Gray Shirt & Colorful Lights

Hi there!

Have I mentioned I'm addicted to candy corn this year? I bought a big bag of it to use to help decorate a dessert I made for a Halloween potluck. I ended up using about one small handful of candy corn. A big bag of candy corn - 1 handful of candy corn + 1 husband who doesn't like candy corn = a whoooole lot of candy corn for meeee! I'm telling myself I need the extra carbs for my run tomorrow morning.

Today's "Coast to Coast Challenge" on Instagram was to wear something grey. I had never participated in one of the challenges before, but I think it's a neat idea for a bunch of girls across the country to wear a certain color/accessory/piece of clothing on the same day, and then share their pictures and inspire each other on Instagram! I thought I would give it a try today. Surprise, surprise, I ended up wearing some bright pops of color with my gray "foundation" piece, which also happens to be my favorite long-sleeved shirt in my closet! This shirt is so dang comfy, I just love it!

Top, Scarf, and Cami Wet Seal (old) // Jeans Costco: Lucky Brand (Fall 2013, $29.99) // Shoes The Hub (Christmas 2010)

Did you notice that I bought my Lucky Brand jeans from Costco?! I can't believe it either! Thanks to my  Mom for finding them! :)

I picked up some Starbucks to help me get through a meeting this afternoon! My first holiday cup of the season! ;)

Today I am thankful for. . .

• I somehow convinced my husband to go to a resort here in town to watch them light their Christmas Tree for the first time this year! I am so thankful he is willing to do cheesy things like this with me. :P They had tons of fun holiday-themed surprises throughout the resort, including Rockette-style dancers, Santa Claus, a train, snow, an ice skating rink (super rare in the Valley!), and 2 million lights on display! Here is the picture I posted on Instagram of my favorite light displays, plus the 45-foot tall tree:

• I am thankful that it didn't rain on us when we were at the resort! We felt a few sprinkles on our heads, and I was afraid we were going to get rained out.
• I made some headway on a big project I've been working on!

Thank you for reading!! :)

Seasonally Challenged

Hi there!

Oops, I did it again.

I wore spring/summer colors in the middle of November.

I can't help it! I guess I am "Seasonally Challenged".

Top H&M (Spring 2012) // Cami Charlotte Russe // Cardigan Goodwill: Kersh // Jeans Macy's: Silver Jeans Company (Spring 2013) // Flats Old Navy // Necklace Gift

Not only do I love the way pink and aqua look together, but I also love the way the vertical stripes on the top contrast with the horizontal tops of the sweater!

 

Today I am thankful for. . .

• The fact my sister just texted me saying she's finally out of class so we can go grab dinner at Pei Wei! Seriously though, I'm thankful to be meeting her and a friend of ours for dinner tonight! :)

One of Those Girls Who Wears Lace and Pearls

Hi there!

I was feeling extra girly today in some lace and pearls! I mixed some deep fall colors together--the maroon cardigan, the army green cami, and the cream lace top. I love how they look together!

 

Cardigan, Cami and Boots Wet Seal // Top Forever 21 // Necklace Charlotte Russe (Spring 2013) // Jeans Kohl's: SO (Summer 2013, $8 50% off + Coupon)

 

Today I am thankful for. . . .

• My yoga teacher, for purposely including yoga poses meant for "runners" now that she knows I'm training for a half marathon with a few other girls from our yoga class. Julie's the best!
• My Bible study group! I can't say it enough! Every Tuesday night I just get so encouraged and inspired. What a blessing to know that I'm being prayed for, and to be able to pray for other women!
• My husband! I'm just feeling extra thankful that I married such a kind, loving, supportive, creative, respectful man! :)

Brights on Brights

Hi there!

 Guys, it's November 17 and it's 76 degrees out. I LOVE IT. The sun is shining, the air feels nice and cool, and I decided that called for some fun, bright colors today!

Top Goodwill: Banana Republic ($5.99) // Sweater Goodwill: J. Crew ($2.99) // Jeans American Eagle // Shoes The Cinnamon Stick: Tom's (Summer 2012, 50% off) // Bracelets and Earrings Charlotte Russe (Fall 2013, Bracelets $3 for pack of 4 during "Happy Hour" | Earrings Clearance $1.99) // Bag Francescas (Fall 2013)

Today I am thankful for. . .

