One Year Later...

A year ago, I put my fingers to typing and opened my thoughts to the universe. It started as a way for me to self-reflect and appreciate all the joys each sunrise and new day brings.  I have enjoyed sharing more of my personal journey and connecting with so many others. I find we are all more connected than we may believe and this really is a small world after all.

I want to thank all of you who have been so kind and supportive of this writing adventure of mine. I never planned to write a blog or take so many pictures. But it's been a wonderful learning experience and allowed me to figure out where I wanted all of this writing to truly go.

So for now I may not be blogging or reporting in as often, but instead focusing my time on putting the final touches on my first book. I am turning a new page (pun intended) and going after a long-time dream of mine. Hopefully by next spring my writing will be appearing in a bookstore near you or at least on a few of my friends and family's bookshelves. Until then, I wish all of you a beautiful year and encourage you to keep seeing the sunrise.

Xo,
Laura

Rose Infused Body Scrub

It's half way through the work week, and it's the perfect day to treat yourself to a nice hot bath, a glass of wine and an easy to make rose infused body scrub.  If you catch this post before you head home, all you will need is a stop at the grocery store for your ingredients.

You will need coconut oil, regular Epsom salt, dried roses or rose oil, and some Himalayan sea salt to add a little extra pink to the mix.  Combine and mix all the ingredients together in a jar and enjoy.  You won't need a top to the jar because I don't want you save it for another date-use it tonight.  

I hope you all have a relaxing evening and take a few moments to unwind and love yourself.  

Rose Infused Body Scrub:

1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup Epsom salt
1/4 cup dried roses or rose oil
2 tbsp of Himalayan sea salt (for the added pink color and texture)

~Mix all together in a jar or bowl and bring to your bath tub or shower.  Enjoy for your whole body and face.  

Xo,
Laura

Breakfast in Bed

It's officially February and the month of Valentine's Day.  I have always found this holiday to be a good time to spread the love, no matter who you are with at the moment.  

It should be a month to love your family, your girlfriends, your four-legged friends, and anyone else who holds their owns special place in your heart...and that should include you!

Valentine's Day is the perfect day to treat someone you love {Valentine's goodies to come next week} and give them a big card with a bear holding a heart, but the time leading up to the day and even after, should be about loving yourself.  Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up trying to please everyone else and take care of them all before yourself.  And most of the time that is the way it should be.  Giving is better than receiving, definitely.  But we all need to remember to give some love to ourselves every once in a while.  

Even if it's having your breakfast in bed, taking a hot bubble bath with a glass of wine, or making yourself a healthy treat, you deserve it.  Giving yourself love will only fill you with happiness and peace.  And with this, you can spread the love to all of the others in your life.  

"I have decided to stick with love.  Hate is too great a burden to bear."  MLK Jr. 

So this week I will help you with taking a little time and effort to love yourself.  So when your husband is wondering where his dinner is, you can blame it on me that you are upstairs taking a bath and reading a book and forgot to cook-I swear that doesn't happen that often. ;)

Xo,

Laura

Breakfast in Bed Essentials:

Tray:  In hopes someone else will serve your food to you 

Plates: I believe in using our china for every day occasions, why not? 

Cup: A perfect Tjmaxx find 

French Press: Nothing like a hot cup of coffee

Vase: A beautiful present from my mom

Silverware: Because it's French (and the knives are the sharpest I've ever used!)

Juice Glass: Old purchase, but similar style here

Super Bowl Sunday

This Sunday is the perfect excuse to get together with your friends and family and over indulge in plenty of snacks, drinks and too much television. 

I am not always the biggest sports fan, but I love any excuse to embrace a theme and make an evening out of it.  (Football is always more fun to watch when you have popcorn and cupcakes near by in football themed bowls, right?) 

All you need is a quick trip to Walmart for a few festive cups and bowls, your favorite candies and snacks, and to add a little variety to the snack selection, I embellished the pretzels with some different flavors: honey mustard, ranch, and buffalo wing sauce.  

