Let Your Light Shine Thursday Link-Up!

It's that time again!!

Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

Morgan and I met in 2008 and became roommates shortly after that. The first word that comes to mind when I think of Morgan is exuberance. She is so full of life, energetic, lively, vivacious, a go-getter, cheerful and has a smile that lights up a city. She has inspired me to be live life to the fullest because she is the perfect definition of it … I am so thankful to call her my friend! You’ll know exactly what I am talking about just by reading a tid-bit about her in the interview below. Meet my gorgeous (inside and out) and talented friend, Morgan!

Go ahead and say hello to Morgan personally by visiting her blog, Construction2style!

1- Where are you from?

Born and raised in the small town of Roseau, MN. Went to school in Long Beach, CA while living in Huntington Beach for 5 years. I now reside in Otsego, MN but we will be on the move soon enough!

2- What is your blog about and what do you primarily talk about?

I blog over at construction2style.com alongside my husband about our home remodels, renovations, DIY projects and of course our little guy, Greyson.

3- How did construction2style come about ?

When I first met my husband, Jamie in 2011 I was blown away by his carpentry skills. I was always showing him pictures of things I loved and without question he would build it for me in no time. Jamie is extremely creative and has a good eye for design. We started collaborating on furniture ideas and started working more together on these projects. We had so much fun I told him we needed to start a blog so I could show off his talents. At first we just blogged about DIY projects and then he bought his first home to flip towards the end of that year and we started to blog about his home renovations and remodels as well.

4- Tell us a bit about yourself. What are some of your hobbies? What do you like to do outside of blogging?

Do bloggers have hobbies?! Haha! Once you become a home renovation blogger your hobbies (outside of renovating your home) become limited! :) Especially when you blog about DIY projects, work full time and have a husband and son to take care of. Any free time I do have I am usually spending that time reading.

5- How has your life changed since being a mother?

Honestly, besides being overly obsessed with another little human being, it really hasn’t. People always warned me to “do things now while you still can.” I don’t understand that comment and probably never will. I am doing more now than I was before. If anything, it makes me want to work harder to set an example for my son and build us a brighter future! I’m a mom and I still enjoy my family, work, read, drink wine, hang out with my girls, travel, attend events, you name it! The one thing that I have noticed that changed is we can no longer spontaneously run to a movie in the theatre. Not that we did that often, but it is something we have been craving to do but really can’t without a plan.

6- What is the most rewarding thing about being a wife and mother?

My role as a wife and mother are irreplaceable. Noone else- EVER- can have my role, and that is an indescribable feeling and pretty cool. I absolutely love being a mother but I love being a wife even more. Once you are married there are no rules or boundaries. You create the life you want with your partner. We wanted a family and for that to be priority (we are still wrangling out the number details… ). In our household, there are things Jamie and I are both good and really bad at. Fortunately we balance one another out and in turn that has led to us needing, wanting and appreciating one another. Jamie can’t make food for the life of him and I have accepted that and now always make dinner. I don’t have any patience for matching our socks, so he always takes care of that! He needs me, wants me and prides me, and that is a reward. Not one single time in the years that I have known him has he left my side without giving me a kiss goodbye and saying thank you (even on the bad days). We remind ourselves of the promise we made to serve one another not yearly on our anniversary but daily.  

7- What is something unique about you that other’s may not know?

Oh boy...I’m a pretty open book so there isn’t a lot of things people don’t know. I texted a few of my close friends and asked them this question and they said: “You’ve had a job since you were 5. You are from a town 5 miles from Canada. Senior year of high school you were voted “workaholic.” Your grandpa served as United States Secretary of Agriculture under Jimmy Carter. “Your positive outlook on life is so contagious and that is clear for everyone to see. You bring so much joy to everyone that’s around you and truly make people want to be better! I think the reasons why you live life to its fullness is for a few reasons that people may not know. Not only were you genetically made up a happy person, but with the passing of your incredible father, the incarceration of your brother and your love for Christ, your outlook on life is something that can’t be taught. I’m proud to call you my best!!”

8- How do you stay inspired?