• Spending the afternoon with my Mom and my sister! It's always a good day when I get to see those 2. . .even if the only place we go to is Costco! ;)
• I am thankful for Michael for 1) taking my pictures today and 2) helping me with some slight redesigning of the blog! Thank you Michael! :)

Hanging with the Boys

Hi there!

So I'm totally listening to Christmas music again. . .what can I say? I'm not even sorry.

Remember yesterday when I said I have no plans today? I still don't, but for whatever reason, I got all "done up" this morning like I had somewhere to go. We're talking little black dress, sparkly flats, and red lipstick. I've been having fun experimenting with makeup and hair lately, so I had a blast doing it but when I was done I just kind of looked at myself in the mirror like. . .now what?

Dress Goodwill // Flats Target (Winter 2013, $3 Clearance) // Earrings Charlotte Russe (Summer 2013, Clearance)

I think I've posted this dress on my blog before. I still love it! I got it from Goodwill and there is no tag attached to it. It doesn't look like there ever was a tag. You know how when you cut a tag off, there's some stitching leftover and it's obvious there used to be a tag there? This dress doesn't even have that. It could be handmade, for all I know. It is the comfiest dress though. It feels like a nighty ahhhhh! I usually only buy fitted dresses that cinch at my waist because those tend to be more flattering. This dress is very loose-fitting, but I love it! It's also really easy to wear because the studded design at the neckline acts as a "Lazy Girl's Necklace".

I chose to wear these purple earrings with it simply because I wanted to wear them, but they really weren't necessary with this dress.

I even tried curling my hair this morning! Can you tell? I'm terrible with a curling iron, but this morning I decided it's about stinkin' time I learn how to use one so I dug out the curling iron I got for Christmas last year (and have used a total of two times). My curls weren't perfect, but I started getting the hang of it. There's hope for me yet!

Where did I go today with my curled hair and black dress? I went with Michael and our friend Brandon to lunch at our favorite Chinese restaurant and Wal-Mart. Yes, ladies and gentleman, my biggest destination today was Wal-Mart. It is what it is. Both of the guys were wearing their usual attire of cargo shorts and a t-shirt, so I looked a little out of place. If you know me and Michael though, you know that I'm used to that. ;)

Hopefully, we're going out to see Thor tonight too! :)

Today I am thankful for. . . .

• The weekend! Finally! Finallyyyy!
• The gorgeous weather today! It's absolutely perfect outside!
• Forgiveness. I am doing one of Beth Moore's Bible studies about David (I so, so recommend it!!), and this morning's chapter was about forgiveness. I won't go into details, but it's been in the back of my head as I've been writing this post (some days, I just feel like the message is talking directly to me, ya know?). I am thankful for the forgiveness we have received, and I am thankful for the freedom that accompanies forgiving others!

Butterfly Wings

Hi there!

The shirt I wore today has sleeves that make me feel like I have butterfly wings! I picked this shirt up from Goodwill last weekend, and I honestly can't read what the tag says so I honestly have no idea where it came from originally! I just know I got it for $4.99. :)

Top Goodwill ($4.99) // Jeans American Eagle // Boots Wet Seal // Bracelets Charlotte Russe (Fall 2013, $3 during "Happy Hour")

Well, Michael got his new Playstation 4 today. Looks like I'm on my own this weekend! :P I have zero plans for tomorrow or Sunday, and I'm a little excited about that!

Today I am thankful for. . .

• This morning, for the first time ever, I ran a full 3 miles without having to take a "break" and walk. At all! I know that for some, 3 miles is seriously no big deal, but this is a huge achievement for me. I've never, ever been athletic, and running just 1 full mile was a struggle for me not too long ago! I am thankful I have "discovered" running this year!
• This didn't happen today, but while we're on the subject of being active: Last Monday, my yoga instructor told me after class that she can "definitely see me getting stronger"! SEE ABOVE where I said I've never been athletic! I've been going to this specific yoga class about 4 days a week since February, and it's made such a difference in my flexibility and strength! I recommend yoga for everyone! :)

Thank you for reading!! :)

Silver Leopard + Reflections

Hi there!

