Liebster Award.

I was thrilled when I got the e-mail that Kate had nominated me for the Liebster Award! This was the first award for my new little blog! Yay! So, of course, I accepted her nomination and nominate anyone who want to participate :) 

So, here are the rules if you choose to accept the nomination: 1. You must link back to the person who nominated you 2. You must answer the 10 Liebster questions given to you by the nominator
3. You must pick 10 bloggers to be nominated for the award (with a small following)
4. You must create 10 questions for your nominees
5. You must notify your nominees
So, here are Kate's questions to me!
1. Early Bird or Night Owl?   I would say I am a Night Owl, diligently working to become an early bird! I love the morning time and wish I had an easier time getting up to enjoy it! I am so full of energy at night so it is definitely a battle!  2. How did you meet your best friend?   On the bus in sixth grade- too funny! 3. What's your favorite perfume/scent?  I wear Coach Poppy, but i obssessed with this perfume from Anthro. (Birthday gift, anyone!? ;) 4. Where is your "happy place?" A coffee shop or a new restaurant with a friend, Tyler, or my mom. The best. 5. Name a song you can't get out of your head I am obsessed with James Taylor and "Fire & Rain" has been in my head for a solid week! 6. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?  Photography, of course! Also, to run long distances! Both very attainable :) 7. What's your dream vacation?  Hmmm..depends. My dream honeymoon involves a beach with a few excursions, but usually I am not really a "beach" girl. I LOVE the beach, don't get me wrong, but I hate sitting. I love new, quaint, cities so I Charleston and Asheville are on my short list. Wine country is definitely on my list of places to go, too! I love America though- so I would be content with never seeing Europe, as long as I get to travel all over the US. (did I just say that!?) 8. Fall or Spring? Fall- pumpkin patches, boots and scarves, tailgating, fires, cider, perfect temperatures, PSL- nothing like it. 9. Describe yourself in 3 words.  Silly. Passionate. Logical.  10. Coffee, Tea or Soda?   Coffe first, then I'll have tea. Love them both! I used to be a huge DC addict, but I definitely do not enjoy soda like I used to!
That's it! I hope you got to know me a little better through these fun questions!  Now...I tag you! Answer these same questions and be sure to let me know so I can read your answers, too! Thanks so much to Kate for nominating me! Have a happy Thursday friends! We're almost to the weekend!

Wedding Wednesday: Being Engaged is Hard

As of today, Tyler and I have been engaged for 40 days. It has absolutely FLOWN by! It has been a joyful time full of hope and excitement for the future, but it is not always picture perfect.  I am the first to admit that I though engagement would be rainbows and butterflies all the time, and most of the time- it is, but some of the time it just isn't. It is a hard waiting period. You think dating is hard? Oh, just wait. It is GREAT but it definiely comes with a whole new set of challenges. Here are some of my thoughts from this period of engagement.

Temptation is real.

Everyone told me this and I shrugged it off like it was no big deal, but y'all being engaged brings a whole new reality to temptation. Sure, we dated for three years. Sure, we've known we would probably get married for a while. But a ring on the finger and an end date in sight makes things that much harder. It seems counter-intutuitve, but the devil is strong in this fight y'all. Tyler and I have never struggled too too much in this area, but I have never seen the importance of this type of boundaries like I do now.

Wedding planning is stressful, and friends are sweet.

It is really great, but really stressful, too! Planning the wedding of "our dreams' while accommodating 300 people is tough. Finding a venue, photographer, dress, caterer......are fun processes but weeks packed full of appointments and showings are exhausting. I am so thankful for my gigantic bridal party, though! They have been a huge help to me and helped me keep my head on straight! Weddings are also EXPENSIVE- who woulda thought!? ;)

It is hard to remember the marriage in the midst of the wedding.  I never thought this would be the case, but it is easy to be consumed with the wedding. Everyday I must remind myself to pray for our future, pray for my fiancé  and pray God would be glorified through out engagement, wedding, and marriage. I am working through Beth Moore's Children of the Day, which is a study of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians about seeing God and shining His light everywhere- it has been SO good for this time.

Pinterest is no longer a way to relax.

Yes, I went there. It is so different when I actually have to make these crafts or hire these bakers! I find myself avoiding it more and more. Pinterest is the bride-to-be's best friend and worst enemy.  

