- Mud Love Bracelets
I found out about these bracelets in June, when I went to a retreat. I absolutely love the one I got, which says shine on it, and decided to buy more. I now have one that says overcome, one that says courage, one that says brave, and one with the semicolon on it. - TV series Outlander
I recently found out about the show called Outlander, and at first I was hesitant to watch it. Now that I have started it, I love it!! A woman living in the 1940's (I believe it's the 40's), is on a honeymoon with her husband, and they come across these stones. She touches one of them, and is transported back to the 1700s, and has to live through all that goes on during that time period. It is very well acted, and scripted. I am so glad I decided to give this show a chance! - Happy Grams from Joni and Friends Family Retreats
I went to a Joni and Friends Retreat in June, and we were able to write Happy Grams to anyone attending the retreat. I thought that was a great idea, as it gives someone a boost if they really need it, and I enjoyed sending them, as well as receiving them. - Joni and Friends Retreat
I absolutely LOVED the retreat, and really miss it. I can't wait until I can go again, next year. The people there are so kind, wonderful, and they truly care about everyone who is at the retreat. I went to the Maranatha retreat in Michigan, and am so glad I did. - Disco Kitten Illuminating Diamond Peel-Off Mask
I got this mask a few months ago, in one of my Ipsy bags, and absolutely loved it. When I saw it offered as an add-on for June's bag, I jumped at the chance and added it to my bag again. It clears up my skin, and minimizes the size of my pores, both of which I really need help with. Plus, it doesn't irritate my skin, nor do I have any bad reactions to it, which is so nice!! - The Coldest Water BottleThis water bottle was designed to keep water cold for hours, and it definitely does that. I heard about it from a YouTuber that I watch, who talked about this in a favorites video that she recently did. I love water bottles, so I just had to give this one a try. I got the 32 ounce bottle, and it works just like it is supposed to. This is probably my favorite water bottle, out of all the ones I have/had (I currently have 4 or 5 different bottles).
- Color Correcting Tinted Moisturizer (CCTM) from SeneGence
I bought this moisturizer months ago, but never got the chance to use it until now. And, I must say, I don't know why I waited so long to try it! It reduces the appearance of redness and acne spots, my pores are smaller (which I was hoping for when trying this), and it is not sticky or greasy. - Season 3 of Stranger ThingsI am a few episodes in, and I am loving it!! I liked the first two seasons, so I was excited to watch season 3, and I can't wait to see the rest of the season.
Sunday, July 14, 2019
My Favorites for Summer 2019
Here is what I have been loving so far this summer:
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Things That Made Me Happy in June
Here is what made me happy this month:
- Going on my very first Joni and Friends retreat (it was AMAZING!!!)
- Seeing a chipmunk at the retreat
- Going to a local festival that was right next to work
- Riding my bike a few times each week
- Seeing chipmunks on two different days (near home)
- Seeing my work's penthouse and rooftop garden
- Getting my official college certificaite in the mail
- Seeing animals at a show, at the local library (turtles, snakes, spiders, etc.)
- Seeing a hummingbirds feeding at the feeder we have at home
- Getting invited to a professional baseball game next month
Monday, June 24, 2019
Joni and Friends Maranatha Family Retreat 2019
I was finally able to go to a Joni and Friends Retreat, and I am SOOO grateful that I got to go!! I had been wanting to go for a few years, but wasn't able to go financially until this year.
These retreats serve people with disabilities, and their families, for a week of fun and relaxation.
I went to the second week of the retreat, from Sunday, June 16 to Friday, June 21.
The week or so leading up to camp, I was nervous, as this was my first time staying somewhere completely on my own. I am normally a very shy and introverted person, so this was something that was way out of my comfort zone.
Plus, with this being my first Joni and Friends Retreat, I didn't know what to expect.
But, the moment I got there, and met the people where were serving there as well, I was at ease, and instantly felt comfortable there.
