Merry Christmas!

To celebrate our first afternoon of Christmas break, we had a little date at the park. It was so nice to be out in nature relaxing, playing, and sharing quality time. And with that I will leave you with a few pictures wishing you a Merry Christmas from the Jones'!

 

Marriage Defined

Yesterday, my husband posted this video on his Facebook. I think it is a great interview about "Defining Marriage in a Kardashian World". Tim Keller shares some insight from his book "The Meaning of Marriage".

Second Annual Boutique!

This coming weekend is Green Hills' second annual Joy to the World Boutique! I fully expect it to be awesome again, and I am definitely participating. This year my table will present a more simple, refined selection than last year, and I will leave it up to you to come and see for yourself what that consists of! For more information and times, visit the Green Hills website. I look forward to seeing you there - It's the most wonderful time of the year!

One Man's Trash...

It totally my treasure! =)

I love garage sale-ing - especially when people are actually having garage sales when I go out looking. This was hardly the case for me on Saturday, but I was able to find about two neighborhoods with a couple of sales, and in my opinion I made out well. Spent a total of $10 for the following:

I got a set of 8 place mats (they looked unused), a large roll of cork, a retro radio (which they informed me worked well - I didn't really care, but it turns out they were right!), 3 books that interested me, and a vintage-looking Hungry Jack tin can. It was $5 for the place mats and $5 for everything else. I took some close-ups of the stuff, but for some reason my vertical pics are loading horizontally, so I will leave you will the ones that already were horizontal. Anyways, I wanted you all to be able to share in my joy - Happy Thursday!

For the Love of Hair

While I was exploring Pinterest the other day, I came across a link to a pretty amazing blog. [I don't know if you are supposed to use your blog to refer people to other blogs - but this was seriously too good not to share.] It is called The Small Things Blog - by Kate, a professional hairstylist who, among other things, offers some great video tutorials on how to properly style and maintain hair so it can look amazing every day! Here is a little bit from what she says in her "about me" section:

"First and foremost, I am a Christian. And I'm a part of a great church in Raleigh called The Summit.

While I spend a lot of time talking about hair, beauty products, fashion, shoes, makeup, crafts, food, artsy things. . .(are you catching my drift?), I know that my worth is in Christ. God has given me a passion for all of these things, and I intend to use it, and share it with you all! So what I'm trying to say here is this: don't look for your value or identity in how good you look, or how talented you are at something. Nothing will fill you like the love of Christ."

Like what you hear? Well here is a few inspirational pics if you aren't completely convinced yet =)

She has blog and video tutorials on how to curl your hair, how to straighten your hair, how to trim your bangs, how to style your bangs and how to apply products, and that's only one aspect of her blog! I don't know about you, but more often than not I need a little hair-inspiration to keep me looking and feeling my best. So head on over to The Small Things Blog and check it out! =)

Obedience.

In case anyone who reads this doesn't already follow my husband's blog, here is a bit of video inspiration for today. We can all learn a lot from Katie Davis and the life sacrifice she has made in obedience to the commands of Jesus Christ.

Weekend Love

To send you off into the weekend with some happy thoughts, I am going to share one of my favorite things right now:

Pinterest!

In case you have been living in a cave and have not yet heard of Pinterest, it is a virtual pinboard that "lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. [You can] use pinboards to plan weddings, decorate homes, and organize favorite recipes. Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests." (I was going to try to explain it myself, but the website said it so elegantly, I just quoted their "about us" section.) It basically combines my two favorite practices - collecting ideas and organization! So yeah - one of my new favs. 

In case you are interested but need some inspiration for yourself before you are totally sold, feel free to browse My Pinterest (and follow me!). To start your own, you will need to request an invite, but I received an immediate response and was able to create an account almost instantly. Something about this has given me a sense of empowerment, creativity, while also relieving the stress of trying to remember all of my thoughts! Check it out. If you like anything about my blog, I am sure you will love this =)

Happy browsing!

A "Pho"n Date =)

In order to capitalize on productivity during my work "breaks" I am going to try to do a bit of blogging (instead of trying to maintain my master's degree in Freecell). Because it has been so long since I regularly blogged, I am going to start by hitting some of the highlights from this summer - starting with one of our date nights! Ronnie had really been wanting to take me out to eat Pho, so we decided to make a cultural experience of it and go to Little Saigon!