Changing "if"s to "when"s is really, really awesome!

No matter how stressful or challenging, being engaged is AWESOME! Seriously, y'all. I love talking about "when we are married" or "when we have kids" rather than using "if" for everything like I did while we were dating. It is so sweet! I cannot wait to marry that boy! Just being able to do day to day life together will be so sweet. Being engaged is great, but hurry up March 7 :)

What about you married lady or bride-to-be? What did you find hard about the engagement period? Dating or single? What are some struggles you face? We're all friends here! 

Social Media Free Weekend

Jumping straight from school into working my full-time job has made me even more appreciative of the extra r&r a three day weekend brings.Having Monday off just gives the whole weekend a different mindset and I love it. Summer is a sweet season y'all and it is pretty much here! Hooray!

This weekend I was supposed to take a trip to Michigan to spend the long weekend with friends at a YoungLife camp, but the Lord had other plans and I ended up needing to be home for the funeral for a family friend. Not the weekend I had quite imagined, but sweet nonetheless.

The funeral was so God honoring my heart could not take it. None of my family that has passed away has been super religious, so to go to a funeral of a God fearing lady was incredible. There was so much peace knowing that Linda is with the Lord after a long fight with ovarian cancer.

Highlights of the weekend:

-Furniture shopping for Tyler's new apartment/ our apartment come March!

-Registering with Tyler! This is going to be a LONG process, that I will cover in a future WW.

-Lots of rest on Monday with mani's, shopping, a long walk, reading, pinning, and grilling out.

On top of that, I had so much more time on my hands without having my phone constantly in my hands. I took the long weekend off of social media and it was incredible. I am social media's biggest fan, but I hate the way it consumes life. I hate people on their phone during dinner or instagramming a picture during a small get together. It. can. wait. The presence of people is so much sweeter in person than online. This weekend was a great reminder of that to me, and I see many more #socialmediafreeweekend's in my future!

Have a happy "Monday" friends...Surprise! It's already Tuesday :)

Wedding Wednesday: Meet the Maids

I am so honored to have ten sweet ladies by my side on my wedding day! I have known them all for different amounts of time and love them all for such different reasons. These friendships have helped me through SO much and I cannot wait to celebrate these ladies! I'm in for life with these sweet friends. So...here's a little bit about each gal. I am truly blessed in the friendship department, y'all.

(ps sorry for the formatting...straight from the wedding website, which is the most time consuming thing EVER! but i know it's going to be great to have!)

Hayley Field

Maid of Honor

I love Hayley for her loyal nature. We met in middle school and have been best friends ever since. I do not think we have ever had an argument that lasted more than an hour or so- that's true friendship y'all. I've known for a long time Hayley would me my maid of honor- she is my best friend, cheerleader, encourager, soul sister, and confidant. I cannot imagine the day with Hayley! {Prov 17:17}

Andrea Cull

Matron of Honor

I love Andrea for her dedication, and because she is soon to be my sister!! Andrea is Tyler's sister and I am so thankful for that! I am so excited to officially be able to call Andrea my sister come March 7th! She is the most hardworking, dedicated, and passionate person I know. (Girl is serious about her UK football, y'all!) She is the easiest person to talk to, and to have fun with, too! I am so thrilled to gain a lifelong friend and get to walk through all of life's fun (and hard!) times with this lady! I am so blessed! {Prov 16:3}

Courtney Stone

Bridesmaid

I love Courtney for her courage. Courtney has spent the last year abroad in Scotland! I admire her so much for having the courage to put herself out there and do such awesome things like this! Courtney and I met at the Governor's Scholar Program. I'll be forever thankful for that program that introduced me to a lifelong best friend that I got to walk through the beginning of college with side by side. Courtney is "my person". She gets me like few others do and I am so thankful for her in my life! I so look forward to planning for the big day with Courtney by my side! {Deut 31:6}

Jamisen Routt

Bridesmaid

I love Jamisen for her selflessness. Jamisen and I are unsure of when we met, but before we knew it we were discussing house plans to become roommates. It has been amazing to be in a bible study and live with someone who always thinks of others before themselves. She is such a light and a source of constant inspiriting and encouragement to me. Jamisen also has a heart for adventure and a passion for overseas missions and I look forward to seeing where God leads her. {Phil 2:3}

