The Little Things

I think that we can all agree that the littlest things can make a difference. Most of us are in the final stretch of winter and those little things become even more important in getting us through. Last night my mom drove down to school to bring me some fresh and healthy groceries. Mainly because she knew I probably wouldn't buy them on my own. I also love not having to walk all the way across campus to grab something to eat! My first class was canceled this morning so I had some extra time to fry up some potatoes in olive oil with onions and mushrooms. I added a little bowl of fruit and drank my morning coffee. It's 4:00 and I am still full. When it's as cold as it is outside, sometimes a cup of coffee just doesn't get the job done. For the next couple weeks I hope you all can find simple things to take comfort in.

I also included some spring inspiration below!

Painting my spring fever away!

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

    for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

    for to you I entrust my life.

Psalm 143:8

February the Fourteenth

Happy Valentine's Day my loves! Whether this holiday is filled with love or the one you love to hate we all have our opinions on what this so called "Hallmark invented" day means to you. Married, engaged, dating, in-between, or single I hope everyone can find some sort of happiness on this Friday. It's so easy to get caught up in all the emotion of that V-Day has to offer. Seeing everyone's post on social media doesn't help either, so it's important to keep your perspective in check while scrolling through your newsfeed. To all the happy couples…I hope that you are having the best day with your sweetie! Realize how blessed you are to have someone who cares so much about you. In a world where people are scared of commitment, be thankful that that person has committed his or herself to you! May today be a day where you can just show a little bit of extra love and appreciation for your other half. To all the single ladies and gents…don't let this holiday make you bitter! Be happy for those couples who can share it together and realize that one day you (me included in that you) too will have that to look forward to. Use this time now to grow as a person and better yourself for when the timing is right. Remember…love when you're ready, now when you're lonely. Oh, and candy will be on mega sale tomorrow…just another great excuse to go to Target.

My mom will be here soon to pick me up since my van is still stuck in a block of ice. Yesterday my neighbor + a family that just flew in from India the other day that now lives next to me were kind enough to help me for over an hour to get my car out…pushing, shoveling, and sweating, we still couldn't get it out! My mom is coming to pick me up, to meet my sister and dad at Fazoli's then take me grocery shopping at one of my favorite places ever…Dorothy Lane Market. They're only in Dayton and they're something that Cincinnati is definitely missing out on! We will cap off our night by getting on Pinterest and watching the Olympics. Yeah, the Parks family is o b s e s s e d with anything Sochi.  Then my mom, sister, (Chloe) and I will wake up tomorrow morning, head to Tim Hortons before my game vs. Houston. CAN'T WAIT! There's only about 500 tickets left, so if you are interested in going act fast!

My goal was to not get too sappy here so I think I will leave with you with a few Valentine's Day inspired favorite things! By the way I hope you all enjoy the new makeover I gave my blog!

If someone showed up to my apartment with peonies wrapped in newspaper they would have my heart forever. 

Snow Days…For Days!

Another snow day! I can hardly believe it. As much as I am craving warmer weather, it is still February which means this snow is still acceptable. I just thought I'd share some little enjoyable things in life lately. 

For starters…how 'bout that Louisville game??  I watched the game with a couple of my lovely friends at their apartment. I really wish someone would've had our reactions on video. I am convinced that we are the biggest Bearcat basketball fans around…as far as girls go. Beating last year's National Champions at their home arena could not had been anymore gratifying. The Cincinnati-Louisville rival is heated. Especially with the recent conference changes. I know that in basketball it is easy to be hot one day, and off the next. I love our basketball team and they play with so much heart. You can have all the talent in the world, but without the desire to win, the talent doesn't really mean anything. I am enjoying our current 21-2 record. Just hoping our team will keep working hard and staying humble in the spot light. Pride cometh before the fall! 

 I decided to go to the Taft Museum of Art last Saturday and I had no idea what a little gem it is! It had southern charm, along with a cute little cafe that would be perfect for when the weather warms up. My professor really encourages us to go and draw from different paintings and sculptures. It was nice because it wasn't very busy and the staff was so friendly. I highly recommend going if you have an open day you can go. After that I needed to go to Whole Foods and I found macaroons! They are hard to find and mother and I have an obsession with them. I bought her raspberry, salted caramel, and pistachio. I also bought some fresh strawberries and lemons to make some infused water. It is something I would normally make in the summer, but I was desperate for a little bit of summer in my apartment. As far as The Parent Trap goes, I plan on watching that later today to cap off my snow day.

Enjoy the rest of your week & Go Bearcats!