Y'ALL!

Guess what I discovered?
A whole website dedicated to random facts.
CLICK HERE.
AND you can get a random fact of the day sent to you!
I love this!

Here are a few that I've found so far and they are cracking. me. up!

~Two-thirds of plastic surgery patients are repeat patients, and more than five million Americans may be addicted to plastic surgery. One example of such addiction, 48-year-old Hang Mioku was left disfigured after she injected her own face with cooking oil.

~Historically, sweat has been an active ingredient in perfume and love potions

~Engagement rings are often worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because the ancient Greeks maintained that that finger contains the vena amoris, or the “vein of love,” that runs straight to the heart. The first recorded wedding rings appear in ancient Egypt, with the circle representing eternity as well as powerful sun and moon deities.

~The English word “girl” was initially used to describe a young person of either sex. It was not until the beginning of the sixteenth century that the term was used specifically to describe a female child

~Hamburgers are not served in India out of respect for Hindu religious beliefs, and beer is served at McDonald's in Germany.

Happy Friday!

Success or Failure?

Ah, Thursday. That means tomorrow is Friday! And then, the weekend!
And as much as I am looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday, I have soo much to accomplish before then.
I absolutely HAVE to finish the photos of my brother's wedding! Deadline is Sunday!
Eeeeck!

I'm really learning a lot about myself with my photography.
And I'm finding lots to work through.
I think it's because this is my passion and I put so much work into it.
But then I have those soft whispers in my ear of
"you're not good enough"
"they're going to hate the pictures"
"you're going to be judged"

And those whispers are just loud enough to get stuck in my head and consume me a bit.
And the thing is, if I'm going to pursue photography full time, I've got to figure out a way to get past this. I've got to find the way to get those whispers out of my head!

Any suggestions for a boost of confidence?

SSSUUUGGGAAARRR!!!!!

Ok, so if you are a regular reader, you know that I am trying to embrace not eating emotionally. And I'm really trying to be more concious about what I'm eating in general.

Now, I have never really considered myself a sweets eater.

That is, until I decided to cut out sugar.

Oh. My. Gosh.
I am dying!!!!

*disclaimer: I have yet to go a whole day without sugar*

Seriously. It's a bigger problem than I originally thought.

And do you know what doesn't help?
The candy in our breakroom! Ugh!

But guess what I've found that is perfect - when I actually choose it over sugar:


They come in 100 calorie packs and only have 1g of sugar! BUT it tastes like chocolate because they are roasted in dark chocolate cocoa!
F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S!

AND do you know what else is yummy? Splenda sweetened Hawaiian Punch! Oh yeah!

Maybe once I get the sugar thing under control, I'll try to cut out some carbs.

This crap is hard people!

Tuesday Unwrapped

Happy Tuesday!
So today, I'm taking part in Tuesday Unwrapped! One of the blogs I follow, Chatting at the Sky, runs this little thing every Tuesday. It's basically just a way to sit back and take in the day for what it is.
Now I'm going to be honest here. I would say 95% of the time, I don't do this. I definitely get all caught up in the world and everything that's going on and forget that tomorrow is not promised to me. I forget that I should be living each day to the fullest because we never get a do-over. This is it people. Each day that passes is one that we never get back.
That being said, I'm still trying to figure out just how to live each day to the fullest. I mean really, how does one do that when at least 9 hours of your day is in a cubicle? So once I figure it out, I'll let ya know. And of course if any of you have figured it out, please let me know!

So for now, I will sit back and enjoy my day. I will live it to the fullest. And since it's early and I haven't experienced too much today, I'll take a look at the unwrapped gifts of the week so far.

In all that I can find in life that I'm unhappy about, I can find 10 more blessings. Isn't that crazy?!
I live a life that's blessed.
See, God has already promised His blessings on us. We don't have to ask for it(You should definitely go to www.passioncitychurch.com, click on "watch" at the bottom left, and listen to the February 14th message).
I am trying to re-think my prayer life and focus more on being grateful for the blessings rather than ranting on about how they're not enough.
That's deep.
And stabs my heart every time I think about it.