Angie Jordan

Bridesmaid

I love Angie for her servant's heart. Angie puts everyone else first, and herself last. It has been such a blessing to meet Angie and to grow closer with her through our friendship and Bible study. Watching her love others as selflessly as she does is a true blessing to my heart. She puts the needs of others always above her needs, and still manages to keep God at the center of it all. Angie is going to make the best nurse because of this, not to mention she is off-the-wall hilarious! Angie is a true blessing in my life and I am so thankful for her heart! {Mark 10:43-45}

Lauren Cartwright

Bridesmaid

I love Lauren for her humility. Lauren is just a woman whose life just screams of Jesus- from her southern accent, to her sweet example of a marriage, to the subtle wisdom she carries. Not to mention she is a rock star in school, and no matter what she decides to do she is going to be awesome at it! Lauren is so humble about it all though. She is just so great! I am so thankful to have been in bible study with her, she is a true blessing to my heart! {1 Peter 5:5-6 }

Elizabeth Cox

Bridesmaid
I love Elizabeth for her relational heart. Elizabeth can make even the most uncomfortable, feel comfortable. She has a passion for people and for loving them well. She gets deeply involved in the hearts and lives of others- what a sweet gift that has been to me! There is genuinely no one else I would have rather been side by side in ministry with over the last few years than this girl. I am so thankful God placed us where he did. I know Jesus so much more because of how I see Him in Elizabeth. My life would be a lot less sweet without my sweet and sassy Lisa. {Prov 27:17}

Christina Curry

Bridesmaid

I love Tina for her joyful spirit. Any room would be made brighter with Christina it it. She is simply the funniest, most joyful person I have ever met. It has been a dream to live with this fellow clean freak- I love spending time with her because she is simply THAT great! I am so thankful to have met this sweet friend my freshman year and that we have gotten the opportunity to grow closer over the past few days. March 7 will be a LOT more fun because of this girl! {Rom 15:13}

Elizabeth Patten

Bridesmaid

I love Patten for her fearlessness and adventurous nature. I wish we all had the need for adventure like this girl does. She seeks adventure and pursues it- I love that. Patten is just someone who is fun to be around; she makes everyone feel at ease. Patten is someone who lets me just be me and forget about the rest for a while. What a sweet gift! I treasure my friendship with Patten and I am so thankful lot have her as a part of our big day! I know she will add so much joyous adventure to March 7! {Phil 1:7}

Elizabeth Edrington

Bridesmaid

I love Elizabeth for her faithfulness. She has been a good friend of mine since middle school. She has been a constant source of encouragement, friendship, and love in my life. Elizabeth loved me through it all- other than Tyler, no one has shown me Jesus and his unfailing, redeeming love and grace more than sweet, sweet Elizabeth. I will be forever grateful to her for loving me even when I was not the easiest to love. I cannot imagine our day without this girl! {Matt 5:16}

Wedding Wednesday: Asking My Bridesmaids

I have dreamt of asking my sweet friends to stand by my side on my wedding day for a long time. My friends mean so much to me and I cannot imagine having one less with me on March 7. Being the natural introvert that I am, never in a million years did I think I would end up with ten bridesmaids, but I am “that girl” and I love it. Tyler and I have adopted the mindset that it is our wedding and we are going to do what we want. Wow, that sounds totally conceited but I mean that in the best way possible! We are only going to have one wedding and we do not want to muffle ourselves based on what we feel like we “should” do.

Will having ten bridesmaids help glorify Christ on March 7? Well, I think it will give our families and friends a glimpse into the sweet community we have immersed ourselves into. I hope that the guests at our wedding see the friendships we have formed around Christ’s love and hopefully see that there is something different there. Of course, I totally believe you can glorify Christ will any number (or none!). The wedding is about our covenant with each other and Christ, not about how many people we have standing around us. 

Moving on, pretty much the weekend we got engaged I decided how I would ask bridesmaids. I knew I wanted to use some sort of the “sippin by my side” poem, but I did not want to do actual drinks- so koozies it was! I ordered these koozies from ETSY NAME HERE and she gave me a great deal! The shipping was fast, and the product is great! I love that it is a little gift for these sweet friends who have loved me so well, while also something practical that they will all actually use! (a concept I will go by with all my gifts to them!)

