Heart of a Servant. Strength of a Fighter.

ELIZABETH CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY

500,000: how many cases of NMO that have been documented worldwide.

Unknown: how many people have died as a result of NMO.

3 to 90: the age range of those that NMO can strike.

9: how many years John has lived with NMO.

7: how many months pregnant I was when we found out John had NMO.

20+: how many times I have written his eulogy in my head.

5: how many years it was touch and go.

4: how many years it’s been since John decided to fight back.

Weekly: the times John gets emails from people around the world telling him their story of living with NMO and what an inspiration he is to them.

Daily: the times John exercises in an effort to stay alive for Ella and me.

10: how many races John has run for those who cannot.

9.28.14: the date John ran the Great…

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Top 5 Fall Fashion Must Haves {Accessories}

It’s no secret that there are a ton of gorgeous fashion trends for this fall! I don’t think I am alone when I say that I have looked forward the scarf, vest, and boot weather all year long. Admittedly, I have been “that girl” who put off purchasing some of the best fall fashion trends, hoping I’d find a deal or (9 times out of 10) I simply couldn’t make up my mind. I certainly don’t plan to be that girl this year, and I suggest you do the same. Unfortunately for my wallet, a few of my favorite, savvy fashion designers didn’t disappoint and I simply couldn’t wait to share a few their fall fashion accessories.  From the iconic J. Crew Herringbone vest to Kate Spade insanely adorable bow booties, you’ll be happy you didn’t miss today’s blog! Enjoy!

 

1. Tory Burch Caroline Ballet Flat in Cabernet
2. “Zara Style” Blanket Scarf by Crystal Feather Boutique
3. J. Crew Factory Herringbone Vest 
4. Kendra Scott Naomi Double Ring in Platinum Drusy
5. Kate Spade Lanise Boots in Stone

Autumn is My Favorite Color

If there is one thing to know about me, it is that autumn is my favorite time of year. Pumpkin decorations and treats, riding boots, crisp morning air, changing of the leaves – I have always felt that fall offers a fresh start, a new beginning. And, this year I hope to make it the very best yet!

While I realize that autumn hasn’t officially arrived yet, but I couldn’t help but share this fall bucket list for Southern Belles! Stay tuned for The Glitter Guide’s seasonal bucket list that I love to share each time is comes out! Until then, I hope you’ll join me in checking off all the things to love about this time of year.

 

When Life Gets in the Way…

Wow! It is absolutely amazing how quickly time can fly when you’re in a caught up in the Summer haze. Looking back, I guess I could pin point when the madness started and that would be after I returned from Hawaii. Truly, that’s when I started getting sick. I thought I was on the fast track – my exciting new job in North Carolina, my boyfriend finally getting his release date and my health on the up swing! Think again…

I don’t think I will ever be able to forget that phone call. After having a MRI on my spine, my doctor informed my that my transverse myelitis had returned. This villain of a disease had taken so much from me before – my hair {thanks to treatment} and my ability to walk. After being admitted into the hospital with so many unanswered questions, all we could think to say was “at least they caught it early.” Comforting, right? Moments like this will make your fast track come to halt and you’re left feeling helpless, angry, and lost. I have always tried to be a positive person – the girl who views the world as her oyster, a believer in everything happening for a reason, always sipping from the glass half full – while finding hope in any obstacle.

Staying in tune with my insane medical history – transverse myelitis {TM} is a rare disease. Frankly, there isn’t much research out there and course of treatment is a fine line. Living this life is enough to make someone lose their self. Having your legs tingle with too much physical activity and the most recent side effect – my hands are tingling too. This feeling of not having any control of your body is mind numbing and indescribable. I would never wish this feeling or sickness upon my worse enemy.

My life is currently run my a treatment of prednisone and chemotherapy, in “hope” to reverse the damage done to my body. Just this week my hair has started falling out. I know that means I need to start looking to wigs to hide what TM has taken from me, but “at least they caught it early” {right?}. I returned to work pretty soon after getting discharged from the hospital and luckily, my life seems fairly normal from that outside. One thing that has been steady throughout this process is my faith and my family. Without these two things, I wouldn’t be able to put a smile on my face everyday and find hope in any situation when life gets in the way.

Hot on Pinterest: Week of July 28

Cheers to a brand new week! It is insanely crazy to believe that another summer month has come and gone. With that being said, August not only brings more humid weather and more time inside on Pinterest. I doubt this week’s Hot on Pinterest feature will surprise you, but nevertheless I hope you enjoy!

