Friday, December 30, 2011

Twenty.Twelve


I've been blessed beyond belief in 2011- I graduated from high school, started college, became a part of one of the coolest Christian ministries in the nation, and started this little blog. All of which makes 2012 something to be anticipated.
Thanks to all of you. For being there to listen {...or read}, for your encouragement, and your support.
Sending love, joy,and prayers to you and your's in 2012.
See y'all there!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Christmas.


1&4. My Christmas was wonderful. Although it didn't feel like Christmas due to un-cold weather, and how fast the holiday crept up on us, it still was successful. We managed to get up our eclectic tree (full of homemade ornaments from our childhood, ribbons, and colorful glass ornaments), throw presents under it, and have a genuine happy time with friends and family.
2. I picked out the paper this year, I was so proud. These fun patterns and twine bows= L.O.V.E.
3. My big little brother. I ask to take a picture of him with his presents, this is the pose he gives me... Definitely original, bro.
5. My beautiful mother holding her "big" present- Calvin Klein's Euphoria perfume.
6. Baby brother opening all of his gifts from mom. This year we started a new tradition at Mom's house. We decided that we were going to open all our gifts on Christmas eve. We loved it- I think he loved it the most :)
7. Me and my honey posing on Christmas Eve. This Christmas is our THIRD together! Christmas is also really neat for us because it is the halfway mark of our anniversary. On Christmas we had officially been dating for 2 and a half years <3
8. Another one of Tyler's cute poses with his gifts from Mom.
9. Me! With my Erin Condren Life Planner!! It was one of my "big" gifts- along with an iPad 2!

Thanks to my iPad, I now have Instagram! Best. Thing. Ever.
Me and Daddy- giver of the iPad.
Tyler with his... (All of us kids got one)
Sweet little Chewie posing for a picture.

So now- you know I want to know...
How was your Christmas?
What was the best gift you got?
Whatever the case, I hope they were all "merry & bright"
:)

Do you have Instagram? You can follow me- Screenname: torigjohnson


Saturday, December 24, 2011

Twas the night before Christmas...

This Christmas-
Definitely different.
Definitely arrived quickly.

It seems almost dreary.
We haven't had any pretty snow, actually most days it has been in the mid 50's.
We are missing loved ones in our homes.
We haven't been able to buy everything on everyone's list.
We are experiencing real changes, not all that are positive.
It just doesn't feel like Christmas.

But while I could sit and be a negative Nancy this Christmas eve, I won't.
And actually, I have no real right or reason to be.
Even my lowest of lows are nothing compared to other's all around the world.
I've been truly blessed this year, and I'm sure most of you could say the same.


Luckily but often forgotten, there is more to this night than the snow scene that I crave outside my window.
More to this night than the presents under our tree, or that may not be under our tree.
More to this night than silly songs about the elderly being trampled by imaginary animals, and tracking Santa online until he gets to your country...

Tonight is the night that the best present ever given was on it's way to our lives, some 2000 odd years ago.
A present so priceless.
A present that would give me, so many others, and I'm pray all that are reading everlasting life.
A present that could not be wrapped and stuffed under a tree, or even fought over on Black Friday.

Thank you, Lord, for giving my unworthy self such a gift as Your Son.
Thank you for all the things I have under my tree, in my home, and in my heart this year.
Thank you for family, for friends, for Logan.
Thank you for food at my fingertips, cozy blankets on my bed, and a warm place I can call home (however large, small, or ever-changing it may be).
Thank you for love, for happiness, for laughter that filled my year.
Thank you for blessing us with exciting, irreplaceable gifts at Christmas- Your unconditional love, Your majestic story of Christmas, and Your beautiful reminders of compassion for Your children.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Don't worry, I'm still here!
Christmas has driven me away from the computer and toward fun times with the fam, friends, and my wonderful man.
I'll be back soon!
Just wanted to pop in and say hello.
Updates of my life are coming soon.

