Transitions, Anxiety & Faith

I leave for school in florida in exactly a week--even just typing that is weird. I've had so many different emotions the past couple of days, and I'm not gonna lie, most of them are negative. Anxiety, doubt, fear...it's all really overwhelming. Sitting here and writing about it isn't easy.

I feel like this is God's way of waking me up a bit. You know when you hit a dry spell and you feel like you're just kind of going through life with your eyes closed? Well Jesus wants you to live with intention. He wants you to be bold, to trust in Him, to rest in Him. As someone who is both incredibly stubborn and a little too attached to their comfort zone, this can be a very hard lesson for me. I know I picked a wonderful school, and I have so many things going for me. But when you struggle with anxiety, all the positives in the world can't completely quell your fear. That's where Jesus comes in. That's when you throw your hands up in the air and say "I'm weak, scared, and imperfect, but You are not. You are strong. You are brave. You are perfect."

I leave for school in a week, and I'm not going to spend my last seven days at home worrying about things. God has already gone before me.

yummy fruit infused water

in an attempt to live a healthier lifestyle, i've decided to make a few simple but important changes to my lifestyle--one of which is drinking more water. lots of people have trouble drinking tons of water straight up, which is where fruit infused water comes in! it adds just enough water create variety, while adding extra health benefits.  i love straight up water so i don't have this problem, but i thought i'd give it a go. i made three flavors: lemon raspberry, strawberry mint, and citrus (orange, lemon + lime.)

if you're interested in making your own flavored water, here's how i did it:

-8 oz. water
-1/4 to 1/2 cup of fruit (depends on how much flavor you want)

let your fruit water sit in the fridge and "steep" for anywhere from 4 to 24 hours for best results. as for fruit combos, check pintrest--there's some really delicious ideas over there! my favorite is strawberry and mint. there's just enough sweetness from the strawberries, paired with the refreshing mint...delicious. go crazy and try a bunch of different combos until you find some that you like!

until next time!
xoxo kate

summer date ideas

picnic: the epitome of summer romance. i love how simple to put together and meaningful picnics are.

drive-in movie or outdoor concert: just like the old days! grab some popcorn, blankets, and get cozy. i love this idea because it's fun, creative, and low key.

festival, carnival, or fair: this is another classing summer staple. get him to win you a teddy bear, eat funnel cake, ride the ferris wheel. be a kid again!

dancing: i'm a part of an outdoor swing dancing every monday night from may to august and it's one of my favorite things about summer. it's a great way to get some exercise, have fun, and get to know each other. bonus points for dressing in 40's attire.

bowling, roller skating or mini golf: nothing like a little healthy, fun competition. great entertainment, while still allowing opportunities for focusing on your date. bowling is great for those rainy summer days!

baseball game: complete with hot dog, cotton candy, or other old-timey stadium food of your choice. it's such a throwback! there's something about a good old fashioned ball game with your love.

campfire + star gazing: There's no better way to spend a summer evening than being cozied up by a fire, eating s'mores and staring at the stars. not to mention the smell of a campfire is addicting. just add some fuzzy blankets and you're good to go!

day trips: here in michigan we have a lot of beautiful, exciting options for day trips up north. if you live somewhere with not a lot to its name, that's okay--you can always stay close to home! the point is to get out of the familiarity of your hometown and have an adventure. a great bonding experience if i do say so myself :)

pizza on the beach at sunset: this one is my personal favorite. go to the beach for a day of fun and relaxation, then finish it out with yummy pizza while enjoying God's creation. this will definitely be happening this summer!

bike ride + ice cream: cardio and a reward. plus you get to enjoy the summer breeze? win win.

i can't wait to do some of these this summer :)

until next time!

xo kate

summer bucket list

get another ear piercing - because rebellion.

go crazy with temporary tattoos - because i'd never be able to commit to the real thing

learn at least one song on the guitar - because i wanted to last summer and didn't.

go night swimming - because how fun would that be?

take more polariods - because they're more than just pictures, they're memories

do at least five things on my summer pintrest board - because i never get around to doing anything i pin on pintrest

spend a night under the stars - because they're beautiful. 

xo kate