Fresh Market.

(Tuesday, September 24:) Review a book, place, or product.

Last Friday, I had a few minutes to spare so I ran into the new Fresh Market in Kansas City.  A friend had told me that it was like a mix between Dean and Deluca and Whole Foods.  I'd say that's pretty close. 

This is definitely an upscale grocery experience, where everything is, you guessed it, FRESH! Everything looked delicious.  There was an entire section of fresh produce, a huge deli counter, cheese selection, salad bar, olive bar, and many prepared dishes such as pizzas, sandwiches, and salads to go.  I ordered a 1/2 pound of their greek artichoke salad to go, and it was filled with olives, onions, tomatoes, and artichokes.

One of my favorite stations was the old-fashioned candy aisle.  Not only did everything look delicious, but it was also organized and displayed so neatly.  You could buy these items by the pound, so I was able to just pick out a couple of things that I wanted to try for a reasonable cost.

Another great station was the dried fruit/veggie/snack mix/nuts section, where again you could buy by the pound.  You can also sample anything you want before purchasing, so I tried some dried okra (it was actually really good, and they told me it was a top seller), some dried star fruit and dried green beans.  I walked away with a small bag of dried apples with cinnamon.  

I didn't spend much time in the refrigerated section or the coffee station, but I hope to look more into those next time I stop by.  I don't plan to go once a week or anything, but it will be on my list of places to visit when I need something special or sweet!

Comfort.

So, I got behind.  Life got in the way, and mostly, I got lazy :)  Here's my attempt to somewhat catch-up in the Blogtember challenge.

(Friday, September 20):  React to this term: comfort. 

1. Pajamas....  Flannel ones that you can wear all day on Sunday, with fuzzy socks to match. I just snagged these on sale for $20 from Target.

Target

2. Coffee....  In the morning, before anyone else is awake and it is still somewhat dark outside.  My favorite coffee from Trader Joe's, black.

3. Rainy Days.... when you can spend them inside baking cookies. My favorite cookie? Betty Crocker's simple recipe for Monster Cookies.

via

4. Being HOME.

via

Selfie.

Friday, September 13: A self portrait.

Sorry, they made me. #selfiesareawkward

Happy Friday! 

Dear....

Monday, September 16: Write a public love letter to someone in your life. (It doesn't necessarily need to be romantic.)

I'm determined not to miss a day of this Blogtember deal, but these next few prompts are definitely pushing me out of my comfort zone.  Here goes nothing :)

Dear J,

It only seems appropriate that I write a public love letter to my husband.  Even though I tell you most often, I'm sure I don't tell you enough, I love you.

We've been through quite the year! Reflecting back on all that we've accomplished over the past 6 years of knowing you and nearly 3 years of being married to you I think of one word: proud.  

Between many moves separately, and many moves again together we've learned to roll with the punches and take life one step at a time.  I look back at the times we spent apart, when you lived nearly 5 hours away from me, and I remember thinking if only we were closer... if only the years would fly by...  I definitely don't miss being miles and miles apart, but I do know that we learned a lot from that time, and I cherish those long trips to visit you. I'm proud of all of the goals you have set for yourself and how determined you are.  

I can hardly believe we will be coming up on our 3rd wedding anniversary, but in the same breath, I can hardly believe it has only been three years.  We've grown up (a little...) and wised up (a little...) and most definitely grown closer together.  I know you better than I ever thought I could and I hope you can same the same about me.  It only makes me more excited for the years to come.

Speaking of the future, we've got ourselves a pretty exciting (near) future ahead of us. We're gonna be parents! YIKES...  I'm so proud to call you my husband and to have you as the father of our children. I hope our son inherits your sense of humor, your humble and kind spirit and most importantly, your unconditional love that your have so graciously shared with me.  I know you will be his biggest fan.  I can't wait to watch your relationship grow.  

My one and only, my greatest gift, I'm so thankful for you.  
Love, M

Only photos.

Wednesday, September 18: Only photos.

So I got behind. I knew it was bound to happen! In my attempt to catch up, here are a bunch of pics from my wonderful weekend getaway.

A memory.

Tuesday, September 17: A memory you would love to relive.

I'm making this short and sweet, but I'm not just picking one :) 

1.  Wedding Day

2.  Senior Dance Recital

3.  Childhood Family Vacation (any!)

4.  Christmas morning (ages 5-10)

My favorite online shops!

Wednesday, September 11th: Share links to your favorite online shops, preferably with a few photos of your favorite items in each shop.

One of my very favorite stores, both online and in-store, is JCrew Factory. They often have amazing promos where you can score additional sales and free shipping. And the quality is great, I find stuff for both me and my husband all the time. If I could fit into normal clothes, these are a few things that would be hanging out in y shopping cart:

Another online favorite is Sephora. I don't shop here often, but if I need anything, I usually buy it online. Why?! Free samples and bonus freebies!  Here are a few of my frequent purchases:

1. Smashbox Liquid Foundation.

2. Mens Fragrance Sampler.
3. Philosophy Purity Facial Cleanser.

That moment when your life takes a turn.

