This week has had it’s ups and downs. Today’s quotes are about quieting your heart, taking a deep breath, and realizing you are in control of your feelings. They also represent tough love and understanding we are not in control of it all sometimes. Kind of opposites I know. But that is how I have been feeling these past few weeks. Even though I have a tough front, I am a pretty sensitive person and little things get to me. I let things build and build until finally I’ll accidentally snag my sweater and that will set me off. I also am a person who has high standards. That applies to a lot of things. People, my work, my future. And when one thing doesn’t go exactly as planned, I let it get to me. This week I am going to work on appreciating things. Realizing that some things aren’t worth ruining our day. Some things aren’t in our control. But also knowing that when we do have the power, to use it to the best of our ability. Treat others with the kindness you want and work in the way that will make you proud at the end of the day.
Next up in my gift guide series is The Hostess! You all know I love home decor. Moving into our first home is what really kickstarted it. I find so much joy browsing around HomeGoods or searching online for the perfect rug. So if you know someone who loves throwing a party or just enjoys her home, I’ve got some amazing finds for you! Can you believe it’s December?? I’m in full on holiday mode! Happy shopping!
Up next in my series of gift guides is my personal favorite (see gift guide #1 here). I’m pretty much obsessed with office supplies. I’m currently working on updating my office and making it a place where I can be inspired. And you clearly see my color preference here. If you know someone who loves creating a pretty workspace, then here are some gift ideas for you. Or if that person is you, then send this list along to your parents, spouse or anyone else needing some gift ideas for you! In an ideal world, I’d snap my fingers and this entire list would appear magically beside me! (Can you even handle that mouse pad?!)
It is officially time to start holiday shopping! I am going to be posting a series of gift guides to help you through this holiday season. I’m starting off with stocking stuffers. These are smaller items that are fine to gift alone or add to any other gift. Can I put these on my wish list as well?! Also I’ll have a post on Black Friday with all the great deals going on so don’t miss out on that! Happy Shopping!
So I’m fully aware that it’s still November, but I’m so ready for Christmas. I walked through Target yesterday and couldn’t stop staring at all their holiday decor. If you like metallics and white, you need to go take a look at their new things. I was just scrolling through Joss & Main, which has become a morning ritual now, and got sucked into the Christmas stuff. I even took out some holiday decor pieces I had in storage last night and tried to put them up super nonchalant so Andrew wouldn’t be able to tell. Here is my compromise, I’m decorating ‘wintery’ right now. No santa’s or red and green is up in our home, just whites and metallics. So if you want to start decorating but be secretive about it, I came up with some ‘winter’ picks that will get you in the mood, but won’t make you look like a Christmas freak. (Confession: Michael Buble Holiday is currently playing on my Pandora.)
It is pumpkin season! My goodness it is everywhere I look! But I am totally fine with it because I love me some pumpkin. So I just posted a new video on my channel showing how to make these pumpkin donut muffins. If you aren’t in the mood to read, come watch the video HERE. These little drops of heaven were super easy to make and got my husband’s approval! (basically they don’t taste gluten free!) I made these first with a little too much batter in each muffin tin, so the next time baking I filled them up only about half way and they turned out much better. I like how these are honestly a perfect mix between a donut and a muffin. Incredibly moist, satisfying and just the right about of pumpkin. I hope you all enjoy!
2. Spray muffin tin with non-stick spray and fill 1/2 way up with batter.
3. Cook for about 10 minutes at 350. (I stick a fork in one at 10 min. and if it comes out clean they are done. If there is still batter on the fork I put them back in for a few minutes.)
4. Brush just the tops with melted butter. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar all around entire donut muffin.
The other day I went to the pumpkin patch with my friends and I took some pics to share with you guys! Nothing like a rustic pumpkin patch, am I right? I was really hoping for a legit corn maze but there was only a hay maze. Meaning we could see everything over hip-level. Super fun for little kids, not too scary for this 26-year-old. Have you guys been to a pumpkin patch yet? I always try to go every year to get in the fall spirit. Andrew couldn’t go this year because he has his Board exam this Wednesday so he’s been studying like a maniac. Which is great! But I’m ready to get my husband back soon! Once he is done, he’ll be completely done with school and can start working full time! I’m so proud of him for all he has accomplished. If any of you have gone through physical therapy school, you know what a job it is. Being married to someone going through it felt like I was in school for three more years too. (Okay, I know it was harder for him. But still!)
