Atlanta Eats.

Hi, y'all!

I love to try different foods and to venture to local, non-big chain restaurants. Such a fun treat!

Fortunately for me, Atlanta is the perfect place for this. :)

Most of the time I'm cooking and packing my lunch, but I've managed to go some fun places with friends.

Of course I had to document!

West Egg Cafe

Eleanor treated me to this last week. It was eclectic, fresh, and oh-so southern!

We shared butterbean hummus, pimento cheese macaroni, and a big leafy salad with all sort of yumminess!

Yum yum yum yum delish delish cannot wait to go again!

Barcelona Wine and Tapas Bar

Went here with roomies and family the other night. Great atmosphere, sangria, empanadas, and other fun delights!

Noche

Girls' dinner for birthday fun! Arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette, pulled pork taco with tomatillo salsa....skinny marg :)

Inexpensive, fun, fresh, delicious!

Thankful for life's little treats!

Lizanne

Pics via Google

Nature in the city.

Love a fun run at 6:15am!

Nice and peaceful...

Oh no, please, after you!

The first day at the big office.

Good Morning, Friends!

Yesterday, I started my new job at the Georgia CASA headquarters in this fun city of Atlanta.

Last week was quite the whirlwind; as training was intense, and driving back and forth to Emory was nothing less than nerve-racking. :) However, I lived, I learned a TON of new random facts via the radio for 35 minutes each way, I learned a LOT about child advocacy from some of the best folks in the field, I met some awesome people from all over, and I really did enjoy it!

Yet I must say, I am happy to be in another (closer) part of town and "getting my hands on" the work.

 I truly am blessed to be here and am expecting great things from this experience. Here are some highlights from yesterday- the first day of this great new adventure.

Yesterday morning, I met my friend Ellie for some pre-work gym time. I know that sounds non-life changing, but this was so great in a number of ways. One, there is NO traffic at 6:15am. I got there and parked in 15 minutes. Two, the place is really nice. Three, we were two of five people inside and were able to use all the equipment, chat, and get ready for the day in the calm. Four, the gym is four miles from my apartment and ONE mile from my new office. After leaving the gym, I got into my parking deck in five minutes, energized and ready for the day. I know it may seem silly, but working out and spending time with one of my best friends/Jesus-lovin' law gals rather than sitting in my car for 35 minutes (plus) is so great to me. So, SO fortunate.

I arrived at my new office around 8:15 and read Jesus Calling in the parking lot before walking into the building. I was told the office opens at 8:30, but learned that in Atlanta that means 9 ----ish. However, I got a key to the suite so I can get in early, as I most likely will most days. I met the others in the office, and then sat down with my boss to go over the projects for the summer. She is lovely and really has a heart for what she does. I knew her before coming here, and am really looking forward to working for her!

In case you're curious as to what all I will be working on this summer, another list for you:

Facilitating CASA participation with the JUSTGeorgia campaign: An ongoing project in which I will be working with the five different state CASA regions (directors, staff , and volunteers) by informing them of the campaign and helping them reach out to local representatives to aid in the passing of the Juvenile Code rewrite.

Initiating Judicial Education on CASA: Working on a program that will inform judges around the state about CASAs in their courtoom in order to facilitate a better relationship.

Site visits to CASA programs: Visiting a few counties in Georgia to do trainings, check in on how things are running, and make ourselves more known to courtroom participants.

Updating CASA manuals and website: There is always new law coming out (surrounding children in government care, HIPPA, and others), especially at the Federal level, so the manuals need updating to include such; and training must be changed to include them.

Whew, bored yet? There are a few other projects, but I feel like I have touched on the major ones. It should be a lot of fun and I am really looknig forward to it!

The project planning took all morning, and then my sweet boss and another director took me to Mexi for lunch. So yummy! There are some great places to grab lunch within walking distance of here, but despite my foodie tendencies, that will only be a treat here and there. Yay for packed lunch!

