Category: things i love

thirty-three

Today is my birthday! I am 33. I love the number 3 so I just know this is going to be a good year. And Meredith is excited because she thinks I’m the same age as her. ;)

I wanted to do a fun post to commemorate the day. There isn’t anything special going on because I have to work and am going to Bible study tonight; and in fact, it was a terrible morning, the worst in recent memory and I already cried once (ah parenthood!), but I am trying to move past that. Last weekend we went out to eat at Cheesecake Factory with my family, my work had a birthday lunch for me yesterday with cake, and this weekend we’ll be having a birthday dinner with David’s family. So that is all really fun.

Here are some things that were on my birthday wish list. I’m definitely not getting them all, but wanted to share regardless:

1. There are some makeup products I’ve been wanting to try. Using a gift card I purchased this mascara (I needed a new bottle and wanted to see if this measures up to my favorite) and got a sample of this tinted moisturizer. So far I’m loving it and I have the full size on the way. I have also been noticing in the past year that my brows are kind of thinning so I’d like to try out some sort of brow…pencil? I don’t know what you call it because I have never ventured into this arena before. Anyway, this is the one I think I’m going to purchase at some point.

2. I just really, really want to treat myself and wear amazing underwear. A set of these briefs is expensive but I’ve been saving up and I think I might take the plunge.

3. Knitting classes and supplies. I already mentioned that my mom is getting me this. It’s even more special because it’s something we will do together.

4. Earrings. I am a stud-wearing girl, but I seem to always be losing one earring so at the moment I only have a pair of gold ones that I love. I mostly wear silver though, so I really want some small studs like this.

5. Spa services. Pedicure, massage. Always appreciated.

6. A running jacket. This looks like a good one. Right now I’m borrowing one from a friend but I’d like to get myself fully geared up for year-round running. (I’d also like more tank tops and shorts for summer as well as a new sports bra.)

I didn’t want David to really spend money on me because we are trying to be smart financially, but he did get me flowers and a super sweet card and a Starbucks gift card. He can’t help but treat me a little bit and I love him for it! What I asked for from him is for us both to take this Myers-Briggs personality type test, and then to discuss our results in depth while on a date (which is happening this weekend). I feel like we know each other pretty well, but I think this will be fascinating and informative, while also helping us communicate better and strengthen our marriage. I asked for this for my birthday so he would be sure to say yes! To me it sounds super fun, but I know he might not think so. ;)

How do you like to celebrate your birthday? I used to try to celebrate all week (a la Gilmore Girls) but it’s gotten harder to do so as I get older and have more responsibilities. But I still do love birthdays. :)

February 5, 2015
i love : art prints from minted

A little while back I heard artist Emily Jeffords interviewed on the Elise Gets Crafty podcast, and later when I looked her up I immediately fell in love with her abstract landscape art. I truly appreciate original art, but I don’t have any of it in my home because right now my money is being spent on things like daycare. But anyway, as much as I would love to own one of Emily’s original pieces, I at least added a print of hers to my Christmas wish list.

“Grace in the Winds” by Emily Jeffords

Emily is one of many independent artists that partners with Minted to offer their prints. As I was browsing their website to choose which one of Emily’s was my favorite, I discovered so many more that I love. Here are some others I’m adding to my wish list:

“Sunset Fade No. 1” by Kelly Ventura

Kelly is another artist whose work I’m now in love with. Here are two more I’m obsessing over:

“Sprig” by Kelly Ventura

“Cascade” by Kelly Ventura

“On the Docks” by Kirby Lee Smith

My husband is a fisherman and even though he doesn’t use a boat exactly like this, I still think he would like it too.

“Grass With Seeds” by Jorey Hurley

I love the simplicity and neutrality of this. So pretty.

“Landing” by Neeta Sawhney

Doesn’t this make you feel free?

I could browse the site for hours, but those are my current faves for the next addition to our gallery wall. Do you think I have a color preference? ;)

Thank you to Minted for partnering with me on this post and allowing me to add something pretty to our home!

December 13, 2014
favorite things giveaway blog hop! (closed)
As a thank you to our readers and in celebration of the season for giving, I’m happy to be joining with a bunch of other bloggers to give away a bundle of my favorite things. Each of us put together our own gifts, so once you’re done here be sure to visit their blogs and enter for a chance to win there too.

