still minimal internet...

    hi guys. I still have something weird going on with my internet connection. I'll be back as soon as I get it all figured out...super frustrating. xoxo.  

I'm baaaack. oh my goodness.

hey y'all! I'm home! well, technically I've been home for two days now...but I haven't been able to get my internet to work. and it's still giving me issues. boo.

annnnyway. I'll try and get that straightened out...but...how did you like the guest posts? I had one more for you, but never got to put it up because of some issues with hotel computers and yucky stuff. You'll get to read it eventually, though! I promise!

soooo. I have quite a lot to share with  you. Inspiration struck while I was away. it was pretty. 

I have some recap posts for you of my week. goals for myself before I turn 18 in a year..and some other stuff. you know me. probably only half of what I mentioned will actually be posted...

anywho. off to bed, I am. (Yoda got to me, peeps.)

goodnight, lovely friends.

p.s.

I got the new iphone 5...long story short, it's amazing. that photo up there? front camera. yep. front. camera. who knew...also. it's so light. I barely feel it in my hand. and thing. and just the greatest...ah!

guest post - ruby red lipstick && clashing hues

Hey y'all! Ruthanne here! as you already know, I'm on the road for a week, having a little birthday road trip! Annnnnyway. I'd like y'all to meet my sweet, sweet friend Britney! I asked her to guest post while I was away and I am soooooo excited to share it with you! She's such a doll, and absolutely hilarious, not to mention she's hilarious. So, I'll shush now, and let her take it away! :)

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Hello Lovelies!!!

I'm Britney and the ever so sweet Ruthanne asked me to do a little guest post!! I am so honoured and absolutely smitten to be here to talk to you all! To start it off I have a short video where I tell you about the three makeup items I use. Seriously, its just three. I might start wearing eye shadow or something but right now all I use is these three things; eyeliner, mascara and lipstick.

I sure do hope you liked my video!! If you couldn't tell by my accent I live in the far away land of New Zealand. I've been overseas once in my life (last year) and I am a vegetarian!! I'd visit the zoo any day and have four dogs, one cat and as you saw in the video some ducks have taken to the front lawn! I write for my blog Lemonwood and Honey and its really all I do in my spare time. I am currently studying at uni which sometimes can be a drag when you have so many assignments to complete!! BUT life is good! Its much better than good actually. Its extraordinary.

 On to the fashion side of things?

I believe that fashion is more than just following trends. To me fashion has become a way to show my personality, to show my mood, to experiment and really, to just have fun. Its not about the latest designer fad or must have. Its about you! And that is the most important thing. If you love wearing jelly shoes (do you remember those?) then so be it! If you want to wear a tutu to school (which I have, it was petticoat actually) then do it!! Living by rules, thats not living at all! I used to be rather judgmental on what other people wore. But I thought, who am I to judge? That girl, that guy, she/he feels awesome the way they are dressed. And that is all that is important.

Everyday I am getting to know myself more and more. Because of that I find that it reflects in what I wear. I have a craving to go on a crazy shopping spree (money permitting) and buy everything that reflects who I am but at the same time pieces that last. I want to buy clothes that suit my body rather than a stick thin model. Because my body is just as beautiful as theirs and so is yours!! I want to buy socks and sew little pom poms on them because, although I might not look like I walked off the run way, I think its really cute! I want to be me and use fashion as an outlet to show that!!

As for my outfit, I have been wearing this jacket like crazy this past few weeks. It comes from Dorothy Perkins, which I fell in love with when I went to London last year. The dress is from Romwe and I just adore the tapestry like pattern. I love mixing patterns together and having fun. I suppose the one thing I would add to this outfit is a necklace.

Final words?

Thanks so much Ruthanne for inviting me here! It was a blast and really broadened my blogging ideas. I haven't done an outfit post in so long and never like this! 

I wish that I could meet every single one of you and help you to see that something about you that makes you extraordinary. Its there! I know it. When it comes to fashion, dress to suit your body shape, dress the way you like and have fun! Life can be scary but it is the scariness that makes it beautiful! Remember how amazing you are and you will be fine. More than fine. You'll be extraordinary. 

guest post - janae of the letter 4

Good morning everyone! Today, one of my most lovely friends is here to share some knowledge with y'all! Her name is Janae, and she is 1/4 of The Letter 4! Janae and I have been getting to know each other better lately (praise the Lord for facebook!) and she's become a dear friend of mine! Plus, we're both gingers, so there's a fantastic connection there! hehe....and without further ado....miss Janae! :)   --------------   Hello readers of Ruthanne's blog. I'm Janae and I'm a sister over at The Letter 4 and I also just started a blog for my photography and videography over at Blood Orange Productions. Ruthanne is one of the sweetest people ever, and I'm so happy that she asked me to share on her blog!