On Sunday, we had training in preparation for when the campers/families came on Monday. We learned what to do in the event we are in a situation where we would need help. We also learned about the activities that would go on during camp, Then in the evening we had a bonfire on the beach, and were able to make s'mores, talk, and relax.
Monday morning was our final training session, as well as getting ready for when the families and campers came. Then, they came in the afternoon, and we had an ice cream social when everyone arrived.
I had Tuesday morning off, so I was able to just relax after worship (for STMs) and breakfast, and check out the grounds. Then I worked the sweet shop for a few hours in the afternoon, with a couple other people. Then it was dinner, and a family fun night. They had bouncy houses, a horse-drawn hay ride, pie for people who wanted some, and a few other fun things. I got to go on the hay ride, which made me really happy (I LOVE horses!!!). I then helped out in the sweet shop for an hour in the evening.
Wednesday was worship for the STMs, breakfast, then I had a break until lunch. I then went to the sweet shop to help prepare for an adult dinner party. There was a petting zoo going on at the same time at the dinner, and I was allowed to check it out. There were goats, sheep, rabbits, chicken, baby chicks, a pig, and geese! I helped out again in the sweet shop for an hour in the evening.
Thursday was worship, breakfast, an accessible worship for everyone, another break for me until lunch, where I helped set up for a women's lunch, then I helped in the sweet shop. Then it was dinner (after a break), a talent show (which I loved!!), and karaoke. I again helped out at the sweet shop in the evening, while the karaoke was going on. The sweet shop was very busy during that time, but it was fun.
Friday was the last day of the retreat, so we packed up our belongings, had breakfast, those with a camper/family helped them pack up and check out, then there was a closing ceremony, and us STMs had a debried, lunch, and a clean up of the place.
I am so grateful that I finally got to go this year. By Thursday, I was not wanting to go home, and was very sad that it was just about over. I made some wonderful friends during my time there, that I will miss dearly while not at retreat, and I very much hope that I get to go again next year.
This retreat has brought me out of my shell a little more, as well as bringing me well out of my comfort zone, which I was hoping would happen. I truly enjoyed serving at retreat, and will miss it very much until next year.
To those who made me feel more at ease, more comfortable, and less shy at retreat, I cannot express just how much you mean to me, just how much what you have done for me means. I truly appreciate it, and will never forget it!! Thank you so much!!!
These retreats serve people with disabilities, and their families, for a week of fun and relaxation.
I went to the second week of the retreat, from Sunday, June 16 to Friday, June 21.
The week or so leading up to camp, I was nervous, as this was my first time staying somewhere completely on my own. I am normally a very shy and introverted person, so this was something that was way out of my comfort zone.
Plus, with this being my first Joni and Friends Retreat, I didn't know what to expect.
But, the moment I got there, and met the people where were serving there as well, I was at ease, and instantly felt comfortable there.
On Sunday, we had training in preparation for when the campers/families came on Monday. We learned what to do in the event we are in a situation where we would need help. We also learned about the activities that would go on during camp, Then in the evening we had a bonfire on the beach, and were able to make s'mores, talk, and relax.
Monday morning was our final training session, as well as getting ready for when the families and campers came. Then, they came in the afternoon, and we had an ice cream social when everyone arrived.
I had Tuesday morning off, so I was able to just relax after worship (for STMs) and breakfast, and check out the grounds. Then I worked the sweet shop for a few hours in the afternoon, with a couple other people. Then it was dinner, and a family fun night. They had bouncy houses, a horse-drawn hay ride, pie for people who wanted some, and a few other fun things. I got to go on the hay ride, which made me really happy (I LOVE horses!!!). I then helped out in the sweet shop for an hour in the evening.
Wednesday was worship for the STMs, breakfast, then I had a break until lunch. I then went to the sweet shop to help prepare for an adult dinner party. There was a petting zoo going on at the same time at the dinner, and I was allowed to check it out. There were goats, sheep, rabbits, chicken, baby chicks, a pig, and geese! I helped out again in the sweet shop for an hour in the evening.