Here is what I’m giving away:
- One of my favorite books, Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
- A reusable coffee cup
- And a reusable handmade coffee sleeve for when you forget the cup at home
- Amazing handmade bar soap from a local company, in my favorite vanilla orange scent
- Two sets of alphabet stamps (upper and lower case)
- The best pen ever, plus two refills (seriously this pen makes me excited to journal)
- A year-long subscription to HGTV magazine, the only one I will actually read each month instead of let pile up
Ready to enter? All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. I would love to hear about how your family does Christmas gifts, or what your go-to gift is for coworkers, neighbors, teachers, etc.

The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, December 9 and is USA only.

Remember, visit these lovely blogs to see what they are giving away!

1. Ellie: Ellie Petrov / 2. Sarah: Beauty School Dropout / 3. Shelly: DIY Mama / 4. Karen: Book Delight / 5. Lisa: Expandng / 6. Dean: Mrs. AOK / 7. Jana: Jana Says / 8. NJ: A Cookie Before Dinner
December 3, 2014
recent podcast favorites

Over a year ago I wrote about some of my favorite podcasts. Since then I’ve added a bunch more to my listening queue and wanted to share some new favorites.

From the original list, I still listen to (and love):

>Joy the Baker
>Book Riot
>The Art of Simple (formerly Simple Mom)

Now some recent favorites:

>Elise Gets Crafty: One of my favorite bloggers started a weekly podcast about blogging, small business, inspiration, motivation, and creativity. Even if you don’t have a blog or small business, it’s pretty interesting to hear how all that works.

>Books on the Nightstand: This is the personal project of two employees of Random House so they have plenty of insider knowledge. They usually talk about one or two subjects related to books & publishing, and then each recommend a book.

>How They Blog: As I keep trying to improve my own blog, I’m seeking out some resources and this podcast has been super helpful and inspiring.

>One Bad Mother: Disclaimer that there are lots of swears in this one, but the hosts are so dang funny and likable that I just know we would be friends in real life. They give updates from their lives, discuss a particular subject regarding motherhood, do genius/fails, and usually do an interview as well.

>Sarah R. Bagley: Sarah is a recovering perfectionist and interviews lots of interesting people about what living a B+ life means to them. Whenever I listen I’m always nodding along the entire time!

>The Lively Show: Jess is known for her work on living with intention and her podcast is full of inspiring interviews on everything from fashion to spirituality.

I don’t know if I have time for any more podcasts, but I’m always up for trying a new one! What are your favorites?

October 16, 2014
ultimate healthy living bundle
Have y’all heard of the Ultimate Bundles? They are a hugely discounted bundle of resources – ebooks, ecourses, and bonuses like free product – that are only on sale once a year for a few days. Currently there are three of them: healthy living, homemaking, and DIY home. They couldn’t be more appropriate for me, and I’m sure many of you too!

Last year my mom bought me the homemaking bundle, and this year I’m super excited about the healthy living bundle. In fact, I signed on to be an affiliate with them because it’s such a great deal and I really love the resources included. Seriously, read about what it is here! If you’re interested in healthy, natural living at all – I think you’ll get really excited when you see what’s in this. Here is what I really want to dig into:
- DIY natural remedies
- essential oil info
- gardening notebook (for planning purposes – this is one of my goals!)
- green cleaning recipes
- guide to simple living & decluttering
- dealing with picky eaters (kids)
- becoming a better home cook
- making organic food affordable
- freezer cooking
- natural beauty recipes & gift ideas (I think I’m going to make my Christmas gifts this year)
- tons of real food recipes including Well Fed 2 (a paleo cookbook)
- bonuses: free yogurt or sourdough starter, online yoga membership, real food menu planning service, and lots of beauty/baby products
So cool, right??

In fact, there is so much stuff included that it sounds overwhelming. I have two thoughts on this: one, the bundle comes with a product guide to identify what specific resources you should start with for your priorities. And two, the resources are yours forever, so I intend to take one area at a time to focus on and make it my goal to develop for a month or so, and then move on.

If you’re interested, get your copy right away, because the offer is only good until the 15th, or until 30,000 copies are sold.

So I’m curious – what healthy living areas are you most interested in learning about, or what is your priority right now? Lately I’ve been focusing on food and beauty products, but I really want to develop more in the areas of natural remedies, green cleaning, gardening, and making things from scratch. Look for more about all of these things here on the blog as I get around to tackling them!
September 10, 2014