Dear paper planner, welp, this is awkward. Thanks for holding all of the plans we’ve had to cancel this year. Dear workout shoes, who knew that this would be our year? Thanks for 270 hours, 17 minutes, and 7 seconds of your time so far in 2020. Dear Kev, thanks for the belly laughs, silly dances in the kitchen, new projects, recorded adventures, and meaningful hugs that this year has been filled with. There’s not a person in the world I would rather be stuck in a house with for weeks on end. Dear 52 Book Challenge Goal, I’m surprised we’ve never met. Quarantine loves you and so do I. Dear face masks, the last 44 days has been a love and hate relationship between the two of us. You’ve been my excuse not to get more put together before leaving the house (love) and the reason for less friendly smiles exchanged (hate). I won’t be sad to ditch you when this is all over with. Dear sunsets, is it me or are you prettier this year? Dear Chloe and Willow, thanks for being best sisters and best friends. When you sleep with your heads together or drink water from the bowl at the same time it just melts my heart. Dear IRL and virtual friends, I’m so thankful that you stopped by.
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)
