The Most Fabulous Find . . . EVER!

One of the most fun (aka: indulgent) parts of blogging for me is "researching" and reporting on all the fun, fabulous, and to die for chic finds that I come across. It's like shopping for free, or cheating on a diet, only without any of the repercussions! That being said, you can only imagine my excitement at the find I get to tell you about today, because it truly is the most fabulous 'thing' I have come across in ages . . .

This past Thanksgiving weekend (which I hope was wonderful for all!) I was invited to attend the Grace & Gratitude Yoga Retreat at Harmony Hill by two of my very smart girlfriends, they have attended this retreat for years, and had learned how powerful a time of intense yoga, reflection, and relaxation can be, my gratitude towards these ladies (for sharing) knows no bounds. While Harmony Hill is absolutely beautiful, with the lodge/yoga studio overlooking Hood Canal and the on site gardens, the food organic and delish, and the cabins full of charm, it's truly the program and the community of people surrounding you that makes this place unforgettable. While HH focuses mostly on Cancer Retreats (offered for free!), they also offer small workshops, such as Grace & Gratitude, which not only expands their reach but helps them stay financially sustainable.

I could gush for days, but simply put, I highly encourage you to take a break and take the steps necessary to surround yourself with a group of people who are all consciously working to better themselves, both on the inside & out. Talk about community! Push yourself, try something new, and don't forget to reflect. We (let's face it, most of us live very "American") get so busy and bogged down by the small, nonstop details of our own day-to-day lives that it takes a break from the norm to remind us of the bigger picture and just how fabulous our lives truly are. This retreat comes at the perfect time of year, right in the middle of the holiday chaos, reminding you to have fun, enjoy, but to keep it simple and not to get caught up in all the hype, that we all know is a momentary joy (I'm the worst at this and love me a good dose of retail therapy!). In efforts to attempt to honor these ideals, I'm committing to make our Christmas as homespun as possible this year  . . . no work commitments + walking toddler + not wanting to break the bank = the need to get crafty, and to keep all of my grownup decor packed away and in one piece!

While I highly encourage all of you to attend a HH program, I know how hard it can be to get away, so in the mean time walk, skip, RUN to a yoga class lead by Denise Carrico (The Experimental College). Denise is a true mentor, full of wisdom, love, and fun, and honestly, is just a special person . . . you can't be around Denise and NOT be affected by her! Thanks Denise for a wonderful weekend!

Just to keep this post real, because I know there's a lot of 'love & light' happening here, I have to come clean and let you know that I promptly forgot everything I felt and learned while at HH and come Monday immediately let myself get bogged down by life, however, having the spirit of the weekend in my soul, it did make it much easier to catch myself and once again find my ahhhhhhh place.

Seeing that it's now December and the holiday season is in full effect (one of my favorite times of year!) I'm starting to build an idea portfolio of toddler-friendly, DIY holiday decor. Think felt ornaments, yarn ball garlands, and creative card displays. While I'm not diving into a Advent Calendar project this year (Jackson would have it emptied and filled with trash and toys in about two seconds flat) I absolutely adore these calendars. Yes, these are all for sale, but look easy enough to DIY your own version. Go for it . . . get crafty!

From top: Gift Box Calendar, A Month of Spools, Modern Advent, and let's not forget our pals celebrating Hanukkah, from Land of Nod.