TODAY I TURN 25.

I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable,
but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive
is a grand thing.

Agatha Christie

NEW YORK!!

Because last year’s birthday vacation was so successful I decided to take celebrate 25 with another getaway... this time to New York City!! I never expected to love this place so much! I heard all these rumors about rude New Yorkers and trash everywhere. But for the most part people were very nice and helpful. We stayed in the upper east-side so it was extremely clean, however I did spot a rat on the subway tracks. EWW! The restaurants were super speedy and even though they were fairly small it didn't take long to grab a table. Everyone seems to be very fast paced and always on the move. I liked that because at home I’m the one dodging slow walkers. New York is full of my favorite things- bakeries and flower shops. They were literally on every corner AND I loved it! When you walk everywhere I guess it doesn't really matter if you buy cupcakes daily. How could anyone be out of shape living here? Dream come true! Unfortunately, the price of living is mind-blowing to me. Growing up in Texas has its perks, one of them being more comfort for your buck. My best friend, Amy and I frequently visit the theater here in Houston so catching a Broadway Musical was a must! We saw Wicked! It was definitely the highlight of my weekend. I would also recommend visiting The Empire State Building at sunset. It’s breathtaking! There’s still so much to see and do I will certainly be planning NY trip #2.

see you soon NYC!

Dear husband-to-be,

photo via my old livejournal account

it’s been so long since i've felt certain feelings.

maybe they decline as we age but i’d like to believe that one day–should i be so lucky–you will revive the feelings i only thought i knew.

yours-in-time

This is one of my favorite songs right now! I'm thrilled they will be performing at Austin City Limits this year.
Life is good grand.

ps- I leave for New York in two days! Have you ever been?
I would love to know about your favorite spots to visit, eat, shop, dance :)

LATELY...

I've been enjoying relaxing weekends at the lake. I'm very thankful we have this little getaway location. And spending time with the neighbors (grandma and papa) is pretty great too! I recently learned during World War II my papa manned the gun turret located below B-17 and B-24 aircrafts. It's quite frightening- just watch the video below...

My mom scored us tickets to the final Houston Aeros hockey game. I had no clue I enjoyed the sport until this past season. The crowd’s energy was always high and the constant fighting was extremely entertaining. So long guys, it was fun while it lasted! The team will now call Iowa home.

My little Nathan is so good at sports! Not only is he currently playing t-ball, he’s also dominating the soccer field. I couldn't be more proud of his determination and skill. That's my boy!

My little Mariah also impressed me recently. She looked up at the clock and announced the time!!

I remember learning to tell time in first grade but she surprised us all with her cleverness.

As my 25^th birthday approaches I've quickly been trying to check some last minute goals off my list. Wednesday night I baked my very first pie from scratch! And it was delicious :) I used this recipe.

What have you been up to lately??

ACL 2013

Last night I stayed up late awaiting the Austin City Limits lineup reveal… It probably wasn't the smartest idea since I ended up being way too excited to sleep! I’m a huge 80’s fan and I’m so excited The Cure & Depeche Mode are headlining this year! They are among the many artists I’ve been longing to see! Check out the announcement video and playlist below.


I'm a happy girl :)  

HAPPINESS...

1. Fresh white bed sheets.
2. New DAFT PUNK!!! [listen here]
3. Rocket's playoff game tonight!
4. ACL lineup announced May 7th
5. Lips like sugar.
6. Dinner dates with my niece and nephew <3
7. NYC birthday trip!
8. Relaxing weekends at the lake.
9. New Game of Thrones episodes!
10. The Great Gatsby, in theaters May 10th!!!! 

The Great Gatsby is my absolute favorite novel! I adore F. Scott Fitzgerald and have his quotes posted everywhere (including this blog). When I heard Carey Mulligan & Leonardo DiCaprio were cast to play Daisy & Gatsby I was filled with joy!! They are two of my favorite actors! The music is fantastic. The imagery is breathtaking. And I am dying with excitement!! This is kind of embarrassing but… I cry every time I watch the trailer. I literally have to choke back the tears!
I don’t think I've ever loved a story/film/idea this much...

"For a moment the last sunshine fell with romantic affection upon her glowing face; her voice compelled me forward breathlessly as I listened - then the glow faded, each light deserting her with lingering regret, like children leaving a pleasant street at dusk."

― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby