thankful

I love that there's a time dedicated each year to focus on being thankful.

I started this list over a year ago and although (technically) I didn't meet my goal of 1,000 things, I more than met my goal of noticing and being grateful for life's everyday gifts that sometimes we are too busy / too tired / too stressed to notice.

Since starting that challenge, daily something jumps out at me that I am thankful for - whether it's a phone call from a friend to keep me company on my commute home or the gorgeous pink sky at dusk (I'm a sucker for a pink sky).

Of course, those things happened before, I just didn't always take notice of truly what a gift they were.

I am constantly reminded that gratitude mostly definitely changes everything.

So for this month I'm hoping to write a weekly list here to help me focus on being thankful for life's big and small gifts that I'm sure I take for granted all too often.

Here is my short and very incomplete list for today:

I am grateful for:

the wonderful man I just married 

(almost 6 weeks as newlyweds)

having so many friends and family that live nearby

working for a company I love

living near the ocean

a morning cup of hot coffee

leg warmers

sweater weather

What are you grateful for?

LMF

Brunch for the girls

When Dan and I made the decision to stop planning our large wedding and instead have an intimate 14 person celebration, I knew I wanted to make sure and do something special with my girlfriends to celebrate.

I figured that I wouldn't have a bridal shower since our guest list is so small, but instead decided to throw my own bridal brunch at my house, with the amazing help of my maid of honor (and best friend of 17 years!) and my mom and aunt.  When you want to throw a party, these are the women you call!

The guest list wasn't too large.  I invited 20 of my most favorite people in the world, literally,

from all around the world.

I knew not all would make it, but I wanted them all to know they were wanted there and would be missed (I'm talking to you, Lo!).

We had a lot to celebrate - two friends have babies on the way, five of us are getting married (or got married) this year, and two engagements this year.  There are a few other causes for celebration, but those are still under wraps ;) Plus any day that we can all find a few hours to get together is cause for celebration.

I am not the best hostess.  I get stressed and nervous and want everything to go right and everyone to have fun. I love planning everything and I love having everyone over but the hours just before a party, there's always butterflies in my stomach. 

With the help of my amazing mother and aunt and my best friend, the day was everything I had hoped for.  I've been teary-eyed every time I start thinking about it.  I honestly can't believe that I'm lucky enough to know such wonderful people.

We were so busy eating, drinking and chatting, I never picked up my camera.  I have just a few photos while we were setting up.

  

I feel so blessed to have such amazing women in my life. 

I've known both these girls for 20 years.

 (I can't believe I'm old enough to say that.)

I got the sweetest cards from everyone and even though I told them not to, some people brought gifts.

The sweetest gift:

Two years ago, my friend received these slipper/shoes as kind of a joke gift at her bridal shower.  I loved them! And may have even tried them on right there in the middle of her shower. She thought they were absolutely ridiculous.  Apparently, she boxed them right up and has been saving them for me ever since.  

These may be my wedding shoes. 

(I'm not kidding.)

My perfect weekend: 

Saturday - arranging flowers and baking all day with my mom, aunt and best friend

Sunday - sitting in the sun all afternoon, drinking a mimosa with some of the most amazing women I know.

LMF

blogger thank you

My first post went up exactly 1 year ago.

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I didn't really have a plan when I started blogging (that's probably pretty obvious).

  

But I think it was for a couple of different reasons: 

- I needed a bit of creativity in my life 

{surprisingly accounting and finance doesn't help with that much}; 

- a little out boredom; 

 - and because I needed a place to keep the things I love

{Fun fact - most of the recipes I post are because I want to be able to find them again - selfish, I know}

 But a big reason was because I had found a few blogs that I loved reading and could relate to so much and found so inspiring.  

And through those blogs and since starting my own, I've found even more incredible people.
{Not more incredible than the people before, just more people who are incredible.}

I thought I'd take today's post to thank some of the bloggers whose posts I click on first when I see them in my blogroll.