After a couple Google searches in addition to using our personal judgment as to which places looked the most authentic and worthwhile, we decided on this lovely destination. The Pho Ga was 1/2 off so that is what I ended up getting!

I asked for a Diet Coke and the guy looked confused... He left and came back a couple minutes later trying to explain that they didn't have Diet Coke. {Seriously? And you are still in business?] Weird. Not feeling up to Sprite or Coke, I ordered a Thai Tea which didn't disappoint!

And here is a snapshot of the cuisine. It was pretty darn good and I think we both left satisfied.

Of course the place was cash-only *sigh*, so we spend about $5 more than we were hoping to in ATM fees, and tried to move on without dwelling on the fact too much. We walked around a plaza for a few minutes, and headed to a Buddhist temple that Ronnie thought would be good to experience. They were in the middle of a ceremony or something, so we didn't go inside. We parked for a few minutes and tried to soak in all that was happening inside, what it must be like to be so faithfully devoted to a god that doesn't exist, and prayed that the people might learn the truth of God's Word before it is too late.

What have to done recently outside of your normal routine to experience other cultures?

Positivity

In an effort to create momentum to update my blog more consistently, I will begin by sharing a conversation that happened yesterday evening.

Context: I was sitting at my husband’s desk at work, and saw a list of his 5 top strengths according to StrengthsFinder or something like that. They read:

1. Woo

2. Includer

3. Positivity

4. Communication

5. Arranger

When he came back into the office from wherever he was, I said, “I think Arranger is one of my strengths too.”

Ronnie: “Yeah I think it definitely is.”

…

Me: “And positivity too probably.”

Ronnie: “HAH! Psh…”

Let’s just say his woo wasn’t working too well for him in that moment…

Unfortunately, he’s probably right. But at least between the two of us we will have a well-balance spectrum of organized thoughts and opinions. 

Show Us Your Life: Singles Edition

I am using an opportunity today to show off one of my dear friends over on Kelly’s Korner for the singles edition of “Show Us Your Life”. Her name is Robyn – and I am lucky enough to have her forever as my sister-in-law! 

Robyn is 29, the oldest of 6 siblings (which does make her extremely responsible), and queen of balancing her busy life and friendships while always looking stylish! She will graduate in December from Biola University in La Mirada, California, and would like to spend her time serving the Lord in a church or para-church ministry involving students and missions. Besides being a great family member and close friend, she is an amazing woman of God - being an active leader in our church youth group, missions and outreach team, greeting team, and probably more I can't even remember right now. Not only does she fulfill her commitments whole-heartedly, but somehow she also finds time to remember and celebrate the birthdays and other special events of her very many friends and family members (and, trust me, that's saying alot). She is probably the sweetest and most encouraging person you will meet, but is also not afraid to tell you when you're being a bit stupid, and is happy to steer you back on the right track.

One thing I have recently learned about Robyn is that her Myers Briggs type is ESFJ. MyPersonality.info defines it as follows: “ESFJs are social butterflies that value relationships, supporting and nurturing others. Never one to shy away from social events, they are often the host. They are great encouragers of teamwork. ESFJs are responsible, dutiful, observe traditions and follow rules. ESFJs have a deep concern for others and often end up as caretakers. They are sensitive to criticism and have a need to be appreciated for the good they do for others. ESFJs are understanding, generous, have a quick wit and a knack for composition and beautification.” Well, that pretty much sums up Robyn =). Always generously giving of herself for the nurturing of others. She has been so obedient to the Lord's direction for her life, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for her next!

(Robyn’s super cool and amazing family!)

To learn more about Robyn, visit her blog at Robyn’s Rejoicing, or her Facebook. 

an awesome discovery.

I have known for a while what I wanted my next post to be about, but I couldn't find a great opportunity to share. I finally found a little time to squeeze it in to my schedule, so here goes:

Facewash.

