I'm Excited About...

Fall. It's my favorite time of year. The colors, the smells, the feelings, the treats, and all of the
festiveness. There's something romantic and comforting about late September, October, and November-the change and the possibilities that it welcomes, unlike any other season, is what makes it my favorite. And while it's still pretty warm here out in California, I can tell the weather is starting to change; cooling down in the mornings and evenings.

Here are just a few of the things I'm looking forward to while I wait for the heat to get out of town!

1. Oversized sweaters//

There's not much I love more than a cozy sweater, especially with the right jeans and boots. It's also my belief that you can never have too many. They're the perfect "go to" outfit when it's cold out and you just don't feel like putting much effort into what to wear on a cold, dreary morning. I can't wait until the weather finally starts to cool down around here, so I can wear them.

2. Pumpkin bread//

I was in the play Little Women my junior year of high school, and we were having rehearsal one day. Someone picked up Starbucks for the gang and one of my friends asked us if we wanted a bite of pumpkin bread, so I said sure...And instantly, it was like my entire world changed. Up until that moment, I hadn't really been a big pumpkin fan, or at least when I was younger and had gotten set in my ways. Now, I count down the days until I can get pumpkin bread with my favorite beverage. I'm also hoping to make some of my own this year...Just call me Betty Crocker!

3. Pumpkin patch//

I always look forward to going to the pumpkin patch; picking out the perfect one to carve with my parents, while we listen to music or watch something on TV. Even when there are no good ones left in the bunch, it's just a tradition and it makes me feel most festive. I love watching the little kids hold their parents' hands as they walk around, holding their little pumpkin with pride, excited that they picked it out all by themselves and it reminds me of being a kid, when finding the perfect pumpkin was the hardest decision I had to make.

4. Parenthood season 5//

This show is one of the greatest things! Period. I fell in love with the Braverman family immediately, because I'm an only child...And I love family gatherings, whether it's my own or watching them on TV. It just gives me those warm and fuzzy feelings inside. So, it's perfect for this time of year and it just so happens that the 5th season comes back September 26th!!!!! I can't wait to be all caught up by then.  

5. School//

Instead of my nerves getting the best of me this time around, I'm channeling them into excitement. I'm so pumped about all of the classes I'm taking, even though I have no idea of what to expect out of them. I know that this is the next step for me and getting closer to following my dreams. It's going to be a great experience, no matter what! I'm also really looking forward to getting involved and going out to more sporting events. I'm very into school spirit.

6. Keith Urban's "Light The Fuse" tour//

I have always loved Keith Urban! He is one of my favorite musicians and songwriters, and always puts on one heck of a show! I'm going to his Light The Fuse tour at the Hollywood Bowl!!!! I cannot wait. I've heard the Hollywood Bowl is fabulous, and I've always wanted to see a show there, so the fact that it'll be for one of my favorites is kind of a big deal! Also, can't wait for the new music that he'll  be releasing in just a few days! AHHH! :). He always makes the best feel good music. 

7. Boots//

I love boots for all seasons, but especially fall. They keep your feet cozy and match just about any outfit. During colder months, they're all I wear, so I have them in all colors and styles to mix and match for casual and dressy occasions. They're kind of my thing. 

8. Chris Young's New Album, "A.M."//

If you hadn't caught onto this before....I LOVE Chris Young! I love that most of his songs have really positive messages, like "The Man I Want To Be" and "Voices" and just the sound of his voice...*Sigh*. It doesn't hurt that he's not too bad to look at either ;). He's definitely my biggest celeb crush at the moment, and I'm just really looking forward to his new CD...I lost track of how many times I listened to Neon. I probably listened to it a good couple months straight every night...

9. Candles//
I really wish I would buy more candles. I guess that's something to put on my list of "things to buy," but either way I just love the way candles make your home feel that much more cozy and inviting, especially this time of year. My favorites around this season are cinnamon, apples, and anything that just smells like the outdoors/fire burning.  

10. Apple picking//
I have always wanted to go to the apple orchard to pick out some pretty, shiny red apples or to bob for them at Halloween, because judging by everything I've seen on TV, that's just one of the things to do. Well, this is the year that I am going to accomplish that...One way or another. I love being outside when the weather is cooler and there's just a certain change in the air, so this would be festive to try.

