Slow It Down.

Between sending out our wedding invitations, traveling back to Massachusetts to sell my house, Walking the March of Dimes and trying to bring some spring into our home, it's been a busy weekend. That seems to be the new norm for us. But no matter how busy it is, there is always time for ice cream. Which is exactly what we did on Sunday to slow down. 

Sometimes it's hard to slow down from the pressures of life. 

But it's necessary. And when you do, you start to enjoy the little things. 

The little things like....Scarlett had her first ice cream cone. Well, it wasn't her first but it was the first cone that she could hold all by herself. That counts. I've been doing a little gardening. This is a whole new experience for me. (Pics to come) But I have a love for flowers so I figured why not? Besides a sudden bought of allergies, it's been fun going to the nurseries and picking out plants and flowers. I've never had allergies and don't know why they've all of a sudden decided to come on, but they are not fun! It makes me think about little things that people take for granted. To go outside and enjoy spring without having to take a Claritin is something I took for granted. It reminds me to be thankful for all the little things that I don't even think about. 

Selling my first home was a piece of cake. We decided that it needed to be done since we never used it. It showed 6 times and sold in one week. As I walked through for the final time, I had a rush of emotions come over me. I'm not good with letting go. Every little detail holds a place inside of me. Even if they aren't special memories, I still feel like I need them. I thought about how we brought Scarlett home from the hospital to that house. I thought about how we mulched the gardens and mowed the grass. How I painted every wall in that house and how I bought it all on my own. 

But as soon as I closed the door and walked down those steps, I thought about how I'm going home to create new memories in our New York house. I decided that it wasn't letting go, but merely moving on. Simple.

And I'm pretty sure that's why I came back to New York in a big hurry to garden and buy pretty things for our home. 

Scarlett's bow headband:c/o  Little Gems Creations

Artwork waiting to be hung.

 Paper cups keep her busy.

A little grocery shopping in our pajamas...why not?

Links:
Weekend Shenanigans
Ivy & Elephants

Around Here...

Things are pretty happy around here lately. 

Warm weather arriving, the sound of Scarlett playing, Ty cooking on the grill right outside our screened in porch and me, sitting here taking in the smell of grilled zucchini as warm air pours in through the windows. Lovely. If you know me, you know that I like to keep busy. I get bored easily. I like to have things going on all the time. I think it distracts me from knowing that I no longer work. This summer might prove me wrong...Last weekend we spent our last relaxing weekend until August!

 We are busy every. single. weekend. until August!!

No joke.

I was looking at my calendar with Ty the other night and it will definitely be an interesting summer. I'm sure it will go by in the blink of an eye, as does everything when lots of things are going on. Of course, it's all fun stuff. Not only am I getting married this summer, but one of my bridesmaids is getting married in August and my mother announced a couple weeks ago, that she will be getting married again in September! So, needless to say, we'll all be busy but I'm so happy that love is in the air!!

My wedding shower was this weekend and it was really nice that my friends and family all got together for me. We laughed a lot. The best!! It made me miss my friends from Massachusetts.

(an unfinished living room)

I'm having fun sprucing up our new home with decor. We moved in here this past December but the only room that is really complete is Scarlett's. I hope to have some Home Tour posts up soon. Things take time and money. Right now, our money is busy in wedding vendor's pockets. I still think often, why didn't we elope? It was our first choice but things didn't end up going that way. Mostly because we didn't want Scarlett flying without us while we stayed on our honeymoon. I love planning a great party or someone else's wedding, but when it's your own wedding, it's mostly just pressure to get it done.

Speaking of parties, I'm planning a small get together for Scarlett's 2nd birthday on May 4th. Nothing like last year's hurrah. Just some food, some decorations, family & a couple of Scarlett's friends.

I'm just really happy with life right now. That's the way it should be, right?

Sometimes that scares me. But not enough to deter me from enjoying it. 

(I love that there is a single letter S in the background of this photo.)

Around here, Ty has been wonderful. When isn't he? Awhile back I was feeling very alone, not just physically but emotionally. Ty would go to work, come home just to leave for fire fighting calls, go to the gym and by the time he got home, the last couple hours of his day were spent with Scarlett before she went to bed. Not much "us" time. I finally decided to tell him how I was feeling. Within minutes of telling him, he began fixing things. I love that he takes my feelings so seriously.

Ty loves fire fighting. It's something he enjoys. But he decided to put a hold on it so that he can be home more. This sacrifice that he made for me makes me very grateful to have such a great man. We have started going to the gym together more. Or he takes Scarlett with him to the gym so I can do grocery shopping without a toddler who refuses to sit in the cart...which by the way, is a vacation in itself! Ha ha.

