Give Yourself Permission...To Rest

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Hi Loves!

I apologize, it's been a while. I've been sick with the stomach bug for a couple of days now and it's driving me nuts. I hate when all of the sudden you have to stop everything because you're sick. Yes, you get to watch bad TV and get extra sleep, but it's so much less fun when it's not something you planned.

I have a terrible time with it because I have a hard time giving myself permission to just rest. For example, I start worrying about all the things I have to do/had planned on doing. I wait for someone (usually M) to tell me it's okay to just rest, that I need it to get better.

Which is when I realize-I'm the only one who can give myself permission. And I deserve that permission. Sometimes, our bodies aren't as strong as we'd like, and we can't do it all-no matter how desperately we want to. Sometimes we just have to allow ourselves to rest.

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So, instead of moping about today on day 4 of this no fun bug, I am toasting all of you with a glass of ginger ale and wishing you rest if that's what you need...give yourself permission- sometimes that's all we need.

Love,

LB

When there are no words...

A quote I love reads, "When there are no words...Know that the silences are carrying the thoughts and prayers of all who love you." I've always kept it on one of my walls to remind me of the importance of being present to people.

It wasn't until this week that I truly understood what the concept of no words meant. This past week the six year-old son of one of my dear friends passed away very unexpectedly. I had the immense blessing of babysitting him on many occasions over the past five years and he was the sweetest, kindest, most angelic boy I have ever met. At six years old he had a deep faith- an unassuming, innocent faith. The type of faith many of us spend lifetimes searching for.

When I heard the news I truly had no words. I still have no words. I have silence, shock and deep sadness. I have beautiful memories and so many prayers for his family and friends. This past weekend I attended the services and I have never witnessed such an outpouring of love. This little boy truly changed the world and he continues to do so through the many lives he touched in a relatively short time.

When there are no words and you are shocked by silence-all you can do is be present. Be present to your pain, be present to the pain of others. The only thing to do is to offer your heart up and all it is feeling to what you believe in. In my case, I continue to offer it to God every day and pray that she hears me and holds my and the hearts of all those grieving everywhere.

Because sometimes there are simply no words.

LB

Honor Your Inner Scrub

Hello lovelies!

I'm taking a quick break from writing a midterm paper to share this LB public service announcement with you..

Don't forget to honor your inner scrub.

I got to the library this morning and realized I had on yoga pants with stains, a pink, purple striped shirt and hot pink running sneakers. Needless to say, if I took a picture I would show up on What Not to Wear. I started stressing about what a "hot mess" I must look like to other people (make that just a "mess") and then I realized..

Who cares?

Someday's you need to look like you just rolled out of bed. It's good for the soul. It's okay not to be put together all of the time, heck, I'm lucky if I'm put together 50% of the time (fine, make it 30%).

So, for all of you out there like me who worry what people might think...

Honor your inner scrub. You deserve it. Let those yoga pants shine, girlie.

Xoxo

Making a Budget and How to Make it Not, well...suck.

Have any of you recently moved in with your significant other? Or maybe you've already been living with yours? Ever made a monthly budget and all of the sudden had scary numbers telling you that you make way less money and spend WAY more money than you thought you have?

That was my week. And let me tell you, friends, life is expensive.

Since we moved in together M and I have been talking about making a monthly budget. Living in the city is just plain expensive and with me getting my masters and working only part time, we both knew it would be smart to make one and to stick to it (aka bye bye pretty shoes...)

This was definitely a learning experience for me. I've never created a monthly budget before. I've been more of a check my bank account every couple of days type gal. Going through everything we spend money on in a month and putting it in ink was a bit terrifying. Now that I'm not working full-time, it was definitely a wake-up call to realize how much my budget needs to change.

So, M and I sat down and listed every category we spend money on or will be spending money on during a month to month basis. Aka, rent, utilities, food, travel, going out, clothes-etc. We then decided how much money we can spend or have to spend in each category.

Half way through I had to take a break to go sit in a corner and have a good cry. Stress hit me in full force and all of the sudden life just seemed too impossibly expensive.

When I came back out from having my moment, M put on a song for me that we like to sing to one another, and it made all of the difference.

Ever listen to Ingrid Michaelson? She's my fav. She has a great song called "You and I" that says,

"Don't you worry there, my honey

We might not have any money

But we've got our love to pay the bills"

Although, our love can't pay the bills literally (it be pretty awesome if it could) this song reminded me how lucky I am for what I do have and put my stress in perspective. I'm so lucky to be able to afford to live in Boston while in school. I'm very lucky to have a roof over my head and enough food to keep me well fed. And I've got M and our cute little apartment.

