it has forever changed my life. I use the Too Faced primer, although I know that Smashbox has a good one that's a few bucks cheaper. Your pick, but get a primer and prime baby prime.

I'm sure that's exactly what Sarah Palin says in the morning as she puts on her makeup.

Okay, concealer check (if you need it) and primer check.

You may be thinking that I need to shut up about the primer already, but I just can't. It will stop your shadow from fading and help with the weird line that can develop in the crease of your eye. Eewww.

Now that you believe me, pull out your handy dandy eye shadow brushes. If you don't have any... your existence is bleak. Go buy some... now.

Onto shadow. For this week's look- which happens to be one of my go to looks- I'm going to start with my all over lid color... Glamazon by Too Faced.

Next I'm going to take my slanted liner brush and take my liner color- Party Girl by Too Faced- and draw a shadow line on top of my lashes.

For a more dramatic look I like to pull the liner color up and bring it around the outer corner of the eye.

To make the eye really pop I take another (lighter color) and put it in the inside corner of the lid. I used Boy Toy by Too Faced today.

I love their shadow, but these names... really?

And voila... add some mascara primer and mascara and you're ready to go!
I use Smashbox for both.

FYI the polish in the pictures is Yellin' for Watermelon by OPI
It looked like you really wanted to know that. You're welcome.

Blogging for Books and Praying for Husbands. Yeah, I know.

2011-07-08T23:52:00.001-05:00

Confession: I am a fan of Robin Jones Gunn.

You may not know who she is, so let me tell you. She is the lady who wrote the Christy Miller and Sierra Jenson books. She's written other books too, but the Christy Miller books are the ones I read in high school.

Thanks to Robin Jones Gunn's facebook page I heard about Blogging for Books. I like to blog, I like books and what do you know, I like free stuff. So I signed up. And they sent me Praying for Your Future Husband (written by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer).

Besides the fact that I heard about this cool site through Robin Jones Gunn I also picked the book (they let you choose from books to review) because once upon a time I used to be a high school girl in a bible study group and I later led a high school girls small group.

In the bible study I was in, we spent some time every fall talking about dating/guys/etc. I'm sure that if this book was around then we would have been discussing it.

After reading the book I have determined a few things:

This book is meant to give hope to high school girls and encourage them to get on their knees and pray.

As far as Christian books dealing with dating/marriage I think it's pretty good. The chapters are easy to read, interesting, invoke discussion, and the questions at the end of the chapter are good for small group studies.

While I believe I serve a God that cares for me and wants me to give the concerns of my heart over to Him... I do not believe that means that every desire of my heart will be answered. Basically, I don't think that every one who wants to be married will be. And I think that high school girls could easily be swayed to believe that if they pray for prince charming then he will appear.

Teaching young woman to pray for future spouses is a good thing. But it is also important to teach them that God's plans for them are more than an earthly marriage. More than a spouse- our concern should be where our hearts are at with God. If marriage is a representation of Christ and the Church then I think we should focus more on that union. Especially since marriage as we know it doesn't exist in heaven. Just sayin'...

I'm also not sure I could get my high school girls to read this book. I did read I Kissed Dating Goodbye when I was in high school (my bible study leader was a fan), but I did so begrudgingly. As I imagine they would have with this book.

I give Praying for Your Future Husband three and a half stars. Mainly because it sure beats some of the books that came before it... if the Christian publishing market starts putting out more books about woman and God and less books about how to snag the perfect man then I'll throw a party.

I recommend that if you have your daughter, niece, or teenage small group read this book you reinforce the fact that their relationship with God is the most important. Have I said that enough times? I thought I needed just one more.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

It's true... I really can be.

2011-07-07T17:49:00.001-05:00

Apparently it's... Awkward and Awesome Thursday and I had no idea.

Now that I know I just have to join the fun.

I awkwardly kill words. "Fancy" is the word that I've been using the most lately. Apparently I don't know any other words. A girl in one of my classes this year read something I wrote and told me to buy a thesaurus. Rude. I did it though, I had to... being a word killer is mean.

My job is awesome.

I love, love, love the little ones I take care of.

And I love, love, love the time I spend with their families.

Whether it's painting a room, playing at the pool/beach, or running errands around town... my life is sweeter because of them.

Happy birthday to you too.

2011-07-06T21:11:00.000-05:00

If there's something a girl needs in life it's a few good friends. Not the lame ones, not the ones you pretend to like and vice-a-versa... but the ones that you carry with you deep down in your soul. Strong words, I know... but I have strong feelings about my friends.

Maybe it's because I don't see them very often.

Maybe it's because when I do my heart feels lighter.

Maybe it's because they get me and I get them and that just feels good.

I came home tonight with a arm full of Trader Joe's goodness and as I was unlocking the door I saw a package sitting on our front landing. Each and every time I see a package out front, I hold my breath for a second and wish that it's for me. I love mail. It says, "I love you, I thought of you, and you're special to me" all at one time. Who doesn't want to be loved and thought of and special all at one time? Who? I demand an answer!

That's what I thought... you like to feel that way too. I think we all do.

You've probably figured out the big ole mystery by now... the package was for me... and it was from a special friend. It had the sweetest card and gift inside.

My heart got all goey and almost melted. And then my heart got a little sad because I haven't seen the person who sent it to me in ages. Then my heart had a chuckle because the package was a birthday gift and my birthday is in January.

Everyone needs a friend who you can mix up birthdays with. This friend and I always mix up each others birthdays. Hers is in the fall... I think I sent a card a month early this year. I might have even apologized for being late. The weather turns brisk, I put on a sweater and drink a chai and poof it's her birthday.

Dang, I miss my Sarah.

In advance... Happy birthday, love. You are the sweetest friend and I hold you deep in my heart.

xoxo, Liz

Bridesmaids circa 2006

I don't know how to wear plaid.

2011-07-06T09:43:00.004-05:00

The Freddo and I ~~may not always~~ have a ton in common- our love of Hannah, his enjoyment of pumpkin pie and my enjoyment of baking it for him, and a fear of plaid.

I love Hannah mucho and I think she's all that and a bag of potato chips... and don't get my started on the Rachie-pooh. Her style, her hair, her inventive pants... love her.

So whatever they do, I do too... I would say that this is to a certain extent, but that's basically untrue. Exhibit A: July 4, 2006.

And today they are wearing plaid... or at least blogging about it. And while I am wearing plaid (stolen from Hannah herself) as I type this blog, I won't be wearing it for long. My bust is a little too busty for this shirt; I don't really know how to wear plaid; and while I love all things Idaho, I mainly love plaid on other people.

I tried really hard to think Plaid thoughts... this is what I got.

Head on over to Hannah and Rachel's blog and be a clothes stealer too... although, you probably don't live close enough to one of them to actually steal from one of their closets. Don't get mad or anything... you can still play the game.

I'll just turn my head a little and pretend I'm cool.

