Life Lately: 01.2015

January has been such a great month and time is flyin' on by. Levi had a few fussy spells, but gained two new teeth from it! At eight months, he's learning new things every day and loves to crawl and climb on everything. He also loves to be worn, and I love it, too! Baby wearing has saved my sanity and it's also brought such a close bond between us.

I've been eating so much. Seriously, everything in sight. I was dairy-free for about five months because Levi had a dairy intolerance. We're still breastfeeding, but I introduced dairy again around Thanksgiving and he has been fine. I still don't eat a ton of it, but pizza: I love you.

On the 31st, I turned 25. Holy shit. I'm seriously getting old! Something about being midway to 30 makes me feel a little crazy. I keep thinking: Am I too old to wear this? Am I too old to be dancing to the new Taylor Swift album? But the answer is hell no. Becoming a mother has made me a much more confident human. If I want to wear bright red tights and sing "Welcome to New York" in the living room, that's 100 percent okay. And seriously, who is not blasting this new album right now? You're missing out. ;)

I hope you all had a great first month of 2015!

Life Lately

I wanted to say that things have been pretty crazy lately, but that's really not true! I mean, I get overwhelmed a lot easier now but I just spend a lot of time in the bathtub and that keeps me sane. Our offer was accepted on a house and we should close by the end of this month! We actually go meet our mortgage officer today to find out all the deets. I don't have good pictures yet, but here's a view from the driveway!

Last week, we had a bit of snow which put SC in a *StAtE oF eMeRgEnCy* and everything closed down and bread was sold out of all the grocery stores. Grizzly got to play in snow for the first time and it was the cutest thing. I can't imagine doing firsts with an actual child! This picture cracks me up- they're getting snowballed and clearly loving it.

I've been working on a ton of projects for our new house, and those will all be seen here in the next few months. Currently, I'm making over a quilt rack, nursing chair, vintage high chair, and making a quilt! The craft room is in shambles lately, which is fine with me!

Life Lately

Time has really been flying by! I'm still pinching myself that it's already November and I still have so many things I'd like to accomplish before I turn 24! I'm trying not to stress about that too much, though. The past two weeks, I've been working on a bunch of little things for a baby shower I'm throwing for a friend on Sunday! I'm super excited because I love throwing parties, so watch out for post overload!

I like to make lists when I'm off work so that I stay busy throughout the day, otherwise I'd totally lay in bed and chill until dinner time. Lately I started crossing off my lists with rainbow colors, and weirdly, it encourages me to get more done! I'm kinda obsessed with making lists.

For Halloween, all the stylists dressed up and we had a potluck. I seriously love holiday work parties! Haha. We just figured out the date for the Christmas party and I'm already looking at dresses online. (btw ModCloth has all party dresses 20% off til tomorrow!) I can't wait to dress up all fancy and eat good food. 

I have some weekly DIY tutorials planned for December, that include handmade gifts and wrapping paper! I'm really trying to plan more with my blogging so that I post regularly, so I got some new post-its to encourage me. And Doritos 'cause I eat them while I sit on the computer. :)

What have you been up to lately? Any certain kind of post you like to see on this blog? I'm always appreciative of suggestions!

Life Lately

I know that bloggers get a lot of shit for sugarcoating and beating around the bush with their life problems. I'll admit it gets annoying to see people saying, "I've had SO much going on and I can't wait to tell you/not tell you." and, "Life really sucks so please send me good thoughts but I'm not going to tell you what's going on. Ever." But we all know that feeling. Where you want condolence from others but you don't feel comfortable opening up to the world, or even 25 readers.

I have a pretty damn good life. I have friends I love and have known since high school, and new friends I can't wait to get closer to. I have a stress-free job with my amazingly supportive sister. I have the means to get by on a daily basis. But there is always this feeling that I should be doing something more. Something amazing that will open my eyes and change my perspective on life. This feeling deep down that I was meant to do something incredible with my life.

I'm not an alcoholic by any means, but I love to drink and have fun with people. I feel like alcohol hinders the creative and optimistic outlook I've always prided myself on having. I waste too much time drinking beer and watching TV. I want to lead an exciting and fulfilling life that doesn't revolve around Breaking Bad on Sunday nights. (but I am really sad that it's almost over!)

