To the stars...

I've been a Kansan all my life. I was not always excited about this fact, but have grown to realize there's no place I'd rather claim as my home. Kansas houses many of my loved ones and most of my memories. As for my hometown, it's a funky little place; full of its quirks, its characters, a rich history and charm. I love living and working in the heart of downtown and I am proud that Lawrence is different than most of the state. I like to think that a visit can change the way people think of Kansas. We were even acknowledged on Design*Sponge, so you know we're legit!

When I came across the customized key necklaces in the Mucho Mucho Bueno Bueno shop, I knew I had to have one. I brainstormed design ideas and could not settle on one. Finally, I thought "Kansas!!!" I love our state motto...Ad Astra Per Aspera, meaning: "To the stars through difficulty." I finalized my idea & put in my order.

When I got back from Arkansas, guess what was waiting for me? The final product!

In love! After a long & relaxing weekend, this little gem helped ease the pain of returning to real life. Thanks Mucho Mucho Bueno Bueno!

Arkansas post coming soon...

on turning 4

Happy 4th birthday to my best girl, miss Riley! So far she went for a big walk, chased some big sticks, and took a celebratory dip in the creek (ew). Next, she will also be getting a birthday bath. :)

Here is a SUPER unflattering photo of Riley giving me a cuddle when I wasn't feeling so hot. A true friend right there, wouldn't ya say?? It's love.

Hope your Saturday is relaxing and filled with all things wonderful!

sunflowers

For the past couple of weeks I've been bugging Aaron to take me to the sunflower field that's just outside of town. I would go by myself, but as you all know, I am not so good with directions. Ha! Anyway, we took the trek out there & the sunflowers were a little bit past their prime, but still beautiful nonetheless. Next year we'll make it out earlier because I just know it would be spectacular. Here is a sneak peek at our Very Kansas Sunflower photo shoot...enjoy. :)

cool september night

Laying on the bed. Windows open. Cool air. Bon Iver.

Feeling grateful that my favorite season is approaching. I have started pulling out the hooded sweaters and cardigans, shopping for the perfect boots, and buying new knee high socks for work (essential--seriously!). Grateful for a family that is so supportive, full of love & words of wisdom. Grateful to be employed. Accepting that it's not my dream job, but it will pay the bills until my next adventure! And last, I'm grateful for the unconditional love of a pet. Riley is the best.

goings on

Alright party people, I must apologize. I have been a terribly inconsistent little blogger. I really do enjoy writing, so I hope that once I work it into my routine I will be a writin' fool! Consider this my pledge to try a little harder.

I know you all are dying to know what the heck I've been doing recently, so here is a list of sorts to get you all caught up on my goings on:

I ate ribs with my honey (@ Guy & Mae's in Williamsburg),

celebrated 1 year o' dating with aforementioned honey,

traveled to Minneapolis with my girlfriends,

celebrated many birthdays...

(Holly's birthday @ Tasso's)

(Hannah's birthday in Westport)

celebrated the baptism of my friend Franny's son, Giovanni,

Tried out "Heidi Braids" for the first time (haha!!!)

And last, but certainly NOT least...I found out I'm going to be Auntie Claire!!! WOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!

This is my super cute preggo sis, Lauren. I couldn't be more excited to meet & cuddle my first nephew!

Alright, that's enough for now. But expect to hear more from me...and SOON!

The new digs. I'm trying to clean my room today, but it's hard to stay inside. The weather is absolutely perfect! Lucky for me the rest of the week's weather is looking wonderful! My plan is to do all the yucky chores today so I can have tomorrow (Labor Day) to be free & easy. I've got the windows open, fresh breeze, downtown is buzzing just outside, and my music's turned up.

I've concluded that I need to move somewhere that has temperatures in the 70s all the time! My happiness would quadruple! Enjoying life today.

AZ

Overdue pictures from my trip to AZ. The trip was a month ago and I must say, I wish I was back there now with all of my best friends. I love these people!