it's officially coming

the new blog...
it's officially coming! i'm launching it on... you guessed it... Jan 1st.

there's still a lot to do for it to be ready, but i'm ready to share with you what i've been working on!
i have so many papers of plans bent with use and transportation with ideas and dreams for the new blog.

there will also be a giveaway on Ren Was Here to get the word out! more to come soon...

follow me on instagram to see how the progress is coming a long and my frequent sharing on my daily life!

busy

i love this time of year. but i hate how busy it gets. Still need to get quite a few Christmas gifts and i'm running out of time and money. 

the most stressful time of the year.

giving it all to Jesus!

moments of glory

I've had some great moments if glory. 

Even when I'm at my lowest, He always shows up. Even when I feel so alone, He is there. And I'm not saying it in that cliche way, but in a tangible way, God has been revealing Himself. Sometimes I get lost in the chaos that is life. And I realize that's not what it is about. 

"It's about being who I created you to be." - God

can we talk for a minute?

i've been in Arizona for 127 days.

i have lots of things to be grateful about.

a new car
a place to love
a fantastic job
family all together

but there is one area that i'm forever having a hard time.
i've written many a posts and seem to get no where.

the care and keeping of friends.
i haven't met anyone at the church i've been attending, but i still feel called to go there.
work friends are on and off. sometimes their on, but most of the time, i don't even get a response from them.

the only thing i can think to do, is to give it to God. i can't make people like me, talk to me, or hang out with me. but i do know the Giver of Good Gifts.

127 days is a short amount of time if you really think about it.

christmas music is my favorite.

christmas music is my favorite.

it stinks when you think you're out of a funk, but you realize you've just been able to hide it for awhile. my birthday last week helped.

i realized today that i'm just as lonely as my first day in arizona. i realized today that a certain problem that i thought had gotten better is eating away at me. i realized today that i'm lonely. i realized today i have made friends, but i feel like i'm at the point of bugging most of them. i realized today that i'm not enjoying things or reaching out as much.

you know those shows and movies where the characters just need to dance out a problem. meredith grey always seemed to feel better after she had danced out her problems. i always laughed and thought she was silly. but as i was feeling quite down, i cranked up my christmas music in my ear buds and just jammed out to "sleigh ride." and you know what? i felt better. i truly didn't care who saw me. and i truly felt my problems dissolve. even if it was for a few minutes.

they say it's always darkest before the dawn.

create.

i have all these wonderful ideas swirling through my head. i'm excited about the blog launch.

i have a lot of projects stacked up and i feel that i've stopped consuming and have been consumed.

i feel like i was back in college, except take school and switch it with work and take my blog and switch with my jobs back in school. my life outside of school/work was a sliver of my existence.

i'm being swallowed up.

i enjoy so many things, but i haven't had the pleasure of purely enjoying them as of late.

i'm behind on my devotions and bible reading.
i haven't journaled this week.
i'm not done with that blanket i'm crocheting.
my books are collecting dust.

this saturday, i bid to work some OT. i didn't get the bid, i think that's a beautiful sign. a sign for me to take a holiday.

i'm taking a holiday this saturday. i'm going to rise early, pack all my "writing" gear, pack my reading books, my devotions, and my art stuff and travel to the heart of phoenix. to one of my favorite coffee shops. i'm not going to worry about paleo, or anyone or anything for that matter. i'm going to have much needed "me time."

sometimes that's needed. i'll be able to work on the new blog. read and hopefully finish a book. work on some journaling and future planning. and make sure i'm getting the rest and me time i need to keep functioning without giving up or burning out.

how do you take or get your "me" time in?

on being 27

this has been a pretty fantastic week!

i'm not 27 and i don't feel any different, just more special!

this was a great birthday.

simple, calm, and special.

i keep using that word, but that's how i feel!

i don't think i really took any photos on my birthday. 

but here are my birthday goodies!

From top left to bottom: scrap-booking cards, birthday cards, Practical Paleo cookbook, leather jacket, leather journal ESV Bible, Amazon Kindle gift card, Rifle Paper Co notebooks from target, statement necklace, Starbucks gift card. (not pictured: vera bradley wallet/phone holder)

I have such wonderful family and friends!

Have a wonderful weekend

27 before 28

I didn't post 26 before 27 because I wasn't blogging at the time due to my schedule in YWAM.

But I'm excited for this years list.

It's varied, it's long, but it's actually doable. One of them I can cross off sometime this month!

