Magnolia’s and Spring

Today is officially the first day of Spring! It was also the first day back to school after my Spring Break…. Where did the time go? I felt like my break was enjoyable, but it sure did fly by. Waking up WAY too early today, I was definitely feeling the need for coffee… Thank you Lord for coffee! I don’t drink nearly as much coffee as I used to during my Master’s program, but I still drink more than i should i think.

I love Starbucks coffee… it gets me through my crazy busy life and days! #grandewhitemocha#pleasewithanextrashot

With spring all around, It has got me thinking about this amazing book I just finished ” The Magnolia Story”- maybe you’ve heard of it?! Chip and Joanna Gaines are my couple goals… ( as my students would be saying ;). Ever since the beginning of their show on HGTV,  I have been obsessed with the way the couple is together, how they work together so well and continue to have fun and how Joanna designs all of the houses in such a beautiful simple clean rustic look. I absolutely love their style! Here are a couple pics of some rooms they renovated in homes on HGTV, that I am in love with:

Aren’t these rooms just something out of your dream home?!!!

Beyond the incredible designs, I love getting to watch a reality TV show that is not scripted, but instead you get a glimpse into the lives of two normal people who love each other and their family, are hilarious, and are really talented at what they do. Reading their book has made me have an even bigger appreciation for them and the impact they are having on so many people around the world.

As I read their book, I found some really profound statements that I have been thinking about all day. Here are a few of those quotes:

“I always thought that the “thriving” would come when everything was perfect, and what I learned is that it’s actually down in the mess that things get good. It was such a blessing to find myself thriving in the middle of the the pain. Unless you find a way to do that, there’s always going to be this fake illusion that once you get there – wherever “there” is for you – you’ll be happy. But that’s just not life. If you can’t find happiness in the ugliness, you’re not going to find it in the beauty, either.” – Joanna Gaines

“Because the key to everything Chip and I have learned in our life together so far seems to be pretty simple: Go and find what it is that inspires you, go and find what it is that you love, and go do that until it hurts. Don’t quit, and don’t give up. The reward is just around the corner. And in times of doubt or times of joy listen for that still, small voice. Know that God has been there from the beginning – and he will be there until.. The End. ”

Thank you Joanna and Chip for presenting yourselves and your family as fun loving, exciting, talented, real people and for inspiring so many of us in many ways as we watch “Fixer Upper,” on HGTV. 

If you have not read this incredible book, You most definitely should and will enjoy it immensely.

Dave and I just got back from dinner at Nonna’s…. the best Italian place ever and after shopping for the first time at the new grocery store ” Ruby’s” that just opened.  You know you’re getting old when checking out a new grocery store in the area is exciting on your date night… lol!

I am happy to say… I approve! It is a really great grocery with a ton of organic foods, fruits, dried goods, homemade soaps and bath bombs, a huge health section, a quality butcher and meat section with fish that is shipped in a day after being caught, and a mouth watering dessert area ( lots of chocolaty goodness, tiramisu, and even macroons.)  Ruby’s Market will also be the first place for Ruby Jean’s Juicery – Yes!!!! The juicery also plans to open a brick-and-mortar location in Springfield, serving juices and healthy snacks. Need a drink before shopping… they have that too. There is a bar with beer, wine and komacha on tap at the entrance of the grocery.

Wait… the best thing yet…. They have…. Halo Top!!!!! Been waiting to try this for forever… Here we go! YUM!