Just Around the Corner

Last night it was cool enough to crack open the windows and I've left them that way all day. B and I woke up to a brisk breeze coming through our windows and I could not have been a happier gal... it was a lil' reminder that fall is right around the corner!

Now, don't get me wrong, I love summer... the warm sun, the ocean, grilling out...

But... fall is my favorite :) Scarves, boots, football, cider, that extra blanket thrown on the bed... it is by far my favorite season. To get in the spirit, I threw on one of my summer scarves and tucked myself away in a cozy cafe. I'm really looking forward to an autumn in Connecticut... orchards, changing leaves, weekend getaways, and spending it with my love :)

I'm weary to see another summer pass by and come to a close but what's coming next is SO worth it!

{via}

10 Things I've Learned About Connecticut

Well... we've been here for a lil' over a month and I thought I would share some things that I have learned about my new home:

1. The cost of living in the New England area is A LOT more expensive than what we're used to. Everything is more... rent, gas, taxes, milk. Yes, milk goes for about $4-$5 a gallon. It has taken us a little getting used to but I think we are coping alright so far, haha! I'm looking at this as a lesson that God is teaching us about the value of a dollar. It has definitely made us appreciate our money and helped us maker better decisions in how we spend it. I'm also cooking in a lot more these days ;)

2. The people drive like maniacs here! No joke... I sometimes fear for my life when I'm out driving. They swerve in out and out of traffic like they don't care if they wreck and it makes me SO nervous. I tend to stay in the slow lane and let the others fend for themselves. This fact will also probably explain why our car insurance skyrocketed when we informed our company that we were moving!

3. In order to get anywhere, it is mandatory that you take the interstate. Traffic isn't always bad but there are times when it is bumper to bumper. I'm still getting used to always hopping on the highway to go to the grocery or run a simple errand. It makes me realize that New Circle Road wasn't always that bad!

4. The state of CT, and especially the city of New Haven, is very eco-friendly. I love this... makes me more environmentally aware. If B and I want to run an errand and it's downtown, we walk. Why take the car? Our entire apartment building is eco-friendly too. Our electric bills are ridiculously cheap ( that's about the only thing!!) It's amazing and very refreshing to live in this sort of environment.

5. The people here are NICE!! I was so excited to move here but there was a small part of me that really wondered if I would ever fit in. You know... the whole Yankee/ Southern thing. Not the case!! B and I have met some of the nicest, most helpful people and they have all made us feel very welcome. We have found some great conversations with complete strangers who have lived here for years and I'm always so interested to hear about their life here in New England. Of course... they all love my "accent" and immediately want to know where I'm from, haha! I'm proud to tell them that I'm a KY girl ;)

6. It's illegal to talk and drive. That's right... no phone while driving. No texting, no calling,... I wasn't aware of this until I saw a billboard on the highway... while I was on the phone. Oops!

7. There are some GREAT restaurants! We've had the best pizza from Frank Pepe's ( I can see why it is a legend!!), the best seafood, the best fresh fruit, the best cheesecake, I could keep going but now I'm just making myself hungry.

8. There is always something to do. I was out walking last Wednesday and I stumbled upon a sidewalk Farmer's Market with a live band playing across from them. Friday nights, in the green across from our building, they have a free movie night. There are several beaches and state parks close by. You can go antiquing, to an aquarium, wine tasting, see a play, listen to music at a coffee house, read at the library,... the list goes on and on. I'm thankful we are in a vibrant city with lots to offer.

9. Here in New Haven... Yale reigns supreme. Store windows are full of anything and everything to do with Yale. There is a sense of pride here and B and I are proud to join in. You already see signs up around campus for the elite and heavily rivaled Yale/ Harvard football game. People are already talking about it... it is a lot of fun to be a part of! I love walking around campus with B and admiring the outstanding architecture of the campus and the sense of history that is brought to life here. I'm beyond thankful that God brought here so that B gets this incredible training and so that we are exposed to this amazing area.

10. I love it here! B loves it here! We knew we would probably like it but we were surprised at how quickly we settled in and called this home. The summers are gorgeous and I'm secretly awaiting the fall time. And yes... I'm looking forward to the winter days here. The snow, the cold, a blizzard or two... I don't care! The winter's may be harsh but it so worth it to turn around and see spring and summer in CT. What a beautiful cycle of seasons... I'm happy to be here and to be able to go through this experience. I'm not sure what God has in store for us after B's fellowship comes to a close but I have a feeling we would be just fine sticking around here for a lil' while longer ;)

Lots of love ladies... I'm going to go enjoy this Connecticut sunshine!

xoxo

What I'm Loving Wednesday

So happy on this sunshine-y day!

Here are some things I'm loving today:

I'm loving this new devotional that a dear friend gave me. I have never read any of Sarah Young's writings but this is truly a beautiful daily devotional. I love reading this each morning. It's a great way to get the day started :)

I'm loving my new nail color from Ulta. "Eye Popping Poppy"... it's a lil bright but it's fun for summer!

