TOMS Giveaway: Summer of Sight

I love me some TOMS! I love that they are helping sweet kids in need, and at the same time, we are getting a super cute pair of shoes! Double winning!


This past year, TOMS started selling eyewear! For every 1 pair of sunglasses you buy, they give 1 pair of glasses to a child in need. As of right now, they have given 60,824 pairs of glasses and helped a child see! I think that's pretty incredible.


This summer at TOMS is called the summer of sight! Their goal is to sell up to 100,000 pairs of sunglasses! 


Does anybody else have these? I'm so in LOVE!!

Now, for the giveaway! I have a $50 giftcard good toward buying a pair of sunglasses! How awesome is that? 


Enter below with the rafflecopter tool! The only mandatory entry is to follow my blog.


ps: I just hit 10,000 pageviews on my blog. For a newbie, I think that's kinda a big deal :) go enter!! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday Social: music

What is your all-time favorite song?

Right now, Karmin: Broken Hearted. It's perfect running music too!

What is your favorite singer/band?

This one is really hard for me. I love so many but it is probably Mumford and Sons. Their lyrics are so fulfilling and the musical quality, especially their voices are beautiful. I also really love Train!

What is your theme song/song that best describes your life?

Right now, it would be Breakaway: Kelly Clarkson. I used it for my graduation slideshow and fell in love with it!

What songs put you in a good mood?

Any kind of upbeat dance music; something that makes me break out in random dancing (Katy Perry, Taio Cruz, Gaga)

What is your favorite road-trip music?

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes or Regina Spektor. I'm obsessed with both of their new albums. So good.

What song are you embarrassed to admit you love?

Baby: J Biebs. Or any song by him for that matter.

oxox,

Emily

PS: I leave for my mission trip today! Blogging will be very spacey! 

On my heart: E. St. Louis

I'm leaving in less than two days for a mission trip. The team from my church youth group is headed to E. St. Louis, the very heart of the city. It is such a broken and hopeless place. People struggling to find hope in something.

It will be the 5th and final time I'll have the chance to surround my self and love on some of the most beautiful baby children. We'll be doing daycamp for children. We have over 100 kids, newborn through 20 year olds. 

This year, I'll be in the 1st and 2nd grade classroom with the best team of 6 people. It will be high energy and non stop the entire week. This is what I live for. I can't wait!

We feed them lunch, play games with them, teach them, make a craft together. Most importantly, we share multiple hugs, kisses and piggy back rides. Oh and did i mention the most legit dance parties ever? Ya, these kids can dance like nobody's business.

My heart is breaking this year because I have to say goodbye. I hate goodbyes. I do.

I've graduated high school, and as amazing as that was, I have to move on and knowing that I'll probably never see these kids again, hurts me. I've grown to know and love them. Each year, we run off the buses to see familiar faces waiting for us. We know them by name and we love them so.

We've watched young girls become moms at young ages, teenagers pass away, and children grow up way too fast. But, these people have left a mark on my heart I'll never forget.

My favorite was praying with sweet Brittany last year! She prayed to ask Jesus into her heart. As soon as we finished, we started dancing and yelling! She went and told everyone that she invited Jesus in her heart! heart. melt. 

If you think of me this week please pray specifically for:

-these precious children; that they would learn through us and the Lord would use us to change their lives.

-safety for all going. we have about 45 people going, youth and chaperons. We are going into a very difficult and scary area. We have to leave by 5pm, because it is very dangerous at night.

-unity for our entire group. we live together the whole week.

-traveling safety for our two big church buses, plus the extra cars going.

I hope you guys have an amazing week! 

oxox,

Emily 

Review: Ruffles with Love. Workout Tanks

Vanessa has the most adorable Etsy shop! Ruffles with Love!

I literally fell in love with her shop as soon as I came across it! She makes supa cute feminine workout tanks! Totes adorbs.

Here are some of my favorites! I can't decide which one I want!

