Friday's Letters - Week III

Hey all, just back for a jiffy and some Friday's Letters. Leaving again this afternoon to head to the lake for the weekend with some friends from college. To say I'm excited is an understatement. Anyway, I'll let you get on with your life. Have a good weekend.

Dear Little Blue, 

Little Blue is my old car, not to be confused with Big Blue Brandon's  our truck. Anyway..Dear Little Blue. You don't guzzle as much gas but you make me stop more often. I've trained myself to make it with one stop and you're cramping my style with your tiny tank.  Also I feel like I'm sitting on the road driving and the fact that you don't have XM radio makes me like you a little less. I still find enough music for my car dance parties. You haven't stopped me there.

Dear Favorite Blue Dress and Rain Jacket,

Remember how last week I thought I lost you? Eh well I only lost half of you. I found Blue Dress hanging up, where I left it. Thankfully my sweet man surprised me on Tuesday with a new spiffy rain jacket. All is well. Never letting that dress out of my sight again.

Dear Sister, 

Two funny texts this week. Are you kidding me? I mean seriously what do you do all day - get. on.the.ball. In other news. I will be mailing a small bit of your birthday present soon. I think I'm just going to spread it out for the next few months. Sound good to you - good.

Dear Mom,

Remember on Monday when we stayed up until 5 am sewing my new awesome tote? Yeah, I love it and thank you for helping me. 

Dear Holdens,

I looooved getting to meet part of the fam this week. Y'all are wonderful people. Already looking forward to the next visit.

Dear Fresh Garden Veggies,

It doesn't get much better than you. You're delightful smell is intoxicating. Something about the dirt and fresh tomatoes.  Get on it Yankee candle. 

Dear Scorching Hot Temps,

I don't mind you, you can stay, but only for a little bit. You're the reason I endulge guilt free in as many Icee's, Sonic Slushes, and Popsciles I can. Actually now that I think about it I don't need an excuse. I learned that Popsciles make it less hot from my Dad. When we were kids we would go down to the basement where it was cool and have ice pops. 

Dear Husband,

Thanks for making me giggle for a day and a half. You're the silliest person I know. Thanks for not telling me if I overcooked the okra or if that casserole tasted awful. I do believe you enjoyed both and completely forgot once you started in on the banana pudding. I can't imagine my life without you.  I'm sorry I left town and will you miss your game tonight, but you will do just fine without me. I feel it. Thanks for my new jacket - I love it despite what you think. You make me happy!

LD

Old letters can be read here.

More Travel

Hey y'all. I can say y'all today because I'm headed to Alabama today. Roll Tide. This is a half business/half fun little trip. Business because the main reason I am going is to drive back my vehicle that my parent's are taking from us. Right now they have one car with air conditioning and one without. When I get back they will both have the luxury that is cool air on these hot summer days. To break up the ten hour drive, I will be stopping in Memphis for two nights to see Brandon. I originally was gonna skip trying to see him because it was a short three game series at home. It all worked out though and I'm taking care of two birds with one stone. Don't worry no animals will actually be harmed although last week I did hit a bird in Big Blue. It's fault, not mine. I'm going on a few hours of sleep because I decided at 11 p.m. I needed a new tote/purse. It was worth it. Sorry to leave you hanging, I know your probably excited to see the new bags. Truth be told I have travel plans up until the 12th so I can't give you a date they will be available. I decided my life comes first and enjoying time being with my husband, friends, and family needs to be first priority. Also since I never schedule posts I don't know when I'll be stopping by here but I guess that's fun for you because you'll be surprised! Time to hop on the plane! Have a spectacular week awesome folks!! LD

Better Than the Royal Wedding

As most of you may know, I'm obsessed with Instagram. If I was paid a nickel for each time I checked my beloved Instagram feed - I would be a rich rich woman. 

Anyways, through Instagram I have 'met' and made some wonderful friends. It is a crazy thing that you may not understand. I love it. It's awesome and I'm making friends all over the world.

You see I found this family, or maybe they found me. One day a special blog friend of mine featured something she bought from me on her page. A few of you are here because of her. Without that post I never would have met her. Her Stephanie. 

I always try to check out new followers who come here to visit or those who comment.  I kid you not, I thought she was barely older than me. I started to peruse her blog and when I read she was a grandma to three I about fell over. I was stumped. How in the world did she already have three grandkids at such a young age. 

Due to my above average stalking skills I decided to do a little Instagram re-con and I fell in love over time. Not just with her but her entire family. As I began to unfold their life and who they are (average Janes and Joes I promise they aren't celebrities except to me) I can't help but be totally captivated by their family. Even the Dad is an Instagramer. Now that is cool y'all. Ah the love that overflows from the Holdens.

In the last few months she...had her youngest daughter graduate (homeschooled by the way), helped move her oldest daughter, and prepared for the wedding of the year. She also runs an adorable shop called The Honey Pot. Besides being a rockstar Mom and Grandma Honey, it's clear that she is an excellent wife too. I look up to her in so many ways. I plan on meeting her soon. Here is one of my favorite posts of hers if you're interested. I know you are, go on check. it. out.

