// You're welcome. //
Have a sassy day, y'all!
May you break out YOUR inner Aretha! :)
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Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
June 9, 2015
In Case You're Feeling Sassy Today...
Have a sassy day, y'all!
May you break out YOUR inner Aretha! :)
May 7, 2015
Gratitude Lately
Lately I'm thankful for rosy blooms that make home homier.
For Saturday coffee & toasty dates where the bakers know your name.
For photos from sissy in far away places.
For learning new things that make my creative soul happy.
For spring weather with great views.
For favorite coffee shops that feel like home.
For local made goods and the heart behind them.
For parents who know how to party,
For dog park Sundays and an adventurous one that loves mud puddles.
For the cute freckles on his eyelids and that kind heart that makes marriage such a blessing.
.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.
Here's to gratitude and how it makes life fuller, and the smallest things more than enough. As always, thanks for the inspiration, Today's Letters!
// What are you thankful for today? //
April 29, 2015
Currently Loving
I'm on my 3rd cup of coffee and my head is in the sky today.
A little too much daydreaming happening. So many things that I am excited about and looking forward to coming up soon, and the countdown to our Nashville trip is on (t-minus 24 days...).
Despite my craziness, I thought if I focused on a few things I am currently loving it may get me through in the meantime...
Currently...
listening//
To "Honey I'm Good" by Andy Grammar. Why the heck is this song so catchy?
I sing it in the shower, at my desk, and on volume 700 during my evening commute.
thinking//
I could go for a beachy vacation right about now. Long work days and high stress could be eased with a fruity umbrella drink and a gorgeous ocean view, I'm sure! Who's with me?
craving//
Anything outside. I am ready to garden, turn our patio into an outdoor oasis, grill out, go to the dog park... you name it. Ready for hipster tunes + patio + craft beer + fire pit.
looking //
For some really comfy casual shoes that are cute. I ordered these light gray converse sneaks, but sadly my feet are too wide (darn dancing for 15 years!) to fit comfortably.
buying//
Anything from target right now. Heaven help my bank account! (Why is everything so dreamy?)
eating//
The BEST guacamole ever - best Costco find!
watching//
The Office from the beginning. We forgot how funny it is. My favorite episode is coming up... Jim and Pam's wedding where I will probably cry when Jim cuts his tie off. So sweet and I'm a sap!
creating//
Some cute personalized etched dishes for my friend's wedding shower gift. So excited to get crafty and dig into a new project!
wishing//
I was gallivanting through Europe with my adventurous sister. She is studying abroad in the Czech Republic, but has been exploring in the Italian Riviera, Rome, London, Paris, Budapest, Barcelona, and Germany to name a few. Take me there!
planning//
WAY too many things to do on our trip. I finally had to calm down and realize that I can have some must-do options, but in the end I really just want us to do whatever we actually feel like doing every day. Those are the best vacations. But if you have any good Nashville recommendations of what to do/see/shop/eat, please keep them coming!
pinning//
Some inspiration for turning our porch into an oasis of laid back atmosphere. Can't wait to share my inspiration (and the finished product!) soon!
loving//
My new hibiscus tree that I have been obsessed with finding over the last few years. Well I finally found Lil 'Bis (Adam named her) Sunday and we drove all the way home with a giant tree stuffed in our car - my husband is a saint. Lil 'Bis has been making me happy and feel tropical ever since then.
________________________________________________
A little too much daydreaming happening. So many things that I am excited about and looking forward to coming up soon, and the countdown to our Nashville trip is on (t-minus 24 days...).
Despite my craziness, I thought if I focused on a few things I am currently loving it may get me through in the meantime...
listening//
To "Honey I'm Good" by Andy Grammar. Why the heck is this song so catchy?
