Updating our Tiny Rental Kitchen On A Budget

We're renters and we have a small apartment. Like... a very small apartment. Our kitchen consists of four sets of cabinets, a sink, and a refrigerator. Also, in case you were wondering... this is the width of our entire apartment. We know we have to make the most of our place and want to leave it better than how we found it so we decided it was time to paint the kitchen!

Honestly, you really can't tell that these cabinets aren't white unless you put the before and after next to each other or watch us paint them but they were a light green almost mint color.

Greasy hair painting session.

Overall it really wasn't that expensive. It cost us about $50 total for the paint can (one) and brushes/rollers.

We painted directly on the cabinets instead of taking them off just because we could tell that's how they were painted before and getting a little paint around the edges wasn't a huge deal. If you're going to do this the right way, I highly suggest you take the cabinets off and paint them outside.

Before the paint:

After Paint:

We ended up getting a new kitchen island and sold our last one, organized our cabinets and made it look as good as we could. We tried moving our toaster oven (the only oven we have) but it came back to the counter shortly after this photo was taken.

In case you're curious, yes that is a hot plate in the window. We have deep enough windows to hold our hot plate which was really great for us because we wouldn't have anywhere else to put it. We also do have a microwave but it's in the bottom cabinet so you can't see it.


We also decided to get peel and stick backsplash from Amazon for about $25 and we ended up getting 2 packs of them which came out to be about $50.

Our entire spend was roughly $100 - not too shabby for a small kitchen makeover.

Before:

After:

 

Getting Engaged!

This is of course my long overdue post about getting engaged in San Diego!!

As I write this post, I am 19 days away from saying "I Do." I feel so overwhelmingly blessed by all of the love and support surrounding me over the past few months and I can not wait to marry my dreamboat.

Before our trip in San Diego I had no idea we would get engaged. I thought Tom was broke and it would at least be another 6 months until he asked the question. But something in me had to ask. I remember sitting on my bed two days before we were leaving and asking Tom, 'are you going to propose in San Diego?' He said no and kept folding clothes. I accepted it and literally didn't think about it again.

There were some hard times to the trip. My sister and I were not used to being with each other 24/7 and an entire week was getting to us. Don't get me wrong I love my sister - it just wasn't our week.

That's when I got an inkling of what was to come.

We were trying to take family photos and it wasn't working out with timing and everything so I told Tom I didn't want to take them anymore and he insisted. Tom never wants to take photos so I thought this was very weird. Then everyone started being really nice to me which was suspicious as well.

But, nevertheless I didn't ask too many questions I just went with it. We got to this beautiful lookout at Sunset Cliffs in San Diego and Tom gave his camera to my brother-in-law and my camera to my sister and was super enthusiastic about getting a photo at this one location. We posed for a few photos and boom. We're engaged!

So that's the story. Definitely beyond my wildest dreams, just like my Thomas.

Winter Retreat Wk. 2

eaphotography.co

I had so much fun taking photos for Penndel Youth Ministry this past weekend at their Winter Retreat event. I had so many moments as a teenager at that camp alter where I met God and He poured into my life, influencing me forever. Now as an adult, I get to use the talents God has given me as a ministry. I am able to watch and capture moments when teenagers meet Jesus and surrender their lives to Him.

My faith is a huge part of my life and following Jesus is no easy feat. Though, when you encounter the presence of God, there is nothing that can compare to being with your creator.

I also get to watch some of my incredibly talented friends lead a room into an anointed atmosphere of worship. These are people to surround yourself with.

Below are some of my favorite photos (just a few) because they represent my version of the event -

The camp had brought in evangelist Nate Clarke who spoke life into these student's lives during every service.

Free time is my favorite time.

And I can't leave out the boss, Mark. This week we had a ton of students in our back room learning about the aspects of production. For some of these students, this introduction to media could be the beginning of their professional lives (which is literally so exciting).

There was also an awesome visual of a "missions board" representing projects for Speed the Light that Penndel wants to support. It was so awesome watching leaders go up on stage to turn on their light bulbs and light up an area in faith that God will provide the funds for that project.