I've recently been attending LDS Business College and really want to share what I've been learning! It could definitely apply to any of your businesses, blogs, or even just everyday life.

First off, if anyone has been noticing the negativity about school starting, you're not alone. School is so amazing and we should not take it for granted! I have been so excited to start learning in a classroom again. You can never be over educated, you know. No matter what year of school you're in, be happy you get an education.
Alright, down to business. Have any of you heard of the "Golden Circle"? It's an amazing tool that will help you create a more personal relationship with your customers, clients, readers, etc. It is designed and explained by Simon Sinek. But! Most people use this tool incorrectly and this is the reason a lot of businesses fail. Here, I'll show you.
 The average person thinks from the outside in. "What" we do, "how" we do it, and "why" we do it. That's not interesting, everyone uses that and it won't create an emotionally connected relationship.

Now, when you think from the inside out, things change. You proclaim why you do what you do, truthfully. You believe what you say. If you believe what you say, others will. Then after you have stated your "why", you move on to how you accomplish your why and what you have to offer.

Simon Sinek always says, "People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it." This is so true. If you honestly express why you do what you do, you will have more loyal customers, employees, friends, readers, etc.

This is a SUPER brief overview of some of the things Simon Sinek lectures about, so if you'd like to listen to him and his genius ways, go here to listen to his amazing lecture. You won't regret it.

guest post - rebekah of forever unique

Good morning! I have such a treat for you today. My best friend is guest posting for me. I. Know. Greatest thing ever. This lady is just the best, and I love her to absolute pieces. She has a heart of gold and I know y'all will enjoy what she has to say!

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Hey y'all! I'm Rebekah, but you can just call me Beka. My blog is Forever Unique and I share little pieces of my life with whoever is willing to read. I'm a baker of delicious things, a lover of all things lace, and a precious child of my God. You'll probably find a little bit of everything over there. Sneak a peak if you like! :)

Today is my precious best friend's birthday. I'm so honored that she asked me to write this post on her very special day. I love you mucho, Ruthanne! Happy birthday, sweetheart. Hope you're loving your week with your family.

Ruthanne and I have such a unique story. Really, it's one of a kind. She wrote the perfect post about in on here, but if you haven't read it, please do! Y'all are so blessed to read the words of this girl. Really. Her precious wisdom beyond her years and understanding is awesome to read and be a part of.

I thought long and hard about what to post, and I feel led to talk on a more serious note today. And I know this isn't the norm for guest bloggers, but I feel like someone might need this like I did.



Sunday my pastor told Jacob's story from the Old Testament. His whole life, Jacob was a runner, a conniver, a deceiver. He deceived his older brother out of his firstborn blessing and ran, he later took herds and his family and ran from his father-in-law, and the examples go on and on. He constantly blamed others for being the root of his problems. Jacob's brother, Esau, has been incredibly angry with Jacob for over 20 years since Jacob cheated him out of his birthright. His brother finally caught up with him along with an army of 400 men and Jacob begged God to neutralize the situation. God literally came down as an angel (the pre-Christ) and physically wrestled with Jacob. In the end, the angel simply touched Jacob's hip, and his hip immediately went out. My pastor brought me the realization that God specifically touched his hip so that Jacob couldn't run anymore. Crazy, right? So Jacob had to meet his brother face to face. But while Esau is stomping out to meet Jacob, Jacob is walking with a limp supported by a cane.



Pastor Sal made the most astounding parallel. When we run through life carelessly hurting people, we hurt those others and ourselves, leaving scars -- just like Jacob did. It's easier to say "No" to evil than "Yes" to God. So we run and run and run. Until we get between a hard place and God. We can't run anymore. God finally tells us that He is placing these problematic people and situations to change and mold things in us.



As a Christ follower, I am wounded. I have scars. But God is making me into a beautiful thing. Constantly. But that means that I walk with a limp, to depend on God. And I have to be open with that limp. It's important that people are aware that I am wounded and completely imperfect. But I have a God who loves me so much that He came to earth and died for me, to carrry me through the storms.