With Ty, love is easy. I know that the man I will be marrying in two months (EEEK) is in it for the long haul. I can't tell you how many times he has proved to me that he will love me through the good and the bad. Because let's be honest, I'm not the easiest person to live with ;) He loves me just the same.

I feel lucky. Everyday. 
Hoping things are going well with you, too!!

PS. I was all smiles this morning when I ran across Babble's 10 Must-Read Mom Blogs with Style and who do I see? Miss Scarlett and I.....check it out and other style savvy bloggers here.

links:
Misc Monday

Covered In Grace

When It Hits Home.

 I had something totally different in mind for today, but with all that is going on in my home, having family in Boston working to protect and serve us, I'm just full of sadness. I can't help but think what a world I've brought Scarlett into and it makes me second guess having more children....

My younger sister's fiancé is in Boston today. My prayers are with him & all the others working to protect & serve us, until they are all home safe. This life is crazy. The world, corrupt. It hits a whole lot harder when it's your home that's hit or when people you know are in the midst of it.

When things like this happen, I can't help but think of what my father would tell me as a child. "In the end days, the world will be corrupt and bad things will happen everywhere. But we have to keep our eyes to God."

I really love this quote and when I saw it was by Mr. Rogers, I loved it even more. He was an icon in my childhood....

"When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'

To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers- so many caring people in this world."

I saw a lot of photos of people running towards the attack area to help. 

I have said it a million times and I will say it again...there is NOTHING meaningful or important in this world besides love. 

By praying for our "Boston" I'm sending love to all those risking their lives

 today and for all those that were injured or lost loved ones.

Come home safe Peter.

What We're Wearing.

Okay warm weather, you can stay now...

We are having a grand ole' time soaking up the rays 

& playing outside.

Me: 

Top: H&M

Rectangle Ring: Xsre
Ankle Boots: Target

Scarlett:

Woodland Tee: H&M

Minnetonka Moccasins

Headband: Lemons & Lace (our new fav headband shop!)

Links:

WIWW

Rolled Up Pretty

Mon Mingle

Monday Bloom

Look What I Got

We LOVE Alycia & Her Dream Catchers!!

Today, I wanted to share with you a blog that I have been loving lately! Alycia captures the most beautiful photos, has an adorable little boy, Kyler, and makes amazing dream catchers. No really...you should check them out here.  One of the best things about blogging is meeting wonderful people and getting the chance to work with them. I was lucky enough to get one of these awesome catchers that I will be adding to Scarlett's room and sharing with you later this week.

I'm super pleased to have such a sweet and talented blogger here today!! 

Hello! I'm Alycia of Wildflower Blog, and I am so excited to be here today guest posting ! I live in San Diego, California with my husband and son Kyler. I love spending my time taking care of our sweet little boy, taking pictures of everything we do, thrifting and decorating our home!

   

 My favorites posts to do are photos from our week, I love taking pictures of the beautiful little details of everyday life, so I thought I would share some pictures of our week here !

 

We had a great week last week! I drank lots of coffee as usual, baked some banana apple breakfast bread, bought a beautiful print, enjoyed some quiet time while the baby napped, went to the beach and soaked up some sun and than spent some time over at the beautiful flower fields looking at everything in bloom while eating a sundae! I would love for you to stop by my blog and say Hi ! I will be giving away one of these beautiful Kelli Murray Poppy Prints later this week so be sure to enter for a chance to win =) Thanks for reading and thank you Lauren for having me ! xo Alycia

A Beautiful Day.

I woke up this morning to the sun peeking in through my bedroom window.
The birds chirped happily and it reminded me that it was going to be a beautiful, sunny 65 degree day.
For those of you who are thinking this is cold, you have not endured a New England winter.

I rubbed my eyes and rolled onto my side, letting the sun warm my face.
I inhaled deeply and let the feeling sink in.
I thanked God for this beautiful day.
Scarlett sang quietly from the other room.
Her small voice melting me as it often does.
We got up, ate breakfast, got dressed and packed a lunch.

Now, here I sit on our blanket in the middle of the park in the warm sun.
Scarlett is in her glory as she slides, runs and plays.
I love seeing her like this.
Happy & full of light.

This weekend, I was sitting at the table with a cup of coffee, thrilled to be going over what seems to be endless amount of bills & wedding costs.
Stressed about it all, just at the right time it seemed, I heard a glorious sound.
Scarlett singing.
 It was a song I have never heard her singing before.
"Be nice to everyone, and they'll be nice to youuuuu. Be nice to everyone...."
I recall hearing this on her Yo Gabba Gabba dvd while we drove in the car one day.
I watched.
She took each baby out and set it on the floor, placing their hands together.
How completely angelic that she was singing this song while making her dolls hold hands.
I didn't rush for my camera or phone...
I just sat taking in her sweetness.
And I thanked God for that moment.
Then, in the midst of my sappy mama-joy, with tears in my eyes, I thought,
'With all that I have done wrong, with all that I fear won't be good enough,  I guess we're doing something right.'

