Favorite School Supplies

Just a kindergartner with her backpack filled the only thing she needed: a thesaurus. 

If September reminds me about anything, its school supplies.  I remember very vividly getting so excited seeing Cost Cutters put out school supplies during the summer. I dreamed of what Trapper Keeper I was going to get and what folders I was going to use. The best part? Coming home from school on the first day and going to Cost Cutters with Mom or Dad to pick out all the supplies I needed and seeing everyone else from your class there. Did anyone else do that?

As I have grown up, I have amassed quite the collection of school supplies- pens, pencils, highlighters, notebooks, sticky notes and the list goes on. It makes me giggle most days seeing all of these supplies. With a new school year, just around the corner, I figured I would share some of my favorite school supplies as an adult. 

1.    Inkjoy Pens- these have to be my favorite things on the list. You know when you find a really good pen that writes really well on all surfaces and is comfortable to write for a long time- you hold on to that pen and watch it like a hawk. HA! Seriously. I covet these pens. I have been loving the triangular ones but honetly, any Inkjoy pen is like heaven. 

2.    Post It Notes- who doesn't love post it notes?! They are bright and cheery and always there when you need one Perfect for leaving notes anywhere, doodles and taking phone messages. I am not ashamed to say I have a supply of these at work in my desk and at home. Did you know Staples sells a Treasure Chest of Post It Notes? 

3.    Sharpwriter Pencils- Another thing I LOVE- I love these pencils. They write smoothly and i love how you can twist the lead to hid it, if you put it in your bag. (These are on super discount, click the link for 36 for $6.45!)

4.   Flair Pens- Everyone seems to obsess over them and I totally get the reason- they don't bleed! They write really well, and for someone who loves to make certain things pop, these are perfect. I use these in my work planner for specific events and to take notes when im feeling fun. 

5.    Planner- you need to keep everything organized, a planner is my favorite thing. I think my earliest memory of having a planner is when I was in 4th grade and it was mandated we used these calendar books to keep track of our homework. Ever since then, I've been hooked. I've tried so many over the years. I found for home life, Erin Condren daily planners(linked) work best for me and for work, I have a basic weekly/monthly planner that keeps me  organized and keeps track of all my files. 

I guess I really like Papermate office supplies because 3 out of the 4 items on the list are Papermate.

What are some of your must haves for school supplies ??

[[The whole process of education is to turn mirrors into windows]]

-gabrielle

Happy September!

 

Source

Gosh! September has always been a favorite of mine. The smell of new books, freshly sharpened pencils and a notebook make me think of September. Even as a kid, I loved back to school and September; it was almost a way to start fresh- new school year, new you. 

I hope this month brings you joy, happiness, and a new found appreciation for things you love. I pray for you to have the strength to make hard decisions, enjoy the small moments and to love deeply. 

[[Let's do what we love and do a lot of it - Marc Jacobs]]

-gabrielle

Dear August

Dear August,

Oh August, you were quite the month. You are the Sunday of the summer and you sure did feel like it. I loved my evening walks along the river and the afternoons spent paddleboarding down the creek. Lazy days reading and time spent reflecting on this year.

You started out quite curious, when a mystery flamingo appeared at my house the first Saturday of the month and after questioning all my friends and family, no one admitted who left it for me. There is a sense of excitement that someone who knows me well enough left that for me but I also think to myself, who did that?! I may never know who left the mystery flamingo but once more I am publicly thanking them for it, whoever you are. 

We moved from mystery flamingos to power outages and terrible storms. I feel like a lot of the month it had terrible storms filled with thunder and lightening. We lost power for a few days but we couldn't figure out why- the storm wasn't that bad. Thanks to all the linemen from all the different states that came to help restore power back to the East Coast. 

One of my favorite things that happened this month was I started to read again. I have been struggling to pick a book up since this who mess started back in March. I started reading a physical book the day the power went out. I sat in my car to charge my phone and I couldn't stop reading . From that point on, all I wanted to do was read. It brought me so much joy all month. I ended up reading SIX books this month. (Look for my book reviews next week!) 

Speaking of what brings me joy- it was school. I am currently taking two classes and while it is a lot of work and a lot of time, I couldn't be happier about it. The idea of learning new things and then building on those ideas allows me to further myself and strive for things that I always dream of.  I have been staying up late most nights working on homework or assignments and even though getting up early for work is hard, the most important this is, my heart is full. I found something that I was really missing. 

I was able to have a few Standup Paddleboard Yoga sessions on the creek with Adrienne. I truly enjoyed each of these sessions. The views are one of my favorite parts- its nice to get a different perspective.  Each week I have been feeling more and more stronger and more confident with my yoga on the paddleboard. There is something about being on the water that brings calmness to me. 

