New home: New Adventure.

Good morning, snow bunnies!

Well, it's moving week, a time we've anticipated since settling in our first apartment. Our first home together was not what I would have envisioned. We had absolutely zero closet space (I mean that literally), a portable washer/dryer unit (yes friends, portable) sketchy neighbors to-boot, barely functioning appliances (did I mention that I broil everything because our oven coil is broken?), outdated everything, and old carpet that sort of grosses me out.

As much as I didn't love our apartment, things were starting to come together, from our living room gallery wall to the bathroom shelves, it was starting to feel...familiar.  Our new apartment is actually a place where my husband lived for the 2 years prior to our wedding, so I've been there plenty of times before- though as I was moving a few boxes over, it felt different, it was no longer his bachelor pad it was our new home! Unlike our current residence, the new place features a patio, backyard, walking trail to a creek, new appliances, a second bedroom, and NO carpet. Along with being spacious, it has approximately 5 closets. I'm in heaven. I can't wait to get settled in and decorate, hopefully I'll be able to post a few home tours on the blog for you lovely readers to see : )

Looking back on the past 11 months spent in our apartment, I almost feel sad leaving it behind. These walls have seen some of our best and worst moments as newlyweds, and just when it begins to feel like 'home' it's time for a new space, new memories, and another year of a wonderful marriage.

Xx,

LG

Giving thanks.

Good morning babes!

I seriously hope that everyone is having a great week! I feel like I've been all over the place this week, though I'm not totally sure why.

So. My birthday was last week, and that's not a cue for all of you to wish me a happy belated birthday, I just want to let some feelings go.

My birthdays aren't ever really anything special, for some reason it makes me uncomfortable to celebrate "me" and usually my friends forget that it's my birthday or don't really do anything. I think the last time I actually celebrated my birthday was when I was 10 years old and we went roller skating. Once, my husband tried to plan me a surprise party and no one showed up. I used to have some gems for friends.

This year all of that was different, this year I had such a genuine outpouring of love, I honestly didn't know what to do with myself. On Tuesday, two of my best friends took me downtown to walk around and take pictures, before heading off to dinner at one of my favorite spots.

As I walked in the door to the restaurant I heard a voice say "We're here for you!" and as I turned, a group of my friends were there to surprise me for  my birthday. My husband put the whole thing together, and quite honestly I almost cried.

My besties, Emily and Katie 

Of course Katie and Emily were involved in the whole setup as well, Katie actually helped pull off my engagement so she knows how to be sneaky : ) My friends and I grabbed a table while the husbands got a separate spot so they could do whatever it is that guys do. I enjoyed my favorite gluten free pizza and tiramisu. The night was perfect.

My beautiful friends, Emily, Lindsay, Danielle, Emily M, and Katie.

On my actual birthday, Katie swung by the apartment to bring me a gift and coffee. Seriously, I can't get enough of this girl and how well she knows me.

My hubs wanted to make my birthday special, so he decided to plan a day for us in Charlottesville. We had a fantastic lunch and hit up a few of my favorite stores (hello Trader Joe's). Though for some reason the day felt like it was missing something. Just the night before my heart had been so full from my dear friends, good food, and lovely gifts. What was wrong with me? As we went around Charlottesville, I realized that I had to snap out of the fantasy that my husband was going to take me Anthropologie or Kate Spade, and turn me loose, letting my buy the whole store. I felt myself becoming to discontent with all of the beautiful things I had, and wanting more, wanting new things that I don't already have. If being a newlywed doesn't do anything else for you, it most certainly will make you humble, at least it has been a humbling experience for me.

Once I woke up from my little self-pitying episode, I felt so convicted about how I had felt and acted. For starters, I'm sure I hadn't shown my loving husband just how grateful I was to spend the entire day with him, something that rarely ever happens because we work totally different hours, or the fact that I appreciated his thoughtfulness. No, I had been too busy being selfish to consider those things. The day after, I woke up feeling sad, mainly because of how materialistic and selfish I had been the day before.

After feeling wrecked and apologetic, I was able to bounce back. How? Because of Jesus. I may be a selfish wretch, but his beautiful, perfect love covers all of that. Life is sweet because I know I'm always restored and forgiven, and because my angel-of-a-husband loves me regardless of my sin. That friends, is love.

I hope everyone is having a great week!
Until next time!

Xx,

LG

Birthday wish list

Hey Babes,

How's it going for everyone? Sick of the snow yet? I know I'm ready to head outside with my blowdryer just to melt this crazy white stuff.

I can't believe that it's March already!  With my birthday coming up in a couple of weeks, I thought it appropriate to think of a few items that I'd be delighted to unwrap on my special day.

1. Hunter Wellies. These were on my Christmas list, and though I intended to buy them with Christmas money, somehow I didn't get around to it. Don't even ask me how.

2. Kate Spade Beauty number 1. Does this even need an explanation? 

3. Kate Spade beauty number 2. It's beautiful and perfect. (Though I would like the soft leather version if they had it in anything other than black)

4. A Goldendoodle. If you know me then you're probably aware of how doodle obsessed I am. My hubs has looked into treatment options, the cure? More doodles.

5. A vanity desk. For all my papers...and beauty supplies.

source: pinterest

6. Another Erin Condren notebook. I absolutely love Erin Condren products, they're cute-to-boot and the quality is phenomenal! I was given a journal for Christmas over a year ago so I'm excited for another one! (This was on my list but my darling hubs has already given it to me)

Well that about does it! What are some items that are currently on your wish list?? How about wishing for warm weather?

Xx.

LG