This post is woefully–2 months, to be precise–overdue.  Without further ado, I give you: London (through my eyes).

There was an EPIC storm in London while we were there–record winds and lots of damage.

 We always stay in Notting Hill, one of my favorite parts of London, full of charming shops, cafes, and–of course–the famous Portobello Road Market.

One evening we visited Neal’s Yard, a delightful, colorful corner of London tucked away in a courtyard near Covent Garden.

The area of London near Liverpool Street is referred to as the East End, and it’s a grittier, artsier part of London than the standard tourist spots.  LOVE.

He’s the one! He’s the rescuer!

Most of my friends who have kids read to them from The Jesus Storybook Bible, which is pretty much the best thing of all time.  Seriously.  Even if you don’t have kids, you need to get in on the Jesus Storybook action.  They also make short videos portraying basic Bible stories, and they almost always make me cry.

Here’s one of their Christmas videos. I know you’ll love it (it’s only 5 minutes): “He’s Here” –Jesus Storybook Bible

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. –Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas, friends!

And, if spending time with family during the holidays is difficult for you (or if the holidays themselves are just difficult in general), hop on over to this post for a little encouragement.

 I was thirty.  Before me stretched the portentous menacing road of a new decade. –F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

I turned 30 last week. It doesn’t feel upsetting or sad–mostly it just feels weird.

Some things that have surprised me about 30:

I’m still childless, and that’s ok.  I always thought I would have at least two kids by the time I turned 30, but the bitties are still the closest thing to children in our home.  I don’t feel sad about this; I’m grateful to have had this time alone with Jon, as I know the next decade will hold sleeplesss nights and many (many) trips to Babies R Us and the change of everything. And, let’s be honest–the bitties are awesome.

I don’t feel grownup.

I don’t have it all together.  I’m out of shape, I’m still in debt, projects I started years ago have been left undone and are still cluttering up my house. I’m totally not the amazing, together person I thought I’d be at 30.  Turning 30 has been a good wake up call to stop putting things off.  I want FREEDOM in every aspect of my life, which I know will require me to buckle down and do some hard things first.  Bring it, 30!

I’m just now figuring out my style and learning how to put clothes together.  Bless.

Eating poorly now makes me feel like crap.  It’s been pretty wheels-off, food wise, around here the past few weeks with my trip to Asheville, my birthday, and Christmas treats galore.  And I might actually die.

I’m still holding onto that beautiful French Connection sweater I bought when I was 18 that’s always been just a bit too small. Maybe it’ll fit when I’m 40?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My best friend from college, Cara Maggie, has done me the favor of living in two lovely places–Washington D.C. and Asheville–since we graduated, which has made visiting her an extra-special treat.  Earlier in December I spent a weekend (the last weekend of my 20s!) in Cara Maggie’s adorable Asheville home, which she shares with her man Alex.  Alex makes us pasta from scratch and loves cheese, so he gets my stamp of approval.

I mean, how charming and inviting is their front porch?!

My first morning in Asheville Cara, Alex, and I went to their favorite local brunch spot: Biscuit Head.  Imagine giant, buttery biscuits and this slightly overwhelming/most exciting thing that’s ever happened to me buffet of delicious spreads and jams:

If you’ve never been to Asheville, you need to plan a trip ASAP.  For a smallish city, it has sooo many incredible restaurants and it’s one of my favorite places to shop in the world.  Seriously.  I spent two days in London this October searching for a chunky silver necklace, with no luck; I found the perfect necklace in Asheville. Seriously.

Asheville: the only town with a mini farmers market in the mall.

And let’s not forget my very favorite place in Asheville, The Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar:

Last night in Asheville–there were deep-heart confessions, cocktails, and truffle mac & cheese.

And, let’s all take a moment to admire the perfect necklace (yes, those are bullet casings).  Amaze.

I’m throwing this together super quickly because my mom’s about to pick me up (lunch and shopping–hooray!), but it’s been so long since I’ve posted something, so I just had to get this up before I head out the door.

I enjoy a good pattern mix, and I decided to play around with it a bit during our Thanksgiving trip to see Jon’s family in Kerrville.  The results are below. (a couple of thoughts: I feel like I look mean/snooty in a couple of these. Having your husband take pics of you while strangers gather around and stare is just super awkward.  Ditto for my Stitch Fix photos.  Also, now that it’s growing out, I need to learn how to do my hair instead of just air drying and hoping for the best.  I mean…)

The photo above and the one below was taken in Lost Maples National Park, which is supposedly known for it’s beautiful autumn leaves.  This tree was *literally* the only pretty tree in the park.  People were standing in line to take pictures with it.  After my turn at the tree, I sat in the car with the bitties and read The Hunger Games while Jon went hiking.

This big cross is on top of a hill in Kerrville.  There is worship music playing, and there are large bins full of Bibles that anyone can take. It’s the most peaceful, joy-filled place.  It’s hard to tell in the photo, but this dress is covered in little birds.