I'm loving these pics that I came across, on Pintrest. This website is my current mini-obsession!

And as always, I'm loving my sweet, sweet hubby :) He just called and he's done for the day! I'm looking forward to spending the rest of the day my love.

Happy Wednesday ladies!

xoxo

Choose Nice!

We have all been in situations that have tested our patience or we have had to deal with people that make us want to pull our hair out, scream, curl up in a dark hole and never come back out. I know I'm not alone here ;)

Without going into detail, I just want to share how proud I am of my hubby. He has a heart of gold and has such an amazing, spiritual, and Godly outlook towards life. He is a "glass half full" kind of guy and when life hands us lemons I go to my hubby to make the lemonade because sometimes I just can't.

He was put in a situation, a few days ago, where he was being questioned, accused, and talked about by someone who barely knows him. If this had just been about him, I know he would have let it go but his family was being brought into this and my name had been thrown out there as well. Did I mention that I have never met this person and that B hadn't spoken to this person in years?!?! Oh... well... that's the case. When B, very calmly, shared with me what was going on, I was ready to flip! You know... asking all the "Who is this person?", "Who do they think they are?", "What do they even know about you and our life?", blah blah blah... it takes me a moment to think clearly when it comes to things to like this ;) haha

But B was calm. He handled this situation with such grace and I was completely blown away. I learn something new from him everyday and I'm so grateful that God brought us together because I truly believe B has helped teach me the way to "choose nice". He has helped me to look at things rationally and not from a place of anger ( I mean... after a few minutes of venting of course)!

I am just so proud of who he is and how he has chosen to live his life. He goes out there and stands up for his beliefs, for me, his family, and for himself. He is such an honorable guy and this was a great situation for us to go through together. We had the decision to be mad and angry and to choose harsh words towards this person but instead B helped guide us to a kinder, more gentle place of "nice-ness" so we could reach out and help resolve the issue.

Okay... that's my vent!

It's like the old saying goes... "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all".

Something we all, including myself, should follow!

Monday, Monday...

Happy Monday!

I hope y'all enjoyed your weekend. I know B and I did. We had an awesome time together. Did some shopping, went to the beach, and found a new yummy seafood place. Here's some pics:

I love that man :)

Putting off my "to do" list was not difficult this morning, haha! I found myself on Pintrest much longer than I anticipated. I just love that website. All the inspiring photos... I mean... there is something for everyone. Makes me want to grab my camera and go take pics all day. Here's what grabbed my attention today:

Enjoy the start of another week

xoxo

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy Wednesday ladies!!

Here are some things I'm loving on this (soon to be) rainy day...

I'm loving my new items from 31 gifts. My mom bought these for me to use at our new home. The first item is a "cooler". It's been great to pack up snacks and cans of soda to take to the beach and the pool... and it's super cute too!

The second item is a "carry-all" bag. This has come in so handy to carry up groceries and other items after a day of shopping. No more multiple trips on the elevator! 31 has some great gift ideas and they are very reasonable in price. Fun find!

I'm loving this polish from Essie. It's called "French Affair"... ooo la la!!

I'm in love :)

I'm loving Bethenny Frankel's yoga video. I was skeptical and put off trying it but I finally pulled out my yoga mat and did the 40 minute workout... and it kicked my butt! It was such a great workout. My legs are so sore today! It's a great video with lots of great bonus material. 2 other workout videos and recipes as well. Check it out!

And as always... I'm loving my sweet, sweet hubby! I am so proud of him. He has been working so hard and he really enjoys his fellowship. I'm so happy to see him this happy! He's loving his new hospital, his attendings, everything... God has truly blessed us and we are so grateful that He led us here to Connecticut :)

Have an awesome day!!

xoxo

Weekend Update

I don't know about y'all but... this weekend went by WAY too fast!

The hubby and I had a great time though.

Our weekend started off late Friday night (B had to stay at the hospital for several procedures that had been bumped to the end of the day... boo) with appetizers and cocktails at a local bar/ restaurant. We haven't really explored a lot of restaurants and nightlife so it was fun to get dressed up and head out for a relaxed evening together. There was live music and I was so happy to have a date night with B :)

Saturday morning came too early. B had to work that day (again... boo!) but we were able to meet for lunch and I spent the afternoon walking around downtown and seeing some cute, fun shops that line our streets. Then we had takeout Chinese and some Frasier on DVD for dinner haha

Sunday was an amazing day! We were going to try out a new church but we accidentally missed the time... my poor time management... next week we WILL make it! haha ;) We grabbed breakfast at our fav spot, Panera and headed out to Cheshire for some fresh berry picking. We picked blueberries and fresh peaches... yum! It was absolutely beautiful and we had so much fun. After a run to the grocery and a yummy homemade meal, we set out for a hike to the top of East Rock Park. It was so nice to get out and enjoy one of Connecticut's many gorgeous parks. I had no idea how lovely this state was and I fall in love with it even more each day.

Here's some pics from yesterday's adventures:

Happy Monday ladies!

xoxo