Overall it was an awesome weekend as always with some really quality friends and people who feel more like family. Shooting these events brings me so much joy. Can't wait for Week 3!

-Em

AMY.

See entire set at: http://www.eaphotography.co/amy

So a little while ago, I used twitter and Instagram to reach out to my followers and friends to see if there was anyone willing to model for me. There was some confusion about it considering most of my comrades on campus are shooting for their portfolio. I just want to shoot for fun, because it's what I love to do. I understand everyone's taste in photography and style is different. Not everyone does portrait, or landscape, or still life, or what ever. I happen to love nature, flowers, and portraits. This has been central to the recent photos I have taken and integral in how my style is progressing.

Today I wanted to share a portrait session I did with a good friend of mine. After I reached out on social media, Amy was one of the first to respond. She is always such a joy to be around and I couldn't have been more excited to have any excuse to hang out with her.

Amy and I met my freshmen year of college during the fall of 2014. We sat next to each other in a class that I can only remember as boring. We sat in the back right corner next to each other every day. After awhile we would start responding for each other when attendance was taken to see if our professor would notice. He never did. The one thing that really bonded us together was a terrible group project. Since Amy and I were the loners in class, our group project consisted of us and two other people who didn't have a group. Needless to say we got through the project, better friends than ever. 

I've watched Amy grow and mature over the course of our friendship but she always stayed constant in her overwhelming qualities of grace and kindness. She is always one to encourage and pour into every persons life she encounters. 

Anyway, I hope to be doing more sessions like this one in the future. I can only hope they go half as well as this one did! If anyone sees this and is interested in modeling for me/getting coffee and talking about life please contact me! I am always looking for more beautifully unique individuals to shoot and get to know. 

 To Amy: I am so thankful for your time to help me out and your willingness to jump right in. I admire you in so many ways, and just wanted to thank you for modeling for me. I couldn't have asked for a better model and friend. :) 

To view our entire shoot follow this link: http://www.eaphotography.co/amy

-Em

Photo Series #7

This semester has been very different than the last in so many ways. For the past few weeks I have been making the 2.5 hour drive home to see my family and Tom. Those drives are long and take a lot of energy to truck through. I often find myself staying into Monday Morning and waking up at 4am to get my things together, stop to get gas, and head towards school for my 7:55 class. I think coming home on the weekends is one of the hardest, yet most enjoyable aspects of attending a university near my home. Being able to go home gives me the opportunity to take advantage of free laundry, spending time with Tom, and the familiarity and comfort only my family can bring. These three pictures fully encapsulate what my last few weeks have been like. I am looking at my next step and what I want my major to be. This causes a lot of heaviness, confusion, and essentially I feel like I'm in total fog and can't see what's ahead.  As this season is coming to an end and I head towards the summer semester, I am holding on to hope and trusting God that the fog will lift. I am consistently prompted these past few weeks to trust the Lord and that is what I am clinging to.

Photo Series #6

Communication has been to my benefit within this semester. Having the technology to Facetime and talk to anyone at a moments notice is such a blessing. Especially in a long-distance relationship.
The entirety of the beginning of our high school days rested on our after school Facetime sessions where we'd talk about anything and everything for at least 2 hours.

These days, we see each other much more and are not burdened by the obstacles being 16 brings about (like not having a license). Even though we are back to being long-distance, we still make a priority to talk and see each other (face to face or Facetime) everyday.

The more intentional we have become, the better our communication has become. This semester has hosted a lot of changes for the both of us, but sticking together, communicating, and being obedient to the holy spirit has really made all the difference.

Photo Series #5

The not quite dairy queen monster of a sundae. Still delicious!

Sipping on hot coffee, Tom Pottiger, 19, from New Jersey enjoys not only the quality coffee but the quality time with Emily at Lincoln Diner in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania..

Sipping on hot coffee, Emily Gouekr, 19, from New Oxford enjoys not only the quality coffee but the quality time with Tom at Lincoln Diner in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania..

