Our trip to New England and Canada, part 2

Here are the rest of the pictures from our trip, if you're interested...

Our trip to New England and Canada, part 1

We recently went on a ten day adventure to New England and Montreal. Here are some pictures, if you'd like to see...

Back to the Future Day

Although I came across the news during a late night (early morning?) nursing session that today is "Back to the Future" Day, I'm a little late to the posting to the internet party. Alas, I have to commemorate the occasion with an official blog post and a cool Marty McFly picture. Hope it's been everything Marty and Dr. Brown could have ever imagined- minus the hover boards. 

New to the EO game

Have you ever used essential oils? I've seen them floating around in "crunchy mama" land for a while, but have not ever personally tried them. Now that we've hit the terrible four month old sleep regression combined with early teething, I'm thinking about investing in a few staple oils and seeing if they work for our family. I know to be extra careful and do lots of research before administering anything to our baby, and I would love to try some less invasive methods before giving him Tylenol or any other over the counter medications. Especially with winter around the corner (and with it, lots of physical ailments!), it could be a good time to try a few. The great thing is they can also be used in place of cleaning and beauty products. Any tips for a first timer? Interested in learning more? Any other homeopathic recommendations? I'd love to hear...

A list of 101 uses and benefits

How a "regular" person uses essential oils

Tips for using EOs for weight loss

Safe use for babies

Essential oils for newbies, plus other tips

And always remember to be safe.

yummy soup

Fall is in full swing! And one of my favorite things to do in fall is to make homemade soup. I found this delicious Butternut Squash-Sweet Potato-Coconut soup recipe a few weeks ago and decided to give it a try last week. We are still eating leftovers and loving it! It's simple, healthy (besides a little butter ;) ), and festive! I also love when I can throw something on the crockpot. The prep took the most time- cutting all those hard veggies! I added an apple to the crockpot with about an hour left to cook, then some salt at the very end. Do you have any favorite soup recipes? Favorite fall food recipes? Hope your Monday is bright!

we're back

We returned late last night (or early this morning?) from a family trip to New England and Canada. Cue apple cider donuts. I've been absent here on the blog for a few weeks because of our vacation, so I am hoping start things back up again in the next week or so. Also, our sweet babe is four months old today. I know it's cliche, but for reals, where is the time going?? I'm looking forward to a few posts I have in mind, coming soon, regarding birth and babies. In the mean time, enjoy your Fall Wednesday afternoon!

an apple and a river

Six years ago today is a special day for Andrew and me. We frequently explored the outdoors of Athens, each with an apple in tow for a snack. One day we found a spot by the river, and he pulled an apple out of his bag and asked me to be his girlfriend. He knows I am sentimental, so he had even bought a fake apple and written on it so that I could keep it! I said yes, and then as I lunged forward to give him an awkward sitting hug, I proceeded to accidentally kick the apple over the rock cliff and into the river below. Whoops.

I would have liked to have been able to keep the apple, to have it bring up a sweet memory each time I came across it in a box or on a shelf. But I guess not having it is a symbol for me not to hold onto material things, or to be stuck in nostalgia- but to appreciate each moment for what it is... To keep the past close to my heart, but to make room for and enjoy the presence, as well.

Since that day, we've seen graduations, marriage, living internationally, starting real jobs, and having a baby- and we are still so early on our journey. I love the things we've done together, and I am excited for all that's to come... but what I love most is that we are together now. What a joy it is to grow up and grow old with you!

xo


First two photos by Gracie Blue Photography // Last photo by Hannah Forsberg

back in the groove

It's been quite a while since my last update, and my life looks much different now than it did a few months ago. We gave birth to a gorgeous baby boy on June 14th (birth story coming soon), and have been loving the shift into parenthood and a new pace of life together. It is truly a joy. Now that three months have passed, I'm finally starting to get my feet back on the ground again. While my days still feel like a messy blend of nursing, napping, and cooing, I'm finding a bit more of a routine and learning how to work the new normal. I'd love to incorporate the blog back into my days. I must say, I foresee my blog taking a turn and discussing primarily mama & baby topics. But, hey, that's my life now. I'll try to keep it relevant to all, but I love sharing the things that are actually on my mind and heart. So, you've been warned :) For now, I'm just checking in to give myself the jump back into blogging that I'm needing. So on that note, I'll leave you with a few links that I have found interesting from over the past few days...

This is spot on- for introverts, but I think also probably for any person, ever.

I love the authenticity and the vulnerability in these postpartum confessions.

Yes. After my wonderful experience, and seeing how good it can be, I have to say I agree.

Proverbs 31 might have been written for men...

Living in the city, this can feel like my life- Ha!

I love Jimmy, and I love people impersonating Jimmy.



Image found here //

maids in the making

I love all the cute, creative ways brides ask their friends to be bridesmaids these days. Maybe some less creative souls can feel pressure to cave into the Pinterest trends. But, even a sweet card can do the trick! 

This past weekend, a dear friend "popped the question" with this adorable cross-stitch. Can you say "wife-material"?!? No wonder he put a ring on it! Homegirl as her domestic skills DOWN! ;)

In need of some inspiration? Check out this list of 25 fun ways to ask your ladies if they'll stand by your side on your special day. Also, here's how I asked my girls, almost 4 years ago...

xo

7 things not to say to an overdue pregnant woman...