Jamie inspires me and I get to wake up and go to bed with him every night, so I am constantly being energized. My work also inspires me. Luckily, I get to go to a full time job at a marketing agency that is full of creative people. Everyday I am inspired by the people I surround myself with.

9- You make being busy look easy, how do you do it all?

The busier I am the more I get done and the easier it is. It’s weird. I love lists. I make yearly, monthly, weekly and daily lists. I look at my list every night for the next day and I wake up and get it done. I don’t sit and ponder. I get moving!

10- How do you let your light shine? (this could be anything really. From being intentional about being kind, volunteering, helping your kids, etc …)

Every single morning I pray that somehow God can let his light shine through me. I always want people to be able to see Christ through me through my behavior, not my words. Throughout the day I try to stay as positive as I can (I definitely have my moments) and I smile...A LOT. It’s one of the easiest things you can do to brighten someones day, simply smile.

  Please contact me or Aisha L. if you would like to be featured on #Herlightshines for our link ups! Email: aishavandy@gmail.com and alcstyling@gmail.com  

Now go ahead and link up!

RULES:

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow Rooted in Salt & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

 

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

 

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

 

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-A

Follow me: || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin

An InLinkz Link-up

Let Your Light Shine Thursday! #HerLightShines: Christina

It's that time again!!

Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

Today, we would like you to meet Christina. She is such a beautiful and unique blogger that I feel so blessed to feature today. Her story is so awesome and the great thing about her blog, she is so honest and doesn't hold anything back. Not only that, she is so funny. She has a beautiful family and we love to stay in the know of what's going on with her bunch and in her life. She continues to be such an inspiration to those around her and feel honored that she agreed to be featured today!

Please contact me or Aisha L. if you would like to be featured on #Herlightshines for our link ups!

Email: aishavandy@gmail.com and alcstyling@gmail.com

Go ahead and say hello to her personally by visiting her blog, Sold Out Arenas!  

1. What is your name?

Christina

2. Where are you from?

I’m originally from Denver, CO currently residing in Louisville, KY

3. What is your blog called and what do you primarily talk about?

Sold Out Arenas is the name of my blog. I discuss life as a parent of a 3 year old, fitness, emotional struggles women encounter, and occasionally I discuss pop-culture. Here is the link to my blog. http://soldoutarenas.com/

4. What do you do for a living?

I work for the chairman of a major University

5. Tell us a bit about yourself. What are some of your hobbies? What do you like to do outside of blogging? 

I love to work out, eat delicious Mexican food, watch beauty guru’s on youtube, play basketball with my son and I love to obsess over budgets that I have yet to stick with.

  6. What is something unique about you that others may not know?

I have epilepsy and have been seizure free since October 2011.

  7. What’s one day you let your light shine? ( this could be anything really. From being intentional about being kind, volunteering, helping your kids, etc.)

I let my light shine by sharing my domestic violence story on my blog and reaching out to assist other women that have survived or are currently surviving themselves.

  8. If you could have one quote that you would want people to remember you by, what would it be? (your favorite quote)

“Surrender to what is, let go of what was, have faith in what will be.” -Sonia Ricotti

Now go ahead and link up!

RULES:

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow Rooted in Salt & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

 

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

 

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

 

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-A

Follow me: || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin

An InLinkz Link-up

Let Your Light Shine Thursday Link Up!

It's that time again!!

Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

Heather and Aisha V met last year when she and her hubby just moved into our hometown. Heather's husband, Andrew, is the youth pastor at their church and they both have been a huge blessing to a lot of people ... we just love them! You can't help but smile and feel happiness when you are around Heather, she exudes so much love and joy which makes you fall in love with her instantly. Her heart for Christ is so deep it's infectious, AND she loves coffee and tea, so she's basically perfect ;) !

Please contact me or Aisha L. if you would like to be featured on #Herlightshines for our link ups!

Email: aishavandy@gmail.com and alcstyling@gmail.com

Today on the link up, please say hello to Heather! You can also go say hello to her personally by visiting her blog, Mrs. Andy Ross!  

1- Where are you from?

Cloquet, Minnesota! (near Duluth)

2- What is your blog about and what do you primarily talk about?