I sing it in the shower, at my desk, and on volume 700 during my evening commute.
thinking//
I could go for a beachy vacation right about now. Long work days and high stress could be eased with a fruity umbrella drink and a gorgeous ocean view, I'm sure! Who's with me?
craving//
Anything outside. I am ready to garden, turn our patio into an outdoor oasis, grill out, go to the dog park... you name it. Ready for hipster tunes + patio + craft beer + fire pit.
looking //
For some really comfy casual shoes that are cute. I ordered these light gray converse sneaks, but sadly my feet are too wide (darn dancing for 15 years!) to fit comfortably.
buying//
Anything from target right now. Heaven help my bank account! (Why is everything so dreamy?)
eating//
The BEST guacamole ever - best Costco find!
watching//
The Office from the beginning. We forgot how funny it is. My favorite episode is coming up... Jim and Pam's wedding where I will probably cry when Jim cuts his tie off. So sweet and I'm a sap!
creating//
Some cute personalized etched dishes for my friend's wedding shower gift. So excited to get crafty and dig into a new project!
wishing//
I was gallivanting through Europe with my adventurous sister. She is studying abroad in the Czech Republic, but has been exploring in the Italian Riviera, Rome, London, Paris, Budapest, Barcelona, and Germany to name a few. Take me there!
planning//
WAY too many things to do on our trip. I finally had to calm down and realize that I can have some must-do options, but in the end I really just want us to do whatever we actually feel like doing every day. Those are the best vacations. But if you have any good Nashville recommendations of what to do/see/shop/eat, please keep them coming!
pinning//
Some inspiration for turning our porch into an oasis of laid back atmosphere. Can't wait to share my inspiration (and the finished product!) soon!
loving//
My new hibiscus tree that I have been obsessed with finding over the last few years. Well I finally found Lil 'Bis (Adam named her) Sunday and we drove all the way home with a giant tree stuffed in our car - my husband is a saint. Lil 'Bis has been making me happy and feel tropical ever since then.
.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.
What are you currently loving this week?
March 31, 2015
To Chop Or Not To Chop...
Okay, I can't take it any longer. I think I'm ready for a change.
My hair grows so quickly and I grew it back out to almost pre-wedding length, but I am getting the itch for something new and fresh.
Because I get up at 5AM for work, it's so tempting for me to sleep in 30 minutes later, spritz some dry shampoo into my blonde locks, and pretend like having a ponytail is totally chic and acceptable everyday. Well, I'm 28 years old and should probably look a wee bit more professional than whisking my frazzled hair into a pony just because it's long enough.
So I started thinking that a good chop could do the trick. When my hair is short it looks so much fuller, soft, healthy, and dries in 5 minutes flat. It's so easy and you always look put together. I mean, if you can do your hair in under 10 minutes, there is no excuse, right? So here is what I'm thinking at my appointment today...
________________________________________________
My hair grows so quickly and I grew it back out to almost pre-wedding length, but I am getting the itch for something new and fresh.
Because I get up at 5AM for work, it's so tempting for me to sleep in 30 minutes later, spritz some dry shampoo into my blonde locks, and pretend like having a ponytail is totally chic and acceptable everyday. Well, I'm 28 years old and should probably look a wee bit more professional than whisking my frazzled hair into a pony just because it's long enough.
So I started thinking that a good chop could do the trick. When my hair is short it looks so much fuller, soft, healthy, and dries in 5 minutes flat. It's so easy and you always look put together. I mean, if you can do your hair in under 10 minutes, there is no excuse, right? So here is what I'm thinking at my appointment today...
My hair inspiration board on Pinterest is filling up quickly with these cute little stacked bobs. I could go for something flirty, layered, and sleek. And add a little pop of fresh blonde in there too.
What do you think? A fresh spring do?
To chop or not to chop, that is the question...
March 24, 2015
Gratitude Lately
Lately I'm thankful for pretty latte art and good conversations on a rainy day.
For fancy Houston country club weddings with this piece of eye candy (and free champagne!).
For rustic tables and swirly coffee breaks (and non-judgment for my coffee obsession + additional coffee photo).
For cozy nights in jammers getting my tushy schooled at backgammon.
(he cheats.)
For surprise bottles of wine that appear on the kitchen counter and for our little birdy wedding cake toppers that remind us of our favorite day.
For superhero spousal patience while I pop in to my favorite sweet shop to indulge in the pretty {overly girly!} window display.
For the fun experience of my first blowout, complete with pink champagne, my favorite gals, and big Texas hair. And I'm talking big...