Today I wore a fun shirt I picked up from Goodwill last weekend (for only $4.99)! I wore it with a bright pink necklace for that extra pop! of color. I kept my shoes black so the focus would be completely on the bright color of the necklace.To be honest, I was not a huge fan of wearing a gold-chained necklace with a silver shirt, but what can ya do?

 Top Goodwill: Allison Taylor ($4.99) // Jeans Kohl's: SO (Summer 2013, $8--Coupon + Sale) // Shoes DSW: Adrienne Vittadini (Winter 2013) // Necklace Nordstrom (Fall 2012)

 

I did, however, love it with my Harper Tassel Tote from Francesca's Collections! ;)

Is it me, or has every day this week felt like it's Friday??

P.S. It's still not Friday.

Today I am thankful for. . .

• My husband for picking up pizza and a movie tonight! He called me to ask what kind I want, and when I didn't pick up the phone, he ordered both of my favorite kinds. Leftovers tomorrow! :)
• The unexpected moments of reflection I had today. It started with telling some friends about midnight pizza runs I used to go on in college. . .in the snow (now I'm in a deep sleep waayyy before midnight most nights! And I also avoid any snow. Whatsoever.) My little trip down memory lane progressed when I saw not one, but two music videos posted on Facebook of songs I was obsesseeed with even farther back in my little history--highschool! (Rise Against. Lostprophets. Anyone? Anyone?) Both occurrences made me stop and think about what a different person I am now than I was just a few years ago. And for that, I am thankful. I am thankful for the woman I've become, because I've fought hard to become her. I was in a dark place just 3 years ago. I remember sitting in class--this was probably almost exactly 3 years ago from today--clenching my hands together as tight as I could because I could feel an anxiety attack randomly coming on and I didn't want anyone else to notice how badly my hands were shaking. I have no idea what the lecture was about that day, because I was too busy focusing on trying to breathe deeply. Afterwards, I sat out in my car in the parking lot and just cried. Through the healing process, there was a quote that I would read over and over again: "The phoenix hope, can wing her way through the desert skies, and still defying fortune's spite; revive from ashes and rise." Today, I can look back and smile because this statement is true. I rose out of my "ashes" a better person than I was before. I'm far from perfect. I have so many goals and ambitions I have not yet achieved. But I'm thankful for those moments of brokenness 3 years ago because I am thankful for who I am now, and who I continue to become every single day--stumbles and all. I'm also thankful that my life didn't turn out the way I used to think I wanted it to. I'm thankful for the people in my life who have stood by the "Old Me" and the "Current Me" and I guarantee they'll be there for the "Future Me" too. And I am thankful that each morning brings a brand new day full of opportunities to learn and grow and have something to smile about.

Thank you for reading!! :)

Catch Up

Hi there!

Whoooops! It's been almost a week since I posted! I got busy for a couple of days, and I guess that's all it took to break my blogging habit. I haven't even been taking pictures of my outfits. . .eeeek! I do have a few to share with you from the past few days. I also need to catch up on my "Days of Thanksgiving"!

Friday:

OK, I have no outfit to show. Ooof, this is off to a rough start.

I am thankful for. . . .my friends! Both old and new. :) I got to see some of them Friday night, and they just make me happy! I appreciate our time spent together, especially now that it takes effort to see one another instead of just bumping into each other in class/on campus! I'm thankful for new friends I've made this year, and for old friends that have recently come back into my life! :)

Saturday:

Woohoo I have a picture to share! You've seen this shirt before though.

Shirt Georgiou // Cami Wet Seal // Jeans Kohl's: SO // Shoes DSW: Adrienne Vittadini // Wristlet Charming Charlie's

What you haven't seen is this awesome wristlet my sister bought me from Charming Charlie's! It was on clearance for $6.99, and is perfect for running errands when I don't want to carry a purse. (I have this issue where I only buy huge purses. And sometimes they get in the way when sorting through clothing racks while shopping. And they're heavy and horrible for your shoulders and back. But small purses scare me. Just like black socks.) 

It's technically supposed to hold an iPhone in it as well, but my big ol' Droid doesn't fit in the phone pocket. It took some maneuvering, and some foam, but I managed to use to iPhone pocket to hold my keys instead!