Anyways, today is Lydia's wedding!!! Well Lydia and the banjo picking Marcus. I've been anticipating this wedding more than I did the royal wedding in 2011. William and Kate who? I love a good handmade wedding. I love the wedding of an awesome couple. I love a wedding that is overflowing with love. Check. Check. Check. The Holdens have been on my mind all week and today I wanted to personally (via blog) congratulate the newlyweds and their families on this happy day. 

I stole some of your IG photos, don't be mad :)

Now I'm going to anxiously wait all day for updates.

LD

Friday's Letters - Take 2

I enjoyed Friday's letters so much last week I'm here for round two. 

If you don't care for these types of posts, I'm not making you stay but I would love for you to.

Dear Cat,

My sewing goes much quicker when I don't have to shoo you off my table ever two seconds.

Dear Pool,

Remember how I was coming for you this week? That is until little miss sunshine was being chased by her brother, smashed into the stair banister, and had to be rushed to urgent care. Now I can't see you until next week. All I can say is glad that didn't happen on my watch and she is doing okay. Little champ she is!

Dear Little Shop That Could,

All you needed was some tender loving care and some fresh summery color. You are going to be quite spiffy soon.

Dear Rudeman,

That's our family dog. I'm so glad you are doing better. None of us are ready to say goodbye yet. And if you're getting belly aches from extra dog biscuits, I'm sorry.

Dear 18 Yards of Fabric,

I will cut you.

Dear College Buddies,

I am in on the annual girls lake trip next weekend. I can't wait to eat Cheetos and get stuck in a rain storm and maybe make some new friends like boat jumper.  Also this time I won't forget a bathing suit. Who does that?

Dear Sister,

Please keep texting me comical humor from the internet. I really really enjoy it. Also I haven't forgotten about your birthday gift.

Dear Home Gel Manicure Kit,

You are awesome. I may leave Pink Smoothies on my nails all summer long because of you.

Dear Other Half,

I miss your face. See you on July 3rd. You better have sparklers or black cats or bottle rocket bombs. Until then, have fun in Omaha, New Orleans, OKC, and Memphis. I have some blogger friends in OKC, be sure to tell them hi but don't bring up baseketball. Sensitive subject. Also don't let those chocolate chip cookies go to waste or I'll be mad. How is the new luggage working? That's all really. I would have been okay just to say I miss you and love you but you know me I take the longer more complicated route every time I get the chance. 

Dear Someecards.com,
 You really thought of everything.

                                                                                   Source: someecards.com via Emily on Pinterest

LD

Last Things Thursday - IV

Hey hey! I got to make this short and sweet today. I have lots of work to do. I have a whole new collection coming to laurendarlings. Collection? Really I shouldn't use words like that. I'm working on something new for summer and I'm about to go work my little fingers to the bone to get them ready for you!

The last thing I...

bought - gas, fabric, and the passion tea I'm drinking now.

got excited about - the fabric being on sale. I was seriously praying about this. I needed a sign to know that what I was doing wasn't all just a big idea in my head. This little sign confirmed my decision. 

tweeted - making dreams come true today..what are YOU doing ?!?! No one has yet to respond which I think means everyone is either busy working or at the pool. Not following me on Twitter land yet - now you can @larnlevy - you're welcome.

posted - ways to encourage your spouse. It's not a lecture don't be scared to read it. I thought it was funny, but maybe I'm one of those people who think I'm funny and I'm not.

did for someone else - the nanny called in sick so I played with the kids yesterday afternoon. Barbie even stopped by my IG feed to say hello.

tried new - #shereadstruth an online community to keep other woman accountable for reading the Bible daily. The new plan started today, and I'm really excited about it.

downloaded - Creepin' by Eric Church 

cooked - again I have nothing. My mom has been keeping the refrigerator stocked. Luckily she can duplicate Brandon's Mema's cooking pretty close and whipped up some Rice and Red Junk. Y'all will never get the recipe. So sorry.

gave away - this cute wristlet to @daisygirlproductions. Don't forget to check on Wednesdays over on my Instagram for a giveaway. Usually there are a few a month! Daisy please email me - laurendarlings@gmail.com

want you to do for someone else - compliment an online friend via your favorite social media. I'll go first.Sarah Halstead - thank you for the sweet tweet. I am for sure going to check out your blog when I have time. Your photos are AWESOME and your son is such a cutie!

That's all lovely people. I stayed way longer than I should have, but you're worth it!

LD

10 Ways to Encourage Your Spouse

In high school I was voted Most Spirited by my class. I know this isn't any official award or anything to be proud of but I feel that this particular quality is complimentary to being a wife of a baseball player. When you think of someone with spirit do you think of a cheerleader? Hate to burst your bubble but I was never a cheerleader. I had no plan after high school to become one either. Surprise for me, when I said 'I do' I accepted the job as head cheerleader for team B & L. 

