10,000 - Say what?!

Just a mini celebration that my blog has reached 10,000 page views! Woot woot!

{via}

Party!

Mmmkay, thanks for celebrating with me! You my now return to your day...

 

Accidents, Aches, and Oils

It was Saturday morning. 

Ahh, the perfect day to sleep in and get some rest.

Then My husband called me about 7:30. He had been in a car accident (jeez ice, I didn't realize you two were on bad terms). My husband knows me well and immediately told me he was OK but that I would need to come get him. Thank God he is in one piece and that it wasn't worse than it really could have been! However, accidents have tendency to produce major muscle soreness.

  

{just need to pay the deductible and then we'll have 2 cars again!}

Since insurance will take care of the truck, I've been focused on Mike. He was saying that the right side of his neck and upper back were sore. 

When we were in Missouri, I got a starter kit of essential oils. I have always known about them and that they can work wonders. My friend Hannah, (hey, girl, hey!!) has had a great experience with using essential oils in her home to replace cleaners and most over the counter medicines. How awesome is that?! So, while we were there she had an informational meeting and I knew I wanted to get started with my own oils. Knowing how they have helped my own headaches and such, I knew I needed to find out which ones would be good for muscles.

Panaway and Valor are both good options for muscle soreness. At first, I only used Panaway on him but then asked a facebook group of oil users what they suggested. They said to add Valor. Before bed I rubbed in on his neck and back this morning he had a much better range of motion and less tension his muscles. YAY!

{feel free to ignore Peppermint in this photo... or don't. It's good for pain management, headaches, and nausea!}

Yay for finding more natural solution that won't harm your liver for muscle aches and pains! 

I think it is Mike's turn to rub in some Valor and Panaway between my shoulder blades and on my lower back...

~Emily~

 

High Five for Friday

Woo Hoo! The weekend is here. I don't much planned in the exciting department but I do in the home department. Anyway... linking up with Lauren today.


Here's what was great about this past week:



ONE. New Job.
I started a new job! I haven't had a job in over a year and it feels great to be back working somewhere. I am now a paid photographer and videographer of ... vehicles. Yay for product photography! I think there are a couple things that helped me get this job 1) I had a marketing internship with Stuff (an awesome little shop in Brookside, Kansas City, MO) where I did product photography (thanks Casey and Sloane!) and 2) I'm good on the phone. My "interview" was via phone and I actually have phone skills (thanks mom and dad for teaching us). Anyway, the pay is awesome and hours are completely flexible. Score!



TWO. Soul Mate.
I got to marry mine. He's my best friend, my soul mate, and my husband. He knows when we just need to go out or when it's a good time to cuddle up and stay in. He knows how to make my laugh and get my irritated in a second (but I love him anyway... ;).

{photo by: Jessica C O. Photography 

And um... we're on her homepage! Awesome}

THREE. Spotted Poppy.
Things are getting done for Spotted Poppy! More product photography. Yay!

{Spotted Poppy Designs}

FOUR. Cooking.
I haven't really cooked in a while and it was nice to get back to it last night. Last night was a cauliflower based alfredo sauce. Tonight, homemade beef and broccoli! Here is the link if you're interested ... Cauliflower Sauce



FIVE. Warmth.
We have a heater, a wood burning stove, warm clothes, blankets, and hot water. Plus, it's Christmas time. It's always cozier at Christmas. 

And here is my remake of Carol of the Bells ...

Weekend is here

Bringing us cheer

That's it. That's all I've got.

How was your week? I hope that you are able to find and appreciate the little things that make life great.

 ~Emily~

My Happy Heart

The last 4-5 months have been... tough. I've been unsettled. Unsure. Dampened in spirit. Don't get me wrong, there have been a ton of fun moments and happy days but always the reoccurring feeling of unease. Oh, peace and calm, how I missed you. 

In the last month or so (since we got back from Kansas City really), the unsettledness is lifting and content is settling in. Content, I've missed you, please don't leave me again. When I'm not having what I call "pregnancy nerves" and I'm feeling "normal" I feel content and at peace. Thank you God for your peace. Oh, what peace and stillness He has shown.

Today after work, I went to see Mike (the hubs). I'm so grateful I can pop in and see him when he's on his 56 hour shift. I'm thankful for this man who is able to keep me calm (and push all my buttons) and make me giggle. I can still hardly believe we will be welcoming a little Ressegue in 6.5 months (wait... what?! That can't be!). Oh, peace and calm, I'm sure I'll miss you again but in a different way.

Sure, the fact that's it's Christmas time could have to do with my happy heart but it started getting happy before that. But that doesn't discount the power of the season! I sang my heart out to Christmas songs on the way home, made dinner, finished work, and started laundry. I even had time to enjoy the Christmas tree(s). Oh, what peace and stillness that brings.

{My ocean themed tree [we have 2 trees]. Please don't judge my unfinished space.}

I also thought I would share these 2 videos with you. One of them is fun and silly and the other is beautiful and gives me chills every time. Hallelujah!

Enjoy your night. Enjoy your family. I know this time of year can be so hard for some but my hope and prayer is that you can find the joy and peace that comes with Christ-mas.

{via}

~Emily~

A Life Update

It's been awhile which means it's time for an update. I miss you jewels!

1) We had family in town the whole week of Thanksgiving! It was fun having a full house. We went out and explored a bit, learned some new recipes for Thanksgiving, hit up Target on black friday (yay for maternity clothes 40% off!), and just enjoyed time with each other.

2) The Monday of Thanksgiving week I got a job. That's right, A JOB!!! It's been over a year since I've worked and it's so wonderful to be employed. I work for a company who sends me out to do photos and videos for the various car dealers in my area. It's flexible, pays good, and I get to be outside. SCORE.

3) This pregnant lady is exhausted. Glad to not be working tomorrow.

4) I have so many thoughts, hopes, and dreams for Spotted Poppy Designs (mine and my mom's business).

5) Cats are the best. Please don't argue with me.

Friends, I've missed you. I'm looking forward to some fun Christmas-y posts. You've been warned!