August, you have also taught me/ helped reinforce the fact I enjoy being alone, doing things on my own and just being silent. I know that is hard for some people- being alone with their thoughts- but for me its my favorite place. Most of the times, I don't think of anything specific, I let my mind wander from one thing to another with no direction. I think this is somewhat like meditating- not focusing on one particular thought and letting it flow in and out. 

Before I end this letter, how could I forget, I went to two appointments that were postponed due to the mess. I was super impressed with how each location handled social distancing and keeping to a schedule. It's a different experience and a little nerve-wracking but I did it and I was happy to do something normal. 

Thanks August for a good month! I hope September brings more joy and happiness for me and you too!

-gabrielle

[[no matter where you are, grace is never far]]

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! Can you believe it’s the last Friday of the month AND Summer? I have been trying to savor all the moments outside in the warm summer air. August always reminds me of a Sunday, You try to squeeze everything in before its over. I think the memories that were made this summer were surpassingly some of my favorites. I am pretty sure as I am getting older, I am enjoying quiet, low key moments more and more. This summer was low key and full of surprises. 

Here are some favorites from this week:

1.      Reading binge///The reading worm has finally bit me and all I wanted to do this month was read. Libby has been awesome and I have been devouring books (I think I am up to 5 books read this month!). I am working on a post for next month reviewing the books I read-I am so excited to share! I love to find out what others are reading- send me your recommendations and find me on Good Reads.

2.      Dunzo///Around this time every year, one thing pops into my head “Summer is Dunzo” said by Laguna Beach’s Stephen Colletti. (Season one episode 6) It never fails- every August, I think about this.(Please tell me, someone else remembers this too!?)  It makes me smile and laugh because summer is not technically over the end of August- in a sense it is but we have Local Summer- when all the vacationers go home and us locals can enjoy what we have without the crowds. 

3.      New Blog Series///Starting in September, my Friday posts each week will have  a specific theme. Once a month I will have a Feel Good Friday, Funny Friday, Faith over Fear Friday and Favorites Friday. I like the idea of having structure with my posts each month, a routine with what I post. 

4.    Prayers/// These two hurricanes hitting Texas, Louisiana and the Gulf are scary. I am praying extra hard for all those in the path of Marco & Laura. I am also praying for understanding and hope and kindness for all the unrest happening in the world. I am praying for everyone- I think we all need some prayers lately.

I am linking with Andrea and Erika today for Friday Favorites.

[[Rise up and pray. Luke 22:46]]

-gabrielle

PS. Did you miss this weeks posts? Check them out here: August Mixtape & Favorite Masks.

Favorite Masks

Masks...

If I have to wear them, I want them to be at least cute. Isn't that how everyone else is feeling? No, just me, okay!

There are so many more out there then what I have listed below. Etsy is a great place for all things hand made and I even tried my hand at making masks early on- my sewing skills are something to be desired. HA. Masks are the accessory for 2020.  I have bought many different types of masks in the past few months and I thought I would share what brands I love in case you are still on the hunt for a good mask.

Here are my favorites I have found over the past couple of months:

Old Navy

My favorite most cost effective ones are from Old Navy.  They come in a bunch of different colors and patterns and I feel that they are able to accommodate most people's faces. The price I feel is fair sitting at 5 for $12.50. I can comfortably wear these when  I am out shopping they really hold up in the washing machine. One tip: I air dry them and when they are just out of the wash, I smooth the fabric with my finger to get out any wrinkles and they look great when they are dry.  

Lilly Pulitzer 

These were my splurge masks. Now, I have loved Lily Pulitzer for a long time and when I found then came out with masks, I JUMPED at the chance to get one. I purchased the original rectangle mask back in April (?) and I was really pleased with it. My mom bought me the new ChillyLilly 3 pack and the bright colors make me feel so cheerful and these are super comfortable as well. They are more breathable and more like an exercise material. Even during a pandemic, we can live in a Lilly state of mind. 

Vera Bradley

I have always loved Vera Bradley as the brand and when I saw Vera Bradley made face masks, I wanted to check them out. These are $8 a mask and there is a big selection of different prints. These are a bit more reasonable and they have options for the style of mask you can buy. 

Tory Burch

You would think  a designer brand would have really expensive masks- not Tory Burch. They are selling a 5 pack of silky masks for $35. They look more expensive then they actually are. I figure, if I am going to be wearing these a lot, its worth it to try. These masks are perfect and they have the little adjusters to make it fit perfectly to your face. 

Neck Gaiter

I found these on Amazon in March when this whole mess started. These are super comfortable and stretchy to fit all face shapes. I feel like men wear these more which I can understand the convenience of these. These might be my winter/fall masks because it provides more coverage. 

Disposable Mask

The trust backup mask- the disposable one. It seems like if you don't have a washable fabric mask, this is the one you have. If you wear one of these, just remember to throw it away in the trash, not the garbage. 