1. launch my new blog
2. document my 27th year with project life
3. journal at least once a week
4. read through the bible
5. visit the grand canyon
6. sew at least one piece of clothing (really, how long have i had this on a list)
7. learn at least 20 songs on guitar 
8. learn to speak basic french
9. learn to speak basic spanish
10. grow out my hair
11. move into my own place
12. have daily quiet times with God
13. go on spontaneous road trip
14. spend more time baking
15. write more letters
16. find a craft and hone in on my skills
17. find a place to volunteer
18. exercise my singing voice in some capacity
19. visit one major city outside of phoenix
20. explore phoenix
21. get involved with a local church
22. find a community/set of friends
23. learn to extend grace and forgiveness
24. begin to dream big
25. start walking again
26. learn at least 10 crochet stitches
27. go to disney land

on being 26

this is my last weekend as a 26 year old.

this may seem small, but i'm saying goodbye to my mid-twenties and embracing the late ones.

i've done so many things this past year.

• moved to a new state
• got a new job
• bought a car
• went to cambodia
• graduated YWAM
• lived with all 5 members of my family (again)

but i'm excited to see what 27 will bring.

there will be more hard moments.

but i'm ready, 27 - BRING IT ON!

hey you guys

i'm still blogging, i promise.

i'm actually working on my brand new blog. i know i could have renamed this blog. but i want a brand new start. a clean new slate.
you want to see a sneak peek? here it is:

what do you think?

i also am not sure what i'm going to with this blog. i may retire this one. or change it up. not sure... i'm just ready to start the new one. i haven't bought my own url, but by the first of 2014, it will be all mine!

i decided to take a day off of work and have a long birthday weekend. my birthday is on the 11th. and as much as i'd like to launch my blog, on my birthday. i'm just not sure i want to spend all weekend working on it.

this morning i had the best breakfast i'd had in a long time. and... it was paleo!

• trader joe's unsweetened applesauce
• trader joe's pumpkin butter
• nitrate and nitrite free ham
• boiled egg

it was super simple, filling, and really good. the only problem is i've been having some stomach issues. not sure if i'm sick or just not processing the food i've been eating. so even my paleo friendly foods have been disrupting my stomach.

any suggestions? anyone else eating paleo? anyone out there? 

have a fantastic weekend!

{Day 22} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

Blogging for consistently has been hard. But it has been rewarding...
Tonight's one of those nights where I just check in. I've had no sleep and I have quite a bit to do before I go to bed! I just have a few more things to get done before my sister's birthday on Friday. But, I'm almost done.

I will quickly go over my day.

1. Forgot my breakfast and lunch at home
2. My tire pressure light came on.
3. I got no sleep and was dead tired all day.


Just those three things basically made for a long day!

How was your Tuesday? I better head to bed because I'm massively yawning!

{Day 21} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

Another co-worker reminded me that I didn't tell about my surprise on Friday!

I'm glad I officially have two readers ;). I'm just kidding, I know there are 3!

Well the surprise is... I've been asked to collaborate with another blog! It's in the very beginning stages and I'm not privy (wow, I've been reading Austen) to share all the details, just know I've been wanting to write on other blogs for a while. 

How is this different to what I'm doing right now? And does this fit into the mold of my contentment and simplicity? It's a fellowship of ladies contributing to a brand new blog. I've been asked to be a contributor. Yes and yes.

Thankfully, I'm not one to say yes to every whim anymore. I let God guide that. And He simply said yes. 

I don't know the timeline! But, I will keep you informed. 

I also wanted to share some other news. I'm in the process of planning a whole new blog! Same me, same writing, same everything. Different name and I'll be under my own URL. With my hours changing at work, this will be prime time to get the blog up and running. The new name is exciting and I'll be finding someone (I already have them in mind) to design my blog over at wordpress (don't tell blogger).

Not tons going on this end. I've been doing a lot of reading. Speaking of reading. I have a pile of magazines I need to get too... 

I'm one of those people who collects tons of magazines, but barely reads them! This too will change and be simplified!

In other news, I'm planning my sisters birthday which is at the end of the week. I have quite a few surprises planned. I'm going to gather all my supplies tomorrow! I just love other peoples birthdays!

Have a grand Monday evening!

{Day 20} currently

Currently I'm...

Reading: just finished Crazy Love. Great read. I'm reading Radical as a follow up. I'm also making some dents in Pride and Prejudice. Starting tomorrow with the bloom book club I'll be reading A Million Little Ways by Emily Freeman.

