So last weekend, a week ago today to be exact, we went wedding dress shopping for my cousin Stephanie's wedding.

*sigh*

My goodness, it was delightful! I can't wait to go pick out a wedding dress someday! Ahh, what a happy experience! There was one girl there who could NOT stop smiling, and trying on tons of dresses, and she just looked to be the pure definition of joy. I can't blame her! How cool would that be, trying on all of these gorgeous dresses, and with each one, imagining the look on your groom's face as you walk down the aisle towards him? *squeal*!!

So, while I can't show you what dress Steph picked out (because I'm totally paranoid that she'd get on my blog while Eric, her fiancee, is around or something. Yikes!!), I figure I'll just show you MY favorite wedding dresses!

I'm not too sure how I feel about the black in this one, but at the same time, it's what makes me like it! Hmmm....

This one is just adorable. I love the little splash of color!

So, so beautiful! And it's not strapless. I actually really like that it's not strapless.

But...sooo many are strapless! And despite the possibility of discomfort, I adore this dress. Or maybe it's how she's posed on a car. O.o

Anyways, so there are just a few of the dresses I like (at least from that particular store!). But in reality, they all look beautiful when you're smiling and glowing, as a bride should be ;)

All pictures courtesy of David's Bridal's website.

Mentos Rainbow Spider Commercial

3 Things:

1. That girl? Yeah, that's definitely me. (At least her reaction is).

2. This is sooo scary. Oh my goodness.

3. I will never, ever stop wondering why God had to make spiders!!!!

Tangled!

So I finally, FINALLY got to see Tangled.

Oh my goodness gracious.

Best Disney movie in sooo long!

During this movie, I had a few thoughts:

1. I'm sad my hair is so short :(

2. I’d really like to start carrying around a frying pan. Just for the heck of it.

3. This may just be the cutest Disney guy yet.

4. Ummm, hello, I want to be a Disney princess voice!

5. Wouldn’t it be snazzy if your eyes could actually be that big?

6. Hey, minus the baking, and flying throughout the room via her hair, oh and making dresses for a chameleon, my days and Rapunzel’s days seem a little too similar…

7. *sniffle* I want my prince to come and rescue me!! (cue depressed mood that lasts about 5-10 minutes, give or take)

8. Heh heh. If I had a horse, I’d want him to be JUST like that.

9. Why do villains have to be so scary? :o

10. So. frikkin. romantic. *swoon*

Oooh btw, guys: from now on, just assume my pictures are coming from weheartit; otherwise I'll let you know ;)

~Lauren :)

This is just fun :D

10 ways I am a stereotypical girl :)

1. Chocolate makes me happy :D

2. I cry when I'm sad. I cry when I'm happy. I cry when I'm angry. Heck, sometimes I cry for no reason at all!

Lord, help the man who marries me.

3. I love to laugh so, so much. It's one of my favorite things ;)

4. Whenever I see something sparkly, or furry, or glittery, or fuzzy....it just makes me really happy :D

5. I overanalyze everything. Ev-er-y-thing.

6. Wedding dress commercials make me swoon. Wedding dress stores make me swoon! (More to come on that later) ;)

7. I cover my eyes during the scary or gory parts of movies. :o

8. I will never let go of my love for Jack Dawson. Never!!

9. I get so jealous. And about completely totally ridiculous, even sometimes hypothetical things. And obviously, guys get jealous too. But come on, girls. We're good at being dramatic ;)

10. I adore Disney movies. Like, instead of eating "comfort foods" when I'm sad or sick, I watch Disney movies. :D

Oooh yeah. The picture is, indeed, from weheartit.com. See, I've got a strategy now!! One where I skillfully avoid any racy pictures. See, I find really awesome Christian pictures (like the ones I posted before), and from there go to the pages of those who have "hearted" them, because I mean, for the most part, those who like the pictures that have to do with Jesus aren't really going to have inappropriate things on their pages. And they really don't! Therefore, score. ;)

A New Look!

