[thankful]

Looking back on last week, I'm feeling extra thankful today. I've gotten to spend some quality time with family and friends in some of my favorite places. I don't like to use the word 'blessed', but i'm feeling that way right now. But I'm just going to stick with thankful. Here's a snapshot into what I mean.

Me at Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Fortunately for me, my house in TN is only 30 minutes away from the park.

Generic Thanksgiving picture. The turkey burnt on the outside but the actual meat was delicious. We had ham, turkey, cranberry sauce, mac'n'cheese, mashed potatoes, black beans, brussel sprouts and asparagus. Soooo good. 

Generic Thanksgiving family picture at my house. 

Me at Douglas lake. The clay i'm standing on is underwater during the summer, but they control the dam so the water level is low in the winter. It's nice to feel that small. 

All in all, I had an amazing Thanksgiving week and am having another great one this week. Hope you all are too!

"i have decided to stick with love. hate is too great a burden to bear."

- martin luther king, jr. 

[weekend recap: Mr. & Mrs. Finch]

Happy Monday everyone! Last week sped by as I was preparing to head back home (to Knoxville) for one of my best friends' weddings. I worked Friday, drove to Miami International Airport, and flew to Knoxville. Friday night was mostly catching up with the rest of the bridal party and the bride, touching up our nails, and going over last minute details. She had to practice the song she was going to sing for her husband!!!

Saturday began by Victoria waking us all up (because of course she couldn't sleep), and a pancake and mimosa breakfast! We all went and got our hair and makeup done, drove back home for a quick lunch and then to the venue, Dara's Garden! If you've never been or seen it and are considering getting married in the Knoxville / Maryville area, you definitely need to check out these photos and their website. The place is the perfect combination of country, chic, intimate and quaint. The wedding party lounged in their respective suites (bridal suite and groom's suite) before pictures and the ceremony. The night was spent taking pictures, crying and laughing at a beautiful ceremony, and eating, drinking and dancing at the reception.

Victoria & I waiting to take pictures.

All our dresses!

Our button - ups!

Their first dance!

Best friends of the bride...sneaking a selfie!

Unfortunately Sunday was basically me waking up, showering, seeing the bride and groom for about an hour and then going to the airport. It was a long weekend but I had tons of fun seeing everyone. Here's a photo recap!

I hope you all have a great week!

"if you pressed me to say why I loved him, I can say no more than because he was he, and I was I."
- michel de montaigne

[short trip to orlando]

My cousin recently moved to Orlando for school, so I finally got two days off in a row so I could go visit her. While it was a short trip, I really enjoyed spending time with her and doing a little exploring on my own! Here's a photo journal of my two day mini vacation. 

Lunch at Seito in Baldwin Park on Wednesday afternoon.

I went out in search of a local coffee shop and came across Bikes, Beans and Bordeaux (otherwise known as B3CAFE.)  A cup of coffee and a bagel & lox later, I was one happy camper.

After running some errands (because lets be honest, I still had to take advantage of my time), I took some time to venture about Baldwin Park. This was also my way of getting some exercise in. Of course the pictures don't do it justice, but he community is absolutely adorable and soooo nice. It's like the quintessential American town. 

All in all it was a fun and relaxing two days and I love that I got to experience something different. Go on your own adventure soon! It can be very refreshing! 

"A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving." 

-anonymous