Lilly Putlizer – The Fall Line

Here’s where I meant not surprising…with the Lilly Putlizer fall line making its debut, any sighting of it on Pinterest leads to an automatic re-pin! I adore everything about the first line of fall, especially the bright colors that are the perfect transition into autumn. What looks are getting the biggest raves? I’d never thought you’d ask…

 

Click the following links to shop these fabulous items:

1. Betty Silk Racerback Tank Dress in Bright Navy Electric Feel
2. Tusk Tusk Elephant Cuff Bracelet
3. Deanna Tank Top Romper in Multi Hot Spot
4. Marnie Maxi Column Skirt in Sunkissed Pink Under the Palms

Pink Lemonade Cake via Better Homes & Gardens

Yum! Is your mouth watering already?! When I re-pinned this sweet tooth find, I had a feeling that my fellow Pinterest lovers would soon follow suite! With autumn on our heels, I feel like I need to jump in the kitchen ASAP to make this summery sweet. To get this recipe for Pink Lemonade Cake visit the Better Homes & Gardens website by browsing here.

DIY Tassel Bracelet

If you’re a fan of everything tassel that has taken on the arm candy scene, then you’ll adore this hot on Pinterest feature. Southern Curls & Pearls has so kindly brought us a how-to guide for a tassel bracelet. I cannot wait to take on her easy step-by-step guide to create this bracelet and add it along with my arm candy party. To get crafty too, please visit the Southern Curls & Pearls blog by clicking here.

 

Hot on Pinterest: Week of July 21

To be frank, I use to be quite the reader so hence why ‘Must Read Monday’ began! With moving to North Carolina, starting a brand new job and my Hawaiian rendezvous I believe that I have a solid excuse for not reading as much as usual. One thing that I have never given up is my infatuation with Pinterest! Head over to my personal Pinterest page and you’ll notice my insane organization of boards and nearly 10 thousand pins! Did I mention that I also pin for both of my jobs too? With that being said, I am planning to start a weekly “Hot on Pinterest” to recap what’s getting repined over and over. Of course, I’ll {hopefully} tell you the source of the images so you can get to planning, baking, cooking, crafting, shopping or whatever the pin may be! Cheers to the first week of Hot on Pinterest! Enjoy!

Tory Burch – FitBit Fret Pendant Necklace. With all the FitBit craze, it’s no wonder surpass that when Tory Burch released her own design everyone just about died. While the rubbery bracelet isn’t my style (even in pink), I adore this Fitbit Pendant Necklace! I think my fellow Pinners would agree! Browse here to preorder this fashion…I mean fitness forward accessory.

Lilly Pulitzer Inspired Quote. I am a Lilly girl, through and through. There is nothing I love more than repining the latest line, print and honestly, anything remotely related to Lilly Pulitzer. While I am 90% sure that I pinned this lifestyle quote in my early days of Pinterest, it was certainly one of the hottest tickets last week for repins! Even though the source cannot be found, I believe the this Lilly inspired quote stands on its own.

Bible Verses on Stress. I’m not sure if I should be thrilled or worried about this next pin that a lot of pincers have repined from my page. Linked to Eat, Drink and Be Mary – this pin takes you to a post solely related to 20 Bible verses on Anxiety and Stress. I am thrilled that there a so many people who look to the Bible to find comfort in certain situations, but at the same time there is an extremely large number of people who’ve pinned this! Take a moment to read this verses when you feel anxious or stressed out – it has certainly helped me! Click here to be taken to this pin’s source.

Fab Find: Kendra Scott

By now, I’m sure you’ve spotted her long, tassel ended or oversized gemstone earrings and have fallen completely head-over-heels for her designs. Kendra Scott has taken the Summer accessory fashion world by storm with her neon designs. And, without a doubt, her super savvy necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more won’t fade out of style come Fall! Thankfully, the pricing for Kendra Scott is beyond affordable for everyone. She just released a new line of necklaces so you’ll want to head over and purchase one (or more!) before anyone else! Happy Shopping!

Glitter Guide’s Summer To-Do List

I loved the Glitter Guide’s Spring to-do list so much that I was thrilled when they share their Summer to-do list! While I realize we are just about a month into Summer (Yikes!) I thought it was better late than never to share. This bucket list is short and sweet so there is plenty of time to check these ultra fun activities off before the autumn weather arrives! Have a ball with the Glitter Guide’s list and enjoy!

 

Must Read Monday: Save The Date

Rarely can I turn down a fiction novel that deals with the wedding industry. While I had never read a Mary Kay Andrews book before, Save the Date has definitely turned me into a big fan!

 

After her husband’s affair, Cara hires a lawyer and doesn’t hesitate to sign the divorce papers. She continues to lead her life as the up-and-coming Savannah florist, creating extraordinary arrangements and spending plenty of time with her golden-dooble, Poppy. When a potential lover come into the picture and a disaster occurs at Carrie’s wedding of a lifetime, Cara must put on her big girl panties and learn to face her demons.

Happy Reading!

 

Kissing Hawaii Goodbye

After a three week hiatus due to a much anticipated trip to Hawaii – this blog post is long over due! Only getting to see your significant other will truly make you appreciate every moment and treasure the short time together. After three years, saying goodbye never gets any easier and I am counting down the days to Christmas! Since I am completely shameful that I haven’t been posting, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite moments from my Hawaiian adventure with y’all! I sincerely hope you enjoy those photos as much as I do!