This is my Life.

"That's something to be proud of

That's a life you can hang your hat on 

You don't need to make a million

Just be thankful to be working 

If your doing what your able 

Puttin food there on the table 

And providing for the family that you love

Well that's something to be proud of." 

- Thats Something to be Proud Of by Montgomery Gentry 

                      

I am proud of who I have become. 

I started writing this post and I wasn't sure how to word it. I worried people would take it the wrong way. I thought maybe they would think I was bragging or being conceded. I wrote one post about living a proud life then I erased it. I wrote another one about how my accomplishments have helped me then I erased that one too. I just couldn't get the right words out. But driving to babysit tonight I started reflecting on my life. I thought about the past summer, the past year, and even high school. I tried to think about the girl I was and the girl I am now. Then it hit me; influences. It's the influence I have made on others and the influence people have made on me that creates who I am. No one goes through life alone. Whether you realize it or not, people are always influencing you and you are always making a difference on others (good and bad depending on your actions). 

Today I just want to sit back and talk about thankfulness. Hopefully what I say can influence you to be more thankful for the things in your life.

My parents. I am so thankful to have such good role models in my life. I have never express how much they have impacted my life. I know it seems like a given. They were put on this earth to raise me, teach me, and show me how to be a reflection of them. But I got so much more than that. I got a mother who is my best friend and a father who cherishes me like a princess. As I got older I learned to lean on them more and more. But at the same time they are teaching me ways to survive. I have a hard time letting go of things but I know my momma will always be my friend and I will always be my daddy's little girl no matter what. I am proud to say I have two loving and caring parents that do so much for me. 

My brother. I am thankful for someone that I can trust no matter what. Family is family in my heart. We may not have always been the best of friends when we were younger but I am so thankful for the relationship we have now. He has given me so much guidance in the past year. I would do anything for him and sometimes I'm not sure if he realizes how much I cherish our friendship. I fear that we may grow apart now that we aren't living next door anymore. But something I do know, he will always be there if I need anything. I am proud to say I have a brother who is always watching my back. 

My job. I am thankful for the two little girls who have touched my heart these past few years. I have munchkin for 4 years and peanut for 7 months. I get to watch the little moments that happen between sisters. They watch out for each other and protect each other. They have given me the sight of little eyes and big hearts. I love those girls like the are my own. They may never know how much they have changed my life but that's okay because I will always know. I am proud to call myself the nanny of two beautiful, smart, and strong baby girls. 

My friends. I am thankful for the friends who have stuck in my life. I have a hard time letting people in. So when I find people I can count on I really try to hold on to that friendship. I have made certain choices that allowed people in and out of my life. But the people who stayed around for the worst have a special place with me. I love the people in my life. I am proud to say I have friends shoulders to cry on and hands to hold. 

My experiences. I am thankful for what life has provided me with. Through school and church I have had the chance to study all over the US. I have met people all over the states and been given many opportunities for different work. I studied US history all over Washington and New York City. I worked with Russian children in need in Mississippi. I studied youth work in Georgetown. I studied theology at Duke University. I have gotten to travel all over the nation. I am proud to say I have lived such a wonderful life so far.

My faith. I am thankful I know God. I am not sure where I would be in I didn't have faith in Christ. My faith has gotten me through a lot of tough times. I don't think I thank God enough for being in my life. I want to be a living example of a Christian. Sometimes I don't always get it right. Most of the time I won't. But for the most I have the great thing of all and that's a Heavenly Father who loves me, cares me, and sacrificed his son for my sins. I have never been able to grasp the whole concept that he gave up his only son for millions of people. But for that I am eternally grateful. I am proud to say I am a Christian. 

I could go on and on about how much I love life and people but we would never have enough time. I don't thankful people enough for the impact they have made on me. I am sure sometimes they don't even realize I'm paying attention. But that is why God teaches us to lead by example. When you learn to show through actions it becomes a habit. Once is a habit becomes something that never changes. 

I am a southern belle who loves football season, dogs, caffeine, clothes and the color gold. But I am always a girl who is obsessed with life, loves her family/friends to death, is a happy Christian, and proud to say - this is my life. 

