that's how he came.

I'm back! And just in time for Christmas!
Is is just me... but I totally can't believe Christmas is tomorrow. It doesn't feel like time- I don't feel ready!

I wanted to share from Paige's blog. Another one of my absolute daily reads. I fell in love with the way she explained the true Christmas story. I could never have written this as well as she did:

"she was an unwed pregnant teenager

he was a simple carpenter.

he figured he’d honor her & go ahead and marry her

but divorce her quietly later.

she claimed she was a virgin

& that the Holy Spirit came upon her

& that she would deliver the savior.

the one they had waited long waited for to free her people.

no one believed her.
of course no one believed her.
what a scandal.

they thought their savior was to be a mighty warrior

that he would come to the golden power city Jerusalem.

Jerusalem was the holy city where the temple was located.

they sure weren’t expecting a baby…

in Bethlehem.

nothing good came from Bethlehem.

mary & joseph were traveling & realized she was soon to give birth.

it actually didn’t happen in a barn

it was a hollowed out indention in the mountain

where animals could hide for shelter.

there was yuck there, messy smelly animal yuck there.

it was not clean nor was it quiet.

it was dark and messy.

an angel shows up to shepherds.

shepherds were smelly & dirty & poor.

the shepherds were tending to the sheep

that incidentally were being raised and would be taken to Jerusalem

for sacrifice for people’s sin.

are you following this?

how amazing is that detail.

the first people that found out that their savior

promised about 400 years earlier

had been born

were the shepherds tending to the sheep

that were the sacrifice for sins.

yet HE was to be THE final sacrifice for sins.

i love that detail!!

the shepherds weren’t even allowed in the temple

yet

HE came to them.

not in a fancy church with perfect pews & a steeple

but

to them.

out in their filth & dirt.

on a dark night.

THE light came to them.

majesty in the mess.

that’s how He came."

Merry Christmas.

...

taking a break from blogging for a while.
i have no passion to write. only minor things here and there, quite not worth the time to actually type.
check my twitter: @torigjohnson

xoxo

if your 8 year old self met you, would they be proud?

inspiration.

somedays, we just need a little inspiration.

follow my new tumblr account.

cancelled.

That moment.

When you are (for once in your life existence) on time for class. You walk up to the door.

The lights are out. The door is shut. The seats are all empty.

Did you make a time mistake? You check the time. Nope.

You call your classmate to see where she is.

She answers, grogily. You ask her where she is.

And then she says it. And your heart stops beating.

There is so much more I could've done. Why didn't I remember?

Class was cancelled. And I am the idiot that forgot.

So now I'm trying to look busy in the library, but there is only so much a girl can do...

Enjoy my favorite song for the moment. I'll probably end up listening to it 10 more times before my next class begins.

Oh, and happy weekend!

november.

Today is the first day of November. I have a lot to be thankful for, and November is the month of thankful-ness... Right?

So on November 1st... at 1:47 in the morning...

I'm thankful for   warmth. true love. family. homecomings. old music and the memories it brings. happy tears. a good children's book. health. time to write + time to think. time in general. grace potter + the nocturnals. inspiration. creativity. a future.


What's really not to be thankful for?
I'm safe, I'm free, and I'm loved.

Goodnight, or good day...

lacking.

What is there to say?

I have no creativity in my being, now, what-so-ever.

All I have been for the last several days is a zombie that watches too much Netflix.

I recently started a new job as an assistant manager at a clothing store in the local mall. 

It is fun but very hard on the soles.

Sometimes I just need to write it out, plain & simple.

So that's what's up with me.

What's up with you?

xo

T

insta-lately.

It's so funny to me. When I'm the busiest, I have the habit of sitting down and having to paint my nails. I swear it soothes the soul. I've spent a lot of time with Logan and children's books lately, and I'm not mad about it one bit.  Also- it's turning into fall in East TN. And I'm not mad about that one either! 

That's it for today!

Have I told y'all lately that I love you. 

Thanks for reading. It makes me feel special.

xo

T

weekend mini-haul.

Hey y'all! I went shopping this weekend and picked up a couple of things from the beauty dept., so I thought I would share. So here's a mini-mini-did I say mini?-haul.

Revlon's Raven Red Nail Polish
As seen on my instagram...

Follow me! @torigjohnson

Perfect red for fall. Did you know that "Raven Red" has been around since 1945?!

Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes with White Tea Extract

This stuff stinks. I used it last night for the first time and my face smelled like Pine Sol! Gross! I'm going to try them again tonight, but I think they might be going back :(

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Liner in Empress

Speaking of going back... I'm a little on the fence with this product. I threw it on in Sephora, having no shadow on, and it make me look so awake! And it made my lashes look super long! But now that I've done it at home... It's not doing it for me...

