You Versus You? - Guest Post by Shanda Neighbors

What motivates you?  No, I mean what really motivates you? I've been asking myself this question in an effort to make sure my actions are pure. I hate the idea of doing, or not doing anything based on something or someone else. To me, that's control, and I'm not in habit of handing control of my decisions over to others. Go ahead, call me a control freak. I'm OK with the label.
I'm not saying that I don't appreciate good advice, or sound counsel. I do. I just try not to live in the bondage of another person's expectation, or action. I'm free. The hallmark of freedom is a pure choice. It doesn't have to be the right choice, just an honest one. For the most part I have been able to practice this. I try to choose the things I HONESTLY want, not what others want for me, or what others are doing. My motivation comes from me. I'm not trying to be like anyone else, and I'm not in competition with anyone but me. It's me
verses me. That's the way it should be....or so I thought.




I just read a verse in the Bible "but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." 2 Corinthians 10:12.
That verse shifted my focus back to the fact that it's not always "me versus me." There is a MUCH standard higher than my own. God's. Turns out He and I are often divorced in our views. When it comes right down to it, I can never do what He does, or did, but I'm supposed to be more like Him. That means that my actions though performed by me, should look more like Him/His. Not easy, considering He said things like "love your enemies, and do good to them that hate you." Lots of things come to mind when I think of an enemy, but I assure you "love" isn't high on the list! I've got a long way to go before 
I can get excited about doing "good to those who hate me."

Anyhow, all that to say that I'm trying ever so hard to take a backseat in my life, to get out of my way and over myself. I still conform to my "you versus you" mantra in certain areas where it naturally applies like finances, fitness,etc. It' not an all together bad idea, and I truly don't need to impress or satisfy anyone outside of myself. I'm just trying to keep in mind that there is more to this equation than me. While it may feel good, and even right to say, "I'm going to do the best I can" if I'm honest I'll say, "God do the best YOU can with me." It's a surrender to a standard higher than my own, which also happens to be the "best" for me.

Cherio!

Inspirational Quotes Of The Week

I hope these quotes inspire and motivate you the way they did me.  Enjoy!

Cherio!

From Lamb To Lion

This is a true story as recounted to me by my mom.  It really demonstrates that true courage is present in all creatures........even a lamb.

Last week on a whim, my mom purchased a lamb.  Not rack of lamb, but a real live, cute cuddly woolly lamb.  My mom named her Julia.  Reason for buying Julia?  Well.  Let's just say that Julia may  have been destined for babacue sauce at some point.  More on this later....

Anyway, Julia somehow escaped her enclosure and was reaping havoc on a near by vegetable garden.  The little lamb was out of control. 

And having a ball.  

Well, my mom eventually got a few men to corral the lamb so she could return her to her enclosure but alas, miss Julia wasn't having it.   She sidestepped the men and off she went.  Well after this happened repeatedly, the big gun was called to the site.  Enter Grover.  My aunt's Verna's mammoth size dog. 

With the command "sic em Grover", he was off. He charged full speed at Julia but Julia had a surprise for him.  She held her ground and then suddenly charged full speed at him!  Grover promptly did an 180, tucked his tail and ran as if his life depended on it with Julia hot on his heels.  It didn't help that he was howling as he ran.  Poor grover.  He jumped straight unto my aunts lap.  Only then did Julia stop chasing him.  

Needless to say, Grover has permanently ruined his macho reputation and Julia....well she will not be on anyones plate any time soon.  Lol, this lamb is a soldier.  I made a deal with mom deal to buy her freedom.  Long live Julia!

Cherio

It's All About Me

I used to think that to focus on oneself was selfish, arrogant.....egotistical.  That to do so was a not so slow march towards narcissism.  Eventually. 

It took a long for me to get here, but  I no longer think this way.

You see, I have a natural affinity to care for others, some may even call it a gift or talent.  Whatever it is, at the very least it is a nurturing spirit.  I want to heal the broken, take away what is hurting, and above all, help in whatever way I can. Sometimes I can, and sometimes unfortunately I cannot....but man do I try!  Somewhere in the middle of this though, I've learned to put my own emotional well being on the back burner.  Sure, I took care of everything else over the years, work, family etc., except this one area.  

Why?  Because I believed to do otherwise would be selfish.

 I was wrong.

Truth is, even a gift can be like a curse if not managed properly.  

Case in point. For as long as I can remember, anyone with a problem seemed to be drawn to me like a moth to a flame.  And when I say anyone, I do mean that.  It is not unusual at all for me to meet a complete stranger and have them pour out their life to me in a grocery line.  No kidding.  The point is, I love to help hurting people and they love me right back.  Unfortunately as with any thing that is wounded, one must exercise caution. The same is true.  Hurt people, hurt people.


Over the past year I have learned a lot about myself.  I know that we are all instinctually what God created us to be.  I know that I will always be a nurturer at heart but there has to be some changes in my life. After all, if I am upset, frustrated and sad, what help am I to anyone else?  For this reason, it is indeed all about me! 

 I choose to focus on being the positive glass half full gal that I am and take time to nurture myself and the things that are dear to me.  Only then will I be able to give anything back....that is worthwhile.  

Cherio!

Bathroom Makeover Inspiration

  Hola peeps!  Wow, can you believe it?...... 2013 and we are still here.  Oopsie, I guess the Mayans got the dates mixed up.  Oh well.

