While I Was Away

Give me a minute to dust off the cobwebs over here. I apologize for the silence as of late. Things have been quite busy, and I've had little time leftover to devote to this little space. Everything seems to be slowing down just a bit, and I'm hoping to get back on a regular routine soon. 

So, what have I been up to? Well, this past weekend I joined some fabulous ladies in Nashville to celebrate our favorite bride-to-be!

We had a blast partying through Broadway, eating delicious meals, and celebrating our last girl's weekend before this sweet friend becomes a Mrs! 

Before partying in Nashville, however, Steven and I had a to take care of a few things around the house. Prior to last week, this is what my living room looked liked.. 

How in the world did that happen? Well, somehow over time water was leaking into the wall from the bricks outside. The couch normally sits in front of this wall, so it took months before we noticed anything was wrong. I was cleaning the large window behind the couch one day and just happened to look down in between the couch and the wall. That was when I noticed the buckling of the wall and a very visible crack in the sheetrock. Thankfully we caught the water damage in time and were able to get it repaired. 

In between weekend getaways and home repair, I've also been planning a small party to celebrate the husband turning the big 3-0 next week! We are planning a get together with family and friends Saturday night, and I can't wait! It's going to be a blast!

And of course, we are ending our days like this most nights because after working all day, fixing issues around the house, and planning fun events, I'm left utterly exhausted! I look forward to coming home each and every night and cuddling up with my sweet babies. 

Throw Back Thursday || Spring Break

The other day I was scrolling through Instagram and noticed a familiar pattern of pictures. Why was everyone sitting on a sunny beach with a refreshing cocktail in hand? Then it hit. It was Spring Break, of course! I continued scrolling, jealous of the sunshine and carefree days that so many were experiencing. At one point I thought to myself, I want to go back to those days.

My mind started to wander back to my high school and college days. We lived for Spring Break back then. Every year it was the same old thing - a week long trip to the gulf to enjoy good friends and good times. Some of my favorite memories are from those trips. Memories of friends whom I've lost touch with over the years, friends who are no longer her with us, and friends who I stay close with to this day. Memories of beach parties, run down beach homes, and sneaking into the bars at night. Memories that continue to bring a smile to my face, and memories that will last a lifetime. 

We sure had fun when we were younger. It's obvious why I immediately thought to myself that I wanted to go back and relive those times. As I thought about it a little longer, however, I realized that as much fun as I had during that time in my life, I actually wouldn't want to go back to that time in my life.

Sure, it was fun while it lasted, but there is so much more that I appreciate about this time in my life. I love going home in the evenings to my husband, our dogs, and the home that we worked so hard to call our own. Day drinking on the beach and partying all night was fun years ago, but now my favorite part of the day is crawling into bed between my husband and the dogs and talking about our days and what the future holds for us. Instead of planning a week long party at the beach, we are planning to start a family of our own one day.

So to all you enjoying the warm sunshine and endless cocktails this week, enjoy yourself! In a few years from now you'll be in my shoes. You'll reminisce on the memories that you are making now, and you'll remember how you had the time of your life. As wonderful as your life is right now, it won't be the best time of your life. A few years from now you'll be standing in your kitchen with your husband/wife and talking about your future together. You'll be laughing and kissing, and you'll think to yourself, this is truly the time of my life.

Spring Fashion Finds

Yesterday I walked outside and the most magical thing happened. The sun was shining and a familiar warmth bare down on my bare skin. Winter was officially over! I gleefully said goodbye to my winter coats and boots as I stuffed them back into the depths of my closet, and for the first time in a long time, I pulled out my sandals and maxi dresses. It was pure happiness! 

Later that night, after the sun had gone down and a chill filled the air, I retreated back indoors to daydream about the warm summer days ahead. I sat down and immediately began participating in my favorite past time: online shopping. What better way to welcome the warmth back into our lives than with a little Spring shopping. Am I right?

Here are a few looks that I am currently coveting thanks to my totally healthy addiction with our good friend, Pinterest.

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If these beauties can't get you in the mood for some sunshine and good times, then I don't know what will! What are some of your Spring must haves?

** In honor of my favorite holiday, St. Patrick's Day, I'm offering 50% off all ad spots today only! Head over to my advertising page and use promo code HAPPYSTPATTYSDAY at checkout to receive the discount.

6 Ways To Pass The Time While Your Husband Is Away

1. Catch up on all your favorite shows. I'm talking the ones that he really hates to watch. In my case that would include The Bachelor, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, 19 Kids And Counting, and Sex and the City. You know, the classics.

2. Eat all the food that he doesn't like. These would be the foods that my husband likes to classify as "girly." Basically if it doesn't include meat, it's considered girly and not a real meal. Also, go ahead and finish off the bag of Starburst jellybeans while you're at it! 

3. Sleep on his side of the bed. Or better yet, sleep sideways and take up both sides of the bed. Who knew that I could successfully take up both sides of our king size bed? I know the dogs enjoyed spreading out as well. 

4. Sleep with the heat turned up high and the ceiling fan turned off. Savor the few nights that you are able to sleep without a comforter, blanket, and long sleeves because your hot nature husband is out of town. 

5. Take a really long bubble bath. The ones that you normally can't take because you bought a house that only has one bathroom. When the husband is home I'm usually safe to sneak off for a 30 minute bubble bath, but a minute longer and I'm liable to be interrupted by my husband banging on the door telling me he has to use the bathroom. 

6. Call your girlfriends over for an impromptu wine night. By night number three you are probably starting to get lonely, so what better way to end a few days home alone than inviting your best gal pals over for a night of wine and juicy gossip?! 

Of course, once you've marked these off your list you will most likely be more than ready for your husband to return home to you. I know I sure was! Even with the two dogs under my feet at all times, the house still felt very quiet and lonely without him. I have to say though, I did appreciate watching The Bachelor live this week! Other than that, living alone wasn't as fun as I remembered it being back in my single days. I missed my husband!