11. Pumpkin Spice Lattes//

I love pumpkin treats of any kind, so I can't wait to drink Pumpkin Spice and Chai lattes!

"It was labor day weekend, I was 17, I bought a coke and some gasoline and I drove out to the county fair..."

Alright, so I'm not 17 anymore (thank goodness), and I didn't drive out to the county fair, but it was Labor day weekend, so I thought the song was fitting! I'm all about having the perfect song for the occasion. This weekend, I went to Bass Lake with my parents and our closest family friends, because after our last visit (when I was just 15 and a freshman in high school--Man, have things changed since then), we have continuously talked about getting up there again. Looks like we finally made it happen. It was one of the best times I've ever had! We rented a cabin really close to the lake, went boating, drove a jet ski for the very first time in my life, toasted s'mores, had some very entertaining conversation, cranked up the tunes, gazed up at the stars, and soaked up the last few minutes of summer, as I prepare for what's to come in the next few months with school and the unavoidable event of...Growing up. I guess it has just taken me a lot longer than it has for most people.

Being able to get away from it all for a few days was one of the greatest things for me to just be still; to hear what God is saying and to feel His presence, and nature is where I can usually feel the closest to Him. It also gave me a lot of time to think and to clear my mind. How do I want to change the world? What's my mission? What steps am I going to have to take to get there? And in these last moments of summer, I was able to appreciate the sunsets, the trees, the company of those around me, the simple moments of not doing anything and not having to rush, and those wonderful opportunities when inspiration hits and you just have to get it down on paper (or a note on your iphone). I felt a sense of freedom and independence as I glided across the lake, with nothing jumping in front of my path (except for the occasional boat...But, you know what I mean) and I was in complete control. I have never felt so much peace in my life, surrounded by trees and driving on water...Crazy, right?! But, sometimes you just have to stretch out of your comfort zone. And to think I almost didn't want to do it. By the end of the day, I felt like an old pro. I was tired out and ready to go in by the time we returned them to the dock, but boy oh boy, I can't wait to do that again.

Day One//

We stopped at Bravo Farms for a bathroom break, and also got to explore around the gift shop for a bit and see what other trinkets they had lying around! I had never been there before, but I can't wait to go back...And I'll bring a better camera with me to get artsy.

We got to Bass Lake, got settled in a bit at our place, then went out to dinner at a Mexican restaurant, which was pretty tasty! When we came back, we sat on the deck and watched the sun set; talked and laughed, relaxed a bit..It was perfect. Then, my dad cranked up a little Sara Evans and Martina McBride. 

Day Two//

My mom and our family friend, Tammy, made breakfast, and we had a lazy morning around the cabin. I sat out on the deck for a little while, listening to some good 'ole country music and worked on a story for a bit. After awhile, we went out to the lake for the afternoon-cruised around on the pontoon boat (while cranking the song by Little Big Town, of course) and riding on the jet ski's! Crazy times! We came back a little earlier than expected, and had dinner at the cabin-Hot dogs and chips. A few of us went down to one of the pits at the complex we were staying in to roast marshmallows for s'mores and listened to LeAnn Rimes (courtesy of my dad's iPod), then my dad and I sat around, waiting for the fire to go out and talked about some of the changes that I hope life brings me pretty soon and what I'm working towards right now. We took a short walk, and sat up on the deck, taking in as much of the the night sky as we could. You could see billions of stars all clustered together where we were...It's in those moments that whenever I start to doubt or wonder whether God's up there or if He's really everything I read and hear about...That vision of the sky puts my doubt/fear to shame. His creation and beauty is EVERYWHERE. We just have to open our eyes to it. 

This was when I realized my hat flew off...HAHA! 

Day three//

I woke up later than I had planned to, but got ready in plenty of time. As soon as we all woke up, we started cleaning and packing up the cars. I didn't get a chance to hang out on the deck like I had hoped, but still just waking up to the incredible view of the sun shining down on the lake was enough for me. I took in every bit of it as we drove away. We stopped for breakfast at a Vons to get some donuts and Starbucks, then hit the road. The car ride passed off rather quickly, which was nice, because I think I'd had too much sun the day before and wasn't feeling too well. We were all tired and just wanted to be home at that point. We made one final stop at Bravo Farms again for lunch, made a quick dash to some outlets nearby, then headed home. 

