Currently—August

Happy first day of August! I cannot believe August is already here, it feels like summer just started yesterday! And yet, here we are, with less than four weeks before I start my senior year of college. It’s bittersweet really, with this being my last summer before I become a college graduate, but I am also excited for all that is to come. So, I am moving forward with at least a little excitement, because I cannot wait to see all that this month, and the rest of the year, will bring. But for now, let’s just talk about what I’m up to right now! I’m currently…

Currently—July

Happy July! This is another linkup post that I haven’t done in quite some time, but I am so excited to be back to writing Currently posts once again! I’ve been up to so many things lately, but for today I’ll just keep it to the recommended topics. This month I am currently…

 

Currently—September

It’s September!!! That means fall weather is right around the corner, and I’m so excited! Now that football season has started I’m ready for all the cool fall breezes and leaves and fall decorations and everything that has to do with my favorite season of the year. Right now, it’s still pretty hot here, but I’m hopeful it’ll cool down soon! Now let me get to what I’m currently up to!

Currently—August

It’s August!!! I have to say, I’m not really all that excited about that because it means that school is coming, but on the other hand, it means football season is right around the corner! And as a huge football fan, that is a big deal for me. So, at least half of me is excited that it’s August, and I suppose that’s enough. I knew I’d have to go back to school eventually. Well, let’s get to what I’m currently up to this month!

Currently—July

How is it already July? I know, I know, I say that every month, but I’m serious, this summer is flying by! I remember back in May when no one else was out of school yet and it felt like the summer would never end, and now I’m wishing it would just slow down! I know that I’m going to enjoy every second of this last full month before I go back to school, that’s for sure! So here’s what I’m currently up to this July!

Currently—May

        I can’t believe it’s already May! Although I am so glad that it is, it doesn’t feel possible that it is already this late in the year! It feels like it was just New Year’s, and yet, here we are, with summer fast approaching and warmer weather upon us. Here’s what I’m currently up to this May!

Celebrating: I’m celebrating that I’m finally on summer break! I’ve worked so hard on homework and class assignments for what seems like forever, so I’m so glad to finally have a lengthy break stretching before me. There are no limits to all of the things I can accomplish!

Currently—January

        How is it already January, and 2016 at that? I cannot believe how time has flown; it feels like we just had Thanksgiving, and yet here it is, time for my January currently post. Crazy, right? Well, no matter how ridiculous that may sound, it’s true, so I might as well get to it. This January I’m currently…

        Resolving to make this the best year yet. I know, I know, every year we all say the same thing, something to the effect of hoping the current year will be better than the last, but still. Each year is a new beginning, a chance to start fresh, be better than you’ve ever been, and that’s what I mean by that. I hope this year will be the best yet, mainly because I’m resolving to be the best me I can be. That’s my resolution for the year.

        Reading Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble. I just recently finished The Inn at Ocean’s Edge—the first book in Colleen’s Sunset Cove series—a couple of weeks ago, so last night I opened up the second book, because I was dying to read more. Colleen always does a wonderful job of weaving together captivating mysteries with just the right amount of romance, and so far, I’m finding Mermaid Moon to be no exception. But, if I’m honest, that’s not the only thing I’m currently reading. Yesterday I also finished All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant, and as soon as I finish Mermaid Moon, I’m going to be picking up In Good Company by Jen Turano. I’m always reading something!

        Organizing my life once again as I gear up for a new semester of classes and homework, and organizing my dorm to fit all of the things I’ve begun to accumulate. Really, what I’m more likely to do is just shove stuff everywhere and hope for the best, but at the same time, I know that doing that would just cause more stress later when I’m looking for something and can’t find it anywhere, but that sounds like more fun and a lot quicker than actually organizing everything. We all know I still will, however.

        Loving the new grown-up coloring book I got for Christmas. I’ve always loved art, and coloring, so the coloring book is right up my alley, and since I’ve been on break, I’ve had plenty of time to use it. I absolutely love how calming coloring is, and my new coloring book has some great designs!