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Sheye - Sheye Rosemeyer - Yours was one of the first blogs I started reading and your writing was instantly addicting.  It's one of the few blogs that I've read completely through the archives.  I sat crying at my computer screen while reading some of your posts about Ava.  Thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous photography and being so open about your grief and your happiness.

Lauren - Aspiring Kennedy - I first clicked on your blog because of the title.  It made me laugh. And then when I discovered you were an American (with my name) living in England, I was hooked.  See, I had just recently moved back from London and I missed it much more than I thought I would.  Your travel posts give me my Europe fix.

Sarah - Fairy Tales Are True - Your 1000 gifts post is one of my favorites.  My list is not even close to 1000 yet, but since starting it I find myself seeking beauty in every day things even if those things never make it to the list.  It was astounding how that small change within me changed so much around me. 

Rhi - Hey Gorgeous Events - How do you make everything so pretty?!  I love how much you share about starting your own business.  It's something that seems to be unique to the blog-world where people are willing to help others succeed rather than see them as the competition.  

Lara / Emily - Making Things Happen - I don't know how I first found you both.  It was pretty recent and I am so glad I did.  Your faith and the positivity and encouragement and support that you put out into the world is so inspiring to see.  I am so excited that you're offering a Making Brands Happen webinar series.  I'm hoping to attend part 1!

I don't think it's easy to figure out what to share and how much to share about your life, or create good content and a blog that's ascetically pleasing and easy to read.  I certainly don't pretend to have these things figured out.  I am constantly in awe of all the bloggers who make it look so effortless.

Thank you!

LMF

ever so thankful

I started this list in April.  The goal was to make it to 1,000 by the years end.  

I don't think I'll make it, but I don't mind.  I'll continue to work towards my goal anyway.

Starting this list has had such an astonishing impact on me.  

I don't think people would ever describe me as an unhappy person, even when I am unhappy I try to stay positive. But by keeping this list, I've started see things a bit differently.  I see more.  More simple pleasures in everyday life.  It's helped me search out the good even in bad situations.  Even if it was just to get another item on my list, just a bit closer to the goal.

It's also helped me to see the things I value.  

Apparently, I enjoy food immensely!  There are a lot of food items on my list. :)

There's a lot about family and friends and laughter. 

And a lot about Paris. Paris is always a good idea. :)

{taken in Paris}

I saw this quote on Project Gadabout and loved it.  

It sums up perfectly what I've taken a whole post to say.

I hope everyone has a wonderful thanksgiving - filled with family and friends and 

of course delicious food! ;)

LMF

P.S. A big thank you to Sarah Tucker whose post (and blog!) inspired me. 

Inspired

Inspired by Ms. Tucker's post {here}, I've decided to keep my own list of 1000 gifts.

Sometimes I look around at all I have, my family and friends, everything I've been able to experience and I am so grateful.  And sometimes I don't take the time to really see those things.  Life is made up of small pleasures and I truly believe that taking the time to notice them and be grateful for them makes it so much better.

1000 by New Years is the challenge :)

#1. cuddling with pacino

#2. my house smelling like a bakery on saturday mornings

#3. getting home early enough to take pacino for a walk

#4. seeing my friends become moms

#5. olivia showing me what she learned in ballet class

#6. fresh lemons from my backyard

#7. my new lime tree to be planted

#8. homemade cookies from my mom

#9. laughing so hard with friends that my cheeks hurt
#10. pacino snoring
#11. nights on the couch with my boys and no TV or internet
#12. coming home to a home cooked dinner
#13. long phone calls with good friends
#14. unexpected rainbows
#15. salted soy hot chocolate on a rainy day
#16. living less than 2 miles from my best friend
#17. these girls

#18. packages at my door with pretty things inside
#19. the morning sky in sonoma county

