Been Awhile

OK, I admit it, it's been too long since I've contributed to blog-land. It's like when you put off going to the dentist for too long - and you don't want to go because it's been so long, but the longer you wait the worse it will be. Yeah, it's been kind of like that. A lot has happened over the last month, I'll try to recap if I can.

A lovely Thanksgiving with my family was followed very closely by little Lala's first birthday. Lia let me share her birthday with her again this year - we each got a cake with one candle - further solidifying the fact that from here on out my age in my mother's eyes will be known as "Lia (plus 25)".

A few weeks ago Julie and I were browsing at Anthro and we came across these pepper grinders, I mentioned that I love the yellow, teal, and red color combo right now, and in a happy accident, I soon had those same colors all over the walls of my new place. I just moved out to Lafayette to a very cute little house that is just the right size for me, I'm very happy with my new abode. And while I have "settled in" I think it will be a work in progress for many months to come, which I'm quite excited about.

Other big news of the month is my first hotel opening! I was in Iowa the first week of December for the public area install of this hotel. What a treat it was to get to watch visitor's jaws drop as they walked into the renovated lobby for the first time. The hotel's first wedding was that weekend, and I must say that the ballroom was beautiful - those Iowa brides are lucky! And we decorated for Christmas while we were there, which made the space so cozy...although 3 large trees, 6 wreaths, and 4 garlands later, I felt christmas decorated-out for this year, and I still have yet to put up even the tiniest bit of holiday decorations around my house. I just love the first picture here for some reason, I love the movement it shows - reminds me of how that week felt, rushing around to get everything ready in time.

I spent all last weekend hanging out with these fabulous people - eating, laughing, drinking, general silliness, it was just what I needed this weekend.

We spent a very long time at Beatrice & Woodsley on Friday night...I could just get lost in place forever...

The last month has brought about many life changes and emotional hurdles. I have not created anything, or done anything crafty since before November - which that in and of itself has made me feel like I don't recognize myself. I am feeling encouraged everyday that the decisions I have been making are the right ones, and I feel that I am slowly finding the ground under my feet again. I promise to take the time to blog more often - not only does it encourage me to take time for reflection and stay in touch with those close to me, but it reminds me to be intentional in how I spend my time and where I put my energy. More to come...