Special moments...

I can't believe my favorite holidays have already come and gone…too quickly.  I would be happy enjoying December for months; just time to simply enjoy each festive moment and snuggle up on the couch watching some of our favorite winter flicks on chilly nights.

One of my favorite memories of this holiday season is when, the Sunday before Christmas, we headed down for our first time to Hollywood Riviera (in Redondo Beach) where the beautiful and quaint little neighborhood comes together to spread holiday cheer for those near and far.  It's truly magical.  I can't believe we had never gone before…it is the holidays at its very best.  Houses strung full of lights, decorations galore (anywhere else they could possibly be considered tacky but somehow it totally works in the Riviera!).  I loved everything…every snowman, every Santa, every tree that was lit up and down the lovely streets…so special.  

We bought hot cocoa from young teenagers who were fundraising, happy as can be (Matt also got a Krispy Cream donut and Cup-o-Noodles!), and we spent hours walking up and down each festive street with home-owners out on their porches, spreading cheer…it was perfection.  A night I will always look back on and smile :)  And I'm pretty sure Ellie loved it as much as Mommy did.

Ellie wanted a closer look!

Looking forward...

Anyone who is very close to me knows that this past year has been quite a journey.  While I have yet to write about it (because I spend so much time dealing with it every day, I am not yet ready to put its uncomfortable energy into my passion and hobby)…but I look forward to someday sharing my story of overcoming all of this, and living a long, healthful, purposeful life full of beautiful and special moments until I grow old and gray (and traveling & eating fabulous meals once again!).  

That said, I read a few quotes today that I wanted to share…written by someone who has gone through a very similar journey to me, and who has become an inspiration in my life.

"I guess you fight through the bad days to earn the best days of your life."

"Best friends are people who make your problems their problems just so you don't have to go through them alone."

"Sometimes God uses our deepest pain as the launching pad of our greatest calling…"

I trust that this last one will be very true for me…and that I will someday look back and see purpose in this long, winding journey that has often brought me to my knees, feeling helpless and confused…only to be lifted up by my dearest friends, my incredible husband and my beautiful baby girl.  They give me the strength and encouragement to get through everyday.

To my husband, my rock.  My clear, stable mind when I can't think for myself.  My everything.

To my baby girl, whose smile, laugh and beautiful personality lights up my life…you are my greatest treasure.

To my girls, you know who you are….I can never thank you enough for all you do for me. It is because of you that I can keep my head above water and see clearly through the fog of self-pity and discouragement that can often weigh me down when I'm not feeling well.  You always throw me the life raft when I need it most.

To Oma, there is no one who I would trust more with our sweet girl, and I know the joy and happiness she experiences with you is unbelievably special and priceless, and will help shape her to be the compassionate, kind, sensitive and sincere person that I already see her becoming.

To my mom, who patiently listens to me after every doctor's appointment and every challenge I face, supporting me and helping me navigate through it all; thank you.  

To my team of doctors, my naturopath and acupuncturist…I finally take comfort that I am with the right team who is doing everything they can to best support me.

While this has turned my world upside-down, the incredible support system I have around me fills me with such gratitude.  

I trust that it's experiences like this that ultimately makes life worth living…creating sincere appreciation for good health, the simple things that already meant so much to me before, and the importance of surrounding myself with people who lift me up and bring beautiful energy into my life.  For this, I am forever grateful.

This little mouse called me her "best friend" last night.  My heart melted.  

Such a wonderful and special Halloween weekend...

Happy Birthday to my sweet baby girl...

My sweet girl is 2 today…going on 13…full of thoughts, opinions, ideas and imagination.  Yesterday, we spent a lovely afternoon baking our special zucchini muffins for today (her favorite).  Elle was such a wonderful helper…she's watched me make them so many times, she jumped right in and put the ingredients together with just a little help from mama.  She was soooo excited about her birthday, we woke up extra early today and started off with a Taylor Swift/Meghan Trainor dance party, followed by opening gifts, enjoying her special birthday muffins and then off on a trip to the local pumpkin patch.  The beginning of a wonderful birthday weekend celebration…

I'm so proud of my little baker!!!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!  