So, my advice? 

Making a budget is important. It keeps you on your toes and realistically makes you realize you may not be able to afford those adorable boots this month. I suggest while making one to take a break, though, and take a moment to live in the beauty of what you do have. If not it can get way too stressful.

So, take a break, enjoy a glass of wine and relish in your love and know the rest will follow. At least that's what I'm hoping.

Any tips of your own?

Halloween Decoration Inspiration

One of my favorite places to visit in the fall is my parent's house. My mom is a modern Martha Stewart and she always decorates the house for Halloween and fall. I love her style-she has such a great eye for detail. I always feel like I'm walking into a cozy photo shoot where I simply want to sit down with a cup of tea-and luckily, I actually do get to do this. There's something so wonderful about coming home, no matter how old you are. 

Here are a couple of the decorations she currently has up: I hope they provide you with some fall/Halloween decoration inspiration! :)

Have a great rest of the weekend lovelies!

PS. How adorable is my "little" brother and his girlfriend? I couldn't help but throw a couple pics of them in...

 

Monday Inspiration/ It's time to Simplify

Hi lovelies!

Sorry I'm a day late with my Monday inspiration post...I came down with a cold/flu type thing on Sunday and it has lingered and lingered. Aka I've missed school/work for two days and there's been a whole lot of watching cupcake wars in my rattiest pjs going on (attractive right?)

This time has led to some deep thinking about what I wanted this post to be about, though. Last week I was walking to school and trying to be a bit more mindful about it. You know when you get somewhere and cannot remember the drive or walking route you took? I hate that. It happens to me often and I always feel like I'm missing out on some pivotal moments of my day.

I've been trying to pay a bit more attention lately, and as I was walking the other day I passed by this perfect pink rose. What struck me about it was that it was all by itself-standing tall and strong without any other roses or flowers in sight.

I thought to myself..."I want to be like that rose."

You see, since this semester started I've been all over the place. I constantly feel like life is passing me by and I have no time to actually live it, but simply am going through the motions to get everything done. I've realized that I truly need to simplify things so I can feel like I'm actually living my life.

This rose reminded me of the importance of simplifying. I want to stand strong and not be constantly leaned over, tired from stress. I want to reach towards the sky with child-like abandon. 

I do not want to look at the calendar and wonder where another week disappeared.

So, where to start? I think I just did. I believe the first step is admitting how badly I need to simplify things. I am determined over the next couple of weeks to spend more time talking with M and not worrying about all the other things I should be doing, write at least one or two letters to loved ones, take a few walks around the reservoir and simply breathe, and cook cupcakes because their delicious.

Hold me to it, k?

How do you simplify?

5 Stereotypical Fall Dates You Should Go On...Cause They're Awesome.

 

It's October!!! Which makes me the happiest camper (without the whole camping thing) that ever was. I love fall. Sweaters, boots, apple cider...I love it all.

 

I was trying to think of some creative fall dates to share with you all, but I realized I love the streotypical ones way more. They're what I look forward to doing every year. So, alas, here are my top 5 stereotypical fall dates you should go on because they're awesome and it's fall.

 

 

1. Apple Picking.

 

 

There's simply something magical about apple picking. Whether it's the colder weather temps, the picking of your own apples, or the fun had while doing it-somehow picked apples just taste better than store bought ones. A group of friends and I just went and had a blast.

 

2. Pumpking with Your Pumpkin

 

 

 

I am a horrible pumpking carver. But I love going to the pumpkin patch. I always feel like Charlie Brown waiting for the Great Pumpkin to arrive.

 

3. Go to the Beach

 

 

 

Okay...so maybe this isn't a typical fall date, but I love it anyways. I love going to the beach when it's deserted and bundling up in sweaters and blankets while drinking hot chocolate. It's romantic and peaceful.

 

4. Wine Tasting

 

Because, what's better than going to a winery and drinking wine outside on a beautiful fall day? Can't think of anything? Me either.

 

5. Hiking

 

 

I am horribly unathletic, but every fall I try to drag myself up atleast one mountain. Seeing all of the foliage from the top is worth it everytime.

 

*

So there you have it, my 5 fall dates perfect to go on friends or with a date! :)

 

What are your favorite fall dates?

 

 

Monday Inspiration: It's a Beautiful Day.

Walking to school today, I was already thinking about the millions of things I needed to do. I was already growing anxious and the day had just began. I could practically feel the disconnect occurring between my mind and body

and then...

