Success is measured

Success is measured in my life by very different standards. I feel strongly that my priorities in life should align perfectly with my definition of success. Instead of feeling obligated by anything, I like to think of everything as an opportunity. Therefore, I'd like to share with you, dear friends, that it never took me long to realize that my success in life isn't measured in wealth or status. My life is measured by:

1::my joy (which God supplies)

2::what my closest friends and family think about me (they know the ugliest me)

3::my personal thoughts (which affect my attitude, which in turn affects my actions)

4::the moments I stop to listen and care about those who need it most

5::the things I give to others

6::the time I give serving, thinking about, encouraging, and loving people

7::but most importantly, it's measured by how much I love the Master

Be real. Be you. And if it's the last thing you do, figure out what you consider success, and spend every day of the rest of your life living it.

Fashionable Dog Grooming

Well, I guess if you don't feel like buying a costume for your dog this Halloween, you can just get your dog groomed to have a really high self-esteem and a fabulously hideous haircut. Check these out. It's just crazy. MORE HERE.

This morning, I was walking into Putnam City West High School. I heard my shoes echo down the hall with each step I took as I sauntered confidently, trying my best to blend in and look like I knew what I was doing as I searched for K203.

Wrong side of the school.

Okay.

I backtracked down the web of hallways and into the main lobby. I noticed a boy in a red sweatshirt with a big smile. His head down, his face smiling. I walked on, found K203 book closet, and exited.

I found K203 classroom.

Locked.

I knocked on K202 and the teacher that walked up, ready to help me was...dun-da-da-dun...Mrs. Kylie Lyons. I said, "Kylie? Is that you?"

"Yes, do I know yo...?! Michelle? How are you?"

"Good?" I replied. "What are you doing here? What do you teach?"

"Eleventh and Twelfth grade English. I had to get out of there." she said.

(The shock of the moment stole my words.)

(End pathetic conversation.)

Kylie was the Associate Copy Editor that hired me at Tate Publishing a year ago, and I left because, as it seems everyone else at that place has not figure out yet, it's an overwhelming workload and an underpaid job. Kylie figured it out. It's so nice to know that I have a friend in the teaching world with my same thought process. Sweetness.

I love that I am able to hang out with kids all day and learn that Ugg boots are really called "Thugs" and that board races are the absolute best way to tame a classroom (thank you Jonathan and Tomy). I'm pumped that I had the ability to teach Spanish (barely) even though I haven't spoken it in two years.

A few shout-outs for Wednesday

Hello fantastic massage

Hello candied yams and dog baths

Hello cinnamon vanilla candle, a book, and the Oprah Show

Candle available at Target

Hello blueberry muffin shredded wheat cereal and bootie slippers

Cereal image

Hello Bath and Body works holiday lotions and pretty fall fingernail polish

Nail Polish available at Sephora

You have made my Wednesday the most bearable yet.

Don't know how to hang your scarves or tights?

Check it out. (photo by Jessica Schroeder)

Not Me Monday!

I'm known for my balance, and have no clumsy bone in my body, which is why I felt so sorry for the poor girl who slipped on a wet spot in the middle of the hallway on Friday and had to catch herself in front of 100 middle schoolers. So glad it was not me! How embarrassing!

I'm glad it wasn't me who was so lazy yesterday that instead of vacuuming, lit a candle instead!! Not me!

I'm so glad that it wasn't me who went to a neighborhood block party and entered into a ladderball competition with Dale, a strange 26 year old who become an immediate cling-on. Not me!

I'm so glad it wasn't me that was reminded that all the garage sale CRAP from like 10 weeks ago is still in the garage because (whoever lives in my house) hasn't made one effort to take it to Goodwill yet! That is SO LAZY!! Good thing it's not me!

I'm glad it wasn't me that admitted that the best song ever has been written and it lives in the form of...Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus. And I am furthermore glad that it wasn't me that got caught singing it loudly in the kitchen with Janetter Parker into microphones (aka icing covered beaters). Not me!!

I'm glad it's not me who doesn't have anything awesome to put on her not me monday blog because she had the most interesting week ever!! I hate those boring blogs! Good thing it's not me!

Unspeakable Joy

Sundays are not a necessity, they're impossibly irreplaceable. I'm not sure I'd survive without them. I'm not saying that I have to go to church to be filled up, but it sure is encouraging to meet with thousands of other believers and know that I'm not alone in anything, that I get to worship the one and only forever God--that I don't have to be afraid of the government, criticism, or even for my own life just to praise God. Aren't we so blessed?

