Happy Friday Guys!

1.Song of the Week: Easter is just around the corner guys! Can you believe it? This is a great song by Andy Cherry, Our God's Alive. It''ll really get you in the mood to celebrate Easter morning! Check it out here!

2. One for the Books: My poor brother had his wisdom teeth out this week. This was one of the many humorous conversations we had:

3. Sick Week: I never ever get sick. Never. But when I do, its quite bad. So, after being dragged to the doctor, I was told that I have bronchitis. Oh, how lovely. Let me tell you this, it was the farthest thing from lovely. Worst week ever. Take my advice, never ever get bronchitis. Never.

4. Pennies From Heaven: Did anyone else get this lovely little e-mail in their inbox this week. It certainly brightened my day. Most certainly.

5. Welcome Spring!: I'm sorry, just had to share this picture with you guys one more time! It just makes me so excited for spring! Yay!
Linking up with Lauren as always!

10 Day Blogging Challenge! Day 10!

Congrats! You made it to the end of my 10 day blogging challenge! I hope you guys enjoyed it and learned just a little bit more about me! Are you ready for day 10? Wait no longer!

One Confession:

I have a problem.....a big one. There's this thing called Starbucks. Have you heard of it? Probably not, considering there are 19 different locations within a 5 mile radius of my house. (I wish I was joking..) You know you have problem when the baristas know your name.....and your favorite drink.....and your second favorite drink. Are you after the legendary "gold card"? Trust me, your addiction only gets worse after it arrives in the mail. You count every star you receive and expect your drink to be made right every time.  You will also begin to play with the menu:

"Can I get a venti ice coffee with white mocha, nonfat milk, shaken not stirred?"

".................."

My name is Lauren and I have a problem.

10 Day Blogging Challenge! Day 9!

Two Pictures that Describe Your Life Right Now:

There really is beauty everywhere......

10 Day Blogging Challenge! Day 8!

Three Turn Ons:

1. Be a Gentleman: I feel like this characteristic in men is dying. Open my door. Pull out my chair. It speaks volumes. 

2.Family Life:Family is super important to me and will continue to be once I'm married. Its important that my future husband has a good family life. 

3. A Relationship with Christ: I have said this before. I want my husband to love Christ way more then he loves me. I need someone who can be the spiritual leader of my household and help me raise children who will love the Lord.

On a similar note, many people ask me about the rings on my left hand. (I'm not married!)

They are my purity rings. I have made a commitment before God and my family to remain pure while I'm not married. This is extremely important to me. A Godly and Christ honoring marriage calls for self-control and abstinence. These rings are merely a reminder to myself and others around me that Christ is my first love and I wish to give Him glory even through my relationships and marriage. 

10 Day Blogging Challenge! Day 7!

Four Turn Offs:

1.Facial Hair:This one works off of a case by case basis. Most of the time, its a no-no.

2.Style:While looks don't matter, you've got to have a nice sense of style. (A.K.A-no sagging pants!)

3. No Sense of Humor: I love to laugh, joke around, and have a good time. If don't get my sense of humor or don't have one yourself, it'll be awkward, trust me.

4. Meeting the Parents: It's always a good sign when your "significant other" gets along well with your family. If they don't approve, I probably won't either.

This was an odd prompt, but I still hope you guys enjoyed it! What are your turn-offs? Leave them in the comments!

10 Day Blogging Challenge! Day 6!

Five People Who Mean A Lot:

I have the most beautiful mom I know. She makes me laugh so hard. She loves me unconditionally and is the best mom ever! I hope one day I can be a mother like her.

My dad is amazing. After 23 years of serving in the military, he has first and foremost served his family and children. I would be proud to have a husband like him one day. 

It's hard being separated  from the ones you love. I haven't seen my brother in almost a year and a half now. Though miles may separate us, I love him so much, so thankful to have him in my life.
He also is married to the most beautiful woman I know. They are so in love and I look forward to calling them for marriage advice later in life.


Hope you are all having a great weekend!

10 Day Blogging Challenge! Day 5!(High Five for Friday)

Okay, I wasn't the biggest fan of todays prompt for the blogging challenge. (6 things you wish you had never done) So we are going to do a High Five For Friday instead! Is that okay? Good. Linking up with Lauren as always! I'll be on track with the challenge for day 5 tomorrow!