Make these pretzels earlier in the day so when game time comes, all you have to do is grab a bowl and focus, on the food and the game.  

Xo,

Laura

Fruit Skewers: For the Patriots fans, alternate strawberries, bananas, and blueberries and for Seahawks fans alternate between green grapes (or kiwi slices) and blueberries

Dessert:  Most grocery stores have already baked treats to support your team.  Add some football toothpicks or football sugar toppings to make them a little more festive (Check out Party City)

Pretzels

Honey Mustard Bites:

• 12 oz. sourdough pretzel bites
• 2/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp. honey
• 2 tbsp. honey mustard
• 1 tsp. onion powder

~Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray

~Mix all ingredients together (except the pretzels) in a bowl 

~Add the pretzels to the bowl and mix until well coated with mixture

~Pour the pretzels onto the baking sheet and spread out in a single layer

~Bake for 30 minutes, mixing half way through

~Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before serving or storing until ready to serve

Ranch Dips:

• 12 oz. mini pretzels
• 6 oz. canola or vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp dill weed
• 1 tbsp garlic salt or powder
• 1 packet ranch salad dressing mix

~Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray

~Mix all ingredients together (except the pretzels) in a bowl

~Add the pretzels to the bowl and mix until well coated with mixture

~Pour the pretzels onto the baking sheet and spread out in a single layer

~Bake for 30 minutes, mixing every 10 minutes

~Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before serving or storing until ready to serve

Buffalo Wing Pretzel Bites:

• 12 oz. thin pretzel sticks
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce of your choice 
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

~Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray

~Mix all ingredients together (except the pretzels) in a bowl

~Add the pretzels to the bowl and mix until well coated with mixture

~Pour the pretzels onto the baking sheet and spread out in a single layer

~Bake for 30 minutes, mixing every 10 minutes (pretzels do become soggy-ish, but they will harden back up when the cool down after baking)

~Allow to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before serving or storing until ready to serve

Merry Christmas

It's been a busy past few weeks.  With life filled with lots of great challenges, road blocks, and a few nights lasting way too late, I've taken some extra time to stay quiet and just be.  As the year comes to an end, I have found myself naturally reflecting back on the year and critically judging myself.  Not celebrating the highs enough and focusing possibly too much on the lows. 

I've been working on accepting that negative energy is part of life, but being able to accept it, push it away, and move forward has become my new project I'm working on this time of year.  It has been necessary for me to literally take a few breaths, count my blessings (no matter how corny that sounds-you need to do it), and smile.  I am a true believer in making yourself happy first and not depending on only others making you happy. It's a recipe for disappointment and sadness and not a fulfilling way to go through this life. 

I may be all over with my thoughts and there is not a real theme for this post other than I am all over the place right now. Holiday activities, present shopping, animals needing to go to the vet, work overload, more animals needing to go to the vet, and trying to enjoy it all sometimes takes an extra cup of coffee and a few Christmas cookies for breakfast. Other days it's necessary to just drop what your doing and spend some time with the ones you love and really be in the moment. 

Right now it's important to enjoy who and what is already in your life and just be.  In just another week it's a new year and time to think of your new goals and who and what you would like to add to your life. For now, I hope everyone has a safe and healthy holiday, and I hope these Christmas picture outtakes make everyone smile a little (making three dogs sit still in a snow storm is harder than I thought!)  Merry Christmas to you all!

Xo,

Laura

Thankful Thinking

It is very important and humbling to give thanks all year long, not just on Thanksgiving day.  Some days when all you can think about is what you want or what you do not have, an easy way to guarantee a thought change is being thankful for what you already have in your life.  I wanted to share my list of five things I am thankful for right in this very moment.  I have been taking a few minutes every day to list off three to five things I can smile about, laugh about, and that fill my heart with joy.  It quickly changes my mood, puts be back on track and puts my life in perspective.  I think you will all quickly find how much easier it is to be grateful for who and what has already blessed our lives and be thankful for another day to strive for more blessings and joys in life.  