Here's a funny little video- Always remember to stand out in the crowd.
Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Busting Fashion Myths>> Nice Girls Don't Wear Leather

I'm baaaack!
Finals are over & I can breathe again.
Here is a fashion post just in time for those wonderful holiday parties (that we have nothing to wear for)
:)

XO,
Tori

It's the attitude. 
The sexy and sleek persona. 
I want it, I know you want it... :)
Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Mrs. Spears can all rock it day in and day out... Why can't we? 
Who says leather is only for the "bad girls"?


Leather can be rocked in everyday attire. It doesn't take one looking like Sandy in the final scenes of Grease to have a good leather look. Take it from these good girl celebs...


Leather is easy! Just think of it as denim (with a little less forgiveness on the hips...) Make it you! Choose a simple leather skirt or dress sans fringes and studs- and rock that thang!


Try this one out... I double dog dare ya! Can't wait to see y'all be rocker chic!

Friday, December 9, 2011

what's up>>

The picture below may seem as if me and Chewie have been taking it easy lately... But don't be fooled!
Things are getting a little holiday hectic around my neck of the woods, but I wanted to update y'all with some reasoning for all the silence.
finals. They are coming up. 3 on Monday, 1 on Tuesday, and 1 on Wednesday. Please pray that I'll remember my stuff and that I won't draw blank {a huge fear of mine}. I'm not in the place of my passing or failing an exam will really effect me, but I would still like to ace as many as possible, especially my Physics & Astronomy exam... Please, please, please!! :)

younglife. Finally-- I was placed! I'm officially a Young Life leader at my old high school! Isn't that so neat?! Truthfully, that was one of the schools I was praying to be placed at! God surely does know the desires of our hearts-- Thank you Lord! Can't wait to start some amazing work with such a great organization.
Don't know what Young Life is? You can read about it {here}

christmas. I feel like every time I turn around anymore I have a Christmas party to prepare for, or a gift that arrived in the mail that I need to wrap and put under the tree, or I think of a gift that still needs to be bought/ordered. Shew! I feel like I have so many to buy for this year (well, at least my wallet feel that way...) Oh well-- I love the holidays so much, it's totally worth it, right?!

Well, that's all the excuses I could think of!
What's up in your life? Are you ready for the holidays?
Since you probably won't hear from me until Wednesday... I leave you with a light-hearted video I found this week.

Xo,
Tori

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Sopapilla Cheesecake//

If any of y'all are like I am, Pinterest has become more than an addiction.
But I really don't have a problem with it anymore...
Not only do I feel that Pinterest is much more beneficial than staring at ignorant comments from friends on Facebook or Twitter, I also really feel that Pinterest is inspiring another generation of home-makers... or at least crafty, cooking, DIY-doin', I-will-try-anything-to-save-some-cash lovin' women!
Can I get an amen?
I digress...

This past weekend I found {this} mouth-watering recipe on good ol' Pinterest and couldn't pass it up. It's super easy, fast, and {most importantly} delish!
Here's my version of:
Sopapilla Cheesecake

Ingredients:
-2 cans Pillsbury butter crescent rolls
-2 {8oz} packages Neufchâtel cheese {softened}
-1 cup sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-1/4 cup butter {melted}
-Cinnamon & sugar

Instructions:
---Unroll and spread 1 can of crescent rolls on the bottom of the un-greased pan {I use a 9x13}.
*Note: The original recipe called for 3 cans of rolls, but with a little pulling... 2 is plenty. Save some calories and some dough... {HAHA! Dough... as in money. Oh, the wit!}

---Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread mixture over crescent rolls.
*Note: I also used Neufchâtel in place of cream cheese {they're right next to each other on the shelf}. It's 1/3 less fat {and a higher protein content}. Can't tell the difference one bit! There's no way you can pass this recipe as healthy, but this at least helps :)
---Unroll and spread remaining crescent rolls over mixture. Spread melted butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

---Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

---Devour!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Busting Fashion Myths>> Horizontal Stripes

It's all about looking slim. Wearing dark tones, wearing earrings larger than a quarter, wearing sky-high heels- face it... we all have our tricks.
And then there are things we have been taught to stay away from. One being horizontal stripes. 
We've all heard that horizontal stripes add pounds to our precious figures, but how true is that? Not. At. All! 
Stripes are daring. They are bold and fearless. They attract attention. Really, they are quite harmless.