Benefit Instant Brow Pencil in Light 

I'm new to filling in my brows but I really love the thick look. I can't wait to use this!

That's it! I'm off to clean my room and then to yoga class! :-)

xo

T

Stella & Dot Winter 2012.

The week is more than half way over! This time last week I was contemplating cutting my wrists with paperclips due to overload of coffee, homework, and flash cards. So to sit here, being able to blog, and not having homework- it's heaven.

I wanted to come to y'all today with the new Stella & Dot Winter collection! As you may or may not know, I'm a Stella & Dot stylist and I seriously love it. This jewelry is made for just about every style. I can't get enough!

Anywho- there is a new collection, like I said before. There is lot's of variety. And have you ever heard of Alice Temperly? Well she is a designer that has styled major people: Kate Middleton... Beyonce... Need I say more? Well she did a little collab with S&D and I'm mad for the results.

Here are some of my faves from the new stuff:

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

four things.

Four things, you ask? Well, it just seemed like a good number today.


1. I've really been digging into blog-world lately to find some new reads. I'm loving Katie and Mary, in particular. You should check them out!
2. I've also been trying to get back on my gym grind. And it really sucks! I'm thinking some new tunes will perk me up though.  Do y'all have any more suggestions? I'd love to not listen to just 3 songs for miles and miles... Comment below!
3. "Camp Your Face Off" last weekend was great! I absolutely stand in awe of how the Lord stirs in those kids lives. I feel so honored to even be a part of it. So so honored. And the view of the lake (pictured above)! Oh my goodness! Waking up to that was just a fresh breath of "God, You are good!"
4. I ordered these boots on impulse a couple weeks back. Best purchase in a while, I must say.


So what are y'all up to? Sorry about posting last week, or more the lack there of... School is kicking my booty! Comment and let me know what's up in your neck of the woods. I love hearing for you guys!

xo,

T

gameday fashion: go vols

sweater. jeans. bag. tassel necklace. spike bracelet. boots.

If I hadn't been such a big dummy, I would be going to the UT game tomorrow. And I would love to have created this little get-up to wear. Too bad I'm a dummy...

Happy weekend! I'm off to camp my face off.

Camp your face off, you ask? Why yes! Remember last year?

xo

T

monday night mani: skirting the issue.

Hey y'all! I was really inspired by Katie's blog to start sharing my nail polish wears. I don't know about y'all but I'm seriously obsessed with nail polish, so to me- this seems fascinating! Is it the same with normal people? Ha!

Anywho, tonight I painted my nails with one of Essie's new Fall 2012 polishes- Skirting the Issue. This is seriously the perfect wine color for fall. I love it because it's that perfect shade but it's not too vampy. I still look like I have a little color to my skin. I do have to say that I think it is a little more red than pictured above. I tried to capture a picture, but I couldn't get it right. But just trust me- you need this color.

Tell me know in the comments what y'all are sportin' on your fingertips! I'd love to know.

xo

T

Shop The Editorial.

I just wanted to let y'all know a little addition that I've added over the weekend. On the top bar you will see "Shop The Editorial", this is a place where I will be adding little pieces here and there from my closet for you guys to have a chance at before I auction them off on E-Bay. There are a couple things there right now! E-mail me if you see something you like!

ombre locks?

I loved the ombre in the summer, but didn't have the guts. But now that everyone is going darker for fall/winter, maybe I can build up enough courage. I like the more natural look, basically the exact opposite side of the spectrum from Khloe Kardashian. And although I love the artsy-fartsy pic above, it's not as natural as I'd like. I'm still looking for the perfect picture to speak volumes to me & my stylist. Wish me luck!

What do y'all think?

Is ombre stylish or just a fancy excuse for over-grown roots?

xo

-T

weekend letters.

