Today's Blog Every Day in May topic: A list of links to your favorite posts in your archives.
This one is my favorite recipe post. I don't post many recipes, but this cake is too amazing to pass up.
This one is one of my most popular posts. It's a tutorial on how to hand-sew jersey knit fabric.
This one was the most fun to write. It's all the things I've learned in two years of college, and it was a fun post.
And of course, this one which was written on the day my boyfriend and I started dating. :)
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
What I Love: 5/20/13
Sunday, May 19, 2013
What I Love: 5/19/12
Today's Blog Every Day in May topic is: Your five favorite blogs and what you love about them.
Okey dokey, in no particular order, here goes:
1. Ordinary Miracles and the Crazy 9. I love this blog because Nancy is so real and raw about her journey raising 7 kids, 3 of whom are adopted. Her reliance on God is an inspiration to me. I have learned so much from her, and it has made me seriously consider adoption and whether I'd be willing to make that commitment. She also has an incredible talent with photography.
2. Much Love, Illy. Illy is so sweet. Her style is cheery and fun, and the things she writes about are always interesting and encouraging. She's given me a lot of topic ideas for this blog. She is another blogger who's faith is so evident and encouraging.
3. EPBOT. Jen is hilarious. I love EPBOT because it is so unashamedly goofy, geeky, and fun. Jen posts about everything from going to cons to creating steampunk jewelry. And she does it with such a friendly air that it is fun to read.
4. Craftiness is Not Optional. This is a great blog for sewing inspiration. Jess is constantly posting tutorials for things she's made for her daughters, and each pattern is hand-drafted and perfectly executed. She also posts about awesome parties she's planned. I don't know how she does it, all of that AND caring for three toddlers.
5. Ruffles and Stuff. This blog makes me smile every time I visit it. For one thing, it's pink and orange. For another, Disney and her daughter Paige are super cute, and the things she posts about are always fun. I think my favorite, though is when Paige writes a post. Disney blogs about sewing and crafts, but she also shares about her life homeschooling Paige.
These blogs are all fun, and I enjoy them all. I've got a lot more I could share about but these five are definitely my favorite go-to's!
Okey dokey, in no particular order, here goes:
1. Ordinary Miracles and the Crazy 9. I love this blog because Nancy is so real and raw about her journey raising 7 kids, 3 of whom are adopted. Her reliance on God is an inspiration to me. I have learned so much from her, and it has made me seriously consider adoption and whether I'd be willing to make that commitment. She also has an incredible talent with photography.
2. Much Love, Illy. Illy is so sweet. Her style is cheery and fun, and the things she writes about are always interesting and encouraging. She's given me a lot of topic ideas for this blog. She is another blogger who's faith is so evident and encouraging.
3. EPBOT. Jen is hilarious. I love EPBOT because it is so unashamedly goofy, geeky, and fun. Jen posts about everything from going to cons to creating steampunk jewelry. And she does it with such a friendly air that it is fun to read.
4. Craftiness is Not Optional. This is a great blog for sewing inspiration. Jess is constantly posting tutorials for things she's made for her daughters, and each pattern is hand-drafted and perfectly executed. She also posts about awesome parties she's planned. I don't know how she does it, all of that AND caring for three toddlers.
5. Ruffles and Stuff. This blog makes me smile every time I visit it. For one thing, it's pink and orange. For another, Disney and her daughter Paige are super cute, and the things she posts about are always fun. I think my favorite, though is when Paige writes a post. Disney blogs about sewing and crafts, but she also shares about her life homeschooling Paige.
These blogs are all fun, and I enjoy them all. I've got a lot more I could share about but these five are definitely my favorite go-to's!
Friday, May 17, 2013
What I Love: 5/17/13
Today's topic: A favorite photo of yourself and why.
That's pretty easy. This one:
That's pretty easy. This one:
I love this picture. It was taken when I was in Zambia, Africa and it was completely candid. One of the other girls on the team took it as I was studying this sweet boy. This picture is so special to me because it reminds me of the incredible children I met there, and their desperate need. Just look at his eyes. They pierce your soul.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
What I Love: 5/16/12
Today's Blog Every Day in May topic: Something difficult about your "lot in life" and how you are working to over come it.
What come to mind when I think about this topic is the fact that in a matter of days, I will return home to New York for the summer. I am excited about this, and this is a good thing, but it will also mean leaving behind my boyfriend. This is going to be hard. There are many reasons for that, but a big one is that we have been together so much that to even be apart for two days leaves me missing him. Going several weeks without being with him is going to be a huge challenge.
I know, however, that we will overcome this. We will have to opportunity to be with people and build relationships that we would not have gotten to experience otherwise. We have worked out times to see each other. We have communicated ways to stay connected to each other, and what we need from each other. They say that absence makes the heart grow stronger, and in this case I know we will be reunited better people, and a better couple, than when we left.