My Do's & Dont's for Stripes:
Do wear thicker stripes if you want a smoothing effect or if you are curvy.
Don't wear too many stripes at one time. Try to keep it down to only on or two striped items per outfit.
Do wear stripes with solid colors. The biggest key to flattering stripes is to keep it under control and tone them down.
Don't wear more than 4 colors of stripes at a time. Unless you are 6, this isn't flattering.

So where are you going to strut your stripes?

snap-shots of the weekend.

I left birthday balloons on little brother's car while he was at school.

Baby brother and I went thrifting... Found this awesome vintage tie. Best part: it was $3!

And I made this yummy, Pinterest inspired, Sopapilla Cheesecake!
{Recipe coming soon!}
Things I'm looking forward to this week:
-Younglife placement!
-Last day of classes!
-Making hand print reindeer sweatshirts with my new friend, Katie!

What did you do this weekend?


Thursday, December 1, 2011

Fall Bucket List- Check!

Remember {this}?
Well time is up! It's December 1st and I've accomplished {almost} all of my goals- did you?

Go to a corn-maze.

Bake a pie.

Build a fire.

Make leaf art.
Click {here} to see the tutorial.

Carve/Decorate a Pumpkin.

Wear Cozy Socks.

Drink Fancy Coffee.

That's it folks! 7 out of 8, ain't shabby for a busy college student... right?
Oh... 
Happy December!!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

I.Am.Blank.Because

I got this idea from the oh-so-wonderful, Casey Wiegand...

I am weird because...
I eat my pizza in two parts. {First the toppings and cheese, then the bread}
I love to planplanplan, but I'm constantly late... for everything.
I'm afraid to dye my hair brown.
I cry watching weddings. {Even the ones on TV...}

I am a bad friend because...
I'm a homebody.
I back out of plans.
I get involved too often.
I speak too much.

I am a good friend because...
I would go to bat for any of my friends.
I'm loyal.
I'm loving.
I want the best for everyone.

I am sad because...
Life doesn't always go like I plan.
I want Logan to be worry-free.
I want more than the best for my little brothers and momma.

I am happy because...
Life doesn't always go like I plan.
The town's Christmas lights are up!
I have my Young Life interview tomorrow. {Less than ONE week until placement!}
God is working all around me, and I can feel Him close.
My little brothers have birthdays this month.

I am excited for...
Christmas.
The blog growing.
Young Life placement.
Getting a Erin Condren planner for Christmas.
A new year.

Currently Listening To...

The holidays have officially begun!
Gotta love Boyz 2 Men.
{scroll down to the bottom of the page to turn off playlist}

Monday, November 28, 2011

Busting Fashion Myths>> White After Labor Day

Who said black couldn't be worn with blue? And who said that horizontal stripes make you look heavy? And what about the real dummy that said that we aren't allowed to wear white after Labor day? Seriously?!
Well today, I'm starting a new segment to prove all those stupid rules to be lies!
First up...
Okay... I've always ignored this rule, but I've heard of some people that really obey it like the law. 
So ridiculous, if you ask me...
and you are :)
Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Yves Saint Laurent had "winter white" are covering the runways with this blank, bright, and beautiful shade. Of course, a white linen dress isn't the best decision for those 40-something days. Here are some rules to help you conquer white this winter.

1. Stay away from lightweight fabrics. Like I said before, white linen may not be the best decision for the winter weather, but find your white in a thick knit sweater, or maybe a white fur scarf!
2. Avoid wearing white from head to toe after summer ends. Although your all white outfits may have looked super stylish and fresh in June, no one wants to blend in with the snow! Stand out by balancing out your outfit with a dark wash jean, or maybe a holiday red touch.
3. Try off-white hues. You can still achieve the same bright glory by using similar tones.  A light cream colored coat will provide the same effect in a more subtle way.
4. Accessorize! Adding accessories to your winter white can really help bring your outfit into season. Adding a sparkly belt or a bright scarf can not only pull your outfit together, but stay away from the "I'm wearing summer clothes in the winter" look.
5. Wear it with confidence. Rules or no rules- always know the best way to look good in a trend is to be confident!
Whether it's cream or stark white- I wouldn't be caught dead storing away my whites this holiday season.