 

We had a little problem with the post office, so my package actually ended up going to Louisville three days later than I had expected. I had plans to pass them out all week in-person, but when I did not receive them until Wednesday night and was leaving Friday afternoon, deliveries were mostly fast and efficient.

I stayed up late Wednesday writing letters and making the inserts- I used brown construction paper, computer paper, a gold sharpie, fun scissors, tissue paper, and twine/tulle. I got the cards at Target (of course!) and they are pink and navy to match!

Thursday afternoon I started with laying Christina’s on her bed (she lives in the next room over). I listened through the wall, and then she came running over! I was so nervous I was literally shaking- who knows why! I then asked by MOH Hayley in the same way that night. I mailed Elizabeth E’s because I knew I would not see her until Tuesday. On Friday, I delivered Elizabeth C’s and Elizabeth P’s for them to find when they arrived home. I skyped my friend Courtney who is in Scotland and showed her through that! I went to North Lime Coffee & Donuts with Lauren, Angie, and Jamisen (my bible study) on Friday morning and gave them theirs! Finally, on Saturday Andrea, my MOH and Tyler’s sister, hosted a little derby get-together and I gave her the final one! It was a mad rush, but it worked perfectly! (I asked all of the girls not to post anything on social media until after I had given out the last one!)

Overall, it was a sweet and simple way to ask these girls to stand by my side and I am still thrilled they all said YES!!!

Next Wednesday: Meet the Maids!

Five on Friday #2

Happy Friday friends! I am more thankful for the weekend than ever! Hooray!

(one)

I started my full-time nanny job this week. There have been a few "hiccups", but I am really hoping to love it more once I get into the swing of things and get to know the girls better! They are definitely long days!

not the worst view ;)

(two)

This weekend is a Lexington weekend! That's enough for a celebration in and of itself! I sure do love Louisville and cannot wait to officially call it home again, but Lexington will always hold such a special place in my heart!

(three) 

I am currently in the midst of moving four times in ten months. Gosh, it is a little stressful! Right now, I have moved home for the summer (almost 4 months), then moving back into my house BUT in a different room, then moving back home for about 3 months, then moving....to be a wife and live with a boy. wut. CRAZY! Tips for this anyone? 

(four) 

Life is crazy, but oh so sweet! Prior to April 18th, I pictured my summer to be pretty low key, and to contain lots of down time, but say it ain't so - that's just not happening! Every weeknight has been full of venue + photog meetings, dinners or coffee with friends, or just something! There is always something. I am loving it so far! I was unsure about how I felt about living at home for the summer, but one week in I am absolutely loving it!

potential venue? love my city!

tacos & ice cream celebrating seis de mayo! love this friend!

(five)

I am looking to start a new Bible study for the summer. Any suggestions? I am really open to anything! I love workbooks! I'll be doing it solo, so I'd really love some opinions on what you have loved. Trying to get one last deep Bible study in by myself before Tyler and I start reading books + preparing our hearts for marriage in the fall! CRAY. 

attempting productivity in my happy place during frappy hour. the best. 

Have a great weekend friends! So thankful! 

Wedding Wednesday: The Date & The To-Do List

So, today is not nearly as fun as last week. Next week, I'll show how I asked my bridesmaids but for today, the date & the to-do list will do :)

the date:
we are THRILLED to get married on:

March 7, 2015

tyler starts dental school in july, so our dates were extremely limited. march 7th is the saturday before his spring break, so we will get to spend a week away directly following the wedding, a luxury we did not think we could have :) we are so excited! only 304 days away- much more appealing than 1 year+ for our original thought of a june wedding.

PS THATS ONLY TEN MONTHS FROM TODAY! HOORAY!

the to-do list:

wow, this one is bit overwhelming, but we are working through it day by day. i will say, for future brides, the BEST thing i've done as far as wedding planning so far, was chart our our "to-do's" month by month. it definitely helped with the "oh my gosh- so much to do and it all has to be done right this instant!" feeling that i felt for the first week or so. there is plenty of time- and it will all get done :)

April (11MTW)

Pick the wedding colors + general theme. Pink & Navy, fun wedding! Pretty and springy, with a nautical touch. Trying my best to stay away from "rustic".

