Once a college roomie, forever a friend.

    

      For those of you who don't know my friend Brooke, let me fill  you in. She has a huge heart for animals, family, friends and making others feel good. She is extremely gifted at channeling her creativity, creating art and capturing beautiful moments on her camera. I admire her free spirit and her ability to see things in such a unique way.  

     Brooke and I met our freshman year of college. I remember feeling so anxious for that new part of my life and the moment we met I knew I Would  be okay! She was very funny, down to earth and her family couldn't have been more adorable. We even looked alike which freaked everyone out. At the time, I was going through one of the most difficult and challenging times of my life and this girl was always there to just listen. She was so thoughtful and always willing to cheer me up. She helped me become me. We have stayed friends through break ups, stressful classes, distance and post college life. I was beyond honored that Brooke was willing and able to take our engagement and wedding photos. I can't explain how perfect it felt to get ready on the day of my wedding knowing that my friend was there to capture every tear, laugh and smile. It was such a perfect day and I often look at my wedding pictures with such joy and gratitude. I know Brooke helped capture those moments I will forever cherish. 

     Brooke, I am so proud of you for never failing to chase after your dreams. I am so proud of all of your work and am such a fan! You really have showed me the importance of being unique and doing what makes your heart happy. You've touched my life and I hope you know how much my family and I adore you! 


"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because west the world needs is people who have come alive." 


http://www.simplybunique.com

The one and only...

 Katie Michele

Just want to give a shout out to my better half and lifelong partner in crime: my sister. I'm not going to get very mushy but I just have to let the world know what a special woman she is. She has a lively personality that truly brings out the best in others. She is the strongest person I know inside and out and is able to show humility and grace in all she does. However, she is also the goofiest, funniest and smelliest person I know. We have had to endure some very difficult times in our lives, some that at the time I would never wish for anyone else. These times have shaped us and made us the people we are today. We've learned to always have faith, cherish our families and continue to open our hearts so not to deny ourselves of true happiness. We owe a whole lot of this knowledge to my angel mother by the way. My childhood, my wedding and my life would be so incomplete without her. I wouldn't change the 3+ hour drives 2-3X a week to watch her play field hockey, filming her hockey games, taking endless amounts of pictures, running next to her at 7am, watching our favorite movies and quoting them randomly or our very important coffee dates. I'm extremely lucky to have such a beautiful and honest person in my life. Many would agree and one day soon her prince charming will be able to tell me the same thing. 

Love you sissy and I will always be so proud of you!

Krzyzewski. (shə-SHEF-ski)

“People have to be given the freedom to show the heart they possess. I think it’s a leader’s responsibility to provide that type of freedom. And I believe it can be done through relationships and family. Because if a team is a real family, it’s members want to show you their hearts.

           Today's post goes out to one of the greatest coaches and men to ever exist. He is extremely humble and has created one of the most successful college basketball and USA basketball teams since he began. He's broken numerous records and leads by example in every way. He is a huge family man and is a firm believer in respect, communication and honesty. This man is deeply in love with the game of basketball, his wife and family, all of his players and his country. If you can't tell, I have nothing but love and respect for Coach K and he will always be one of the most influential people I admire. I have read many books about him and his coaching and they have really shaped the way I teach, approach relationships and coach. I recommend reading any and all of the books by him and about him. I am a Duke fan and love the way they implement high standards of play and education. I have had many opportunities to travel to Durham and see the teams play each year. It's inspiring to say the least. I'm thankful for people like Coach K that stand their ground and continue to help spark passion and determination in a youth today that needs just that. There are boys that have played for him and many other basketball teams that have lived through traumatic events and have lost many loved ones. These coaches work with these boys to help them find strength from within that will carry them through life. He is one of the reasons I am so passionate about kids playing sports or at least being involved in teams of some sort. Dance, sports, music, etc. help shape a person. They teach you to find self confidence, determination and passion. The world needs more passion.

Happy birthday to a one of a kind Krzy.
 

“When you are passionate, you always have your destination in sight and you are not distracted by obstacles. Because you love what you are pursuing, things like rejection and setbacks will not hinder you in your pursuit. You believe that nothing can stop you!”
  



 

“People want to be on a team. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They want to be in a situation where they feel that they are doing something for the greater good.”

These are a few of my favorite things...

                          

 

It's really nice to take some time every once in a while and do something for yourself.  I'm serious. Do it. You won't regret it. Even if it means breaking out of your routine. Sometimes a little spontaneous celebrating is just what you need to lift your spirits and help you get back on track. I tend to enjoy $hopping when I want some time away followed by a coffee and jamming to my favorite songs in the car with the music loud. *It should be noted that I am the bargain queen! Do what you do. If you're thing is reading- read. If you like watching movies- watch. If you like ice cream- get something! I try to really be smart and conscious of what I eat and how I spend my money but sometimes I just feel like treating myself and I'm glad I do. I don't have kids yet but I hope that when I do I dont' sacrifice some of the things I love and enjoy that help me feel like me. 

In the spirit of having fun, here are some of my favorite things! 

Jewelry!!

My friends and their great sense of fashion :)

Family!

My wedding day

SPORTS

My perfect Husband

Running and exercising of any kind!

My home

My dogter

My job <3

The kiddos in my life!

 

 

 

Sister  

Making gifts and finding gifts for people!

Trying to be better.

 

 

Playing dress up  

                                                                           

 

         

"I'm deaf so I didn't hear them..."

  Derrick Coleman 

     Today's post is dedicated to an inspirational person who is on his preparing to win the Superbowl tonight. I heard his story a while back, then when the commercial was shown showcasing his struggle of being deaf it just struck me again. This is the kind of person everyone today can learn from. Whether you are being teased, left out or abused because of a physical or mental impairment doesn't mean those people can or should be able to take away your strength. You have something deep inside of you that no one can take away without your permission. This man has been told NO time and time again yet he knew he had to keep trying because he knew he could do what everyone so quickly doubted. His parents showed great strength and belief and changed the way he advocated for himself.

Take time to talk to your kids or loved ones about the importance of not defining yourself and your capabilities based on the words of people of the world. You truly can do whatever your heart desires.

Here are some additional  videos that are sure to inspire and remind you <3