So you went to Italy. (v.1)

  

Him: So I have some exciting news. 

Me: Uh, what?

Him: They want you to come to Italy with me. 

Me: Are you freaking serious?

And so it went. In two weeks after hearing those words, rushing to get a US Passport (yes babe, you told me so.... i should've gotten one years ago) and buying the most expensive and exciting plane ticket of my life; we were in Italy. Sure it was the longest and most exhausting journey ever (but did you know they have little individual tvs on those planes?!) and I learned that I cannot sleep on planes, trains, cars, etc (no matter how EXHAUSTED I may be) but we were in Italy. Flying into Milan deep into the dark of night with the thousands of soft amber lights glowing below the plane was one of those beautiful sights that will never leave me. And considering normally the girlfriend doesn't get to go on the work trip; I was genuinely the luckiest girl in the world. 

After flying into Milan we woke the next morning and hopped a train to Zurich, Switzerland to well, SEE Switzerland... but also meet a good friend of ours who lives in the neighboring country of Germany. That train ride was so incredibly gorgeous with the greenest greens you'll ever imagine and towns and villages that seem like they only exist in hot cocoa commercials. Rolling grassy hills, tall snowy mountain peaks and adorable little cottages with bright blue shutters and radiant red roofs. 

 

The city of Zurich was amazing. Quaint cobblestone streets, tall clock towers with booming brass bells, busy tourists bustling through the streets and the most picturesque river rushing through the center of town. Besides eating very well (which we did most all of the trip) we also visited a castle because I just LOVE that in Europe; castles are a pretty casual thing. 

 

 

Switzerland with all of its history, cobblestone and castles was amazing but after only two short days we hopped back onto a train to get my man to work and see the beauty that is Italy. Thank you Switzerland for such a memorable time.

That post coming soon....

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Datevitation + a giveaway

When my fella and I moved to California two years ago the most difficult part for me was knowing that I wasn't going to be close by my bestest girl friend. You know, that person that you can hang out in PJ's all day with while wearing funny mud masks on your face and watching a-mazing shows like Sex in the City on repeat like it WAS the greatest thing to ever be on TV. cause it maybe was.

Well when I got to thinking this year what in the world I could possibly get her for Christmas that would come close to filling in that time we no longer have together.... I was seriously lost. It's not like I can jump on a plane and just hug her face... this girl has bills to pay.

That's why when I got an email from the awesome Datevitation telling me about their unique love coupon books I was thrilled. I'd actually made one a year or so ago for my fella for Valentine's Day and I just KNEW it would be the perfect gift (with that personal touch) to make my bestie feel like I was still around.

 

 I got right to work customizing and choosing fun "dates" for me and her based on all our favorite things to do. And with over 500 date ideas to choose from on their website; how could I go wrong finding just the right ones for our friendship?

Now, my bestie could be reminded of all the fun things we like to do together as well as have a PROMISE by me that we'll continue to do them. Because now, every time I'm in town, she can cash in one of her "coupons" from her love book (because love includes all different kinds of relationships) and know that I still value our time together as best friends. And it's great for me too because I still get the benefit of hanging out with her! Win, freaking, win! 

And luckily for all of you.... Datevitation wants you to be able to give these great love coupon books as your holiday gifts too! So right NOW can you use the code: ‘BLENDINGS10’  for $10 off your purchase plus free shipping (total value of $13.50)  That means you can get your loved one a one-of-a-kind gift for Christmas starting at just $15!  The order cut-off date for guaranteed delivery by Christmas is December 13 so make sure to get your order in before then!

AND because Datevitation is such a rad, family run business (just check out Alex propose to Olga in a video they posted on Youtube as a "Save the Date") they are also giving away a book for one of you to personalize and give to someone special! Thanks so much to Daveitation!

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

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warby parker.

warby parker. 


I had no idea what those words meant a few days ago.
Now I cannot wait to tell you all about them.

Let me start by saying this is not a sponsored post.
I just think you need to know how amazing this company is.

warby parker is "eyewear with a purpose". 
They not only drop the price to allow affordable fashionable eyewear for all but they make sure that for every pair sold; a pair is given to someone in need.

