Things I'm Loving.

Just a few little things that I've been loving on lately but mainly one worth sharing:

This video is of the Mrs. Meyer's behind Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products.  The creator of the product was her daughter but she named it after her "practical" mother.  This video proves why.  Not only is her first name Thelma, it was also her 81st birthday on August 12th.  Check out this video about her life. There is something so raw, simple, pleasant and yes, practical about it. We need more people like her in this world. 

Some other inspirations: 

Sweet Immunity: Everyday Detox Smoothie Recipe from The Chalkboard. (an AWESOME site, btw.)

My 5:30am Bikini Blaster Routine from Blogilates....Eventhough bikini season is almost over and I still have yet to get a summer tan! #busygirlproblems.

Blake Lively- because she always inspires me.

 Words of wisdom

 The dream water colored print version of myself.

And nautical themed decor. I am obsessed with navy.

Happy Friday everyone! Have a safe weekend and remember to love on your family and friends! 

A Wise Cat and Myself.

I have always wanted to own a children's bookstore.  And yes- 50% of that is due to the influence of the movie You Got Mail in my life; however, the other 50% comes from the genuine love of children's books.  From the illustrations to the characters to the stories and the adventures, children's books always set your imagination into motion and bring you into a world that you wish was your very own.

The past weekend I was reminded of that desire when I read a nighttime story to a little boy I was babysitting. The book was called Three Samurai Cats retold by Eric A. Kimmel.  Now from first glance, I probably would have never picked the book up. Guilty: I'm one to judge a book by it's cover. However, it was the book the boy chose so I went with it and surprise, surprise, I learned a a little lesson- something else children's books are notorious for.

In the book, after a continuous battle between three different samurai cats and a ferocious rat, the third samurai, who was the oldest and most ragged, finally conquers the rat by patiently waiting for the rat to essentially defeat itself.

The author summed up the lesson at the end of the book: Draw strength from stillness.  Learn to act without acting.

Honestly, I had to think about that for a second and I still do, but I have realized that sometimes when we feel wronged, or anxious, hurt, frustrated, or unsatisfied with a certain outcome, our first thought is to react.  To look for justice.  To take matters into our hands and "fix it".  We want to right the wrong and mend the broken.  We want to have the old "C" word again, CONTROL.

But on the daily, we need to remind ourselves that most battles are not our own. Especially in relationships where things have gone wrong and there is hurt between both sides. Although, you feel so wronged and hurt and even desire revenge, sometimes you just need to let God handle the situation.

He is the wise one.  He knows the best route to the best results and the best answer and He will get you there.  You are not responsible for making other people see it or understand it.

He's got it. Really. HE'S GOT IT.

So from a wise Cat and myself,

Draw strength from stillness. Learn to act without acting.

God will take care of it.