If we look at the world with a love of life,
the world will reveal its beauty to us.
(Daisaku)

Hello lovely friends. I hope you’re having a fantastic week!

Mine has been a bit wild—and I’m looking forward to having the weekend to regroup. There’s been a lot to balance at home with getting back into a workout routine, trying to blog more often, and preparing for the holidays.

After struggling through that 5k on Sunday, I’ve managed to run 3 more times. I sometimes find myself expecting instant results after just a few days. I want to weigh less, look better in my clothes, and be able to power through a few miles with little effort. This time around I am trying to remind myself of how much better I feel when I’ve ran. If feeling better can be the motivation, the results will follow.

Work has been busy, but so good. I am officially past my 3-month introductory period and had a very positive review yesterday! I’ve barely seen my Mister all week, so I’m hoping we will have some time to catch up tonight. I might even put on something cute and take him out to a nice dinner.

I am loving Florence + the Machine’s new album Ceremonials, double tall skim cappuccinos, and the MyFitnessPal app on my iPhone.

I hope to post a Creative Weekend To-Do List tomorrow, as well as start a new series about gratitude and delicious food (two things that I find are key to a happy, healthy life). I have plans to run once or twice more, and maybe even catch up with this lady for a yoga class.

Keep a look out for a Sparkle Swap recap soon. I have tried to write the post several times, but keep getting stumped. There are some people who never received a gift and I’m just not sure how to address it. Any thoughts?

Image Credit: secretitos encartados via Andreu Robusté

Energy and persistence conquer all things.
(Benjamin Franklin)

Hello lovelies! How was your weekend?

Mine was quite wonderful. On Saturday, my friend and I drove 2 hours to our nearest Ikea. I picked up a few goodies including some picture frames and Christmas ornaments. I also had my eye on this NYC print, but I couldn’t think of where it could go in our apartment.

We stopped at a great outlet mall on the way home, where I found the cutest Kate Spade sunglasses (at a huge discount)! Saturday night my Mister and I stayed in, enjoyed some veggie chili, and relaxed on the couch. I painted my nails — Holly by Zoya on my toes and Milky Way by Essie on my fingers.

I’ve been trying to get myself in the habit of waking up early, so on Sunday I set my alarm for 5:00 am. It was a quiet and peaceful morning spent sipping tea and reading. Something I don’t do too often, but oh what a treat!

Yesterday I also ran a 5K with some friends. I figured it would be nice to run through some local neighborhoods, especially since the leaves are so beautiful this time of year. I haven’t trained seriously in months, so the race turned into a bit of a reality check. I have some work to do before signing up for my next half marathon!

Last night I sat down with my Filofax and November goals for a quick check-in. Can you believe that this month is nearly 1/2 over?! As I mentioned in my Intentions for November post, it’s been awhile since I really focused on achieving the goals I set for myself. While I’m not on track for everything, I have made some nice progress:

• Blog 5 times a week :: Week 1 – success! Week 2, just 2 posts. Week 3, working on getting back in gear.
• Try 2 new recipes :: Done and done. I’ve already tried 3 new recipes already this month.
• Workout 5 times each week ::  Not quite, but I’m working on this too. I’m on a 2 day streak with yesterday’s 5K and an easy 2 mi run this morning.
• Run 2 races :: 5K complete. Now it’s time to get some good training in before the 8K on Thanksgiving.
• Finish reading A Place of Yes and Loving Frank :: I finished Loving Frank yesterday, so I’m half way there!
• Finish Christmas cards :: Still on the hunt for these. I really want to work on these over Thanksgiving weekend, so hopefully I’ll make a decision soon.
• Plan gifts for family & friends :: Making significant progress! I ordered some great gifts from DAVIDsTEA and Sephora last night.

I’m hoping to follow up this great weekend with a lovely week. What about you, my friends? Did you have a nice weekend? What are you looking forward to this week?

Image Credit: Untitled via Always Bë Cool

At times our own light goes out and
is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude
of those who have lighted the flame within us.
(Albert Schweitzer)

Hello lovelies! It’s been a little over 1 month since my last post — and oh how I’ve missed you. The time away provided some much needed space for reflection.

