Being Present In Life

I cannot begin to describe the whirlwind my life has been as of late. I lost my grandfather unexpectedly, who served as a rock to our entire family. I started the school year in a funk. And life hasn't stopped even when I have wanted to!

With this being said, I don't want to dwell on the negative. I want this blog to be a place that lifts you up and leaves you motivated and empowered to take on your everyday!

And it all brings me to this song by Trace Adkins, "You're Gonna Miss This." I cannot think of a song that better depicts my life and hits home in a much needed way. I often fantasize the future and wish away the now in search for what I justify as "better" in the future. However, this songs reminds me that I will never get this time back.... Although high school hasn't been exactly what I've envisioned and anticipated, I have to give it some value. And that's what this song reminds me!

I listen to it every single morning on the way to school and it has significantly improved my outlook as I want to take in this time for all that it's worth!

What is your daily playlist? What song motivates and reminds you to love your life this moment?

Thanks for reading my rambling!

xo
Sarah Beth

What's on my Radar

I cannot even begin to describe how crazy life has been these past five weeks, but let's just say this is the first day I have felt like myself since my wisdom teeth removal a week ago...

Anyways, I have been on a bit of a shopping frenzy these past few weeks (although it's pretty much been limited to online reliance), but I thought I would share with you just a couple of finds that I'm loving. (Once everything comes in, I may do a "haul" type video, but I'm not sure!)

Just click on the pictures to be directed to the websites to purchase these products! I hope you're having a wonderful summer!

I love these seersucker sunglass straps,
 and I suggest picking your school's color to make
 for the perfect game day sidekick.

I'm going to use this cosmetic case
as a pencil bag for this school year!
If you haven't guessed, I'm obsessed with elephants!!

I've always loved Tervis Tumblers,
but this monogrammed one has taken
things to an entirely new level!

Had to snatch these beauties up
at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale...
They are getting me so excited for fall!

I'm so excited to be using an Erin Condren LifePlanner
for this upcoming school year! More info to come! :-)

Seattle Highlights

Hello darlings! Long time, no post. The end of school was a whirlwind of events, and I am still in shock that I am going to be a junior... AHHH!!! Then I was gone for a month - one week at a camp, and then three weeks to the pacific northwest, so life has been crazy hectic! * I just got back from the airport a half hour ago!!!

Anyways, I feel like my family hit the nail on the head when it came to "hitting the highlights" in Seattle, WA (which is surprising since this was very last minute!!!). With this in mind, I thought I would make a tourists' guide to touring the city for any of you who may go in the future. We were there for 4 days, which I feel like was plenty of time for the city - we weren't rushed and we RESTED and SLEPT IN, since this culminated the end of an extremely long trip.

I've compiled a list of 5 must-see's on your trip! I hope you enjoy!

1 - Ferris Wheel 

I thought this was the perfect way to see the skyline! You can see the mountains, both sport stadiums, high-rises, space needle, and the bay! Plus, it's air conditioned! :-)

2 - Space Needle Restaurant

I would definitely recommend eating at the restaurant in the space needle (it revolves which is pretty neat). It makes for a much more luxurious experience. It is well worth the head charge of $35 a person. Order the Lunar Ice Cream for dessert if you're in for a surprise!

3 - Mariners Baseball Game

My family is into sports, so I've been drug to almost every form of sporting event. However, I always have a good time at baseball games and it gives you a fun evening outing!

4 - Duck Tour

This is a MUST! What a wonderful overview of the city on both bus and boat. It's an interactive city tour that is in simple terms: FUN!

5 - Boeing Plant Tour

I'll be honest, I thought this was going to be a bore, but my brother is really into planes, so I suck it up. I had an amazing time! Everyone needs to visit this place. It's crazy to see how far technology and transportation have grown!

I hope this helped and has given you inspiration for an upcoming trip! I definitely had an interesting experience in Alaska. More on that maybe to come ;-%

xoxo,

Sarah Beth

Getting Lost

I have recently read so many articles reflecting on random aspects of life and I've really pondered my fears and how they affect my everyday reality.

I can list my fears for you in a very long sentence starting from spiders, to being stranded on a deserted island, to failure, but one fear I never realized I had until recently was fear of being lost. Which is ironic because I'm actually lost in a way right now!

I have always been a planner: I have a game plan for the day, week, year, heck, even my life. I have visions and expectations for what I expect all of my endeavors to encompass. I have always known my next step, what's happening next, and hopefully what that outcome will be.

High school is a constant journey of adapting to the changing everyday - whether that be socially, academically, personally, emotionally - you name it! And within this entire journey comes an acceptance of spontaneity and the foreign unknown of the everyday.

Today, I share with you why I am nervous, yet equally excited to be lost.

Have you ever pondered the question "If you could see your future, would you?"

I know I sure have, probably more than the average person in fact. However, if you were to ask me this question two weeks ago, my answer would vary from today.

You might ask "What brought about this whole thought?" and that answer is simple... MY FUTURE!

It's so scary to imagine life in 6 months, yet alone 2 years, 5 years, 20 years, and it is even more terrifying that is pretty much completely out of my control. The Serenity Prayer is pretty much my daily counselor these days.

Anyways, I have challenged myself to get lost in my life: be open to new and foreign opportunities, take three deep breaths before completely losing my mind ten times a day, and above all allowing my faith to be bigger than my fear!

So I challenge myself, as well as any of you, to get lost every now and then. Allow yourself to find your way back and discover who you truly are and what truly matters. I know it is terrifying, letting go of control and allowing life to just happen, but it is also rewarding. 

By putting yourself in a situation to handle life's unexpected situations, you will grow 10x more confident and much stronger and capable.

