Slowing Down + A Christmas Coffee Break

When I was in high-school one of my friends told me that I liked to seem like I was busy.  I think I put my hand on my hip, stuck my nose up at him, and said in what I'm certain, was a very sassy tone, "No I don't!" 

This conversation makes me laugh now though, because he was so right. Even as a high-school student I relished in the idea of being busy.  I strived to always look busy, because being busy meant that you were important and who doesn't want to be important.

This seemingly childlike idea followed me into adulthood. I thought that if I was constantly taking phone calls, responding to emails,  and rushing from point A to point B that my value in society was made evident. If I was busy, I was important. The two went hand in hand in my head. Slowing down meant lacking in value and I didn't want to lack in value, so I never slowed down.

I feel like the busier and busier I have become as an adult though the less and less appealing it has become and the less and less I've felt it's defining hold on me, because unlike what my high-school self thought, being busy does not make you more important. I would dare to say that perhaps what we are really conveying to those around you when you're rushing around is your insecurities and misplaced values. 

I want to challenge you (and me!!) to stop trying to look or be busy, and to slow down, to stop and smell the roses, to be present and to enjoy being present.

My friend, Patricia, and I were talking about hiking the other day and I described my mindset when hiking with her. I told her that when I go hiking I am getting from point A to point B. I appreciate the exercise and will try to get to the top as fast as I can, but I am not in it for the journey. Unfortunately I think that sums up my view on life too often.

 This year I really want to make an effort to slow down more and look busy less. I want to take a coffee break in the middle of the day, watch an episode of Gilmore Girls without working on my computer simultaneously, and have a full conversation and not feel guilty about it, because I don't have to look or be busy every moment that I'm not sleeping.

This post was initially titled "coffee worth slowing down for" and I was going to talk about my Chemex and how it makes the best coffee, but the more and more I thought about that post, the more I realized that there were things in my life that I was missing because I was too busy rushing around and it wasn't fair for me to try to convince you guys that coffee is worth slowing down for, when there were a lot of other things I needed to be slowing down for that I wasn't. But, I'm learning. I'm slowly, but surely learning the importance of taking a minute to just be. To not feel the necessity to make to-do lists (I'm mildly obsessed), make plans, or think any thoughts at all is such a far gone concept for me that this is definitely going to be a process.

The first step I am taking in trying to slow down, is to be more intentional when I am drinking and making my coffee. And goodness gracious, I promise, this Chemex coffee maker makes it so beyond worth slowing down for. If you've never had a pour over before, you're missing out. Some point in the last year I switched from waking up to a pot of batch brewed coffee on our classic little 12 cup machine, to exclusively preparing myself one cup using the Chemex. It might seem like too many steps to take on before getting caffeine in your system, but it really takes no time at all and once you've done it a few times, it will be second nature. I highly recommend getting this kettle. I was formerly just boiling water in a sauce pan and it's really difficult to properly pour the water over the grounds that way. Fortunately my mother heard about this dilemma and gifted us one as a housewarming gift when we moved to Chicago and we are so, so grateful. It's made things a whole heck of a lot smoother in the morning (less scorching incidences). 

The constant battle between slowing down and being busy (whether for looks or legit hustling) is real. And being a compulsive multi-tasker struggling with some major ADD, slowing down is difficult. In 2017 I want to stop and smell the roses (or coffee) as often as possible and stop feeling the need to rush. I want to embrace the journey and not feel pressed for time. 

Fingers crossed, coffee in hand, cheers to trying. 

I hope you all are enjoying the Christmas season so far! May the rest of your 2016 be filled with coffee, gingerbread cookies, peppermint chocolate everything, and little moments to just breath and be. Merry Christmas, loves! 

What are some ways you are trying to slow down? Did you ever feel like being busy made you seem important? 

Chairs || Table (formerly sold individually and not in a set) || Chevron Throw || Fur Throw Pillow || Monogram Mug || Copper Wire Basket || Small Plate (from Anthropologie, but no longer available) || Greenery from Trader Joe's || Stockings || "Merry Christmas" Watercolor - DIYed by me || Chemex || Chemex Filters || Coffee || Kettle || Paper Straws || 

The Joy of Spontaneity + Our Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Trip // Alamosa, Colorado

Are you an adventure-er (totally a word)? Or are you more of a cautious, think-things-through-before-you-do-them type? I used to be the later. Pretty much to a fault. I used to think things through to the point that I usually just never ended up doing those things, or anything for that matter. Boring isn't necessarily the word I want to use, for fear of offending those still living life as the later, but due to a loss of words, I think I might have to settle. I was boring. My life lacked spontaneity. That is until, I met Josiah. Well we've known each other since we were 12, so maybe not when I MET him, but when we started dating. He'll tell you, and it's probably not inacurate, that I was not the kind that you try to make or even change plans with on short-notice. If my plan was to organize the house or go for a run, that plan could not be adjusted. Fortunately after being together for 5 years (almost 6, goodness!), I have become a much more spontaneous person thanks to Josiah's patience and his education about the great things that can happen when you throw caution to the wind. 