I took a shower and shortly after, fell asleep, because the thought of doing anything else seemed exhausting. I woke up, had some pizza and watched random shows like Shark Tank and Undercover Boss with my parents! HAHA! Good times. 

It was such an incredible weekend that I won't soon forget, which sounds so cliche...But, I really mean it. I couldn't have imagined a better way to spend the last official weekend/hurrah of the summer! The trip was everything I had hoped it would be and more.

That's all for now,
Shelby :)

30 Day Challenge (Day 10)-Describe Your Most Embarrassing Moment

I know I've had a lot of random, awkward moments over the years, like bad hair days, not speaking when Nick Jonas looked my way, feeling like I bombed a presentation or getting turned down by a crush who didn't return the same feelings, and other cringe worthy moments where I just really made a mistake and shouldn't have opened my mouth when I did..But, most embarrassing? Let's throw it back to high school.

I think I'm going to go with one that always kind of bothers me when I think back to it. It was my freshman year in algebra, with this really wacky teacher, and a few kids in the class who just really made me feel insecure as it was. Well, I went up to the teacher's desk to ask her a question, when I accidentally knocked off one of the students' books off of his desk, in the front row. I had planned to pick them up and apologize for it when I came back, because I still had to go back that way anyway...But, I didn't get that far. The teacher, who I won't name, called me out in front of everyone and told me to say that I was sorry (she had a tendency to treat us like we were 5). One of the snotty girls, who always seemed to act like she had everything together and everyone else should have to live up to her standards, made some comment as well, and it just made me feel extremely awkward like I was a horrible person. I knocked his book off the desk, it wasn't the end of the world..And I didn't need someone telling me I need to apologize. Besides, if you have to tell someone to apologize, then it comes across not very sincere in the first place, am I right? I was very insecure and making sure I always did the right thing was important to me...So something like this, made me want to crawl in a hole. But, eventually, I got over it.

Also, another time might be when I suggested that we should make an American Idol basket, when coming up with ideas for this fundraiser we were having at school. Yeah, everyone looked at me like I was the craziest person alive or that I needed help. I just wanted to donate some of my Carrie autographs, and I knew a lot of people liked it (even though they didn't have the guts to admit it), so I just thought I'd throw that out there and be bold to speak my mind. I always ended up doing it at the weirdest times. Though, come to think of it, it just made me more annoyed with my class then embarrassed...Never mind.

As I talk to you, I'm sitting on the deck of the cabin we're renting for the weekend in Bass Lake, listening to Martina McBride's Timeless album, wearing a cozy sweatshirt, and laughing as my dad and family friends tell jokes and other random stories. In the distance, I can smell campfire and other campers barbecuing dinner. The lake isn't too far from us, but you would never know it, because it's pitch black, but it's still comforting to know it's there and I'll wake up to it in the morning.

I always feel most inspired when I'm away from the major city and the hubbub of every day life. Yes, I've still been posting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram...I mean, I can't live under a rock and I enjoy sharing what I'm doing. But, it's good to get away from home with some of the people I love most. I've said it before and I'll say it again..I'm a daydreamer by nature. I need somewhere that I can thrive and see a world of my own, and not just getting caught up in what's right in front of me. I want to see what else is out there and experience life.

Out here, I'm also reminded of God's constant grace and goodness. When I look up at the size of the trees in the forest and the overwhelming abundance of stars (though they're clouded by the smoke of the fires), I know that my God is bigger than anything I've faced and anything else that will jump out in front of me. I know who goes before me, and I know who's standing behind me when I fall or take the wrong exit. 

Well, I'm going to head back to the party and soaking up the moment and the sweetness of the air. And let's not forget the cooler weather. Just thought I'd share a few words.

That's all for now,
Shelby :)

Cool Nights...