Watching: catching up with Hart of Dixie via Netflix. Just watched War Z with my family.

Listening: podcasts!! I'm listening to about 3 consistently and just added two paleo ones. I'll be adding the elevation sermons here shortly. I also downloaded with my free book on audible One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.

Wishing: tomorrow was still the weekend!

Thinking: I get to have sugar this week!

Praying: my witness and Cambodia 

Sipping: kombucha and java

Eating: Whole 30 Diet

Loving: My trial glasses 

What are you CURRENTLY doing?

Check out my instagram for more of my week!

{Day 18} high five for Friday

I had a post in my mind for yesterday, but yesterday was a blur so I thought I'd share it this morning!!

I actually had a lot to choose from this week! I'm getting better at documenting. 

1. Started Crazy Love for the third time! I only have two chapters to go. It's been a really good and convicting read!

2. Incourage's Bloom book arrived this week! I'm reading along starting monday! I've seen this book everywhere, can't wait to get started! 

3. My friend who runs the Amish hipster blog sent me some free stickers! Need to find a permanent home!

4. Dusted off the ole guitar! So good to be practicing again!

5. I need more cold brewed coffee in my life! I added coconut milk and it was so good! Can't wait to add a sweet element starting next week!

I'm linking up with laurenelzabeth.com!

What did you do this week?

{Day 19} happy anniversary mom and dad

Yesterday's post never went out, but this is what it would have said!

Mom and dad, I love you guys so much! I'm so proud of your marriage, it is a powerful testimony! Happy 28th anniversary!!

I love you both so much!!

Lauren

{Day 17} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

Sometimes it takes a conversation with a fellow blogger and friend I realize that you aren't where you want to be with your blog. (In that case, there are many things.) 

I have dreams and plans, but I haven't executed any of them. I think if I just sit around something grand will happen. But that's not true! There's a time to wait, but I feel I've had the green light for quite some time! 

So when do you leap and when do you stay on the sidelines? You wait for the word "go". 

Well, I heard the word quite some time ago. So I'm leaping!

Lots of changes I hope to finish by January 1st. I also have some exciting news to share tomorrow! Until then, hav a wonderful rest of your week!

{Day 15} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

This was Tuesdays post that I wrote but it didn't publish for some reason. Shout out to my coworker!! She faithfully reads my blog and let's me know what's up! 

This post is going to be short. It's 7:42 pm and I'm already winding down for bed. I'm going to finish this blog and read. My body is telling me how tired it is. That's a difficult thing when your an insomniac. You usually only get a couple good sleeps a month, if that! 

Sometimes it's ok not to try and do everything on your list when you need sleep and rest! See you tomorrow!!

Can't believe we're halfway done!

{Day 16} Glasses Shopping - The Online Shops

Last year my readers (you) helped me decide on a pair of super cute plastic framed glasses from Warby Parker. This year, I'm planning on getting a few (probably 3-4) pairs. So let's talk about where I'll be searching, what the search process will look like, and some great websites for next to nothing glasses!! I've narrowed it down the top 10 websites in my eyes.

CONTENDER FOR 1st PAIR

1. Warby Parker - I had a great experience with them last year. Did the home try ons and even visited their offices in SOHO (I ended up choosing the same pair both times - sorry they are no longer on the sight).  I'm actually wearing the glasses as I type this post out. They have many new pairs, and I will be trying out the 5 Home Try On's like last year. The glasses are not the cheapest one's on the internet, but they are very cheap compared to Lens Crafters and the one's at your local eye doctor. At $95 dollars a pop, and they may be reimbursable by insurance, this is a great deal either way. Also, WP has a buy one give one. For every pair you buy, someone in needs also gets a pair! (Sunglass options too)

2. BonLook - I was sold on WP last year, but I will definitely be giving more attention to BonLook this year. They're always having sales and their glasses are super cute! I'm drooling with anticipation. Since, BonLook doesn't have a home trial system. A pair from here will have to be in the finals to buy a pair. (Sunglass options too)

3. Coastal - 1st pair for free?? This will of course be more than a contender, but a winner! There's over 304 in women's to choose from. We will talk about one's I like at a different time. You can also get contacts on here. Contacts are expensive, this helps (hopefully they will have my brand and script)! (Sunglass options too)

4. Tortoise and Blonde - Their motto is "We sit on your face." That's a comfort because most of mine slide down! They also have a try 5 pair! Will be utilizing them! They start at almost the same price as WP! I'm also digging the glasses. Woot woot. I like them a lot.

