Weekend Snaps

Dear Readers

Dear readers, Today is the day to thank you for the wonderful impact you have had on my life. I started this blog a few years ago with zero followers and no idea what exactly I would write about. But this space has evolved in many ways, from look to content, to who I am as a person. As I grow and change, so does this little corner of the internet. It's a place where I try to honestly voice who I am, what I love, and the kind of person I want to be. I want to share the wonderful things in life with you through my eyes. I've learned that the things in life that you should share are not always big.  Though we have some big moments in our lifetime, most of the living we do is though the little moments. The day to day things that we so often take for granted define us and who we are. How we live our everyday lives leads us to the big moments. If you think about it, those life changing moments are preceded by innumerable little moments that escape without much notice, but had those moments not happened the way they did, we might be in a very different place.  So, that's what I try to capture, though my words and photos on this little space. The big moments and little moments alike. Because life is made of up of everything from the everyday to the extraordinary. I still try to find the beauty of the little things in my life every day, though sometimes it's easier than others. I want people to realize it's not living a lavish lifestyle with unimaginable experiences that make an extraordinary life. Sometimes the things I share, I wonder who even cares? Most people probably wouldn't, but you, dear readers, never disappoint. You leave me comments and emails that brighten my day and sometimes catch me off guard. I'm so glad I have this space to connect and learn from my readers.  So thank you, to each and every one of you, for stopping by and reading my nonsense from day to day. Even if you don't comment or email, I see the visits and know that I have a loyal little group of readers. You make me smile every day, and I hope I can make you smile a little bit too.  Sending lots of love, Michaela

Favorite Links of the Week

Two posts in one day? Yes, that's right. All because scheduling posts never quite works out for me for some strange reason. It's a frigid morning {seriously...it was in the 40s when I woke up} on Cape Cod today, so I'm snuggled up in yoga pants and a big sweatshirt enjoying a steaming cup of tea. The sun is supposed to pay us a visit later this afternoon, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will get warm enough for a walk on the beach!

Today, Jenni's prompt is to link up something you've read and share your thoughts. So I thought I'd leave a few of my favorite links I've discovered this week to give a bit of variety. I always enjoy reading posts that share favorite links, so why not give it a try?
This list from The New York Times will have you imagination going wild with ideas of new places to visit. It made me add eleven new places to my travel bucket list. A dangerous list for those bitten by the travel bug.
I'm not sure if everyone stalks Style Me Pretty as much as I do, but I think it's one of the happiest corners of the interwebs that you will every find. I'm currently crushing over this gorgeous, colorful inspiration shoot that has me drooling. This could be so beautiful for either a wedding or simply done for a dinner party. Either way, I'm now craving some pink peonies and a pink lemonade. 
I am absolutely in awe over Jes from The Militant Baker and her seriously incredible response to Abercrombie and Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries. Please do yourself a favor and go check it out.
Happy Sunday!

Booty and a Feast

 

"Michaela, you've got a ghetto booty."

This was uttered by a friend, ahem, in high school. I also think it was intended to hurt, but I'm damn proud of my curves. Especially my 17 year old curves. My body and booty were not so bad back then. Truth be told I look back at pictures of my teenage body and wish I had seen just how good I did look. I always thought I was too big and hated my hips, when in reality, I was healthy, in shape, and looking mighty fine. Today, I still have  a big booty that may be due to two things: genetics and a few too many cupcakes. Ok, really, the second thing is false because there's no such thing as too many cupcakes ;)

Speaking of cupcakes, last month, I stumbled across a new little Cape Cod gem. I had seriously scrumptious strawberry champagne cupcake from Something Sweet. 'm still dreaming about it! They have that sweet VW bus that they take with them to different events and fairs around Cape Cod. Genius. Who doesn't want a yummy cupcake out of a sweet ride? 

The Worst

I was a little apprehensive writing this post, because who really wants to publicly admit their worst qualities? Not me. But here I am. Miracles do happen.

{Don't let that smile deceive you ;)}

1. I like things done my way.

I like to think I know best, but the truth is, I sometimes don't. Shhhh, don't tell anyone that I just admitted that. But it's true. I know all things can't always go my way, but I like 99% of them to pan out exactly how I think they should. It could be anything for how to load the dishwasher to how a weekend will be planned. Maybe you could say I'm a control freak. Actually, I think that's exactly what I am. But I know what I want, and I usually have a plan to make that happen. That's now always a bad thing, right? :)

2. I hold on to grudges.

Not trivial she-didn't-invite-me-to-her-dinner-party grudges. I'm talking about the you-really-effed-up and hurt me or someone I love grudges. I have a very high threshold for reaching this point for myself - I like to give people the benefit of the doubt- however, once you cross the line, there's no going back. On the flip side, if you hurt one of my family members or close friends even one time, I will probably loathe you for all eternity. 

