Milestones.

I had a birthday last week, a milestone, if you will:

I reached the big 3-0!!!

It's funny, really, because just a few years ago I looked at the thirty-year-olds with a sense of pity,

feeling sorry for them and how old they were!

I guess I didn't realize how quickly that would be me.

 But now that I'm here,

I can't say it's all that bad!

Being 30 is a reason to celebrate, right?! 

My husband treated me to a night out at the local Chop & Grill House.

It was exquisite,

in every sense of the word! [including the bill!!]

But I enjoyed being spoiled,

since I'll only be 30 once!

The girls took me to Charlottesville,

for a wonderful girls' night out!

The best part was just getting a evening away without the distraction of little ones.

I felt as carefree as a teenager!

But in the last few weeks, I've also done a lot of reflecting,

about where I've been...and where I'm headed.

The 20's were a whirlwind, full of adventure and change!

I traveled to 6 different countries,

fell in love and got married,

moved to a different state,

and had 2 beautiful babies!

 // Looking Back //

I've experienced so many new things,

from learning how to cook meals for a harvest crew 

to figuring out how to keep two babies happy in a shopping cart!

I've changed.

I've grown.

And I'm living the life I dreamed of; the wife of a man that loves me

and a mother to my sweet kiddos!

I'm so blessed.

It was so good to be reminded of that,

because the reality is that "living the dream" looks different in real life!

Seriously.

I pictured a blissful marriage, perfect kids and an all-around "happily-ever-after"!!

Then life happened :)

And I'm learning that it doesn't need to be perfect

to be a dream come true.

// Looking Forward //

I want to be more intentional in my relationships

and show those I love how much they mean to me!

I want to invest the best of myself 

into my husband and my children.

They are the most precious gift I've been given.

I want to slow down,

and savor each moment,

remembering that the future is now!

Because, before I know it,

the 30's will be what the 20's are...

a sweet memory.

Building Character: a Lancaster city treasure

You may be thinking that this is a post about how to build character while shopping in Lancaster.
Wouldn't it be great if shopping produced character?! Other than patience. Or self-control when restraining oneself from buying that fabulous dress that is WAY out of your price range!!
But that's not quite the direction I was thinking of taking this. I wanted to introduce you to a favorite new spot of mine, which my sweet sister introduced me to: a place called Building Character, located in downtown Lancaster. What a discovery it was!!!

 

It's a warehouse of over 40 shops filled with an assortment of vintage, handmade & recycled items.

It's a one-of-a-kind experience, and a blast to browse through this treasure trove!

 

 

Some stands had a collection of vintage furniture and reclaimed items.

There were a few pieces that I would have loved to have brought home with me!

Unfortunately, I'd already spent my allowance.

Hence, the character-building...aka: self-control!

 

The best part of this experience was sharing it with my sister, Fredi, mom, sister-in-law, Rachel and our kiddos! Fredi discovered this through a friend who is a vendor here

and knew that I would love it as much as she does.

 

The displays were so creative!

Loved this old washstand filled with handmade pillows.

My sister's co-worker created these items, and they were adorable!

I wanted this dresser! Isn't the finish fantastic?

 

I was drooling over these vintage cash registers, telephones and a fan that I also found.

If you love thrifting for antiques, you would love this place!!!

 

They even had thrift stores with clothing in this building!

Those weren't my favorite, but we browsed anyway.

Upstairs, there were lots of old windows, shutters, doors and corbels.

Oh, the possibilities!!!

 

The displays were tastfully designed and a feast for the eyes.

Do places like this inspire you as much as they do me?!

The only problem with finding this spot is that I now want one right here in Harrisonburg!



There's a Ladies' Night Out planned for March the 15th, with free mini cupcakes, live music, wine and free chair massages!!!

Anyone else interested in making a trip to Lancaster?!

 

Happy Tuesday, dear friends!