Three Years!

Yesterday marked the 3rd anniversary of Young Yankee Lady!

Most of my blog-iversaries lead to me re-evaluating my entire blog, and making some pretty lofty commitments. For the first time, though, at this point I'm really happy with my blog. I'm proud of myself for sticking (mostly) to my blog-once-a-week plan this year, and now that school's pretty much done I'm excited to bump that up!

I'm also pretty proud of the actual content I've put out this past year. I feel like I've finally gotten my voice, and I like the topics I'm covering. I feel a lot more genuine and connected to what I eventually publish, and the fact that I've been able to interact more with your guys makes it that much better!

To celebrate blogging for three years, I wanted to share the love by listing some of my personal favorite blogs. Honestly, these are the people that have led me to getting my blog where I want it! They are always full of real-life, inspiration, and just good energy. :)

My favorite blogs (in no particular order).

01: The College Prepster

I've religiously followed Carly for probably about two years now! I seldom miss a post, and have really fallen in love with her kind, put-together, quirky style. She always has something valuable to share, and I really trust her opinions. Some favorites: Time Management, How I Get It All Done; Stay In Touch; 5 Ways To Enjoy Spending Time Alone.

02: The Nectar Collective

I just discovered TNC this year, and now it's a regular read! Melyssa is bright and peppy, and her team of writers is always spot on, too. She has great advice about blogging and branding, and I like hear goal-focused mindset. Some favorites: 15 Tips for a Happier Year, How To Get Sh!t Done Even When You're Totally Unmotivated.

03: The Lady Geek

Dia, my in-real-life best friend, writes this blog and always has a fun new project to share! I'm not a super crafty person, but I love getting the scoop on all her projects! We also have too much interacting on tumblr (me, her) together. Some favorites: Harley Hammer Part 2, The Jayne Cobb Hat.

04: The Random Writings

I. Love. Rachel. She's a fellow homeschool graduate who grew up primarily in Malaysia, went to college in Michigan, worked as a teacher with her husband in China, and has now just moved to Malaysia. She writes about anything and everything, and you can always count on her for honest conservatism. Some favorites: Grandpa's Marriage Advice, Leaving Well, Fearless Woman.

05: Michmash

Michelle is definitely my favorite 'story teller' blogger. She is one of the few bloggers that has (seriously!) made me roll on the floor laughing. She is hilarious, and I can't get enough. Especially now that she's had the baby, I love keeping up with her life! Some favorites: blogging year 2: lessons and rants, and you CANNOT miss her wedding series. It's amazing. Here's the first one.

06: Victoria Elizabeth Barnes

This is a blog about restoring an 1890 Victorial house. But when you're reading it, it doesn't feel like that. Victoria is hilarious. Smart. And an awesome storyteller. Her husband, Paul, makes frequent appearances and GAH! They are the cutest couple. Some favorites: The Kingdom Mirror--Proving That You Never Know What Is On The Other Side of A Craigslist Ad, The Glitter Troll is Disappointed.

07: Flashback Summer

This is really the only vintage blog I read anymore, and probably who I feel most personally in-line with style wise. I love Emileigh's unique approach to vintage, and her writing style! Some favorites: 90's Mumu to Floral Playsuit, In A Fashion Identity Crisis, Q & A Video.

 08: Girl Meets Life

This is my most-recent blog find, and the closest to what I'm trying to do here. Gracie has great perspective, and I love how well she integrates her whole life into the blog. Some favorites: How Social Media Is Making Us Terrible Daters, How To Stay On Course, How To Make A Personal Mission Statement.

Finally, I wanted to make a quick list of my top favorites posts I've written over the past year. Like I said before, I'm really happy with what I've been writing lately. Here's to a great Blog Year 4!

If I've Learned Anything
25 Ways To Be A Little More Fabulous
Things Cousins Say
new year's eve
Heroine's Aren't Guaranteed A Hero
5 Attitudes For A Happier Spring
Freshman Year
Permission To Shine
Don't Call Me A Good Little Church Girl

Happy Tuesday! xoxo

Don't Call Me A Good Little Church Girl

Because when you have no other photos to post, post a selfie.

I am on such a high right now after Lady's Day at church. Seriously.

We had am absolutely incredible woman come speak to us today, named Stephanie. She used to run a shelter for homeless women and children in Memphis, and she talked to us about her process, faith, and the important difference individuals can make.

While listening to her speak, it was like every sentence out of her mouth connected dots for me. She echoed some random things I've been thinking about lately, and tied them together in a logical way I hadn't yet.

A theme she kept coming back to was the difference just a small, committed group of people can make. That size and resources don't matter as much in comparison to commitment. That the smallest things we do can sometimes have the biggest impact.

This is actually something my economics class (of all things!) touched on. It talked about how we are all leaders, because there is always someone watching us. Okay, so maybe it's just your little brother or the kid next door....but they might grow up to be a judge, or a cop, or a business owner. And they're watching you.