I walked by a police officer and he looked at me and said "It's a beautiful day."

As soon as he said that, I looked up and took in the blue sky, crisp air and autumn breeze.

You know what? It is a beautiful day. 

It is a beautiful day. It is a beautiful life.

Have you felt it?

Happy Monday, folks! 

xoxo

What the heck is a blate? & Some Inspiration for One Of Those Days

Hi Loves!

When I began blogging six months ago, I remember coming across some of the lingo and thinking "what on earth does that mean?" For example...

Blate.

What is that? Some sort of blogger sandwich? Or some kind of way to say I was late in posting my post?

Ya, no. I was way off the mark.

In case you are having a hard time understanding all the lingo like me, a blate is a date for bloggers. And I was able to experience my first ever one with Rachel from Postcards From Rachel, yesterday!

I'm glad I figured out what a blate was because it was a blast. I felt like it was my initiation from being a "baby blogger" to a full blown toddler. Look, ma! I'm walking!

Photo Cred: Rachel's Iphone

That's Rachel and I. We went to a yummy restaurant called Parish Cafe near Copley Square. If you're ever looking for a delicious lunch place in downtown Boston, try it out. We took this picture right after saying we were never going to be fashion bloggers because we both pose awkwardly...then the wind picked up and we managed to smack heads and take this. Aka I'm pretty sure we were meant to be friends. If you haven't checked her blog out make sure to-she's fantastic! And if you're in Boston and ever want to go on a blate, let me know-I'm hooked!

***

This is one of my favorite verses. Whenever I read it, I always think, "Wow. That's what I want to be." Some days I do okay at being strong, clothed in dignity and manage to live in the moment and then there's days like today where it is just plain hard.

Those days where you wake up clearly on the wrong side of the bed. The days where you need double the dose of caffeine to stay awake. The days where you simply want no one to look at you or to say anything to you so you don't have to interact with the world. The days when the laundry comes out wet and you don't want to pay another $1.25 to run it again.

Days like this I grow so frustrated with myself. Why can't I shake this feeling of tiredness? Why can't I just be happy with what I have and the multitude of blessings that surround my life? Why did I bark at M for asking a question?

So, I guess this post is my way of reminding myself to breathe and be gentle with myself. That woman whose clothed in strength and dignity, who can laugh at the days to come? She has her days. And they do not make her any less strong, they make her human. They make her beautiful.

When you have one of those days, remember...

You are strong.

You are beautiful.

And you'll be able to laugh at the days to come again and be happy in the moment.

But for now?

It's okay to let the day suck. It's okay to take a few moments to breathe.

It's okay to not be perfect.

The 411 on Moving in Together

Hi loves!

I hope you all had great weekends!

Mine was full of fall activities which I will share later on in the week, including APPLE PICKING! My absolute favorite. It doesn’t feel like fall until I half-attempt to climb a tree in which I end up falling and being pricked (I had no idea apple trees had thorns…there really should be a warning label..or maybe I just need to gain some common sense? It’s up for debate).

It was the first weekend since moving with with M that we were able to simply enjoy ourselves and feel well, like we’re actually living together. Since moving in we both had been too busy to decorate or sit on the couch for a cuddle.

Which got me to thinking…Hey, LB, maybe you should blog about what you think the 411 of moving in with your significant other is?

So, my dear friends, I grant you…

1. Making the Menial Meaningful- the first thing I quickly realized about moving into our own apartment is that there is a lot of housework that needs to happen, aka laundry, dishes, ironing, general room cleaning...It can take a lot of time and sort of suck the romance straight up. M and I made sure to discuss who was going to do what so neither of us would feel any resent about one person doing all of the cleaning, etc. This past Saturday we made a game out of it. I blasted music and we danced around the apartment while doing our various work. It made it seem more fun and like we were doing something together instead of just cleaning.

2. Leave cute notes around. M and I are both really busy during the week with class, work, blogging, meetings, seeing friends, etc. Sometimes we leave at 8am and won't get home till 9pm. This can be a big bummer when one of us is home and the other is out. So, to make things a little better and to still feel each other's presence when we're out, M and I bought a chalkboard to hang in our kitchen. We leave each other random little notes. I never know when to expect one, so it really makes me feel special when there's one waiting! (Hint M Hint)

3. Leave the grumps at the door. I write about this in detail here. When M and I first moved in, I quickly realized when I had a bad day or was super tired I couldn't walk into MY room and shut the door. Instead, I had to learn how to not bring that home and take it out on M. I quickly realized talking about my day with M and explaining why I'm in a bad mood was much more helpful. Either that, or letting him know I need a little space and going on a run or for a cup of coffee on my own. This has helped us both to not create a toxic environment in our small apartment with our grumps.