What come to mind when I think about this topic is the fact that in a matter of days, I will return home to New York for the summer. I am excited about this, and this is a good thing, but it will also mean leaving behind my boyfriend. This is going to be hard. There are many reasons for that, but a big one is that we have been together so much that to even be apart for two days leaves me missing him. Going several weeks without being with him is going to be a huge challenge.
I know, however, that we will overcome this. We will have to opportunity to be with people and build relationships that we would not have gotten to experience otherwise. We have worked out times to see each other. We have communicated ways to stay connected to each other, and what we need from each other. They say that absence makes the heart grow stronger, and in this case I know we will be reunited better people, and a better couple, than when we left.
What I Love: 5/15/12
Today's topic: A day in the life.
This is not my normal day, because I am on a retreat and not on my normal schedule. However, today I got to spend most of the day hiking around Mohican, a beautiful area about half an hour from Ashland that is known for it's hiking trails. It was fun, and nobody had to go to the hospital, so it was a good day overall.
This is not my normal day, because I am on a retreat and not on my normal schedule. However, today I got to spend most of the day hiking around Mohican, a beautiful area about half an hour from Ashland that is known for it's hiking trails. It was fun, and nobody had to go to the hospital, so it was a good day overall.
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| Photo credit: Amanda Roberts |
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
What I Love: 5/14/12
Today's Blog Every Day in May topic is 10 things that make you really happy.
1. silky fabric.
2. tea.
3.smiles.
4. having a good conversation.
5. Reese's cups.
6. snuggling.
7. strawberry pie.
8. hiking.
9. being surrounded by people I love.
10. Cory.
Yup. :)
1. silky fabric.
2. tea.
3.smiles.
4. having a good conversation.
5. Reese's cups.
6. snuggling.
7. strawberry pie.
8. hiking.
9. being surrounded by people I love.
10. Cory.
Yup. :)
What I Love: 5/13/12
Today's Blog Every Day in May topic is to issue a public apology. How appropriate...
Dear Readers,
I formally apologize for neglecting this blog. I had said I would post a blog every day this month, and I have missed several days. I do not want to make excuses, but I in my defense I have had some long days lately. I am currently at a leadership retreat for The Well, and that has been occupying my time. It has been really good, and I hope to tell you more about it later. However, that does not excuse my neglect of this site. I am sorry.
Sincerely,
Lydia
Dear Readers,
I formally apologize for neglecting this blog. I had said I would post a blog every day this month, and I have missed several days. I do not want to make excuses, but I in my defense I have had some long days lately. I am currently at a leadership retreat for The Well, and that has been occupying my time. It has been really good, and I hope to tell you more about it later. However, that does not excuse my neglect of this site. I am sorry.
Sincerely,
Lydia
Sunday, May 12, 2013
What I Love: 5/12/13
Today's Blog Every Day in May topic: Something you miss.
My dear friend, Annie. Today she left to return home. She graduated yesterday (Super proud of her!), and now she is heading back to be reunited with her fiance and finish planning her wedding. I am sure I will see her again, but it will be a long time before I do. I know I will miss her greatly, because she has been such an influence on my life. She mentored me through a lot of things, and I credit my relationship with my boyfriend to her (I'd never have gotten to know him so well if she hadn't been friends with him first). I know we'll keep in touch, but for now we must walk our separate paths. God bless you Annie, and I love you!
I think this is a great song for good-byes (even though the music is kind of terrible), and yes, I hope it makes you tear up, if only because it makes ME tear up. Pray for me, and I'll pray for you.
My dear friend, Annie. Today she left to return home. She graduated yesterday (Super proud of her!), and now she is heading back to be reunited with her fiance and finish planning her wedding. I am sure I will see her again, but it will be a long time before I do. I know I will miss her greatly, because she has been such an influence on my life. She mentored me through a lot of things, and I credit my relationship with my boyfriend to her (I'd never have gotten to know him so well if she hadn't been friends with him first). I know we'll keep in touch, but for now we must walk our separate paths. God bless you Annie, and I love you!
I think this is a great song for good-byes (even though the music is kind of terrible), and yes, I hope it makes you tear up, if only because it makes ME tear up. Pray for me, and I'll pray for you.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
What I Love: 5/10/13
Today's Blog Every Day in May topic: Most Embarrassing moment.
Oh boy, I've got a good one for this.
