30 Second Thursdays {Linkup} #4

What what! 

Were back with 30 Second Thursdays with Kaitlyn, Hallie and Samantha and I nearly laughed my face off when I saw this question. This would be been the most amazing vlog ever if you had seen me as a pre-teen and teen. I would have pulled out EVERYTHING in my closet for this question. 

Yea, it was that bad. 

Question:

What is the most hideous item of clothing you own? 

January Birchbox

This month I got my first BirchBox!!! How excited am I?! Very!

Do you not know what Birchbox is? It's like a subscription to a magazine, except you get a box full of amazing, high end beauty products every month!!

This month's theme was Best Year Ever.

The first thing opened was Number 4 clarifying shampoo. This is something I have been needing for some time. I usually don't like to use clarifying shampoo often because it strips the nutrients my hair needs, but the Number 4 is gentle enough for everyday use and has a low-suds formula that removes buildup without stripping my hair of its essentials oils. And my hair smells ah-mazing too. 

 I opened Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy perfume. Its fragrance is a mixture between wild berries with mandarin and a floral scent.

Next was 100% Pure Nourishing Body Cream.

It smelled amazing and made my dried out skin feel silky smooth and moist. I love the fact that its 100% natural and vegan. :)

My favorite item came next. The ModelCo SHINE ultra lip gloss. This Australian brand gloss has just a hint of color that makes my lips shine. I love the built in mirror too for easy on the go application. 

Lastly, I pulled out the Caudalie Vinexpert Radiance Day Cream with SPF 15. I live in the South where the sun is always shinning and I need a good moisturizer with SPF. It has a patented grape-derived compound to reverse skin damage. Umm, yes please!

I am officially in love with Birchbox! Check them out to get your own :)

First Things First # 4

This weeks addition of First Things First  link up with Halie and Hallie brought back some fun memories. The deal for this link up- there is a  different "firsts" every week.  It will be awkward, funny, weird, random and embarrassing firsts.
If you missed my other three posts, you can check them out here, here and here.      Ok, so this weeks questions: First best friend: Connor McMurphy - according to my Mom at age 3. I was in Mother's Day Out and Connor was in my class. I wish I had some pictures with me back then - blonde, tall and adorable! There is the cutest picture of Connor and me in pink ballerina leotards in class with big ole hair bows to match. We were a pair. I didn't know her when we got older, but do know she went to my rival high school and college. Oh well.  First Concert: Oh my, anyone remember Rebecca St. James? My stars did my oldest brother have a crush on that girl! I think I was in middle school (6th grader in fact) when my brother and his friend took me and my other bro to her concert at one of the Baptist church's in Mobile. I had no clue who she was but had a blast - mainly cause I was hanging out with older people. I got a t-shirt, CD, and a hello from Ms. St. James herself. Good times, good times. 

First Celebrity Crush:
For any ladies reading this post ages 22-29, I'm pretty sure we all had the same crush. I was in front of the TV every time Home Improvement came on. You know what I'm talking about - there is no reason to deny it. The dreamy Jonathan Taylor Thomas aka JTT was my man.  I was in love with his dimples and cute high pitched voice. What a dream boat!  How could you not love the voice of Simba? Heart melting....  I'm also pretty sure I watched Tom and Huck and even a episode or two of Smallville cause he was in it. 

The Tuesday Tango {Linkup}

The Tuesday Tango is a multiple link-up post for everyone to meet new people and grow your audience. There are eight link-ups that you can add your link to - Twitter, Facebook, Hello Cotton, Bloglovin, Instagram, Pinterest, and Better Blogger Network.

All you have to do is follow the host(s) for that week and then add whoever else you'd like to!

Permanent Hosts:

Big Apple Mami | Yellow Umbrella | Better Blogger Network

This Week's Rotating Host(s):

Walking in the Light | Our Love and Our Blessing

- - -

Directions:

Follow the host(s)

Add your links to any/all of the link-ups

Add at least 5 people from the link-ups

- - -

Want to host one of the weeks? Let us know!

Cara Box reveal {January}

My first Cara Box!!!!! Yes, I am that excited! 

