American Rover

As I like to very snottily say, whenever I see a boat, "I pretty much grew up on a boat you know."

But seriously now...my dad and his brother grew up on the Lake of the Ozarks, and so did I. 

Ever since I was little, I've loved being on the water. Some of the best memories I have with my family are at the Lake of the Ozarks. 

So when I saw a groupon for a cruise on the American Rover, I couldn't resist. 

How lovely that I didn't! It was such a perfect way to end the boy snail and I's four months in Virginia Beach. 

Snail Papa and Mama come Friday, graduation Saturday, church Sunday, home-bound Monday!

You crafty girl, you...

Sometimes I talk to myself. Most people do right? Reminding yourself of something. 

Or maybe just a little motivation...

I've been talking to myself lately, "Oh, you crafty girl, you."

One thing I splurged on while I was here in Virginia was a sewing machine. A co-worker sold me one for cheap and I started in making belts, bags, and a few dresses.

I found this tutorial via pinterest for a summer dress. I'm a sucker for summer dresses. So comfy and easy. So I had to try.

Another tutorial I read suggested using old sheets. Already hemmed. Yes! 

Here is the result...

Necklace - Charming Charlies

Shrug - TJ Max Clearance

Belt - H&M

Dress - Thrifted sheet and summer dress tutorial

Sandal - Africa

Have a lovely, lovely day blog lovelies. And drink some tea for me!

Come on. I need you. from mmmandy on 8tracks.

Things I've learned in Virginia

It's possible to fall in love every day.

Coffeehouses will always make me feel at home.

Do not underestimate the power of magazine parties and wine, even over skype.

I like cats. Not enough to live with them. 

God has perfect timing. 

I love the boy snail (ok, so I re-learned this).

Beach = good

Never complain about the traffic in Kansas City. Ever. 

Make things you love a priority. Blogging (which I didn't do, and I wish I had), writing, singing in the shower, dressing up for no reason, crafting. These things are what make you, you. They make the day pass. They make things feel happy, even when it's rainy. 

Do the right thing, even if you get kicked in the butt for it. You'll feel better. And chances are, the Lord has somewhere else he wants you anyway. 

Never, ever, stop learning. 

Giveaway Winner!

Did you go without shoes today?

 Sadly, I work for corporate America who have no sense of humor about bare feet, so I had my TOMS on all day, but I did go mini-golfing without!

And beat the boy snail might I add. 

And now, for the winner!

Congrats Oly Reyes! So excited for you my old friend. And you will love this book. I promise. 

I know I have been away from Neverland. But wonderful things are happening. With a Save the Date...and a certain favorite movie of ours. 

Oh you shall find out soon!

Felt the joy and the fear

There is something about tea that I find calming. Not just the drink, but the ritual. The pretty cups, the small cakes and flowers on a lace tablecloth. The stopping, and breathing, and sitting with a person you care about. 

And for a moment that person is the most important thing in the world. 

We don't stop a lot. I don't stop a lot. But as I was mapquesting away at work today, I started to think. 

About tea. About friends that are not here and those that are. About life and stopping. And letting someone in enough to say, "you are the most important thing about my life in this moment."

And so I stopped at the thrift store, bought myself the essentials, and because I couldn't wait, had tea with myself. Just because. I needed to stop. And for a moment, be the most important thing in my world. 

What helps you stop, and just be?

New Soul - Yael Naim

(possibly one of my favorite music videos of all time)