I know it has been awhile, so I thought I would do a picture post of random things that are going on in my life! Enjoy!

My friend Madison posted a VS swimsuit coverup on my fb wall which was $58 and asked me if I could make it! I was up to the challenge and must say, think I did a pretty good job! All I have to do is hem it and finish the ties, but it was super easy to do.  

Met my first celebrity in Union Square,  Jillian Harris who was on the Bachelorette.  (my sister and I loved her)! 

P.S. She told me she liked my outfit :)

 Speaking of my outfit... I got this new shirt dress from Anthro. I love it and feel like I will be wearing it until it falls apart. The belt is black and has zebras on it. . 

Okay, this is one of my favorite places to eat! It's a little coffee shop a couple stores down from Anthro. The best part is, they have 1/2 off their sandwich prices after 5 p.m.  My favorite is the grilled cheese. Also, that cookie is seriously crazy good. It's so soft and has white and regular chocolate in it! Now that I have all your mouths watering ;)

 Sometimes when I nanny, instead of going to Central Park, we head the other direction and end up here, by the East River. It has a beautiful view of the city and a great walking path. Love sitting and just enjoying the city while my little guy sleeps :)

So, anyone who loves manicures and pedicures should come to NYC. But better yet, come by where I live. I got my first one 2 weeks ago and am a big fan. BUT, here is the best part.... I can get both for just $19:) I have to say, having a 1/2 off the price of Starbucks while getting my nails done was just what I needed on my day off :)

I am in love with my new overnight bag from Forever 21. I saw this and at first didn't get it. But, my rule is, if you go home and can't stop thinking about it, you should buy it. I am so glad I did and am currently using it right now!

 Hope you enjoyed a few more of my favorite things!

 Much Love From NYC, 

 Lisa

Little Update!

It's been awhile so here is a little update!

 Headed to PA for a long weekend for a little R&R. After working 40 hours in 3 days it will be much needed. Both jobs have been great and been busy with both. I am working towards becoming a senior at Anthro which means i will have more responsibility and get paid a little more:) The baby I watch is doing great. He is just a moving and such a happy guy. Can't wait to spend more time in Central Park as the weather gets nicer. In just 2 weeks 4 of my best friends from back home with be in NYC to spend time with me and explore the city. I am also trying to figure out school stuff for next year, from proving I am a New York resident, to classes, working, and how to get some scholarships. I am trying not to stress out too much about it.  I believe God helped me get into school and he will help find a way for the money, and making sure I don't drown in debt next year. Loving that the weather is getting nicer. Started up running again and getting in some nice long runs which I love. So all in all, I am doing good, working hard and looking forward to coming home this summer :)

    Much Love From NYC, 

     Lisa

Happy Birthday Old Buddy!!

      To start off, I very rarely call my sister Sara, Sara. She has been my Old Buddy for as long as I can remember. I don't know how or why this started, (maybe it's because I couldn't say my S's when I was little). But, she has always been my Old Buddy.

    My Old Buddy and I have a very different relationship then most sisters do. One of the main reasons why is because of our age difference. She is 11 years older than me and yes, that means when I was in first grade she was starting college. I remember my 1st grade friends asking what college was.  I replied with, "I don't know... I just know she doesn't live with us anymore."  Sara went to St. Olaf College in MN and I remember visiting her a lot. This meant trips to Mall of American, IKEA, touring the campus, staying in her dorm room, going to Macaroni Grill, meeting at Bennigans for birthdays, picnics at the lakes for Mother's and Father's Day, and more shopping. I remember going to visit her at St. Olaf and loving getting to be on campus and see all her friends!

   Another thing about our relationship is we never fought! Then again, what would a 5 year old and a 16 year old have to fight about. Sara has always told me she thought I was a funny kid and there was never a dull moment when I was around. We didn't fight because frankly there was nothing to fight about.  I just always loved being around my sisters!

   When you have a sister who is 11 years older than you, you get to learn a lot from her. I saw my sister make smart choices in high school, not drink or party, and saw that if you work hard you can do whatever you set your mind too. As I have gotten older, my sister has been able to share more with me too. Like how hard school could be when friends are mean to you, how it's important to work as hard as you can, and most importantly, don't be afraid to try new things. 