Do you ever get tired of your current Neutrogena or Clean and Clear facewash? You are staring at your half-used bottle with just enough in it that you can't justify throwing it away, but you feel like it is never going to be used up? You get this odd craving to go to Target and buy a new one because, well, it's always fun trying new things! Only to get to the personal care aisle and be bombarded with TOO many choices? I don't know about you, but I don't do well when options such as size, sensitivity, exfoliation, and price all hang in the delicate balance of this situation. I also stress out a bit wondering if I will be happy with this $7 spent and if I will want to try a new kind next time even if I am happy with this one... Well my friends, I have found a very satisfactory solution to this awkward predicament. I give you......

Seriously. I don't know how and where to start on my love for this product as a facewash because it is just that great. It is super cheap, it comes in large, medium, or mini bottle sizes, it removes difficult makeup with ease, and it doesn't hurt when you get it in your eyes! Ever since I tried it, I was hooked! I know not all faces are created equal, but if you are struggling to find just the right facewash for you, I would definitely try this. And no, I am not getting paid to promote Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo =). Actually, I wouldn't want to even if they asked, because then they would just re-package it and bump the price up! No thank you. I am happy with my cheap, large bottles of yellow baby-shampoo a.k.a. facewash.

Back from the dead...

Hello everyone! I'm sorry it has been SO long since I have posted anything. Tax season has been crazy and I have hardly had time to read the blogs that I love let alone take time to write a post. However, the worst is over, my hard work is slowing down, and I think I am all caught up on my reads. Therefore I fully intend to resume posting soon as there is much to catch up on!

Until then, I have to direct you over to The Anderson Crew. I don't know if you remember my post last October on the bundle giveaways to raise money for their adoption. Well, after months of waiting, the adoption was finalized and they were able to bring Elsabeth home from Ethiopia! She just posted a short video of the family reuniting as a whole in the airport and it is awesome! Watch the video here. I am so excited to have been a super small part of that process and hope that someday I can experience something so amazing with my own family.

Have an awesome day and do something to celebrate the warmth!

Summatime...

OK so I decided that we really need a Christmas for the summer. Because over the past few Christmases I have bought and received a ton of cute sweaters (which I love), but I have realized that I somewhat lack in the summer clothes department - not ideal for the SoCal resident. I mean, you have to buy all of those for yourself, which just isn't quite as fun sometimes. So, in honor of the warm weather that is so quickly approaching, here are some things from my summer wishlist which has already begun to accumulate:

This dress and this top from Old Navy. Please go on sale soon!

  

This top that I actually just bought at Target on clearance (I guess I'm into the ruffly thing)! I got it in black and a purple-ish color along with this cardigan which was $5! Love it!

I also love these sandals Target just brought in. So cute!

On my summer wishlist is also: more jewelry (rings and necklaces), a new pair of rite-aid shoes, more colorful tank tops and short-sleeves, more skinny jeans, and a good pair of sunglasses. Ah summer, please come fast!

Albums

I am so inspired!

Today, Ashley Ann posted a blog about the annual album she prints of all of her photos. I think this is one of the smartest decisions ever. Not only does she take the most amazing pictures - documenting the everyday life of her family - but she takes the time to print them in a book for them all to enjoy. (Actually 2 books, one for kids to enjoy now, and one to store away safely). I also have a good friend, Jenna, who is also a photographer and has been doing this for the last few years too. You should see her books, they are ginormous! I find that so often I take pictures that might someday get organized in files on my computer or maybe even put on a cd, but I rarely take the time to print them or make them easily accessible for future viewing. Fail.

She posted a link to this super cute scrapbooking album kit called Curated. The following pictures we retrieved from Paisley Press:

This is totally going on my wishlist! It seems like a kit that you can download and use to easily place your pictures in, and then you can upload the spreads to any type of book-printing site like Blurb, Shutterfly, MyPublisher, etc.

My goals for as soon as possible: Organize my pictures from this last year, make a book documenting our 2010 adventures of wedding preparation and marriage, and take more pictures with us in them this next year! (I find it is so much easier to take pictures of other people - like the middle school kids - than pictures of ourselves, especially together). My long-term goal is to make a book for every year from now on until my kids are old enough to do it for me =).

Go be inspired.

Soccer & Outreach

This last Saturday, the Middle School had an event called "Soccer & Outreach". We met at church, made a banner for the Middle School kids at Escuela Integrada, wrote letters to our missionaries, and then headed over to the park for some fun games and pizza!