Holly Jolly Exams

All that separate me now from a beautiful month-long holly jolly break are four looming exams. In the past few years, exam week has not always been full of my shining moments. Many a nutter-butter has been consumed, washed down with a chilly diet coke before 8 am. My apologies, body. You put up with so much. 

However this year, I am determined for things to change. The plan is to keep vending machines out of site, if at all possible, and plan now for the things I will need in the upcoming days. And obviously, you'd love for me to share this list with you. 

So when you feel like this will describe your week:

Surround yourself with these:

striped sweatshirt

burgundy scarf
clipboard notebooks

Happy test taking! May the curve be ever in your favor.

Shout Out To: French Press Mornings

I'm a self-proclaimed Pinterest addict. One of the positive things that has come from my addiction is the lovely French Press Mornings.

This sweet blog provides weekly encouragement in the form of a free downloadable print for you to hang around your home and keep on your heart for the coming week. And they are beautiful!

Here are a few of my favorites:

They also have an etsy shop where you can purchase a larger version of her prints. These would make excellent gifts framed! Happy Shopping!

Monday Thanksgiving

It's time again for a Monday full of thanks!

1. Football

I'm thankful not only for a weekend full of incredibly entertaining games (War Eagle!), but also for the fact that its a sport that brings the people I love together. I cherished the hours spent this weekend all together cheering on our teams or rooting for fantasy league players. 

2. Reunions

Not only did Thanksgiving allow me to see the family members I've missed, this is the week that so many of my dear friends are returning to campus from studying abroad. 

I CANNOT WAIT TO HUG IT OUT. 

3. Thanksgiving

Particularly since I shipped off to college, thanksgiving has been one of my favorite holidays. Returning home to welcoming arms and second helpings of pumpkin pie always hits the spot. My favorite thing about this holiday, however, is the reminder it gives us in the busyness and stress of life: 

Stop. Think. Praise. 

I have been so incredibly blessed by the people in my life and the constant support of the ones I love, and I praise the Lord for His hand in every bit of my joy. It all stems from Him. I'm thankful for the lessons He has taught me since the last Thanksgiving which have broken me, reshaped me, and built me back up again. And I am thankful for a holiday which reminds us all just how life-giving it can be to truly be thankful.

What are you thankful for?