Being lost forces us to believe in ourselves and our abilities.

So, instead of wishing to know every detail that the future holds, I am handing it completely over to God and trusting myself to face life in the present. Each time I get lost, instead of instantly hyperventilating, I am allowing myself to use the unknown to broaden my horizons and gain confidence and trust within.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

xoxo,

Sarah Beth

The Tale of My First Car

Written a month and a half ago:
I turned 16 in October, got my license in December, and now, well I got a car this February.

I knew I would be getting a car at some point, but driving is actually the scariest endeavor I've ever embarked upon. Mom was out of town this weekend and suggested Dad and I go and look at cars, and well we did. As we were pulling up to the dealership, I made Dad promise that I wouldn't be test driving the car - we were solely there to look from a distance. The thought of taking a car that we didn't even own - yet at least - out on the open road was not-going-to-happen!! He promised, we pulled into the dealership, and walked up to the car that I've had my eyes on since long before my 16th birthday.

It was perfection. Beautiful navy exterior, a small SUV - the perfect size for me :-).

Then, behind my back, Dad arranges for me to test-drive the car much to my dismay, but I pushed through and turns out: I COULD DRIVE!
(My parents thought that once I got a car, I would be more comfortable driving due to having a car that was a comfortable size for me!)


Written Today:
Although it's taken over a month, I am growing more and more comfortable and confident each day!

I drove completely by myself - without one of my family members following in the car behind because let's be honest this has happened - for the first time yesterday!! :-) I am loving the freedom and ability that being able to drive has given me, and I cannot wait to grow more comfortable and confident!

I realize how blessed and fortunate I am to have a car (especially one I love and feel so safe in) and I want to thank my wonderful family for blessing me with it. I am so very grateful and I cannot wait to grow more confident and start really hitting the roads. :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stay tuned for some serious blogging in the near future!

xoxo, 

Sarah Beth

Making the Rest the Best!

Wow! So much has been happening these past few weeks, and I feel as though as I've been blown away by life's demands. I finally feel like I have it together - well, as close as you can get mid-school year - and cannot wait to grow this blog into such an incredible space!

On Thursday of this week, I am headed to Colorado for a ski trip in Bachelor Gulch. I am so excited and hopefully this week will fly by in anticipation.

I guess I have been down a lot lately. Things just have not been happening according to my plan. But after so many reminders, it finally hit me. Life is short!!! I'm sick and tired of wishing away the present for all that the future holds. I'm done letting today's imperfections define and constrict me.


While on pinterest the other day, I came across a quote that will forever reign as my life mantra.

"I'm gonna make the rest of my life, the best of my life!"

Only I can do this for myself!

via

******

via

I am in control of my own happiness. My outlook and attitude will determine the day's fate... It's never going to be perfect, no matter how much I DREAM it to be.... 

So, for any of you who are stuck in the rut that I feel trapped in, read and ponder these: (all of these can be found on my Pinterest page "Words to Live By")

I'm on a mission to truly make the rest of my life the very best of my life. I am in control. I have to ignite the change that I want for myself.

Hope these inspire you like they have me!!!

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Sarah Beth

D.C. Trip

I had an amazing time during a school trip to D.C. this past week. I have several photos to share!

I am so thankful for my Barbour coat as it truly helped keep me warm and together this trip!

What I'm Wearing:

Barbour Beadnell

LL Bean Boots

Tory Burch Crossbody (in navy)

It was fun hitting the highlights for my second trip to this awesome city, but the greatest blessing was marching with many others to celebrate life and protect its sanctity.

Hope you enjoyed these pictures. I'll be back soon to finally grow this space!

As always, thanks for reading. Be sure to follow me on instagram (@sarahbethwilsonblog) to see where I've been lately.

xoxo,

Sarah Beth

Update & Exciting Announcement: March For Life

Hey everyone!

On Wednesday January 21, I am boarding a bus and heading with many students from my school to participate in the National March for Life in Washington, D.C. (for the March takes place on the 22nd)! I am oh so excited for this opportunity and am honored to get to experience this life-changing event!

For those of you who aren't familiar with March for Life, it is basically a march held on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade to defend the principles and sanctity of human life. I am so blessed to go to a school that values human life at all stages, and allows us, as young adults, to be educated and exposed to the truth about a non-sheltered world, as well as informed in the ways in which to create a silver lining!

You can learn more and stay updated on all the events and updates of the March on their website.

Stay tuned for a post or two as well as a recap of my experience this upcoming week!

As always, thank you for your continued support. Have a fantastic week!

xoxo,
Sarah Beth

Instagram: @sarahbethwilsonblog
Email: thepreciousprep@gmail.com

New Year's Eve Outfit

I cannot believe the whirlwind that 2014 has been. This year has symbolized so much growth and acceptance on my part. It's been full of challenges and obstacles, tears and breakdowns, but looking back, this year has left me stronger. I have many dreams, goals, expectations, and resolutions for 2015.

We are still down in Naples, FL, where we welcomed the new year. Slight problem though - when we came down for Thanksgiving, it was chilly here. I wore my riding boots every day. Now, however, it is so hot. Shorts & sandals kind of hot. So my packing does not meet the climate at all... However, this makes for the perfect shopping excuse! On my shopping spree, I fell in love with these two pieces. Paired together, I knew I found the perfect New Year's Eve look.

Take at look at my look from last night. I am head over heels for both this dress & these shoes. The entire outfit screams "Floridian New Year!"

Dress • Sail to Sable

Sandals • Jack Rogers (Gold)

I am wishing you all a blessed, wonderful, and exciting new year!
Stay tuned for the growth of this blog! I am so excited to see where this upcoming year brings me!

xoxo,

Sarah Beth