finding the happy every day

The other day I spent nearly an hour browsing Barnes & Noble between plans. I forgot how calming and refreshing it was to be surrounded by so many books - the written word - and enjoy the environment of a book store/coffee shop. 

Amidst the browsing, I came across this journal sporting the quote, "Do more of what makes you happy." I had to snatch it up as it was a perfect fit for me right now. This month and the few to come are ones of change. Both Sam and I have taken on new roles professionally; jobs that also give us some room for various lifestyle changes as well. 

This journal felt just right when I thought about everything changing for us. With the new change in my day-to-day routine, I've found a renewed sense of energy - both mentally and physically - that has given me opportunity to really pursue the things I've wanted to do for so long: more yoga, more DIY projects, more writing, more reading and so on. 

Said simply: I want to do more of the things that make me happy. Pursue the things that bring me alive. and bring things that felt lost in translation back to the forefront. With some recent inspiration, I've found ways to push them back into my routine, and there's no slowing down from here on out.

In a season of becoming, it's important to feel empowered and happy. And with this little notebook, I'll keep doing just that.

summer vacation: road trip to perdido key, fla.

We spent the last week of July soaking in the sun with friends on the Florida-Alabama line. Sam and I had been craving a vacation for quite some time and were searching for options around our first anniversary. 

Luckily, two spots opened up on a trip we originally had to decline, and we found ourselves in a 10-person condo with great friends for an entire week.

Here are a few (of many!) pictures from the trip:

Now, my only question is, "why don't I live on a beach!?"

one down, a lifetime to go

It's official! Sam and I have been married (more than) one year, and I can hardly believe it. 

As always, a lot has happened in the last year since we said, "I do." But, I can honestly say, it's all been wonderful. They say the first year is the hardest. I don't know who "they" are, but if I did, I'd tell them it's not necessarily true. 

Going on six years together, Sam and I's first year of marriage was amazing. It was eventful - both with obvious ups and downs - but all wonderful.

He's the love of my life and always will be.

Since we were traveling the day of our anniversary, we "officially" celebrated just one day later with a nice dinner, a trip to Tiffany's (yes, I'm spoiled) and a toast with a bottle of (extremely nice) champagne from a sweet family friend. 

If you haven't ever been to Ocean Prime, you're truly missing out. This was our first trip, and I'm sure we'll be back when we're in a position to splurge on a really nice meal again. From the tuna appetizer to the steak dinners and cocktails, we were impressed.

Isn't he handsome?!

And, to my surprise, we made a pitstop at the Fashion Mall to do a little shopping, and we walked out with a gorgeous little necklace with one single pearl. Definitely a classic piece that I can wear forever and ever. Thanks to my sweet hubby.

Cheers to MANY more with this guy.

may day, may day!

This past weekend was full of celebrations. With three May birthdays and a high school graduation - we were all over it with happy stuff. 

Friday eve we made our way to the lakehouse (aka the happiest place on earth... move over Disney!) to spend some much-needed time with my family. We had three May birthdays to celebrate together!

While we didn't get the sunshine we were hoping for on Saturday, we enjoyed a lot of quality time with the clan. Saturday morning, we kicked off the day with a road ride in the middle of nowhere. The 89 percent humidity really did me in, but the view was amazing, and it did feel great nonetheless.

Lunchtime and a few games later, we ventured out onto the boat for the first time this year. It was a little rainy, but we made it nearly around the entirety of the lake. 

Following the May celebrations at Grandview, we headed back north to celebrate a big milestone - a high school graduation! Sam's youngest sis is officially off to college this fall.

Post-graduation, we had a family lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon and evening lounging outside. 

It couldn't have been a better weekend. I think we were ready for some low-key nights with our families to reboot. Looking forward to more lake days and family days all summer long!

inspiration and "aha!" moments

Lately, I've been feeling inspired. I'm not sure what led to some "aha" moments, but I found the inspiration and am acting on it. 

via http://favim.com/image/55225/

A few weeks ago, I started realizing how off I seemed to be with all sorts of things -- budgets, exercise, eating right, and the list goes on. I was forgetting what activities and needs helped reduce the probability of having "one of those days" and was indulging in unnecessary things while also avoiding the necessary. Things like retail therapy made me feel better (this might be a whole other issue...) or eating out too much because I just didn't have the energy to make my own sandwich. I was even choosing no workout at all over a short, quick vent session on the treadmill. The overspending and lack of concentration on healthy habits only stressed me out more.

I was at a crossroads and needed to figure out how to refocus priorities to knock out the overwhelmed feeling.

It has left me inspired to make some changes for the better. Inspired to seek out the best in myself and in others. Inspired to put the crap aside and think about what's important. 

Let's translate that into real-life items, shall we? 

For three weeks, I haven't eaten lunch out... ONCE. For two months (moving forward), I'm making a vow to not shop... AT ALL (exception: a trunk show I'm hosting!). I'm working on releasing negative energy through exercise, and yes, it really, REALLY works. I'm decluttering (from clothes to miscellaneous items) to help feel organized and put together. I'm finally starting some home projects that have been "on the list" for what feels like years. I'm saying no to things that aren't worth it but also saying yes to more things that I know will bring happiness in the end (more friend and family time!).

The list goes on.

All these things will fuel happiness and leave stress out to fend for itself in no-man's land. It will help me share the love more often. It will help me focus.

Lately, I've been feeling inspired, and it's time to reboot!