Take the time to smile :0)

Sometimes I find it's easy to get lost in the "do this's" and "don't do that's" of the day to day schedule we create for ourselves. It's easy to become a creature of habit and repetitive motion. For example, each morning I have a routine...a schedule...I have to keep otherwise I wouldn't be able to meet my next scheduled happening of the day. (Now that I am thinking about it, I am actually ashamed to say that I know the exact amount of time it takes me to brush my teeth, to put on my makeup (in the same order every time), to dry my hair, to decide what it is I will be wearing for the day, and the list goes on and on. Am I alone?) I wish it weren't that way. I wish I could wake up chirpy and ready for the day, routine met or unmet, and really be ready to take in the day. Even as I am writing this I am thinking, 'That's what I'll do tomorrow...I'm gonna do it...just get up and go with the flow!' But there is also a small voice saying, 'Yea, right!'.

Ok...I'm ranting...anyway...

So, really my point of this post, as mentioned in the title, is to share something what made me smile this evening. As usual, I had my plans all worked out, I knew exactly what I was going to be doing and I even made a list to check off. It all started wonderfully...and then I changed my mind. I stressed for a split second and then I decided to go with the flow of the evening and see what happened. Even though I didn't get the 50 loads of laundry done that were on my list (no, really...you should see my laundry room I'm pretty sure there are close to 50 loads down there) and I didn't vacuum, dust, clean windows, etc...I survived the night and even better than if I had done all those things. Because I decided I would run with what presented itself to me I was able to spend time with a couple great friends over supper (BIG SMILE there) and I was able to catch up with another great friend later on (another BIG SMILE).

Sometimes just letting life unfold and taking the time to set your "list" down is totally worth it. I know lists are necessary at times to make smiles happen, but I guess what I just realized is that you can't let the list create blinders for the "smiles" that are already there waiting to happen. Whether it is something waiting to make you smile or something you might do to make someone else smile.

I know in about a week (probably more like a day) I will be totally reverted back to list making and schedule keeping...but I hope I will be more able to notice all the little things that are there waiting to bring out smiles.

What about you? Have you been wearing "blinders"? What is something you have been meaning to do or say to someone else that would make them smile? Maybe its something as simple as giving someone a call after so many years to say, "Hey." or taking the time to send someone a letter who wouldn't expect it. Maybe its realizing you do need a break to watch the sun set with a glass of wine or finding time to read that book you have been wanting to dive into. It's not an easy task with all the pressures and demands of what surrounds us...but I hope this post helps you to find the time to create your own smile or pass one on. :0)

xoxo
~HAL

4 Years....*amazing deep sigh*

I am blessed to say that today marks the 4 year anniversary of a really special day in my life. At this point, the most special...and I'm not too sure that there is anything (maybe childbirth) that will surpass it. My loving husband, SWL, and I were married 4 years ago today. In what I like to think is one of the most beautiful and calming places in the area, here, we said our "I Do's" and started our life together. I couldn't be more happy than I am when I think back on the time we've had together thus far and the many journey's we still have ahead. He's my hero who takes the time to "remove" any bug that might come across my path, the guy who mows the lawn, checks the gutters at 3am, and gets up with the Pup when "you know who" won't wake up, he's my best friend, my biggest crush and my love. Here's to us!

With wedding season in full force...I think I have 3 close friends planning a wedding right now...what are some tips when it comes to making your big day all that you could've ever hoped for? (Brides-to-be and those of us who have already tied the knot)
For me it was keeping things simple. I wanted classic on a budget. So, the venue we chose (the linky above) was just right. I let nature do the talking when it came to decorations. Therefore...
Tip #1: When it comes to decor for your fairytale day, be sure to take in all your surroundings before you break out the ribbon and bows. Knowing what will already work with your colors/scheme can help to keep things crisp, clean, beautiful, and not to mention help to save a few buckaroos for the Honeymoon!

Please share your tips by commenting on my post! Thanks for stopping by!! ~HAL

Fresh Start

Here I am, ready or not...I hope this turns out to be as rewarding for everyone and anyone who tunes in as I'm hoping it will be for me. I've decided to turn the page into a new blogging world - projects, crafts, opinions, and more. A little less "keeping up with the Jones'" (actually I will be cutting all of that out) than my last blog. While I still intend to revisit my old blog for "family fun" from time to time...I really want to focus on this blog. For me...and you (those of you who are out there and will choose to read me, I thank you ahead of time!) We'll see how it goes. First on my agenda...Pillow Diaries!! Alrighty, welcome to the show :0)