1.  Family~A few weeks ago my family shared a very special moment; we all became neighbors!  It was a few seconds frozen in time where everyone was simply happy to love one another and grateful for actually being excited to only live a few minutes apart from one another.

2. Animals~Those who know me already have learned my love for animals.  And for those who don't, I am grateful every day for having enough love in my heart to share with all of our animals.  I feel so lucky to be loved unconditionally by so many four legged angels.  

3.  Chocolate~No other words needed, just thankful.

4.  Nature~For letting me stay active, for allowing me to take deep breaths to fill my lungs with strength and peace, and to enjoy all the simple elements that hold so much beauty.

5.  Grapes~Because they make wine.

I would love to hear what all of you are thankful for right this moment.  Please share and encourage those around you to take the time and give thanks.  

Xo,
Laura

Falling Back

These past few weeks I have taken a little more time to reflect on my past, look to the future and give my present a chance to breath.  I have found I am guilty of making myself feel guilty.  I have a feeling we all do this to ourselves.  I know a few people close to me have admitted to doing the same more than is necessary. 

Feeling guilty for not eating enough vegetables and too many pieces of cheese, for skipping a work out to watch another episode of Scandal or for snuggling with a really cute Beagle before getting back to all the emails.  Whatever you're "guilty" choices and pleasures may be, why do we feel to make them guilty? 

We still find the time to cook a homemade dinner (re-heated take-out totally counts), take the dogs for a walk, and complete multiple tasks at work all within a day.  So why choose to focus on the guilt part and ignore all the productive and wonderful things happening through out our days and in our lives? 

I have been trying to focus my thoughts on the good and being grateful for all parts of life.  Even if you are having a bad day and can't see how it could get better, take a few moments and think of three things you are grateful for right then instead of piling on guilt for things you didn't do or don't have.  It sounds a little silly, but try it.  You might just find those three little blessings are all it takes to move forward with positivity and a smile.  

Enjoy the weekend.

Xo,
Laura

Unwind right at Home

The days seem to be getting darker sooner, but for me they are feeling more full.  Days are so filled with a million things to do at work, taking care of six animals, trying to keep our house clean, and with the little time left socializing with family and friends.  Honestly, by the time my head hits the pillow I am always astonished with how the day went so quickly.  

Some days are more stressful than others and with that I am always looking for a good way to wind down.  Sometimes it's just with an extra glass of wine or a good book.  Last night my mind and body needed something together to relax.  

First it was necessary to get outside and take a breath of fresh air, literally.  We packed up the pups and went for a walk to enjoy the fall scenery.  It felt so good to just move, and that's it.  Allowing your eyes to do the thinking and let the rest of your senses relax is a nice way to focus your energy.  

After our walk, it was too late to find a local yoga class and my husband and I really didn't feel like leaving the house, but we wanted to stretch and relax more.  So, trying to use what we have, my husband got a fire started (hello hot yoga), I lit some candles, got out our yoga mats and an old yoga DVD, and surprisingly our family room was transformed into our own yoga studio.  With the blinds closed to set the mood, I was transformed into a space so peaceful and quiet I couldn't believe it was my own home.  Every time I finish a yoga class I always feel energized and relaxed at the same time and I love that lasting feeling.  

The evening would not have been complete with out a soothing, hot bath to finish the day.  I've included a picture of some of my favorite calming bath products (obviously red wine is included).  The smell of lavender and candle light sends me to another level of tranquility that some nights you just need.

So by the time my head hit the pillow last night, I still had a feeling of deja vu when pulling back the covers, but this time, I didn't really care.  I was too relaxed and peaceful to mind that the day was long, tiring, and went by way too fast.  But I was grateful for an evening to truly unwind, mainly in my own home.  I encourage you to find a way to make your a home a little more peaceful tonight.  Whether that includes your favorite book and a cup of tea by the fire or a leisurely walk with your friends, find a way to make your very own space your very own relaxation area.  Pour a glass of wine, get in that bubble bath, and breath.   Be grateful for having another day and knowing you will be ready for the next one to come.

