just the six of us.

What is your last name? Is it common? Does it have another meaning? Is it hyphenated? Something that was made up at Ellis Island?

Mine was. Totally an immigration-born name. My grandpa, Far Far, immigrated to the States from Norway during WWII. He came over with the last name Drivflaadt... and Driflot was born from it because he thought it was "more American" and easier to say. Needless to say, the ONLY Driflot's EVER are my two grandparents Else and Tore *read Elsah and Tor-ee*, my dad Tor, me, my sister Marnie, and my brother Stewart.

Stewart... sorry dude. Our family name is in your hands. Make babies. BOY babies. Not yet, of course.

PS> Going on a mini-vacation to Seattle this weekend. I'll be attending a wedding aboard a ferry, a bridal shower for my sis, and doing lots of beach-walking and agate collecting. Follow along with Instagram to see where my travels take me!

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NOW'S YOUR CHANCE ♥ Link up, meet some new friends, and share the SAUCY LOVE!

Mee-YoW!

Chambray Top: Nordstrom Rack // Shorts: Nordstrom Rack // Sandals: Steve Madden (similar) // Purse: Vintage D&B // Glasses: Ray Ban // Earrings: c/o Christine Marie Studio // Bracelets: Fossil (heart), Payton Woodcraft, c/o Chloe vs. Tank // Ring: Premier Design

This week, I've done a lot of writing.

And thinking.
And praying.
And reaching out.
And brainstorming.
And working.
And eating lots of M&Ms.

Wait... what?

It's true. That bag of M&M's was divine.
Just don't tell my trainer.

It's summer time, and the living's easy.

The Burden of L♥ve

Top: Nordstrom Rack (similar here) // Pants: American Rag @ Macy's (similar here) // Shoes: Target // Bracelets: c/o Payton Woodcraft // Sunnies: Old Navy (similar here) // iPhone Case: c/o JAVOedge

It's rare that writing a blog post moves me to tears. In fact, I think it may have only happened once before. But yesterday's post totally got me. Yep, it got me good.

It was one of those experiences where I sat down to write one thing, and an entirely different stream of thoughts flowed out through my fingers. I was just telling Daniel about this last night.

Yesterday, I sat down, wrote a post (with different pictures, even), and then all of a sudden, I deleted it. On purpose. I opened a completely new post and the words just started coming... as well as the tears. All day, I was asking myself "why?" and as the day progressed, I was shown little by little how God is working in my life. I spontaneously picked up a small gift for a good friend. I went to a small group meeting in the evening, and as we all sat in a circle in the grass while the sun went down, I listened to some powerful words about the Bible that really spoke to me. A few moments later, as our little group held hands and prayed for each other (we were praying for Daniel's uncle who is very, very ill with cancer and is close to the end), the tears came again. Streaming, honest, powerful tears.

Yesterday, I know that I took one step closer to finding out my "why." It was a beautiful day.

Dear small group—if you're reading this, thank you. You make me feel special, wanted, and like a sister. It means so much.
Dear Daniel—thank you for letting me open my heart to you. You take in all of me with such grace. My mistakes, my successes, my weird habits, my cleft chin, whistle-lisp, and little smile that I give only to you.
Dear Uncle Bob—I haven't been lucky enough to meet you, but last night, we prayed for you. And even though you do not share our same beliefs, we lifted you up. Your health, your salvation, and your heart. I will continue to pray for you each day.

And that wraps up my second from-the-heart post of the week. You guys... I have this burden from God that has been put on my heart to share love... so I hope you don't mind it when I mush-up the place with sappy stories. But next time, I'll try to keep them a little bit shorter... this post is too long for me. Is it too long for you?

PS>> Would you like a little pick-me-up for your day? I promise, this is 100% better than that stale cup of coffee (or lemon water, in my case) you've got sitting on your desk.