To contact Vanessa

email: ruffleswithlove@yahoo.com

facebook: www.facebook.com/ruffleswithlove

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ruffleswithlove  

If you order, use the code BLOGLOVE for 15% off! Make sure to leave me a comment and let me know which one you got! :)

Happy Thursday Lovelies!

oxox,

Emily

About me: 10 things.

Today, I'm linking up with Lena! 10 thing I love about...myself.


This freaked me out a little bit, because usually we never talk about ourselves or what we are good at. At least I don't. 


This list, well it took me a little while to come up with, but I'm kind of loving it.


In no particular order, of course.


1-I'm strong. I know what I want and I refuse to settle.
2-I'm photogenic. I can make obnoxious and ridiculous faces.
3-I'm a really good secret keeper. 
4-I love how tall I am. I used to hate it, but now I LOVE being 5'8 (and 3/4ths but I'm not counting)
5-I'm a dreamer. 
6-I love listening to people, especially their stories and experiences.
7-I'm a daddy's girl. I adore my dad and I'm so thankful for him.
8-I love laughing. I have a really loud laugh and I sometimes snort but it's me. 
9-I tan really easily. It takes me a a day or two in the sun, but I get a nice tan and it stays the entire summer.
10-I'm entirely random and love being sporadic and fun, especially late at night! 

oxox,


Emily

Sometimes and Always

 

Sometimes: I try to get up when my alarm goes off

Always: I hit the snooze button at least 3 times

Sometimes: I try to eat a healthy breakfast before work
Always: I skip breakfast and drink 3 cups of coffee


Sometimes: I run into Target for a quick exchange

Always: I buy at least 1 thing, usually a classic V-neck


Sometimes: I try to clean my room
Always: I feel like this

Sometimes: I try to patient and wait
Always: I want to know my college roommate NOW!



Sometimes: I love to sleep
Always: I stay up late with friends, eating out, and hammocking at the lake.


Sometimes: I lose focus and stop running
Always: I WILL run a 10K


Sometimes: I try to save money. save save save
Always: My money burns a hole in my pocket and I spend it


Make sure to link up with Megan!

oxox,


Emily

ACT: 4th times a charm right?

*the point of this post: how A-W-F-U-L- my 4th and final ACT went*

Last Saturday at this time, I was taking my ACT. For the 4th time. I wish someone would have given me cyanide. Kidding, but seriously. Honestly, the worst 5 hours of my life!


Let's start from the beginning. 


I usually take my test at College of the Ozarks (CofO), a local college. I'd taken it there 3 other times. Super easy to find (tons of signs) and they're super sweet college girls proctoring the test. The only problem was that CofO is out for the summer when I needed to take my test (June). My luck.


I signed up in May to take it at the local high school. Actually, I had 5 to pick from, I just chose Hollister, because it's the closest to me.


I show up on test day, with my calculator, admin ticket, watch, and a load of pencils. I pull into the parking lot. No signs, just "report to the North end of the commons" Dang it. Good thing I showed up 15 minutes early.




I check in at 8am with my friend Kerry. We proceed to wait awkwardly in the "commons area" until further instruction. 8:20 rolls around and we finally get started. The proctor tells us to go to Miss B's room! Mmk because we know who that is and exactly where her classroom is. I'm with a bunch of girls from Branson (and me being homeschooled), we have no clue where that is. Problem 1


Problem 2: During the entire length of the test, kid1 is coughing the ENTIRE time and kid2 (athletic tool) is tapping his overly eager foot the whole dang time, while tapping his pencil.


Problem 3: The proctor tells us that we were "special" enough to be chosen to take a 5th section on the ACT, following the dreaded science section. 


Yes, you heard me, a fifth section. Shoot me. 


The 4 test sections and our 10 minute break finally finish and we begin on the 5th section. She told us it didn't count for our final score, so I filled in the bubbles and waited for 20 minutes.


When she called time, I literally ran out of the room, through the halls and to my car. To say I was overjoyed to be done was an understatement! 


