Mary in Marriedland + Design + Over the Years

I've gone through alot of change since I started blogging almost two years ago. I found these little Instagram gems and thought I would share... simply because a whole new design adventure is in the early beginning stages... with a name and domain change coming. Yippie!

Blogger Spotlight: Gigi from Searching for Something

Today I am spotlighting one of my lovely sponsors, Gigi, from Searching for Something. Gigi blogs about fashion, thrifting, food, and her lovely self. She has some adorable outfits, and inspires me to start thrifting more. I've maybe done it three times, and I did not have much luck. Thanks for being here Gigi! You are lovely!!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am the perfect combination of laid back and obsessive compulsive.

2. What does "Searching for Something", your blog title, mean?

I chose Searching for Something as my blog title because I feel I am always searching. I am searching for the next great idea, next great accomplishment, next great adventure, next great recipe, next great something. It’s not that I am not happy or content with where I am right now; I am just always striving to become a better version of myself. Life is short and I want to make the most of it. I think I will be searching for something till the day I die.

3. What inspires you?

Lots of things inspire me… Music, bright colors, fashion and food blogs, self help books, history, the beach, walking around my college campus, driving through my dream neighborhoods, road trips, and really so much more.

4. Do you have your own garden? If so, what do you have growing?

Right now I live in an apartment so my gardening is limited to herbs only. Currently I have: basil, chives, rosemary, mexican oregano, parsley, and mint.

5. What do you love most about fashion?

The fact that every day your body is a blank canvas to create on.

6. What are your hobbies?

Yoga, cooking, traveling, photography, and crocheting.

7. Any advice for new thrifters?

You have to put in the time to find the treasures.

8. You list summer goals on your blog, any autumn goals?

I live in Florida so I am still pretty much stuck in summer and finishing up those goals. I have however done a little planning for fall. I know I want to crochet a blanket and perfect a recipe for pumpkin donuts.

9. Biggest city you live near?

 I live in the slightly big city of Orlando.

10. If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go?

Greece! This is the next big vacation I dream about. Something about Greece has been calling my name for some time now. I am planning to make it out that way in the next couple of years.

Insta-Lately

Weekend with Kristin.

My former coworker, Kristin, came and spent the weekend with us. It was great to catch up and relax together! This is what our saturday looked like... coffee/girl talk in the park, lunch and stroll in Jonesborough, then an all night veg-sesh of 3 movies, popcorn, and a late trip to Kroger for ice cream. 

Love you Kristin! Thanks for hanging out all weekend with my crazy self!

Giveaway "Cat Eye Glasses" Winner Announced!

CONGRATS LOVELY LADY!

You can thank my hunky hubs for picking your name!!

I'll email you and get these sent.

Thanks to all of you who participated!

Free Glasses from Firmoo!

Bex a Diary posted about this awesome company on her blog the other day, and thanks to her I found out how to get free glasses myself!

Firmoo (www.firmoo.com) is the world's most popular online eyeglasses store. Vision and Fashion the Frugal Way is the ultimate goal of Firmoo, so it has always committed itself to providing customers with high-quality and fashionable eyewear at the most affordable prices. Firmoo launched a program offering free eyewear to first-time buyers in order to make more people try Firmoo's quality products & excellent service. Plus, it's easy to get your free eyewear, and the delivery is pretty fast! Want to try it? Just go to Firmoo to get your FREE pair!

Totally Embracing my Geek Chic.

DISCLOSURE: Compensated Affiliate Links Used

In the Pantry

1. Organic Bananas
When I want a healthy dose of carbohydrates and quick energy I turn to bananas. Simply because, they are easy to travel with and have always been one of my favorites. Some benefits: potassium for heart health, fiber for preventing constipation, and antacid effects that protect from stomach ulcers. They also make a good food for baby because they are easily digested, which makes it great for when moving to solid foods.  
2. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
I love this stuff and use it often for a detox drink. It is rich in enzymes and potassium, supports a healthy immune system, and promotes digestion and ph balance among other cool things! Check out the website here.
3. Babybel Cheese
We just recently started purchasing the little mini babybel cheeses. Perfect low carb snack. 
Nutritional Breakdown: 1 serving: 70 calories, 0 carbs, 5 protein 
4. Organic Heavy Whipping Cream
My coffee's other half. I'm now using heavy cream to flavor my coffee only. Switched from organic  hazelnut half and half to this to eliminate the added sugars. Do not be afraid of the fat people, our bodies need healthy fats, not unhealthy sugars!

Christ-Centered Living.

Today I'm basically writing out what I wrote out in my own journal during a recent sermon at our church.
We are studying through the book of Mark. This is from Mark 8: 31-38.

I find myself on the fence. Or slowly tip-toeing into cold water.
I'm not just diving in or jumping over the fence.
Feeling stuck or hesitant.
Trying to live out my "mission" but my way!

So what is life all about when we follow Jesus?
1) Believing in Him and what He did for us on the cross
2) Denying myself- this is a lack of self dominance and preoccupation
3) Letting go of determining my own future/self interest
4) Making the gospel supreme- the driving force of my existence

I usually run from living a Christ-Centered Life because I'm ashamed,
and the opinions of others (mere humans, not GOD) rule my thoughts and decisions.
I'm foolish you guys. And most likely, so are you.
Let's start valuing God above men. Like, for real.

Our pastor put a Christ-Centered Life this way:

• Ruthless rearranging of priorities
• Massive reorientation of one's life direction
• Dismantling of long-held beliefs

It's a way of thinking. Setting the mind on God's interests, not man's.

It is evaluating reality by God's Word.

It is decision making on the best life-long result. Investing.

It is a way of being. Expressing our allegiance regardless of the consequences. 

I'm going to go spend some time with Jesus.

Love you all.

City in 5: Frederick, Maryland

My wonderful friend Cassie is kicking off this series with 

the city of Frederick, Maryland. I've visited in college and loved it.

Very beautiful with a quaint downtown! Thanks for sharing Cassie! 

Anniversary Celebration Day!

Yesterday we celebrated on a pretty sunny day. 

We ate and then went to the park.  

Bays Mountain Park.

It has animals and fun stuff like that.

We even got our geek on and looked at some rocks in the planetarium =)

To top it off... we saw a squirrel who was dragging his back legs.

We think it fell out of a tree. Sadness took over us!

James called the park rangers to see if they could help.

That's why I married him ladies.