(My own personal hot air balloon.)
A few months ago, as I redecorated my mantel with a touch of Steampunk-inspired decor, I discovered this whimsical hot air balloon from BHLDN. I originally planned to hang it in a small art niche in the hallway by the boys’ bedrooms, but Ryan was afraid that it was too heavy and would quite literally fall flat. For months, it sat by my computer, as I decided what to do with it.
Now that the weather is warming up and my plants are in bloom, my patio is a pleasant place to be during the day, so I thought the balloon would work quite nicely nestled among my hanging garden. It’s actually the same size as the hanging pots, and it blends in very well.
(Floating among the geraniums.)
I tried putting a small plant in its basket, but it wasn’t very balanced and I didn’t want to lose the plant. It might work to put some cut flowers there to enjoy for a few days, before the weather gets too hot. I also need to spray the basket with some clear spray paint to prevent rust.
Overall, though, I’m thrilled with my little balloon and so happy it’s finally found a place among my flowers.
*The title of this post comes from a popular toast said by hot air balloon enthusiasts upon landing, usually with champagne. (I totally looked that up!)
Last week, I showed you my everyday outfits, and it was a pretty popular post. My sister actually emailed me to ask if I can do a regular feature, so I will definitely try! One thing I haven’t had is a full length mirror, which is really helpful for taking outfit shots. But, after a torrential downpour last Friday morning, the sun came out and Ryan was kind enough to watch the boys for a bit while I got out of the house. I was home all week with Rhys while he was sick, so I desperately needed a bit of quiet time by myself.
And guess what I found on the cheap at my local Goodwill?
(My first snapshot in my new (to me) mirror.)
It’s exactly what I need for quick photos, if a little warped. I should work on the angle and my phone’s camera is not the best, especially after being dropped fairly frequently. I can also try using my DSLR, but that’s pretty difficult, I think. But I promise to practice photographing myself so I can document more of my regular outfits.
Now that it’s practically summer, I’m favoring my skirts and dresses again, so I’m planning a post about that. Here’s a sneak peek.
(My outfit for a Mother’s Day lunch, inspired by The Glamorous Housewife.)
If you look closely, you’ll notice that I’m wearing the same blouse in both pictures, in a different pattern. I really do prefer a uniform, and both of these tops come from Anthropologie. I’ve decided to take a break from that store for a while, and I’ll tell you more about it soon.
I still need a bit of practice with this self-photo stuff, and I’ll keep trying. But feel free to suggest outfit ideas or things you’d like to see, and I’ll be happy to oblige!
This week, Shayla and I are discussing a topic near and dear to my heart. And also one that I probably mention too much. Still, I hope you’ll hang in there!
Today’s question is: How Has Blogging Changed Your Life?
You know how much I love blogging and how much I love to talk about how much I love blogging, so I’ll try not to gush. Too much.
Seriously, though, blogging as I know it came into my life last year at a time when I really needed something to call my own. It was summertime, and I was preparing to send both boys to preschool for the first time, so I was looking for ways to fill that small amount of quiet time during the week. I ran across an opportunity to take a blogging class, and on a total whim, I signed up. Though the class was geared more toward design blogs and branding, I soaked up the information in the class forum and found inspiration in other bloggers’ stories. I met Shayla and a few other bloggers I now call friends, and I realized that, as an avid reader of blogs, it was time I really started one for myself.
I began writing daily and worked to take better pictures, and last August, I switched to my new home on WordPress. Since then, I’ve connected with many bloggers, written guest posts, been featured on several blogs, attended Alt Summit, and hosted my own little blogger meet-up. In my case, blogging has opened the door to a world of opportunities I couldn’t imagine last year, and I’m so grateful for that.
I also rediscovered my love for writing, something I put on hold for many years. I always say that I craft my posts, since I’m not very creative, and I spend hours each week working on my blog. It’s a labor of love and, though I’m not compensated financially, the rewards are truly immeasurable.
I always feel a bit silly describing how blogging has changed my life, but it truly has, so there’s no shame in describing it, I think. Though I love my children immensely, motherhood can be incredibly lonely and isolating at times, and blogging has provided an opportunity to interact, online and in person, with other bloggers who really understand me. I’m able to be a mom and wife first, and a blogger second, and I feel truly fulfilled. I look forward to my blogging time and to reading other blogs every day, and I’ve developed a disciplined approach that really works for me.
If you’re a blogger, I hope you’ll feel free to share your own experiences, and be sure to check out Shayla’s response at Northern Exposure, too.