Thursday was worship, breakfast, an accessible worship for everyone, another break for me until lunch, where I helped set up for a women's lunch, then I helped in the sweet shop. Then it was dinner (after a break), a talent show (which I loved!!), and karaoke. I again helped out at the sweet shop in the evening, while the karaoke was going on. The sweet shop was very busy during that time, but it was fun.
Friday was the last day of the retreat, so we packed up our belongings, had breakfast, those with a camper/family helped them pack up and check out, then there was a closing ceremony, and us STMs had a debried, lunch, and a clean up of the place.
I am so grateful that I finally got to go this year. By Thursday, I was not wanting to go home, and was very sad that it was just about over. I made some wonderful friends during my time there, that I will miss dearly while not at retreat, and I very much hope that I get to go again next year.
This retreat has brought me out of my shell a little more, as well as bringing me well out of my comfort zone, which I was hoping would happen. I truly enjoyed serving at retreat, and will miss it very much until next year.
To those who made me feel more at ease, more comfortable, and less shy at retreat, I cannot express just how much you mean to me, just how much what you have done for me means. I truly appreciate it, and will never forget it!! Thank you so much!!!
Thursday, June 6, 2019
YouTube Channel Favorite: FatheringAutism
I found this channel a few weeks ago, and I fell in love with the family that runs it, the instant I started watching their videos.
There is the mother and father, Asa and Priscilla Maass, and their son Isaiah, and daughter Abigail, and dog Maverick.
Abbie has severe autism, and is non-verbal. With the help of her family, therapists and teachers, she is learning important life skills. She uses modified signs, and an iPad to communicate.
Every summer, Abbie goes to a camp for people with special needs, for a week, where she gets to just have fun, and to be a kid. Each camper gets one on one time with a buddy, and from what I have seen in the vlogs, she absolutely loves camp!
I absolutely love this family, as they show real life, and they are so patient and loving with Abby. They of course are raising awareness of autism, and how people can help families and people affected by autism.
The Maass family have their own line of merch, which is, of course, themed around autism, as well as art that Abbie makes.
I am super impressed with how the family handles each situation, and each day, as they come, and how much of an advocate each person is for Abbie, and the special needs community. They are not afraid to speak up for what they believe is right or best for their daughter/sister, and they help her feel like a part of the community.
They are such an amazing family, and I am so thankful to have come across their channel!
There is the mother and father, Asa and Priscilla Maass, and their son Isaiah, and daughter Abigail, and dog Maverick.
Abbie has severe autism, and is non-verbal. With the help of her family, therapists and teachers, she is learning important life skills. She uses modified signs, and an iPad to communicate.
Every summer, Abbie goes to a camp for people with special needs, for a week, where she gets to just have fun, and to be a kid. Each camper gets one on one time with a buddy, and from what I have seen in the vlogs, she absolutely loves camp!
I absolutely love this family, as they show real life, and they are so patient and loving with Abby. They of course are raising awareness of autism, and how people can help families and people affected by autism.
The Maass family have their own line of merch, which is, of course, themed around autism, as well as art that Abbie makes.
I am super impressed with how the family handles each situation, and each day, as they come, and how much of an advocate each person is for Abbie, and the special needs community. They are not afraid to speak up for what they believe is right or best for their daughter/sister, and they help her feel like a part of the community.
They are such an amazing family, and I am so thankful to have come across their channel!
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
My 2019 Summer Bucket List
It is almost summer, so I have decided to make a summer bucket list for this year.
In no particular order, here is what I would like to do this summer:
What is on your bucket list for the summer?