How to have a good summer night

2011-07-01T09:06:00.000-05:00

1. Start with dinner outside under some twinkle lights. (you might have to move inside, if a storm rolls in, but you'll still have a fantastic time)

2. Call your temporarily long distance bestie.

3. Walk through a thunder storm to get some peanut butter M&M's and Twizler Nibs.

4. Continue walking in the thunderstorm to another bestie's house.

5. Get stuck on her front porch- she's not home. Not to worry, she will be soon and her husband will nearly scare you to death.

6. Walk with your friends through mud puddles to the old, run down, and very cheap movie theater. It has lots of character and your bestie's man will buy your ticket. You'll buy the popcorn and share your candy- fair is fair.

By the by- on the way to the movie theater your bestie will squeeze you in your thinnest part to make all the boys swoon.

***If you do not have a bestie that knows how to squeeze you in your thinnest part... find one immediately. This is imperative to your entire existence.***

7. Watch a summer block buster. It's always best if you don't know what the movie is about.

8. Walk home at 12:42 am. You only live once and you might as well go to that late movie every once in a while.

I hope your summer nights are full of good friends and fun moments.

You deserve it.

Love,

Elizabeth

My Pops is Tops

2011-06-19T01:27:00.000-05:00

And let me tell you why...

He knows just where to take his girl when I'm having a rough day. It's Lowe's, the grocery store, or the dump for me. With his gentle spirit, listening ear, solid advice, and killer sense of humor he's my number one guy.

He's always encouraged me to think. Whether it is developing an opinion or making a decision, care in thought has always been something he supports. Dinner with Dad has always meant discussion, questions, and opinions. And I love dinner with Dad.

Barbie's weren't allowed. As much as I wanted to play with them (I was eventually able to) his reasoning left an impression. Barbie was never my yardstick for beauty and I have him to thank for that. Instead of trying to look like a toy, I was encouraged to be me...

I've always been proud to have him as my Dad. I once argued with a neighbor kid about who had the stronger Dad. Obviously, I did. Of course he can lift an entire car over his head... I've never doubted.

Happy Father's Day to the sweetest man I know.

I am so, so thankful for you and I love you mucho.

Your Elizabeth

aka Gertrude

Nightime Meds mix with?

2011-06-16T23:28:00.001-05:00

I accidentally under-dosed on caffeine this week. Make no mistake, this was a tragedy. While I was in New York I didn't drink any coffee, I would say the bright lights distracted me... if I were a country bumpkin. But I'm not and they didn't. Besides I didn't really even go out at night.

Sheeshz people, leave me alone already. I had children to sit on and they wouldn't sit still. Tough work it is.

And when I came home I still didn't drink any coffee. For some reason I thought Gatorade and diet coke would do the trick. It didn't. In the days leading up to... dun, dun, dun, the Excedrin PM incident of 2011... I'd already taken enough Excedrin to feed a small country (if small countries could live on Excedrin) so I didn't want to totally bombard my system with chemical warfare.

And that is how I ended up with a freaking horrible migraine. I was pretending the bus wasn't a bus and the passengers weren't passengers. I can't tell you what I was trying to imagine them to be, because I don't know myself. All I know is that I wanted off that bus. So I marched into my room and decided to take Excedrin PM at six o'clock in the evening. And then I made the brilliant decision of getting into the bathtub. And then... I fell asleep.

Mom, pretend you didn't just read that. Come on Mom, it's not like I've never fallen asleep in the bathtub before. It happens ever single time I get the pukity-pukes. Comes from my fear of throwing up... I may be convinced that if you stay in the tub, it is impossible to throw up. (I may have accidentally proven myself wrong one time. But that wasn't scientifically documented, so I can't be sure.)

Post bath I may have had some sleepy conversations with my roommates and continued to mess up my plans for the next day. It's always nice when you're not awake enough to actually know what's going on.

Lesson learned: Excedrin PM does the trick. I highly recommend it. Although, I may suggest tweaking a few things. I'm super helpful like that. I'm sure the girl in the green scarf appreciates it. She always does.

Weekend in review: NYC

2011-06-12T22:53:00.000-05:00

I spent the weekend in New York City.

Thanks to my blackberry I snagged these photos....

This was my first time in the city and for the girlie-girl in me I had to go to the top of the Empire State Building.

Cary Grant wasn't there... and neither was Tom Hanks.

I got over my disappointment and took the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. The free part got me pretty good.

So did the wind.

Do the Math

2011-06-06T19:12:00.002-05:00

Have you ever been out with your friends and had a man older than your father come up and hit on you? With his false teeth and receding hair line? Eww, gross.

It seems like some people aren't aware of age differences.

Newsflash– While we can all appreciate the super attractive older man (i.e. George Clooney) most girls my age (late twenties-early thirties) don't want to date an old man. Shocker, I know.

The dating curve that guys have is bad enough...
ugly guy + pretty girl = perfectly normal
ugly girl + attractive guy = never gonna happen.

Consider this lil' bit of information a Days With Elizabeth PSA:
IF you happen to be an older guy macking on a younger woman... and you are not George Cloonley then it's never gonna happen. And chances are if my Dad were around, you'd get smacked in the face.

And to be fair, if the old guys want to date the young girls then I think it's only fair that the ugly girls get some attention too. Not that I even know any ugly girls.

Elizabeth Out.

More About Ducks

2011-06-04T09:14:00.003-05:00

Megan left this You Tube video in a comment of my last post.

Gotta love the ducks.

Last week (post duck post) I read an article in the Tribune about a Chicago man who died trying to save some ducks* on the interstate. By O'hare airport. Which reminded me of something my Dad always said- as horrible as it would be to hurt/kill an animal with your car, it would me even worse to swerve and hit a person. Or try to help the ducks and have someone else hit you with their car.

Lesson learned: Help the ducks if you can, but don't be too stupid.

I once killed a suicidal squirrel and it didn't feel good, but it was either the squirrel that darted in front of my car on a mountain road or driving off the side of that mountain road. I did that once and I wouldn't recommend it.

*The Tribune article offered more info than this one, but I couldn't find it.

What I learned in my ethics class...

2011-05-24T22:19:00.002-05:00

Twice in the past few weeks I have seen Mama birds, (one Canadian goose and one duck) with her little ones close behind, trying to cross a road. Each time I was with little ones I nanny and each time I stopped so we could watch.

–The ducks crossed successfully and the geese, well, a security guard was helping them–

I thought of my ethics class and a conversation we had on a regular basis revolving around the value of life. I also thought of the trust the little ones had as they waddled behind, their lives were in danger and they had no idea. They just followed. What the heck was their Mama was doing? Didn't she know she was in a city? Where could she be taking them? Somewhere, she had somewhere to take them.

Yup I watch the birds and I'm left with questions. Deep stuff.

