July 20, 2013

new fave: illustrated gift wrap.



gift wrap for men is a tricky business. you want it to be cool, without being cute, and let's face it - guys just rip it open anyways, so why even make it pretty?

this time around, i decided to keep it super simple. no bows, no tags, just brown paper + charcoal + a little bit of nautical twine.

i think it might be my new favorite. oh, and guess what? the husband gingerly opened each gift! ha! so cute.

xo

July 13, 2013

life liberty + the pursuit



i loved writing this on my friend crystal's chalkboard... such a great reminder of what was sacrificed for our freedom not too long ago. i too often take it for granted!

i'm so thankful for the freedom that Christ has so graciously given me, the life i have in Him, and the gift of pursuing God and His will for my life.

hope you all had a great 4th!!

xo!

July 6, 2013

hooray! july desktop + iphone wallpaper!



isn't this quote amazing? so simple yet so profound. i read it sometime last year and it's stuck with me ever since. too often i find myself trying to be "here" and "there" at the same time - hanging out with my husband or friends but scrolling through instagram at the same time. or even finding myself wishing for a better closet/hairstyle/couch/ kitchen/you name it, and i miss out on enjoying all that i do have, which causes me to lose a sense of thankfulness.

being present, living in the moment, living in the now and not the "what if's", is something that takes practice i think. it doesn't come super easy [for me at least], it has to be a deliberate choice to soak up every moment, feel every hug, listen to every conversation, enjoy every thunderstorm and sunny day, to rejoice in it all because it's our life and we get to live it!

as always, the wonderfully talented + lovely kelli trontel took this beautiful photo for our desktop... go check out her site if you haven't already, she's a gem. 

love you all so much!!
ashley