This Week

Happy February Friends!!  Whew, all I have say is thank goodness January is OVER.  It was a tough month with lots of challenges, worries, and battling a lot of sickness.  I am ready for a new start and new month!!  To kick off February, I thought it would be fun to jump back into the 5 on Friday series, and share the amazing things I am loving these days.  So here goes:

1.T3 SinglePass Curling Iron

For Christmas I got a new curling iron, which I know may sound funny but its something I had my eye on for a few months.  I have always curled my hair with hot rollers, and would like to transition to this curling iron full time.  Its taking me a little time to figure out the best technique, but I am getting it slowly. Overall this Curling Iron is amazing, and I am hoping to fully transition to it this month!!  Here is a link to the curling iron to learn more.

2. Book #1 of 2019 - I just finished Michelle Obama's new book, and I loved it!!  Regardless of what your political views are this is truly a story of inspiration. Learn how Michelle Obama grew from the Southside of Chicago into a powerhouse woman and First Lady. She is an unbelievable story teller, and overall it was a great book.  Highly recommend. 

3. MBA - I have thought about pursuing my MBA for years, but finally believe the time is right for me to begin the process of applying for my master's degree.  I have my eye on one school in particular, and hope that in the next 12 months I can obtain some scholarships, finalize my application, and start this journey.  

4. Recipe #1 of 2019 - This year I had a goal to learn to cook 24 new recipes.  I tried a few recipes this months that were complete failures, but one recipe turned out amazing.  It's my mother-in-law's Potato Soup Recipe.  Its sooo easy, and have included the recipe below.

Ingredients
- 6 peeled potatoes
- 1⁄2 cup butter
- 1⁄4 cup flour
- 3 cups milk
- salt
- pepper

Directions
- Start by boiling potatoes until fork tender.
- When potatoes are done, strain out the water and add butter.
- When butter is melted, add flour. Stir gently to make a paste between butter and flour. The paste will coat the potatoes.
- Add Milk.
- Gently stir. Allow the pot to boil. When it reaches boil, turn down to simmer.
- Simmer on low till soup thickens.
- Salt and Pepper to taste.

5. Winter Playlist - I am kicking off the new year with some new pop and Americana music that I have really been enjoying this year.  Hope you enjoy! 

Have a great weekend friends!!!

This Week

I cannot believe its the first weekend in 2019.  I am still enjoying some much needed time off from work, and especially since I can spend time with my hubby, as he is off work too.  I thought it would be fun to share a few things that have happened this week:

1. Taking 16 Days OFF Work

I cannot tell you the last time I took over two weeks off work.  I was a little unsure about my decision for awhile, but after taking the mini sabbatical,  I realize its been sooo nice, and needed.  I have checked into work a few times (maybe 2 to 3 times), but always less than 10 minutes each time.  Its been nice to distance myself from work projects and stresses, as its really helped me get perspective on several things.  Its also been nice to be off with Matt for a few days, as we have had a great time relaxing, running errands, and just being together.  Its been a great way to start the new year. 

2.  Enneagram Results

Over the Christmas Holiday, I read a book called A Road Back to You, and it discusses the Enneagram Personality Test.  The Enneagram is a model of the human psyche which is principally understood and taught as a typology of nine interconnected personality types. It has Christian roots, and supported by many Christian leaders.  I have read about this personality test for YEARS, but finally gave in and read the book.

Well its no surprise here, but my personality type was a ONE - a Perfectionist/Reformer.  LOL!!

Here is a short description:  Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical and perfectionistic. They typically have problems with resentment and impatience. At their Best: wise, discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be morally heroic.

    Basic Fear: Of being corrupt/evil, defective
    Basic Desire: To be good, to have integrity, to be balanced

Key Motivations: Want to be right, to strive higher and improve everything, to be consistent with their ideals, to justify themselves, to be beyond criticism so as not to be condemned by anyone.

Yup, this describes me exactly. If you haven't taken the test to find out what you are, here are one of the tests I took.  (Yes, I took several, as I wanted to make sure I was a One.  LOL!!!)

Short Version:  https://enneagramtest.net/

Long Version: https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/dotest

3. A Clean and ORGANIZED House 

Over the past week and half, I have taken time to organize every closest, drawer, and room in our house.  Yesterday, I took time to clean everything, and its so nice to have a clean and organized space for the new year!  I tackled this task, by working on a room or two rooms per day.  Some days it took me an hour, other days it took three or four hours, but slow and steady I got it done! But, its been sooo worth it!

4. Spending time with friends!

Over the holiday break, I was able to connect with several of my closest friends, and that was an incredible gift.  This past week, my best friend Tiffany was passing through town, and we had a chance to grab lunch and catch up, which was sooo nice.  