When I really stop and take a look at my life I see just how blessed I am. I am blessed with a roof over my head, a car, a job, a loving husband, a loving family. I am blessed with great friends. I am blessed with talents. I am blessed with a purpose. I am blessed with a love for God. I am blessed with a love for life.

I could go on and on and on and on.

So I encourage you today, take a few minutes to stop and smell the roses. Stop and watch the sun set. Just stop and take it all in.

I just couldn't help myself...

...my sweet little brother and my NEW sister!!!

I'm Baaaccckk!

Ahhh, home sweet home.
And now to lots of photo editing of my brother's BEAUTIFUL wedding!
It was soooo great to see everyone.
I love my family!
So, just sayin' hi! I'll have plenty of photos to share throughout the week!

pArTiNg GiFt

Happy Thursday! So I'll be away for a few days (*gasp!*)and while I'll surely be going through blogging withdrawals, I'll have lots for you when I get back. Until then, I leave you with a portion of my latest project! Tour de Atlanta! :)
CLICK HERE

And on another note, I feel that I need to confess something.
My name is Lauren and I'm addicted to chapstick!
I absolutely cannot go through a checkout line without purchasing chapstick! I have a dresser top full of chapstick, plus a few tubes in my purse and at work! I feel that this could be getting out of control.
And that's it for my random thought of the day!

Heading West!

Ola Bloggers!
I hope your Wednesday is superfantastic so far!
I should be making my packing list but instead I am here, blogging.
Story of my life.

Anyway, we are heading out to Texas tomorrow to photograph and see this cute guy get married!

This picture really does no justice to just how cute he is. I can say that because he's my little brother, Shane! I'm so proud of him! Since my brothers live in Texas, I usually miss out on a lot. So I'm heading to his wedding and photographing AND meeting his fiance/bride for the first time! Her name is Raegan and she just sounds so darn cute! So come Monday, you will definitely be overloaded with wedding pics!

AND you'll never guess what else? This past Saturday, my sweet baby brother, Cody proposed to his girlfriend Christie!

Again, not the best picture to show all his cuteness. These were crazy pics we took Christmas a couple of years ago!
So he will be getting hitched in the fall. That means another trip to Texas! Could be a record! I'm a proud sister!

You know it's funny. Even though I don't get to see the cute little fellas that often, it's like we pick up where we left off when we all get together. I'm so excited to see everyone! I get to see my sweet big brother and his wife and the cutest little neice and nephew EVER! AND a trip to Texas wouldn't be complete without a little girl time with my favorite cuz Holli! We're having a slumber party!

So yes, back to that packing list. I've got to get my act together so I can make it out there!

AND I get to wear my new dress I told you about Monday! SO EXCITED!

Thanks for hanging out with my mushy post about the fam. Talk to you all on Monday!

V-Day Extravaganza

Happy Monday everyone! Well this Valentine's Day weekend was one to remember!
Friday night we had dinner with a side of snow! That's right, a fabulous winter wonderland here in GA makes for a beautiful backdrop. Then Saturday we went shopping (I needed an outfit for my brother's wedding next weekend) and I got the cutest dress! I can't wait to wear it!
And then there was Sunday, Valentine's Day.
Now this was a day to remember for all time!
We spent the afternoon in Atlanta taking some pictures and then went to Passion City Church at 6:00pm. When we came out at 8:00, our car was booted. Now when we originally got there, Chris went to the machine to pay and it wouldn't come on. It's not uncommon for the church to comp parking wherever they meet, so that's what we thought happened. Oh no, it costs us a whopping $75 to free our car! I was sooo angry! I would have been unconsolable if that boot had made us miss our dinner reservations!
We heard from some of our friends that the Waffle House was having a special Valentine's Day candle light dinner. Now Chris and I just thought this was hilarious!
So of course we made reservations.
It was sooo funny! I felt kind of bad for how funny I thought it was because all of the employees took it very seriously.
They had the jukebox on a continuous run of classic love songs. One of my favorites was "I don't know much, but I know I love you". Chris and I were cracking up! The tables all had plastic table cloths with red hearts all over them. Then there was a single candle in the middle of the table and some plastic rose thing.
It was great. I mean seriously, where else can you get 2 meals, 2 drinks, and dessert for under $15?
It took us all of 23 minutes to eat and leave. Chris felt it was a bit depressing - like we were in some old washed up town!
So all in all, it was a great weekend. Now, here's a few photos from our fabulous Waffle House experience:

Show Us Your Life - Valentine's Day

Well friends, it's Friday and that means Show Us Your Life time over at Kelly's Korner.