Xo,
Laura

Bubble bath: Aveeno | Bath oil: Jo Malone | Face Mask: Naturopathica | Candle: Diptyque 

Slight Pumpkin Obsession

For those of you who share my pumpkin obsession, I think you will find this image enjoyable and pumpkin shopping made easy.  I don't know where this pumpkin craze of mine exactly comes from or why I overindulge it far too often.  Maybe the cozy feeling of fall makes me feel happier and warmer, the taste of pumpkin is just that delectable, or the whole package of fall is only complete with a little pumpkin overload.  For all the reasons listed, I am sharing some of my favorite pumpkin finds this fall season.  

Xo,
Laura


1. Williams-Sonoma Sour Pumpkin Gummies

2. Crate and Barrel covered pumpkin pie dish

3. Nest Pumpkin Chai classic candle

4. Pottery Barn mercury pumpkins

5. Crate and Barrel pumpkin wine stopper

6. Hot Skwash velvet pumpkins 

Fall Reading List

When the nights come earlier, the air is cooler, and my sweatpants are worn more often, I find myself quite often curled up on the sofa reading a new book.  I am easily pleased with a glass of red wine, a burning fire and an entertaining paperback in my hands.  I tend to go to Barnes and Noble with the intention of buying one book in particular, but am drawn to other  book shelves and tables, luring me in with new cover photos and the fresh smell of paper (book lovers you know what I am talking about, non-book lovers, you think I'm crazy). 

I have recently been enjoying more cookbooks and biographies with my usual fictional reads on the list.  Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist is a great combination of short stories and recipes combined neatly together.  The title itself was enough to draw me in (bread and wine, do we really need anything more?), but her writing and cooking tips keep my attention.  The Glitter Plan is an amazing book written by the two creators of Juicy Couture.  It is an amazing journey the two women embarked upon, working hard to create an empire while still maintaining a great friendship and a booming business.  

Someday, Someday, Maybe is written by Lauren Graham (yes, the Lauren Graham for all of you Gilmore Girls fans out there).  I am actually in the middle of reading this book right now and I can't put it down.  It follows a young actress try to make her dream of performing on Broadway come true while struggling to make it in New York City.  This is a story I feel I will never do, but love to read about anyway. 

So after you pick-up your new fall books (all available online at Barnes and Noble), find your cozy spot, pour yourself a glass of wine or a cup of tea and let yourself fall into another story or another adventure.  Let these books give your mind the chance to wander and dream.  You never know where a new book will lead you.  

Xo,

Laura

1. Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham
2. Bread and wine by Shauna Niequist
3. The Glitter Plan by Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor
4. The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
5. A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable

Fall Beauty Essentials

When the weather changes, my skin changes.  Sometimes I need a little more moisture, some more protection, and a little extra help hiding some blemishes and dark circles.  And as the weather changes, the morning light is less and I don't give myself much time to get ready.  My daily beauty routine is pretty simple and involves minimal effort (I like to get ready in under ten minutes most days).  

I've recently come across the Caudalie line, which is from Bordeaux, France created from the family's vineyard.  The vines and the grapes grown there contain life-changing ingredients for your skin, and the company has a beautiful origin and story of amazing growth here on their website.  I am also an advocate for products NOT tested on animals and these products are not tested on our beloved animals.  I am finding I love every Caudalie product I try, but my two favorite essentials are using their Vinosource face serum right after washing my face in the morning and later in the day using the Beauty Elixir spray for the best face refresher ever (you seriously feel like you just got a mini facial at a spa).  

I've been using the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 for my daily face cream and cover up and then I follow with the YSL Radiant Touch corrector to help brighten my eyes and cover any redness.  