3. I'm really competitive. 

I thrive on doing well, winning and pleasing others. I've been a "pleaser" all my life {my mother will attest that this has been true since infancy}, but sometimes I forget the reason behind why I'm doing what I'm doing. Throughout my entire academic career, I thrived on getting high grades and would do anything to make sure I was at the top of my class. At work now, I am the same way and will work day and night to make sure I have given my all to a particular project. But sometimes, priorities like my mental physical health and seeing people I love are but on the back burner. Being in the bid kid world has certainly helped me with this one over the last three years, but I still struggle to find a balance between what's necessary and what can wait.

So fess up...what are your worst traits?

Pearls of Wisdom

I might be a day late and a dollar short, but I wanted to play catchup up on the May Blog Challenge and share some pearls of wisdom with you. 

1. The biggest life lessons are often gained through experience. You can research your way though an entire library on a particular subject, but nothing can compare to the understanding that comes from being confronted and surrounded by different situations, environments and ways of thinking.
2. Spend your money on something that will give you memories that will last a lifetime instead of filling your life with material things. The goal in life is often to build a career and make a lot of money. Well, these things are great {you're talking to a certified workaholic}, but when it comes to my free time, nothing is better than spending it in a beautiful place with people I love. Whether it's a typical weekend at the Cape or a week away in a new land, the memories {and inevitable bajillion pictures} I take away from those times are worth so much more than any clothes/electronics/junk that I don't really need.
3. Surrounding yourself with people who make you happy. Choose friends that make you smile and laugh. Laughing and smiling your way though life will only bring you joy.
4. Don't be a know-it-all. No one likes these. At all. You might know everything about killer bees in Africa, but that doesn't qualify you as an expert on every other topic under the sun. This kind of attitude, I find, also lends itself to arrogance, which is a complete turn off. Have some humility and try to be a humble person. People will recognize who you are and what you are capable of without broadcasting it to the universe. 
What are some of your life lessons that school didn't teach you?

In the Record Books

Hello, Tuesday! Here's a little list of posts that I've enjoyed sharing with you.

Check out my thoughts on love here and here.

And be sure to check out some of my favorite places on the Cape:

Dennis

Yarmouth

Brewster

Chatham

Oh, and just for fun you can see my close encounter with royalty.

Thanks so much to all you sweet readers for sticking around with me over the last few years. This blog has certainly emerged for its early days {spare yourselves from digging too far back in the archives}. I still continue to find my voice and my perspective changes subtly as I think about what it is I want to share.

{Because every post needs a little bit of pretty.}

Struggling

So days 18 and 19 seem to have passed me by.  However, on day 18 when we were supposed to be sharing a childhood memory, I was in beautiful Saratoga Springs, New York celebrating the graduation of my darling cousin who is a huge part of so many of my childhood memories. We made even more memories over the last two days, and I was so thankful take part in celebrating a huge life milestone. 
Day 19 was spent eating the most glorious brunch and wishing the weekend wasn't over {and wishing we could fast-forward the drive home}. It's hard to believe someone who spent summers building sandcastles with you is finished with school. It's even scarier when you remember you've already been out of college for three years.
So today's post is about a struggle. A few days ago, I mentioned how blessed I am in life. I don't want to go through the same series of grateful thoughts again, but in reality, my struggles are often trivial. Not that trivial struggles don't take their toll on you {they do}, but most things I struggle with pale in comparison to the struggle of others. I have health, my family and a life full of love. It makes my heart break to see the cards that others have been dealt in life. But here are two things I've been struggling with lately:

{Taken after driving and trying to outrun this storm in the middle of the highway in Oklahoma my sophomore year of college. The only building we could find for miles was the gas station where I took these photos. To this day, I think I'm insane for thinking to take a picture at a time like that. Probably the most scared I've ever been in my life.}
1. Knowing my friends so close to the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma. Seeing the news over the last two days and spending the last two nights worrying about people I love so much will take its toll. The scary thing about tornadoes is that there is often no time to take cover or prepare for the worst. And God bless you if you are in the path. It also reminds me that I could too be living back in tornado alley in a few months. There have been few things more terrifying to me than springtime in the plains. I've come too close for comfort to them before, and I wouldn't wish that fear on anyone. Please send prayers, thoughts and wishes for a speedy recovery to Oklahoma and all those struggling right now.
2. Dreams. I've been haunted by dreams {or should I say nightmares?} lately. I wake up at 3 in the morning and can't go back to sleep. People I don't want to remember, situations that I hope to never be in...you name it, and I've probably had a dream about it in the last few months. Sometimes when I wake up, it's hard to tell reality from what just happened in my head. Thank goodness I have a few hours to sort it out before I get out of bed.
I hope you had a beautiful Monday. And please, again, keep those struggling in your thoughts and prayers. There are so many that are suffering world-wide right now.