So, a little over a year ago, AU had a concert featuring Tenth Avenue North. I volunteered to work as a ticket taker a one of the doors. The lady who was in charge told me to make sure I asked everyone for their tickets, because people would try to sneak in after the show had started. So the concert begins, and the opening band, Rend Collective Experiment, began to play. About halfway through their set a group of about five hipster-type dudes came through my door. Being my good little ticket-taker self, I stopped one of them and asked to see his ticket. He gave me a weird look and said, "We're playing after them." It was the bass player for Tenth Avenue North, and I had just asked him for a ticket to his own concert!
Oh boy, I've got a good one for this.
So, a little over a year ago, AU had a concert featuring Tenth Avenue North. I volunteered to work as a ticket taker a one of the doors. The lady who was in charge told me to make sure I asked everyone for their tickets, because people would try to sneak in after the show had started. So the concert begins, and the opening band, Rend Collective Experiment, began to play. About halfway through their set a group of about five hipster-type dudes came through my door. Being my good little ticket-taker self, I stopped one of them and asked to see his ticket. He gave me a weird look and said, "We're playing after them." It was the bass player for Tenth Avenue North, and I had just asked him for a ticket to his own concert!
What I Love: 5/9/13
Blog Every Day in May topic: A picture of your day.
I got to go on a hike and see Taughonnock falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi river. It is located in Ithaca, NY and is 215 feet of free-falling water.
I got to go on a hike and see Taughonnock falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi river. It is located in Ithaca, NY and is 215 feet of free-falling water.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
What I Love: 5/8/13
A piece of advice for you: When in doubt, go with black. It is slimming, and it looks classy no matter what.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
What I Love: 5/7/13
Today's Blog Every Day in May topic: The thing(s) you are most afraid of.
This is a pretty challenging one (okay, let's face it...they've all been pretty challenging!) because for me, there are very few things that I really truly cannot handle. There are plenty of things in the world that I don't like, but I wouldn't say I am scared of them. These things, however, I am terrified of:
- Moving heights. I am perfectly fine on mountains or buildings or other stable high places, but I freak out on the Ferris Wheel. I have no idea why.
-Not getting the chance to say goodbye. I understand that death is a part of life, and death does not scare me. Even losing those I love, though it would be awful, I am not afraid of that. I am, however, afraid of not getting the chance to tell them how much I love them.
- People never having the chance to hear the Gospel. Never getting the chance to say "yes!" to Jesus Christ. That shakes me to the core of my soul.
This is a pretty challenging one (okay, let's face it...they've all been pretty challenging!) because for me, there are very few things that I really truly cannot handle. There are plenty of things in the world that I don't like, but I wouldn't say I am scared of them. These things, however, I am terrified of:
- Moving heights. I am perfectly fine on mountains or buildings or other stable high places, but I freak out on the Ferris Wheel. I have no idea why.
-Not getting the chance to say goodbye. I understand that death is a part of life, and death does not scare me. Even losing those I love, though it would be awful, I am not afraid of that. I am, however, afraid of not getting the chance to tell them how much I love them.
- People never having the chance to hear the Gospel. Never getting the chance to say "yes!" to Jesus Christ. That shakes me to the core of my soul.
Monday, May 6, 2013
What I Love: 5/6/13
Today's Blog Every Day in May challenge is "If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question 'What do you do?'"
I do a lot of things...I sew, I make things, I eat (a LOT), but the one thing I do above all else is worship God, and seek to glorify Him in every part of my life.
I do a lot of things...I sew, I make things, I eat (a LOT), but the one thing I do above all else is worship God, and seek to glorify Him in every part of my life.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
What I Love: 5/5/13
One of my favorite blogs in the whole world is Much Love, Illy. Illy has such an awesome attitude about the world. She is always encouraging, crazy, obsessive, or excited about something. With many of the blogs I follow (and I follow a LOT) I won't read every post. I will just read the posts that sound/look interesting. Not so with Illy. I read every post of hers, because they are always fun and witty. Occasionally, she'll post about something more serious, and that too is incredible. I admire her faith and her heart for those hurting. Thanks for being awesome, Illy!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
What I Love: 5/4/13
Today's Blog Every Day In May topic is write your favorite quote and why.
Dang it.
That is hard! There are a million different quotes that I could choose. Some people just have a way with words, and it means so much. My Pinterest quote board is one of my biggest boards. Some of my favorites on there are:
You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body. - C.S. Lewis
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. - Dr. Seuss
Come to Me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28
But I think one of my favorite quotes of all time is this one from the hymn "Jesus Paid It All". It is the first verse and the chorus:
I hear the savior say,
"thy strength indeed is small
child of weakness, watch and pray
find in Me thine all in all"
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe
sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow
Isn't that just so beautiful? It is so simple, and yet so TRUE.
Dang it.
