"I have to make a resolution to keep a resolution"

I uttered this statement to a co worker the other day.

After I got overwhelmed thinking about all the things I hoped to accomplish in 2011.

I told her:

" It's like you go into the new year with all of these lofty goals, then you fail at them, and by the end of that year you look back and think, damn, I wasted another year of accomplishing none of what I wanted to. Then the cycle starts all over again for the next year."

It's a sad cycle I am guilty of. 

I have so many things I want to improve or get started on come 2011.

So much so, that I am actually scared, to type them out here for the world to see because I am already afraid of failing at them.

But I am going to be transparent, 

put the fear aside

and share what I am hoping/praying to accomplish and improve on in 2011.

1. Find a local church I really love and get involved in a Sunday school class or small group.

I have never actually made this a resolution before. But it is definitely something I have failed at miserably year after year. 

I have a local church I enjoy but I am awful about being a regular attender. And don't even get me started on committing to a small group.

FAIL. Epic Fail.

But after a dismal year of church attendance on my part in 2010 (yes I am admitting it, go ahead and judge.) I have realized the importance of being a part of a local body and more importantly being knit in with a small group of believers. 

2. Read through the whole Bible

I am scared that I even just wrote that down. Geez, I know it is done all the time but it is sort of a scary sentence to write.

Read through the whole thing? 

Even Lamentations? Really?

Can I skip Numbers too? 

3. Run a half marathon

OOOH! Gosh Darn It!  I was so on track to accomplish this at the very beginning of 2011.

And (CROSSING EVERY FINGER) I am hoping it still may be possible to accomplish.

But due to an injury it is up in the air at the moment.

But I think this goal should probably be number one on my list.

Just for the sheer fact that is is something that I have longed to complete for a very long time.

2011 is my year to do it.

3. Read a book each month.

Now I'm not really scared of failing this one.

I love to read.

Take away every electronic and leave me books and I will be just fine.

4. Pray

Sorry, Im not trying to get all spiritual on you here.

But I guess over the year of 2010 I have seen a need for me to get back to my own spiritual growth more than ever.

And that involves prayer.

I pray.

But I dont think I really get down to business with praying for things that I need breakthrough in other issues in my friends lives and my own.

I need to learn how to pray and really dedicate some time to it.

So there you have it my goals/resolutions for 2011.

Scary? Yes.

But I am willing to make one more resolution:

Keep these resolutions and accomplish them.

That is even scarier!

And last but not least. 

I heard, maybe in a sermon sometime, about choosing a word to apply to the year ahead. For instance say you went through an awful year of depression or hurt or pain, maybe you would choose the word Joy. Bye choosing Joy you start to apply it to areas in your life. You can think about it in the context of choosing joy even when your down or continually praying for joy for yourself and others throughout the year.

I guess I see it as choosing a word you need to see breakthrough and blessing in that area of your life.

So I am choosing a word, on top of my actual goals for the year.

Discipline

" Discipline is remembering what you want."

Peace,

It's not the new year yet, but there is good news!

My best and dearest friend...

Is going to have a baby!

She announced it on her blog yesterday.

And told me a while back.

I have been bursting trying to keep it a secret!

I couldn't be more excited for Ryan and McCall and their little Nug!

Keep up with her here

It isn't even a new year yet and already fantastic news and exciting things to come in 2011!

Peace,

Happy Christmas

His Law is Love.

And 

His Gospel is Peace.

"Today in the town of David

A Savior has been born to you:

He is Christ the Lord"

~ Luke 2:11

Peace,

Wrapping it up

Well.

I hope you enjoyed the Give or Get Christmas edition for 2010.

I figure at this point, you, dear readers, have all but finished your shopping. 

Honestly, I just can't believe Christmas is here.

2010 has been a whirlwind.

I don't really know yet what I think about this year.

I guess, if I had to choose one word to describe it, it would be surprising.

I had a lot of surprises thrown my way this summer and then into the fall when I, surprisingly, bought a house. 

Most of this year has been good. 

But in 2011,

I have a lot of goals I hope to accomplish. 

Goals to improve myself emotionally, physically and spiritually.

And that  is always a good thing to take into a new year.

I hope this Christmas holiday finds you well. 

And I hope that your new year outlook is bright.

So

Fa La La La La

Tis the Season

May all your wishes be Merry and Bright

Tie one On in the name of Ole Saint Nick

and 

I hope you get some Figgy Pudding.

Happy Christmas and New Years to You and Yours!

(imageviahere)

Much Love Dear Readers.

Much Love.

Peace,

Give or Get Christmas Edition

For the coffee/tea lovers in your life.

Post Cup.