Dear Weekend Letters, I see you on so many people's blogs, and I adore you. Will you come be cutesy on my blog? K. Thanks. Dear Friday, thank you for coming so soon. And thank you for bringing a special Monday with you. She is basically one of my fave Mondays because she basically signifies the beginning of Fall! Yippie! Dear Logan, Love you- my golden boy. Dear Old Navy, I want to first off say I've been impressed with your quality lately. Some of your jeans are really on point. Also- thanks for having 30% off this weekend. I will definitely be getting that cute chambray I've had my eye on. Dear Netflix, we're back together and I really don't know how I went without you for so long. This relationship really isn't healthy. Dear 90210, hey- I just met you, and this is crazy, but you're the second best thing to Gossip Girl, so I'm going to watch you all weekend! Dear brothers, I'm so proud of both of you. Your talents, your leadership skills, the way you both know who you are and don't change that for anyone. Love y'all to pieces. (P.S.Ty- you did great as captain on Friday night! Go #64!) Dear Stella & Dot, thanks for making all your jewels so irresistible. I did great this month and I earned free jewelry! Olivia bib- consider yourself mine! I'm coming for ya! Dear hair, thanks for being so cool lately. I'm really regretting chopping you off, but you holding curl for 24 hours definitely isn't terrible. Dear life, thank you for being so kind this week. Please don't let this be the calm before the storm. I've had enough of those this month to last me the rest of the year.

xo

-T

NARS Fall 2012.

If you really knew me, you'd know I'm a makeup addict. Not a full blown- I just like to treat myself every once in a while. Trust me- I've toned it down a lot. Anywho, the other day I was in Knoxville with my best girlfriend and of course I had to make a pit stop at Sephora.
I don't know about y'all, but I've never really given NARS the time of day. Yes- I know that all girls that love makeup must own the NARS blush with the name that makes most blush, but they've always kinda seemed too classy for me. Not anymore! I've really been looking into the brand and I've fallen for their Fall collection. (Ha! Did you see what I did there... Amusing... Onward...)
Here's some of the things I'm going to be adding to my makeup bag:

NARS Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Rouge Tribal

First, my favorite of favorites. I promised myself, and my mother, that I was going to find the perfect crimson/red lip for the colder months this year- I think I've found the winner. Mind you- I hate lipsticks, so this gloss is perfect because it gives the color of a stick, but the shine and feel of a gloss. Heaven.

And is it just mine, or do your men hate bold lips, too? If Logan could have it his way, I'd never get to get away from the nudes! So the question: do I please my man and stay natural or be daring and get my crimson fix? Hm...

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Vent Glacé

I'll be the first person to admit that I need no more eyeshadows, but I just can't pass this one up! Winter shimmer- a silver and a smokey color. What more could you ask for?! I dig it. I've decided that if I finish up this drugstore shadow that I've had for years (which is almost gone) I'll treat myself to this one... It's beautiful!

I think I can... I think I can...

NARS Nail Polish in Storm Bird

And last but not least... Well it actually is least in my books because I'm only half way in love with this. I love the color, but I feel like come October, there will be so many dupes. And also- not that you guys exactly care, but I got my first shellac manicure last week and I'm pretty sure I'm going to start getting those instead of bothering with my own, and for the price of this polish- I could get a shellac mani for two dollars more. 

I'd rather have someone else do my nails. Does that make me a princess? I don't care :)

And I wonder- what are y'all's favorite beauty splurges? Leave a comment below and I might just have to pick it up.

-T

three things.

1.This made my week... It's the little things.

2.It's almost fall. I can feel it every morning. It makes me excited to go back to school. Is that normal? Probably not. Oh well...

3. This new song I've been diggin'... {Of course it's the new Taylor Swift song- why would I ever want to be original or seem anything of the sort?!}

OH! And happy weekend!

-T

weekend reflection.

Welp. This weekend has been a journey. On Friday, I lost my iPhone. Yes- it was tragic. No- I didn't have insurance. Yes- I cried like a woman at a funeral. It was not pleasant. We (my wonderful Logan & I) searched for hours. It's gone gone. So I was phone-less for about a day. And then I realized that just wasn't going to work so I went and bought another. Luckily, we had an upgrade available so it wasn't a huge mess of money I lost. 

So now I'm on the hunt for a new case since, obviously, my Tory Burch case was on my phone. I've been browsing the internet and have found a couple:

Left to Right:

Tory Burch Hardshell iPhone Case in British Khaki Snake

Tory Burch Kipp Silicone iPhone Case in Golden Yellow

Rebecca Minkoff Cheetah iPhone Case

I guess I'm partial to Tory Burch, because the first two are my faves, I believe. What do y'all think?

Libby Edelman Alpha Gold Flats

I found these shoes this weekend. A line from Sam Edelman, Libby Edelman, and they were on major sale... $16. Yeah, I know. Thank you TJ Maxx! I can't wait to break these out this fall.

Urban Decay Vintage Eyeshadow in Half Baked

Did you guys get the memo about the huge Urban Decay sale going on right now? I did, and you bet I hopped right on to take advantage of it. I just cleaned out my makeup collection so I limited myself to one eyeshadow... TOPS! I chose Half Baked. It's nothing new & has appeared in tons of their palettes, including Naked. I've really been wanting a good gold-ish/bronze anyway. And it was only $9!