I love the life in the pups pictured above. When I take care of them, I see the progress Jax (on the left) has made since I've been coming to play every week. He still has a lot to work on, but he's really come a long way. I want to feel like that! I want to be better... A better person for myself. A better wife and friend. I want to be adventurous. I want to do new things.

I want to say that I am trying the hardest I can to live a positive and meaningful life.

August in Instagram

new 'do // drunk friends // yelling dog

fat America // wear this dress too much // pleasant thrift store

candy nights // special times // work boredom

It's crazy how this time a month ago, I was having such a rough time and feeling so unhappy. Things have definitely turned around. I know I keep saying how busy I am, but I do think it's a good change! I'm really looking forward to the rest of this year and accomplishing lots of goals. I've been slacking real hard on my 24 before 24, but I'm ready to start knocking things off the list! I quit using tobacco regularly almost a week ago, and I've been doing really well with the exception of last night. Oops! It's still an improvement, and I can't wait until I can say I'm smoke free. Ahh!

Last night I hung out with Leah from We Live Upstairs and her husband and we had a blast! They came over during the Carolina game and then we went out with some friends afterward. I'm also supposed to hang out with Rachel from Floral Prints and Common Sense either tomorrow or Sunday, so that's exciting! Making new friends is an awesome feeling. 

Forever Slacking

Before I start, here's a picture of me currently. Typing this as I sit waiting for Corey to get his surgery started.

I'll start from the beginning of my mental list of reasons I haven't been posting. Corey got (honorably) discharged from his deployment. I feel like there's been a lot of talk surrounding the reasons for his coming home, so I won't hash out any details here. It's also pretty personal but I'll just say that we're both so glad he's home. After he got home, we had a lot of things to take care of; Getting him a new car and getting me signed up for school, which starts September second. Wooo! 

We also found a house to rent, and moved in within three days of looking at it. That was a very chaotic time, especially because I've been working a lot! We moved in almost a week ago, and most things are still in boxes. BEYOND ANNOYING... Anyway, so the landlords were supposed to finish remodeling our bathroom by last Sunday, and yesterday we were told it'd be another week. We were supposed to get a new toilet but instead were given and old-ass-new toilet. And that's just the beginning of the toilet talk.

Corey was trying to put a new toilet seat on it, but was having a hard time getting it off because the damn thing was rusted. But he's not a quitter if you know what I mean. Ahem... He's stubborn. So after 45 minutes of messing with it, the toilet cracked to the bottom and started leaking dirty old toilet water everywhere (GROSS) and he went to put a trash can under the leak and sliced his finger open on the porcelain. Ensuing lots of blood and yelling and hearts beating too fast. We went to the ER and spent the last five days trying to get a surgery scheduled. He tore a tendon in his hand, and since he does construction, it's very important that he had the surgery by day 7 or he'd have permanent nerve damage.  Today's day 6 so we barely made it, thanks to Tricare. Not. 

Sorry for the long story but I felt like I should let y'all know where I've been! And things will return to normal soon, I promise. I hope you all have a great weekend! :)

Life Lately

Holy smokes, am I glad that July is almost over! It's been emotional and crazy and unproductive at the same time. I've been hanging on to getting this job at a salon for almost a month, and I decided I wasn't going to wait around anymore. The owner is selling my jewelry which is going well, but I think I'm just going to pull it out and call it quits... Because I got a job! I'm so excited to do something with myself other than sit at home and feel lost.

Here's a few of the good things that happened!

Making postcards for the PCSW hosted by Jennifer of Grits and Moxie.

Little envelopes I made for a secret project.

Hanging with this crazy fella!

Perfectly packaged mail will brighten any day.

Fried green tomatoes from Pawley's are the best.

Urban Outfitters had a grand opening here (!!) and Washed Out played.

Months of rain gives you dirty dogs.

Panic attack?