Since everyone is all lovey dovey this weekend - it's all about Valentine's Day and your favorite one.

This will be my 6th Valentine's Day with Chris. Now for the past few years we really haven't done much. I'm not big on V-Day. I think it's over rated and that people should show they care more than just once a year. However, our first Valentine's Day was a special memory!
We had been married for 3 months and when I got home Chris had rose petals leading a trail through the house, wine and nice music. Oh and of course candles lit. I made us a nice steak dinner and all was lovely. That is until Chris thought he would be funny and blow all of the candles out at one. See, he had a line of tea light candles lit across our dresser. So when he stood at one end to blow them all out, he actually blew the wax all over the top of the dresser. I was not a happy gal.

But I'm most excited about this year!
Why, do you ask?
Well I am a sucker for cheesy things. Not like a balloon and teddy bear, but really really cheesy things. So this year we found out from our friends that the Waffle House is having a V-Day special candlelight dinner that you have to make reservations for! They are putting white table cloths, candles and taking your picture.
I LOVE IT! I think it's absolutely hilarious and definitely in the best interest of my blog! :) hehe.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Ahh, so yes, our reservation is at 9pm Sunday night. And you better believe that there will be pictures of this on the blog Monday morning!

Have a fabulous weekend!

What Is Wrong With Me????

Friends, it is almost the middle of February!
It has been 43 days since the start of 2010 and I have not accomplished a single resolution!
Seriously, what is wrong with me????
Oh, and that photo project, picture-a-day thing I was starting=big time fail! Maybe I'll make it a monthly thing instead.
And let's not forget the water run/walk 6K that is 64 days away that I absolutely have not started training for!!!
I've got to get it together!

Now, in my defense, they are not all total failures. The no take out challege is still in process. While we haven't made it 30 days with no take out, we have gotten MUCH MUCH better about eating at home. On average, I eat lunch out once a week if that, and usually 1 dinner out per week. So all in all, compared to what it was, we're making great strides.

If only there were about 3 more hours in a day...

So Long Insecurity

Happy Thursday to all!
As I am going on this journey of redefining me, losing weight, and all that nitty gritty stuff, I came across a super cool thing.

One of the blogs I follow is Beth Moore. I LOVE her. She speaks such wisdom and truth into the lives of women everywhere. Her latest book is called So Long Insecurity. So it just made since for me to jump on the band wagon and read this book. I'm thinking it should definitely help me out, as insecurity has pretty much had a hold on my whole life!

I constantly compare myself to my friends, to strangers, to family members. I have always been wrapped up in what others think of me. Not necessarily in a snobbish way that I want others to think I have lots of stuff. Rather, I guess that others think I have it all together. That I'm not a failure.

I absolutely cannot wait to start reading this book. The cool thing that Beth Moore is doing is hosting a study through the book on her blog. I think it's a fabulous idea. So basically, each week you read the assigned chapters and then post responses to them in the comment section. Today is day one and I have to say, it's quite overwhelming reading the other comments and seeing how others struggle with the same stuff I do. There's ladies of all ages here!

I'm getting the book this weekend, and I can't wait to see how it changes me and I can't wait to share some of her insights with you all! I'm telling you, if you've never read anything by her, she's wonderful!

Please be sure to stay tuned!

The ATL

Just a few photos from around Atlanta...

And so another week begins...

Happy Monday! What a whirlwind of a weekend! I got pretty much absolutely nothing accomplished! Ha!
BUT I did have a good food weekend.
Now that may sound weird given my previous posts, but it was actually very good.
Friday night I made a healthy chicken enchilada casserole. Yum!
But the best part is that I did not do ANY emotional eating!!!
And trust me, I had lots of reasons to. It was almost like I was being tested to see if I really meant what I said about getting it all under control.