5. Binge watching my favorite show (AGAIN)

To relax this week, I've also found time to re-watch one of my favorite shows again, When Calls the Heart.  I really love this show, and its been great to start from the beginning and re-watch the show again.  Also, it helps me unwind and not focus on anything except the show.

There you have it!   Its been an awesome break from "reality" the last few days.  Tomorrow its back to my "normal" routine, which I am looking forward to (if I have to be honest).  

Have a great week my friends! 

Six Favorites for Saturday

Source

I cannot believe that November is here!!!  And, its crazy to think about all that is in store for the next few weeks - Thanksgiving, Christmas, my birthday, the arrival of my niece, and so many other fun things.  Its all awesome stuff, but its a lot.

I haven't done this type of post in a while, but thought I would share 5 of my favorite things from the past few weeks.  Hope you enjoy!

1. New Skin Care Routine
A few months ago, I saw an Instagram Story by Rachel Parcell about a product she was trying called Ole Henriksen.  I did a little research, and decided to try it out.  The skin care line I had been using for the 10 years was being discontinued, and I decided to give Ole Henriksen a try.   And, two months later I love it. It you have sensitive skin, I would recommend it. 

2. Dance Stand Run
There has been so much buzz around this book, and I decided to pick up a copy.  I am only a couple of chapters in, but I love it!!!

3. New Music 

One of my favorite things about fall is all the new music.  And, for someone who still buys CDS (and I have Spotify premium too) I have been in heaven lately.  One album, that came out yesterday, that is a MUST get is Kelsea Ballererini's new album.  Kelsea is a Knoxville gal, and I worked briefly with her mom about 10 years ago.  Watching Kelsea and Carla walk in faith year after year has been incredible, and that is why her album is a must get to my collection. 

4. Power Sheets 
Guess what came in the mail this week - 2018 Power Sheets by Lara Casey and Cultivate What Matters.  Next year, will be my second year using Power Sheets, which is a goal setter and planner's dream come true.  If you want to learn more about Power Sheets, click HERE.

5.  Jen Wilkin Study

Have you ever started a Bible Study, and it just didn't seem to fit the season you were in.  Well, that happened to me earlier this fall, and I was desperate to find a new study.   After talking to a few friends and looking for recommendations, I stumbled upon Jen Wilkin.  Oh My Goodness, she can teach the Word.  I started this Bible Study last weekend, and its incredible.  I truly love digging into the Bible and learning the scriptures.  Not just studying the Bible to see how it can help me, but to learn what it can teach me more about God.  I needed this study at this time in my life, and so thankful the Lord heard my prayer.

6.Hello Lipsense

I have heard of Lipsense for a couple of years, but it seems like more and more people around me are using it.  So, after battling my lip stick NEVER staying on my lips, and friends encouraging me to wear lip stick, I gave in and picked up a couple of colors on Friday.  Stay tuned for a reviews if it works.

Hope you enjoyed this little update on some of my favorite things.

Enjoy your weekend!

Kim

This Week.............

Its official.  Travel season has begun.  With work trips and personal vacations planned for the next few weeks, life is going to stay busy (in a good way.)  This past week, I headed to Raleigh, North Carolina for a bluegrass conference.  I have to confess and say I am not a HUGE bluegrass fan, but I love music and always appreciate good music. 

Here are a few bands from this past week:

Fireside Collective

Molly Tuttle (2017 IBMA Guitarist of the Year)

Flatt Lonesome (One of my favorites)

And, here are a few pictures that capture my week.

 Working the booth with these two.... so much fun!!

Loved catching up with this sweet friend!!

Fun nights in Raleigh with this VA Gang!!!

Have a great week friends!!

This Week...........

This week has been a crazy, insane, for the books type of week.  I've experienced a lot of highs and some lows, and wanted to make sure a captured these impactful moments. 

1. Goodbye Uncle David

The hardest part of this week was the passing of my Uncle David last Sunday.  We spent a lot of time with my family this week, and being there for my Aunt Mary.  I wrote a blog post last week that captured my heart during this difficult time for our family.   

2. College Best Friends Reunited 

On Tuesday night, my college best friend Melanie came into town and we met for Mexican and a 2 hour gab fest.  I just love our talks, as we can be let our guards down and just be transparent about how we are feeling about life, what we want for the future, etc. I cherish these times, and wish they came around more often.  She lives in Switzerland, and maybe one day we can go and visit. 

 

3. Natalie Grant Worship Hour

One of my favorite worship leaders is Natalie Grant.  I just love her voice, and she is so fun to follow on Instagram.  I just love how real and transparent she seems.  Anyways, last week, KLOVE released a special hour long acoustic worship set, and its is awesome.  Definitely worth taking time to listen to, as it will take you straight to the Throne of God.  

4. Red Carpet Premiere

The highlight of my week was a special Red Carpet Film Premiere that I have been working on for several months.  The event was a huge success, and I love hearing about the great time everyone had.  Its was definitely a night to remember.