        Craving just food in general! Maybe it’s because I’m hungry as I’m writing this, but absolutely EVERYTHING sounds good right now. Cupcakes, brownies, enchiladas, salads, pizza, it doesn’t matter, just so long as it’s food! Seriously though, since I just read All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes, I definitely have cupcakes on my mind, and pizza always sounds amazing, although I could also really go for some buffalo chicken dip right now. Maybe that’s because it’s one of my staple snacks during football games and both the College and NFL Playoffs are quickly approaching. Either way, I’m definitely craving food right now.

        Well, that’s what I’m currently up to this January! What about you? What are you up to as this New Year begins?

        Happy January!

Currently is a monthly link-up hosted by Anne in Residence.

To see where I’m linking up, check out my Where I Party page.

Currently—December

        Is it already December? How is that even possible? It feels like it was just the beginning of the semester, and now finals are upon us. To take a break from all the stress those cause, here’s what I’m up to this December! I’m currently…

  

        Wishing that Christmas, and Christmas break, lasted longer and isn’t going to go by as quickly as I know it will. Even though it’s barely started, I know that the Christmas season will fly past, and it’s my favorite time of year so I want it to last longer!!! I wish it could last all year long, but then it wouldn’t really be special anymore I suppose. Still, I hope it doesn’t fly too quickly!

        I’m currently remembering all of the blessings that God has given me over this past year. As 2015 quickly comes to a close, I’m really realizing just how great this year has really been, and for that, I’m so thankful. I know that on New Year’s Eve I will have so many wonderful blessings to look back on! Isn’t that the best way to bring in the New Year?! And I'm doing my Thankfulness Jar again, so I will have lots of blessing filled papers to read!

        I’m currently wrapping presents! I know, that’s pretty much a given. So, most recently, I wrapped a secret Santa gift for one of the girls on my hall, who I absolutely love, and who really loved my gift! The limit was $10, so I couldn’t do too much, but I got her a nail polish because she loves to paint her nails, a mug because she loves tea and I painted her initial on it, and then I filled it with chocolate. That’s the most recent present I wrapped—I’m a little behind on my shopping—and I was so glad she loved it as much as she did!

        I’m currently baking… nothing! At the moment anyway. But just wait, in a couple of weeks, I’ll be baking Christmas cookies galore! At my house, we make TONS of cookies for Christmas, such as sugar cookies—a staple for us because of my father’s grandmother’s recipe that was passed down to us—some type of peppermint cookies or bark, something chocolate, just to name a few. We make a few different things every year, but the sugar cookies are always the same. So I may not currently be baking anything, but I will be in cookie heaven soon!

        And lastly, I’m currently decorating the door to my dorm room. We’re having a door decorating contest, and the winner gets a gift card, so I pretty much had to participate. I’m not entirely sure the plan for the decorations yet—my roommate and I are still working out a design—but it’s going to be awesome. I know that for sure. And just a couple of days ago while I was home for thanksgiving break I decorated my room, and let me tell you, it is all decked out for Christmas. I have a tree covered in red and gold ribbon and ornaments, red and gold ornaments strung on ribbon draped on the edges of my bookshelves, and gold snowflakes hanging from my ceiling. I’m also contemplating putting up more decorations on my walls since they are kind of bare at the moment. I’m really into Christmas and decorations, can’t you tell?

        So, that’s what I’m currently up to this wonderful month of December!

        Merry Christmas!!!

Currently is a linkup hosted by Anne from Anne in Residence and Jenna from Gold & Bloom.

To see where I’m linking up, check out my Where I Party page.

Currently—November

        How is it November already? It feels like it was just August two days ago, and yet here we are, with only 52 days until Christmas! Here’s what I’m currently up to this October, I mean, November.

        I’m currently cooking all kinds of things. Although you wouldn’t think I’d be doing any cooking since I don’t have a kitchen, but I have actually been able to go back home fairly often to make myself some yummy lunches and dinners. I’m actually cooking anything at the moment, but this past weekend I was able to make mac & cheese, chicken enchiladas, and this super delicious dish called pizza casserole, which is sort of like the top of a pizza—tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni—and you put it over pasta, but sometimes I fill a tortilla with it just because I think that tastes pretty good. Anyway, that’s what I’ve been cooking lately.

