A list of happy, pt. 4.

[Because I really need it this week]

Falling asleep to the crackling of my new Nature's Wick pumpkin nutmeg scented candle. And Ryan blowing it out for me so I don't burn down the apartment.

Spinach tortilla pizzas with homemade tomato sauce and homegrown basil leaves.

Enjoying a wine and cheese party with my best friends and my family.

Booking a three day weekend for Ryan and I in November at a perfect B&B in Savannah.

Apartment decorating is officially done. Maybe I'll get a coffee table. Maybe I won't. Other than that, it is completely dunzo.

It's already Friday. What could be better than that? 

Starting up the 21 Day Fix!

Today marks the first day of my 21 Day Fix journey! 

[P.S. this is not in any way, shape, or form a promotion of this product. Just sharing what's going on in my life!] 

About a month ago, my roommate bought the 21 Day Fix and Shakeology from Beachbody. Having lost weight what I considered the "real way" (cutting out soda, eating healthy, working out 5 days a week) a few years back, I was pretty skeptical of anything that included the word "fix," and I was even more skeptical of any pre-made smoothie mix. 

Then,  21 days later, my roommate lost seven pounds and eight inches off her waist...just by eating smaller portions out of colored tupperware containers, drinking one Shakeology shake per day, and working out for 30 minutes per day. 

Needless to say, I was impressed, and I decided to try it out on my own! The idea is that since it takes 21 days to make or break a habit, after three weeks, eating proper portions and working out regularly will become a lifestyle, not just a diet. So we shall seeeeee. It's going to be tough, but I'm going to stick it out and hopefully I'll be happy with the results!

XO

And this is your life.

I remember the first time I heard this spoken aloud. Nathan Scott, One Tree Hill. It immediately resonated with me. I memorized it. I thought back on it often. And I think about it now.

It's been just over 6 years since I turned 17. In that time, I graduated high school, and I graduated college. I took 136 credit hours over 11 semesters. I've been through nine day planners and four personal journals. I have dated boys and I have dated men who acted like boys. I've lost friends I thought to be irreplaceable, and I have replaced them. And I plan.

We plan, plan, plan for "someday." Which is fine. It's important to have goals and expectations and desires. It's also important to live. To enjoy. Because in a sense, every day is someday. You are who you shape yourself to be, and what you get out of life is what you put into it. Like they always say: the days are long but the years are short. Forever cliche, but forever true.

XO

A few of my favorite things.

[My couch]

I couldn't be happier with this couch. If you read this post a few months back, you know that I was losing my mind trying to find the perfect couch for my apartment. After several hunting trips, I scored this bad boy during a Memorial Day sale at Ashley Furniture. After tax, delivery and the warranty they make you get, it was definitely more of a splurge than I was anticipating, but I'm hoping it'll last me a long time. 

[My garden]

I've accumulated quite a number of mason jars in the last few months. My parents and I have taken a liking to Joe's Crab Shack's mason jar margaritas (SO. GOOD.) and for every margarita you purchase, they give you a free mason jar. What better way to put these to good use than a mini herb garden? My basil is blooming, and I finally transferred my little succulent from his tiny plastic pot. My oregano and cilantro on the other hand...those could use some work.

[My bed]

Need I say more? White Christmas lights around my bed was one of the best decisions I've made in my apartment. I love having them on at night - it creates a soft, warm ambiance that I can't even get from my paper lantern lamps.

More apartment goodness to come! XO

Things I've learned this week:

1. My boyfriend makes a really good roommate. Good to know for future reference. He does the dishes, makes the bed to the best of his ability, cooks the chicken for quesadillas. I'll keep him around a little while longer (don't jump to conclusions, this is temporary!).
2. Trust is something that needs to be earned, not handed out like tootsie rolls on Halloween. This may be common sense for some, but it's something I struggle with. 
3. Pumpkin beer is actually really delicious. I might even be able to finish a whole one within a 30 minute span. For anyone who knows me, that would be quite the accomplishment.
4. Stay away from chocolate if you're allergic to coffee. Stay. Away. My skin has been so bad this week, it's embarrassing! Maybe I'll learn my lesson this time. Vanilla errthaaaang.

Sorry for the lack of posts! It's been a weird week...as usual, right? On to the next. But first -- the weekend! Enjoy yours. XO