Kerry and I joyously binge ate at Charley's for an hour, including a large order or bacon cheese fries. 


And that is how I spent Saturday, June the 9th!


Be jealous! 

Summer Bucket List

-Run a 5K


-Take a roadtrip


-Read at least 5 books


-Make/Bake something off Pinterest


-Watch the Olympics (can't wait for swimming and gymnastics!)


-Buy a new pair of running shoes


-Save $3000 for college


-Blog at least 3 days a week


-Get to and host a giveaway for 100 blog followers


-Take a Zumba Class


-Go on a mission trip


-Own a car


-Get a Macbook Pro and sell my Dell


-Work at least 40 hours a week, if not 50.


-Eat out less (I do love me some Jimmy John's but it's so dang expensive and the only place that delivers to the ziplines)


-Get a post payday pedicure


-Sleep outside in my hammock at least once


-Find new music and upload to my iPod


-Finish blogging about my trip to Israel


-Have a big girl's night/sleepover at my house


-Clear out my closet and sell clothes/shoes on Ebay


What's on your summer bucket list?


If you blog about it, make sure you leave me a comment!


Happy Friday


oxox,


Emily 

It's OK Thursday

It's ok that I'm ticked because my perfect sunburn suntan is peeling off. Ewws


It's ok that I'm not wanting the summer to pass by too quickly. 


It's ok that I'm obsessed whenever my toe nails and finger nails match.


It's ok that I have an extra bikini, hammock, and towel in my car at all times.


It's ok that I check a package's tracking repeatedly until it arrives.


It's ok that I want to know my college roommate sooner that July 15th!


It's ok that I have an obsession with Target. Period.


It's ok that I'm in a rut at Starbucks right now. I order the same drink, same size.


It's ok that I'm redoing my blog design again


It's ok that I'm mad whenever the new people at work get more hours than me.


It's ok to agree to disagree on something.


Happy Thursday,


oxox,


Emily 

WILW: Summa Edition

I'm loving that my ACT is done. 

I'm loving the perfect, post-rain weather.

I'm loving that my window is open and breeze is streaming in.

I'm loving working with my biggest broske at the ziplines. He makes a pretty sweet manager.

I'm loving that my best friend turns 18 today and we have a big party tonight

I'm loving that I've been to the lake/pool 5 times this week

I'm loving my new Nike shorts

I'm loving that my sunburn turned to tan

I'm loving that I hit 100 followers on Instagram

I'm loving all the late nights spent with friends

I'm loving cocoa roasted almonds and how healthy they are

I'm loving my ENO hammock

I'm loving that I go to college in 2 months

I'm loving that my car has AC again

I'm loving Regina Spektor's new album

I'm loving iced coffee from starbucks

I'm loving driving my boss's truck with the GIANT zipline logo on the side.

I'm loving that I've almost hit 100 GFC blog followers

I'm loving my new Big Star jeans

Happy Wendesday!

oxox,

Emily 

Funk of all Funks

Have y'all ever been in a funk? not just a funk, but a funk of all funks? This has been me, all week long. I just can't kick it.


I've worked long hours. Doubles, at two jobs. We've been understaffed. We've worked later and longer shifts. 


I've gotten no more than 5 hours of sleep every night. I'm running on zombie mode and lots  of Starbucks.


 I took my ACT again for the 4th time at a different high school instead of the local Christian college. Merp.


I wish I was writing a happy blog post but instead I just need to process some of my thoughts.


I've snapped at people this week. I've said mean things. I feel bad later. I've made some stupid choices. I don't know what's wrong with me.




I don't know what else to say. Y'all feel free to leave me sweet comments. I'll need them.




I've gotta go finish my shift at work and somehow kick.this.funk. 




I'll blast music. Dance obnoxiously. Cry. Vent to friends. Go to the lake. Cry some more. Work too much. Try to blog.

Sunday Social- Week 1

Neely has a brand new link-up for Sunday! woot woot! Sunday Social! 

Ok! The questions this week are:

How did you come up with your blog name?