This song means so much to me. It's been a rally song, a cry-your-guts-out song, a fall-to-my-knees song, an anthem, a reminder that God is making me new.

I absolutely adore you all and I hope to see you again! Thanks for reading!

Rebekah

gone for my birthday road trip.

  happy sunday, friends. :)   I turn 17 tomorrow...can you believe it? it's been over a year since I started this little blog, and man, have I changed. I won't dwell on that though, this is not the time for a nostalgic post.   Right now, I'm probably in the car with my crazy family headed south, for a little bit of a birthday road trip. We're off to Disneyland and Lego Land and all sorts of fun places. Exciting, isn't it?   I won't be posting for a few days...maybe I'll drop in once, but for the next 7 days, I have some fabulous guest posts lined up for you, dear readers of mine!   enjoy your day of rest!   xoxo, Ruthanne

loving on pinterest.

Favorite pins from the past ten days!! Love them so much. those shoes? Swoon. Cupcakes? I die. Blouse? Yes please. Record butterflies? Give me!!

Source: someecards.com via Ruthanne on Pinterest

Source: nicholask.com via Ruthanne on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Ruthanne on Pinterest

Source: vintage-retro.tumblr.com via Ruthanne on Pinterest

Source: thesimplyluxuriouslife.com via Ruthanne on Pinterest

Source: skreened.com via Ruthanne on Pinterest

Source: herblog.com via Ruthanne on Pinterest

Source: designspiration.net via Ruthanne on Pinterest

Source: thesweetestoccasion.com via Ruthanne on Pinterest

Source: design-seeds.com via Ruthanne on Pinterest

Source: compartetusecoideas.blogspot.com via Ruthanne on Pinterest

funny funny.

some days I pretend I'm a real teenager and actually have a life. those are the days when I'm actually invited to the things that go on in this town...like church bonfires, and movie nights.

then I remember I'm a nanny at 16, think thrifting is the best thing ever, would rather sew a dress than socialize with those people, and collect vintage pyrex.

then reality smacks me in the face.....

and I laugh and laugh and remember...I'm supposed to be turning 17 in six days....HAHA. funny, God, putting a 37 year old in my body. funny funny. 

obviously, this is why I have a blog.

ps- if you want to go like my facebook page, you're super awesome.

country girl + senior portraits.

driving iphone pic + snapseed basic editing

 if you haven't figured it out yet, I consider myself a 'country girl'....not because I'm from the south, because obviously I'm not...but because it's not too far from the truth. I may have grown up in the mountains, but what you see above is just 20 minutes from my house. and man is it gorgeous. 

we have dirt roads. lakes. rivers. cows. ranches. cowboy boots. jeans and plaid. we're a true western town, if you ask me...heck. we were a railroad city back in the day. anyway.

I'm getting my senior portraits done here (a little further down the road, but it looks the same) and I need some ideas for outfits. I want to do one classic vintage outfit, jeans and my cowgirl boots + some blouse, and then one more. ideas? if you feel so inclined...tweet me a polyvore or pinterest link...I need all the help I can get.

we went camping.

I love the place I call home. 

no, I am not a robot.

My friend Jamie told me once after I broke down in front of her, "Gosh..it's so nice to know you're not a robot. Cause for a while there, I thought you were."

Those words hit me hard...like a big ole sucker punch to the stomach. I had been putting up a front of the perfect, good, Christian girl for years. Am I that afraid of people? Do I really care that much? Who am I? What am I doing? I asked myself these questions as I walked home from our morning run.

Rewind five years. 

My best friend of two years tells me she's moving. All the way across the country. I'm mortified. Two months later, she's gone. I'd never had many friends, and she was one of two I was close to at this point in my life.

Fast forward a year. My family and I take a trip to Washington DC, and end up staying a week with my best friend and her parents. She was an only child, not used to such chaos...and when my family and I invaded their (huge) house for a week, it stressed her out. I was 13. I was different than I had been when she left a year earlier, and even though we wrote each other over 200 letters, it was like visiting a stranger.

The week went on, and it gradually seemed like old times. Taking a drive to starbucks, getting strawberries and cream frappes, going to dance class with her. It all seemed...normal.

