We moved into our home about 3 years ago, and it has been so fun making this space come alive. Mark always questioned why we did not have artwork up on the walls right away, but I was always so hesitant to rush it. When I dream about creating a room I like to ask myself.. what story is being told? what feeling do I want to convey? how can this space serve my family and others? 

Jack and Peter's bathroom is plain. The vanity is white, the walls are greige, and the shower curtain is a quick pick up from TJ Maxx. No sentiment whatsoever. Now I am ready for that to all change. 

 Oh my stars my baby is no longer a baby. Peter's birthday was so much fun to plan and celebrate. 

Mark and I went back and forth on what Peter's middle name should be. We loved the middle name Anthony because it was also Mark's middle name. However, that meant Peter would have the initial P.A.N. Nothing like having your name spell pan. I was so against it at first. I mean he basically shares the name Peter Pan. But not quite. So after much back and forth we decided the sentiment trumped the silliness and Peter Anthony stuck. Best of all, we used that cute name quirk as a loose theme for his party. :)

Homemade cakes are one of my favorite ways to treat my people. Peter's cake was a 3-tier funfetti drip cake. The recipe I adapted from the Baking Fairy was actually for a 4-tiered cake, but I used the 4th tier for Peter's mini smash cake. 

If you love anything almond flavor you will love this cake! My personal way of knowing if a cake is going to be amazing or not is by testing out the batter. And let me tell you this batter is 1000% better than the box stuff. I am no professional cake baker, so dont take yourself out of the running if you want to give it a try. It probably tastes even a touch better because of its secret ingredient: your love. ;) 

I'd say the cake was a smash. 

Recipe for Peter's yummy cake can be found here via the Baking Fairy! 

 And we're live!! Welcome friends! This space has brewing in my heart since I started reading blogs in college, and it took me about TEN years until I started taking steps (baby steps, mind you) to make this a fulfilled dream. 

A blog can be a dream, eh? This space is so much more than a pretty site with frilly words. The very act of saying yes to this venture is a giant one to me. This is me agreeing that I was created with a voice that should be shared. That I was gifted in creative ways to inspire, encourage, and connect with another. That right there is enough reasons to give myself the green-light. And I hope you know this is true of you, too! Share your gifts, the world is missing out if you keep them to yourself. 

Here you will find ways that I create, celebrate, and cultivate different areas in my life. My touch is heart-warming, cozy, and light. Will I keep it real? Of course. I believe vulnerability leads to authentic and meaningful connections. However, I'd be amiss to not convey my Frank Sinatra-jazzing-things-up-in-the-background while sipping-on-a-white-mocha-half-flavor vibe. :) 

So, welcome. I am so thrilled to have you. Enjoy the ride right alongside of me.  

Does anyone else silently squeal inside when September arrives? I used to be team summer as a kid because of my birthday month, but lately I have grown to adore every little bit of the fall season. 

Thanks to my Powersheets I have been on a quest to live intentionally with each month of the year.  Coasting through life was not cutting it for me anymore. Setting goals helps me take little steps towards the big picture.