I was chatting with Jenn, my blog designer (she's awesome) and I wanted something perfect for my stage in life (graduation, starting fresh, college etc). She helped me come up with a beautiful beginning! 

 

What is your favorite thing about blogging?

I LOVE the community hands down! So much fun, laughter and encouragement!

What is one thing you have discovered because of blogging and now cant live without?Facebook or Twitter? and why?

I blame Twitter on this one. so obsessed. See also: pinning, pinerest, pins. you get the picture.

If one celeb read your blog who would you want it to be?

Dang. This one is hard! Men: Channing Tatum or Ryan Gosling. Girls: J Biebs (I kid, I kid), Lady Gaga (obsessed with her music) or merp I have no clue!!

What is something you want people to know about your blog?

I want people to know I'm honest! I put myself out there flaws and all. I also 

try to be funny but usually fail.

Happy Sunday! 

iRun.

National Running Day 

I've really been slacking. My goal was to run a a 5K and it didn't happen. I got sick, went to Israel, and started working two jobs as soon as I got home. I made it to week 7 and stopped. Dang! I was 6 training days away from completing the program. I keep putting it off and waiting for something. 


My goal is to run at least a 5K, and hopefully a 10K sometime by the end of my freshman year of college. I just need to start running.


I just got some new Nike shorts and tanks. I'm going to start tomorrow! I loved running and it was a great stress reliever too. 


Sometimes, all you need is some good music, cute shoes, and looking at motivational pins off Pinterest. Don't judge.

Happy Thursday!

oxox,

Emily 

My first blog sponsor(ing)

I'm so excited. 


I send my money and it's official. 


Neely, from A Complete Waste of Make-up, is letting me buy one of her July Sponsor spots! This will be my very first time to do something like this. My highlight post will be the second week in July.

Neely is SO easy to work with and she answered all my questions! She promised me my blog will get more followers and page views! I'm pretty pumped. PS- her rates are super affordable too. 

Be looking for my post in July! It may or may not include a big summer giveaway too! :) woot woot!!

I'm off to enjoy my first day off in over a month!

oxox,

Emily 

instalove: week 1

I'm obsessed with Instagram! End of story.


Follow me: emilyduncan


These are my favorite Insta shots from this week. lake days, food, work, you name it, I've probably stuck a filter on it and called myself a professional. just kidding, but seriously. 

What are your favorite Insta Filters?

I think mine is Nashville or Lo-Fi!

oxox,

Emily 

Bridesmaids: The Movie

*The first of many Emily is *finally* growing up blog posts. Don't hate.

Y'all I feel like I finally grew up. I watched my first R rated movie. You can laugh, but besides Passion of the Christ, I hadn't seen any big girl movies! For that matter, I've only ever seen 10 PG-13 movies. 

One of my besties, Molly decided that needed to change. Girl's night was on!

We went to her house and were binge eating food like bacon, cheez-its, thin-mints, and salad. Totes random but oh so fun. 

I watched...drumroll....

Bridesmaids.

I died laughing. I peed my pants. I loved it. So funny. So quotable. In fact, the next day at work was pretty awful. Molly decided we needed to text quotable lines back and forth to each other. so we did for a good long time :)

My favorite lines:

"I apologize but I'm not even confident what end that came out of"

"At first I did not know it was your diary. I thought it was a very sad hand written book

"I'm glad he's single, cause I am going to climb him like a tree"

"I got a tattoo of a mexican drinking worm. It's like a native american symbol meaning wasted"

"I could break the towel in half, break it in half I tell you! Do you see where I'm going with this?"

"Get your $h** together Carol"

Happy Saturday Y'all!

oxox,

Emily 

Giveaway Winner!

Random.org says Jamie Anderson is the winner of my $20 Target giftcard! 


Jamie, email your address to eduncan93@gmail.com and I'll mail it to you!


Congrats!

Friday: YOLO

Is it ok that I'm laughing really hard at this? 


Well, I am!

Happy Friday

oxox,

Emily