Hello Monday ... Hello Gratiude

It's been a long time since I have done one of my favorite types of post.

Hello Monday - Hello Gratitude

Where I simply take the time to reflect back over the last week

(this time it's a bit of catch up, so it's a few weeks)

and 

contemplate what 

I'm Grateful for.

I know for me

unless I take the time to practice 

Intentional Gratitude

I can too easily 

slip into thinking about 

what I need to do

as well as 

 my worries and fears and frustrations.

It's so important for me to take a step back

and 

refocus

on all that

 I am Grateful For!

I have over the last couple of months retuned 

to my morning rituals of

Coffee, Candles and Gratitude

before sunrise.

I have also added in an

 essential oil diffuser

which has been a game changer 

when I was going through the very rough waters.

Essentials oils 

really do live up to their reputation.

For me  starting my mornings setting my focus on the 

beauty in my life

has helped improve the quality of my days.

And it can be as easy as doing a

 beautiful candle centerpiece.

Even a few 

flowers

 can be a reminder of the 

beauty in the world!

I have also been in the process of

taking back my house and gardens

from the neglect they have endured the past months.

One of my favorite projects

as far as impact

adding macrame garlands from 

Target's Opal House Collection

to my Costco umbrella.

Before I sewed them on by hand

I Scotch Gaurded them to s

A much simpler garden project

was fluffing our front yard terrace.

This delightful fringed umbrella is also from

Target's Opal House Collection
as is my new bamboo table.

As I get better

I am once again able to happily attend events.

Like the one at one of my favorite stores in 

Lido Marina Village

Alchemy Works Harbor House

They had the lovely Kirsten 

the designer and owner of 

Raven and Lily

She designed my fabulous pants here and in the opening shot.

They are her 'Hepburn Pants'

and embrace a fabulous beachy vibe!

Raven and Lily also do a wide range of accessories as well!

Each purchase from this company

"Creates fair trade jobs and funds micro loan programs for

artisan women all over the world".

I was also fortunate to celebrate this gorgeous woman turning 60!

Doesn't Mary from 

@livvivid on Instagram

make turning 60 aspirational!

As well as wearing the 

Birthday Crown 

I designed for her

with such beauty and grace!

Her party was another one for the memory books

done by none other than the fabulous Andrea of the

French Basketeer!

How stunning is this homemade cake that Andrea 

baked, designed 

and 

found the most show stopping candles for!!

This week I am 

Grateful To ...

~ 

~ do a family birthday party for my youngest son Hunter who turns 

22 on Wednesday!

My darling daughter is coming up to help cook!

~ go to Borrego Springs for Memorial Day Weekend with Jeff!

We are planning a romantic desert getaway!

~ go to our marriage therapy tonight

(after which we always reward ourselves by doing something fun afterwards!)

~

Yesterday I

 pulled and styled all of my outfits for this week

and 

organized all of my closets.

As much as I love clothes

I have been finding myself 

in my work out wear all day long!
And a mess of clothes on my floor.

Because when I was getting home from working out

I would just go into getting things done mode

then it just seemed like ...

"why bother getting dressed this late in the day "...

which  ending up always making me feel icky.

And I am looking for every way to feel good about myself these days!

So this week I have invested in my week

by styling outfits 

that I am happy and excited to wear!

I'll let you know next week how it worked out.

~

As I see it

life can be hard somedays

and

maybe all of the little pieces like ...

Creating Beauty

Doing Things For Others

Working on Relationships

Self Care

and

 especially

Gratitude

can bring more 

peace and calm

in the everyday.

As always my friends

I wish you love and joy

as you style your life