   In 3rd grade my sister went to South Africa for a month. In 4th grade my sister went and traveled the world for 5 months. She had no fear and was so excited to explore the world and see what was out there. I remember listening to her for hours talk about her trips and show us pictures of places you read about in books. This is why my Old Buddy has been one of my biggest supporters when I realized I didn't want to stay in Iowa after I graduated from high school. She has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and loves that I am in NYC. 

    I have to say it's also nice having a sister who is a therapist. I can tell her anything and everything. I know she won't judge me and also knows what she is talking about. I listen when she gives me advice because I know she isn't pulling it out of thin air. She has worked hard to get where she is at. That's another thing about her too, she is smart, not only book smart but street smart. We always joke that Sara is the smart one of us girls. She not only went to 4 years of college but also 2 more years in CO to get her Masters. She always told me it doesn't matter the grade at the end of the day, as long as you tried your hardest. That was the most  important thing. 

    As you can see I feel pretty lucky to have such an amazing role model in my life. My Old Buddy is a strong, independent, loving, caring, passionate, loyal, pretty, smart, and a funny sister. We can talk about things going on in our lives for hours and then just as easily talk about The Office and How I Met Your Mother. (TV shows) My oldest sister is not just a sister to me, she is also a friend. Someone I can talk to, someone who will always have my back, someone who gets excited for me and someone who cares for me. This is why when my sister would be home for a long weekend I would stay home to spend time with her. We may not get to see each other as much as we would like, but I know I value the time we have together. So to end, I want to say Happy Birthday to the best Old Buddy a girl could ask for. I love you so much and wish I could be there to help you celebrate! Can't wait to spend time with you when we are all home this summer!!! 

 Sending Birthday Love From NYC, 

Lisa

As Simple As A Smile

  Think if no one talked to you for one day. Now, for one week, and now a month and then a year goes by. Think if no one made eye contact with you or were afraid to touch you. This was something that always stayed with me after going on my San Fran. mission trips. And think about it... when you see a homeless person, do you look away? I bet most of you do, because let's face it, it makes us uncomfortable.

   The first year I went to San Fran. pushed me so outside my comfort level that I was in tears the first night. It was so overwhelming and I just didn't know what do to. I think growing up I had just thought of homeless people as lazy and who just didn't want to work. But at San Fran. your eyes are opened. To be honest, my image of what the "normal" homeless person is, changed. After a week of talking to people and hearing their stories you start to realize something. They are not so different from you. Yes, some have gotten in trouble with drugs and drinking, but for the most part, a lot of the people I met and talked with just had plain bad luck. They lost their job and then couldn't afford rent, so they lost their apartment. They can't get hired because they don't have a permanent address and so on and so on. It can be a cycle that once you're in it, can seem nearly impossible to get out of. 

    Cedar Falls doesn't really have a homeless population and what I mean by that is that when you walk down main street, the streets aren't covered with people like there are in San Fran. I know we have people barely getting by but it's just different than in a big city. Everyday, sometimes multiple times a day, there are people who get on the subway begging for money. I also see people on the streets with signs and digging through the garbage. What I am so thankful for is that now instead of thinking those people must be lazy, or life is hard for everyone,  I just remember that all have a story. A story of how they got to where they are. So, no I don't hand out money to them but what I do make sure to do is always smile and say hello. Because sometimes, it's as simple as letting someone know you see them and you care, that can make all the difference in the world. 

First year group:)

Some of the group from year 2 :)

Much Love From NYC, 

Lisa 

6955 Days

 For around 6,955 days I lived in the same house, gone to the same church, gone to the same schools, and my home was known as Cedar Falls, Iowa. In first grade, my oldest sister went to college in MN. In 4th grade, she traveled the world for 5 months. I also watched my other sister go on trips to Mexico, Africa, San Fran, New York, and so on.  I knew at a young age I didn't always want to live in Cedar Falls. I wanted to be a city girl. This I find funny, because I had never really traveled to cities, our vacations were to mountains and national parks, the oceans, and focused on the outdoors.

Visiting Kate and her friends while they were student teaching in Denver, CO!