I'm kicking off my week the best way: Catching up on TV, maybe a trip to the gym. Later tonight I have a Stella & Dot show. I'm so excited!

Have a great Monday!

-T

it's my birthday!

Well, actually, yesterday was... but I'm late at blogging (as per usual).

I've basically celebrated all week: 

**Monday at Nama with my girlfriends

**Tuesday by hitting my goal with Stella and Dot (while earning $550 in free jewels for me!)

**Yesterday with my fam, my love, and a large piece of strawberry cake (again, as per usual)

**...and today with a manicure and lots of friends (we have a leader retreat this weekend at church).

I have gotten my cake, and I ate a dang whole lot of it, too!

Hope you all have a happy weekend!

-T

PS- Wondering about the random mirror pic? It's the first picture of my 19 year old self... Made sense to me.

July Faves.

I seriously can't even believe that it is August, but I sure ain't complaining. My birthday is in August... (in three days, actually...) July was super busy but super fun. Lots of camps, lots of laughs, and lots of growing with the Lord. July sure was good to me.

Make-up: 

MAC Eyeshadow in Retrospeck

I recently put this shadow in a traveling quad palette and I've probably used it 20 out of the 31 days. It's the prettiest shimmer that just gives your lids a sheen instead of a hard opaque color. I have fallen in love with it.

Song: 

"Paris in June" by Johnnyswim

Thanks to my best gal, Erin, Johnnyswim has been playing non-stop in my room.

Nail Polish:

Revlon Colorstay in "Indigo Night"

This color is ah-mazing. I've never been a fan of blue nails but this bright hue was so cute this July. I really liked it on my toes the best. You need it.

TV Show:

This show reminds me a ton of Big Brother but funnier. Everything is controlled by the viewers and they have to do the silliest things. (One week they had to walk backwards for 24hrs, this last week they had to talk like parrots!) I don't know. I just think it's a lot better than Big Brother- it doesn't seem as mean. Does that make sense?

Memory: 

I have two. Louisiana + Elrod Falls

This was my first trip to LA, ever. I loved it so much. Being with friends, working on a pal's church all week and then treating ourselves to fun in the French Market before the week came to a close. Louisiana has stolen my heart. I need to get back there.

One day, Logan and I were on our way home and he took a turn onto a shady little road. He ended up leading us to a hidden waterfall tucked into the hills on good ol' TN. We climbed up and took some pics and then left. It was only about an hour, but just knowing that it was his plan to surprise me and take me somewhere special was so sweet to me. It's truly the little things.

XO

-T

neon + rose gold.

I was browsing Pinterest the other day and found this picture. I think the combo here is really inspiring, because it just so happens that I purchase my first rose gold pieces this weekend. So I thought I would share a little about them because...

1. Rose Gold is going to be huge this Fall. 

and

2. I'm in love with them! (and obviously that is the most important reason to y'all right...?)

As y'all know, I am a Stella & Dot stylist now, and almost two months in I'm still loving it all. I've ordered lots of samples. Some that I honestly don't really like, and some that I love. As always, I will never share something with y'all unless it's a love. Having said that...

Pyramid Studs, $29

I seriously love these things. They are perfect for everyday, just to add a little something.

I love the rose gold, obviously, but I really love the pyramid style. It makes me feel a little edgy. And with that price? What's not to love!

Tribute Bracelet, $36

Okay. I'll be honest. The only reason I bought this bracelet was to go with the earrings. But since I've gotten it, I drool every time I look at it! The picture does not do it justice! I love this on it's own. I love it stacked up my arm with other bracelets. I love it paired with rose gold, silver, or hematite. I can't stress how much you need (uhmmm..) YES! Need this piece!

Eventually I'd like to get this spiced up version of the Tribute:

Sparkly Bardot Spiral Bracelet, $59

(As seen on Emily Maynard in her latest People photoshoot with precious Jef!)

Are you into the rose gold trend as much as I am?

What's your favorite way to wear it?

xx,

T

music monday?

Here's is some music for your Monday.
You're welcome.

insta-lately.

I'm back from NOLA. Can you say best week of the whole summer?! I loved being able to bond and work with the people that went, some most already great friends of mine. We spent our days painting (and dancing around the room) and spent our nights over-indulging on homemade Louisiana meals. Saturday, we got to go into the French Quarter and play around. I was a smitten kitten.