That is hard! There are a million different quotes that I could choose. Some people just have a way with words, and it means so much. My Pinterest quote board is one of my biggest boards. Some of my favorites on there are:
You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body. - C.S. Lewis
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. - Dr. Seuss
Come to Me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28
But I think one of my favorite quotes of all time is this one from the hymn "Jesus Paid It All". It is the first verse and the chorus:
I hear the savior say,
"thy strength indeed is small
child of weakness, watch and pray
find in Me thine all in all"
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe
sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow
Isn't that just so beautiful? It is so simple, and yet so TRUE.
Friday, May 3, 2013
What I Love: 5/3/13
Today's Blog every day in may post topic is "things that make you uncomfortable". This is an interesting one... not many things make me truly uncomfortable. Lets see...
when people talk bad about someone to or around me. Especially if I know the person they are talking about.
swearing.
when I'm with a group of boys and they forget there is a girl present.
when people talk bad about someone to or around me. Especially if I know the person they are talking about.
swearing.
when I'm with a group of boys and they forget there is a girl present.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
What I Love: 5/2/13
I have to admit, I am excellent at roasting marshmallows. I have honed the ability of sticking sugary fluff into fire and having it come out all golden and melty. In honor of today's Blog Every Day Of May, I thought I might share my methods with you, my lovely readers.
How To Roast A Marshmallow Perfectly
1. get a good fire going. the fire has to be just right. A brand-new fire is too hot, and doesn't have the proper coals. Let it burn down for a bit. It is perfect when there are a lot of glowing coals and not too many burning logs in the way.
2. grab a marshmallow. Stick it on the end of a skewer. I don't recommend roasting more than one marshmallow at a time, because this can affect the distribution of heat. Also, try and grab a straight skewer, because if it is bent it will throw off the rotation of the marshmallow.
3. find your spot. You want to find a spot in the fire where the coals are red-hot. It's also nice if there is a log or rock nearby that you can rest the skewer on.
4. start roasting! Stick the marshmallow close to the coals, resting the skewer on the log to stabilize it. Slowly rotate the skewer, so all sides of the marshmallow are evenly exposed to the heat. Watch it closely, and you'll see steam coming from the marshmallow when it is golden. When you see the steam, rotate! If you let it sit once it starts steaming it will turn black and catch on fire. When all sides are evenly golden, the marshmallow is done.
5. EAT. messily and with chocolate.
How To Roast A Marshmallow Perfectly
1. get a good fire going. the fire has to be just right. A brand-new fire is too hot, and doesn't have the proper coals. Let it burn down for a bit. It is perfect when there are a lot of glowing coals and not too many burning logs in the way.
2. grab a marshmallow. Stick it on the end of a skewer. I don't recommend roasting more than one marshmallow at a time, because this can affect the distribution of heat. Also, try and grab a straight skewer, because if it is bent it will throw off the rotation of the marshmallow.
3. find your spot. You want to find a spot in the fire where the coals are red-hot. It's also nice if there is a log or rock nearby that you can rest the skewer on.
4. start roasting! Stick the marshmallow close to the coals, resting the skewer on the log to stabilize it. Slowly rotate the skewer, so all sides of the marshmallow are evenly exposed to the heat. Watch it closely, and you'll see steam coming from the marshmallow when it is golden. When you see the steam, rotate! If you let it sit once it starts steaming it will turn black and catch on fire. When all sides are evenly golden, the marshmallow is done.
5. EAT. messily and with chocolate.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
What I Love: 5/1/13
So apparently, I am not the only person who sucks at blogging every single day. Jenni from Story of my Life is starting a movement to blog every day in May. I heard about it from one of my favorite blogs, Much Love, Illy and I thought "hey, I've been trying to do that anyway...why not?!" So for the month of May, What I Love will be different thanks to Jenni's suggested posts.
I was born in Massachusetts (hey! I spelled that right!) almost two decades ago. I grew up a pastor's kid and homeschooled, which meant a couple of different things. First, my family has a lot of random quirks that we don't think are weird but other people are completely confused by. Second, I am very close with my family. Being number 3 out of 4, my siblings and I were all great friends growing up, and we still are. Third, I grew up loving Jesus and treating the church like my second home. When I was 8, we moved to New York. The move was tough, but once we got settled, New York was home. I made some wonderful, close friends there, and grew and matured a lot. When I graduated high school, I moved to Ohio to attend college. Moving six hours away from home was very hard, and the first semester I was very homesick and overlooked a lot of things just to have friends. Fortunately by second semester I had begun to figure out who I actually wanted to spend time with, and began to build those relationships. I managed to land at The Well, an on campus worship movement, and that is where my "Ashland family" started to grow. My sophomore year, I continued to make friends and learn and grow, and I became a lot closer to one of my guy friends. After Christmas break, he asked me to be his girlfriend and we've been dating since. I don't know what the future holds, but if there's one thing I've learned from my past, its that God really does use everything for His good.
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