1. A Natural Friday: This week had been very hectic. I woke up this morning with no desire to go through my whole "getting ready" routine. I kept it simple:foundation, blush, and mascara. I'm actually liking the look!

2. Verse for the Week:  Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

3. Burning the Stress Away: Everyone knows it. Candles have addictive powers......okay, so that may or may not be true but for me they do! Every year I stock up on all the winter smells and burn them for the rest of the year. This week "Snowed In" and "Chestnut and Clove" have been my favorites. 

4.Trying to Catch my Zs: This week I treasured the few hours of sleep each night. It'll be nice to catch up this weekend and get ready for yet another-crazy week!

5. On Repeat: This.Girl.Is.Amazing!!! I have had this song on repeat all week. She has an amazing voice and the lyrics are even better. Check this song out here!

Have a great weekend guys! 

Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin'!

10 Day Blog Challenge! Day 4!

Seven Things That Cross Your Mind A Lot:

1. College: If I haven't said before, I am headed off to bible college this fall. It is an extremely crazy thought. Everyone always talks about how mind blowing your senior year is, of course, you don't know how much until you get there. I feel like I have been a walking example of the truth of Jeremiah 29:11. ("For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.") A year ago, I had no idea where I was going to school, what to major in, etc. God opened one door, I received my acceptance letter and in less than 6 months, I'll be on my way.
2. My Search For Significance: It's a daily battle. Looking in the mirror everyday, I have the choice to make. Whether I can choose to find my significance in my salvation through Christ and know He has chosen me and is pleased with me(Psalm 18:19, Colossians 1:21-22), or choose to compare myself to others and get lost in the what ifs of who I am and what I look like. 
3. Working, Working, Working: I started my second job this week. I will be going just about 100mph right until I leave for college. The thought is exciting, exhausting, and unbelievable. A third job is going to be inevitable as the weeks go by. But, I'm thankful that doors have opened and I'm able to be productive and work.
4. Words of Truth: I feel like every time I open my bible, there is something waiting for me, waiting to encourage me. I can wake up every morning and know that His mercies have been renewed. (Lamentations 3:23) 
5. Friendships: This year has really been one of the best ones I can remember. I have created friendships that could last a lifetime and I'm so thankful. Its great to find a bible verse or encouraging text. I'm so blessed. 
6. My Unknown: While I'm trusting that the Lord will pave a path for my future, I do think daily of where I may be headed in the future. Different major options and colleges have been circling in my head. 
7. The Big Blogging World: I'm so happy I started this blog. It's been so fun getting to know other bloggers and find so many great blogs! If you are a follower, thank you so much! It means so much to me! I love reading your comments and feedback. I've felt so welcomed to this wonderful world of blogging. I have to make a special shout out to someone who has been so very helpful and friendly,Sarah over at Limited Space Organizing! She is so great! Check out her blog, here or click on her button!

10 Day Blog Challenge! Day 3!

8 Ways to Win My Heart

1. Make me laugh.

2. Be a man who can be the spiritual leader of my household.

3. Write me notes.-I'm an extremely simple girl. A simple note will get me every time.

4. Flowers.-What can I say? I'm old school.

5. Love me for who I am.-imperfections included

6. Love kids.

7. Be supportive and encourage me.

8. Love God more than you could ever begin to love me.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

10 Day Blog Challenge! Day 2

9 Things About Yourself:

1. I love to laugh.

2. I have a slight Starbucks obsession. (Is it bad when the barista knows your name?)

3.I have never dyed my hair, never.

4. Favorite Color? Tiffany Blue.
5. I absolutely love the rain.
6. I could spend hours and hours walking around Barnes and Noble. (With a coffee in hand, of course.)
7. I hate shopping for clothes.
8. I'm terrified of popping balloons.
9. I could eat sushi all day, every day, for the rest of my life.

10 Day Blog Challenge! Day 1!

Guess who has had some serious writer's block this week? *ahem* Yeah, sorry about that. But! Have no fear! Here comes the 10 day blogging challenge! Are you excited yet?

10 Things You Want to Say to 10 Different People:

1."I'll miss you."

2. "Where would I be without you?"

3."You have made all of this possible."

4."I keep forgetting that you are gone."

5. "You are beautiful, loved, treasured, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for you."

6. "Thank you for being there for me, even from miles away."
7. "My life would be so much different without you."
8. "I'm so glad you are a part of my family."
9."You've been there for me during some of my darkest days, thank you."
10. " My Savior and My King, I am a victim of Your grace, love, and abounding mercy. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for saving me when I never deserved it."