#20.  a hot cuppa tea
#21.  the sound of rain
#22. a competent and easy-going boss
#21.  a stack of magazines filling my post box
#22.  waking up next to pacino sleeping under the sheet with his head on the pillow
#23. birthday lunches
#24. weekend walks around the lake
#25. a cool glass of clean water to drink on a hot day
#26. a pink sky
#27. friday nite cocktails
#28. a dad who's handy
#29. a mom who likes to garden
#30. evening walks
#31. a whole uninterrupted hour catching up with my best friend
#32. afternoon walks and coffee breaks with girls at work
#33. Sarah Tucker for inspiring this post
(it has been life-changing in just this 1 short week)
#34. a morning cup of coffee
#35. vacation's with Dan's family
#36. the 1st photo above
(taken from my bedroom window on my last day living in Paris)
#37. wishes

#38. morning kisses
#39. family hugs - pacino always sneaks kisses in
#40. dropping pacino off at Dan's work for the day
#41. a goodnight kiss
#42. Champagne Thursday's - even if they happen on Wednesday
#43. meeting other friendly WAGS
#44. singing loudly in the car to a song on the radio
#45. busting a move to that song
#46. booking vacations
#47. the smell of freshly brewed coffee topped off with warm soy milk and a dash of cinnamon at 7 in the morning
#48. dinners with Danny's parents
#49. Dan's parents who have always been welcoming, so generous and so much fun
#50. morning kisses good-bye
#51. friday afternoon lunches in the sun
#52. sunscreen
#53. impromptu dinner parties
#54. falling asleep with a smile on my face
#55. a sincere 'I'm sorry'
#56. walks around the reservoir with new friends
#57. all the possibilities of an unplanned day
#58. hearing from long-lost friends
#59. sun-bathing in the backyard with margaritas and girlfriends
#60. rain
#61. listening to Olivia tell me a story about her day
#62. "exercising" with Ava
#63. sunlight breaking though the clouds on the drive to work
#64. the start of a new highly anticipated book
#65. visits from out-of-town friends
#66. living so near one of my favorite cities in the world
(San Francisco)
#67. finding the perfect gift for someone
#68. seeing Séraphine walk for the first time
#69. texts from my brother
#70. $1,200 of auto work being covered by the warranty
#71. getting into the Nike Women's Marathon 2012
(running the half-marathon)

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#72. second chances

#73. a sore bum from lunges and squats

#74. how easily pacino forgets that I've left him all day

#75. the first tan lines of the season and the memories of a great day in the sun they bring

#76. playing ball with pacino

#77. anticipation of a great weekend planned 

#78. Dan warming my hands and feet even though it makes him freeze
#79. pacino laying with me all day when I'm feeling ill
#80. hosting friends at my home for the weekend
#81. discovering new fun spots nearby
#82. sunny days
#83. delicious Italian food shared with friends
#84. wine tasting weekends
#85. nights that are warm enough to sleep with the windows open
#86. driving home from work in daylight
#87. accountability
#88. sweater weather
#89. finishing a really good book
#90. the soy latte waiting for me at the end of my morning commute
#91. sample sales at Resto :)
#92. when my mom / aunt / dad / Dan's mom / mom's friends go over to my house to play with Pacino or take him for the day while I'm at work so he doesn't spend the day all alone inside the house while I'm at work. So much puppy love!
#93. warm sun on my winter white legs
#94. coming home to unconditional love

#95. days when Danny comes
#96. long walks that tire out the pup
#97. time to read with a tired pup asleep at my feet
#98. fresh lemonade made with lemons from my mom's yard and mine
#99. lights hung on the patio {the beginning of outdoor entertaining}

#100. watching The Vow with Danny {the 332nd chick-flick he's watched with for me}
#101.  fitting just right in the crook
#102.  visiting the new home of friends becoming homeowners for the 1st time
#103. the first few moments after I wake up and realize my migraine's gone
#104. the neighbors delicious smelling grapefruit tree
#105. my moms homemade chicken soup already in my fridge when I get home from work on a night I have nothing for dinner
#106. blush pink roses
#107. baby calves
#108. the tree-lined streets in my neighborhood
#109. beautiful fresh flowers on the table from my yard