Well, what do you think???

I like it! And it made the sidebars a little less crowded ;)

But for the life of me, I cannot figure out how to stretch my header. Pfft. Whatever. I give up.

Hope you guys like the rest of the new look! :D

~Lauren :)

My aunt Abby is a very special person. She really truly is! And I'm pretty sure that I'm basically reliving her life :P

Anyways, so she's got 4 little boys, and with that, she has pretty much lost all rights to her television! Therefore, she spends her time watching all kid shows, and it tends to show!

So today, as I'm sitting here, watching Little Bear (Yes, yes, of my own accord!), I realized "Wow. I don't even have kids yet (duh), and I'm already turning more into Abby!!!"

But I mean, you can't blame me: Little Bear is so CUTE and fluffy and cuddly-looking, and not to mention that he's a woodland creature, which are my favorites (raccoons, wolves, and bears, oh my!). They're just so darn cute and cuddly.

And apparently Little Bear can breathe underwater?? Yeah, I just found that out like 2.4 seconds ago. Nice.

But hey, my turning more into Abby is a pretty good thing, I think. She's pretty much amazing ;)

Oooh yeah. I failed, if you can't tell. Unfortunately, that is. And therefore, I jump back in to the world of the interweb with a post of complete and total randomness. :D

So I have a new addiction: weheartit.com

I really adore this site. Like, a lot. It's new to me, I don't even know how I came across it, but it's just so snazzy! It lets you create an online album of pictures that inspire you, or make you happy, or whatever...it's really cool.

BUT there is a snag in the wonderfulness of this site. While its said to be "inspiring images", well, um, some of them are a little too racy for my taste, and therefore not at all inspiring whatsoever. In fact, it's really crappy. Because it's like, ooooh here's this totally snazzy site, where you can find the coolest pictures(!), but I wouldn't even feel comfortable recommending it to you guys! I mean, they're not all bad, or I would've turned away immediately and not returned to the site; But as you're browsing through the pictures, every once in a while you'll come across one that's just way too inappropriate.

Conclusion? While I've enjoyed the last 24 hours of this site, I think I've gots to give up on it. Already. I mean, come on. If I can't even recommend it to you guys, then it's not worth my time!

But I have to admit my annoyance at just ...well, everything, I suppose. It's like, seriously? Why would the administrators of the site even allow anything inappropriate to be on it? It's just so beyond unnecessary. Blah. But it's okay. I really don't need anything else besides Facebook and Blogger sucking me into hours and hours on the computer ;)

OH. And btw, these pictures? Yeah, these are a few of the ones that actually DID inspire me; I had to share them with you, because they're awesome. But as far as crediting them goes, they are from the site. So yeah. :)

A Makeover? Hmmm.

So, friends, I'm thinking of changing up the blog.

The only thing is, I really like the colors, and the header, and the pictures, and just all of that jazz! But, what do you guys as followers think? Is it too dark, is it too cluttered, is it too "whoa!"?

Tell me your thoughts, pretty please!

Oh. And be honest. Seriously. Be honest!!

~Lauren :)

a post of randomness

So American Idol started up again last night. I'm pretty much excited! I actually really like the new judge panel. I already love Jennifer Lopez about a million times more than Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi combined. She's such a sweetheart! Steven Tyler kindof weirds me out, but by the end of the 2nd hour, I was used to him. Randy is...well, he's Randy. Anyways, 3 thumbs up already to American Idol this year!

Photo credit

I've discovered that clementines and Sunkist are a looovely combination.

Photo credit

I really think that I will never be too old for coloring. As a matter of fact, my Disney Princess coloring book, and official box of 120 crayons is sitting next to me at the moment. This = happiness.

Yeah, sorry for my lack of posts. I've been lacking inspiration. That's never good...Oh well.

Adieu!

I fear that today, I'm looking quite a bit like cutesy little Grumpy Bear here. After a day of helping my future sister-in-law move, and about a million flights of stairs, I am sooo blah. Like, that's the only word to describe it: blah. So I wasn't even going to post at all, but then I found this picture, and it brightened me up a little bit, so I figured I'd share it with ya'll. :D

Feel the love.