What is a Cara Box you ask?

Awesome things in the mail + Meeting new women + Encouragement = Cara Box

Kaitlyn at Wifessionals started this monthly box swap. Each month there will be a different theme. Anything from a season, to a color, to a topic (like fashion or childhood).

Everyone is paired up with another blogger and she with another. That way, you get to know 2 new bloggers. Cute huh?!?  

Towards the middle of the month you will create a box or package, specifically for the woman you were paired with, and ship it off to her. You will then get a Cara Box from the girl who was paired to get you. 

You can read more about it here if you want to join.

This month was my first month participating and man was it awesome! My dear Holly at The Oklahoma Peppler sent me the SWEETEST box.

The theme: New Year's Resolutions. Since I didn't really have much of a new year's resolution, she sent me some things I just love:) My husband was so shocked by the size of the box Holly sent me - seriously it was HUGE!

Holly made me a personalized baking dish with my name on one side and my blog name on the other! How creative and thoughtful. We southern girls love our name on everything!

I can't wait to try some new recipes in this baby. 

Then I pulled out the cutest mug! It had the bible verse I love from my blog and the other side had Walking in the Light on it. How creative. This is the perfect mug for some hot tea or coffee - I drink at least 2-3 cups a day. 

 Holly also knows how much I like to cook and bake, so she sent me some of her recipes to try out! I'm planning to make the brownie one this week. :)

I am OBSESSED with these journals. I love Europe and am ready to start using these cuties. How fabulous are they!?

Holly also sent 2 Essie nail polish bottles! I am really into muted and gray colors right now and ready to make my nails look stunning. 

Lastly, she included the sweetest and most encouraging letter. 

I love love LOVE everything Holly sent and am so thankful for her friendship! Thanks Holly!!!

Liebster Award Nomination # 2

After being away from my computer all day running errands, I came back to find a nice little surprise awaiting me! I had been nominated for the Liebster award for the second time! What an honor :) My friend Kacie at The Momma Experience was kind enough to nominate me this time around! She is super adorable a blogger, momma and cook! Make sure to check her out - you will be glad you did. :)

Ok, so for those who are unfamiliar with the Liebster award, here's the skinny.
 The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. And the award is for new and upcoming blogs that have less than 200 followers. 

First, can I just say what compliments about my work. Thank you thank you thank you! I'm so honored.

This is what happens now:
1. You must post 11 random facts about yourself.
2. Answer the questions by your nominator.
3. Nominate 11 bloggers (with less than 200 hundred followers) and link them in your post.
4. Create 11 questions for your nominees.
5. No tag back required, but leave a comment on this post with the URL to your Liebster post so I can learn more about you.



Eleven (11) random facts about me:
1. I quit my job and am a stay at home wife.
2. I tend to laugh at my own jokes.
3. I love to travel, but hate fly.
4. I love sushi!
5. I'm left-handed.
6. I enjoy cleaning - yup, even bathrooms.
7. I tend to leave the TV on in a room after I am gone.
8. My feet and hands are ALWAYS cold.
9. My hubs and I love tea - anyone fancy earl grey or green tea?
10. I am currently obsessed with nail polish.
11. I try to relax, but its not easy for me.

The questions from Kacie:

1. What do you want your blog to stand for?
A couple of things. First, I love God and my life is His. I want to share the gospel of the Lord. I also want people to know me. I'm happy and fun loving. I am married to my best friend and so thankful for my life.

2. What is your favorite season?
Fall. I hate shorts but love love love sweaters and jackets


3. Is the job you currently have the job you've always wanted?
I recently became a stay at home wife. :) I;m doing what I always wanted!


4. What is your favorite kind of cuisine?
Oh tough one  - I could eat Mexican most days, so I'm going with that.

5. What is your all time favorite movie?
Easy - Pride and Prejudice. But not the Kiera Knightly version. I'm talking about the 6 hour A&E version with Colin Firth

6. Cats or dogs?
I'm more of a dog person than cat. Cats bring dead mice to your doorstep and that freaks me out!

7. Have you ever rode a horse?
I have. I did every summer for a couple of years on vacation and my friend in middle school had her own.