I think it is one of the best feelings when you are peaking over a difficult season of life. When the shallow beginnings of a new fresh season are so close and knowing that this small part of your life is almost over and brings excitement about the something new that is beginning.

For me, this past season has been filled with loneliness, pain, heartache, and loss; but also immense amounts of joy, fun, laughter, and friendship. Quite the contrast.

Though I would peg my first semester of college as being the hardest, I'd say this semester was right up there. My work load was insane, solely because I am taking mostly project-based classes that require hours of out of class-intentional-work-time. Not to mention I am working and trying to balance friends, family, and significant relationships.

During the past spring break I had taken the much needed break from the craziness surrounding me. A lot has happened within the past few months between Tom and I, but one concept remains; we are always willing to fix and move forward no matter what obstacle. We spent much of our time just doing things together over my break.

We spent a few days thrift shopping, painting my room, watching movies, and going on ice-cream dates. We usually ended up at dairy queen which is always the best choice by far. Being home with him is such a tease and reminds me how much and often I miss him during our semi-long distance periods while I am at school. Much of our time was spent lounging and day dreaming about the future, then ending up looking intentionally at what is ahead.

Looking ahead is hard when your walls still smell like fresh paint. Thinking about leaving what is comfortable and safe is a process. Every choice and decision is shaping and molding what is to come. Realizing that pressure can be overwhelming and overbearing at times. Though, I find it helpful when making decisions toward goals and dreams even though sacrifices might have to be made along the way. New seasons bring change, and the best way I have learned to face that is to stand up and embrace what is to come with thanksgiving.

I am thankful for Tom and the past few weeks we have had. Being with each other and embracing our own season changes together has been such a blessing for me. I am ready to move on from this hectic semester and am praying for peace as the semester comes to a close. I am excited for what is to come.

Until next time,

The Theology of Pottery

Photo from unsplash.com

I personally believe that being creative within the church or as a christian is essential and imperative for the growth and expansion of God's kingdom. I find myself often uneasy when a church or people disdain the evolution of creative peoples and resources within the church. This may come from a lost concept of the body of Christ and what that means. When Christianity is seen as a place, it is hard to escape that mindset and embrace the collaborative process that encapsulates the body of Christ.

In the early days, the body of Christ was made up of creators and creatives. History shows us that pottery and many other physical and creative trades are prevalent throughout the bible. Though, these references to clay and the potter are often overlooked and misinterpreted. God, the ultimate potter and original creative displays multiple examples woven within scripture that parallels his purpose and intentions to us.

The Beginning 

It is clear, that in the beginning with His own image in mind, God created. All of earth, every living creature was sculpted and created by God. God is intentional with His creation whether it is the complex geographical ecosystems or the intricate creation of the human body and functions that work harmoniously within us. This detailed purposeful creation is brilliant and beyond human comprehension. His art is the ultimate art.

The beginning of God's human creation began with dust and intention. 

Clay is often dug out of wet and undesirable circumstances before dried in the sun for use. Potters go through a selection and preparation process before even forming their clay on the wheel. With every piece that is made, there is planning for the purpose of the piece and what it will do. A potter may be making a pot, cup, vase etc. and needs to know the amount of clay to be used. In the same way, God is intentional with our purposes and directly involved with our creation.

• Jeremiah 1:5  "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you..."

• Jeremiah 29:11  "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

• Ephesians 2:10  "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

• Job 33:6  "Behold, I am according to thy wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay."

It is important to remember that clay is made from dust, as is man. When dust is referenced in the bible it is common knowledge that this is interchangeable with the dust of clay. Man's body is frail and will return to dust in the end. 

• Ecclesiastes 12:7  "and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

• Ecclesiastes 3:20  "All go to the same place; all come from dust and to dust all return."

• Genesis 2:7  "Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. 

The potter has mixed the clay and is ready to begin the shaping process

Shaping

One of the greatest actions of our God is his relentless pursuit. When beginning the shaping process of a vessel, the potter must being coning/ wedging; a process that relieves air pockets and stress the clay accumulates from being handled and making it stronger. The beginning of the creation process is the beginning of our sufferings though God "wedging" us is producing perseverance.