Then the last day of our trip, we went to the grand re-opening of the Smithsonian Museum of American History - it had been closed for a few years for remodeling, and we got to be there the day it opened. (we even ended up in the Wall Street Journal - crazy!) anyway. Maggie (my best friend) and I had never argued. We'd never bickered. Not even on our trip to L.A. did we fight. 

We were walking to the Native American museum when it finally happened. I had read a word wrong and it bugged her. She snapped at me, I snapped back, and she returned it again. I was so burnt out on that last day. I was ready to be in my own bed. I wanted to see my mountains. I wanted to smell the crisp, thin mountain air. I wanted out of the city and I wanted to be home. I apologized to her for snapping at her. She didn't accept it...and lost it. She began yelling at me, and telling me all these dreadful things. I don't remember much, other than tears streaming down my face. 

We got to the museum, and I took Jesse (who was 2 at the time) to change his diaper. Maggie's mom tried to help and I declined, but she helped me anyway. Maggie followed me into the bathroom and we had it out. I don't remember much of what was said, except I know most of it was about everything I was doing wrong in our friendship. She stormed out screaming "FINE, BE THAT WAY". My 13 year old heart was broken. I knew, deep down, that this was the end of our friendship. 

Her mom tried to mediate between the two of us. She made us both sit in the foyer of the museum and talk civilly, as if nothing was wrong. She asked her daughter to tell her side, and then asked me. She shoved everything onto my shoulders, and I had nothing to say. I was bawling. My "best friend" was telling lies about me to her mother, and her mother was believing her, and joining in on telling me I was flawed. 

The next 15 hours were hellish, to say the least, but we got through them, pretending things were fine. As we drove away the next morning, I remember hugging Maggie goodbye, and telling her I was sorry, again, and not getting a response. I cried the whole way home. From her house to the airport. On all 3 plane rides. The drive from the airport to our house. 

I wrote Maggie a year later. She returned it, and I responded again, only to be rejected once more. I haven't talked to her since. 

This story probably seems silly, but it has a point. That afternoon in that museum, I sub-consciously made a decision to hide myself from people. Obviously I wasn't good enough for my "best friend", so why would anyone else want to know the real me? I started putting up walls. I became so focused on making sure I was likable, and different. I never actually showed any real emotions to anyone. I became the dreaded "perfect Christian girl" that everyone despised, deep down. 

The point of this post is to tell you that I know (most of the time) I come off bubbly, happy go lucky, everything is just amazing today, why aren't you smiling too? a lot of the time. If you know me, you know you'll probably be greeted with a smile. You know I laugh a lot, and you know that I like to talk. You know my life goals, you know my style, and you know how much I love to "be different". My aspirations and dreams seem silly to most, and I know this. 

Recently I've been faced with the reality that I'm really hard to take seriously. I've grown up in a good, stable home. My parents don't even refer to divorce as more than a word. I've traveled a lot, been given a lot, and seem to "have it all" to a lot of people. And I understand why this would give some people reason to believe I'm oblivious...but I'm not. Most people think I'm some naive teenager who has no idea what life is really like. And you know what? They're most definitely right. BUT. What's been hitting me so hard about this reality, is that a lot of people tend to mix that with thinking that I'm going to walk away from God when life gets rough, because I've had everything up until then...and when I don't anymore, I'm going to get mad and leave my faith behind.

Can I just say, to those people, whether one of them is reading this or not...I know I'm naive. I know this world is huge, and awful, and really, quite honestly, I'm terrified of it. But please don't mistake my lack of knowledge about life for an inability to comprehend struggles. 

I have had this post on my heart for a long time...but I just didn't have the words for it. How do I verbalize something like this? I want you to know - as my blog readers, that I started this blog as a place to figure out who I am. To find myself behind all of those walls I've been building for the past four years. I don't think I'm perfect, nor do I think this world is...and I never want you to think that I'm just some robot, playing out the life of a perfect Christian girl. I am flawed, and I am not perfect. I make mistakes. I say the wrong thing sometimes. It is my prayer that you see all of this - so you can see what the Lord is doing in my life, changing me little by little to be more like Him.

berry nice birthday.

Addy's second birthday was a small affair. homemade strawberry cake, simple strawberry decorations, iced tea and ice cream. the little booger won't let anyone take her photo these days, so the only glimpses I have for you, really, are of the table. but even then, i suppose they work. now...mom, I want a strawberry shortcake birthday next year..mmkay? ;)