#110. my cousin graduating college
#111.  cooking with my mom
#112. constantly laughing with co-workers
#113.  hope
#114. speedy recoveries
#115. a patient and concerned doctor
#116. a great review given by someone I love working for and highly respect
#117. an unexpected raise
#118. an unexpected bonus
#119. love notes

#120. Friday afternoon lunches with co-workers
#121. a thoughtful guy who celebrates all my successes no matter how small
#122.  running my fingers through freshly cut hair
#123.  amazing, loving parents who have been married 40 years
#124. finding {or making} the perfect birthday gift for my cousin / best friend for 30 years
#125. yoga
#126. a found iPhone {Thank you ladies of Palms Nail Spa!}
#127. sharing recipes
#128. impromptu sing-alongs in the car
#129. Dan's great golf score and tournament placing
#130. our nightly constitutional :)
#131. Kiehl's puppy shampoo
#132. new friends
#133. smiles from friends eating something I've baked
#134. heading to the airport
#135. exploring a new city
#136. compatible travel companions

#137. coming home to this lil guy

#138. generous friends who offer to take care of the pup for 5 days (!)
#139. lemony truffle hollendaise sauce
#140. hotel upgrades
#141. birthday celebrations
#142.  meeting welcoming family for the 1st time
#143. rides to the airport
#144. puppy playdates at the ball games
#145. birthday phone calls
#146. laughing so hard we have tears in our eyes
#147. holding hands
#148.  sand beneath my toes
#149. impromptu bbq's
#150. the sound of a popped champagne bottle
#151. a birthday card with beautiful words from my parents
#152. cake

 #153. a giant pot of colorful flowers outside my office {thank you maintenance guys!}
#154. a patio pizza party with our sweaty men
#155. babies toes
#156. the first sip of a glass of champagne
#157. helping friends plan their 1st trip to Europe
#158. ocean views on my drive home
#159. modern medicine
#160. health insurance
#161. kind nurses
#162. a mom who makes homemade chicken soup whenever I don't feel well
#163. winning the game in double overtime with no subs
#164. getting back in bed
#165. the smell of bacon cooking
#166. extra tight hugs
#167. homemade pasta
#168. the smell after it rains
#169.  the fragrant roses in my front yard
#170. a warm chocolate filled croissant

#171. friends' baby-growin' bellies
#172. thank you notes
#173. forehead kisses
#174. catching up with the girls after it's been too too long
#175. the first downward dog of the day
#176. an evening of uninterrupted reading
#177. warm days and driving with the windows down
#178. dancing in the kitchen together even without music
#179. having girls I can tell anything to
#180. when that song comes on you just have to dance to
#181.  an unexpected promotion
#182. warm nights - no sweater needed!
#183. lazy days by the pool with these guys

#184. caprese salad
#185. cooking something new that turns out delicious
#186. vanilla frozen yogurt with graham cracker
#187. lounging by the pool with a good book
#188. the unbelievable sweetness and kindness floating around "blogland"
#189. the smell of fresh basil
#190. getting into clean, fresh sheets
#191. parents who call and check in on me
#192. encouragement
#193. Ava turning 3

#194. reminiscing about girls trips
#195. longtime friends
#196. puppy kisses
#197. fresh, sweet, summer strawberries

{via}
#198. Aussie's
#199. fresh mango
#200. sushi
#201. coworkers birthdays
#202. when someone orders in lunch for the office
#203. my birthday present from Dan {post}