5. Sweet Flowers
On Friday, I have to be honest and say that I was exhausted. The event on Thursday was insane, and I couldn't wait to get home from work for a date with my couch.   However, when I got home, I received a sweet delivery.  My incredible boss and mentor sent me flowers.  It was so sweet, and I am so thankful for her support, friendship, and encouragement each and every day.  I have always been blessed to work some amazing bosses, and she is no exception.  So blessed indeed to be on her team.

Have a great week, and hoping this week is a little calmer than last week.  ;-)

five on Friday

Happy June Friends!!  I can't believe this year is almost half way over.  Time....please.... slow down.   This week has been a good week, and even though it was a short work week, with Memorial Day on Monday, its been another crazy busy week.  I am really looking forward to catching my breath a little this weekend, and getting some projects around our house taken care and fitting in some much needed "me" time. 

Hope you enjoy today's five on Friday:

Download this Background HERE.

one. June Shenanigans

WOW.........June is a FULL, FULL month.  I have so many celebrations in our family, friends birthdays, and lots of BIG work projects that this month is PACKED!!  I am hoping this weekend I can take some time to wrap my arms around it all, get the details and plans worked out, and be ready on Monday to tackle this crazy month!!  Its all good stuff, but sometimes I just need to slow down long enough to plan out the details of the good stuff.  :-)

two. Power Sheets 

I kicked off my June Power Sheets yesterday, and to say I need to follow my daily and weekly goals to keep me on track is understatement.  I absolutely LOVE this product, but to make it work I have to work the plan day in and day out.  If you are looking for an effective way to measure your goals, this is an incredible tool.   

Deck Inspiration

three. deck project 

When we bought our house 2 years ago (WOW, how time has flown), we decided to extend the back deck and make it much larger. However, after we built the deck, we decided to let it weather naturally for a couple of years before we stained it.  Well, since two years have come and gone, its now time to stain it, but the problem is that we haven't had 4 straight days without rain since March.  We finally decided to bite the bullet and do the project in stages, so my amazing husband pressure washed the deck and our teak table and chairs this week.  Now, we wait until we have a few days without rain, and we will stain the deck and table & chairs, and then add some planters and lights to finish off the look.  I cannot wait to share the final results soon. 

four. Fruitful Friendships 

I kicked of this study this week, and to say I am excited to really dig into friendships is an understatement.  Since moving home and centering my life around our families, its been hard to find time to really press in and develop deep friendships. Don't get me wrong, I have so many amazing, wonderful friends, but I am truly missing that sense of community and closeness with a group of woman that I can share every day life with.  I am hoping that taking time this summer to dedicate to friendships will prove itself fruitful.  

five. audible 

I finally jumped into the world of audible and trying it out with a 30 day trial.  So far I LOVE IT!!!  The first book I downloaded was The Wellness Project and the second book was The Sacrament of Happy.  I absolutely love being able to listen to these on my commute to and from work each day, and I feel so much more accomplished that I am actually finishing books in a timely manner.  Does anyone else use audible?  Would love to know how and when you listen to books.  

Hope you enjoyed this weeks list, have a great weekend friends.   

These are a few of my favorite things...........

Happy Saturday Friends!!  And, hello long weekend!!  I am cannot believe we are kicking off summer this weekend with Memorial Day.  We have lots of low-key plans, and I am thrilled that Matt is off this weekend too.

I thought I would kick off the weekend with sharing a few things I am loving these days!

one. Walk - A Mile a Morning

A few months ago I had a pretty nasty fall, and really bruised and hurt my lower left leg and ankle.  Exercise has been out of the question for a while; however, I am finally able to start walking again (for exercise) and been trying to log-in a one mile walk every morning.  I know this is low for  most of you, but I have to start somewhere, right?  I am starting to feel stronger, and hopefully by the end of June I will be up to 2 miles each morning.

two. Write the Word Journal

I have to admit that I have been struggling lately with getting in my quiet time with the Lord each morning.  I found myself wanting to sleep in an extra 30-45 minutes instead of getting up and spending time in the Word.  Then a few weeks ago, I came across the Write the Word Journals, and I LOVE them!!!  Each day it gives you scripture to write, and then an area to write your thoughts, prayers, etc.  It has been so motivational , that I now I cannot wait to wake up early and dive into the word.  And, the good news is that is only takes 15-20 minutes and I still have time to get in my walk.  Check out the journals - CLICK HERE!

three. Summer Playlist

To kick off the summer season, I've put together a summer playlist.  Its a mix of feel good, toe tapping music.Enjoy!! 

four. Homemade trail mix

I have always loved a good trail mix, but decided a few weeks ago to make my own.  Here are the ingredients. Its soooo good. 

five.NHL - PLAYOFFS

This past winter, I went to my first Nashville Predators game and LOVED LOVED LOVED it!!!  We had a blast, and now that the Preds are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is amazing. I am loving it, and cannot wait to the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin!! 

