Helmi’s Gardens is one of my favorite places in Columbia, and we took a little stop by this weekend for a little eye candy. The nursery is chock-full of outdoor plants, trees, succulents, indoor plants, pots and all kinds of plant related goodies. I’m huge on shopping local when we can, and it’s also a great place for all the photo ops.
This is the Chinese Elm Bonsai tree that we brought home (along with his two friends who are hanging out underneath). The tree is 8 years old, so please send us all the good vibes that we can continue to keep it alive.
Just inching closer to the big 3-0. This feels like the first birthday in a while that I’ve actually been excited about. I’m not sure why that is, but I’m glad I’m happy where I’m at. I’ve seen a couple of my favorite bloggers share their birthday wishlist, so I thought I’d do the same. Even though i’m not expecting these items, I think it will be fun collage to look back on in the future. I’ve almost been blogging for 11 years at this point, and looking back on some of the things I’ve shared has given lots of insight into what life was like at the time. Here are a few things that are catching my eye.
ONE. I don’t have a particular brand in mind, but I’d love a phone belt to tuck my phone into when I’m out walking or running. The arm bands just aren’t it, and these have raving reviews.
TWO. So I may have already bought us this (whoops) but huge fan of massage guns lately and couldn’t not include it.
FOUR. This is my favorite camera bag of all time. I love that it’s inconspicuous, and looks like a purse so I could take my camera anywhere. Carrying a camera bag and a purse, or just camera bag as a purse can be a little clunky. This fits just the camera body and a lens which will be perfect for what I typically need.
FIVE. I’m currently swooning over Air Force 1s. These and these.
SIX. I’m a fan of anything green, and pothos are my current favorite because of how easy they are.
SEVEN. Apparently these aren’t as easy to care for, but Monsteras make a statement. Would love to have one of these taking up residence in our home.
EIGHT. Floor length mirror? Yes please. We’re currently using a $3 mirror that was sold when one of us was moving into a college dorm. I love the clean lines of this one and that it can be leaning or mounted to the wall.
NINE. I am loving these watch bands (and bracelets) from Victoria Emerson. I’m not normally a bracelet gal but I love the stacked look and how these are all technically one piece.
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.[b]
4 The sorrows of those who run after[c] another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.[d] 8 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being[e] rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.[f]
11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
The FinalVibe Playlist
Our friend, Josh, who is the curator of the playlist Summer Hits of the 2000s (with over 70,000 followers) is killing it with this new FInalVibe playlist. Listening on repeat.
What It Means To Center Ourselves In Conversation—And How To Practice Decentering Instead
“Centering ourselves means that instead of truly listening to someone’s experience, we derail or challenge the conversation by sharing our own. This harmful refocusing is always unsolicited and is an attempt to protect our privilege and make ourselves feel comfortable.” (Read more of this article by Emily Torres)
In honor of going back to work at the office, I thought I’d share some final thoughts and a day in the life of working from home. I was at home form March 30 – June 5, so just over 2 months. I was one of the last to leave and one of the first to return, and many of my colleagues are still at home and may be for quite some time.
8:15 am | I don’t typically have too long of a commute when I’m in the office, but that combined with less hair washing has definitely left me with a little more time on my hands in the morning. I’ve loved using this time to make a warm breakfast – this day it was pancakes and fruit.
9:34 am | My computer set up is in my “craft room” and it never fails that I have visitors throughout the day. Kevin began working from home before I did, and has his set up in his office downstairs. Our schedules allow us to have lunch together on most days and it makes me really happy.
12:57 pm | The hardest part of working from home is that the dogs want to spend as much time as possible outside, and we obviously need to be inside working. Occasionally, I’ll work out on my lunch break and I’ll do it in the back yard so that the dogs can enjoy the sunshine for a bit.
1:19 pm | Just a little photo of me working away. We brought our entire workstations home from the office, and the two screens barely fit on my desk.
3:02 pm | My little visitor. It’s hard not to want to just crawl in bed next to her! HAHA
8:24 pm | One of my favorite new habits of quarantine is walking and talking on the phone with my Mom while she walks her dogs. This night, we got the most beautiful sunset during our walk.
Overall, I can say after the full two months that working from home isn’t for me. I really miss the camaraderie with my co-workers and was ready to get back in the office despite how different that might look. I’m still hopeful that we’ll be back to normal soon.
Perhaps the reason you are drawn to flowers is not only for their outer beauty, but because they remind you beautiful things will bloom after the longest seasons of waiting. – Morgan Harper Nichols
Social Distancing To Do List Update
Catch up on Project Life/scrapbooking projects
Shred everything in the shred bin
Host Zoom meetings or Group FaceTime hangs with friends