#204. my passport
#205. an apricot colored sky
#206. backyard bonfires
#207. guitars around the fire pit
#208. Er-run's singing voice
#209. backyard bbq's
#210. father / daughter dinners
#211. spicy indian food
#212. Ava laughing at a movie (even if it is mostly at the burp parts)
#213. Er-run's pulled pork
#214. sharing recipes with friends
#215. that first sip of coffee in the morning
#216. where the clouds touch the mountains
#217. fresh sweet homemade strawberry jam on crusty bread
#218. a messy kitchen after a day of cooking with my mom
#219. learning old family recipes
#220. apps that let me chat with friends in other places in the world
#221. pellegrino
#222. birthday toasts
#223. evening sunlight in the summertime
#224. homemade pasta
#225. the way the sunlight reflects off the clouds at dusk
#226. Dan spontaneously singing along to the music and knowing all the words
#227. the smell of saltwater in the air
#228. sand beneath my toes

#229. driving old familiar roads
#230. root beer floats at work
#231. a call from a friend telling you she's pregnant
#232. learning something new
#233. small accomplishments
#234. encouragement from people I've never met
#235. 24-hour emergency vet
#236.  seeing how much Danny loves Pacino
#237. grapes straight from the vine
#238. homemade pizza
#239. learning new {delicious!} recipes
#240. cooking together
 #241. lazy days by the pool with family
#242. grillin'
#243. afternoon naps
 #244. pacino curled up around my neck
#245. forgiveness
#246. how Ava's teeny body fits perfectly curled into mine
#247. avocados
#248. 80 degrees
#249. hearing "Auntie Yauren"
#250. days I have "custody" of Pacino
#251. listening to the music my brother wrote for me
#252. sore arms from a good workout
#253. sleeping in
#254. a room-mate who makes breakfast on the weekends
#255. being named and thanked by the CFO at a company-wide meeting
 #256. moonlight
#257. beautiful babies made by my friends :)

#258. having the opportunity to work with really smart and experienced people

#259. being perfectly happy spending time on my own

#260. sweet emails from lovely readers

#261. finding a yummy recipe

#262.  when someone in the office gets flowers; it makes the whole office brighter

#263.  when prayer works

#264. getting dressed up

#265. working for a company that values its employees

#266. quiet Sunday mornings with a warm mug and a good book

#267.  dinners with friends

#268. friends that always make me laugh so hard my stomach hurts

#269. fresh salmon {that someone else cleaned and cooked :)}

#270.  living in California where the ocean, mountains, wine country, the city are all nearby

#271. pup safety equipment {that makes me laugh}

#272. weekend getaways with friends

#273.  nights with friends when you don't stop laughing

#274. trying new things

#275. inspiring words from people I've never met

#276. the smell of coffee before I'm even out of bed

#277. foggy sunrise over the bay

#278. anticipation of upcoming trips

#279. sunlight through the fog

#280. when photos don't do it justice and you realize you need to put down the camera and just enjoy

#281. making someone else laugh

#282. girlfriends + hot tub + wine

#283. the feeling after you've made amends

#284. being at the airport

#285. cottony clouds hovering in the sky

#286. shannonballs

#287. awesomely bad cover / karaoke bands

#288. friends cheering for me

#289. diving

#290. dancing without care

#291. having a private bodyguard at the club

#292. deliciously red watermelon

#293. splash mob

#294. being driven to the airport

#295. finding a spoon in the utensil drawer at work

#296. packing for Paris

#297. the birthday boy

#298. friendly neighbors

#299. the start of autumn leaves

#300. cool autumn evenings

#301. {multiple} daily emails from my mom

#302. SFO international terminal

#303. familiar streets from a past life

#304. 56, blvd la tour-maubourg

#305. fresh french croissants in the morning

#306. sharing in a friends surprise engagement

#307. long walks through the Jardin du Luxembourg

#308. Paris at night

#309. the smell of fresh croissants in the early morning when passing the boulangerie

#310. morning walks

#311. gold and royalty and history

#314. familiar places that haven't changed in years

#315. cobblestone streets and ballet flats

#317. bubbles ;)