   I remember watching movies and anytime it was in New York I found it magical, ( i know this is cheesy, but it's the truth). But something I never thought about was how for 6,955 days, I had been living with a mom and dad that love me more than anything else in this world. A mom and dad who raised three girls to love one another and also made sure we ate dinner every night together (expect Sunday which meant Kate and I got to have pasta or mac and cheese at night).  What I didn't think about before moving, was how now instead of seeing my family every day,  it would be weeks and months. Currently, it will be 107 days before I see them again! Going from seeing them everyday to not seeing them is a hard transition. Sometimes, I wonder how that first week of me not being home, was for my parents. How strange it is for all of us, when me, the baby, isn't there for Thanksgiving, putting the Christmas tree up, and simple things like dinner time. What I do know is, that I believe my relationship with my parents and sisters continues to grow and become stronger. I talk to both my parents everyday. I share more about my personal life with them than ever before. I talk to my sisters on the phone/facetime/text. What I know is that for 6,955 days I was with my mom and dad almost everyday. But, it doesn't matter how many days go by that we don't see each other in person, because the one thing that never changes with us is the love we have for each other. And since we are looking at numbers.... I come home in 62 days and get to spend 12 days seeing my family, each and every one of those special days :)

Much Love From NYC, 

  Lisa

19 Facts About Me!

1. I love traveling and have been to 48 states and 2 countries!

Dominance Republic 

Mexico Misson Trip

2. I hate when my nails are not painted!

3. I have an extra bone in my foot and a scar from my friend Austin's door, on my ankle!

4. My favorite place in Iowa is the secret lake my friends and I go floating on.

Super old picture, but Rachel was the one who showed me the lake!

5. My feet are either cold or sweaty! I had surgery to remove 3 of my sweat glands because of sweaty hands. Now, above my bra line, I don't sweat anymore!

6. I hate getting my haircut, but love getting it washed.

7. I still want to be a camp counselor at the church camp I grew up going to!

Favorite week of the summer! 

The whole reason why I want to be a counselor- Lindsay, who was my counselor for years! Words can't express what she means to me!

8. I cry really easily at movies, but don't like crying in front of people!

9. I don't remember the last time I didn't have a stomach ache at some point during the day...the joys of having IBS!

10. I have a lot of clothes... I know shocking ;) BUT, I have a ton of dresses! A couple years back my friend counted and I had over 65.  I hate to guess how many have been added to that...

11. I have the biggest fear of deer...seriously, ask anyone who has been with me when I have seen a deer.

12. I love to tan. Yes, I know this is bad, but I find it super relaxing!

Check out that tan line and the super old picture of Hannah and me:)

13. To go along with this picture, I've gone to the Franklin Country Fair for either the last 6 or 7 years. It is still my goal to be a pork princess ;) 

 14. I hate going to the doctor and avoid it. Mainly because I feel like they never can find out what's wrong with me!

  15. I will own at least two dogs, when I get a place that allows animals! 

  16. The City Museum in St. Louis is one of the coolest places I have been to. 

Play Family in St. Louis!

17. I have never really felt unsafe since moving to NYC. But, I have many plans of what to do if someone is following me. They involve the 24 hours CVS and whomever the last person I texted/talked to on the phone. 

18. I have a stuffed animal dog named Lucy that I still sleep with.

19. I think Reese Eggs are better than the original Reese Peanut Butter Cups!

  

Much Love From NYC, 

 Lisa

I Have Become a Fan!

   After a couple of years, I have finally jumped on the maxi dress bandwagon. It wasn't until I found two maxi dresses at Anthro that I decided to try the trend. My first one is this striped one I got for $9.95:)

So, the dress is a halter, but since it's still a little cool for that I threw on my little tan sweater, my white belt, and one of my favorite necklaces! When it gets nicer out, I think it looks cool when the necklace looks like it's a part of the dress! 

The second one is a strapless black one that I got for $5.97!! It's a little long, so I am going to hem it a little. But come on, that's a crazy good deal!!

Once again, it was a little chilly, so I layered it with my favorite thing in my closet... my jean jacket! Then, added one of my colorful scarfs and some big silver earrings!

  I think maxi dresses are fun and really easy to wear. They flatter all body shapes and are so comfortable. I love spring because it means I get to break out all my dresses.  So, get ready for some other dresses posts!

Much Love From NYC, 

Lisa