For my incredible friends that I am so lucky to have met through a local blogging group, and how they inspire me daily.
For this little sock-stealing snuggle monster.
.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.
Here's to gratitude and how it makes life fuller, and the smallest things more than enough. As always, thanks for the inspiration, Today's Letters!
// What are you thankful for today? //
March 17, 2015
Fit Bod, Fun Life Series Week 3: Setting Limits Around Food
Top o' the mornin' to ya!
Happy St. Patrick's Day, lads and lassies!
If you're just now tuning in to the Fit Bod, Fun Life series, don't you worry! My healthy living guru friend, Mariah Secrest-Comer has some great real life inspiration for you today that is simple, forgiving, and attainable. This series has been such a breath of fresh air and motivation, and I hope it encourages you to be a healthier you! Today is exactly the message I need to hear and it even comes with a healthy eating lunch guide - win win!
Luckily for you, Mariah is a certified personal trainer and a healthy living enthusiast. She definitely practices what she preaches! This girl will get you moving and eating healthier in a way that is uplifting and not overwhelming, so here is her challenge for us this week...
Fit Bod, Fun Life SeriesWeek 3:
Setting Limits Around Food
Last night for dinner I had a veggie burger with the works (including an extra side of cheese sauce), green chili chipotle fries, and a couple pours of a great red wine.
Okay, if you’re waiting for me to say, “Pysch!”, well, I’m sorry to disappoint. I really did! And if you’re wondering why I’m not hiding in a corner trying to keep you from finding out—then that’s exactly what I want to talk to you about today. Even more than exercise habits, food choices are almost instantly classified into categories that carry an almost moral connotation to them. Think about the way we describe food choices:
“No dessert. I’m trying to be good with that upcoming event around the corner."
“I was bad last night, so it’s a salad today for me.”
“This chocolate cake is sinfully delicious.”
“It’s so bad, but it’s so good!”
But at its core, food is morally neutral. We have to eat to sustain life. Food has the capacity to bring immense pleasure. And believe it or not, the reason food brings pleasure is actually a pretty sophisticated process designed to help us stay healthy. (For more on this, check out my post "Why You’re Wired for Stress Eating”.
And here’s the real deal:
People who have entirely black-and-white views of food tend to struggle the most with poor food choices over time.
People who have entirely black-and-white views of food tend to struggle the most with poor food choices over time.
Now, OBVIOUSLY what we put into our body has a tremendous impact on not only our weight and body composition, but also on a huge range of health factors (including disease risk, mood, complexion, liver function, toxicity, metabolism, hormone regulation, etc.)
I’ve found the best approach to long-term weight-loss results—as well as having a positive, healthy body image—is to put limits around unhealthy food. But the very word “limit” implies that there is some presence of something.
Aim to limit unhealthy foods, not eliminate them.
Here are a couple practical tips for helping you create limits so that you enjoy a healthy relationship with food—one that’s hallmarked by confidence rather than deprivation on the one hand, or powerlessness on the other:
- Rate Your Cravings: We want to avoid mindless eating, but it’s silly to deny that sometimes we prefer, say, the taste of gooey Brie to the taste of raw carrots. If you’re presented with a food that’s not a Perfect 10 in the nutrition department, ask yourself, “How much do I really want this?” If it’s your favorite food ever, maybe it’s worth it. But if you’re eating cookies just because they’re there, there’s no reason to waste the calories on something that doesn’t bring that much pleasure.
- Wait 15 Minutes: This trick works especially well for me when it comes to wanting seconds of something—even a healthy food—because portion control can make or break our weight-loss efforts. It takes about 15 minutes for your brain to register that it’s full after eating. Similarly, the brain can be tricked into craving food when your body is actually thirsty, or stressed, or sad. Ask yourself to wait 15 minutes, and then reevaluate if you’re either still hungry or still really craving that particular thing. Nine times out of 10, you’ll have moved on. But if you’re still obsessed…go for it!