I’m a brand new blogger. My first few blogs have been about my relationship with Christ. Mostly what I’ve been learning as I’ve fallen more and more in love with Him and the Gospel. I also love to share photos and tips on decorating/DIY projects. I also have some of my photography on my blog.

3- Tell us a bit about yourself. What are some of your hobbies? What do you like to do outside of blogging?

I got married this summer and moved to the North Branch, MN area. I work as a Hospice Aide. I absolutely love my job as I have the privilege of traveling to my patients and being someone who gives them extra comfort and love at the end of their life. When I’m not working, I spend a lot of time with the youth group and others from our church. I love music and play violin on the worship team at our church. I come from a very big family (I’m the baby of 8 kids). Some of my favorite things are iced caramel lattes (especially when they are enjoyed alongside a friend), fresh air, bike rides, thrift store treasures, and chocolate cake is always a good idea.

4- How did you and Andrew meet?

It was my tenth grade year…his eleventh grade year. I was the new kid at youth group and he was the pastor’s kid. He was the tall athletic guy with blonde surfer hair and I was the teenage girl who was immediately infatuated with a boy named Andrew Ross. We started dating when he graduated high school, spent most of our relationship dating long distance, got engaged New Years Eve 2013, married July 18, 2014, and the rest is history.

5- What’s the most rewarding thing about being a youth pastor’s wife?

Youth are so passionate. They are so full of energy. It’s so rewarding to see them start to understand the Gospel. To understand the incredible love that Christ has for them! To see them become passionate about that! To see how that impacts their lives, their family’s lives, and their friend’s lives. It’s very rewarding to get to know them and hear from their hearts. The girls in our youth group have definitely stolen a piece of my heart and I feel so privileged to get to have that unique relationship with them. P.S. I also love being a youth pastor’s wife simply because it’s so humbling and inspiring to watch my husband care about the youth, desperately want them to know Christ, and pour out so much of his soul in helping them know Christ!  

6- What is the most challenging thing about being a youth pastor’s wife?

It is definitely a ministry. And as rewarding and awesome as ministry is, it can be very draining. Because Andrew and I care so much about these youth, it consumes much of our time and energy. For myself, it can be hard, in that, I work forty hours a week and then help with youth ministry on top of that. I think the emotional aspect of ministry is what can make you feel drained as well.

7- What is something unique about you that other’s may not know?

I absolutely love music and play multiple instruments but I have absolutely no sense of rhythm. Honestly. I faked it with all my music teachers when I was little, and then never learned how to keep a beat very well. It is so embarrassing. And that’s why I’m a HORRIBLE dancer! :)

8- How do you stay inspired?

I constantly have to remind myself that Christ satisfies. He is the all-satisfying, all-fulfilling One. When I feel drained, it is Him that I need to come to. By spending time with Him in His Word, I find refreshment (inspiration). Another really practical way I do this is through music. I spend a lot of time listening to songs that encourage me and point me to Christ and the Gospel. That’s definitely a huge way I stay inspired.

9- Give me three best and worst adjectives that best describe you?

(I asked my husband for help with these…here’s what he said) Three best: fun-loving, empathetic, and genuine. Three bad: worrier, un-athletic, and neat-freak

10- How do you let your light shine? (this could be anything really. From being intentional

about being kind, volunteering, helping your kids, etc …)

Letting your light shine is a life long learning process. One of the ways I’m striving to do this is through my job. I genuinely love my patients and desire for them to feel loved and comforted. I also try to do it in the every day…the mundane. Like being kind to the cashier who is really rude to you. Like complimenting someone, even a stranger, who seems to be having a hard day. But honestly, it comes down to living your life in such a way that it would be evident to others that Christ is the treasure. He calls us to put others before ourselves. That is when our lights shine best.  

Now go ahead and link up!

RULES:

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow Rooted in Salt & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

 

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

 

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

 

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-A

Follow me: || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin

An InLinkz Link-up

Let Your Light Shine Thursday Link-Up!

It's that time again!!

Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

We know Juliana from a wonderful Facebook group we are in together. Her light shines so much in our group we wanted to have her featured so everyone could get to know her!

Please contact me or Aisha if you would like to be featured on #Herlightshines for our link ups!