Back in July, when we were living in Denver, we took a trip to The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This trip stemmed out of my newfound love for spontaneity and it truly solidified my gratitude for my change of heart. The potentially sketchy hotel, lack of towels (who goes to a beach without towels!), and lack of sunscreen are all things that probably could have been avoided if we would have planned ahead, but that would have stripped away the impromptu nature of it all and inevitably diminished it's fun by at least half. I may not be quite at the point where I could call myself an adventure-er or swear to never plan ahead, but I can for certain say that I love adventures and the thrill of a change of plans is always, always worth it. 

This was a trip that Josiah and I will for sure remember. We pretty much just jumped in the car and went. A lot of things didn't go as planned and we weren't nearly as prepped as the other park visitors, but the time that we had together, me staying on the sandboard more times than Josiah (sudden appearance of balance skills, what!), the views that we took in, and the conversations that we shared in will stay with us. That's the beauty of spontaneity, amidst the unforeseen circumstances are the memories that will last forever. 

Here are a few pro tips if you are actually going to plan ahead for your Sand Dunes trip, but it's also totally cool if you want to fly by the seat of your pants. 

1. Rent a sandboard, because it's so fun and who knows, maybe some balancing skills will suddenly appear. 

2. Bring shoes that you can walk in the sand with, because the sand gets HOT. 

 3. Stop at the Toll House store for a chocolate chip cookie after you return your sandboard and are heading out of town. 

4. Bring bug spray because otherwise you'll totally fork over $12 for a tiny bottle at the gift shop. 

5. Bring lots and lots of water! 

6.  Don't go over 4th of July weekend, but if you do, just know that all of the hotels might be booked and you might end up at place that looks like it's straight out of a horror film. 

7. Bring towels, because there is water, and you might want to get in it. 

Our Favorite Food, Coffee, + Sights in Denver, Colorado

I've recently received multiple emails requesting food/coffee/things-to-do-in-Denver suggestions and after responding to them I though heck, why not share this information with everyone! So voila, here it is. 

Denver will always be one of our favorite places. Although our time there was short-lived, we enjoyed it so much. When we first moved there we tried to do any and everything that we possibly could. Not because we weren't certain how long we would be there, (we thought it was for the long-haul), but because we couldn't contain our excitement. Every moment we had available was dedicated to exploring this new city of ours, so I assure you, this guide, although only based on living there for 6-months, is well researched and our favorites were not chosen lightly. I might have went a little overboard and added a few too many coffee suggestions, but there were too many too choose from and can you really ever have too much coffee? #priorities (Also, it's a super cheap way to get yourself to explore the neighborhoods in a city, $2 for a cup of coffee + 2 hours exploring the surrounding area = travel hack). 

This guide should keep you busy, but ff you need more suggestions I would be more than happy to send them your way. Happy travels! 

Food

Tacos, Tequila, and Whiskey (a.k.a Pinche Tacos) - Street tacos that you'll probably be left dreaming about. The Pollo Agave is my favorite! Go between 3-6pm to hit up happy hour and you can snag some nachos and Pinche Soda for $5 each. 

Kaos Pizza - Amazing woodfire pizzas on the cutest patio!  

Avanti - a food court style restaurant that has everything from pizza to sushi. 

Cherry Cricket - Seriously the best burger I think I've ever had! Go with any of them and you are set. 

Modern Market - A fresh, Panera-esque fast casual place that Josiah and I frequented often. We lived less than a block from one and always used it as our oops-I-forgot-to-make-dinner alternative. Their pizzas are fantastic and their salads are to-die-for! 

North - Some of the best Italian I have ever had! It's the perfect place for a date night. Fancy, but not TOO fancy. 

City O' City - An innovative vegetarian restaurant that serves up some amazing waffles, salads, pastas, and cocktails. So a little bit of everything, but trust me, it's good. 

Denver Biscuit Company - If you're a biscuit fan, like seriously who isn't, this is a must. The Dahlia is my favorite! But be warned, the wait on the weekends is generally an hour and a half plus. 

Snooze - The place to go for brunch. Know you'll likely have to wait at least an hour for a table unless you get there before 8AM. But I promise, it's totally worth it! If you can swing a weekday we've always had good luck going around 1pm. I highly recommend the huevos rancheros, breakfast tacos, and any and every pancake! 

Voodoo - Located on Colfax, it's more than doughnuts, it's an experience. As hipster-grunge as it gets when it comes to donuts! They have one doughnut that is topped with Oreos that is amaaaaazing and another one that has a maple glaze that I still dream about. 

Sweet Cow - The best chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, EVER! Get it in a pretzel cone and your life will be complete. 

Stowaway Coffee + Kitchen - If you like light fares that are innovative, fresh, and delicious -- this is your place. It's such a bright space and everything I've eaten here is delicious! It's the perfect brunch, light lunch, or coffee meet-up location. Ashlae introduced me to it and I fell head over heels immediately.   

Coffee

Aviano - A swanky coffee bar located in the Cherry Creek neighborhood. Stop by the Cherry Creek Mall, walk around the Cherry Creek North shopping district, and then grab yourself a pour over at this must-see shop. Continue walking north on Detroit and you can enjoy dreaming of owning one of the many gorgeous homes in the surrounding residential area. 