The point of this post was just to give you alittle bit more taste of who I am. I am a psychology major so I love to get into what makes you, well you. I would love to chat in the comments about anything that this blog brought to your mind! 

Thanks again for always listening, bye y'all! 

Sadie Lee 

Summer Sum-up!

Well come Sunday my summer will be nearing the end. I will be moving into my first apartment and then comes to explosion of Recruitment preparation. Things are about to get very busy in my life but also very exciting. When I am looking forward to a new chapter I like to reflect on the past one. So here is a sum-up of what has happened in my summer.

My friend Parker left for Afghanistan.

I got to meet and interview some great bloggers for my "Who's That?" segment.

I cut all my hair off!

My childhood dog passed away.

I became a rep for Cristina's blog "Cristina on Campus". 

It was my 4th summer as a nanny to two beautiful girls!

I shopped my heart out!

But with the chapter of Summer 2014 coming to an end, the start of Sophomore Year begins. I have had the best summer because I dedicated it to spending time with family and friends who truly mean something in my life. I needed time to rest from the past school year. It was the best decision. Sure, I didn't do a ton of things or take lots of trips but thats okay. My summer went exactly as planned. I have so much ahead of me that I think I needed the sleep and comfort of home.

                               

Plus, how cute are my future roomies? We only have 3 more days!! AHH!! It is going to be so much fun!

How was your summer? What was the best part? Let's chat in the comments below!

Thanks for listening, bye ya'll!
Sadie Lee

WHO'S THAT? It's Bess from Belles in Bows!

This is my Wednesday segment called "Who's That?" 

It will feature a different blogger every week. If you would like to be featured on this segment, please email me at SadieDownSouth@gmail.com! I would love to pull something together! 

It is my pleasure to introduce to you, Bess from Belles in Bows!

 

1. What is your major in college?

I am hoping to major in Economics with a double minor in Journalism and Middle Eastern Studies

2. What made you start your blog? 

It really began as a distraction from my move last summer - I had always loved style and creating and styling photos and was ready to create an extension of my Instagram

3. How do you incorporate your blog into your everyday life?

I sit down for at least ninety minutes a day to work on my blog! Aside from the actual posting, editing, etc, I really just try to tote around my camera as much as possible to capture photos of what I'm doing, wearing, etc. I try to make it as accurate of a reflection of my life as I can.

4. What would you say is your statement piece of jewelry or clothing? The one item that just screams you? 

Oxfords, oxfords, oxfords. Honestly I would be so lost without them...my favorites are from Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers

5. What are your top places to shop at? 

I love Lilly Pulitzer, Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, Vineyard Vines, Banana Republic, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and vintage/thrift shopping is a newfound love!

6. Whats your best fashion tip? 

Do less! I am all about minimalistic, classic looks when it comes to dressing. I love bright patterns and statement necklaces as much as the next girl...but not together! Make sure you focus on one "wow" piece and leave the rest to be more understated. 

Advice: The harder you work, the luckier you get. 

I am so happy I got to interview Bess. She is so sweet and has such a classic style. I love how she mixes northern style with southern style. The cute, classic, comfortable look is always the way to go because no matter what you will be ready for anything. I think Bess and I's styles reflect off each other. Her style is more northern and my style is more southern but we both go for simplicity. Bess is one of fashion inspirations when I'm looking for new pieces. On her blog you will find fashion, food, and many more! The only way to find out is to head over and check it out!

Thanks for listening, bye ya'll! 

Sadie Lee

DIY Jewelry Hanger

I found this picture on Pinterest and I was hooked! I wanted that jewlery wall!

So I started looking into how to recreate it. I bought all my supplies from Michaels craft store and Home Depot hardware store. 

I used 4 frames total, 2 for each one with door screening in the middle. I used a stencil and metallic gold paint for the design on the big frame. The rods and all the hardware was bought at Home Depot. It was very simple but I had my dad help me just so I did it right. 

I only hung my costume jewlery. My Kendra Scott earrings and nice necklaces are in a box so they don't get messed up. I hope now that I can see all my jewlery I will wear them more often! 

What do you think? Leave comments or questions below! I would love to chat!

Thanks for listening, bye y'all! 

Sadie Lee