• Romans 5:3 "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance."

The next part of the shaping process would be to center the clay. This is the foundation of the rest of the process. This same concept holds true in our lives as well. A centered life with Christ is the foundation of balance that holds us together during every-day activity. 

The potter will then begin opening the vessel. 

• Psalm 119:73 "Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands."

All throughout the new and old testament, God is primarily working and focused on the inside of His creation. As the potter uses water to shape and mold their work, living water and the word are used to shape and mold and gain maturity through understanding. A potter works on the sides and walls of the vessel, watching meticulously for uniformity and perfection. We are unable to fix and mold ourselves, as we see in scripture in Jeremiah 18 as Jeremiah went to the potters house to hear the Lord's message. Through that passage as God explains that He will make a nation new like a potter to a marred jar, making God's overriding authority apparent. 

Masterpiece 

We are Gods Masterpiece creation. He knows everything about each piece as each though the same, are all uniquely and individually created with many different beautiful colors, shapes, and sizes. And doesn't the creator have the best intentions for his creation? To think the creation would question or deny Him who is in control is foolish. 

• Isaiah 29:16 "You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, “You did not make me”? Can the pot say to the potter, “You know nothing”?"

In the end, God is in control of our lives, sculpting and molding us to glorify Him. Walk in the knowledge and power of a beautiful masterpiece. Embracing the potter metaphor in the bible can give a greater insight, depth, and vividness of scriptural teachings.

• Isaiah 64:8  "Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."

Video is from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs5kbLVDPZc

Photo Series #3

My painter's mask hanging on our fridge at home.

The front view of my house in New Oxford. 

Researching how to cook in Tom Pottiger's apartment Sunday afternoon.

During this photo series, I really want my photos to relate the emotions that inspired them. For me, this holds true, though they are also my photos. I am hoping that just by looking at the shots, others will be able to feel that moment because this is my story.This past weekend I was able to go home for the first time this semester. I had a lot of things that needed to go back home, and some things that needed to be brought back to school. I was so happy arriving home as everything was right in its place, just as I had left it. Though this particular trip was unlike many others I had taken.

Upon my arrival, I was given specific orders to stay away from the house. My dad was fighting a very serious flu. So serious, he was in a separate room, and everyone was ordered to wear blue painters masks for personal protection. Both of my parents were worried about my health and effects of staying with them. By Saturday, my mom had caught the very contagious virus and was heavily advising me to stay away. The house was very quiet and lonely this weekend and the lively family dinners I was anticipating had been subsided for the time being. 

Most of my weekend was spent at Tom’s apartment up in the mountains. Truly one of my favorite areas. We made the most of our time together relaxing, talking, and making food. Of course making meals comes with eating them, though Tom’s small apartment had not yet been graced with a table, so we spent ample amounts of time figuring out Part A and Part H’s attachments to one another. Once we had figured out the correct parts we decided to rearrange everything in the room as it was time for a change. To celebrate our accomplishment we even put together our own two-person party, which just so happened to be on the same day as the super bowl. We made Pittsburg Potatoes, Pizza, and Buffalo Chicken Dip. Living large up in the mountains! Unfortunately our lack of culinary experience led us to many text messages to mom and a trip to Google. We’ll get the hang of it sometime.Until next time,

Tall Grass

Hello Internet! Long time no post. But I refuse to give up! I refuse to give in! I've had dreams and goals for my blog and I can feel them starting to take place (dances to beat of heart). So yeah I wanted to go back to where I began on this blog with outfits! I followed blogs before that were amazing, but all of the outfits had a price tag equal to my college tuition. That just won't do. I wanted to bring it back to show some online inspo and how I am adapting my wardrobe and using my non-existent budget to make it work. So Wednesday's will just be outfits and everything clothes!



Babydoll dresses are really popular this summer. Unfortunately I am too tall to wear things as dresses. Luckily ripped jeans are trending too so I can get away with these babies!

