oh how I miss sunny funny florida! there will be some serious recapping and photo dumping soon, but I need to organize first. it seems ever since we’ve been back home I’ve been in some sort of post-vacation haze, like I just can’t quite plant my feet on the ground and move forward just yet. life moves pretty quick as a matter-of-fact, gotta go catch up!
here’s a mini-glimpse of our time enjoying home:
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we worked outside this weekend readying the house for dare I say summer! new flowers, new outdoor toys, general outside sprucing for long sticky days in the sun to commence soon. which had me thinking about gardening, how hard it actually is! standing in the middle of the garden department of home depot trying to pinpoint just how many hours of sun vs. shade my garden patch receives and realizing I had no idea. details! but important nonetheless. and I just love that with that same dedication to make a garden grow, we can turn inward to our own joy. patience, willingness, strength, commitment, we can truly cultivate our own being with just a few of the properties we instill elsewhere.
so, here’s to a new day, new week and a new dedication to our own garden!
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it’s one of those times where I feel like I just cannot get it together. I am feeling behind on everything, from parenting to reading to blogging to vacuuming to unpacking to making doctor’s appointments. blame it on vacation? sure, I feel entirely out-of-the-loop when I’m holed up in paradise with my family. but, no excuse. it’s time to be in the swing of things, not flailing around wishing I was. here’s to tomorrow! and getting it right.
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my adorable sister-in-law leaves for a summer abroad program in london! tomorrow. she is going to just have the best time, exploring the city, making new friends, experiencing british life & having so much fun! (and studying, of course) cheerio darling! make good choices! don’t forget to write!
last summer my husband and I jetsetted off on an impromptu trip to london to visit friends and experience the olympics. the summer olympics! an absolute dream of mine to attend – and because the trip was so last minute tickets were unable to be acquired. but! we were there! and saw some of the open events: the triathlon, boating, marathon. and we popped over to paris via the chunnel for 36 hours. swoon. I know. travel is good for the soul I tell you, I highly recommend it.
until next time, london & paris. thanks for the memories!
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dear mom, I love you. happy mother’s day! I especially love you for all you’ve taught me. such as:
it is far better to be overdressed
elbows off the table
never give up
to read is to dream
the ocean cures all
vitamin D in the form of sunshine. every day.
keep believing
love love love your family
stay engaged
praying is good for the soul
the perfect salmon dinner. every time.
it is most important to have fun
keep moving, going & doing
the best mascara is lancome
education is everything
if all else fails, have a good laugh
thanks, mom. I really do love you. you’re the best. xox
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it’s my brother’s birthday tomorrow, and what better reminder than a birthday to celebrate your spark, your world and the life you deserve? happiest of birthdays to my younger, most handsome, brilliant and fun brother of mine. here’s to another trip around the sun!! xox
happy friday, have the best weekend and revel in the possibility!
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jihan zencirli of geronimo! balloons is the coolest. she’s an entrepreneur & balloon extraordinaire, delivering joy to all she meets. I loved her interview with the everygirl, and I wanted to share a bit of her musings. her advice is just the best; it’s funny, poignant, genuine, and important to remember.
on starting her own business: don’t compare yourself to anyone or anything else. it’s called growing a business for a reason, and that’s what you must focus on. everyone has a better business and story and more money and better hair. but who cares? do the best you can and stay true to yourself.
on finding that something: find something you love to do but can still remain objective about. what you devote yourself to should be a passion, but maybe not the one thing that you love most. keep that sacred. experiment and be willing to look silly trying new ideas. the wrong idea is the right idea to lead you to the best idea.
on obstacles: overcoming comes through action. I am sent flying into innovation, dreaming big, creating new things and acting on my inspiration to move my business along, not just maintain. keeping perspective is also so important. I want to look back at these years and not regret missing great experiences because I was so driven to see my company succeed.
on taking the leap: I resigned from my job as creative director for a children’s character education company where I designed yoyo’s and other fun novelties all with a message inscribed on them to help kids in life, “Never Give Up. Encourage Others. Do your Best.” taking this advice, I packed all my things into a 17-foot Uhaul, hitched my car to the rear and drove to los angeles to begin a new life.
on growing her business: be nice. be genuine. be generous. you should be donating your time and talent or products to help other people out. it always comes back to you at some point, but even if it doesn’t, it just feels better to support and give as much as you can.
on what she knows now: slow down, focus on something and be good at it. also, it’s okay you’re 23 and not 30, people still take you serious so long as you do. stop over-plucking your eyebrows and be a good friend to yourself.
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