It's the Holiday Season [Hump Day Hugs]

Well, Halloween has come and gone, friends. This can only mean one thing - the holiday season is upon us! And, in time for the hurried season where we run around like chickens with our heads cut off, we have the perfect hump day hug to get you ready!

Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

{via pinterest}

It's so easy during the holidays to get overwhelmed with everything that has to be done - all the presents that have to be meticulous picked and bought and then mailed, the cards that have to be signed and sent, etc. So, it's not hard to imagine that we get caught up in the power and possessions and prestige that they bring us.

This season, we're challenging ourselves and you to realize where your happiness truly lies - in the ones you love that will always be there, even when the three Ps - power, prestige, and possessions - aren't.

{via pinterest}

Do What You Love [Hump Day Hugs]

This week's hug:

Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talent.

We all have different talents. Some are great communicators. Some are artists. Some are meant to challenge your mind. Some are meant to pick you up when you fall. Some are meant to put you back together when you break into a million pieces. The question is: are you using your talents and time to do something you enjoy?

{via accentondesign.net}

When you are doing what you love, there is no greater gift than the happiness that comes with it. 

{via cdn.indulgy.com}

You are given the opportunity to make the world a happier place because of the positive energy that flows through you when you do what you love because you feel unstoppable.

{via briantracy.com}

There is no weight on your shoulders when you get up each day because you know that no matter what happens, at the end of the day, you'll still be doing that one thing you are meant to do. I think we all want to feel this way about our day. It is something we need to pray for and work for. 

{via stylentonic.com}

Happiness comes from within. Find your happy place and work hard to get there. Take your talents and turn them into a career that you can be proud of, that you will love, and that will be worth your time and effort each day.

{via aedriel @ blogspot}

I Just Like to Smile

Hump Day Hugs have been revamped and are ready for action!

This week's hug:

Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

Now, we have to say, we're pretty good at this. We look for the silver lining in most situations. That's not to say that we don't have our Debbie Downer days because we are human so we totally do, but for the most part - this is us: positive and enthusiastic about life!

{via pinterest}

But, we get it. Some days it's hard to plaster on that smile and face the world. You may be having a bad day, but your smile might be the only one someone sees all day. And, just remember that somewhere out there in that great big world, someone's got a smile waiting for you too.

{via small bird studios}

And, in case you didn't know, it takes less muscles to smile than it does to frown. So, put on your happy face and make someone's day today. We promise it'll make you smile more!

{via pinterest}

Happies and Crappies

Happies

It's Friday!

{via sphotos-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net}

This happened two weekends ago! :)

Cassie has all weekend off to read and clean and do crafts!

Mary applied for a few jobs and signed up for volunteering.

We are on day 26 of our new healthy lifestyle.
Not that anyone's counting though...

{via pgx.com}

Crappies

It has rained for Mary for the past 3 days

It has also been chilly; Mary hates the cold!

Cassie has had an emotional and long week at work. She is glad it's the weekend!

Case of the Mondays

{via Pinterest}

This quote is in honor of my one year anniversary last week with my man. He put this quote on the flowers he sent me the first week we were together. :) It's so true and wonderful.

Oh my gosh, you guys! I want to cry. How sweet is that???????
{Don't mind me. I'm just a sappy mess right now.}

Okay...my words to live by for this week...

{via steffy who else @ blogger}

Since Mary & I started our healthy life plan, I have gained and lost the same 4 pounds over...and over...and over...and over again. It's been very, very frustrating - to say the least. So, this is has become my daily mantra the past few weeks. Mary knows when I get frustrated to just remind me of this, which I am ever so grateful for, and it helps to get me through the tough days!
So, if you're ever having "one of those days," just remember that you'll get a second chance tomorrow!

Hump Day Hug #8

Okay...honest moment for today...these hump day hugs are getting a bit...tiresome?

We're not really sure what to call it.

We had this great idea to use a list of 20 Things a Woman Should Live By, but it's too "You're Better Than Everyone Else." Do you know what we mean?

 The list isn't positive enough...if that's possible.

We still want to do hump day hugs and tell you all how awesome you are {because you totally are} so we're going to come up with our own each week instead of using a list.

But, since Cassie is working 4 ten hour shifts this week, she hasn't been available for much planning.

So, to make this all easier, we're just going to post the whole list of 20 Things a Woman Should Live By for your reading pleasure!

{via girls guide to}

Happy Hump Day, Ladies!!!

More Than Words

First things first...

{via whimsey and wanderlust on etsy}

I hope your morning felt like fall because ours sure did!

{via Pinterest}

This healthy lifestyle is definitely something you have to wake up every day and choose to follow. Having to make the right choices when out to eat or out on the town is tough. It helps that I have Cassie sending me reminder posts of why we're doing this and to make good choices. This is why I chose this quote this week. We've only just begun, but we're going to keep it up!

{via pinterest}

This is my quote for the week in reflection of what I accomplished last week through healthy eating and daily exercise. I have to remember {read as: remind myself multiple times a day} that if I have a goal, I need to do something about it. The goal is not going to achieve itself sitting all nice and pretty on the shelf. 

So, Mary and I have made it thought week one of our new and improved lives. The honeymoon phase of working out and making good choices is over. Now, it's time to get down to business and stay committed!

Hump Day Hugs #7

Guess what day it is!

{via tumblr}

Now, onto the hug for today! :)

In business, it's likely that men twice your age - with half your brain capacity - will be making triple the money that you do. Work hard anyway. Never give up. You are the brain and voice of tomorrow.

 {via buzzfeed}

This will probably stir some pots, but it's no secret that men have always made more than women in the workforce. We women seem to reach that glass ceiling and stall. Kudos to those that break through! 

 {via someecards}

But, let's consider the fact that women are strong, and we can do anything. One day, those older men are going to retire. One day, your ideas will be heard. One day, all your hard work will mean something to not just you but everyone else too!

 {via shabby blogs blog}

Until then, be proud of what you have achieved. Keep dreaming and make your dreams a reality! You've worked hard to get where you are, and if you're not satisfied, find something that will satisfy you!

{via facebook}

Speak Softly & Listen Loudly

{both via pinterest}

So Cass and I have both started a weight-loss plan together. It may not be as easy long distance, but we're going to motivate/text/convince each other from afar. First weigh-in was this morning (it was crazy brutal for me to see how far off track I've gotten). It gave me even more reason to get back to it--and Cassie will be at my side the whole way! I've also forewarned the boyfriend that chicken will be consumed on a daily basis now. So, that is why this weeks quote is a motivational one. I need all the motivation I can get. If any of you have good tips or motivation, please feel free to share with us!!

{via bridia amelia design}

This quote is my role model.
Can a quote be a role model??
Hmm...
Well, at any rate, this is what I live by in my fashion choices.
I want people to recognize my classic ensembles that are also fabulous.
I think all ladies should act classy too and be fabulous when they're doing it.
There's no need to give away the milk for free, ladies, if you know what I mean!
Please, leave a little mystery when you wear clothes. :)
Make your life classy & fabulous too while you're at it!!!

Happies & Crappies

Happies

As long as the rain holds off for the rest of the weekend, Cassie and her husband get to finally have their photo shoot that was rescheduled from August!

Mary was productive this week and applied for quite a few jobs!

Mary also started a new craft, coffee table makeover! (Will post pictures when done!)

Mary & Cassie are going to be participating in the #SwiftlyPainted Self Portrait Challenge starting October 1. {If you're interested, you can read more about it here.}

Mary is back from her whirlwind vacation, and Cassie missed her!

{although, Mary'll probably say being back from vacation is a crappy. ;)}

Cassie is brunette again...and just in time for fall!

Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back.

{via tumblr}

It's Mary's boyfriend's birthday this weekend!! Yay!! Happy Birthday, babe!

Crappies

Stubborn men.

{via funii}

Spiders, especially ones in your bathtub. {Not cool!}

Ten hour work days.

Calories.

{via pinterest}

Hump Day Hugs #6

If you like being single, it's okay to admit that. Maybe you like being alone. Maybe you like just dating and hooking up. Guys like these things, and the world has no problem with it.

 {via polyvore}

Okay. I've got to be honest for second, and I think Mary will back me up. I am not a fan of today's topic and that's mainly because I can't offer much advice or insight into it. I've been married for the majority of my twenties, and Mary's been in serious relationships for hers. So, basically, we're really not the people to ask about being single and liking it. We were both born to be Susie Homemakers; not to be single.

 {via pinterest}

As much as I agree with Cassie (we really are meant to be domestic divas), I have to admit that at the time in my early 20s when I was single I had some of the best times of my life. I found out so much about myself and what makes me happy. I would go on impromptu road trips and go out dancing on weekdays. While I have met the right person now and have no desire to be single again, I wouldn't trade those single years for anything. They were so much fun and made for some great memories. If you're single and waiting for the right one to come along, EMBRACE IT!

However, we can both attest to liking our "me time" - where we focus on us and just step away from everything for a little while, like taking bubble baths and getting pedicures.

{via lol so true}

But, we will say this - try to be positive in your single-hood. I know too many times we focused on the negatives of why we were still waiting on the sidelines, but please look on the bright side!
And, if you ever need some motivation to do that, you can always check out Pinterest. They've got some good ones, and we've picked a couple!

{via pinterest}

{via bit of byrd}

And then, you can check out this awesomeness about being single as told by Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone, and Rebel Wilson.

{via buzzfeed}

If you're single and waiting for the right one to come along, EMBRACE IT! Go for late night dancing on a Tuesday! Go on blind dates! Have fun!