He didn't give me a chance to smile but it's alright because he smiling enough for the both of us. 

Shirt: Cotton On $5

Pants: American Eagle Jeans (3yrsold)

Shoes: Arizona Jeans Recent Thrift

Keep an eye out for a thrift haul soon! 

Coffee Mondays: Valentines Day!

Wow! I'm reflecting on my Valentine's Day last year, I remember how even though Tom and my date night didn't go as planned, we made the best of some chocolate milk and Mulan.

Earlier in my Valentine's, I had a group date in town with some friends which was such a blast! We played some charades on our smart phones. We constantly had to keep quieting ourselves down so we wouldn't disturb the other customers around us.

After our awesome friends date, I came back to my dorm and got a pizza with Shana, my dorm neighbor. We watched Pride & Prejudice and ate food and chocolate covered strawberries and had fun. It was a really great as a prelude to my date night! The love festivities were everywhere this year!

I did not go into this year having high expectations (I am crazy that way). The week leading up to Valentine's Day, Tom's car broke down and we had just bought tickets for Seattle and blah blah blah. We are so broke it's not even funny.

We were blessed by one of our close friends who was able to make a Valentine's date possible. We ended up going to Iron Hill Brewery and it was amazing!

We were able to laugh our booties off while eating great food. It's relaxed times like that date when neither of us have worries or deadlines and can just enjoy each other's presence when I am reminded how amazing Tom is.

Though I am spoiled every single day, this was the best Valentine's day I've had so far!

xoxo

em.

Jersey Valentine's Day Recap

 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:35,37 NIV

Jersey
So this past weekend/long weekend (Thurs-Sun (Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Pottiger for letting me stay so long)) I escaped the giant PA blizzard and ventured off to NJ to accompany my boyfriend for Valentine's Day. AWHHH.

We pretty much had a blast.

During my extended stay, we went to about a million fast food places and spent a lot of money. (We're not very good with personal finance) Tom if you're reading this... We should probably do something about that.. We drank tons of chocolate milk and watched way too much Netflix. (I'm sure we weren't the only ones)

Exposing Thomas
(This might will be sappy)
Tom is genuinely a thoughtful/kind/caring person. Honestly I'm not even trying to be typical girlfriend. He constantly pushes me to have a bigger heart for people and I love that about him.

There is something really uplifting about being around your best friend. That person who just gets you, and you just kinda click. Does that make sense? I always find that feeling when Tom and I are laughing like crazy people. During these weekends/short times together, I am constantly reminded of how utterly blessed I am to have such an encouraging guy to share adventures with. Not everyone has that. But I refuse to believe that our relationship is an accident.

I prayed for a God-loving goofball way before I even knew what a "Pottiger" was, and Jesus delivered.
I prayed all the time. At every 11:11 only because 9/10 times my wishes don't come true, but my prayers do.
I didn't only pray to have him, but for him too. (Don't forget about that)

See, I seeked God first and ended up with some really awesome friends (Brittni, Hannah, Leah, Stods, etc.) who were a huge part in shaping the person I am today. Forever grateful to their encouragements, crazy sleepovers, overexposure to coffee, and late-night giggles. And long-story-short, through that network of friends I met Tom! Yay!

So ladies, when you're lonely, pray. When you're not lonely, pray. Don't be discouraged if you didn't have a valentine, because maybe one day someone will move from three hours away and connect you with your future Valentine. Who knows?!

Boots

(I didn't forget)

This is the outfit I wore yesterday (Sunday) to church and home. Just another look for this black ankle boot. Blue jeans and a flannel yay!

Plaid Red Shirt: Forever 21

Black Tank: Banana Republic (thrifted)

Blue Jean Skinnies: American Eagle

Black Ankle Boots: Target

Necklace: H&M

Roses: Thomas :)

Happy Valentine's Day.

Oh and I'm pretty much obsessing over this.
Any Grey's fans want to tell me how they're going to re-staff an entire hospital because all of these crazies have so many issues...
I always love this show, even when it's predictable.