Early morning thoughts.

Are you any of you ready for some cooler weather like me? I'm so ready for Autumn to arrive.  We still don't have our air condition fixed (long story), but we have been able to keep the house fairly cool with multiple fans running in the windows and around the house.  We called someone to come and fix it last week and they messed it up even more, so we are still without AC today.  I'm just thankful that it hasn't been SO hot down here this month like it usually is.  It's only been in the low 80's and upper 70's this week, but I'm still very ready for some pretty crisp weather again.

In other news, I can't believe it's the end of August.  In some ways, it feels like summer has flown by, but in other ways, it's been dragging by super slow.  It's strange.  This summer has been a time for me to grow and I've been greatly challenged in various areas.  I also experienced lots of new things these past few weeks.  Whether it was my first time going jet skiing at the beach or going down to Florida and Georgia for the first time EVER, it’s been an incredible last few months.  I can’t even name all the wonderful things that I’ve been able to experience this summer.  I’m so thankful for the memories that I made with so many awesome people and I can honestly say that I hope that I never ever forget summer 2012.  Ever.  

 That brings me to my next point.  As some of you know, I graduated from high school in May of this year.  That’s been another new and exciting experience to write down in the books for this year.  Some of you also know that I decided about a month ago that I’m going to take the semester off this fall and focus on trying to figure out what my next step is (what God wants me to do, where He wants me, etc, etc.)  I really felt like He was telling me that I wasn't supposed to be at the community college this semester, so after I looked over all the classes that were being offered (which weren't many when I got there) and still had no direction of what classes to take, I decided that it wasn't supposed to happen right now.  And you know what?  I'm okay with it.  God has a plan, so I just have to put my trust in Him, yet again.

So what is a girl to do that isn't going to college like "everyone else"??  Well, don't worry about me being bored and sitting around the house all day with nothing to do because that will definitely not be the case for me.  I seriously hate wasting time and doing nothing.  I’ll be using this time to finish projects that I have wanted to get done, but have never had the chance (or time), working on reading my extra long book list I made two years ago with Mom, keeping my Etsy shop up and going (I made another sale this week!!), going to Bible study, babysitting for friends, helping out around the house, and I’m also in the process of looking for a job.  I would greatly appreciate any prayers in that area because it's not looking very hopeful at the moment.  I desperately need another way of making some extra "spending money" since I'm driving more now.

Also, before I close, some of you have asked for an update on the rest of my family.  Everyone is all doing well!  Andrew started back to school last Monday and we all still can't believe he is already in the 10th grade (it doesn't feel like that is even possible!!), Katie finished her internship at the salon she works at last week and has her official cosmetology license now (we're so proud of her!!), Daddy has been busy with work trying to get the college students settled, and Cindy had gall bladder surgery last Thursday so she has been trying to recover all this week, but all in all everyone is doing well. 

Life is crazy, but I'm thankful that we can all enjoy the life God has blessed us with and spend time with so many special people.  I honestly wouldn't have it in other way.  Life is too short to let it slip by.

So, that's what has been going on around here lately. What have you been up to, friends?

Alix and Charlie Jewelry Product Review/ Giveaway {& WIWW}

There once was a pretty blue box wrapped up in a lime green ribbon that was delivered to my front door...

...and in that pretty blue box, I found a gorgeous pair of gold, orange, and aqua blue earrings!  

Aren't they pretty?  I absolutely LOVE them.

Meet Alix and Charlie from Alixandra Zapolski. 

Alix and Charlie is a contemporary jewelry boutique that provides a delicately chosen selection of glamorous yet wearable pieces in fabulously rich colors. (via their website "about me")

They make absolutely gorgeous jewelry and each piece is different in their own special way. The pieces are inspired by luxurious goods found in exotic locations around the world and their style editors are consistently hand-selecting new and unique products that range from romantic and elegant to vintage-inspired pieces to beachy and bright creations. 