Here are some tips and tricks I have found:

-When washing the masks, put them in a mesh laundry bag to keep them all together and don't but them in the dryer
-FogStop really does work!
-Keep an extra one in your desk and in your car (its like chapstick, have one everywhere you are)
-Just wear one, its not that hard. 
-Amazon sells little silicone adjusters for the earloops on masks to make them fit better (or tie little knots in the loops to get a tighter fit)

[[Trust the wait. Embrace the uncertainty. Enjoy the beauty of becoming.]]

-gabrielle

ps.  If this is the easiest way to control COVID-19, I think its a no brainer to just wear the mask. 

August Mixtape

This month's mixtape is fun. I am all about finding new music and this month's playlist is (mostly) from my Release Radars and Discover Weekly from Spotify. This is a fun mix of chill music and fun singalongs. Enjoy the new tunes.

WGJ vol. 8
Gimme Something- Granger Smith
Slow & Steady- JD Clayton
Coming Home- Hudson Moore
Past Life-Trevor Daniel & Selena Gomez
7500 OBO- Tim McGraw
7 Summers- Morgan Wallen
Worship You- Kane Brown
Drive All Night (acoustic Live)- NEEDTOBREATHE
One Prayer Left-Ryan Griffin
In My Car- Connor Myers
BOYFRIEND- HARDY
For Awhile (Stripped)- Ryan Robinette
Salt and Lime (Acoustic)- Clare Dunn
Still Smokin'- RaeLynn
Slow Down- Steve Moakler
Runnin' Out of Stars-Ryan Robinette
Soundtrack to a Small Town Sundown- Tyler Farr
Tennessee(Take Me Down)- Clayton Anderson
Photo Booth- Tony Evans, Jr.
GIVE HEAVE SOME HELL- HARDY

Listen here.

[[Things that excite you are not random. They are connected your purpose. Follow them]]

-gabrielle

Fabulous Friday Favorites

Found a Stanley* by my car in the garage.

Happy friYAY! How are you today? This week was a lot of fun and it flew by. Also, can anyone explain how it is already more than half way through the month??   I am linking up with Andrea and Erika today for Friday Favorites. 

Here are some highlights from my week: 

1. Eye Doctor//As much as I have had problems in the past with my eyes, I don't actually mind going to the eye doctor. I was super impressed with their procedures for keeping their patient safe and socially distant and everything was sanitized once a patient touched it. I was in and out within 40 minutes and that was even including stopping at the optical shop in the office to ask about contact prices. So impressed. That was the first time I was in a doctors office since before all of this mess. Speaking of .....

1a. Contacts//If you wear contacts, you know the struggle about how much they cost. The eye doctor quoted me a price for one box (aka one eye) of contacts at $118. I nearly fell out of the chair. I use and like daily contacts but the price is always so much more expensive for them. When I got home I looked on 1-800-CONTACTS to see their price and that was $109.  Yikes! My mom suggested I try Walmart- they have a vision center. It was worth a shot and I was pleasantly surprised when I found my contacts for $86-a full $32 different.

2. Standup Paddleboarding// Last weekend I had a Standup Paddleboard yoga session at the creek. I have been doing this once a week and I have been LOVING it. Its so peaceful and being outside is the best lately. We decided to go on a little adventure to see a new part of the creek and it was quite magical. The trees on both sides were making a canopy over the creek and the water was so still. I am currently saving for my own paddleboard for next year. 

3. School Update///Week one of classes is almost over. I was able to access the syllabus on Friday and to my delight the textbooks were available too. Guess what I spent most of the weekend doing- you guessed it, reading for my two classes. You would have thought I won a million dollars by the way I was so excited and eager to start. #nerd Starting the reading early paid off because I am just about done with all the assignments (just two left) and the exam for the one class. Learning is something that has always made me so happy and this is the perfect thing for me right now. 

I am looking forward to:

1. Reading more// not just in my textbooks; I have been trying to read for at least a half hour a day to bring a little more joy into my life. I'm currently reading Open Book by Jessica Simpson. I am about half way through and at this point I am invested in it, I need to know how it ends. 

2. Homework// I know... I just heard so many eyes roll but I truly enjoy doing homework and I find myself going over different concepts in my head when I have some quiet time. 

3. My last Wednesday Off// Um...how did we get to the end of August already? I swear we were JUST in July. There is a lot of "fun" things at my job coming up that I cannot wait to tackle. 

How was your week? Are you looking forward to anything? Wishing you another wonderful weekend and a wonderful week ahead. 

