in reckless abandon || giveaway

well, when I was planning this relaunch I decided to throw giveaway into the party. that always makes it more fun right?

|| shop || facebook || blog || 

charm topia is donating this adorable camera necklace! [and I should mention whoever wins this is going to be super lucky! I've always wanted to win a camera necklace!]

|| shop || || blog ||
amy is sponsoring these hot pink earrings.. aren't they so cute?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

in reckless abandon || relaunch

*so excited!!!*
well, lately I've been finding change. If you've known me before I hate change... but I've been running into good change. I've been learning about who I really am, and I'm finding how to be authentic. I had a couple of tough times the last couple of months and honestly, I lost confidence. I was looking through my pictures and saw all the flaws... there were so many, I felt like I would never become the photographer I wanted to be. I started searching, asking God if I really was who He intended me to be. And I found a part of myself, and a bigger part of God. I've been thinking about a relaunch for a while and but I wasn't ready for it yet. I am now. 



I've been rethinking my purpose for some time now... the last few weeks have been spent musing over such things and writing pages of what I want my life to be. what I want to leave behind.

"Maybe that's why a broken machine always makes me a little sad, because it isn't able to do what it was meant to do... Maybe it's the same with people. If you lose your purpose... it's like you're broken. 

-from the movie Hugo

I don't want to go through life and not make an impact... I don't have to be famous, I just want to impact the people I come in contact with on a daily basis. I want people to remember me after I'm gone, I want to leave a legacy.

"I want to leave a legacy 
How will they remember me? 
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough 
To make a mark on things? 
I want to leave an offering 
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically 
And leave that kind of legacy"

-Legacy [Nicole Nordeman]

I will no longer be doing "I ♥ Friday". Instead I will start doing just more inspiration posts [from pintrest] but they are going to be more random, instead of every Friday. I am starting a series called just happy things where I want to document all the little things in life. It is almost like a one thousand gifts idea. Also, I want to start a monthly photo challenge and post more DIY's, tutorials, and just different posts.

so welcome to the "new" blog. the "new" part of me. 
and thanks so much to the lovely Grace Anna who designed the new look! She did an amazing job! 

and since I adore making these I made myself a new brand board!

*photos via pintrest*

p.s. if you would want a brand board, I would love to have fun with it! email me.

p.p.s. a super super cool giveaway coming later today!! 

homemade ice coffee | diy

*notice: I am still on my break,so this is just a scheduled post.  but I will be back soon, I promise, I won't leave forever. :)*

With summer almost over I am already drinking some hot coffee, but I so many times this summer.  

It is so yummy! 

1. Brew Coffee: [and yes, I realize this coffee should have been stronger. I had to add some more instant later.]

2. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 c. milk

this picture is magic, scroll over

3. Add about a teaspoon sugar: this really depends on how sweet you want it. my sister likes her coffee loaded with sugar but I prefer my with just a little

4. Add ice and any flavor syrups you wish, and some hot chocolate powder.

5. Enjoy! 

ten reasons || guest post by abbie

it's no secret that i love fall. summer is good, but autumn is better. here's a list of ten reasons why i (really, really) like fall.

one - you get to drink hot tea.

two - the start of a new school year and a new schedule.

three - the gorgeous colors of the leaves.

four - the cool weather, which allows you to wear sweaters and scarves.

five - warm blankets in the mornings.

six - you get to go school shopping. let's face it - that's always an awesome time.

seven - apple pie. (a big reason in itself.)

eight - getting ready for the holiday season (like thanksgiving and christmas).

nine - baking pumpkin bread and banana muffins and other fall treats.

ten - i'll admit it - every single day that passes make The Hobbit a little closer.

this fall is going to be really exciting for my family, because we're welcoming baby  #7 next month. also, i'm going to be traveling to visit family in october, and i seriously can't wait.

what can i say? this fall is going to be wonderful.

abbie /// xoxox

i'm abbie. i'm an artist - photography, music, film, painting,

and just plain creating. i love switchfoot, pixar, and lord of the rings.

most of all, i love jesus.

i write at awakened.

"An Enchanted Morning....." {Guest Post by Nela}

For me, every morning that I wake up to is a blessing. A blessing that most people sometimes take for granted.
When I see the morning sun rise in the horizon, hear the birds chirping their songs, read my daily devotions, and feel the chilly morning air, it's something to be thankful for. :) Each day that we have is a gift from God. How often do we thank Him for it?
As you wake up each morning, even before you get out of bed, ask the Lord to give you the strength to make it through the day, because each day is a battle between good and evil. So you have a choice. You can choose to go about your daily routine, or to strive to live each day as if it were your last. Because I think if we knew what day we were going to die, we would act a bit more differently to the people in our lives.

What would you do if today was your last day?

Hello! I'm Nela Holmes, an authoress of "Beloved Star" & Nel's Home Cooking. My hobbies and passions are photography, martial arts, cooking, baking, exercising, reading, writing, and of course, blogging. ;) I am a sinner saved by the grace of God through faith in the work of His Son, Jesus Christ. 

So come on over and visit for awhile. I would love to meet you. :)