Valentine's Day: In My Shoes

     I don't know about you, but I had a wonderful and simple Valentine's Day. I spent the morning enjoying coffee and breakfast (while snuggling with Brody) and really embraced the freedom of no obligations. My sister and niece (Laura & Ellerie) and I all face-timed which had me smiling ear to ear. Somehow when you face-time it just feels like you are all together (thank you to advanced technology!).
     Ellerie is completely full of life and loved showing me all of her toys along with her cooking supplies (loves being in the kitchen). Her voice will always melt my heart. I tend to have flashbacks of the night she was born...I remember being told she had arrived and I (literally) ran down the halls of the hospital to Laura's room, hearing the most precious cry, and looked at the most precious little creation from God (gives me chills just writing about it!). I ave never cried so many tears of joy in my life. There is nothing like being an aunt!
   
     Back to my day...When Corey got home, he had a dozen roses (pinky peach colored..my favorite) along with hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries and a card from him (and of course one from Brody too). Did I mention there were balloons involved as well? If there is one thing my man knows...it is that I enjoy the most simple (yet thoughtful) gifts and gestures. He knows that on these (minor) holidays it means more to me to receive a bouquet of flowers than anything else and how I will love them so.
     AND if there is One thing I know...it is that I am a lucky girl. I think we take our relationships for granted and don't always appreciate the little things we are given or told. I will not lie..there are days I take Corey's 50 kisses on my forehead and cheek for granted..him making me my favorite foods for granted..his unconditional understanding and support for granted and his love and respect for me ...for granted.
      It is not that I don't give thanks or show love back (believe me I do) ..it is more that because he is so good to me (on a regular basis) that I tend to not give him enough credit. I decided yesterday morning (as I was sitting and rubbing Brody) no matter what happens on this beautiful day... I will cherish every little thing and give credit and appreciation. This helped opening my eyes a bit, and will be telling myself this more often. Sometimes you need a reminder (even if is to yourself) that you are lucky and blessed and have many wonderful (big & little) things going on in your life...that are special in their own ways. For that love should be shown & most importantly thanks :) Here are some photos from my Vday!

Snow Day: Take 2

     We were lucky to get another beautiful snowfall yesterday, and I had to capture a few details of it once more! I know I keep talking about Spring and really wanting the warm weather to get here (which I do BELIEVE me) ..but for now I honestly am appreciating this gorgeous fluffy snow we rarely see. Not to mention most people had the day off ..so there cannot be too much complaining if any. I love that Charlotte always offers the most beautiful and invigorating seasons. I always am so thankful to have the various places to travel (mountains..beach..lake...city) along with timeless seasons. God you are good!

 

Moving Day: We Meet Again

     Yesterday morning was moving day for me (for the 450 time it seems). And no, it was not to a townhome or house or apartment ..but a storage unit (for the meantime) until I find a place I love. I will be staying with friends and my boyfriend for a few weeks until the moving takes off again! It really never ends.
      You know ...I can't really say I regret all the various places I've lived or would go back and change anything if I could. I think different homes with different roommates have always shaped me and taught me something.
     I really do think I want to stay in Charlotte (at least for another year) and work some and get a plan together. I have so many ideas of moving and traveling and where I want to raise a family..(blah blah blah) however I would rather have some money saved...I would rather have some set goals...I would rather utilize the opportunities and connections nearby and would like to be close to all my friends. So for now, looks like the QC is my home. I am okay with this too. I did see myself in another city, possibly exploring and just trying something new, but if that isn't for another couple years..so be it! This is the beauty of taking your time and cherishing the different years of your life. God always has a plan..
     Back to my topic...yesterday's move...we used Gentle Giant Moving Company, and they were superb to work with! Had all of my stuff loaded ..packed ..moved and unloaded in under 2 hours! Was pretty affordable too (saved me tons of labor all yesterday) and the men were tremendously amicable. If your wondering..the storage unit was affordable too! I only need it for about a month or less... and Public Storage (on Park rd.)..currently has a promotion going on which is... $1 on your first month of rent for certain units. So this is costing me a total of 50 bucks (administrative fees too) for a month of storage. Talk about deal!
     When you are not married yet and you have a ton of furniture (home decor) and just stuff...movers can be lifesavers and won't cost you an arm and a leg. Same with storage units..I didn't want to make a hasty decision on a townhome so why not store for a month and get a game plan together?
     We will see what the future has in store (more like the next few weeks) but I will be sure to keep ya posted! Here are some photos I snagged of the move.