After lunch I began work on some of the projects, and then it was time to go home! Another wonderful thing is that we close at 4:30, so once again, able to miss traffic! :)

Sorry for the information overload, but just wanted to update y'all. Loving work so far! Such great people, great cause, and meaningful work. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. They are so much appreciated!!

Love ya mean it-

Lizanne



Long weekend adventures.

After a LONG week of training at ESCAP, I headed out of the city for a long weekend with friends!

I have some sweet married friends that live in Macon who were heading home to Tuscaloosa, which happens to be an hour from my fella, so I hitched a ride. :)

I live in North Atlanta, and knew if they had to come all the way through town, we would NEVER get out (ok, that's a little dramatic. but ATL on memorial day weekend? yikes!). I ended up taking MARTA to South ATL to meet up with my friends to save us all time and money.

I made it all the way through town in 30 minutes at 5pm on a Friday! And although I stuck out like a sore thumb in my Jacks and Monogrammed Vera, it was the best $2.50 I ever spent.

After my train ride, I rode with T&J all the way to Bama. T is in my small group, and I just love her and her husband to pieces! We had a great time catching up, singing, and grabbing some Chickfila. :)

Once I met up with Andrew, the weekend went by in 3.5 seconds. We had a blast going to the pool, having friends over for BBQ, going to church, eating Mex, playing outside, and just enjoying the great weekend! However, of course, I forgot to take pictures!

Well, there are these two wonderful pieces of art:

1. Mitch's gun range on Saturday to try out my new pistol. Can you spot the boy?

2. I call this...."Summer".  We polished one off in two days. We make a great team, I tell ya.

So thankful for a wonderful, relaxing weekend and now ready to start at my work placement. Georgia CASA headquarters, here I come!

Love ya mean it-

Ansel Adams

Time is LOVE.

Hey y'all! I hope you each had great weekends.

I road tripped to Missip this weekend, and was blessed enough to spend the sunny days with some of my favorite people doing some of my favorite things (yes, lying by the pool with homemade guacamole was involved.)

Will share the 'deets later, as it was quite the adventure, but just had to share this video first.

I am in LOVE with this song. 

Love love some JT; and just love every line of the jam. :)

Anyone else speak love in quality time? :)

Grab the quality timer in your life, and give 'em a twirl.

Enjoy!

LF

Last scenes from home.

Happy Wednesday! Meant to share these earlier!

Paw Paw's new house! PTL!

(If you missed the back story)

DILIGENT designers/Cutie Patooties

Country Sunset love

Missing the family (and the sunsets) here in the city!

Lizanne

Turning your wait room into a work room.

Recently I watched an Elevation Church sermon that was preached by the pastor's wife, Holly.

Wooooo, did she do a great job!!

I grew up in a Southern Baptist church, where the women could be found either in: the choir, the church kitchen, or the nursery; and while there is nothing wrong at all with those places, it was cool to watch a lady on stage and bringing the Word! And bringing it so well!

Holly spoke on Acts 16:16-40, when Paul and Silas were in prison. In short, instead of whining and complaining and trying to find a way out of their awful circumstance, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God. Eventually they were freed, and also, many came to know Christ through them.

And Holly's main point was that like Paul and Silas, we TOO should turn our waiting rooms in God's work room.

So many times I find myself thinking, "Ugh, if I was only graduating...I can't wait to have a full-time, paying job and to work....So ready to have a home church so I can get involved...Soon I will be able to not be a financial burden on my parents...just a few more weeks til *this* or *that*....

and my current favorite:

"Oh if we were just married and living in the same town alreadyyyy!"

Needless to say, I was a little convicted. Just a little. :)

How many of us though find ourselves wishing away certain circumstances or phases of life? Would we be obedient and courageous enough to allow that circumstance to be used for the glory of God?

That's my prayer! Thank you Lord for 3L; help me to use my list year of law school to share your love to an often dark place. Thank you Lord for Andrew and for this fun engagement time; help us use it to grow and work on a marriage anchored in you. Thanks Lord for this time of being "broke"; teach me to realize it's all YOURS anyways, and to be a good steward of what you've blessed me with. And thank you Jesus for ATLANTA!

