My Summer Staples

Today I'm joining Kiki & the gang for The Circle Linkup & sharing some of my summer staples & faves.

Here they are...

1. sunless tanner

I'm all about the tan, but I'm not all about baking in the sun's harmful rays.  Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer gives me the color I crave gradually & safely + moisturizes.  Make sure you give it a few minutes to dry {15-30} after applying before it comes in contact with clothing or furniture - often I find it easiest to apply it to my legs before my bedtime routine.

2. SPF lip balm

Hopefully you remember to apply SPF to your body, but do you find you forget your lips?  I apply {& reapply} Softlips SPF 20 lip balm daily.  It's super slim tube makes it easy to fit in your pocket & take along wherever.

3. beach bag

I love a good tote to stash, carry, & toss all my goods in!  Whether I'm headed to the beach, pool, park, packing a picnic, or going on a road trip I find a beach bag to be perfect carrying for summer.

4. favorite summer flick

I can't remember the first summer I watched Disney's Tuck Everlasting {I'm thinking late high school or sometime in college}, but it became an annual ritual... & now it just doesn't feel like June unless I've witnessed Tuck tell Winnie she shouldn't fear death, but rather the "unlived life" {somehow I never tire of it}. =)

5. flavored sparkling water

Sparkling ICE waters are 0 calories, caffeine free, & contain vitamins & antioxidants {like biotin, green tea extract, & several B vitamins}.  So much tastier than plain H2O!  Some of my favorite flavors include: peach nectarine, coconut pineapple, & crisp apple.

What summer staples are on your list?

Summertime Love,

-Bess-

   

A Letter to Me {& Just Maybe You Too}

Dear Self,

Let’s talk.  That fear in you ain’t from your Holy Maker & Lover of your soul.  It’s from the enemy & it seeks your demise.  Letting go of control is actually safest, because trust in God – no matter what happens – is always safe & what is right & good for your life.  Fear swallows & consumes & never is satisfied.  Trust breathes life & a hope for the next second, & all the mysterious ones that follow.  Gifts are given & grace upon grace has been poured out for you.  Count em & gather em & record em & give the deep thanks that leads to fullness of life, as Ann Voskamp has written in One Thousand Gifts.  The full God life of thanks!

Keep praying for the words to say to those in your life - & then say em bold or quiet or slow, just say em & trust… even if they’re scary words like “I love you” or “please forgive me” or “let’s try again” or “here’s the truth…” “Here’s my story…”   Draw near to God & His Word & watch Him come close & closer still.  Cling to Him in this world that sways & spins – outta control much of the time.  He doesn’t change & His promises are always upheld true as gold.  So trust.  Trust.  Trust.  It is a thing of beauty to trust, a thing of surrender, & an act of the verb-love to bestow upon your heavenly Father who won’t let you go, ever, & is good & for you.  So trust, when the trustings hardest - & give deep thanks for all the ways He loves us deeper than a bottomless well.  It never runs dry & your thirst can be forever quenched.  So trust & give thanks.  

This isn’t bike-riding-knowledge.  You know the quip, “Once you know how to ride a bicycle, you never forget”?  This is the learning of a lifetime, because we are a weary, stubborn, & indisputably forgetful human race, & our race often seems long to the weary bones.  Keep remembering the good gifts worthy of insurmountable, never-enough thanks & trust & give thanks & lay yourself open to such a blessing Giver.  He is oh-so worthy of your trust, my love.

Love you!  Love yourself.

P.S.: I rambled.  Bess, do you still ramble {i.e.: ask myself this next time I read this letter hours, weeks, months, or years into the future}?  If yes, maybe God made you to ramble like an heirloom rose rambling up a gatepost.

P.P.S.:

Never Have I Ever...

I first played this game with a group of girls at church & it was loads of fun.  Each player starts with the same number of candies {something wrapped (like Hershey's Kisses) works best}.  Next, going in a circle, each player shares a true statement about herself starting with "Never have I ever..."  After every statement, any girl(s) that have done the thing the player has never done gives that player one of her candies.  The winner can be decided after so many rounds or after someone loses all of her candy, but either way the winner is the one with the most sweets left.  It's a great party game!

So, pretend you have 5 pieces of candy before you & see how many you could hold onto if this was the real deal...

1. Never have I ever been to prom.
2. Never have I ever played Candy Crush.
3. Never have I ever been bowling.
4. Never have I ever eaten seafood.
5. Never have I ever cooked anything on the stove-top.

What have you never done?

-Bess-

P.S.: Linking up with Kiki!

What I Really Want This Year

Yep, that's it.

{Christ}mas Love,
-Bess-

P.S.: What's on your list this year?

P.P.S.: Linking up with Kiki & the gang!