5. Classic Specs - This website is visually appealing. 89 for the whole she-bang and they even offer six try-on pairs! Wow, what is this? Christmas? Again, I will definitely try them on and at least give the frames a good review! The frames themselves are so adorable. I could see myself in a couple of these! (Gah, this eye glass shopping is no joke!)

6. Eyefly - With home try-on's coming soon, I sure hope they can compete with all the other greats here! I mean everyone I've mentioned has a virtual try on, but for me that's not really enough. But the frames did keep me interested enough to at least consider this site. It's the colors that did it for me! Oh my. May be in LOVE! The price 94, so it's comparable to my tried and trues!

7. Lookmatic - Similar to all the rest of the sites, but still a potential. How do they stand out?? Free Shipping and Free returns (although eyefly had that too)! The other selling point is most of the frames can be sunglasses as well! (I'm looking to getting at least one pair of script sunnies!) Gonna need plenty of shade in the Phoenix area!

8. Rowley Eyewear - As in Cynthia Rowley, as in one of my favorite designers. $129, not the cheapest, but definitely some of the cutest! Wow, shopping for glasses isn't going to be easy!! And it looks like you can try on 4 pairs for seven days! That's 4 days longer than WP!

9. Sneaking Duck - an Australian company that ships for free worldwide? Sign me up. With the pairs coming up to be around 167.33 for the first pair and 83.66 us dollars. I can live with that. The first pair can be a bit pricey, but it covers the cost of shipping. They have the 5 try at home pairs. But, right now it's only offered in Australia, which is a bummer, because these are some of the cutest frames of the lot. Have no fear, they still may be coming here (wow that was bad)!

10. Mezzmer - Kind of a less expensive copy cat of Warby Parker. Instead of giving a pair, they donate money to charity. I'd like to see where that money is going. Frames are cute, but nothing original or friendly about site! Will have to dig a bit deeper.

The PROBABLY NOT's

11. Eye Buy Direct - Wow, the prices are super low. Can they do that? I wonder how cheap (material wise) they are? Starting at 6.95 with %15 off your first order. You can't beat that. Some of the frames I like are closer to $50 then $10, but wow. I will be keeping my eye on them!!

12. Frames Direct - This is where I can get my designer name brands for less. Plus, there's a no risk guarantee.

13. Zenni Optical - $30 an under. This is another great site! I will have to browse to see if something catches my eye!

14. Glasses USA - This has an affiliate program. So, I'm not going to rule them out, but they are no way on the top of my list.

15.  Rivet and Sway - These are the priciest compared to WP and the like. But, may have potential. They have a 3 for 3 deal. Try any 3 for 3 days.

{Day 14} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

Currently I'm...

Reading: just finished The Pursuit of God by Tozer. So good! I just started Crazy Love by Francis Chan (third times a charm??) I hope I can get through it this time! I'm also slowly digesting Pride and Prejudice. 

Watching: catching up with Hart of Dixie  via Netflix.

Listening: podcasts!! I'm listening to about 3 consistently and just added two paleo ones. I'll be adding the elevation sermons here shortly. I also downloaded with my free book on audible One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.

Wishing: I had a Christian community!

Thinking: I have one week of my strict Paleo diet!!

Praying: my witness and Cambodia 

Sipping: orange juice and coffee 

Eating: Whole 30 Diet

Loving: All my news books coming in!!

What are you CURRENTLY doing?

Check out my instagram for more of my week!

{Day 13} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a good read. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a deeper relationship with God! This was a great Sunday read! I would say this book has shown how truly simple it is to follow after God!


View all my reviews

{Day 12} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

I don't listen to "pop" or secular music too much unless it's classical or instrumental. But this song was on my iTunes Radio.

Smile --- sung by Il Volo



Even though this song is a bit on the depressing side, it really makes me cry every time. I got to sing an arrangment of this song in college. I still remember the alto line because it was the melody for once! I'm no longer a true alto, but I still would love to cover this song someday... HMMM!

This is a perfect song to end the week because my friend wasn't able to make it to visit this weekend. So, even though I'm really sad... I'm going to "Smile".

Have a wonderful Saturday! See you tomorrow!

{Day 11} high five for Friday

Today marks exactly one month till my birthday! Whoop whoop!

With being content and simple I'm linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for #h54f!