Included in an email from my was this-

Birdfoot’s Grandpa and Baby Toads.
Joseph Bruchac from Entering Onondaga.

The old man
must have stopped our car
two dozen times to climb out
and gather into his hands
the small toads blinded
by our lights,
leaping,
live drops of rain.

The rain was falling,
a mist about his white hair
and I kept saying:
you can’t save them all,
accept it, get back in
we’ve got places to go.

But, leathery hands full
of wet brown life,
knee deep in the summer
roadside grass,
he just smiled and said:
they have places to go to
too.

Questions + Relationships #2 (church style)

2011-05-23T18:08:00.002-05:00

My church does this thing- you text questions throughout the sermon and then the pastor or speaker sticks around after the service to answer them. I love it. And since I am posting the second part of the relationship series I thought I'd post the questions from last week as well.

Check it. Watch it.

Questions (from Relationships take 1)

Relationships, Pt. 1 :: Texting Q&A from Park Community Church on Vimeo.

Relationships take 2

Relationships, Pt. 2 from Park Community Church on Vimeo.

Let's Here It For The Boys

2011-05-19T23:32:00.003-05:00

Some of my bestest friends have found the bestest men. Pictured below are three of them. They put up with my antics; offer great comic relief; lend an ear; let me hang with their wives on a regular basis; occasionally I take up residence in their homes; and sometimes I get rides across town and free food.

Freddy, Brian, and Nathan... thanks for being such stellar guys. I adore you. And I think you chose your leading ladies well.

Easter 2011

A scrunch face visit from PA 2009

January 2010

Bears vs Eagles (31-26) 2010

January 2010

August 2010

Early Morning Flight 2010

ps. Shout out to Chad who is married to my sweet friend, Sarah, back home. I don't have a picture of us or you'd be up here too!

Relationships Church Style

2011-05-18T22:45:00.000-05:00

This past weekend one of the pastors of my church and his wife talked about Relationships. My heart was extremely blessed and challenged, so I thought I'd share. Enjoy.

Relationships, Pt. 1 from Park Community Church on Vimeo.

Panhandle

2011-05-17T22:10:00.003-05:00

I miss my Pops

I'm sitting in my favorite chair staring at a wall. A wall that I painted a few years ago. The paint is now chipping. Stupid old house with it's weird door knobs; moldy bathroom ceiling; leaky tub; and without any storage space. The wood floors are even starting to lose their charm. Stupid Chicago.

I talked to someone in Idaho today. I had to call a school and ask a question about a class I took. And who did I talk to? A perfectly pleasant and cheerful and helpful person. An Idaho person, a practically perfect person. I could tell. And she reminded of home. Which made me want my Mom and the little dog to cuddle with and my Dad with his sweetness and my punk little brother who I love to pieces and my big brother who's off in a distance land. And now I'm a tad homesick.

Catching Up.

2011-05-16T21:57:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Erica's birthday I'm rocking this color.

Thanks to my stupid English class I'm reading this book. (the book isn't stupid, so far, but the class is)

Thanks to Amazon's MP3 selection I'm listening to this music.

Thanks to my super cool uncle I found this song.

Do you feel all caught up now? Me either.

Inside My Makeup Bag/Container

2011-05-14T16:18:00.002-05:00

Holy Cow, making a video is difficult and weird. Especially when you're looking at yourself on your computer screen. Gross. But for those of you who I've talked about this with... here you go. Me talking about makeup... for fifteen minutes. Yup, I'm gonna have to work on this.

Bless my heart.

Elizabeth

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-07T00:47:00.000-05:00

Sunday is Mother's Day... my Mom is working... and she lives far away... so I made this cheesy video just for her.

I have so much to be thankful for... a Mom who has always dove right into anything I was interested in (volunteering, exchange students, clubs, that one play audition I decided to sing for, HOSA, etc.); her impromptu cooking lessons taught me a lot; and she will even cry with me when needed. Thank you Mom, for all you have been to me and all that you are to me today. I wish you weren't working and I wish that I could spend the day with you.

Love,

Elizabeth

2011-04-23T16:33:00.002-05:00

I saw this painting in the Vatican a few years ago. I like art, but I'm not a connoisseur. Generally, I only look for a moment, but this painting stopped me in my tracks. (so I took a picture)

He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53: 3-5

Happy day before Easter.
Love,
Elizabeth

How I didn't get scammed and other things.

2011-04-22T13:23:00.000-05:00

After turning in a final writing portfolio last quarter I met these guys on the street. It was the end of a stressful day and they wanted to talk about hair. Naturally I listened. Sounds safe right? Don't worry Mom, it wasn't sketchy. And they made me laugh, which I needed.

I bought the certificate they were selling- which gets me half of a bunch of stuff at the salon plus some free stuff. Today I got a free haircut. "Free" as in I already paid for the certificate which would be the cost of one hair cut. The next one is half off, so that's pretty good.

It ended up being just what my little heart needed. I hung out with some delightful guys, one of them was from Idaho. We bonded. The other stylist was from Indiana and he looked at us funny, but not to worry he and I bonded over other things. Like my hair.

Then I went to Sephora- where I ogled makeup and chatted with the sweetest male makeup artist I've ever met. He resisted the urge to put makeup on my face and we shared a daydream about my make-up-less lentolution being over.

It's the best Friday I've had in a long time. And what did you do?

Mucho Love,

Elizabeth

Passover

2011-04-18T21:45:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is the first day of Passover. It just so happens that Easter and Passover overlap this year.

Exodus 12 tells us,
Now the LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt,
This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year to you. "Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, 'On the tenth of this month they are each one to take a lamb for themselves, according to their fathers' households, a lamb for each household.
"Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, 'On the tenth of this month they are each one to take a lamb for themselves, according to their fathers' households, a lamb for each household.     'Now if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his neighbor nearest to his house are to take one according to the number of persons in them; according to what each man should eat, you are to divide the lamb. 'Your lamb shall be an unblemished male a year old; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 'You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month, then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight.'Moreover, they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 'They shall eat the flesh that same night, roasted with fire, and they shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 'Do not eat any of it raw or boiled at all with water, but rather roasted with fire, both its head and its legs along with its entrails. 'And you shall not leave any of it over until morning, but whatever is left of it until morning, you shall burn with fire. 'Now you shall eat it in this manner: with your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste—it is the LORD'S Passover.
'For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments—I am the LORD. 'The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. 'Now this day will be a memorial to you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations you are to celebrate it as a permanent ordinance....

The last supper was a Passover meal...

Mark 14:22-24 says,
While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is My body." And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”

Happy Passover.

Love,

Elizabeth

Palm Sunday

2011-04-17T20:36:00.001-05:00

And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!"

Mark 11:7-10

This is the start of Holy week and the last week in lent. I'll be posting verses and pictures this week. Next Sunday = makeup. Prepare yourselves.

Happy Palm Sunday.