8. What is your dream vehicle?
A Momma van - like an Odyssey or something similar. Swivel seats, doors that open with the click of a button. Oh yea, I'm dreaming big!

9. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Hmm, I would have to say Europe. But just for a year or two.

10. How long has it been since your last vacation or staycation?

We had a staycation recently - during Thanksgiving. We had our 2 friends from England come visit us and we painted the town red with them here. :)

11. Do you have any kids?
Not yet, but hopefully in the next year or two. 

My nominees:

Jess @ Black and White With a Little Bit of Pink
Jasmyne @ A Fishers Wife
Jessica @ North Carolina Grown 
Julia and Elizabeth @ Southern Color
Nadine @ Life by Nadine Lynn
April @ Hearts on Guard
Char @ Better Together 
Summer @ Simply Summer
Holly @ The Oklahoma Pepplers
Jen @ Unscripted
Melissa @ After We Tied the Knott

Questions for my nominees:

1. What do you like on your pizza?
2. Do you have a favorite band?
3. What is your favorite (current) TV show?
4. What do you do for a living?
5. Whats the one piece of clothing you can't live without?
6. What type of car do you drive?
7. Do you have any children?
8. What's something embarrassing that happened to you lately?
9. Do you prefer overhead lighting or lamps?
10. Favorite dessert?
11. What color are your fingernails painted right now?

Faithful Friday #4 / Scripture Memorization

I am not a fan of memorization. At best I struggle with it. If it isn't repeated or used often, its hard to retain and soon forgotten. Growing up, I couldn't grasp the importance of why it was good to memorize God's word - it was already written down, right?

As I got older, I started to realize that it is worth the effort and also, expected of us. It is vital to our relationship with God to know His word  and it's a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. 

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 2:14-17)

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20-21)

John Piper, who wrote Desiring God lists out six reasons why it is important to have the Word imprinted on your heart and tongue.

1. Conformity to Christ

Paul wrote that “we all, . . . beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18)) If we would be changed into Christ likeness we must steadily see him. This happens in the word. “The Lordrevealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord” (1 Samuel 3:21). Bible memorization has the effect of making our gaze on Jesus steadier and clearer.

2. Daily Triumph over Sin

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. . . . I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:9, 11). Paul said that we must “by the Spirit . . . put to death the [sinful] deeds of the body” (Romans 8:13). The one piece of armor used to kill is the “sword of the Spirit” which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). As sin lures the body into sinful action, we call to mind a Christ-revealing word of Scripture and slay the temptation with the superior worth and beauty of Christ over what sin offers.

3. Daily Triumph over Satan

When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness he recited Scripture from memory and put Satan to flight (Matthew 4:1-11).

4. Comfort and Counsel for People You Love

The times when people need you to give them comfort and counsel do not always coincide with the times you have your Bible handy. Not only that, the very word of God spoken spontaneously from your heart has unusual power. Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” That is a beautiful way of saying, When the heart full of God’s love can draw on the mind full of God’s word, timely blessings flow from the mouth.

5. Communicating the Gospel to Unbelievers

Opportunities to share the gospel come when we do not have the Bible in hand. Actual verses of the Bible have their own penetrating power. And when they come from our heart, as well as from the Book, the witness is given that they are precious enough to learn. We should all be able to sum up the gospel under four main headings (1) God’s holiness/law/glory; 2) man’s sin/rebellion/disobedience; 3) Christ’s death for sinners; 4) the free gift of life by faith. Learn a verse or two relating to each of these, and be ready in season and out of season to share them.

6. Communion with God in the Enjoyment of His Person and Ways

The way we commune with (that is, fellowship with) God is by meditating on his attributes and expressing to him our thanks and admiration and love, and seeking his help to live a life that reflects the value of these attributes. Therefore, storing texts in our minds about God helps us relate to him as he really is. For example, imagine being able to call this to mind through the day:

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:8-14)

The Lord gave us His Word for these purposes - so that we may be more like Him and draw closer to Him. He also didn't give it for us just to hold on for safe keeping, but arm us for battle against the enemy and to share His glory to the world. This week, I challenge you, along with me, to begin memorizing scripture.
The easiest way for me to do it is to add a passage on a note card, write it on the bathroom mirror, keep it in my purse and read it in its context each day.

