Little Letters
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
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.
Turning 29: Things I’ve Learned and Love this Year
Today is my 29th birthday! I thought I’d take a note out of Rachel Dawson’s book and write about all the things that I’ve learned and loved over the past 365 days. The last couple birthdays have been tough, but I’ve felt so much more peace and assurance with 29.
Here are 29 Things I’ve Learned This Year:
- Global pandemics can happen. They bring fear, anxiety, and chaos when you can’t imagine there being more. But in the midst of the unpredictable there can be peace and healing and gratitude. We have a far greater propensity for change and adapting than we give ourselves credit for.
- Sabbath is essential. God didn’t create it for His benefit, but for mine. For me, rest looks like going on adventures, naps, gardening, taking out the big camera, and chasing the dogs in the yard.
- Staying consistent and building daily habits is key for me.
- Documenting my life continues help me see big and small blessings.
- Making goals and checking in with myself regularly helps me to consistently reprioritize and shift my focus to what really matters and let go of what doesn’t.
- Finding gratitude in the mundane has kept me sane during these “unprecedented” times.
- Yes, I can. Sometimes I hold myself back for no reason other than that I don’t believe in myself enough.
- Showing up is 90% of the battle.
Here are 29 Things I’ve Loved This Year:
- Quiet Time Baskets.
- Airpods.
- All the plants (but specifically: Pothos, ZZ, and Jade).
- King-sized, Purple Mattresses.
- Essential Oils.
- Memes.
- Powersheets (always).
- A pocket reminder of my One Little Word.
- FinalVibe Podcast.
- Long walks (bonus points if friends tag along).
- Supporting local businesses.
- The Enneagram.
- Schitt’s Creek.
- Books that are part of a series.
- YouTube.
- Tailgate szn.
- Cotton candy sunsets.
- Best pups.
- Audiobooks from the library.
- The Marco Polo App.
- Roomba.
- Gatorade Zero.
- Sheer curtains.
- Taylor Swift’s new album Folklore.
- Making Lists.
- Naps (forever).
- Massage Gun.
- Outlook and Google Calendar.
- Time outside during sunset.
Wishing For Twenty – Nine
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.
THREE. I’m a huge fan of the Hemnes line at IKEA.
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.
