Guilty Pleasures.

In the midst of a crazy season with work and a schedule that has us moving at breakneck speed, I'm even more appreciative of the little things that, stupid as they may be, make life just a little more fun and entertaining :)

Here are three favs that are currently at the top of my list of guilty pleasures.

Possessionista - this site is basically a major internet addiction waiting to happen. This blog is all about finding the cute outfits and accessories that we see on TV and wish we had. Bonus: most of it isn't that outrageously expensive. But yes, it really is as simple (and shallow) as it sounds :) I just happen to love it. Watch out though, it's a serious time sucker!

The Voice - yes, it's another vocal competition, but this one seriously takes the cake for me. Not only do I love watching some awkward moments between the judges (how did Cee Lo somehow make it into this group of judges?!) but I have a major crush on Blake Shelton, AND there's actually some serious talent on this show. (If you're wondering Javier, Xenia, and Dia are my favs.) Tuesday nights got a serious face lift since this show came on.

Izzies. Yes, these are under my "guilty" pleasures right now because I'm still sticking it out on the Four Hour Body Diet and these aren't really on the "approved" list. However, on my Cheat Day, you can normally find me with an Izzie in hand. It's the perfect summer drink and the perfect cocktail mixer. :) (Tequila and Grapefruit Izzie over ice is my current fav.)

What are YOUR guilty pleasures? :)

On Making it Work.

I love Tim Gunn.

LOVE.

And I love Tim Gunn's famous way of saying "Make it work."

Truthfully, I say this phrase to myself often in all kinds of situations. From the stupid - "Dinner isn't looking good, Katie, make it work!" to the serious - "life isn't what I expected today, but I WILL make it work," this phrase comes in handy. A lot.

Sweet Chris told me yesterday amidst some challenging circumstances that I was the Queen of Making it Work. That just like everything else that life has thrown at me, I would indeed be able to assemble these pieces, put the puzzle together, and persevere to make it work.

Which got me to wondering: How far do you push to "Make it Work?"

Sometimes it seems like we're being tested when things don't go as planned. It's as if life is questioning us and we are being asked

"How strong, how brave are you?"

"How much do you want this?"

"How far will you go to keep moving and rearranging the pieces of life to Make. It. Work."

When we get thrown these curveballs, it's up to us to keep moving, keep pushing, keep dreaming.

But sometimes, it seems as though the real test of "Making it Work" is acknowledging that things aren't fitting together. That God was gracious enough to quietly shut a door. That "Making it Work" means moving along to "Next."

How is it, exactly, that we become good enough listeners to know when we're meant to soldier on and when we're meant to pick a new direction?

Do the best of us, the strongest of us always push and "Make it Work?"

What's Next.

There's a saying I hear often at work - "What's Next is What's Important." It's true. It's usually most productive to keep moving forward. Looking at what's next keeps you focused on a vision and helps you to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

It's never been a struggle for me to look ahead to the future. What's next used to be the day I'd get my drivers license. When I'd go to college. When I'd find a job. When I'd get married. When I'd get a dog. When I'd buy a house. I love to focus on the Next.

But sometimes, I think What's NOW is What's Important.

Because the trouble with what’s Next is that I often miss what’s Now.

(Taken on my most recent camping adventure.)