Today was BFC's 100 years anniversary celebration and boy was it! We had a combined service that was literally packed. Every seat full. Every heart full. And my favorite part of it all? Singing. Have you ever heard 2,700 people sing in unison? I surprised myself when I felt tears overflowing down my face as my eyes watered up and I could hardly see (or sing) as I imaged heaven and how that was such a small glimpse of what we get to do forever. I am so anxious to be there that I really would be okay if I just left Earth today, but I know that's not God's plan for me, because I'm obviously still here. So I'll wait, I'll worship, and I'll be joyful--with all my beating healthy heart. Because yes, I am so blessed.

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Best Ghoulish Food!

Well, as always, Martha Stewart does NOT dissappoint around the holidays. And, as always, she's come up with some pretty fantastic ideas for dinner or dessert! Check out some of these adorable foods that look easy enough for anyone to make! All information and pictures for these delicious foods can be found here.

This dish is called Rest in Peas.

Ha! These are the BEST deviled eggs that I've ever seen! How fantastic! Now I'm just deciding if it's appropriate to take these to a church potluck.
Anyone can make mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and meatloaf. Now, to make it look like that may be a tad more difficult, but so worth it!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic fall season. If you have another great cooking idea, feel free to send it to me. I'm always looking for something fun to whip up!

Lovely

I had a completely different post imagined for today, and by completely, I mean not at ALL even close to this, but when I see a great picture, I cannot pass it up. Therefore, here it is, the picture that made me feel lovely just looking at it.

I want those shoes.

Oh, but I have them.

Right here on my screen.

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My Five Faves from Anthropologie

Fall is among us, and fashion divas from around the globe are stepping out in some hot new trends this season. My favorite finds will give a pick-me-up to any wardrobe. All products can be purchased at www.anthropologie.com

This Earthen Fields Bag is simple, classic, and slouchy. It has a vintage worn look that would add texture to any outfit, and it comes with a removable crossbody strap, for those of you that take carrying stuff seriously. $198

This Danver necklace can be worn short or long. It adds a pop of color and a lot of style. $48

This scarf is to die for. Worn with a jacket, it adds a lot of volume, class, and style. I also love this style in coral. $98

I am a big sucker for good bracelets. I especially love the sheen of the green fabric. This Chroma Caylx Cuff would work well with a jewel-toned outfit or any simple dress. $48

This Scattered Seeds necklace makes any outfit come alive. It's so versatile! $42

Stephanie's Photo Shoot

Stephanie is beyond fun to work with. Here are a few great ones of this lovely girl.

If you'd like more information about a photo session, please contact me for pricing at michmeisner@gmail.com

What would you do with your day off?

Days off don't come very often, and when they do, they catch you off guard like a summer breeze blowing through the window in a sudden cool g

ust. Refreshing! This is what I did with my day off. I'd love to hear what you'd do with yours.

I went to the Goodbye Garey Hall party.

Here are some good Garey friends and our goodbye bricks.

I opened the window and filled out some applications.

I talked to my brother in Switzerland, who sent me these breathtaking pictures. Thanks Andrew.

I made some coffee. And yes, this is my favorite cup.

I read some books.

I made some cookies so it would completely permeate our house with the smell.

I played with the besties. Bella and Mini love each other more than life itself. If they could talk in full sentences, they would tell you that themselves.

I had a bowl of Cookie Crisp. When was the last time you indulged a childhood memory?

And I knocked out some of my to-do list. Good enough for today.

Enjoy the little things.

Dearest Things

Bunnies.

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Good Fashion.

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A good book and some spiced tea.

Flowers in a jar.

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Chocolate Chip cookies and milk.

Oh my love.

Quaint little bookstores.

I found this one in Juneau, Alaska.

Great calligraphy.

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Cute Headbands.

Candles.

They soothe the soul.

Waffles.

Pie in Jar.

Brilliant idea.

Babies.

They're perfect. Their innocence is contagious and they love you just for being there.

Mugs.

They are a necessity in our house. Why not make them cute enough to obsess about? These are too winsome to ignore. These are from Heath.

Seattle.

There is nothing like the sweetness of fresh food and flowers. image

Washi tape.

It peels off of almost anything and is acid free (and cute!). You can purchase at the Tinted Mint.

Cupcake wrappers.

Someday I will dare to make them look as darling.

These fancy cupcake wrappers are delicious as well!

Jewelry storage.

If you have odds and ends, try this shadowbox for a cute way to store your stuff.

Vintage Things.

This alarm clock even has an ipod dock! It's only $58. How could you say no?

Awesome Art.

I'm not gonna lie, this is pretty awesome. We might try to reproduce this in the Meisner house. image