Much love,

Elizabeth

Look Ma New Shoes.

2011-04-11T21:53:00.002-05:00

After waiting eons and eons... or maybe just a week my Toms have arrived. I'm totally wearing them right now too... see...

PS. I'm also not wearing any makeup. Make-up-less whatever.

PPS. Please disregard my messy room. It's normally much ~~cleaner~~ messier than this.

political malitical

2011-04-10T23:12:00.000-05:00

We've got issues... and apparently we're having a hard time solving them. Go figure.

Here's what I think...

Donald Trump would be a great person for our government to consult with- he knows all about bancrupecy and financial comebacks. Let him fix our budget, but heaven help us if he were to be president. Could you imagine what would happens to our global relationships... sheesh.

And while we're speaking of budget... what if we all texted to donate $10 to this country. Now I'm not saying that we shouldn't be helping Japan with relief aid, I'm just saying... we need to do something! Or instead of raising loads of money to run campaigns our politicians could donate that money back to our budget.

I mean good grief... government shutdowns... seriously? Seriously?

On a happier note... have you seen these you tube videos? I've used one in a homework assignment and watched them both numerous times this week.

Sidewalk Encounters

2011-04-07T20:43:00.000-05:00

After I dropped my car off at the shop tonight I began to walk home. I hadn't made it more than two blocks when I passed a little old lady shuffling down the sidewalk. She walked hunched over a cane and her shoe was untied.

I love old people and I love strangers, but sometimes I worry that I'll scare them or wrongly think they're homeless. It's happened before... welcome to my life.

I stopped and thought for a moment and then I decided that I may as well ask her if I could tie her shoe. She let me, then she invited me to tea. At a hot dog stand. We made friends with the people at the next table and talked about all sorts of things. Apparently she'd been lonely and praying for a friend.

In an instant all of the stupid things I'd been worrying about seemed so much less important.
Earlier today I was praying about my life and whether or not I am in the midst of things that God is in the midst of. My new friend, Evangaline, said, "You're a Christian... I look at you and I see Jesus.... I see it in your eyes... we pray and God answers."

As much as I get it wrong, it's nice when God steps in and reminds me that He's here.

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save;

he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love;

he will exult over you with loud singing

Zepheniah 3:17

Shoes (1 Day Without Shoes Part 2)

2011-04-05T23:59:00.000-05:00

Shoes, shoes, shoes.
Not everyone has shoes.
I have shoes.
You probably have some shoes.
Everyone I know has shoes.
But there's these kids who don't got no shoes.
They get infected without some shoes.
So today I took off my shoes.

I didn't wear shoes to Starbucks and the ATM vestibule.
People looked at me funny.
And I thought of all the kids who don't normally get to wear shoes.
My toes were cold, but my feet were happy.

(I donned Teva's for the 2 short walks I took with my nanny charge.)

I didn't wear shoes to school.
Over half a mile is cold with no shoes.
People looked at me funny.
My feet felt chilly, but my heart was happy.

I looked for other people with cold feet and happy hearts.
I didn't see any.
I looked at their shoes funny.

In Idaho Sam wore no shoes.
HW saw a girl with no shoes.
Shoes, shoes, shoes.
Next year let's all go a day with no shoes.

1 Day Without Shoes

2011-04-04T21:53:00.000-05:00

I like to be a part of things. And I like things that are cool. I was home-schooled and my poor heart longs to be cool.

I just heard/read about Toms 1 day without shoes challenge which is happening tomorrow! And guess what... I'm in. (It's cool + participation is involved = yes please)*

I love, love, love the one for one idea. I love it so much that I just ordered these Toms... yes, they come in my monstrous shoe size.

So... tomorrow I'll be make-up-less and shoe-less. Basically I'm turning into a hypsy gypsy. (I don't even know what that means, but I'm claiming it.)

PS. Linsey has requested that I take a pair of flip-flops with me just in case. There are Tevas in my car already, so I'm good to go...

*Strangely I love all types of participation that does not involve raising my hand. I don't play that game... you know the one when you're in a group and the leader/teacher/speaker asks for a show of hands to show that x amount of people have/do/know ______________. Worst game ever and I despise it.*

2011-04-03T00:45:00.001-05:00

Confession: I've been looking at makeup online. Have you seen Bobbi Brown's new palettes? You have no idea how excited I am. Stoked people. Stoked. Eyeshadow makes me stoked.

Last week a friend asked me what I've learned during this make-up-less season. I told her that I've learned that I'm vain. I'm pretty sure I knew this before, but it's kind of in my face when I make a choice of walking out of my house every day (regardless of what I'm doing or who I'll be seeing) without any makeup on. A pimply and tired face. No foundation to flatter, mascara to pop, or gloss to shimmer. Just my face... each and every day.

It may seem silly to give up makeup for Lent... some days it seems a bit ridiculous... but I think that this is something that I needed. I needed to get over myself. Obviously it hasn't happened yet, but I've given myself a lot of really great pep talks. Most of them include this whole Imago Dei thing... made in the image of God. (naturally, prayer comes with the pep talks) That and that I need to learn how to wear joy. Thank you Katie Makkai and my professor who droned on and on about Imago Dei.

For Rachie Pooh

2011-04-01T08:45:00.000-05:00

Hannah and I put our brilliant minds together last night and came up with this:

And I thought music videos were hard. One take people. One.

And Rachel... we really do love you... barely holding on over here!

xoxo,

Elz-a-bells

Etta has it.

2011-03-28T22:26:00.001-05:00


Lipstick N' Heels

I had a couple of conversations yesterday about the whole no makeup thing and I realized that I have not been supplying any proof. I apologize. Last week was my Spring break from school and I used that time to ~~do absolutely nothing productive~~ worry about my grades and hang with some friends.

(My face is proof... no makeup.)

Thankfully, someone else had some time to take some photos. Hannah over at Etta Grace just happens to be one of my besties and she also just happens to carry a camera. And for one of these photos I just happened to be extra dramatic. I'll let you guess which one.


How do I look in this tulle?

Lipstick (not me) and Heels Returns.

2011-03-21T22:40:00.003-05:00

A long, long time ago the girls ~~and I~~ (I don't think I actually had anything to do with the planning) started something called Lipstick N' Heels. I'm not gonna lie, it started in Idaho. As many great things do.

We would pick a night/place to meet and the only rules were that 1.) you had to be a girl 2.) you had to wear heels (all heels including heeled boots accepted) 3.) you had to wear lipstick (lip gloss accepted). We would invite our friends and it would end up being a random assortment of girls... and we would have a blast.

Tonight Lipstick N' Heels made a comeback. (There have been a few comebacks, but it's been a while.)
We had a great time. I did not wear lipstick... Lent overruled the club rules. (I like to think of it as a social club, because it could be. I've heard of weirder things.)

