Archives for August 2015

Life

Virginia Vacation

Good Bones | Virginia Vacation

Good Bones | Virginia Vacation

David and I got back from our quick trip to Virginia on Friday. The family squeezed into a cabin in Gordonsville, plus we took a day trip to Charlottesville and stopped through Richmond on the way home. The consensus on Virginia is that we definitely want to go back soon. Family and friends live so close by which makes it the ideal getaway. The vacation wasn’t as restful as we imagined–that’s what we get for trying to cram in so many fun things–and pretty far from actual mountains, but we’re thankful nonetheless.

It’s been years since we were all under the same roof and it was so good to spend time together (though, I admit, stressful at times for an introvert like me)–talking and goofing off or just sitting together reading. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you miss people until they’re right in front of you, reminding you why you love them in the first place.

I spent Saturday back at home cuddling my dogs and cleaning up the mounds of dog hair that accumulated while we were away, and in the evening we jumped right back into things by going to see a friend in a play at the local university. I can’t believe August and summer are nearly over and we’re already approaching my favorite time of the year. There’s been a hint of crisp coolness in the air and it’s getting me excited about fall, festivals, and warm fires. I’m hoping fall brings with it a slower pace and more opportunities to do what I love simply because I love it–for myself.

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Style

Made for the Weekend

Good Bones | STATE Cabana Dress

STATE Cabana DressSTATE Sunday Pantsimages// STATE

Not that I’ll have any time to relax this weekend, but if I did, I’d want to do it wearing one of these–the outfits dreams are made of. Clothes I can be stylish and lazy in, hand painted dots on the perfect shade of sand, and breezy, comfortable fabric? Sign me up. STATE is killing it with this Cabana Dress and Sunday Pants. I’ll just have to pretend my weekend is filled with lounging and reading instead of lugging around boxes and furniture and sweating. Have a good one, folks!

Life

Morning Off No.1

Good Bones | Morning Off No.1

Good Bones | Morning Off No.1Good Bones | Morning Off No.1Good Bones | Morning Off No.1Good Bones | Morning Off No.1

10:40am// books and espresso goodness at Metro
11:39am// thrifted the perfect rocker and brought it home (to be moved again!)
1:11pm// scrolling through the tap selections at Hive for an afternoon beer
1:27pm// the perfect lunch: delicious grilled cheese sandwich and kale salad
not shown: King of Pops from Sweetsticks for dessert!

I thought this would be a fun series to start–a way to appreciate even more the small outings David and I are blessed to have with each other. I woke up feeling terrible: tired and groggy, a little down, and still in pain from my latest kidney episode. I threw on the same clothes I wore yesterday and made my way out the door reluctantly, but a cheerful husband and some time away from the house, doing all the things we normally do, brightened my spirit tremendously. The weekend is work, work, work as we finish up our move so I’m extra grateful for the laid back wandering we were able to do this morning.

Life

Goodbye July

Good Bones | Goodbye July

Good Bones | Goodbye JulyGood Bones | Goodbye JulyGood Bones | Goodbye JulyGood Bones | Goodbye JulyGood Bones | Goodbye JulyGood Bones | Goodbye JulyGood Bones | Goodbye JulyGood Bones | Goodbye JulyGood Bones | Goodbye JulyGood Bones | Goodbye JulyGood Bones | Goodbye July

I meant to post this days ago but time got away from me. Between surgery recovery and the hustle and bustle of the business July flew by. Having a million things to do is the new normal, obviously. We’re being pulled in so many different directions and should probably stop being surprised by it. That’s what happens when you’re trying to grow your business and the folks in your life keep spreading out. We had a fast paced month of work and play: chasing a stunning lighting storm, visiting nieces, going away parties, book signings, packing, spending time with friends (more than usual, I’m happy to say!). I hate that most of my posts are “catch up” posts but that’s the season we’re in and that’s okay. I had intentions of reflecting on a year of blogging in July but found no time for that either. Long story short: it’s been good for me.

The highlight of the month was definitely our trip to Atlanta to visit with my husband’s nieces. Ashley and her family live in Decatur and Emily and her boyfriend Ben were visiting from Paris (we had some extra time with Emily and Ben here, too, and it was so sweet). They’re such strong, kind, intelligent, beautiful young women and I’m so thankful to have them in my life. I hardly took any photos so these are mostly people walking and standing around petting a cat. It was so worthwhile. I was especially thrilled to have an experience in Atlanta that didn’t send me home exhausted and anxious. We visited areas I’d never been before and I felt a bit more fond of the city. It helps to truly be visiting instead of running around, constrained by time, trying to get errands taken care of. I’m looking forward to the next trip.

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  • These lilac pillow slips were my last purchase of 2019 before starting 6 months (at least) of no spending (wardrobe + household decor). I hope to better understand my spending patterns/triggers and find healthier, less expensive ways to manage negative emotions. Committing to it wasn’t easy which makes me all the more glad I did. Thank you to @insearchofcozy_ for being my inspiration and giving me the push I needed to start!
  • Last weekend I popped into a couple of my favorite Cincinnati shops, including @fernshopcincinnati where some of my original collages are for sale amongst stunning plants and the best ceramics. If you’re in the area, stop by and see Megan’s gorgeous shop for yourself! She’s been a supporter of my work for years and I’m so grateful. Also grateful that my little sister moved to Cincinnati for college almost 14 years ago and never left so I get to keep visiting 🤗🤎✨
  • Had a slow, ordinary, wonderful, much needed vacation where I barely took any photos. Missing family but happy to be home ✨
  • A few days after Apollo died, I opened a package from @charlotteswans and inside was a portrait she had drawn of him. Immediately I began sobbing, missing my sweet boy, but also so grateful to see his face which she captured perfectly and beautifully. My husband and I got it framed as our Christmas present to ourselves. It’s a gift we will always cherish. Thank you, my dear Charlotte.
  • Yesterday I posted this photo in stories but deleted it shortly after because I was embarrassed. I look angry but in truth this is my face at rest, albeit tired. Most days I look at my post-menopausal face and body and don’t recognize them, but in this moment the anger, sadness, and loathing I normally experience (which is a complicated topic) was more subdued. I liked the picture so I’m not sure I know how to articulate why posting it felt so unacceptable. Here it is again, acting as a reminder to just post the damn thing. Lately the need to be more open about menopause, something I’ve shared with very, very few people, is one I’ve felt strongly. I don’t know exactly what that looks like in such a public space, but I think it’s worth exploring.

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