**********************************

See that awesome purple clutch I'm holding in the photos above? It's not just any clutch... it's my cellphone cover, but it doubles as a wallet! It's from a pretty sweet company called JAVOedge and I absolutely love it. When I'm going out, I pop my phone out of my daily sparkle case and put it right into this one. I add my credit cards and ID and I'm out the door! It's so small and is really easy to take with me anywhere. In fact, I'm going to a wedding this weekend, and you can bet that my little case will be going right along with me (oh, and it also matches the lavender dress I'm going to wear... BONUS!).

Here are the pros/cons of this awesome little case.

Pros:

1. It's small! I can easily carry it in my hand, or toss it into my purse.
2. It comes in a variety of colors!
3. It has a built-in frame so it literally is a case and will protect your phone from falling out.
4. It is made of an imitation patent material, so if I get it wet or dirty I can just wipe it right off! Note... it is NOT waterproof if you get water on your phone. No dropping it in the toilet, alright?
5. It buttons in the front, but if you reverse the flap, you can also button it to stay open. That makes it convenient so you don't have to unbutton it everytime you want to use it.
6. I love the removable wrist strap! How convenient.
7. I can still use the camera with the case open! 
8. The price! My little case retails for $26.95 which is right on point with other iPhone cases. But I like this one better than most, so it's totally worth it.

Cons:

1. No place for chapstick. I just have to make sure to doll myself up before leaving my car.
2. While the reversable button option is nice to button it open, it can be just a bit cumbersome if you're trying to take a call on it. Texting and gaming? No problem. Just a little awkward if talking on the phone. But, hey, who does that anymore anyways?

Overall? I'm smitten. They just released their new summer collection, which involves lots of leopard print and neons. That's what I'm talking about, JAVOedge!

And, now for the surprise! The sweet manufacturer, JAVOedge, who sent me that little clutch, are going to give away ANY case of your choice from their website, which includes: cell phones, Nook Tablet/Color, Kindle Fire, iPad, new iPad, or the iPhone (like mine). Sweet, right? Make sure to visit JAVOedge, because one of the ways to enter the giveaway is to tell me which case cover you would want to win!

The Rules:

Open to US Residents only.

Giveaway ends @ Midnight on Saturday, June 30th.
Item won (your choice) must be in stock.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Changes.

Scarf: Ross // Shorts: Nordstrom Rack // Flower Ring & Silver Necklace: Premier Design // Leather Bracelet and Ring: c/o Payton Woodcraft

I feel a change stirring inside of me.

Maybe it's just this time of year. Summer.

Maybe it's just me.

But I don't think so.

I know I'm not the same person I was five years ago.
I feel like I'm not even the same person I was five months ago.
I see things differently now.
I know it's the Lord.
He is changing me.

I am not as loud as I used to be.
Not as outspoken.
Not desiring to be the center of attention.
I feel much more withdrawn.
From everyone and everything.

I listen more now.
I feel more, think more deeply.
I also take a lot more to heart. I feel hurt easily.
I am also more conscious of the hurt I cause... and try not to cause any at all.

While I try to embrace this change, I can't help but wonder why.
God, what is the reason for these changes?
What am I getting out of this?
Who do you want me to be?

My whole life, I've always been the one to try to stand out of the crowd.
The cheer captain.
The fastest 400 runner on our team.
The smartest person in class.
The loudest person at the party.
The die-hard gym athlete.
The one who has her whole life put together in this pretty, perfect little package.

But now, I feel as though none of that matters.
I don't care if I'm the best, the brightest, the most popular.
I just want to be me.
And right now I feel as though I don't always know who that is.

I want to not only be me, but I want to be there for others.
I want to be a good friend—one that people can trust and talk to.
I want to be an example—to strangers or family. I haven't been there like I should have for my brother and sister. And I can tell that they have had a hard time adjusting to my mistakes. I don't want to be the perfect older sister. I just want to be a good sister.
I want to be a wonderful wife. I'm not sure when it's going to happen, but I want it so badly. I want to be the best friend, the lover, the one that his family always prayed for. I want to be the wife who he comes home to each night. The wife who can cook a decent meal. The wife who actually runs the vacuum once in a while. The wife who he is proud to call his wife. I have never felt a love like I feel right now for my Daniel. I try so hard to do everything for him. I just hope I'm doing it right.
And someday, I want to be a mom. Maybe. You know what? I say "maybe," but I think it's all a ploy. I will be a mother. And a darn good one. When the time is right, it will be right.