Anyways, we had a fab time. We LOL'd all over the place... I may have been slightly inappropriate, but that's nothing new and these girls knew what they were in for. Or at least they should have.
Post L N' H (oooh, abreves), I have decided that the answer to all of life's problems can be either alleviated or solved with one of these nights. Good friends, cheap food (five buck night #holla), and we I have a tendency to think loud is good. (I like to repeat the things the things people say at other tables... only louder. And I like to speak french. And I like to... never mind...)

The end.

ps. head over to Etta Grace. Someone there might have been in attendance... wonder who... maybe the founder of all things fab.

pps. (I love parenthesis)

Lucky 13?

2011-03-20T16:41:00.000-05:00

Is this makeupless day 13?

I might have done the math wrong last time. All I know is that I'm not wearing makeup. The other day, HW's asked me how it felt. My response: "It feels like it's been fifty days."

And I have a long ways to go.

My daily routine is a lot shorter though. So I have that.

Finals are over... more sleep for me! And you have no idea how much I need it. I'm praying all my grades come back nice and high... can you say, "scholarship equals good grades" three times fast? I don't know if I can... but I have to. Slight pressure.

Finals Week Equals...

2011-03-16T18:08:00.000-05:00

...sleepless + makeupless Elizabeth.
Day 10.

I wanna get happy.

2011-03-15T22:26:00.001-05:00

A while ago a friend who shall remain nameless (Joe) teased me about my blog header. I don't remember what he said, I know it was hysterical and probably not half as sassy and mean as most of the things that come out of my mouth. Anyways, ever since he pointed out to me that I need a new picture on my blog I've wanted a new picture. (props to my friend, Chase, for taking the first picture. Chase is a fantastic close to Seattle photog if anyone is looking.)

Yesterday I entered a contest hosted by JordanQuinn Photography to win a new photo. (she didn't specify blog photo... but really... what else am I gonna do with a photo of myself?) And you can vote. Please don't judge my descriptive words when you vote, she said to choose five things for a palette and it was late at night. I choose: black, mascara, outside, trees, eyes. Gosh do any of those things sound alike? Yeah, I'm pretty much brilliant. That's what I get for staying up past my bedtime. I think you have to go to the facebook page to vote.

So c'mon let's get happy and vote!

Then maybe my friend (Joe) will stop teasing me. (I don't actually think this is possible.)

PS. I am still going makeupless. It's finals week and I currently look like I've been hit by a truck... maybe I'll take a picture of my dark circles tomorrow.

day 6

2011-03-12T15:50:00.000-06:00

Makeupless Day 6
(I forgot to take a picture yesterday, but I did not wear makeup.)

Lins and I took this picture before we headed out to meet some friends for brunch this morning. I knew that today would be hard, because it's the type of day that I would have normally worn makeup.

Post meltdown, I had a lot of fun.

2011-03-10T23:00:00.002-06:00

Makeupless Day 4.

I'm watching documentaries and trying to gather information on the Westboro Baptist Church. Their website is down (via hacker) and I can no longer get some of the info I need.

If you're interested in some of the why's, the Documentary Most Hated Family In America is really good. Sad, but good. I'm waiting for the documentary Falling From Grace to load now. (I'm trying to find out more of the back story.)

The papers I am writing are on Censorship and Ethics- two separate papers.

And it just so happens that the WBC was here in Chicago protesting yesterday* at the University of Chicago. In one of my classes we've been discussing counter protests and that's just what the U of C campus did.

*I totally read the date wrong. It wasn't yesterday, but once upon a time they were here.

2011-03-09T07:42:00.000-06:00

Makeupless day 3.

I'm currently listening to Hillsong... I'm almost always listening to Hillsong. Love them. The lyrics, the heart, the sound... I'm a fan.

I listened to the new album on itunes for a while last night. It's sooo good... can't wait to buy it. That has to wait until after I pay my parking ticket though. Grrr.

March 8, 2011

2011-03-08T21:38:00.002-06:00

No makeup day 2.

Last year a girl at Glamour Magazine took pictures of herself in a bathing suit everyday for a month. She wrote down each day how she felt about herself. I'm not sure I really want to do that, but posting no makeup pictures is keeping me accountable. So you're all going to have to deal with my face for a few ~~days~~ weeks.

Moving on to more important matters... today is my Mama's 50th birthday!!! Happy birthday Mom!
Since 50 is indeed fabulous, I though I'd take a moment to remind my Mom... in case she's doubting.

50 is the age of reason... the reason, you’re 50, you can do what you want!

49 is such a weird number, who wants to be 49 anyway?

Your children are way old and you are way young. Go you.

This year is your 30th wedding anniversary. You’ve known Dad for a crazy amount of time.

You’ve accomplished a lot.... and seriously, have you seen how good looking I am? For realz, you’ve passed on some good genes.

Now you and Dad are in the same decade.

Only another fifty years and you can retire. Just kidding.

I once told my friend, Denise, that her teeth would fall out when she turned fifty. They didn’t, so yours probably won’t either.

You now have a good excuse for forgetting stuff. (old age)

Sex over fifty is supposed to be amazing. For some strange reason, I believe this...

If Stephen or Josh get married soon, you might get grandkids this decade.

You can say things like, “Yeah, I was nineteen in 1980.” (You’ve been able to say this for a while, but it carries more weight now.)

You made it through three children’s teens and early twenties without killing any of them. Congratulations.

Accomplishments: three kids grown and raised. check. degree check. new career check. successful marriage. check. Whoa, Mama... you’re all over this.

You have a grand-dog.

Two brand new cars right in a row... look at you now.

Highlights? Heck yes!

Now onto things I love about you:

You cry when I cry and that makes me want to cry some more.

You have a great sense of humor and are always up for a laugh.

You have a good reading voice.

You know the words to all my favorite songs... like the Winnie the Pooh song, the if I were a Butterfly song, and the Herbie song.
You have a big heart

Happy, happy birthday! I love you mucho, mucho!

U2 Homework.

2011-03-07T23:05:00.003-06:00

I forgot to watch this before I went to class tonight. (It was on my homework sheet)

But after our class discussion I decided I needed to.

Check it out, it's definitely worth the 22 minutes

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Here We Go

2011-03-07T16:50:00.002-06:00

No Makeup Day 1:
I don't normally wear makeup on Mondays, so this isn't really anything unusual.

FYI, I am listening to Mat Kearney sing New York to California on my computer while thinking about the song, Here We Go by *NSYNC. Weird. Even weirder, Mat Kearney also sings a song called Here We Go. Completely different lyrics. Whoa.

Love like Woe by The Ready Set. I'm like that Bing commercial in the grocery store.

Lentolutions 2011: Makeupless

2011-03-06T16:14:00.001-06:00

If I'm going makeup-less then I'm going to document it. This is my last day of makeup until Easter Sunday... that's April 24th people. (I'm not wearing much now, but we'll see how I feel about this tomorrow.)