I am able to easily refresh my hair with the Unite dry shampoo to help my hair last a few extra hours (or days, slightly ashamed) before I wash it again.  With a few sprays of my favorite perfume, I'm finished.  The nail polish is an added bonus if I have time to paint my nails.  I don't always treat myself to a manicure, but I have a strange enjoyment with collecting nail polish-the colors just make me happy!  These two Essie polishes are my go-to fall hues.  

Shop these products with the links below or share your favorite fall beauty must-haves here with me! 

Xo,

Laura

Essie Polish Colors: Smokin Hot and Carry On | Perfume: Chanel COCO Mademoiselle Spray | Dry Shampoo: Unite 75seconds Refresher | Face Serum: Caudalie Vinsosource | Beauty Elixir: Caudalie | Tinted Moisturizer: Laura Mercier | Radiant Touch: YSL | Candle: Diptyque

Think Pink this October

Officially October, officially Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Today I want to keep the writing simple and the message clear.  These products below are meant to represent the greater cause of spreading breast cancer awareness to all women and families.  It is to honor those who have fought through this battle, those who put forth efforts to find a cure, and those who continue to raise funds to promote awareness, resources, and hope to those facing breast cancer.  With a simple click on the links below and a small donation that includes you being able to keep a wonderful product, you can become a part of this inspiring journey to spread awareness. 

There are so many more companies with wonderful products donating proceeds this month to promote breast cancer awareness and research.  Check out your favorite stores to see what they are donating or even encourage them to participate in this amazing cause.

Xo,
Laura

1. Nest Passion Classic Candle-Designed to honor the memory and the extraordinary achievements of Evelyn H. Lauder, Founder of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

2. Forever21 t-shirt-For every item purchased, one dollar will be donated to The Keep A Breast Foundation to help educate about breast cancer prevention 

3. Tervis Pink Ribbon Cups-10% of the proceeds from sales of pink ribbon cups this month will be donated by Tervis to breast cancer research (they normally donate 5% all year round!)

4. Stella McCartney Limited Edition Pink Lingerie-A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Linda McCartney Centre to support their work in providing the most advanced treatment and technologies for patients with breast cancer.  

5.  Alex and Ani bracelet-20% of sales from the Arms of Strength Charm with a minimum donation of $10,000 will Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, a Rhode Island non-profit that works to spread awareness, education, resources, and hope in the fight against breast cancer. 

6. NFL Gear with Pink Ribbon-100% (that's right!) of the proceeds from the NFL Pink product sales go to the American Cancer Society.  

American as Apple Pie

This past weekend I set out on yet another fall adventure-apple picking.  For as much as I love fall, I have to admit I can't remember the last time I went apple picking (the horror, I know).  So obviously I was well overdue.  Roba's Apple Orchard in Scott Township, PA is a beautiful orchard with amazing views of the mountains and a variety of deliciously tasting apples.  

My favorite apples are Honey Crisp and to my excitement they were in full season.  Armed with a bag to hold 20 pounds of apples and my Confetti Cake Collection shirt perfectly appropriate for the occasion (so comfortable), I was ready to immerse myself in apple picking (and some tasting).  Dave and I had a great time exploring the orchard and spending quality time outdoors. I have so far made some apple sauce in my crock pot and of course another batch of carmel apple sangria.  I am getting inspiration on what other apple treats I can make so for all of you that share my love for fall can take part in this wonderful weekend activity.  Enjoy your weekend and of course, do something to celebrate the beautiful autumn weather! 

T-shirt: Confetti Cake Collection | Jeans: Paige (shop @ Buka for local readers) | Boots: Hunter | Plaid Shirt: Pink (similar style)

Sunday Farm Life

I think there is a remote control for my life similar to that of my DVR, I'm just not that good at using it. Sometimes my life is in triple speed fast forward and moments pass by in a blur. Rushing from getting dressed in the morning to making the coffee to feeding our mini zoo of animals and answering emails before thirty minutes of my day has even gone by and I'm already starting to break a sweat. Other moments in the day someone has hit the rewind button, and I feel a time in the day where I keep doing the same thing over and over again. Running on the treadmill, telling the dogs to stop eating the cat food, or making the bed, sometimes there are just periods of daily repetition.

