Where I Come From.

I was born January 9th 1988 in Mason City, Iowa. Although I loved my childhood, the best thing to happen to me was when we moved to Dubuque in 2000. I wasn't born here, but the place that really shaped who I am today is where my parents live now. I like to refer to it as the house on a hill down in the valley.

The reason I love this place so much is because it really let me explore my thoughts on this thing called life. In school I made friends pretty quick when we first moved here but shortly after I made these new "friends" I realized that they were more like enemies. There's nothing greater than being bullied right? I won't get into that. The thing is, we live in the country which was the biggest blessing of my life. I didn't realize it then but living out in the country allowed me to walk out my front door and get lost in nature. Living on several acres allowed me to just go. Me and our pup Lucky would go on walks through the woods, take photos, and just sit and think. I was able to look at the big picture. I was able to  grow as an individual at such a young age because of these woods, and tall grass. I didn't get caught up in the mall after school, or the movies. I was able to get caught up in the smell of the air, and the textures of the outdoors. There's just something about stepping out of the city and taking it all in. Life seems to slow down a bit and open up your eyes to the real things in life.

I'm so thankful that the memories I made here are still part of the air I breathe today. Each time I go out to my parents house I'm reminded of when I really discovered who I am. What makes me happy, and soothes my soul. It's crazy to think that next September...13 years after moving here, I will be able to marry my best friend on this very same land. All of my secrets and thoughts are in this land. The sky above I've looked up at so many times and asked questions about life and why things are the way they are. I wouldn't change a thing and I am so thankful of the memories I have made here.

I can't wait until the day I get to add more memories to this land with all of my family and friends. The day I get to say I do on this hill down in the valley.

xo

Hot Chocolate Reminiscing - First snowfall of 2012

Sunday December 9th 2012 - The first snowfall. :)

I went to bed Saturday night knowing we were "supposed" to get snow, but when I pulled up the blinds on our window this morning I was pleasantly surprised that we got snow, and a good amount of it! Everything was covered in the white fluffy stuff. :) Banksy noticed and was soon enough glued to the window watching the snowflakes fall down. It wasn't long before he was barking obnoxiously to be let out.

Checking out the snow.

Banksy and I took 4 different trips outside the first 2 hours of the day. I would toss the snow and he would jump up and eat it. This guy just LOVES the snow! I'll never forget the first snowfall last year with Banksy seeing it for the first time. This year it was only seconds before he remembered how much he loved it and was excitedly running around in our backyard. There's just something so peaceful about the silence the snow brings. I stood there watching him and smiling. His excitement makes me so happy. :)

Just look at this face! 

We wrote a message in the snow for Eric. :) I text him the picture and he responded with "I watched you write this! :)" I can only imagine how goofy I looked playing with B boy in the snow.

The rest of the day was spent grocery shopping, cleaning, sloppy joe eating, and baking. (Previous post has cookie recipe)

Now I'm sitting on the couch with my pup, sipping on some hot chocolate. Hot chocolate always brings back so many memories of childhood. We would go outside and play in the snow with all of my neighbors and when we came inside for the night my mom always had hot chocolate waiting for us. In Iowa State mugs of course. ;) She always made the best hot chocolate. It felt like it went straight to my soul, made with love from mom. We would sit at the island in the kitchen and share our stories from outside. These are the types of things I'm so looking forward to sharing with my kids some day. It's not about how big your house is, or what brand of clothing you wear. It's the memories that really do burn into your soul, make you who you are, and give you the appreciation for the little things in life. I'm so thankful for these little memories that make a big impact on my life now in my 20's. 

xo

Forgotten Kiss Cookie

This happened today..."Forgotten Kiss Cookie" (click for recipe)

This was one of the first recipes I ever pinned on Pinterest and today I decided to give it a try for the holidays. :)

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So easy and SOOOO good. :)

xo

Christmas Cheer for all to hear. :)

December is in full swing! 2012 has been so amazing! I plan on soaking up all that December has to offer. :) This is the 2nd year Eric and I have been in our home together so we are just getting into the groove of our holiday traditions. I loved the holiday's growing up. I always had so much to look forward to!

First off, it wasn't Christmas time without my grandmothers famous peanut clusters! They were the best! If we couldn't make it there for Christmas she would send some our way. yummm.

