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Desk Essentials

Working a full-time job can be draining, here are some of the items I keep at my desk that help me power through each day!

1) Hand Lotion - this is a must especially for Seattle weather! My hands get dry so easily, so I find myself constantly reaching for lotion. My co-worker used to love that I kept this stashed at my desk and would always reach out when she needed some as well.

2) Thank You Cards - when I keep a box of thank you cards at my desk, I have no excuse to not send them. My mom was so good at writing cards and I would love to continue her card "legacy". Plus, who doesn't like getting a card in the mail?

3) Washi Tape - not an "essential" necessarily, but I do like the pop of color it adds to my walls!

4) Mug - find a good mug that holds a lot of pens and pencils. Bonus if you can add your scissors in there as well!

5) EOS Lip Balm

6) Protein Bars/Snacks - to help fight the afternoon munchies! Also nice to have if you forget your lunch or have to delay your lunch break.

7) Contigo Water Bottle - I drink a ton of water during the day, so a water bottle is always close by.

8) "5 Days a Week" Desk Pad - I still love my monthly calendar, but this pad helps me focus on each day and allows me to write detailed "must-do" notes. I also like that it includes a section for weekend "to-dos"!

What's on your desk? Read more about my office and work tips here. 

10 things to do in West Seattle

I have always loved West Seattle. I feel so blessed that Dustin and I had the opportunity to live there this past year. There are so many things I will miss about our little town! If you ever venture over to West Seattle, here are some of my recommendations ...

1) Matador - go here for the best margaritas, nachos and butternut squash quesadillas! A great birthday celebration spot as well.

2) Husky Deli - a specialty store and ice cream shop all in one. Dustin loves the Husky Flake and I love the cookie dough flavor! 

          

3) Salty's Happy Hour - if you make it over to West Seattle between 3 pm-6pm make sure to enjoy fish tacos out on their deck.

4) Marination Station - my absolute favorite low-key spot. Enjoy Hawaiian BBQ with a view of the Seattle skyline. I go crazy for their ginger chicken tacos and shredded kalua pork sliders, yum! Log-on to the Facebook to see their daily specials!

6) Have pizza at Pegasus, Talarico's or Pizzeria Credo.

7) Go on a walk/run along Alki.

8) Rent a kayak or paddle board.

9) Grab a beer and pretzel at Prost.

10) Explore to Lincoln Park!

Sold!

Yesterday, we picked up the keys to our new home. Let the moving and craziness begin!!!

Hope Floats

via 100 Layer Cake

"Beginnings are usually scary, endings are usually sad, but it's what's in the middle that counts. So when you find yourself at the beginning, just give hope a chance to float up. And it will." - Hope Floats

I recently started following the blog Baby Boy Bakery and stubbled across the above quote from her post today. The author (a mother) is grieving the tragic loss of her 3-year-old son. Although our losses are different, I feel comforted when reading her blog and I am constantly nodding my head as I agree with what she writes.

This quote from "Hope Floats" is a perfect way to describe where I am at in life. 

Survival Mode

The last 8 weeks have felt as if I have been dog paddling endlessly through rough waters. Trying to not drown in both emotions and a tackling a never-ending list of "to-dos". I have learned to be okay with what was accomplished and what was not at the end of each day. I have learned to listen to my body and understood my limits. I have given myself time to rest, time to grieve and time to work. I have learned to be okay asking for help and delegating tasks. These things are a big struggle for me but it is so rewarding to know that I have people all around me who are there to catch me when I fall.

This weekend I was a busy little bee prepping wedding crafts and spastically communicating with everyone around me as I tried to keep my own thoughts straight.  It was overall a very productive weekend!

Today, I am mentally preparing for the week ahead of me. This upcoming week involves work, packing, buying furniture, moving and driving to Crescent Bar for the weekend to be a part of Marissa and Tyler's wedding. We are officially entering survival mode people!

Our First Home!

I am excited to announce that Dustin and I purchased our first home! The home is located in Seahurst (a community in Burien, WA) and we will still be walking distance from parks, shops, bars and restaurants. Even better, we are 1/4 mile away from Seahurst Park along the water. We should close on Monday.

Here is a house tour, if you would like to see. I thought it would be fun to share these before photos before I get my hands dirty (and Dustin's) in house projects!

Re-doing the kitchen cabinets is definitely on my list!

Master bedroom

En suite

Room that will soon become a pretty office!

Guest room

Main bathroom

Dustin's fabulous garage!