I am a firm believer that growth doesn't come without discomfort.  If we stay in our safe, content places, how will we push ourselves in ways we can't imagine?  How will we learn new things without falling a few times? One of my favorite authors, Brené Brown talks a lot about vulnerability.  Here's one of my favorite pieces from her most recent book: 

So, next time you're hosting a girl's night, dinner, or event at your place and you're looking for a delicious cheese plate and a one-stop-shop (Trader Joe's) to do your grocery shopping, look no further. It also impress everyone and make you feel like you’re a little chef in the making! Plus, it’s fun to just throw crushed nuts on the board, add color where you think is fitting, and get creative.

We said goodbye to Germany and our little life there last month and moved back to the States. If any of you have ever moved (whether it was down the street or to a totally new place) you know it's always bittersweet. Excitement for the new adventure, but lots of sadness when it comes to saying goodbye and closing such a big chapter.

We built out our dining nook during COVID and it was such perfect timing. This little space has been great to work from (love the white backdrop for Zoom calls), perfect spot to host family and friends for dinner and Michael and I love having a glass of wine and talking through our days in our little nook in the evenings.

Although we no longer live in this sweet little home under Lookout Mountain, I still wanted to share all the TLC I put into this house. Plus, it was the first house we ever truly owned, and we had so many great memories there! Besides, most the furniture we kept, and if we didn’t, it wasn’t because I didn’t love, it’s just when ya move to the city a girl has to downsize.

Well, here I am at the ripe age of 26 and I found myself smelling way too much of that Fierce cologne trying to find the perfect pair of high-waisted denim shorts for our trip to Mexico. I had seen another blogger wearing these super cute shorts and when I found out they were from Abercrombie, I was like, “eww”, then I realized I need to stop being so prematurely judgy and just try them out. When you need shorts in a pinch, you do what you gotta do.

Sephora VIB sale is back! It’s always my favorite when I get my favorite beauty and make-up products for 20% off. It seems like my night and morning routine keeps getting more extensive and though my skin appreciates it, my wallet not so much. So if you’re like me and wanting to save on all the best beauty products, definitely stock up while everything is 20% off at Sephora!

Living in Germany definitely has it perks.  After being here for almost 16 months, I've learned to love some of the German ways of living. I'm still getting used to following rules, turning my bicycle light on at night and not recycling on Sunday. Overall this country has some pretty great things about it and I feel lucky to experience them. As the time goes on, I'm learning to appreciate what I once thought was a "weird German thing" and even becoming more German like myself.

Living abroad has been amazing, so don't get me wrong by the title of this article.  However, I find it important to share that it is not always eating gelato and riding my bike with a baguette under my arm through Germany.  Living abroad is full of those magical moments, but also the frustrating ones, too. Sharing with you all the 5 hardest parts of living abroad this past year.

My camera goes with me everywhere, I mean everywhere. So, when picking out the right camera, lens, and equipment I wanted to make sure I was absolutely certain before making such a big investment. Also, having lightweight gear was at the top of my list because of all the traveling I do (and who wants to have a sore neck?). 

Spring has always been my favorite season, but since we've moved to Germany it has really become my absolute favorite.  Winter here can be brutal and the first signs of spring can make you want to dance around the city and eat ice-cream all day (at least that's what it does to me). 

Today, I wanted to share with you a few photos of our newest piece, this IKEA plant holder.  I saw in it stores a few months ago and envisioned my cactus and succulents having the perfect sun spot.  Well, a few days later my cactus died and my succulents' lives were coming to an end as well. Who knew you could kill the most resilient plants? My "black thumb", as my husband so kindly said, was out in full force.  I prefer to blame the dreary, German weather.

Living abroad has been one the most incredible decisions my husband and I made and definitely the most life changing.  There are hurdles that come with this new life.  But overall, with an encouraging family, a few good friends, preparation, and the right mindset making the transition of living abroad is totally doable!

owever, I thought this weekend was perfect weather to wear my heeled sandals one last time and throw on a dress without tights. And that I did! Granted, I likely stood out like a sore thumb amongst the sea of coat and boot wearing Germans, but I didn't mind.

With the rainy, grey German weather, it's nice to have a little sparkle in my day-to-day.  How are you styling your midi skirts? 

This was super easy to put together and the supplies are easy enough to find at your local Home Depot/Lowe's or in our case Hagebaumarkt. 

It’s been a little over one month since we packed our bags and moved to Germany. Looking back on our first week here seems like ages ago in a lot of ways. We've learned so much already, made a handful of mistakes, and embarrassed ourselves more times than I'd like to admit.