The Afters-Lift Me Up Lyrics Version

This song is wonderful. I was going to type out the lyrics of it, but then I found this video that has the lyrics in it! This is definitely one of my newer favorite songs now. The words are just perfection.

Enjoy!

photo credit

Dear God,

I promise to love the man you bless me with no matter what! But...do you think he can look like this, maybe?

Love,

Lauren :D

(heheheheee)

Passion and Purity

"There was nothing I was experiencing that He had not been through in some form. The love that is everlasting had entered this world, my world, my very heart, known its struggles, shared its weakness and perplexity. None of those things, then, would separate me from His love."

-Elisabeth Elliot, Passion and Purity

Ladies, this book...oh, this book. So wonderful. Had it not been one I had borrowed, I would've highlighted SO much! So instead, I just copied a bunch of stuff into my journal. ;) The quote above is one of the many inspiring, encouraging moments in this book.

This book is about surrendering everything to Christ, and truly living for Him alone, relying on Him, trusting Him. It's a very challenging book, and I constantly found myself thinking "I could never do this!!" (Elisabeth Elliot has to wait 5 years before she knows for sure that the man she's in love with will marry her. Yikes.) But since I finished it, it's been on my mind nonstop, and I just want to reread it! Through sharing journal entries of her own, letters from that man, Jim Elliot, and tons and tons of scripture, the author provides so much encouragement. At least for me, she did ;)

Main point: if you're ever looking for a book on relationships, purity, dating, I absolutely recommend this one. Simply amazing.

My very first award! Oooh la la!

So I've been awarded the "Stylish Blogger Award" by both Kinsey French at soulBACON,and Lily at Snatched from the Wind. Thanks guys!! (Everyone else, check them out; they're pretty snazzy ;)

The Rules:

uno: Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award.

dos: Share 7 things about yourself.

tres: Award 10 recently discovered bloggers.

My 7 things:

1. Singing is majorly therapeutic to me. :D

2. I got my license, and really wanted it, but...the thought of driving anywhere stresses me out :o

3. After I eat Cheerios, I have to eat a pickle. And then after I eat the pickle, I have to eat Smarties. It's like when you give a mouse a cookie ;)

4. I sooo wish I knew how to play the guitar. Or piano. Preferably guitar, though.

5. When I was little, I was terrified of thunderstorms. Now, I love them :)

6. I just really love raccoons...a lot.

7. I've been having dreams about the Voyage of the Dawntreader. They really make me want to go to Narnia.

10 bloggers (that are new to me!) Check 'em out!

my soul must sing

The Inkwell

Sisters in the Savior

My Paper Heart

Dramatic Elegance

the wild within me

Between You and Me

finding faith in purple rain and talking cows

...yeah. I'm cheating. There are only 8 there. Oh well!

Jim: Four years ago, I was just a guy who had a crush on a girl, who had a boyfriend. And I had to do the hardest thing I've ever had to do, which was just to...wait. Don't get me wrong, I flirted with her. Pam, I can now admit in front of friends and family, that I do know how to make a photocopy. Didn't need your help that many times. And, uh, do you remember how long it took you to teach me how to drive stick?

Pam: Like a year!

Jim: I've been driving stick since high school, so...For a really long time, that's all I had. Little moments with a girl who saw me as a friend. And, a lot of people told me I was crazy to wait this long for a date with a girl I work with but I think, event then I knew that...I was waiting for my wife.

*squeal*!!!

Jim Halpert is just...*sigh*. I almost want to say he's a sort of hero for me. I mean, ohmygoodness. Jim and Pam's relationship is just so romantic (and yes, I do realize they are fictional! Ugh, it kills me every time...). The fact that he waits for her, for so long, and has to go through her being engaged to another guy, and yet, he never loses his hope.

