hello houston

I am currently enjoying a 100% spontaneous trip to the Lone Star State for some much-needed sister time and an excuse to love on these two babies:

GABEY BABY

HALLIE GIRL

Taylor (the mama of the above angels) and myself are the original Morrow children; as middle schoolers we self-titled ourselves the "two-morrow girls." We were roommates since diapers until she went to college and then it was full fledge maid of honor mode shortly after. She's been starting her little family here in Texas ever since, exactly 1,352 miles away from me. This time with her -- as I phase out of one chapter of life into another -- has been such a blessing. We've been mostly passing the time playing with the kiddies, lazing around at the pool, cooking mean dinners, watching netflix, and reading/discussing books. I needed this getaway. Leaving college and entering into newfound adulthood called for a little vacation so I could gather my wits, if you will. I needed the opportunity to talk to my big sis all day long, to rack her brain and ask her deep questions about life. She is ooozzzzinggggg with wisdom!!! I am like a sponge absorbing every bit of it and neatly stacking it in my mind for safekeeping. So, yes, I'm peacefully enjoying the late nights, the exchange of recipes, the diaper changing, the errand running, the advice giving, the laughing, the sunny Texas sky, and the baby kisses!!

No one gets you like a sister can. Even me...my unemployed, fresh out of college self...she totally loves me. And always has.

high school grad party

college grad party

Today at Target, while shopping for who knows what, but steering clear of the baby girl section before going crazy on all things pink and trendy, we saw a simple black 5X7 frame with the words, "a sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost." We both smiled a little and sighed.

Ain't that the truth. 

today

A season fades

it all goes away

pictures and memories

saved for another day,

inside my heart

This beautiful place

I cannot stay

that big old world

just seems to say,

"you'll fail at the start"

But I've got something that they can't take

I got soul that ya just can't fake

Darling, don't be afraid

this life may bend you

but you'll never break

You, you may not know it

but you've got the strength

to conquer this world

Early in spring time

flowers will bloom

they'll find a new life,

and I will too

Another beginning

I'll start again

every new story

comes from one story's end

But I've got something that they can't take

I got soul that ya just can't fake

Darling, don't be afraid

this life may bend you

but you'll never break

You, you may not know it

but you've got the strength 

to conquer this world

And the sun will be shining then,

just like today, just like today

And the sun will be shining then,

just like today, and you'll make a way

music and lyrics by Destiny Morrow and Ben Rothwell 

a few of my favorite things:

Some cool things on this Cinco De Mayo...

this hymn

records with pretty covers

Jon Foreman

leopard print shoes

old cameras

travel bucket-list: update #1

BOX HILL

image credit

Where? Surrey, 20 miles south of London

Why? It is the setting of one of the most famous scenes in Jane Austen's Emma. The site where Emma delivers her rude, impulsive, unfeeling insult to Miss Bates -- the poor old chatterbox. It is during Emma's proceeding scolding from Mr. Knightly that she has an epiphany about her character, resolving to rectify her naive, yet nonetheless silly mistakes. I like this place. It is known to be peaceful and serene. Emma must have loved it for a reason. And the hill must have given Austen some inspiration, as it is the backdrop of her heroine's moment of clarity. 

Maybe it could be the place for mine, too.

Emma, PBS Masterpiece, 2009 (image credit)

songs of senior year

I was recently told to archive the music that is synonymous with my college years, that way I can go back and be reminded of this fleeting, yet sacred time in my life. Music has a way of doing that to us, huh? Pin pointing distinct moments simply by the song that was playing? Graduation is approaching; I'm about to lose all of this and I want to be able to remember the songs in my head 10 and 20 years from now.

Here is my running list:

Half Moon -- Blind Pilot
I Believe in You -- Tyler Hilton
Loaded Gun -- Tyler Hilton
The World Will Turn Your Way -- Tyler Hilton
Slow Your Breath Down -- Future of Forestry
Thrive -- Switchfoot
Restless -- Switchfoot
Where You Belong -- Switchfoot
Souvenirs -- Switchfoot
Fearless -- Colbie Caillat
One Tree Hill -- U2
Together We're Never Alone -- Right the Stars
Party Rock Anthem -- LMAFO
Dirt Road Prayer -- covered by my beloved Katie Heilig
Give Me Faith -- Elevation Church
Soldier -- Gavin Degraw
I Don't Wanna Be -- Gavin Degraw
Breathe Again -- Sara Bareilles
Beautiful Girl -- Sara Bareilles
Sugar -- The Horrible Crowes
The Lucky One -- Jess Penner
Plain -- ZOEgirl
Today -- Destiny Morrow and Ben Rothwell
Your Love is Strong -- Jon Foreman
Free Like You Make Me -- Cary Brothers
What Makes You Beautiful -- One Direction
White Flag -- Dave Barnes
Stories to Tell -- Dave Barnes
Real Life Fairytale -- Plumb
Boyfriend -- Justin Bieber
We Are Young -- Fun. ft. Janelle Monae

graduation: 23 days

"Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens." -- J.R.R. Tolkien

"The key that unlocks energy is ''desire.'' It's also the key to a long and interesting life. If we expect to create any drive, any real force within ourselves, we have to get excited."