Pick bridesmaids & groomsmen Coming soon :)

Pick the date March 7! YAY!

May (10 MTW)

Ask bridesmaids & groomsmen. Coming soon :)

Book venue. Appointments on Appointments on Appointments. 

Book photographer.  In the works. This has been the most fun!
Complete the guest list. almost finished!
Wedding Website. In the works :)
Ask Officiant. Boom
Book Caterer. Hoping this is included with the venue if I get my pick! Finger's crossed!
Hotel Block.

Celebrate with a "10 months until the wedding" date! 

June (9MTW)
Book Florist. Hydrangeas, Ranunculus, Magnolias- oh my! 
Say yes to the dress!
Book DJ.
Book ceremony musicians.
Engagement Photos!
Bridemaids' dresses!
Decide on Men's wear!
Register! Now, this one I can get excited about. I love me some kitchen gadgets :)
Hire Videographer.
Research Stationary.
Celebrate with a "9 months until the wedding" date! 

July (8MTW)
Order Save-the-Dates.
Order Invitations.
Book Baker!
Plan rehearsal night.
Ask Flower girls + Ring bearers!
Ask greeters!
Celebrate with a "8 months until the wedding" date!

August (7 MTW)
Send Save-the-Dates.
Book everything for rehearsal.
Address all invites!
Wedding bands!!!
Order any rentals + lighting.

Celebrate with a "7 months until the wedding" date!

Septemebr (6 MTW)
Buy wedding favors.
Ceremony readings + readers.
All attire ordered.
Transportation plans.
Flowergirl/ringbearer attire.
Book hair + make-up!
Wedding gift for my groom.
Celebrate with a "6 months until the wedding" date! 

October (5 MTW)
Bridesmaids gifts.
Update registry.
Celebrate with a "5 months until the wedding" date! 

November (4 MTW)
Provide guest list to shower hosts.
All crafts DONE this month!! (banners, garlands, etc.)

Celebrate with a "4 months until the wedding" date!

Decemebr (3 MTW)

Enjoy the season and catch-up on anything if need be :)
Celebrate with a "3 months until the wedding" date!

Janaury (2 MTW)
Mail invites January 2nd.
Get guest book!
Order programs/finalize ceremony order.
Hair + Make-up trial.
Mail rehearsal invites.
Finalize menu.
Final dress fitting.
Confirm Ceremony music.(before ordering programs!)
Talk with DJ about plans.
Reception plan.
Marriage counseling.
Celebrate with a "2 months until the wedding" date!

February (1 MTW)
Get marriage license.
Weekend timeline + send.
Write vows.
Confirm with florist.
Greeter, flower girl, ring bearer, reader gifts!
All shower thank-you's!
Check on hotel block.
Check up on all unknown RSVP's.
Celebrate with a "1 month until the wedding" date! 

MARCH! WEDDING MONTH! 
Reception seating.
Escort cards.
Final payments.
Final count.
Detailed day timeline + send to vendors.
Confirm again with florist.
Detailed reception plan + send to vendors.
Rehearsal plan.
Grooming appointments.
Any other things!

March 6th
Hang out with my bridesmaids.
Rehearse for the wedding.

March 7th 
GET MARRIED. CELEBRATE.

Wow, I feel so much better after writing that! That Type A personality will getcha! On the first Wednesday of every month, Wedding Wednesday will be a timeline check-in! So you have many boring, useless posts to look forward to :) But hey, I will say as a future bride, I have loved seeing timelines/to-do's, since most of the time they bring up points I hadn't thought of! So hopefully this helps someone out there. But, if not, it helped me clear my brain!

Happy (Wedding!) Wednesday friends!

What's in a Name?

Beware, a lot of words coming at ya.

When thinking of "re-starting" my blog, if you will, I was left with the decision to name it. Almost four years ago I started blogging under the name "Make it Count". That was a spur of the moment decision, made on a whim, but it worked for a year or two. Then, I won a blog design and decided to do a complete overhaul, name change and all. So, I became "Anchored". Little did I know, it would become such a popular blog name!