Give or Get

Peace,

Give or Get: Christmas Edition

Today's gift I think would be a great little present for coworkers, teachers, Sunday school friends or anyone else that you see on a regular basis and serve or work with.

I love candles,

I have them stashed all over my house.

And when I was home for Thanksgiving and doing a little shopping with my mom,

we stumbled upon the Thymes Frasier Fur candle

and I swear my mother bought every single one the lady had in the store.

And after smelling it, I had to scoop some up too.

It smells unbelievable.

Not to heavy, like some winter/christmas candles can be but light and refreshing with a perfect scent for this time of year.

Scoop some up!

(Give or Get)

Peace,

Give or Get: Christmas Edition

More Art.

Again, I love art. 

I just think artists are pretty amazing. Since I have no artistic ability, it really boggles my mind when I see emotions expressed on a canvas or in any other form.

So today I wanted to share with you some art from one of my most favorite artists. 

I am even lucky enough to own two of her pieces. Which I Adore. And I am actually having another piece made, well, just because I love the other two pieces so much.

This is Hayden.

She is the cutest little ginger I know.

She was a sorority sister of mine.

She is quite smart and quite creative and full of passion.

I admire that. 

And she also paints beautifully.

Give or Get.

Peace,

Give or Get: Christmas Edition

Today's gift is for all your blogging family and friends out there.

Being a blogger myself, and a self proclaiming, Twitter Addict, I know how meaningful blogs and cyber connections can be. I know it sounds CRAZY. But don't knock the cyber/social media life until you try it.

I promise you wont regret jumping in with both feet.

Anyways,

I was thinking the other day about how I need to invest in some Through Rose Colored Glasses stationery and calling cards. I cant tell you how many people come up to me when I am home in Ky and want to talk about reading my blog. I have even had some followers introduce themselves to me at the grocery store or out running here in Alabama. And when those connections happen, I seem to take them for granted. I would love, when I meet those people to be able to hand them a calling card just for kicks or send them a nice note on Through Rose Colored Glasses stationery. 

For your Blogger stationery and calling card gifting may I suggest:

Ashley Brook Designs.

She has done stationary and blog headers for my dear friend Megan.

And for a few other blogging buds of mine. 

How amazing and adorably cute are her illustrations?

I just love love love them! 

Not only is the gift of blog stationery and calling cards a special idea but a custom illustration by ABD would be such a personal and unique touch!

Give or Get

Peace,

Give or Get: Christmas Edition

Listen up.

I don't think there are really any men that read this here blog. But I could be mistaken.

So, if you are a man and in need of a gift for your lovely significant other, 

look no further, today's gift should do the trick.

And ladies, because I know your reading this, if you have a male friend in need of a gift for a lady in his life, direct him to today's gift.

I am in love with boots. Really. 

I would own probably 100 pairs if it were practical and affordable.

And I think every Southern girl needs a pair of 'cowgirl boots'.

You just do.

In the South a good western boot can be worn in the Summer, Spring, Fall and Winter.

And I mean, if your really Southern, you just have to have a pair.

May I suggest the pair I am coveting at the moment:

The Frye Deborah Pull On.

I bought my first pair of Frye's this year and I love love love them. 

They are so well made, beautiful and worth the price for the craftsmanship.

Give or Get

For all those Southern Belles out there. 

Peace,

Give or Get: Christmas Edition

I'm not gonna lie,

I'm not the first to feature today's Give or Get,

I saw this on I Suwannee  the other day and fell in love.

I love art. 

Nothing better than a beautiful and interesting piece of art to fill up a space or make a space your own.

and I am Obsessed with Michelle Armas.

Oh my goodness.

I want every painting in her collection!

I just think the gift of art is so very intimate.

If I had a mate, I would definitely scoop one of these up for my love.

I also think that a painting of quality and price would make a perfect gift for a newly married or engaged couple.

Know any of those whose parents are looking for a gift idea this time of year?

I say send them on over to Michelle Armas site.

Or you could just get one for yourself if you are unattached or not in the market to buy for someone attached.

That's my plan!

Give or Get. 

Peace,

Give or Get: Christmas Edition

This next gift is for your traveling friend or family member.

I travel a lot around the holiday season. 

Back and forth from AL to Ky non stop pretty much.

(I wonder how many times, in my 6 yrs in AL, I have driven the trip home and back.)

And I have learned, over my many many trips, that, as much as I love music, I can't listen to it non stop for 5 hours.

I gotta have some talk to keep me awake.

And so, I am an avid book on tape listener.

But books on tape can be quite dull and put you to sleep faster than Damien Rice after two hours.

So you gotta get some comedy up in there.

May I suggest this:

I love David Sedaris.

I listened too this on my way home for Christmas last year and laughed my ass off.

