About Me

got some big news for y’all…

As I said back in January, we were looking at homes and talking to lenders in search of our first home. I can now announce to you that…

WE’RE BUYING OUR FIRST HOME!

I didn’t want to say anything until we were 100% sure, but with the all the negotiations, inspection, appraisal, and loan approval process behind us, it’s looking like it’s going to happen! We actually close tomorrow!! Eeeee I can’t believe it! So soon – but so exciting! Guess we’ll be calling Texas home for a while. 😉

It’s a 1950’s ranch style home on a 1/2 acre lot, close to our little downtown & a park. It’s little over a mile away from where we rent now, perched up on the lovely neighborhood known as “the hill”. Since it’s an older home, it’s definitely going to need some love. We won’t move in until April or May so we got some time to plan out what renovations we want to do and move things in slowly. Our first big project? Ripping out the existing floors and putting in hardwood. And of course you’ll get to see the updates right here on the blog :).

So happy and thankful for this major milestone in our lives!!

thursday thoughts: friendship in pictures

One of my best friends will be in town this weekend! So beyond excited! Everyday we should celebrate the special friendships we have. 🙂 Take time to appreciate those special people you have in your life…

dog best friends

Red Bud Isle: where dogs (and people) roam free

Over the weekend, Nate & I spent the day in Austin. After getting some lunch and meeting up for a short shopping stint with my Aunt & cousin, we wanted to kill a couple of hours… but didn’t have any clue of what we wanted to do. So we drove. I pulled out my phone and was like “let’s go here” and pointed to some random island near Lake Austin. So it was completely by chance that we stumbled upon Red Bud Isle.

As soon as we parked (which FYI, parking is limited), we soon figured out this place was devoted to man’s best friend. Basically it’s an island where dogs can roam free, off leash. (Unfortunately, we didn’t have our little furball with us, but we plan on bringing her sometime soon.)

There’s lots of random paths and trails. Totally not uncommon to just see dogs chasing each other through the woods.

So serene.

This was my favorite spot. At the very tip of the island, there is a tree and all of it’s roots are exposed.

My favorite picture. Sigh.

Of course I had to add some pictures of our furry friends we met.

This dog below is Sidney. She’s 14. What a doll. I can only wish I look that good at 98.

So if you and your pup are looking for a fun time in Austin, I suggest you go check it out. Because of the terrain, don’t be surprised if your pooch gets wet and/or muddy.

(All of the pictures belong to me. If you would like to use, just ask – and share my blog with your friends too of course!)

2013: goals and resolutions

To some, New Year’s Resolutions may be lame. But you know what? I love them. I love anything that allows me to reflect and grow. So here is my list.

…………

Listen to myself for once

I don’t know about you, but I feel like I have developed a habit of drowning myself out. Somehow, deep down, I think we all really know what’s best for us. I have lived pretty “safe” the last few years…maybe to protect myself from getting hurt or because of a fear of failure. But I’m determined to give that up, and have some faith instead. Which leads me to the next item on the list….

Be more spiritual

I want to become more spiritually connected. Getting caught up in the 9 to 5, day-to-day routine has been robbing me of so many things. Focusing my thoughts toward inner peace and a higher power will ultimately reduce my stress level and make life more gratifying. It takes discipline, but I think I can get there.

Own my own piece of the earth

This is a semi-big deal announcement….we have been taking the beginning steps to purchase a home! Our searches began back in November. With the interest rates low and our love for this lil town growing, we decided we want to stay put here for a while. Texas has been good to us so far. My nomadic self thinks about where our next big move will be….but realistically I’m sick of paying someone else’s mortgage and can’t see ourselves anywhere else right now.

Go to Europe

This has been on my list for years, and I REALLY hope I finally make this one happen. My dad is European (Bulgarian to be exact) and travels often between Europe and USA. Practically every summer since I graduated high school, he has been trying to get me to make the trip. I’ve never been across the pond, and every summer there seems to be some reason I put it off. Plus, I really want to go before I pop out a kid!

Run a 5k

For those who know me very well, you know my small frame is a total hoax. I don’t eat very good (aka cheeseburgers and pizza), and I don’t work out on regular basis. Running a mile is very hard for me (not sure I could do it today without stopping to walk). Every year I set this very attainable goal and fail miserably. Well I’m putting it to rest – this is the year I finally run my first race!

Learn how to use my camera

I’ve had my Canon Rebel for a little over a year now, and you’d think I’d be at pro status by now. Not so much. I understand photography – I took manual photography classes back in high school – but I don’t set aside the time to learn how to be really good at it. Now’s the time.

Live a healthier lifestyle

As stated above, I’m not the most healthiest of individuals. I want to start eating better and being more active. Being healthy is so much more than a number on a scale – it’s a whole way of life.

Develop & maximize my unique talents

I’ve realized for so long I haven’t made time to do things I’m really good at. Each one of us is so different… yet so many of us never take the time to refine the skills that set us apart from the rest. These I think life is too short to waste these wonderful talents God has given us.

If there was one thing you could accomplish this year, what would it be?

(All of the images link back to their original source, if known)

much needed relaxation

I’ve had the last 11 days off work, and I can’t explain just how fulfilling it has been. I haven’t had any time off really since July. It has been a total gift to not have to get up early, be somewhere, shower, be under strict deadlines, etc etc etc. To be completely honest, I’m still in my PJs right now and it’s after 5pm. I’m sure last nights activities didn’t help. We were going to go out in San Antonio, but decided to stay in NB because of the rainy weather. Our first stop was the Uptown Piano Bar, which is like a 7 minute walk from our house, and then went into the little downtown area to a couple other bars to ring in the New Year. We had a freakin blast. It’s been the first time we have went out for drinks in such a long time.

But during the last week and a half, I’ve had so much time to reorganize and reflect. And the best part is I’ve began to rejuvenate my creative side. I think with the long stressful hours that had been put in over the last month at work, I was feeling especially drained of any creative juices left in me.

I’m super excited for all the plans that are in the works for 2013. I can’t wait to share it with y’all! I will be back tomorrow with my goals for the upcoming year.

I leave you with my summary of life in Instagram pictures. xoxo, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!