30 Second Thursday {Vlog Linkup} #3

Last week's Vlog's were so funny - such cute ladies out there. :) You can check them all out here. It's so fun to "get to know" these women through their blogs, but hearing them and really seeing them is the icing on the cake. The three lovely hostesses - Kaitlyn, Hallie, and Samantha's question was (drum roll please).....

What is the WORST present you've ever received?

Thanks for checking out this week's Vlog!

Thursday Twitter Hop {Co-Host}

Welcome to Twittering Thursdays Twitter Hop!

<center> <a href="http://chaos-commotion-emotion.blogspot.com/search/label/Twittering%20Thursday"><img src=http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k44/DeandraBosqui/twitteringthursdays250x250_zps16a1d22f.jpg" /></a></center>

This week's Co-Hosts are Pakize from Madame Keke and Clara from Walking In The Light. Please stop by say hi and follow them back!

Are you interesting in Co-Hosting next Thursdays Twitter Hop?  Email Deandra at phillipsdeandra@gmail.com
There is no charge to participate!

Please help spread the news about this TWITTER HOP!
Its only appropriate to TWEET about it!

Tweet

RULES:

Please follow each hostess.

Follow @ChaosCommoEmo
Follow @MadameKekeBlog
Follow @ClaraLovgren

2. Leave a comment if you are new and want us to return the follow.

3. Grab the button and display it on your sidebar or link it to the post.

4. Have fun and meet new friends!

Simple white bread {bread machine}

Have you read the label on bread from the grocery store lately? There are probably 30+ ingredients in it and I'm appalled. I'm not against all  processed foods, but I am trying to be better in our eating and living a healthier lifestyle.



 

I inherited an old bread machine from a friends mom when she was cleaning out a year ago. I had never made my own bread and called my sister for some help (she is a rock star Mom and a great cook). I've done a bunch of recipes over the course of the year, but I think this one is my favorite! My taste tester (aka hubby) was very happy with this one and gave his seal of approval!


Ingredients:
1. 1 cup water
2. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola)
3. 2 tablespoons honey
4. 1 teaspoon salt
5. 3 cups of bread flour (or all purpose flour - just  nothing self rising)
6. 1 package of active dry yeast

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in the bread machine

2. Set for 4 hours

3. Press start.

Delicious and simple. Enjoy!!!

First Things First #3

Hiya! My third week of First Things First and I'm still Obessed with these questions! I love hearing other people who link up with Halie and Hallie with their stories.   So here's the deal - there is a  different "firsts" every week.  It will be awkward, funny, weird, random and embarrassing firsts.
If you missed my other two posts, you can check them out here and here.     Ok, so this weeks questions:   First Thing I Do When I Get Home From Work: Well, now that I'm unemployed and living the dream, as they say, my routine has changed drastically. I used to hang my purse up, walk into our bedroom and collapse on the bed. Anybody else do that? Anybody?  Bueller? Bueller?  

    First Pet: Why did this question just make me tear up? I had two sweet dogs as my first pets - Midnight and Spooky. One was a Lab and the other a Cocker Spaniel - and Oh.MY. Word. were they the sweetest pups in all the land. The were both black as night (hence, their adorable names) and loving fellas. I think I was four or five when my parents okayed a dog. But only one. Except, you know how it goes, with 4 kids in the family and a sweet softy for a Mom, we walked away with two. I was in the 5th grade when Midnight got hit by a car and in 8th grade when Spooky died of old age. My parents got a Golden Retriever, Darcy,  after Midnight died so Spooky would have a friend. They were good buddies. Darcy is still alive and kickin it at my parents. We have always had great luck with amazingly sweet and gentle pups.       First Cell Phone: Oh the good ole days with the 5 pound phone that looks like a walkie talkie. Yea, no I totally didn't have one of those suckers. How old do you think I am anyway?! I had a basic AT&T ugly little thing when I started driving at 16. My Mom and dad got it for me to call them when I got to school and when I left.