By placing a small distance between me, my laptop, and my life online, I’ve come to realize the joy all this brings me.

There’s an unlimited amount of information, inspiration, support, guidance, love, and creativity for us to discover. The energy that courses through the hearts, minds, and fingertips of complete strangers (and our closest friends) appears like magic on our screens.

I have a renewed sense of excitement that I hope to carry with me as I dive back into blogging. I feel energized and eager. Enthusiastic about what this site has grown into over the past 2 years. Hopeful about what it might become as the future unfolds.

My break from blogging was filled with extraordinary moments. My Mister and I went to the NC State Fair, dressed up as Waldos for Halloween and snuggled while watching How to Make It in America. I made new friends on Twitter, tracked down packages and sparkle for my latest swap, mailed lots of hand-written letters and collected inspiration in magazines & books. The time away was nice, but I’m ready to spring into action.

Want to join me in celebrating a new season of inspiration? Receive Inbox Inspiration {blog posts via email} and/or Muse Memos {monthly newsletter} by signing up here.

Image Credit: Light is good from whatever lamp it shines. via nattu

You may wonder, ‘How can I leave it all behind if I am just coming back to it?
How can I make a new beginning if I simply return to the old?’
The answer lies in the return. You will not come back to the ‘same old thing.’
What you return to has changed because you have changed.
Your perceptions will be altered.
You will not incorporate into the same body, status, or world you left behind.
The river has been flowing while you were gone. Now it does not look like the same river.
(Steven Foster)

In a recent conversation with my Mister, he pointed out something I’ve known to be true my entire life. I write about it often and you may find pieces of yourself in my story.

I tend to bite off more than I can chew.

Eager aspirations, best intentions, and ambition-infused plans are my weakness. Mediocrity makes me uncomfortable. Not finishing a project—or just putting forth 80% effort—is not in my nature.

This combination of perfectionism and internal drive has been a great gift. The places I’ve been, the relationships I’ve built and the things I’ve done are a result of that hunger.

“…but not at the expense of happiness. Of enjoying your life,” he reminded me.

He makes a valid point.

I am a busy lady—and while stopping to smell the roses is something I try to pencil in, it often feels ironic and contrived. I want gratitude, mindfulness and joy to become practices deeply rooted in my daily life. I know this will take time, attention and intention.

I’ve never been in the practice of saying no. I’m not one to take time for unscheduled bliss and unstructured exploration. As someone who always wants to do more, be more and share more of myself, this may prove to be a lesson for lifelong learning.

//

I’m putting the blog on pause. I will be posting less frequently, with a bigger focus on reading, connecting, tweeting and keeping a light touch on the happenings.  I’m taking time to let my tea steep. Soaking in the tiny moments that make up this life. I’m letting my red wine breathe. Spending time with friends, family, my Mister and my thoughts.

Image Credit: Chris Chavez Yoga at Spanish Banks via lululemon athletica

It’s faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes a life worth living.
(Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.)

Hello friends! How was your weekend? Mine was fun and productive—my favorite kind. On Friday, my Mister and I went to Chipotle to have dinner and margaritas on their outdoor patio. On Saturday I sent Jenn my last two Roots of She Summer Tribe posts, then met up with my girlfriend for coffee at a local coffee shop. That evening, my Mister and I went to dinner & bowling  with our friends who had their first baby boy a few weeks ago. Yesterday was filled with catching up on emails, doing laundry and getting ready for the week.

Thanks for all the sweet comments & tweets about my blogiversary! I’m very excited to see what the 3rd year will bring. I hope to take things to the next level and would love to know if you have any suggestions, questions or things you would like to see in the future.

Also, thanks to those of you who signed up for my Sparkle Swap. You will receive more information, a survey & the swap timeline by tomorrow morning! If you missed out or the timing wasn’t good for you this time around, don’t fret. There will be more swap opportunities soon.