5 Scrapbooking Essentials

I've been into scrapbooking for what feels like forever, but I confess I'm terrible at finishing projects.  Last year's Christmas mini album is still sitting disassembled in a box in my closet.  {Sad.}  But I'm working on improving - cause while it's fun to work on a scrapbook layout or album, it's most satisfying to actually finish one!  Never gotten into scrapbooking or a beginner?  Here's 5 essentials to get you started...  {You'll have to supply the chutzpah to see it through, as no anti-procrastinating drugs have been safely passed by the FDA.} =) 

1. ALBUM: Plain albums are typically cheaper & can be easily personalized & jazzed up.
2. PAGE PROTECTORS: Make sure they're the right size for your album/photos.
3. EMBELLISHMENTS: Let your creativity take over! Whether you're a minimalist or your motto is "the more, the better" – make your album your own!
4. JOURNALING CARDS: These are the perfect place for captions & jotting down memories.
5. PHOTOS: Whether it's special occasions, milestones, or everyday shots, photos make the scrapbook!

Scrapbooking Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: Do you scrapbook?  Are you a Project Life-er? =) Are you contemplating creating a December Daily?  Leave a comment with your memory keeping thoughts.

P.P.S.: Linking up with Kiki & the gang! =)

Even More Fall Favorites {'The Circle' Link Up}

1. Favorite fall fashion/clothing item?
Boots!  I love to wear em with tights & a dress/skirt.

2. Favorite fall drink?
I love caramel hot chocolate this time of year.  

3. What's something on your fall bucket list?
Go on an autumn picnic.  You can view my full fall bucket list here {It's in video form!}. =)

4. Favorite fall recipe?
I'm no Julia Child {not by a long shot (but maybe I will be, cause she actually never learned to cook until she was 32 - so I have a few years yet {i.e.: there's hope} - but I digress)}.  The most fallish thing I've made is probably rice krispies treats made with pumpkin flavored marshmallows.  In spite of my lack in cookery talents, I'm hoping to try my hand at some comfort food recipes this fall.

5. Halloween candy or Pumpkin Spice Latte? 
I have to be honest, I've only ever stepped into a Starbucks once {shocking, I know}, & then I didn't even get anything!  So, needless to say I've never had a PSL.  I am, however, a perpetual fan of chocolate!  {Need I say more?}

6. Favorite fall scent?
Pumpkin!  I'm itching to buy a Bath & Body Works wallflower refill to fill my apt. with the yummy autumn scent!  They have so many pumpkin choices, it's going to be hard to choose!

7. Favorite fall holiday?  
I'm an autumn birthday girl - so there's that, but I also love the comfort, tradition, & gratitude-attitude of Thanksgiving!  Plus, the feeling of being cozy with my family, watching parades, playing games, & the smells of deliciousness wafting from the kitchen! 

8. What is fall weather like where you live?
Typically, autumn is sweet relief from the humid southern summer in my neck of the woods.  The air feels coolish, crisp, & some days down right chilly.

Autumn Love,

-Bess-

Happy Spring! {'The Circle' Link Up}

What is spring like where you live?
It can be tricky to pin down, but typically it's quite warm, windy, & blooming!

What's your favorite springtime accessory? 
Rain boots!  I love the fact that when you're wearing them you can become a puddle-jumper again...  Oh, & anything pastel colored.

Do you have any springtime traditions?
We have an annual Easter egg hunt at my church & I go with my sister & 5-year-old nephew + a camera {of course}.  Then, there's always an extra special service at church on Palm & Easter Sundays.  I also decorate my patio & home for spring each year. 

What is your favorite spring treat?
I have been known to love Peeps, but my favorite are these egg-shaped candies that come in a variety of colors that have a hard-like shell & marshmallow-y sugar inside.  I don't even know what they're called {or if they still make em - can't remember the last time I had one}!

Favorite spring holiday?
Easter.  Hands down.  So thankful/amazed/in awe/overwhelmed by Jesus' indescribable love in becoming our sacrifice & Savior that we might have life everlasting!  

What's your favorite thing to do in the spring?
Take walks & enjoy the sun's warmish rays.  There are a couple large crosses in my city, too, that I like to visit around Easter to have some quiet time with Jesus.

Happy 1st day of spring!

Love,
-Bess-

P.S.: I'm linking up with...

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like {Christ}mas!

Welcome to my Christmas-y nest!  I put up my tree on Thanksgiving night, but I've been so busy since then that I'm just now getting around to showing it off...  {Click here for how to make your own easy Christmas art like mine above!}

Last year I picked up this musical nativity at a thrift store for an amazing price {it plays "Silent Night"} .  This is the 2nd Christmas of having it nestled under my tree {a new tradition of mine}. 

With my Bible open to the most extraordinary {true} story of love ever written.

The sign of a hopeless romantic.  Oh, dear.

One new addition this year are my snowy mason jars & little glass boxes.  Did you know Epsom salts make dreamy snow?  They do!  Just add a bottle brush tree or 2...

{Christ}mas Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: Sorry it's been awhile!  I've missed you!