In no particular order, here is what I would like to do this summer:
- Visit the city for a day
- Make homemade popsicles
- Visit the local Pier
- Be an STM at a Joni & Friends Retreat (I will be doing this June 16-21st, or have done so already, depending on when you read this)
- Make s'mores
- Go swimming
- Go to the local weekly festival
- Watch 4th of July fireworks
- Go to the farmer's market
- Visit Great America
- Go on a road trip
- See a movie at a drive-in theater
- Go thrift shopping
- Clear up my skin
- Have at least one photoshoot
- Take lots of photos
- Go bowling
- Go to the zoo
- Work out regularly
- Have a spa day
- Clean up my bedroom
- Redecorate my bedroom
- Participate in an Escape Room
- Color in a coloring book
- Buy summer clothes
- Go to the beach
- Have a sleepover
- Make friendship bracelets
- Have a movie marathon
- Make a vision board
- Meet new people and make new friends
- Be more confident in myself
- Do yoga
- Paint
- Shop at Dollar Tree
- Go on a shopping spree
- Have a picnic outdoors
- Go to a festival
- Learn how to cook
- Practice baking and decorating skills
- Get my driving permit
- Try at least one new-to-me restaurant
- Save more money than I spend
- Go bike riding a lot
- Go to an arcade
- Go mini golfing
- Learn sign language
- Learn Spanish
- Have/host a game night
- Go paintballing
- Fly a kite
- Have a water balloon fight
- Leave positive notes in random places
- Get into a loving, healthy relationship with a significant other
- Learn how to French braid
- Learn how to do fishtail braids
- Go to a water park
- Donate unwanted clothes, other things
- Catch fireflies
- Visit a museum
- Go rollerblading
- Relearn how to play the violin
- Have a girls day/night out
- Got to a paint night
- Dye my hair
- Barbecue with friends, family
- Dance in the rain
- Go to at least one garage/yard sale
- Talk to my friends on a regular basis
- Go ziplining
- Paint my nails
- Relax in the yard
- Blow bubbles
- Tie dye
- Get a second piercing
- Make edible cookie dough
- Take archery lessons
- Go karting
- Have a silly string fight
- Visit a botanical garden
- Knit or crochet 1-2 items a month
- Go get ice cream
- Read 2 books a month
What is on your bucket list for the summer?
Friday, May 31, 2019
Things That Made Me Happy in May
Here is what made me happy this month:
I can't wait for the fun coming next month!!
- Seeing deer on the way home from school
- Seeing a dragonfly on the way home from school (a different day), after returning a class textbook, and getting graduation tickets
- Getting dress shoes for graduation
- Graduating from college (!!!!!)
- Going out to eat after the graduation ceremony, with my family
- Seeing deer on the way home from graduation
- Seeing Avengers: Endgame in theaters
- Seeing my sister and her family
- Celebration a family birthday
- Getting a graduation card from an aunt and uncle
- Making something with a 3D printer for the first time
I can't wait for the fun coming next month!!
Monday, May 27, 2019
Why Do I Want to Be a Teacher?
I have a strong desire to be a teacher (more specifically, a special education teacher), which I have had for years now.
Yet, I never really liked school all that much.
At least, not until I got to college.
I started out with going for my education degree, but I didn't do well, so I switched (I just graduated with my culinary certificate; yes, I know, completely different fields).
I have a learning disability, and am very shy and introverted, so those combined contributed to me not doing well in school, which in turn made me not like school.
There were parts of school that I really liked (Girl Scouts, art, music, lunch, recess, field trips), but overall it wasn't the best of experiences for me.
I am one of those people who doesn't like attention on me, so being a teacher doesn't make much sense in that aspect.
Yet, despite all of these things, I still really want to be a teacher.
And I am seriously considering trying again for my teaching degree.
There are services for people with disabilites, that can help them in the classroom, as they take classes, so that would definitely help me out.
But, I would have to work on my shyness, fear of public speaking, and my not wanting attention on myself.
I have also considered being a teacher's aide, so if I decide not to be the main teacher, I still have this option.