Just like the TOMS idea, this company is committed to helping those unable to afford what they need. "We believe that everyone has the right to see"---Warby website. 

Not only is this a great cause to support (and affordable) but another cool feature is that you can pick five frames on their site, load them into your cart and they'll ship them to you for FREE to try on and test! No shipping, no fees, no kidding!

I was so thrilled I jumped right online and picked my frames. Now I need your help! I have five days before I have to send them back (for free) and I need to pick the pair I want to buy.

Comment and let me know your fav. Oh, and shop warby.
Or tell your friends. They do sunnies too.

WINSTON LUNAR FADE

LINWOOD VIOLET MAGNOLIA 

 

LANGSTON WHISKEY TORTOISE MATTE

ZAGG REVOLVER BLACK MATTE

REECE SANDALWOOD MATTE

i love you warby parker.

Without the words...

Lately I've been having a very hard time putting words down in this place. I'm not sure how I got so lost; but it happened.

Sorry friends.

I think I've been having a hard time with the whole "growing up" situation lately. There are these big decisions we have to make. And when you're a kid, all you see is the fun stuff about being "grown up". You know... eating ice cream for dinner, driving wherever you want, staying up late, choosing what to watch on TV.... those things. But what you don't realize is that those are the easy choices of the day. But the rest of the day you are making BIG choices. Exhausting choices. What if I'm unhappy with my job, or my apt isn't right, OH so much debt and the ever-challenging situation of LOVE.

Oh and all the while you are making these choices it's kind of like playing a game of pin the tail on the donkey. Totally blind, moving toward what you believe to be the goal, and 90% of the time pinning something totally off course. But then unlike the game.... you have to roll with it once the blindfold is off.

I've always been an independent gal. It's how my momma raised me. To be strong and rely on only yourself. But the one thing she didn't mention is what to do when you fall in love.

Why is there no information for what to do when there's another person in your emotional status? When instead of just thinking of yourself.... you're now wondering what he's thinking, doing and wanting.

I should mention that my man is out of town. He's at a work conference and it's also the first time since we moved in together that he's been gone and I've been alone. Alone. Something I used to cherish and even paid extremely ridiculous money for in college because I coveted it so. But now. Now I'm used to sleeping next to his warm comfort. To laughing together after a long day. And to hearing his voice telling me goodbye in the morning.

And even though he returns tomorrow and has only been gone a short time.... all this time alone has made me think. Why is it that love makes us so afraid to be alone? Isn't absence supposed to make the heart grow fonder? But for me... I just want to know that he's ok, that he's sleeping well, and that he's happy. I want to hear his voice in the morning. Honestly, I can't even sleep in our bed alone. Isn't that silly? Love is a crazy experience.

Also I got very sick last night. There I was alone in our apt, puking into a pot from my spot on our futon, and feeling very sad. Granted if he had been home I would've felt awful and embarrassed for all the puke.... but still..... he would've taken care of me.

I don't want to be alone. That's what love has taught me. But the scary part of love is not knowing whether or not it will last. Are we both committed to wanting it....even when it's hard? And what if I were to end up alone again? It's a thought that hurts to terribly to even fathom. I'm strong..... and I would survive. But I don't want to be without him. I love him. And no matter what we've been through or what's to come.... I want to do it with him.

In other thoughts.... THIS song just came on as I was typing these thoughts and it couldn't have been more appropriately timed. If you haven't heard it... give it a listen. It's one of my favorites.

I will follow you into the dark--Death Cab for Cutie

Our Story {part two}

To read part one of our story…go here.


To get to the beginning of things between Cole and I you must first rewind back to January of 2005.

I was a freshman in college and he was five years older than me. I had just been hired for my very first job thanks to my roommate who quit and recommended that I replace her. I was hired over the phone during Christmas break and started the first week back to school in January.

Oh why hello there little freshman self.

I was making smoothies and wraps at a cute place called Dixon Cafe inside the rec center of our college. At the time Cole was also working at the cafe (as a manager) and also at the rec center which meant that he was at the building almost everyday of the week.



