mint to be

Spring is in the air! My new favorite springtime color is this gorgeous chalky mint. It is fresh, airy, and chic. 

Living in the land of water, it's no wonder I am loving this seaside inspired hue. I can only imagine these beauties with the turquoise Gulf waters as their backdrop. 

These hints of mint are meant to be mine.

tea, scones, and a sense of humor

I have become mildly obsessed with a series of novels by the ever charming, ever witty, and ever British author Gil McNeil. Her books feel like home. I feel like I know the characters. I feel like I have lived in that quaint seaside English town. It almost makes me want to start knitting, buy a yarn shop, and move a little village by the sea where everyone knows everyone and they all stop by to say hello. 

I breezed through book one and two and am eager to start on the last in the series. My kindle couldn’t download it fast enough. 

If you are in the mood for an easy read, feel good type of book, then you must pick up The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club. I feel confident in saying that you will most definitely be moving onto books two and three. 

into the thin air of colorado

A little over a month ago, I returned from one of the most incredible trips of a lifetime. My love and I embarked on a 6 day journey out west! Being a self-proclaimed beach bunny, I was overflowing with excitement for a different kind of vacation. 

Kev and I had been trying to plan a trip [any trip] for over a year. Life and work just kept getting in the way. We finally said enough, put our feet down, and booked tickets to the rugged and rustic Rocky Mountains of Breckenridge, Colorado. Known for wide open spaces, mountains, rivers, and plains, the landscape was awe inspring. I have never been struck with such majestic beatuty. 

The trip was everything I dreamed it to be...romantic, sporty, joyful, and chic. 

Kev and I were blessed with the time we got to spend with each other out there. No odd clashing work schedules, no outside distractions, just each other, fun, and love.  

We got our routine down.

Wake up with the sun. 

Open the blinds and let the panoramic view of mountains spill into our cozy studio room. 

Snuggle up in our warm gear and walk the quaint Main Street for our morning cup'o joe and pastries. 

Make our way back to the room. 

Layer on more cozies for a day in the mountains. 

Fill our pockets with cough drops, chap stick, tissues, and what else but a trusty camera.  

Be the first to the lifts and await our chariot that would deliver us to our playground. 

Kev being a much more seasoned snowboarder than I, usually made his way further up the mountain. We always met up for lunch and a few runs together, but I was not about to be the one to keep a bird from flying.

Once the lifts closed, we enjoyed a little R&R and got ready for a night on the town, the very cute and cozy town. We ended up finding the most adorable boutique wine bar. All of the wine was handcrafted and blended right there in the beautiful state of Colorado. Who would have guessed that I would find some of my favorite wines in a very landlocked, cold, and dry state? This little place became one of our normal hotspots. 

Now I love a good trip. I love a new place to visit. And part of what that brings is finding all the best local eateries. Anyone that knows me well, knows I am an avid foodie. Every night we sampled the local food and fare. And I mean local. I can now say I am a big fan of buffalo/bison. Mmmm!

I never imagined I would fall in love with a place like Colorado as much as I did. I always said I need warmth, I need sun, I need sand, and I need water. But after this trip, I can honestly picture myself becoming a woman of the mountains. It was simply breathtaking. The lifestyle. The air. The sports. And the attitude that all of that brings. 

After our return to the Sunshine State, Kev and I found a whole new level of peace and contenment. Whenever one of us might feel the stress and chaotic nature of life creep in, we always remind the other "mountain attitude, just keep the mountain attitude." This trip did wonders for our relationship. We have always had a very strong, fun, cheerful, caring and loving relationship. But this trip amplified all of those strengths and qualites. This trip put us on a whole new level. I cannot imagine spending day without that man. He brings more joy and happiness into my life than I could ever explain. 

I am so thankful that we were able to take that trip and am so thankful that we picked Breckenridge of all the places we could. It was the perfect first trip and I know there are many more amazing ones to come. 

And I can't resist this sweet picture of my love drinking our morning coffee on "Lover's Day"

celebrate love, celebrate the union

Today is a very special day. Today is the day my parents celebrate thirty-seven years as husband and wife. Thirty-seven years of love, compromise, compassion, selfless giving, and family. 

I cannot imagine two better people for each other or two better people to call my family. As I am an only child, my parents and I have always been very very very close. They are my everything. 

I can't remember ever being left with a sitter. I can't remember ever being left for a trip. We were are the three musketeers and it was is all or nothing. We never did anything without each other. These two people have shaped me to be the person I am today. They have shaped what my idea of family is, what love means to me, and I can only hope that one day I will be as good to my own family as they have both been to me. Everyday they inspire me to be a better person, to learn and grow, and to shape myself to be as extraordinary as they are. 