Email: aishavandy@gmail.com and alcstyling@gmail.com

Today on the link up, please say hello to Juliana! You can also go say hello to her personally by visiting her blog, Te Amo Too!

 

1. What is your name?

Juliana

2. Where are you from?

I am originally from Brazil. My husband and I got married and then moved to the United States in 2007

3. What is your blog called and what do you primarily talk about?

• My blog is called Te Amo Too. Te Amo Too is a blog that focuses on all things “home", such as decorating, cooking, entertaining and family life. http://teamotoo.com

4. What do you do for a living?

? I am a stay at home mother of three girls (7, 5, and 2 ½ years old). Besides the blog, I also run an Etsy Shop teamotoo.etsy.com where I sell party decorations, non toxic cleaning products, organic remedies, beauty supplies and other homemade goods

5. Tell us a bit about yourself. What are some of your hobbies? What do you like to do outside of blogging? When I can squeeze in even just a little bit of time,  I enjoy photography, watching movies with the hubs, and drinking good coffee (does this count??) :)

  6. What is something unique about you that others may not know?

• Of all the things that could terrify me in this life, butterflies, yes butterflies, are my number one fear! 

  7. What’s one day you let your light shine? ( this could be anything really. From being intentional about being kind, volunteering, helping your kids, etc.)

• I have a hard time talking about myself sometimes. But I think I let my light shine by listening, caring and genuinely connecting with people. Growing up, I had trouble finding friends who really cared no matter what. I could have used friends like that. So I enjoy coming across opportunities to be that friend for others. 

  8. If you could have one quote that you would want people to remember you by, what would it be? (your favorite quote)

• Another thing about myself: for the life of me I can not quote anything! If we just have a conversation and somehow I find myself obligated to quote you, it would probably sound like nothing you said, because I’m that horrible at it! So I’m just gonna go with one for the day “We’re all just walking each other home - Ram Dass"

Now go ahead and link up!

RULES:

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow Rooted in Salt & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

 

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

 

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

 

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-A

Follow me: || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin

An InLinkz Link-up

Let's welcome today with

Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

I have known Jena for years, and boy she's such a light to be around! She's a mom to a beautiful little girl, a wife, a blogger, an illustrator, she works in digital marketing, she just launched a ministry called Agape Love Mine with two other beautiful women and she probably has more on her list that I am not aware of! She's quite remarkable if you ask me! Get to know Jena a little better in the interview below!

Please contact me or Aisha if you would like to be featured on #Herlightshines for our link ups!

Email: aishavandy@gmail.com and alcstyling@gmail.com

Today on the link up, please say hello to Jena Holliday! You can also go say hello to her personally by visiting her blog, Spoonful of Faith!

 

1. What is your name?

Jena Holliday

2. Where are you from?

Minnesota

3. What is your blog called and what do you primarily talk about?

My blog name is Spoonful of Faith, formerly I'm Perfectly Human. I write a lifestyle blog which is mainly about my life as a wife, mom and my faith and trust in God.

4. What do you do for a living?

I work for a major retailer as a social media analyst by day, and I run an art illustration shop by night.

5. Tell us a bit about yourself. What are some of your hobbies? What do you like to do outside of blogging? I love blogging so it's definitely a huge hobby! I also like to spend time with my family, shop, and spend time spreading the gospel. I recently have launched a site, Agape Love Mine with Aisha and my sister where we share truths about God's love. I am also working on an art project where we give art with positive messages to people around the city - this is launching in April. I like to have my creative side into a bit of everything :)

  6. What is something unique about you that others may not know? I sing. I don't share it that often and definitely want to. Also I am a survivor of Lupus. Oh and something fun that's I never tell people - I am obsessed with super corny movies. Anything Disney channel I'll probably love - and musicals! My husband hates them but I can't get enough

  7. What’s one day you let your light shine? ( this could be anything really. From being intentional about being kind, volunteering, helping your kids, etc.) I always try to be resourceful to other people. Whether that's sharing a cool place, or ideas on things that have helped me. I am also very honest and open and offer transparency into issues and topics many don't often voice. I think that's how Jesus operated and it made Him so unique and different. I love thinking in a creative new way. I credit it all to the big guy upstairs!