There are a lot of things I’m looking forward to right now. My new laptop case should arrive today and my package of home try-on Warby Parkers will be here tomorrow. I hope to share the styles I selected in a future post. I’d love to know which you like best! On Wednesday I’m getting a fresh cut and color—a little mid-week pampering. Also, my grandparents are visiting from Napa this weekend. We have some fun things planned, which I’ll share more about on Saturday’s Creative Weekend T0-Do List.

Hope you have a delightful week, my lovelies! Take some time for yourself. Find an opportunity to make someone else smile. Be inspired. Inspire. Relax, read & enjoy the final days of summer. Keep looking forward.

Image Credit: Deb via Astragony

Whenever you undertake a new project,
attempt to make as many mistakes as rapidly as possible
in order to learn as much as you can in a short period of time.
(Dan Zadra)

Hi there. What’s alive in you?

For me, it’s carving out new routines. Discovery. Change. A fresh path.

On Tuesday, I started a new job with a really amazing company in downtown Raleigh. I’m delighted to be able to do what I do (corporate recruiting) within an incredibly talented and creative atmosphere (digital agency). I cannot even begin to express my delight. My joy. The excitement bubbling up inside.

I’ve kept my shifting employment status a bit of a secret on the blog because I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to write. How much to share. When the search might end. What feelings were fleeting and irrelevant. Which were worth exploring and sharing in a public forum. Exposing personal details has been a challenge for me, so I’ve shied away from going too deep.

This life’s journey continues to evolve and develop into an amazing adventure. I feel so blessed and grateful to have an opportunity to learn alongside so many smart, funny and inspiring people.

At home, my Mister and I are learning to balance his demanding MBA program with my new commute and work schedule. It’s a juggling act for sure, but we’re both in the pursuit of our dreams. So we feel lucky.

Online, I am part of this unbelievably supportive community. Getting back into a blogging groove has filled my heart with joy. Opening my MacBook is like a little gift I give myself. Each time I sit down to write I wonder what might unfold. When I open my Google Reader, I revel in joining you for pieces of your journey.

At the office, each minute is about learning. Today marks day 3. There are pieces of me that feel like I already know how to dive in. Other parts still feel like the new girl. It’s an automatic beginner’s mind, disorienting and wonderful at the same time.

Image Credit: Railroad Weeds via Kevin Dooley

Bold action in the face of uncertainty is not only terrifying,
but necessary in the pursuit of great work.
(Jonathan Fields)

This summer has been heavy and thought-provoking. My career has shifted. My personal relationships have strengthened. I made it back to the yoga mat after a long pause. I have reaffirmed my choice to eat a (nearly) vegetarian diet.

My heart and mind are open to new possibilities. I am letting go of the just. get. though. these. hard. times mentality — and am waking up to skies filled with sunshine. Not to get all Eat, Pray, Love on you, but the dog days might be over.

The Mister and I are nearly settled, except for one final Ikea trip to gather finishing touches. His mom and stepdad are visiting from Ohio this weekend and I’m excited to give them a grand tour. We still have plenty of exploring to do, so please let me know if you have any favorite spots in Chapel Hill.

Pockets of time have started to open up and I plan to post more often. I have some great guest posts scheduled and a few inspiring Truth, Love & Insight interviews for you to look forward to. Let’s do this again soon, ok? Wishing you a delightful day!

Image Credit: The Green Chair via Brenda Gottsabend

Three keys to more abundant living:
caring about others, daring for others, sharing with others.
(William Arthur Ward)

Breathe deep.
The Mister and I are in the final stretch of some major personal challenges. Friday could not come sooner. Until then, we wait patiently. Love each other a little extra. Rest. Believe in better things that are just around the corner.

Trust the process.
The next few months will bring shifting seasons. The Mister will begin his pursuit of an MBA in finance. I will dive back into yoga, running & healthy eating. We will slip into a new rhythm together.

Make something.
I’m starting to see how the new place can become a cozy home for the next few years. It’s a great space with high ceilings, wood floors and more than enough room for two. We have a beautiful Ikea bookcase on order. I’m dreaming of it filled with new books.

