Circles are better than rows pt. 2

This time a week ago, I found myself leaving the driveway of a house I have grown to love over the past 4 months. When small group ended in December, I honestly wasn't sure I was going to join again. Not because I didn't love it, but because I was making excuses. I was tired or I wanted to work out. I started thinking about how much I gained from the semester before and realized that my excuses were not even close to what I could get out of being in small group again. 

There were a lot of the same women in this group but some new faces as well. Again, I was the youngest of the group, but that didn't matter one bit. Some of the ladies in our group are spunkier than I am. 

I am so thankful for community. I am thankful we don't have to live this life by ourselves, but we are given people to help us be better, keep us accountable, love us and pray for us. In small group this semester we laughed together, cried together, mourned loss together and celebrated together. In times of hurt and heartache, we were there for each other. In times of goodness, we celebrated and laughed together. 

Being in a small group with these women is one of the best decisions I could have ever made. The wisdom that I hear every week is amazing, and sometimes I just sit back and think, "I hope I can be like that". 

Someone wanted us to wear hats because she likes to call us the "Mad Hatters". I forgot mine, of course, but someone had my back! :) 

These two ladies are so incredible. If you don't know them-  you should. So thankful for leaders like you. 

Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them". 

 xoxo elise

Savannah Bachelorette Party

#goodbyeguffin

After months of planning, it was finally time for my friend Alanna's bachelorette party. Alanna wanted to go to Savannah for her last fling. We had such a fun weekend eating everything in sight, laying on the beach and singing "Friends in Low Places" at the top of our lungs. Below are some pictures of our weekend celebrating Alanna. 

Of course my party planning loving self had to make gift bags for everyone! 

When we got to Savannah on Friday, we stopped at The Funky Brunch Cafe. Each table had a griddle in the middle so of course, we made pancakes. 

They taste better than they look! :) 

When we were done with brunch we made Alanna go to the store with some girls so Brynn and I could decorate the room. 

We hung out at the hotel for awhile and played some bride/groom jeopardy (Alanna wasn't too good at this). Then we got ready for our first night. 

We went to The Local Public Kitchen and Bar for dinner. Unfortunately, this place didn't take reservations but I had heard great things so we tried it out. 

We had an hour wait & only 2 people liked their food but we still had fun! 

  

We didn't make it out Friday because everyone was so exhausted so we had an early night watching Friends in the hotel room! 

Saturday we had brunch reservations at B. Matthews Eatery but decided to cancel and eat a quick breakfast at the hotel when we saw how nice the weather was supposed to be. 

After we scarfed down our breakfast we went to the beach for the rest of the day. 

When we were done at the beach, we went back to the room for a little nap and got ready for dinner. We had reservations at the Bohemian Rooftop Hotel but Alanna was in the mood for southern food so we cancelled our reservations and went to Paula Deen's restaurant. 

After dinner we went to a place called 51 for awhile but then made our way to Saddlebags (we would find the only country bar). That is where we spent most of our night Saturday and I think the bride loved it. 

xoxo elise 

My Little Pony Birthday

Cambry turns 4!!

Every year, I look forward to helping my sweet friend Priscilla plan her daughter's birthday parties. From princesses to ponies, we have done it all. This year, Cambry originally wanted Frozen but quickly changed her mind (like every girl) to My Little Pony. 

Check out the pictures from Cambry's birthday party below. 

I had to share a picture of the ponies on top of the fireplace because I was so impressed when I found out Cambry's dad Neal drew them. 

My favorite gift Cambry received was the journal below. I have the adult version of this, and it is so cool. I'm only on the first year, but I can't wait to continue using it and see how my answers change throughout the years. Cambry and her family are going to have so much fun with this. 

We loved celebrating you today, sweet Cambry. 

xoxo elise 

Avocado & Kale Smoothie Bowl

Can you say YUM?? 

I wasn't sure how this was going to turn out because I have only had kale once, but I really liked the smoothie and didn't even taste the kale. Smoothie bowls are popular right now because they look amazing and they take longer to eat, which keeps you full longer. The only downside was the amount of time to make and eat the bowl. 

The recipe is below. Hope you enjoy! 



Ingredients

1 cup kale leaves
1 cup almond milk
1 banana, sliced
1/2 avocado
1/2 cup ice
1 Tbs. agave syrup
1/2 cup raspberries
1 kiwi, sliced
1 Tsp. chia seeds


Preparation

Blend the kale, almond milk, 1/2 of the banana, avocado, ice and agave until smooth. Transfer to bowl and top with the raspberries, kiwi, chia seeds, remaining 1/2 banana.

Cheers to a healthy 2016. 

xoxo elise

Weddings Weddings Weddings

2015 Weddings

In the 3 years that Michael & I have been dating, we have been to at least 30 weddings. No joke. I have no problem with that. However, Michael.... let's just say he's a trooper. Some of my favorite people got married this year and it has been so much fun going back and looking at the pictures of the special times. 

Kelly was the first wedding of the year. 

We went to Nashville for her bachelorette party and her wedding was straight out of a magazine. Kelly and I lived together in college so I heard her talk about her special day a lot. I never could have imagined how beautiful it truly was though. It was so special to see all of her dreams unfolding and watch her marry the man of her dreams. Even if it did mean she had to move. :( 

Next, there was Emily and Anthony. 

I somehow didn't get any pictures at this wedding but it was still beautiful. Emily and I met on a mission trip in Nicaragua in college and I always knew she would make a beautiful bride. 

Dan & Jacqueline were next. 

I knew of Dan from a friend but Michael got close to him when they played on a basketball team together. (They won the championship) We loved seeing this beautiful wedding and getting to hang out with some super awesome people there. 

Next was my sweet friend, Jess. 

Jess and I had a rocky start of a relationship but after going to Nicaragua together and being forced to sleep 3 inches apart, she has become one of my go to people. We went to New Orleans for Jess's bachelorette party. I somehow didn't get a decent picture with her at the wedding, but don't worry, she has plenty of embarrassing ones in her album. 

Sierra was next. 

Sierra & I met through Kelly in college. She came over for Pretty Little Liars marathons and was always our go-to bartender. haha Sierra has a heart of gold and the most beautiful baby boy in the entire world. 

Sarah, my funny friend, was next. 

Sarah & I met in college and instantly became friends. I had to miss Sarah's bachelorette party because I was in another wedding the same weekend but I did come up with her wedding hashtag, which basically became their life hashtag. (They use it on every picture) haha

Jordan was the last wedding of the year. 

I met Jordan my freshman year in college and made her be my friend. I love everything about Jordan. She has the sweetest spirit and the biggest heart. 

I am so excited for the weddings of 2016 and can't wait to see more of my friends marry their guys! I'm sure Michael is super pumped too. ;) 

xoxo elise 

January Goals

Hello 2016!

What a year it has been. 2015 held a lot of memories I will cherish forever. I attended 7 different weddings, 2 bachelorette parties, and too many showers to count in between. I also got to be around when my best friend welcomed her first child into the world. 2015 was a great year for sure. However, some heartache came with this year as well. But let's not dwell on that. 

I am looking forward to what 2016 holds. So far, I have 2 weddings, 2 bachelorette parties and maybe some more babies! :) As I recap on the year, one thing sticks through it all and that is that we have a good good Father. 

January Goals: 

but seriously, 

1. Be intentional about having quiet time every day 

2. Be more positive at work 

3. The basic eat better and work out goal 

Cheers to 2016!

xoxo elise