Now that I am in the true thick of it all (no pun intended), I have quite the collection of comments and questions that have been shared with me regarding my pregnancy over the last 9.5 months. While the beauty of pregnancy is that it bonds you with total strangers no matter where you go, the downside is that it bonds you with total strangers no matter where you go. And suddenly, everyone either a) is an expert who insists on sharing their opinion (or worse, horror labor story) or b) accepts your ever increasing size as an invitation to strike up a conversation no matter where you are or what your time constraints might be. I really think the connection to women across generations is amazing and unique, but in my own 40-week+3 pregnant humor, I have to laugh at how people just say the darnedest things...

me + you

I still remember so many details from three years ago today. The cool, gentle breeze and the tall grass in the field blowing softly. The calm and peace I felt, though embarking on a completely new, unknown, and exciting adventure. The sounds of favorite songs and joyful, laughing friends. I love that I have such a beautiful day to remember so fondly. But I love even more the partnership that's been shared since then.

I saw this video a few days ago, and of course it had me in tears. What a beautiful, precious, sacred thing it is to share a life with someone. I am so blessed.

Happy Anniversary, Andrew!

Anniversary number 2, our engagement pictures, wedding pictures here and here, and the winter wedding we never had.

xo

tell a friend

Just in time for the summer heat to make it's grand entrance, and for my pregnancy to reach optimal "so over it" mode... Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream is finally back on the shelves! This calls for a celebratory ice cream cone :)

Something about these sprinkles just gets my mouth watering... 

Doesn't this just give you all the "I need a beach vacation pronto" feels? 

Happy Tuesday!!

// Image Source // 

maternity leave monday

Today is my first official day of maternity leave, and I have big plans for a romantic date with Ikea :) There are still plenty of things to be done to prepare for baby world, but I will spare you the boring details and just leave you with this baby-related (addicting) link that tells you what your name might have been if you were born today, or in any other decade. 

Cheers!! xo

the best gift

You know what gift I have loved giving the past few weeks? Plants! I think I've given away three in the past week! They are simple, beautiful, and full of life (and usually affordable!). Always original, but still "safe"-- meaning, almost anyone can appreciate receiving a plant. Especially with spring on the horizon, I'm loving handing out these little babies of sunshine :)

What's your go-to gift?


P.S. Incredible houseplants and mason jar terrariums 


Image found here //

Have a warm weekend.

Hope you have a good weekend, and stay warm and dry. I'm looking forward to some time with my girl friends and just relaxing after a stressful week. Here are a few fun things I've found online recently... xoxo

Hip new item just hit the market.

Going back to the good ol' days!

When will you tell?

Which home design trends will you try in 2015?

New government encouraged dietary advice...

Sweet baby feet.

Don't forget that Valentine's Day is right around the corner!

Uh oh, way too early to be bathing suit dreaming :)

Everything makes me cry these days...

Chia seed jam.




Image found here //

it's not easy being green

It's tough being pregnant while some of the finest babes of Hollywood, like Carrie Underwood and (allegedly) Jessica Biel, head up the club. Blake Lively looked like a baby-goddess-queen in her last few months leading up to the recent birth of her daughter, meanwhile I am slowly taking the shape of one giant potato. However, there's something bonding about following closely behind the steps of a royal. Especially one who has had a not so magical experience. Poor Kate, bed-ridden with hyperemesis and dehydration. If there's one thing I'll remember about these pregnant days, it will be how many people have told me in response to my battle with severely above-average nausea and vomiting (still on-going deep into my second trimester), "You're like Princess Kate!" I'll take it. Here's to us, Kate Middleton of Cambridge- sisters bonded through our mutual attachment to the porcelain express.

And one of Princess Diana while pregnant with Prince William. Man, the 80's were a rough time to be a pregnant. Thanks, mom, for sticking it out and making it through. 

xo

Image Source: 1. b&w royals // 2. family of 3 //

sister sister

And... she's back! Just for a few weeks to celebrate Christmas. Welcome back to the motherland!

Catch up on her last few months in London, here.

Hope your holidays are warm and special as family comes together and love is shared!

xo

december birthday

Do you have a December birthday? This e-card made me giggle because it is SO TRUE. I've always heard from my December birthday friends that their birthday is often forgotten, and I haven't been totally innocent of it, either. Good luck this year my friends :)

Happy December! 

rain, rain

It is cold and rainy here in Atlanta today, and I would love to curl up in bed with this book or a good netflix show :) (though I am STILL making it through this book). Who wants to go out and face all this rain anyway?!

Here are some smiles to perk up your grey day. 

Stay dry and warm! xo


Update: Just got a text from my boss telling me to stay home. Best. Boss. Ever! Let the reading and watching commence! :)

friday renewal

"...'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing'... You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in peasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance."

Psalm 16

Ever have one of those days where your reading of scripture fills you with that "this is so good" feeling? I love being reminded of the beauty of scripture, and having my love renewed for it. Those are good mornings.

Image Found here //