There is a change within me.
I pray to God every day that I soon realize what that change is.
What it means.
Who I will be.
Where I will go.
Who I will meet, help, inspire.
As long as He is holding my hand along the way, I know I am in good hands.

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Starlight.

Last week, Daniel surprised me and took me on a lovely drive following the Payette River up to Garden Valley. When we got to the remote town of Crouch, we turned and drove up the gravel driveway to one of my favorite summer getaways, Starlight Mountain Theatre. It's an outdoor theatre, overlooking a grassy field and bubbling river, and is always a summer favorite for the Rowe Family. 

We got up there early so we could attend the pre-show dinner, which was finished with a brownie and ice cream. That's my idea of delicious. The play we watched was Fiddler on the Roof, and as someone who has never seen that play before, I have to say I absolutely loved it. The songs were classic, the main man who played Tevye was so amazing, and it was absolutely a blast to watch.

It was a perfect evening and I can't wait to go back up for the rest of the season's productions.

Rascal the Squirrel

I have a little friend. That friend's name is Rascal. Rascal is a squirrel.

 

 

True story. Rascal lives somewhere around the historic Boise house that I work in. I see her daily. About a year ago (when my office was downstairs), she used to perch on my window sill and say hello every day.

One day, I walked outside, clicked my tongue a couple of times (it's our method of communication), and she came over to say hi. I gave her a few peanuts that I set out in a little dish for her to eat. Over time, she started getting more and more friendly, and now she eats out of my hand.

These pictures were just taken this morning. She was waiting on the front porch for me when I got to work. In fact, she's probably still out there waiting for more peanuts.

Also—In the third photo Rascal was testing my finger for it's food-like properties. Yes. She totally nibbled my finger. Weird.

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LINK UP AND SHARE THE ♥

a&d

Sometimes the unplanned evenings are the best. You know those evenings where there is so much going on and you tell yourself you want to go to all of it, but really just feel like staying at home? That was our night last night. 

Instead of making the short trek downtown to join in the evening fun with our friends, we decided to just stay home and hang out together. I curled up with my quesadilla, Daniel had his bowl of Blueberry Morning, and we just sat and talked outside on the patio while watching the small koi fish in our front pond attack the little fish-food flakes and algae-covered rocks. After the sun set, we curled up together and watched a movie (I won't say the title), but I'll just say it starred Johnny Knoxville... and Steve-O. So... yeah.

There was a moment last night during the movie where Daniel and I were laughing so hard. We were doubled over, laughing so hard we were crying, and rewinding and replaying one part in the movie. I think we re-watched that part 12 or so times. It got to the point where I was laughing at Daniel because he thought it was so funny. 

Needless to say, it was awesome. The movie. The easy evening. The time spent and shared together. ♥

eyelashes.

- alanis morissette

 Just a little quote for you today.

Whether it's fancy cars, big muscles, shiny pairs of shoes, or big sparkly rings— 

none of it is important.

YOU are important.

♥

Matchy-Matchy.

Top: Nordstrom Rack // Skinnies: Macy's // Belt: really old // Jewelry: Premier Design

That awkward moment when the OPI Hot & Spicy you have on your toes is the same exact color as your skinnies? It just happened.

PS> I compared this ponytail to one I did 8 months ago over @ Bye Bye Beehive. What a difference 8 months of "not doing" your hair makes!

I Love You, Dad!

I'm pretty sure that deciding to drive up to McCall on a whim late Saturday afternoon was possibly the best decision I made this weekend. I surprised my dad, enjoyed Father's Day on the lake, and even got a little sun... in addition to eating the best jalapeno cheeseburger possible.