See, since my mom died almost 4 years ago, I've only dreamt about her once and it was such a sweet dream. Well Saturday morning I dreamed about her. But it was like I was in a room with her yet she was out of reach. Then I woke up hysterically crying. It was the strangest thing. So I woke up all upset and sad for the day. I've really been missing my mom a lot lately. I think a lot of it has to do with my photography business. See, I'm starting to book more weddings and I'm so excited about it. But it's like no one I tell has the response I want them to. And to be honest, I don't really know how I want them to respond. I guess it's just that she's the one I want to call. She's the one I want to be proud of me, so I'm having a real hard time dealing. But rest assured, I did not eat to deal with it this weekend! I was so proud!

Then one of my clients lost her job and found a family member to shoot her wedding, so I lost her. And oddly enough as I got the news we sat down to eat Mexican food. The ULTIMATE comfort food for me with all that oozy cheese!
I did NOT order anything with cheese - this is huge for me.
AND I sat on my hands so that I would not eat the chips and salsa. I tend to gorge myself a bit with chips and salsa - don't know when to stop.

So yes, it was a proud moment to be able to make it through a touchy weekend with no emotional eating! Even while watching the super bowl!

Speaking of the super bowl, how exciting was it for the Saints to win?!?!?! I was torn because, well, I just love Peyton Manning of the Colts. But I always try to root for the underdog, and the Saints have never been to the super bowl, so I think it was pretty exciting. The last few minutes were definitely pretty intense.

Well that's all for now friends. Have a happy day!

Oh Fatty, You're No Longer Needed

Well my earlier POST has forced me to write my letter.

Dear Fat One,
I am through with you.
You no longer have a hold on me.
You have only made my problems worse.
I don't hate you. I feel sorry for you.
But it's time for you to move on. I need to replace you with something else.
So instead of clamming up when things happen and instead of you making me eat to deal with my emotions, I will turn to something much more satisfying.
Maybe I'll work out instead.
Or maybe I'll pray or read my bible.
Either way, it won't be you.
See you don't realize it, but you are killing me.
You are stealing the joy that could be mine.
You are a huge block in the road of my dreams.
So yes, it is time to go our separate ways - never to meet again.
Our relationship is over.
Once you have left for good, I will pack up all your big girl belongings and send them back to you.
For once, I. Don't. Need. You.
Our time together has run its course.
So dear fat one, be free.
Move along.
Away from me.
Oh, yes you will tempt me to let you back in.
But I can't. I won't.
It may hurt. I may cry. But at least I will be dealing with it. At least I will be FEELING something.
I'm standing firm.
I'm ready.
I'm releasing you.
Please release me.

Show Us Your Life...

Over at Kelly's Korner she does the blog carnival "Show Us Your Life". This week it is all about your favorite styling products, make up, skin care, etc.

Right now I have a new favorite product for my hair. I have naturally curly hair. Sometimes I wear it straight, sometimes curly. But with the texture of my hair, it's hard to make it soft and smooth.
Enter new favorite product.
It's by RUSK, and it's called Deep Shine.


Now I think it's about $10-$15 in the salon. BUT I find it at TJ Maxx for $5.99! What a bargain. It's fabulous! I use it as the last finishing touch when I wear my hair straight. I mix it with hair wax when going curly. It's just fabulous! And smells great too!

So, what great beauty tips do you have?

Dear Me,

Ok, so I spent most of yesterday thinking about what I would write to my inner fatness if I were to write a letter. Mostly I was trying to go all psychological (think Jillian on Biggest Loser) on myself to figure out the underlying reasons of my life long weight battle.
Buried deep in my thoughts I ventured back to my quarter-life crisis a couple of years ago.

The year of 24 I freaked out a good bit about turning 25 and realizing all the things I had wanted to accomplish by age 25 and hadn't yet.
This QL crisis resulted in counseling which is where we had a great breakthrough.
Apparently I don't deal with things when they happen - be it good or bad.
I bury them deep inside and then eat to cover it all up. It's like my brain's way of dealing - just cover it deep within and continue not dealing. She sent me to overeaters anonymous and I think that just wasn't the answer. I probably didn't give it a fair shot tho - I only went once.
Deep huh?