- Set Incremental Goals: When working one-on-one with a client’s nutrition plan, I encourage him or her to set specific goals and then to stagger the implementation of those goals. If you try to change an entire decade’s worth of eating habits on a Tuesday, you’ll probably last until about Friday and then give up. Set yourself up for the momentum of success by laying out the changes you want to make, and then scheduling those changes out over time. Give each goal a date of implementation—for example, “This week I’m going to drop down to two sodas a day, and then next week I’ll drop to one.”
- Plan For Indulgences: I am not telling you never to have another fro-yo again in your life. That wouldn’t be very fun, and you’d get discouraged and give up anyway. But what I want is for you to be in control of your choices, so that eating something unhealthy doesn’t carry guilt or the feeling of a slip-up. The best way I know to do this is to set certain parameters in which it’s okay for you to eat foods with less nutritional content. For me, this is a standing weekly “anything goes” meal like last night’s fantastic feast at Zinburger. But you can create different scenarios that work for you, like “If I follow my training program this week for that 5K, I can get that Starbucks Frappuccino after work on Friday.”
When you’re making food choices, the goal is to maximize your pleasure while minimizing any detrimental health risks. Don’t waste your calories on cheap junk that doesn’t satisfy you.
DO recognize that weight-loss is a slow journey—yes, you can starve yourself and lose 5 pounds this week, but we want you to be fit and happy FOREVER. This is the formula that has worked for me over the past decade, and I can’t wait for you to put it to the test!
To help you get started on eating intentionally, I’d love to invite you to download my free Healthier Workday Lunch Guide...
Click HERE to download Lunch Guide
.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.
In case you missed the other AWESOME installments of Fit Bod, Fun Life...
March 9, 2015
A Letter to My Hubs On Our Anniversary
Oh what a happy day it is!
2 years ago I married the man of my dreams and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't wake up thankful for the blessing of his unconditional love.
Don't get me wrong, we have been through so many ups and downs together in the last 6 years. We've learned (and keep learning) how much work marriage is, but rich is the reward and I wouldn't want to work at it with anyone else.
It's funny to think about how much I thought I knew/loved him back then, but each year just keeps getting better. My love for Adam only continues to grow deeper, and what adventures we have lying ahead!
Dear Adam Trembley,
Thank you for teaching me that...
+ happily ever after is a choice
+ it's okay to eat cold pizza for breakfast
+ some of life's greatest joys are the simple things
+ no matter how many days (weeks?) we leave clothes in the dryer, they can always be re-fluffed for the 3rd time without judgment
+ grace will always be given even if I've had to apologize four times before noon
+ your primary love languages are sour patch kids and scalp massages
+ any day is redeemable, it just takes the willpower to turn it around
+ hugs (and good beer) cure any bad day
+ some days are just meant for staying in our jammers and sipping coffee with the windows open
+ when we dream together anything is possible
+ cinnamon toast crunch is totally acceptable as a complete meal
+ there is always beauty in imperfection, you just have to find it.
So thankful for you and for how you love me so well, today and everyday.
Love you. This truly is happily ever after!
+ happily ever after is a choice
+ it's okay to eat cold pizza for breakfast
+ some of life's greatest joys are the simple things
+ no matter how many days (weeks?) we leave clothes in the dryer, they can always be re-fluffed for the 3rd time without judgment
+ grace will always be given even if I've had to apologize four times before noon
+ your primary love languages are sour patch kids and scalp massages
+ any day is redeemable, it just takes the willpower to turn it around
+ hugs (and good beer) cure any bad day
+ some days are just meant for staying in our jammers and sipping coffee with the windows open
+ when we dream together anything is possible
+ cinnamon toast crunch is totally acceptable as a complete meal
+ there is always beauty in imperfection, you just have to find it.
So thankful for you and for how you love me so well, today and everyday.
Love you. This truly is happily ever after!
February 1, 2015
#LikeAGirl
December 4, 2014
Big Announcement + Sneak Peek!
I couldn't be more thrilled to announce my brand new endeavor.
My Cozy Couture Handmade shop on Etsy is now moving to retail! That's right folks, RETAIL!
(Read: What the heck am I doing?)