Two of my best friends are getting married tomorrow, and I'm so happy and excited for them! I've been friends with them both since the beginning of high school so watching their relationship develop has been awesome. Weddings are crazy and being in one proves to be even crazier. Being newly married myself, I found myself listening to lots of love songs recently (Ahem... Offering by The Avett Brothers) and getting emotional thinking about how amazing their life is going to be! I can't wait to watch them keep growing.

Life Lately

Hotel life.

Some pins from around the country and my favorite travel bag.

Corey and I found a new place out of town that only serves local SC beers! We loved Homegrown Brewhouse. After going all over the country, it's important to me that communities, towns, and states support each other.

Moe Monday. That is all.

I came home and found this cutie all wrapped up in my fabric.

Drinking expensive drinks and taking pictures in direct sunlight. Someone wasn't amused!

Sullivan's Island lighthouse.

Corey is officially gone, so yesterday a friend and I went to Forever 21 where I drowned my sorrows in a new pair of polka dot shorts. I also had an interview for a salon downtown, and I think I got the job because at the end she told me she loved me and gave me a hug! Best interview ever.

It's easy to feel down right now, but I'm doing the best that I can to stay positive and just look forward. To an awesome future and personal growth. To true friends and contentment. Life is truly a wonderful thing.

May in Instagram

outdoor hangouts at sunset // feeding chickens at a friend's house

first time experiences // two of my best friends

...we hang out a lot // passing out dog walking brochures

silly quality time with Corey // my first custom order

I'd say that May was a pretty productive month! I'm not making a lot of money right now but that's not my goal anyway, it's to be self-employed and I know that takes time. I set my expectations fairly and so far I'm meeting all of my goals, and even exceeding them.

I know that a lot of people think I need to suck it up and get a "real" job, but I've done that and I know it's not for me. I'm going to be patient and focus on staying happy, because that's the most important thing. Eventually everything is going to fall into place and I don't want to rush into it.

Lately, I'm trying to savor every good moment. I have such little time left to spend with Corey before he's gone and it's a bummer, but it's definitely put things into perspective. Life is short, don't ever forget that.

Life Lately

I'm finally getting some of the jewelry supplies I ordered while we were stuck in the snowstorm in South Dakota, so I've been working on some new things for the shop. Expect an update soon!

Since getting back from the trip, I've had a hard time going back to my healthy ways, but I'm finally getting there. Most mornings I eat greek yogurt with fruit, or a 2 egg omelette. And tea instead of coffee!

I've been making orders and packaging them in different ways every time to try and find what I like best. Always a work in progress, though. :)

I've been wanting to make dog treats for a long time, and I finally got around to it! I don't like giving Grizzly treats that are super processed, 'cause I want him around for a long, long time. Recipe post coming soon!

My mom gave me some free Kohl's cash (when you buy $50 worth of their stuff, they give you a free $10) so instead of buying the super cute dress I wanted, I got a new yoga outfit. I'd really like to get more into yoga.

I'm trying to keep myself as busy as possible and have a lot of goals and plans for the coming months. I can't wait to share it all here! I also ordered a new layout (FINALLY!) so I'm really excited about that, too! Also, I can't leave without posting this meme that I find absolutely hilarious...

Life Lately.

I had all these blog post ideas for this past week before we leave for our honeymoon, but after coming home from Asheville, I got so so sick. I had a high fever for a day, the next day my sinuses started acting up and I had a terrible headache all day, and now I'm left with a nasty cough. We had so much to take care of this week- Changing my name on everything, auto insurance changes, road trip planning, and a lot of things military related. It was quite a hassle to get all these things done while being so sick, but I'm glad that we're done now!

We printed out our itineraries for us and for family members.

Yesterday I opened a bottle of wine we received as a wedding gift from a friend and sat down to write thank you notes to everyone. We have received so much help from our friends and family to support the funds needed for our trip! My mom got me these cards and I love them. :)

We got Corey onto the Verizon plan because Sprint is such a hassle, and when he comes home it'll be much easier for me to get his phone cut back on. I left the store with my very first iPhone!

Now all that's left to do is pack, download new tunes, and finish looking up some neat places to visit. Whenever I go to a new place, I like to search forums for touristy and local things to see and eat. I always go with a list of places we just haaave to go to, and my list is ever so slowly growing!