Love ya-

L

Holly's blog.

Leaving for Atlanta today!

Who Is Like the Lord- Israel Houghton
Don't Think Twice, It's Alright- Mr. Cash
Drunk on You- Luke Bryan
Ain't Wastin' Time No More- ABB
Roll With It- Easton Corbin
Trust- Seabird
I Second That Emotion- Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
Different Kind of Fine- ZBB
Can't Get Enough- Bad Company
Always- Switchfoot
Sirens- The String Cheese Incident
American Honey- Lady A
White Fences- Needtobreathe
Hollywood Nights- Bob Seger
Neon- Chris Young
Midnight Train to Georgia- Gladys Knight
God Be Praised- Elevation Worship

Fun in the sun..

Beach week with mom was the best!

Yummy pinterest drinking..

Lots of quality reading....

And eating...

And more reading on the porch..

And more relaxing...

What I've been reading.

My mom and I spent a glorious three days by the ocean...

and I read me some books! Some non-law books wahoo!

On Monday, I read this great little novel:

I heard about it through a Southern Living interview of Nicholas Sparks, who said it was his favorite southern novel.

Fortunately for me, it was only 99cents for the kindle the other day!

This was a sweet little book that I enjoyed a lot! 

The story was of a sweet widower who lives in Hart County, Georgia. After his wife of 57 years passes, he meets and befriends a shy, white dog who quickly becomes his best companion. The adventures that follow are great. Mr. Peek reminded me so much of my Granddaddy. I loved and would highly recommend.

Tuesday, I dug deep into a book I borrowed from a friend:

"What if God's primary intent for your marriage isn't to make you happy...but to make you holy? What if your relationship isn't as much about you and your spouse as it is you and God?"

Eek! So so good! So eye-opening! Cannot wait to read it several more times and work on some things in my life that need workin'! Piece by piece! 

I recommend for anyone, despite your marital status (or lack thereof!) So much truth and wisdom about ALL relationships.

Lastly, via the kindle loaning feature, came this:

Y'ALL!!!! I loved this book and cannot stop thinking about it.

Mary Beth Chapman is an amazing woman of God...and an amazing writer!

I thought the book would solely be about their daughter Maria, which I knew would take a lot of courage to write about. However, MBC gets even more raw and real, sharing so many aspects of her life and choosing to SEE God's hand in it all, despite her not understanding. 

I laughed, I cheered, I held back tears...I loved it.

You should read! It's FREE for amazon prime members!

What about y'all? What have you been reading?

Any recommendations? The cheaper the better. :)

Love y'all!

Lizanne

Askin' my maids.

Greetings from the beach!

It's raining here, mom is napping, and I am catching up on the blawg...

Last week was the week for BRIDESMAIDS!

Andrew popped "the" question a month and ten days ago, now it was my turn. :)

Picking bridesmaids is tough! Especially when you have such awesome women in your life that you love dearly!

But 15 ladies beside you would be a little ridiculous. :)

After much prayer, I decided to go with friends that have been intentional with our friendships despite the craziness of life; that I know have prayed for Andrew and me, and will continue to do so after the wedding fun is over!

So, I wanted to ask these sweet friends in a fun, unique, and personal way.

This was a great little project; inspired by old teaching projects, and pinterest, and the wonderful women I chose.

Basically, I just printed a picture of us off the computer onto regular paper, and glued it to some fun scrap paper I had lying around. Then I attached the picture, along with a poem, to the girl's favorite bottle of wine.

Here's Eleanor, my favorite law gal in the whole world/a fan of Pinot Grigio:

Here is the poem. It's not the best, but get's the job done!

Looking back, I should have made the "be my maid" larger and in a cuter font. Oops! :)

Another one, this time for Ali, attached to a bright bottle of Reisling:

For my older sister, and one of my matrons of honor, I found this only fitting:

And then to my other matron, a lover of reds:

Keri, Steph, Ali, Jordan, Amanda, Gracie, Eleanor, and Sarah Beth...
how blessed I am by your loving friendships!

