Welcome to California!

 Background image from Kameron Walsh

 So lately I've been thinking about how crazy life can sometimes be. It's proof that nothing can really be planned or pre conceived because everything in life has the potential to change, at any given moment. The truth is, we can never really know what to expect, which is the beauty of it all!

Bearing all of this in mind, today makes two weeks since I picked up and moved to SoCal, in search of sun, sand and a better lifestyle! If anyone had told me last year this time that I would be living in California right now- I never would have believed them, but this is a typical example of how crazy and unexpected life can be. These days I find myself waking up to clear blue skies and the warmth of new possibilities! I'm a firm believer that if you ever have the chance to just pack up your belongings and start fresh- you should certainly take advantage of it. The thing is, we only live once and you never know where these risks might take you. Like I said in my last post- I don't know where this new path will lead, but I'm absolutely ready for the journey. I see a lot of new adventures and exploration in my future- it's all a part of the process. So here's to more soul searching, risk taking and spontaneity in 2012! xo

The Chive

Weekend in Review Vol.#9- In the Bean

This weekend was spent catching up in Boston with family and friends. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to take pictures really, but I still wanted to document what I could. Above is a picture from an alley in Boston by Salem Design. I love it because it captures the city in such a beautiful way! It's getting really cold here now, and I'm hoping that we will experience a white Christmas this year.

I spent some time with the most adorable baby, my little cousin Audriana (who is already going on 4 months)! She is so precious, and I love that little hat so much- I  just had to get a picture of her in it!

And while getting in a little Christmas shopping yesterday at Kohl's, I cam across this wall art that I love- perfect words to live by! xo

My Best Friend

 Yesterday afternoon, I received the beautiful card above from my best friend Jill. It was totally unexpected, but definitely made my day (again, its the little things in life that make us smile). We spent part of our weekend together, and the card was a thank you note for the time we shared. As the front says; happy friends day, and the inside reads; I just made that up 'cause I wanted you to know how special you are to me (along with a personal note of encouragement). I definitely felt special to have received something so thoughtful and I'm so lucky to have her in my life!

Through all of life's difficult times and challenges, one thing remains important- that we have our best friends. They are the kind of friends that will always be by your side, through good times and bad and through all of life's ups & downs. They are happy for you when your happy and they are supportive of you when life doesn't work out the way you expected. There's no conditions, there's no expectations, they love you unconditionally and would never turn their back on you. Good friends pick you up after a fall, wipe the tears from your eyes and help to send you on your way, because they know you can do it, they know you have the strength and courage but also plan to be there every step of the way to help you through it. So when life gets too tough, or almost unbearable, this is what I'm MOST thankful for, for a wonderful friendship, that withstands the test of time, through grade school to real life and everything in between. We may not have been as close at times, but the bond still remains the same. We can pick up the phone, or grab a cup of coffee after an unspecified amount of time, but still be right back to the way it was- where it all started so many years ago. I love her for her thoughtfulness, for her caring ways and most of all for her strength, because without my best friend, life would be incomplete, in so many ways!

Over the years she's taught me a lot, and I believe I'm a better person with her friendship. And though there may not always be time to stop and be thankful for the amazing people in our lives, I wanted to take the time today to thank my best friend of 21 years (that's right, 21 years!!) for always being by my side and lifting me up when I need it the most. I love you. xoxo

Happy Greetings!

Today's card is a happy greeting, meant to put a smile on your face! I used the Pink Paislee  Queen Bee collection. I love the colors!! I don't know what it is about olive green, gold, ivory & yellow, but when they are combined, they make me happy! It's funny because if you know me, you know that I often wear a lot of olive green and browns-earthy tones. So naturally this card is one of my favorites!

I created a pearl edge to separate the border sticker from the background paper & made the die cut paper for the title be the center to draw your attention. The center was distressed with sand paper to help the stamped title be more visible. I hope this card helps to brighten your day! :-)

A Lovely Weekend

This collage captures our lovely Valentine's Day weekend! We had a great time together and with family. It all came to an end Monday night with a dozen pink roses, wings & beer and red velvet cake to top it off! It was perfect and I loved every minute of it! I'm so thankful for such a loving husband and wonderful family! Now we're looking forward to our Bed & Breakfast getaway this weekend in NH, it's going to be a blast!! I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day too! xoxo