We all have influence. The only questions is whether it is positive or negative.

And I don't mean this in a 'someone is watching so you better behave!!!!' way. I think it's the difference between being polite, and going out of your way to help someone. Being smart, and being innovative. Being honest, and putting yourself out for someone else.

For the past six months or so, I've been in a fit over the term 'good little church girl'. A guy called me that a couple months ago, and I hated it, although I didn't know why. He meant it to be cute, but it bugged me.

And I've finally hit on why. The world tends to view Christians as those that have chosen to live a boring, low-risk existence. That they avoid 'fun' because they're scared of life. And that thinking is so flawed. To so many people--the apostles, Paul, modern Christians in Egypt--being Christian has meant living a life full of danger, daring, and risk. I bet they all wish their faith was more 'boring'.

But even for Christians living today in parts of the world without persecution, faith isn't (or shouldn't be) boring. There are still so many ways we must live bigger because of it. So many ways we could help. And even if you aren't persecuted for your faith, it still takes guts to live it out despite the people around you.

I don't like being called a 'good little church girl' because that makes me sound naive. And innocent. And dumb.

And my faith isn't naive, it's informed.
I'm not innocent, I'm intuitive.
And my faith isn't dumb, it's wise.

Looking at Stephanie, you would never call her a 'good little church girl'. She has too much depth for that. Her aura is smart, and strong, and fierce, and full of heart. Which, really, is what true Christianity looks like.

The world has it wrong.

Happy Saturday! xoxo

:: May 2015 ::

Stuff that happened this month.....

Prom with some of my favorite people.

Prom #2 because dancing's too much fun.

Finished lit class.

Mad Max & American Sniper at the drive-in with Dia, and the brothers!

Presented at my last State Activities Day for 4-H.

Competed with my team at the North Shore Open (and came home with hardware!). 

May was a crazy month. Every weekend was packed....but it was so much fun.

I'm looking forward to a month of just blowing out school, working, and of course TOI Nationals!

What did you do this month?

What are your plans for the month ahead?

Happy Monday!! xoxo

Posted this month: Permission To Shine, 11 Quotes to Cut the Haters and Go For It, prom (and gushing), The Post About Me Wanting To Post.

The Post About Me Wanting To Post

scarf / fair, top / old navy, shorts / old navy, socks / sock market

I almost didn't write this post.

At the beginning of the year, I decided I was going to post every single weekend for the entire year. Never, ever miss a week.

And I haven't. There's even been a couple bonus posts thrown in there.

But yesterday, as I was walking around the house aimlessly trying to think of a post for this weekend when I should have been doing school, I thought, 'why bother?'

I have just three of my five classes from this semester to finish, and then I'm done with high school (!!!). I'm also trying to work more, prepping for competition with my team and of course doing my own skating, and planning my graduation. Then there's States Activities Day for 4H next week and lots of weekend plans with friends this week.

So really: with so much to do, and the burning desire to just finish school, why take the time to post?

I decided to take a break, and not post until I had finished my three classes. Go completely silent on the blog and tumblr. Then, I'd pop back in and be fine after that.

And yet, here I am.

Old habits die hard. This June, it will be three years since I've started this blog. And overall, that's been a pretty consistent three years. I really want to post this weekend.

It's not because I have a million followers and people who will jump down my throat (or notice at all) if I skip. It's not that I make money from my blog and have requirements to meet (well, not yet anyways). It's simply that I like coming here every week and sharing what's been on my mind. I like having this little community, where I can express my thoughts and any feedback is always so kind, positive, and on point.

I really, really love my wi-fi, guys. And I kinda love social media. It gets a bad rap (for legitimate reasons, honestly), but I can't help but think it's just such a huge blessing. With no limitations but our own creative juices, we have the opportunity to write, film, edit, create, and then share that stuff for anyone in the world to see. The internet has provided so many opportunities for creatives to make a living from just that--creating. Okay, some people might think it's stupid when Rhett and Link answer the all important question, Will It Hotpocket?, but isn't it kind of amazing that the internet's allowed them to turn that into their job?

Okay, I realize I'm totally rambling at this point. I basically just wanted to post to tell you guys I wanted to post. So yeah.

Happy Weekend! xoxo

prom (and gushing)

You know what's cool?

Being really, really different. Really, really, you. Really, really, un-cool.

We had prom last week. These are our photos. These sexy people are so, so dear to my heart. And every single one of them is so un-cool in the coolest way possible. I'm bragging for them today, because they're all too kind to brag enough about themselves.

From left to right:

Skyler is probably one of the most genuinely kind, gracious people I have ever met. She works so hard at her fast-food job, and her house-cleaning job. On top of that, she helps her mother (who's in politics) and rocks homeschooling. Plus she swing dances. I know.

Lily (my cousin!) is straight up hilarious. She plays basketball, and rides horses, and works weekends. She's one of my favorite people to get phone calls from, and is always up for adventures.

