Home Sweet Home - One Year >>>

As of April 11th, we have been in our new home for an entire year! I can hardly believe a year has already gone by. So much has happened in this past year its kind of hard to grasp reality of it all. Its been a very bittersweet year. All in the same year, we had amazing things happen, like buying our very own home and becoming a featured seller on etsy... as well as the monumental sadness of losing my dad, as well as the loss of my Nanna's husband. Its so weird how these things have happened in my life... like losing my mom just 4 months after getting married (and 2 months after my brother had his first child). Almost makes me scared to think what will happen when I have a baby!  Eeekkk... this post was not meant to be sad!  I just cant help but think of these things when I think of the happiness of owning our first (and maybe only) home.  I wish so bad I could share all this beauty with two of the most important people in my life, my parents.  So.... beyond this bittersweetness I wanted to share some of my favorite photos Ive taken so far this past year in our home.  There are so many, it was hard to narrow it down.  Many things have changed already since these were taken, and will continue to change.  Im not one to keep things the same way forever, I love constantly redecorating!

Home Sweet Home.

PEACE,

Laura

Foodie Love - Cous Cous + Salad >>>

Two meals that Ive been thoroughly enjoying this week... I love how photographing a meal you really enjoy can keep you re-inspired with your food choices. I love going back through my yummy food pics and remembering something I loved, and then recreating it. If you dont already, you should try capturing your meals when its something healthy and yummy! A good way to keep yourself on the right track. 

This first one is cous cous with roasted red bell pepper and mushrooms.  So very simple and takes about 10 minutes tops... 

This simple salad is one Ive eaten everyday until I ran out of spinach!  I really need to get to the grocery store.  My good stuff is dwindling down...  Its just baby spinach, artichokes, black olives, feta and parmesean & garlic olive oil vinagrette. 

PEACE,
Laura

May Sponsor Spots Available >>>

If you are interested in advertising on my blog for the month of May, please visit my sponsor info page and then email me by the the 28th.  Thanks!

PEACE,

Laura

Blowfish Shoes It Girl >>>

 Im soooo ridiculously thrilled to be names Blowfish Shoe's very first IT GIRL!  Such a huge honor.  You all know how much I adore their shoes, so this means so much to me!  I got pick out my top 12 favorite styles of theirs to show you... view them all right here!  And I did a little interview that you can read here.

Big happy dance going on over here!

PEACE,

Laura

Instagram Love >>>

Some random images from the past few weeks through my Instagram.  I dont think Ill ever stop loving my ipod, just for these photos. 

It was a pretty eventful few days this weekend.  Friday I spent the evening with my bestie.  We were just going to stay in with the kids, but her mom took them for the evening, so after she made us some yummy salmon salads, we headed out to meet a friend in town and watch a local band.  I enjoyed my time with my bestie and Im already jonesing for more of her.  

Then saturday we met some friends and went to the Dave Ramsey conference.  James and I have been listening to Dave for a while now.  For those of you who dont know, he is a financial counselor on the radio.  He has been the driving force behind us taking control of our money, and being able to buy our first home.  Hes been a huge influence on us, and honestly without him, I think wede be seriously lost!  I highly recommend his theories.  So needless to say, it was soooo awesome to see him live, he is so fired up!  We have some fresh excitement now about tackling our goals for saving up for a car, along with so many other goals!  Im very happy our friends got to see him too, and became just as excited.  As much as money is a love/hate relationship for so many of us, there really are simple old school ways of easily taking back control of your life with it.  And it not only affects the things you can buy, but money affects so many other areas of your life... Even those of you who are good with your money, I think you can still learn so much from Dave!  

After that, I spent the night with my Nanna, and most of the next day.  We did what we always do... sit and talk, and simply enjoy each other.  I feel blessed with every moment I get to spend with my Nanna.  She is one of my biggest soul mates, we just get each other.  I love her sooooooo much!

Now, Im back at home and back at work!  

PEACE,

Laura

Threads - Spring Songbird >>>

Thank you so much for all the love on my last photo post. It meant alot to me since it was such an emotional one for me. It was one of those days where I was not overwhelmed with the kind of sadness that just brings you to tears... but more just missing her and wanting to express that. And the best way I know to express things is through my art. So, thank you. 

This is what I wore the rest of that day.  I love this part of spring, where its hot enough to wear shorts and sandals, but still a bit cool enough to wear layers and not just have your clothes stick to you in the heat.  One of my favorite times of year.  And this kimono top has proven to still be one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe, along with the crochet fringe vest.  I find myself wearing them with so many different things.  Ive been working on some new feather earrings for Roots and Feathers, and this lovely one Im wearing below is already off to a new loving home, and is probably my alltime favorite one so far!  There are two more listed right now, but many more to come.  Ill be spending some time with my Nanna this weekend, so shop updates and work will temporarily be put on hold. (along with blog posts)...

<<< outfit details >>>

kimono + fringe vest + bandeau + ring // forever 21

bathing suit top // upcycled by me

shorts // thrifted

sandals // gift from my bestie

earring // roots and feathers

PEACE,

Laura