All these moments that surround me, they fly by in the blink of an eye.
I guess I am at a stage in my life where I appreciate every simple memory.
I want to wrap these moments up and tuck them in my heart forever,
Begging for them to linger.

Today, is one of those days when I am so filled with thankfulness.
I feel like I am beyond blessed with Scarlett, Ty... myself even.

Too many times when things go wrong, people to turn to God and say, "Why?"
But when our lives are going well & we are happy, how often do we thank God?
For me, not often enough.
When those little moments hit me and I feel so overwhelmed with joy,
I've made it a point to say thank you for all the beautiful moments that surround me.
The moments that can so easily slide by if I'm not paying attention.

And today, it's this beautiful day.

Links:
Rolled Up Pretty

Some Birthday Party Inspiration.

Scarlett's 2nd Birthday is approaching in May. Last year, for her first birthday, I threw her a large Vintage Carnival Party.

This year, with so much going on, we don't have time or the money to go all out. But, I'm still going to give her a small party with a very cute theme. To the Pinterest boards I go. I have a few ideas in mind. 

Any of you have any kids birthday parties lately? I'm in need of some inspiration. Let the ideas roll......

Find these all on my Pinterest HERE.

Meet My Bridesmaids

My wedding is 76 days from today!!

I'm excited, nervous and mostly happy that I can officially be tied to the love of my life, for the rest of my life. Wedding planning is so much more fun when it's not your own....lol. 

I was thinking about wedding plans 

and it came to mind that I am so grateful that I have such wonderful bridesmaids in my wedding. 

Great friends that I am so happy can share my day with me. 

I thought I'd share a little about these wonderful girls. 

Here they are, in no particular order.

Kalin- My little sister. Amazing singer and songwriter, crazy talented, recently engaged, graduating this summer from college. I tell her we need to go into business together, I'll write the lyrics, she writes the song. Taylor Swift has nothing on her ;) So excited to see my baby sister growing up!

Lindsay-My close, caring friend. Been there through a lot of tumultuous times. She's getting married in August (I'm in her wedding also!). She listens to all my sob stories & gives great advice since our lives have mimicked each others the last few years. She's my wedding planning pal. I kid with her that we are going to be like Kate Hudson and Anne Hatheway in Bride Wars...Haha. I love her.

Erica- My older sister, maid of honor, coordinator with amazing vision on planning & decorating. She is my decor advisor and....my baby sitter. Ha ha. That last one may seem insignificant but when we travel back to Massachusetts and I need to meet with wedding vendors, this one is a HUGE help and she takes my Scarlett without question anytime! I miss living closer to her. We used to have such fun days out together.

Aleta- My newest friend, but she's been helping me with wedding advice since before I asked her to be my bridesmaid. I met her through my fiancé. A Hard working, college student with a sense of adventure. This girl is also a workout guru. We always have fun together whether it's dancing or hilarious girls weekend vacas!

Shauna- Ty's sweet younger sister who I have become very close with. She's fun, energetic with a sense of style like no other! My go-to style advisor ;) Also graduating this spring for Fashion and merchandising....of course! I talk to this girl pretty much EVERY day.

Billie-One of the best friends I have ever had. Been there through it all. She was my doula, my supporter, the one I peed my pants laughing with, ex co-worker who I miss working with SO dearly. Just the most genuine person I have ever met.

I love these girls. They are all so very important to me. I want to say Thank you girls for being my friend!!

Easter 2013.

This Easter, we decided to stay in New York instead of traveling. This next weekend is our last bit of sanity before a crazy summer begins! To say I will be busy is an understatement.

Ty's sister and her boyfriend came to visit us and we had a great weekend.
Fine Italian dining, nature walks, egg hunting and shopping to name a few.
Spinach and Ham Frittata, Scones, French Toast, Potato Browns and Parfaits were on our brunch menu.
Blushing Mimosas topped off a fabulous Easter Brunch made by, yours truly.
It was a such a relaxing weekend and a perfect holiday overall.

It's Monday now, and I'm on to wedding details. I woke up this morning realizing that our wedding is less than 3 months from now.....a knot in my stomach reminds me of how much we have to do.
Exciting and frightening all at the same time.

I hope you all had a fabulous Easter!!



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Rolled Up Pretty