Rachel, aside from looking like a fashion model, is wicked smart and driven (she's doing early acceptance for med school!). We have a pretty constant email-stream going, and she's always so supportive and kind!

Also, let's talk about my dress. Even though she was in the middle of finals, Dia made it for me after I was complaining about buying one. This is just one example of all the times she's gone out of her way to do something special for me. I cannot gush about her enough. :)

Turner has an awesome, sarcastic sense of humor, composes his own dubstep, and is working towards his pilot's license. Oh, he also has a DJing business. And he DJ'd prom. So yeah.

Caleb is a dork. But he's also one of the most loyal, true friends I've ever met. He's really good at acting, mumbling funny comments under his breath, and is generally one of the best partners-in-crime around.

AJ (my brother!) wore purple high tops to prom, so there's that. Also he built his own PC, plays piano, has overall great taste in music, and let's me take advantage of his Dunkin Donuts gift cards.

Jacob is an emoji aficionado, shows dairy cows with 4H, and went to the Junior Olympics for fencing. :) He's always up for a video chat on skype, and tolerates Dia and I's craziness. Sorta.

Moral of the story: be so uncool you're cool. These dorks have my heart (and also: thanks for putting up with me guys).

Happy Weekend! xoxo

11 Quotes to Cut the Haters and Go For It

While we all know how important it is to have faith, be unique, work really hard, and never stop believing in yourself, let's face it: sometimes it's really hard to battle insecurity and self-doubt. And dealing with people who don't understand/support what you're trying to do can be exhausting.

With that in mind, I've pulled together my favorite quotes to inspire you to cut the haters and just go for it. Release the rockstar, my friend.

Just in case you've forgotten.

via

Remember, they don't really know YOU. Surprise them.

via

Starting over is always an option.

via

Step one to being awesome: don't be a miserable cow.

via

Our favorite stories are those where the heroes overcome obstacles. Translate that to your life.

via

You are always in control of yourself. You decide how you react and what you pursue.

via

Don't be like the rest of them, Darling.

via

Sometimes what the world sees as a fault is actually our strength. Don't apologize for who you are.

via

Get up out of bed and create a life you love.

via

Small minds have no place here.

via

And finally, don't let people scare you.

via

Happy Weekend! xoxo

Also: Permission To Shine, 5 Attitudes for a Happier Spring, and You Know All Those Things You've Always Wanted To Do?

Permission To Shine

#permissiontoshine, as Instagrammed by the amazing Hilary Rushford, has to be one of my favorite things the interwebz.

It's a phrase that I keep coming back to when I'm needing a little more motivation. As the school year is finishing up, I'm thinking more about this next part of my life. I have definite goals and clear 'first-steps' to get me there, but there are SO many parts that are still hazy. Cheesy as it sounds, in my heart I know that I need to do what I'm setting out to do. I am passionate about the things I want to pursue. I'm willing to work my butt off for them. And isn't that what really matters?

But, honestly, there's so much doubt. I've complained before about how much getting flak from people bugs me. Lately, the flak I get has just been bringing up my own insecurities. Huh, this thing I wanna do is gonna be really hard plus there's probably a low success rate? Wow! Never thought of that, before! Thanks for the heads up, people!

Here's the thing though: it's not their fault. It's mine. End of the day, no one (and no amount of flak) is holding me back. And it's immature and ignorant to make that my excuse for not trying my hardest. Instead, I have to look doubt in the face and tell myself, "you have permission to chase this and do your best and take a risk and see what happens."

And to me, that's what #permissiontoshine is all about. It's we as individuals giving ourselves permission to be our best selves. So often we hold ourselves back. Maybe we think it's too risky, or too weird, or too hard, or simply that we're not good enough. "Who are we", we say, "to do something different? Make something great? We're NORMAL."

Just know this: you are NOT normal. Normal is mediocre and boring and easy (but not worth it).

Instead, you are great. Strong. Powerful. Smart. You've got a heart of gold, killer style, gut instincts worth trusting and a quick-to-learn brain. You are artsy and inspiring and you're very own self to the core. And you must give yourself the permission to:

Try.
Risk.
Fail.

Try again.
Work crazy hours.
Push yourself to your limits.
Be out of the box.

Keep going even when the world calls you crazy.
Believe in yourself with a fiery passion.
Take a mental health day when you need it.
Jump on opportunities.
Follow your heart.
Trust your gut.

I believe that we all have the capacity to do something great (in a big or small way) and make some contribution to the world. But I also believe only a handful of us tap that potential. For me, giving myself the Permission To Shine means allowing myself to always give my all, on the chance that I have something important to give.

Faith is not an easy thing to keep. That surprised me, even though it shouldn't have. But while I've learned faith is sometimes hard to have, I've also learned it's vital. We must have faith in God. In hard work. In love. In truth and the power of doing what's right.

And....in ourselves. We must believe that there's something for us to do here. And then make the decision to chase it, believe it, live it. I don't know about you, but I think our futures look bright.

Happy Weekend! xoxo