Each piece of jewelry in their SHOP makes a statement and is sure to catch your eye.  I've already had so many compliments on them and I've only had them a few weeks.  I've seriously fallen in love with their website and I'm truly honored to have been able to review one of their products today. 

Also, I have to mention that they are all very helpful, shipping was fast, and their customer service was fantastic. So, what are you waiting for? Go check them out!! Click HERE to visit their website. 

Alix and Charlie: Thank you both for letting me review these earrings for you today.  I will definitely enjoy them for many years to come!  Good luck with your business!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy's WIWW party this week.

{White sweater- JCPenny}

{Gray tank top- JCPenny}

{Jeans- American Eagle}

{Earrings- from Alix and Charlie Jewelry}

{Necklace- borrowed from Katie}

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{GIVEAWAY}

Here is your chance to own your own pair of Alix and Charlie earrings!  They are graciously giving away a pair of their beautiful "Multi Matilda Earrings" to one of YOU, Practically Pink readers.  Make sure to enter before the giveaway ends! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

((SHOP my CLOSET!))

INFO:

-Email me (emmylou520 AT gmail DOT com) to claim an item. I will email you back by the end of the day if you claimed it in time and will bill you via paypal.

-All items will be an additional $4 for shipping

-Add $1 for additional items for shipping

-Once billed, you have 24 hours to pay. After that, your item will be put back on sale

-Feel free to email me for any measurements or extra info needed

Happy shopping!!

 Pink and white sundress (ON HOLD)
Size: 3

$12.00

Brown and tan sundress by Candies (ON HOLD)

Size: X Small

Price:  $8.00

White cotton skirt by Kim Rogers

Size: Small

Price: $6.00

Green and white striped sundress by Aeropostale- new with tags!! (ON HOLD)

Size: Small

Price: 20.00 (originally $35.00)

White lace cotton sundress by -only worn once!! (ON HOLD)

Size: Large

Price: $12.00

Red, white, and blue sundress by Faded Glory

Size: Small

Price:  $8.00

Jean capris by Levi --in good condition (hardly ever worn)  (ON HOLD)

Size: 6

Price: $5.00

Aqua blue t-shirt - used, but in good condition

Size: Small

Price: $5.00

Yellow shirt by Body Central- only worn a few times

Size: Small

Price: $8.00 

Gray and white striped scoop neck shirt with white cami (ties in the back)- NEW! 

Size: Small

Price: $6.00

Green and off white polka dot dress by Connected Apparel- NEW (never worn)

Size: 6

Price: $25.00 (originally $70- we got it for $35)

Green, pink, white, and aqua blue plaid skirt- about knee length

Size: 4

Price: $5.00

A very special bracelet.

I recently had the pleasure of receiving a very special piece of jewelry in the mail and I'm so very excited to share it with you all.  Ashley from The Shine Project hosted a giveaway a few weeks ago on Facebook, and I just casually entered (not thinking that I would be the one to win out of hundreds of other ladies entering) and I ended up winning the giveaway!!  I was so happy. ;)

 For those that don't know, Ashley has partnered with Threads, a cause driven business that changes the future of at risk youth. These youth come from various backgrounds, but all have one thing in common, they want to break the cycle.  By giving them jobs, Threads helps instills values of self reliance and hard work. The youth are paid fair wages for all the bracelets they make, and in turn they are able to pay their way through school.  Isn't that awesome?!  Many of Threads employees are first generation college students. They all have dreams and want to succeed and Thread is helping their dreams of becoming nurses, broadcasters, writers and engineers in reality. [Threads explanation summarized from The Shine Project]. 

As soon as I read Ashley's post about this wonderful cause, and then I saw the beautiful work that these students do, I wanted to buy a bracelet from the shop.  That was the same week that I won the giveaway, so that never actually happened, BUT, I will still proudly sport this beauty and show my support. 

Also, thank you again for the bracelet, Ashley!! I love it. 