Timing is Everything...

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has thoroughly blessed with me with some pretty amazing people in my life. Through the tears, laughs, good times, bad times, stressful situations, they are there. With that being said, they always know how to lift me up when I fall. I received this message last night and was speechless. It was just what I needed to hear and brought tears to my eyes. This person reminded me that I am a truly new creation in Christ. To forget about my former self, former mistakes, and trust God with my present and future troubles.Timing is everything and this was perfect timing. You know who you are and guess what? You.Are.Amazing.

High Five For Friday!

This week flew by! I remembered only this morning that it was Friday! Ahh! But, here it is. High Five for Friday! Linking up with Lauren-the mastermind behind From My Grey Desk! 

1.Search for Significance: This book is just amazing. If you deal with any kind of self worth issues or insecurity this books speaks strongly of finding your significance in your salvation in Christ. Check it out here .

 2. Sad, but True: I saw this sign in HomeGoods the other day and loved it. I'm leaving for college in about 6 months and am slowly coming to terms with the fact that I will have some goodbyes coming my way. Although miles may separate me from the people I love and care about, I will never forget the memories. 

3.Spring Has Sprung: It is rather hot where I live and while the temperatures were rising, I quickly realized I didn't have any neutral sandals. Target didn't disappoint (it never really does), and I found these guys for $15! Score! Spring here I come!

4. Barton Hollow, The Civil Wars: If you have no heard this song, you need to. It has some of the most beautiful harmonies I've heard. It has this very ominous and dark feeling about it that just gets better every time you listen to it. This music video is also amazing. Check it out here!

5. Loving my Locks: My hair has officially woken up from its winter nap and has been getting brighter as the weeks go by. I've been loving it. It has also reached the perfect length for me and has been so easy to style the way I want to each day. My goal for the summer: grow it out as long as I can before college. 

6:24

Am I the only one that remembers the exact time you wake up in the morning? No? Okay, then I'm just crazy. Well, this morning it was 6:24. 6:24, why? I never wake up early unless I have to, and today, I didn't have to. In yet, I had to wake up at 6:24. Despite my efforts to fall back asleep, something was keeping me up. It was only until I looked out my window, that I was thankful for waking up at such an unwelcoming hour of the morning. This picture, this picture was worth it at 6:24...

Confidence...(Finding My Voice)

           

I found this on Pinterest the other day and was inspired nearly immediately. These seven words hit me very strongly when I read them the first time, and even stronger has they have been tossing around my mind the past couple days. Entering this whole "blogging world" has been rather intimidating! I now fully understand the enormous amounts of time and effort it takes to produce content regularly.

When I first decided I wanted to make a blog, I was quite scared and self conscious about the idea. "Who would possibly want to read my blog? I'll never be as good or have as many followers as the bigger bloggers out there. What do I write about? Is this too mundane or boring to post?" But after reading this little quote (author unknown), a spark was lit underneath me and a lot of my blogging insecurities began to fade away. Ultimately, I started this blog to be able to release my thoughts and ideas onto paper. (Or a keyboard.......you know what I'm saying.) If people see, read, and enjoy, then that makes it much better and fun for me.

Anyway, this quote isn't just about blogging. For years it seems I have dealt with very little self esteem. Only since about a year ago did I truly start to just let go and be the real me. In result of that, this has been one of the best years of my life. Its amazing to not care about what people think of my hair, how I dress, how I talk, or anything else. You would be amazed at the type of people that will enter your life when you start being the real you. Trust me, conforming to the person others want you to be will never make you feel better about yourself. My education, personal style, friends, etc. are not my status symbols. With all this being said, I have a few things to say to those of you who struggle with self confidence like I still do.

Don't be so quick to follow the masses: Don't follow the crowds. Everyone listening a certain type of music? Stay true to your style, blast the jazz if your into it! Everyone wearing the same things? Wear things that make you feel comfortable in your own skin, not someone else's.

Don't let the mirror be your enemy: While we are talking about clothes, this has always been a hard thing for me. Let's face it, I stick out like a sore thumb. For years, I've been the pale, freckle-faced, redhead that everyone stares at in public. I'm used to the "ginger" jokes and brush them off now. Recently I've been loving my red hair, it's unique and makes me feel special. I've also struggled with excepting my body for what it is. I've always have a unique body shape them most girls. Newsflash! Everyone does! Everyone is different! I've never liked anything about skinny jeans, nothing about them. My body shape isn't made for pants like that. Now, if you like them, all power to you! I've learned that squeezing yourself into clothes just so you can be a 2, 4, 8, or 10 isn't worth it.