I think part of the reason why I want to be a teacher, is because I have a learning disability, and I want students to have a teacher that can understand where they are coming from in that aspect. That they have a teacher who also had a different way of leraning.
Also, some of my friends had disabilities, so that is part of my desire.
Hopefully, if I go through this again, it will work out this time, and I can help students be and do they best that they can. That they deserve to get the best education they can.
Yet, I never really liked school all that much.
At least, not until I got to college.
I started out with going for my education degree, but I didn't do well, so I switched (I just graduated with my culinary certificate; yes, I know, completely different fields).
I have a learning disability, and am very shy and introverted, so those combined contributed to me not doing well in school, which in turn made me not like school.
There were parts of school that I really liked (Girl Scouts, art, music, lunch, recess, field trips), but overall it wasn't the best of experiences for me.
I am one of those people who doesn't like attention on me, so being a teacher doesn't make much sense in that aspect.
Yet, despite all of these things, I still really want to be a teacher.
And I am seriously considering trying again for my teaching degree.
There are services for people with disabilites, that can help them in the classroom, as they take classes, so that would definitely help me out.
But, I would have to work on my shyness, fear of public speaking, and my not wanting attention on myself.
I have also considered being a teacher's aide, so if I decide not to be the main teacher, I still have this option.
I think part of the reason why I want to be a teacher, is because I have a learning disability, and I want students to have a teacher that can understand where they are coming from in that aspect. That they have a teacher who also had a different way of leraning.
Also, some of my friends had disabilities, so that is part of my desire.
Hopefully, if I go through this again, it will work out this time, and I can help students be and do they best that they can. That they deserve to get the best education they can.
Sunday, May 19, 2019
The End of a Chapter, And Beginning of a New One
Well, it is official.
I am a college graduate!!!
The process took so long, that I never thought I would see this day. But, it has come and gone, and I have graduated.
I am both happy that it is finally over, and sad that it is over. It will definitely take me some time to get used to the fact that I don't have to go to school anymore (at least for this program; I may go back for other degrees/certificates at some point).
I really enjoyed the classes, and my teachers were really nice (and of course, they knew their subject, which is always good).
My favorite classes were probably the chocolate class (we actually got to work with chocolate, and make different products), cake decorating/advanced cake decorating, and cooperative work experience (basically an internship).
The graduation ceremony was yesterday, and afterwards, my family and I went out to eat to celebrate. It was a good, but surreal day.
I just can't believe I am finally a college graduate! Where has the time gone???
I have an out-of-state trip planned out, for after graduation, which I decide to go on as a reward for finishing school. I am so looking forward to it!!!
I am planning on looking for a baking job soon, but will be keeping my library job until I can get into the baking field, just so I know I will still have an income before that happens.
This has been a long time coming, but I am feeling some mixed emotions about it right now.
To be honest though, I am relieved it's over, because I am in need of a break from school. I really enjoyed it, but I didn't want to be in school forever.
To anyone else who is graduating, or has already graduated, this year, congrats!!!
I am a college graduate!!!
The process took so long, that I never thought I would see this day. But, it has come and gone, and I have graduated.
I am both happy that it is finally over, and sad that it is over. It will definitely take me some time to get used to the fact that I don't have to go to school anymore (at least for this program; I may go back for other degrees/certificates at some point).
I really enjoyed the classes, and my teachers were really nice (and of course, they knew their subject, which is always good).
My favorite classes were probably the chocolate class (we actually got to work with chocolate, and make different products), cake decorating/advanced cake decorating, and cooperative work experience (basically an internship).
The graduation ceremony was yesterday, and afterwards, my family and I went out to eat to celebrate. It was a good, but surreal day.
I just can't believe I am finally a college graduate! Where has the time gone???
I have an out-of-state trip planned out, for after graduation, which I decide to go on as a reward for finishing school. I am so looking forward to it!!!
I am planning on looking for a baking job soon, but will be keeping my library job until I can get into the baking field, just so I know I will still have an income before that happens.
