Bringing back the 90's... Birkenstocks are definitely popular right now. And, I just bought a new pair - and I have a feeling these will be my new favorite summer sandals. These are super comfy - and very lightweight - and under $50. I love the white - but also like the black option, too.
For some motivation this Monday, I thought I would share some encouragement if you are like me and struggle with getting hung-up on past mistakes or regrets - and feeling stuck because of missed opportunities. I read this great book recently which is all about moving forward to accomplish great things in life. It was a great encourager - and I highly recommend the book.
"Forget your past mistakes… make up your mind to forget those things that haunt you. As Ruth Bell Graham quipped, “Every cat knows some things need to be buried.”… Bitterness is remembering an offense that should be buried by grace. Discouragement is letting the last setback become a roadblock. Your brain wants to relive events over and over. If you let it, it will haunt you with failures... You can override your brain by giving the past to God and then forgetting the things that would pull you back and down."
The sweatshirt that I am wearing is on sale for a great deal - and available in four different colors - off white, black, pink, and grey. It can be worn with jeans - or as a cute workout top.
I am also sharing some spring sale picks from the sale of the season - items that typically don't go on sale.
"When you focus on what you don’t have or on situations that displease you, your mind also becomes darkened. You take for granted life, salvation, sunshine, flowers, and countless other gifts from Me. You look for what is wrong and refuse to enjoy life until that is “fixed.” When you approach Me with thanksgiving, the Light of My Presence pours into you, transforming you through and through."
I am sharing my cardigan set styled with both a black and off white (or ivory) cardigan. It was the most popular post of last month. I bought that tube top for $5, and it can be worn under the cardigan or on its own. For summer, I probably would style it with these sandals - instead of the boots.
One of my favorite desserts is this chocolate cake that I make in 15 minutes. It is a lava/molten chocolate cake - and it is super easy to make. And, in my opinion, the best chocolate cake. It takes longer for the over to warm up - than it takes to actually make the cake. Also, you can put the cake in the refrigerator overnight, and the next day it turns into more of a fudge consistency - that you can eat cold.
Break chocolate into pieces and cube butter. Melt in microwave for 1 minute (or less) - until the butter is melted. Do not burn or sizzle the butter. Add red wine/port, vanilla and powered sugar and whisk gently until mixed. Add egg and gently whisk in. Add flour and cinnamon - and gently stir.
Pour into 2 ramekins- and bake a 425 F for approximately 9 minutes. The length of time you bake it depends on how "molten" you want the cake. I under bake mine just a little because I like it less cakey and more lava-ish.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to study fashion design at Parsons and live in NYC. It was the most amazing experience. I found the perfect apartment in the West Village - a block from my subway stop, which I took each day to Times Square. The apartment was very spacious with over 900 square feet. In addition to this living space, I also had a large bedroom, walk in closet, and an entryway that was large enough for a queen size bed! I also had a doorman - so I had the safety of someone always see me come and go. The windows you see in the picture overlooked a small park - and it was fun to see people coming and going. I was on the second floor - so I definitely got the sounds and smells of NYC - like sirens all hours of the day and night - and garbage pick up in the middle of the night.
My days pretty much consisted of getting on the subway each morning - for my class that started at 8:30 - and I would spend the entire day in the Times Square area - that is where my class was. Then, at night I would take the subway back to my apartment. In the evening, I would walk somewhere to get dinner - and then work on homework. I loved the sights and sounds of all the people - and the excitement of everything the city had to offer - pretty much anything you wanted was just a subway ride away!
This is the 10 piece collection that I designed. I was inspired by the NYC architecture and building lines. My fashion design course was an accelerated class. In a month, we had to learn to sew (on industrial machines) and pattern what you designed. We had to sew one of our designs. We also had to learn to draw these fashion croquis - these elongated fashion models - and style them with our designs. We also had a digital component - where we had to come up with concept boards - and render different prints all online through products like Photoshop. It was an intense time - but the most fun I have had! I loved the experience - and so glad I got to be a part of it.
Just in case you missed it - I shared 5 fun facts about myself yesterday HERE.
Another thing about me is that I love rollerblading!
It was warm enough yesterday that I was able to get out on the trail for the first time this year I am thankful to live near a 13 mile trail that winds through wooded areas and farm fields that is a great place to rollerblade. It is great exercise, but it never really feels like work.
I went rollerblading for the first time over 30 years ago - and I still love it today - and I look forward to getting out more and more this spring/summer!
As far as my exercise routine, I go ice skating 3 times a week, and then on alternate days, I go walking. I do strength training with weights (upper body) and lower body more ballet-style strengthening.
Did anyone else watch the final four basketball games this weekend, and happen to catch the UCLA vs Gonzaga game? UCLA looked like it was going to force a second overtime - when Gonzaga hit an amazing 3-pointer from about 40 feet out to win the game. What an ending to the back and forth game.
FIVE FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
1. I have this uncanny ability to remember dates and years. I can tell you what year, month, date, or weekend some events happened in my life or others. And not just recent events - things that happened over 30 years ago or more.
2. When I was in elementary school I could run faster than the boys in my class - and I would actually challenge them to races to prove I could run faster.
4. I had a professor in college challenge us that we should go out with at least 50 different guys before we got married. I took him up on the challenge. My roommate would always tease me because I would go to the library to study, and come home with a new date for the weekend.
5. I skipped 7th grade math. I took 8th grade math as a 7th grader. This allowed me the opportunity to take Calculus my senior year - which was one of my favorite classes.
I thought I would share part of an Easter devotion from my favorite pastor.
"Hope is one of the most emotionally packed words in any language. When it is spoken, the impossible suddenly becomes possible, where darkness is overtaken by light and despair turns to joy. Because of Christ’s resurrection, we have hope—not only for the future but also for the past and present."
I know this year many people are struggling. If you are having a rough time or know some that is - I pray that you can find hope and encouragement this Easter season.