Just ignore the fact that this pic says a different year, I just really think it's cool so I wanted to add it. 

        I have been planning fun events for my youth group at church. Although I am working alongside with the other volunteers who teach in our group—which is fine with me because I love both of them and since they have lots more experience than I do I feel like I could learn quite a bit from them—I now “officially” have the title of activities coordinator for our youth group. Lately we’ve been planning a tailgate for the Carolina vs. Clemson football game at the end of this month, full of food and plenty of games because we know none of us are really going to end up watching that train-wreck of a game. I’ve also been assisting in planning a Christmas party with fun games and secret Santa gifts. I’m pretty excited about it.

        I’m currently smelling my Pumpkin Pecan Waffles Wallflower from Bath and Body Works. I was looking for something fall smelling to spice up my room for the season, and I found this scent the last time I was at the mall and I pretty much fell in love with it. I really love things that smell like food, and this scent was perfect because it was strong, which meant I would actually smell it in my room, and because it is just the perfect fall smell.

 

        I’m currently appreciating, well, I’m not really sure how to answer this one. I know what I’m thinking…just kidding. In all actuality, there are so many ways I could take this, and I’m not really sure which one is the best. So, I’m just going to say, I’m appreciating the color of the trees this fall, I’m appreciating the way that all of my loved ones have really been backing me up lately—they all believe in me, even though I probably don’t deserve their confidence, and have not been afraid to show it. Those are the things I am currently appreciating.

        Lastly, I’m currently anticipating this weekend! Why, you ask? Because I am getting to chaperone my first ever youth trip! This really ties in to what I am appreciating, because the only reason I am even able to go, and with all my expenses paid for I might add, is because the youth leaders and board members of my church and our district NYI (Nazarene Youth International) president all believe in me enough to give me this opportunity. So, that’s what I’m anticipating, and appreciating.

        That’s what I’m currently up to! What about you? What are you up to this November?

        Happy November!

Linking up at Anne in Residence.


All credit for both pictures goes to the internet, which is where I found them.

Currently—October

                It’s October! Which also means, it’s fall!!! This is one of my favorite times of the year, and today is the perfect day to tell you what I’m currently up to this month!

                I’m currently eating…grits! So much grits! They’re the perfect warm breakfast for these chilly fall mornings, and I just love putting cheese in them and making them cheese grits. They are filling enough that I can make it through my morning classes without my stomach rumbling, but not too big of a breakfast that I can’t handle eating it that early in the morning. And they’re just plain good for this southern girl’s tummy.

                I’m currently exploring…to be honest with you, I’m not sure I am exploring anything at the moment. Although I suppose you could say I’m exploring what college life is like since I’m currently halfway in to my first semester of college.

 

                I’m currently wearing…these boots! Don’t you just love them?! As soon as the weather cooled enough in the mornings to make wearing boots acceptable, I pulled these out of my closet and started coming up with cute outfits to wear them with. If I’m honest, I would have to say these are my favorite boots out of all my collection.

                I’m currently admiring…the sunshine! I know that sounds silly, but here in South Carolina, everyone is glad to see the sun right now. After days and days of rain, and massive flash flooding, the sun is a beautiful thing in our eyes. And it goes so far to remind us that we are not defeated. There is still hope, and we will come back from this devastation stronger than we’ve ever been before.

 

                I’m currently collecting…sea shells. No, I’m not at the beach or anything, but I’m always collecting shells. I just love sea shells—and beaches—so I’m always expanding my already extremely large collection. Besides, someday I want to have a beach wedding, so I’ll already have plenty of sea shells for decorations. (And yes, those shells are all sorted by either shape or size).

                That’s what I’m currently up to this month! What about you? What are you doing this month?

                Happy October!

Linking up at Anne in Residence. 