  -- Earl Nightingale

"So just love. Make mistakes and have wonderful times. But never second guess who you are, where you have been, and most importantly, where it is you're going."

"Live each season as it passes; breath the air, drink the drink; taste the fruit and resign yourself to the influences of each."

-- Henry David Thoreau

"It is great good luck that I have a pen and paper and a friend.” -- Margaret Peterson Haddix 

“Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone, and do not be troubled about the future, for it has yet to come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.” -- Ida Scott Taylor

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
 -- Isaiah 41:10

"Our greatest moments are hidden behind our greatest fears."

“...even the most independent people sometimes needed help. And if I'd learned nothing else from my life thus far, it was that you don't always end up where you think you're going.”  -- Margaret Peterson Haddix

“And losing your way on a journey is unfortunate. But losing your reason for the journey…is a fate more cruel.” -- Nathan Scott

"Never let anyone disturb your composure, deter your accomplishment, or destroy your happiness."

"Little by little, one travels far." -- J.R.R. Tolkien

"It's not what the world holds for you. It's what you bring to it." -- Lucy Maud Montgomery 

romance reminder

"I will never stop fighting for you"

These are words every girl wants to hear. At least every girl that's anything like me.

I heard them today, and I paused.... To remind myself how good I've got it. To make a mental note for the next time we argue or exchange deflating words. To smile at the attractive assurance of knowing what he wants and going after it come hell or high waters. To let out a sigh of relief - a sigh of happiness. To allow myself to feel like that sought-after girl who just wants to be treasured above all else.

photo courtesy of Brianna

what are a few of your favorite things?

- violins in songs
- chivalry
- vintage shops
- going to football games
- sister time
- my itunes playlists
- worship
- collages
- old, worn books
- dinner dates with the boy
- the Roaring Twenties
- family road trips
- a favorite song performed live
- my nephew and niece
- One Tree Hill episodes

#sistersovermisters

I spent this past week in Houston, Texas with three other Morrow girls: Taylor-Lynn, Brianna, and Whitney.

Day One

- woken up by my niece and nephew
- grocery shopping at Walmart
- made t-shirts to commemorate our week
- made nutella puppy chow
- made a delicious dinner of crockpot lemon chicken, brussel sprouts with bacon, and a salad with feta cheese, baked pecans, and chopped pear. Complete with Canada Dry for us Canadian girls!
- introduced to Downton Abbey by bro-in-law Drew Louis

Day Two

- chick-fil-a for lunch
- homemade scarves
- 13 going on 30
- michael jackson's thriller
- venison burgers and cauliflower to substitute french fries
- GOP Super Tuesday
- Downton Abbey

Day Three

- Coffee and Bible study in the book of James
- lounged around
- chatted, chatted, more chatting
- helped Tay get ready for her hot hubby date -- hair, make-up, wardrobe, pedicure
- three aunties babysat
- dance concert especially for the nephew while he sat bewildered in his high chair
- blue bell ice cream with shell sauce :)
- bath time for the niece and nephew!
- treated ourselves to One Tree Hill
- then treated ourselves to more Downton Abbey


Day Four

- horrific episode at Walmart trying to get Hallie's crib
- downtown Houston for lunch with cousin Angi!
- orange chicken made from scratch, rice, and broccoli
- the ultimate chocolate dessert that really should be illegal -- layer 1: cookie dough, layer 2: fudge, layer 3: oreos, layer 4: brownie
- Downton Abbey

Day Five

- shopping at the Galleria -- largest mall in Texas
- Princess Diaries 2
- Girls night at a Mexican Restaurant
- The Chocolate Bar
- Watching little Gabey wrestle with his daddy
- Downtown Abbey

Day 6

- breakfast a Ihop complimentary of Drew Louis :)
- Downton Abbey marathon
- birthday dinner for Taylor and Whitney at an Asian Cuisine restaurant -- best sesame chicken I've ever had

Day 7

- churchin' at Encourager Church
- eating Texas style at Whataburger
- gourmet nutella, strawberry, and fudge cupcakes from Crave Cupcakes
- homemade skinny loaded baked potato soup with asparagus wrapped in turkey bacon
- put together Hallie's crib and hung the artwork Brianna painted
- sang "You Are My Sunshine" over a dozen times for Gabey
- more bathtime!
- one last episode of Downton Abbey
- packing :( :(

dress like a princess

All girls are princesses. I have believed this statement ever since I was a young girl. My Dad was the first one to tell me, but a favorite childhood movie reminded me time and time again. The Little Princess, a film based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, is about a girl named Sarah Crewe whose father is a wealthy captain. Set in London during the Victorian era, she attends an upscale boarding school where she allows her creativity and imagination to keep her company in her father’s absence. After news of his bankruptcy and death reaches the malicious headmistress, Miss Minchin, Sarah is forced into servitude. There is a powerful dialogue between these two characters that will always stay with me:

Miss Minchin: Don't tell me you still fancy yourself a princess? Child, look around you! Or better yet, look in the mirror.
Sara Crewe: I am a princess. All girls are. Even if they live in tiny old attics. Even if they dress in rags. Even if they aren't pretty, or smart, or young. They're still princesses. All of us.

