Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself.
(St. Francis de Sales)

Today is the introduction of a new project called Good Eats & Gratitude. An exercise steeped in mindfulness, a series of posts recognizing what feeds us. Musings on two elements that are vital to a happy existence — food nourishes the body, gratitude nourishes the soul.

Good Eats. Recipes to try, restaurant highlights, insights on eating well.
Gratitude. Kind people, inspired ideas, breathtaking moments.

We had a quiet Thanksgiving this year, just me and my Mister. I signed up to run an 8K Turkey Trot. The weather was gorgeous and there was a big crowd. I listened to an awesome playlist and ran faster than expected. It was a great way to start the day.

We went all out. Cooking a full meal and planning to eat leftovers for a few days. There were family traditions like deviled eggs, spicy green beans, and his grandma’s mashed potatoes. There were also a few recipes I wanted to try.

One of the most delicious components of the meal was the Rustic Herb Skillet Stuffing from What’s Gaby Cooking. Her blog post sold me—she said it was so good that she made it 3 times last year before Thanksgiving day! It was everything I could ever want in a stuffing: fresh herbs, delicious mushrooms, and perfect as leftovers.

As another side, I made Caramelized Brussels Sprouts from Eat, Live, Run. Jenna posted about these in October and I wanted to make them ever since. These are such a delicious treat, a perfect mix of healthy crunch and colorful sweetness. Even if you’re not a huge brussels sprouts fan, I recommend giving these a try. I’ve already made them again since!

I also made Oh Joy!’s Cardamom & Cream Cheese Squares for dessert because as Joy puts it, “These squares are a combination of sorts—half no-bake cheesecake and half pumpkin pie—with a touch of cardamom. They’re great for dessert or even as a mid-afternoon snack.” She was right, we enjoyed them for dessert and a few afternoon snacks.

This was our fourth Thanksgiving together.

Somehow it seems to get better each year. The night before we planned our timeline—when to start prepping things, etc. It was a game plan for ultimate oven management. We sat down for dinner 10 minutes earlier than scheduled… a Thanksgiving victory!

I have so much gratitude for my Mister. For his family and friends. For the choices he’s made and the man he is today. For the paths our lives took to get us here, and what we have accomplished together.

Image Credit: utensils via limonada // Rustic Herb Skillet Stuffing via What’s Gaby Cooking // Caramelized Brussels Sprouts via me // Cardamom & Cream Cheese Squares via Oh Joy! // I’ll Give You What I Can via Brandon Christopher Warren

If you were all alone in the universe with no one to talk to,
no one with which to share the beauty of the stars,
to laugh with, to touch, what would be your purpose in life?
It is other life, it is love, which gives your life meaning.
This is harmony.
We must discover the joy of each other, the joy of challenge, the joy of growth.
(Mitsugi Saotome)

Happy 27th birthday, Mister!

This past year was an eventful journey. You encountered happiness and sorrow. You experienced joy and anger. You kept your sense of humor and displayed remarkable courage. I watched as you pursued your goals, slayed evil dragons, and unpacked boxes.

We spent our first Christmas together. Welcomed 2011 with a kiss. You cheered me on during my 1/2 marathon. You were accepted to business school. We moved into our first home. We spent days snuggled on the couch.

Your intelligence continues to impress me.
Your wit keeps me entertained.
Your quirks make me smile.
Your love pushes me to become a better person.

For some people, 27 is a blip on the radar. An insignificant stop between 25 and 30. I have a feeling this is going to be a banner year…

Here’s to your 27th.
Remarkable. Memorable.
Filled with health, happiness, success and love.

Image Credit: via We Heart It

We do not grow absolutely, chronologically.
We grow sometimes in one dimension,
and not in another; unevenly.
We grow partially. We are relative.
We are mature in one realm, childish in another.
The past, present, and future mingle
and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present.
We are made up of layers, cells, constellations.
(Anais Nin)

Hello sweethearts, I hope you are enjoying a lovely start to your week. Things are busy here as the Mister and I pack up in preparation of Friday’s big move! I never thought the day would arrive, but it’s nearly here. I am feeling overwhelmed, excited and nervous to embark on this new chapter.

Certain there will be challenges, I am grateful we found a two story dwelling with plenty of space. Confident there will be love, I am looking forward to seeing how we evolve.

I have a few guest posts and other treats scheduled for the next few weeks to help us (you, me and the blog!) get through this transition. Let me me know if you’re interested in contributing a little magic — I would be delighted to hear your ideas on guesting.

See you around, my lovely muses!

Image Credit: Untitled by Hillary Boles

There are two lasting bequests we can give our children:
one is roots, the other is wings.
(Hodding Carter)

My dad is one of the most important people in my life. He’s been there for me through thick and thin—and as I’ve grown up, our relationship has evolved.

When I was younger, we didn’t always get along. My dad showed his love by enforcing rules and holding very high expectations. My swimming career provided plenty of opportunity for disagreements and bonding. A former collegiate (and nearly professional) football player, my dad knew the dedication required of great athletes. He taught me that incredible things would come if I believed in myself and worked really, really hard.