I am thankful for. . . .shopping for clothes for my best friend even when she is thousands of miles away! Shannon moved to Thailand last summer, and she wasn't able to stuff her suitcase with enough clothing to last her for two years! Her mom and I got together on Saturday to do some thrift shopping for some cute clothing that we could ship to her! It was so much fun shopping for Shannon. It was almost like she was with us! :) (AND I like the fact that I got to pick out what she'll be wearing. Mwhahahaha, get ready girlfriend.)

Sunday:

Long live maxi skirts!

Chambray top Charlotte Russe // T-shirt and Belt Wet Seal // Necklace Etsy: JGirlsJewels // Skirt and Sandals Target // Bag Francesca's Collections 

I am thankful for. . .the fact that exactly one year ago from Sunday, Michael proposed! I am also thankful that I said yes! ;)

Monday:

Shirt Goodwill (no tag, $4.99) // Jeans American Eagle // Boots Wet Seal // Earrings Charlotte Russe (Summer 2013)

I am thankful for. . .my sister, Amy! I am always thankful for her sass and common sense (she got the common sense gene in the family), but Monday I was especially thankful for her because she bought me this purse and adorable pair of earrings from Francesca's!

The cat is just the cherry on top! 

I showed her this purse when I saw a picture of it featured on Francesca's Instagram, and now I can call it mine! And these earrings? Love! I had a similar pair that Michael gave me for Valentine's Day a couple of years ago, but they unfortunately got stepped on and the backs of each earring broke off. :( Now I can wear these!

Tuesday:

No picture, but I wore what I like to call my "Robin Hood Outfit" (see previous blog post).

I am thankful for. . . .my Bible study that meets on Tuesday nights! I'd been feeling anxious and grouchy the past few days, but I felt so encouraged and full of joy on my drive home after meeting with this group! I am so thankful I was led to this group of wonderful ladies this fall, and I am thankful for the Word that we study together!

Wednesday: 

Again, no picture. Technically I could go take a picture of myself right now, but I'm really not a fan of what I'm wearing. So. . . .yeah.

Today I am thankful for. . .a night of relaxation! I am the first to admit I like to keep myself busy, but tonight I don't have any plans and I don't have anything that urgently needs to be done (besides blogging, of course)! I have to admit, it's pretty nice to veg out on the couch and type this while I eat vanilla ice cram topped with peppermint white chocolate M&Ms and listen to Kelly Clarkson's new Christmas album. I had told myself I would hold off from anything "Christmas-y" until after Thanksgiving. Apparently I am a big fat liar. After this, I'm going to catch up on watching videos from some of my favorite YouTube beauty gurus!

OK, I'll try to be better about posting the rest of the week! :)

Thank you for reading!! :)

(un)Fall Colors

Hi there!

Today I wore some very (un)Fall colors, but I think bright, cheerful colors are meant to be worn year round!

Top Macy's: Degrees (Winter 2013) // Cami Wet Seal // Necklace Charming Charlie (Summer 2013, gift--$13.00 with matching earrings) // Jeans American Eagle // Shoes The Cinnamon Stick: Toms (Summer 2012, Sale)

I wore some hot pink lipstick to match my necklace!

I love how the blue, green, and pink look so fun together! I also love the pretty detail in the shoulders of this top! I didn't happen to take a picture that shows it very well, but the shoulder area has some delicate stitching that caught my eye at Macy's earlier this year.

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Today I am thankful for. . . .

• I used up my gas points from Fry's and paid $2.47 a gallon for gas! I am always thankful for an opportunity to save some money! ;)
• Speaking of saving money, Michael suggested we try out Humble Pie for dinner tonight. We had no idea that on Thursdays they have a Date Night special (an appetizer, 2 salads, and a pizza for $20)! I am thankful we happened to come in on a Thursday of all days. :)

Thank you for reading!! :)

Keeping It Simple

Hi there!

Like my outfit today, this post is going to be sweet and simple. ;)

 

Top Goodwill: Pretty Good // Scarf Charlotte Russe (Summer 2013, Sale) // Pants Macy's: Silver Jeans Co. (Winter 2013) // Boots Wet Seal (2009)

I am definitely still enjoying the fact that we can wear jeans at work for the rest of the year! :) Today I wanted to let this pretty scarf be the center of attention. I wore it with this super soft shirt I picked up from Goodwill!

