the new apartment

Finally, I am all moved into my apartment.  After a four hour drive, sleeping on the floor the first night, sweating our butts off in this southern heat, and a couple days later it is all finished.  Well, most of it. ha! My brother and dad came along for the manual labor part :) Then they left Saturday afternoon.  Mom and I have been all over the city searching every store we could find to finalize the apartment.  I have a few projects I am going to work on myself.  Cross your fingers I get it done.

Okay so now for the anticipated pics of the new apartment...

I just had to take a picture inside the U-haul....or should I say sweat box?

All loaded up and ready to go!  4 hours here we come!

The boys hanging out before we grab some grub at the local burger place : Mugshots!

Those two weren't bored at all...not even a little bit.

Kitchen...the place where spaghetti (prego out of the jar), mac-n-cheese, eggs, and cereal will be made :) I think that is about all this chef can handle!

Mom found this table on one of the facebook sale sites.  We sanded it down and stained the top then painted the legs.  It turned out great!  Closer up pics will come soon.

I am in love with that we decided to do for the wall by the kitchen table.  The 'paint chip' canvases are simple and fun.  Something you don't see everyday.  I also love the quatrefoil mirror found on sale for $12! The key hole piece I found at Hobby Lobby and just love what it represents for my new apartment. I am going to add something photos in the wooden frame, maybe.  In the black frame I want to have the outline of LA and MS and small hearts placed where Bunkie and Hattiesburg are located.  

Mom and I came up with the idea of the fleur de lis frames which use to be in my room as something else.  Also we found that amazing quatrefoil clock at Kirkland's in Hattiesburg.

My room :) I found that huge mirror at Marshalls for a steal since everything I liked at Hobby Lobby was over $300...uh no thank you!

Mom and I had a bit of difficulty with the curtains which are really table cloths.  We saw the idea on pinterest...well they didn't tell you that some of the table cloths aren't cut straight.  We figured it out and now they are perfect.

I saw the monogram burlap frames on pinterest and just had to remake my own version.  

I also absolutely love my west elm duvet cover and Ralph Lauren fitted sheet.  I don't sleep with a top sheet.  The paisley and strip mix is fun!  Also the hot pink flamingo pillow!

This is probably my proudest item in the apartment.  I also saw this idea to hang your necklaces on a towel rod using 'S" hooks.  I have had all of my jewelry shoved into my travel jewelry bag for a year now.  It is nice to have some breathing room, especially since I have added to my collection lately!

This is a side sink and counter top area to the actual bathroom.  I will soon have a gorgeous antique stool that is being recovered in place of the hot pink stool.  Although I love the wooden stool I am excited to have a little more glam in the space.

 

As you can see the washer and the dryer are in the bathroom. It is something different but hey they work so all is well! 

I wanted to keep this room really crisp.  I loved the fluffy white shower curtain and found this one super cheap...thanks momma.  We searched high and low for the perfect rugs for the floor and finally found them at Stein Mart of all places.  

The two pieces of wall decor were in the kitchen of my place in Natchitoches, but they added just the perfect amount of color and inspiration for the bathroom.

TV area, since this picture I have had to rearrange the candle and cool little lion photo holders because of the ugly modem and router, but a girl's gotta have cable and internet ;)

Oh and if you can see the photo frame has pictures of cotton.  I picked these up from the National Beta Club advisor party.  A great southern charm to add to my apartment.

Yep...my new place.  The blue dog that I painted in Stagecraft during college greets you at the door!  One day I will have a real Blue dog painting in my home, but for now I am proud of this one.