The makeup I am wearing: Bare Minerals Mineral Foundation + Warmer, Too Faced Eye Shadow Primer, Eye Liner, Lancome Mascara Primer, DNA Mascara, Trish McEvoy Soft Peach Eye Shadow, and a two hour nap... so my face isn't very fresh.

The makeup I am wearing tomorrow: none.

Lentolutions 2011

2011-03-06T16:03:00.000-06:00

The past few years I have gotten more into Lent. (It's not something I did growing up.) Last year, I gave up secular music and determined to only listen to music that pointed me towards Jesus. The idea of Lent is to prepare the believer (that would be me) for the Holy Week (Easter) through prayer and self denial.

This year, I want to give up something that involves a bit more self-denial. (The year I sarcastically gave up being extremely awesome doesn't count.) After thinking about it for a few days, I have decided to give up makeup.

I know, makeup... I love makeup! But I love Jesus more than I love feeling pretty. I think the point is to remember Jesus and what He means to me. To remember what His death and resurrection did for me.

Now let's get one thing clear. I don't think Jesus' death and resurrection had anything to do with me wearing makeup or not wearing makeup, but I do think this will be a good daily reminder.

I can remember Imago Dei. I have been created in the image of a holy and perfect God.

Genesis 1:27- So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

I can remember that my treasure is in heaven, not on earth. Makeup and my face are not things that last. Slightly heart breaking, but I can deal with it.

Matthew 6:19-21 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

If I believe that Jesus took my sins on His body, that He was beaten and bruised on my behalf then can't I give up makeup for a few weeks to focus more on Him? When I read this verse, I feel like it's the least I can do.

Matthew 27: 30-31 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.

Do you do lent? If so, what are you giving up?

Marching

2011-03-01T23:26:00.000-06:00

The ants go marching one by one...
hoorah...
hoorah...

Happy March! As much as I love the idea of new things... actually that's a lie. I do not love new things. I think I hate them. I love old things... things I know. Things that are the same. But old things are also kind of stagnant things. Grrr.

The ants go marching three by three...
The middle one stops to have a good cry...
hoorah...
hoorah...

Onward we march... into March.

My Mom's birthday is in seven days.

It's crazy to say that I've known her for twenty-seven years. I remember when she turned thirty and her friends threw her a surprise party. I remember when she turned forty... and now, well now she's older than forty and I'm older than she was in this picture.

Josh leaves this week.

I had a good cry when I found out he was going overseas again. I am so, so, so proud of him, but being the sister of a soldier is scary business. He's the one who knows how to be a soldier, not me. The Army never sent me a manual, so the tears are going to be falling.

Best VM ever.

2011-02-26T11:37:00.001-06:00

I left a message on my parents answering machine this week. It's funny because when I call my parents house and the answering machine comes on, it's my voice I hear. So It's almost like I'm leaving a message for myself, but I'm not.

This is the message I left me them:
"Nobody writes, nobody calls.... might as well go eat worms."

This is the message ~~The Surgeon General~~ my Dad left for me later that night:
"This is The Surgeon General of the United States... eating worms is bad for your health. Please try to hold yourself back, bye."

I love that guy.

Just a little faith + a guest post

2011-02-21T08:00:00.002-06:00

I was given an opportunity at the beginning of this year to trust. As I contemplated life and really wanted to freak out, one of my rooms/besties, Lins, had an answer. Trust and a prayer, "Thank You Lord, for You always provide." Simple as that.

In many moments of exasperation and stress I have prayed this prayer over and over again. There were times when I was mid-prayer and my phone would ring and my prayer was answered. God provided. Maybe not in the ways that I would have expected, but He provided. Simple as that.

"Thank you Lord, for you always provide."

It's pretty cool to watch God do His whole God thing.

I asked Linsey to do a guest post about this prayer, this trusting.

This is her post:

We've all gone through times of struggle. Times when we just weren't sure how things were going to come together. Everyone has wondered, at one time or another, what the future holds.

It seems as though this past year has been an immense time of growth for me and several of my friends, E included. We've struggled with things big and small. But through it all, we know nothing is too big or too small for God.

He has a plan. A good plan. A plan that will glorify Him, and in the process, bring us closer to Him. Since becoming a Christian, I've learned a lot about prayer, God's faithfulness, His love, grace and mercy. I've been told over and over "God will provide" and I've prayed for His provision.

What even does 'provide' mean? This is what I found after typing it into Google:

Provide verb \prə-ˈvīd\
1. to make preparation to meet a need
2. to make available; furnish
3. to supply or equip
4. to take measures with due foresight
5. to make arrangements for supplying means of support

What does the Bible say about God's provision?

for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:8

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you,O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' Forthe Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:30-33

We're told that:

1. God knows what we need before we ask
2. If we ask God for something, according to His will, He will provide

I've had many talks lately about God's plan for us, His desire for our lives, and His promises to us. His number one goal is to make us holy. Not happy, but holy. And God promises that if we first seek Him; if our desire to live inside His will is greater than anything else and we're being obedient in it, He will provide. He will give us what we need. When we need it. All we have to do is ask.

So, instead of praying He will provide, I've been thanking Him for his provision. For, I know He will provide.

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15

Let's do this.

2011-02-19T10:24:00.000-06:00

My friends over at Etta Grace are having a giveaway. And pretty please with a cherry on top, I need YOUR help. Here are the rules:

If you follow EttaGrace
-AND-
get ten friends to follow EttaGrace
-AND-
have them comment on any post starting from saturday the 19th until friday the 25th stating:
1. How they know you
2. Anything else they want to say, as we promote Idea sharing here!
Then you!
YesYou, you little instigator!
Will get one wonderful EttaGrace Tee of your choice!

To make things fair, I will post how I know you if you post how you know me. IF you follow my blog, I'll follow yours. Then we'll both have a chance!

PS. This is one of their cool new tees.

Etta Grace

Tom Hanks via hootenannie

2011-02-18T23:46:00.001-06:00

I was over at Annie's blog and saw this... (I just said that like I know Annie, I don't. I just like to read her blog 'cause it's lot of fun.)

Yeah, I laughed too... you're welcome. And thank you, Annie!

A Friday Happy Dance!

2011-02-18T10:20:00.003-06:00

It's Friday! Are you ready to take a deep breath and sigh? Or are you ready to put on your party clothes and rip up the dance floor? I'm gonna keep my pj's on and do a little happy dance from bed. Here's why...

1. My business ethics test is over. I filled that little blue book... but I have no idea if I filled it with the right stuff.

2. My Ethics + Society + Religion paper has been handed in. Since I had no idea what to do, I made every one in my house read/edit it before I handed it in.

3. Next week is a huge benchmark for me.... a normal work schedule begins... sigh.

The best moments of this week have included my rooms- past and present- telly calls with Han and late night convos with Lins and HW's. And then there were the flowers from Mom and Dad.