One man team..should be cake to cheer on this dude! Well what if your guy starts slipping again and again and again. Not so easy now is it? He has to know that someone believes in him no matter what the score. That someone is me.  [enter leg kick here]

I know that is probably a terrible analogy for the things I'm about to share with you but its the truth. Cheerleaders cheer the entire game. It doesn't matter what the score. They never sit down or quit cheering until the game is over. Well our game isn't close to being over and I have to cheer on my guy. 

So I compiled a list of ways to encourage your better half. If you're the better half then I mean your spouse. This is targeted towards encouraging a man, of any profession, so if you're a man reading this these barely apply to you. Use cautiously. 

1. Prayer. First of all, I know I need help so I'm calling in reinforcements. We are gonna need the whole team on this one. I know prayer isn't for everyone so maybe you write a note of encouragement instead. Usually I like to write them out and email them because we aren't together. This also serves as a reminder for him, and me, that He is in control. It's better to split the burden three ways, than just one. I also do this late at night so it's a nice surprise for him to start the next day. This is my go to and he has never said to me, "wow that made me feel worse." Always a win.

2. Jokes. You can find humor relating to almost any topic here. I know my guy has an awesome sense of humor and he likes to laugh. I'll try several times to get a laugh. If that doesn't work I try something else. It lets him get his mind off whatever it is bothering him, even if that's me. 

3. Gifts. Do not get fancy here. I mean something small. A Hallmark card and candy. None of this American Greetings junk. Just kidding, I'm a little biased to Hallmark. Even handmade will do. I had to mail something to B one time and decided to go the extra mile and send him lots of sweets that are unhealthy for him and a card. He appreciated all the 'sugar' I sent. (In the south kisses are called sugar cute huh?) First line said this.. "Hey, remember that time you left me in New York?" and I included a York peppermint patty. That's Mrs. Most Spirited coming out and maybe a little bit of sass.

4. Space.  If you're having a bad day or something is bumming you out do you always want to talk about it? Respect your other half. If they say they aren't in the mood to talk - let them be. It really probably isn't you at all. If it is you then that isn't my problem. Joking, but honestly let them cool down. You'll get cool points for being understanding.

5. Avoid the subject. For guys, if they don't want to talk about it, they don't want to talk about it. Pretend the situation never happened and he will love you. More than he already does. This is different from space. Space refers to not talking at all, avoiding the subject allows you to still talk, just not about the issue.

6. Date Night. Can't go into details here but dazzle him with your wits. Use your best assets. You feel me? I'm a married woman - don't judge.

7. Poems. I like to rhyme and I'm pretty good at it. Plus its cute and catchy. One time we (me and my little bro) turned a rhyme into a rhythm and actually wrote a song for Brandon. That will never be on the blog ever, I'm sorry. Unless we start practicing again.. Ol' Cotton Dickson is taking the mound, removes his cap as the anthem sounds....NO its never going to be on the blog. 

8. Songs. No, not one you wrote but maybe the lyrics to a song that is talking about something you feel you're going through. I can't tell you the number of times I text him telling him a good song to listen to because of the lyrics. If you can't think of any then I recommend Sexy and I know It by LMFAO. Two for one here jokes and song. 

9. Food. Did I already use this? No that was candy. So I like to bake treats for my guy as well.  Cookies. Brownies. The new cookie brownie. He doesn't complain. It definitely never hurts the situation. *Note if you are encouraging him on a diet journey food probably shouldn't be your weapon of choice unless its a cheat day. 

10. Be there.  Ask yourself am I hurting or helping the situation? Don't decide now that this is the time to nag him for this and that. Pick up the slack for your guy. Pick up your guy, not physically but emotionally, be there for him to lean on if he needs. If not.. still be there.

Dear husband, this ones for you. I really always try to make your life easier especially if you feel that things aren't going your way. I hope that all of these methods I've used, and now shared with the world, have helped you in some way. Also I'd like to say if it would make you happy I will put your song on the blog but that is last resort to cheer you up. I also feel that we need new team uniforms in all camo because I know that would be your wish. (That was me using a joke to make you laugh.)  - xo xo your #1 cheerleader. 

What do you think? Do these work for you and do you have any I'm missing?

LD 

Sunset

The sun has set on another weekend but I hope you enjoyed celebrating the awesome Dad's in your life! 

I promised myself when I found out we would be living in Memphis that I would try to take in more of the city. After being here since Tuesday I tried a new restaurant downtown and went to the river twice. It was so pretty the first time that I had to take Brandon the second. We watched the sunset together and took some silly photos. I love that he is an outdoorsy guy and we can go enjoy these simple blessings together.

I know it isn't a huge accomplishment and doesn't really add many explore Memphis points but its a start. Although I'm not thrilled that I won't see my guy again for two weeks I'm looking forward to taking my favorite little tykes swimming, getting some sewing in, and jewelry making. I've been seeing some awesome beaded jewelry lately and have gobs of beads at my parents that I got years ago. I think its finally time to put them to use, we'll see. If you've seen or have any great inspiration - send it my way please.

LD