Living For Today

Lately, I've been trying to live my life differently. 

It's so cliche to say, but life really is short. 

We don't know how long we have here 

and we don't know when those we love will leave us. 

I'm trying to enjoy the present, 

rather than dwelling on the past and worrying about the future. 

I'm trying to see the positive in every situation 

and appreciate all the blessings I have in my life, no matter how small.

I'm trying to trust in what God's plan is for my life, 

even if it doesn't always turn out exactly as I had hoped.

I'm trying to find the good things in every day, no matter how mundane.

I'm trying to remember that the current stresses in my life will eventually pass and they aren't permanent. 

I'm trying to explore new things and expand my horizons. 

I'm trying to nurture old friendships and grow new ones.

I heard a quote on the radio today. It went something like, "Instead of always trying to prove yourself, try to improve yourself."

What about you? What are you doing to try to improve yourself?

Fall Bucket List

Now that it's officially September I can post my Fall Bucket List!!! 

I'm so excited for fall to arrive!

Celebrate our first anniversary, September 7th!!!

Get lost in a corn maze

Got to a Huskies game

Host Thanksgiving

Make hot apple cider

Host a chili feed

Go hiking in the fall foliage

Drink tons of Pumpkin Lattes

Have a bon fire

Make pumpkin pancakes

Go to the Puyallup Fair

Have a scary movie night

Pick pumpkins at the pumpkin patch

Carve pumpkins

Make caramel apples

Bake pumpkin pie

Got to a Seahawks Game

Make pumpkin chai fudge

And that's only the beginning! Fall is my favorite time of the year!!!!

Side Table Refinish

This adorable little side table was a freebie find on craigslist! It's in pretty good shape structurally and seems sturdy enough. The only issue with it was that it needed to be refinished. Um... for free I'm willing to do it!

This is what I was working with to start. The stain was splotchy, there were water marks and it was completely uneven.

 I started by sanding with fine grit sandpaper (220). This piece didn't have a top coat or anything so I wanted to make sure I didn't strip it too far down. 

The fine sandpaper worked perfectly and I was left with this medium colored wood.

To get an even coating without brush strokes I decided to apply my stain with a washcloth rather than a brush. (wearing gloves of course!) I made sure to only put a little bit on the washcloth at a time. I didn't want it go on splotchy. Working in small sections is key.

I prefer darker woods in my home so I used Dark Walnut by Minwax. As you can see, it was quite dark!

After letting it dry for a few hours I drilled a hole in the front of the drawer and added this cute little crystal knob! It looked like it was missing something and this totally did the trick!

I absolutely love the result! Even though I'm not pregnant yet, I've already planned to put it in the future nursery for a side table next to the glider. It's the perfect height and will be great for a little lamp.

This was such a cost effective project. The table was free, I already had the washcloth, gloves and stain so the total price was only $3 for the package of sandpaper! And, because I only used 1/2 of 1 of the 4 sheets, it really only cost me  about $.38! SCORE!

Loving Where I Live

 I absolutely love living out in Buckley.

 I have not once regretted moving to "the country."

I mean, look who my new neeeiiiighbors are. They just moved in May 31st. 

 

 

I love that since I moved here I am actually proud when I have beautiful things in my yard.

 

 

 

 

 

I love that my baby has a huge yard to play in and he is growing old in a place that makes him happy.

(Although he doesn't look it... he's camera shy)

Fashion Friday: Summer's Fabulous Florals

If you know me, you know that I love all things girly. 

This means that florals are totally a style I can get on board with!

Here a few adorable and affordable pieces I found!

Dark Skinny Jeans / Pink Flats / Navy Bikini / Turquoise Maxi Dress /  

Cork Wedges / Khaki Shorts / Light Blue Wristlet / Silver Watch /  

Blue Ruffle Tank / Peplum Tank / Straw Fedora / Pastel Scarf / Yellow Anorak Jacket

Too cute, right?! 

I think my favorite is the dark skinny jeans.

But you know me, I'd take em all!

Mid-Year Resolutions

Every January 1st people set goals for themselves for the coming year. Weight loss, breaking bad habits, creating new habits and on and on...

We jump into these goals head first with ambitions of becoming better. But, usually by the time February 1st rolls around those goals have long since vanished and the new habits have been abandoned.

I always see this at my gym. January brings droves of new people in and it's beyond packed. I have to wait to use my favorite weight machines. The cardio equipment has a waiting list. The front desk is swarming with trainers and hopeful new clients. But, always by March things seem to go back to normal and the numbers even out.

Why must we only set these big goals for ourselves at the beginning of the year? And why do so many people focus on weight or their looks as a goal? (not saying I'm not guilty of this too...) This year I've decided to set Mid-Year Resolutions for myself. Well... a bit more than mid year, but whatever. I want my Mid-Year Resolutions to focus on me becoming a more well-rounded, happy person, not just one who's skinnier. (although, this would be nice too.)

I don't want these goal to be reminiscent of the people at the gym and gone within weeks. I want these goals to stick... To become my lifestyle, not just a temporary phase. Here's to hoping.

Try something new at least once a week: 

Whether it be a new recipe, a new hobby or just a new beauty trick, I promise to try new things.

No matter how busy life gets, make time to read:

Reading is one of those things that always seems to relax me and give me an escape when life gets tough. I promise to make more time to read and explore new books, even if it's only half an hour a night sometimes.

Nurture the relationships in my life that are important:
Plain and simple. I promise to focus on those I love to know, need to know, want to know.

Fashion Friday: Hawaiian Tropics

In honor of our upcoming trip to Kauai next week, I thought I'd get myself in the mood by finding some tropical/ Hawaiian inspired pieces. Now, tropical prints aren't really my style, but I think I'd rock that cute little wristlet! And maybe the maxi dress since it has stripes too...

Hi-Low Skirt/ Wristlet / Scarf / Maxi Dress / 

Bikini / Cross-Back Dress / Printed Sandals / Shorts

Ok, now I'm officially dying to leave already! Wednesday can't come soon enough! =)

Fashion Friday: Lace & Crochet For May

I'm obsessed with this season's lace and crochet swimwear! 

Unless you've been living under a rock, 

you had to have noticed that lace and crochet are everywhere right now! 

Here are a few cute, affordable options to satisfy your lace and crochet cravings!

White Lace Bikini / Black Crochet Bikini / Lime Lace Bikini / 

Purple Crochet Bikini / White Crochet Cover-Up / Coral Crochet Bikini /  

Turquoise Lace Bikini / Pink Crochet Bikini / Aqua Crochet One Piece

I couldn't control myself... 

I just bought the turquoise lace bikini for my upcoming Kauai trip!

(even though I already have about 5 or 6 bikinis... I need one for each day of the trip, right?!) 

BUT, in my defense, Victoria's Secret is having a swim sale right now!

 I got a $55 bikini for only $31.98! 

SCORE!