I guess that's the main point of my sharing this teeny bit of their story: the hope that never ends for Jim Halpert. (and yes, I realize that sounds cheesy, but I'm a romantic!). Over the years, over time apart, and watching her be with someone else, when he has no more reason to hope, he still does.

Jim: The boat was actually Plan C. The church was Plan B. And Plan A was marrying her a long, long time ago. Pretty much the day I met her.

Jim Halpert gives me hope

:')

"Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see."

-Corrie Ten Boom

I am not a fan of rap music.

But this is just so awesome, I can't resist sharing it. I've listened to it probably 16 or 17 times, between last night and this morning. No joke.
Listen closely to the words, and the whole way through...if you're like me, you'll be like "whoa!" by the end!
Definitely THE coolest rap song ever made. (If you call it rap. The guy's just talking, really.)
OH. Btw, this is, in fact, a Christian song. Don't worry, friends, I would never make you listen to anything questionable. ;) Enjoy!


There is no greater love than this, than he who lays down his life for his friends.
Now, are you willing to lay down your life for your friends?
You're probably willing to lay down your life for your mother
your father, or your best friends.
But are you willing to lay down your life for even those that hate you?
I'm going to tell you who did that.
The definition of love is Jesus Christ. He is love.
The nails in his hands, the thorns in his brow
Hanging on a cross for your sins, my sins
That is love, he died for you and me while we still hated him.
That is love.
God is true love, and if you don't know this love,
Now is the the time to know, perfect love.

So I've just watched Singin' in the Rain for the first time.

Oh my goodness.

I am in love.

It is, in a word: fantastic.

:D

The Wii Active Personal Trainer. One of my Christmas gifts this year.

Yikesabee.

I mean, it's pretty awesome. It definitely makes you work up a sweat. But this morning, it took me an entire 10 minutes to get the courage to get out of bed, my entire body hurt so bad. And then of course, it has you on a schedule...so I had to do it again today.

And you know, the entire time, your trainer (mine's a guy) tells you, "Your body's gonna thank you for this!". Pfft. Yeah. Sure. Maybe someday. But for now, all it's doing is screaming "Why are you doing this to me???"

Well, Mr Irritating (Fake) Trainer Guy: I just ate a humongo bowl of ice cream. Rebellion!!!

In your face.

Although I'm sure I'll feel bad about it later... :P

Love this quote...picture mine ;)

"Never say goodbye, because goodbye means going away, and going away means forgetting."

-Peter Pan

By Your Side - Tenth Avenue North

It's amazing to know that no matter how things change, no matter who comes in and out of our lives, our God is always the same; always right here, by our side. No matter what we're going through, or how we feel, He's always right here with us.
What an awesome promise! It's so wonderful to know that we are never alone; and that our God will never abandon us, no matter who else might.
This song is simply incredible, and each time I hear it is like hearing it for the first time, and just being so wowed by the words. I find so much comfort in this song...and hope you will too.
-Lauren :)

This, folks, is Zambi.

And he is wicked sweet.


See, he's a FurReal friend! You know, the stuffed animals that walk and move and make all sorts of snazzy sounds? Aww yeah.


Well, this is the gift that my Aunt Emily got me for Christmas this year! (Yes, despite the fact that I'm nearly 18 years old. Pffft, you can never be too old for adorableness!)

In September, she went to the country of Zambia (in Africa) for a 2 week long missions trip, and as soon as she got home, she was ready to go back! So needless to say, for the past few months, Zambia and Africa in general have been on her mind. So imagine her surprise when she found Zambi, the African Elephant!


The really awesome thing about Zambi is that the artwork on his ears (and the bracelet that comes with him) was done by children in Africa! 50% of the proceeds from Zambi go towards Hasbro's Project Zambi Fund, which supports programs that help make life better for children orphaned by AIDS in Africa.


So besides being simply adorable, this gift was also just so special, and unique! Zambi just makes you wanna go out and by all of his twin brothers sitting on store shelves ;)

All of my information, and pictures are from the Hasbro site!