Saturday, November 26, 2011

Established in...

Even though I have only been blogging just over a half of a year, I already find myself falling short.
Just slapping a little something together, just so I can say I posted today.
Writing, emotion-less, like a robo-girl.
Well, I refuse.
From now on, I will be selective. I will be picky.
I will only post things that make my heart skip a beat. Things I'm in love with, not in like with.
If you don't hear from me for a couple days, you must understand and forgive.
I feel like if I'm nothing but obsessed with the things I post, you guys will be too. And if not, oh well. There are many other blogs out there, and at least I was inspired ;)

I want to establish my blog, my brand. I want someone to look at my post and say, "Oh, that's so Tori!"
& it will only take lots and lots of time.
& I'm so so willing.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Full of Thanks >>

With today being Thanksgiving and all, I thought it was only appropriate that I list a very small list of all the things I've been blessed with.
This year I'm thankful for...

1. My family. Thank the Lord I've been given such an awesome family that loves me unconditionally! 
Although my brothers and I fight like cats and dogs, those boys have been the best friends I could ever ask for. They are such great men. Tyler is too talented. He has such a wonderful voice and he amazes me with his ability to learn songs on the guitar in seconds! Trey, well he is just Trey. He is so "cool". He has such a hilarious sense of humor that gets me every time. He is such a good kid, and so smart too!
And my mother, oh what a joy she is! I've just gotten to the age this year where I actually love to be around her. I appreciate her now, more that I ever have. She is beautiful, sings like an angel, and is oh so witty. She seriously is the best mom, better than I'll ever be. When I grow up, I want to be just like her.

2. Logan. This is my 2nd year with him by my side and I couldn't imagine it anyother way, nor would I want to. Logan is the perfect mix of bravery, southern-ness, strength, and gentleness. I love the fact that he is friends with just about our whole town. My heart still melts every time I see him. He is so wonderful and I'm so thankful for my relationship with him.
3. The fun things. God has let me be apart of so many great Christian organizations this year. Summer camps like Kanakuk and JR. Camp, and the fact that I will be placed as an official YoungLife leader before Christmas! I'm so thankful that I've found multiple places where I can be a light for Christ- and hang out with awesome kids at the same time!

4. Friends. I've made new ones, had old ones move closer, lost some, and grown closer with some. My friends have been such sacred things to me. With the last days of high school, a lot of people showed their true colors, and sadly, friendships came to an end. But luckily, my real friends were still there. Nothing is better than knowing you've got a handful of people that will always be there to make you laugh, to sit with you when you cry, and be by your side to do really stupid things while making memories.

5. Ch-ch-ch-changes. There were a lot of "lasts" this year. Last prom, last day of high school, last football game, last school newspaper that I will be listed as "editor-in-chief". But there were so many great firsts, too. First day of college, first time being a camp counselor, first time blogging, first time being sent stuff by sweet ol' readers. I love the fact that my life has seen so much change this year, and how great the change was!

6. The Editorial. I don't think you guys will ever understand just how much this blog and all my readers mean to me! You guys and your sweet sweet comments get me through the rainy days. I've gained so many great friendships through this little space on the internet and I'll forever be changed by this experience... and the best part? I feel like it's just getting started!

What are y'all thankful for this year? If you did a Thanksgiving post- send me the link!
Sending sweet wishes your way to start off this holiday season.
Happy Turkey Day, y'all!

>> For those of you joining me from Follower's Fest- I'm so excited to have you! Thanks for clicking on my little blog and stopping by! Please say you will follow, either by GFC or at the top of the navigation bar... It would make this holiday season even sweeter! :)