Happy Friday!

Flower Love

2011-02-17T17:41:00.002-06:00

My parents do this thing every year, they send me flowers on Valentine's Day. I love flowers. There is always a sweet note attached. This tradition started when I moved to Chicago and it's something that I look forward to every year. Thanks Mom and Dad... I love being your Valentine. Xoxo.

This year there were daisies in the bouquet- daisies! The You've Got Mail fan in me knows that daisies are the friendliest flower.


To our Valentine. Love, Mom + Dad

Happy V Day!

2011-02-14T07:16:00.000-06:00

Here's hoping your Valentine's Day includes more than comafied love.

While You Were Sleeping

"Have you ever fallen in love with someone you haven't even talked to? Have you ever been so alone you spend the night confusing a man in a coma?"

VDAY Countdown!

2011-02-13T15:06:00.000-06:00

I love all things Joshua Radin.

A Good Lovin' Tee and More

2011-02-12T18:16:00.000-06:00

One of my bestie's has a sweet blog and and even sweeter etsy shop. Need to buy yourself or your sister/mom/friend/girlfriend a gift that they/you will LOVE? Look no further...

OVERFLOWING WITH LOVE

Yeah, you're welcome.

VDAY Countdown!

2011-02-12T18:02:00.000-06:00

Crimson Roses is one of my favorite books. Think 1920's American Cinderella-esque story. My copy is in Idaho at my parents house, otherwise I"d be reading it this weekend.

VDAY Countdown!

2011-02-11T09:00:00.001-06:00

It's the end of midterm week, my assignments are in and I am ready for some cheesy chick flicks! The phone is ringing... I think Meg Ryan is calling... turn on your radio.

I don't even know him...I'm harvesting all these fantasies about some man I've never even met...who lives in Seattle.

Wisdom at seventeen

2011-02-10T21:42:00.000-06:00

My cousin posted this poem today by Veronica A. Shoffstall. It's called "After A While"

After a while you learn
The subtle difference between
Holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't always mean security.

And you begin to learn
That kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes ahead
With the grace of a woman
Not the grief of a child

And you learn
To build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is
Too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way
Of falling down in mid flight

After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much
So you plant your own garden
And decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting
For someone to bring you flowers

And you learn
That you really can endure
That you are really strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and you learn
With every good bye you learn.

For Carrie

2011-02-02T13:12:00.002-06:00

This is Carrie.

She is the friend of one of my friends... I've only met her once, but I know that she is sweet and funny and caring. She's the type of girl you want to be friends with.
Last week I found out that Carrie has cancer- Adrenal Coricol Carcinoma. It's very rare and they need to try and shrink the tumors through chemo before they can operate. Right now Carrie has pneumonia and the chemo is being postponed.

Please join me in praying for Carrie. For more information, click here.

I blame the books.

2011-01-31T23:48:00.002-06:00

Growing up I loved to read books by L.M Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. These ladies filled their stories with adventure, friendship, imagination, love, and a bold and daring femininity. I have a copy of Anne of Green Gables that sits next to my bed. When I need a moment of escape, I travel to Green Gables... whatever it is, Anne would get it. She would completely understand the devastating drama of almost any situation.

There are blizzard warnings for tomorrow and while I was laying in the tub reading from Anne of Green Gables I was wishing I had my old set of The Little House on the Prairie books. I think that it's the second to the last book that Manly enters the scene. One of my favorite parts is when he brings his sleigh for Laura in the middle of a snowstorm. Laura was teaching a town over and her Dad couldn't get her, so Manly hitched his sleigh and brought her home for the weekend. They'd put hot potatoes by their feet, the sleigh bells would jingle, and they'd dash along buried in blankets. Could there be anything more perfect?

I don't think so.
Here's what I do think: if it's going to storm, there should at least be some sort of hunkish manly man to rescue me.

Your love.

2011-01-28T16:08:00.000-06:00

With the last bit of my itunes gift card, I just bought this song.
I heart itunes like I heart Starbucks... just sayin'

His love endures.

2011-01-26T22:01:00.000-06:00

I'm buried in homework and well... just life... and I can't stop listening to Hillsong. I love Hillsong. LOVE them.
To quote a friend, "the only worship music I like is Hillsong and U2."

What would you do?

2011-01-20T11:13:00.000-06:00

We talked about this case (see video and article at bottom) last night in one of my classes.

As we talked about what we would do, our discussion became heated and personal. We discussed when we choose to get involved and when we don't and how little it takes to call 9-1-1.
One girl told a story of the multiple times she's passed out in public (in the city) from severe asthma attacks and not once had someone try to help her. Instead she's awoken laying on a sidewalk or in a hallway as people walked by.

My question is, what does non-action do?
For the full article, click here.

Eating the pantry.

2011-01-18T23:07:00.002-06:00

In a semi-creative effort to save money... or not spend any money. I've been trying to eat whatever I can find in my freezer and pantry. There's a lot there, I have the bad habit of buying stuff or buying too much of something for fear of not having enough. (I mainly do this when we're having company and I want to cook something. I am deathly afraid of being under prepared to feed the masses. Insert here, _____________ mama. That's me.)

(And in case you're wondering, I don't really have anything in the fridge... besides some apples I bought in November. I ate one, I think they're still good.)

Last week I did something amazing. Apart from the Starbucks giftcard that my parents got me for Christmas, I spent about thirty-five bucks. Special thanks to my random food supply and Hannah and Linsey. The $35 includes one lunch with friends, $10 in quarters for laundry, two acne products, a twelve pack of diet coke, one trip through a drive-thru (I was starving) and three bucks in a vending machine during one of my night classes.

Food I've eaten from the pantry and freezer the past couple of weeks: 1 disgusting thing of Healthy Choice (really, why did I buy this?), Top Ramen noodles, 1 can of olives, Stove Top stuffing, 2 Amy's Burritos (1 for lunch + 1 for dinner), peppermint ice cream (purchased mid December, eaten mid January. Hello, freezer burn.)

Food I have stolen/eaten with permission from my roommates:
1 bag of Linsey's microwaveable popcorn, Moose munch, home-baked goods, bacon, eggs, champagne... I know, you're jealous.

Bethy and Mr. Darcy!

2011-01-17T15:12:00.002-06:00

Books, books, I love books! my friend, Bethy, is having a book give away along with a Barnes and Noble gift card. Yes, she's that cool. Head on over to her blog and enter... but beware... I entered first and I'd really like to win!

70

2011-01-13T09:48:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was my Grandma's 70th birthday. Which seems weird because she has always been my young Grandma. I'm her oldest granddaughter and second oldest grandchild- she was forty-three when I was born. She has three different generations of grandchildren... we are the American family.

I called her late last night and I have to tell you, she didn't sound a day over fifty. She has always been hysterical and a lot of fun. Our conversation last night was no different- it took me back to our outings to downtown Seattle on the city bus. We would go see my uncle at his salon, go to the Bon Marche, and then have lunch at Healthy Choice.