This has been a long time coming, but I am feeling some mixed emotions about it right now.
To be honest though, I am relieved it's over, because I am in need of a break from school. I really enjoyed it, but I didn't want to be in school forever.
To anyone else who is graduating, or has already graduated, this year, congrats!!!
Friday, May 17, 2019
My Shy, Quiet Side (And Why I Will Never Change That Part of Me)
People keep asking my why I am so quiet, and tell me that I should talk more.
Because that is who I am.
Because I don't want to talk all the time.
Because I prefer to listen more than I talk.
Just...because.
Although, I don't think I should have to explain why I am the way I am to anyone.
I am who I am, and that is not going to change any time soon.
Not everyone needs/wants to talk all the time.
I don't feel the need to fill silence with useless talk, and I don't want to say something just for the sake of saying something. I just don't see the point.
Why is that so hard to comprehend/accept, that not everyone likes to talk much?
I don't like having a lot of attention on myself, and I am very self-conscious, so that is another reason why I don't talk much. It is awkward, and I do not like the feeling.
Yes, being shy can be frustrating at times, because it holds me back from doing things I want to do, or saying something I really want to say, but in the end, it is a part of who I am, and I am learning to love this part of me.
So please, stop asking why, and stop telling me to talk more. That does not help in the slightest. It won't be changing any time soon. I will not talk more, just because someone wants me to.
Because that is who I am.
Because I don't want to talk all the time.
Because I prefer to listen more than I talk.
Just...because.
Although, I don't think I should have to explain why I am the way I am to anyone.
I am who I am, and that is not going to change any time soon.
Not everyone needs/wants to talk all the time.
I don't feel the need to fill silence with useless talk, and I don't want to say something just for the sake of saying something. I just don't see the point.
Why is that so hard to comprehend/accept, that not everyone likes to talk much?
I don't like having a lot of attention on myself, and I am very self-conscious, so that is another reason why I don't talk much. It is awkward, and I do not like the feeling.
Yes, being shy can be frustrating at times, because it holds me back from doing things I want to do, or saying something I really want to say, but in the end, it is a part of who I am, and I am learning to love this part of me.
So please, stop asking why, and stop telling me to talk more. That does not help in the slightest. It won't be changing any time soon. I will not talk more, just because someone wants me to.
Thursday, May 16, 2019
My Current Favorites-Spring 2019
Here are my favorites for this spring:
- Call the Midwife TV/Netflix Series
I finally started watching this show in April, and I must say, I absolutely love it!!! I was hesitant to start watching at first, but I am so glad I did. Call the Midwife is set in the 1950's, and is about a group of women who work as midwives (obviously) during and after pregnancies, as well as take care of people who are in need of care. - Lularoe brand maroon dress with white polka dots
I got this dress a couple days ago, and I love the style and look of it!! It comes down to around my knees, has pockets, and a belt. I think it suits my body really well, and it is very beautiful. - The YouTube channel Crazy Middles
I just found this channel, and I am alreay in love with the family who run it!! The couple (whom I think are Jared and Shelley) have one biological son, and several adopted children (I don't know their names from memory yet, but I believe there are around 14) - Chocolate from Cameron's Coffee and Chocolates
I recently found out about this company/restaurant through a YouTube channel (Six Blind Kids). I love chocolate, so I knew I had to try their products. Unfortunately, they are halfway across the country from me, so I had to have it shipped. But, I don't mind, as they are so good!!! They have a wide variety of chocolates, and you can get different sized boxes with a good selection (you can find them HERE). - Clio PalmPerfect Electric Razor
I have been wanting to get one of these for quite some time, to see how it works. When I finally gave in a got one this month, I immediately tried it out, and I am very impressed with it. It works wet or dry (meaning you can use it with or without water or shaving cream), which is nice. The razor did not nick or cut my skin, and my skin felt soft and smooth afterwards. I am really loving it, even after the first use!!
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