1. I'm doing well with the #whole30 "diet," I'm on day 18! It's a very strict paleo diet and I'm having fun doing it. This has been one I my favorite most simple dishes! It's perfect for the weekend because unmake a pot of beelankess chili in Friday night, and it lasts me till Sunday night!

2. Some books that have been on my list for some time. I also ordered a couple from amazon last night! #truebookhoarder.

3. My mascara troubles are partly over. Got rid of the two on the right and reposed them with the green one on the left. The green one works better as a base coat, I see a trip to target in the near future.

4. I'm no longer carpooling with a co-worker so I've turned back on the podcasts! Such a great way to commute to work!

5. Got my dr scholls from the influenster team! Review coming shortly!

What have you been up to this week?

{Day 10} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

I'm going to keep it simple this fall with tv... I use to be that person, till of late, who had to be about every tv show known to man. But, it's not realistic. That's what summer is for... So I've simplified my list to just a short few...

1. The Vampire Diaries
2. Hart of Dixie
3. Scandal
4. The Biggest Loser
5. Parenthood

If I get to some other ones, that will be great. But revolving my life around tv is not healthy. Also, I have some fall reading to get to! Plus, I added a couple of books via instagram!

I might check out these shows... But, I'm not going to stress!

1. Dracula
2. The Originals
3. Reign


I've started Revenge, but it hasn't been that exciting. The Blacklist looks promising and I enjoyed the first two episodes. Of course SVU is on the list, but that's one I usually watch with my family.

What are you watching this Fall?

{Day 9} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

Can I say, I've been impressed with myself for keeping up with this. Yesterday was hectic and scattered. Just plain busy. I honestly forgot.

Today we're talking about sleep.

Since changing my diet to PALEO WHOLE 30, I've had so much more energy and my head hasn't been in a fog, with that said, I'm still having an awful time staying asleep.

I love my sleep. But, my body must not.

discovery 

Miriam Webster defines discovery as: 

the act of finding or learning something for the first time : the act of discovering something. 

I've discovered my immunity system is really fighting me, even though I've drastically changed my diet.

I've discovered that I'm not necessarily tired, but sleepy.

I've discovered I'm going to crash and burn if I don't change my sleeping habits/patterns.

contentment

Miriam Webster defines contentment as:

the state of being happy and satisfied : the state of being content.

I've found I'm not happy with how I've been sleeping.

I've found that my lack of sleep has caused my attention to diminish and I'm not satisfied with my overall endurance at work.

simplicity

Miriam Webster defines simplicity as:
the quality of being understand or use : something that is simple or ordinary but enjoyable

I've uncovered that getting sleep needs to be a priority.

I've uncovered that my life is complicated when my brain is foggy from lack of sleep.

I've discovered my sleeping is limited because my overall satisfaction of life is diminished by complicating my schedule.

Steps to Recovery:

1. I need to only sleep in bed.

2. I need 7-8 hours of sleep, that calculates I should be in bed by 8:30 - 9:30.

3. Make sure I'm ready to go on Sunday nights as apposed to right before bed.

4. Put a note pad by my night stand so I can write down what's on my mind.

5. Frequently journal to purge my thoughts.

6. No screen time before bed time!

Any tips! I severely need them!

{Day 8} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

Sometimes discovery in contentment and simplicity is not stressing about blogging.

New post this evening!

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 ESV)

{Day 7} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

Today we're going to talk about disappointment! I've had a lot of it recently. I'm not sure if I was cranky today due to my "diet" or just the fact that it's been hard recently.

Life has been hard for the past few years and I don't know if it's because I'm an adult now, or because it' s a season. But this season has been a long one of waiting.

discovery 

Miriam Webster defines discovery as: 

the act of finding or learning something for the first time : the act of discovering something. 

I've discovered I've been quite lonely and not having a close friend near by has started to ware me down.

I've discovered that I'm exhausted from getting my hopes dashed over again.

I've discovered I need more Jesus.

contentment

Miriam Webster defines contentment as:

the state of being happy and satisfied : the state of being content.

I've found I'm truly content when I've spent time with Jesus.

I've found that my satisfaction only comes when knowing Him more.

simplicity

Miriam Webster defines simplicity as:
the quality of being understand or use : something that is simple or ordinary but enjoyable

I've uncovered that spending time with Him can be simple and not stressful. 

I've uncovered that my life is more stressful without Him.

The whole point of this series is to get to the root of my discontentment and complex life. I've put off writing this post because I didn't want to come off as a "Debby Downer." But, life has it's ups and down.