God was definitely at work all week. I loved the fact that by me serving others, I was the one that was blessed in abundance. To God be the glory!

Louisiana lovin'... I don't know how many secret messages I painted on the walls before the first coat of paint went on. 

We had lunch in this quaint little place. It was super cute and I ate blackened alligator there. I must confess it may just be the best thing I've ever had...

And me and my girlfriends loved us some French Market! 

...And we discovered a cooler full of beads on the way home. Dress-up time while everyone else was asleep! 

Oh. and I got my hair cut.

Don't you just love the overly-spunky duck face? I do.

That's all...

For now.

Logan and I are kicking off our weekend with some time in the mountains- shopping, eating, and just being together. I'm in much need of that lately.

XX

-T

I'm home from camp! And it feels so good. We, my town and church family, are suffering a tragic loss of two precious boy's deaths this week. We had to break the news to the students while at camp, and although I have never seen something so sad, I've also never have felt the presence of God so closely. The students came together, leaning on each other and God for strength and comfort in their lack of understanding of His will.

I'm so proud of how those two young lives are absolutely changing that face of my town, Tennessee, and now, as MSNBC is covering their story, the nation with their stories! The family wishes to focus on the fact that both of the boys lived their lives for Jesus instead of the tragedy in hopes that others will be exposed to the gospel and accept Him as their own Savior! How powerful!

As a friend said, "God is good, all the time and the faith of two young boys and their families can cause mountains to move and hearts to confess."

Praying for the Winsteads and the Lynams. Noah and Nate, you will never be forgotten. 

Please forgive the lack of posting that is to come.

Preparing myself for the weekend, where about me and 5 or 6 of my friends will be the epitome of a camp "counselors" for the children that knew Nate and Noah so well. Prayers would be appreciated.

weekend letters.

My dad caught this picture of the sunset on the way to Cali. (added some rough editing with a new app I'm obsessed with)

Breathtaking, right?

Dear Sun, 
Please stop making it so daggum hot. I can't handle these 100+ days. I understand it's summer and all, but it's not fun to get dressed when I'm trying to figure out the least possible clothing I can manage to wear for the sake of the heat without looking like a harlot. I'm begging you, okay?!

Dear FUGE Summer Camp, 
I'm coming to meet you next week, and bringing lots of friends with me. I really really hope that you will not be hot. I'm praying that you will be a retreat for the students and that while we are visiting that they will open their hearts to what God is preparing them to learn. See ya soon!

Dear It's The Little Things Blog, 
You're coffee talk blog posts literally have me doubled over every time I read them. I really feel like we could be best friends in real life. That's all.

Dear Julep, 
I really don't like you anymore. Wow- that sounds harsh. You're quality is getting icky and I'm just not as impressed as I used to be. Although you have great customer service, I don't want to have to call them as much as I've had to. As hard as it is to say this, I think we need to break up. And it's not me, it's you.

beachy chic.

In East TN it's down right blazing. The high tomorrow? 106...Yeah.

If it's going to be that hot, I'm either going to be in the water, or inside, but I'd rather the water. 

And if I am going to be in the water, I'd rather the beach.

But wouldn't we all?

Here's the outfit I'd be catching some rays in if I was laying on the coast of the Hampton's.

Or if I was riding around Hilton Head on a cute little bicycle.

(That's the chic-est I can think of while being at the beach)

And a little tune to start the weekend right.

xo.

obsessions.

{1}

ALL GROWN UP LACE DRESS

I recently won a giveaway on another blog for a $150 gift credit to Threadsense. I've been drooling over this site for a couple months now, but now I actually get to play on someone else's dime (that's always nice)! 

I wore the dress on Saturday night, Logan and I are celebrated our third anniversary with a trip to Asheville, NC.

{2}

Speaking of shopping. I made a life-altering decision this weekend. You may have seen it on Twitter...

But I still have some gift card left for Threadsense, and I've earned lots of free jewelry I need to pick out with Stella & Dot. I'll be fine... right?

{3}

BRANDY MELVILLE AMERICAN FLAG SCARF

Okay. Plain and simple- I need this. Like seriously? How perfect is this. Stylish and not too tacky-festive. It's sold out right now, but... if it comes back- am I willing to go ahead and break my rule? A week in- I'm no good at this!

{4}

STYLE ME SWANKY

I discovered one of the best blogs- ever. I don't know if I should be proud or ashamed of the next comment, but like always, I'll say it anyway...

I've read every post :) 

That's what you get when you're bored on a Saturday.

I'm off to work. Can't wait for it to be over. It's PLL night ;)

xo.