Tuesday, September 10th: Describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn.

July 2012.

I've talked about this moment before. J and I were living in our first home, both satisfied with our jobs as teacher and graduate student. On somewhat of a whim, I applied for a job in a different city. I didn't know what I was doing, or why, but it felt right. I called my go-to girlfriend for advice, and decided to go for it. What's the. Worst that could happen anyways?!

About two weeks went by. I was called for an interview. Another week went by and I'm called back for another interview, but at a different school. I'm feeling optimistic, but reluctant and confused. I visited my parents moments after the interview and that is the moment it all changed. They had just come from the doctors office, and the news was not good. It appeared my mom had colon cancer. I froze. 

It wasn't for certain, but "probable". Not good. Within one week we decided to change our plans- move jobs, move cities, sell our house and move in with my mom and dad.  

I still can't believe that was all just a year ago. After months of tests and surgeries, my mom was finally pronounced cancer free. I have no idea why it took the doctors so long to give our family that tremendously awesome news, but we were so grateful to get it. In late February, our house sold, and we were able to move out on our own again at the beginning of May. Just in time to start nesting for our new addition. 

It was a whirlwind. It was unplanned. It was difficult, stressful and messy. It was all worth it. And I believe it was all meant to be.

How blogging has changed me.

Thursday, September 12: Discuss ways that blogging or social media has changed you.

Blogs- I started reading blogs about 5 years ago. I followed a few more popular blogs and then would search the comments for other interesting posts. Most of these were fashion related, DIY crafty/home decor or wedding planning type blogs. I feel like you can learn so much from people's stories, and I really so feel like I've gotten to know some of these strangers as I read about their lives throughout the years. I've been inspired by their ideas and motivation and stories of life and love. I was always intimidated to start my own space on the Internet. After seeing my friend Ashley lay it all out on her blog, I jumped on the bandwagon, too. I'm still a bit unsure what my little space here is all about, but I'm alright figuring it out as I go. I'm not much of a writer, but it feels good to have documented some thoughts and ideas of my own. 

Pinterest- I love pinterest. It's one of my favorite places to look for creative inspiration. From what to wear, what to cook and what to teach, I've stumbled upon some of the greatest ideas!

Facebook- I'm pretty much over Facebook. I get on and scroll through the status updates and all I see is pictures and comments from friends of friends that I don't even know! I even shut my FB down for a bit, but decided I should keep it open for messaging. Just not my favorite at the moment...

Instagram- My new favorite social media. I love seeing snippets of my friends' daily lives. And the filters are fun, too. Plus, taking pictures each day makes me think to document my own daily life- which is always fun to look back on (even if it is mostly just pics of my food and dog) :)

Personality Test.

Monday, September 9th: Take this short personality test and respond to your results. (at the end, find the detailed profile of your personality account - click "click to view" under "You" and "self awareness and personal growth." You can even google your type and find more info on it!)

Turns out I'm an ENFJ... Although I think if I took this test again, it could turn out differently. Some questions were hard to choose!

I guess I'm not completely surprised at this description. I'm a people pleaser for sure. I'm happiest when everyone around me is happy and satisfied.

Anti-tattoos? Where did that come from? Ha. I could care less if someone has a tattoo, and wouldn't mind having one myself either. Other than hyperactive, the rest of the traits seem reasonable. 

This career list cracks me up. One, because I would love to have many of those careers, and I've considered many of them. Two, because my husband is a science, computer, engineer type. I guess opposites truly do attract :) 

Afraid.

Friday, September 6th: A story about a time you were very afraid.

I'm a worrier.  I worry about anything and everything, to a fault. I worry I'll be late, or that I forgot something at home, or that the door might be unlocked.  But afraid? That's a different category. 

This story sticks out in my mind and I remember being afraid.

I was just starting my first teaching position. My apartment wasn't available for about 6 weeks so I was staying with my cousin for that time. He had a beautiful house on the cutest street. I had my own bedroom and even a spot in the garage. 

There was only one night where I was there alone. I was in bed at about 8:30pm (typical), when I heard something. It was as if someone was trying to get in the front door. My heart sank, and I froze. Why would someone be trying to open the door? Shouldn't they ring the doorbell? Is someone supposed to be here? I didn't move.

It stopped. I sat still. Thinking. Do I lock myself in here? Or try to get out? Am I hearing things? Maybe I'm just psyching myself out.

A few moments later I heard the same noise, but from the back door. I grabbed my phone, my keys, and a robe. Skipped shoes, purse, etc. I went to the garage, got in my car, locked the doors, opened the garage and pulled out of the garage. I was so scared. I shut the garage and started driving to my parent's house, which was 40 minutes away. As I drove away I saw 3 dark figures running through the street.

I still haven't convinced myself that all of this really happened. It almost feels surreal, which honestly, is fine with me. I would like to think that this was all in my mind because I was afraid of staying alone. I stayed the night with mom and dad then got up early enough to drive the hour plus to my job. 

Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep that night. 

Advice.

Thursday, September 5th: Pass on some useful advice or information you learned and always remembered. 

This is simple, but so useful. I find myself repeating this in my head all the time! From my mom (a classic that I know I will use with my kids!): 

"It's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!"

I haven't had the chance to use this advice yet, but a friend told me this when I told her I was pregnant. I think it's simple and brilliant:

"Remember that each phase of your child's life is just hat- a phase. Good or bad, it will be over quickly. Savor it."

These last few come from my dad, and while it is more of general advice than a quote, I know I've learned this advice from him:

Be positive. 

Be kind, always, especially to those who aren't so kind themselves. 

Don't try to control the things you can't control.

What would you do?

Wednesday, September 4th: If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything in the world, what would you do? (bonus points for fun photos from Pinterest, but don't forget to cite the source!)

So I'm going to pretend that 3 months is a really loooooooong time. And that I have an endless supply of cash :)

1. Travel... Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and more!

2. Talk... to people I love.  Long coffee dates that don't have to end, phone conversations that last all day. Visit all of my friends who I never see enough.

3. Create...decorate, bake, design, sew, paint, etc.

4. Learn... How to use power tools, crochet/knit, drive a stick shift car, change a tire...

5. Volunteer... with kids!

Where I come from.

Tuesday, Sept. 3: Describe where or what you come from. The people, the places, and/or the factors that make up who you are.

I lucky enough to come from the most loving and supportive family that I cherish each day.  I come from a mother who would drop anything and everything to do anything and everything for her children. She inspires me daily in her calm and confident way of life to be the best I can be.  I come from a father who is the most positive and supportive role model in my life. He is grounded, independent, intelligent, gentle, and most definitely friendly.  I come from Kansas.  A high school where I felt I had good teachers and friends.  I come from a college career that left me with some of my most treasured friends... and a degree, too.  I come from a job that encourages me to be more than I am, and inspires me to make a difference by building relationships and helping other people.    I come from heartaches, tears, trials, and tests that have taught me to cherish each day and to expect the unexpected. I come from friends who teach me how to love, laugh and how to be a friend.  I come from a marriage that teaches me to be humble and kind, to be calm and reflective and excited and loyal.  I come from God.

Blogtember

Back in May, I semi-participated in Jenni's "Blog a day in May". Not only did this activity inspire me to write on topics I would have never thought of on my own, but it also got me writing more frequently.

I was so excited to see that Jenni is hosting a similar challenge this September, Blogtember. This time you don't blog each day, only during the week. I'm really hoping to stick with this (and also  #fmsphotoaday in September on Instagram) and write on each of her prompts. Who else is in?!

Here are the prompts from Jenni's site:

Tuesday, Sept. 3: Describe where or what you come from. The people, the places, and/or the factors that make up who you are.

Wednesday, September 4: If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything in the world, what would you do? (bonus points for fun photos from Pinterest, but don't forget to cite the source!)

Thursday, September 5: Pass on some useful advice or information you learned and always remembered. 

Friday, September 6: A story about a time you were very afraid.

Monday, September 9: Take this short personality test and respond to your results. (at the end, find the detailed profile of your personality account - click "click to view" under "You" and "self awareness and personal growth." You can even google your type and find more info on it!)

Tuesday, September 10: Describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn.

Wednesday, September 11: Share links to your favorite online shops, preferably with a few photos of your favorite items in each shop.

Thursday, September 12: Discuss ways that blogging or social media has changed you.

Friday, September 13: A self portrait

Monday, September 16: Write a public love letter to someone in your life. (It doesn't necessarily need to be romantic.)

Tuesday, September 17: A memory you would love to relive.

Wednesday, September 18: Only photos

Thursday, September 19: Creative writing day: write a (very short) fictional story that starts with this sentence: "To say I was dreading the dinner party would be the understatement of the century."

The story does not necessarily need to have a conclusion - you can leave your readers wishing for more!

Friday, September 20: React to this term: comfort. 

Monday, September 23: A "life lately" post. What you're up to, how you're feeling, how you're doing on your goals, etc. Bonus points for great photos!

Tuesday, September 24: Review a book, place, or product.

Wednesday, September 25: Write about a time you screwed up - a mistake you made. 

Thursday, September 26: Go to a coffee shop. Order a favorite drink. Write about what makes you happy and what makes you sad. Or write about anything you'd like! Bonus points for including a photo from the coffee shop. (I recommend downloadingOmmwriter and bringing headphones along!) *if you can't make it to a coffee shop, at least leave your usual space and write someplace new.

Friday, September 27: An anonymous letter to your Facebook friends. Be as snarky as you'd like. (but don't include people's real names.) 

Monday, September 30: Share a photo of something old. Maybe something that has personal history for you, that was passed down to you, and that has special meaning to you. Tell us about it and why it's special.

--
Meaghan Allison Graber