I remember the first MOMENT I saw him. He had on a polo and a pair of khaki cargo pants and the most stunning blue eyes you've ever seen. His dirty blond hair was styled but easy and he seemed quiet but confident. He smiled and my heart started racing and my knees literally felt weak. These two responses were not something I was used to ever feeling for a guy and over the next couple years I would feel them ALL THE TIME.

Because he worked at both the cafe and the rec center; he was almost always there when I would work. And he always stopped by to flash those sweet blue eyes and grab a smoothie before making his "rounds" to count the people in each of the exercise rooms. (Yes they do this at gyms....hourly in fact)

He didn't even have to look at me for my knees to go weak and my words to get flustered. I could be helping another customer at the register and if he was just nearby I'd end up handing them back the wrong number of $1 bills or forgetting to add protein powder to their smoothie. I knew for sure he didn't notice me....

Or so I thought. 

Until that Saturday shift where we worked all alone together... 

Our Story {part one}

If you read and follow Much Love, illy or Little Miss Momma then you know they have pretty great love stories. And if you're like me then you have also been thinking to yourself, "what's my story?"

I decided to ask fella {Cole} where he thought our story began because really; we're a little complicated. We met each other at my very first job in college and I was seriously dating someone who at the time I was sure I would marry. So when Cole and I met we of course only just became friends. Plus he was 5 years older than I and to be honest that intimidated a lot. Of course later I realized it only intimidated me because I was over the moon for him.

And so we worked together {side-by-side} at our campus fitness center in the smoothie shop for a few years and became really good friends. Eventually the "perfect guy" I was dating wasn't right for me anymore and it would be because of a number of reasons but Cole was certainly one of them.

But let me back up. So back to the present. I asked Cole where did our story together begin? And just like a boy he replies, "Dunno". Nice.

So I started reliving it for us both. Mostly cause "dunno" was NOT the answer I want him to have and also cause honesty my answer sort of also fell into the "dunno" place. Dang.

And so over the next few weeks I'd like to share "Our Story". Because I want to remember and relive every detail. And because no good story ever started with "dunno". And every love story should be good.

via

Please feel free to tell me your story too! I'd love LOVE to hear it!

coffee together

First of all, WELCOME to all the new friends from "Followers Fest". If you haven't checked it out yet, you should certainly do so. It's a great way to meet LOTS of new friends! And if you are new here, feel free to poke around. There's lots to see. I'm so happy to have you. Also, I will work my hardest to get to all your blogs to sneak a peek. Thanks for being here.

Source: photographyblogger.net via Estelle on Pinterest

If we were to sit and have a cup of coffee together, this is what I'd tell you:
{inspired by this post from Casey Wiegand}

I've been in a very bad mood this week. It's because I am unsettled. I am working on it but I'm much like a turtle in that it takes me awhile to get somewhere. But I always get there. 

I'm hard at work on an actual winter collection for my shop. It's the first time I'm trying to do something that all works together and I really hope it goes well. I LOVE making things but have found that being a shop owner is really difficult. Every time a sale comes through my email I am so THANKFUL. 

I'm not very good at cooking. In fact almost any meal takes me nearly two hours to make. But since I'm not working right now,  and my man works very long days, I want to be there for him like he is for me. So I try.... 

 















I applied for a job yesterday that I'm totally qualified for. They emailed me back within the hour to ask me to interview. I could definitely take this job. But when I moved to CA I promised myself that I'd try to go after what I LOVED instead of just what I knew how to do. But I also believe that I need to make money. Torn about this one. 

I'm absolutely in love with some things that I know I can't have. But maybe for xmas? These beauties have been in my Etsy cart for awhile. They will be mine. I want one of these bags and I don't even care what color. Seriously. There's a print here that would make my heart pitter-patter if a special man secretly bought it and gave it to me for anytime. Pretty much all {just.lovely.things} are to-die for, but this band is simply gorgeous. 



It's been lovely sharing with you this week.  

disneyland.

Sunday the 9th was our 3 year anniversary. This officially makes this man my longest relationship thus far. Not to also mention that we've been friends since my first year of college. So really, this story has been building for the past 6 years. And that's pretty amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better day. Even though it got off to a rough start. {Google maps thought that Disneyland was in Beverly Hills, and this girl didn't question it}

We made it! In line for Indiana Jones. Whoot. 

