I haven't written one of these since last September so thought it'd be fun to compile a list of the things I am currently...
Loving...my new fake hair - ha! Seriously, though, I have always had such fine, thin hair and VERY little of it. Like, all my hair in a ponytail is probably the same amount that most have in their bangs. So, when my amazing hair stylist, Tyler Herring of BelleChic Salon, suggested I consider permanent extensions a few months ago, I thought, 'Sure! Can't hurt!' And I am so glad I trusted her!
I've had a lot of questions about them so here are the facts: I wanted my hair to look natural, I just wanted a little more length and a lot more thickness. I got a "full set," which is ten extensions (in lieu of a mini set, which is five), again because I wanted both thicker and slightly longer hair. A couple weeks ago, Tyler touched up my coloring and at that appointment, she color matched my highlighted color to the extension color that would work best. She ordered them and one week later, I went in to see her and she put them in. Some extensions are the sew-in kind, and while Tyler is also certified in that form of extension application, she STRONGLY prefers the permanent tape-in kind, which is what I have. Why? Because the sew-in extensions (1) take hours to put in and hours to move them up, which is needed every six weeks or so, and (2) are much more expensive. She also prefers the quality of the hair of the tape-in ones. So, she taped them in and then styled my hair, which took maybe 30-45 minutes? I'll go in every 6-8 weeks for her to move them up when I get my hair color touched up. But otherwise, I don't take them out. They stay in my hair all day and night, and I don't even notice them, aside from now knowing how it feels to have thick, full hair. I wash my hair every three days (just dry shampoo in between), and it is a dream. It feels so crazy to wash a head full of thick hair! I seriously love them and definitely recommend them if you are looking for more fullness or more length that looks natural. And Tyler is the QUEEN!!!
Reading...my favorite daily devotional of all time. And yes, I can say that while only being 30-something days into the new year. I shouldn't be surprised by how much I love it, seeing as how it's author, Bob Goff, also wrote my all time favorite book, Everybody Always. His newly released 365-day devotional, Live in Grace; Walk in Love is PHENOMENAL.
Waiting for...a super fun, bucket list trip, that is fast approaching. I.Cannot.Wait. Cannot wait, cannot wait, cannot wait!!!!!!!! More on that soon...
Excited about...Aside from the above? I'm excited about our home renovation, which is coming along swimmingly! We have been in our house - which was built in 2008 and owned by one family before us - for 7.5 years. And we decided that, since we have no plans of leaving it until our littlest Lu is crossing that stage at high school graduation, we'd like to modify some things and make it feel like "ours" over the next 10-15 years. So, changes are a-happening, both inside (kitchen/family rooms) and out (backyard). More on that soon, too!
Trying to...focus on the "word" I chose for myself for the year, which is FOCUS. ;) Sometimes, it is easy to get swept up thinking about things or events or people that aren't right in front of me; getting distracted by things that bother me or hurt my feelings or don't involve me. And that steals my time and my joy away from what or who is right in front of me. So, halfway through last year, I made an effort to "be where my feet are." I decided I would carry that goal into this year and truly try to FOCUS - on who I'm with and what I'm doing, right there in the moment. I've had good days and not so good days already while working on this in 2020, but I am making progress and am determined to conquer this goal before 2021 arrives. <3
Working on...eating less processed foods. While I am a pretty healthy eater, I tend to eat a lot of processed snacks. Even if they are made from "healthier' foods, they are still processed, which I don't like. Some days are wins, some days are losses, but I keep moving forward toward this mini goal. I joined a 30-day accountability group on Facebook and have loved seeing how other busy mommas balance their health, exercise, and nutrition. It's been a great way to kick off the new year!
Enjoying...Season 6 of Schitt's Creek. Y'all know I LOVE this show - it is up there with Friends for me. While I am sad this is the last season, I am happy to say that my all-time favorite episode is now Season 6, Episode 2. I have watched it multiple times and laugh so hard every time. If you've seen it, let's chat so we can laugh about it together. Just so good.
Watching...aside from Schitt's Creek? Well, I finished it a couple weeks ago, but absolutely LOVED watching CHEER on Netflix. It brought back so many cheer and dance memories from my high school and college days (we competed on that same Daytona stage every year as Clemson Rally Cats! Such nostalgia seeing it again!). And the personalities and back stories of the team and coaches - just wow. I am already excited for Season 2!!
Using...a microwave or portable griddle to make all of our family dinners until the end of March. No complaints here! It's amazing how many things can be "made" in a microwave - that's my kind of "cooking." ;)
Wearing...my bracelet, every day, that says "Be the Light." I've worn it since last year, when the word I chose for myself for 2019 was "LIGHT," as a reminder to always try to shine brightly for Jesus and to do what I could to brighten others' days. I am continuing with that hope and goal this year, in addition to finding daily gratitude in all the little and big moments of my day. Finding gratitude and focusing on the joy has truly been transformative in how I view myself, others, and the world.
Planning...a big ol' 40th birthday bash. <3
Singing...a random compilation of favorite church songs, songs from Frozen 2, commercial jingles, 80s hits, etc. I'll sing a little ditty of whatever pops into my head at any given time - ha!
Needing...it to either snow (for one day only, please) or remain in the 70s+. I don't do cold weather (but, again, would appreciate one good snow day, por favor).
Listening to...podcasts when I run. I am in need of a really good book to listen to on Audible when I run (any suggestions???), but until I find one, I've been sticking to three podcasts lately: The Upside with Callie and Jeff; For the Love by Jen Hatmaker; Your Move by Andy Stanley.
Learning...to trust in God's plan and His timing. Now more than ever, I am confident in what He has laid out for my life and the lives of those I love. There is such peace that comes with trusting that He has known the details of my life from the day I was born. I need only be still, listen, and trust where He is taking me.
Doing...a whole lotta Barre3! If you know me, you know barre is my sanity. One of my dear friends just became co-owner of my beloved B3 studio, and I am so excited for what the dream team owners have up their sleeves for 2020. Up first, a couples class, going down for date night this week! My hub and I went last year and are excited to do it again!
Wishing...and praying for good health news for people I love.
Dreaming of...the sand and the sea and the salt in the air. It is coming...
And that's a look at things, currently. :)