Currently—September

        It’s September! I am so ready for fall I can hardly stand it!!! Here’s what I’m currently up to…

        I’m currently reading multiple different things, so I’ll just mention all of them. First, I’m reading A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter. It is so, so good! This is her first full length novel, and it is absolutely wonderful! I read her e-novella as soon as it came out, and I loved it, so I knew she would be another one of my favorite authors. I was right.

        I’m also reading The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White. I had plans to read it after I finished A Noble Masquerade; the only reason I have already started it was because I didn’t have my other book with me. Let’s just say, I already absolutely love Roseanna’s work, so I knew going in that I would fall for this book. I’m only on page forty, and I already can’t get enough.

        Lastly, I’m reading The Chase by Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky. I’m almost done, and I’ve loved every bit of it. It is so great, and I love how they’re teaching girls, and women, to chase after God first, and then let the right man chase after them. Plus it’s just really sweet. I cannot wait to write my review and post my giveaway on Monday. Keep an eye out for that.

        I’m currently making the painting I’ve been working on for weeks and yet still haven’t finished. I’ve been pretty busy lately, so I have an excuse, but it’s still kind of sad. I haven’t even touched it in a while. I’m not even going to post a picture because it’s just too depressing.

        I’m currently pinning pretty much everything. I love just scrolling through my feed and seeing what everyone I follow has pinned. Many of them have the same taste as I do, so I can just scroll through and find tons of stuff to pin. Usually it’s book quotes and Disney stuff and clothes and rustic home décor. Oh, and lots of wedding dresses. Although, come to think of it, not so much lately. I guess that’s because I’ve already found my top two dresses. (By the way, I am NOT getting married. Not yet anyway. I just love weddings and dresses.)

        I’m currently anticipating the first college football game of the season! Tomorrow my Carolina Gamecocks are playing the University of North Carolina at six o’clock, and I’m super pumped. I am a HUGE football fan, so this is kind of a big deal. Football season is my favorite time of year (besides Christmas). I just love it, so, so much.

        I’m currently loving the books I’m reading (big shocker there). And ice cream. But I always love ice cream. At the moment, I don’t have a freezer though, so ice cream isn’t exactly easy to get (I can’t store it anywhere, sad face). Oh, and tomato soup. It’s just so good!

        That’s what I’m currently up to! September’s looking like it’s going to be a great month!

        Happy September!

Linking up at Anne in Residence.

Currently—August

        Here’s my currently most for the month! This month I’m…

        Creating this super cute painting. Ever since I read How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck I have been obsessed with the idea of loving well, so I wanted to put that on a painting where I could see it any time I looked at my wall. And my specialty when it comes to painting is flowers. Especially sunflowers and daisies. So I thought I would paint something that incorporated those, featured colors I like, and had ‘love well’ painted across the middle. Now keep in mind, this painting is only halfway done. I still have to paint the darker purple lines (that outline the petals) on the daisies, darker yellow lines (same thing) on the sunflowers, add little yellow dots that look like seeds to the middle of the daisies, and little brown dots to the middle of the sunflowers. Then I will paint on some small light pink flowers all spaced out around the background before painting on "love well". I can promise you it'll look much better once it's finished.

        I’m currently wishlisting…I’m not sure what I’m wishlisting. Usually, if I want something badly enough, I just go on ahead and get it, unless it costs an extreme amount of money of course. So, I’m not exactly what is on my wish list. Maybe some new nail polish and nail art supplies. I’ve become kind of obsessed with nail art recently, and I don’t have many nail supplies. Also, books are always on my wish list. I could always use some more; my bookshelf has a few empty crannies.

        I’m currently hoping…that someone will come to my house and tell me I’ve just won a million dollars! No, I’m kidding. Although that would be nice. Anyway, I’m hoping that the lock-in I’ve been planning for the youth group at my church goes well. This is my first time planning one (youth ministry training!) and I hope all goes smoothly. I’ll let you know in a couple of weeks.