[[August is like the Sunday of the Summer]]

-gabrielle

P.S. Did you miss my posts from this week? Check them out here- Photo Story and Wednesday Wisdom

*If you don't remember, Stanley is the skinny tailed squirrel that runs outside the kitchen window; I kinda became friends with him (Through the window) when I would eat breakfast, he would be in the tree looking at me. Every time I see a skinny tailed squirrel, I yell, STANLEY! and smile.

Wednesday Wisdom

Hello! Hi! Hiya! How are you friends? As I sit at my desk to write this, I am looking out my window at another beautiful summer night-everything looks just perfect. Dreamy colors, lush green foliage everywhere, the sounds of families playing outside and I think to myself how different but so good this summer has been.  Many opportunities presented themselves this summer that I don't think (possibly) they would present themselves otherwise. I love the unexpected happiness and excitement of things.  When I was driving to work this morning I was thinking about luck and in my Google Photos, it showed me that I took this photo two year ago. Luck. I love when things like this happen, I always take it as a sign; now I have no idea what the sign actually is but it made me smile. 

If you are looking for a sign, or just some words of comfort:

Whether you are in a new season of life that could look like you are working from home and your child is learning from home or you are having struggles through this season because of the lack of income, the lack of support or other personal struggles, I am praying for you. I pray everyone is moving at their own pace, in their own direction in their own season knowing that there is goodness out there for you. It might not come tomorrow or in two weeks but its there, its coming for you. You deserve what you are praying about, yearning for and what you are looking for. No one has the answers and sometimes the answer you are expecting, might not be the best one for you. Maybe there is an even better answer for what you are needing, have faith and patience and that will get you through these unusual seasons in our lives. You are exactly where you need to be- right here and now. 

Enjoy today and everyday. We have no idea how numbered our days are and why not try to live each day full of wonder, grace and most importantly joy. 

[[grace not perfection]]

-gabrielle

Photo Story: August

Happy Monday!  Today is officially the first day of classes for me and I couldn't be happier. I started reading the chapters and taking notes over the weekend (#nerdalert) and I am so excited for this adventure. 

On to today's posts- a collection of photo from the past month.

Nature is the overall theme again this month; I have been spending so much time outside. It has been a unique summer and even though it has been different than I expected, I am really enjoying this new rhythm and way of life. Change is good and it helps refresh you soul; I have been making more time for things that bring me true joy each day. I go to bed with a full heart and a smile on my face each night and in the morning, I jump out of bed to see what the day has in store for me. 

Small Reminders

Cannot get enough of these views

Golden hour 

Patience is what makes things worth it

Reflection on the River

Watercolor sky

Sky meet Sea

Reading in the car during a power outage

Light & Darkness

Dreamy 

Bright Spot

Painting like clouds

Bright views

Orange Sun

Trying to space out my snacks out

Sailing Practice

Postcard from the shore

A true tiger Lily

Middle of the River

Broke Down

Sometimes you see life more clearly, upside down

What have you seen this month?

[[ You attract the right things when you have a sense of who you are- Amy Poehler]]

-gabrielle

Fabulous Favorites on Friday

Happy Friday! Is it just me or did this week fly by? I swear I sneezed on Monday and here we are one Friday already. This was a great week for me. I felt productive and on task all week. As usual, I am linking up with Andrea and Erika this week and  I am going back to my tried and true Friday Favorites this week- here are some things I truly enjoyed this week:

1. Libby// What an awesome app! I am probably late to the party with this one but I read another book this week on Libby and I couldn't get over how easy it was to pick out a book and then start reading. There is a lot of books that were available instantly and the ones that are not available you can put on hold. You link your library card to the app and away you go. I am currently on book number 3 for the month. 

2. Classes//  I am taking advantage of the offer through my union to get my associates degree through Eastern Gateway Community College and I start my fall semester of online classes on Monday and I couldn't be happier. The syllabus' are being released today- that means I will be stalking the student portal all day waiting to look at them. I am so excited that my binders are all ready and waiting for Monday! 

Fun Fact: I've been to college (a few different ones) and I have an AAS degree in Paralegal Studies but I never continued for my Bachelors degree. This is the first step in an exciting adventure for me. 

I read somewhere you should chase whatever excites you because what excites you is what is connected to your purpose in life. #newbeginnings

3. Belk// I am in the market for some new work clothes and I took a peek at Belk online and I was so impressed with their selection and prices.  I loved the Limited work pants and I was able to find (what I hope) are the same pants or very similar to what I used to like. I haven't bought new clothes since the beginning of the year and I am very excited for these to arrive. 

Are you up to anything fun this weekend? I hope for a yoga standup paddleboard session, lots of reading and looking over the syllabus's for Monday's classes.

Check back next week for August's snapshots and What's up Wednesday!

[[If you are waiting for a sign, this is it.]]

-gabrielle

PS. Did you miss this weeks posts- Movie Monday and Mid Week Thoughts- Choices