So there you have it. We as women can know that we are all princesses. Never doubt it. Claim it. Show it.

When one thinks of a princess, one might think of “Disney.” Yes, those happily-ever-after tales that have the flawless animated women with big doe-like eyes and high-pitched voices. While trying to be like these fairytale characters is simply unrealistic and impractical for us real, live women, we can still have a little fun trying – at least in terms of our wardrobe!

It’s time to get inspired by the fashion of our beloved Disney heroines. Let’s revisit some of their iconic outfits and figure out how to make these looks work today!

1. Inspired by BELLE

This is the perfect outfit for the office. It says, “smart” and “bookish” just like Belle, but the blue hue gives it a dreamy whimsical feel. The bow on the belt makes the professional outfit a bit more feminine, and the burlap purse adds a unique and modern flare. Don’t forget the sophisticated oxfords to make the look more casual. In this outfit, you will be a BEAUTY with or without your Beast!







2. Inspired by THE LITTLE MERMAID

Hit the boardwalk in oh-so-Ariel-attire. Against these bright colors, the silver is extra brilliant, so start accessorizing! The shell necklace is all your neckline needs to accent the softly pleated strapless top, which is loose around the hips to offset the tighter pants. The gladiator sandals add some shine to the teal skinnies, the mismatched earrings provide originality, the shades give you attitude, the ring makes you think of a “dinglehopper,” and if you want to layer, add some more shimmer with a silver cropped shrug.







 3. Inspired by SNOW WHITE

This vintage look will make you want to “whistle while you work”! The polka dot t-shirt is transformed when tucked into the yellow flared skirt. Add some striking red features with ruby lips, flirty wedges, and a headband full of roses. Make the outfit extra yummy with a red delicious apple to wear around the neck– just make sure it’s not poisonous!













4. Inspired by SLEEPING BEAUTY

It’s the box pleat dress that makes this outfit! The straw hat, resembling Aurora’s luscious locks, makes this ensemble perfect for an outdoor summer event. The silk scarf is lightweight enough for warm weather and adds a refreshing patterned design to the solid blush. You know nothing says dainty and delicate like a good shade of pink, but add a dramatic finish with black patent leather peep-toe pumps. And remember to show your personality with a few bangle bracelets!












5. Inspired by POCAHONTAS

Ah, Pocahontas – a true icon of tribal fashion! With her as inspiration, you could create tons of casual-chic outfits with tasseled boots and multi-colored aztec prints; however, I stuck with a look of bold elegance. The incredible necklace with “all the colors of the wind” paired with the to-die-for heels creates the WOW in this outfit. The duo provides the perfect ratio of color to offset the sandstone one-shoulder evening dress. A little chilly? Throw on this blonde fur shawl and you'll look real sassy!









6. Inspired by JASMINE 

In this Arabian outfit inspired by the Princess of Agrabah, you’ll be ready to take on “a whole new world.” Make the flowing maxi dress fit for royalty by wearing a jeweled broach in the center below the straps and elegant teardrop earrings. Add the daring bangle, inspired by Jafar’s snake staff, to match the pointy-toe metallic flats that are delightfully detailed with reptile embossing. To freshen the look, add a whimsical touch with this flower headband.










7. Inspired by CINDERELLA

BONUS: two in one! Whether you're wearing the glass slippers or you're slaving away in the kitchen, there is an outfit for you!

Imitate Cinderella’s famous ball gown with this light-blue layered tulle dress. Wear the chiffon flower headband with a glamorous up-do so you can show off the pearl and diamond earrings. The grand finale? These ivory satin shoes with pleat detailing and crystal-embellished tips. You’ll look like you stepped out of your very own contemporary Cinderella story!

OR

If you’re looking for everyday wear, try getting inspiration from Cinderella’s drab rags. Try your favorite pair of jeans (you know, the pair with rips or holes) and wear them with a loose and longer fitted button-up. Layer by slipping on a shearling or a leather jacket. Cover your locks with a hat if you’re having a bad hair day (this knitted hat has a built-in bow, which conveniently matches Cinderella’s bow on her apron!) and never underestimate the way a pair of shoes can transform something from shabby to classy! These wedges do the trick with the cocoa brown leather, faux wood stacked heel, and olive ties. It says “Princess” and “damsel in distress” all at the same time! Don’t forget a vintage clock on an extended necklace so you can see when it strikes midnight!

If you’re anything like me, you have your favorite Disney princess from childhood and she may have even inspired you in some way. Perhaps you want to be selfless like Belle – taking the place of her father as the Beast’s prisoner so that he can be free. Or maybe you want to be courageous like Ariel – leaving all she knew behind to embrace a new adventure. Or instead you want to be beautiful like Snow White – being known as the “fairest one of all.” Whatever the reason, take a break from dreaming about their qualities and start dreaming about those iconic looks that leave you in awe! But don’t take my word for it -- treat the inner girl in you and have fun creating outfits that resemble your favorite Disney darling!

this article is featured on www.MyFriendDebbie.com. Check out this online magazine for more interesting and encouraging articles!