So, when thinking of my new space I thought of many possible names. "Every Good Thing" was my first thought, and I ran with it for a little while, until I found around ten blogs named the same thing. Then came "TB + Honey", which dealt with Tyler and I's names for each other. We liked the thought of that, but eventually I decided I just couldn't handle all that cheesiness. Next came "From my green desk", which I LOVED because I love my green desk and its uniqueness, but it was just too long for all the future could hold for then name. Finally, one day "Cup of T" just kind of popped in our heads. I am known to always have a drink with me, have an obsession with all kinds of cups- mugs, tumblers, straw cups, etc- and the "T" works for both of us. Yes, we do like tea on occasion, but we wanted to e strictly Cup of T, rather than Cup of Tea just to "play up" the play on words.

Cup of T is short, yet more memorable than other names we had thought of. It works for both myself, and Tyler, and we love the name for the brand of future endeavors. Most of all, we love Cup of T because it alludes to all happy things. Things that we love, prefer, and are passionate about- exactly what we want this space to be about.

So, there, that's what's in a name. I love it!

Happy Monday!

Five on Friday #1.

Oh, happy day! It is Friday and I am done, done, done with school! Yay! Waking up without school on the brain is the best feeling ever! I am so excited to have 3.5 months off before I student teach in the fall and graduate in December! SO CLOSE!!

I am so excited to get back into the blogging swing and one of my favorite things have always been the mish-mash post that is deemed my "5 on Friday". I think it is totally a great way to squeeze in all of those randoms before the weekend hits! So, here it goes!

(one)
THIS VIDEO. Seriously, my friend Elizabeth is the absolute best and surprised me with this!! I would be lying if I said I did not pull out my headphones and watch it (crying) in my night class last night! I am so in love with this video and it makes the perfect addition to the pristine images she captured! Eeeee! So in love with it all!!

Taylor + Tyler | Engaged from Elizabeth Cox on Vimeo.


(two)
I am done with class. This will never ever ever get old!! Yay! Yay! Yay! This also means that I am finished with undergraduate classes FOREVER. A little bittersweet, but mostly sweet :)

(three)
I am asking my bridesmaids this weekend! Yay! I have already asked half and ready to get to the other half so that I can post about it! I am so thankful to have these girls in my life and can't wait to have them next to me on my big day! I have set it before and I'll say it again- gospel community is the sweetest.

(four)
Here are some links I've been loving this week:

• Derby weddings
• THIS cart from Ikea. I'll take ten.
• These glasses. I do NOT need them but considering the must for fun. Totally normal, right?  

(five)
These. Please. Yes.

Have a great Friday & weekend friends!!

May Goals.

So, when I got a little e-mail-organization-happy I accidentally deleted my other blog! So, Anchored, the blog I slaved over for years and years- was gone with a simple click. I was a little sad & a little mad, to say the least, but I took it as a sign to leave the past in the past and to refresh, regroup, and refocus. Over the past few months, I have started following less bloggers that just make me want more "stuff", and started following more that make me want more LIFE. I have started following many new blogs, and I have especially love following the Nancy Ray Photography team. Not only are their images beyond gorgeous, but the heart behind it all is what gets me. I love how intentional Nancy Ray is- between monthly/daily/weekly goals and her grateful grams. It has been such an inspiration to me and a constant reminder to focus on what matters most. Since this blog is one big dream celebration, I am going to log all of my month/weekly/daily goals in hope that one day I wake up as intentional as Mrs. Nancy Ray herself. That would be a dream.

So, here are my May goals. (These are my personal ones- I'll share the May to-do list for the wedding on Wednesday!)

May Goals:
Call & schedule a doctor and dentist appointment. I hate calling people like this- so this will be a big step for me!
Complete my resume and update my LinkedIn page. Print a few copies to keep in my car.
Register for the Praxis II tests. Hopefully to be taken in June!
Catch up on my year-to-date photo album!
Workout 4 times per week. I'll be gym-less this summer so who knows what this will include! 
Finish Reading Unglued and read The Power of Habit.
Take my camera out at least three times :)

That's it! Those are my May goals! It looks as though I will be doing a whole lot of nothing in the month of May, but I can assure you I will keep busy nannying 35 hours/week and wedding planning! I am just so thankful to be off of school and away from any type of "real" job! This summer is the calm before the storm y'all! The GREAT, awesome, super sweet, storm, that is :)

I'll share my weekly/daily goals sometime next week...and maybe even get going on some goals for the year or a 101 in 1001 list. Who knows!?

Happy new month, friends!