        I am currently eating some amazingly delicious pancakes. My genius of a mother came up with the idea for using the Trim Healthy Mama cake-in-a-mug recipe for pancakes, and let me tell you, it’s really good. Especially with peanut butter or syrup on top and a side of bacon and eggs. Obviously I’m still in love with my mother’s cooking (who ever stops?). She really is talented in the kitchen. Hopefully I take after her.

        And, I’m currently watching a couple of different things. When I have a lot of time on my hands, I like to settle in on the couch with my writing notebook and watch movies or shows like Say Yes to the Dress and Four Weddings, but on a regular basis, I don’t actually watch that much TV. I do, however, have a couple of shows that I cannot miss, so they are constantly being recorded. Shows such as Girl Meets World—because I grew up on Boy Meets World and love getting to see more of Cory and Topanga—Bringing Up Bates because I just love their family, Duck Dynasty—because who doesn’t love that show? I also love Fixer Upper—Joanna has my exact style—and When Calls the Heart—although that is currently in-between seasons.

        So, that’s what I’m up to this month! Happy August!

Linking up at Anne in Residence.

Currently—July

        Here’s my post of what I’m currently doing this month! Right now I’m…

        Craving ice cream. Ice cream. Ice cream. It doesn’t matter what kind, or if it is soft serve or not, just so long as it is cold and sweet. In the summer, I constantly crave ice cream, maybe because it is refreshing in our hundred-and-five degree weather. Either way, right now mint chocolate chip is my favorite, although I also really enjoy moose tracks. And vanilla. And chocolate peanut butter. On another note, I’m also really in love with watermelon right now.

        I’m currently grilling…burgers. Always burgers. I just love sitting out on my screened in porch on a Saturday night and eating grilled cheeseburgers and fresh, creamy coleslaw. There is no better way to spend a summer night.

        I’m currently listening to David Dunn’s whole album, For the Life of Me. I already knew David was a great artist since I love his single Today Is Beautiful—which is my alarm by the way—so I knew getting this album would be a good idea. Needless to say, I cannot stop listening to it. Heart Stops is my favorite. Although So We Sing is pretty fabulous too.

        I am planning the best real-life tea party you could ever imagine with a few of my close friends. We’re pulling out all the stops, with scones, little cakes, and lots and lots of tea. We’re even going to dress up in dresses—I’m wearing the one I mentioned in my last Currently post—and have themed decorations. I don’t want to give too much away since I will be posting about it after the party’s over, but let me tell you, it will be wonderful. And the little bit of England I am always longing for.

        Last but not least, I am currently not decorating anything, although next month, I will be changing my residence. I know I will be decorating then, so I’m going to let that count for this month, as I’m sure I’ll start purchasing some new things. And deciding how I’m going to decorate. So, that counts.

        That’s what I’m doing this July! What about you?

Currently—June

        Today I am linking up with bloggers Anne from In Residence and Jenna from Gold in Bloom as they do their Currently posts for June.

Currently I’m…

        Going to Chattanooga! I’m going for a 6-day camping trip up in the mountains sometime this month with my entire family—aunts, uncles, and cousins included—for some rest, relaxation, and good family fun. With plans to go hiking, adventuring, and go-karting, I just know this trip will be a blast!

        Wearing my new lace ‘Cinderella’ dress from Lauren Conrad’s Cinderella collection. It is my absolute favorite dress, especially because it looks wonderful with my go-to cowgirl boots and a colorful necklace. Plus, it twirls just enough to make me feel like a princess.

        Sipping sweet tea, as always. Since I’ve mostly sworn off sugar as of last November, it isn’t the same old sugary tea I’m used to, but adding Stevia instead does make it sweet enough for my sweet tooth.

        Reading With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin. I haven’t gotten very far yet but, up to this point, I am fascinated by the storyline. I’ll let you know how it is once I’ve finished it. Hopefully I’ll be able to review it by Tuesday, but I make no promises.

        Playing Phase 10, Clue, and The Settlers of Catan with my family. Those are just a few of our most-played games, but they are some of my favorites. Although I’m not so great at Clue, I can hold my own, and that’s enough for my competitive nature. That and the fact that I sometimes win at the others.

        Happy June!