Spontaneity is the spice of life

My motherhood motto as of late... "An adventure a day keeps the whining at bay". And it rings true, not only for my littles, but also for myself. We are all much happier when we are able to get out of the house, when we are able to experience something new and different. Don't get me wrong, routine is everything to us, but spicing up that little window of time we have in between naps is a must.

I've noticed myself falling into a funk lately. I've been complaining more than usual and running out of patience constantly. It's been a tough year, and lately, I have been struggling to recognize the simple blessings in my everyday life. I end up feeling so darn guilty, and just generally angry with myself for feeling the feelings I feel. (so many feelings). So in light of all that,  I recognized the need for a change... the need for an adventure (and so did my husband).

Last month, I went to Hawaii. I traveled across the continent and paid my good ole college pal a visit. One of my best gals is travel nursing, and she has literally been all over... New Hampshire, Virginia, Texas, Colorado, Washington... and now Hawaii. She is taking chances left and right, and boy am I proud of her for doing it. I've been dying to hop on a plane and visit her, but the stars never really aligned and to be honest, I just didn't really think it was a possibility with two little ones and our chaotic schedule, that is until now. It was Kiel's idea actually. He saw that two of my other girlfriends were traveling out to Hawaii to visit and he basically said "Why aren't you there?!". I responded "Uhhh... because it's impossible." I obviously thought he was joking at first, but after a long winded discussion, he convinced me it was a must. So 48 hours before takeoff, I booked a flight and off I went. It was spontaneous, downright impulsive, but I don't regret it one bit. Because when I came to my littles and my man, I was refreshed. I was more patient, more kind, and generally just a better version of me. We all need a little break from reality sometimes, and this trip was exactly what I needed to recognize that my reality is pretty damn great.

So anyways, here are a few photos from my trip. If you ever have the opportunity to go to Hawaii, absolutely do it. And if you ever get the opportunity to take a break from reality and get away, take it.

Plans

Kiel and I had been talking of plans to visit Florida as a family for quite some time. After all, our last trip down south was pretty incredible, view here. We thought that we could possibly get cardiac clearance from Alec's cardiologist at his last appointment in January, but unfortunately, we thought wrong. Very wrong. No clearance to fly with our little bug and lots of talk of procedures and surgeries instead. The docs offered us some guidance, in regards to family planning, and the ultimate decision that was made was to hold off on any future kiddos until we are through the thick of it. With all that being said, we are focusing on the positive and taking this next year or so to focus on other things instead.

We've decided to do some traveling in the year ahead, some as a family, some as a couple, and some on our own. Although we can't go too far, we are planning many road trips as a family. We always manage to visit the Delaware Beaches at least a handful of times in the summer and I'd love to throw a possible camping trip into the mix. Kiel and I have both wanted to take short, little getaways of our own, but their haven't been too many opportunities to do so with all that's been going on. Plus, until now, we just didn't feel ready to leave our little guys for more than one or two nights. I would love, love, love to get out to California to visit my college bestie. And Kiel has been wanting to take a boys trip down south to enjoy the sunshine and hit a few rounds of gold with his buddies. Hopefully, this year we can stammer up the courage to make these plans actually come to fruition.

As far as a couple getaway goes, I've been doing my research and I keep going back to the same place over and over. It's a long shot, but I've been dying to get out to the West Coast, Oregon specifically. If we can make it work financially and if we can convince my parents to watch Alec while we're gone, I would love to spend three days in the city (Portland specifically) and three days on the coast (Cannon Beach has seemed most appealing). I've read so many amazing things about both locations and airbnb offers quite a few affordable, aesthetically pleasing accommodations.

Portland seems like an incredible place to visit. Tons of amazing local coffee roasters and gourmet donut shops (two of my favorite things). Great vintage shopping and curbside food trucks galore. Eclectic bars, a buzzing music scene, and plenty of flea markets. I have so much on my to-do list, I don't really know if three days is enough! I expect our time in the city to be busy and tiring, which is okay by me. But I do feel as though we deserve some time to relax, as well... that's when we head to the coast. Only an hour and a half drive from the city, Cannon Beach seems like the most ideal spot to spend a couple lazy days together. The pictures I've seen are just breath-taking. The weather is a bit cool, which would probably be a nice break for us come August on the East coast. Our mornings could be spent hiking through Ecola State Park or cruising on bikes along the coastline. Evenings could be spent at home, cooking meals, drinking wine, and just spending quality time together, 1:1.