The one button I can't seem to find on my remote though is the slow motion option. There are days that seem to fly by, which is definitely a good thing in my book (it means I'm enjoying the day and having fun), but sometimes I wish I savored the day a little bit more.  I love to plan out my days down to the details including what kind of nuts I'm going to put in my pumpkin pancakes to what bread I will need to make to go with my butternut squash soup (I seem to think a lot about food, don't judge).  Food or not, I love making the day feel fun and full of life.  But sometimes this backfires. I am running around like a fool trying to fit in all my details that should probably be spread out through the week, and I want to enjoy/complete them all by 5pm on Sunday.  Before I know it, I am exhausted, stuck on the couch, and wonder if I was even a part of my own day and if I even enjoyed it?

So this Sunday I took away the details.  I allowed the day to unfold as it wanted to without me medaling too much in its affairs.  Spending time outside and walking around finally gave me that feeling of hitting the slow motion button.  Stopping to visit with our ever growing extended family of dogs, going for walks on the farm, enjoying the last bit of summer green leaves blending with the beautiful fall hued ones, and of course eating something pumpkin (ice cream this time).  I finally felt refreshed and glad I allowed the day to move just at the right pace. So press the slow motion button at least once this week and watch how it makes you feel.

Xo,
Laura

Top shirt: Madewell | Under shirt: Walmart | Jeans: J Brand | Boots: Russell and Bromley (similar style)| Hat: Rag and Bone (similar style) | Necklace: NYC find years ago (similar style) 

Life's Road Maps

 

Life's journey seems to come with multiple road maps.  Each one has multiple paths with different endings and others you can pick up and find new beginnings.  With every new path ahead of us, we find ourselves faced with a new route and a choice to make a change or stay the course.  

I've always believed and been taught it is always important to choose a path and see it through.  Even if it's not the right one for you to stay on forever, it's always good to finish what you started and the experiences you gain along the way will always be souvenirs from your life travels.  

Along my journey so far I have ventured down a few unique paths, each one shaping my next route options.  I don't always choose the best rest stop, I've picked up and dropped off some passengers along the way, and I've found new treasures at each destination.  I am grateful for each path I've chosen or been led down and have grown from each experience.  In life we realize we need to make choices for ourselves that no one else can do for us, no matter how hard it is to do all on our own.  

So whether you are ready to make a bigger life change in a job or relationship, travel the world, buy or sell a home or a smaller change to eat a healthier lunch, run an extra mile, treat yourself to that new fall purse or extra funnel cake at the fair, remember each choice is yours and will shape your forever evolving path.  Travel each path with a conscious mind and an open heart and prepare yourself for travel.  After all, life is continuously a journey, and I plan to enjoy each new destination.

Xo, 
Laura

Fall Favorites

Now that it's September (I know it's only the second day), I am busting out all things fall.  Fall is the season I live for, really.  Obviously that statement is quite passionate, but I truly feel complete in the fall.  The weather is a perfect combination of cool and crisp with lots of sunshine,  the colors are so vibrant, and anything with the word apple, pumpkin, cinnamon, spice, or caramel in it makes me happy.  

I recently went through some of my fall decorations and wanted to share some essentials of mine to hopefully make your fall season even more festive.  And for those of you who aren't a big fan of fall, you may get sick of me these next few months, but those of you who share my intense joy of this season will be finding plenty of fall recipes, decor, and fashion flooding the blog.  Please continue to share your fall favorites with me as well, I am always excited to come across new fall items!

Tea: Harney and Sons |Insulated mug: Tervis | Candle: Yankee Candle | Hat: Adora | Bread mixes and Dish: Williams-Sonoma | Slippers: Ugg | Boots: Hunter | Clothes: Piperlime | Blanket: Pendleton

Xo,
Laura