My favorite is Seasons Greetings to Our Friends and Family and Jesus Shaves.

This is a fantastic gift.

Give or Get.

Peace,

Give or Get: Christmas Edition

Alright Y'all.

This could be my most favorite gift of the series.

Not. Even. Kidding. 

Restoration Hardware Foot Duvets.

Forget slippers and Uggs.

These things are MAGIC!

Seriously when you put them on you will never want to take them off.

 Buy these for a stocking stuffer or gift.

and get a pair for yourself too! You wont regret it.

Promise.

Give or Get.

Peace,

BLOG SALE!

Kate Spade Reade Dress

Brand New with Tags.

Never Worn.

Size Medium.

please email if interested and for price.

blondebellblog@gmail.com

Peace,

Give or Get: Christmas Edition

I am sure many of are avid readers of this fabulous blog.

And, I'm sure, if you're an avid reader that you know Jamie has her own store.

But did you know that store can be found online too?

Here is one thing I have chosen to feature from her store on this years Give or Get Xmas series.

Python Tray.

Divine.

You can also find many more fabulous trays at her shop.

Give or Get

Peace,

Give or Get: Christmas Edition

Lets talk about gifts that give back for a bit.

You may be like me, or you may not.

But I am a person who tries to be conscious of the struggle and strife that is occurring outside of my suburban bubble.

So in the spirit of giving back, 

which we should,

because really, 

we are too blessed to be indifferent.

here is a lovely gift that gives back:

Toms.

Buy a pair and they give a pair.

One for One.

Give or Get

Peace,

Give or Get: Christmas Edition

Since yesterday's gift was on the pricey side,

I decided to throw in a much much cheaper gift option.

But still quite fabulous in my opinion.

Clogs.

Yep, they are quite the trend. 

My cute co worker had these on one day and I had to have them after seeing them on her feet.

And to my surprise, they were from Forever 21.

And they don't look it!

They were so well priced in fact, I got two pairs, black and brown.

And I wear them with any and everything.

Hurry and grab a pair! 

Give or Get

Peace,

Give or Get: Christmas Edition

This gift is somewhat on the pricey side,

but if someone were to put this under the tree for me on Christmas morning,

I don't think I would ever ask for anything else Christmas ever again.

(maybe...)

South By Southwest Music Badge

• 
  

Yes it is pricey.

But it comes with a lot of goodness for that price tag.

and for any music lover or aficionado,

you would be sure to make their day or even their year!

and by getting it for a Christmas gift,

you give them enough time to plan for the trip in March.

Oh how I wish...

Give or Get

Peace,

Give or Get: Christmas Edition

I am on a jewelry kick here.

I think, I have come to discover, that, I am one of those people that would rather spend my money on a nice unique piece of jewelry than, say, a bag or clothes.

So sorry to all you clothes and purse readers out there, after today, I will try to cool it with the jewels and throw in some diversity.

But for today,

more jewelry:

I am digging these simple and chic letter rings by Catbird designs. 

Give or Get

Peace,

For those of you who inquired

My half zip that I bought in my Thanksgiving post is by 

ACG, some brand of Nike.

You can find it here.

It is on sale too and great quality.

Peace,

Give or Get: Christmas Edition

Hello Friends.

Well,

I finally made it to the orthopedic doctor yesterday.

The news is what I had expected to hear:

IT band issues mixed with weak hip muscles and weak mobility.

So off to physical therapy I go.

I am bummed that this will delay my plans to run the Mercedes Marathon in February.

But to be honest I am just ready to get this taken care of and be able to run without pain.

I am hoping to either be ready for the Nashville Music City Marathon or the Seaside Marathon later in 2011.

I am headed back to Ky after work today for my brother's wedding.

It should be a grand celebration.

But onto the gifts!

I just Love Love Love These bracelets by Frieda and Nellie.

Such a new and fun twist on the traditional friendship bracelet.

Love so much

Give or Get

Peace,

Give or Get: Christmas Edition

Well It's December 1st.

This is the day I officially start to break out the Christmas spirit.

That's right,

you wont find me with a red holiday Starbucks cup in hand before this day,

Nor will you hear Christmas music streaming from my car,

You also wont find any holiday decor up before today either.

Yep,

I am one of those few and far between people that gives Thanksgiving the appreciation it deserves. 

I dedicate all month to the auburn, brown and red of the falling leaves and to the Turkey that usually gets pushed aside for garland and ornaments.

So Since I am breaking out my Christmas spirit officially today,

It's time to bring back the annual series:

Give or Get.

I found this lovely locket on Etsy.

And I just adore it.

I think it is so cool and unique. 

Give or Get.

Peace,