holiday season here i come

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

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With the holiday season just around the corner, this quote speaks to me and calms my soul. I hope this year I will not become overwhelmed with trying to get everything done and checking off my lists, but just swimming. Swimming in the glow of Christmas lights, swimming in the laughter of family and swimming in kisses under the mistletoe. I can already smell the Christmas trees and taste the eggnog... I even bought wrapping paper yesterday! Too soon? I can't help myself...


10 friday realizations

Friday, November 9, 2012

photo credit : meredith
10 Little Things I've learned this week.

1.  You should never have to make excuses for or justify a glass of red wine.  It is and will always be, acceptable at any time of the day.  Yes, even at 8 am.  Some days call for that.
2.  Home manicures are never the same.  They just aren’t.  Even when I try and use the cuticle thing on my own and put the foam wedge between my toes, it doesn’t come out the same.  And it never lasts as long!  Ugh – nail people you have perfected your art. 
3.  God is so smart.  I am not.  That’s all I have to say about that.
4.  No tea or coffee can ever compete with Hot Chocolate.
5.  House hunting makes my heart race.  Not in the good kind of excitement race – but in the anxiety-filled, sweaty palms kind of race.  Especially since Matt and I have been undergoing such torture for about 6 months.  Suggestions are greatly appreciated.
6.  You are never too busy to notice the sunset.  Just stop.  Smile.  And thank God for sharing such beauty with us.  Cotton candy skies never get old.
7.  Comparison really is the thief of all joy.  Share in each other’s happiness but do not be jealous.  Instead be grateful for their blessings as well as yours.
8.  Taylor Swift’s new CD is addicting.  No apologies needed.  I’ll be blaring it in my kitchen for the next few months.
9.  Whoever invented Uggs deserves a Nobel Peace Prize.  They are that cozy.  
10.  My final revelation?  Blog friends are real friends.  I didn’t know exactly what would come of Gratefully Inspired when I started it back in March.  But I have met some of the most incredible women through this here blog of mine.  Friends that offer sincere support and encouragement.  Friends that I will one day meet in person I just know it.  Friends that I share bits and pieces of my life with and then enjoy when they share back.  I love my little blog community.  Thank you for teaching and loving and supporting and laughing and crying all at the same time when I need you to.


 I also want to say welcome to all of you Across the Pond readers who have traveled over.   Hope you’ll stay awhile.  Not sure where to start?  Try here, here and here.  And please leave a comment below so I can meet ya!





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my new look.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012


So many of you have commented on my new look.  You like?  I hope so!  I was in the market for a makeover and I owe my pretty new blog to the lovely Bobbi of Ready To Blog.  Bobbi recently designed Megan’s blog and is also in charge of her wedding website and well, I was pretty much obsessed with both looks.  So I eagerly contacted Bobbi and the rest is history.  She was a joy to work with.  She sent over proof after proof and walked me through the process step-by-step.  She was able to capture my personality and project it onto my design.  Bobbi also “cleaned up” all my blog stuff – which is totally not under her job description.  She gave me social media backgrounds and made my font PINK!  What more could I ask for?  I really can’t say enough about this sweet new blog friend, so I urge all you readers – if you too, are in the market for a makeover – Bobbi’s your gal.  She also writes an adorable blog with beautiful pictures over here.  Love. Her.


And because every post needs a picture, here is where I wish I was was right now - sipping tea in Antigua...


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