Let the fun begin-
LF

Some Randoms.

Home has been amazingly restful and relaxing, despite everyday's hours being accounted for on a tight schedule.

With just a few days til Atlanta fun, it's been great fitting in awesome quality time with the people I love.

This is still my favorite morning combo. Additionally, mom keeps the good vanilla coffee creamer in stock just for me. Life's small joys!

Despite the bad photo quality, yummy and fun dinner with my sweet parents and the people who raised my sweet beau.

I am thankful for them!

Ahem, why must certain people's eyes (aka mine) be red in every picture, even when I click red eye remover? I am perplexed.

After dinner, Dad tooks his girls for ice cream for the trip home. He = best.

Last Friday, my mom, my grandmother, and I ventured to Charlotte; where, despite eating Mexican AND half a peach milkshake 12 hours prior, I tried on and said "YES!" to the most beautiful wedding dress ever. It was quite a "Cinderella" story. Can't wait to show y'all in 10 months!

We then traveled home, and back to the CLT for another fun dinner with friends.

I loved this wall behind the bar!

Now it's beach time with mom to officially kick off the best season of the year!

Love ya-

LLF

This time it wasn't just my imagination.

Hey y'all!

My parents and I went to dinner with some fun friends last night and one of them asked me, "So what have you been doing since you've been home besides wedding things?"

With which I replied, "Hmmm...sleep!"

Sleep. Wedding. Eat. Wedding. Run. Wedding. Repeat.

And oh, how it has been a BLAST! 

Of course I have seen lots of sweet family and friends, and that's been so fun, too! But the Ferrell household has been wedding central for the past 80+ hours...and I love it.

I honestly never knew that planning a wedding could be this much fun. It's like all of my favorite things rolled into one big, shiny package: 

Celebrating Jesus, Southern hospitality, good food, great music, awesome quality time with my mom, dad, and other family, squealing with my girlfriends, wine wine wine, gorgeous dresses, fun shoes, old boots, party planning, rustic decorating, family heirlooms, sweet and thoughtful gifts from future in-laws, showers and parties, and of course that tall blonde fella that I love to the moon and back, etc!

Such a fun time! Such a blessing! So thankful! 

And so looking forward to these next 10 months :)

Post Title: FOB love :)

You'll come like the rain!

Happy Monday!

Heading home today after a long month of studying and exam taking!

Our God is so faithful!

Oh for the LOVE of Kim Walker!!!

Happy (rainy) day-

Lizanne

"For I will pour water on the thirsty land,

and streams on the dry ground;

I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,

and my blessings on your descendants..."

Isaiah 44:3

Cleaning out the cabinets.

Hey Y'all!

This was my last week (finals week, eek) in Mactown until August, so I've been attempting to clean out my fridge and pantry by cooking/baking random things. I hate throwing things out!

Made and sent these beauts to my fella and his roomies last Saturday:

(not before sneaking two of em! YUM!)

This happened Saturday night:

Mango/Avocado salsa is my new favorite.
Sorry no link, made it up!

Friends and I made PW's Peach Whiskey Chicken. 
YES on so many levels.

Cast Iron skillet will be on the wedding registry if nothing else!
Then I can feel like a real southern woman. Woohoo!

Lastly, this made up fritatta...in the crockpot.


What have y'all been making? Any new fun food adventures?

Love ya, mean it-
LF

It's Friday, People!

Hey y'all!

I have finished three exams in four days and my fella is coming to visit this weekend. 

I have a small two-hour exam on Monday, and I'm outta heeeeeere.

Hard exams are over, get to see my best friend tonight, and summer is near...

Oh, and it's Friday!

Time to get down via a random celebratory dance party. If you don't like some good hiphop jams and/or don't believe in random dance parties, this isn't the post for you. :)

So, with that, here we go. :)

Gotta love a high school throwback, yes. Still a fave:

My second favorite version of it:

And lastly, a little 1993:

My cousin and I rapped this whole thing on stage at our older cousin's wedding when we were 12. 

Yes, everyone WAS diggin' it.

Happy Jamming!

L