Cool Nights... by nashchick09 featuring red shoes

Wildfox Couture blue hoodie
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Genetic Denim denim skinny jeans
$345 - jades24.com

Converse red shoes
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Marc by Marc Jacobs black cross body purse
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American Needle Red Jacket 'Los Angeles Dodgers' Distressed Cap
nordstrom.com

30 Day Challenge (Day 9)

List 10 People Who Have Influenced You and describe how.

There have been many people over the years who have influenced me and inspired me to go after my dreams, to be a little more outspoken, and have helped shape me into the person I am today. Without any of them, I know my story and journey wouldn't have been half of what it is now.

My parents//

Obviously, my parents are first on the list and probably a given, seeing how close I am with them, and because they raised me. I am who I am and I think what I think because of them. That sounds so vague, but it's the truth. Without them, I have no idea where I would be, but I never would have had the courage or resources to experience all that I have throughout my life. They've influenced my taste in music, my beliefs, the way I treat people, why I haven't gone out and partied, and not only have they provided for me all the things that I need, but also all of the things I've wanted. They've taught me how to have fun, how to plan, how to serve God and put Him first in my life, and how to make the most of your days.

Carrie Underwood//

Carrie has influenced me in so many ways, but most importantly how you can express your faith, whatever your job may be. If you're a musician, like her, you can sing about it, and even if you're an average person just working at McDonald's, you can be outspoken about what you believe without FORCING others to feel the same way. She has introduced me to so many incredible friends over the years after joining her fan club and meeting up with other fans at her concerts. She's the reason I finally made it back to Nashville after years of hearing and dreaming about it, and I fell in love with it immediately. She's the biggest proof to me of what your life can be like when you surrender your plan to God's will and let Him guide you. Your life can be your message to the world, and I think that's what she has wanted to get across this entire time. I know my world would have been very different had she not tried out for Idol. Along with so many of my friends. 

Taylor Swift//

I can't tell you how much this girl has influenced me. I've always had a hard time feeling like I fit in, or because my dreams were different than most, I often felt like people didn't quite understand me, and I think she has reminded all of us "dreamers" out there to keep dreaming. We shouldn't feel like we have to change who we are to fit someone else's idea of us, but we should embrace those little quirks about us that set us apart from the crowd. She has introduced me to many fashion trends, brought me back to my love of country music, has helped me to keep believing in the beauty of dreams, and Prince Charming, as well as forgetting what the haters are going to say. She has influenced me in continuing to write my stories and thoughts, because maybe somebody out there someday will need to hear those things and it will help them, just as much as hers have helped me. She reminds me of what it's like to be a leader, to work hard and to go after what you really want.

Hunter Hayes//

"For the love of music and glory to God," is his motto and I couldn't agree more. He has such an incredible soul and his passion comes out through his music. He inspires me to be ambitious, just like the other artists I look up to. If you want something bad enough, you're going to find a way to make it happen. Nothing can stop you. There are also still good, southern guys out there that live life with a higher standard, and don't just write about the same typical things. He knows what true love is all about...Plus, we have a lot in common, so I guess I just sort of clicked with them. To me, he's the male version of Taylor Swift, so that doesn't hurt either!   

My best friends//

I haven't always been the girl who has had a lot of close friends, or if I did, I still felt like something was missing. So the fact that I have finally found several girls that I can be my complete self with and know that actually want to hang out with me is everything. I can let my guard down, share what's on my heart, rant about an annoying celebrity or having a bad day, and we can just make a lot of incredible memories together by going to a Dodger game or a TV show taping is something I'll always remember. They're all so totally different from one another, and I wouldn't have it any other way. One of them is a little more practical and calls it like it is, one of them is the life of the party and vibrant, another is soft spoken and quiet, yet some of our best conversations are when we don't have to say much at all, because we just understand, and another is eclectic and quirky and loves to talk, but we can also have complete silence and zone out on an episode of The Office. They help keep me in check and help put things into perspective, when I'm stressing and worrying; they've probably taught me the most about life, seeing what they've all had to overcome in their own lives and the fact that we're all just trying to figure out everything together being the same age is kind of a beautiful thing. I know that they'll be lifetime friends that 20 years from now, we can all look back and remember all the times that we had no clue where we were going to end up next. They give some of the best advice and they pray for me and with me. You don't know how good it is to have that kind of relationship with friends who will push you to be your best, but will also just give you a hug and love you at your lowest.  