Happy Weekend Friends!! 

Hello Hello Hello

These past weeks have been CRAZY!!!  I haven't been able to find 2 minutes to myself, but I have to say these last few weeks have been filled with lots of fun and exciting adventures.  Here are some highlights of life over the past few weeks.............

 The last weekend in April, our team headed to MerleFest in North Carolina to talk all things Birthplace of Country Music.  And, I love trips like this because I get to spend time with some of my favorite people.  

I took this picture around 11:30 p.m. at MerleFest, getting ready to dance the night away in the Dance Tent with Scythian.  LOL!! (I think we made it 30 minutes before our beds started calling our names.  Ha!!)

In April we also celebrated our last program day with Leadership Kingsport. 
This team........is so very special to me.  

A gift I bought for a good friend in January, FINALLY arrived!!  This mug is perfect for Matt!!

 We held a special press conference to announce the 2017 Lineup for Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion. Check out the video. 

This past week we celebrated National Tourism Week with the Bristol CVB, and set up at the 2 Bristol Welcome Centers along I-81!!  Had a great time. 

Had the opportunity to attend the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association's annual awards luncheon.  We won several awards and had a great time. 

That same afternoon I graduated from Leadership Kingsport, which was so much fun. 
Did I mention I love this group.

Hoping I can get back on track with regular blogging.  In the midst of all these fun activities, my sweet mother-in-law had surgery and we were able to sit with her this week in the hospital and love her back to feeling better. 

five on friday

Its Friday!!!!   Who else is doing a happy dance??  I know I am, as I'm really excited for the weekend ahead.  This week has been a hard one, and really looking forward to some rest and relaxation. To kick off our weekend, here are five random recommendations, events, or highlights from my life this week.  Enjoy!

one - fun video shoot

I love my job, I truly do.  One of my favorite parts is working with incredible marketing vendors. This past week our go-to video team was in town to film a new video for our music festival, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion.  Here is a look at last year's Festival Recap video, and I cannot wait to share this year's Lineup video soon. 

two - two dots

Its official, Matt and I are obsessed with this game.  We have to play one or two rounds a night.  Its definitively my stress reliever at the end of the day. Its free and available in the App Store.

three - Hymns Album by Anthem Lights

Last week, I discovered a new digital album by Anthem Lights called Hymns and its AMAZING!!! If you get a chance, stream it online. 

 

four -  Spotify  Premium 

Speaking of streaming music, I have to recommend paying for a Premium subscription to Spotify.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE it, and listen to music all day, every day with this app.  Download to your desktop and phone and your set.  The free version includes commercials, and the premium version is commercial free, which is amazing. 

five - new purse

Okay, I have had my eye on this purse since January and LOVE IT!!  And, it seems like I am obsessed with light pink these days.  I think it would be the perfect spring/summer purse.

Happy Weekend Friends!

Five on Friday

Hello three day weekend! I am so thankful that today is here. This week has really tested me in so many ways, I am really looking forward to a quiet weekend at home.   And, of course Sunday is my all time favorite holiday - EASTER!!! I know church will be amazing, and I am also looking forward to spending some much needed time with my family. Below are five random things that I am loving this week.  Enjoy! 

one - Easter Dress Options

For the first time (I think ever), I have not prepared for Easter.  I have totally slacked this year in planning our Easter outfits, and it looks like I will be heading to the mall to pick up a new outfit.  Here are few dresses I have my eye on.

two - My New Favorite Nail Polish Duo

For the last several years, I have reliously gotten bi-weekly manicures and monthly pedicures; however, over the Christmas holiday my nails became extremely weak and shalac nail polish would only stay on my nails for a few days. I decided to take a break from my nail routine and just simply paint my nails myself and see what happened.  (Side note: I keep my nails extremely short, so most people often don't know if I paint them or if the salon does.)

Then, a few weeks ago, I found this new find nail polish duo called OPI's Infinite Shine.   I love it. I have paired it with my go-to color, Big Apple Red, and its the best!

three - Flowers

We finally selected flowering scrubs for our front porch flower bed.  I spent months researching online, and I event then headed to Evergreen's to ask the experts what they would recommend.  We finally decided to get one Coral Drift Rose and two bobo hydrangeas.  We got them planted last night, and cannot wait for them to begin blooming.

four  - 9 New Books
Early this week I shared nine new books I am hoping to read this summer.  Hop over to THIS POST, to learn more!

five- Last Day of Leadership Kingsport

This gal just finished her last class day with Leadership Kingsport this week.  I still have to give a presentation in May; however, I cannot believe how fast the last seven months have FLOWN by.  There are so many friendships that I have formed, and I am so blessed with this opportunity.

Happy Easter Weekend Friends!