4. Make a rule to snuggle. This past weekend was the first time M and I really got to cuddle on the couch and watch a silly TV show and WOW! did it make a difference. Studies show that even spending five minutes a day cuddling can help strengthen a relationship. Taking this time to simply enjoy being with M and not focus on work, homework, etc. has made all the difference in our transition of moving in together and has helped us actually feel like we live together. We've adopted the Sunday Cuddle Rule-aka we have to spend at least thirty minutes every Sunday being lazy and cuddling.

5. Be Mindful. One thing M and I are practicing (okay I'm practicing because I desperately need it) is being present for each other during meals and things. I'm always planning or thinking about what I have to do later, so I've taken to taking some deep breaths before dinner and focusing all of my attention on M and what he's telling me. 

This is not a full proof method, but these are some of the things that have worked for us and maybe they'll help any of you who've just moved in together. If they do or you have any of your advice please let me know! :)

Have great Tuesdays!!

5 Things I'm Afraid Of

Hi Lovelies!

Happy middle of the week!

When I started this blog, I began a series called "5 things about LB." I thought it would be a fun way of letting readers get to know me better. A way in which I could share some silly and also serious things about me. It lasted for a whopping one post and then I got distracted with other posts, etc.

I missed it, so today I'm bringing it back. In honor of fall and October being right around the corner, I thought I'd share...

 

1. The shower curtain being closed. This seriously freaks me out, even when M is home. I'm convinced everytime I go into the bathroom and it is closed that there is a creepy axe-murderer waiting for me.

 

2. Death. This one is hard for me to write about, especially because I'm hoping to be a hospital chaplain one day. When it comes to helping others surrounding death, I'm fine. But when it comes to thinking about it, dealing with it, etc. I freak out a little inside (okay, maybe a lot.) Even though I have strong beliefs, great support and am currently in a grief and loss course at school, it is something I am steadily trying to deal with and not be afraid of.

 

3. This is another serious one. When I'm stressed I have a reoccuring dream of losing M. Even though I know he'll never leave me, whenever, I get stressed my mind decides to play tricks on me and I dream about him breaking up with me. The worst part? I always wake up right before we get back together!

 

4. The chalkboard noise. Not only do I not like the sound, I fear it. Whenever anyone is writing on a chalk board, I mentally prepare myself to hear the sound. Eek.

 

5. Sleeping home alone. M went home for a wedding this weekend and I was left in our apartment alone. I may or may not have put a chair against our bedroom door when I went to sleep each night...

 

 

Have great Wednesdays, everyone!

 

xoxo

 

 

Why I don't believe in the "honeymoon phase"

We hear the phrase "the honeymoon phase" all of the time.

Newly dating? You should be in the honeymoon phase.

Newly married? Well, duh-you're honeymooning it.

Newly moved in? How's that honey to your moon?

I call phooey (yes, I'm apparently ninety)

Now, don't get me wrong- I believe in blissful moments. Those moments where you are so undeniably happy with your counterpart and just feel so damn lucky. I am so thankful that I have those moments a lot with M. But, I don't believe we need to have them 100% of the time. At least, I hope we're not because I will tell you quite frankly, my friends--

I am not nearly that perfect, graceful, gracious or sweet all of the time. I'm human- I have many moments (particularly after long days) where I'm cranky and I have a hard time feeling the bliss.

Which is what brought me writing this post. M and I have been living together for about a week now. You know what we did the first night we came home to our new place?  Lit candles, took a bubble bath, fed each other chocolate and "honeymooned" ?

Nope. We argued. What about? I have absolutely no idea. It was trivial. We were both exhausted from attending a super fun wedding, moving the next day and then going to work the next. We were out of our minds tired. So we took it out on each other about something silly.

The next day I freaked out. Did this mean we wouldn't be good roomies? Did this mean we weren't in the honeymoon phase? Was something wrong with us?

I came to realize that the answer to those questions was a resounding no.

After arguing, we realized that we truly live with one another now. We realized it was finally a reality. If one of us has a bad day, we can't come home and go to our rooms and deal with it alone. Instead, we are in it together. So, we have to learn to deal with it all together. And there is a lot of beauty in that. It's what we worked through two years of long longggg distance for. 