I can't live in an ongoing circle of unmet expectations. I tend to let them control my thoughts, actions, and in turn, my life.

Steps to recovery:

1. Evaluate what is taking precedent in my life, and put Him in the center.

2. Make sure my life is daily filled with prayer.

3. Find a good church famiily.

4. Get more in-depth with the word.

5. Commit to 30 days of at least 15 mins of quiet time. 

{Day 7} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

Today we're going to talk about disappointment! I've had a lot of it recently. I'm not sure if I was cranky today due to my "diet" or just the fact that it's been hard recently.

Life has been hard for the past few years and I don't know if it's because I'm an adult now, or because it' s a season. But this season has been a long one of waiting.

discovery 

Miriam Webster defines discovery as: 

the act of finding or learning something for the first time : the act of discovering something. 

I've discovered I've been quite lonely and not having a close friend near by has started to ware me down.

I've discovered that I'm exhausted from getting my hopes dashed over again.

I've discovered I need more Jesus.

contentment

Miriam Webster defines contentment as:

the state of being happy and satisfied : the state of being content.

I've found I'm truly content when I've spent time with Jesus.

I've found that my satisfaction only comes when knowing Him more.

simplicity

Miriam Webster defines simplicity as:
the quality of being understand or use : something that is simple or ordinary but enjoyable

I've uncovered that spending time with Him can be simple and not stressful. 

I've uncovered that my life is more stressful without Him.

The whole point of this series is to get to the root of my discontentment and complex life. I've put off writing this post because I didn't want to come off as a "Debby Downer." But, life has it's ups and down.

I can't live in an ongoing circle of unmet expectations. I tend to let them control my thoughts, actions, and in turn, my life.

Steps to recovery:

1. Evaluate what is taking precedent in my life, and put Him in the center.

2. Make sure my life is daily filled with prayer.

3. Find a good church famiily.

4. Get more in-depth with the word.

5. Commit to 30 days of at least 15 mins of quiet time. 

{Day 6} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

Continuing with the 31 days in keeping with a simplistic, stress free weekend, I'm sharing what's current!

Currently I'm....

Reading: Pride and Prejudice once I get somewhere I will let you know how ifs going!

Watching: Hart of Dixie via Netflix! I love that show!

Listening: Podcasts again!

Wishing: Abigail was here! Just a few days till a good friend comes to visit for the weekend!

Thinking: About how well I'm doing with the whole 30 diet! It will be 14 days tomorrow and halfway on Tuesday! I'm impressed at how far I've gotten. 

Praying: Cambodia.

Sipping: Tons of water and black coffee.

Eating: Whole 30 Diet

Loving: Arizona

What are you CURRENTLY doing?

Check out my instagram for more of my week!

{Day 5} fall {2013} reading list

I'm keeping it simple! This year my theme is "Fall into Austen." I've never completed a Jane Austen title, so I chose 5 of her books to challenge me this autumn.

1. Pride and Prejudice 

2. Emma

3. Persuasion

4. Sense and Sensability

5. Mansfield Park

This should be much easier to tackle then my crazy summer reading list! I will have to split that one up!! 

If you didn't know, I'm a huge advocate for autumn and reading. 

What are you reading these days?

{Day 4} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

Today, is a much more chill day. I've discovered I can't be super woman. So, today's post is a little more lax. 

I've discovered that I can't stress out about this blog.

I've discovered in order to be content, I need to learn when to let go. 

I've discovered in order to be simplistic not all posts are created equal. 

See you tomorrow! I may have a surprise this weekend!!!

{Day 3} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

My writing must be getting better. My co-worker said she read my whole post. Woohoo.

It's funny to me that people would actually want to read what I say, but in the end. I'm not writing it to please man, but because it is the best outlet for my creativity...

And what would you know, creativity is my topic of the day.

If you don't personally know me, I'd like to let you know that I am a crafter/sewer/baker/writer/musician/singer... You know, a creative. But, this is starting to get out of hand.

Because... I want to put my hand into everything! It's not enough that I'm crocheting a blanket for my mom (which should be done shortly, mom). 1 1/2 years later, I'm still working on that blanket.

It's not enough that I want to sew clothes, but I own 3 "how to sew" books, countless patterns, and no clothes.

I was vegan for a hot second, and I have a small cookbook collection to prove it. I've made maybe 2 things?

It's not enough that I have not one but two "project life" albums that are empty with many trips down the scrapbook aisle once a month (no I don't buy, I just look).

