101 in 1001

89. read one book a month

One of my 101 in 1001 goals was to read one book a month.  Reading books isn’t something I’ve done alot of since college but I know its important so I thought this would be a good challenge.

the man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot readWhen I set this goal, I didn’t limit myself to a particular type of book {i.e. fiction, biography, faith, etc} so its been good to discover what I like to read.  Each month when I finish a book, I’ll post it below.

November 2013 – Decision Points by George W. Bush

I enjoyed reading this book although some chapters were a little slower than others for me. Two of my favorite things from reading this book were 1) insight into how Bush communicates with people from all types of cultural and religious background and how he found common ground with them; 2) a renewed sense to pray for our president and leaders, and all the decisions they face each day.

December 2013 – Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

One of my favorite movies is Pride & Prejudice.  I even gave the book to my sisters as a part of their bridesmaids gift {and conveniently purchased one for myself too}.  I decided after a few months of sitting on my shelf it was time to read it.  The book goes into much more detail than the movie – which I liked and is beautifully written. It did require a little bit more attention because of the language used and I actually didn’t finish this until January because we got busy with the holidays and traveling. One of my favorite things? Some of the quotes from Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth! “I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.” How romantic!

January 2014 – Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey

We’ve been reading/listening to some things by Dave Ramsey for the last several months {read about our goal setting and budgeting} so I was happy to read this book. It was a very quick read – he writes like he talks and its very motivational, especially if you’re working on the baby steps like we are!

February 2014 – Eat To Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman

This was the hardest book for me to get through so far, so much so that I just skimmed the last 50 pages.  The book is very informative about why a plant based diet {not vegetarian, just limited meat} is ideal for our bodies.  It gave me some good ideas on how to approach food and the importance of fruits and vegetables.

March 2014 – Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis

Loved reading this book. Not only was it filled with sweet stories about Katie Davis’ as a mother to her adopted Ugandan girls, but it also was a beautiful reminder of the strength that we gain through Christ to do the impossible.

April 2014 – The Case for Easter by Lee Strobel

A quick read on the defense of Easter.  Interesting to think about questions that people might have about the authenticity of the Bible.

May 2014 – What Is the Gospel by Greg Gilbert  {currently reading}

June 2014 – Connect: How to Double Your Number of Volunteers by Nelson Searcy

As I get more and more involved in my job, I’m realizing the importance of volunteers and a good system for them.  This reminded me that people want to serve and to give them opportunities to serve!

July 2014 – A Meal with Jesus by Tim Chester {currently reading}

August 2014 – Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist

This is one I had been wanting to read for awhile, and my request finalllly got filled in the library.  I loved how easy of a read it was and enjoyed Niequist writing style, and how tangible her words felt.  She is definitely a great storyteller.

September 2014 –  The Honest Life by Jessica Alba

I thought I’d enjoy this book more than I would, but I was a little disappointed.  While I think it’s good to be aware of what is going in and around our bodies and our families, it was a little bit of a downer.

October 2014

November 2014

December 2014

January 2015

February 2015

March 2015

April 2015

May 2015 – Women of the Word  by Jen Wilkin

A practical book on why we should and how to study the Bible.  While I know Bible literacy is important, it is definitely a discipline where I lack.  Wilkin gave practical examples and ways to study the Scripture to increase our love and understanding for a God who has provided His Word for us.

June 2015 – Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney {currently reading}

Any good book recommendations?  What’s your favorite type of book to read?

101 in 1001 · Atwell Adventures

72. take a mountain trip

Last weekend one of my good friends from college got married in western North Carolina, giving me a chance to mark item #72 off of my 101 in 1001 list: take a mountain trip.

trip to the mountains | Atwell Adventures 3

Our decision to make it an overnight trip happened last minute so when we began the search for a place to stay, hotels were either booked or prices were way more than what we like to pay.  After looking for a bit with no luck, we were happy to see a bed and breakfast called Carrier Houses pop up and we gave them a call.  They had one room left for the night and we quickly decided to book

We left Friday morning and made our way west and by 10 o’clock, I was starting to get hungry.  Fortunately, a gem called Biscuitville appeared on Google Maps and we made a stop for breakfast!

Screen Shot 2013-11-05 at 12.13.02 PM

Full of carbs, we continued to make our way towards Ruthefordton and arrived just a few minutes before our check in time.  The bed and breakfast was located on the main street of the downtown so we took a quick walk to explore the shops, restaurants, and an antique shop before checking in.

Once we returned we met our innkeepers {and wonderful hosts}, Dan and Lynn.  For the next few minutes Dan showed us around the house, told us about breakfast the next morning, and gave us some recommendations on local places to try.

trip to the mountains | Atwell Adventures 8
side entrance to the house and our room {at the top of the stairs}

trip to the mountains | Atwell Adventures 9image from the Carrier Houses website

We had talked about visiting Chimney Rock {about a 25-30 minute drive}, but because it was almost 4pm and the park gate closed at 5, I wasn’t sure if it was worth the trip.  But thankfully I married a man who is much more positive and he said we should go anyways.  So we did!  Five points for you, G.

On our little adventure to Chimney Rock, I was reminded also that my husband 1.) is smarter than me because the drive alone was worth the trip 2.) loves me despite my athletic ability {hello huffing and puffing on our walk up to the Chimney}.  But we made it and enjoyed some beautiful views!

trip to the mountains | Atwell Adventures 1

trip to the mountains | Atwell Adventures 2

I took the picture below after I asked G where our mountain home was going to be.  Unfortunately, he wasn’t pointing closer to Lake Lure, but whatever… we’ll hang it in our mountain home one day and look back at the picture and be reminded of our young newlywed days.

trip to the mountains | Atwell Adventures 4
One of my favorite views is Exclamation Point and it was the last stop on our tour-de-Chimney-Rock-in-a-hour.  As always, it was fun to experience a new place with G. Hot-hubs alert below…

trip to the mountains | Atwell Adventures 5

We headed back to Ruthefordton for the night and grabbed dinner and hot chocolate downtown before heading in for the night {I know, I know, we bring the par-tay}.