Ask for help.
When I mentioned I was seeking guest bloggers, I was delighted with the response. Taylor’s tasty recipes are mouthwatering, Jenn’s balanced approach is inspiring, and Caiti’s creative insights have me eager to explore my new town. There are more guest posts on the horizon, so keep a lookout—or email me if you’re interested in guesting these next few weeks!

Find time for laughter.
Living amongst chaos is disorienting, but laughter offers momentary amnesia. The Mister and I have found relief in watching funny movies. Cedar Rapids and Horrible Bosses were both surprising saving graces.

Believe in love.
I took off last Thursday & Friday to spend time with family at a nearby lake. Waking up on the water brought peace to my heart. Being surrounded by love, snuggles and sweet kisses grounded me in a way I didn’t expect.

Celebrate joy.
This past weekend, the Mister and I found ourselves in the midst of our 3 year anniversary. It was unexpected, just like many things this summer. We tried out a restaurant that’s close to our new home. It was a sweet, easy & simple celebration.

Image Credit: Original Paper Cut Quote via mrYen

The moment when you first wake up in the morning
is the most wonderful of the twenty-four hours.
No matter how weary or dreary you may feel, you possess the certainty that,
during the day that lies before you, absolutely anything may happen.
And the fact that it practically always doesn’t,
matters not a jot. The possibility is always there.
(Monica Baldwin)

I have this vision of my ideal morning.
It plays out quite similar to the start of a romantic comedy.

An easy Bon Iver song plays in the background. I unfold my skinny arms and legs into a looong stretch. I roll over, shut off the alarm and climb out of bed with a serene smile on my lips. Ready, open and excited to start my day. I sip green tea. Write my morning pages. I practice yoga, meditate and craft a healthy, yet delicious, vegan breakfast. I casually browse my favorite blogs, indulge in the perfect cup of coffee. I take a refreshing shower, find the perfect outfit and effortlessly apply my makeup.

Sometimes my aspirations get the better of me. The vision of what should be takes hold and shines a bright light on all my insecurities. If I was doing all I could to pursue my dreams, I would have mornings like this. If I was better at time management. If I were more disciplined. If I was more dedicated to the cause.

Maybe this is true. Maybe the morning is just a jarring transition from the safety of sleep and the glaring reality of day. Romantic comedy morning routines do not happen in real life.

When I get caught up in the woulds and shoulds, I find myself in a lose-lose situation. If I hit snooze a few extra times, I’ve missed my chance at a perfect morning. If I wake up earlier, I still can’t fit in everything before I have to run off to work. The result? I roll over, hit snooze once more, and curse myself as I rush out the door.

A morning worth waking to is the remedy.

An agenda-free greeting to the day. An excuseless opportunity to do whatever feels best. If I want an extra 15 minutes, so be it. There is nothing like an extra dream to start a day off right. If I want to rise with the sun and practice some yoga, excellent. If I wake with a brilliant thought to work through, morning pages will be where I begin.

How do you make peace with your mornings?
I would love to hear about how you approach the day!

Image Credit: via We♥It

For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart.
It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.
(Judy Garland)

Hello my lovelies. I hope you’re having a delightful week. If you’re in the mood for a mushy love-letter of sorts, you’re in luck…

Through chaos and challenge, something exciting has been brewing. The Mister and I are on the edge of a major milestone. We’re packing up our separate 1-bedroom apartments in Raleigh and joining forces in a shiny new 2-bedroom place in Chapel Hill.

An office romance that sparked amidst ping-pong, cubicles and cold calls has blossomed into the most rewarding relationship I’ve ever experienced.

We have seen our share of rough patches, but through everything he’s been my Mister.

My dearest confidant.
My most analytical advisor.
My closest friend.
My biggest supporter.

I am quite certain that as we embark on this new chapter, we will continue to pursue our dreams and slay dragons as a team.

As Jack Johnson says, “it’s always better when we’re together.”

Image Credit: J.Crew