The Little Things

This summer has definitely been the summer of little things adding up to the big things. I love reflecting on the moments...sometimes unexpected, that have shaped this summer to be one of the best. Here are a few things happening in my world that fill me up.

A visit from one of my best girlfriends that lives in Austin. It felt so amazing to come together, BBQ, reconnect, and make up for lost time.

A last-minute solo mission to the Long Beach Flea Market to pick up a few goodies...bright embroidered fabric, a Oaxacan loom with amazingly colorful birds, air plants, an antler shed, and a piece of driftwood which later became a new front door hanging.

A weekend filled with DIYs. I was craving some creative time, and this weekend included indigo-dying, painting new pots for house plants, and this air plant hanging that I made from flea market goodies.

A happy pup on an improptu hike along Palos Verdes. The dogs even got to hike down the cliffs to run next to the waves. This guy looks pretty happy!

Nothing beats a warm summer sunset, and this summer has not disappointed...Add wine, healthy food, friends, and great conversation.

Smoothie Selfies

Happy New Year Everyone!

This year has definitely gotten going at a running start, and it's hard to believe the first month of the year is already more than half-way over! The first few weeks of the year were spent recovering from holiday food coma, getting back into a FULL work week, and transitioning back to a healthy and productive routine.

In the spirit of New Year's resolutions and getting back to routine, my sisters and I have been inspiring each other through smoothie selfies each day...so so silly I know! But honestly...their daily smoothie photos and ingredient lists have been inspiring me to get my daily dose of blended greens each day. No matter how silly the motivation, finding a support system that is working towards the same goals as you can help tremendously with your resolutions all year long.

Here's to finding inspiration and motivation in 2014, and surrounding yourself with people that support and promote your best self! 

The Little Things

It's been a while since I've focused on The Little Things, so here are a few moments from the last few weeks that make me grateful, humbled, and excited for the little things to come!

Our latest lil' home project that is now proudly hung in our dining area. I am truly unbelievably lucky to have a guy by my side that is so handy, and loves to help me bring to life my crazy project ideas!

A birthday celebration for my handsome Dad! I have been brought up by two of the most generous, loyal, and fair parents, and love having any reason to get together and share good wine, food, and always great conversation.

Custom made 'sister' necklaces! These were a very late arriving Christmas gift to my sisters from me, but they were sure worth the wait. Even in our 20's...well almost 30's for me...we can still wear our version of 'friendship' jewelry.

Daily green juices to keep my energy levels high and my insides smiling! As you can tell from the numerous juice and smoothie posts lately, I am definitely trying to sneak in as many greens as possible, and it feels oh so good!



Amazingly gorgeous winter sunsets, I just can't get enough. One of my favorite things to do with my guy on the weekends is explore the cliffs near our home with our pup. Nothing makes you feel more grounded than a beautiful view and sunset!

**If you follow my personal Instagram, you may have seen some of these already :)

Just Breathe

 As I was trying to manage through the hustle and bustle of holiday traffic last night, I received a good helping of road rage from someone out of nowhere. 

It shook me up a little...as my tiny little Mini Cooper was no match to the giant truck that wouldn't let me live down the accidental last-minute merge I attempted. It really made me think...what makes people so worked up during the holidays, or any time of year, that they feel it's necessary to threaten harm on another?? ...Especially over something so small...

The reason I bring up my road rage incident is because it was so small, in comparison to the extremely tragic events in Connecticut this past week...yet people still allow themselves to get so stressed and worked up, they take it out on everyone around them...especially this time of year when emotions are magnified. 

While we can't control the emotions and actions of others, we can control OURSELVES. When the stress is rising through holiday functions, family gatherings, and all of the buzz of the holiday season...take a second to... 

BREATHE...

 and be grateful for the life you have...

just a little reminder :)

Happy: A Documentary

Photo Via

To end a great weekend celebrating my sister's birthday with family and friends, I finally got around to getting cozy and watching a great little film called 

HAPPY:)

Happy explores cultures around the world, in search of what makes people happy, and I am happy to say, it is not $$.

This documentary was extremely touching, and focuses on the true journey of happiness and where we experience it most...through community; through active, productive, and enjoyable activities; and by helping others, and contributing to their happiness.

So if you have an hour of time...discover HAPPY...

Happy is available on Netflix instant, or for $2.99, you can watch Happy through the official Happy site here.

The Little Things: Giving Thanks

Here are a few of the little things that made the holiday weekend one to be grateful for:

1.  Super-packed, pre-Thanksgiving donation class to raise money for prevention of human trafficking in India.

Photo Via

2.  Cooking an Italian Thanksgiving with my mom and sister. My mom's health has prevented us from cooking and having a holiday that included too much work and stress the past few years, so it meant the world to be in the kitchen cooking together again.

3.  Crawling back in bed the morning after Thanksgiving, instead of battling the crowds for Black Friday shopping, which I have promised myself I will never do!

4.  Celebrating a second Thanksgiving, and also a second birthday with my guy's family.

5.  A much needed reunion dinner with high school friends. Unfortunately, we were having way too much fun drinking wine and catching up, we didn't take a picture together, so I have this little gem from our glory days...thank goodness we all look better with age! :)

The Little Things

Quote Via

I truly believe that the little things are really the BIG things in life, and as the week begins, it never hurts to look back and have gratitude, and recognize some of the little moments that make life so BLISSFUL!

A Few of the Little Things Last Week that Made Me Smile:

1.  Brisk but sunny Fall days, perfect for weekend walks by the beach.

2.  A long phone conversation with my sister in Seattle who is working her butt off in nursing school. Our phone calls are few at times with busy schedules, but always inspiring!

3.  A splurge at the market for my favorite oil which guided me to a new sauce recipe which I can't wait to share soon!

4.  Time with my absolutely adorable goddaughter. Her cuddles and smile melt my heart every time.

Find the little things that make your world SMILE this week!