Thank you for choosing me to be your "mammia!"

I love you endlessly.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

DANCE PARTY!!!

Happiness is good friends, long beach days, naked sandy babies and casual pizza parties… perfect summer day.

I just read this, and thought I'd pass along…

Whenever you have insomnia...

"Instead of counting sheep, count your blessings."

Taking a moment to be grateful, everyday, seems like such a blissful way to fall deeply into a peaceful slumber :)

xoxox

I just came across this…it's a photo from our honeymoon that Matt had oh-so-creatively (and sweetly!) "written" on…makes me smile :)

So, this is just a re-post of something I wrote a couple years ago…but I continue to be reminded of how fortunate I am to have such kind and genuine people in my life, and I wanted to again share my thoughts about those who are closest and dearest to me.  This still stands so true.

The Beauty of an Old Soul

Growing up, we've all heard the term "old soul." I had never really found myself using it to describe anyone, though, until I met my husband 12 years ago. For the first time, I could truly identify with the words and what they meant. It quickly became clear and is always how I first describe him...for he is, without a doubt, an old, wise soul who has lived many, many lives. While it was after meeting my husband that I first recognized the meaning of this, he was not the first old soul who had been part of my life...he was just the one who made me aware.

I'm not about to launch into religious or spiritual blabber...but it just seems that lately, more than ever before, it's become so clear that there are those who are born with an energy and wisdom from a time before. I, unfortunately, am not one of them. I am full of all things that I believe a "young soul" is guilty of - dramatic, hyper-sensative, and always on a quest to be a better person and more effectively communicate with those around me, just to name a few!

I truly believe that, if you're very lucky, you are connected with people who have lived an enriched existence - they have an understanding of "who they are" at a young age, and they can see situations from all sides, not just their own. They know when to speak, or when to say nothing at all. They are peaceful, gentle and very thoughtful about all that they do. Old souls see the "big picture" and often have the ability to be present more than the rest of us. They articulate themselves in a calm and effective manner, they do not judge or criticise, and are never hot-tempered. They are not insecure and accept all, or most, of who they are - thankful for all they have.

These people are gems. They are our mentors. They are here to help put a mirror in front of the rest of us so we become aware of how to become a better person...to continue the cycle of learning from our mistakes, and developing into stronger, wiser souls. 

I believe many of us encounter very few old souls in our life. We need to embrace those who create positive energy in our lives. I know I'm incredibly fortunate, for I have, without consciously knowing, surrounded myself with teachers of life. It is because of these people that I'm constantly on a quest to learn, grow and give back. 

I've never been particularly religious, but one thing I know from my interactions with others over 34 years...we come back after it all ends. Not as ourselves, and possibly not even in a human form...but I truly believe that some people are born wiser and more thoughtful than others. And I count my blessings that I know so many of those beautiful souls.

Bali, courtesy of Taryn Kent Photography

"In the end, none of us have very long on this earth…make your life spectacular." 

- Robin Williams in "Jack"

I love this quote.  It instantly gives a glimpse of perspective and reminds me that even through the rough patches, life is absolutely beautiful.  
Remembering the endless spectacular moments during our trips to Bali…

#gratitude

What's Up Moms?

First, I can't believe this You Tube channel, What's Up Moms?, has only just now come onto my radar…I could've definitely used the candid, hilarious and oh-so-true insight and advice on all-things momminess many sleepless nights ago!  

These mamas are amazing - their You Tube channel offers totally honest, real insight on what it's like to be a mom (so you are assured not to feel alone in your own chaotic day of juggling baby's sleep/eat/poop schedule!), they share creative DIY projects, provide healthy recipes for kiddos and have created the BEST parodies…but most importantly, they are just completely relatable for any new mama.  They tell it how it is.  And I love it.  Here's a couple videos below to check out, and I recommend going to their channel here for more…totally worth watching!  Enjoy xoxox

Simple things...

Fresh flowers, my new tray from here, and a homemade candle from Auntie Irie makes our dining table a happy place for me.

Slowly but surely, coming back to life...