Dad, I love you.

Thanks for being the best Dad ever.

My Big Fat Bearded Dragon.

Uh, yes. That's Dobby.

In both photos.

I've had her for 6 months.

And just to clear up any confusion... 

Yes. She's growing at a rate that would impress the Jolly Green Giant.

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Now's your chance!! Link up something exciting for those of us with no weekend plans who need to sit down for a little coffee break..

From Blog Life to Real Life

Today, I'm participating in a link-up with Jessica from Lovely Little Things and Britt from The Magnolia Pair. I don't typically do little hops like this... but I just couldn't pass this one up! I adore the concept. So read on and find out a little about my favorite blogger friends!

1. Do you have any real life blog friends? 

Yes—an awesome girl named Kelli Ryder. She blogs over at Leopard and Lavender. Kelli and I used to work together at Bodybuilding.com. She's also the person who got me into blogging in the first place. Kelli has a fashion and life blog. Her writing is hilarious. She is a girl who never stops. I'm sure you'll be entertained by her.

2. Which blogger are you just dying to meet?

I think this is the hardest questions of all. I have only physically met two of the bloggers on here today, and I have yet to meet the rest. It's super hard to narrow it down to just one. I'd probably first say Kristen, from Confessions of a GDS. However... I actually am planning to meet her sooner than later... so that's no big surprise for that. But... Jenna from The Life of the Wife also lives down in Utah (right?!) and I would be so thrilled to meet her. In fact... a get together with the three of us? Ideal.

3. Which blogger's closet do you want to raid? 

Erin's closet! I think we all know Erin from Living in Yellow. She may or may not have a shopping addiction... and I just love her sense of style and the outfits she puts together.

4. You are stuck on an island. Which blogger would you want with you to help you survive? 


Lindsay from Trial by Sapphire. Lindsay used to be BFF's with Shamu (seriously... she was in the Shamu Show at Seaworld, not kidding). She can cook. She is adventurous and I'm sure she could navigate a deserted island. I just think that of all the people I know... Lindsay would have the skills.

5. The first blogger you remember "meeting" and connecting with?


Kristen from Confessions of a GDS. I don't remember how we connected (Kristen, do you?) but we have been fast friends ever since. I'm seriously organizing a trip to Utah to go visit her! It's only a 5-hour drive from Boise. She is definitely my closest blogging buddy... I am so very thankful for her! Also... it's ridiculously hard to only pick ONE place to put her on this thing... I honestly want to have her name under every answer!

6. Any blogger that you admire and look up to? 

Brittany from Clumps of Mascara. Hands down. She was the first real blog that I ever read. I found her because I'm basically obsessed with mascara. She is the mascara review queen. She even inspired me to do some of my own! B is just an all-around amazing lady. She posts everything from beauty progress reviews to her personal opinion on some very touchy subjects. She tackles everything with such strength. I really love B. Really really.

7. Who is the craziest/funniest blogger? 

Honestly? I think this would have to be Sydney from The Daybook. She has a wit and sarcasm that is just to-die-for. She cracks me up with the most simple sentences. The way she words things... I just know exactly how she'd be saying them. I can't get enough of her cuteness.

8. There's a reality television show for bloggers, who would you want to be cast with you? 


Amanda from For Love of a Cupcake. She and I seem like we are very similar. I'm sure if I met her we would be fast-friends. She loves fitness, loves buff dudes, and loves puppies. See, we're exactly alike. I think we would have a ton of fun filming a reality show.

9. Some bloggers have really cool jobs, anybody you'd like to swap careers with? 

I would take Casey Wiegand's job as an artist, mama and small business owner any day. Despite my love of painting nails, I am the least artistic person I know. To be able to have artsy skills like her and do do it full time would be a dream.

10. Favorite blog design?

OOH easy one! I love Kaelah's design at Little Chief Honeybee. She's always bold, fresh, and so creative. I love her blog designs (they constantly change) because they're so different than anyone else's!