I really pray we can make this work, and if not this exactly, something along these lines. Do you have any suggestions overall? Places you've visited that you really enjoyed? Or semi-local family getaways that you'd recommend? All or any advice welcome! I think 2015 is going to be an adventurous year, and I look forward to each and every bit of it.

Shake the Blues

Growing up in Delaware, our Winter season varies from mild to frigid. Fortunately, for us, this year hasn't been to unbearable just yet, but with a chill in the air and limited things to do outdoors, it sometimes becomes challenging to maintain a positive mindset. Below are just a few things that I try and do to avoid the cold-weather blues.

1. Keep Yourself Busy. Get out of the house at least once per day. Short trips to the local library or grocery store make for a simple morning on the move. An occasional day-long outing to a children's museum, aquarium, or botanical garden (like Longwood Gardens) are a few fun ways to mix things up. And play/lunch dates with friends close by are, one hundred percent, the easiest and most enjoyable option.

2. Scatter A Bit Of Greenery in every corner of your home. There is much proof in the fact that bringing the outside in makes a big difference in your overall health and well-being. Read up and go to your local nursery immediately!

3. Get Moving. Incorporate exercise into your routine, at least three times a week. I've been doing a mix of T25 and Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown and I'll admit it feels really good. I'm requiring less coffee to feel energized throughout the day and I feel really accomplished when I hit the hay. Plus it's a great outlet for stress, and Lord knows I have my fair share of that.

4. Get Out of Town. Get away to somewhere warm, or if that's not possible, take a road trip to a different town. A different setting does the body good. Prior to having Alec, Kiel and I were avid travelers. We averaged at least three or so trips a year. Due to Alec's cardiac condition, traveling far from our local children's hospital is not something we are interested in, nor is it recommended by Alec's physician. Although we are pretty limited in the travel department, we do often enjoy a weekend getaway to the Delaware Beach every now and again. It's amazing how a different setting can break up the monotony of a long Winter season. I highly recommend a change of scenery when you begin to feel the blues creeping in.

5. Bask In The Light. This is kind of a no-brainer. Let the light in! Roll up your shades and cozy up in the brightest little corner of your home. In the Winter months, while Alec naps, I often like to sit in my front room and read. The couch is positioned directly in front of two large windows and the natural light is so abundant. Just that little bit of vitamin D makes me feel so incredibly refreshed. It has been said that the most effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder is natural light. Give it a try, get lost in a good book while basking in the sun,  I guarantee it makes a difference in your overall mood.

Just a few thoughts...

Good morning beautiful and happy Monday! I hope your weekend was filled to the brim with fun. My post today is a collection of random thoughts/ideas that I've compiled over the last few days. Pardon me if I don't make much sense. I am just a tad sleep deprived from working nightshift this weekend...

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I want to go on vacation. I've always really wanted to go to Big Sur, and I definitely wouldn't mind staying at the Treebones Resort. Amazing, right? I have just recently decided that I want to visit Seattle when the weather gets warm. I particularly want to stay at this Hotel, but to be completely honest, I really wouldn't mind staying at any one of their seven amazing locations.

Last year, I made a photo album on Shutterfly for both sets of grandparents for Christmas. This year I am leaning toward these custom photo wall calendars from pinhole press. Albums are totally great, but probably seldomly looked through. A wall calendar is a fun idea because you have a new photo on display each and every month.

I just recently discovered this adorable little Etsy Shop. I love this decorative pillow and this organic fitted crib sheet. I will definitely keep this shop in mind when we have baby numero dos.

I am hosting Christmas Eve this year and I have been on the search for some yummy holiday beverages. Our bar is stocked with an abundance of red wine so I am thinking about making a batch of mulled wine this holiday season to spice things up. I am also interested in this little cocktail for an after dinner treat… um yum.

And one more thing… I don't know about you, but I didn't realize that Williams-Sonoma shipped food products to your home. A co-worker brought in their Christmas Catalog this weekend and I just about died and went to heaven while I flipped on through. I am thinking about ordering some of these croissants to last us all winter season, and possibly a few peppermint cremes to gift this holiday season. Plus they are currently offering free shipping and 10% off your order over $49. Happy shopping!

That's all folks. I hope your week is ahead is both enjoyable and productive. We have our first official holiday party this week and I can't wait to get all jazzed up with my man for a fun night out.