Cars Don't Drive Themselves: A Miraculous Event

A couple of weeks ago us Chicagoans received another landmark snowfall of over 8 inches overnight. The next morning I got in my Hyundai Veloster, backed out of my parking spot and reversed onto the fresh snow free of tire marks in the parking lot behind my apartment complex. At that moment I realized I would have trouble driving through the fluffy smooth snow that hadn't been touched by a plow. My small car had been having trouble making its way through the snow and the large wheels weren't getting any traction through the snow.

I sat in my car for twenty minutes trying to get it to budge but there was no way around the snow and no where to go. It wasn't moving an inch and the wheels were just turning over and over. I was also blocking two other cars and knew I had to get out of their way soon. I called my job to let them know I'd be really late and sat in my car in drive but not touching the wheel. After another two minutes of drawing a blank, my car started driving on its own. My foot wasn't anywhere near the gas and my hands weren't touching the steering wheel. I watched in awe and frozen in the moment as my car continued to smoothly glide through the mounds of snow on it's own for another 50 yards (or half a football field). I placed my hands on the wheel but was afraid by applying any pressure to the gas I would interfere with the miraculous event that was taking place. My car finally came to a stop on the side of my huge apartment building near the only smooth flat snow less area big enough for a car to rest and be out of the way. It took me another few minutes to get my car to move over the few inches onto that smooth area. I sat in amazement for a moment before exiting my car and going back inside.

Two and a half hours later finally on my way to work I lost control of my car when making a right turn into work and hit the short median pretty hard. I was in tears thinking of the damage I'd just done to my new car and continued to drive to a parking spot. After getting out to asses the damage there wasn't a scratch, dent or smudge anywhere on my car. I also later found out that not only would my two and a half hours be excused but I would also get paid for the missing time.

I honestly don't remember pleading for God's help, but on this day, God knew what I needed just when I needed it and he was there doing the unimaginable for one of his children before I even asked. I will never forget the awesome things that happened on this day and the way God showed himself to me. I know this message was meant to speak to me in another area of my life. God sure does know how to get my attention.

Tip: Decorate with Magazine Art

My walls have been bare since I moved into my apartment two months ago. The bathroom was nearly close to being just how I wanted it decorated minus one blank wall. I've been starring at the empty wall knowing something is missing but not able to figure out what. With other rooms to decorate, purchasing wall art for a small space in my bathroom has been the furthest thing from my mind.

Going through a recent Real Simple magazine I saw a gorgeous flower arrangement and thought this would be lovely on my empty bathroom wall. I purchased two Dollar Tree frames and my bathroom wall was transformed with just two dollars.

To achieve my results I kept a few things in mind, keep the frames simple and stick with the same color pattern. This gives it a rich feel. The matting used in just one of the frames creates a different look, adds an interesting element to an otherwise ordinary yellow floral arrangement and brightens the dark picture. I'm happy with my results and hope this helps with your decorating endeavors.

Designer Peter Pilotto for Target

In case you missed the Feb 9th debut of the British designer's collaboration with Target, take a look at the bright beautiful clothes that resulted here.

The pieces are mostly priced below the $60 price point and range from clothing and sunglasses to bathing suits and bags. There are some brilliantly amazing dresses I just might have to snag. If this eye candy has sparked your interest in the designer's work, click here to fill your appetite. I've got my eye on the dress below. Enjoy lovelies!

Photo from target.com. Pictured above, Peter Pilotto® for Target®
Belted Dress -Red Floral/Check Print

Reflection

Having patience and being grateful are things I have to constantly work on. Like lots of people I know, I'm not where I want to be in life. This applies in my career, relationships, financially, spiritually (basically every aspect of my life it appears). I always imagined entering my 30's would mean I'd have things figured out or at least would be close to living a fulfilling life.

Well I'm here and I'm not. 

I spoke with a 76 year old woman today and listened as she told me about the recent surgery she endured to remove cancer and ulcers from her stomach. Her entire stomach was removed and the doctors had to connect her esophagus to her intestines. She went on to say her mother who was 96 yrs passed recently as well. As I listened to her tell me about all the things she is going through I realized my measly issues regarding building my savings account and sticking to my daily caloric intake is just that: insignificant. 

Turning 30 is the start of a new decade not the end of life. It's time for me to take a step back and realize that life is a journey. If I was where I wanted to be by age 30 there would be no room to grow. Although there are many things I want for my life, there's much to be thankful for. There are many lessons I've learned and ways I've grown from the many places I've lived and many different people I've crossed paths with. I'm rich with life experience and that is something to be proud of as I move along in my journey. 

Quick & Healthy Snack

Peanut butter and banana cupcakes were always my favorite to make and eat. Now that I'm tweaking my lifestyle toward the healthier side, this has been my go to snack when I'm in the mood for something sweet and satisfying. Packing roughly 200 calories, peanut butter and banana wheat toast is also a good breakfast and way to start the day and your metabolism.

PB & Banana wheat toast

Easy Solution for Shine Free Days

I remember picking this tip somewhere over the years and wanted to share this oldie but goody. If you haven't already heard the good news, for those oily days when you don't have any blotters around, toilet seat covers do the trick just the same! 

With those oil blotters costing between $4-$6, most times I choose to go the cheap route. Instead of discarding the oval middle part, swipe your t-zone and emerge from the restroom shine free. 

Photo credits: seat covers