 

Later this evening, Michael and I are meeting up with some of my coworkers for a baseball game (We have baseball teams that go year-round. Who knew?! ), so I wanted to wear something comfortable and casual for the baseball game that I could easily wear with a jacket  to keep warm.

 I bought this jacket from Forever 21 a few years ago! I love the color of it (which I realized today is the exact same shade as the nail polish I am wearing right now. Sweet!)

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Today I am thankful for. . . .

• This beautiful weather we are having right now! According to my phone app, the high today was 77 degrees! 77 degrees and bright blue skies is my idea of perfect weather! :)
• Somebody at work brought in homemade chocolate chip cookies. Hello favorite food! :)

Thank you for reading!! :)

Sour Patch Kids

Hi there!

Have you seen those Sour Patch Kids commercials with the slogan "First they're sour. Then they're sweet"? In the commercial, there is a giant Sour Patch Kid who does something mischievous like causing a cyclist to run into the wall (sour), and then she totally makes up for it by offering the poor biker a band-aid (sweet).

Top Goodwill: Full Tilt // Cami Wet Seal // Jacket and Cuff Charlotte Russe (Fall 2013, Jacket was $39.99 and you can find it here!) // Jeans American Eagle // Shoes DSW: Adrienne Vittadini

Today I feel like my outfit is the same way! I feel "sweet" wearing this floral top I found from Goodwill, but "tough" because of this motorcycle jacket I am wearing on top. My look is a little "edgy" from the black leather cuff around my wrist, but "girly" because said cuff has a giant, gold-plated bow on top of it!

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Today I am thankful for. . . 

• My department from work attended a cooking demonstration by Robin Miller from the Food Network's "Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller"! I was thankful for the opportunity to attend a live cooking demonstration! I love cooking and it was fun to learn (and taste!) a few new recipes this afternoon. It was also fun to get out of the office with my coworkers!

Don't Get Mad, Get Plaid!

Hi there!

My husband giggled at me when he saw me after work, and said I look "punk-y". I told him I always look "punk-y", and he raised his eyebrows at me.

I wouldn't say that my look today was exactly "punk", but I do have to admit there were no pink or sequins involved in my outfit today. :O

Top and Cami Wet Seal (Old) // Jacket Forever 21 (Even older) // Jeans Kohl's: SO (Summer 2013, $8 50% off + coupon) // Boots Famous Footwear (Winter 2011, Sale)

I would guess I've had this jacket from Forever 21 for at least 5 years. I have been holding onto it because I've always loved the look of black and red plaid. Well what do you know, "grungey" plaid is a major trend this fall! I don't look like I came out of the 1990s, but this jacket is about as close as I think I could ever get (using what I already have in my closet)!

 

I got these boots for my birthday a couple of years ago. They were on sale at Famous Footwear, and I can no longer read the manufacturer's name inside of the shoe. I wish they were a little bit taller so I could tuck the bottom of my pants into them a bit better. I think the buckles on the sides are cute!

I matched it with this top that has a metallic heart "graffitied" on the front of it!

On a totally random side note, I watched Home Alone for the first time today! I don't know how I've never seen it before! I thought it was totally adorable. :) Plus, it definitely helped make me even more excited for the holidays that are quickly approaching!!

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Today I am thankful for. . . .

• Michael started at his new job today! I am so thankful for the new opportunity that has been presented to him! :)

Thank you for reading!! :)

Pink and Navy Blue

Hi there!

I love the way pink and navy blue complement each other, don't you?

Top, Sweater, and Cami Wet Seal (Old) // Necklace Nordstrom (Fall 2012) // Jeans American Eagle // Shoes The Cinnamon Stick: Tom's (Summer 2012, Clearance)

This white top is also nice to wear without any type of sweater or cover over it. The back of it has an unexpected floral design that makes this a fun top to wear on warm summer days!

It's November though, so I definitely kept my lacy blue sweater on throughout the day. I love how this blue sweater looks with this fun pink necklace I picked up from Nordstrom last year! :)

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Today I am thankful for. . .