Candid Moments

When going through the really obscene amount of pictures I have of myself, I wanted to find one that made me smile remembering the day it was taken. I wanted it to be a time of pure happiness and joy. This picture does just that. This was taken by my best friend in the gardens of Versailles. It is completely candid, and I love the little smile I have just looking out the window {trying not to look like a crazy lady who can't contain her excitement}. I was on cloud nine while we were in Paris. It is truly a magical city, and to be experience it with someone who is like a sister to me made it even more special.  Wandering around a place that is straight out of a fairytale brought so much happiness, contentment and joy. I remember leaving that day thinking how utterly wonderful life is. I often felt that way throughout my time abroad during college, and I could share a million pictures with silly grins. However, I think this little moment in time, where I didn't even realize someone was watching me, says it all.

Burdened

I've probably said it a million times before {maybe only a few dozen times on the interwebs}, but it's so incredibly easy to get caught up in life and throw yourself a constant pity party. How do I know this? Because I've been there, done that, more times than I care to share.
When I saw today's topic on the list, I honestly didn't know what to say. A burden in life? What do I have going on that is unbearable? Sure, we all have those frustrations and less-than-perfect situations in daily life. I could complain about the commute which I've really started to loathe. That days are so long, I often don't get enough sleep or have the energy {and time} to do chores and errands that need doing.
No, I can't complain about any of that, because they are all tied to innumerable blessings that I have in my life. The two hour commute is so worth it because it means I get to see my parents for a little while each day. In a few months, I won't get that time with them. The long days at work {I'm coming off a 12 hour work day right now} are because I'm doing a job that I absolutely love, and that hard work is leading me down a promising path. I have my health, happiness and enough love that will last me for the rest of my life.
I'm one lucky girl. You never know when life will throw you a curveball, so I'm incredibly thankful for the life I have had thus far.To those of you who are suffering physically, emotionally, or otherwise, I wish you all the best and that your burden may be eased. 

{A}typical Day

Today's topic is a typical day in your life. You all would probably not get a kick out of seeing two hours in the car, an english muffin for dinner, and an embarrassingly early bed time.  So, since my life is much more exciting on weekends, I thought I'd share what a typical weekend day looks like for me. I've been living for the weekends lately, especially since I know I won't be able to soak up time at the Cape after July.

 My day usually begins by stopping by my favorite place to get a bagel and schmear {that has the most perfect little field behind it}...

 I then find a peaceful spot to enjoy my little breakfast and maybe a chapter of a book.

 After my tummy is full, I usually talk myself into driving around the side roads, stopping to visit the places I love...

And enjoy the little changes in the landscape as the Cape blooms into summertime. 

Sometimes you can find a deserted beach where you can watch from the beach with your Mother... 

...and as you watch the storms, you talk about life and inevitably end up laughing so hard you can't walk....

Until you realize the storm is actually right above you.

That's the cue to head home and enjoy the sound of raindrops and a little nap.

But the storms always clear, leaving time for one last evening walk where everything seems a little bit brighter {and greener}.

Happy List

Let me preface with my public apology for missing yesterday's post regarding...public apologies. Phew, I'm glad that's over. Killing two birds with one post ;)

Now what's really important: things that make {me} happy! :)

1. My family. They bring me unimaginable joy and unconditional love. They are always there the celebrate little successes and cheer me up when life throws a hardball.

2. Pepper dog. She's my little shadow and favorite cuddle buddy. She always knows when I could use a good snuggle. Plus she helps me with laundry.

3. My friends. Though most of them are far away, the phone calls and Skype sessions always leave me in a happier place. 

4. Snail mail. What's better than getting pretty cards that are nothing short of silly, loving and supportive from fantastic people? Nothing. Exactly.

5. Pictures. I may not always take the prettiest pictures, but I'm so glad I have snippets in time saved away. Looking back at pictures of places I adore and people I love always brings me joy.

6. Flowers. Fresh blooms will brighten any mood and bring a little bit of sunshine to a gloomy day.

7. Walks on the beach. I think salt air and toes in the sand is the best way to refocus and bring a little peace and calmness into a busy life.

8. Books. You can't always take off and have an adventure on a whim, so it's nice to get lost in another world for a few hours.

9. Prayer and meditation. Sometimes a little quiet time spent in reflection is just what I need to help ease my mind and concentrate on what's really important in life. 

10. Smiles. They are truly contagious, so I believe in spreading them as much as I can :)