It's not enough that my poor pinterest diy board is filled to the brim with wonderful projects, not one have I tackled.

It's not enough that I bought a rather expensive guitar this summer, but it's been collecting dust for the past 4 months.

Do you get the picture? I'm wanting to be everywhere, without a compass or a guide. I spend hours, yes hours browsing the aisles of Michaels, Joanns, and Hobby Lobby. I don't usually buy anything, but I'm excited about all the crafting/baking I will some day do.

I think I need some help.

discovery 

Miriam Webster defines discovery as: 

the act of finding or learning something for the first time : the act of discovering something. 

I've discovered that I'm doing too much.

I've discovered that spending too much time on everything, gives me time for nothing.

I've discovered that I spend more time planning to do something, then actually doing it.

contentment

Miriam Webster defines contentment as:

the state of being happy and satisfied : the state of being content.

I've found I'm always putting off a project just because I'm too stressed to work on it.

I've found that I think I would be happier if I were "Martha Stewart."

simplicity

Miriam Webster defines simplicity as:
the quality of being understand or use : something that is simple or ordinary but enjoyable

I've uncovered that I need to pull back and work on specific things. 

I've uncovered that my spending on future projects far exceed the completed projects.

I've discovered that my creativity is stinted because I have the lack of motivation (I'm not content) and have overcomplicated my entire creative process.

Steps to recovery:

1. Evaluate all my current projects.

2. Evaluate how I should go about accomplishing them.

3. Before adding a new project, make sure I'm ready to take time away from old ones.

4. Research to make sure I'm ready to invest in something new.

Just four today. That seems pretty simple!

If you've missed my posts so far check them out:

{Day 0} Intro

{Day 1} iPhone

{Day 2} Spending

{Day 2} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

My co-worker said my post was too long yesterday. I totally understand. I tend to write long posts, but I barely read others' long posts.

I promise this one will be shorter.

Yesterday, I shared about my phone, and how much of a "chore" it is for me to use. I'm halfway with finishing my tasks to get the phone that doesn't make me want to throw it across the room every time I use it (might be a slight exaggeration).

Yesterday also marked a grand occasion. My mom started a blog! It's great. She's going to be blogging for 31 days as well!

Today we will be discussing my spending.

Now that I have a full time "big girl" job. One that I can't give up during the summer to travel. One where I'm at work from "9-5," my paycheck is a bit bigger.

Being a big girl means bills:

insurance
car payment
rent
health insurance
phone bill

plus you know, hulu, netflix, food, gas, etc,. Totally put the non-essentials up front.

I'm definitely spend more than I should. I've been able to put away money for different savings accounts, but I've had to even "dip" into the accounts to keep from over drafting.

I had created a beautiful budget, that I was sticking to very well. And then, I just gave up. I started to buy "this" even though it didn't fit into the budget. I know budgets are for tweaking. But this "overspending" (wow, there a re a lot of quotations in this post), has made life stressful and complicated.

discovery 

Miriam Webster defines discovery as: 

the act of finding or learning something for the first time : the act of discovering something. 

I've discovered that my bank account is reflecting that my heart is on me.

I've discovered the overspending is causing me not to save for things I want to have and do.

I've discovered that shopping is a coverup for something much deeper.

contentment

Miriam Webster defines contentment as:

the state of being happy and satisfied : the state of being content.

I've found I'm always stressed and dissatisfied with my spending. 

I've found that spending more money actually makes me less happy.

simplicity

Miriam Webster defines simplicity as:
the quality of being understand or use : something that is simple or ordinary but enjoyable

I've uncovered that my spending is not simple. 

I've uncovered that my budget is not easy to use.

I've discovered that my spending has not made me happy, but in turn has caused me grief because of the complexity of my budget.

Steps to recovery:

1. Evaluate all my spending for the last month.

2. Evaluate the layout of my budget, tweak what is necessary.

3. Clean up my spending and rely on the budget, when that category is out, it's out. 

4. Make sure I'm documenting my spending as to make sure I'm not wasting my money.

5. Look for coupons and sales to help save money.

6. Test out the new and re-evaluate to make sure I'm content and the process is simple.

{Day 1} Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

Day 2 of #31Days

Simplifying My Phone

I have a tendency to want everything. 

Really, I do. My family says I'm awful to shop for because I usually buy what they were going to get me.

This week I'll be talking about discovering what I have, being content and simplifying anything that has become "too much."

Today's topic my cellphone!

I love my iPhone. I updated it. It's a wonderful blessing and a horrible curse.

