What I'm Loving this Month // April

by Lavender Elizabeth, April 30, 2018
Today, I'm starting a new monthly series featuring what I'm loving each month. This can include food, activities, fashion, tv, etc. - it's whatever I've been enjoying for the past 30 days. First up: April!


American Idol and Will & Grace
It may not be everyone's opinion, but I'm loving Katy Perry. I never realized how knowledgeable she was, plus, she's freaking funny. Just totally herself and unapologetically so. I've also been watching Will & Grace's first eight seasons on Hulu. I only have the series finale left, so I'm about to start the new series!

Pixel Art
This is an app I downloaded from an Instagram ad, believe-it-or-not - and I love it! It's color by number, so super simple to use. It's my go-to app for relaxation right now.

Working Out
This month, I've consistently been working out at least 3 times a week and I'm loving it. I used to be a competitive dancer, so it's nice to be getting back into shape. My muscles are slowly realizing what it means to work again and I can feel myself getting stronger.

Champion for Target Workout Attire
This is practically all I wear when I work out. I have their leggings, runners, sports bras, and shirts. They're comfortable, cute, and reasonably priced.

Going to the Movies
This month, I've gone to the movies almost once a week. I saw Love, Simon, Chappaquiddick, and I Feel Pretty. Up until this month, I hadn't been to the movies in ages and I forgot how much I enjoyed it.

Spring Nail Colors
It's finally warming up here in the Midwest, which means the spring nail polishes are coming out! This month, I've had my nails painted Thanks a WindMillion by OPI and Look at my Bow! by OPI.

Windy Cindy Blogger Collective
I recently stumbled upon this Instagram account that showcases Chicago bloggers. I'm loving connecting with other bloggers in my area!

Tell me: what are you loving this month?

Fashion Finds // Striped Spring Dresses

in , by Lavender Elizabeth, April 25, 2018
One of the Spring Shopping Essentials that I keep coming back to is the striped dress. It's flirty, sophisticated, and easy-going. Plus, it's cute with flip flops, but can easily be dressed up for a night out. Below are my favorite striped dresses for spring!

Bible Verses // God is your Rock

by Lavender Elizabeth, April 22, 2018
rock (rok) noun a firm foundation or support


Back when I was still blogging on The Light that Carries Me, I started an alphabet word series. I picked one word per letter and found verses that coincided with that word. It was a way that got me into the Word while focusing on something that mattered to me. Over time, I stopped posting them, making it to letter Q with Quiet. I recently felt the urge to start it up again, so each month, I'm going to share the remaining letters with you.

Today, I'm looking into the word Rock. Throughout so much of my health struggles, one thing remained: the steadfastness of Christ. No matter what the circumstance, God will forever be constant, fully loving and encouraging you. Below, I've compiled Bible verses to show you that God is always your Rock.


Deuteronomy 32:4 "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he."

1 Samuel 2:2 "There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God."

2 Samuel 22:2 "He said: 'The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.'"

2 Samuel 22:47 "The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior!"

Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety."

Psalm 18:31 "For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?"

Psalm 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."

Psalm 61:2 "From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

Psalm 62:6 "He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken."

Psalm 95:1 "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation."

Isaiah 26:4 "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal."

Matthew 7:25 "The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

1 Corinthians 10:3-4 "They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ."

To read letters A-Q of my alphabet word study, click here.

20 Fun Activities to do with your Girlfriends

in , , by Lavender Elizabeth, April 19, 2018

Spending time with friends is one of my favorite things to do! Add in a fun activity and I'm in heaven. But sometimes it can be hard to get out of the rut of going out to eat or staying in to watch tv. To help you get out there and do more with your friends, I've put together a list of 20 fun activities to do with your girlfriends.

Recipe: Super Simple Cheeseball

in , by Lavender Elizabeth, April 17, 2018
Today I'm sharing one of my mom's most trusted recipes: her cheeseball. This dip is incredibly easy to make, but is always a crowd favorite. And what better day than National Cheeseball Day to share it with you!? Enjoy this super simple, 4-ingredient cheeseball - perfect for your next get-together.

Chicago Hotspot // Eataly

in , , by Lavender Elizabeth, April 15, 2018
Today, I'm starting a new series on the blog featuring different Chicago hotspots. Since I'm moving there this summer, I'll be exploring the city in a whole new way, so thought I'd share my findings. First up is Eataly Chicago where some friends and I went yesterday for their weekend wine party.

Yellow Shopping Finds

in , by Lavender Elizabeth, April 13, 2018
Although it's spring, we've had snow, thunderstorms, and some seriously overcast days this week. Therefore, I think we could all use a little sunshine. Today, I've rounded up some of my favorite yellow shopping finds to bring some happiness (and sunshine) into your life.

Trip Recap: New York City

in , by Lavender Elizabeth, April 08, 2018
This past week, I spent time in New York City for my first all-team meeting. One major perk about working out of our NYC office - one of my childhood best friends works there, too! I was able to see her throughout my time in the city, which was amazing! Eighteen years of friendship and counting. When I wasn't with Shannon, I was with my entire Talent Engagement team, complete with our North American and Latin American groups. We had all-day meetings where we learned so much about the business and team events during the evenings. It was a wonderful welcome into my new team and can't wait to continue my journey with them and Diageo.

Wondering what exactly I did during the week? It's all below!

My March Recap & April To Dos

by Lavender Elizabeth, April 07, 2018
April is officially here - if only the weather would match the month. Crossing my fingers that we start to have some spring weather around here soon.

Below is my March recap and April To Do List.


Accept one of two full-time job offers.
It was a really tough choice, but I am officially a Talent Engagement Specialist at Diageo!

Attend downtown Naperville's Spring Fashion Show.
It was such a fun girls' day out!

Celebrate my mom's and Bethany's birthdays.
Loved celebrating the most important women in my life.

Celebrate the women in my life on International Women's Day.
There are five women who continually influence my life - you can read about them here.

Begin sorting my things into: keep, donate, trash, garage sale.
I have yet to start this - no excuse.

Celebrate a friend and her baby boy at her baby shower.
Cannot wait to meet her perfect munchkin!

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style.
I went into Chicago with friends - and it was great!

Start working out twice a week.
I started doing Pure Barre and jogging!

Move my sister's fiancé into his new apartment.
I ended up staying home to watch the pups, but can't wait to see his place.

Enjoy the weather as we move from winter into spring.
It's currently 30 degrees, so I don't think that qualifies at spring weather.



Take time to celebrate the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter.

Head to New York City for my first team meeting.

Experience my first Yankees game while in New York.

Run my first 5K for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

See the Shen Yun show with my family.

Spend quality time with my sister.

Go to Sushi and a Show in the city with friends.

Start training for the Tough Mudder in August.

Attend my church's first 20-30 somethings women's group.

Attend a fun event in Chicago.

Happy April everyone!
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