I found this over at Paloma’s La Dolce Vita blog, and I thought what an ingenious idea for this type of post so I thought I would create a similar list of my own…
1. Find Your Freedom…Travel
To escape the hectic mess and uproar of my schedule, a trip to any destination helps me actually relax for a bit and take time for myself/Jeff and I/girlfriends/family/etc. As soon as I return from one place, I am on the hunt for the next “big thing to do” and cannot wait… I just dont understand how some people can stay in the same place all of the time–life’s too short to not take in as much scenery as possible. This next year, I’ll be traveling to Washington DC, Chicago, Antigua, New York {girls, this IS happening I assure you!}, and who knows what else could pop up–always wanting to take advantage of those frequent flyer miles, right???
2. Break a Sweat…Exercise
Not going to lie, some people think I am crazy for this, but it’s just me and what I think is important. When I feel good about myself, I have a better outlook on everything in life and I can balance work versus personal life much easier. My exercise time is a way for me to spend some “me time” not thinking about ANYTHING at all… turn on my iPod, turn up the volume, and hit go at the YMCA. It’s all about keeping myself on track and exercise keeps me healthy and happy =)
3. We are Family
Sounds cliche to some, but my family is extremely close… we spend practically every important holiday together and we are forever hanging out and having cookouts and pool parties with each other. Family is the single most important thing to me–other than my growing relationship with God–and I could not be the person I am today without having them. When I look at other people’s families who are distant or don’t tell each other how much they mean to one another, I can’t help but be ever-so-thankful for just how much our bunch stays together through thick and thin–all goes back to my incredible grandparents and the lessons they have taught each and every one of us–such amazing role models.
4. My Digital Scrapbook… Blogging
This may sound petty, but it’s my list, right?? Yes, I love to blog–as if you couldn’t tell–but mostly I love to be able to open up my laptop and look back on what I experienced at any given time. Seeing as I have been writing this blog for 2.5 years now, it’s funny to look back to see not only how I have changed, but how my friends and family has transformed as well. Between weddings, kids, and everything else in between, life is one crazy ride and I love that I can relive all those emotions with one click of a mouse. Not to mention I don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on scrapbooking supplies at my local craft store =)
5. Friends…Also Known as Sisters
As an only child, I had to become a social butterfly and make friends or I’d be all alone–lol. As I have grown up, some friends have changed and some have stayed the same, but needless to say, a girl has to have her friends. To gossip with, to cry to, or to share a good laugh {and cocktail} with, my gals are an incredible group of women I am lucky to call true friends. Through thick and thin, they have been there for me, just as I hope I have been a good confidant to them. I’m hoping one day we’ll be the little old ladies sitting around in our hats drinking tea, too!
6. Makeup–After All, I am Southern
Au natural is not a word we use in my family, therefore, I have worn makeup from the time I entered adolescence. My Mom always taught me to always look your best and for me that ALWAYS includes wearing makeup. I assure you the only time you’ll see me without makeup on is at the gym and sometimes it’s hard for me not to apply a little waterproof mascara and lip glass–haha!!
7. My Camera–Show Time!
Throughout the years, I have managed to go through at least 5 to 6 cameras, however, I end up forking out more money because I know I cannot seem to live without a camera. I am always snapping shots–random food, pretty decorating ideas, blackmailing friends, whatever it may be. They say a picture says a thousand words and I couldn’t agree more. I am no Gilles Bensimon, but my Canon goes everywhere with me and I love being able to fill our home with pictures from our lives…
8. Java…Coffee…Caffeine
We all have our addictions right? Granted, some are more dangerous than others like smoking–gross– and some are quite expensive, such as shopping, but my addiction would most certainly be coffee. I must have it, gotta have it, need it. However, I do drink my 8 to 10 glasses of H2O each day, but in between all that crystal clear water, I am sipping on pure caffeine. If there is a Starbucks within a 5 mile radius, I am certainly going to find it and make my way to the front of the line pronto for a tall house blend with non-fat milk and 2 splenda… and sometimes with a shot of seasonal syrup!
9. My #1 Prized Possession–AKA The Quote Book
Ever since my last year in college, I have written down quotes into a yellow leather journal I call my quote book. Whenever I see verses, song lyrics, or random quotes that speak to me, I ALWAYS write them down and save them for a rainy day. Whenever I am sending random notes to friends or congratulating them on their accomplishments or I need a quick pick-me-up, I pull out my handy dandy journal and read these aloud to me. Definitely helps for whatever type of mood you’re in and can always bring a smile to my face.
10. Sweets… Death by Chocolate
Yes, I am talking food here people. That may sound crazy–and to some of you out there who can forego having that itty bitty bite of something sweet–I give you mad props because that’s clearly not me… I gave up sweets one year for Lent and that was extremely difficult because I absolutely crave it! Don’t get me wrong, I don’t need a whole pie or a jumbo ice cream concoction from Maggie Moo’s/Coldstone/Marble Slab, but a little dab will do me just fine and satisy that sweet tooth I just can’t seem to get rid of. I usually allow myself one treat each week and I have a feeling I’ll be indulging a bit this weekend…
There you have it! Nothing too shocking I am sure, but little things that make life good! =)
I can't live without a lot of those things as well. Esp the first 3!!
I love this!
You sound like me with cameras. I got my first digital in 2005. Since then I've gone through 3 cameras! I had a Cannon, Kodak, And now I'm on a Nikon. Do you use the little point and shoot Digital Cameras or you haul around one of the nicer big cameras >?
I have to agree with most of those! Chocolate/candy most importantly đ
How sad is it that the ones I relate most to are make-up, chocolate, and coffee?? Don't tell my friends or family ok…hehe đ
This post is adorable… I love your viewpoint on blogging and that you added chocolate to your list — now I'm going to think of my top 10 too!
I agree on the caffeine and starbucks especially the starbucks! đ
That candy pic so has me dreading Halloween! It's the worst holiday as far as de-railing my healthy eating. Kudos to you for only allowing yourself candy once a week. I'm more on the once-a-day plan đ
Fun post! I totally agree with #1, 2, and 10! It's a good thing I love exercise, otherwise my sweet tooth would completely control me đ
What a great post!!! You had me at Java, Travel and Makeup!!
Have a lovely weekend
xoxo
http://www.joiedevivre-chiara.blogspot.com
Great list. Our families sound a lot alike! And I love the idea of a quote journal. đ
Love this! All of these would make my list as well! Happy Friday!
Do you take your make up off after work before the gym? What works best to do that for you??
I'm horrible about leaving mine on! Haha:)