#318. seeing an old city through new eyes

#319. the cheese aisle in French grocery stores

#320. polka dots

#321. contentment

#322. speaking french

#323. hearing Dan speak french

#324. booked flights

#325. the autumn view from my front window #nofilter

#326. crawling into bed after a long day

#327. homegrown lemons

#328. comments that make me smile

#329. visits from faraway friends even when it's much too short

#330. sharing wine with a good friend

#331. the memories I have from living in Paris (so grateful)

#332. when the rain stops

#333. exploring a new city

#334. arnold palmers

#335. infinity pools

#336. meeting other Foodie's

#337. when the Bears win (because it makes Dan happy)

#338. waking up and feeling like you've had enough sleep

#339. dessert

#340. birds on a wire

#341. sore abs from a good workout

#342. the big Texas sky

#343. colleagues who will work alongside you on the weekend

#344. falling leaves

#345. when the rain stops

#346. when Dan takes the middle seat

#347. autumn pleasures

#348. fog

#349. egg nog lattes

#350. Olivia's toothy grin

#351. friends as mommies

#352. VD nights

#353. grits

#354. when the plane takes off

#355. missing the storm

#356. the safety of friends and family in NY

#357. seeing my friends as mommies

#358. new followers

#359. truffle oil

#360. a book you just can't put down

#361. friends pregnant bellies

#362. goodnight hugs and kisses from Séraphine

#363. dinners with B&P where the laughs never stop

#364. having people there to take care of you when you're sick

#365. Séraphine groovin'

#366. shopping with Morgan

#367. Arthur's cooking

#368. seeing my brother perform

#369. crisp fall days in NY

#370. walking through central park with my love

#371. a hot drink in cold hands

#372. bing +1'd

#373. when the fogs lifting

#374. unexpectedly finding memories in my pocket

#375. colors of the wine country in autumn

#376. Italian family picnics

#377. snow in San Francisco

#378. when the Christmas tree keeps growing

#379. fresh homemade bread

#380. Christmas tree smell

#381. a skirt that twirls

#382. a full post box at Christmas time

#383. being asked to guest post from bloggers I admire

#384. when someone asks me for one of my recipes that they loved

#385. answered prayers

#386. Christmas cards

#387. dance parties

#388. Jaliffa's laugh

#389. delivering baked goods to friends

#340. baking with my mom

#341. sweet comments from bloggers who inspire me

#342. toddler hugs

#343. snow days

#344. curled up with thick comfy socks and a soft warm throw

#345. having a job to go to every day

#346.  driving in the dark and all of the sudden the stars start popping out of the sky

#347. when a baby smiles

#348. friends karaoke

#349. the sound of skates on ice

#350. when you can hear the smile in someones voice

#351. baby giggles

#352. pizza and champagne (why is this combo so good?!)

#353. boots with fur

#354. homemade cinnamon rolls

#355. when people love the dessert I've made

#356. phone calls from old friends

#357. booking plane tickets

#358. successfully making a new recipe

#359. when an international number pops up on my caller id

#360. playing in the snow

#361. receiving handwritten letters

#362. hugs that last a while

#363. waking up and realizing you don't have to get up yet

#364. a full tank of gas

#365. the fog that covers the valley on my morning commute

#366. twinkle lights in trees

#367. listening to 6 yr old Olivia tell a story about her day

#368. bare branches against a pink sky

#369. Pacino running through sand

#370. market lights

#371. looking around a table filled with close family and friends

#372. wearing my mothers wedding dress

#373. hugging my dad right before we walk down the aisle

#374. walking down the aisle with my dad

#375. friends for more than 17 years

#376. a friend who cries at the thought of giving a toast at my wedding

{those tears mean more than any words}

#377. homemade mozzarella

#378. butterscotch panna cotta

#379. wonderfully kind and accommodating events people

#380. our impromptu and surprise first dance

#381. music written and played by my brother at our wedding

#382. beautiful and sweetly written engagement cards

#383. incredibly generous wedding gifts from family and friends

#384. a surprise bridal shower from co-workers

#385. a phone call to the right people for an incredible experience

#386.

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LMF