Steam Espresso Bar -  My favorite coffee shop in all of Denver. They have a super cute patio where you can enjoy a cold brew (with cream + honey, please!) during a hot summer day, but it's just as great a place to relax with a latte or cup of tea during the winter. 

Novo - My favorite cold brew, ever! Go to their Highlands location and walk up and down 32nd to see some cute shops. 

Allegro - I love the vibe that this place has. It's super minimalistic and Scandinavian. And their coffee is pretty fantastic too. 

Black Eye Coffee - The Cap Hill location is swanky and the perfect place to work for the afternoon. Their cortado is on point! And their regular coffee is also pure perfection! I probably would have to say that it's my favorite cup in the whole city. So it's a must visit, for sure! 

Corvus Coffee - I love visiting this one because you can watch them roast and package their coffee in the back! And their coffee is pretty amazing too. 

Crema - As hipster grunge as it gets, but we love, love, love it. 

Sights

Red Rocks Amphitheater - If you get a chance to see a show here, do it! We saw Brandi Carlisle here and it was seriously one of the best shows. The sun sets right behind the stage and the views are gorgeous! If you can't get here for a show at least go by and see the stage. During the day it's open to the public, but check their website before you go because sometimes it closes in the early afternoon to allow time to prep for shows. 

Celestial Seasonings Tea Tour - Call me dorky, but I absolutely love this tea tour! I've gone on it twice and find it super interesting. It's free and just a quick drive from Denver. 

Botanic Gardens - a fun way to spend the afternoon. 

Washington Park - We lived super close to this park and it quickly became our go-to for running, walking, or lounging next to one of the ponds. 

Rocky Mountain National Park - If hiking and mountains are your thing and you have the time to make the 2-hour drive north, this place is totally worth the look. 

Lookout Mountain - If you want to see some views, but don't have time to make the drive to Rocky Mountain this is the place to go. 

Manitou Incline - A mile-hike essentially into the sky. It's a physical challenge that is so difficult to describe, but if you're up for it, this place is so worth it. 

Rockies Game - The Rockies aren't known for being super great, but if you're a fan of spending the day at the ballpark you can snag tickets for cheap. 

Antique Row - Possibly one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday afternoon. You can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours browsing through a variety of antique shops.  

South Pearl Street Farmer's Market - If you have the pleasure of being in Denver when the Farmer's Market season is still on, GO. It's the best! The quality is phenomenal and the selections are many! It's the place to be on a Sunday morning/early afternoon. Bonus: The last Sunday of every month it's also a flea market. 

10 Things I am Thankful For This Year

Happy Tuesday before Thanksgiving, babes! 

As a kid, Thanksgiving Day meant watching the Macy's Day parade while my mom cooked away in the kitchen, rearranging our furniture and adding in card tables and chairs to fit 20+ people, pretending to care about football, and eating to our hearts content and then some. There was always strawberry-pretzel salad, more pies than we could possibly consume, mashed potatoes and gravy (Josiah's favorite), and of course turkey. 

It was always such a special time, but now that I've grown up (or at least in theory), I've come to appreciate the actual meaning and importance of Thanksgiving. With each passing year it has become less and less about the turkey or pumpkin pie and more about contentment and gratitude that is often overlooked in our everyday life. It's the time of year where we are supposed to change our mindset from I-WANT-MORE to I-AM-CONTENT-WITH-WHAT-I-HAVE. It's a time for us to be conscious about how fortunate we are to have the family and friends that we do and to make an effort to let them know we appreciate them. I'm sharing ten things that I am thankful for this year, but believe me, there are far more. Share with me what you're thankful for this year, because truly, there is always, always, always something to be thankful for. #blessed (I couldn't resist).

Love you guys and I hope that your Thanksgiving is full of lots of laughter, gratitude, pecan pie, and dad jokes.

1. MY HUSBAND -  No one supports my dreams, knows my heart, or cheers me on quite like he does.

2. OUR AMAZING FAMILIES - I'm continually reminded of how amazing both my family and Josiah's family are. Listen, if you can find a family that helps you move cross-country TWICE in one year, keep them. <3

3. MY JOB - Seriously, to wake up everyday and not dread going to work is a rare find. The clients that I get to work with fill my heart and keep me going. 

4. HOPE - In a world of darkness, it's the only thing we have to hold onto. 

5. COFFEE - Because without it the world might move in slow motion. And smile less. 

6. JOSIAH'S JOB - I am so glad that he has found a job that satisfies him and treats him well! 

7. ELEVATORS - Their existence made moving to and from a 6th-floor apartment in Denver a much more manageable feat. 

8. LEGGINGS - And I don't even freaking care that they're not pants. 

9. MY GIRLFRIENDS - The value of having a tribe that stands behind you no matter what and constantly cheers you on was never as apparent to me as it has become this year. Seriously girls, I wouldn't have kept pushing on in this creative girl boss journey without you.  

10. ADVENTURES - Moving from Chicago ---> Denver and then Denver ---> Chicago again in 6 months was a gloriously, unforeseen, crazy adventure and I am so unbelievably thankful for it.  

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