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 

The story of Rocky

      Today's post is completely dedicated to the sweetest and most loving little girl I've ever met. She has done nothing but fight for her life since she was born and I am so blessed to see her living today. Her name is Rik'kel and her nickname is Rocky- so fitting. When she was born almost 2 years ago she had major heart issues, physical disabilities and down syndrome. After months of living in the hospital and major surgeries and incidents she was finally able to go home. Her amazing parents have suffered endless nights without sleep, dealing with impatient hospital workers and of course suffering the endless amounts of bills. However, despite loss of jobs and struggles they continue to be amazing parents that show nothing but love and gratitude. Rik'kel has had tubes put into her ears and recently had them removed and replaced and was given the news that she is not deaf!
      God has given this little girl so much more to deal with than many grown adults could face. I have literally never seen her cry or throw a tantrum- although I know she can! She is walking beautifully now with leg braces and is learning to balance better. It is amazing to see how far this little girl has come. She is truly full of life and has a demeanor about her that is irreplaceable. This girl is going to do great things in this world and she will always have the love and support from her family away from home every day of her life! We are so blessed to be loved and to love her.
     I know that when the day comes for me to have kids I will make it a point to enjoy each moment of my pregnancy because of her story. I will try my hardest not to take for granted the journey of carrying a life and the struggles you feel- because the struggles make the ending so much more worthwhile. Life is a beautiful gift we have been give and we really need to remember that is not guaranteed. There are so many beautiful people with beautiful stories, so please share.

Goal Chasers

     

       So all of those people working on goals you set almost a month ago- Keep going! There are many people who are so discouraging to those goal setters who start every January. However, we should be encouraging you to make this a real change and to keep going even when it gets hard. I cannot hate on someone who is making lifestyle changes no matter how long it's taking them and no matter how many times they start and stop. Help people. Sometimes just a simple text, or hello can motivated someone even more to keep going a little more. 
        When I am in the midst of a routine I am usually pretty consistent but I am human. I have days that I miss and I have moments of struggle. Some days I just literally don't feel like going for a run, lifting or eating the healthier food but I really try to. I know on those days I am usually presented with a quote, picture or a friend posting something that reminds me that each day counts. Even though you may not always see your progress, changes are occurring. Think about how you feel. Try not to compare yourself to others but compete with yourself. You can always be better. Even those who run every day can always be better.

      Please know that all of you can help contribute to someones success so don't be afraid to share your accomplishments and worries. We're all in this together. Let's continue making strides and see how far we get?

What are you goals? Work goals? Fitness goals? Family goals? Faith goals? Whatever they are believe in your power and go for it. 

If you would like to share your goals, feel free! I love hearing what others are doing!