It's a hot mess right now. Too much data used and untouched apps. Preparing for the update, I deleted so many apps, very few have I actually put back on my phone.

There is no reason to keep my phone cluttered. I need to figure out what is important and what I can live without.

I use my phone as.... a phone. Genius idea.

I use my phone primarily though for texting, social media, camera, surfing the web, planning, and reading. 

So, if an app doesn't fit the bill it goes!

Social media is a big one. It rules our lives; it is the 21st century curse.

If I didn't have Instagram and Pinterest on my phone I honestly don't know how I would handle it. 

I use a lot of camera apps to design pictures and buttons for this blog, social media and for fun. But there are some apps I have never used and a couple I want, but there is no room on my phone.

Surfing the internet is pretty explanatory. We will talk about my excessive tabs in another post.

I love my Evernote, notes, and voice recorder for planning. But most of my planning is done via paper and pen.

I use my kindle app and adobe reader for e-books. I love free ebooks. I read everyone that lands on my phone! And I use my Bible app daily for my quiet times.

I also have random apps floating in the atmosphere of my gigabytes. Some are "essential" that don't match the other categories.

discovery 

Miriam Webster defines discovery as: 

the act of finding or learning something for the first time : the act of discovering something. 

I've discovered quite a bit about my phone.

It's always in my hand.

It's always full.

There's many unused apps.

I am unhappy and stressed when I try to use it!

contentment

Miriam Webster defines contentment as:

the state of being happy and satisfied : the state of being content.

I've uncovered I don't enjoy using my phone.

I've uncovered that I waste time trying to find what I'm looking for and stumbling onto an app that wasn't what I needed.

simplicity

Miriam Webster defines simplicity as:
the quality of being understand or use : something that is simple or ordinary but enjoyable

I've found out that my phone isn't easy to understand or use.

I've found out that it isn't simple and enjoyable.

I've discovered that I am not content with my phone and that it is making my life complicated.

Steps to recovery:

1. Evaluate all apps on my phone

2. Evaluate the layout for simplicity

3. Clean up music on my itunes so as not to clutter my phone music. Since the update, it's completely changed and stressed me out. 

4. Make sure pictures are backed up via dropbox and then erased from phone to save space.

5. Clean out my notes, texts, voicemails, and any small data that builds up.

6. Test out the new and re-evaluate to make sure I'm content and is simple.

How about you? Is your phone making your life easy, or stressed out? What steps will you take make sure?

Stay tuned for day 2 of #31days tomorrow!

Intro: 31 Days of Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

#31 Days Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity

Welcome to Ren Was Here. If you're visiting for the first time. Please say hello. I love talking to my readers and if you're an "old friend" don't be shy!

I've done it. I've joined a blog challenge. It's been awhile since I've blogged consistently. This is a great challenge because I'm always thinking about my blog, but that's different then giving it the love and attention I want to.

Moving is hard. It takes a lot out of a person. Starting a new job is hard. It takes a lot out of a person. When you add the rest of life into the mix, there are many things that get left behind. I'm typing this, quite tired and exhausted from an extremely stressful week at work, but this is something that's just for me. Even if there was no one reading this, it can't be taken away from me.

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I'd like to present 31 Days, hosted by The Nester! I stumbled upon this project from a blogger I regularly check up on and thought, "Why not?" No time like the present to blog more. I'm going to blog (at least try) every day, for the next 31 days. I will be blogging about Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity. I know it's a long title and I don't exactly know where it will go, but God has really put this upon my heart. I'm moving too fast, I'm desiring too much, and I'm leaving Him out of the equation. For the next 31 days, I'll be sharing about my obstacles, my goals, my fears, my passions, and by the end, I hope to have discovered some promises from God, found a strong contentment in being in this season of life, and simplified how I do everything. It's not going to be easy. It will actually be quite messy. I may shed some tears, I may get angry. Maybe I'll even write some songs? I have no idea. But I'm excited about the journey that is my life!

There were many categories of your own to choose from, or you could make up your own. Mine kind of falls between three: simplicity & organization, inspirational & faith, and personal endeavors.

What does Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity look like?
Maybe something like this:

- Refreshing in the word

-Realizing there is more than just here and now
-Spending more time with my family
-Honing on my passions and dreams

Again, this is a new arena. Will I have 31 days of content? Who knows? Am I excited? You betcha! Am I scared.... YES!

Stepping out and moving on. Discovery in Contentment and Simplicity.