Well this not dealing thing hasn't really worked out for me. It has resulted in me being far too overweight for my little frame of a body. I mean really, I'm 5'0 tall. I'm practically as wide as I am tall! ;) Ok maybe not that bad just yet. But I don't want to get there. Luckilly, I'm not gaining weight at the moment. I've been the same size for about the last 3 years, so I guess that's some good in all of it.

Over the years I've had some pretty traumatic stuff happen. And it's probably time I deal with it. I'm to the point that I think the only way I could ever let go of the inner fat lady and successfully lose weight is dealing with all this. But see, that scares me and just makes me want to go eat. See my problem?!?!? And then, only adding fuel to the fire, I have PCOS which has literally made my metabolism all but stop! What gives?

So friends, I'm ready for this journey. I'm ready to be the cool and skinny 26 year old I was meant to be!

But a warning - it might get ugly. I use this blog as a way to relieve stress sometimes - it helps just writing it all out. So there may be a super depressing post here and there. But I'm committed. Will you help me? Help me stay on track bloggers!

So my next mission is to write a farewell letter to the fatty Lauren. Then we'll see where that takes me.

It's Wednesday...

...and Wednesday is that hump day where you're almost half way through the week. You know, the awkward day.

Going right along with yesterday's post of new year philosophies, I'm working with God today. Yep. I'm working as if God is right beside me helping me out (and I like to think He likes blogging too).
It just makes life easier. Makes things seem like a purpose.

Alright, so I am proud to say that I finally uploaded the pictures from my camera to the computer. And I even edited a good bit of them. I had a photo shoot Sunday for my friend's head shots. You can check them out at my photo blog by clicking HERE.

My goal is to get a few more posted tonight and tomorrow. **note, I said goal**

Might I say that I am totally inspired by Annie over at Annie Blogs. Check her out in my blogroll. She's doing an awesome weight loss adventure and she wrote a letter to her fat self. Totally inspired me. So, maybe, just maybe, I'll write my own letter to my inner fatness and release that pour soul. Do stay tuned.

Well that's about all for my lunch time *dish*. oooh, I like the sound. Maybe I'll make it a regular.

New Year Philosophy

Happy Tuesday to all!
Whew, this week has been crazy and it's only Tuesday!!!
But there's lots and lots of good stuff going on.
I'm booking right up for photographing weddings this year! Truly is exciting.
I actually leave in a couple of weeks for Texas to shoot one and it's extra special because it's my baby brother's!

In other news, I decided I would finally unpack the apartment - after being there for 2 months! Things were kind of up in the air and we weren't sure where we were moving, but for now it's worked out for us to stay. So I decided it should finally look like someone lived there!

Last night I got a bookshelf from IKEA for $20. What a deal. And it's perfect. I can't tell you what a difference it makes. See, the rule is that all boxes in our apartment must be emptied. AND all boxes thrown out! So I think I've only got like 2 boxes left - and they're not full! We set our sunroom up last night with a sitting area for reading and quiet times, and then a table with all my scrapbook stuff on it. As of right now, it's just piled high with my stuff. Hopefully tonight I can sort through it and make it a bit more functional.

Now the only thing left that we need to get is a desk.

We need lots of prayers - Chris has a job interview with a church on Friday. We reaaaaallllllyyyyy need him to get this - but only if it's where God wants us. So if you're a pray-er, plese pray.

And finally, the New Year Philosophy that I am trying to live by. This was in the message from church Sunday night and it is just good enough to share. I'll link up to the video of it once it's up, but for right now, the part I'm focusing on is:

"Trust God with Your Dreams"

I am really really doing this. I got really disappointed about a situation a couple of weeks ago involving a wedding I thought I was supposed to do and then found out in a round about way that I wasn't. Anyway, that wedding doesn't define me as a photographer. I mean I was really beating myself up over it. But I can honestly say that when I turned my business dream over to God, within a week, I booked two more weddings! He isn't letting me down. He has put this desire in my heart for a reason.

Alright, well I guess that's enough for now. Have a happy day!