P.S.  You should go support this cause too and buy your own special bracelet HERE.  Just sayin'... ;)

What I Wore Wednesday {13}

Today I’m linking up to Lindsey’s What I Wore Wednesday blog series! Every Wednesday she (and 150+ bloggers) post their outfits from the past week to show off your style to all of your blog readers. Many of my blogging friends (Gussy, Kim, Moriah, Lisa Leonard, and Lindsey) also link up, so I’ve decided to participate as well.  I’m not the type of girl that is going to post outfits every week, but it’s fun to do every once in awhile.  I hope you enjoy!

             

       {Outfit Specs}

{Pink shirt--Belks? I honestly can’t remember.}

{Gray tank top--JCPenny}

{Jeans--American Eagle}

{Necklace and Earrings—JCPenny?}

                

Happy middle of the week, friends!!

---------------

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 8:37-39

"Water Tower Town"

In a water tower town, everybody waves

Church doors are the only thing that's open on Sundays

Word travels fast, wheels turn slow

Yeah workin' hard and livin' right is the only life we know

Friday night football is king, sweet tea goes good with anything

Fireflies come out when the sun goes down

Nobody eats 'til you say Amen, and everybody knows your mom and them

You can see who loves who from miles around, in a water tower town 

Well your friend's a friend, and your word's your word

And our pickup trucks, they ain't just for looks, they're made for work

Corn grows high, crime stays low

There's little towns everywhere where everybody knows 

--Water Tower Town- Scotty McCreery--

{via}

I seriously love living in a small southern town.  I mean, for REAL.  It's great.  Here are a few things that I especially love about my little "water tower town"...

--I love when the only thing you hear at lunchtime are the church bells ringing downtown and the birds singing outside in the big oak trees.

 --I love where you can walk into the grocery store and always count on seeing someone that you know.

--I love where when you walk down to the park, you can enjoy watching the simple joys of a child swinging on the swing set or learning how to play baseball with his Daddy or read a book on a blanket in the grass without a care in the world.

--I love that you can ride your bike around town without feeling like someone is going to run you over with their vehicle.  You can't do that in the city, can you? 

--I love the people.  I love the ladies who greet you when you come into a store with a simple smile and "Hey there, sweetheart. What can I do for you today?" or the older gentlemen who go out of their way to open the doors for all the ladies (young and old) simply melt my heart.  So sweet. 

And lastly, I love the simple southern charm throughout the town.  From the old historical houses down main street, to the rocking chairs on all the front porches, it's pretty great. 

Thank you Jesus for such a beautiful place to call my hometown.  So thankful.  There you have it, just some of my completely random thoughts on the brain this afternoon. ;)

xoxo, 

Em

We made epic sandcastles with the cousins.

Last Monday, Katie had the day off of work and Christopher and Caroline (our cousins) decided to come down for the day to see us before summer officially ends for everyone.  After a few phone calls and last minute packing over the weekend, we ended up headed down to the beach together for the day!

We were trying our hardest to get on the road bright and early, but after loading up the van one of us went back in the house and we ended up getting locked out, so that delayed us about an hour.  Thankfully, Daddy was in the area and came to our rescue. 

After about a two hour road trip + lots of singing and laughing + and getting stuck in traffic, we finally made it to our destination!  Fort Macon!! 

  

 

Christopher and his girlfriend, Melissa who came with us. She is super sweet. ;)

Caroline soaking in some sunshine while we worked on a sandcastle later in the afternoon. (a rare occasion for us now that we're "so old")

Working hard...

"Oh, hey!"

Making progress...

"Say whaaaat?"

 

My "little" bro is turning into quite a handsome young man, if I do say so myself.  Big sisters can say things like that. ;)

It was so gorgeous day to be at the beach and it wasn't very crowded, which (of course) made it even better.  So glad we were able to get down there one last time before summer ends!  

Goodbye beach...see you again next year.  You will be greatly missed.