Come visit me! anyone...seriously!

all packed up

Today is the day....we are headed to Hattiesburg, MS! (goodbye to the boot) The whole fam is helping out with moving ALL OF MY JUNK. I have everything in boxes ready to be loaded in the U-Haul.  These past few days have been crazy!  My car is loaded down with my closet.  I almost cannot see out of the back just from clothes! Mom and I have been last minute painting and DIY crafting.  I can't wait to upload pics of my new apartment.  When I first decided to live in a one bedroom by myself we went on a pinterest kick to find some inspiration for the look I wanted.  Hopefully everything will come together perfectly. Say a little prayer as we caravan to Hatties and look forward to some apartment pics coming soon!

 theresakistel.com

I can't wait to get my key and add a little glitter!!!

mountain climbing

Here at Beta BLC we like to climb mountains!  That's right, mountains...or if you would like to call it a goal in your life.  During council time the campers set goals for themselves.  My mom would always say if it is a dream then write it down and it can become a goal...so dream big! It is so very important to set goals in life.  Not just set them, but share them with others.  Don't be afraid to include others with your dreams and goals in life.  They can help you stay on track and hold you accountable.  I hope all of you will start writing your goals down.  Get ready to climb your mountains!

What are some of your mountains in life?

beta blc

Beta BLC is in full swing!  This week is spectacular.  Betas coming together from all over the country to learn more about being a better leader.  I love the picture below...it speaks volumes.  So many betas are able to find others that feel the exact same way they do and discuss their struggles back home.  This week did not create friends, but family.

While I am listening to Donnie Thurman's "Make It Happen" presentation, I just had to share some inspiration from him.

TIME is important.  Today Is My Everything.  Make today count.  Do something for others than for yourself.

Here is another video he showed about failure ;)

And here's another....

YOGOWYPI

You only get out what you put in!

Thanks Donnie for some great inspiration.  

southern celebration

This past weekend my closest friends (the omega crew) packed up and headed to New Orleans to celebrate many things!  Birthdays, grad school, law school, life changes, friendships, and of course just an excuse to hang out!  The trip was filled with laughter and fun.  We walked downtown NOLA and I was just in awe!  Every time I visit there is always something new that excites me.

I think I have decided that I want to retire on St. Charles in one of those HUGE GORGEOUS mansions!  What do you think? I guess I better start saving now...one of my favorite parts of the trip was riding the trolley and just taking in the view of the scenery.

My mom gave me some bracelets from Lilly Pultizer and inclosed in the package was a disposable camera.  I definitely took advantage of being silly with this new toy of mine!  Most of the pictures I took from the weekend are on there and I will just have to wait and get it developed to relive most of the memories.  I did get to capture some great moments other wise.

E and her new boyfriend

loved this

interesting art in nola

the omegas

my favorite blue dog for the moment!
life is a bouquet of color

sassy and classy in all things pink

found an amazing sir fidel in a shop in the french quarter

gorgeous balcony

can I live here...please?

joke of the night: my shirt was the color of a traffic cone so I had to pose like one with one :)

A big thanks to my omega girls for making the weekend oh so fabulous!  I love all of you so so so much! Until our next adventure....cruise at Christmas? uh yes!!!!

oh it's my bday

Yep it is my b day!  Thanks mom and dad for giving me life! 

Can't believe I am now 23! 

time sure flies.

a little inspiration

These last three weeks have been crazy!  Dad sent me off on Father's Day at the airport and life has just been rolling by so quickly since then.  I have been in Charlotte, Greensboro, and San Antonio (camp/beta convention/Phi Mu convention).  I had some great adventures along the way and had the opportunity to spend time with amazing people.  I have a lot to blog about!  I cannot believe I let myself get so behind.

As my mom and I were driving to San Antonio, I got an email from Dad. The email said...

I found this very inspirational.
I love you.

Mom and I loved the video!  We kept saying, "that's so true" and "if only it was that easy"...looking back on this last year this is definitely something that has helped me.  I wish I had this video to watch last summer.

Really take a look at the message in the video.  I just know everyone can get something out of watching it.  

The journey is what makes you a better person.  It is the mistakes and life lessons that build upon your character.  There is light at the end of the tunnel.  God knows best and even though it is difficult for us to see it at sometimes we just have to let go and let God.

Enjoy the video and let me know what you think!