Here in Kansas City, we have "Warehouse Weekends", which is a monthly shopping event just west of downtown. It happens the first weekend of every month where cool old warehouse buildings come alive with vendors selling unique home decor, antiques, handmade items, and LOTS of great finds.
So of course I was completely humbled and excited when the lovely Geri Wurth, owner of Top Hat Mercantile, invited me to join her esteemed West Bottoms vendor team and sell my headwraps and handmade products.
And guess what? The big sale starts TOMORROW! Here's a sneak peek...
________________________________________________
(Read: What the heck am I doing?)
Here in Kansas City, we have "Warehouse Weekends", which is a monthly shopping event just west of downtown. It happens the first weekend of every month where cool old warehouse buildings come alive with vendors selling unique home decor, antiques, handmade items, and LOTS of great finds.
So of course I was completely humbled and excited when the lovely Geri Wurth, owner of Top Hat Mercantile, invited me to join her esteemed West Bottoms vendor team and sell my headwraps and handmade products.
And guess what? The big sale starts TOMORROW! Here's a sneak peek...
So in case any of my lovely KC gal pals want to drop by and check it out, I would love to see you! I will be on-site with the vendor team working the event for the Saturday afternoon portion, so please come say hi!
I've been down setting up my space the last few nights and let me tell you, this holiday sale is going to be incredible. They have completely transformed this space into a creative wonderland. Everyone at Top Hat is so talented (and so gosh darn friendly!) - I already have my eye on some favorite finds to purchase ASAP!
In case you aren't in the KC area, please check-out my extensive handmade items up on my Etsy shop. Everything is handcrafted with love by your truly, so I would love to send something special your way! I will be posting lots of holiday baby items soon - stay tuned!
If you are looking for the perfect stocking stuffer or holiday gift, the headwraps usually sell out during the month of December - so go check them out! I LOVE making these cozy accessories! :)
A very special thanks to the many of you who have supported and encouraged what I love to do, and I can't thank you enough for your many purchases, well wishes, and love. You make my world go 'round!
.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.
Hope to see YOU this Saturday or drop by to shop anytime Friday (9-7 PM), Saturday (9-7 PM) & Sunday (11-3 PM):
_____________________
Top Hat Mercantile
1285 Hickory St.
KC, MO 64102
_____________________
xoxoxox!
October 29, 2014
Currently Loving
T-minus 29 hours until we leave for our Washington/Idaho trip!
Holy cow... how on earth am I going to get through the work day? I'm already giddy about getting the heck out of here for a bit.
I. Cannot. Focus.
I am so ready to be spending time with my other half, enjoying the crisp 50 degree fall weather, going on morning hikes, sipping hot cocoa, relaxing at the Coeur d'Alene spa. This vacation will be welcomed with open arms!
Despite my craziness, I thought if I focused on a few things I am currently loving it may get me through in the meantime...
Currently...
listening//
To Taylor Swift's 1989 album on repeat. It's incredible and I cannot get enough! I actually met her back in 2007 and she is the nicest person on the face of the planet. Are you geeking out too?
thinking//
An express mani/pedi lunch appointment is a pre-trip necessity. In the fall I can't get enough of those extra dark nail hues. Hello plum and navy!
cheering//
For our boys in blue! That's right, the Royals have made it to the final World Series game and it's our time! Who are you cheering for?
looking //
Out the window daydreaming. In 2 days I will be glancing out our hotel window at the gorgeous lake dotted with crimson and gold trees as I'm nestled by the fireplace.
buying//
Anything plaid. Vests. Outdoors inspired cozy fall outfits. And I am dying for a pair of chunky ankle booties, but have yet to find some - any recommendations?
eating//
A delicious homemade pumpkin chocolate chip muffin. If you are looking for a crowd pleasing recipe, look no further my friends, this is it.
watching//
It's hard to find time to watch my favorite shows since we've been watching baseball in our jammers every night! But, have you all seen How To Get Away With Murder. That show is insane and it's placement right after Scandal makes Thursday night my favorite night.
creating//
I had a blast making our home cozy for my favorite fall season, but I have been starting to get a little googly eyed thinking about a rustic inspired Christmas tree.
