Cup of Thoughts

My high school graduation was this past weekend. I still can't wrap my mind around the fact that I'm officially graduated. Seeing so many family members and friends gathered all together was such a tremendous blessing.  Because of my local homeschool co-op group, I was able to have a regular graduation ceremony. At first, I have to admit, I was completely opposed to the idea. Walking in front of a big crowd, donning a sweaty gown and cap, in the meantime, trying not to fall and make a disaster of myself, haha no thanks. However, I was convinced that if I don't go through with this now, I will for sure regret missing out on the experience later. And now I am so thankful I did it. Here are some following snapshots that were taken during the big day. Total, there were only 12 graduates. Some of them I knew, most of them were complete strangers. Even though we were all shy and a bit awkward, especially me, the whole ceremony united us in ...

My sister and I were creating pathways through our local college campus while waiting for our mom to finish her photoshoot. Buying time and, as you can see, fancy caffeinated drinks, we had a mini-photoshoot of our own. The tools I used for this look were: Tresemme Thermal Heat Protectant NuMe Classic 19mm Curling Wand Sexy Hair Volumizing Hair Spray ♡ Anna

"Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine-" ( Exodus 19:5 ) Summary: Katie Weldon, the fiery, and spunky redheaded best friend of Christy Miller, is abruptly facing many major decisions in her senior year of college. Some that will presumably change her life forever. Working at a pizza parlor and juggling with choosing a college major, yet again, Katie's life has become abundant with stress. When a job opposition opens up for her to be a Resident Assistant inside one of the college dorms for girls, she decides to take the open door and see where it leads her. She meets several new young women who are in the same spot she has found herself in, and the relationships that develop help her answer many of her personal struggles. Desiring for a change, Katie and Rick Doyle, Christy's previous high school infatuation, are going down the slow ...

"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." ( Matthew 28:6 ) I know that Easter has come and gone, and the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ has already been shared on Sunday morning, but it's not just a story to be told once every Spring. The story of God's Son should be talked about and shared every day!  "-Talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."  ( Deuteronomy 6:7-9 ) This was God talking to the Israelites when they just escaped captivity in Egypt. They were new to this relationship with God and faltered many times by the wiles of the enemy. When God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, as a guide to living righteously, He wanted to make it ...

Everything Everything, Nicola Yoon “Life is a gift. Don't forget to live it.” Summary: Madeline has a disease that prohibits her to the outside world. Her immune system is not capable of surviving the atmosphere outside of her sanctified home in southern California. Her mother and hired nurse are the only people she has ever made contact with... until Olly, the new neighbor moves next door. Madeline keeps track of every neighbor that she can see from her glass pane wall. She tracks their habits and daily activities because that's the only way she can get to know them from her position. Soon after she follows the routine of the family next door, she realizes that they're all practical, besides the older brother, Olly. He fascinates her in a non-practical way. He gives her the inspiration to be more than what she can be. The two correspond by email and few glances through the glass that separates them both, and then finally by an air-filtered room. Once Mad...

This look was inspired by one of my favorite Hairstylists, Kayley Melissa . Her hair and everything she does with it is always flawless.  After seeing the following video I had to try it out. I hope you gain motivation to do the same! ♡ Anna

In honor of #Nationaltrailmixday, I'd like to share my lazy, simply, delicious granola recipe. I've scurried and copied some recipes that I've discovered online and created my own version, and here's the final product. The ingredients to create this yummy snack: 1 cup (or more if you desire) of old fashioned quick oats 2 tbsp of coconut oil 1 tbsp of cinnamon 1 tsp of vanilla extract 1 1/2 tbsp of some local honey a dash of cranberries hand-full of coconut shavings How to actually make the granola: Preheat the oven to 425°is your first step. While the oven is heating up, get your oats in a non-sticking dish and place them in the oven. This gives the oats that extra toasty flavor which you definitely taste in the end. Heat your coconut oil in a pan over one of your burners and allow it to melt. Or if you're like me and would rather just pop it in a microwavable-safe bowl, you can do that instead. Mix all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Wait for th...