2 Truths & A Lie {The Reveal}

Okay, so here's the truth {stop & read this post 1st (if you haven't)}... & the lie:

I took pottery class in middle school & the first thing I made was a wonky cup that read, "heart breaker." TRUTH - Kiki requested a photo of the cup if it was, in fact, true.  Well, I never {okay, rarely} throw anything away {especially something I made}, so here's the crazy cup from 7th {I think} grade.  I don't know what I was thinking carving "heart breaker" on there.  Maybe I had an abundance of confidence - or just thought it sounded like a cool idea...  I dunno.  I'm crazy.

I've been an aunt since the ripe old age of 4.  TRUTH - I stumped many of you here, but it's true.  I have 2 older sisters, & the eldest is a lot older than I & married young.  It was strange, my nephew & I went to the same elementary & middle school for a time, & it was hard to get teachers & students to understand the truth {"Nope, he's not my cousin.  He's my nephew!"}.  Now, both of my sisters are moms & I have 2 nephews - 1 20-something & 1 who's 5!  Some of you fellow sisters who are struggling with your single status, consider this - last month I attended my oldest nephew's wedding!  Yes, wedding!!!  I blogged a little about it here.

When I was little, my mom super glued my Barbies' shoes on their feet.  No more lost pink heels!  LIE - Some of you thought this sounded like a fabulous idea {you're welcome to 'steal' it}, but no, my mom never approached any of my play things with super glue.

There you have it, friends!  Thanks for all who guessed - I fooled you all!

Love {No Lies},

-Bess-

2 Truths & A Lie {'The Circle' Link Up}

Can you guess the 1 lie hidden among 2 truths?  Leave a comment with your guess!  The truth {& the untruth} will be revealed in a day or 2.

When I was little, my mom super glued my Barbies' shoes on their feet.  No more lost pink heels! 

I've been an aunt since the ripe old age of 4.

I took pottery class in middle school & the first thing I made was a wonky cup that read, "heart breaker."  

I'm loving this month's link up with 'The Circle'!  Click the circular =) 'Circle' button below to join in the fun!

Truth, Love, & Just 1 Lie,

-Bess-

Summer Wishes Recap {'The Circle' Link Up}

End of Summer Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: It's a bit depressing that I didn't finish all my wishes, but such is my imperfect existence.  I'm glad I have a perfect grace-giving God who loves me anyway! 

Creativity Link Up With 'The Circle'

1. What does creativity mean to you?

Webster’s defines creativity as “the act of being creative” & creative’s definition as “marked by the ability or power to create.” So, basically, Webster {I love that we’re on such cozy terms}, what you’re saying is it’s elusive. I agree. How do you define such an enigma? It’s like trying to photograph the Loch Ness Monster; as soon as she surfaces {for the briefest of milliseconds} & you click your camera, she vanishes & all you get a shot of is Nessie’s ripple effect on the surface. You start to wonder if you saw anything at all. Creativity is not a mathematical-problem-equals-one-answer all the time kind of a word. It’s, for want of simplicity, many things. It’s right brain at its best. It’s forming something new – words, stories, paintings, songs, sculptures, signage, landscaping, architecture, cuisine… & the list can {& does} go on {& on}. You take tools {either God given or human wrought} & you make – music, collages, operas, plays, gardens, poems, sidewalk chalk art, wedding cakes, graphic design, gnarly walking sticks… &, again, the list can {& does} go on.

And, the greatest artist & creator of all time, was also the first. God is the very author of creativity. “In the beginning God created the heavens & the earth.” That’s the first sentence of the Bible. He formed the sun’s great orb & all the glittering stars, each rolling hill & craggy mountaintop, butterflies’ wings & the craters on the moon, & us, right out of the dust. Humble beginnings many might say, but even dust in the hands of the Creator King is magnificent. Our creations will never come close to His.

2. How do you stay creative? Who do you draw inspiration from?
Inspiration is an equally indefinable commodity & comes in all forms. It reaches me through the veins in a leaf, another’s works, a fresh paint palette… it spontaneously combusts into being, at times, & like a phoenix vanishes again in the flames. It sometimes feels elusive & out of reach, but as Maya Angelou puts it,

P.S.: I'm inspired by blogs, too {of course}, & have recently started a series of posts where I show crafty things I've created based on others' DIYs {click here for that}.

3. What is a creative part of you that you don't share much on your blog (i.e. a talent, hobby, activity, passion, etc.)?
Well, secrets, huh? I have a real love for the written word - & yearn to be a published author, but then again you may already know that if you’ve read my blog for a while. I’ve been working on various stories this summer. One I’ve had in the works for years & then a new one. But, writing is tough work & I’m not the best lately at forcing myself to sit & write.

I love to sing, too, but I’m absolutely scared silly to let anyone hear. In my ears I sound pretty good, & I’d like to keep it that way, & not muddle that with the truth. =) Singing praise songs & other contemporary Christian tunes was my love when I was a teenager. A lot of times I was home alone & I would crank up the radio & sing my little heart out. At those times I experienced some of the richest moments of joy in simply being with God & praising Him. It’s been hard to experience those moments since I moved into my apartment – even though I’m alone a lot, I’m worried that cranking up my radio & singing loud will bother my neighbors!

Let's get creative!

-Bess-

P.S.: Linked up with:

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