  8. If you could have one quote that you would want people to remember you by, what would it be? (your favorite quote) Everything happens for a reason. So cliche, but so true. I think I have reminded myself this in good times and bad times. It's amazing to see how God lines things up in your life the way they were meant to be. I've honestly met people for the pure reason I was supposed to learn something from them and I am so thankful for that. I like to continue to count my blessings and be intentional and aware of things that are taking place in my life. It's no coincidence.

Now go ahead and link up!

RULES:

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow Rooted in Salt & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

 

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

 

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

 

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-A

Follow me: || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin

An InLinkz Link-up

Let Your Light Shine Link-Up! #Herlightshines: Andie Conn

Let's welcome today with 

Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

I hope everyone is having a great week! As many of you know, we have a new co- host for LYLS Thursday link-ups. Aisha and I (two Aisha's! Still can't get over it) have discussed ways on how we can "re-vamp" this link up every week and because this link- up is called Let Your Light Shine, we want to get to know you better by not just presenting a cute outfit or great post, but give you the opportunity to share how your light shines. Please contact me if you would like to be featured on #Herlightshines for our link ups! 

Email: alcstyling@gmail.com

Today on the link up, please say hello to Andie Conn! You can also go say hello to her personally by visiting her blog, Bravely!

1.       What is your name? Andie Conn.

2.       Where are you from? I was born and raised in Texas but have lived in Missouri for seven years now. I may be in South Korea soon!

3.       What is your blog called and what do you primarily talk about? (include link) My blog is called Bravely, a Christian community overcoming depression and despondency with creativity and passion. I write about DIY projects, organization, faith, holistic wellness, and gluten free recipes. I also conduct interviews with real people every Monday for inspiration and encouragement, and I have started a kindness challenge including weekly prompts every Sunday.

4.       What do you do for a living? Not much right now! My husband is a teacher and we are in the process of applying to teach overseas. I'm so excited to go on such a big adventure!

5.       Tell us a bit about yourself. What are some of your hobbies? What do you like to do outside of blogging? I like to do so many things! I am an artist, and I really enjoy making illustrations in my spare time (I've always had a dream of writing and illustrating a children's book). Reading, journaling, crafting, exercising, hiking, shopping for weird sweaters, touching every cat I see, watering my many succulent plants, learning the basics of the Korean language, drinking tea, making gluten free treats, and giving my husband kisses are all some of my favorite activities! I stay pretty busy (:

6.       What is something unique about you that others may not know? I am probably single-handedly keeping Ben and Jerry's in business. Also, confession: I like to dress up, but my husband buys about 99% of my clothes and still helps me get dressed on some mornings. He's the most fashion-wise straight person I know. For real, though.

7.       In what way do you let your light shine? ( this could be anything really. From being intentional about being kind, volunteering, helping your kids, etc.) I try to let my light shine by surprising others with little handmade gifts and trinkets, often anonymously.

8.       If you could have one quote that you would want people to remember you by, what would it be? (your favorite quote) "I write when I’m inspired, and I see to it that I’m inspired at nine o’clock every morning." – Peter De Vries

Now go ahead and link up!

RULES: 

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow Rooted in Salt & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-A

Follow me: Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin 

An InLinkz Link-up

My New Thing//LYLS Thursday Link- Up!

My New Thing

Cardigan: Groupon! 
Shoes: Aldo
Jeans: Target
Tank: Don't remember
Bracelet: Gift
Watch: Nordstrom

My New Thing: Long Cardigans!

They are so fun to style and can be styled in so many ways. They are so fun to style during any season but especially fall and winter. I also like to wear it as a dress with a belt around my waist. I get so many compliments on that.

Do you have any new "things" that you started doing this year?

______________________________________________________

Lets welcome today with 

Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

You know what time it is, let that beautiful light shine!
Each week we appreciate those of you who come by to share your posts on fashion, beauty, faith, love, and all the in between.

Today we are featuring this mommy to be! She always has such great style and that doesn't stop with a baby on the way.  Make sure to check out Ashley from Raspberry Glow to get great style inspiration!

RULES: 

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow Rooted in Salt & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-A

Follow me: Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin 

An InLinkz Link-up