My dad’s quirky sense of humor, strong opinions, amazing business sense and loving nature are just a few things that I love about him. The picture above is from my first visit to NYC. Dad was there on business and I flew up from Raleigh to explore the city for a day.

Even though we’re currently living 2,000 miles apart, we are closer now than we’ve ever been. I know I can call him when I need advice or a shoulder to cry on. He sends me text messages of love and support that always make me smile. I feel incredibly lucky to call this man my dad.

Happy Father’s Day!!

Be grateful for the home you have,
knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need.
(Sarah Ban Breathnach)

Apartment Therapy’s site provides the opportunity to peek in on the creative genius of stylish places that don’t exist in the pages of magazines or on the sets of motion pictures. Rather, the homes highlighted belong to folks who have crafted beautifully functional and incredibly livable spaces.

When I discovered Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan’s newest endeavor, Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces, I immediate added the book to my wish list. I have been an apartment dweller and small space lover for the past 8 years. Thus is a life of most twentysomethings. When my Mister and I decided to shack up, the stakes were raised.

I sometimes dream of having an unlimited budget, exceptional taste and an eye for the unseen beauty of flea-market finds. My reality lies in the middle of a busy summer, with a modest budget and plenty of other things on my mind.

When I bought Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces a few weeks ago, I was surprised at how it read like a good book—with lots of eye candy. I cozied up with a cup of tea, wrapped myself in a blanket, and sat out on the porch. Flipping through the pages, soaking up the clever space-making of Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan’s muses.

I have a secret hope that our individual belongings will combine into a magical orchestra of perfect harmony, but I know that can’t be. Even the most beautifully put-together spaces are temporary, fleeting works in progress.

Image Credit: Apartment Therapy

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

Time is the coin of your life.
It is the only coin you have, and only you
can determine how it will be spent.
(Carl Sandburg)

Reverb 10.14 – Prompt from December 14, 2010 (Victoria Klein)

Appreciate. What’s one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it?

Time with friends and family.

Trips across the country.
Visits from out of town guests.

Sweet, unexpected emails.
Cards and care packages.

Random phone calls to say hello.
Video chats & moments frozen in time.

Big nights out and cozy evenings in.
Dinner, drinks, movies & games.

Tickles, snuggles.
Hugs, kisses and chuckles.

{ Join Reverb10. Share your story. }

Image Credit: Daydreams via we♥it

We are most alive when we’re in love.
(John Updike)

Reverb 10.3 – Prompt from December 3, 2010

Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Ali Edwards)

Sunset Beach, NC.

Simple breeze. Warm water.

The beach was clean, the air filled with love and laughter.

He convinced me to go play in the waves. To swim into them,
to dive under and let them crash over us.

We played like children. I let the water carry me away.

Those shimmering minutes. That moment. Our moment.
Completely alive.

Join Reverb10. Share your story.

Image Credit: Summer Lovin’ by miss.libertine

When I say, “I love you,” it’s not because I want you
or because I can’t have you. It has nothing to do with me.

I love what you are, what you do, how you try.
I’ve seen your kindness and your strength.
I’ve seen the best and the worst of you.

And I understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are.
You’re a hell of a woman.

(Joss Whedon)

I pulled this playlist together a few weeks ago and have been listening to it on repeat ever since. There’s a calmness to the songs, and a subtle romance to the way they mix together. It isn’t a compilation that will make you want to get up and dance. Instead, it’s great background music for reading, snuggling or sipping tea.

Download the mix for your iPhone, or burn a CD for your sweetie. Play it in the car while you drive away for the weekend, or put it on in your headphones as you walk through the park. I’ve found this playlist to be a perfect accompaniment for the shifting of seasons. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

The Swell Season – Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
Place to Be – Nick Drake
Shelter – Ray LaMontagne
If I Ever - Alli Rogers
Hoppípolla - Sigur Rós
Falling Slowly – The Frames
Another Kind of Green – John Mayer Trio
I Wish You Love – Rachael Yamagata
Song For You – Alexi Murdoch
The Trapeze Swinger - Iron & Wine

all links lead to iTunes

Image Credits: Your Petite Tune by Esellee | iTunes album mosaic

Hello my dear friends. I hope you’re starting off your week with sparkle, style and sass!

Today is my mister’s 26th birthday, so I’ve been a bit busy celebrating with him. I was so excited after wrapping his presents yesterday that I asked if he’d open them early—I’m not very good at keeping surprises a secret.

After work we went to a delicious dinner and caught up on life, work and future plans. To finish the evening, we spent some major time standing in line at the Apple store for a brand-new iPhone 4!

I simply adore my mister. He is a smart, strong and silly man who loves me just as I am. (Plus, he’s an amazing proof reader who catches my typos before they make it to you.)

It’s been a treat to shower him with love, gifts and extra kisses today. I hope we can always keep Steve’s words of wisdom in mind… Stay hungry. Stay foolish.

image credit: via weheartit.com ~ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5