• The baptisms at my church this morning. I am always excited to watch new Christians become baptized, and this morning was no different! Listening to their testimonies was giving me goosebumps!
• Getting to spend time with my sister today! We went out to lunch, and she came over to my apartment to do homework while I kept myself busy with other things. Not the most exciting day we've ever spent together, but I am always thankful for days I get to see her!
• Talking to my best friend via video chat! She moved to Thailand in August, and I am so thankful that technology allows us to talk "face to face" even when we are thousands of miles apart! :)

Thank you for reading!! :)

Our Day at the Zoo

Hi there!

My husband said he couldn't believe his eyes this morning when I put together an outfit that was (almost) entirely black.

Jacket Charlotte Russe (Fall 2013) // Top Goodwill: Lush // Necklace Etsy: JGirlsJewels (Winter 2013, $17) // Jeans Kohl's: SO (Summer 2013, $8 Coupon + 50% off) // Shoes DSW Adrienne Vittadini

Michael and I spent the day at the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium! It was the perfect day to go. The weather is so nice outside right now, and we saw several different baby animals! I took a video of the cutest baby jaguar, but I'm having trouble uploading it to my tablet. :( Here are photos of some of the other animals we saw today!

His arms are soooo long!

These napping kangaroos cracked me up :)

This mother was climbing up and down trees with her little baby hanging on around her waist!

White tigers are my favorite :)

I was thinknig something fishy ;)

I fed sting rays today! And by that, I mean Michael fed sting rays. I held shrimp out in my hand to the sting rays, and shrieked and ran away when they came too close. I did pet the sting rays, though. Like a pro.

After the zoo, we went to the Macaroni Grill for dinner! It was delicious. :) Michael had never been there before, and he was clearly not as excited as I was to draw on the tablecloth with the crayons the restaurant provided us!

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Today I am thankful for. . .

• Having Saturdays off with my husband! We've been together 3 1/2 years, but it wasn't until this past July that we both had jobs that didn't require us to work on weekends. I love waking up on a Saturday morning with no plans, eating freshly baked cinnamon rolls together, and then deciding "Hey, I saw a Groupon for the zoo. Let's go see some animals!" :D
• God's creativity made evident in thousands of different animal species! From white tigers to giraffes to warthogs to galapagos tortoises, each animal is beautiful and unique and a wonderful creation of God's. :)

Thank you for reading!! :)

Rainbow Brite

Hi there! Happy November!

I am so excited it's the weekend! I wore some bright, happy colors to match my mood. :)

Sweater Goodwill: Old Navy ($5.99) // Cami Wet Seal // Necklace Charlotte Russe (Fall 2013, $10.99) // Jeans Macy's: Silver Jeans Co. // Shoes The Cinnamon Stick: Tom's (Summer 2012, Clearance)

I liked matching the orange necklace to match the top stripes of the shirt, and wearing pink shoes to match the cami I had peaking out underneath the sweater! Does this count as ombre?

I can't believe it's already November 1! Michael and I have already been married for 5 months! I feel like we got back from our Honeymoon a week ago!

I have always been really focused on the future. I am always looking ahead and focusing on the next big thing. I'm only 23, and I need to slow down and focus more on the present, appreciating what is already surrounding me! In order to help me do that, I'm going to do a "30 Days of Thanksgiving" here on my blog. Each day through the month of November, I will write a little bit about something for which I am feeling especially thankful. Some days, it might be something big, and other days, it might be something small. Today is something small!

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The gym at my apartment complex where I live is supposed to open at 6 AM. This morning, I waited outside until 6:15, and nobody ever showed up to unlock the door. At first, I was really grumpy about the whole situation and thought my whole day would be off track because I didn't get my workout in. Then, I remembered that I have an Employee Gym at my work that I could use at the end of the day. I also realized that NOT working out this morning gave me extra time to get ready--meaning I could actually blow dry my hair for once after my shower (and that's an arm workout in itself!) 

On my drive in to the office, I realized I forgot to bring socks! I sheepishly asked one of my coworkers if she happened to have a spare pair of socks...and she did! She let me borrow them, and I was able to go to the gym after all!

Today I am thankful for. . . .

• A job that grants its employees free access to a gym
• The extra time I had this morning to blow dry my hair (it felt sooooo soft all day!)
• A coworker who has spare socks at work. . .and lets me borrow them! :)

What are you thankful for today? :)

Thank you for reading!! :)