days come alive//a guest post by bree

I'm sure you've come to this blog, expecting a lovely post from Michaela, and instead are seeing that some stranger named "Bree Holloway" is writing instead. I'm sure I won't do her random-ness justice, but I'll try at any rate. :)

(click to enlarge)

We all have those days when we don't know what to do. Those days when, even the most exciting thing just isn't exciting enough, unless, of course, it's a trip to Paris. :) Which, let's face it, never seems to happen. Outside your window, tiny drops or water are sprinkling the ground, like teardrops from heaven.

So what do you do? If you're like me, you wait around for something to happen, and waste too much time on ye olde internet. (a.k.a. pinterest.)

But instead of wasting valuable time, I'm going to write up some inspiration & ideas for you, next time you one of those days come up. :)

1. Make something.
Whether it's a sewing project, writing, photographing, blog designing, painting, sketching, make it new. Sew something you've never sewn before. Write from a different angle than usual. Photograph something you usually wouldn't. Design a blog with colors you usually don't use. Paint something strange, or from your imagination.

2. Do a photoshoot.
I'm serious. Use your siblings. Or, if you don't have a subject, use a pet, or a particularly interesting object. :) Even if you can't go outside, find the best-lit room in the house, and snap away. Try to pose your subject in different ways. Not only is this a fun way to spend time productively, it's also great practice. :)

via pinterest

3.  DIY
You know all those DIY's you pin on pinterest, but never get around to doing? Yeah, now would be a great time to try them. :)

4. Cook
A new recipe. A tried and true recipe that you haven't made in forever. Doesn't matter what it is - cooking is proven (by me. yep.) to be therapeudic. So there, is that reason enough? ;D

via pinterest

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If you don't already know me, my name is Bree Rosalie Holloway, which is a bit of a mouthful. I much prefer being called Bree, or, if you are a particularly ami, (yes, I do put random French words in my sentances. That's what French class does to you. ;D) you might call me bree-hee-hinny-brinny-hooey-hah. (get the The Horse and His Boy referance?) But only on special occasions. *wink*

And to sum me up in a couple of words, I am...I chocolate-a-holic. A dancer. A wanna-be photographer. A girly-girl if there ever was one. An over-grown dwarf. (I'm 5'2'') A girl who screeches Les Miserables around the house, singing her favorite tunes at least three times a day, sometimes more, despite her lack of singing abilities. But most importantly, I'm a sinner, saved by the amazing grace of Jesus Christ. And that's the best part of all. :) you can find me here: blog//pinterest//blog design

making a ho-hum day brighter || guest post by Mikailah

Hey there, friends! I was super excited when Michaela asked me to do a guest post for her while she was 'away'. So here I am! :) And my name (get ready) is Mikailah. ;) I blog over at Maid For Him where I share my life in words and photographs.

So, my subject is "how to make a ho-hum day brighter". And if you are anything like me that can be hard to do. We all have those days when all we want to do is sit around, be mad at the world, and talk to yourself, muttering under your breath. *cough* But we can't right? Life must go on. So here are a few tips on how to make a bad day a little brighter. :)

1. Breathe--and laugh.
Now that sounds rather funny. But it seriously works. When you feel like exploding with frustration, STOP. See an imaginary STOP sign before you. {that shouldn't be too hard.} Calm down. Relax. Take a few deep breaths. Find something to laugh at. Your cat chasing a butterfly. A little brother or sister 'acting' out a familiar scene in a movie. Or just laugh for the fun of it. It will make you feel so much better, believe me. (my sisters and I make a habit of it.)

2. Find new scenery.
It is the 'thing' you are doing that is making you frustrated (and believe me folks, sometimes it is. We just like to blame the day. "It's a bad day...") just step away for a minute! Go do a different task; something that doesn't require much though. Cleaning is a great distraction. Sometimes something like mopping... where you can take your frustration out on a dirty floor. *grin*

3. Take time for nature.
When my day isn't going well, something that always helps me is getting outside. Take a walk. Smell the flowers. Rake the yard. Mow grass. Water the herbs. Play tug-of-war with the dog. Being cooped up inside for too long makes me jumpy. So, that is easily remedied, thankfully! Step out the door...

4. Relax--enjoy it! 
Some people are work-a-holics. No kidding. They don't feel profitable unless they are working hard--just doing SOMETHING! But that definitely isn't good. Just relax a bit, people! Sit on the porch! Read a book. Play some music. Take some pictures. Work on your technique. Draw a picture. Sit and think. You only have one life; so enjoy it. Be cheerful in the little things, and honor God in everything. :)

                                

5. Count your blessings!
There was a quote I heard a while ago; it was "What is you woke up today with the things you thanked God for yesterday?" Ouch. You think your day is going bad? Look around. Think of how many people would be happy to have the house you're grouching about cleaning. It is sobering, isn't it?

6. Say a prayer. 
Now this is the most important. Ask the Lord to help you be cheerful in all circumstances... and to please Him in everything you do. :) It isn't easy (and definitely not possible--we would have to be perfect!) but it is always worth it to struggle towards the goal. I heard a young lady say once that she didn't think God cared about the little things. He does! He wants us to go to Him in everything--every time we are having a "oh man, I have to clean the house" kind of day. He will help us. If we ask. 

Anyway! That pretty much wraps it up! :) I hope you enjoyed this post, and y'all have a cheery day. ;) And thank you again, Michaela for asking me to guest post for you! It has been an honor. <3

{All images via Pinterest}

xo,
Mikailah

{A B O U T   T H E    W R I T E R}

Mikailah blogs over at Maid For Him where she writes about life, photography, simple pleasures, girls's struggles, and strives to be a light for Christ. She plays music, writes stories/poems/songs, loves horses and tea, reads too many books and laughs often. 

of flowers and robins-egg-blue: Modest Fashion Week day 6

{Modest Fashion Week day 6}

The last day of Modest Fashion Week is here at last - sadness. :(

This contest was just *wonderful.* Every new outfit combo I dug from my wardrobe (and my sisters ;) ) brought new joy - modesty can indeed be creatively lady-like and fun.

When people ask me why I wear skirts I answer honestly; I do not wish to offend my brothers in Christ, etc, etc (I could venture much deeper into this subject but I'll hold back for now. ;) )

However! When you get down the the core of it, I love looking feminine and feeling pretty. That's one of the main reasons I wear skirts. This isn't saying that I judge ladies that choose to wear pants. I personally don't believe in it, yet at the same time (even if I did) I wouldn't want too. ;) hehe

Anyhow. I so enjoyed meeting all the lovely young women who participated! Each of you truly made this contest *wonderful.*

*A little note on today's photo shoot*

It was miserably hot this afternoon - so Anna and I both decided to wear sweaters! Of course, all normal people decide to wear heavy sweaters on sweltering June days, right?

Right! :P

...and that's why I look...well..SO hot

(and no, that isn't in a flattering sense. ;) )

~*~ In these photos I am wearing ~*~

blue & white skirt with flower print - thrift store

black tee - Kmart

robins-egg-blue cardigan - thrift store

black flats - Payless Shoes

cream colored rose clip - Claires