Snow: Brody Boy

   Had to share a few photos of Brody from today's snow adventures. He was not loving it quite as much after about 15 minutes ..especially once his nose was cold & wet. He always tries anything ..even if he s not really adapt to it or sure of it. Being predominately fearless, he loves to explore everything and anything his paws touch. If ever it gets to scary...retreating typically occurs back to my lap ...and that is perfectly okay with me!

5 Things: My Thoughts

     Been awhile since I have talked about 5 things on my mind right now so figured it's Monday..let's give it a go. Babes are currently napping and let's hope they keep it up for another 30 minutes so I can get some things done (like eat at some point haha). 

     I hope I didn't bombard everyone yesterday with all my posts ...but sometimes there are a billion things on your mind that you just have to talk about (or in my case write about mostly). I also have a hard time not sharing info (whether it's fashion, food or advice). So here's 5 things..

1. I am such a fan of Valentine's Day. I know and understand half of the US is not..and finds it overrated (which is fine). I guess I just have never understood the hate towards it or dislike. I mean we celebrate St. Patricks Day and Halloween and I don't see how those are not overrated too? 

     The big quote I hear (that's rephrased quite a bit) from many people is "We should not have one day that we express our love for others" Well DUH... but because our society (which is slowly I feel going downhill and loosing touch of what matters) is so hurtful and mean at times...that it's imperative to have a day to remind everyone the importance of loving. Whether it's a significant other or a random lady down the road or you local target cashiers....use this "overrated" holiday to cherish your close ones (random people in your community too) and show them how to love and be loved. I don't see anything overrated about that....

2. I am craving one more hit of snow...Please please please :) They are calling for at least an inch this week come Wednesday (apparently)..yay! I always am wanting the warm weather but if it's going to remain negative zero might as well snow.

3. I'm loving my new polka dot scarf. Found it at Black Lion ...which has the best little finds. It is like Etsy but store version (amazing). It was only 17.99 too ..so if your in the Dilworth area be sure to stop in!

4. These shabby chic straws are too cute! Can't wait to use them for a brunch I am planning. Also think they would be great for showers (weddings or engagements or even birthdays).. Love the stripes and pops of color. I found mine at SAS Cupcakes and they were pretty affordable! 

5.  Don't assume people have nothing going on in their life simply because they don't have a kid or a full time career. I made this mistake once (pre-jugding) and it was a big learning lesson and new understanding to cut others some slack. Job hunting, nannying, house hunting, birthdays, moving, events, interning for a wedding event company...life is very busy and no some of us are not just "sitting around." 

3 Quotes: I Love You

 

     Call me cheesy, but I love great romantic movies (preferably the classics that fostered such inspirational romances through the years). Here are a few quotes, from all time famous love movies, that remind me of this man of mine. We have so much that we have been through together yet so much to experience still. I am thankful to have someone that can put up with my stubborn self and make me laugh when I'm upset and kiss my forehead 50 times a day. When we are together nothing else matters, and we are simply content in loving one another. I think that is my favorite part..

"It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together… and I knew it." – Tom Hanks, Sleepless In Seattle

 "No, I don’t think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That’s what’s wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how." – Gone with the Wind

 "So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard. We’re gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day…" – Ryan Gosling, The Notebook

Cupcakes: SAS

     If you are not from around Charlotte or haven't heard, SAS Cupcakes has some of the most delicious cupcakes ever and on Tuesdays they are a whopping 2 bucks. I opted of course for 6 of them, seeing as how I have a boyfriend who devours dessert in minutes. They had a bundle of chocolate variations... along with my personal favorite, s'mores (YUM). It is located on Rea Road in the South Charlotte area. Along with delicious cupcakes they have all sorts of party items you could want and need including striped pink straws I keep seeing on Etsy...glad I waited and got them at SAS for $3. Here are a few pics of the cupcakes we got ...don't drool too much! ;)