Pumpkin patches are totally acceptable photoshoot locations right? I’m going with yes! I loved how all these little families are walking by me trying to pose… One day I’ll have cute pictures of my little kids, but for now it’s just me haha.
I used to love salt water taffy. But now I look at it and think instant cavity.
Here is our wheel barrel of pumpkins! We later went home and painted them. Way less clean up and mess. And the pumpkins last way longer.
Our super fast and wild hay ride.
I hope you all have a great week. Thanks for stopping by!
Hey guys! Today’s words of inspiration are some of my favorites. I have recently decided to quit being such a procrastinator and just get things done. I read the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and it has changed me! I started with my clothes, then moved on to our books, documents etc. If you follow me on my YouTube channel you have probably seen some of my makeup declutter videos. So the thing I never thought would happen (which in the book it actually says will), is that after decluttering my things, I have noticed so many other changes in my life. I still haven’t finished decluttering everything yet. It is a long process! But what I have noticed is that I cherish things more. I take my time getting ready for bed at night. I floss more. I fold my clothes (which I never used to do). I clean my dishes right after using them. I get more done. With less clutter around me, my mind is more at peace and it truly helps me get more accomplished throughout the day. I usually am trying to play catch up with my YouTube videos. But I am so ahead of my upload schedule I don’t know what to do! It is awesome. I feel like I have more time, and my time is valued. I highly recommend you guys read this book! It is super easy to ready and it’s pretty short. Even though it is a little odd at times, the overall message is really effective. Have any of you read it? I hope you all have a great week!
for more words of inspiration visit my pinterest page HERE
All we have in our bedroom currently is a linen tufted bed, teal tufted settee (we had it custom upholstered, but the one above is similar) and mismatched bedside tables. I wanted to put together some decor ideas that I’ve been really into lately. If you guys have seen any of our home vlogs, you have seen our bedroom/closet layout. I want to put a rug like the one above in the closet space to make it look more like a closet and make it look like it’s own room. I also want to put that oval ottoman in the middle of it so we can use it as seating and fill out the room more. For the wall opposite our bed, we have our settee there now. I want to put a gold floor length mirror next to it that leans against the wall along with a little side table. The black chests in the photo are what I’m thinking of for our bedside tables. Our room is pretty big and our current tables look really tiny. I also like the idea of having all that extra storage space. As far as style goes, I want our room to be soft and romantic, but with some moroccan and rustic elements to keep it from looking too stuffy. Let me know what you guys think! I’ll have an update video on my channel soon of our bedroom.
Like always, the quotes I post tend to have a common theme. Lately I have been a lot more into work and getting both ahead and doing more than I had done before. Sometimes we…meaning I…get complacent with where we are and start to do the same things over and over. Before we know it, we look back and wonder what we had done with our time and wished we had accomplished more. Complacency is something that is so easy to succumb to because it is easy. It doesn’t take much effort to do something that you have done a million times before. I’m now trying to challenge myself in all that I do. Even with the simple tasks of daily life. Why do something with 50% off your effort, when you could be putting your all into it and end up completely happier afterwards? Especially in work, I am trying to make improvements in everything I’m doing. Change things up, try new things and if they don’t work then no big deal. Nothing stays consistent forever unless we make it that way. We have the ability to improve what we are doing if we have the right mind set. If any of you have been feeling like you need a change, ask yourself where in life that is. Your relationship? Your job? Especially in relationships, try hard not to get stuck in the same routine every day. I feel like I know my husband so well now, and don’t always need to say how much he means to me because I just assume he knows it. Don’t assume it! Always let someone know how you feel, especially when it’s something good. We are quick to say what bothers us, but hold back what we love and appreciate. I hope you are having a great week so far, and I hope you know how much you all mean to me. Thanks for always being there and supporting me. You guys are the ones who bring ME so much encouragement in my life. Talk soon!