Surround yourself with people who support you and love you for who you are: I have some of the best friends in the world. I may not need another hand to count all of them, but I wouldn't replace them for anything. We all accept each other for who we are, flaws included. Like I said before, don't try to conform to the person others want you to be.

Settle for nothing less then you, because you.are.worth.it.

High Five for Friday!

This was a great week. I don't say that often, but it really was. So that makes me even more excited to look back and see my highlights! I'll be linking up with one of my favorite bloggers today, Lauren. Go check her out, I'm obsessed with her blog!

1. Extreme Addiction: Coffee Edition: If you haven't realized yet, I have a major coffee addiction. I feel like this week, it's just gotten worse. It could be worse right? 

2. Feeling Like a Lady: So I finally jumped on the band wagon this week and got myself my first gel manicure. (And I'm so glad I did) After about a week of having it, I really love that I don't have to worry about painting my nails for the next two weeks-major score.

3. A New Drink At Starbucks?!?!: I had a free drink on my account this week-2nd major score. While waiting in line I saw two words that made my mouth water, Hazelnut Macchiato. I love carmel macchiato so I was as good as sold. Try it. You won't be sorry.

4. There is Beauty Everywhere: I saw this outside while walking to my car and just had to take a picture. The neighborhood kids can be quite little Picassos sometimes. 

5. A Re-Discovery of Sorts: I don't know why but I deleted my Pandora app months ago and just recently re-downloaded it this week. I have fell back in love. Its super nice to listen to while writing (like I am now) or just when I want to discover new artists. 

Thanks guys! Hope you have a great weekend! 

Grey Days

When you first meet me, you quickly find that I am an extremely simple girl. (Hence my name, Simply With A Smile) Almost anything can make me happy. One thing way on the top of the list is an overcast day. I can't explain but they literally make my day. All it takes is one peek out the window on a cloudy morning for my sprits to be lifted immediately after. Like today, my to-do this was quite extensive. Unfortunate as this may be, it was even better to come up for air, look outside and see this sight. It's like the sky is saying, "You know what Lauren? I don't care either. So go ahead and wear your sweatpants. Trust me, I am too."

Finding My Voice....

It can be extremely difficult to be young woman in today's culture. It seems everywhere we look there is a picture of how we should dress, what type of man we should be dating, what size our pants should be, what color our hair should be, I could go on and on. It can be incredibly overwhelming. Although I find myself obsessed with beauty culture of the internet, constantly I remind myself to always remain true to who I am.

I have been singing now for roughly 6 years. It is one of my most favorite things to do in my life. I almost don't feel like I'm in the same body when I sing. I feel alive, renewed, and completely safe.
(But this is another story.) Every singer has there own voice. Their own style and their own way of creating art through their voice. Same with writers, we all go about things a certain way. Even though we all may not sing or write, we all are our own person. Regardless of how the world sees the "common woman", I challenge each one of you to challenge yourself to stay true to you. Step back, sing your song, and find your voice.

Musing Mondays

Poor Mondays, always getting the brunt of the hatred. Trust me, I understand. But I believe for such an important day of the week, it deserves a little recognition. I challenge you to find just one single good thing about your Monday! Comment yours below!

1. Coffee
See, there is this little thing called coffee. It's so patient, it sits downstairs and waits for me to come down. Beeping when its just the right temperature for my liking. (So kind of him) While I look forward to the first cup of the morning everyday, on Monday it always seems to taste better. Hands down.

2. New Yoga Pants
News flash, yoga pants are amazing. (But you probably already knew that, didn't you?) You know what's even better? Brand new yoga pants. Especially when they were $7.99 at Marshall's. Hey, I may not be doing yoga, but at least I will be able to at any point of time!

Hope you guys had a great Monday!

Who I Am...What I do...What Brought Me Here...

Writing has always been my outlet. A way of expressing how I feel, who I am, and what brought me to where I should be. 

I'm excited to link my two passions, writing and my utter quirkiness, to create what you see now, Simply With A Smile.  I like it simple and above all, anything that makes me smile. See you soon!