My dad is happy, positive, a glass half full type of guy. He taught me to do what I love, to love others, and to try and see the best in everything. As he likes to say "being happy is a conscious decision we all make every single day." He is the epitome of joy, perseverance, and unwavering love. This father-daughter bond is unique, amazing, strong and unbreakable. 

My mom is patient, kind, caring, and so so so loving. She would give anything to help another in need. She has a heart of gold and knows empathy more than anyone I know. She gives endlessly and never expects anything in return. I wish I could give her everything she deserves. She deserves the world. If I had one wish, it would be to make her feel as much love as she has made me feel my entire life. We have a love that can only be felt by the heart.  A bond that cannot be broken. 

Here's to you mom and dad. Congratulations on all that you have accomplished as individuals, as a couple, and as a family. I am so honored to call you my family. I love you more than words could ever explain. 

the wonderful weekend times

Part Two

This past weekend would not have been complete without the girls taking to the town. We clad ourselves with with loads of green and probably more finger staches than necessary. It was one of the most fun girls nights I have had in a very long time ever had. I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard for that long in one period of time. We danced our little hearts out and built bonds stronger than ever before. 

St. Patty would be proud! 

the wonderful weekend times

This weekend was spec-tac-ular. It was a girls only weekend, as the boys were away in Savannah. We took full advantage for some much needed girlie time. And boy did we ever make the most of it. 

Part One. 

Three girls. 

One gorgeous day.

One long[ggg] walk. 

Lots of great chats. 

Loads of hilarious laughs.  

Too much sun. 

Endless memories. 

These two girls brought so much laughter and light into my weekend. I am sad to see it come to a close. 

Here are some pictures from the first part of our glorious girls day!

Part Two coming soon...

here's to love, here's to YOU

Less than a week ago, my truest, sweetest and bestest friend got ENGAGED! It has been a long time coming and I have been anxiously waiting for the phone call. It finally came! 

She is the most caring, compassionate, positive, and sweet girl you will ever lay eyes on.  

She deserves the most special proposal, engagement, BIG day, and most importantly a long life full of love. 

This girl is my sanity, my shoulder to cry on, the one I share all my girly laughs [and funny mishaps] with. My best friend. 

They say you are lucky to have one real, true friend in your lifetime. I am one of those lucky few. 

Meggie I love you to pieces and am over the moon for the big news. 

Let's pop a cork and let the planning begin!

Since, I couldn't share a little bubbly with her to celebrate, a champagne card and the THE Dress Issue had to do...for now [Meggie, I do plan on popping a cork when we come up to visit!]

In honor of this girl, a few pictures of our crazy, goofy, fun, and loving friendship.

love across the miles

 As a Texas native and now Florida transplant, there are two states that are very near and dear to my heart. Texas will forever hold the flame [you couldn't expect anything less from a Texas gal], but I have to admit Florida has brought much light into my life.

Texas is where I was born and bred. Texas is family. Texas is friendly. Texas is proud. And Texas is what I think of when I think of home, memories, laughter and love. 

The saying "Texas is a whole other country" is a fact. There is a state pride that is not found in any other 49. It is something that only Texans understand. 

We love the cliche stereotypes. It only strengthens the pride in our hearts and makes us thankful to say God Bless Texas, I am a Texan. 

You may be able to take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take the Texas out of the girl. 

A Texan's love and pride for their state is not something that can be described in words. Nothing can quite perfectly explain that relationship between man girl and his her land. It is something that can only be felt by the heart.

I miss everything about this wonderful state, but most of all I miss the family that it holds. 

Now, I don't want to hurt Florida's feelings. You may be #2 on my list, but I can honestly say, I am glad I live in Florida. 

Florida has changed my life. Florida brought me to my one true love. Florida is where "it was meant to be." 

We both thought Florida was temporary, but life had a plan in the making. 

I am so thankful that this journey called life, led me to my new home in Florida. If those doors had never opened, I would have never met the one man I know I am meant to spend the rest of my days with. I owe that to you Florida and for that, I am eternally grateful. 

pops of pink

I have never been what you call a pink kind of girl. 

But I don't know what has gotten into me lately - pink is everywhere and I am loving it! My wardrobe has been slowing filling with little pops of pink. This season's pink is rich, livid, and happy and I can't help but be drawn to it.

I had a specific mission this weekend. I need a new pair of flats or heels for an upcoming family function. Pink had another idea in mind. 

Needless to say, I didn't walk away empty handed from this little outing. I just left with a few items that were not on the list [and without the one thing that was}. Opps! There is always next weekend right?

Here is a peak of the pinks that are brightening my closet [and long work days!].

Soludos Dali espadrilles

Hot pink cardigans 

And a little more pink inspiration...

Perfect Florida lifestyle pink 

perfect pops

and a little words of wisdom. let the happiness [and pink] in!