And since that first argument, we've been doing a lot better at communicating on days we are just too tired to deal. I think that's a whole lot better than being in the honeymoon stage. We get to enjoy the blissful moments and live our lives-the ugly and beautiful together.

I'm glad we're not stuck in "the honeymoon phase" because I get to have my cake and eat it too. Aka, I get to be happy but also learn and grow with M at the same time. 

I'd throw out the bonbons, candles and Marvin Gaye for that anytime (okay, maybe not anytime..)

Fall Wedding Looks

Hi loves!
This past weekend M and I went to his cousins wedding in RI. It was a fabulous wedding. They're decor was super cute- I mean check out these cake pops-

 

Today I'm sharing what I wore to both weddings M and I attended over the past couple of weeks. I wanted to have a relaxed/dressed up look. Both of these dresses were super comfortable to wear, but still made me feel incredibly pretty. The one with all of the pastel colors was designed by one of the brides!

 

They are both Donna Morgan. She makes awesome dresses. My sister's bridesmaid dresses were by her-and I loved that one as well. They are always super comfy, but stylish as well and have built in bras which are super handy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry the bottom two aren't the best quality-we forgot our camera which seems to be a daily occurence on this blog. One day I'll remember!

 

How were your weekends? What is your favorite look to wear to fall weddings?

 

I Moved...in with a Boy

Hi loves!

Sorry I've been a bit MIA on this part of the blogosphere. The last week has been absolutely crazy. I went to an incredible wedding and then moved!! in with a boy! Big step, right?

I am so excited to finally live with M. It feels like we have been waiting forever for this day to get here. Between two years of long distance and then living out of two separate apartments, it feels amazing to be able to come home to him after a long day of classes.

And our place is super cute! I was worried it was going to be too small (I only saw it once for five minutes before deciding to rent it and M hadn't seen it at all!) but it turns out it is perfect. I am in love. And so so excited to decorate.

I can't wait to show some pics over the next couple weeks of my design plans and inspiration. Here are some of the color/themes I'm going for:

Source a/b/c/d/e

First off, how badly do I want that chair cover? It looks so incredibly comfy and homey which is completely my style. M and I decided we want out apartment to be modernized classics with homey flare-'cause we're crazy like that.

I also love the colors grey and yellow. They were my sister's wedding colors and I've been obsessed since. With that and chevron. I know that train has been going for a while now, but I can't seem to hop off-I love it too much!

What's your style inspiration? Any decorating tips for smallish spaces?

Have a great weekend! I'm off to a wedding in RI! 

    

New Design & Sponsor Love

Hi loves!

One more day until the weekend!! So excited, even if it does mean packing time for M and I.

Today, I'm excited to introduce a new blog design. I've been wanting to change it up for a while and knew I didn't have the time to create one or the money for a custom design.

For now, I searched etsy and was so surprised at the amount of blogger templates they have for sale. I chose this one from Mlekoshi's Playground and am super happy with it. 

What do you think? I fell in love with the feather. What can I say? I'll always be a hippy at heart.

I hope you all have fab thursdays and fridays! 

      ***

I am super excited to introduce Lisa from Butterflies and Hurricanes to you all! Lisa describes herself as a "911 dispatcher by day-wife by night." She loves wine, spending time with her family and friends and has an adorable dog. Aka she is totally awesome, just like her blog! So make sure to visit and show her some love! :)

 Here's some questions Lisa answered:

What is your blog name and why did you choose it? 

My blog is called Butterflies and Hurricanes. It is a song by my favorite band Muse.. I wanted to have one of their songs as my blog title and this one fit me and my personality.  

How long have you been blogging for? Why did you start?

I have been blogging for three years. I started just so I could get my thoughts and feelings out and everyone else was doing it. It is what all the cool kids are doing right?

If you could be any candy bar what would you be and why?

WOW good question... I would have to say.. 3 Musketeers. Once I come out of my shell I am very sweet. 

What is a favorite adventure you've had?

I would have to say going on a cruise of the Hawaiian islands with my husband, his family and my parents in 2005. It was beautiful.  

What sorts of things do you blog about?

Weight Loss, going to sporting events, my dog and my life as a wannabe mom 

What are you really passionate about?

Family and my friends. 

Where can we follow your adventures? (Ie. all of your social media handles)

http://33sprincess.blogspot.com/ 

https://twitter.com/princess3730

http://instagram.com/princess3733

https://www.facebook.com/ltrapani

Anything else you'd love us to know about you?

My husband and I share the same birthday.