Twenty twelve.

December 28, 2011 · 3 comments

in life & love

By now, people are starting to take down the Christmas lights and New Year’s is just around the corner. Thoughts of fancy dresses, champagne, music, dinner and dancing are swirling through the air. It’s almost 2012! This New Year’s Eve, raise a glass and remember all the excitement, challenges, changes and happiness that happened in 2011. So put on your party dress, fancy shoes and kiss the one you love.

It’s a clean slate. A blank canvas. Paint a picture that is uniquely you. Cheers to a new year!



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Blogging + Bubbles.

December 12, 2011 · 6 comments

in life & love

The other night, I went to an event and made all kinds of great, new contacts–many of whom are either in the blogosphere or members of the local media. It was a relaxed environment. We were chatting and laughing over bubbly glasses of champagne and delicious, bite-sized hors d’oeuvres.

In conversation, it somehow came up that I write a blog. A few had visited the blog, read my content, etc. They had nothing but kind words to say about it. Of course, I thanked them. But I was thinking, “Gosh, I hope they don’t really read the content…”

This whole scenario has been playing on repeat in my head for several days now. For the first time since I started blogging, I wasn’t proud of my blog. It wasn’t because I don’t like the look (I love it) or because I don’t have great examples of my work here (I do). It has occurred to me that I’m not wildly proud of the content. What began as a more professional blog has transformed into a personal, lifestyle-type blog. My posts now include recipes, travel adventures and life updates.

And truthfully, I think I prefer this style of writing more so than PR-focused posts. It’s natural and heartfelt. It’s real.

Don’t get me wrong–I read tons of fabulous blogs by incredibly talented PR people, social media gurus and communication masterminds. And more often than not, I end up learning something new after reading them.

For me though, I’ve used this space as an outlet. A way to express my thoughts, life changes, career moves and relationships. And this has been the identity of my blog for a while now. So why wasn’t I prouder in that moment?

I guess the bigger question is–isn’t it okay that my blog’s identity has shifted? I’m not the same person I was when I wrote my first post. I’m older, wiser (I hope), in a different place, with a new job and an exciting life ahead of me. So it’s only natural that my voice has changed, right? Right.

From now on, I will stand proud of this hodgepodge, inconsistent space. Cheers to that!



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I’ve written about giving thanks and the delicious food around the Thanksgiving table–but rarely do I take a moment to reflect on what I’m truly thankful for. This year has brought many adventures and as I turn the page into this new chapter of my life, I realize just how thankful I am for the gift of life and love.

I’m thankful for a man who loves me more than anything in this world. Who makes my heart go pitter patter day in and day out. Who picks up daisies on his way home–just because. Who accepts me for me. Who sets the example to be a better version of myself every day. Who works harder than any other person I know. Who makes me stronger, better and happier than I’ve ever felt in my life. Who will soon be my husband.

I’m thankful for supportive, loving parents who continuously give. Who are helping me create the most perfect wedding any girl could dream of. Who provide the strength and wisdom to get through situations big and small. Who show me their unconditional love. Who push me to succeed and never settle. Who appreciate my sensitive nature and creative mind.

I’m thankful for the 15 years that I had with my mother who was the kindest, most loving, thoughtful, funny and beautiful person I could ever know. Who gave me the gift of life. Who was courageous and strong, generous and wise, sweet and loved. Who taught me how to live and love. Whose memory shines like the warm sun and glistening stars in the sky.

I’m thankful for my siblings, family and friends, health, faith, education, career, sweet doggie and warm home. I’m thankful for pie, pretty shoes, coffee, laughter, the beach, technology, comfy pajamas, taco trucks, fall-scented candles, manicures and pedicures, and sunshine.

But most of all, I’m thankful for my lucky, happy life. My past, present and all that is to come. Happy Thanksgiving!



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Weekend recap.

November 21, 2011 · 1 comment

in life & love

These days, fiance is usually studying, preparing for an exam or practicing in the dental lab on the weekends. While I’m usually lucky enough to get a date night or something of the sort in the evenings, our weekend days are generally spent apart. I’ve managed to adjust to his schedule and find my own fun in this new city I call home but this weekend was a big treat–no studying, no school… just us.

Here are some snapshots of our weekend. How was yours?

Double date @ Feast, San Antonio. Yukon gold chips + blue cheese sauce.

Wedding registry @ Crate & Barrel.

Oreo-stuffed chocolate chip cookies.



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Some sweet lemonade.

November 18, 2011 · 2 comments

in life & love

In early October, I mentioned that I was in the midst of making lemonade. As much as I wanted to spill my heart out and give you the juicy details, I simply couldn’t. I was relieved yet anxious, happy yet sad… I needed time to reflect and get things in order.

While I still won’t divulge all the secrets of the storm (oh yes, it was quite the thundering storm), I can safely say that it was a turning point in my career.

Leading up to the storm, I spent 3+ months questioning my purpose, strengths and abilities–and it wasn’t pretty. And now that the storm has passed and I’ve had a month or so of thought and action, I know that I shouldn’t have questioned myself one bit. I feel re-energized, renewed, confident and content.

And I’ve made some sweet, sweet lemonade.



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I do.

November 16, 2011 · 7 comments

in life & love

Last month, fiance and I had our engagement photo session in Austin with the very talented Morgan Lynn Photography. Morgan and her husband Amir made us feel so relaxed and comfortable. It was so natural and easy. And we couldn’t be happier with how the photos turned out.

Watch our engagement photo slideshow here.



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