The next morning we woke up and made our way to the house next door for breakfast with other inn guests. The company was good and our food was even better {egg and spinach crepes with cheese grits, fruit, and muffins}.

Before we left for the wedding, we snapped a few pictures outside. Overall, we were both pleasantly surprised at how much we liked staying at the bed and breakfast {a first for both of us} and we definitely will check into local options more often!

trip to the mountains | Atwell Adventures 6

trip to the mountains | Atwell Adventures 7
Since we had time between check-out and the wedding, we made our way to downtown Asheville which is full of shops, restaurants, and interesting people.  Hopefully one day we will head back and spend more time {and maybe even spend some time at the Biltmore}.

Onto the wedding where Marky-Mark got married to Molly!  Just three months ago they were celebrating with us at our wedding, so it was fun to celebrate them on there wedding day.  Not to mention, seeing these familiar faces is always a treat!

trip to the mountains | Atwell Adventures 12ps – if you invite us to your wedding, we promise to be fun.

trip to the mountains | Atwell Adventures 11

101 in 1001 | Atwell Adventures (small)

101 in 1001

101 in 1001

Yesterday I turned 27! Twenty-seven!

These last few months leading up to my birthday, I’ve been creating a list of things I want to do over the next several years… a 101 in 1001 listThis list is 101 things that I want to complete in 1001 days.  It’s a fun way to challenge myself to learnexplore, and live.

It’s crazy to think that when these 1001 days are over, that I’ll be three months and two days shy of the big 3-0! So to not waste any time, here we go…

101 in 1001 | Atwell Adventures (small)

The Mission: Complete 100 preset tasks/goals/challenges in a period of 1001 days.
Why 1001? 1001 days allows you different seasons to complete tasks, which is better for organizing and timing things like trips or outdoor activities.
Start Date:  Tuesday, October 15, 2013
End Date: Tuesday, July 12, 2016

To see where I am with my progress and completed goals, visit my 101 in 1001 page

Faith
1. become members of a church in our new home
2. do weekly devotionals with G
3. help with four service projects
4. invite a friend to church
5. join a small group at our church
6. read through the Bible
7. read through gospels 3 times
8. serve in our church
9. serve on a mission trip

Husband and Wife
10. celebrate month-a-versaries
11. celebrate anniversaries
12. continue weekly questions
13. find 3 specific ways to serve Gary
14. make a video of our honeymoon adventures
15. plan once a week dates
16. take a photo on each anniversary
17. take a photo on our couch at each home
18. workout together once a week

Family
19. call/skype family more often
20. host a family dinner
21. host a nephew/niece slumber party
22. send family birthday cards/presents one week before birthday
23. send packages to each family members family
24. write to nephews and nieces once a month

Money
25. complete Dave Ramsey Baby Steps 1-3
26. discuss spending habits once a month
27. find ways to reduce unnecessary spending
28. invest in five quality pieces – clothing or home
29. make necessary adjustments to budget each month
30. pay off debt by 2015
31. use “envelopes” for all purchases/ stick to budget

Home Organization
32. begin recipe index
33. clean computer files once a season
34. complete an organized move
35. decorate for Christmas
36. distribute unused wedding items
37. finish paint projects before next move
38. hang pictures in our home
39. have an online or yard sale before we move
40. make/purchase a headboard for master bedroom
41. organize important documents in notebook
42. print a wedding canvas for our bedroom
43. purge clothes every season
44. record a “house tour” at each place we live
45. sort/back up pictures

Healthy Living
46. drink water minimum for 30 days
47. eat clean for one month
48. exercise for at least 20 minutes a day
49. keep a habit of making weeknight dinners
50. plan meals every week
51. run 6 miles
52. run 10 miles
53. run 13 miles
54. try a 3 day juice cleanse
55. walk 3 miles a day for one month
56. work out every day for one month for at least 45min a day

Adventures
57. go indoor/outdoor rock climbing
58. go kayaking
59. go skydiving
60. go to a Braves game
61. go to a broadway play
62. go to a college basketball game
63. go to a college football game
64. go to a concert
65. go to a drive-in movie
66. go whitewater rafting
67. pick apples
68. pick strawberries
69. visit a pumpkin patch or corn maze
70. take a beach trip
71. take a camping trip
72. take a mountain trip
73. take a NYC trip
74. take a trip to a foreign country
75. take a skiing/snowboarding trip

Creativity and Work
76. create five items to sell on etsy
77. create new business/calling cards
78. create photo books for Haiti trips
79. make a three free printables for the blog
80. move to a self hosted blog
81. open an etsy shop
82. purchase a new camera
83. start and finish a wedding album
84. update resume and linkedin profile

Challenges and Learning
85. complete #31days of writing each year
86. complete a weeklong social media fast
87. decide on “go to meals” for breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizer, dessert
88. make homemade bread
89. read one book a month
90. take a cake decorating class
91. take a calligraphy class
92. take a cooking class
93. take a floral arranging class
94. take a photography class
95. take a sewing class
96. try 10 pinterest ideas
97. work on monthly goal sheets

Social
98. host a dinner for friends
99. host a party
100. send cards/letters to friends
101. send Christmas cards (with new address included)