warm.

Moving into the townhouse has been an adventure. It was't until my first night sleeping here that it really hit me that this is the first time I've ever lived alone. There's something kind of liberating and exciting about that. I had fun roommates throughout college (with the exception of my fateful freshman year... my first roommate was not simply riding the crazy train, she was driving it. Off the side off a cliff.) Living alone is unmistakably different. Of course I'll miss the companionship at times, but there's comfort in the quiet too. 

Another thing about your first place on your own... filling it. I didn't realize how little I owned. Well, as far as house things go. Clothes? Another story. But furniture and kitchen wares and things of the sort... Not so much. My cousins and I have lovingly taken to calling our parents' and grandma's attics/garages "Free Stuff Emporium." Though the boys are more attracted to the finance factor (i.e. free) I love the idea of sitting on my grandma's old couch with my feet propped up on mom and dad's old coffee table. I like thinking about the board games we played on this very table, and there's something really special about cooking breakfast in the same pan my dad used to make me pancakes for me every morning of high school. There are nicer pans out there, and this one is a little worn, but little things like this make my place feel cozy and homey. 

Another thing that contributed to the "warming" of this house? The outpouring of love from family and friends. In addition to all the wine in Napa Valley, I've received countless other sweet gifts too... from the perfect monogrammed mug to a bright bouquet for my dining room table (that once belonged to my grandparents) to a fun bottle opener that will be perfection on my back porch all summer long... It may be February 26, rainy and gloomy outside, but things are undeniably warm in here. 

[coffee & candles contribute to the warmth, and I must admit I'm not above decorating with chocolates]

Guilt-free Friday

Ahhh I woke up early this morning, almost giddy at the thought of Guilt-free Friday. It has been far too long! I hope you have fun & exciting plans for this weekend. I'm hoping to be wildly productive, though there's an extra bottle of champagne in the fridge leftover from my sweet grandmother's luncheon yesterday. So cheers, my sweets, to creativity, productivity, and festivity! (because there's always a reason to celebrate.) xoxo until next time...

Hey! It's ok...

... if peanut butter accounts for 93% of your protein intake.

... aaand if Girl Scout Cookies and Reese's account for 93% of your peanut butter intake. 

... if a Tagalong will always be a Tagalong. And a Samoa is a Samoa, regardless of how politically incorrect it may be. 

... if your hair is 4 weeks overdue for a trim, your gym visits have been sporadic at best, and if laundry has fallen by the wayside, but you've maintained perfectly-pedicured toes throughout the duration of this bitter season. Priorities. 

[image via Pinterest]

hiii&imissedyou

"Lucy, you've got some splainin to do..."

I know, Ricky, I know. 

Things have been an absolute whirlwind. Condensed version? New job, new house, new new new. It's been an adjustment. It's fun and exciting and there's so much to do and to share. I know I've been holding out on you, but between my trip to San Diego, remodeling and furnishing  a 3-bedroom townhouse, and a new business endeavor... I'm coming up for air. 

This week has been rough. Oh gosh, it's only Tuesday. Ok, this week got off to a rough start. I don't want to go into too much detail, but when I went to bed last night I was feeling overwhelmed and angsty. But God reminded me, through a poem I first read in middle school, that things are going to be ok. God is funny like that, using poems to speak to you, and I'm not just talking the Psalms (though He does that too, you know.) He is the God of the universe, He is the God of poetry, His mercies are new every morning. I am thankful. 

"If" by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you  

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,  

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;  

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,

Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,

And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;  

If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;  

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;  

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,  

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,  

Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,  

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,  

And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

And, just to be fair, a photo catch-all...

 gorgeous San Diego sunset

and hotel room scribblings

 the most fun, inspirational group of women

 new keys! paints swatches & a sweet housewarming gift (side note: the number of bottles of wine I received as housewarming gifts... alarming. I don't hate it.)

sneak peek at my new room! the inspiration was "Eloise at the Plaza" meets Trinidad James "All Gold Everything" because I'm cool like that. 

Aaaand increasing frustrations finally coming to a close yesterday. So relieved and thankful.