Good thing we are going to my favorite Christmas store in Idaho. Last year I brought home a suitcase full of fluffy white barn owls to decorate with. This year, I am thinking pine cones, owls, feathers, gold, burlap. I am clearly out of control...
wishing//
I could find a good new book to start over vacation. The last few I read were Gone Girl, Beautiful Ruins, and A Fault in Our Stars. Help!
planning//
WAY too many things to do on our trip. I finally had to calm down and realize that I can have some options and I really just want us to do whatever we actually feel like doing every day. Those are the best vacations.
pinning//
Different tattoo ideas. I want something delicate, beautiful, heartfelt, [small], and meaningful.
wearing//
Blue everything. Blue Royals tee, blue underoos (TMI?), blue jeans, blue hair tie. This whole city is glowing blue and I love it.
eyeing//
Some awesome prints for our house, or really anything my hipster loving heart comes across... goodness. Good thing my birthday is in 21 days! Cue birthday wishlist post...
loving//
The new Disqus commenting system I installed on the blog last week. It's so much easier to stay connected and chat with all of you! :)
counting//
Still counting down the days until Christmas... 56!
________________________________________________
Holy cow... how on earth am I going to get through the work day? I'm already giddy about getting the heck out of here for a bit.
I. Cannot. Focus.
I am so ready to be spending time with my other half, enjoying the crisp 50 degree fall weather, going on morning hikes, sipping hot cocoa, relaxing at the Coeur d'Alene spa. This vacation will be welcomed with open arms!
Despite my craziness, I thought if I focused on a few things I am currently loving it may get me through in the meantime...
{Couer d'Alene Resort via}
Currently...
listening//
To Taylor Swift's 1989 album on repeat. It's incredible and I cannot get enough! I actually met her back in 2007 and she is the nicest person on the face of the planet. Are you geeking out too?
thinking//
An express mani/pedi lunch appointment is a pre-trip necessity. In the fall I can't get enough of those extra dark nail hues. Hello plum and navy!
cheering//
For our boys in blue! That's right, the Royals have made it to the final World Series game and it's our time! Who are you cheering for?
looking //
Out the window daydreaming. In 2 days I will be glancing out our hotel window at the gorgeous lake dotted with crimson and gold trees as I'm nestled by the fireplace.
buying//
Anything plaid. Vests. Outdoors inspired cozy fall outfits. And I am dying for a pair of chunky ankle booties, but have yet to find some - any recommendations?
eating//
A delicious homemade pumpkin chocolate chip muffin. If you are looking for a crowd pleasing recipe, look no further my friends, this is it.
watching//
It's hard to find time to watch my favorite shows since we've been watching baseball in our jammers every night! But, have you all seen How To Get Away With Murder. That show is insane and it's placement right after Scandal makes Thursday night my favorite night.
creating//
I had a blast making our home cozy for my favorite fall season, but I have been starting to get a little googly eyed thinking about a rustic inspired Christmas tree.
Good thing we are going to my favorite Christmas store in Idaho. Last year I brought home a suitcase full of fluffy white barn owls to decorate with. This year, I am thinking pine cones, owls, feathers, gold, burlap. I am clearly out of control...
wishing//
I could find a good new book to start over vacation. The last few I read were Gone Girl, Beautiful Ruins, and A Fault in Our Stars. Help!
planning//
WAY too many things to do on our trip. I finally had to calm down and realize that I can have some options and I really just want us to do whatever we actually feel like doing every day. Those are the best vacations.
pinning//
Different tattoo ideas. I want something delicate, beautiful, heartfelt, [small], and meaningful.
wearing//
Blue everything. Blue Royals tee, blue underoos (TMI?), blue jeans, blue hair tie. This whole city is glowing blue and I love it.
eyeing//
Some awesome prints for our house, or really anything my hipster loving heart comes across... goodness. Good thing my birthday is in 21 days! Cue birthday wishlist post...
loving//
The new Disqus commenting system I installed on the blog last week. It's so much easier to stay connected and chat with all of you! :)
counting//
Still counting down the days until Christmas... 56!
.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.
What are you currently loving this week?