Forward

 I am a creature of comfort. Give me a routine or a tradition and I'm a happy girl. When something changes, it's hard for me to get back into the swing of things and feel at ease. But, this past year, I've been challenged in many ways to shake up my comforts, in big and small ways. What I realized is that I do better than expected when pushed beyond my comfort zone. 

Friendships are something I value greatly, and this year, several relationships have shifted for me. Aside from a 25 year friendship ending, I also experienced changes with a few good friends from work moving on to new jobs. But, that leaves room for new friendships, and I'm happy to report that I've been delighted with new friendships in these recent months. Whether it's finding like-minded people to connect with via blogs & Twitter, finding "couple friends" that my beau and I can spend time with, or a standing lunch/shopping/coffee date with some outstanding ladies, I've been richly blessed. It's wild to think that some of my strongest friendships are people I didn't know a year or two years ago. Making these friendships a priority is what has kept them growing stronger. 

I also moved in with my beau this past week, talk about a big life change! We've been together for many years and the actual transition has been smooth sailing, but packing up the apartment I've lived in for 6+ years was emotionally and physically exhausting. I found the process of packing and purging very therapeutic, but it was also quite nostalgic for a sensitive gal like myself. I had to stop myself from jokingly singing Sarah McLachlan's "I Will Remember You"(a la How I Met Your Mother) while going through boxes and doing everything for the last time. Also, I had been living with two fantastic roommates, so it did feel like the end of an era. 

But as our Uhaul pulled away, I focused on all that is to come, and found myself not feeling nostalgic at all. And being in one place and taking this adult step is fantastic. I could write an entirely separate blog with silly anecdotes as we get used to cohabitating, but it was a relief how easily it felt like home and exactly where I was supposed to be. 

Moving forward is a wonderfully inspiring and exciting thing, and I'm thrilled to have grown comfortable with taking steps outside of my comfort zone. In fact, I might have just walked straight into the zone that's the best of all.

Favorite Things

Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment - I'd heard about this product for years, but didn't give it a whirl until Chic Week came along at Sephora. My oh my, this is one product that I will never be without. It has a fresh lemon scent, is super hydrating, and the sheer tint is so pretty without being overpowering.

Carrot Cake Luna Bar - I've shared my love of a quick breakfast/snack on-the-go before, and this new flavor of Luna Bar is my favorite. It's delicious, flavorful, and feels more indulgent than it is. 

Chobani Flip Key Lime Crumble - Speaking of things that feel more indulgent than they are, this yogurt. My roommate is a fan and let me try one, and I am currently obsessed. It's key lime flavored yogurt with graham cracker crumbles & white chocolate chips, and it's a desserty protein-packed delight. I recommend throwing on a few fresh raspberries for an extra treat.

Nashville - After my other TV shows ended for the summer, I decided to give Nashville a try via Hulu+. I zoomed through the 21 episodes in a matter of weeks, and was totally drawn in by the slightly soapy storylines, great music, and fun location. It's definitely been added to my list to keep watching and I'm looking forward to new episodes this fall.

Julep Cassie - This sheer coral nail polish is summer perfection. Not too bright for my fair complexion, it's essentially what I wanted Essie's Tart Deco to be. I'm heading off to the beach this weekend and will have this shade on both my fingers & toes.

The Language of Flowers - Every now and then, a book comes along that you devour in a matter of days and become totally wrapped up in. I read this book in just over 24 hours, and was totally captivated by Victoria's story.

Erin Condren Life Planner - It's no secret that I'm a type A list writer, and after a year of loving the Erin Condren planner I set out to find something a bit more affordable. I tried to give my new planner a go for 6 months, but when I saw EC had an 18 month option (July 2013 to December 2014), I had to order it. It should be arriving in a few weeks, and I am eagerly awaiting it. 

What have been some of your recent favorites?