Just being silly. 

Pirates was closed {super sucky} but we headed to Haunted Mansion and to my GLORIOUS surprise they had re-done it in the theme of "Nightmare Before Christmas" for Halloween and it was awesome.

Next we got a GIANT pickle {my fav, thanks babe} and waited patiently to get soaked on Splash Mountain. BUT the ride got shut down for maintenance about 35 mins into our wait and we had to leave. IT was sad.

These were our rocking shades for Star Tours. We waited in line for about 90 mins and it really wasn't that awesome of a ride. Just some advice from me to you. 

After some resting and dinner we headed back to Splash to try and get on and discovered it was AGAIN shut down for repairs. But we were determined to get on and waited outside Haunted Mansion till we were able to run through the open line and .....

We got SOAKED. I had NEVER sat in the front of a roller coaster and GUESS WHAT seat I got? Yep, at 9pm in a tank top and jeans I was drenched multiple times with buckets of water.

It. was. awesome.

We then ate a delicious Churro, and got to ride the Matterhorn in like record time. I forgot to take a picture there but it was definitely one of the BEST rides of the day. Also fireworks were happening at this time so it was pretty great. 

After Matterhorn we rode Buzz Lightyear and loved it.

We take shooting Zurg pretty seriously. 

 And finally at 11pm we were able to ride SPACE MOUNTAIN! Cole really wasn't sure if he was up to waiting in line {the wait was supposed to be 80 mins} but we got in after about 50 mins and I'm so glad we did it. We both had forgotten how fun it was. 

I don't look super thrilled but it's just cause it's super dark in there and you have NO idea where the coaster is headed next. LOVE it. 

I wish I had a better camera but it's still a goal I'm working toward so for now I had to make due with the iPhone. Either way I was so thrilled to be in such a magical place with the man I love. I'm so grateful to my friends for providing us the tickets. Thank you so very much. Xo. 

about a boy

this is a post I needed to write. 

this is the most difficult for me to write. 

it comes from the deepest part of my heart.

i just thought you should know. 

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Nearly seven years ago I met a man. 

He was gorgeous. 

In the most handsome way.

Stunning blue eyes.

Strong comforting arms.

And a smile that literally made my legs melt.

I was smitten.

seriously.

  We quickly became friends. 

Shared conversations. 

Experienced some really fun times.

Like eating poutine at the bottom of Whistler mountain.

And had some hard down times too.  

Like finding out one of our best friends had brain cancer. 

We were really great friends for four years.

But never more.

And then one day....

A few months after having my heart broken...

He was there. 

And I was scared. 

He wanted to be with me.

Wanted to hold me, kiss me, experience life together.

But I knew hurt.

And didn't think I could do it again. 

So he was patient.

And after time,

And MANY talks about what I NEEDED...

October 9, 2008 

He filled my heart. 

What has happened since then has been ....

a rollercoaster

joyful

surprising

comforting

happy

hard

adventurous

intriguing 

compassionate

.... a million pieces forever written on my heart.

He makes me happy. 

He makes me feel like I can be just me.

...the girl who cries ALOT

...is the most indecisive

...picky appetite

...sugar fiend

...with career and life ADD

...body always broken

...complaining

...cursing

...unrealistically jealous

...CLUMSY

...huge dork

....hopeless romantic

....with so very flaws

 

And I can tell him everything.

He catches me when I fall.

And is my VERY best friend.

He's forgiven me some huge mistakes.

That I'm not sure I could even forgive myself for.

And he has shown me grace.

He makes me stronger.

And challenges me to do my very best.

And when he cries,

I fall so much deeper in love.

I am in love.

And after 3 years together....

we have hit a cross roads.

It has been all over my heart in the past week.

And some days I just feel numb.

Because I can't cry or think or talk anymore.

I believe in our love.

I want to move forward.

Continue to be challenged

and happy

But only time will tell.

I'm willing....

and a fighter.

and after this almost 7 year journey...

what can't we conquer?

i hope.