I haven't seen my Grandma in a few years and I miss her. Happy birthday Grandma, I love you!

Give Into Me

2011-01-12T22:54:00.000-06:00

If you haven't seen the movie yet, I don't think I'm ruining anything by sharing this video.
There are two songs on the Country Strong (More Music From The Motion Picture) soundtrack that I just love. The original soundtrack doesn't have this song... and that's just stupid.

Bless my sentimental love song lovin' heart... I can't get enough of Give Into Me.

Check it.

okie dokie

2011-01-11T21:19:00.000-06:00

There is joy in my heart and pimples on my face. Twenty-seven going on thirteen. Me + emotional stress (even when I'm handling it well) = breakouts. Yay... not.

Dear face,

Someday I would appreciate it if you would leave me alone. I am tired of my tonics, routines, and constant care of you. Can ya give me a break? I mean, aren't I too old to be bothered with your worrisome ways?

Please and thank you very much,

Elizabeth

Dear person reading my blog,

Thank you for reading my blog. I appreciate you. I like to tell you things (i.e. my face is breaking out) in a very round about way. Sometimes I don't like to tell you things... deal with it.
And I know that there's a way you're supposed to blog (i.e every day) to get people to read your blog... I've tried, but let's face it... I'm not good at that. So that's not how this here blog works.
But you, my friends, you read anyway. Well someone reads anyway... it might just be my imaginary friend and my mother though. (Hi, Mom!)

Much love,

Elizabeth
p.s. the birthday girl is supposed to get to kiss the boy of her choosing. I made up that rule and well... it's worked for my friend. Meanwhile I'm sitting at home in my sweats not kissing the boy I would like to be kissing.

Dear boy that I would like to be kissing,

You know who you are. Actually, you don't. You probably don't even know who I am. Except for the fact that we've actually met a few times. You should know that you take my breath away... it's true, you actually take my breath away. So here's what you need to do... next time you see me... ask me out or kiss me or something! I'm dying from unrequited love over here... get with the program.

xoxoxoxo,

Elizabeth

Dear potential stalker or confused man reading this blog,

I really don't think it's you I'm talking about. The guy I'm talking about will probably never read this and I will break your face if you try to kiss me.
I'm not even joking.

Sincerly and from a distance,

Elizabeth

Twenty-seven is...

2011-01-11T08:57:00.001-06:00

I have a friend, Matt, who has the same birthday as I do. He is much, much older and because of his old creaky bones it takes him a long time to move from place to place. I have never held that against him.

Anyways... every year, on his birthday, he picks a motto... or mantra, if you will. And I like to try and come up with one too. He has graciously given me special permission, since we share the day. I should note that in the past I have not taken it nearly as seriously as he always does. This year is different. I have thought a lot about what I want this year to be, what I want it to represent and what I want my focus to be.

My sweet friends have done a great job of inspiring me. Linsey has declared that we aren't going to pray asking God to provide, but instead pray thanking God for how He always provides. HW's left me the sweetest homemade cards lying around our apartment this morning. On the front one said, "27 is beautiful."

I have taken their words to heart and decided that this year I want to remember that life is beautiful. I want the prayer of my heart to be, as Linsey has said, "Thank you Lord... for you always provide."

My Grandma often sings the song This is The Day... "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Today is my birthday, and this is the day that I will rejoice. I serve a God that loves me and provides for me. A God that comforts me, restores me soul, and turns my mourning into dancing. A God whose love is undeserved and unrelenting. Thank you Lord... for you always provide.

My mom posted this photo on facebook this morning.
And I kinda love it. Have a happy day!

weekend in review- bless my socks off style.

2011-01-10T10:05:00.000-06:00

Let it be known: I have great friends. And family. And even acquaintances.
Tomorrow is my twenty-seventh birthday. I had no plans of celebrating... and then plans changed. My weekend was full of laughter, good food, good movies, lots of girl time. There was lots of praying and answers to prayer. And I just have to say a special thank you to all of my sweet friends for giving me sweet moments I'll always remember.

There was the Friday night gang... they didn't care that I was making us all way, way late. They let me laugh myself silly and loudly imitate the girl at the next table. Believe me, she didn't even know it.

There was the Saturday morning Bible study that is the start of just what my heart has needed.

Then there was Saturday afternoon and evening with Britt, who always knows where to go and what to do and how to have fun. We ate, perused a book store, and spent hours in a movie theater. I highly recommend Country Strong. It was sweet and sad and captivating. And the music was too good to be true.

Sunday was church, lunch, and a trip to the best nail salon in the city with my girls.

And then there was some cake with my Chicago family. People say we do a Friends Thanksgiving, but I think we do a Friends life.

Love like fire

2011-01-07T00:15:00.000-06:00

I am desperate for Your touch
a glimpse of heaven
for the glory of Your Son.
In a moment You can
turn a life around
forever to be found in You.

I am reaching out to find
there's nothing greater than
Your love that holds my life.
Your grace and mercy that
have saved me by Your blood,
and swept away my shame Oh Lord.

Chorus
Your love is like fire
that burns for all to see.
My only desire
to worship at Your feet.
So let this fire
consume my life.
Let Your love take me deeper
pull me closer to where You are,
'cause all I want is more of You.

and I'm surrender to Your love
forever humbled by the
message of the cross.
I stand abandoned in
Your presence and Your embrace,
and I'll never be the same Oh God.

Chorus
Your love is like fire,
that burns for all to see.
My only desire,
to worship at Your feet.
So let this fire
consume my life.
Let Your love take me deeper,
pull me closer to where You are,
'cause all I want is more of You.

When You call I will follow.
At the cross I surrender all,
Jesus I belong to You.

I belong to You Lord

Your love is like fire,
that burns for all to see.
My only desire,
to worship at Your feet.

Your love is like fire,
that burns for all to see.
My only desire,
to worship at Your feet.

So let this fire
consume my life.
Let Your love take me deeper,
pull me closer to where You are,
'cause all I want is more of You.

When You call I will follow,
at the cross I surrender all,
Jesus I belong to You.

Let Your love take me deeper,
pull me closer to where You are,
cause all I want is more of You

When You call I will follow,
at the cross I surrender all,
Jesus I belong to You.

hillsong, yo. check it.

The little talker.

2011-01-04T20:33:00.000-06:00

A day with the little man is never boring and always fun...

"You're pretty, E."

"I like you."

"I like your pants, E."

"Can I get your boogers, E?"

"What are you doing, E?"

"Oh."

"Is that for me, E?"

"Jimmy Neutron is my friend."

"I like that fat guy DVD."

"That's from the Little Mermaid."

"I'm not soggy, don''t change my diaper."

"No, I want to walk."

"Unzip me, I want out."

"Big bed, one minute."