Real Trees

Oh, my! Despite the confused temperature outside, it is the holiday season. With that said it our abode is gradually becoming more and more Christmassy as the days pass.

We have a real tree in the den, lights on the porch, and eggnog in the fridge. Life is blissful at The Diva Den.

Below are a few instas of our Christmas-filled home. Be spirit-filled with the glowing happiness!


Disclaimer: We call our home The Diva Den because 1) we are all divas, and 2) it makes us laugh.

You're the Cat's Pajamas

When it comes to buying Christmas gifts, I don't know what people did before the internet. I mean, I see the joy (by joy, I mean stress) in only finding your prized possessions at the store, but I just couldn't handle the havoc of that. 

Something that has really aided me this holiday season is Esty. I mean, it is the most diverse, fun and spunky collection of goodies around. Check out this print that's only $16.00! I am amazed at the adorableness and quirky design. I only wish I had someone to give this too.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82149618/hand-lettered-typography-art-from-the?ref=hp_tt_yt


What are you finding online this holiday season? Or are you one of the brave souls who treks to the store for every last present?

There is pleasure

If this quote doesn't make you just want to dive into the woods and enjoy it for all it's worth, I don't know what will. Especially in December when the environment is cozy and calls for cuddling, nature shows us its impeccable beauty. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/87896005/pathless-woods?ref=hp_tt_yt

For when I get married...

Happiness Captured

Well, guess what?  Dillon and I can be cute... sometimes ;)

Here are a few of our fun and festive and sometimes awkward engagement pictures, photographed by the lovely w & e photographie. Wesley and Emma are a cute, delightful and fun married couple based in Birmingham, Alabama. Enjoy!

"Marry Christmas"

As Dillon and I embark on our engagement, we are exploring the many goodies that come: engagement pictures (to post... eventually), save the dates (posted... now - YAY), and other giddy "we're finally getting married" galore. Gah, this time in our relationship is so very happy.

Except for planning the whole wedding thing, I really enjoy being engaged to marry the most fantastic man, who also happens to be my very best friend.

Attached is our "Save the Date" card. I was chatting with my mom a few weeks prior about how thrilled I am for next Christmas so Dillon and I can send out "Merry Christmas from the Brown Family" cards. (Seriously, I can't wait) and then she came up with the most brilliant idea: sending Save the Date Christmas cards!

It didn't take long for me to jump on board - seriously, I was all in instantly. And as I planned on what it would say I realized instead of saying "merry" I could substitute it for "marry!" Creative, right? And pinterest didn't even have to provide me with the idea! HUZZAH.

So, drumroll... I finally made the cards, and they make me beyond excited!

Below you'll see a picture of the card itself and a link to our spirited save-the-date notice. Oh, happy day!

I hope everyone has a safe and jolly Thanksgiving filled with a delicious sweet potato casserole and sinful-tasting baked goods!

Be blessed.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZNWjRk2ZMmznI&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET

Photograph by: wephotographie.com

The Rock

A best friend of mine ran in The Color Run with me this summer. We drove four hours to Louisville, Kentucky and stayed for the weekend with her aunt and uncle.

Immediately I felt at home. The people who welcomed us into their home were perfect. They had fun, enjoyed life, and lived in a stunning condo with the view of the city. Aunt Jane has fine taste for glass art, and Uncle John has mastered the art of cooking eggs In a cup.

Needless to say, sharing the weekend with them, and my dear friend Laura, was a taste of heaven. The reason I am now blogging about this weekend is to show you Aunt Jane's ring. Her ring is probably (I mean definitely) the most gorgeous ring I have ever seen (assuming MY ring isn't in the running, of course.) Aunt Jane inherited her jewels from Uncle John's grandmother.

Before I unveil the precious, I would like to mention a couple things. The purchaser of the ring bought these during The Great Depression. How crazy is that? I would also like to note that her husband has passed away, so she was living life and buying diamonds on her own during the worst economic crisis of American history. And lastly, I had the chance to put these on my hand. Crazy right?

Now, please cast your eyes on this 5 carat vintage ring. Life is beautiful.

It's a nice day for a white wedding

One of my very best friends was married this weekend. Every little detail was blissfully perfect. Kendra married her best friend and soulmate, Andrew. They, like Dillon and me, were high school sweethearts.

Kendrew (my new nickname for their union) gathered at a quaint outdoor venue on a beautiful fall day. They exchanged their vows, took communion and danced the night away. I have never been to a wedding so full of love and life.

Things I learned being a bridesmaid:
1.) all that matters is the couple
2.) it is not about the wedding, but the marriage
3.) the bride deserves the very best, and if it means stomping up bleachers to shut off the PA of a peewee football game next door: do it.
4.) bring dancing shoes
5.) have good posture, you never know when your photo is being taken and better to look good candid than look a slob
6.) don't assume you're strong enough not to cry, chances are you will and it won't be pretty - embrace it.

Here's the the beautiful wife, Mrs. Andrew Donahoo - what a stunning bride you were, and I am so thrilled you will be spending the rest of your life with such a catch!

When.

Learn it. Live it. Love it.

Being left in the rain

A couple weeks ago I left my puppy in the rain. It wasn't intentional, of course, I merely forgot to check the weather one sunny morning and alas he was drenched way before I could commit to making it home.

Gibson obviously wasn't thrilled about the situation, but he got over it quickly upon sight of his mother returning home. I genuinely think that it wasn't the fact I was there to rescue him from the wetness that Gibson was happy to see me. It wasn't that he was finally going to get warm, or that I would soon dry him off. No, Gibson was simply happy to see the human for which his tail wags the most for - me.

When it comes to Christ how often do we seek Him for the rewards and all the benefits He gives us? Surely we will be blessed with a fantastic home when we leave Earth, but isn't there more to Christianity than the ultimate satisfaction of Heaven? I choose not to follow Jesus because he will open the golden gates for me when the time comes...

I choose to follow Jesus because my life on this planet would be worthless without Him.

I choose Jesus. I choose Him because He is the only good thing in this rain of the world. I don't choose Him to just be rescued from the storm, but to be lead me in the path that I might lead His people. I choose Jesus.

I don't choose Jesus only for the reward of Heaven. I want Jesus. I want Him more than I want to be intimate with my future husband, I want Jesus more than I want to give into everyday temptations. I want God more than I want all the success and riches of this world.

If there was no benefit of Heaven at the end of this life, I still want what my God has to offer here and now. Whether this be serving in a church, communicating for a nonprofit or even ministering in Africa... I want His presence, His love, His Holy Spirit. I don't follow Christ for the finish line, but also for the race.

Christianity isn't just about the rescue from the rain, but the experience during the storm. We need to sing praise to our Father for life, for blessings for hardships. God doesn't need to be only pulled out in times of need, but in all situations. We are given this day, this adventure to live in.

What are you doing today that makes a difference in your running of the raise? Are you running the race to reach the end, or are you running for the bigger prize? The prize of winning souls to Christ not because you want them to be "normal," but because you don't want them to keep missing out on such a glorious gift. And selfishly you can't imagine partying in Heaven without them by your side.

Start running the race. Start enjoying the everyday happenings. There is more to this day than getting dried off. So don't just sit back and wait to be rescued, God is here. Now. Start loving to live in His marvelous name. Shine in the storm.