Bold, Italic, & Unapologetic

I attended the CMT Awards last night for the first time in several years…only the second time I had attended since I lost my dream job at CMT in my mid-20’s. (That full story is in my second book, I’ve Never Been to Vegas But My Luggage Has, which just happens to be $1.99 on Kindle & Nook right now). Once upon a time I interviewed celebrities on the red carpet at those awards, a » Read More

Ten Easy Ways to Instantly Improve Your Mood & Increase Your Confidence

•Let yourself off the hook a little.•Be kinder to you.•Speak to yourself the way you would a friend.•Show yourself grace.•Realize that no one’s life is perfect and stop comparing your bloopers to their highlight reel.•Forgive yourself. You are doing the best you can.•Replace the negative self-talk with positive affirmations.•Begin each day with gratitude.•Stay mindful and present. Leave the past in the past and let the future take care of itself.•Accept everything about yourself, because God » Read More

Dash of Sass: Happily Ever After is NOW!

One year ago today my book I’ve Never Been To Vegas but My Luggage Has came out…and then a few days later I left on a crazy nationwide tour that would change so much about my life forever. Which means one year ago today, I was nervous, excited, and completely clueless about the amazing, unforgettable, and at times, unbelievable story that was about to unfold. I love how God prepares us and makes us brave by only » Read More

Day 18: Day 18: If You Could Have a Conversation With Your Younger Self, What Would You Say?

I started this blogging challenge over a year ago and I’ve only worked my way up to Day 18…though the timing of writing this particular blog is so perfect, I can’t help but believe that even in our busyness and forgetfulness and procrastination, God’s timetable still manages to have its way with us.

I’ve just finished reading Every Bitter Thing is Sweet by Sara Hagerty, and though she’s married with five kids, I saw so many » Read More

Dash of Sass: Why You Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For

Sometimes we get mad and frustrated when we don’t find what we’re looking for. Or sometimes we find what we’re looking for but it’s not looking for us. But what we can’t see at the time is that the things that we DON’T find are the things that were never meant for us anyway. Pause a moment and consider the fact that maybe you haven’t found that dream job yet because God knows there’s a » Read More

Dash of Sass: Finding Out Who You Are

We tend to long for certainty and comfort and ease and structure…but the truth is, it’s in the midst of the uncertain and dark and unclear and broken times that we learn who we really are and what we’re capable of. So if today you’re going through it, know that it’s because you’re being prepared to come out someone entirely different on the other side. No pressure, no diamonds. No pain, no pearl. No cocoon, » Read More

Your Happily Ever After Won’t Look Like Everyone Else’s

“When you thought you’d be baking pie & living behind your very own white picket fence, you’ll find yourself doing something so entirely different, you couldn’t have even imagined it a year before. There will be moments when you’ll look around and not even recognize your own life…in a good way.” ~Kate Northrup
The other day I was leaving my usual post at Starbucks where I frequently write from when I spotted three young girls, probably » Read More

Something wonderful is on the horizon
Life doesn’t always look the way we want it to look. In Mandy’s upcoming book, Turn Toward the Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is, you’ll find encouragement to live in the moment, sit with your experiences, and trust God with the unknown.
Preorder from Baker Book House for 40% off and free shipping!*
*US shipping only
Something wonderful is on the horizon
Turn Toward the Sun CoverLife doesn’t always look the way we want it to look. In Mandy’s upcoming book, Turn Toward the Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is, you’ll find encouragement to live in the moment, sit with your experiences, and trust God with the unknown.
Preorder from Baker Book House for 40% off and free shipping!*
*US shipping only