Wendy (from my church)//
For the longest time, Wendy was just someone I saw from afar at church, saying "hi" occasionally, and watching her speak on Sundays every once in awhile, and always someone that I had wanted to get to know. Over the past few years, as I've gotten more involved with ministry at church, I have also gotten to know her on a more personal level and she is just as incredible as I imagined. What you see is what you get with her. She tells things straight up, and sometimes it's tough to hear, but I need people who will be blunt. She is supportive and encouraging of dreams and living out your true calling. She is passionate and driven, and that has inspired me to want to be more outspoken and more courageous in pursuing the calling God has placed on my heart. She also has THE coolest style! She has a HUGE heart and has been such a blessing to our church!

My Pastors/family friends//
My pastors have literally been in my life since day one in the hospital when my mom had me. They had been friends with my parents for a few years before I came along and after that, I was just the newest addition to the hangouts. James and Lydia are a married couple that God called to move from Arkansas to California, as newlyweds with one son and another on the way to pastor a church here in town. They followed their calling and have been pastors at our church for the last 25 years, and I've known them for 21 of those 25. They have the most genuine hearts for the Lord of anyone I have ever known or met. They have inspired me in so many ways of living out your true calling and letting God direct you, because if they had given up years ago when things were tough, they never would have been able to see what God has done through them now. They love others and believe the best in people, and most importantly they love each other. Their marriage is everything that I hope to find someday, that even through all of the rough patches they hit, they learned to love and appreciate one another...And really are best friends/proof of God's love.

Mandy//

From the time that we were little kids, she was always everything I wanted to be. She was the sister I never had, and I just so admired everything she did. She had the greatest CD's, she could watch MTV (she was older than me), she got to do so many cool things, and she had been around a few years before me, so I felt like she had all of this wisdom that I could learn from. We spent SO much time together-rollerblading, going to concerts, making dance routines to Nsync and Britney Spears songs, and pretending we were Mary-Kate and Ashley. I have always learned so much from her, as she passed down all that she knows down to me, which has always been helpful. I'd say she has impacted my life the most, outside of family, because she has just always been there for me, no matter what the situation. When my mom was sick, when I needed help with a project, when I was signing up for college; she was always there alongside me.

LeAnn Rimes//

I was about four or five years old when LeAnn Rimes first came on the scene. I was a big fan of country music already; could pick up the lyrics really easily, and I could relate, even for being so young. Even if I didn't necessarily understand the words, I could feel it. I remember coming home from the park one night with my family to watch LeAnn's concert special on Disney Channel (Man, I really miss those days), as I ate my tapioca pudding and watched in amazement. Here was a teenage girl, not too much older than me, living her dream and singing, which was starting to be a passion of mine. From then on out, I decided that I wanted to be a singer just like her. I would put on concerts for my family and friends for hours on end, turned my bunk bed into a "tour bus" and dreamed of the day that someday I would travel the country, playing music for a living. That was all I had ever wanted to do, and I think it all started with LeAnn Rimes. Her music was something that my grandma and I bonded over, always, and now that she is in Heaven, I can still hear her music and smile, thinking back to the simple days of being a little girl singing for my grandma. I have also been able to talk with LeAnn on Twitter over the years and she recently followed me, which kind of completed part of my life! I would love to meet her again and thank her for her musical influence in my life and just how much she impacted my childhood! :)

My extended family//

This seems like another obvious answer, because of course, in some way or another, your family is going to impact you. They have added so much to my story throughout the years, whether it was spending time together at the holidays, going on trips, arguing because we can't see eye to eye, or just knowing at the end of the day, if no one else out there cares or loves me, I still have them and they're going to back me up no matter what. We've had our moments where we haven't always gotten along, and we've also had phases where we've done nothing but hang out for weeks at a time and others where we don't talk very much at all. Sometimes I'm closer with one person than another, but I love them all very dearly..And I guess that's what makes us family, right? I cherish their character and weirdness and the quirky comments and witty banter we exchange, even nagging at times. They do the things they do because they love me. And I do the same. The people that drive me the craziest are the ones I love the most.