Ha ha, seeing that I will be here after all, I decided to spruce up my bathroom a bit. As always I started with a little research.  Here is some of the gorgeous inspiration I found.  I am so excited!

Black and white photos are always a good idea.  So chic.

I really love this bathroom curtain and the rug. And check out the decorative mirror above the tub.  

The natural touches here and there are so relaxing, makes me think of the spa.  

This gorgeous basket and all of the products below are from pottery barn and the prices are not bad either.

The print on this towel is too fabulous for words. No need for a crystal ball, I see these in my immediate future.

Luv, luv.

Organic rugs, such a neat idea and beautiful too!

I adore a good terry robe so I am having a major crush on these.  It is the perfect thing for some "me time".  And we ladies can always use some of that.

Cherio!

The Braid-ey Bunch - 10 Fashion Forward Summer Hairstyles

Whenever I find a new hairstyle that I like, I save it.  Well, actually I file it.  Yup, I have a file on my desktop labeled "Hair inspiration" and it is chuck full of these awesome hairdos. How's that for organized.

Well, this evening I just happened to be going through that folder and realized, I have to share this with my bloggie pals. This is way too much hotness to keep all to myself......so here I am, sharing.

Most of these are braided hairstyles but what I like most about them is their versatility and how easy some of them are to do.  Anytime you can get your hair styled in less than ten minutes is definitely a win in my opinion. And there is nothing more attractive than a lady who looks pulled together/stylish but not overdone.  These styles are perfect for achieving that perfect balance of chic and effortlessness.  Plus, most of them look even better if they are a little messy.  I love that!

Well, I hope this post inspires you to try one of these fabulous hairdos. It's amazing how a simple hairstyle can boost your confidence and bring sexy back....but don't take my word for it, try it and see for yourself.

Cherio!

So Hot And Yet So Cool! - DIY Tshirt Inspiration

theknottybride

Summer is upon us so now is the perfect time to make some DIY t-shirts!  I am so excited to finally do this, you have no idea.  The options are endless too, from fabric dyes, paints, rhinestones and embroidery to fringing, shredding and creative sewing, there is no end to the awesomeness one can create. I am chompin at the bit to see what I come up with.  

elleandish.wordpress.com

greenupgrader

Today I came across this beauty from styleitchic and I just knew I had to try some version of this.  This shirt is smokin hot and it is so chic, trendy and modern!  I love how you can create these lovely pieces from damaged and old tees that you ordinarily would just discard.  How is that for recycling! 

I personally love using the bigger non fitted tee's like the ones in the top pictures since they have more fabric to manipulate.  Plus, they look so effortless and chic when paired with something fitted at the bottom.


 Well am off to raid my husband's closet, he is a tennis instructor and has tons of tees so it's a win win for me! Ha ha, not so much for him but he doesn't mind.

 I hope that this post inspires you to try one of these DIY shirts, it's such a great way to resurrect your old tees.  

Cherio!

Everything's Coming Up Roses

www.wallmuralsart.com

77-ideas.

I love romance and though it may be a little cliche, to me, nothing says romance better than red roses.  I am getting ready to redecorate my bedroom and I fell in love with red rose pieces all over again. It is amazing how a rose here or there can change the feeling of a room. But what makes the red rose so sexy......why are they so intoxicating to the senses?  Well, as I have an inquiring mind, I did a little digging.  This is what I found.

http://www.etsy.com

The Red Rose not only carries more meaning than many other color roses, it is also one of the most universal of all symbols. The long history of the red rose makes it very significant. From being represented in countless works of Art to classical paintings, poetry, music and media the rose has endured. Not only throughout history but across many cultures and religions as well. The mystique of the red rose has been a source of immeasurable inspiration for many throughout the ages. However, it is as the symbol for love that the red rose is most commonly recognized.

The modern red rose we are now familiar with was introduced to Europe from China in the 1800's. The meanings associated with them however, can be traced back many centuries, even to some of the earliest societies.  In Greek and Roman mythology the red rose was closely tied to the goddess of love. Many early cultures used red roses to decorate marriage ceremonies and they were often a part of traditional wedding attire. Through this practice, the red rose became known as a symbol for love and fidelity. As the tradition of exchanging roses and other flowers as gifts of affection came into prevalence, the red rose naturally became the flower of choice for sending the strongest message of love. This is a tradition that has endured to the present day.

Now, who am I to mess with that.......I just can't wait to add some of these beautiful flowers to my decor.  Long live the rose!

unknown pic origin

unknown pic origin

Cherio!

Done And Done!

http://static.tmag.tas.gov.au/tayenebe/workshops/bicheno.html

A few weeks ago in my post Are You Ready For This! I shared with you how I had won the opportunity to showcase some of my work in a design challenge.  I had entered the contest on a whim so when I got confirmation that I had made the cut I was really surprised and so excited.

The challenge was to create original pieces/Art from indigenous plant fibers.  I did just that with palm leaves, sisal, burlap and hemp.  I also accented my pieces with feathers, shells and seeds.

Well, today I am happy to report that my work is completed and presently being viewed in the prestigious New Providence Art gallery in Nassau, Bahamas. It has come a long way from this conceptual sketch.  Many thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement.  It means a lot to me.

Hmmmm, I wonder what I should I do next............

Cherio!