So you're probably thinking...Barbie in her pink convertible? No...I didn't get it for Christmas (that I can remember) But I was kind of obsessed with lights and our tree. I remember specifically one Christmas my mom let me take all of my Barbies and play under the tree on Christmas eve. There weren't any gifts under the tree yet because Santa hadn't come yet. (duh) I remember laying under the lights driving my Barbie around and making up some imaginary story having so much fun. I played for so long under that tree that I fell asleep and woke up the next morning in bed, all of my barbies were put away and present were magically under the tree. I was so confused and excited at the same time. Thanks mom! :)

Speaking of lights and pretty trees, growing up my mom always had the best decor for our house. (For the 90's that is LOL) It has definitely influenced me and inspired me to decorate my own home, in my own unique way. She always did and still does, decorate with lots of lights and lots of love. I like to think that I do the same. :)

Cheers to happy holidays, and time with loved ones. 

xo

What makes YOU happy?

I went to the store today and noticed as I was walking in how many people I saw looking, well, unhappy. It got me thinking how grateful I feel on a daily basis of all the things in my life that genuinely make me happy. I fully believe that YOU have the power to choose your own happiness no matter what your situation. There are some people that have absolutely nothing and they can still be so content and happy with what they have. Then there are others that seem to have it all, and they don't know how to be happy. What makes YOU happy? Do you think you can choose your own happiness no matter what your situation is?

Today, try and make the best of what your day gives you. You may be surprised that when you tell yourself and set your mind to be happy, you may just feel happy. :)

Here are a few things that make me happy. 

This face

The way Eric is with our pup, makes me more excited to see him as a father someday. :)

Naps that look like this. 

When my kitchen is this clean. A clean house = a clean mind.

Makeup. End of story. 

Christmas decorations. 

xo

Randoms

I don't have much for words today so I'll just leave the blog with some random gifts from the internet and a song I like. :) Happy Sunday! xo

Happy December 1st! I thought I'd do a post about some beauty products I'm currently loving, and possibly help some of you out with gift ideas for the ladies in your life!

The first item I'm obsessed with is the Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment.

$39.95. 4.2 oz Can by found at Ulta, or most other stores. (ex. Target)

Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment is a therapeutic oil perfect for all hair types and is especially beneficial to dry, damaged hair. The Healing Oil Treatment is instantly absorbed, weightlessly infusing the hair with moisture and nutrients for silky smooth, healthy looking hair while providing natural UV protection from photo and sun damage. Dry, brittle hair is miraculously rejuvenated with increased shine and control

This stuff is amazing. I put a pump worth in my hand and rub my hands together, then I run this through my damp hair but only half way up and then down to my ends. It just makes everything feel so much healthier and smooth.  This would be a a great gift, or a great suggestion of something to ask for! :)

The next item is called full of promise.

I LOVE this stuff.

$65. 2 oz. Can be found at Ulta or from Philosophy

Full of promise dual-action restoring cream for volume and lift features a unique protein recycling complex that helps promote visibly firmer, fuller, uplifted skin.

features & benefits

• exclusive protein recycling complex works to breath new life into existing proteins (in epidermal layers)
• helps supports natural collagen and elastin for visibly improved volume and lift
• skin is protected and hydrated all day long

This stuff is great. I had a day where I was outside in the wind and my cheeks were super dry, I put some of this on and the next day my face was back to smooth. I'm not ones for creams and such but this is so worth it. 

Peter Thomas Roth - Instant FIRMx Eye temporary Eye Tightener.

$38. 1 oz. Can be found at Ulta or Peter Thomas Roth

Instantly and temporarily tightens, firms & smoothes the appearance of crow’s feet, fine lines and deep wrinkles around the eye area, while diminishing the appearance of under eye puffiness. Tighten, firm & smooth the appearance of the eye area to temporarily minimize the appearance of crow’s feet, fine lines and deep wrinkles, while diminishing the look of under eye puffiness. This is great on those days when you just feel droopy. It instantly tightens and rids puffiness from your face!  Lastly, this little gem. Benefit Cosmetics - Powderflage $28 .11 oz. Can find at Ulta or Benefit

Virtually weightless diffusing powder concealer camouflages fine lines and dark circles. It's fast, easy, lite and breezy! Since it does not absorb water it not only camouflages, but is a famous setting powder for the under eyes or face. Wear alone or apply over cream concealer to help it last longer. Accompanying "flager" brush applies exactly the right amount of silky pink powder. Includes step-by-step lesson.

The reason I love this stuff is because it has a lightness to it. It's almost like you're putting magical fairy dust on your concealer after covering those annoying dark circles. It lightens everything up so you look fresh and away. This stuff is amazing! I also use it to set my foundation around my nose area. I love love LOVE this product!

I hope this helped you with a few gift ideas for the ladies in your life this Christmas. Otherwise, these are great gifts to ask for yourself!! 

xo