It's been awhile: Life Update

​Life has a way of leading us down paths we never anticipated, each twist and turn shaping our journey in profound ways. Recently, our little family embarked on a new chapter that has been both exhilarating and challenging, filled with moments of joy, rediscovery, and heartache.​

A New Home and a Rekindled Passion

After almost a year of searching, we finally found a house that felt like home the moment we stepped inside. The sunlit rooms and cozy nooks seemed to whisper stories of warmth and comfort. As we settled in, I felt a familiar spark ignite within me—a deep-seated love for home décor that I hadn't realized had dimmed over the years.

In our last home we never felt truly settled. The house didn’t feel like us and it felt like we were forcing ourselves into a home that wasn’t made for us.

While our new house has a list of updates and projects ahead of it, the moment we stepped foot inside it felt like us. I found myself lost in fabric swatches, paint samples, and the thrill of blending old treasures with new finds. This process of nesting has not only transformed our space but also rekindled a passion that brings me immense joy.​

Over the rest of this year I’m excited to bring you along as we complete renovate our kitchen and two bathrooms!

Navigating the Ebbs and Flows of Life

Amidst the excitement of making our new house a home, life presented us with unexpected challenges. I recently experienced a chemical pregnancy—a fleeting moment of hope that was quickly replaced with sorrow. On Valentine’s Day I found out that I was pregnant. We were over the moon excited and honestly it felt like our little “miracle” since we were on the books to start IVF in March. We started counting down the days until it was “in the clear” to tell people, started planning the nursery and took guesses on whether it would be a little girl or boy. A few days after finding out I started spotting some and took another pregnant test. The second line was hardly visible so I went in for a blood test to confirm the pregnancy. It came back that I was pregnant. The next afternoon I started bleeding and I went to the ER around 1pm where they confirmed what my fear was…. I had miscarried. I’ve gone back and forth about whether or not I would post something. Part of me has felt so silly, telling myself… “you weren’t pregnant for that long” or “you never heard a heartbeat or even had an ultrasound.” 

But a bigger part feels weird to just go on and post like nothing happened. Like it wasn’t real.  The last 9 days have been filled with the highest highs and the lowest lows. I’m thankful for those happy days, for the hope we felt and I know we will become parents soon. For anyone else who’s gone through or going through something similar, my heart is with you and I hope you know you’re not alone 

Embracing Hope Through IVF

With hearts full of hope and determination, we've decided to embark on the journey of in vitro fertilization (IVF). This decision wasn't made lightly; it comes with its own set of uncertainties and emotional complexities. Yet, we're choosing to focus on the possibilities it holds, embracing the advancements in medicine that offer us a chance to expand our family. As we prepare for this path, we're leaning into the support system we've been fortunate to build, finding comfort in shared experiences and the promise of new beginnings.​

The last year has reminded us of the beauty in embracing each moment, cherishing the highs, and finding strength in the lows.

Over the rest of this year I’m excited to bring you along as we walk down the path of remodeling the home that we pray one day we’ll bring our future kids home to. My hope is to publish two blog posts a week, one all about the updates we’re making inside our home and the other around IVF.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here.

The Ultimate 5-Day London Itinerary: Unveiling the Best of England's Capital

We just got back from a 5 day trip to London and I’m already dreaming of going back.

Before we jump into the ultimate 5 day itinerary here’s a look at what I work for our stay in London.

London, the bustling metropolis steeped in history, culture, and innovation, offers a plethora of experiences for every type of traveler. With only five days to explore, crafting the perfect itinerary is essential to make the most of your time in this vibrant city. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an avid explorer, this guide will ensure you experience the best of London in just five days.

**Day 1: Exploring Iconic Landmarks**

Start your London adventure with a visit to the iconic Tower of London. Explore its rich history, marvel at the Crown Jewels, and take a guided tour led by the Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters.

Next, cross the Tower Bridge and head to the South Bank. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Thames River, taking in panoramic views of the city's skyline. Make a pit stop at Borough Market for a delightful culinary experience, sampling gourmet street food and artisanal treats.

In the afternoon, visit the majestic St. Paul's Cathedral. Climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of London, or simply admire its stunning architecture from the ground.

End your day with a visit to the vibrant Covent Garden. Explore its bustling market, catch a street performance, and dine at one of its many charming restaurants.

**Day 2: Cultural Immersion**

Kick off day two with a visit to the British Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.

Afterward, make your way to the West End for a dose of world-class entertainment. Catch a matinee performance of a renowned musical or play at one of London's historic theaters.

In the evening, indulge in a traditional British meal at a cozy pub. Sample classic dishes like fish and chips or bangers and mash, paired with a pint of ale or cider.

**Day 3: Royal London**

Embark on a royal-themed day by visiting Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Time your visit to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a quintessential London experience.

Next, explore the picturesque neighborhoods of Kensington and Chelsea. Visit Kensington Palace, former home of Queen Victoria, and stroll through Hyde Park, one of London's largest and most famous parks.

In the afternoon, delve into history at the Churchill War Rooms. Explore the underground bunker where Winston Churchill and his government directed the course of World War II.

**Day 4: Quaint Charm and Modern Marvels**

Escape the hustle and bustle of central London and head to the charming neighborhood of Notting Hill. Explore its colorful streets, browse the eclectic boutiques, and soak up the bohemian atmosphere.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Portobello Road Market, where you can find everything from antiques to vintage clothing and artisanal goods.

In the afternoon, make your way to the vibrant East End. Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Shoreditch and Brick Lane, known for their street art, quirky shops, and diverse culinary scene.

**Day 5: Thames Riverside and Greenwich**

On your final day, embark on a leisurely cruise along the River Thames. Take in the city's iconic landmarks from a different perspective as you sail past the Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.

Disembark at Greenwich and explore this historic area, home to the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian Line. Climb to the top of Greenwich Park for panoramic views of London's skyline.

Before you say goodbye to London, indulge in a traditional afternoon tea at one of the city's elegant tearooms, savoring delicate sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of fine teas.

With its timeless charm and endless possibilities, London will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you, just like it did for us.

Verb Energy Bar Review

It’s 3pm, which means you’re about to reach for that afternoon cup of coffee. Halfway through and the jitters start to kick in. Well friends, say hello to Verb! Made with organic green tea to provide long-lasting energy without the coffee shakes.

I was hesitant at first, not sure if they would actually taste good or even work, but finally caved in and it was the best decision. The flavors are delicious, my go to is Vanilla Latte but the pumpkin spice is FANTASTIC too.

The packaging is super cute and the bars are the perfect size. Only 90 calories and small enough to stash in your pocket for energy on-the-go

​I started out with the Verb Starter Pack, it is an amazing bang for your buck and we all know I can’t resist a good sale.

What's in the starter pack?

One full bag of Verb bars (flavor of your choice), plus a sample of all the 4 other flavors- this is a total of 16 bars.

What's the deal?

6 Verb Energy bars for just $12- an amazing deal! This offer is seriously incredible and you do not want to pass it up- I would suggest grabbing a bag of Vanilla Latte – it’s my favorite- and then you can sample the others to see what flavor you like the most!

Conclusion

These are the perfect 90-calorie energy boost, and with as much caffeine as an espresso they can save any day- trust me when I say that you’ll need these for the Autumn months ahead!

Grab your starter pack here